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Thailand Targets Saudi Tourists with New Direct Flights to Phuket Screenshot. File photo Thailand's tourism sector is poised to welcome an influx of Saudi Arabian tourists, thanks to new direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah to the popular resort island of Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345261-thailand-targets-saudi-tourists-with-new-direct-flights-to-phuket/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 4 December 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1345265-thailand-live-wednesday-4-december-2024/

Screenshot. File photo Thailand's tourism sector is poised to welcome an influx of Saudi Arabian tourists, thanks to new direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah to the popular resort island of Phuket. Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has initiated three services a week to Phuket, starting with its inaugural flight SV852 from Riyadh which landed on Monday. Another service, SV850, from Jeddah, followed suit on Wednesday. The ambition behind these direct flight routes is to diversify Saudi Arabian tourism beyond Bangkok, facilitating easier access to the idyllic beaches and vibrant nightlife of Phuket. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, emphasised the significance of this development, noting that it aligns with the ongoing effort to bolster the tourism economy by attracting high-value visitors. Since the restoration of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Saudi Arabia in 2022, after over 30 years, the number of Saudi tourists visiting Thailand has shown a robust increase. In the first 10 months of this year alone, approximately 188,000 Saudis visited Thailand, marking a 30% rise compared to the same period in the previous year. The TAT has set a target of achieving 220,000 Saudi visitors for the entire year. Given the positive reception of these new flight routes, they ambitiously aim to see this number rise to 330,000 next year. Saudi Arabian visitors are known for their significant spending power, with average trip expenditures amounting to about 80,000 Thai Baht. This figure considerably surpasses the average spending of foreign tourists in Thailand, which typically hovers around 50,000 Thai Baht. This highlights the economic potential for Thailand's hospitality and retail sectors, prompted by increased Saudi tourism. With the introduction of these flights, Saudia now provides three flights per week from both Riyadh and Jeddah directly to Phuket. This is in addition to their existing services connecting these cities with Bangkok. As Thailand continues its efforts to rejuvenate its tourism industry post-pandemic, such strategic partnerships and travel routes serve as a foundation for fostering stronger international ties and economic growth. The increasing Saudi interest in Thailand presents an exciting opportunity to showcase the country's myriad attractions beyond the capital city, offering enriched experiences for discerning travellers., reported Bangkok Post -- 2024-12-04

Picture from responders Fire Destroys Iconic Abandoned Ship Hotel on Koh Chang: Blaze Could Take Days to Extinguish A massive fire broke out at the abandoned ship hotel known as Koh Chang Grand Laguna, located in Bang Bao Village, Koh Chang Tai Subdistrict, Koh Chang District, Trat Province. Authorities estimate it will take several days to fully extinguish the flames, which have already spread to approximately 50% of the structure. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345248-fire-engulfs-iconic-“ship-hotel”-on-koh-chang-emergency-teams-struggle-to-contain-blaze/

Drink driver crashes car after offering lift to intoxicated woman by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23 A drunk Thai man offered a lift to an equally intoxicated woman he met on a roadside in the central province of Chachoengsao but failed to get her home because he crashed his car into a traffic barrier. Three people in the vehicle suffered mild injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345228-drink-driver-crashes-car-after-offering-lift-to-intoxicated-woman/

Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23 by Petch Petpailin A drunk Thai man offered a lift to an equally intoxicated woman he met on a roadside in the central province of Chachoengsao but failed to get her home because he crashed his car into a traffic barrier. Three people in the vehicle suffered mild injuries. Bang Pakong Police Station officers and rescuers dashed to the accident scene at the bridge crossing Hon Sin Canal near a U-turn bridge construction site on Bangna-Trat Road. The incident took place at about 2.30am yesterday, December 2. Upon investigation, officers found the white Mazda 2 hatchback with a damaged front bumper near a traffic barrier. The barrier was placed to separate the road from the construction area. The impact of the crash caused the hatchback to be thrown into the construction area. Three injured victims were identified as 27 year old male driver Sathaporn, 22 year old Sathaporn’s friend named Krittiyaporn, and a 33 year old female passenger named Pennapha. Sathaporn and Krittiyaporn were rushed to Chularat 11 Hospital, while Pennapha was sent to Bang Pakong Hospital. After receiving the treatment, Sathaporn informed police that he won a lottery ticket based on the numbers on his registration plate. She then asked Krittiyaporn to celebrate the reward at a restaurant. On their journey home, Sathaporn noticed Pennapa sitting on the roadside intoxicated. Photo via Amarin TV Sathaporn was worried that something bad might happen to her if he left her to sleep there. He offered Pennapha a ride back to her home in the Bang Pli Noi neighbourhood of Samut Prakan province. Unfortunately, Sathaporn, who was also drunk, crashed the car into the traffic barrier, injuring them all. Sathaporn revealed that he had no car or accident insurance, so he had to pay for the car repair himself. Photo via Amarin TV Sathaporn said the reward he claimed from the lottery could not even cover the repair cost. Police are now awaiting Sathaporn’s blood test to see how much alcohol was in his system and are assessing the condition of Pennapha before issuing a change against the driver. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-03

Heavy rain warning issued for southern Thailand provinces by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Tom De Decker, Unsplash The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its third warning about heavy to very heavy rainfall expected to hit southern Thailand from December 3 to December 5. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345218-heavy-rain-warning-issued-for-southern-thailand-provinces/

Picture courtesy of Tom De Decker, Unsplash by Bright Choomanee The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its third warning about heavy to very heavy rainfall expected to hit southern Thailand from December 3 to December 5. The adverse weather conditions are being attributed to a low-pressure system over the southern South China Sea, which is forecast to move across the lower southern region of Thailand and Malaysia before entering the southern Andaman Sea and the Strait of Malacca. This, combined with a moderate northeast monsoon affecting the Gulf of Thailand, is likely to cause Residents in the following areas are advised to prepare for potential flash floods and landslides: December 3: Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Trang, Satun December 4: Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang, Satun December 5: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang, Satun The TMD has urged people in flood-prone and mountainous areas to stay vigilant as accumulated rainfall may lead to sudden flooding and water runoff. Sea conditions in the Gulf of Thailand are expected to become rough, particularly in the lower regions, with waves reaching 1 to 2 metres and rising higher during thunderstorms. Mariners are advised to exercise caution, avoid storm-affected zones, and avoid venturing into areas with heavy rainfall. Officials have encouraged residents to stay informed through official announcements and to prepare for emergencies, reported KhaoSod. Travellers, particularly those heading to or from the southern provinces, are advised to plan and monitor weather conditions closely. For updates, visit the TMD’s website at www.tmd.go.th or contact their hotline at 1182, available 24/7. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-03

Thailand's Marriage Equality Bill to Become Law Next Month Picture courtesy: South China Morning Post Thailand is set to become the third region in Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal, to legally recognise same-sex marriage, with the Marriage Equality Bill poised to take effect next month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345216-thailand-prepares-for-historic-marriage-equality-law-enactment/

Picture courtesy: South China Morning Post Thailand is set to become the third region in Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal, to legally recognise same-sex marriage, with the Marriage Equality Bill poised to take effect next month. Following its royal endorsement, the law was published in the Royal Gazette on 24th September, heralding a significant shift in Thai legislative history. From 22nd January, same-sex couples will be legally permitted to register their marriages, marking the commencement of a new era of legal equality. To prepare for this landmark change, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, alongside various governmental ministries and Bangkok Pride, hosted the "Marriage Equality Day" event. This initiative aimed to assess and ensure Thailand's readiness for the bill's implementation. Kannapong Pipatmontrikul, from the Interior Ministry, announced the formation of a committee to update marriage registration systems, allowing same-sex marriage registrations at district offices nationwide. The language of regulations is being adapted to remove gender-specific terms, substituting "individuals" and "married couples" to align with the spirit of the new law. Once these regulatory amendments receive approval from the Interior Minister, system modifications and trial runs will follow, training staff across registration offices to handle the updated processes proficiently. Post-enactment, same-sex marriage registration will be open to individuals aged 18 and over—a provision that includes parental or guardian consent for those under 20. Further efforts are underway to revise connected legal frameworks, ensuring equal rights for same-sex couples across other legislative areas such as surrogacy, nationality, and gender recognition, according to Kerdchoke Kasemwongjit from the Justice Ministry. This holistic approach aims to guarantee full parity with heterosexual couples in establishing and nurturing families, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-12-03

Overstaying American Arrested at Phuket Airport By Goongnang Suksawa An American man was arrested at the Phuket International Airport for 21 days of overstay. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345213-overstaying-american-arrested-at-phuket-airport/

By Goongnang Suksawa An American man was arrested at the Phuket International Airport for 21 days of overstay. Phuket Immigration at the airport told the Phuket Express that over the past weekend they arrested the unidentified 40-year-old American man at the international terminal in the airport. He was found to have overstayed for 21 days. The American man was taken to the Sakoo Police Station to face overstay charges. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS -- 2024-12-03

Monk's Makeshift Eyebrows with Tape Solves Welfare Card Payment Issue Picture courtesy: MGR online A monk's ingenious approach to a welfare payment mishap has captivated social media users. After failing to verify his identity with the state welfare payment app due to missing eyebrows, the monk received help from inventive store staff who used black adhesive tape to create temporary eyebrows. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345209-monks-makeshift-eyebrows-with-tape-solves-welfare-card-payment-issue/

Picture courtesy: MGR online A monk's ingenious approach to a welfare payment mishap has captivated social media users. After failing to verify his identity with the state welfare payment app due to missing eyebrows, the monk received help from inventive store staff who used black adhesive tape to create temporary eyebrows. This creative solution was shared on Facebook by CNew Viewer 4K, swiftly gaining traction with nearly 8,000 reactions. The monk's dilemma unfolded when the facial recognition system at a partner store, essential for processing welfare card payments, couldn't recognise him because of his eyebrow-less appearance—a characteristic of Buddhist monks. Picture courtesy: MGR online By applying the adhesive-tape eyebrows, the staff managed to enable the system to process the monk's payment successfully. Photos from the incident showed the tape being applied, the monk's face scanned, and a staff member chuckling at the unconventional fix. Picture courtesy: MGR online Commenters on social media both laughed at the humorous scene and noted the real-life challenges such incidents highlight, particularly for shops accepting welfare card payments. This episode underscores the unforeseen hurdles that cultural practices can pose to technology-driven systems, reported MGR online. -- 2024-12-03

Indian Nationals Arrested in Thailand for Illegal Money Lending Picture courtesy: Daily News Thai police have arrested two Indian men masquerading as peanut vendors while secretly running an illegal money lending operation. The arrests were made in Phayao after a coordinated effort by local authorities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345206-indian-nationals-arrested-in-phayao-for-illegal-money-lending/

Picture courtesy: Daily News Thai police have arrested two Indian men masquerading as peanut vendors while secretly running an illegal money lending operation. The arrests were made in Phayao after a coordinated effort by local authorities. The individuals, identified as Mr. Sahani Neeraj, 23, and Mr. Sahani Namo, 27, were detained with significant evidence, including mobile phones, customer lists, and a motorcycle. They were charged with conducting an unlicensed money lending business and overstaying their visas. Reports surfaced that the men were offering high-interest loans—20% interest per day—to market traders and local residents, under the cover of trading peanuts. This operation formed part of a broader initiative by Thai authorities to crack down on illegal lending, which burden many people with unmanageable debts. Authorities have emphasised the importance of such operations, pointing to government policies prioritising the eradication of unlawful financial schemes. Further investigations are ongoing as officials seek to gather more evidence and identify potential accomplices, reported Daily News. -- 2024-12-03

Russian Woman Falls to Her Death from 37th Floor of Condo in Bangkok Picture from responders. The incident occurred on the afternoon of December 2, when a 24 year old Russian woman jumped or fell from the 37th floor of a condominium in Ratchathewi, plunging to her death. At approximately 15:05, Pol. Sub-Lt. Papawin Donmoolphrai, an investigator with the Phayathai Police Station, received a report of a woman having fallen from a high floor of a condominium on Phayathai Road, Ratchathewi district. Police, forensic officers, a medical team from Ramathibodi Hospital, and rescue volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation rushed to the scene. The condominium, consisting of two 44-story buildings, became the site of a horrific discovery. The victim, identified as Ms. Maria, a 24-year-old Russian national, was found lifeless on the pavement beside Tower A. She was wearing a green short sleeved T-shirt and black trousers. The impact caused severe bodily disfigurement, with blood and brain matter scattered across the pavement and onto a nearby wall. Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased had been residing in a rented unit on the 37th floor. When authorities visited the apartment, they encountered her boyfriend, Mr. Nikita, a 39 year old Russian national, who appeared distraught and was reportedly crying uncontrollably. A Russian interpreter was called in to assist with the inquiry. The couple had recently moved into the condominium, having rented the unit on an annual lease just 15 days prior to the incident. Neighbours reported hearing a loud and heated argument between the couple the previous evening. Surveillance footage from the building showed no evidence of a third party entering the unit before the incident. However, there were no cameras positioned to capture the exact location from which she fell or jumped. Authorities are continuing their investigation and plan to interview the boyfriend further to determine the circumstances leading to the tragedy and if this was an accidental fall, suicide or foul play. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help. -- 2024-12-03

Russian Woman Falls to Death from 37th Floor Condo Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV In a tragic incident, a Russian woman has died after falling from the 37th floor of a condominium in the Ratchathewi district of Bangkok. The woman, whose name has not been released, lived there with her partner. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345188-russian-woman-falls-to-death-from-37th-floor-condo/

Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV In a tragic incident, a Russian woman has died after falling from the 37th floor of a condominium in the Ratchathewi district of Bangkok. The woman, whose name has not been released, lived there with her partner. The police, led by Pol. Col. Watcharawee Thammasaema from Phaya Thai Police Station, are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this stage, no further details have been disclosed as officers work to gather evidence and witness statements at the scene. A security guard at the condominium reported that around 3 PM, they heard someone shouting that a person had fallen. On investigation, they found the deceased, who had fallen from the 37th floor of the 44-storey building. The security guard mentioned that the deceased was not familiar to him due to the frequent coming and going of foreign residents. However, it was known that she lived with her male partner, who is approximately 35 years old. Following the incident, police escorted the partner from their residence around 6:30 PM, visibly distressed, reported Amarin TV. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the full circumstances of the fall. -- 2024-12-03

Thai Police Capture Biggest Call Centre Scam Boss Near Cambodia Border Picture courtesy: MGR online In a decisive move against cybercrime, Thailand's Crime Suppression Division has apprehended Demin Wen, a 35-year-old Chinese national believed to helm one of the country's largest call scam operations. The arrest took place near the Cambodian border, specifically in Ban Non Sao Ae village within Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345187-thai-police-capture-biggest-call-centre-scam-boss-near-cambodia-border/

Picture courtesy: MGR online In a decisive move against cybercrime, Thailand's Crime Suppression Division has apprehended Demin Wen, a 35-year-old Chinese national believed to helm one of the country's largest call scam operations. The arrest took place near the Cambodian border, specifically in Ban Non Sao Ae village within Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district. The arrest, announced by Pol Maj Gen Montree Theskhan, follows a meticulously executed operation targeting a series of scam call centres that have become a plague in the region. Demin Wen is suspected of orchestrating a sophisticated network involving numerous SIM boxes, SIM cards, and other crucial telecommunications equipment. These tools were allegedly housed in various rental properties across Chiang Mai province, strategically used to perpetuate scams. Authorities had previously raided these buildings, detaining Mr Wen's Thai wife who was allegedly tasked with overseeing operations. The raids were fruitful, leading to the seizure of an extensive arsenal: 642 SIM boxes, around 590,000 SIM cards, 72 computers, and 1,455 mobile phones were confiscated. The magnitude of this operation highlights the staggering scale of the fraudulent activities. Picture courtesy: MGR online Upon the initial crackdown, Wen narrowly evaded capture, fleeing from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Sawan where he abandoned his vehicle before making his way to Bangkok by bus. His escape was reportedly facilitated by his Chinese wife, Yin Xiaoying, who allegedly orchestrated a further retreat to Sa Kaeo, teetering on the edge of Cambodia. In a twist, Demin Wen professed ignorance of his Thai wife's arrest, claiming his intent was merely to visit the Rong Kluea market in Sa Kaeo. This statement, however, failed to convince authorities who had meticulously tracked his movements. Picture courtesy: MGR online Adding to the saga, Yin Xiaoying, aged 37, was apprehended separately at Suvarnabhumi Airport, effectively truncating their getaway plans. This operation underscores the cross-border complexity of cybercrime and exposes the vulnerabilities exploited by scam networks, which target unsuspecting victims both locally and globally. With a combined cache of equipment potentially worth millions in Thai Baht, the ramifications of this takedown are expected to resonate through criminal circles, serving as both a deterrent and a call to action for enhanced international cooperation against such illicit schemes. The successful apprehension of Demin Wen and his accomplices marks a significant triumph for Thai law enforcement. The move also signals a robust stance against organised scams, albeit amid global efforts to curb such transnational criminal activities. As the investigation unfolds, further insights into the scale and operations of these call scam networks are anticipated, offering potential lessons for other nations grappling with similar challenges, reported MGR online. -- 2024-12-03

Thai monk killed, 5 injured in Buddha statue collapse - video By Petch Petpailin One of the injured monks, Paiwan Wantangphong. | Photo via Amarin TV Locals believe a mysterious destructive force caused the collapse of a Buddha statue at a monastery on the banks of the Mekong River in the Isaan province of Amnat Charoen on November 29, killing one monk and injuring five others. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345175-thai-monk-killed-5-injured-in-buddha-statue-collapse-video/

Grounded: Thai AirAsia denies ticket fraud, blames airline app By Petch Petpailin Photo by ท้อปท่องเที่ยว : Topwstrip via Facebook/ Fly AirAsia Thai AirAsia denied allegations of ticket fraud, stating that the issue stemmed from its application, which was managed by its supplier. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345162-grounded-thai-airasia-denies-ticket-fraud-blames-airline-app/

Bangkok Reigns as Top Travel Spot for 2025 Bangkok has been named the most-booked destination in the world for 2025 by Agoda, with Thailand coming in as the second most popular country for tourists. This was announced by deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan, highlighting Thailand’s growing status as a major travel hotspot. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345167-bangkok-reigns-as-top-travel-spot-for-2025/