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Thailand's tourism industry is experiencing a robust resurgence. A significant revenue surge is projected for this year, with experts predicting that total tourism earnings will soar to 2.8 trillion baht. This marks a remarkable 25% increase from the previous year's figures, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The resurgence is fuelled by a combination of increased flight numbers and an array of promotional campaigns aimed at both international and domestic visitors. Impressive Numbers Predicted International tourists are anticipated to contribute significantly, with expected arrivals of 18.2 million, generating 964 billion baht. Local travellers, making around 103 million trips, are set to add another 504 billion baht to the pot. This surge is seen in the backdrop of the TAT forecasting a 23% rise in tourism revenue. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool has earmarked this year for welcoming at least 35.9 million international visitors, alongside recording 192 million domestic trips. The number of international flights is expected to bounce back to 80% of 2019 levels in the second half of the year, a 10% increase compared to last year. “We are optimistic about strong traffic during long holidays, including China’s Golden Week in October and the New Year holiday.” Key Markets and Celebrations Amongst the key inbound markets for the latter half of the year, East Asia, Europe, and South Asia stand out. China is expected to take the lead with 3.6 million visitors, followed by Malaysia with 2.6 million, and South Korea with one million. In a strategic move to attract Chinese tourists, the TAT is introducing “Nihao Month” in September. Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, this campaign will run until the end of the year in collaboration with five Chinese online travel platforms. “We’re also focusing on attracting meeting and incentive groups from India and participating in trade shows targeting the Middle East market,” Thapanee added. Additionally, the TAT is opening a new office in Chicago to address growing demand from the Midwest and Canada. Challenges and Competition Despite the optimism, several challenges loom. A sluggish Chinese economy and geopolitical tensions such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza present potential risks. Thailand also faces stiff competition from neighbouring countries like China, Japan, Vietnam, and Malaysia, which have eased visa restrictions and launched aggressive marketing campaigns to attract high-spending tourists. To bolster domestic tourism, the TAT has organised campaigns and events across Thailand's five regions. However, high travel costs, especially fuel prices, remain a significant hurdle. “High travel costs, especially fuel prices, might influence travel decisions among local tourists,” Thapanee noted. With these efforts, Thailand hopes to meet and perhaps exceed its ambitious tourism revenue targets for the year. Grand Palace Bangkok. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia -- 2024-08-14 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Probe Urged into Chinese-Operated Car Rental Service in Phuket Picture courtesy of Thai PBS via Line Democrat Party deputy leader Chaichana Detdecho has called on the Royal Thai Police and the Land Transport Department to scrutinise a car rental service allegedly run by "grey" Chinese businessmen in Phuket. The investigation is in response to mounting concerns from local Thai car rental operators. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335422-probe-urged-into-chinese-operated-car-rental-service-in-phuket/

Democrat Party deputy leader Chaichana Detdecho has called on the Royal Thai Police and the Land Transport Department to scrutinise a car rental service allegedly run by "grey" Chinese businessmen in Phuket. The investigation is in response to mounting concerns from local Thai car rental operators. Chaichana revealed today that multiple reports have been received from Thai car rental businesses on the island. They allege that Chinese businessmen have set up a similar service, using counterfeit license plates and employing Chinese drivers who lack proper driving licenses. Adding to these concerns, the Chinese operators are reportedly offering steep discounts, which may undercut and potentially obliterate the local Thai-operated rental services. Chaichana emphasised the urgency of the matter, warning that if authorities do not intervene promptly, tourism-related enterprises such as car rentals, tour agencies, and eateries, traditionally operated by Thai nationals, might increasingly come under Chinese control. He pointed to the example of Bangkok's Huai Khwang district, which now hosts numerous Chinese-owned restaurants and stores, suggesting a similar business infiltration could happen in Phuket, reported Thai PBS. The deputy leader also noted that Chinese businessmen have established a significant presence in Huai Khwang and are now expanding into the Banthat Thong area. This trend raises concerns about the economic impact on local businesses. Earlier this month, China’s prominent online retail platform, Temu, commenced operations in Thailand, directly challenging existing e-commerce giants Shopee and Lazada. Temu's strategy involves offering substantial discounts to attract Thai customers, capitalising on the relatively lax e-commerce regulations in Thailand. As the investigation unfolds, local operators and authorities await further developments, hoping to preserve the integrity of local businesses in the face of increasing foreign competition. Picture courtesy of Thai PBS via Line -- 2024-08-14 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 14 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1335421-thailand-live-wednesday-14-august-2024/

Phuket's Tourism Boom Outstrips Infrastructure, Raises Environmental Concerns The rapid increase in tourism on the previously unspoiled island of Phuket is causing issues as infrastructure developments struggle to keep up. Road congestion and environmental damage are harming the island's image as a top-rated holiday destination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335409-phukets-tourism-boom-outstrips-infrastructure-raises-environmental-concerns/

Thailand's new double-track railway on the State Railway of Thailand's south line, stretching from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon, is now fully operational. The southern line's upgrade was officially announced on August 12 by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Thailand Begins Operation of New Double-Track Railway, Boosting Transport and Logistics Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335404-thailand-begins-operation-of-new-double-track-railway-boosting-transport-and-logistics/

Bangkok taxi driver slashes passenger’s head after overcharge (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via DailyNews and Bright TV A shameful Thai taxi driver surrendered himself yesterday after trying to overcharge a passenger by 500 baht and subsequently attacking her with a knife on a footpath near Soi Lat Phrao 42/2 in the Huai Khwang district of Bangkok on Saturday, August 10. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335356-bangkok-taxi-driver-slashes-passenger’s-head-after-overcharge-video/

A shameful Thai taxi driver surrendered himself yesterday after trying to overcharge a passenger by 500 baht and subsequently attacking her with a knife on a footpath near Soi Lat Phrao 42/2 in the Huai Khwang district of Bangkok on Saturday, August 10. The victim’s sister, 29 year old Supawadee Khamsa-nga, met with Ekkaphop Luangprasert, the founder of the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive, to seek justice for her elder sister, 43 year old Wanpen Khamsa-nga, who remains in the intensive care unit after being assaulted by the taxi driver, 50 year old Prapas Boonlang. Supawadee revealed to the organisation that Wanpen attended a birthday party, hosted by Itsaraporn Thonguraisakun, on Friday, August 9, though Supawadee did not attend. The party ended at about 1.40am on August 10, and Itsaraporn booked a taxi via an app to travel home. Itsaraporn and her Singaporean friend sat in the back seat while Wanpen sat in the front passenger seat next to the taxi driver. According to Itsaraporn, the driver became angry because he struggled to find the pickup location. He shouted and mumbled complaints during the journey at Wanpen, who was intoxicated. Wanpen then asked the driver to stop mid-journey because she felt the need to vomit. The driver complied with her request but continued to complain. Wanpen asked the driver to stop again to vomit but this time he handed her a plastic bag. Extra fee for vomit To avoid making the car dirty, Wanpen opened the window, leaned her head out, and vomited into the plastic bag. Itsaraporn insisted that her friend did not dirty the car at all. During the ride, the taxi driver demanded an additional 500 baht, claiming he had lost time by stopping for Wanpen to vomit. Wanpen and Itsaraporn refused to pay the extra charge because they did not make the car dirty. The two eventually negotiated to pay only 200 baht extra and requested the driver stop so they could get a new taxi. The fare was paid via the app using Itsaraporn’s credit card and they handed the driver 200 baht before getting out of the car. After they exited the vehicle, the driver followed them and unexpectedly slashed Wanpen’s head with a knife. He inflicted multiple cuts on her, ignoring the pleas from Itsaraporn and her foreign friend. Another taxi driver arrived at the scene and honked his horn, prompting the attacker to stop and flee in his taxi. Wanpen required over 20 stitches for the wounds to her head, and her skull was fractured. She also sustained cut wounds on her hands and arms, and her brain was bleeding. Supawadee and Itsaraporn filed an attempted murder complaint against the driver at Chokchai Police Station but the case made no progress. They tried to share the story on a Facebook group for Thai taxi drivers but the group’s administrator blocked their post. Stress and insult Saimai Survive founder Ekkaphop followed up on the case with officers at Chokchai Police Station and demanded that the driver’s taxi licence be revoked and that he be tested for drugs. The driver, Prapas, finally turned himself in to police yesterday. He claimed that he was offended when the passenger threw 200 baht in cash at him. He was also under stress trying to get money for his pregnant wife and two children. Prapas said he was sorry for what he had done and wanted to meet the victim at the hospital to apologise. The Daily News reported that officers had granted Prapas a temporary release and would file charges against him after a medical report on Wanpen’s injuries was released. by Petch Petpailin Photo via DailyNews and Bright TV Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Student activists campaign against judges at Thai universities by Bob Scott Bob Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Student activists at Thammasat and Chulalongkorn universities launched campaigns targeting two Constitutional Court judges who also serve as guest lecturers at their institutions. This action follows the court’s recent ruling that led to the disbandment of the Move Forward Party (MFP). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335347-student-activists-campaign-against-judges-at-thai-universities/

Student activists at Thammasat and Chulalongkorn universities launched campaigns targeting two Constitutional Court judges who also serve as guest lecturers at their institutions. This action follows the court’s recent ruling that led to the disbandment of the Move Forward Party (MFP). Thammasat University Student Council Rangsit Campus and the committee of students from the Faculty of Law posted an open letter on Facebook on Saturday, August 10, urging law students to sign a petition to have Udom Rathamarit, a Constitutional Court judge, removed as a special lecturer. These student groups accused the judge of failing to set a good example and embarrassing the legal community with his interpretation of the constitution in the MFP ruling, which they claim did not align with his teachings. The groups plan to submit the collected signatures to the dean of Thammasat’s Faculty of Law tomorrow. At Chulalongkorn University, the Student Council has invited Jiraniti Havanon, another Constitutional Court judge and special lecturer for Chulalongkorn’s Faculty of Law, to a meeting to discuss the controversial ruling. Scheduled for 1pm tomorrow, August 14, the meeting will be broadcast live on the council’s Facebook page, allowing anyone to watch and ask questions. The council’s invitation expressed concerns that the Constitutional Court judges did not adequately address the Election Commission’s (EC) failure to follow proper court-mandated procedures. They also accused the judges of not adhering to the core principle that party dissolution should be a measure of last resort. Education standards In their statement, the student council argued that the ruling violated the principles of the Legal State and the Rule of Law, potentially harming the education standards for current and future law students at Chulalongkorn. Nakarin Mektrairat, President of the Constitutional Court, declined to comment on the students’ actions against the court’s judges on Monday. He also refrained from commenting on the court’s anticipated ruling regarding Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s fate, expected tomorrow. In a related incident, Warner Music Thailand issued a public apology on Sunday night for a post that appeared on its official Facebook page the previous day. The post featured a doctored image of the Constitutional Court judges with portraits of the King and King Rama IX in the background, which was deemed inappropriate and potentially contemptuous of the court, as well as a violation of the lese majeste law, reported Bangkok Post Following a social media backlash, the doctored image was replaced with an apology note. Warner Music Thailand stated that the employee responsible for creating and posting the image did so without permission and would face a disciplinary hearing for actions that contravened the company’s rules and professional standards. by Bob Scott Bob Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Russian Man Arrested in Thailand After 1,599 Days Overstay Picture courtesy: Immigration Bureau In a bizarre yet alarming incident, a Russian national has been apprehended in Thailand for causing a public disturbance and begging in local villages. The individual, identified as Mr. Dmitri (surname withheld), 56, was found near the Banana IT shop on Koh Phangan, begging for food and sleeping by the roadside. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335346-russian-man-arrested-in-thailand-after-1599-days-overstay/

Picture courtesy: Immigration Bureau In a bizarre yet alarming incident, a Russian national has been apprehended in Thailand for causing a public disturbance and begging in villages. The individual, identified as Mr. Dmitri (surname withheld), 56, was found near the Banana IT shop on Koh Phangan, begging for food and sleeping by the roadside. Thai Tourist Police, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Winij Bunchit of the 5th Sub-Inspectorate of Tourist Police, were called in to handle the situation. Upon verifying his documents, the authorities discovered that Mr. Dmitri had overstayed his visa by an astonishing 1,599 days. Mr. Dmitri, who revealed that he is half Russian and half Canadian, admitted to entering Thailand on a Russian passport. Despite holding citizenship in both Russia and Canada, Mr. Dmitri had opted to use his Russian credentials for his entry into Thailand. This revelation deepened the situation, leading him to be taken into custody at the Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal action, reported Matichon. This incident has caught the attention of senior officials in the Tourist Police Bureau. Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueak-am, Commanding Officer of the Tourist Police Bureau, has instructed a stricter oversight of foreign nationals and workers, particularly those involved in unlawful activities. This directive aims to curb the negative impact on local job markets and prevent offences related to the 10 prohibited activities outlined by authorities. The arrest has stirred mixed reactions among locals and tourists, highlighting the challenges of managing long-term overstays and unauthorized activities by foreign nationals. The situation underscores the importance of regular immigration checks and community vigilance to uphold local laws and regulations. It remains to be seen what legal recourse will be taken against Mr. Dmitri, but this incident serves as a strong reminder of the critical importance of adhering to visa regulations. -- 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai PM calls for tourist safety in Phuket ahead of high season by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Travel + Leisure Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin insists tourist safety in Phuket must be prioritised ahead of the upcoming high season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335345-thai-pm-calls-for-tourist-safety-in-phuket-ahead-of-high-season/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin insists tourist safety in Phuket must be prioritised ahead of the upcoming high season. The Thai premier made these remarks during a meeting with tourism-related agencies in Phuket yesterday, August 12, to prepare for the high tourist season from September to February. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Royal Thai Police, Provincial Police Region 8, Tourist Police Bureau, Immigration Bureau, Marine Police, Royal Thai Navy (RTN), Phuket Provincial Governor, and Airports of Thailand (AoT). A source revealed that the 62 year old prime minister emphasised the need for all relevant agencies, particularly police officers, to be fully prepared to provide services to tourists and address potential crimes, whether committed by or against tourists. Even though the high season has not yet begun, tourist numbers in Phuket have already surged. According to AoT reports, Phuket International Airport has been handling 20-30 flights daily this month. During the high season, the airport expects to welcome 14,000-15,000 tourists each day, amounting to approximately 600,000 tourists per month—double the number compared to last year, the source added. The Bangkok-born premier also directed AoT to speed up baggage handling processes to avoid long wait times. He highlighted the importance of the automated document verification system to help reduce the workload for immigration officers, ensuring that tourists do not wait more than 30 minutes at immigration during peak times. Provincial Police Region 8 outlined their preparations to facilitate tourism and prevent crimes, including plans to collaborate closely with consulates in Phuket, such as those of Russia, China, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavian countries. Moreover, there will be an increase in the number of international volunteers to assist tourists in communicating with authorities or offering other help. Police will strictly enforce the law to reduce crimes and enhance tourist safety, especially as the government has extended the operating hours of entertainment venues to 4am, a move that has received positive feedback from tourists, the source noted. The Thai PM also instructed the RTN to assist tourists in case of accidents at sea, reported Bangkok Post. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Travel + Leisure Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Temu's Entry Rattles Thai SMEs; Govt Races to Protect Local Businesses Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The recent arrival of Temu, a major international e-commerce platform, has stirred up the Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, acknowledged on August 13 that while Temu's entry brings opportunities, it also presents significant challenges for local businesses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335341-temus-entry-rattles-thai-smes-govt-races-to-protect-local-businesses/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The recent arrival of Temu, a major international e-commerce platform, has stirred up the Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, acknowledged on August 13 that while Temu's entry brings opportunities, it also presents significant challenges for local businesses. Temu’s presence is a sign of the changing trade landscape, heavily influenced by technology and the internet. Phumtham pointed out that the entry of such a competitive platform is a wake-up call for Thai SMEs, who must adapt quickly to survive in this new environment. The Ministry of Commerce, keen to maintain fair and sustainable e-commerce, is taking swift action. In a proactive measure, they convened a high-level meeting involving multiple ministries and agencies. The focus was on ensuring imported products meet local standards like TIS and FDA requirements and devising fair tax policies for transnational platforms. The goal is to prevent low-quality or hazardous products from entering the Thai market while ensuring fair competition, reported Matichon. Additionally, the Ministry discussed measures to collect appropriate e-commerce taxes from international platforms. This move aims to create a level playing field for local businesses and shield the domestic economy from potential harm. The Ministry also plans to bolster Thai SMEs by opening new markets, especially in China. An upcoming Live-Commerce festival in September will see foreign influencers promoting Thai products directly to Chinese consumers. This initiative targets generating around 1,500 million baht through export sales. Enhancing SME capabilities is high on the agenda. The government is determined to fortify local businesses against the backdrop of an evolving global trade landscape. Rather than resorting to protectionist measures, Phumtham advocates for collaborative approaches that promote healthy competition. The government remains committed to mitigating the adverse effects caused by the surge of international e-commerce platforms. Through coordinated efforts with relevant sectors, Phumtham assures that the Ministry of Commerce will find balanced solutions that safeguard consumer interests, support SMEs, and embrace innovation. In summary, Temu’s entry has disrupted Thai SMEs, prompting the government to implement protective measures while capitalising on new opportunities. The overarching aim is to ensure that Thailand’s economy and society prosper in the wake of global trade shifts. -- 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai BBQ Restaurant Caught in Viral Refund Controversy Picture courtesy: Khaosod A popular Thai BBQ restaurant recently found itself under a social media spotlight after a customer demanded a refund despite having dined for nearly two hours. The incident, captured in a video, has gone viral, sparking widespread online discussion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335337-thai-bbq-restaurant-caught-in-viral-refund-controversy/

Picture courtesy: Khaosod A popular Thai BBQ restaurant recently found itself under a social media spotlight after a customer demanded a refund despite having dined for nearly two hours. The incident, captured in a video, has gone viral, sparking widespread online discussion. The episode unfolded on August 11 at the popular eatery. According to various reports, a customer, who had been dining from 4:32 PM to 6:28 PM, approached the restaurant owner claiming poor service and demanding a refund. The restaurant's security footage, however, contradicted the customer's complaints, showing them actively consuming food throughout their stay. The situation began to deteriorate when the customer requested a new cooking pot after the first one became burnt. The restaurant promptly replaced it, allowing the group to continue eating. Despite having dined for an additional hour, the customer insisted they hadn't eaten much and vehemently complained about inadequate service. The restaurant's owner attempted to resolve the issue by offering apologies and even preparing a new table, but the customer's partner deemed it unnecessary, and they left. The matter escalated further when the disgruntled customer called the restaurant ten minutes later, insisting on speaking to the owner again and demanding a refund despite multiple apologies received in person. “They threatened to write negative reviews, so I decided to return their money to avoid any trouble,” explained the restaurant owner. This decision was made to prevent any further damage to the restaurant's reputation, especially in such challenging economic times. The viral video from the security footage shows the customers continuously helping themselves to food, with clips clearly depicting them filling baskets with prawns and balancing plates in both hands. “It’s already tough to run a business these days. Facing such troublesome customers makes it even harder. We work hard to provide good service, and it’s disheartening to deal with people who take advantage like this,” lamented the owner. The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by restaurant owners in dealing with difficult customers while striving to maintain a positive reputation and quality service amid a competitive industry. -- 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Former School Director Sentenced to 250 Years for Corruption Scandal Picture courtesy: Daily News In a landmark ruling, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 6 has sentenced Mr. Suthep Sukthong, the former director of Ban Phon Thong School, to 250 years in prison. The sentence comes after evidence revealed ongoing corruption involving the school's lunch funds, allowing the institution to serve substandard meals to students. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335334-former-school-director-sentenced-to-250-years-for-corruption-scandal/

In a landmark ruling, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 6 has sentenced Mr. Suthep Sukthong, the former director of Ban Phon Thong School, to 250 years in prison. The sentence comes after evidence revealed ongoing corruption involving the school's lunch funds, allowing the institution to serve substandard meals to students. The investigation began in Phon Thong District, Roi Et Province, where it was discovered that school children were being served meals consisting solely of fried meatballs and mackerel heads. In many cases, the food was reportedly spoiled to the point of being inedible. An audit of the lunch fund unearthed that although 20 baht per student was allotted for meals, only 14 baht per student actually reached the caterers, pointing towards significant embezzlement, reported Daily News. Mr. Suthep Sukthong, along with Mr. Wisut Puangchampee, faced charges under various sections of the Criminal Code and the NACC (Organic Act on Counter Corruption). The charges included wrongdoing under Sections 151, 157, and 162 (4) of the Criminal Code, and Sections 12 (3/1) and 172 of the NACC Acts of 1999 and 2018. The court found Mr. Suthep guilty and imposed the maximum penalty of five years per count, with a total of 50 counts. This brought the cumulative sentence to 250 years. However, upon Mr. Suthep's confession, the sentence was reduced to 150 years. Mr. Wisut Puangchampee, the other accused in the case, passed away before the conclusion of the trial, resulting in the dismissal of charges against him. The verdict underscores a zero-tolerance stance on corruption within educational institutions, aiming to safeguard the welfare of students. The sentencing serves as a stark warning to public officials on the severe consequences of corruption and the exploitation of public resources. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 13 August 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335332-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-13-august-2024/

The Ministry of Industry and the Department of Environment have agreed to draft a plan to assist areas recently contaminated by the illegal dumping mainly in Rayong, Ayutthaya, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phetchabun. meanwhile Thai authorities are urgently working to block around 100 shipping containers, allegedly filled with hazardous industrial waste from Albania, from reaching the country's ports. After The US-based Basel Action Network, which tracks toxic trade, alerted the government about the containers possibly heading toward Thailand. Authorities have resumed the search for a Korean man who vanished in the Ping River near Chiang Mai on Sunday. Police found his belongings, including muddy shoes, trousers, and a passport belonging to 44-year-old Won Chang. Witnesses reported seeing the man exit a tuk-tuk, smash his laptop, scatter money, and then swim several hundred meters before disappearing. Torrential rain caused The Pai River in Mae Hong Son to overflow in a fast flowing torrent of water that damaged homes and swept away several vehicles and forced residents to move to higher ground in the mountains. Several students became stranded unable to cross the river, Villagers and teachers managed to find food and drinking water, then braved strong currents to deliver supplies to the stranded students. Around the region China Beijing has admitted that a Chinese-owned ship damaged a critical Baltic Sea gas pipeline running between Estonia and Finland last October, but says it was an accident. Media reports that The Chinese authorities conducted an internal investigation and recently informed the European countries. Todays Weather Chiang Mai and the north: cloudy, rain thundershowers 29C degrees celsius Bangkok: partly cloudy, thundershowers 34 Pattaya: cloudy 31 Phuket and the south: Sunny partly Cloudy 32 Hia Hin: Bright, becoming cloudy this afternoon with isolated showers 32C Much the same over the weekend . AQI: green which is good Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Wunderground.com The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Windy.com. -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-08-13 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese Companies Target Thai Bus and Restaurant Sectors for Expansion Chinese companies have set their sights on Thailand's struggling bus and restaurant sectors, sparking concern among local business owners. Plagued by high operational costs and continuing losses, many Thai bus operators are now contemplating selling their businesses. This dire situation has caught the attention of Chinese bus manufacturers and operators keen on expanding their market into Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335330-chinese-companies-target-thai-bus-and-restaurant-sectors-for-expansion/

Chinese companies have set their sights on Thailand's struggling bus and restaurant sectors, sparking concern among local business owners. Plagued by high operational costs and continuing losses, many Thai bus operators are now contemplating selling their businesses. This dire situation has caught the attention of Chinese bus manufacturers and operators keen on expanding their market into Thailand. Sources indicate that Chinese firms are particularly eager to introduce electric buses. This initiative comes at a critical time when nearly half of Thailand’s bus fleet is out of commission due to financial difficulties. A parallel crisis is unfolding in Thailand's restaurant industry. Ms. Prapatsorn Rangsiroj, President of the Thai Restaurant and Street Food Association, shed light on the issue, expressing concerns over the growing influence of Chinese investment, reported The Pattaya News. "Chinese investors are setting up their own restaurants, similar to the ‘zero-based tours,’ where tourists dine solely at Chinese-owned establishments," Prapatsorn remarked. The financial plight has been devastating for local eateries. According to Prapatsorn, around 50% of Thai-owned restaurants have shuttered due to economic strains. She warned that the situation could deteriorate further by the end of 2024, potentially leading to increased foreign acquisitions, particularly from China, in prominent areas such as Ratchada and Huai Khwang in Bangkok. Alarmed by these developments, Thai business owners are calling for government intervention. They urge the authorities to investigate potential illegal foreign nominees and ensure that existing laws around business ownership are enforced to prevent a complete takeover by foreign entities. The move by Chinese investors underscores the broader strategy of expanding their influence within Southeast Asia, but it also raises questions about the future of local Thai businesses and the preservation of their cultural identity in the face of burgeoning foreign ownership. Source: The Pattaya News -- 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Blowback begins about latest visa exemptions and DTV discretion By Barry Kenyon The Thai digital nomad visa seems less controversial than the other immigration-related changes. It’s less than a month since the latest immigration-related changes were introduced. But Thai spokespeople are having some trouble swallowing the detail and repercussions. Sisdivachr Chweewarattanaporn, president of Thai Travel Agents, told the Bangkok Post, “The 60-days visa-free scheme for foreign tourists will allow more foreigners to work illegally in Thailand. Typically, those visiting Thailand for tourism tend to stay less than a month.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335329-blowback-begins-about-latest-visa-exemptions-and-dtv-discretion/