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UPDATE: Tree Collapse on Zipline Bridge in Chiang Mai Claims One Chinese Tourists Life, Injures Another By Kittisak Phalaharn Chiang Mai — At 2:50 PM on August 1st, 2024, the Erawan Emergency Response Center in Chiang Mai received a report of a fallen tree injuring two Chinese tourists at a zipline site in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334433-chinese-tourist-killed-by-falling-tree-while-ziplining-in-chiang-mai/?do=findComment&comment=19113057

Tree Collapse on Zipline Bridge in Chiang Mai Claims One Chinese Tourists Life, Injures Another By Kittisak Phalaharn Chiang Mai — At 2:50 PM on August 1st, 2024, the Erawan Emergency Response Center in Chiang Mai received a report of a fallen tree injuring two Chinese tourists at a zipline site in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, rescuers quickly transported the victims to Doi Saket Hospital, while alerting relevant agencies for further investigation. According to eyewitnesses, it was reported that a Chinese couple were returning from the final zipline platform to the office area when a tree suddenly collapsed onto the rope bridge they were crossing. The victims were, publicly identified only as Mrs. Jing (44) and Mr. Lui (46), both Chinese nationals. The tree struck the rope bridge, causing the couple to plummet 15 meters to the ground. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-02 - 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

Pattaya City achieves 99.41 score in anti-corruption assessment by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Pattaya City achieved a significant milestone by securing a score of 99.41 in the Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA) conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). This assessment evaluates ethical practices and transparency among local administrative organisations across Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334450-pattaya-city-achieves-9941-score-in-anti-corruption-assessment/

Pattaya City achieved a significant milestone by securing a score of 99.41 in the Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA) conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). This assessment evaluates ethical practices and transparency among local administrative organisations across Thailand. Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet proudly shared the results for the fiscal year 2024, highlighting the comprehensive evaluation by the NACC. A total of 8,325 government agencies, including municipalities, provincial administrative organisations, subdistrict administrative organisations, state enterprises, ministries, and departments, were scrutinised to assess their adherence to ethical standards and transparency in public service delivery. Pattaya City’s impressive ITA score places it at the AA (excellent) level among local administrative organisations. This achievement reflects the city’s dedication to maintaining transparency and high standards of work. The mayor attributed this success to the collective efforts of executives and officers who have diligently served the public throughout the past fiscal year. Over the years, Pattaya City has shown significant improvement in its ITA scores. In 2018, the city scored 79.64, followed by a dip to 61.58 in 2019 and further down to 55.19 in 2020. However, the city bounced back with a score of 80.52 in 2021, 98.94 last year, and now a record-breaking 99.41. Mayor Poramese stated that transparency remains a priority during his tenure. The NACC’s evaluation criteria include work performance from January to June, feedback from service users, and on-site inspections. In a message to the citizens, Mayor Poramese expressed gratitude to all sectors of Pattaya City and highlighted the importance of morality and transparency. The city continues to address project challenges and build public trust, reported Pattaya News. In related news, the NACC resolved to address the issue of criminal records for individuals found innocent or not prosecuted, proposing legal reforms and submitting recommendations to the Cabinet for consideration. During a recent meeting, the NACC decided to enhance the management of criminal records, aiming to improve efficiency and accuracy. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-02 - 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

Belgian Man Arrested for Crimes in Thailand and Malaysia Video screenshot via Facebook/ นักข่าว ทำเฒ่า เรื่องเพื่อน A Belgian man has been apprehended by Songkhla Provincial Immigration Police for stealing hotel key cards from Thai and Malaysian tourists, robbing them of 200,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334446-belgian-man-arrested-for-crimes-in-thailand-and-malaysia/

A Belgian man has been apprehended by Songkhla Provincial Immigration Police for stealing hotel key cards from Thai and Malaysian tourists, robbing them of 200,000 baht. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Abdelali, was arrested at a hotel in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, on August 1. Thai and Malaysian victims had previously reported the theft of their belongings to Khor Hong Police Station and Songkhla Provincial Immigration Police, prompting an investigation. Hotel workers had tipped off the authorities, suspecting Abdelali as the culprit. He checked into the hotel presenting only a digital copy of his passport, claiming his physical passport was lost. While workers were occupied with his booking, Abdelali managed to snatch spare key cards to the victims' rooms, making away with their valuables. Upon arrest, Abdelali initially denied all allegations. However, a search of his room revealed incriminating evidence: 52,000 baht in cash, five mobile phones, credit cards, two Malaysian bank debit cards, two luxury watches, and additional valuables, all totalling around 200,000 baht. Authorities used CCTV footage to track Abdelali after he swiftly left the hotel following the theft. He had relocated to another hotel in the same area. Further investigation revealed he had overstayed his visa by over three months. Police noted that Abdelali had a history of similar crimes across various tourist destinations in Thailand. In one case, he rented a motorcycle on Koh Lanta, Krabi province, which he later sold in Hat Yai. Currently, Abdelali faces charges for overstaying his visa. Officials have yet to press theft charges as they continue to investigate his involvement in other thefts. This incident is not isolated; in June, another foreigner was caught using a stolen key to stay in a hotel in Chon Buri. Despite the owner's attempts to remove the intruder, no police arrived, forcing the owner to handle the situation personally. TOP: Video screenshot via Facebook/ นักข่าว ทำเฒ่า เรื่องเพื่อน -- 2024-08-02 - 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 Takeover: Thai E-commerce Expert Issues Price War Warning Stock image courtesy: Thai Rath The Thai e-commerce landscape is about to face a major upheaval, warns Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, CEO of Creden.co and PaySolutions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334438-temus-takeover-thai-e-commerce-expert-issues-price-war-warning/

The Thai e-commerce landscape is about to face a major upheaval, warns Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, CEO of Creden.co and PaySolutions. Speaking on Krungthep Turakij’s Deep Talk programme, Pawoot cautioned that the arrival of the Chinese online retail giant Temu could spell trouble for local retailers already battling fierce competition. Pawoot highlighted that while Thai consumers are already familiar with cheap Chinese goods via platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, Temu’s direct-to-consumer model presents a new level of disruption. “Temu offers Chinese products directly to Thai buyers, bypassing middlemen, with the added lure of Thai language support, local currency transactions, free shipping, and a money-back guarantee.” Temu’s discounts, reaching up to a staggering 90%, are set to intensify the already cut-throat price wars. Local retailers are already feeling the pinch from platform fees and profit shares, which are unregulated and rising. The entry of Temu could push small businesses to the brink, unable to compete with the low prices of Chinese manufacturers. Pawoot foresees a grim future for domestic manufacturing and related industries, predicting factory closures and job losses as demand shifts towards cheaper imports. In response, Pawoot expects market leaders like Shopee and Lazada to ramp up promotions and enhance logistics to hold onto their customer base. These platforms may also pivot towards showcasing unique Thai products to stand out from Temu’s Chinese offerings. Pawoot urged local retailers to innovate, suggesting partnerships to enhance after-sales service, brand building, and leveraging AI to boost sales. He also called on the government to tighten regulations, preventing substandard Chinese goods from flooding the market. In related news, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD recently opened its inaugural Southeast Asian factory in Thailand, garnering considerable attention and praise for the country’s industrial foresight. However, this development also adversely affected long-established Japanese automakers, leading to a ripple effect across numerous Thai factories. Temu's Takeover: Thai E-commerce Expert Issues Price War Warning Stock image courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-08-02 - 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

Rising Star in Thai Motorcycle Racing: Mike Wellers Journey from Street Rider to Championship Contender By Adam Judd Chonburi, Thailand – In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when most activities had come to a halt, Mike re-discovered a renewed passion that would change his life. He purchased a 2008 Honda CBR1000RR and began practicing at the Bira Circuit Race Track, located just 30 minutes from Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334436-rising-star-in-thai-motorcycle-racing-mike-wellers-journey-to-championship-contender/

Chonburi, Thailand – In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when most activities had come to a halt, Mike re-discovered a renewed passion that would change his life. He purchased a 2008 Honda CBR1000RR and began practicing at the Bira Circuit Race Track, located just 30 minutes from Pattaya. The Bira Circuit, open for riding on Saturday and Sunday mornings and all day on Mondays and Tuesdays, became Mike’s primary training ground. Transitioning from street riding to the safer environment of the race track, Mike quickly realized his potential. Encouraged by peers who recognized his natural talent, he entered his first race at the end of 2022. He finished 4th in the Superbike 1000 class and clinched 1st place in the Honda Cup on his Honda CBR1000RR. ad In 2023, Mike completed the entire racing season, securing 2nd place in the Pirelli Superbike Mag 1000cc Championship. As of mid-2024, he has already won the first two rounds of the Superbike 1000 races and achieved 1st and 3rd places in the Honda Cup races, representing Team Buvado Racing. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA EXPRESS 2024-08-02 - 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

Phuket Overstay Crackdown Nets Seven Foreign Nationals A recent crackdown by Phuket's Immigration Office has led to the arrest of seven foreign nationals who significantly overstayed their visas. The operation, conducted over ten days from July 23rd to August 1st, 2024, was aimed at tightening immigration controls and ensuring the safety and regulation of foreign residents on the island. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334434-phuket-overstay-crackdown-nets-seven-foreign-nationals/

A recent crackdown by Phuket's Immigration Office has led to the arrest of seven foreign nationals who significantly overstayed their visas. The operation, conducted over ten days from July 23rd to August 1st, 2024, was aimed at tightening immigration controls and ensuring the safety and regulation of foreign residents on the island. Mr. Muhammad, a Pakistani national, topped the list with an astounding 1,377 days of overstay. Egyptians Mr. Hesham and Mr. Moustafa were next, exceeding their legal stays by 213 and 204 days, respectively. Three Nigerian nationals also found themselves in trouble: Mr. Bright with 599 days, Mr. Onyeanya with 118 days, and Mr. Chinedu with 53 days of overstay. Lastly, Mr. Min Paing from Myanmar overstayed by 46 days. Each of these individuals is now facing charges, illustrating the serious stance Phuket authorities are taking against visa violations. The penalties for overstaying can include fines, detention, and deportation, depending on the severity of the case. This clampdown is part of a broader effort by Thai immigration to maintain control and security, especially in popular tourist destinations like Phuket. With its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Phuket attracts thousands of visitors annually, making immigration control crucial for public safety and order. The Immigration Office stated that these actions signal the beginning of a more rigorous oversight regime. "We want to make it clear that overstaying is a serious offence," a spokesperson revealed to the Phuket Express. "These measures are here to ensure everyone abides by the law, making Phuket a safer and more pleasant destination for all." Authorities encourage anyone facing visa issues to come forward and resolve them legally, avoiding severe repercussions. As Phuket continues to welcome international visitors, the message is clear: adhere to the rules or face the consequences. Source: The Phuket Express -- 2024-08-02 - 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

Chinese Tourist Killed by Falling Tree While Ziplining in Chiang Mai In a tragic accident today in Chiang Mai, a Chinese tourist lost her life, and another was injured when a tree fell on them while they were ziplining. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334433-chinese-tourist-killed-by-falling-tree-while-ziplining-in-chiang-mai/

Killed by falling tree. Picture courtesy: 3PLUS news In a tragic accident today in Chiang Mai, a Chinese tourist lost her life, and another was injured when a tree fell on them while they were ziplining. The incident occurred around noon in Village 2, Thep Sadet Subdistrict, Doi Saket District. The Erawan Rescue Centre swiftly dispatched emergency services to the scene. The couple, Mr. Liu Yang, 46, and Ms. Jing Chen, 44, from China, were crossing a suspension bridge after enjoying a ziplining adventure. Without warning, a large tree, likely destabilised by recent heavy rains, toppled onto the bridge. The impact caused them to plunge approximately 15 metres to the ground below. Rescue teams found Mr. Liu Yang alive but suffering from multiple fractures. He was immediately given first aid before being transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Tragically, Ms. Jing Chen was pronounced dead at the scene. Eyewitnesses say the tree fell due to the soil's inability to support its weight after incessant rainfall. The area has experienced continuous downpours, making landslides and ground shifts more likely. Local authorities have already initiated an investigation into the incident, aiming to understand fully the circumstances leading to the tragedy. They suspect that the saturated soil from ongoing rain was a significant contributing factor. The police have also contacted the Chinese Consulate to inform them of the events and coordinate support for the affected families. Chiang Mai officials have pledged to assist the victims' families and ensure proper compensation is provided according to local regulations,reported 3PLUS news. Moreover, they announced plans to enhance safety measures to prevent such incidents from recurring, especially given the area's popularity among adventure-seeking tourists. This unfortunate event highlights the need for constant vigilance and regular safety checks in high-risk tourist attractions, especially during seasons of heavy rainfall. -- 2024-08-02 - 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

Fully Electric Mobile Foreign Currency Exchange Service Unveiled in Pattaya By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — Kasikornbank (KBANK) has collaborated with Pattaya City to introduce the FX EV Car, an electric vehicle designed for mobile foreign currency exchange services, to enhance convenience for both Thai and international customers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334432-fully-electric-mobile-foreign-currency-exchange-service-unveiled-in-pattaya/

Pattaya — Kasikornbank (KBANK) has collaborated with Pattaya City to introduce the FX EV Car, an electric vehicle designed for mobile foreign currency exchange services, to enhance convenience for both Thai and international customers. Pattaya Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngamphichet welcomed Mr. Boonthep Jiraphat, Assistant Managing Director of Kasikornbank and other Kasikornbank officials yesterday, August 1st, at the Pattaya City Hall. Both parties met to officially launch the FX EV Car, which is 100% electric and serves as the first-ever mobile foreign currency exchange service in Pattaya. Mr. Boonthep announced that Kasikornbank plans to participate in all events in Pattaya, such as the New Year’s Countdown, International Fireworks, Pattaya Music Festival, and Pattaya Marathon. The EV vehicles will be stationed at these events to provide foreign currency exchange services to tourists. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-02 - 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 - Friday 2 August 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334431-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-2-august-2024/

The Social Security Office says it plans to pursue employers who failed to make their contributions to the Social Security Fund. Currently, there is no estimate of the number of companies in arrears or the total amount owed. The department will spend up to a month compiling these figures and intends to establish a permanent unit specifically to track down companies that fail to pay. A Chinese couple's trip to Chiang Mai ended in tragedy when a large tree fell onto the cable bridge zipline they were walking on, A witness said the tree fell as the couple, both in their mid-40s, were heading back to the visitor center, causing them to fall around 15 meters to the ground The wife lost her life in the incident, her husband suffered multiple fractures. Deputy Public Minister of health is calling for the introduction of a separate law to restrict the use and sales of e-cigarettes in Thailand, saying no law specifically deals with e-cigarettes. The idea is to make the possession of e-cigarettes illegal so that the police will have no excuse not to pursue legal action, The department Natural Resources and Environment plans to increase the number of forest rangers to enhance protection and reduce the workload of the current 21,000 rangers who manage 75 million rai of forest and maritime reserves. A team of students from King Mongkut’s University of Technology, North Bangkok, won the 2024 RoboCupRescue league, where teams from 10 countries competed to develop robotic systems for locating victims in simulated disaster scenarios. Their Thai bot can autonomously recognize objects and approach targets, and won "Best in Class" for mobility and dexterity, outperforming teams from Japan and Germany. The competition was held last month in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Around the region. Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Sub-ianto said his upcoming administration would maintain ties with “great friend” Russia, after he met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Mr Prabowo, who is currently Defence Minister, added that he hoped for stronger cooperation on defence, energy and education. He’s set to take over the presidency from Mr Joko Widodo in October. Todays Weather Chiang Mai and the north: rain 29C degrees celsius Bangkok: Cloudy with Thundershowers 32 Pattaya: Cloudy with showers 31 Phuket and the south: Cloudy 31 Hua Hin: bright but Cloudy with showers likely this afternoon 32 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 2024-08-02 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Cannabis Network Urges Thai PM to Expedite Cannabis Act Signing and Regulation By Kittisak Phalaharn On August 1st, 2024, the network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, led by spokesperson Ms. Chokwan Chopaka, submitted a letter to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urging him to promptly sign the Cannabis Act passed by the House of Representatives. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334426-thai-cannabis-network-urges-thai-pm-to-expedite-cannabis-act-signing-and-regulation/

On August 1st, 2024, the network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, led by spokesperson Ms. Chokwan Chopaka, submitted a letter to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urging him to promptly sign the Cannabis Act passed by the House of Representatives. The letter, received by mass communication expert Mr. Pansak Charoen, emphasized that Srettha had previously outlined a strategy to regulate cannabis in Thailand through specific legislation, namely the Cannabis Act. This is instead of a controversial and highly criticized previous proposal, now shelved after numerous protests, to recriminalize cannabis instead. Currently, at least three versions of the bill have passed the House and await the Prime Minister’s signature to proceed to the next legislative stage, according to the network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-02 - 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

Restaurant Industry Faces Over 50% Drop in Spending, Urges Government for Immediate Stimulus By Kittisak Phalaharn On July 31st, 2024, Mr. Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, the Chairman of the Thai Restaurant Business Association, revealed that the restaurant industry has faced a significant drop in spending, exceeding 50% recently. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334425-restaurant-industry-faces-over-50-drop-in-spending-urges-govt-for-immediate-stimulus/

On July 31st, 2024, Mr. Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, the Chairman of the Thai Restaurant Business Association, revealed that the restaurant industry has faced a significant drop in spending, exceeding 50% recently. The association had appealed to the Thai Prime Minister to address the current economic issues with immediate stimulus measures instead of solely relying on the upcoming 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. More than half of the Thai restaurants in the association could close by year-end without prompt action, remarked Sorathep. The combined impact of rising raw material costs and declining consumer spending has left small restaurants struggling. Medium-sized and SME establishments are also suffering due to increased tax burdens. The lack of government response to their initial appeal has left business owners feeling abandoned, questioning the effectiveness of the current administration, concerned Sorathep. The association plans to follow up next week and escalate their concerns if no response is received. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-02 - 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

Thais Warned of Legal Consequences for Exploiting Digital Wallet Composite image. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The government issued a stern warning to citizens that misusing the new digital wallet scheme for cash conversions will result in legal repercussions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334424-thais-warned-of-legal-consequences-for-exploiting-digital-wallet/

The Thai government issued a stern warning to citizens that misusing the new digital wallet scheme for cash conversions will result in legal repercussions. This public alert comes from Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, who highlighted the potential implications for those attempting to circumvent the intended use of funds. The scheme, initiated by the Pheu Thai Party, aims to distribute 10,000 baht to Thai nationals aged 16 and over. The funds, accessible through a digital wallet, are solely intended for purchasing specific goods and services such as groceries, food, and non-alcoholic beverages within recipients' home districts. However, Minister Amornvivat addressed rising concerns that some individuals might cash out their digital wallets at a discounted rate, thereby contravening the policy’s guidelines. "Transactions will be automatically recorded and tracked. Any attempts to misuse these funds will be met with legal action,” emphasized Julapun, though he did not specify the exact legal penalties. Speculation is rife that people might try to exchange their digital wallet credits to pay for items outside the approved list, including utility bills, electronic goods, and even luxury items such as jewellery. This could lead to a significant diversion from the scheme's primary goal of stimulating local economies through specific consumer spending. To date, about 10 million people have registered for the digital wallet through the Stateway App, with numbers expected to surge before the September 15 deadline. The digital wallets are slated to be operational starting October, covering the fourth quarter of the year. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has backed the initiative, asserting that it will boost domestic consumption, create local jobs, and strengthen the overall economy. An estimated 45 million Thai nationals are expected to participate, prompting the government to allocate 450 billion baht—165 billion for this fiscal year and 285 billion for the next, reported Thai Newsroom. The authorities remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that the digital wallets are used as intended, to invigorate the local economy and maintain compliance with the law. TOP: Composite image. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-08-02 - 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

China Vows to Aid Thailand in Tackling Shady Businesses Thailand, China flags. Picture courtesy: Freepik Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang has reiterated Beijing's dedication to helping Thailand tackle the issue of dubious Chinese businesses, while also enhancing trade and relations between the two nations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334423-china-vows-to-aid-thailand-in-tackling-shady-businesses/