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Three foreigners now in custody over the underage prostitution case in Bangla Road Velvet Bar Patong Last night, Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Surachate Hakparn, arrived in Phuket to follow up on a case that had made headlines both in Thailand and overseas. Surachate announced to the media that six foreigners, who were allegedly customers of an illegal bar on Bangla Road in Soi San Sabai, Patong, had been either arrested or being sought for arrest. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290827-three-foreigners-now-in-custody-over-the-underage-prostitution-case-in-bangla-road/

Velvet Bar Patong Last night, Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Surachate Hakparn, arrived in Phuket to follow up on a case that had made headlines both in Thailand and overseas. Surachate announced to the media that six foreigners, who were allegedly customers of an illegal bar on Bangla Road in Soi San Sabai, Patong, had been either arrested or being sought for arrest. The bar was named as the Velvet Bar. The following foreigners have been named in the case – Paul Herbert Corbett, a 67 year old Australian national, Max Rigobert Ramasamy, a 68 year old French national, and Mutu Pan, a 44 year old Chinese national – all of whom have been arrested and are assisting police with their enquiries. Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/three-foreigners-now-in-custody-over-the-underage-prostitution-case-in-bangla-road/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-03-31 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

EEC Colorful Festival Finally Kicks Off On Pattaya Beach Road The 12th Annual Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Colorful Festival has kicked off under the concept of “EEC Colorful” from March 30th to April 2nd, 2023 on ฺBeach Road. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290826-eec-colorful-festival-finally-kicks-off-on-pattaya-beach-road/

The 12th Annual Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Colorful Festival has kicked off under the concept of “EEC Colorful” from March 30th to April 2nd, 2023 on ฺBeach Road. The event is a gathering of the three eastern provinces of the EEC, including Chonburi, Rayong, and Chachoengsao, organized by the Tourism and Sports Office of Chonburi Province. The opening ceremony was presided over by the Governor of Chonburi Mr. Thawatchai Srithong. The EEC Colorful Festival is an exciting event that runs until April 2nd, with a range of zones to cater to visitors’ interests. At the Sunset Market, guests can enjoy a unique shopping and dining experience while taking in the stunning beach views. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/03/31/eec-colorful-festival-finally-kicks-off-on-pattaya-beach-road/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-03-31 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Sattahip Street Dog Sniffs Out Stash of 1,000 Meth Pills on Local Street PHOTO: เรารักพัทยา A streetwise stray discovered a surprising stash of more than 1,000 meth pills lying around on a local street in the Sattahip area. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290825-sattahip-street-dog-sniffs-out-stash-of-1000-meth-pills-on-local-street/

PHOTO: เรารักพัทยา A streetwise stray discovered a surprising stash of more than 1,000 meth pills lying around on a local street in the Sattahip area. Locals from the Phu Ta Luang sub-district of Sattahip district contacted police after spotting a white street dog walking around with a blue bag of methamphetamine pills in its mouth. The area has many residents mostly elderly and children. According to local media, the dog that first found the stash is a stray named “Namdtan,” which means sugar in English. It is two years old, and some locals noticed it while it was gnawing a blue bag which subsequently caused a lot of meth pills to spill out. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/03/31/sattahip-street-dog-sniffs-out-stash-of-1000-meth-pills-on-local-street/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-03-31 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Eight Thai police jailed over housing project corruption Image: Bangkok Post/Google A group of eight Thai police officers has been sentenced to jail and hefty fines over allegations of abusing their power and taking kickbacks related to a police housing project. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290824-eight-thai-police-jailed-over-housing-project-corruption/

Image: Bangkok Post/Google A group of eight Thai police officers has been sentenced to jail and hefty fines over allegations of abusing their power and taking kickbacks related to a police housing project. The officers include Pol Lt Gen Theerayut Kittiwat, Pol Maj Gen Satja Khachahiran, Pol Maj Gen Saman Sudjai, Pol Col Patthamek Suntranuyutkit, Pol Col Jirawut Janpeng, Pol Maj Sitthipaiboon Khumnin, Pol Maj Khomkrib Nudalai, and Pol Sr Sgt Maj Sayan Obchoei. The National Counter Corruption Commission accused them of using their power as state officials to aid PCC Development and Construction in winning the bid for the construction of the police housing project. All except Pol Maj Khomkrib and Pol Sr Sgt Maj Sayan were members of the committee screening bids for the Royal Thai Police project to build 163 five-storey flats worth 3.7 billion baht. Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/eight-thai-police-jailed-over-housing-project-corruption/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-03-31 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Export Sector Recovery Expected in 2nd Half of 2023 BANGKOK (NNT) - Amid economic uncertainty and an inflationary environment posing challenges for Thai exports in the first half of 2023, the Ministry of Commerce anticipates a recovery for the country’s export sector in the second half of the year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290823-export-sector-recovery-expected-in-2nd-half-of-2023/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Amid economic uncertainty and an inflationary environment posing challenges for Thai exports in the first half of 2023, the Ministry of Commerce anticipates a recovery for the country’s export sector in the second half of the year. Department of International Trade Promotion Director-General Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit stated that Thai outbound shipments are expected to contract in the first and second quarters as importers still have large stockpiles. However, exports are expected to bounce back in the second half of this year. According to the ministry’s data, the customs-cleared value of exports decreased for the fifth month in a row in February. For the first two months of 2023, Thai exports fell by 4.6% to 42.6 billion U.S. dollars. Factors in exports last month included a high base in February 2022 and key importing countries facing mounting pressure from the global economic slowdown, which hamper demand for products. High inflation in many countries also affected consumer purchasing power, resulting in pressure on Thai exports. However, Thai exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products grew 3.6% year-on-year in February to 3.9 billion dollars, while industrial product exports declined for a fifth consecutive month in February, falling 6.2% to 17.6 billion dollars. The government maintains its export growth target of 1-2% for the year, compared with a 5.5% increase in 2022. Despite the challenges faced by the Thai export sector, the Commerce Ministry remains optimistic that the industry will recover later in the year and continue to contribute to the country’s economic growth. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230331140804689 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-31 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Gulf Energy Development Raises 20 Billion Baht Through Bonds BANGKOK (NNT) - Gulf Energy Development Plc has successfully raised a total of 20 billion baht through the issuance of green and non-green bonds. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290821-gulf-energy-development-raises-20-billion-baht-through-bonds/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Gulf Energy Development Plc has successfully raised a total of 20 billion baht through the issuance of green and non-green bonds. According to the company, 8 billion baht of the total amount was raised through green bonds to finance the company’s wind power project and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The remaining 12 billion baht worth of non-green bonds will also be used for business expansion, debt repayment, and as working capital. The power producer had initially planned to issue 5 billion baht worth of green bonds but decided to increase the issue size to 8 billion baht due to heavy demand. The total demand for the issuance more than doubled Gulf’s target issuance size, coming from various types of investors. Gulf’s Chief Financial Officer Yupapin Wangviwat stated that the proceeds from the issuance will be used to refinance the company’s investment in the Borkum Riffgrund 2 project, an offshore wind power plant in Germany. She added that this marks Gulf’s first green bond issuance for investing in renewable energy, reflecting the company’s commitment to its clean energy mandate. Gulf expressed gratitude to all investors for their interest and investments, which showed confidence in the company’s strong performance and future growth potential. The bond issuance is expected to drive the company’s business expansion plans, debt repayment, and working capital needs while supporting its clean energy mandate. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230331135712683 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-31 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Government Clarifies Fuel Tariff Increase For May to August Period BANGKOK (NNT) - The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has announced it plans to raise household power bills from May to August to 4.77 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), following the successful completion of their 3.2-billion-baht subsidy for vulnerable groups, which will end in April. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290820-government-clarifies-fuel-tariff-increase-for-may-to-august-period/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has announced it plans to raise household power bills from May to August to 4.77 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), following the successful completion of their 3.2-billion-baht subsidy for vulnerable groups, which will end in April. The government said the move, although having raised both consumer and business concerns about rising power bills, particularly during the summer months when electricity consumption soars, is necessary to ensure continued stability and growth in the economy, and it will help to maintain its commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for all citizens. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri stated that the ERC meeting has agreed on the resolution to raise the Ft price after assessing costs in accordance with the current global and domestic situation. He explained that the ERC reference the rates from data from January 2023 as its framework for making its decision. Anucha further stated that the Ft rate is adjusted every four months to align electricity prices with the production budget. He mentioned that since energy costs are declining globally, this could result in lowered electricity prices in the future. The spokesperson also highlighted the authorization of a 3.2-billion-baht subsidy to help vulnerable groups whose households used less than 300 units of electricity per month from January to April 2023, noting the subsidy is a clear example of the government’s dedication to supporting those in need, and it demonstrates its commitment to creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all. Full Story: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230331130521649 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-31 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thailand’s Suphannahong movie awards boycotted Many Thai movie directors, playwrights, actors, actresses, along with other people in movie industry, have used social media to withdraw from being nominated in the Suphannahong National Film Awards, as the National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Association announces new criteria for the nomination of movies, which will automatically rule out low-budget and independent movies. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290818-thailand’s-suphannahong-movie-awards-boycotted/

Many Thai movie directors, playwrights, actors, actresses, along with other people in movie industry, have used social media to withdraw from being nominated in the Suphannahong National Film Awards, as the National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Association announces new criteria for the nomination of movies, which will automatically rule out low-budget and independent movies. The new criteria stipulate that: Movies must be shown in cinemas, movies distributed on streaming platforms only do not qualify. Movies must be in shown cinemas in 5 regions of Thailand or in big cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Nakhon Ratchasima and Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Audiences amount to 50,000 people or more. This means that independent movies, as well as the people who work to create a variety of choice for Thai audiences, will not qualify for nomination. These new criteria have also sparked controversy and questions over whether the awards are just favoring the two big cinema groups, Major Cinemas and SF Cinemas, by only allowing movies that are backed by and shown in these two cinema chains to win awards. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-suphannahong-movie-awards-boycotted/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-31 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thai politician Chonsawat Asavahame dies of heatstroke in Buri Ram Well-known politician from Samut Prakan province, Chonsawat Asavahame, died early this morning at a hospital in Buri Ram province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290817-thai-politician-chonsawat-asavahame-dies-of-heatstroke-in-buri-ram/

Well-known politician from Samut Prakan province, Chonsawat Asavahame, died early this morning at a hospital in Buri Ram province. The 55-year-old politician and former mayor of the Samut Prakan Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) collapsed, reportedly due to heatstroke, as he was practicing driving at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. Deputy Agriculture Minister Sunthorn Pansaengthong, a member of the Samut Prakan Progressive Group, said that Chonsawat was pronounced dead at 1.15am this morning. His body will be returned to his home in Samut Prakan, where a bathing rite is scheduled for 4pm, followed by a funeral ceremony which will last for seven days. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-politician-chonsawat-asavahame-dies-of-heatstroke-in-buri-ram/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-31 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Pattaya Tourism Sector Demands Authorities Take Action Against Fake Organ Theft News The President of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association has urged the relevant officials to take action against false reports of organ theft in Thailand as it might jeopardize tourism. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290719-pattaya-tourism-sector-demands-authorities-take-action-against-fake-organ-theft-news/

The President of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association has urged the relevant officials to take action against false reports of organ theft in Thailand as it might jeopardize tourism. President of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association Mr. Boonanan Pattanasin said that this fake report is being spread particularly among Chinese tourists by some anonymous sources. The fake news essentially claims that tourists are being targeted for their organs and abduction while in Thailand, especially Chinese. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/03/30/pattaya-tourism-sector-demands-authorities-take-action-against-fake-organ-theft-news/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-03-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Food, soil and water in Prachin Buri uncontaminated – Health Department More than 20 samples of fruit, vegetables, water, soil and food, collected from markets within a 5km radius of the foundry in Prachin Buri where caesium-137 radiation has been detected, have been cleared of radiation contamination by the National Institute of Nuclear Technology. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290711-food-soil-and-water-in-prachin-buri-uncontaminated-–-health-department/

More than 20 samples of fruit, vegetables, water, soil and food, collected from markets within a 5km radius of the foundry in Prachin Buri where caesium-137 radiation has been detected, have been cleared of radiation contamination by the National Institute of Nuclear Technology. Dr. Sarawut Boonsook, deputy director-general of Health Department, said today (Thursday) that the institute used gamma spectrometry to check the level of radioisotope Cs137 in the samples and did not find any radiation. He asked members of the public in Prachin Buri to trust health officials, assuring them that the foodstuff, soil and water in the province are free from caesium-137 radiation. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/food-soil-and-water-in-prachin-buri-uncontaminated-health-department/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

“Van Gogh Alive” arrives in Bangkok Image courtesy: @raddfilms from https://unsplash.com/ On March 31st, the world-renowned “Van Gogh Alive” exhibition will open its doors at ICONSIAM in Bangkok, offering visitors the most immersive and highly attended art experience in the world. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290709-“van-gogh-alive”-arrives-in-bangkok/

Image courtesy: @raddfilms from https://unsplash.com/ On March 31st, the world-renowned “Van Gogh Alive” exhibition will open its doors at ICONSIAM in Bangkok, offering visitors the most immersive and highly attended art experience in the world. “Van Gogh Alive” is a multimedia art exhibition that brings the works of Vincent van Gogh to life through digital technology. It was created by the Australian company Grande Exhibitions and has since travelled to over 80 cities around the world, captivating millions of visitors. The exhibition is a unique and immersive experience which combines high-resolution digital projections of van Gogh’s paintings with music and an interactive display. Visitors can explore the artist’s masterpieces in a new and dynamic way, getting up close and personal with his works’ vivid colours, bold brushstrokes and emotional intensity. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/van-gogh-alive-arrives-in-bangkok/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Bryde’s whales captivate tourists with a show off Phang Nga A delightful surprise awaited a tour boat yesterday as passengers were treated to a rare show by a pair of Bryde’s whales in the Andaman Sea off Phang Nga province. According to Lertsak Ponklin, the president of Phang Nga Tourism Business Association, the two massive creatures were spotted frolicking in the area of the Similan Islands national park. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290707-bryde’s-whales-captivate-tourists-with-a-show-off-phang-nga/