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BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) has assured that its railway project to construct a 145-kilometer Lop Buri-Pak Nam Pho double-track railway will be completed on schedule by the end of this year. DRT Director-General Pichet Kunathammarak made the confirmation after leading an inspecting team to visit the construction in Nakhon Sawan province. He stated that construction is divided into three contracts, with the one for installing railway signal systems already 26.33 percent complete. The director-general explained that the other two contracts are for construction. One is for a 29-kilometer section between Ban Klap in Saraburi province and Khok Krathiam in Lop Buri province. The segment also features a 19-kilometer elevated stretch, which when completed, will be the longest elevated stretch in Thailand. According to the DRT, the other contract involves the construction of the segment from Lop Buri’s Tha Khae district to Nakhon Sawan’s Pak Nam Pho district. The 116-kilometer section will have 17 stations and a centralized traffic control building. Construction for this segment is currently 75.72 percent complete. The DRT director-general stated that the current Lop Buri station is still in use for the Bangkok-Lop Buri route and other short-distance services. He added that once construction is completed, a bus service from the old station to the new station will be offered to accommodate commuters and ensure travel accessibility. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230203142233914 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-03 - 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.

Russian man arrested in Phuket for alleged robbery, illegal possession of firearms Photo: Google Maps A Russian national has been apprehended in Phuket on charges of robbery, illegal possession of firearms, carrying a weapon in public without proper authorisation, and illegally detaining others with accomplices who are still at large. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285418-russian-man-arrested-in-phuket-for-alleged-robbery-illegal-possession-of-firearms/

Photo: Google Maps A Russian national has been apprehended in Phuket on charges of robbery, illegal possession of firearms, carrying a weapon in public without proper authorisation, and illegally detaining others with accomplices who are still at large. According to a Phuket Express report, Dmitry Shergin was arrested in Karon on February 1 on an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court on January 31. The arrest was a result of a complaint filed by two Russian nationals, Viacheslav Kopan and Evgenii Kamolov, to Cherngtalay Police in Thalang on December 11, 2022. Read our editorial about the current problem with Russian arrivals in Phuket. The complainants alleged that they were threatened and attacked by a group of foreign suspects who stole 20,000 US dollars in cash and 25,000 US dollars in cryptocurrency. The robbery allegedly took place around 1.00am in Soi Cherng Talay 16. The police launched an investigation and shortly after, were able to identify the suspect. Officers also discovered that a friend of one of the victims was allegedly involved in the incident. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/russian-man-arrested-in-phuket-for-alleged-robbery-illegal-possession-of-firearms/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-03 - 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 Provide Free Space for Street Vendors BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has opened its first free space for street vendors and hawkers in Bangkok, kickstarting the effort by the city hall to tidy up the city and clear pavements for Bangkok pedestrians. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285417-bangkok-to-provide-free-space-for-street-vendors/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has opened its first free space for street vendors and hawkers in Bangkok, kickstarting the effort by the city hall to tidy up the city and clear pavements for Bangkok pedestrians. The launch of the “Hello Hab-Re” project on February 1 at Samyan Mitrtown on Rama IV Road was presided over by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and BMA officials. Registered street vendors and hawkers will now be able to use the designated area for business free of charge from Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 2 PM and 3 PM to 8 PM. These vendors have also been verified to meet the Pathumwan District Office’s food and sanitary standards. The Bangkok governor expressed his gratitude to Samyan Mitrtown for providing the area, stressing that the space will provide business opportunities while tidying up the city. He emphasized that the project encourages the efficient use of existing space and does not necessitate the establishment of additional spaces. Chadchart hopes that more private-property owners will join this project in the future and believes that Bangkok has enough space for everyone if all sides work together. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230203145709939 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-03 - 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.

Six Bangkok police officers accused in bribery scandal maintain their innocence PHOTO: Google Maps Six police officers in Bangkok have been jailed without bail after being accused of accepting a bribe from a Taiwanese actress and her friends during a visit to the city last month. They will remain in prison whilst the investigation continues. The officers, who face life in prison on charges of dereliction of duty and bribery, claim they are innocent. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285416-six-bangkok-police-officers-accused-in-bribery-scandal-maintain-their-innocence/

PHOTO: Google Maps Six police officers in Bangkok have been jailed without bail after being accused of accepting a bribe from a Taiwanese actress and her friends during a visit to the city last month. They will remain in prison whilst the investigation continues. The officers, who face life in prison on charges of dereliction of duty and bribery, claim they are innocent. However, Nation Thailand reports that Teeradej Thumsutee, a commander with the Metropolitan Police Bureau, says that despite their assertions, investigators have compelling evidence to prove their guilt. The court has been requested to deny bail applications as the penalties for these offences are severe and the officers could interfere with evidence and witnesses if released. The officers were initially charged with dereliction of duty for failing to take legal action against a group of tourists from Taiwan and Singapore who were found to be carrying vaping devices, which are illegal in Thailand. The group, including actress Charlene An, was intercepted at a checkpoint on Ratchadaphisek Road on January 5, leading to An’s social-media posts accusing the police of planting a device and demanding a bribe. These allegations prompted the Metropolitan Police Bureau to set up a fact-finding committee. Bribery charges were filed after a Singaporean man in An’s group revealed that he paid 27,000 baht to the officers to secure their release. The maximum sentence for bribery is life imprisonment and a fine of up to 400,000 baht. One of the accused officers’ lawyers stated that the officer is distressed by the criminal charges. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/six-bangkok-police-officers-accused-in-bribery-scandal-maintain-their-innocence/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Police Raid Locations Connected to Online Gambling Network BANGKOK, Feb 3 (TNA) – The cyber police and the commando unit raided four locations in Bangkok and Nonthaburi in an operation to crack down on the online gambling network, running the Macao888 online gambling site. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285413-police-raid-locations-connected-to-online-gambling-network/

BANGKOK, Feb 3 (TNA) – The cyber police and the commando unit raided four locations in Bangkok and Nonthaburi in an operation to crack down on the online gambling network, running the Macao888 online gambling site. In the raid at a beverage company in Huai Khwang’s RCA area, the police did not find the suspect, identified as Nopmanat Sangkasab. They seized computers, mobile phones and two guns. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1107990 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-02-03 - 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.

Piggy-backing baby dugong found dead in Sattahip Bay The baby dugong, which had ridden on the back of a giant green sea turtle in the Dong Tarn Bay, off Chon Buri province, has been found dead. The remains exhibited multiple wounds, believed to have been caused by a fishing net. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285412-piggy-backing-baby-dugong-found-dead-in-sattahip-bay/

The baby dugong, which had ridden on the back of a giant green sea turtle in the Dong Tarn Bay, off Chon Buri province, has been found dead. The remains exhibited multiple wounds, believed to have been caused by a fishing net. The tragic end of the baby dugong was reported on the Facebook page of the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre of the Royal Thai Navy on Thursday. According to the report, the carcass of a young dugong was found floating in Sattahip Bay, in front of Thailand National Sailing Club. The remains were recovered and sent to the Eastern Coast Marine and Coastal Resource Research Centre for autopsy. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/piggy-backing-baby-dugong-found-dead-in-sattahip-bay/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-03 - 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 and Laos Discuss Reopening of Cross-Border Checkpoints BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has voiced optimism over Thailand’s trade relationship with Laos after officials from both countries met to discuss the reopening of four border checkpoints. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285411-thailand-and-laos-discuss-reopening-of-cross-border-checkpoints/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has voiced optimism over Thailand’s trade relationship with Laos after officials from both countries met to discuss the reopening of four border checkpoints. Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Keerati Rushchano, recently visited Laos to meet with the Vice-Mayor of Vientiane and the Director of the Capital City’s Planning and Investment Department, Phoukhong Bannavong. The meeting was aimed to accelerate the reopening of four border checkpoints that have been closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to stimulate the border economy and promote tourism. According to Keerati, these checkpoints include Tha Duea local checkpoint opposite Nong Khai Municipal Pier, Nong Da traditional checkpoint, Park Ngum traditional checkpoint, and Kokhea traditional checkpoint. Thailand is ready to reopen each location as soon as Vientiane agrees to do the same. Responding to his Thai counterpart, Phoukhong Bannavong said that Vientiane is now working to solve infrastructure, operational system, and human resource issues, and pledged to reopen the checkpoints as soon as possible. The two sides have also agreed to focus on tourism connectivity to generate maximum benefits. Thailand has 49 border checkpoints with Laos, with 44 currently open on the Thai side and 36 open on the Lao side. In 2022, Thai-Lao border trade was worth 260 billion baht, a 21.1% increase from the previous year, and accounted for 94.7% of the total trade between the two countries. Border trade in Nong Khai province, which is adjacent to Vientiane, amounted to 86.5 billion baht in 2022, a 15.3% increase from the previous year, ranking first in border trade between Thailand and Laos. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230203140702893 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-03 - 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.

EV Industry Gets Boost as Battery Excise Tax Drops to 1% BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Committee on Electronic Vehicle Policy, commonly referred to as the EV board, has agreed to reduce the excise tax on EV batteries from 8% to just 1%, a major development for the industry. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285410-ev-industry-gets-boost-as-battery-excise-tax-drops-to-1/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Committee on Electronic Vehicle Policy, commonly referred to as the EV board, has agreed to reduce the excise tax on EV batteries from 8% to just 1%, a major development for the industry. According to a report, the EV board has also decided to offer a 24 billion baht subsidy to the EV battery production sector. Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow stated that the subsidy, which is aimed at reducing the prices of EV batteries and boosting the country’s EV-making industry, will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Supattanapong said the size of the battery produced will determine the amount of subsidy offered. Producers of EV batteries with a capacity of less than 8 gigawatt hours (GWh) will receive a subsidy ranging from 400 baht to 600 baht per kilowatt hour (kWh), while those producing EV batteries with more than 8 GWh will receive between 600 baht and 800 baht per kWh. Business experts and EV operators have welcomed the announcement, saying that it is a step in the right direction for the growth and development of the EV industry in Thailand. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230203132606868 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-03 - 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 media concerned over rapid passage of new media regulation law Thai media professionals have expressed concern that the government may be pushing for a speedy deliberation of a government-sponsored bill to promote the ethics of media organisations and practitioners, expected to be submitted to the joint sitting of the Senate and House on Tuesday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285409-thai-media-concerned-over-rapid-passage-of-new-media-regulation-law/

Thai media professionals have expressed concern that the government may be pushing for a speedy deliberation of a government-sponsored bill to promote the ethics of media organisations and practitioners, expected to be submitted to the joint sitting of the Senate and House on Tuesday. Supan Rakchuea, president of the News Broadcast Council of Thailand, told Thai PBS on Friday that the government appears unusually keen to pass the bill, initiated by the Public Relations Department and drafted by the Council of State. He cited the fact that Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan wrote a letter to Parliament President Chuan Leekpai on September 6th last year, asking him to add the bill to the agenda for emergency deliberations in parliament. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-media-concerned-over-rapid-passage-of-new-media-regulation-law/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-03 - 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.

Highways Department loses property worth over ฿30m through theft The Highways Department sustained more than 30 million baht through the theft of equipment in 2022, about 13 million baht more than the previous year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285408-highways-department-loses-property-worth-over-฿30m-through-theft/

The Highways Department sustained more than 30 million baht through the theft of equipment in 2022, about 13 million baht more than the previous year. The most targeted items by thieves include electrical wire, traffic signal equipment, transformers, steel mesh and W-beam guard rails. According to the department, electrical wire worth about 13 million baht was stolen last year. Losses from the theft oftransformers is estimated at 8.2 million baht, while steel worth2.2 million baht was taken, along with 1.5 million baht in W-beam guard rails and traffic signal equipment worth 1.5 million baht. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/highways-department-loses-property-worth-over-30m-through-theft/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-03 - 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.

Move Forward at crossroads already The latest statement by hardline politician Piyabutr Saengkanokkul provides the clearest evidence that one of Thailand’s newest political parties, which thrives on unorthodoxy and drastic reforms that border on extremism, has reached a soul-searching point probably in record time. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285407-move-forward-at-crossroads-already/

The latest statement by hardline politician Piyabutr Saengkanokkul provides the clearest evidence that one of Thailand’s newest political parties, which thrives on unorthodoxy and drastic reforms that border on extremism, has reached a soul-searching point probably in record time. The early-arriving dilemma is about what to do with itself. Softening its stance could increase its chance of being in the next government, thus perhaps ensuring survival in a largely-orthodox political environment, but maintaining the radicalness would mean the past few years were not wasted and the “new force” image will not be tainted. The situation is further complicated by unclear signs from voters and the public in general. Elections at rural levels appeared to show declining support for politicians associated with the party or its offshoot, the Progressive Movement, yet the camp did well in last year’s Bangkok City Assembly poll. It’s also hard to tell how much the party benefited from the dissolution of the Thai RaksaChart Party, formed as part of the Pheu Thai Party’s satellite strategy, and the one-ballot system that gave Move Forward a lot of party-list seats. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-at-crossroads-already/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-03 - 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 orders arrest of former DSI chief to hear Supreme Court’s verdict Thailand’s Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant today (Thursday) for former director-general of the Department of Special Investigation, Tarit Pengdit, to ensure his presence at the court to hear the verdict of the Supreme Court, expected to be read on March 24th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285332-court-orders-arrest-of-former-dsi-chief-to-hear-supreme-court’s-verdict/

Thailand’s Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant today (Thursday) for former director-general of the Department of Special Investigation, Tarit Pengdit, to ensure his presence at the court to hear the verdict of the Supreme Court, expected to be read on March 24th. Tarit failed to show up at the Criminal Court today to hear the verdict in a case in which he and four other officials were charged with malfeasance in office by former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban. His lawyer told the court that Tarit asked for a postponement of the appointment, because he had an operation on January 29th, to remove a kidney stone, and has to remain in hospital for recuperation and observation for about three months. This was the seventh postponement requested by Tarit. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/court-orders-arrest-of-former-dsi-chief-to-hear-supreme-courts-verdict/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-02 - 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.

Diesel price to reduce by 50 satang per litre on February 15th Thailand’s Fuel Fund Executive Committee has decided to cut the retail price of diesel fuel by 50 satang/litre, the first time in seven months, effective February 15th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285331-diesel-price-to-reduce-by-50-satang-per-litre-on-february-15th/

Thailand’s Fuel Fund Executive Committee has decided to cut the retail price of diesel fuel by 50 satang/litre, the first time in seven months, effective February 15th. Wisak Watanasap, director of the Oil Fuel Fund Office, said today (Thursday) that the reduction will bring the pump price of diesel to 34.50 baht/litre, which is the first time since the price began steadily increasing to 35 baht/litre since June 14th last year. The government has, however, been subsidising the diesel price, to keep it at 35 baht/litre, by cutting the excise tax by five baht/litre. The subsidy will continue until May 20th. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/diesel-price-to-reduce-by-50-satang-per-litre-on-february-15th/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-02 - 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.