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3 Million Baht Reward Offered for Missing Man in Pattaya By Adam Judd A 3 Million baht reward is being offered for finding a missing man in Pattaya. The information and contact details are in the flyer below. Source: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/08/3-million-baht-reward-offered-for-missing-man-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-07-09 - 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.

A reward of 3 million baht is being offered on social media to anyone who knows the whereabouts of a German real estate businessman, who has reportedly been missing from his home in Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri province, with his Mercedes Benz, since July 4th. A 24-year old woman, “Phiraya”, who claims to have been living with the 62-year-old businessman, Hans Peter Ralter Mack, for five years, told Manager Online that she filed a missing person report with Nong Prue police on July 5th, seeking their help in tracking down the man, who left home in the Sweet Paradise housing estate in Nong Prue sub-district on July 4th, to meet a foreign broker regarding a land deal on Samui Island in Surat Thani province, and has not been heard from since. She also said that she offering 100,000 baht for information about what has happened to him, adding that she is concerned for his safety because he has never been away from home for several days. Phiraya also said that the German has two sons, one living in Thailand and the other is about to arrive in Thailand from Spain. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/three-million-baht-reward-offered-for-finding-missing-german-businessman/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-09 - 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.

French firms eye big ticket investment in Thailand’s EEC by Alex Morgan Chula Sukmanop (second from right) visiting the Paris Airshow, Image courtesy of Bangkok Post In a bid to fortify its economy, the Thai government is extending an invitation to French corporations to make significant investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300100-french-firms-eye-big-ticket-investment-in-thailand’s-eec/

In a bid to fortify its economy, the Thai government is extending an invitation to French corporations to make significant investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Identified as an ideal zone for the development of a high-tech industrial park, the EEC comprises sections of Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Rayong. The authorities have identified aviation alongside 11 other S-curve industries as prime investment opportunities within the economic corridor. “EEC officials met executives from French companies and they are interested in investing in the corridor,” revealed Chula Sukmanop, the secretary-general of the EEC Office, post a thorough roadshow dedicated to French entrepreneurs. Several corporations, particularly those engaged in the aerospace and defence industries, have signalled their intent to dive into these investment ventures. These include renowned names such as Safran Group, Thales Group, Satys Aerospace, Volocopter, GIFAS, and VoltAero. Other significant meetings involved Total Energies, Dassault Systemes, Renault Group and Mouvement Des Entreprise De France, heralded as France’s largest employer federation. by Alex Morgan Image: Chula Sukmanop (second from right) visiting the Paris Airshow, Image courtesy of Bangkok Post #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/french-firms-eye-big-ticket-investment-in-thailands-eec -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-08 - 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.

Phuket governor takes action to solve out of school children crisis by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of The Phuket News In a decisive step towards ensuring all children in Phuket receive a formal education, Narong Woonciew, the Governor of Phuket, convened a meeting on a weekend in July at the Phuket Provincial Hall. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300099-phuket-governor-takes-action-to-solve-out-of-school-children-crisis/

In a decisive step towards ensuring all children in Phuket receive a formal education, Narong Woonciew, the Governor of Phuket, convened a meeting on a weekend in July at the Phuket Provincial Hall. The focus of this gathering was squarely on the thousands of children on the island who are currently not registered at any educational institution. Also in attendance were Vice Governor, Amnuay Pinsuwan, along with MP Thitikan Thitipruethikul, and Dr Nucharat Prasitsilpchai, a representative from the Phuket Provincial Education Area office. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Dr Nucharat divulged some startling figures. A recent study revealed that there are 10,935 children aged between six and fifteen years old who were not included in the 2022 education system. A deeper dive into the findings uncovered regional specifics. The Muang District has the largest number of such children, 7,650; followed by Kathu District and Thalang District, with 1,690 and 1,595 children respectively. by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of The Phuket News #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-governor-takes-action-to-solve-out-of-school-children-crisis -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-08 - 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.

Thai SEC seizes Stark Corporation’s assets amidst false accounting claims by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Bangkok Post The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand, in a powerful move, has seized the assets of Stark Corporation and some of its key personnel due to accusations of false accounting. Excessive damages have ensued following this misconduct with Stark’s debts rising above 38 billion baht as believed by the regulators. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300098-thai-sec-seizes-stark-corporation’s-assets-amidst-false-accounting-claims/

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand, in a powerful move, has seized the assets of Stark Corporation and some of its key personnel due to accusations of false accounting. Excessive damages have ensued following this misconduct with Stark’s debts rising above 38 billion baht as believed by the regulators. The SEC has also frozen the assets of Vonnarat Tangkaravakoon, formerly the acting chief executive officer and Stark’s largest shareholder, for 180 days. In addition to this, the assets of former executives, including ex-chairman Chanin Yensudchai, Kundan Sathar Chantrasettalead, Chinawat Assavapokee and Kittisak Jitprasertngam, have been frozen along with those associated with Stark’s associated companies. These range from Thai Cable International, Phelps Dodge International (Thailand), and Adisorn Songkhla Co, to Asia Pacific Drilling Engineering. Charges filed by the SEC at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) against the aforementioned parties, purport they were complicit or in agreement to falsify the financial statements of Stark and its associates during 2021 and 2022 with an intention to deceive. “Reasonable circumstances” have been identified in the freeze order, suggesting a potential threat from the individuals to transfer or sell the assets. Moreover, the SEC announcement also revealed plans to obtain a court injunction restricting the convicts from overseas travel for the next fortnight. by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Bangkok Post #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thai-sec-seizes-stark-corporations-assets-amidst-false-accounting-claims -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-08 - 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.

Khon Kaen shop owners targeted by clever thief employing overpayment scam by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Disturbing incidents have been reported in Khon Kaen, where several local shop owners fell victim to a scam by a short-haired woman masquerading as a male shopper. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300096-khon-kaen-shop-owners-targeted-by-clever-thief-employing-overpayment-scam/

Disturbing incidents have been reported in Khon Kaen, where several local shop owners fell victim to a scam by a short-haired woman masquerading as a male shopper. She would claim she had no cash, ask to transfer more than the purchase price, and then request the difference in cash. The woman disappeared without confirming the transfer, leaving the shopkeepers at a loss. CCTV cameras installed near a beef shop in the Kok Samran district of Khon Kaen captured the perpetrator in action. The alleged thief, a woman sporting a short boyish haircut, parked her bike in front of the store, pretending to be engaged in a phone conversation. She then grabbed a bottle of oil retailing in the shop to refuel her black and grey Honda Wave motorbike. Following this, she engaged the shop owner in a conversation, enquiring about the beef prices. She then ordered half a kilogram of beef. She also opted for a bank transfer payment, where she falsely claimed she would overpay and ask for change in cash. The scam concluded with the shop owner realising no money had been transferred, making the whole transaction a deceitful act. The reporter visited the affected beef shop located near the entrance to the Kok Samran village in Khon Kaen. Twenty-nine-year-old shop owner Oruma revealed the details of the scam that occurred on Wednesday, July 5. She described the woman as short-haired, and around 25 to 30 years old. She said the woman parked her motorbike outside the shop and pretended to have a telephone conversation, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/khon-kaen-shop-owners-targeted-by-clever-thief-employing-overpayment-scam -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-08 - 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.

Thai engineer confirms the safety of Phra Nang Klao bridge by Mitch Connor Photo by David Tang via Flickr In response to buzzing speculation concerning the slim pillars of Phra Nang Klao Bridge, a key project engineer has affirmed that the bridge is indeed designed to global engineering standards. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300095-thai-engineer-confirms-the-safety-of-phra-nang-klao-bridge/

In response to buzzing speculation concerning the slim pillars of Phra Nang Klao Bridge, a key project engineer has affirmed that the bridge is indeed designed to global engineering standards. The suspicion arose last Thursday when a Japanese holidaymaker posted a photo of the bridge on Twitter, voicing fears about the slender columns. The post sent ripples through the online community, being retweeted more than 8000 times and viewed by 13 million people. This sparked a contentious debate on Thai construction safety, with widespread apprehension voiced regarding the pillars’ stability during earthquakes. Patthanapong Thongsuk, an engineer who closely supervised the project, assured the press of the safety and sturdiness of the structure. Thongsuk reiterated that the bridge design meets regulatory compliance as set by the Thai Department of Highways as well as the international AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials). He elaborated that the base of each pillar spans approximately 80 centimetres in thickness and 410cm in width. The height of the columns can range from 10 to 15 metres. The design of the bridge includes allowances in joint spaces allowing for natural contraction and expansion due to thermal effect. by Mitch Connor Photo by David Tang via Flickr #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-engineer-confirms-slim-pillars-on-phra-nang-klao-bridge-meet-global-standards -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-08 - 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. Related topic: Japanese Tourist Questions Structural Integrity of Thai Bridges; Sparks Online Debate

Caught on the fly: Thai police nab Uzbek fleeing prostitution charges in Pattaya by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เจาะลึกทั่วไทย Inside Thailand Thai police arrested an Uzbek man at Suvarnabhumi Airport just as he was about to flee the country due to his involvement in illegal prostitution in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300093-caught-on-the-fly-thai-police-nab-uzbek-fleeing-prostitution-charges-in-pattaya/

Thai police arrested an Uzbek man at Suvarnabhumi Airport just as he was about to flee the country due to his involvement in illegal prostitution in Pattaya. Police officers from the Anti Trafficking In Person Division and the Consul of the Consulate-General of Uzbekistan, Nuriddin Mamatkulov, held a press conference today, July 7, to reveal the arrest details of the 32 year old Uzbek man, Navruzbek. Officers revealed that they received a complaint from two non-profit organisations, NightLight, and Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R), regarding prostitution in Pattaya. The organisations relayed information from an Uzbek victim who told them that she was lured into working in a brothel near Pattaya Walking Street. According to the victim, a criminal gang from Uzbekistan enticed women by offering a position as a chef’s assistant in Pattaya. The gang claimed they would cover transportation costs and visa fees in advance and attracted victims with promises of high wages and free accommodation. Each woman had to take care of at least four customers per day and had to work from 6pm to 6am every day. They were provided with only one meal a day and received no payment for their services. All earnings went to the employers. Failure to meet the targeted income resulted in punishment, like being starved. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เจาะลึกทั่วไทย Inside Thailand #news #Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/caught-on-the-fly-thai-police-nab-uzbek-fleeing-prostitution-charges-in-pattaya -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-08 - 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.

The pharmacist will see you now: Has Thailand found cure for hospital overcrowding? At 59, Wan needs to visit a doctor every four months to keep her hypertension and high cholesterol under control. So, she ends up being a factor in hospital overcrowding and has to suffer long queues for treatment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300090-the-pharmacist-will-see-you-now-has-thailand-found-cure-for-hospital-overcrowding/

At 59, Wan needs to visit a doctor every four months to keep her hypertension and high cholesterol under control. So, she ends up being a factor in hospital overcrowding and has to suffer long queues for treatment. “I turned up at 7am today and waited until 1.30 to see a doctor. Then, I had to wait till nearly 3pm to get my medicines,” she said. Wan ranks among 47 million Thais who are covered by the universal healthcare scheme, under which citizens receive most medical services for free. The main providers of these services are state hospitals, which operate under the Public Health Ministry. Records show that the number of outpatient visits almost doubled from 155 million in 2013 to 300 million in 2017. Queues have thus become longer at state hospitals. This is putting an increasingly severe strain on both patients and medical staff, more and more of whom are complaining of exhaustion. At some overcrowded hospitals, patients are unable to see a doctor without a prior appointment even if they queue up as early as 6-7am. Initiatives to ease hospital overcrowding The Public Health Ministry and the National Health Security Office (NHSO), which manages the universal healthcare coverage scheme, have tried to ease hospital overcrowding with several initiatives. For example, patients with non-communicable diseases are now permitted to pick up medicines from their local pharmacy instead of a hospital. And some hospitals refer patients with non-serious conditions to clinics for treatment. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/the-pharmacist-will-see-you-now-has-thailand-found-cure-for-hospital-overcrowding/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-08 - 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.

Legal action sought against those involved in alleged “import” of Myanmar children Police in Ang Thong province are seeking legal action against a former school director and four others for alleged involvement in “importing” and sheltering 126 Myanmar children. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300088-legal-action-sought-against-those-involved-in-alleged-“import”-of-myanmar-children /

Police in Ang Thong province are seeking legal action against a former school director and four others for alleged involvement in “importing” and sheltering 126 Myanmar children. The former school director was identified as Kalaya Tasom, formerly of the Thai Rath Wittaya School in Pa Moke district, police said. Pa Moke’s superintendent, Pol Col Sakchai Kraiveeradechachai, said that, after identifying their nationality, the children, aged between 7 and 16, were handed over to immigration officials on Thursday for repatriation. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/legal-action-sought-against-those-involved-in-alleged-import-of-myanmar-children/ Related topic: Undocumented Myanmar children to be allowed to attend class in Chiang Rai -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-08 - 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 Richest: Chearavanont family still holds the number 1 spot The Chearavanont family still holds the number one spot among Thailand's billionaires with assets worth 1.18 trillion baht, followed by the Chalerm Yoovidhya family with assets worth 1.16 trillion baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300082-thailands-richest-chearavanont-family-still-holds-the-number-1-spot/

The Chearavanont family still holds the number one spot among Thailand's billionaires with assets worth 1.18 trillion baht, followed by the Chalerm Yoovidhya family with assets worth 1.16 trillion baht. A news report from Forbes Thailand reveals that the ranking of the top 50 Thai billionaires for the year 2023 shows a 15% increase in the combined wealth of the 50 individuals, totaling 1.73 trillion US dollars. However, there are 22 billionaires whose wealth has decreased. The Chearavanont family, belonging to the consumer goods group, still occupies the first rank, reported Daily News. Meanwhile, business magnate Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth has seen the largest decrease in net worth, with a drop of nearly 30% compared to the lowest cutoff criteria for this year's ranking, which is 590 million dollars, down from 655 million dollars in 2022. This means that five billionaires had to say goodbye to the list this year. The top 10 Thai billionaires for the year 2023 are as follows: Rank 1: Chearavanont brothers Net Worth: 34,000 billion dollars or 1.18 trillion baht Rank 2: Chalerm Yoovidhya and Family Net Worth: 33,400 billion dollars or 1.16 trillion baht Rank 3: Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi Net Worth: 13,600 billion dollars or 4.74 trillion baht Rank 4: Chirathivat Family Net Worth: 12,400 billion dollars or 4.32 trillion baht Rank 5: Sarath Ratanavadi Net Worth: 11,300 billion dollars or 3.94 trillion baht Rank 6: Vanich Chaiyawan Net Worth: 3,900 billion dollars or 1.36 trillion baht Rank 7: Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth Net Worth: 3,800 billion dollars or 1.32 trillion baht Rank 8: Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and Family Net Worth: 3,500 billion dollars or 1.22 trillion baht Rank 9: Somphote Ahunai and Family Net Worth: 3,000 billion dollars or 1.04 trillion baht Rank 10: Osathanugrah Family Net Worth: 2,500 billion dollars or 872 billion baht Rank 11: Harald Link $2.3 billion dollars Rank 12 Prayudh Mahagitsiri $2.2 billion dollars Rank 13: Thaksin Shinawatra $2.1 billion dollars Rank 15: Wichai Thongtang $2.01 billion dollars Rank 14: Supaluck Umpujh family $2 billion dollars #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-08 - 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

Pattaya Woman Demands Someone to take Financial Responsibility after Crashing Her Sedan into Construction Site on Threpprasit Road By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A college student in Pattaya is demanding someone to take financial responsibility after she crashed her sedan into a road construction site on Threpprasit Road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300075-pattaya-woman-demands-someone-to-take-financial-responsibility-after-crashing-her-sedan-into-construction-site-on-threpprasit-road/

Pattaya — A college student in Pattaya is demanding someone to take financial responsibility after she crashed her sedan into a road construction site on Threpprasit Road. The victim, 20-year-old Ms. Areeya Sansuk, revealed to The Pattaya News that she crashed her sedan on Threpprasit Road around midnight on July 4th. She said she was driving a Honda City sedan and was totally unaware of the roadwork taking place in the area. As a result, Ms. Areeya collided her vehicle with the construction site, resulting in significant damage to her car. She did not suffer injuries. By Tanakorn Panyadee #news Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/07/pattaya-woman-demands-someone-to-take-financial-responsibility-after-crashing-her-sedan-into-construction-site-on-threpprasit-road/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-07-08 - 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.

Undocumented Myanmar children to be allowed to attend class in Chiang Rai The administrator of a foundation in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai, which is providing temporary shelter to 18 of 126 undocumented Myanmar children from a school in Ang Thong province, said the children will be given the choice of being sent back to Myanmar or continuing their studies in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300074-undocumented-myanmar-children-to-be-allowed-to-attend-class-in-chiang-rai/

The administrator of a foundation in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai, which is providing temporary shelter to 18 of 126 undocumented Myanmar children from a school in Ang Thong province, said the children will be given the choice of being sent back to Myanmar or continuing their studies in Thailand. A school close to the foundation’s office has agreed to accept the children, if they want to study there, said the official. The children, aged from 7 to 13, were studying at Grade 1 and Grade 2 of primary education at the Thai Rath Witthaya School, in Pa Moke district of Ang Thong, before they were forced to leave and sent to five shelters in Chiang Rai to awaitrepatriation, after they were found to be illegal immigrants. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/undocumented-myanmar-children-to-be-allowed-to-attend-class-in-chiang-rai/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-08 - 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.

Public outrage over grandfather who murdered his 12-year-old granddaughter with a baseball bat by James Morris and Son Nguyen Police escorted the accused man, Mr Yutthana Madee or ‘Ai Jab’, as the Criminal Court ordered his detention at Bangkok Remand Prison when family members and the police objected to a bail request. He faced charges connected with the brutal killing of his granddaughter, the use of illegal narcotics and the concealment of her body. The Ministry of Justice has offered to expedite assistance to the distraught family of the young girl who met a brutal end at the hands of a family loved one. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300073-public-outrage-over-grandfather-who-murdered-his-12-year-old-granddaughter-with-a-baseball-bat/