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Vehicle Tax Renewal to Be Suspended for Traffic Violators Who Fail to Pay Fine BANGKOK, Feb 8 (TNA) – The Royal Thai Police joins hand with the Land Transport Department to link information on police-issued traffic tickets in order to suspend vehicle tax renewal of violators who fail to pay fine from traffic tickets. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285898-vehicle-tax-renewal-to-be-suspended-for-traffic-violators-who-fail-to-pay-fine/

BANGKOK, Feb 8 (TNA) – The Royal Thai Police joins hand with the Land Transport Department to link information on police-issued traffic tickets in order to suspend vehicle tax renewal of violators who fail to pay fine from traffic tickets. The new measure will start from April 1. National police chief Pol.Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas and director-general of the Land Transport Department Jirut Wisanjit signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU ) to link electronic information to enforce the traffic law and to reduce traffic violation and road accidents. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1111034 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-02-08 - 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 Economy Recovering Despite Global Volatility BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has reported that the Thai economy is facing several challenges due to global volatility but is still on its way to recovery. Despite the slowdown’s impact on Thai exports, the country’s economy will be sustained by a resurgence in private consumption and tourism. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285897-thai-economy-recovering-despite-global-volatility/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has reported that the Thai economy is facing several challenges due to global volatility but is still on its way to recovery. Despite the slowdown’s impact on Thai exports, the country’s economy will be sustained by a resurgence in private consumption and tourism. According to BOT Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, any further interest rate hikes will be gradual and calculated, and the BOT is ready to adjust the pace if necessary. He noted that, unlike other economies, aggressive rate hikes are not appropriate for Thailand as it is still in its early stages of recovery and inflation is lowering. The BOT is aiming for inflation to return to its target range of 1-3% in the latter half of 2023, having already raised its key interest rate by 75 basis points since August 2022. Sethaput added that while there might be risks in the growth outlook in 2023, the chance is high that growth within the country would still be more than 3%. He noted, however, that the high household debt could disrupt the economy and needs to be brought down to sustainable levels. The BOT is now forecasting that the economy will expand by 3.7% in 2023. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230208104052106 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-08 - 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 Shippers Anticipate Export Growth in 2023 BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has announced that the country’s exports are projected to grow between 1% and 2% this year, unchanged from previous forecasts, due to a slowing demand globally. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285896-thai-shippers-anticipate-export-growth-in-2023/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has announced that the country’s exports are projected to grow between 1% and 2% this year, unchanged from previous forecasts, due to a slowing demand globally. TNSC Chairperson Chaichan Chareonsuk pointed out that shipments, a significant contributor to economic growth, are also faced with high currency volatility. Despite some negative factors, the council sees positive indications of China’s economic recovery. The group said exports are expected to decline by 3.7% in Q1 of 2023 compared to the same period last year, though they are predicted to recover in the second quarter with a 0.7% dip and post gains in the latter half of the year. According to Chaichan, exporters are hoping for the baht to hover around 34-35 per dollar in order to improve trade competitiveness and align with other regional currencies. Although the baht experienced a sharp drop on Monday (6 Feb), it has still increased by 3% against the dollar in 2023 and is currently trading at around 33.6 to the greenback. The shippers’ council is also calling on the central bank to maintain stability in the baht and to keep interest rates at appropriate levels. In 2022, customs-based exports saw a 5.5% increase. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230208100429091 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-08 - 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.

Informal Thai Workers in South Korea Should Return to Thailand This Month BANGKOK (NNT) - A deadline has been set for informal Thai workers in South Korea to return to Thailand without paying heavy penalties. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285895-informal-thai-workers-in-south-korea-should-return-to-thailand-this-month/

BANGKOK (NNT) - A deadline has been set for informal Thai workers in South Korea to return to Thailand without paying heavy penalties. Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the South Korean government has set February 28, as the deadline for Thais working illegally in South Korea to return to Thailand. Any Thai workers currently in the country illegally who return within the deadline will be exempt from the penalty fee of around 30 million won or 800,000 baht. The spokesperson said workers who want to return home can contact South Korean immigration authorities or visit www.hikorea.go.kr. South Korean officials have offered channels for illegal Thai workers to return home since November 7, 2022. The spokesperson warned that informal workers will not be allowed access to welfare in the country and could face exploitation and low salaries while being forced to live in hiding. She also noted that any Thai workers returning under this offer will be able to return to South Korea again in the future. For more information, the South Korean Immigration Contact Center can be reached by dialing 1345, calling the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul at +82-10-6747-0095, or +82-10-3099-2955, or visiting the embassy’s Facebook page. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230208095743088 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-08 - 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 Confirms Phase 5 Launch of Domestic Tourism Campaign BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the timeline for the fifth phase of the government’s domestic “We Travel Together” tourism promotion campaign. The fifth phase is scheduled to run from March until the end of April 2023. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285894-tat-confirms-phase-5-launch-of-domestic-tourism-campaign/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the timeline for the fifth phase of the government’s domestic “We Travel Together” tourism promotion campaign. The fifth phase is scheduled to run from March until the end of April 2023. The campaign received Cabinet approval with a budget of 2.016 billion baht. Under the program, the government provides subsidies equivalent to 40% of room rates, capped at 3,600 baht per room per night. A total of 560,000 room subsidies will be available, each with a 600 baht voucher for travelers to spend on food or services. Tourists can book reservations under this campaign on March 8, while the first day of the subsidy program begins on March 11. Tourists can reserve hotel rooms under this campaign until April 27, while the last day to use the promotion campaign ends on April 30. TAT noted that each recipient can receive a maximum of five room subsidies, adding that airfare will not be included in the campaign. All Thai nationals over the age of 18 with a valid ID card are eligible for the subsidy. Registration can be completed at www.เราเที่ยวด้วยกัน.com and completed through the Pao Tang application. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230208113352134 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-08 - 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.

Bid to strip senators’ of power to elect PM foiled due to lack of a quorum An attempt to amend the Constitution, to strip senators of the power to elect the prime minister, at a joint sitting of parliament today (Wednesday) has failed after the meeting collapsed due to the lack of a quorum. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285893-bid-to-strip-senators’-of-power-to-elect-pm-foiled-due-to-lack-of-a-quorum/

An attempt to amend the Constitution, to strip senators of the power to elect the prime minister, at a joint sitting of parliament today (Wednesday) has failed after the meeting collapsed due to the lack of a quorum. President of the Parliament Chuan Leekpai informed the meeting that 95 senators and 15 MPs took leave today and there were only 308 legislators in the chamber, short of the 333 required to make up a quorum. He then adjourned the meeting at 12.02pm. The motion to amend Section 159 of the Constitution and to revoke Section 272 was proposed by Pheu Thai MPs, led by party leader Chonlanan Srikaew. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bid-to-strip-senators-of-power-to-elect-pm-foiled-due-to-lack-of-a-quorum/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-08 - 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 chief alarmed by senior officer’s alleged link to online gambling The national police chief, Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat The national police chief, Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat, admitted today (Wednesday) that he is shocked to learn about the allegation by an online gambling web administrator that he was assaulted by men at the order of a police major-general. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285892-police-chief-alarmed-by-senior-officer’s-alleged-link-to-online-gambling/

The national police chief, Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat The national police chief, Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat, admitted today (Wednesday) that he is shocked to learn about the allegation by an online gambling web administrator that he was assaulted by men at the order of a police major-general. According to the Sai Mai Tong Rod volunteer group, the alleged victim has already lodged a complaint with Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief. Pol Gen Damrongsak said that he does not personally know the police major-general, who is also accused of running an online gambling platform, or his background, but he pledged that both disciplinary and criminal action would be taken against the officer if there is evidence to prove wrongdoing. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/police-chief-alarmed-by-senior-officers-alleged-link-to-online-gambling/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-08 - 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.

Vote on media ethics bill adjourned due to lack of a quorum A lack of quorum forced the joint sitting of the Thai Parliament today to adjourn before a vote on the media ethics bill, which is widely opposed by media practitioners who fear it would restrict media freedom. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285791-vote-on-media-ethics-bill-adjourned-due-to-lack-of-a-quorum/

A lack of quorum forced the joint sitting of the Thai Parliament today to adjourn before a vote on the media ethics bill, which is widely opposed by media practitioners who fear it would restrict media freedom. Opposition MPs raised strong objections to the bill, which seeks to set up a media ethics council, the proponents of which believe will ensure media independence and at the same time promote media ethics. They argued that the bill is out of sync with the current media landscape and political environment. The bill was endorsed by the Cabinet early last year and classified as an “urgent agenda” that requires deliberation in a joint parliamentary session. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/vote-on-media-ethics-bill-adjourned-due-to-lack-of-a-quorum/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-07 - 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 grants temporary release to two hunger strikers Image Credit: Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) Thailand’s Criminal Court granted temporary release to two hunger strikers today (Tuesday), at the request of the director of Thammasat University Hospital, claiming that their health has deteriorated to a life-threatening level due to high levels of blood ketone and a reduction of kidney function. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285790-court-grants-temporary-release-to-two-hunger-strikers/

Image Credit: Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) Thailand’s Criminal Court granted temporary release to two hunger strikers today (Tuesday), at the request of the director of Thammasat University Hospital, claiming that their health has deteriorated to a life-threatening level due to high levels of blood ketone and a reduction of kidney function. Separate requests for the temporary release of Tantawan Tuatulanon, aka “Tawan”, and Orawan Phuphong, aka “Bam’, were submitted to the Criminal Court today by the director of the hospital. Both have been treated by the hospital for more than two weeks now, but they are still, technically, being held on remand after they voluntarily revoked their own bail and were sent into the Central Women’s Correctional Institute. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/court-grants-temporary-release-to-two-hunger-strikers/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-07 - 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.

Enjoy Pattaya Kites on The Beach from February 24th-28th PHOTO: IPattaya Pattaya City is getting ready to host its one of a kind kite-flying event from February 24th to the 28th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285779-enjoy-pattaya-kites-on-the-beach-from-february-24th-28th/

PHOTO: IPattaya Pattaya City is getting ready to host its one of a kind kite-flying event from February 24th to the 28th. The event organizers promise spectators an awestruck experience during the event days where the sky above Pattaya Beach will be full of countless, colorful kites of all shapes: be it whales, horses, dragons, UFO’S, or even giant octopuses. The event, formally known as Pattaya Kites On the Beach 2023, will take place from February 24th to the 28th. The following photos are what you can expect from this amazing event! Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/02/07/enjoy-pattaya-kites-on-the-beach-from-february-24th-28th/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-02-07 - 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.

Bottles containing substance believed to be gamma-hydroxybutyrate seized by police in Da Nang. Photo by VnExpress/Hoai Ha Police in Da Nang City have arrested four people after six students were hospitalized due to taking gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Mai Ha Quynh Chi, 27, Tran Thanh Hien, 29, Vo Thai Huy and Le Vinh Quang, both 19, all residents of the city, have been detained in connection with the incident. Police have seized many bottles containing a yellow liquid they believe to be gamma hydroxybutyrate. The arrests came after a center for vocational education in Thanh Khe District reported that six students needed to be admitted to Da Nang General Hospital after drinking a yellow liquid they bought from the group of four. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/four-accused-of-selling-drugs-to-students-4567600.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-07

A passenger car is damaged after hitting the back of a tractor trailer truck in southern Vietnam, February 1, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam Police in southern Vietnam have detained a tractor trailer truck driver who abandoned a passenger car after it hit the back of his truck. Mai Van Khoi, 40, is in custody as police in Chau Thanh District of Tien Giang Province investigate him for "not helping someone in a life-threatening situation" in accordance with the Penal Code. Khoi told the police that around 8 p.m. on February 1, he was driving the truck from the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long to Ho Chi Minh City as he detected an error that could affect the brake. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/truck-driver-arrested-for-leaving-others-for-dead-after-accident-4567792.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-07

Fog covers the runway in Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, February 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Anh Duy A dense fog has caused nearly 30 flights to and from north-central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An to be canceled over the past two days. Vietnam Airlines on Tuesday had to cancel four flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Thanh Hoa and two flights between Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak Province and Thanh Hoa Province. Vietjet Air canceled two flights between Thanh Hoa and the southern Can Tho City and had 10 planes from HCMC land in Noi Bai of Hanoi instead of Thanh Hoa, which is 190km away. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/30-flights-canceled-due-to-fog-4567814.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-07

A pickup truck flips over after hitting a motorbike in Dien Bien Province, February 6, 2023. Photo by Dien Bien Online A pick-up truck hit a motorbike and flipped onto two others in northern Vietnam late Monday night, killing four people. Phan Van Nghe, 39, was driving a pick-up truck along National Highway 279 in Dien Bien Province at around 10:30 p.m. on Monday when he hit a motorbike from the opposite direction in Muong Ang District, killing two 15-year-old boys on the bike. The collision caused the truck to flip over and crush two other motorbikes. Two boys, 17 and 18, on one of the motorbike were rushed to hospital but died later on Tuesday. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/four-boys-killed-as-truck-hits-motorbikes-4567838.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-07

An elephant tusks batch seized from traffickers in Ivory Coast in January 2018 as it was bound for Vietnam. Photo by Reuters/Luc Gnago Vietnamese authorities have over the past week seized more than 600 kilograms of ivory smuggled from Africa, the government said on Monday. Trade in ivory is illegal in Vietnam but wildlife trafficking remains widespread. Other items often found smuggled into the country include pangolin scales, rhino horns and tiger carcasses. Customs authorities in the northern port city of Hai Phong on Monday found nearly 130 kilograms of ivory hidden in a container of cow horns originated from Africa, the government said in a statement. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-seizes-600-kg-of-ivory-smuggled-from-africa-4567514.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-07