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BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet has approved a new set of state welfare benefits focused mainly on reducing cost of living expenses. This new round of the welfare program will commence on April 1 for eligible recipients through the welfare card campaign. New allowances will include a monthly credit of 300 baht per person for purchases of essential items at Blue Flag stores, an 80 baht per person discount for cooking gas over a three-month period, a 750 baht per person monthly credit for public transport, a 315 baht per household per month electricity credit, and a 100 to 315 baht monthly tap water credit per household. Those eligible can start using these allowances starting April 1, while rejected applicants will be able to appeal from March 1 to May 1. According to the government, 14.6 million applications for the welfare campaign have been approved, while 5.5 million applications were rejected. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230301140255158 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-01 - 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.

New park chief says it’s OK to be seen as a “mafia figure” if poachers fear him Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, the newly-appointed director of the Office of National Parks, declared today (Wednesday) that he would not mind being seen as a “mafia figure”, if it wouldstrike fear in the hearts of illegal loggers and poachers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287959-new-park-chief-says-it’s-ok-to-be-seen-as-a-“mafia-figure”-if-poachers-fear-him/

Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, the newly-appointed director of the Office of National Parks, declared today (Wednesday) that he would not mind being seen as a “mafia figure”, if it wouldstrike fear in the hearts of illegal loggers and poachers. The former chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi Province assumed office as the director of the Office of National Parks today, to a warm welcome from his colleagues and subordinates at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Red roses and bouquets of flowers adorned his office. Chaiwat has been embroiled in multiple controversies, including the alleged torching of an ethnic Karen Ban Bang Kloi village in the park and the enforced disappearance of Karen activist Porlajee Rakchongcharoen. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-park-chief-says-its-ok-to-be-seen-as-a-mafia-figure-if-poachers-fear-him/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-01 - 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.

Social media urged to exercise restraint in missing baby case March 1, 2023: “It’s one (possible) death now, and we must never make it two.” That is one of the desperate calls for the public to hold their horses on the most uproarious criminal case at the moment. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287958-social-media-urged-to-exercise-restraint-in-missing-baby-case/

March 1, 2023: “It’s one (possible) death now, and we must never make it two.” That is one of the desperate calls for the public to hold their horses on the most uproarious criminal case at the moment. The case involved young people who are heatedly criticised or even scolded on the social media with practically nobody to turn to. Criticism came from the gravity of the possible crime, what looked like repeated lies that apparently misdirected search and rescue and seriously-improper handling of a baby boy, who is still missing and feared dead as of today afternoon. One lawyer even said that no age could justify some cruelty. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/social-media-urged-to-exercise-restraint-in-missing-baby-case/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-01 - 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 government pre-empts bid to debate delay to enforcement of anti-torture law Thailand’s opposition parties’ bid to hold a debate on the executive decree, delaying the enforcement of some provisions of the Act for the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance today (Tuesday), was foiled when government MPs submitted a motion seeking a ruling from the Constitutional Court on the constitutionality of the decree. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287875-thai-government-pre-empts-bid-to-debate-delay-to-enforcement-of-anti-torture-law/

Thailand’s opposition parties’ bid to hold a debate on the executive decree, delaying the enforcement of some provisions of the Act for the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance today (Tuesday), was foiled when government MPs submitted a motion seeking a ruling from the Constitutional Court on the constitutionality of the decree. About 100 government MPs signed the motion, to be submitted to the Constitutional Court by House Speaker Chuan Leekpai within three days. As such, the debate on the decree was pre-empted. Chinnavorn Bunyakiat, a Democrat MP and deputy government chief whip, said that government MPs have the right to ask for the charter court’s ruling, to clear up any doubts over the legitimacy of the executive decree. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-government-pre-empts-bid-to-debate-delay-to-enforcement-of-anti-torture-law/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-28 - 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.

Why Thailand has attracted more foreign tourists than Vietnam People enjoy a drink at a bar along the popular tourist and nightlife strip Khao San Road in Bangkok on Dec 10, 2021. Photo by AFP A friendly visa policy and diverse entertainment services have made Thailand more attractive than Vietnam in the eyes of foreign tourists. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287874-why-thailand-has-attracted-more-foreign-tourists-than-vietnam/

People enjoy a drink at a bar along the popular tourist and nightlife strip Khao San Road in Bangkok on Dec 10, 2021. Photo by AFP A friendly visa policy and diverse entertainment services have made Thailand more attractive than Vietnam in the eyes of foreign tourists. Grant Wilson, 61, an Australian who has been living in Vietnam for six years, said he had traveled to Thailand more than 30 times. Grant Wilson (L) takes a photo with his friend in HCMC. Photo courtesy of Grant Wilson Though Vietnam has beautiful scenery, delicious food and friendly people, Wilson said that Thailand has been developing tourism better than Vietnam, especially the quality of tourism services. In Thailand, shopping centers and night markets are diverse and suitable for Westerners with better quality of goods. In Thailand, there are various modes of public transport, including buses, taxis, tuk-tuks and songtaews, a taxi or bus adapted from a pick-up or a larger truck, which make it convenient for tourists to explore the country of golden pagodas. Meanwhile, in Vietnam Grant only knows to take xe om (motorbike taxis) or buses. From Suvarnabhumi Airport, tourists can take a train for 35 baht ($1) to reach the downtown area in Bangkok. The Bangkok Skytrain (known as the BTS) and the Bangkok Subway (known as the MRT) are the two most convenient ways to travel around the Thai capital. In Vietnam, traveling by public transport is still limited. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/why-thailand-has-attracted-more-foreign-tourists-than-vietnam-4574484.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-28 - 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 officials ‘clarify’ source of black water flowing onto Karon Beach PHOTO: Facebook/Stay in Thailand Officials from Karon municipality have issued a statement to confirm the source of supposed black wastewater flowing into the sea at Karon Beach. They say the water is actually sediment from the Nong Han Canal, which is being washed away by the recent rain. They say it’s not rotten water but acknowledge the appearance is similar to waste water. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287869-phuket-officials-‘clarify’-source-of-black-water-flowing-onto-karon-beach/

PHOTO: Facebook/Stay in Thailand Officials from Karon municipality have issued a statement to confirm the source of supposed black wastewater flowing into the sea at Karon Beach. They say the water is actually sediment from the Nong Han Canal, which is being washed away by the recent rain. They say it’s not rotten water but acknowledge the appearance is similar to waste water. Explanations from Phuket officials over the decades about the sources of these ‘black water’ messes flowing into the Andaman Sea have been proven wrong. The sources have usually been tracked down to untreated sewage from businesses and residences upstream and authorities have done little to crack down on the sources. The statement comes after local residents urged officials to investigate the source of the black water which could be seen flowing into the sea at Karon. According to a Phuket Express report, residents and tourists were in the water at Karon Beach on Sunday when they noticed black foul-smelling water flowing into the sea. According to the report, local residents say this is not the first time they’ve seen this in the area. Some people have complained that the issue has been ongoing since it was first noticed on February 24. They believe it’s nearby businesses who are releasing the water illegally without it having been treated. The report states that foreign visitors have also complained, pointing out that this should not be happening at a popular tourist destination such as Karon Beach. There has been a long list of complaints from residents in Kamala, Patong and Bang Tao beaches over the years about untreated sewage and foul-smelling ‘black water’ flowing into Phuket’s coastal waters. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/phuket-officials-clarify-source-of-black-water-flowing-onto-karon-beach/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-28 - 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.

Finnish Ex-pat Found Dead in Sattahip With Slit Throat, Wife Says He Died By Suicide PHOTO: Thairath A 57-year-old Finnish expat was found dead in his bed with a cut throat and a chopping knife on his chest. His Thai wife told police the man had been ruminating about suicide for a long time due to domestic problems in his homeland. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287868-finnish-ex-pat-found-dead-in-sattahip-with-slit-throat-wife-says-he-died-by-suicide/

PHOTO: Thairath A 57-year-old Finnish expat was found dead in his bed with a cut throat and a chopping knife on his chest. His Thai wife told police the man had been ruminating about suicide for a long time due to domestic problems in his homeland. The victim was found dead on Tuesday morning, February 28th. He lived together with his Thai wife, 49-year-old Mrs. Aranya Srisaeng, at a single-storey detached house in the Bang Saray sub-district of Sattahip district, Chonburi. His death was reported at 8:30 AM. According to police, the Finnish expat was only clad in a pair of underpants. He suffered a deep cut to his throat, which severed his windpipe. A chopping knife was found on his chest. The foreigner’s wife was the first person who saw the body, according to her. She was crying and sitting in the room when the authorities and rescue team arrived. According to her statements, she and her husband had lived together for five years without registering their marriage. Previously, the expat had returned and stayed in Finland for a couple of years. The man just came back about nine months ago and decided to buy a house. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/02/28/finnish-ex-pat-found-dead-in-sattahip-with-slit-throat-wife-says-he-died-by-suicide/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-02-28 - 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 Police Launch Serious Crackdown on Street Beggars, 14 Arrested Including 9 Kids Pattaya Police launched an intense crackdown on street beggars last night following numerous complaints from tourists and residents. 14 migrants, 9 of whom were 2-6 year old children, were arrested. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287867-pattaya-police-launch-serious-crackdown-on-street-beggars-14-arrested-including-9-kids/

Pattaya Police launched an intense crackdown on street beggars last night following numerous complaints from tourists and residents. 14 migrants, 9 of whom were 2-6 year old children, were arrested. The operation, which was launched around 8:30 PM yesterday, February 27th, was led by the deputy commander of Chonburi Provincial Police Pol. Col. Patikorn Sornchai. A large troop of police officers and officials from the Social Development and Human Security Office scattered around the city to look for street beggars. Col. Patikorn disclosed to The Pattaya News that he had received several complaints regarding a group of migrant people soliciting for money and illegally selling flowers, boiled beans, and candies on the street. These beggars had greatly tarnished the dignified reputation of Pattaya City, the deputy commander commented. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/02/28/pattaya-police-launch-serious-crackdown-on-street-beggars-14-arrested-including-9-kids/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-02-28 - 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 rated 30th best city in the world, second best in ASEAN region Flickr/Roberto Trombetta Resonance Consultancy, a leading tourism consultancy firm, has ranked Bangkok as the 30th best city in the world and the second-best in the ASEAN region. The rankings evaluate the most desirable places to visit, live, work, and invest in, based on six ‘P’ categories: Place, Product, People, Prosperity, Programming and Promotion. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287865-bangkok-rated-30th-best-city-in-the-world-second-best-in-asean-region/

Flickr/Roberto Trombetta Resonance Consultancy, a leading tourism consultancy firm, has ranked Bangkok as the 30th best city in the world and the second-best in the ASEAN region. The rankings evaluate the most desirable places to visit, live, work, and invest in, based on six ‘P’ categories: Place, Product, People, Prosperity, Programming and Promotion. The Place category reviews factors such as climate, safety, tourist attractions, and livability, with the Product category taking airport connectivity, museums, university rankings, and event venues into account. The People category rates the labour force participation rate and the educational level of the local population. The Prosperity category examines factors such as the presence of global leading companies, GDP, employment rates, and income equality. The Programming category takes cultural events, nightlife experiences, quality restaurants, and shopping destinations into account. Finally, the Promotion category takes into account how prominently the city features in online searches, in addition to positive social media reviews. Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri says Bangkok was also ranked as the second-best city among the 10 member countries of ASEAN. The Thai capital also featured highly on a number of other lists, including the Top 10 Cities in the World for expats in 2022, as reported by InterNations in December, as well as “Best Leisure City in the Asia-Pacific.” by Business Traveller Asia-Pacific. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/bangkok-rated-30th-best-city-in-the-world-second-best-in-asean-region/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-28 - 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 nightclub bouncer fired for slapping foreign customer with bottle Video screenshot from Facebook/อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว2 A security guard at a popular nightspot on Bangkok’s Khaosan Road has been fired for handcuffing a foreign customer, then slapping him (twice) with a bottle. The guard, named only as Thongchai, was sacked after a video of the incident went viral and provoked outrage on social media. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287862-bangkok-nightclub-bouncer-fired-for-slapping-foreign-customer-with-bottle/

Video screenshot from Facebook/อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว2 A security guard at a popular nightspot on Bangkok’s Khaosan Road has been fired for handcuffing a foreign customer, then slapping him (twice) with a bottle. The guard, named only as Thongchai, was sacked after a video of the incident went viral and provoked outrage on social media. According to a Coconuts report, Club Khaosan management have issued a statement, in which they confirm the guard was fired. They add that Thongchai has been arrested and Club Khaosan has filed assault charges on behalf of their customer, who they are trying to trace in order to offer him compensation. “The actions of the security staff were unacceptable by any means and violate company policy.” The club went on to say that it was implementing “strict training and instructions” for its other employees, to prevent them from being aggressive with customers in future. Club Khaosan followed the statement with a notice that it was closing for “renovations”, according to the Coconuts report. Video of the incident, involving a foreign man some say is a popular YouTuber in Thailand, went viral, prompting the club to take action. It’s believed the incident took place on Saturday night, when Thongchai handcuffed the foreign man, before slapping him twice with a water bottle. In the video, the security guard can be heard accusing the foreigner of stealing water. The man replies in Thai that he did not steal anything and the guard responds by hitting him with the bottle. It’s understood the man later told police that he had mistakenly assumed the water was free when he took some bottles. Despite his ability to speak Thai, the foreigner has been identified as a “tourist” in Thai media reports. After being slapped a second time, he can be heard saying (in Thai): “I have never stolen anything in my life.” On Sunday, Thongchai was arrested by officers from the nearby Chanasongkram Police Station. Officers also detained another security guard, named as Krisada, who can be seen in the video clip, intervening between Thongchai and the foreigner. It’s understood Krisada has been detained because he refused to answer questions following the incident. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/bangkok-nightclub-bouncer-fired-for-slapping-foreign-customer-with-bottle-video/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-28 - 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 to Crack Down on Tax Evasion via Agriculture BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to crack down on landowners who avoid paying taxes on vacant plots by growing fruits and vegetables. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287861-bangkok-to-crack-down-on-tax-evasion-via-agriculture/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to crack down on landowners who avoid paying taxes on vacant plots by growing fruits and vegetables. With the BMA estimating that it has lost around 100 million baht in tax revenue annually due to this practice, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has instructed officials to inspect all plots repurposed as agricultural land to avoid taxes - including a 100-rai plot in Huai Khwang district. Speaking after a meeting with BMA executive officials, Chadchart noted that in Ratchathewi district alone, the agency should be able to collect about four million baht in land taxes each year. However, landowners have resorted to planting fruit and vegetables on their vacant plots to avoid being legally obligated to pay taxes. As a result, the BMA has only been able to collect around 300,000 baht in taxes annually for this district. In addition to cracking down on tax evaders, the governor has instructed officials at the Department of Land Transport (DLT) to pursue motorists who have not paid taxes on their vehicles. Before the pandemic, vehicle tax revenue reached 13 billion baht. However, that figure dropped to around 12 billion baht between 2019 and last year. The BMA will sign an agreement with the DLT to collect motorists’ data and crack down on tax evaders. The BMA is also considering imposing taxes and levies to protect the environment, following the example of London’s congestion charge and Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing. Chadchart said the BMA is looking to amend some laws to allow the City Hall to collect taxes from alternative sources, such as tobacco, hotels and lodgings, as well as fuel consumption. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230228141822332 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-28 - 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.

Canal to be drained in search for missing baby in Nakhon Pathom province Police in Nakhon Pathom are coordinating with Hin Mun Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO) today (Tuesday) to make arrangements to drain the Thor canal, in the search for the 8-month-old baby who has been missing from home in Bang Len district since February 5th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287860-canal-to-be-drained-in-search-for-missing-baby-in-nakhon-pathom-province/

Police in Nakhon Pathom are coordinating with Hin Mun Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO) today (Tuesday) to make arrangements to drain the Thor canal, in the search for the 8-month-old baby who has been missing from home in Bang Len district since February 5th. Nim, the mother of the missing boy, allegedly admitted to police that she dumped her baby in the canal, about 100 metres from home, after she panicked and didn’t know what to do when he had a “seizure”, after accidentally falling from her arms while being bathed. Yesterday, divers searched the canal, but were obstructed by thorny tree branches buried in the canal and thick mud. The canal search was suspended while police wait for the Hin Mun TAO to respond to their call for water in the canal to be pumped out to facilitate the search, according to Pol Col Pallop Suriyakul Na Ayutthaya, deputy commander of Nakhon Pathom police. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/canal-to-be-drained-in-search-for-missing-baby-in-nakhon-pathom-province/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-28 - 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.

Ukrainians and Russians rally in Patong against war in Ukraine PHOTO: Protest in Patong over Ukraine war - Eakkapop Thongtub Around 30 people, consisting of both Ukrainians and Russians, rallied in Phuket’s Patong last Saturday to call for an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287859-ukrainians-and-russians-rally-in-patong-against-war-in-ukraine/

PHOTO: Protest in Patong over Ukraine war - Eakkapop Thongtub Around 30 people, consisting of both Ukrainians and Russians, rallied in Phuket’s Patong last Saturday to call for an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The rally took place on the first anniversary after Russia first invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The demonstrators held placards with slogans in English and Russian, some of which included “No war”, “Peace for Ukraine”, “Putin go away”, and “Freedom to all political prisoners”. Some held Ukrainian flags, while others held the new Russian blue and white flags used by those who oppose Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The demonstration of placards only lasted about 15 minutes, and no Thais appeared to participate. This rally comes after Thailand voted for Russia to end the war in Ukraine and withdraw troops immediately at the United Nations General Assembly on June 23. Thailand’s vote was significant because the country had previously abstained from condemning Russia’s annexation of Ukraine at a UN Assembly in October 2022. Thailand’s former stance on Russia and Ukraine was to remain neutral, with the government advocating for all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” and supporting a policy of dialogue to achieve peace. However, not everyone in Thailand agreed with this new stance. Earlier this month, an anti-Putin slogan was spray-painted on a large rock at Nai Thon Beach in Phuket, criticising Russia’s president and his role in the invasion of Ukraine. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, a total of 7,155 civilians have been killed as of February 5, 2023. The protest comes at a time when Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations for Russian citizens heading for holidays and looking for a new home. Yesterday the Real Estate Information Centre reported that Russian citizens owned nearly 40% of foreign-owned condos on the island, taking over the top position for ownership from the Chinese. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/ukrainians-and-russians-rally-in-patong-against-war-in-ukraine/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-28 - 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.