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Probe into 80 allegedly corrupt immigration officers to conclude Monday PHOTO: Stickboy BKK Thailand’s deputy national police chief says his investigation into 80 immigration officers accused of helping around 5,500 Chinese nationals convert their tourist visas into long-stay visas illegally should be wrapped up by early next week. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284507-probe-into-80-allegedly-corrupt-immigration-officers-to-conclude-monday/

PHOTO: Stickboy BKK Thailand’s deputy national police chief says his investigation into 80 immigration officers accused of helping around 5,500 Chinese nationals convert their tourist visas into long-stay visas illegally should be wrapped up by early next week. Surachate Hakparn’s investigation centres on assistance allegedly being provided to Chinese triad gang members to help them remain in the kingdom illegally. The huge investigation has implicated not just the 80 immigration officials but also up to 3 Thai army generals as well. Surachate, also known as Big Joke, says once his investigation concludes, his findings will be submitted to the top inspector general, with a view to disciplinary action being taken against the police officers in question. According to a Nation Thailand report, all 80 officers have been summoned to testify and Surachate says the probe is now over 90% complete. The deputy national police chief led the Immigration Bureau until 2019, when he was abruptly transferred to a civilian post as adviser at the PM’s Office. In March 2021, he was reinstated in the police force. The 80 police immigration officers include 3 generals who attended the police academy with Surachate. The officers all face charges that include demanding bribes and malfeasance. Surachate says the National Anti-Corruption Commission will launch a graft probe against the 3 generals, once they have been formally charged. The other officers will face disciplinary action, with Surachate insisting there will be no interference in the process from anyone higher up the chain, including the National Police chief. The allegations of corruption have emerged from a wider investigation into Chinese national, Chaiyanat “Tuhao” Kornchayanant, who is accused of being the leader of a Chinese triad operating in Thailand. Chaiyanat is currently in custody, along with his Thai wife, Wattanaree Kornchayanant, a former police colonel. It’s understood Chaiyanat obtained Thai citizenship through his marriage to Wattanaree. As part of the investigation into Chaiyanat and his accomplices, immigration officers are accused of illegally issuing visas to around 3,000 Chinese nationals in the northeast of the country and another 1,000 in northern Thailand between 2020 – 2021. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/probe-into-80-allegedly-corrupt-immigration-officers-to-conclude-monday/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-25 - 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 Ask Court to Revoke Bail for Tuhao’s Wife BANGKOK, Jan 25 (TNA) – National police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas ordered investigators to seek the revocation of bail for Pol Col Wanthanaree Kornchayanant, wife of Chinese businessman Chaiyanat aka Tuhao as she was found to have been interfering with evidence and threatening a witness. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284506-police-ask-court-to-revoke-bail-for-tuhao’s-wife/

BANGKOK, Jan 25 (TNA) – National police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas ordered investigators to seek the revocation of bail for Pol Col Wanthanaree Kornchayanant, wife of Chinese businessman Chaiyanat aka Tuhao as she was found to have been interfering with evidence and threatening a witness. However, the court decided not to revoke her bail. Investigators will closely monitor the suspect and will ask the court to cancel the bail granted to her immediately if she interferes with evidence. Wantanaree was arrested for alleged involvement in grey businesses linked to her husband and has been charged with money laundering. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1102049 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-01-25 - 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.

We Travel Together Campaign Gets 2023 Extension BANGKOK (NNT) - The government’s We Travel Together campaign has received another extension, allowing Thai nationals to subsidize their hotel stays and travel expenses when traveling domestically. The government expects this latest extension to generate some 12 billion baht in cash flow. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284505-we-travel-together-campaign-gets-2023-extension/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government’s We Travel Together campaign has received another extension, allowing Thai nationals to subsidize their hotel stays and travel expenses when traveling domestically. The government expects this latest extension to generate some 12 billion baht in cash flow. Members of the Cabinet today in a weekly meeting approved the extension of the We Travel Together campaign, which provides subsidies for eligible hotel stays in an effort to promote domestic tourism. First introduced to help the tourism sector that had been severely affected by the pandemic, the campaign provides each participant a subsidy for eligible hotel stays, along with coupons and discounts for other spending activities. The 2023 extension of this campaign will provide a 40% subsidy with a 3,000 baht cap per night per room for eligible hotel stays for up to 5 nights per person, half the amount of nights available in the previous campaign run. Guests leveraging this offer will be offered 600 baht per person per night e-coupons, which they can use to pay for up to 40% of the payable amount at participating venues. A total of 560,000 e-coupons will be provided through this round of the campaign. Unlike in the previous phases, the cash rebate for airplane tickets will not be offered this time around. The government anticipates this campaign run will help generate 12.54 billion baht cash flow in the national economy. Alongside this campaign, members of the Cabinet today approved a 1.93 billion baht tourism and economy promotion campaign that aims to attract international visitors by presenting the country’s soft power through digital marketing platforms and other activities. It also aims to promote domestic travel through marketing and communications campaigns under the theme "Amazing Thailand, Amazing New Chapters," together with the upgrade of local products that promote tourism. This promotional campaign will run from February to September this year, covering major holidays like Songkran festival and long weekends from May through August. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230125102528238 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-25 - 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.

COVID vaccination centres to be set up in all provinces for foreign tourists At least one COVID-19 vaccination centre will be set up in every province in Thailand, to provide services at a cost, exclusively for foreign tourists on voluntary basis. This will not affect the vaccine supplies reserved for Thai citizens, according to Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284504-covid-vaccination-centres-to-be-set-up-in-all-provinces-for-foreign-tourists/

At least one COVID-19 vaccination centre will be set up in every province in Thailand, to provide services at a cost, exclusively for foreign tourists on voluntary basis. This will not affect the vaccine supplies reserved for Thai citizens, according to Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong. He said that foreign long-term stayers, members of the diplomatic corps and their families are eligible for free vaccination. Vaccination services for foreign tourists were launched on January 18th at the Bang Rak medical centre and at the Institutes for Urban Disease Control and Prevention in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Songkhla provinces. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-vaccination-centres-to-be-set-up-in-all-provinces-for-foreign-tourists/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-25 - 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 man claims he was Bokator boxer seen on Cambodian social media A former Muay Thai boxer has claimed that he was one of the two fighters demonstrating the Bokator martial art (an ancient battlefield martial art used by ancient Khmer military) seen in a Cambodian social media post promoting the sport, which one of the events in the 2023 SEA Games to be hosted by Cambodia in May. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284503-thai-man-claims-he-was-bokator-boxer-seen-on-cambodian-social-media/

A former Muay Thai boxer has claimed that he was one of the two fighters demonstrating the Bokator martial art (an ancient battlefield martial art used by ancient Khmer military) seen in a Cambodian social media post promoting the sport, which one of the events in the 2023 SEA Games to be hosted by Cambodia in May. Characterised by hand to hand combat along with heavy use of weapons, Bokator is one of the oldest existing fighting systems originating in Cambodia. Panupong Tanjad said in his Facebook post that he is a former Muay Thai boxer and is currently a boxing trainer, with no connection whatsoever with Cambodia. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-man-claims-he-was-bokator-boxer-seen-on-cambodian-social-media/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-25 - 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.

Air quality in Bangkok and 6 northern provinces to worsen Friday-Saturday The problem of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere in Bangkok and its suburbs, as well as in six northern provinces, is forecast to get worse this Friday and Saturday, said the Pollution Control Department. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284502-air-quality-in-bangkok-and-6-northern-provinces-to-worsen-friday-saturday/

The problem of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere in Bangkok and its suburbs, as well as in six northern provinces, is forecast to get worse this Friday and Saturday, said the Pollution Control Department. On the Air4Thai website, the PCD reported on Wednesday that the general air quality across Thailand at 11am ranged from very good down to a health-threatening level, with the amount of PM2.5 in the atmosphere exceeding the standard level (currently 50 microns in Thailand) in: Ban Tarn sub-district in Hot district of Chiang Mai, 84 microns (microgram per cubic metre) Thanee sub-district in Mueang district of Sukhothai, 52 microns Lat Yai sub-district in Mueang district of Samut Songkhram, 55 microns Li sub-district in Li district of Lamphun, 66 microns Ban Klang sub-district in Mueang district of Lamphun, 56 microns Phra Bat sub-district in Mueang district of Lampang, 62 microns Ban Tom sub-district in Mueang district of Phayao, 55 microns Mae Pa sub-district in Mae Sot district of Tak, 57 microns Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/air-quality-in-bangkok-and-6-northern-provinces-to-worsen-friday-saturday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-25 - 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.

“No new visas for Chinese citizens applying in Phuket” – visa agent Phuket Immigration office Two visa agents have contacted Phuket GO today with information that Phuket Immigration are refusing to process any new visa applications for Chinese citizens. They also confirmed that people applying for new Retirement visas must now go to to Pattaya Immigration for photograph and proof of funds – they can’t currently be processed in Phuket. In both cases, for Chinese citizens or people on current retirement (O or OA) visas, renewals are being processed locally. It only applies to NEW applications. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284418-“no-new-visas-for-chinese-citizens-applying-in-phuket”-–-visa-agent/

Phuket Immigration office Two visa agents have contacted Phuket GO today with information that Phuket Immigration are refusing to process any new visa applications for Chinese citizens. They also confirmed that people applying for new Retirement visas must now go to to Pattaya Immigration for photograph and proof of funds – they can’t currently be processed in Phuket. In both cases, for Chinese citizens or people on current retirement (O or OA) visas, renewals are being processed locally. It only applies to NEW applications. This trip to Pattaya may also apply to people doing the O visa themselves whilst in Thailand. Make sure you check with Phuket Immigration about their current policy if you are applying for a new visa at the moment. Meanwhile, 80 immigration police officers in Thailand, including 3 Thai generals, are facing disciplinary and criminal charges for allegedly extending visas for Chinese nationals involved in illegal businesses in exchange for financial gain. According to the deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, all suspects have been questioned and police investigators are expected to meet on Monday to conclude the case and submit the findings to the police inspector-general for further action. The police chief maintains that there are no exceptions being made for the three police generals allegedly involved, despite the fact that they were his classmates at the police academy, noting that their cases will also be sent to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Several Chinese businessmen are suspected to have been involved in the night entertainment business in Bangkok and Pattaya. Several pubs were raided by police, following a raid on the ‘Jin Ling’ pub and ‘gambling den’ in Yannawa district of Bangkok on October 26, allegedly owned by Chaiyanat Kornchayanant, aka “Tuhao”. 104 customers in the pub, mostly Chinese, tested positive for illicit drug use. Apart from Kornchayanant, several other Chinese businessmen have been arrested by Thai police on drug trafficking charges. The story highlights the serious consequences that can be faced by individuals involved in illegal activities, even if they are high-ranking officials. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/no-new-visas-for-chinese-citizens-applying-in-phuket-visa-agent/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

166 Million Baht Poured into Developing Pattaya Beach The Pattaya deputy mayor, Manoch Nongyai, came out today to give an update on the development project for Pattaya Beach. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284417-166-million-baht-poured-into-developing-pattaya-beach/

The Pattaya deputy mayor, Manoch Nongyai, came out today to give an update on the development project for Pattaya Beach. He said the project, which cost the city 166 million baht, ranged from North Pattaya Beach to the entrance of Walking Street, totaling 2.7 kilometers in length. The construction zone was divided into zones A through E, and only zones A and B were underway to reduce the impact on tourism. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/24/166-million-baht-poured-into-developing-pattaya-beach/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thai cabinet approves 5.9 billion baht budget for next General Election The Thai cabinet has approved a budget of 5.95 billion baht for the Election Commission (EC) to hold this year’s General Election. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284416-thai-cabinet-approves-59-billion-baht-budget-for-next-general-election/

The Thai cabinet has approved a budget of 5.95 billion baht for the Election Commission (EC) to hold this year’s General Election. 5.104 million baht is for the EC’s preparations and to hold the election across the country. 840 million baht is intended for other state agencies and state enterprises working to support the EC. These include expenses associated with voting by Thai nationals abroad, educational campaigns about the election by the Education Ministry and expenses for the Royal Thai Police to maintain peace and order during the election. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-cabinet-approves-5-9-billion-baht-budget-for-next-general-election/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Cabinet drafts decree to deal with fraudulent online money transfers The Thai cabinet endorsed a draft executive decree on Tuesday to cope with rising online fraud, targeting individuals who knowingly open a bank account or an e-wallet for use by other people or lend their mobile phone SIM cards to the other people when they know or “should” know that they will be used for illegal activities. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284415-cabinet-drafts-decree-to-deal-with-fraudulent-online-money-transfers/

The Thai cabinet endorsed a draft executive decree on Tuesday to cope with rising online fraud, targeting individuals who knowingly open a bank account or an e-wallet for use by other people or lend their mobile phone SIM cards to the other people when they know or “should” know that they will be used for illegal activities. These individuals will face a maximum jail term of 3 years and/or a fine of 300,000 baht if convicted. The executive decree also targets individuals who offer for sale bank accounts, electronic cards, e-wallets or SIM cards which they “should” know may be used for illegal activities. They can face 2-5 years in prison and/or a fine of between 200,000-500,000 baht if found guilty. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/cabinet-drafts-decree-to-deal-with-fraudulent-online-money-transfers/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. Photo by Hoang Phong Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has highlighted the six priorities the diplomatic sector will focus on in 2023, during a recent interview granted to the press. He pointed out that complex and unpredictable developments in the world economy in 2023 will pose more latent difficulties and challenges than last year. Meanwhile, Vietnam is pushing ahead with realizing the development targets set at the 13th National Party Congress and the socio-economic development plans for 2021 - 2025. Given this, the diplomatic sector will apply itself to implementing six priorities, he said. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/foreign-minister-details-six-priorities-of-diplomatic-sector-in-2023-4563069.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-24

A motorbike is caught up between two cars and damaged on a street in the central province of Ha Tinh. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Hung On three days of the Lunar New Year holiday from Saturday to Monday there were almost 11,500 road accidents that claimed 128 lives. The Department of Medical Examination and Treatment said during the three days, the number of patients hospitalized after accidents increased slightly from last year but the number of deaths was more than 10% higher. The number of medical emergencies caused by firecracker accidents has shot up from 208 to 311, while those caused by food poisoning increased by a fifth. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/128-die-in-traffic-accidents-in-tet-4563131.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-24

MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Arnolfo Teves (Negros Oriental), who has filed a bill to require the registration of social media accounts, spoke on the House floor on Monday to complain about "online bashers" and of the Philippines having "too much democracy." Teves' privilege speech comes as mobile phone users in the Philippines register their SIM card under a law that initially also sought the mandatory registration of social media accounts. Congress passed the law quickly in 2022 despite privacy concerns raised by groups like the Computer Professionals' Union, EngageMedia and Human Rights Online Philippines. "Bashing on social media is too much, it doesn’t seem right. I think there needs to be a law for this," Teves, who did not directly call for support of his Online and Social Media Membership Accountability bill, said. He said that discipline should be emphasized over "too much democracy." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/24/2239872/author-social-media-registration-bill-decries-too-much-democracy-online -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-24

A man places a candle at a makeshift memorial during a candlelight vigil for victims of a mass shooting in front of the City Hall in Monterey Park, California on January 23, 2023. The 72-year-old Asian immigrant who killed 11 people on January 21, 2023, before shooting himself as police moved in on him was once a regular at the California dance club where a tragic gun massacre unfolded. AFP / Frederick Brown MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino was among the fatalities in a mass shooting at a Lunar New Year celebration in a California dance hall, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles confirmed Tuesday. In a statement, the consulate general expressed “its shock and great sadness” over the mass shooting in Monterey Park on January 21 that killed 11 people, including 68-year-old Valentino Alvero, a US citizen of Filipino descent. “Our prayers go out to the families of the victims and we mourn with them during this lunar New Year festival, which is supposed to be a time of gathering and celebration,” it said. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/24/2239875/filipino-confirmed-killed-california-lunar-new-year-mass-shooting -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-24

Philippine Navy's BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded on Second Thomas or Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea since 1999. CSIS / AMTI via DigitalGlobe MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs maintained that Ayungin Shoal is part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines, therefore giving Filipino fishermen the right to “take whatever they are due” while in the area. This comes after the Philippine Coast Guard reported that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel (CCGV) drove away a Filipino fishing boat while in the area on January 9, just days after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. went on a state visit to China from January 3 to 5. “The department awaits the official reports from the military and our law enforcement agencies on the CCG’s actions to force Filipino fishermen in Ayungin Shoal to leave the area. The reports will serve as basis for diplomatic action on the incident,” the DFA said. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/24/2239879/philippines-maintains-ayungin-shoal-part-territory-following-incident-chinese-vessel -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-24