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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.

Foreign food vendors reveal costly sticker payment scheme in Thailand by Samantha Rose PHOTO: Sanook At 11pm last night, a video clip from a local resident dining at a restaurant in Nonthaburi showed a Vietnamese squid vendor discussing the difficulties faced by foreign sellers in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298641-foreign-food-vendors-reveal-costly-sticker-payment-scheme-in-thailand/

At 11pm last night, a video clip from a local resident dining at a restaurant in Nonthaburi showed a Vietnamese squid vendor discussing the difficulties faced by foreign sellers in Thailand. The 35 year old vendor, Min, spoke about various fees and the sticker system, revealing that they incur high monthly costs. Min, who has been selling squid for roughly a year, stated that he is required to pay several agencies, receiving stickers in return. Currently, he has two types of stickers, one with a chicken and another with a duck, affixed to the back of his mobile phone for easy reference. The two stickers represent two different organisations, each demanding a payment of 800 baht (US$23) per month. In addition to these expenses, Min also needs to make payments to specific people he calls ‘brother officer.’ In the video, Min explained that he needs to sell at least 1,000 baht (US$29) of squid daily; otherwise, he cannot afford the nearly 6,000 baht (US$172) worth of fees he must pay to eight to nine agencies each month. He expressed his extreme exhaustion due to selling until 2am to 3am, at times making a small profit due to high costs, Sanook reported. by Samantha Rose PHOTO: Sanook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/foreign-food-vendors-reveal-costly-sticker-payment-scheme-in-thailand -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

Thailand boosts oversight of agriculture imports to tackle smuggling by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Page 3 News Facebook The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is ramping up its efforts to strengthen the oversight of agricultural product imports in an attempt to tackle smuggling in the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298636-thailand-boosts-oversight-of-agriculture-imports-to-tackle-smuggling/

The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is ramping up its efforts to strengthen the oversight of agricultural product imports in an attempt to tackle smuggling in the country. The Internal Trade Department’s deputy director-general, Chakra Yodmani, noted that his agency has instituted measures to control the flow of 10 different crops, including paddy and milled rice, government stockpiled rice, fresh cassava roots, tapioca chips, cassava seedlings or cuttings, palm oil, animal feed corn, wheat and barley, mature coconuts and coconut products, as well as onion and garlic. The aim is to deter smuggling and unlawful import activities. Controlled areas have been established at customs checkpoints and several border locations. To transport goods beyond these controlled zones, proper authorisation is required. Chakra stated that checkpoints are in place along transportation routes to verify permits and monitor for excessive amounts being transported. Offenders will face penalties, he warned. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Page 3 News Facebook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailand-boosts-oversight-of-agricultural-imports-to-tackle-smuggling -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

Smart moves by KTO set to boost Korean tourists in Thailand by one million by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is on a mission to lure travellers with cutting-edge smart tourism offerings, boosting the number of Korean visitors to Thailand to an impressive one million during the upcoming third quarter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298635-smart-moves-by-kto-set-to-boost-korean-tourists-in-thailand-by-one-million/

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is on a mission to lure travellers with cutting-edge smart tourism offerings, boosting the number of Korean visitors to Thailand to an impressive one million during the upcoming third quarter. As this thriving alliance between the two countries takes shape, Korean tourism is set to soar to new heights. Tanes Petsuwan, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) deputy governor for Asia and the South Pacific, said the Korean market’s resurgence is positive, with Thailand receiving approximately 4,000-5,000 daily arrivals from Korea over the past two months. This places Korea among the top five countries for visitor arrivals. As of June 18, the total number of Korean visitors stood at 712,492, ranking fourth with 11.8 million tourists overall. Russia topped the list, followed by China and Malaysia. Petsuwan explained that urban sightseeing, retreats, and golf courses make Thailand popular among Korean travellers, unlike other Asian markets such as China, where shopping is the preferred activity. Additionally, 85% of flights connecting Thailand and Korea have resumed, linking major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai to Seoul and Busan, boosting Korean tourism in Thailand. Petsuwan remarked that more charter flights would be added during the high season, and average airfares are expected to become cheaper than in the early stages of recovery. Affordable flights may encourage an increase in tourists planning trips to Thailand, influencing Korean tourism growth. by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/korean-tourists-to-thailand-nears-1-million-boosted-by-smart-tourism -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

Fairway fury: Jealous Thai man swings into violence, leaving golfer and caddy teetering on the edge in Kanchababuri by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ โจโฉ A jealous Thai man shot a golfer and his caddy at Mae Klong Dam Golf Course in the Tha Muang district in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The two victims are in a coma, fighting for their lives. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298634-fairway-fury-jealous-thai-man-swings-into-violence-leaving-golfer-and-caddy-teetering-on-the-edge-in-kanchababuri/

A jealous Thai man shot a golfer and his caddy at Mae Klong Dam Golf Course in the Tha Muang district in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The two victims are in a coma, fighting for their lives. Officers from Tha Muang Police Station investigated the shooting scene at the golf course and discovered bloodstains scattered across the seventh and ninth holes while two injured victims were rushed to the hospital by the rescue team before the police arrived. During the examination, three discarded bullet shells were discovered near the seventh hole, with an additional four shells found near the ninth hole. The male golfer, identified as 67 year old Kriangsak Chaiwanarom, a retired government official and current golf course manager, suffered a gunshot wound in his right eye. The female victim, Suay, a 35 year old caddy, sustained three gunshot wounds—one in her chest and two in her shoulder. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ โจโฉ Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/fairway-fury-jealous-thai-man-swings-into-violence-leaving-golfer-and-caddy-teetering-on-the-edge-in-kanchababuri -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

Hua Lamphong Station Ready as New Hub for Events and Commuting by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Hua Lamphong Railway Station is entering a new phase as a dual-purpose station, capable of hosting major events while maintaining its role as a commuter and tourism train hub. The station has undergone upgrades to accommodate both functions, marking an exciting chapter in its history. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298633-hua-lamphong-station-ready-as-new-hub-for-events-and-commuting/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Hua Lamphong Railway Station is entering a new phase as a dual-purpose station, capable of hosting major events while maintaining its role as a commuter and tourism train hub. The station has undergone upgrades to accommodate both functions, marking an exciting chapter in its history. Hua Lamphong, with its Italian Neo-Renaissance-style architecture, has been a cultural landmark in Bangkok since its opening in 1916, deeply intertwined with the country’s rail history. SRT Director of Public Relations Ekkarat Si-arayanphong highlighted the efforts led by SRT Governor Nirut Maneephan to oversee initiatives to transform the grand station into a venue for major events. Previously, successful events such as "Hua Lamphong in Your Eyes and Unfolding Bangkok" were held at the station, attracting over 30,000 visitors daily, both local and international tourists. The SRT aims to collaborate with public and private organizations interested in utilizing Hua Lamphong’s space for events, enriching the station’s value. Ekkarat expressed the vision of further developing Hua Lamphong as a site for hosting important international events. To enhance the station’s charm, seven additional antique trains that played significant roles in Thailand’s rail transport history will be showcased at Platform No. 4, forming part of a designated exhibition area. More exhibitions are planned for the future. Regarding commuting and tourism train services, Hua Lamphong currently operates 62 such services daily. The SRT has relocated the operation of long-distance train services to the North, Northeast, and South of the country from Hua Lamphong station to the newly established Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Chatuchak district. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230622111802092 -- © Copyright NNT 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.

Phuket Aims to Become International Medical Hub After Expo 2028 Bid Loss by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Phuket province has set its sights on becoming an international medical hub following its unsuccessful bid to host the Specialised Expo 2028. Thailand had launched a bid for Phuket to host the expo, emphasizing the island’s suitability around the theme of "Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity." Although Phuket performed well in the initial round of voting, garnering 16 votes compared to Argentina’s 8, its hopes were dashed in the second round with only 15 votes, trailing behind the United States, Spain, and Serbia. Despite the setback, Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri expressed gratitude on behalf of caretaker Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha for the efforts made to promote Phuket during the bidding process. He affirmed that Phuket remains committed to its long-term development plans, focusing on sustainability and the enhancement of infrastructure and economic stability. Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan outlined the province’s continued dedication to projects associated with the expo, particularly the transformation of the planned venue in the Mai Khao Subdistrict into an international health center. This initiative aims to cater to the healthcare needs of both Thai residents and foreign visitors. Meanwhile, Rewat Areerob, president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation, revealed that discussions would be held with 18 local partners to explore projects aimed at stimulating the economy and boosting tourism in the region. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230622111218080 -- © Copyright NNT 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.

Phuket renews focus on medical hub plans after failing to win Expo bid By Peter Roche Medical Hub in Phuket Phuket is turning its attention back to its international medical hub plans after losing out to Belgrade in its bid to host the next Specialised Expo. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298630-phuket-renews-focus-on-medical-hub-plans-after-failing-to-win-expo-bid/

Phuket is turning its attention back to its international medical hub plans after losing out to Belgrade in its bid to host the next Specialised Expo. According to a Nation Thailand report, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri says the island will now market itself as a world-class health and wellness destination, in addition to its reputation as a favourite tropical island with lots of beaches and world-class entertainment. While Phuket passed in the first round of voting to determine the Expo host yesterday, it was eliminated in the second round. In addition to Belgrade, the island was competing against Minnesota in the US, Malaga in Spain, and Bariloche in Argentina. Eventually, it came down to Malaga and Belgrade in the last round of voting, with the Serbian capital securing 81 votes to Malaga’s 70. According to Anucha, caretaker PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has thanked all those involved in Phuket’s bid, adding that Phuket remains focused on its objectives of sustainability, infrastructure development and a solid economic structure. By Peter Roche Photo: Medical Hub in Phuket Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/phuket-renews-focus-on-medical-hub-plans-after-failing-to-win-expo-bid/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 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.

Purse-snatching pinch: Chinese thief bagged for swiping 2.1 million baht Louis Vuitton at Bangkok airport by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สน.ดอนเมือง สน.เพื่อประชาชน Thai police yesterday arrested a Chinese man after he stole an exclusive Louis Vuitton bag worth 2.1 million baht from a fellow Chinese woman at the Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298629-purse-snatching-pinch-chinese-thief-bagged-for-swiping-21-million-baht-louis-vuitton-at-bangkok-airport/

Thai police yesterday arrested a Chinese man after he stole an exclusive Louis Vuitton bag worth 2.1 million baht from a fellow Chinese woman at the Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. The Chinese woman, Linlu Jiang, filed a complaint at Don Mueng Police Station on June 18 that she left her pink Louis Vuitton handbag at a visa-on-arrival counter at the Don Mueang Airport. However, when she returned to retrieve it, it had vanished. Channel 7 reported that the Chinese victim is a former beauty pageant contestant in China. She travelled from the Maldives to explore Thailand. The bag in question is a limited edition model and only five of them exist in the world. Police officers reviewed CCTV footage at the counter and nearby areas until they identified the thief. In the footage, a Chinese man, 38 year old Xiaoyi Liao, is seen staring at the pink luxury bag. He then placed his backpack on the counter to hide the victim’s bag from view before holding both bags and heading straight to the bathroom. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สน.ดอนเมือง สน.เพื่อประชาชน Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/purse-snatching-pinch-chinese-thief-bagged-for-swiping-2-1-million-baht-louis-vuitton-at-bangkok-airport -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

AI Used to Catch Illegal Riders on Footpaths BANGKOK, June 22 – (TNA) The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) software to detect motorcyclists illegally riding on footpaths through CCTV cameras at five spots before expanding the system to cover 100 locations across the capital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298628-ai-used-to-catch-illegal-riders-on-footpaths/

BANGKOK, June 22 – (TNA) The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) software to detect motorcyclists illegally riding on footpaths through CCTV cameras at five spots before expanding the system to cover 100 locations across the capital. According to the BMA, road accidents occurred to 900 pedestrians every year and it received most complaints about riders travelling on footpaths. The new AI system will detect violators, read their license plates and automatically report the offences to officials. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1193706 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 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.

Heavy rainfall warnings issued for Bangkok and 35 provinces as storms weaken by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: iStock Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for 36 provinces, including Bangkok, with a 60% chance of downpours today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298626-heavy-rainfall-warnings-issued-for-bangkok-and-35-provinces-as-storms-weaken/

Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for 36 provinces, including Bangkok, with a 60% chance of downpours today. The Thai Meteorological Department has also cautioned boat operators in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand due to high waves amid weakening southwest monsoon conditions. The forecast for the next 24 hours shows a subtropical storm over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand gradually diminishing in intensity as an area of low pressure covers Vietnam’s upper regions. While this will lead to a reduction in rainfall in Thailand, isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms are still expected in the eastern provinces. In the upper Andaman Sea, sea waves are predicted to reach a height of 1 to 2 metres, with waves higher than 2 metres during thunderstorms. Similarly, for the Andaman Sea’s southern portion and the Gulf of Thailand, waves are estimated to be around 1 metre and can reach 1 to 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. Maritime activities in the area are advised to take caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: iStock Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/rainfall-warnings-issued-for-bangkok-and-35-provinces-as-storms-weaken -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

Man tragically dies in Ratchaburi after car slides into canal while resting by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Nat Nongphai Facebook. A tragic accident occurred in Ratchaburi, where a 40 year old man lost his life after his car slid into a canal while he was resting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298625-man-tragically-dies-in-ratchaburi-after-car-slides-into-canal-while-resting/

A tragic accident occurred in Ratchaburi, where a 40 year old man lost his life after his car slid into a canal while he was resting. Authorities rushed to the scene, discovering the vehicle submerged in water, and now suspect the car was placed in neutral gear, leading to the accident. Early this morning, local authorities received reports of a car being submerged in a canal, with one person trapped inside, in the Mueang district of Ratchaburi province. When they arrived with rescue teams and a crane to lift the car out of the water, they found the lifeless body of Thanaphon, the 40 year old driver, trapped inside the vehicle. There were no visible signs of injury, and it is estimated that he had been dead for about an hour before being discovered, reported KhaoSod. Investigations revealed that the car’s gear was in neutral and had slid approximately 1 kilometre from where it was initially parked. Tire tracks were found at the edge of the canal, as well as evidence of the car falling into the canal before floating downstream to the location where villagers found it. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Nat Nongphai Facebook. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/road-deaths/mans-tragic-death-in-ratchaburi-after-car-slides-into-canal-while-resting-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

Thailand News - Monorails for Pattaya, cave rescue Governor dies : Tim Newton Today - June 22 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298620-thailand-news-monorails-for-pattaya-cave-rescue-governor-dies-tim-newton-today-june-22/

Monorail! Yes, four monorails proposed for Pattaya over the next decade, starting with the Green Line, Phuket loses to Serbia as the host of the 2027 Specialised Expo, the Governor at the centre of the Tham Luang cave rescue in 2018 has died. YouTube serial pest Nate Bartling in trouble with Thai police, Thailand has 'snubbed' ASEAN with its own regional talks over Myanmar, caretake PM Prayut packs up his boxes at Government House, Pattaya locals sick of the international beggars on their streets, Thai video and TV content making waves in regional content summit. 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/