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BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet has approved a budget of 6.2 billion baht for the Royal Irrigation Department to construct a new multi-purpose reservoir in the northern province of Nan. The reservoir, which has been named the Nam Khee, will be located in the Ban Wang Pha area of Pha Thong sub-district and will cover an area of 277 hectares within the Nam Yao National Forest Reserve and Nam Suat Forest. According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek, the reservoir will serve multiple purposes including irrigation, water storage for consumption, flood control, and as a new tourist destination in the province. The project is set to increase the amount of irrigated land in the Pha Thong, Pha To, Pa Kha, Si Phum, Rim and Tan Chum sub-districts, as well as in the Tha Wang Pha municipal area, for a total of 5,680 hectares. As many as 6,000 households are expected to benefit from the irrigation system. The dam for the reservoir will be an 845-meter rock-fill structure standing 81.5 meters in height, with a 12-meter wide crest. The reservoir will have the capacity to hold 52.31 million cubic meters of water while the irrigation system will consist of a canal and an 88 km pipeline. The Royal Irrigation Department said it has also conducted an opinion poll among residents in the project area and completed an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for the project. It added that the project is set to be implemented next year and is expected to be completed in 2030, taking seven years in total to construct. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230118124436226 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-18 - 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!

Labor Ministry Cracks Down on Illegal Migrant Employment BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor is working to crack down on illegal migrant employment, in response to claims that some foreign workers are employed in positions reserved for Thai nationals. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283896-labor-ministry-cracks-down-on-illegal-migrant-employment/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor is working to crack down on illegal migrant employment, in response to claims that some foreign workers are employed in positions reserved for Thai nationals. Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin said he has instructed the Department of Employment to take action against violators and has launched a campaign to educate business owners and migrant workers in order to avoid unintended errors. According to the ministry, 918 workers were detained for breaking the law during inspections at 35,258 workplaces during the 2022 fiscal year. Migrant workers are absolutely prohibited by law from working in 27 professions and are permitted to work in 13 other professions only under certain conditions. Violators caught without a permit or working prohibited jobs will face fines ranging from 5,000-50,000 baht and will be deported back to their home countries. Their employers will meanwhile face fines of up to 100,000 baht for every worker illegally employed. Repeat offenders will also be forbidden from recruiting migrant workers for three years, in addition to facing one year in person and/or fines of up to 200,000 baht. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230118124602231 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-18 - 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!

Diesel Excise Cut Extension Receives Cabinet Approval BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet has extended a 5 baht per liter diesel excise relief for an additional four months. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283895-diesel-excise-cut-extension-receives-cabinet-approval/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet has extended a 5 baht per liter diesel excise relief for an additional four months. Deputy Finance Minister Santi Promphat announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting this week, stating that the measure is aimed at reducing cost of living expenses and preventing an increase in consumer product prices. The latest round of the diesel excise cut is expected to cost the Excise Department around 40 billion baht in lost revenue, or roughly 10 billion baht per month. This is the sixth time the relief has been extended since February 2020, resulting in an estimated loss of 140-150 billion baht in diesel excise revenue for the government. Santi assured, however, that the cut would not impact the government’s financial situation, as it had received an extra 33 billion baht in income from the auction of mobile phone and radio bandwidths, as well as tax fines on imported goods. He added that revenue received by the Ministry of Finance during the first two months of the 2023 fiscal year was 55 billion baht higher than the target, and that the ministry was optimistic of making another 2.6 trillion baht in revenue by September. According to the deputy minister, the government also plans to borrow 695 billion baht to offset its budget deficit, with projected spending at 3.1 trillion. At the end of the fiscal year, a cash balance of 710 billion baht is expected for the treasury, thereby keeping the government’s financial status stable and unaffected by the excise cut. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230118134026260 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-18 - 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!

Drone Takes Footage of Rare Turtle Laying Eggs BANGKOK (NNT) - Footage of a leatherback sea turtle, the world’s largest turtle species, coming to shore to lay eggs was recently captured by thermal imaging equipment on a drone used by Thai marine observation officials. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283894-drone-takes-footage-of-rare-turtle-laying-eggs/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Footage of a leatherback sea turtle, the world’s largest turtle species, coming to shore to lay eggs was recently captured by thermal imaging equipment on a drone used by Thai marine observation officials. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reported on its website that the turtle spotted last week had found its way to shore and dug a nest in the sand to lay her eggs, which will incubate for the next 55-60 days until hatching. According to the department, a thermal drone can record more information than human researchers since its sensors can detect the body heat of warm-blooded creatures - or more specifically the thermal variances between animals and their surroundings - even in complete darkness. The technology is beneficial because it prevents noise and light from disturbing the turtles when they are nesting. Leatherback sea turtles are classified as vulnerable on the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with populations declining due to habitat loss, poaching and plastic pollution. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230118124533229 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-18 - 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 Trade With RCEP Increased 7.11% in 2022 BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s trade with other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member economies increased 7.11% year-on-year to 300 billion US dollars in 2022. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283893-thai-trade-with-rcep-increased-711-in-2022/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s trade with other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member economies increased 7.11% year-on-year to 300 billion US dollars in 2022. The Ministry of Commerce recently disclosed that Thailand’s exports to RCEP member countries totaled 140 billion dollars last year, while its imports from RCEP member countries totaled 160 billion dollars. According to Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai, the partnership has resulted in major benefits for Thai commerce with other RCEP nations since the pact’s entry into force in January 2022. He said the agreement not only reduces or eliminates tariffs for Thai businesses, but also streamlines customs clearance procedures, which is especially beneficial for the trade of perishable products. He added that the pact provided more options for Thai businesses moving goods to and from RCEP members. The RCEP comprises 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and trading partners China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230118134010257 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-18 - 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 Approves Price Controls on COVID Products and Chicken BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet this week approved a motion to control prices of five products that are used to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283891-cabinet-approves-price-controls-on-covid-products-and-chicken/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet this week approved a motion to control prices of five products that are used to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, prices will be controlled for medical face masks; synthesized threads for medical face mask production; hand sanitizers with alcohol; paper shred and paper for recycling; and chicken, as well as chicken meat. The move is in accordance with a resolution from a recent meeting of the central committee on the prices of goods and services. The January 11 meeting agreed that due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, it is still necessary to maintain appropriate prices for medical face masks, Polypropylene threads for mask production, and hand sanitizers. The committee noted that these products are crucial in effectively preventing the spread of COVID-19 nationwide It also explained that chicken and chicken meat need to be regulated in order to maintain the fair trade code. The new measure will be implemented after the previous price control policy expires on January 24. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230118132018242 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-18 - 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!

PM Urges Resolution to Overlapping Land Claims BANGKOK (NNT) - The government is continuing to address land issues that affect various groups of people, with the prime minister expressing satisfaction with the allocation of 5.7 million rai of land for local residents to make a living. He also endorsed a revision of land boundary maps in 11 provinces. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283890-pm-urges-resolution-to-overlapping-land-claims/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government is continuing to address land issues that affect various groups of people, with the prime minister expressing satisfaction with the allocation of 5.7 million rai of land for local residents to make a living. He also endorsed a revision of land boundary maps in 11 provinces. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha this week presided over a meeting of the national land policy committee, where he urged relevant parties to continue addressing overlapping claims. This would apply to overlaps between state agencies as well as between the state and private citizens. The premier also asked relevant agencies to continue their work so the plight of those who are without land to make a living can be alleviated. The prime minister noted that the committee’s work involves allocating land to communities, with nearly 1,500 target areas encompassing 5.7 million rai of land having been designated in 70 provinces nationwide. Permits have been issued for 419 of these areas, encompassing 1.5 million rai of land. About 78,000 persons have already made use of 96,500 plots of the allocated land in 350 target areas. Career promotion has meanwhile been undertaken in 270 target areas across 65 provinces. The meeting endorsed the use of a revised 1:4000 ratio map depicting land boundaries in 11 provinces. These provinces are Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Prachinburi, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Chaiyaphum, Sa Kaeo, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Phetchabun, and Loei. An exception is being made for land boundaries related to Khao Yai national park. The meeting also endorsed guidelines for addressing land boundary issues in Thap Lan national park, along with a boundary dispute involving Phra Thaen Dong Rang forest park and Phra Thaen Dong Rang Temple in Kanchanaburi. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230118124322222 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-18 - 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!

Pattaya Tourist Police Arrest Restaurant Worker for Allegedly Stealing Customer’s Phone A restaurant worker was arrested by Pattaya Tourist Police yesterday, January 17th, for allegedly stealing a customer’s phone. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283888-pattaya-tourist-police-arrest-restaurant-worker-for-allegedly-stealing-customer’s-phone/

A restaurant worker was arrested by Pattaya Tourist Police yesterday, January 17th, for allegedly stealing a customer’s phone. The victim, only identified as Ms. Sasiwan, went to report her missing phone to Pattaya police on January 15th at 10:40 PM. The victim said her phone, which distinctively had a $100 US banknote picture on the back of her phone case, disappeared while she was dining at an unnamed restaurant on January 14th. The police began an investigation and quickly discovered one person of interest. Pattaya authorities told The Pattaya News this person tried to sell a phone, which was identical to the victim’s phone, to a phone store. The police then searched for the suspect’s residence and arrested her. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/18/pattaya-tourist-police-arrest-restaurant-worker-for-allegedly-stealing-customers-phone/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-18 - 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!

Zero-dollar tourism not a concern for tourism sector in Phuket Tourism businesses in Phuket are not worried about the return of zero-dollar cheap package tours, historically popular among Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, but are more concerned about the expensive air fares and limited direct flights available between Phuket and China’s cities. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283887-zero-dollar-tourism-not-a-concern-for-tourism-sector-in-phuket/

Tourism businesses in Phuket are not worried about the return of zero-dollar cheap package tours, historically popular among Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, but are more concerned about the expensive air fares and limited direct flights available between Phuket and China’s cities. Rangsiman Kingkaew, a board member of the Phuket Tourist Association, told Thai PBS that it will take a time for Chinese arrivals in Phuket to reach the numbers seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, due to limited direct flights from China to Phuket and because many tourists have to fly to Bangkok before connecting with flights to the province. Although China is now allowing its citizens to travel abroad, he said that many Chinese businesses have not yet recovered, including package tour operators, adding that it may take a few years before Chinese tour groups, including zero-dollar, return to visit Thailand. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/zero-dollar-tourism-not-a-concern-for-tourism-sector-in-phuket/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-18 - 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!

Beware, Thai police checkpoint on-the-spot fines jumped to 1000 baht Police checking motorbike links at checkpoint Phuket-GO have received several messages in recent days about the number of foreigners being targeted by police for fines, usually in late morning checkpoints on busy west coast roads. And the fine appears to have increased too. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283885-beware-thai-police-checkpoint-on-the-spot-fines-jumped-to-1000-baht/

Police checking motorbike links at checkpoint Phuket-GO have received several messages in recent days about the number of foreigners being targeted by police for fines, usually in late morning checkpoints on busy west coast roads. And the fine appears to have increased too. Whilst in the past the checks were mostly about wearing a bike helmet, lately, according to our sources, the checks are for legal motorbike licenses, which most foreigners don’t have. The fines are now, routinely, 1000 baht. In the past tourists going through checkpoints without a helmet or the correct license could usually expect an on-the-spot fine of 500 baht. Oh well, inflation… These payments are all required in cash only. Exactly what happens to all the cash collected at these pre-lunch checkpoints is not clear. To legally rent and ride a motorbike in Thailand you MUST have a Thai motorbike driving license, not a car driving license or a foreign car driving license. If you have a foreign motorbike license AND a current International Driving Permit you will be legal. Apart from being the law, it also pertains to your insurance liability if you have an accident. Insurance will not cover you if you don’t have the proper license. If you have a bad accident, and end up in hospital, your insurance will not cover your hospital expenses. Still, many foreigners hire motorbikes everyday, and the local rental shops happily rent them out – going price now is around 5000 baht per month, up from 2000 – 2,500 per month in the years before Covid. Again, inflation… So, if you want to rent a motorcycle in Thailand… • Make sure you have a Thai motorbike license or a foreign motorbike license and International Driving Permit. • NEVER leave your passport with the rental shop as a guarantee, and never let your passport out of your site when they want to make a copy. • If the shop offers insurance, check the details. Apart from costing you additional money, it’s probably not worth the paper it’s printed on. • Take plenty of photos of the motorbike, from all angles, before you drive it out of the shop, and make sure the renter sees you taking the photos. There are many scams when damage on a motorbike, perhaps out of sight, will be blamed on YOU and your hire. Of course you end up paying inflated repair fees. • If you’ve never driven a motorbike in your home country DON’T ride one for the first time in Thailand. • Don’t get into an argument with Thai police. You will lose, and potentially end up in a whole lot more trouble. If you’ve been drinking and driving as well you’re in a whole new world of trouble and should contact your consulate, embassy or tourist police immediately. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-travel/beware-thai-police-checkpoint-on-the-spot-fines-jumped-to-1000-baht/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-18 - 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!

DSI chief abruptly moved to Central Institute of Forensic Science Triyarith Temahivong Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Director-General Triyarith Temahivong was abruptly transferred to the Justice Ministry’s Central Institute of Forensic Science in an order issued today (Wednesday) by Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283883-dsi-chief-abruptly-moved-to-central-institute-of-forensic-science/

Triyarith Temahivong Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Director-General Triyarith Temahivong was abruptly transferred to the Justice Ministry’s Central Institute of Forensic Science in an order issued today (Wednesday) by Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin. Triyarith will assume the post of acting director of the institute, while the chief of the institute, Pol Maj Suriya Singhakamol, will replace Triyarith as acting DSI chief until there is a formal appointment. Somsak’s order did not include a specific reason for the lightening transfer of Triyarith, apart from saying that the “swap” of positions by the two men was for the “effective and performance of the DSI and the Central Institute of Forensic Science” and to allow the two men to do the jobs for which they are most suited. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/dsi-chief-abruptly-moved-to-central-institute-of-forensic-science/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-18 - 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!

Central bank claims phone charging cables cannot be used to steal data The Bank of Thailand and the Thai Bankers Association (TBA) have dismissed a widespread suggestion on social media, claiming that a charging cable can be used to steal data stored in smart phones. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283882-central-bank-claims-phone-charging-cables-cannot-be-used-to-steal-data/

The Bank of Thailand and the Thai Bankers Association (TBA) have dismissed a widespread suggestion on social media, claiming that a charging cable can be used to steal data stored in smart phones. In fact, they said that data in smart phones are stolen by scammers when the phone users download applications or fake SMS messages containing malware, specifically designed to gain unauthorised access to information on the phones. According to banking sources, the central bank has issued a set of measures, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Royal Thai Police, for financial institutions to deal with the latest tricks used by online scammers to steal money. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/central-bank-claims-phone-charging-cables-cannot-be-used-to-steal-data/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-18 - 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!

Parents advised not to allow young children to play with “crystal babies” Crystal babies Parents are being advised not to allow young children to play with “crystal babies”, which may be dangerous if they are swallowed. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283881-parents-advised-not-to-allow-young-children-to-play-with-“crystal-babies”/

Crystal babies Parents are being advised not to allow young children to play with “crystal babies”, which may be dangerous if they are swallowed. “Crystal babies” are made from a jelly-like substance which expands when it absorbs water and has some characteristics of a toy. They can be dangerous to young children if swallowed. The advice was posted on the Facebook page of Kat Kattaleeya, a mother whose child, Nakhun, had to undergo surgery to remove a “crystal baby” which he had swallowed. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/parents-advised-not-to-allow-young-children-to-play-with-crystal-babies/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-18 - 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!