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The Surat Thani Immigration Bureau arrested Zak Smith, a British national, who was hiding in Thailand while evading a fraud case involving damages of £7 million. Under the command of regional and provincial police chiefs, investigations were carried out to apprehend foreigners staying beyond their visa limit or illegally residing in the Kingdom. This was particularly focused on popular tourist spots like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao as part of the mission to "clean the house." Picture: Siam Rath The breakthrough in the case occurred on July 8, when authorities discovered that Smith had overstayed his visa and was residing in Koh Samui. Once located, he was found living with his Thai girlfriend in a rental home, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath Smith, aged 30, had been part of a group of six people who illegally streamed Premier League football and other TV shows in the UK, resulting in damages to the copyright owner of approximately £7 million or 315 million Thai Baht over the past five years. Five of the accused had been sentenced to 30 years imprisonment each, but Smith, the sixth defendant, had fled to Thailand. Smith was found to have overstayed his visa by 16 days. After proceedings, he will be returned to the UK, blacklisted from reentering Thailand, and further action will be coordinated with the UK police. Picture: Siam Rath The Surat Thani Immigration Bureau encourages the public to report any crimes or unlawful activities by foreigners at their hotline 1178 or call 0993039889. Top Picture: Siam Rath #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Tourists are calling for stricter security at Pattaya Beach, following numerous disturbances by local teens. Over the past 2-3 weeks, holidaymakers enjoying the seaside landscape have been frequently bothered by groups of teens, leading to frequent disputes and even instances of injury and death. Travelers visiting Pattaya and Jomtien beaches, popular spots for dining and drinking while enjoying the scenic view, reported these incidents, reported INN. These areas are especially crowded during the weekends, with large groups of tourists and teens, some under 20 years and dressed in school uniforms, gathering for drinks. Many tourists prefer to drink outdoors after local entertainment venues close. However, late-night incidents involving disruptive youths have become commonplace, prompting calls for increased police and relevant authority surveillance to ensure the safety of visitors in Pattaya. #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Tourists Appeal for Tightened Security at Pattaya Beach Amid Frequent Youth Disturbances Tourists are calling for stricter security at Pattaya Beach, following numerous disturbances by local teens. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300197-tourists-appeal-for-tightened-security-at-pattaya-beach-amid-frequent-youth-disturbances/

Serial Burglars Arrested in Sattahip Following Numerous Break-ins By Tanakorn Panyadee Sattahip — A Thai couple were arrested on Saturday, July 8th, after they were suspected of breaking into several houses in Na Jomtien within the Sattahip district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300193-serial-burglars-arrested-in-sattahip-following-numerous-break-ins/

Sattahip — A Thai couple were arrested on Saturday, July 8th, after they were suspected of breaking into several houses in Na Jomtien within the Sattahip district. The thieves were caught after they sold to a pawn shop a television and a microwave believed to have been stolen from a house within the Baan Eua-Athorn Na Jomtien housing project in Na Jomtien sub-district. They were identified as Ms. Prompimon Trilak, 36, and Mr. Narin Phunet, 35. The police said the thieves were actually a couple. However, during a press conference to announce their arrest, Mr. Narin and Ms. Prompimon blamed each other for the break-in, likely signaling the end of their relationship. By Tanakorn Panyadee #news Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/10/serial-burglars-arrested-in-sattahip-following-numerous-break-ins/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Four Illegal Taxi Drivers Arrested in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – Four illegal taxi drivers were arrested in Patong this weekend, July 9th, 2023 for using a personal vehicle to transfer tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300192-four-illegal-taxi-drivers-arrested-in-patong/

Patong – Four illegal taxi drivers were arrested in Patong this weekend, July 9th, 2023 for using a personal vehicle to transfer tourists. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that this weekend they have arrested four illegal taxi drivers in the Patong area. They were taken to the Patong Police Station to face charges of using personal vehicles to transfer tourists in illegal taxis. Phuket officials have continued to crack down on illegal taxis recently as seen below. By Goongnang Suksawat #news Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/07/09/four-illegal-taxi-drivers-arrested-in-patong/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Officials Inspect Entertainment Venues in Phuket Town By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Phuket officials inspected ten entertainment venues in Phuket Town over the past weekend. One of them was found to be selling alcohol past the legal closing times. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300191-officials-inspect-entertainment-venues-in-phuket-town/

Phuket – Phuket officials inspected ten entertainment venues in Phuket Town over the past weekend. One of them was found to be selling alcohol past the legal closing times. A team of Phuket officers led by the Phuket City District Chief Mr. Pairoj Srilamoon inspected ten entertainment venues in the Phuket City area early Saturday morning, July 8th, 2023. Mr. Pairoj told the Phuket Express that urine drug tests were randomly performed on bar staffers. None of them tested positive for drugs and no minors were found. One of the entertainment venues was found selling alcohol past the legal time. However, the name of the violating venue and staff, as well as possible punishment for the offense, was not released by Pairoj, citing further investigation needed. By Goongnang Suksawat #news Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/07/09/officials-inspect-entertainment-venues-in-phuket-town/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

UPDATE: Police have identified two young women who may have parked the car of missing German in Pattaya by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Case of the missing German took a sinister turn on Sunday morning with a senior Thai police officer confirming that someone had used a cleaning agent to wipe away fingerprints throughout the interior of the vehicle and even on the outside. This suggests that a serious crime has been committed, raising fears for the German man’s fate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300144-three-million-baht-reward-offered-for-finding-missing-german-businessman/?do=findComment&comment=18193208

UPDATE: Police have identified two young women who may have parked the car of missing German in Pattaya by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Case of the missing German took a sinister turn on Sunday morning with a senior Thai police officer confirming that someone had used a cleaning agent to wipe away fingerprints throughout the interior of the vehicle and even on the outside. This suggests that a serious crime has been committed, raising fears for the German man’s fate. There are real fears for the safety and well-being of a German property tycoon who disappeared on Tuesday, July 4th last in the Bang Lamung area of Pattaya after a meeting with a fellow German national to discuss potential property deals. On Sunday, his luxury Mercedes Benz E350 coupé was found in the car park of a condominium complex with police discovering evidence that whoever parked it there had attempted to conceal their fingerprints. It has also emerged that police have spoken to a key witness who saw two young women park the vehicle on Wednesday, July 5th last, sometime in the afternoon. An intense police investigation is underway in Pattaya following the disappearance of Mr Hans Peter Ralter Mach, a 62-year-old property tycoon who has lived in Pattaya for some time and who was reported missing by his family this week. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/07/09/german-property-tycoon-missing-in-pattaya-hans-peter-ralter-mach/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Democrats fail to elect a new leader due to lack of a quorum The extraordinary general meeting of the Democrat party, called to elect a new party leader and executive board today (Sunday), was abruptly adjourned after the meeting was found to lack a quorum. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300190-democrats-fail-to-elect-a-new-leader-due-to-lack-of-a-quorum/

The extraordinary general meeting of the Democrat party, called to elect a new party leader and executive board today (Sunday), was abruptly adjourned after the meeting was found to lack a quorum. The meeting, at the grand ballroom of the Miracle Hotel, started at about 2.30 pm. Several former leaders, including Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan and Jurin Laksanawisit, attended the meeting along with numerous party members. The only agendum of the meeting was to elect a new party leader to replace Jurin, who resigned after the announcement of the May 14th election result, which saw the party routed in Bangkok and losing significant ground in its southern stronghold. Party secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on also quit. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/democrats-fail-to-elect-a-new-leader-due-to-lack-of-a-quorum/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Supporters turn out in droves in Bangkok to offer moral support to Pita A large number of supporters of the Move Forward party gathered in front of the Central World shopping mall at the Ratchaprasong intersection today (Sunday), to offer moral support to party leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Many wore orange, the party’s colour. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300189-supporters-turn-out-in-droves-in-bangkok-to-offer-moral-support-to-pita/

A large number of supporters of the Move Forward party gathered in front of the Central World shopping mall at the Ratchaprasong intersection today (Sunday), to offer moral support to party leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Many wore orange, the party’s colour. Rain at about 4pm forced people to take shelter on the sky walk, while others used their umbrellas as they waited for Pita and the party’s Bangkok MPS, who are scheduled to meet their supporters at Ratchaprasong to thank them for their overwhelming support in the May 14th general election. The party took all but one of the 34 parliamentary seats for Bangkok. The other seat went to the Pheu Thai candidate. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/supporters-turn-out-in-droves-in-bangkok-to-offer-moral-support-to-pita/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

300,000 Baht Robbery at Chalong Motorbike Rental Shop By Goongnang Suksawat Chalong – A thief broke into a motorbike shop in Chalong and reportedly stole a motorbike and more than 300,000 baht in cash. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300187-300000-baht-robbery-at-chalong-motorbike-rental-shop/

Chalong – A thief broke into a motorbike shop in Chalong and reportedly stole a motorbike and more than 300,000 baht in cash. Chalong Police told the Phuket Express that Ms. Saijai Phonuin, 34, filed a report to police along with CCTV footage taken from the nearby area. The motorbike rental shop is located in Soi Ta-iad. She said the CCTV camera at the shop was not working at that time but a thief broke into the shop earlier this week. She said the thief stole a motorbike and cash costing in total 318,350 Baht. By Goongnang Suksawat #news Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/07/09/300000-baht-robbery-at-chalong-motorbike-rental-shop/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Fitness Center Raided in Bangkok, Allegedly Secretly Used For Gay Sexual Activities By Goongnang Suksawat Bangkok – A fitness center in Bangkok was raided where officers discovered many used condoms and said the center was allegedly being used secretly as a meetup location for gay sexual activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300186-fitness-center-raided-in-bangkok-allegedly-secretly-used-for-gay-sexual-activities/

Bangkok – A fitness center in Bangkok was raided where officers discovered many used condoms and said the center was allegedly being used secretly as a meetup location for gay sexual activities. Police from the Children and Woman Protection Sub-Division told TPN media that on Friday night (July 7th) they raided a fitness center and sauna on the Ratchada Phisek Road near the Mahai Sawan Intersection. The raid came after law enforcement officers received anonymous complaints that the place was operated as a place for gays to have various sexual activities and not for fitness. Many used condoms were found by law enforcement on the grounds of the center in small massage rooms. The fitness center collected 200 baht in entry fees from men each time they visited. #news Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/08/fitness-center-raided-in-bangkok-allegedly-secretly-used-for-gay-sexual-activities/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Thailand’s potential as international events hub questioned amidst Taylor Swift tour snub by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Taylor Swift, via Facebook The exclusion of Thailand from the itinerary of Taylor Swift‘s world tour has prompted the denizens to reconsider the nation’s global standing as a viable hub for international exhibitions and events. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300185-thailand’s-potential-as-international-events-hub-questioned-amidst-taylor-swift-tour-snub/

The exclusion of Thailand from the itinerary of Taylor Swift‘s world tour has prompted the denizens to reconsider the nation’s global standing as a viable hub for international exhibitions and events. Bringing the country’s potential into question, it was revealed that the total revenue from meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry for the final quarter of last year was 28.5 billion baht, of which exhibitions contributed over twice as much as corporate meetings at 6.88 billion baht, compared to 3.24 billion, as cited by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). As business normalises and traffic increases, accommodating larger events or concerts in the capital’s convention centres becomes a daunting task. Two simultaneous international shows can attract over 10,000 visitors, leading to traffic congestion. INRIX Research’s 2022 Global Traffic Scorecard identified Bangkok as the second most congested city in Asia with 67 lost hours. Contrastingly, Singapore National Stadium, with a 55,000 seat capacity and hosting Taylor Swift’s forthcoming concerts, benefits from direct MRT station connectivity. On the other hand, the Rajamangala Stadium, Thailand’s biggest with 51,000 seats, is a 3 kilometre walk away from the closest Yellow Line railway station. Loy Joon How, general manager at Impact Exhibition Management, said success also hinges on delivering high-quality international events consistently and a proactive marketing and branding strategy. “Critical to positioning Thailand as an international event and entertainment hub is efficient urban planning and infrastructure.” by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Taylor Swift, via Facebook #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-potential-as-international-events-hub-questioned-amidst-taylor-swift-tour-snub -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

World Bank Raises Outlook for Thai Economic Recovery by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The World Bank’s Thailand Economic Monitor for June 2023 has indicated the Thai economic recovery is projected to accelerate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300184-world-bank-raises-outlook-for-thai-economic-recovery/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The World Bank’s Thailand Economic Monitor for June 2023 has indicated the Thai economic recovery is projected to accelerate. The bank’s forecast for Thai GDP growth in 2023 has also been revised up to 3.9% due to stronger than expected external demand. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri made known that in acknowledgment of this development, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed his appreciation for all relevant parties working to ensure the nation’s economic recovery. He added that the premier was confident in his administration’s stimulus policies, which were based on continuous assessments of economic conditions. The policies were intended to help strengthen the Thai economy, with the World Bank’s revised projections reflecting the results. The World Bank noted that Thailand’s economic growth rebounded by 4.5% in the first quarter of 2023 amid high domestic demand and tourism revenue. The World Bank report said the current account balance is expected to reverse from the deficit of the past two years and return to positive territory in 2023 at 2.5% of GDP, due to improving trade in both goods and services. Meanwhile, it said labor market conditions are showing improvement as recovery continues across sectors related to tourism, trade and hospitality. The report further noted that the unemployment rate stood at 1.1%, down from 1.5% in the same quarter of last year. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, more than 12.4 million foreign visitors have visited Thailand since the beginning of the year, generating about 500 billion baht in revenue for the kingdom. Spokesperson Anucha said the World Bank report projected that the Thai economy will expand by 3.6% and 3.4% in 2024 and 2025, respectively. It nevertheless warned of risks that must be navigated, such as weaker-than-expected growth of the global economy and various other challenges such as climate change. It also mentioned that Thailand frequently suffers from droughts and floods, although it acknowledged that progress has been made to better cope with these problems. by Natthaphon Sangpolsit #news Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230708160532067 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Chuan defends Move Forward MP Sirikanya Sirikanya Tansakul Former parliament president and House speaker Chuan Leekpai has defended Move Forward party-list MP Sirikanya Tansakul, following an accusation, by serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya, that the new MP did not take the oath properly when the House convened for the first time on July 4. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300183-chuan-defends-move-forward-mp-sirikanya/

Former parliament president and House speaker Chuan Leekpai has defended Move Forward party-list MP Sirikanya Tansakul, following an accusation, by serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya, that the new MP did not take the oath properly when the House convened for the first time on July 4. Srisuwan filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission on Friday, seeking an investigation into Sirikanya for allegedly not taking the oath properly, as constitutionally required from all MPs before they can start to perform their duties in parliament. Srisuwan claims that the Move Forward MP did not say her name after the House speaker spoke the lines of the oath, to be repeated by all the MPs present. Top photo: Sirikanya Tansakul #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/chuan-defends-move-forward-mp-sirikanya/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.