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Pattaya — 40 Pattaya police officers inspected bars across the city last night, June 23rd, and uncovered three bar workers with illicit drugs in their systems. The operation took place starting around 10:30 PM and was led by deputy police chief of Pattaya Police Station Pol. Lt.Col. Surachet Aneksri. Police aimed to ensure that all pub-goers, staff members, and business operators obey the rules, such as not taking drugs, overstaying their legal visas, or carrying weapons. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/23/three-pattaya-bar-workers-test-positive-for-illegal-drugs-during-police-raid/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-23 - 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.

Move Forward and Pheu Thai told to stop bickering over House speakership Thai Sang Thai Secretary-General Sita Divari warned the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties today (Friday) to stop quarrelling over the House speakership and unite. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298737-move-forward-and-pheu-thai-told-to-stop-bickering-over-house-speakership/

Thai Sang Thai Secretary-General Sita Divari warned the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties today (Friday) to stop quarrelling over the House speakership and unite. In his Facebook post today, Sita wrote “Bandits unite when they rob, but will quarrel when it comes time to split the loot.” “Don’t forget that we used this wording before when referring to “those uncles” (Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prawit Wongsuwan and Anupong Paochinda). Today, we have won over the thieves who stole democracy from us and they are now packing up.” “We should celebrate our victory by uniting, returning democracy to the people and not bickering over the fortune stolen by the thieves. It is a shame for the people who have trust in us and vote for us,” wrote Sita. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-and-pheu-thai-told-to-stop-bickering-over-house-speakership/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-23 - 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.

Pattaya Festival 2023 Blazes into Action Today and Tomorrow By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: สายตรงนายกเมืองพัทยา Pattaya — The most highly anticipated event of this month, Pattaya Festival 2023, is set to kick off today on Pattaya Beach. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298736-pattaya-festival-2023-blazes-into-action-today-and-tomorrow/

Pattaya — The most highly anticipated event of this month, Pattaya Festival 2023, is set to kick off today on Pattaya Beach. The two-day event aims to promote and stimulate the local economy and tourism in Pattaya by distributing money to the local community and attracting both Thai and international tourists to visit the city. The festival is packed with activities, guaranteeing a whirlwind of excitement and non-stop fun for all from June 23rd to June 24th. The following is the schedule and events for today and tomorrow. June 23rd at Central Pattaya Beach Seafood Market Presented by Sea Bear – 16:00 hrs. onwards Masterchef Celebrity Thailand with Por Unnop – 16:00-17:00 hrs. Sport on the Beach – 16:00-19:00 hrs. Acoustic Band – 17:00-18:00 hrs. Mini concert: Gavin D – 20:30-21:30 hrs. Mini concert: 1 Mill x Fiixd x 19Hunnid x SNB and Dj. T-Double-E – 21:45-22:45 hrs. By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: สายตรงนายกเมืองพัทยา Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/23/pattaya-festival-2023-blazes-into-action-today-and-tomorrow/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-23 - 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: Pattaya crackdown reveals foreigners living illegally amid beggar population Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Istock In a sudden manoeuvre, Pattaya City set into motion an operation designed to clear the city’s vibrant tourist hotspot of beggars. This Pattaya crackdown operation surprisingly unearthed many foreigners residing illegally within the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298690-pattaya-city-launches-sweeping-operation-on-homeless-and-beggars/?do=findComment&comment=18161447

Pattaya crackdown reveals foreigners living illegally amid beggar population Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Istock In a sudden manoeuvre, Pattaya City set into motion an operation designed to clear the city’s vibrant tourist hotspot of beggars. This Pattaya crackdown operation surprisingly unearthed many foreigners residing illegally within the country. Wutthisak Ruemkijjakarn, the deputy mayor of Pattaya, revealed that the Pattaya crackdown took place on Wednesday evening under the watchful eye of numerous authorities. This included officials from Chon Buri’s Social Development and Human Security Office, Pattaya’s local police, Provincial Police Region 2, and representatives from the Immigration Bureau. The Pattaya crackdown raids targeted numerous locations known for beggar populations. One such location was the iconic Pattaya Walking Street, where officials apprehended two individuals as part of the operation, according to Wutthisak, who also highlighted the notable recent increase in beggars around the city. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/pattaya-crackdown-reveals-foreigners-living-illegally-amid-beggar-population -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-23 - 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.

Another activist lobbies Election Commission to rule out Pita PM bid By Peter Roche PHOTO: Facebook/Pita Limjaroenrat - พิธา ลิ้มเจริญรัตน์ The campaign to prevent Pita Limjaroenrat becoming Thailand’s next PM continues, with another activist petitioning the Election Commission. Nopparuj Worachitwutthikul has called on the EC to request a ruling from the Constitutional Court on whether or not the Move Forward leader was qualified to run in the May 14 general election. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298734-another-activist-lobbies-election-commission-to-rule-out-pita-pm-bid/

The campaign to prevent Pita Limjaroenrat becoming Thailand’s next PM continues, with another activist petitioning the Election Commission. Nopparuj Worachitwutthikul has called on the EC to request a ruling from the Constitutional Court on whether or not the Move Forward leader was qualified to run in the May 14 general election. Nopparuj is the former leader of the White Pigeons, an anti-2006 coup group, according to a Nation Thailand report. The activist says he’s giving the EC until June 28 to send the matter of Pita’s eligibility to the Constitutional Court. Nopparuj says if the issue of Pita’s alleged holding of shares in a media company has not been referred to the court by then, he will petition MPs and senators to demand a ruling. The activist insists Pita was not eligible to run in the recent election due to his shareholding in ITV media, which Nopparuj says is still an actively operating firm, despite reports to the contrary. His claims echo those of fellow conservative activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, who has petitioned the EC to disqualify Pita for the same reason. By Peter Roche PHOTO: Facebook/Pita Limjaroenrat - พิธา ลิ้มเจริญรัตน์ Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/another-activist-lobbies-election-commission-to-rule-out-pita-pm-bid/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-06-23 - 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: Thai repatriation: Rescuing nationals caught in Japanese job scam by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Freepik Efforts are currently underway by the Thai foreign affairs and labour departments to assist in the safe return of six Thai nationals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298532-thai-workers-in-japan-fall-victim-to-job-scam-left-stranded-and-penniless/?do=findComment&comment=18161403

Thai repatriation: Rescuing nationals caught in Japanese job scam by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Freepik Efforts are currently underway by the Thai foreign affairs and labour departments to assist in the safe return of six Thai nationals. These labourers were deceived into travelling to Japan under the guise of a fictitious job contract, compelled to undertake illegal work, and then stranded when they declined to take part in these illicit activities. The ongoing efforts are part of Thailand’s repatriation plan. These unfortunate individuals have already been saved by Thai consular officials in a civic precinct of the Ibaraki Prefecture. Currently, they anticipate their Thai repatriation, announced Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin during yesterday’s briefing. He said that they are expected to return to Thailand early next month, Bangkok Post reported. The attention of authorities was drawn to this case when the spouse of one of these unfortunate labourers sought assistance through a Facebook page titled ‘Ban Dung Update’. This page operated from the Ban Dung region within Udon Thani was her platform to reach both the local administrative and labour bodies to probe into her complaint, added Minister Chomklin. The Thai repatriation authorities took notice of this case and started investigating the matter. Forty-two year old Wasana Suwankhram spoke of her husband, 43 year old Saksit Mankep, who fell prey to a deceptive ploy by an illicit job broker. The broker was identified only as Ms. Ruen. She allured him with a promise of monthly earnings ranging between 50,000 to 100,000 baht in Japan, should he agree to pay her a sum of 150,000 baht upfront as a fee for the job positioning service. Succumbing to the deceit, he paid the fee. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/thai-labour-department-aids-stranded-nationals-in-a-japanese-job-scam -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-23 - 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.

Explosion caused by pigeons engulfs Hua Hin hotel, resulting in fire and 500,000 THB worth of damage By Online Reporter Pigeons were said to have caused a sudden explosion that led to a fire engulfing a hotel room in Hua Hin, resulting in damages amounting to half a million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298732-explosion-caused-by-pigeons-engulfs-hua-hin-hotel-resulting-in-fire-and-500000-thb-worth-of-damage/

Pigeons were said to have caused a sudden explosion that led to a fire engulfing a hotel room in Hua Hin, resulting in damages amounting to half a million baht. On Thursday afternoon Lieutenant Colonel Pichcha Rangleuan, Deputy Superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station received a report regarding a fire incident at room number 164/5-6 of Sunny House, which is located adjacent to the railway, just off Soi 70. The three and half storey building consists of a ground floor office and more than 20 guest bedrooms. On arrival at the scene, first responders found the building engulfed in flames. By Online Reporter Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/explosion-caused-by-pigeons-engulfs-hua-hin-hotel-resulting-in-fire-and-500000-thb-worth-of-damage/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2023-06-23 - 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.

Perverted Bangkok taxi driver caught masturbating to porn while driving by Petch Petpailin Photo by Simple as pie A Thai woman took to Twitter to warn netizens about a perverted taxi driver in Bangkok. She revealed that the driver watched porn and masturbated while transporting her and her friends to their destination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298730-perverted-bangkok-taxi-driver-caught-masturbating-to-porn-while-driving/

A Thai woman took to Twitter to warn netizens about a perverted taxi driver in Bangkok. She revealed that the driver watched porn and masturbated while transporting her and her friends to their destination. On June 20, the woman shared pictures of the taxi driver, his identification card, and his registration number on Twitter along with the caption that said… “Warning! This taxi driver indulges in obscene behaviour when providing service to passengers. He did not wear underwear, always touching his private parts, and made a noise like he was masturbating. My friends and I were in the car together. Even though my friend is a man, it did not bother him. It is so scary. Please stay away from him.” From the ID card, the driver was identified as Kriangsak Charnhattasin. He drove a green-yellow car with the registration number 1มก 3769. The woman added in the comments section that she hailed the taxi from the Sathorn neighbourhood in Bangkok. by Petch Petpailin Photo by Simple as pie Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/perverted-bangkok-taxi-driver-caught-masturbating-to-porn-while-driving -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-23 - 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.

Crackdown on Illegal Foreigners in Sukhumvit-Asok Area Picture: Siam Rath In response to public complaints and social media uproar, the immigration has taken decisive action to address the covert operations of foreign nationals engaging in illegal sales and running unauthorized food and beverage stalls, directly impacting the livelihoods of Thai citizens in prominent business areas of downtown Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298729-crackdown-on-illegal-foreigners-in-sukhumvit-asok-area/

In response to public complaints and social media uproar, the immigration has taken decisive action to address the covert operations of foreign nationals engaging in illegal sales and running unauthorized food and beverage stalls, directly impacting the livelihoods of Thai citizens in prominent business areas of downtown Bangkok. Picture: Siam Rath On June 23, 2023, Lieutenant General Phakphiphat Sajjapun, Commander of the Immigration Bureau, summoned Lieutenant Colonel Phanapha Nuchanarot, Deputy Commander of the Immigration Bureau, Lieutenant Colonel Piyannan Tosakunwong, Commander of the 1st Division overseeing Bangkok, and Lieutenant Colonel Thanit Thaivataramas, Commander of the Special Branch Bureau, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath They were tasked with organizing a joint operation involving numerous police officers under their command, including personnel from the Immigration Bureau's Investigation Division, the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Divisions, as well as the Provincial Immigration Police. Picture: Siam Rath The primary objective was to swiftly crack down on foreign individuals committing significant immigration and labor law violations, focusing primarily on the sidewalks along Sukhumvit Road from the Nana area to Asoke. The operation started around 4:00pm and ended 8pm. 16 people were caught by the authorities. Among them were nine people from Myanmar, two from Cambodia, one from Laos, one from Vietnam, and one person without legal status. Alongside these foreign individuals, Thai employers who had hired foreign workers illegally were also identified and taken into custody. Picture: Siam Rath Most of the arrests happened while these individuals were actively selling food and clothing using movable carts and temporary stalls. Some tried to escape, but the officers quickly secured the area and successfully apprehended them. A considerable number of those who were caught could not provide valid passports or work permits during the inspection. Some had passports, but their work permits were expired or only allowed them to be tourists. Lieutenant General Damrongsak Kittiprapat, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, entrusted the Immigration Bureau with the primary responsibility of investigating and enforcing the law against foreign nationals engaged in inappropriate behavior while residing in Thailand. Picture: Siam Rath He emphasized that these actions flagrantly violate the law, jeopardizing public safety, lives, and property, tarnishing the nation's reputation, and involving foreign criminal elements exploiting both Thai and foreign nationals while using Thailand as a base for illicit activities. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Lieutenant General Phakphiphat Sajjapun, Commander of the Immigration Bureau, and Lieutenant Colonel Phanapha Nuchanarot, Deputy Commander of the Immigration Bureau, who promptly ordered inspections of foreign nationals involved in unlawful employment practices and tax evasion. The goal was to ensure fair competition for law-abiding businesses and curb the unauthorized employment of foreign workers, actions that clearly contravene existing regulations within their jurisdiction. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-23 - 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

A huge Chinese gang 'gold' scam, Myanmar isolated by new sanctions : Tim Newton Today - June 23 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298726-a-huge-chinese-gang-gold-scam-myanmar-isolated-by-new-sanctions-tim-newton-today-june-23/

Thailand News - Another Chinese gang busted, operating out of Bangkok in conjunction with a casino in the Golden Triangle, new tourism businesses opening to take advantage of Thailand's tourist recovery, Bangkok rating #1 in world Agoda bookings, Pheu Thai and Move Forward warned to stop bickering over House Speaker position, Algerian man comes up with creative way to avoid Thai immigration police, Pattaya cracks down on 'beggar' problems, Myanmar is further isolated by latest US sanctions. 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/

Alarm bells ring in overloaded Thai public health system as exhausted doctors quit in droves Every year, hundreds of doctors leave the government sector after struggling under huge workloads for relatively low pay and with little prospect of promotion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298725-alarm-bells-ring-in-overloaded-thai-public-health-system-as-exhausted-doctors-quit-in-droves/

Every year, hundreds of doctors leave the government sector after struggling under huge workloads for relatively low pay and with little prospect of promotion. The numbers exiting the public health service are significant given that the Public Health Ministry employs just 24,469 doctors. Over the past decade, around 450 doctors have left each year, along with at least 150 who have retired from public service. In recent months, several prominent medical professionals – including celebrity medic Dr Napasorn Weerayuttvilai – have spoken up about slavery-like conditions that forced them to quit their jobs at state hospitals. “I couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel,” Dr Napasorn said of her decision to resign. She drafted the resignation after working a night shift then checking on nearly 40 hospital patients on her morning round the following day – only to be told by her senior that she should have worked faster. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/alarm-bells-ring-in-overloaded-thai-public-health-system-as-exhausted-doctors-quit-in-droves/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-23 - 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.

Healthcare shortage tackled by Thai government with new strategy by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post The Thai government’s Public Health Ministry has laid out strategies to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in the nation’s state-operated medical sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298723-healthcare-shortage-tackled-by-thai-government-with-new-strategy/

The Thai government’s Public Health Ministry has laid out strategies to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in the nation’s state-operated medical sector. Within the next three years, these measures aim to expand the country’s cadre of medical personnel according to current legal parameters. The government spokesperson, Anucha Buraphachaisri, indicated the interventions may result in a 40% increase in doctors and over a 50% surge in nursing staff by 2026. The actions respond to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s concerns over the persistent scarcity of medical professionals. The lack of healthcare personnel has placed a considerable burden on new graduates, many of whom opt to leave the high-pressure environment of state-run hospitals for more lucrative and less taxing positions in private institutions. Buraphachaisri added that Prayut Chan-o-cha recognises the driving factors behind the dearth of medical staff. Thus, the government has taken steps to address this pressing issue, targeting both immediate and long-term solutions. Part of the solution involves redirecting a larger share of health personnel to support the rehabilitative needs of the country’s estimated one million drug addicts – an area regarded as one of the Ministry’s highest priorities. Buraphachaisri also noted that Tambon health promotion hospitals, designed to relieve larger urban hospitals by providing healthcare services to rural communities, have yet to reach their full potential. by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-government-lays-out-strategy-to-tackle-severe-healthcare-personnel-shortage -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-23 - 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.

Germany’s vaccine donation: A million Pfizer doses to strengthen Thai health ministry by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Germany has made a vaccine donation of almost one million doses of the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, planning to distribute this significant stockpile to Thai hospitals in the forthcoming weeks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298721-germany’s-vaccine-donation-a-million-pfizer-doses-to-strengthen-thai-health-ministry/

Germany has made a vaccine donation of almost one million doses of the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, planning to distribute this significant stockpile to Thai hospitals in the forthcoming weeks. This considerable vaccine donation was welcomed by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during an official handover ceremony at the German embassy yesterday. The ceremony was conducted by Germany’s ambassador to Thailand, Georg Schmidt. Precisely 999,360 doses of the bivalent Pfizer-manufactured Covid vaccine were given to the Thai Ministry. The gesture was warmly appreciated by Charnvirakul. He expressed his gratitude to the German government, emphasizing that the generous vaccine donation mirrors over a century and a half of friendly relations between the two nations. Germany has continually extended its hand in aid towards Thailand during the pandemic. Beyond contributing to reducing Covid cases in Thailand, Germany has also supported wider Asean region efforts. by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/germany-donates-a-million-pfizer-vaccines-to-bolster-thai-health-ministry -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-23 - 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.