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Monorail disruption hampers newly launched Yellow Line service in Bangkok by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of southeastasiainfra.com Traffic disruption was recently experienced on the Yellow Line monorail after a technical glitch occurred just 20 days into the trial runs. This monorail disruption incident resulted in the temporary closure of five stations from Lat Phrao 101 to Hua Mak for approximately 90 minutes yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298720-monorail-disruption-hampers-newly-launched-yellow-line-service-in-bangkok/

Traffic disruption was recently experienced on the Yellow Line monorail after a technical glitch occurred just 20 days into the trial runs. This monorail disruption incident resulted in the temporary closure of five stations from Lat Phrao 101 to Hua Mak for approximately 90 minutes yesterday. At 7am, an electrical problem surfaced which consequently halted operations, thereby marking the first instance of such a monorail disruption fault since all 23 stations on the line became fully functional on June 19. Efforts to alleviate traffic congestion and monorail disruption were set in motion at 8.28am and normality was restored at around 10.15am. In an unrelated development, the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) and other concerned entities are planning to expedite the improvement process for signs that clearly indicate the connection between the Yellow Line’s Lat Phrao and the MRT’s Blue Line Stations. y Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of southeastasiainfra.com Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/yellow-line-monorail-technical-glitch-disrupts-newly-launched-bangkok-service -- © 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.

Chinese tourism deterred by tourist scams in Thailand, says Atta by Alex Morgan Photo: ATTA's President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn via ttgasia Fear of being conned by tourist scams poses a bigger concern to prospective Chinese tourists than Thailand’s political ambiguity, advises the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta). Given a sluggish economic recovery on the mainland, the Chinese tourism market could slightly be affected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298718-chinese-tourism-deterred-by-tourist-scams-in-thailand-says-atta/

Fear of being conned by tourist scams poses a bigger concern to prospective Chinese tourists than Thailand’s political ambiguity, advises the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta). Given a sluggish economic recovery on the mainland, the Chinese tourism market could slightly be affected. Calling for tougher safety measures, Atta’s president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, indicates that improving the country’s image and reassurances over touristic scams would encourage Chinese travellers. He also emphasised the necessity to uplift the quality of services provided in the tourism sector to boost Chinese tourism. Cheewarattanaporn argues that even with the likely political vacuum in the coming two to three months, Chinese tourists wouldn’t consider Thailand’s political instability as a reason for rerouting their destinations. Attaining the government-set target of five million visitors necessitates a footfall of at least two million Chinese travellers in the third quarter, around 12,000 to 15,000 daily. This figure is expected to be followed by more than two million arrivals in the final quarter, resulting in a surge in Chinese tourism. by Alex Morgan Photo: ATTA's President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn via ttgasia Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/tourist-scams-not-politics-deter-chinese-travellers-to-thailand-says-atta -- © 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.

Thai tourism-linked businesses experience booming growth amid economic recovery by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Freepik Amid escalating tourist arrivals and robust economic recovery, Thai tourism-associated enterprises have been reaping lucrative rewards, particularly in the fields of foreign exchange, travel agencies, tour guides, dining establishments, and the accommodation industry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298716-thai-tourism-linked-businesses-experience-booming-growth-amid-economic-recovery/

Amid escalating tourist arrivals and robust economic recovery, Thai tourism-associated enterprises have been reaping lucrative rewards, particularly in the fields of foreign exchange, travel agencies, tour guides, dining establishments, and the accommodation industry. Such industries have experienced impressive growth within the initial five months of this year, as revealed by data garnered through the Business Development Department of the Commerce Ministry. Tourism-related businesses emerged as key contributors, making up an 8.10% share in newly-set-up businesses, which marked a 96.6% uptick within the first five months. A spectacular surge of 389% was clocked in the realm of foreign currency exchange businesses, while travel agencies experienced a growth of 281%. Tour guide businesses didn’t lag either, with a notable 225% growth. Meanwhile, with a rise of 67.2%, restaurants reaped substantial benefits. In the property business, hotels, resorts, and condo firms recorded an increase of 49.1%, resulting in a significant boost in Thai tourism. Such market acceleration and surge in Thai tourism are fuelled by the surge in arriving foreign tourists and, crucially, the recovering Thai economy. The Director-General of the Business Development Department, Thosapone Dansuputra, reflected upon these favourable conditions that mirror the upswing in the consumer confidence index. Looking forward, the Department anticipates the registration of new business entities in the range of 42,000 to 45,000 within the first half of 2023 and an upswing to 75,000 to 78,000 entities across the complete year. by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thai-tourism-linked-businesses-experience-booming-growth-amid-economic-recovery -- © 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.

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 23 June 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298715-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-23-june-2023/

Uncertainty over the post of house speaker continues Pheu Thai has 141 seats, while the Move Forward Party, has 151 . The party's six other coalition allies have a total of 22 seats. Pheu Thai’s leader Chon-lan Sri-kaew suggested all Pheu Thai MPs abide by their own party’s resolution to endorse the naming of a Move Forward candidate for House Speaker early next month. The police arrested a 32 year old chinese national suspected of being behind a Chinese call center scam syndicate, along with 10 others wanted for deceiving people into investing in gold. The scammers used fraudulent claims of a connection with the Crown Property Bureau to lure victims. Operating from the Kings Romans casino at the Golden Triangle in Laos, they managed to swindle some 500 million baht from victims. Four Thai individuals will be charged today in a Malaysian court regarding the 2015 uncovering of mass graves and suspected human trafficking camps near the Thai-Malaysia border. The dense forests in the south served as crucial transit points for smugglers transporting refugees, particularly Rohingya Muslims escaping persecution. Following the discovery of camps and graves on the Thai side of the border in 2015, Thai authorities intensified their efforts against human smugglers, causing traffickers to abandon thousands of migrants at sea. Germany has donated almost one million doses covid 19 vaccine to Thailand. The bivalent covid vaccine produced by Pfizer was presented to Thailand's minister of health by Germany’s ambassador George Schmidt. The vaccines will be distributed to hospitals nationwide in the coming weeks. The Ministry of Public Health plans to attract new doctors and nurses to state run hospitals; The department noted many new doctors face high work loads and stress then leave for the private sector, their plan could see an increase of new medical personnel by around 40% over the next 3 years. Around the Region: Indonesians will get to enjoy a five-day weekend at the end of the month after the government announced extra holidays in a bid to boost domestic travel and consumption. The weather: Sunny Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny with isolated showers 34C Bangkok: Sunny partly Cloudy isolated showers 38C Pattaya, Sunny 34 Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 31C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny partly cloudy 34C 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 2023-06-23 - 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.

Thailand tourism thrives as it ranks second in global travel, Bangkok tops city list by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Kenny Teo, Flickr Thailand tourism continues to thrive, as online travel platform Agoda recently revealed that the country holds the title of the second most popular destination for travellers worldwide, with Bangkok topping the list of favourite cities for global travellers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298713-thailand-tourism-thrives-as-it-ranks-second-in-global-travel-bangkok-tops-city-list/

Thailand tourism continues to thrive, as online travel platform Agoda recently revealed that the country holds the title of the second most popular destination for travellers worldwide, with Bangkok topping the list of favourite cities for global travellers. The ranking came from an analysis of booking data collected from January to May of the current year, shared by government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri. Outperforming Thailand, Japan emerged as the leading destination for tourists during the same period. Early reopening of the country’s borders has undoubtedly contributed to Thailand’s tourism sector rebounding at a faster rate compared to other nations. In addition to this, Agoda’s findings disclosed that Thailand tourism ranked fourth in terms of domestic trips, coming after the United States, Japan, and Malaysia. Discussing regional travel trends, Anucha announced the recent collaboration between Asia’s travel booking platform Klook and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in launching the “Let Your Journey be THAI” campaign. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Kenny Teo, Flickr Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thailand-ranks-second-in-global-travel-bangkok-tops-city-list -- © 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.

Laotian Man Arrested for Fatally Stabbing Comrade at Noodle Shop In an unfortunate incident at a noodle shop in Pathumwan district, Bangkok, the police have apprehended a Laotian man responsible for a fatal stabbing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298705-laotian-man-arrested-for-fatally-stabbing-comrade-at-noodle-shop/

In an unfortunate incident at a noodle shop in Pathumwan district, Bangkok, the police have apprehended a Laotian man responsible for a fatal stabbing. The suspect, Mr. Kong, 26 years old, used a folding knife to fatally wound his fellow Laotian, Mr. Suwann, aged 24. The tragic event took place on June 21 at 4:55 AM, with Mr. Suwann succumbing to his injuries at Chulalongkorn Hospital, reported Thai Rath. Prior to the stabbing, the two individuals had a disagreement at a nearby salad restaurant, where an inadvertent footstep caused tensions between them. Both individuals were employed by local businesses and resided in the same area. Acting promptly, the authorities apprehended the suspect in a rented room on Soi Chulalongkorn 48. Crucial evidence has been collected to support the ongoing investigation. This distressing incident serves as a stark reminder of the significance of peaceful conflict resolution and the avoidance of violence. The local community has been deeply affected, emphasizing the importance of fostering awareness and promoting harmonious coexistence. The authorities remain dedicated to ensuring justice for the victim and taking preventive measures to avert similar incidents in the future. -- © 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

Rescue Team Mobilizes Over 10 Men in a Thrilling Pursuit of an Elusive "Troublemaker" On June 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM, the Kun Ratana Wut Foundation in Kanchanaburi province received a request from the public for assistance in capturing a large water monitor lizard that posed a potential threat to the residents of Don Rak Village, Kanchanaburi province. In response, a team of over 10 men was swiftly deployed to the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298703-rescue-team-mobilizes-over-10-men-in-a-thrilling-pursuit-of-an-elusive-troublemaker/

On June 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM, the Kun Ratana Wut Foundation in Kanchanaburi province received a request from the public for assistance in capturing a large water monitor lizard that posed a potential threat to the residents of Don Rak Village, Kanchanaburi province. In response, a team of over 10 men was swiftly deployed to the area. Upon reaching the location, the homeowner guided the rescue team to the kitchen, where the elusive water monitor lizard was believed to be hiding. To their surprise, they discovered a sizable reptile measuring approximately half a meter in length and displaying a distinctive temperament, reported 77kaoded. Picture: 77kaoded Despite the rescue team's best efforts, the agile water monitor lizard managed to escape into another room. This triggered a thrilling pursuit as the rescue team bravely gave chase, navigating through the confines of the house. After a suspenseful endeavor, the determined rescue team successfully captured the elusive water monitor lizard, bringing an end to the adrenaline-fueled pursuit. 111video_460722022629507091-JZB9Tkp4.mp4 According to preliminary information provided by the homeowner, this was not the first encounter with a water monitor lizard in their premises. Each time, the reptile had been of considerable size. Fearing for the safety of the household, the homeowner urgently requested that the rescue team take custody of the monitor lizard and relocate it to its natural habitat. -- © 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

Police Raid Chinese Residents' House, Gang Selling Religious Artifacts for Over 3 Hours Before Allowing Inspection In a recent case, local police officers in Chonburi Province raided a gang of Chinese individuals involved in selling high-priced religious artifacts to Chinese tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298702-police-raid-chinese-residents-house-gang-selling-religious-artifacts-for-over-3-hours-before-allowing-inspection/

In a recent case, local police officers in Chonburi Province raided a gang of Chinese individuals involved in selling high-priced religious artifacts to Chinese tourists. The officers successfully apprehended 12 Chinese individuals engaged in the sale of sacred objects within the enchanting mountain temple. Additionally, they issued warrants for the arrest of two more Chinese suspects, as previously reported. Most recently, on June 22, Pol. Lt. Col. Panyadhamlek Damlek, superintendent of the Sattahip Police Station, accompanied by Pol. Lt. Col. Akkachai Wongkamsom, deputy superintendent of the Sattahip Police Station, and Pol. Col. Wirat Pattarangsi, deputy commander of the Sattahip Police, along with Mr. Phoradon Chaiphanphap, Chief Executive of Bang Lamung District, executed a search warrant from the Pattaya Provincial Court. The police officers, along with the investigating team from the Sattahip Police Station and the Chonburi Provincial Police, conducted a search of a residence at 138/88 Pattaya Park Hill 2, Soi Khao Noi, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, in order to gather additional evidence and inspect the Chinese nationals residing in the aforementioned house. Initially, upon conducting the search, the police discovered a Chinese individual named Mrs. Wang Su and a housemaid named Miss Arunee Jaikwang, who attempted to hinder the officers' search and made phone calls through a Thai lawyer. The medical personnel present also attempted to prevent the police officers from conducting the search. After more than three hours had passed, and the search team was still unable to proceed, the police officers pressed and finally gained permission to enter the premises. The Chinese residents allowed only five police officers to enter and refused to let them collect fingerprints and DNA evidence. Eventually, Pol. Lt. Col. Panyadhamlek Damlek, superintendent of the Sattahip Police Station, resorted to using the final measure, threatening legal action for obstructing official duties. The Chinese residents reluctantly agreed to allow the police officers to collect various pieces of evidence, including fingerprints and DNA. As for the collected evidence, the police officers are unable to disclose any details at this time to prevent compromising the case, reported Siam Rath. -- © 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

UPDATE: Chonburi Police Officers Accused in 140-million-baht Extortion Case Cry Foul Over Alleged Unfair Treatment By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Matichon Chonburi — Three police officers accused in a 140-million-baht shakedown scandal filed a complaint claiming they did not receive fair treatment during the investigation process by the police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298701-update-chonburi-police-officers-accused-in-140-million-baht-extortion-case-cry-foul-over-alleged-unfair-treatment/

Chonburi — Three police officers accused in a 140-million-baht shakedown scandal filed a complaint claiming they did not receive fair treatment during the investigation process by the police. The three officers from Chonburi Police Station accompanied by their lawyer arrived at the the Office of the Attorney-General (OGA) in Bangkok today to submit a petition to the chief of OGA, Kulthanit Mongkolsawat. The three claimed that they, as the defendants in this case, did not receive fair treatment during the investigation process by the police. They said the initial stages of the investigation did not follow the procedures outlined in the Anti-torture and Enforced Disappearance Act which requires immediate notification of the incident to the prosecuting officer for supervision of the investigation. By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Matichon Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/22/update-chonburi-police-officers-accused-in-140-million-baht-extortion-case-cry-foul-over-alleged-unfair-treatment/ -- © 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.

Bangkok – An Algerian man was arrested in Bangkok for 251 days of overstaying his legal visa after he allegedly tried to dress as a woman in order to avoid Thai Immigration officers. Relevant officials from the Bangkok Thai Immigration Office told TPN media that earlier this week they arrested a 38-year-old Algerian man at a housing estate in Bueng Kum. Officers found that the Algerian man was dressed as a woman before they arrested him. The Algerian man had entered Thailand via Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2022 but his visa had expired in October of last year and he was now on at least 251 days of overstay. By Adam Judd Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/22/overstaying-algerian-man-trying-to-evade-thai-immigration-by-dressing-as-a-woman-arrested-in-bangkok/ -- © 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.

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 23 June 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1298699-thailand-live-friday-23-june-2023/

Overstaying Algerian Man Trying to Evade Thai Immigration by Dressing as a Woman Arrested In Bangkok By Adam Judd Bangkok – An Algerian man was arrested in Bangkok for 251 days of overstaying his legal visa after he allegedly tried to dress as a woman in order to avoid Thai Immigration officers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298700-overstaying-algerian-man-trying-to-evade-thai-immigration-by-dressing-as-a-woman-arrested-in-bangkok/

Wat Arun is structurally safe, despite slight tilting of mondop The slight lean in the four mondops, Thai religious architectural features, towards the central tower, or prang, of Bangkok’s famous Wat Arun is not threatening the structure of the main prang, according to Phanombootra Chandrajoti, director-general of the Fine Arts Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298689-wat-arun-is-structurally-safe-despite-slight-tilting-of-mondop/

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt addressed intimate pictures of him with an unnamed woman that were circulated on social media. These pictures showed the 57 year old Bangkok chief kissing a blonde woman in a restaurant. Picture perfect scandal: Bangkok governor addresses leaked intimate photos https://aseannow.com/topic/1298686-picture-perfect-scandal-bangkok-governor-addresses-leaked-intimate-photos/

Songkhla police probe disappearance of sword from Prince Lop Buri Ramet statue Police in Thailand’s southern province of Songkhla have been trying to locate the sword belonging to the statue of Prince Lop Buri Ramet (Krom Luang Lop Buri Ramet) on Khao Noi Hill, which has gone missing and is believed to have been stolen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298642-songkhla-police-probe-disappearance-of-sword-from-prince-lop-buri-ramet-statue/

Police in Thailand’s southern province of Songkhla have been trying to locate the sword belonging to the statue of Prince Lop Buri Ramet (Krom Luang Lop Buri Ramet) on Khao Noi Hill, which has gone missing and is believed to have been stolen. Officials who look after the statue and Tamnak Khao Noi, the residence of the late prince built in 1911, discovered the sword was missing yesterday (Wednesday) and alerted the police. Police say that the sword was probably stolen at night, when there is no one on duty, adding that it might have been sold to an antiques collector. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/songkhla-police-probe-disappearance-of-sword-from-prince-lop-buri-ramet-statue/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-22 - 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.