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Household debt for the third quarter of 2022 increased by 3.9%, to over 14.9 trillion baht for the first time in five quarters, largely due to the rise in personal loans and credit card borrowing, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council. Personal and credit card borrowing for the third quarter of 2022 increased 20% and 10% respectively. The main issue of concern, according to the Credit Bureau, is the increase of NPLs on credit cards among the 30-49 age group of working people, while pensioners are bearing an average of 77,000 baht in car loan debt. NPLs have increased from 4.3 million for the first quarter of 2022 to 4.7 million, 60% of which are personal loans. Total NPLs in the system amount to 400 billion baht, double that of the first quarter. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/personal-and-credit-card-loans-contribute-to-rise-in-thailands-household-debt/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-02 - 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.

China will support Thailand in the crackdown on Chinese grey businesses The Chinese Government is ready to support its Thai counterpart in dealing with Chinese grey business in Thailand. The two countries have been cooperating closely in the suppression of transnational crimes, such as online gambling and call centre scams, according to the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok in a statement posted on its Facebook page today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288097-china-will-support-thailand-in-the-crackdown-on-chinese-grey-businesses/

The Chinese Government is ready to support its Thai counterpart in dealing with Chinese grey business in Thailand. The two countries have been cooperating closely in the suppression of transnational crimes, such as online gambling and call centre scams, according to the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok in a statement posted on its Facebook page today. The statement is in response to the extensive media coverage of Chinese grey businesses in Thailand over the past several weeks, which has painted Chinese businesses in general in a negative light. The embassy said that the Chinese Government has urged all Chinese people and enterprises abroad to comply strictly with the laws and traditions of their host countries. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/china-will-support-thailand-in-the-crackdown-on-chinese-grey-businesses/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-02 - 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.

Chinese flights to Thailand remain high, swing to more independent travellers PHOTO: Chinese travellers in Thailand are mostly FIT now According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, airfares for flights connecting China and Thailand have remained high despite a decrease in average airfares from last year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288090-chinese-flights-to-thailand-remain-high-swing-to-more-independent-travellers/

PHOTO: Chinese travellers in Thailand are mostly FIT now According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Yuthasak Supasorn, airfares for flights connecting China and Thailand have remained high despite a decrease in average airfares from last year. For March and April, the prices to and from every Chinese city are still higher than pre-pandemic levels. The fares for key cities in China, such as Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou, have increased 1.5 times, ranging from 14,000 to 24,500 baht. Meanwhile, ticket prices for secondary cities have surged 200% due to the reopening of direct flights only this year. Despite the high travel costs, Chinese travelers are still visiting Thailand, with the number of seats from eastern China totaling 17,308 per week in February. Shanghai, in particular, secured the largest capacity of 10,000 seats with more than ten airlines operating flights to Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Moreover, Chinese travellers’ spending habits have shifted, with per-person spending increasing as a result of expensive travel costs, prompting them to consider longer stays of 5-10 days. They now prefer travelling with a small group of family or friends and seeking new experiences as FIT (free and independent travellers) rather than travelling with a tour group. The average spending per trip, according to Dragon Trail research, has increased to 60,000-150,000 baht from the pre-pandemic average of 50,000 baht. The TAT believes that Chinese travel preferences will continue to shift towards individual trips or bespoke tours put together by travel agents. These individuals and small family tour groups are expected to dominate Chinese travellers’ travel patterns in Thailand this year. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-travel/chinese-flights-to-thailand-remain-high-swing-to-more-independent-travellers/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-03-02 - 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.

Tangmo’s Mother Submits New Evidence from Dash Cam NONTHABURI, March 2 (TNA) – Panida Siriyuthayothin, the mother of drowned actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong submitted footage of the dash camera in her daughter’s car to the Nonthaburi Court for examination. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288089-tangmo’s-mother-submits-new-evidence-from-dash-cam/

NONTHABURI, March 2 (TNA) – Panida Siriyuthayothin, the mother of drowned actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong submitted footage of the dash camera in her daughter’s car to the Nonthaburi Court for examination. Her lawyer said the new evidence was a memory card and the dash cam footage from Tangmo’s car, which was earlier deleted by an ill-intentioned person. It was recovered by specialists. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1125885 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-03-02 - 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.

PHOTO: Flickr/Kawee.Meksongruek A tourist from Taiwan has died while snorkelling in Krabi, according to a Phuket Express report. The man has been named as 36 year old Yueh Lee. Mueang Krabi Police say he was on a snorkelling trip near Koh Hong, in the sub-district of Khao Thong. According to a friend of Mr Lee’s, they had been snorkelling in shallow water when lifeguards from the Than Bok Khorani National Park noticed Mr Lee had been face down and very still for some time. They then realised he was unconscious and attempted CPR. According to the report, Mr Lee gained consciousness momentarily and was transported to hospital, where he later died. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/taiwanese-man-drowns-during-krabi-snorkelling-trip/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-03-02 - 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.

Fishing boat blockade causes chaos for tourist heading to Koh Lipe Fishing boat blockade at Pak Bara Pier in Koh Lipe - Nation Thailand A protest by local fishermen on Wednesday has resulted in the blockade of Pak Bara Pier on Koh Lipe, causing a loss of 10 million baht per day in tourism revenue for Satun province, according to Samart Jaroenrit, president of the Tourist Business Association of Satun. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288085-fishing-boat-blockade-causes-chaos-for-tourist-heading-to-koh-lipe/

Fishing boat blockade at Pak Bara Pier in Koh Lipe - Nation Thailand A protest by local fishermen on Wednesday has resulted in the blockade of Pak Bara Pier on Koh Lipe, causing a loss of 10 million baht per day in tourism revenue for Satun province, according to Samart Jaroenrit, president of the Tourist Business Association of Satun. Over 100 fishermen parked their boats to block the waterway leading to Pak Bara Pier in La-ngu district, in response to the arrest of 24 fishermen for allegedly trespassing in Tarutao National Park. Protestors argue that the national park overlaps with commercial fishing areas, making the arrests unfair. The Pak Bara Pier is a gateway to tourist islands, including Koh Lipe, Koh Adang, and Koh Ra Wi, as well as Tarutao National Park. Tourists are currently stranded on boats unable to dock at the pier due to the blockade, with some being forced to transfer to speedboats heading to Laem Te Ban Pier, an alternative route to Koh Lipe. Meanwhile, tourists returning from the islands are having to detour to other piers to get to the mainland so they do not miss their flights. Samart estimated that the protest is costing the local tourism industry 10 million baht per day, citing tour groups who have reported cancellations due to the protest. He urged authorities to resolve the problem quickly, as a prolonged protest would impact tourism on Satun’s islands during the long holiday weekend for Makha Bucha Day on March 4-6. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/islands/fishing-boat-blockade-causes-chaos-for-tourist-heading-to-koh-lipe/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-03-02 - 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.

Monitor Lizard Meat Not Sent to Fish Ball Factory: Police BANGKOK, March 2 (TNA) – The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) confirm that an illegal slaughterhouse raided by the police did not deliver monitor lizard meat to a fish ball factory but the meat was destined for restaurants, serving wildlife meat at the border in Trat province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288084-monitor-lizard-meat-not-sent-to-fish-ball-factory-police/

BANGKOK, March 2 (TNA) – The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) confirm that an illegal slaughterhouse raided by the police did not deliver monitor lizard meat to a fish ball factory but the meat was destined for restaurants, serving wildlife meat at the border in Trat province. A Facebook page posted the photos of monitor lizards and a message, saying the police raided a major fish ball factory, using monitor lizard meat to make fish balls and the lizard’s white flesh did not have unpleasant fishy smell. Sun-dried lizard skin was also used to make crispy fried fish skin for sale nationwide. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1125640 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-03-02 - 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.

Court Further Dismisses Lawsuit Related to Orange Line Expansion BANGKOK (NNT) - The Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a decision by a lower court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) against the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and its bidding committee in connection with losses sustained during the western extension of the Orange Line. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288082-court-further-dismisses-lawsuit-related-to-orange-line-expansion/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a decision by a lower court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) against the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and its bidding committee in connection with losses sustained during the western extension of the Orange Line. The lawsuit arose from MRTA’s revision of the terms of reference (ToR) for bidding on the extension from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri, despite the fact that bid envelopes had already been sent to potential bidders. The bid was later canceled after the BTSC protested against the revision, which led to lawsuits related to changes in the Orange Line’s bidding criteria. While the Central Administrative Court ruled that the changes made to the ToR were unlawful, it did not find them to have caused any damage to the BTSC. The court viewed the expenses incurred by the BTSC as regular business expenses and therefore dismissed the lawsuit. The court also found that the MRTA and its bidding committee had not revised the ToR with discrimination against the plaintiff, but had acted according to the law. Meanwhile, two other lawsuits are still pending. One case involves the MRTA’s cancellation of the bidding process and has been filed with the Administrative Court. The other case has been filed with the Supreme Administrative Court by Move Forward Party list MP Surachet Pravinvongvuth, who is also the chairman of the House sub-committee studying large-scale infrastructure projects. This lawsuit alleges irregularities in the Orange Line bidding process and targets the Transport Minister and three defendants. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230302144012568 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-02 - 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 Navy needs 200 million baht to salvage sunken HTMS Sukhothai Wikipedia The Royal Thai Navy plans to ask the Defence Ministry for 200 million baht to raise the sunken HTMS Sukhothai. The vessel is currently on the seabed in the Gulf of Thailand after sinking in rough seas on December 18 last. Divers using a remote submersible have located it about 50 metres underwater, according to a Nation Thailand report. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288081-thai-navy-needs-200-million-baht-to-salvage-sunken-htms-sukhothai/

Wikipedia The Royal Thai Navy plans to ask the Defence Ministry for 200 million baht to raise the sunken HTMS Sukhothai. The vessel is currently on the seabed in the Gulf of Thailand after sinking in rough seas on December 18 last. Divers using a remote submersible have located it about 50 metres underwater, according to a Nation Thailand report. Navy spokesman Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin says that if the budget is approved, the Navy will appoint a contractor to carry out the salvage operation. The plan is to bring the vessel back to shore as intactly as possible. “Further damage to the ship during the salvage operation could undermine the investigation into the cause of sinking. We believe the estimated cost of 200 million baht is suitable for this operation, which requires a high level of expertise.” Meanwhile, Admiral Chonlathit Nawanukhro, chief-of-staff at the Royal Thai Navy, is leading an investigation into the sinking of the ship. To date, hundreds of Navy personnel have been questioned, including the crew who survived and their rescuers. It’s understood the vessel began to take on water during stormy weather conditions, which subsequently cut power to the engines. The ship was about 32 kilometres (20 nautical miles) off the coast of the Bang Saphan district in Prachuap Khiri Khan when it sank. It had a total of 105 crew on board, of whom 76 were rescued. The bodies of 24 others were later recovered and 5 remain unaccounted for. Yesterday, the Defence Ministry issued a statement to say the five missing crew are now presumed dead. They were named as Jirawat Jaroensilp, Sophon Wongsanit, Abdul-aziz Ma’ae, Chaichana Changwad and Thaweesak Saesiew. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/thai-navy-needs-200-million-baht-to-salvage-sunken-htms-sukhothai/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-03-02 - 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 Calls for Submissions for 14th Thailand Tourism Awards BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the commencement of the submission process for the 14th Thailand Tourism Awards, a distinguished recognition for the travel industry’s brightest and best in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288080-tat-calls-for-submissions-for-14th-thailand-tourism-awards/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the commencement of the submission process for the 14th Thailand Tourism Awards, a distinguished recognition for the travel industry’s brightest and best in Thailand. The application period runs from March 1 to April 30, 2023, with the announcement of winners set for September 8, 2023. As a symbol of appreciation for responsible and sustainable tourism, the awards ceremony will be held on World Tourism Day on September 27. TAT said it is committed to driving the Thai tourism industry towards safe and sustainable travel in accordance with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green or BCG Economic Model and the Sustainable Tourism Goal, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, two new categories have been added: Low Carbon and Sustainability and Tour Programme. These categories will join the existing ones - Attraction, Accommodation, and Health and Wellness Tourism. The categories feature Thailand Tourism Awards (Outstanding), Thailand Tourism Gold Awards (Excellence), and Hall of Fame Awards for entries that have won three consecutive Thailand Tourism Gold Awards. The selection and judging process are classified under three concepts: sustainable tourism, safety and health administration, and tourist interest. The biannual Thailand Tourism Awards serve as a catalyst for winners, who benefit by leveraging the publicity and increased interest in their products that help drive business development. The winners are invited to partner with TAT in its marketing activities, participate in travel shows in Thailand and overseas, and get additional publicity via TAT’s marketing tools at the Thailand Tourism Awards. Full information on the Awards can be found at https://tourismawards.tourismthailand.org, www.facebook.com/ThailandTourismAwardsNew, or Line Official Account: @tourismawards. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230302111433461 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-02 - 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.

Red Cross Bazaar Raises 10 Million Baht BANGKOK (NNT) - The 56th Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar reportedly raised 10 million baht during its three-day event at Siam Paragon in Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288078-red-cross-bazaar-raises-10-million-baht/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The 56th Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar reportedly raised 10 million baht during its three-day event at Siam Paragon in Bangkok. Khan Prachuabmoh, Director of the Thai Red Cross Society’s Fundraising Bureau, stated that about 10 million baht was raised for charity through the annual global shopping bazaar which was held from February 25-28, 2023. The annual event enticed shoppers with a diverse variety of low-cost products from around the world, including food, consumer goods, apparel, accessories, and household decorations. Aside from these businesses and food stalls, the bazaar also hosted a raffle for those who wanted to try their luck. The raffle winners will be announced on its Facebook page on March 21. The event is a major success, with Thai and international products selling out quickly. The Thai Red Cross said that the money will be donated to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and charitable health nonprofits to make healthcare services more accessible to less fortunate individuals. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230302145018576 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-02 - 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.

Land Department to Renovate Restrooms at its Offices Nationwide BANGKOK (NNT) - Public restrooms at land offices across Thailand are set to be renovated to meet safety and health standards, providing visitors with a better experience during their visit. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288076-land-department-to-renovate-restrooms-at-its-offices-nationwide/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Public restrooms at land offices across Thailand are set to be renovated to meet safety and health standards, providing visitors with a better experience during their visit. The Health Department and the Department of Lands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Bangkok Metropolitan Land Office to renovate 461 public restrooms at land offices nationwide. Under the terms of the MoU, the Health Department’s agency network will renovate these restrooms to meet health, accessibility, and safety (HAS) standards. This will make office visits more pleasant, as well as improve the country’s image, particularly among international tourists who need to visit the land offices. The Health Department will train land office personnel around the country on how to build and manage HAS standard bathrooms. It will also certify restrooms that meet the HAS standard and provide them a ’Happy Toilet’ certificate. Department of Lands Chief Chayawuth Chantorn stated that the renovation project will assure that public restrooms at land offices are hygienic, safe, and accessible to visitors. It is reported that as many as 13 million people visited land offices across Thailand in 2022. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230302141017541 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-02 - 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 Braces for Busy March of Festivals and Events BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is gearing up for a busy month of festivals and events in March, with the return of many annual celebrations after a hiatus during the pandemic. The month holds particular significance as it includes the important Buddhist festival of Makha Bucha Day, which celebrates a gathering between Lord Buddha and 1,250 of his disciples and falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month. This year’s Makha Bucha Day falls on March 6. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288075-thailand-braces-for-busy-march-of-festivals-and-events/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is gearing up for a busy month of festivals and events in March, with the return of many annual celebrations after a hiatus during the pandemic. The month holds particular significance as it includes the important Buddhist festival of Makha Bucha Day, which celebrates a gathering between Lord Buddha and 1,250 of his disciples and falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month. This year’s Makha Bucha Day falls on March 6. Among the many events taking place is the Hok Peng Festival, to Worship Phra That Chao Phu Phiang Chae Haeng, which will be held from February 28 to March 6 at Wat Phra That Chae Haeng in Nan. The festival, which celebrates the sixth Northern Thai lunar month, includes a range of Buddhist activities, a traditional market and shopping street, and cultural processions and competitions. Another festival not to be missed is the Hae Malai Khao Tok Festival in Maha Chana Chai District, Yasothon, from March 1-5. This cultural celebration involves tens of thousands of hand-made popped-rice garlands adorned on floats, with workshops and competitions for making the garlands also taking place. Between March 2 and 6, the Prachin Buri Makha Bucha Day Celebration will take place at Thailand’s oldest and largest bodhi tree. Activities include worshipping the Lord Buddha’s relics, merit-making and blessing rituals, exhibitions, cultural performances, sales of community products, a local market, and tours of Si Mahosot Ancient town. Meanwhile, Roi Et will host the Bun Phawet Merit Making Fair from March 3-5, where visitors can experience the unique Heet Sib Song merit-making tradition, and the Ban Pa Meang Orchid Tree Blossoms Festival from March 3-5, celebrating the white blossoms of the orchid tree that adorn the valley village of Ban Pa Meang. Other events include the Thao Suranari Memorial Fair in Nakhon Ratchasima from March 23 to April 3, which commemorates a famous heroine of ancient Thai history; the Ranong Hot Springs Festival on March 31, which celebrates the province’s health-giving Thai-style onsen in hot springs; and the Prasat Muang Tam Festival on March 31, which features a light-and-sound presentation, cultural shows, beauty pageant, and fair selling local products and food. There will also be plenty of opportunities to experience local culture and traditions, such as the ASEAN Barred Ground Dove Festival in Yala from March 4-5 and the Lamduan Flower Festival – Traditions of the Four Thai Ethnic Groups in Si Sa Ket from March 8-12. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as bird and butterfly watching at Kaeng Krachan National Park Protection Unit 4 in Phetchaburi from March to May, and the PELUPO International Music Festival on March 11 at Siam Country Club in Pattaya, Chon Buri. Check out the comprehensive list at www.bit.ly/3mi7JNA. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230302111858464 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-02 - 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.

GSB announces end of sending URLs to customers via SMS Thailand’s Government Savings Bank (GSB) has stopped sending text messages (SMS) containing URLs to all customers, effective on March 1st, to protect its customers from being cheated by scam artists. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288074-gsb-announces-end-of-sending-urls-to-customers-via-sms/