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When a mentally ill son woke up in the middle of the night to find his father dead, he bravely trekked over 7 kilometres on foot to the police station. Police are investigating the suspicious case of his father’s death, which occurred yesteray in Chumphon province’s Thung Tako district. The investigative officer, Police Lieutenant Colonel Paisan Srisawat, was alerted by a 51 year old man named Den (a pseudonym) that his 79 year old father was killed inside their house in Thung Tako. The police officer, finding signs of mental instability in Den, contacted his sister for verification and rushed to the location, discovering the horrifying truth. The inspection was led by Police Major Kittiphong Thepnhu, Chief Investigator of Thung Tako Police station, accompanied by medical officers and rescue volunteers. They found the two-storey house’s owner and Den’s father lying dead with several sharp-cut wounds on his neck, right elbow, and back. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of DJกุ้งThestar Facebook. #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/mentally-ill-man-discovers-fathers-murdered-body-walks-miles-to-report-incident -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-30 - 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 News - Woman’s leg amputated in walkway incident - what happened? : Tim Newton Today - June 30 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299344-thailand-news-woman’s-leg-amputated-in-walkway-incident-what-happened-tim-newton-today-june-30/

Differing stories in Thai media about what happened to a woman, using a walkway/travelator at the Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok yesterday, who ended up with her leg amputated. Thai Police and immigration officials involved in another bribe case, one woman sent to jail for lese majeste charges, Thailand continues to attract foreign film makers, Thailand's largest dams are running low but authorities believe they will fill up again over wet season, more delays to the three-airport high-speed train project, another delay for the 300 baht tourist arrival tax. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists. With thanks to our sponsor 5 Star Marine in Phuket for premium, private charters. Click on this link for a special offer for TNT viewers... https://5starmarinephuket.com/tim/ #news

OPINION: Thailand’s people have spoken. Will its military listen? By the Editorial Board, Washington Post File photo by National News Bureau of Thailand In last month’s parliamentary elections, voters in Thailand made their desire to be rid of military rule and to restore democracy unmistakably clear. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299343-opinion-thailand’s-people-have-spoken-will-its-military-listen/

In last month’s parliamentary elections, voters in Thailand made their desire to be rid of military rule and to restore democracy unmistakably clear. They turned out in record numbers and gave overwhelming support to two pro-democracy parties. Out front in the results was the progressive upstart Move Forward party. Its young leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, should rightly have the claim on the position of prime minister. But the generals and their conservative royalist allies don’t seem to have gotten the message. Or, more likely, they got it loud and clear but are once again choosing to put their own desire to cling to power over the will of the majority of Thais. In the six weeks since the election, the ruling elite has done everything possible to block Mr. Pita from forming a government. More ominously for Thailand’s future, they now appear to be maneuvering to keep him from entering parliament altogether by having him disqualified on highly technical, clearly spurious legal grounds. Mr. Pita’s first big hurdle to the top post is an unfairly skewed system for choosing a prime minister. The new constitution, drafted by the junta and adopted in 2017, was written specifically to preserve the military’s sway over any future elected government and prevent any real reformer such as Mr. Pita from coming to power. By the Editorial Board, Washington Post File photo by National News Bureau of Thailand #news Full story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/06/28/thailand-election-democracy-pita-limjaroenrat/ -- © Copyright The Washington Post 2023-06-30 - 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 vaping trend: Rising e-cigarette use among youth sparks health concerns by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy blog.frontiersin.org Survey data from Thailand’s Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) reveals a concerningly high proportion of young Thai individuals partaking in e-cigarette usage. The survey, conducted on a vast sample of 61,688 respondents ranging nationwide from April 25 to June 6, shows that 9.1% of young individuals use vapes. The influence of friends and peer pressure was cited as a major reason behind this concerning Thai vaping trend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299341-thai-vaping-trend-rising-e-cigarette-use-among-youth-sparks-health-concerns/

Survey data from Thailand’s Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) reveals a concerningly high proportion of young Thai individuals partaking in e-cigarette usage. The survey, conducted on a vast sample of 61,688 respondents ranging nationwide from April 25 to June 6, shows that 9.1% of young individuals use vapes. The influence of friends and peer pressure was cited as a major reason behind this concerning Thai vaping trend. The survey data on the Thai vaping trend showed a significant variation across different regions of Thailand. Bangkok, the country’s bustling capital, exhibited the highest rate of vaping among young people, with 14.6% admitting to the use of such devices. E-cigarettes, despite being illegal in Thailand, are commonly found and sold at many ephemeral street stalls, particularly dense in areas popular with tourists, contributing to the Thai vaping trend. The second-highest prevalence rates were observed in two areas, both standing at 13.6%. These were classified as Area Health (AH) No.3, encompassing provinces including Chai Nat, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Pichit and Uthai Thani, and the second as AH No.9 which includes Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Burirum and Surin. A slightly lower prevalence rate of 13.2% was recorded in AH No.4, which consists of Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Nayok. by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy blog.frontiersin.org #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/increasing-e-cigarette-use-among-thai-youth-sparks-health-concerns -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-30 - 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 tourism targets wealthy Asian expatriates for industry boost by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Freepik The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set their sights on the growing wealth of Asian expatriates as a potential boon for the Thai tourism industry. Chinese nationals residing in Cambodia and Laos have been particularly targeted due to their propensity for choosing Thailand as a location to send their children for education. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299339-thai-tourism-targets-wealthy-asian-expatriates-for-industry-boost/

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set their sights on the growing wealth of Asian expatriates as a potential boon for the Thai tourism industry. Chinese nationals residing in Cambodia and Laos have been particularly targeted due to their propensity for choosing Thailand as a location to send their children for education. According to Oranooch Pakapan-Rutten, TAT’s marketing representative for Cambodia and Laos, the potential for growth lies in the foreign investors from Japan, Korea, and China who reside in these regions. These investors frequently utilise their proximity to Thailand’s offerings, crossing the border to acquire high-quality goods and services, thus making them an enticing prospect for Thai tourism. The existence of the new China-Laos high-speed rail service has opened up transportation opportunities, allowing Thailand to anticipate more tourists from northeastern China via Vientiane in Laos, commented Pakapan-Rutten. Pakapan-Rutten expounded further stating that the high-spending segment of both Cambodia and Laos could be effectively encouraged to expand their tourism experiences towards Thailand. This segment, primarily made up of employed individuals reaping the rewards from foreign investments in their countries, has already established a positive relationship with Thailand. by Alex Morgan Top Photo Courtesy of Freepik #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thai-tourism-targets-wealthy-asian-expatriates-for-industry-boost -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-30 - 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.

Return of foreign buyers helping property sector to grow Foreign buyers will fuel growth in Thailand’s property market during the second half of this year but domestic buyers have not fully regained their purchasing power due to unfavourable factors, real estate appraisal and consultancy agencies say. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299338-return-of-foreign-buyers-helping-property-sector-to-grow/

Foreign buyers will fuel growth in Thailand’s property market during the second half of this year but domestic buyers have not fully regained their purchasing power due to unfavourable factors, real estate appraisal and consultancy agencies say. Thailand’s economy has shown signs of improvement thanks to foreign purchasing power, particularly since China’s reopening, and the country’s tourism sector as well as selected businesses are experiencing a resurgence and growth. The Ministry of Finance’s Fiscal Policy Office predicts Thailand will welcome 29.5 million tourists in 2023, earning the country 1.3 trillion baht in revenue. However, rising interest rates, inflation and political uncertainties are still hindering growth in the property sector. The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank reports that the number of condominium transfers by foreigners across the country increased by 79.2% to 3,775 units, while the value of these transfers rose by 67.6% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/return-of-foreign-buyers-helping-property-sector-to-grow/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-30 - 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.

Pheu Thai concedes House speakership, promises to stick with Move Forward The Pheu Thai party has reportedly conceded the House speakership to Move Forward, which will stay in the coalition, even if Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward prime ministerial candidate, does not receive enough parliamentary votes to become the prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299335-pheu-thai-concedes-house-speakership-promises-to-stick-with-move-forward/

The Pheu Thai party has reportedly conceded the House speakership to Move Forward, which will stay in the coalition, even if Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward prime ministerial candidate, does not receive enough parliamentary votes to become the prime minister. Sources told Thai PBS that, if Pita fails to take the premiership, Pheu Thai will lead the government, with Move Forward promising to stay in the coalition to form the administration. With members of both parties exchanging heated opinions on the House speakership for days, Pheu Thai and Move Forward have agreed that their members should no longer voice their opinions on the matter publicly since it might affect the talks among 8 coalition partners, scheduled to take place this Sunday, July 2nd. #news Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pheu-thai-concedes-house-speakership-promises-to-stick-with-move-forward/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-30 - 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 leader of the Pua thai party yesterday reconfirmed his party will never leave the Move Forward despite their dispute over the position of House speaker. His comments came in response to speculation that the Pheu Thai might opt out. Move Forward and Pheu Thai negotiators are due to meet on Sunday to hold a final talk to settle the dispute. Don Mueang airport officials have promised a thorough investigation after a 57 year old woman lost part of her left leg below the knee after tripping over her luggage on a moving walkway.. she had been due to board a flight to Nakhon Si Thammarat, Airport medical staff stabilized her before rushing her to the hospital. She has since been transferred to Bumrungrad Hospital, which said the woman's leg can be reattached. All walkways at Don Muang Airport are to be checked for safety. An academic at Kasetsart University’ has called for buildings to be strengthened to withstand earthquake tremors, A minor quake that struck Phitsanulok and was felt in Phichit yesterday prompted the call. Regulations governing seismic resistance of structures became effective in 2021, leaving most buildings at risk. The government says More than 200 films were shot in Thailand by overseas production companies during the first half of this year, generating 1.84 billion baht in revenue, Movie production is seen as effective soft power to boost tourism and encourage further production in Thailand. Around the Region: Taiwan has rejected applications by Chinese tourism officials to enter the island for an international travel fair next month, Taiwan reopened its borders to most tourists last October, but those from China remain barred. The island also does not allow tour groups from its territory to enter China, though individual travellers are free to do so. The weather: Sunny Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy thundershowers 34C Bangkok: Sunny..partly Cloudy thunderstorms 34C Pattaya, bright, cloudy 32 Phuket and the south: cloudy,thunderstorms 29C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny partly cloudy this afternoon, isolated shower 32C Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2023-06-30 - 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.

Gangland-style gunfight in Thai restaurant leads to death of 45 year old man by Nattapong Westwood Photo Courtesy of Ben Christopher, calmatters.org In an unsettling event in Ang Thong, a ferocious gunfight erupted in a restaurant, resulting in Phumphat (last name withheld), also known as “Ek Wat Channiramit”, aged 45 years old, losing his life. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299332-gangland-style-gunfight-in-thai-restaurant-leads-to-death-of-45-year-old-man/

In an unsettling event in Ang Thong, a ferocious gunfight erupted in a restaurant, resulting in Phumphat (last name withheld), also known as “Ek Wat Channiramit”, aged 45 years old, losing his life. With over 30 cartridge cases found at the scene, the suspected rival believed to be severely injured fled in a Sedan car. The incident unleashed chaos late evening yesterday. The gunfight venue, located in the city municipality area, is a semi-pub restaurant. Authorities found a pool of blood and numerous bullet shells spread across the gunfight event site. Among the debris, a 9 mm handgun was also discovered. The injured victim was rushed to Ang Thong Hospital by emergency responders, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Phumphat, known as “Ek Wat Channiramit” sustained two bullet wounds on his abdomen and another six on his back. The identity of the assailant remains unknown till now. However, the alleged gunman discarded a white and blue Honda Nova motorbike bearing the number ‘Kor Bor Por 222’ from Singburi, which was used for commuting to the gunfight crime scene, before escaping in an unidentified Sedan model car. by Nattapong Westwood Photo Courtesy of Ben Christopher, calmatters.org #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/gangland-style-gunfight-in-thai-restaurant-leads-to-death-of-45-year-old-man -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-30 - 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.

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 30 June 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299333-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-30-june-2023/

International filmmaking boosts Thai film sector with 1.84 Billion Baht earnings from shoots by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Freepik Thailand has seen a prosperous influx of international filmmakers in the first half of this year with over 200 foreign films being produced in the country, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson, Tipanan Sirichana, who spoke about the matter yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299327-international-filmmaking-boosts-thai-film-sector-with-184-billion-baht-earnings-from-shoots/

Thailand has seen a prosperous influx of international filmmakers in the first half of this year with over 200 foreign films being produced in the country, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson, Tipanan Sirichana, who spoke about the matter yesterday. This number has resulted in a staggeringly high revenue of approximately 1.84 billion baht, signalling a successful outcome of the Thai government’s proactive endeavours to present the nation as a prime shooting location for international filmmaking. “The number of productions saw a rise of 12 whilst the increased income of 132.8 million baht exhibits a robust growth within this sector,” noted Tipanan, indicating a vibrant trend compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. She also surfaced the cinematographic venture of Warner Bros Discovery which is currently in progress, centred around Thai cuisine and featuring the renowned Thai actor duo – Prin “Mark” Suparat and Kimberley Anne Woltemas. This film is imminent to be broadcasted on HBO and HBO Go. by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Freepik #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thriving-thai-film-sector-nets-1-84-billion-baht-from-international-shoots-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-30 - 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.

Miraculous survival: Woman wakes up en route to her own funeral in Udon Thani by Nattapong Westwood Photo Courtesy of KhaoSod A baffling miraculous survival incident occurred in Udon Thani, when a woman aged 49 years old, supposedly dead, awakened just as her family prepared for her funeral at a local temple. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299326-miraculous-survival-woman-wakes-up-en-route-to-her-own-funeral-in-udon-thani/

Photo Courtesy of KhaoSod A baffling miraculous survival incident occurred in Udon Thani, when a woman aged 49 years old, supposedly dead, awakened just as her family prepared for her funeral at a local temple. The family believed she was waiting for her daughter who was travelling from Bangkok. Yesterday, Weeraphon Rak Samerwong, admin of the Ban Dung Update page, was informed about transporting Chataphon, a resident of Ban Dung district, back to her home after succumbing to a severe illness. Mali, the mother, advocated for her daughter to return home as it was the final wish she held dear. As she was informed by the doctor that there were slim chances of her survival, she intended to take her daughter back home. However, mid-journey to Ban Dung, Chataphon died. Mali, her mother, promptly alerted relatives anticipating them at the temple to start the funeral procession. Bizarrely as the vehicle entered Wat Sri Phadung, Chataphon revived, causing an astonishing reaction among the people in the van. On realising that her daughter had regained consciousness, Mali hurriedly rushed her to Somdet Phra Yuparaj Hospital in Ban Dung. She joyfully informed everyone about their good fortune, stating Chataphon’s miraculous survival, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Photo Courtesy of KhaoSod #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/presumed-dead-woman-wakes-up-en-route-to-her-own-funeral-in-udon-thani-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-30 - 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.

Son and Friend Brutally Assault Father Over Drug Money Picture: Naewna On June 29th, a horrifying incident unfolded in Kalasin province, captured on surveillance video. The episode involved a man, partnered with a drug-dependent accomplice, launching a savage assault on his father. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299324-son-and-friend-brutally-assault-father-over-drug-money/

Picture: Naewna On the evening of June 29th, a horrifying incident unfolded in Kalasin province, captured on surveillance video. The episode involved a man, partnered with a drug-dependent accomplice, launching a savage assault on his father. The target of the violence, Suriya, aged 55 (surname undisclosed), had earlier denied funding their drug dependencies, triggering an intense argument. The friend, identifiable by his yellow attire, became particularly violent, battering Suriya with a knife and kick blows, even as he lay incapacitated. Suriya's biological son witnessed the ordeal but did nothing to mitigate it, reported Naewna Picture: Naewna Authorities were informed promptly, leading to the capture of the two culprits. Drug tests turned out positive, and they are now facing an array of charges, including assault, home invasion, and ongoing abuse. Picture: Naewna Despite his serious injuries, Suriya was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital and is currently stable. The entire event, documented by Suriya's daughter residing abroad, has sparked massive public indignation. Picture: Naewna #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-30 - 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

Don Mueang Airport ranks among the most dangerous airports in the world Photo: Sanook The renowned travel website, The Boutique Adventurer, has ranked Don Mueang Airport as one of the 29 most dangerous airports in the world in 2023. In a recent article published at the end of June 2023, the website revealed the list of the most perilous airports, with Don Mueang Airport securing the 26th position. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299315-don-mueang-airport-ranks-among-the-most-dangerous-airports-in-the-world/

The renowned travel website, The Boutique Adventurer, has ranked Don Mueang Airport as one of the 29 most dangerous airports in the world in 2023. In a recent article published at the end of June 2023, the website revealed the list of the most perilous airports, with Don Mueang Airport securing the 26th position. According to the report, the list of hazardous airports is not limited to those under development in various countries, as established airports are also included. Countries such as the United States, France, Japan, and Norway have their airports featured in the rankings. The danger and ranking of airports are determined based on multiple factors, including altitude, wind patterns, runway length, location, as well as social, political, and volatile events. Most Dangerous Airports in the World (2023) 1. Kansai International Airport Japan 2. Barra International Airport (Scotland) 3. Wellington International Airport (New Zealand) 4. Princess Juliana International Airport (Saint Martin) 5. Lukla Airport (Nepal) 6. Paro Airport (Bhutan) 7. Santos Dumont Airport (Brazil) 8. McMurdo Station (Antarctica) 9. Svalbard Airport (Norway) 10. Gustaf III Airport (Caribbean) 11. Saba Airport (Dutch Caribbean) 12. Gisborne Airport (New Zealand) 13. Madeira Airport (Portugal) 14. Narsarsuaq Airport (Greenland) 15. Gibraltar International Airport (Gibraltar) 16. San Diego International Airport (California, USA) 17. Toncontín International Airport (Honduras) 18. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (Colorado, USA) 19. Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (Peru) 20. Kai Tak Airport (Hong Kong) [While this airport might have seen its final flight in 1998, this closed-down plane hub in Hong Kong is still worth a mention due to its historically hair-raising landings of the past.] 21. Agatti Aerodrome/Airport (India) 22. Cleveland Hopkins International (Cleveland, USA) 23. Telluride Regional Airport (Colorado, USA) 24. Congonhas-Sao Paulo Airport (Brazil) 25. Courchevel Airport (France) 26. Don Mueang International Airport (Thailand) 27. Tioman Island Airport (Malaysia) 28. Shimla Airport (India) 29. Damascus International Airport (Syria) The top-ranked airport is Kansai International Airport in Japan, primarily due to its vulnerable location prone to natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and seasonal typhoons. Don Mueang Airport, formerly known as Bangkok International Airport, initially commenced operations on March 27, 1914, before temporarily closing in 2006. Top Photo: Sanook #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-30 - 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