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BANGKOK (NNT) - Cambodia plans to repatriate Lao and Thai prisoners from its prisons ahead of the Khmer New Year celebrations in April, as part of a humanitarian gesture aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties with its neighboring countries. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Hun Sen during his visit to Laos on February 13. The Cambodian premier stated that the prisoners would be returned to their home countries via existing extradition mechanisms. Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand all celebrate the New Year at the same time in April. Hun Sen informed Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone that there was no need to wait for reciprocity and that Cambodia would return prisoners convicted in Cambodia back to Laos to mark the Khmer New Year. Hun Sen also urged Minister of Justice Koeut Rith to work with Minister of Interior Sar Kheng to start the repatriation process with Thailand as soon as possible, adding that Cambodia will implement the same mechanism as Thailand so that prisoners can return to their homeland. Hun Sen stated that the decision to repatriate foreign prisoners to their home countries ahead of the New Year is a humanitarian gesture driven by compassion for the prisoners, most of whom are forgotten, and also highlights the close friendship and diplomatic ties between the three neighboring countries. Hun Sen was in Laos from February 13-14 at the invitation of his counterpart Sonexay Siphandone, in an official visit aimed at strengthening ties and cooperation between the two countries. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230216113157749 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-16 - 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 & South Korea to Study Spaceport Feasibility BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and South Korea have agreed to conduct a feasibility study regarding the construction of a spaceport in Thailand. If successful, this project could become a crucial driver for the growth of Thailand’s economy, with the aviation and aerospace industries playing pivotal roles. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286731-thailand-south-korea-to-study-spaceport-feasibility/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and South Korea have agreed to conduct a feasibility study regarding the construction of a spaceport in Thailand. If successful, this project could become a crucial driver for the growth of Thailand’s economy, with the aviation and aerospace industries playing pivotal roles. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency has announced that it has signed an agreement to conduct the feasibility study on building and launching a spaceport in the country with Korea Aerospace Research Institute. The partnership signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation in Bangkok on February 13. The feasibility study is expected to be completed in three years. The agency stated that the study will focus on geographical suitability, environmental impact, infrastructure, regulations, and other factors. This research will also create confidence for investors who are interested in Thailand’s aviation and aerospace opportunities, as well as create jobs and generate more revenue to improve people’s quality of life in the country. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230216133155807 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-16 - 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 economic gurus predict more growth, exports and tourism this year Three of Thailand’s business, banking and capital market gurus are optimistic about the country’s improved economic performance this year, with a tourism boom, increased foreign investment and exports, which will drive the growth rate to 3.8%. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286730-thai-economic-gurus-predict-more-growth-exports-and-tourism-this-year/

Three of Thailand’s business, banking and capital market gurus are optimistic about the country’s improved economic performance this year, with a tourism boom, increased foreign investment and exports, which will drive the growth rate to 3.8%. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, told a seminar on Wednesday that he expects as many as 30 million foreign tourists to visit Thailand this year, compared to 11.8 million last year which, he said, will boost the service sector and increase employment, as he urged the government to step up promotional campaigns to attract more Chinese arrivals. He said that the Thai private sector has been cooperating with the government to attract more Chinese investment, but he urged the government to provide incentives and reduce red tape, to facilitate doing business in Thailand for foreign investors, Chinese included. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-economic-gurus-predict-more-growth-exports-and-tourism-this-year/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-16 - 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.

Online advance booking of train tickets now requires credit or debit card From today (Thursday), passengers who make online advance bookings for train tickets, through the D-Ticket website of the State Railway of Thailand or through its application, must pay for the tickets with their credit or debit cards. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286728-online-advance-booking-of-train-tickets-now-requires-credit-or-debit-card/

From today (Thursday), passengers who make online advance bookings for train tickets, through the D-Ticket website of the State Railway of Thailand or through its application, must pay for the tickets with their credit or debit cards. Passengers can, however, still make advance bookings at all train stations with cash, if they do not have or do not want to use their cards. The SRT explained that it decided to require passengers to pay for tickets when they book online because many do not show up to claim their tickets they booked within 30 days, resulting in other passengers losing the opportunity to travel. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/online-advance-booking-of-train-tickets-now-requires-credit-or-debit-card/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-16 - 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 PM responds to Opposition’s allegations made during debate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has responded to Opposition MPs’ allegations of economic mismanagement, loss opportunities and money by Thailand and poor performance during his administration on the first day of the general debate Wednesday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286694-parliament-takes-aim-at-prayut-in-first-round-of-censure-debate/?do=findComment&comment=17905341

Thai PM responds to Opposition’s allegations made during debate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has responded to Opposition MPs’ allegations of economic mismanagement, loss opportunities and money by Thailand and poor performance during his administration on the first day of the general debate Wednesday. The prime minister cited various mega infrastructure projects, implemented between 2015 and 2019, such as the Bang Pa-in-Korat, Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi and Pattaya-Map Ta Put motorways. On rail transport development, he said that, in 2014, before his administration, there were about 4,000km of rail services covering 47 provinces, most of them single track and only 357km of dual track. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pm-responds-to-oppositions-allegations-made-during-debate/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-16 - 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 City Bans Parking on Beach Side, Effective From March 1st PHOTO: IPattaya Starting from March 1st, 2023, parking on the Pattaya beach side will not be allowed, according to Pattaya mayor Poramase Ngampiches. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286652-pattaya-city-bans-parking-on-beach-side-effective-from-march-1st/

PHOTO: IPattaya Starting from March 1st, 2023, parking on the Pattaya beach side will not be allowed, according to Pattaya mayor Poramase Ngampiches. The move was reportedly prompted by an increase in traffic issues after tourism in the city started to pick up. This caused polarizing reactions on social media, with many residents saying it was a good decision. However, those living outside Pattaya said they would stop coming to the city, asking where they would park their vehicle now that the ban is back. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/02/15/pattaya-city-bans-parking-on-beach-side-effective-from-march-1st/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-02-15 - 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.

One Young Member of the “Wild Boar” Youth Football Team Who Was Rescued From Thai Cave Passes Away in the UK PHOTO: Thai PBS One of the 12 famous “Wild Boar” football team members who were rescued after getting stuck in Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave for 17 days in 2018 has passed away from an unknown cause while studying in the United Kingdom. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286650-one-young-member-of-the-“wild-boar”-youth-football-team-who-was-rescued-from-thai-cave-passes-away-in-the-uk/

PHOTO: Thai PBS One of the 12 famous “Wild Boar” football team members who were rescued after getting stuck in Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave for 17 days in 2018 has passed away from an unknown cause while studying in the United Kingdom. Duangphet “Dom” Promthep had been admitted to a hospital for 2-3 days after a fall, Thai media reported. The teenage footballer was put on a ventilator but suddenly passed away. He was reported to have suffered a head injury. The report about Dom’s passing was posted on social media today, February 15th, by an official from the Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Non National Park, Kamon Khunngamkwamdee. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/02/15/one-young-member-of-the-wild-boar-youth-football-team-who-was-rescued-from-thai-cave-passes-away-in-the-uk/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-02-15 - 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.

A man rides a white horse in a downtown HCMC street on February 14, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Minh Trung A man has been fined VND160,000 (US$6.74) for riding a horse in Ho Chi Minh City's District 3 on Tuesday to advertise for a brand. The 23-year-old wearing uniform of a ride-hailing firm rode the white horse on several streets, forcing drivers to pull their cars over to avoid hitting the animal. Many people stopped on the street to take photos and videos of the scene, causing traffic disorder. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/man-fined-for-riding-horse-in-downtown-hcmc-4570854.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-15

Young men are enlisted for military service in Ha Tinh Province in central Vietnam, February 7, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Hung Two military draftees from the central Ha Tinh Province have been fined VND62.5 million ($2,650) each for failing to turn up for their send-off ceremony. Phan Xuan Vu, 19, and Le Van Hoa, 20, passed the medical examination for military service earlier this year, and were ordered to report at the military headquarters of the province's Nghi Xuan District on February 7 for being formally deployed. Authorities in Xuan Thanh Commune, where Vu lives, said they have sent officials to his house several times but they have been unable to meet him. His parents have reportedly said he is "doing business in a faraway place" without saying where. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/two-men-fined-5-294-for-evading-military-service-4570653.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-15

A still of police officers approaching a South Korean man hanging from the balcony of an apartment complex in Hanoi, February 14, 2023. Photo obtained by VnExpress A South Korean man attempted to jump off the balcony from his 8th floor hotel room in Hanoi Tuesday night, but was stopped by the police. At around 7 p.m., citizens at the The Emerald CT8 My Dinh apartment complex in My Dinh 1 Ward saw a man hanging from the balcony on the 8th floor acting in a strange way. Police of Nam Tu Liem District were informed of the incident and sent officers to the site. Rescuers placed an air mattress down on the ground, then let police officers and interpreters approach the man using a ladder truck. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/south-korean-man-stopped-from-jumping-off-hanoi-balcony-4570889.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-15

Children wait to be evacuated as their primary school caught fire in Hanoi, February 15, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Huy Manh 1,900 students at the Yen Hoa primary school in Hanoi's Cau Giay District had to be evacuated Wednesday noon after a fire began at the school’s basement. The fire began to produce smoke columns that engulfed a 5-story building at the school, where the basement is also located, at around 11:45 a.m. Teachers were instructed to evacuate the students off the building. As the incident happened during nap time, several students did not have enough time to put on their shoes as they escaped. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/1-900-students-evacuated-in-hanoi-primary-school-fire-4571014.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-15

A Burmese python in HCMC is transported to a rescue center after 23 years of living in captivity, February 15, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Dinh Van A Burmese python in Ho Chi Minh City was handed over to a rescue center Wednesday morning following 23 years in captivity. The python, weighing around 63 kg and 4.5 meters long, has been raised by 55-year-old Dang Dinh Quoc in Hoc Mon District since it was first hatched in 2000. Quoc fed the python over 10 kg of chicken heads every two or three months. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/endangered-python-handed-over-to-authorities-after-decades-in-captivity-4570986.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-15

Image: Google MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Raffy Tulfo has filed a resolution for the Senate labor committee to hold hearings on minimum wage policies as he pointed out that increases have not kept pace with inflation — recorded at 8.7% in January. In Philippine Senate Resolution No. 476, Tulfo said that minimum wages are a "critical tool" to promoting living standards and economic growth. "The current minimum wage increase will not be able to sustain the living conditions of workers," Tulfo said, adding an emergency wage order might be necessary to help during a cost-of-living crisis. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/15/2245145/tulfo-calls-hearings-minimum-wage-policies -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-15

Students recite the Panatang Makabayan during the flag ceremony. The STAR / Miguel de Guzman / File MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education has replaced a word in the Panatang Makabayan with a Filipino term for prayer more inclusive to Muslim students from the Muslim and Moro communities. The national pledge recited by students every day will now use the word “nananalangin" instead of “nagdarasal,” according to DepEd Order No. 4, s. 2023. DepEd consulted various organizations on the change of terminology, including the Pambansang Samahan sa Linggwistika at Literaturang Filipino and representatives from Muslim and Moro communities, all of which deemed the word change more inclusive, solemn and universal. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/15/2245144/deped-replaces-nagdarasal-panatang-makabayan-nananalangin -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-15

Bureau of Customs, Department of Trade and Industry, at Philippine National Police conducted second inspection of a warehouse in Bulacan that is suspected of storing hoarded sugar. Office of the Press Secretary release MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III is asking the Blue Ribbon panel to investigate what he said was "rampant and unabated" agricultural smuggling in the country which has greatly affected farmers, fisherfolk and consumers. Although all panels can hold hearings, the Blue Ribbon — or the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations — has the specific jurisdiction over "malfeasance, misfeasance and nonfeasance in office," according to the Senate's rules. Pimentel said in Senate Resolution No. 477 that a list of 22 persons of interest allegedly involved in large-scale smuggling was revealed during a hearing by the Senate Committee of the Whole in 2021, "yet until now, no smuggler has been sent to jail and agricultural smuggling remains rampant in the country." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/15/2245154/pimentel-calls-blue-ribbon-probe-agricultural-smuggling -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-15

This October 15, 2021 photo shows a rice field in Nueva Ecija. Philstar.com / EC Toledo IV, file MANILA, Philippines — A research and advocacy group has renewed the call to junk the Rice Liberalization Law, saying it has failed to deliver on the promise of boosting farmers' incomes and worsening the country's import dependency four years since it took effect. An analysis by IBON foundation published Tuesday found that rice farmers' net returns per hectare decreased by around 40% – or from P32,976 to P19,680 – after rice tarrification was implemented in 2019. "The effect is even worse when inflation is taken into account. When adjusted for 2018 prices, the real income rice farmers lost is worth P15,053,” the think tank said. “Not only did farmers lose money since rice liberalization, but their purchasing power also weakened as well.” Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/15/2245174/4-years-rice-tariffication-farmers-income-hectare-shrank-40 -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-15

This handout photo taken on April 27, 2021 and received from the Philippine Coastguard on May 5, 2021 shows Philippine coastguard personnel aboard their ship BRP Cabra monitoring Chinese vessels anchored at Sabina Shoal, a South China Sea outcrop claimed by Manila located about 135 kilometres (73 nautical miles) west of the Philippine island of Palawan. Handout / Philippine Coastguard / AFP MANILA, Philippines — China again downplayed the 2016 Hague ruling on the South China Sea, calling it "illegal, null, and void" as it accused the United States of using it as a geopolitical tool. China has refused to recognize the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the case that the Philippines filed in 2013 to question the sweeping nine-dash-line. It did not participate in the case either. "We would also like to point out that the South China Sea arbitration case brought by the Philippines was pure political drama orchestrated by the US," Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the China Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a press conference Tuesday. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/15/2245173/china-claims-philippine-arbitration-case-political-drama-orchestrated-us -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-15

Representatives from the Chambers of Commerce in Phuket and Chiang Rai are pushing for the resumption of direct flights between the 2 provinces. The popular Thai VietJet lights were suspended as a result of low demand during the pandemic, but as domestic air travel picks up, businesses and tourism operators would like to see the return of direct flights between Phuket and Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang airport. Currently passengers would have to fly via Bangkok and get a connecting flight. According to a Bangkok Post report, the president of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce recently travelled to Chiang Rai, accompanied by a delegation of officials. Thanusak Puengdet met with local business representatives, as well as the president of the Chiang Rai Chamber of Commerce, Anurat Inthorn, and Promporn Jindawong Netharn, acting chairwoman of Chiang Rai Tourism Council. Officials in both provinces are working together ahead of the Phuket Wellness Week festival, taking place between March 3 and 6. According to Thanusak, both provinces are developing their wellness offering and the festival will showcase several products harvested in Chiang Rai, such as tea, coffee, and fruit. “The cooperation will benefit both sides. Tourists will be able to travel directly and in larger numbers between two provinces.” Thanusak believes the resumption of direct flights between Phuket and Chiang Rai would also help fruit and vegetable growers in the north and improve supplies to the southern island. In addition, it would facilitate bringing workers from Chiang Rai to Phuket to fill the many vacancies that have arisen on the island as a result of the rebound in tourism. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/officials-in-phuket-and-chiang-rai-push-for-resumption-of-direct-flights/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-15 - 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.

Officials in Phuket and Chiang Rai push for resumption of direct flights Flickr/Globespotter Representatives from the Chambers of Commerce in Phuket and Chiang Rai are pushing for the resumption of direct flights between the 2 provinces. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286632-officials-in-phuket-and-chiang-rai-push-for-resumption-of-direct-flights/