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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. The tourists, who were aboard a Wow Andaman boat, had just left the island of Koh Kao that morning when the whales surfaced near the boat. Watch the video from Wow Andaman HERE. The excited tourists quickly grabbed their phones and cameras to capture the unforgettable moment. The whales obliged by sticking around on the surface for about 10 minutes, providing ample time for the tourists to snap photos of the rare sighting. The whales then dove back into the deep blue sea, and the boat continued its journey to the nearby Surin Islands. Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-travel/brydes-whales-captivate-tourists-with-a-show-off-phang-nga/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 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.

Police Raid 17 Locations, Seize Bt1 Billion Assets in Online Gambling Crackdown BANGKOK, March 30 (TNA) – Police from Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau raided 17 locations linked to an online gambling network and seized more than one billion baht worth of assets for further investigation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290706-police-raid-17-locations-seize-bt1-billion-assets-in-online-gambling-crackdown/

BANGKOK, March 30 (TNA) – Police from Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau raided 17 locations linked to an online gambling network and seized more than one billion baht worth of assets for further investigation. Pol Gen Torsak Sukwimol, deputy national police chief led the operation to suppress the online gambling network, said Pol Lt Gen Worawat Watmakhonbancha, CCIB head. The raids were conducted in five provinces and nine suspects were arrested for enticing people to gamble online and money laundering. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1144828 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 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.

TAT and Partners to Host Songkran Festivities Across Thailand BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and its partners will host a series of events in cities across Thailand to celebrate this year’s Songkran festival. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290705-tat-and-partners-to-host-songkran-festivities-across-thailand/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and its partners will host a series of events in cities across Thailand to celebrate this year’s Songkran festival. According to TAT, the "Water Festival 2023" will be organized in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Phuket between April 13 and 16, 2023. The goal of the event is to promote traditional culture and improve the community while also aiming to have Thailand’s Songkran festival inducted into UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. In Bangkok, the event will take place at locations along the Chao Phraya river. One of the highlights of the event in Bangkok will be the procession of Buddha images along the river, as well as entertainment activities and ancient markets. In the northern region, the festival in Chiang Mai will include workshops showcasing Lanna crafts to tourists and holidaymakers visiting the city. The Ancient Mansion Chiang Mai on Charoen Pratet Road will be the venue for this event. In Lamphun, festivities will take place at Phra That Hari Phun Chai, where tourists will witness a procession of Buddha images and musical performances. In the Northeastern region, Wat Sa Kaeo and Ban Chiang in Udon Thani will host the event showcasing traditional Songkran celebrations in the area. In Wat Chaisi in Khon Kaen, festivities will take place there as well which will highlight regional festivities for the Thai New Year. Meanwhile, festivities in Phuket will be held at Wat Maikhao on April 13 and at Phuket Old Town from April 15 to 16. The "Water Festival 2023" will be organized by TAT with cooperation from the Ministry of Culture, Royal Thai Navy, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Thai Beverage Public Co Ltd (ThaiBev), private and public networks, as well as local communities. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230330160533319 -- © Copyright NNT 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.

AOT to Launch Development Project Near Suvarnabhumi Airport BANGKOK (NNT) - Airports of Thailand (AOT) will move forward with its plans to create an "airport city" adjacent to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, following an announcement in the Royal Gazette authorizing the use of farmland around the facility for infrastructure and buildings. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290704-aot-to-launch-development-project-near-suvarnabhumi-airport/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Airports of Thailand (AOT) will move forward with its plans to create an "airport city" adjacent to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, following an announcement in the Royal Gazette authorizing the use of farmland around the facility for infrastructure and buildings. According to AOT, the project will commence with the opening of bidding for a contractor to construct a bridge and road from the airport to the 723-rai plot and install basic infrastructure such as piped water and electricity cables. A private company will then be chosen to develop the airport city project into a trade hub for agricultural products, a quality control center for exports, and a distribution center for export goods. The airport city project aims to enhance the potential of Suvarnabhumi Airport, and AOT expects it to raise non-flight income from 43% to 50%. With the recent revision of the zoning code in Samut Prakan province, where Suvarnabhumi airport is located, AOT plans to start the project, beginning with the infrastructure construction. The agency estimates that it will take approximately one year to complete the construction of the infrastructure before considering proposals from private firms to develop the airport city. In addition, AOT is currently seeking approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand to take control of Udon Thani, Buri Ram, and Krabi airports. AOT has previously disclosed plans to upgrade Udon Thani and Buri Ram airports into aviation hubs that will allow direct flights to and from Laos and Cambodia, while Krabi airport will be upgraded to become another international airport in the southern region. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230330115438227 -- © Copyright NNT 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.

Phuket Predicts Increase in Hotel Bookings for Songkran Festival PHUKET (NNT) - The southern province of Phuket is expecting a 10% rise in hotel bookings during the upcoming Songkran festival, following the months-long promotion of the government’s “We Travel Together” tourism stimulus campaign throughout the country. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290703-phuket-predicts-increase-in-hotel-bookings-for-songkran-festival/

PHUKET (NNT) - The southern province of Phuket is expecting a 10% rise in hotel bookings during the upcoming Songkran festival, following the months-long promotion of the government’s “We Travel Together” tourism stimulus campaign throughout the country. According to Phuket Tourist Association President Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, the province is set to celebrate the Thai New Year from April 13-15, with parties and fun activities taking place on popular beaches such as Kata, Karon, and Patong. Over 40% of all domestic tourism is expected to be concentrated in the island province during Songkran, up from 30% in 2022. The top three countries of origin for foreign visitors are Russia, China, and India, respectively. Phuket International Airport is also expected to resume full operations in May after the completion of taxiway maintenance to accommodate more airlines, especially those from China. Phuket has almost 200,000 hotel rooms with average April occupancy at 60-70%. A recent survey by Phuket City Development indicates a 5-10% increase in occupancy during Songkran due to the influx of tourists attracted by the “We Travel Together” campaign. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230330112041209 -- © Copyright NNT 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.

Intoxicated man arrested after stealing ambulance in Bangkok and crashing A man, believed to be high on cannabis, allegedly stole an ambulance from in front of Bangkok’s Ratburana police station and drove it to a gas station. There he unsuccessfully attempted to steal a pickup truck before returning to the ambulance. He drove away and was arrested after being involved in a collision on Wednesday night. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290702-intoxicated-man-arrested-after-stealing-ambulance-in-bangkok-and-crashing/

A man, believed to be high on cannabis, allegedly stole an ambulance from in front of Bangkok’s Ratburana police station and drove it to a gas station. There he unsuccessfully attempted to steal a pickup truck before returning to the ambulance. He drove away and was arrested after being involved in a collision on Wednesday night. The perpetrator, identified as 21-year-old “Jirasak”, had been taken to Ratburana police station on Tuesday by his family for temporary detention, while waiting for health officials to take him to a drug rehabilitation centre. Jirasak is reported, by his relatives, to have worked on a cannabis farm for three months, where he became heavily addicted to the drug, to the extent that he recently suffered from hallucinations, forcing the family to send him to a rehabilitation centre. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/intoxicated-man-arrested-after-stealing-ambulance-in-bangkok-and-crashing/ -- © 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.

Prosecutors asked to indict 34 PAT officials for falsely claiming overtime pay Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has asked public prosecutors to indict 34 staff at the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), who are accused of falsely claiming overtime pay and pay for working on public holidays from 2003 to 2012. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290633-prosecutors-asked-to-indict-34-pat-officials-for-falsely-claiming-overtime-pay/

Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has asked public prosecutors to indict 34 staff at the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), who are accused of falsely claiming overtime pay and pay for working on public holidays from 2003 to 2012. Case files, which were prepared by the DSI during the course of their investigation, were submitted to the public prosecutors at the Office of Special Cases today (Wednesday), recommending the indictments of 34 people. Charges were dropped against three others. The 34 PAT staffers, including some executives, are charged with malfeasance in office for using false documents. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/prosecutors-asked-to-indict-34-pat-officials-for-falsely-claiming-overtime-pay/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-29 - 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.

17 people implicated in Thai police entrance exam cheating Seventeen people have been taken into police custody for alleged involvement in entrance examination cheating for enrolment in the police academy for non-commissioned officers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290632-17-people-implicated-in-thai-police-entrance-exam-cheating/

Seventeen people have been taken into police custody for alleged involvement in entrance examination cheating for enrolment in the police academy for non-commissioned officers. Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat, the national police chief, told the media at a press conference today (Wednesday) that two of the 17 suspects are potential election candidates for two political parties. He insisted that the police did not persecute the two politicians, adding that police have adequate evidence to substantiate the charges against them. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/17-people-implicated-in-thai-police-entrance-exam-cheating/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-29 - 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 police officer arrested with a car stolen in Malaysia A police officer was arrested yesterday (Tuesday) for allegedly possessing a car which is thought to have been stolen in Malaysia. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290631-thai-police-officer-arrested-with-a-car-stolen-in-malaysia/

A police officer was arrested yesterday (Tuesday) for allegedly possessing a car which is thought to have been stolen in Malaysia. Anti-car theft police went to a condominium in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district yesterday, where they found a pickup truck, which is believed to have been smuggled into Thailand from Malaysia. The police found two red temporary registration plates in the car, including one fake, and a jamming device which disrupted the GPS signal. A policer officer, attached to an anti-riot police unit, was taken into custody for theft, but he has denied the charge. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-police-officer-arrested-with-a-car-stolen-in-malaysia/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-29 - 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.

36 of Thailand’s political parties sign campaign ethics code A total of 36 political parties have signed a code of ethics on election campaigning, under which they agree not to resort to election cheating, vote buying and mudslinging in a way which could incite hatred or violence. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290630-36-of-thailand’s-political-parties-sign-campaign-ethics-code/

A total of 36 political parties have signed a code of ethics on election campaigning, under which they agree not to resort to election cheating, vote buying and mudslinging in a way which could incite hatred or violence. No representatives of the Palang Pracharath or United Thai Nation parties were present at the event. Election Commission Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee, who was present at the signing of the campaign ethics document today (Wednesday), hailed the move as a healthy sign for Thai politics ahead of a free and fair general election. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/36-of-thailands-political-parties-sign-campaign-ethics-code/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-29 - 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.

Bangkok City Hall Prepares for Major Songkran Celebrations BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced it will hold a major event to celebrate the Songkran festival this year, following a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290627-bangkok-city-hall-prepares-for-major-songkran-celebrations/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced it will hold a major event to celebrate the Songkran festival this year, following a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said an area in front of City Hall in Phra Nakhon district has been designated as the main venue for the capital’s water-splashing celebrations. Additionally, all 50 district offices across the capital will organize their own events to celebrate the upcoming Thai New Year. To commence the celebrations, Phra Phuttha Sihing, a highly revered Buddha image, will be paraded on April 12 from Phutthaisawan Throne Hall at the Bangkok National Museum to City Hall, where it will be displayed until April 14. Other traditional rituals, including almsgiving and water blessing ceremonies, will also be organized nearby. Chadchart added that celebrations will take place near Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem. The Metropolitan Police Bureau will be responsible for ensuring peace and order during the festivities, and restrictions will be in place on the sale of alcoholic drinks, powder, high-pressure water guns and inappropriate clothing to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230329115326785 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-29 - 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.

The many faces of Ramayana Ravana, the demon king, will take centre stage in Ayutthaya and kidnaps Sita – the most beautiful woman in Ayodhya. (Photo/Ayutthaya Tourism and Sport) Ram, Sita, Laksmana, Hanuman and Ravana from Laos, Indonesia, India, and Thailand are about to come together in Ayutthaya – a former capital of Siam – for the International Ramayana Festival 2023. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290626-the-many-faces-of-ramayana/

Ravana, the demon king, will take centre stage in Ayutthaya and kidnaps Sita – the most beautiful woman in Ayodhya. (Photo/Ayutthaya Tourism and Sport) Ram, Sita, Laksmana, Hanuman and Ravana from Laos, Indonesia, India, and Thailand are about to come together in Ayutthaya – a former capital of Siam – for the International Ramayana Festival 2023. From March 30 to April 3, the International Ramayana Festival – or the “Khon Krungsri” in Thai – will return to the ancient city of Ayutthaya tocelebrate its 4th birthday. The highlight is the Ayodhya Ramayana procession, which will take place on the streets of Ayutthaya on April 6. Woranut Bhiromhakdi, a gorgeous Thai actress, will lead the procession as Sita, the beautiful woman who sparked the epic battle between Ram and Ravana.However, the focal point is the procession itself which showcases all the characters from the Ramayana in elaborate costumes and on decorative floats. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/the-many-faces-of-ramayana/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-29 - 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.

Thousands of Russians and Ukrainians stranded in Thailand, including Phuket While many Russians have been investing in villas and homes in Thailand, there are also thousands of Russians and Ukrainians who are stranded in the country due to the ongoing war following the invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1290623-thousands-of-russians-and-ukrainians-stranded-in-thailand-including-phuket/

While many Russians have been investing in villas and homes in Thailand, there are also thousands of Russians and Ukrainians who are stranded in the country due to the ongoing war following the invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine. Around 7,000 Russians and Ukrainians are currently stranded in Thailand, with many of them currently in Phuket. The island used to attract 8 – 9 million overseas visitors in the years up to 2019, but the pandemic has caused a significant drop in tourism. While the island is welcoming back tourism, the situation with stranded Russian and Ukrainian tourists looms in the background with a constant 3 – 4,000 new Russian arrivals each day since last November. Most are tourists but many are looking at Thailand as either a medium or long term stay and have taken up the slack in the rental market and buying the available condo stock. Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/thousands-of-russians-and-ukrainians-stranded-in-thailand-including-phuket/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-03-29 - 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.