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Catherine and John Yates leave Portsmouth Coroner's Court yesterday. Picture courtesy of the Daily Mail. by Bob Scott A fun-loving, “fiercely independent” teenager from the United Kingdom died after taking drugs at a Full Moon party in Thailand an inquest heard. A UK coroner yesterday determined that the 18 year old woman from Winchester died by misadventure after taking ecstasy while backpacking in Thailand. The teenager, Eleanor Yates, was found dead in her bed in the Ko Pha Ngan district on February 19 last year. The inquest, at Portsmouth Coroners’ Court yesterday, heard that she had been travelling extensively in her gap year. She planned to go to the University of Bristol to study film, the Daily Mail reported. The 18 year old had attended a Full Moon party on February 17. The inquest heard that she had taken an ecstasy tablet, also known as MDMA. However, she was found dead at 9am on February 19. The inquest revealed that a post-mortem examination conducted by consultant pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri showed that the cause of death was MDMA toxicity resulting in cardiac arrest. Melissa Damsgaard, who had been travelling with Eleanor revealed that six of them went to the Full Moon party on February 17. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/drugs/fun-loving-uk-teenager-dies-after-taking-drugs-at-full-moon-party-in-thailand-inquest-reveals -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-05 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Photo via 77Koaded by leah A naked British man on a rampage smashed a beer bottle over an Australian tourist‘s head until he was covered in blood yesterday in Pattaya, Chon Buri province, eastern Thailand. At 10.30pm, officers at Pattaya City Police Station were informed that a foreigner was assaulted and injured at the Tahitian Queen Agogo bar on Pattaya Beach Road in Nong Prue subdistrict in Bang Lamung district. Police rushed to the scene to investigate with rescue workers from Pattaya’s Sawang Boriboon Thammasatham Foundation. At the scene, a crowd of onlookers huddled around 77 year old Josef Slezak of Australian nationality, who had a bust left eyebrow and a face full of blood after being attacked by the naked Englishman. Rescue workers provided first aid before transporting him to the hospital for treatment. Police detained the perpetrator, a stark naked British man, and took him to the police station for interrogation, reports 77Koaded. Witnesses at Tahitian Queen Agogo told the police that the British man was drinking at the bar last night when he suddenly took off all his clothes and paraded around the bar stark naked. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/naked-brit-smashes-beer-bottle-over-elderly-australian-tourists-head-in-pattaya -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

If your memory isn’t too hazy, let’s enter a blast from the past to a time when even weed was beautiful and a lot less complicated. The cannabis veterans among us – and perhaps the young connoisseurs too – will remember the classics of the 20th Century. Strains brought out during the 60s – 90s, a golden age of weed devoid of today’s over-engineering or technical babble that pervades modern dispensaries and smoky living rooms alike. The classic cannabis flowers of yester-millennium were something special, and they are back right here at Prikpot. We’ve revived these strains with careful attention to detail, maintaining the characteristics that made them legendary. The PrikPot Classics line up at the time of writing: - Acapulco Gold (22% THC) | A sativa-leaning hybrid from the 60s that was so good Cheech and Chong sang songs about it. - Afghan Kush (21% THC) | Hitting the scene in the 70s after emerging from Afghanistan’s Kush Mountains, this Indica strain was popular with pretty much everyone. - Bubba Kush (20% THC) | If the 90s were your decade, Bubba Kush was there with you. An Indica that felt right at home in your living room after a long day. - Colombian Gold (20% THC) | Not to be outdone by other countries, Colombia produced one of the most legendary Sativas of the era, ideal for an energetic high. - Mazar (20% THC) | Another legendary Afghan Indica, this time from the 80s, that was great to grow AND wonderful to smoke. - Northern Lights (18% THC) | A cross of Afghani and Thai strains, NL came out in the 80s and embraced us all with its relaxing effects and one of the coolest names ever. - White Widow (20% THC) | Famous for its powerful burst of euphoria and energy, this 90s strain from the Netherlands went worldwide in a hurry. The complete PrikPot Classics line up can be found here: https://prikpot.com/product-category/flowers/classic-flowers/?tap_a=114340-911ad0&tap_s=2 932157-79232a To celebrate the good old days, we also launched our PrikPot Classics Pack that will give you 2 grams/strain of 5 select classic and iconic flowers. That’s a whopping 10 grams for just 2,495 baht. This is a 50% discount for a time machine that is into cannabis’ past. Find the PrikPot Classics Pack here: https://prikpot.com/product/prikpot-classics-10gr-bundle-5-flowers/?tap_a=114340-911ad0&t ap_s=2932157-79232a Your satisfaction is guaranteed through Prikpot’s discerning processes and high standards, offering cannabis that is: - 100% organic - Produced by experienced local artisan growers - Stored and handled with professional care - Shipped for free all over Thailand with same-day dispatch if ordered before 1:00pm Mon-Sat - Attentive and personal customer service and support - 1-hour delivery for customers in metropolitan Chiang Mai (Mon-Sat) Transport yourself to those groovy days by clicking here: https://prikpot.com/product/prikpot-classics-10gr-bundle-5-flowers/?tap_a=114340-911ad0&t ap_s=2932157-79232a -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-04-27 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information. 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

-- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-04-12 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information. 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

By leah A Swedish tourist was brutally attacked by a gang of young men after he tried to stop them from harassing a waitress at a karaoke bar in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, on Friday. The gang also stole the victim’s gold necklace before throwing him into a canal. Yesterday, police arrested three men of Thai Yai ethnicity at a construction workers camp in Doi Saket district and detained them at Sam Kamphaeng Police Station under suspicion of assault. Police charged three suspects – 22 year old Sa Ong, 25 year old Daeng and 25 year old Angkham. The suspects admitted to assaulting the Swedish man but denied stealing his gold necklace. They said their alleged harassment of the waitress was “just a joke.” A relative of the victim’s girlfriend posted photos of the Swedish man’s injuries on Facebook with the caption… My mother and her boyfriend travelled from Sweden for a trip to Thailand. On Friday (07/04/23) it was my mother’s boyfriend’s birthday. We arranged a birthday party for him at home with the family and then we went to a bar near our home in Sam Khamphaeng district, Chiang Mai province. “Near the time we were going to leave, my mother’s Swedish boyfriend went to the toilet where he saw a group of men harassing a woman and trying to pull her into the bathroom. He went in to help and as he was making his way back to the table, the men followed him and attacked him. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/gang-attacks-swedish-tourist-for-defending-waitress-in-chiang-mai-thailand -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-04-10 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

By Goongnang Suksawat Samui Island – A German tourist has sustained injuries after she fell down from a waterfall on the Samui Island. The Samui District Office Chief Mr. Jirapat Choojan told the Phuket Express that the office was notified on Wednesday (April 5th) that a tourist had injured her ankle after falling from the Na Mueang 2 Waterfall. Emergency responders and officers took more than 20 minutes on foot to walk to the waterfall before finding the injured tourist. The 38-year-old female German tourist was with her German husband (The Phuket Express is withholding their names for their privacy.). Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/04/06/german-tourist-injured-after-falling-from-waterfall-on-samui-island/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-04-06 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has collaborated with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and Krung Thai Bank to introduce a monthly pass that offers unlimited rides on the city’s public bus network and 50 trips on Bangkok’s Red Line electric commuter rail services. The "Transit Pass Red Line BKK x BMTA" aims to reduce commuters’ travel expenses while encouraging more people to use the Red Line and the city’s public buses. According to Suthep Punthupeng, the CEO of SRT Electrified Train Company Limited, the Red Line, which spans 41.3 kilometers and connects Taling Chan in Bangkok to Rangsit in Pathum Thani province, is used by about 25,000 people daily. However, only 5,000 of them use multi-trip cards. Most commuters purchase a single-trip token for their journey. Commuters must first purchase a fare card for 100 baht from SRT and BMTA ticket booths. After registering the card, they can then purchase the monthly transit pass for 2,000 baht, which is valid for 30 days from activation. Once the 50 rail trips are used up, commuters have to wait for the subscription period to end before purchasing a new Transit Pass. Commuters using the Transit Pass will pay an average of about 22 baht per journey, which is lower than the average price per journey for a single-trip token, which is about 25 baht. BMTA Deputy Director Phimphaw Wongsuthirat said that the monthly pass is expected to increase the number of electronic pass holders to 60,000, which is equivalent to about 8.5% of the 700,000 passengers served by the BMTA daily. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230330104558183 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-30 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai dishes continue to be desired delicacies among food enthusiasts around the world. A global food website TasteAtlas has ranked Phanaeng curry the best stew in the world, ahead of Japanese curry and Sichuan hot pot. TasteAtlas has placed Phanaeng curry at the top of the Best Stews in the World ranking, with a 4.8 score out of 5. The website describes Phanaeng curry as a variety of Thai curry that is characterized by its thick texture and a salty-sweet peanut flavor, consisting of meat that is stewed with dried chilis, kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk, cilantro, cumin, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, and peanuts. The dish is traditionally made without any vegetables. Another Thai dish making the top-ten ranking is Massaman curry, coming at number eight with a score of 4.6. The website says Massaman stands out from other Thai curries as it is the mildest and sweetest kind. TasteAtlas describes Massaman curry as a combination of creamy coconut milk, meat, potatoes, and a curry paste made with roasted spices, while highlighting the use of coconut milk in this dish as an authentic Thai element, providing a rich base for the rest of the ingredients. Thicker cuts of meat such as beef, bone-in chicken, lamb, and mutton are typically used for this dish, which is cooked along with spices such as cumin, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, and peppercorns, mixed with fresh garlic, chili, galangal, lemongrass, tamarind paste, and palm sugar. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230321094005148 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-21 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

By Goongnang Suksawat Samui Island, Surat Thani – A34-year-old Swedish man was arrested on Samui Island in Surat Thani for 75 days of overstaying his legal visa conditions. Surat Thani Immigration officers told the Phuket Express that recently they have arrested MR.CHRISTOPHER, 34, a Swedish national. He was arrested on the Chaweng Beach Road in front of a department store. He is now at 75 days of overstaying his visa according to police. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/03/16/swedish-man-arrested-on-samui-island-for-75-days-of-overstaying/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-03-16 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

PHOTO: MGR online By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – An illegal bar on Bangla Road in Patong was raided uncovering underage prostitutes with six victims rescued. Two suspects were arrested who claim the real bar owner is a foreigner. Last night (March 15th) a team from the Department of Provincial Administration raided a bar in Soi Sea Dragon on the Bangla Road. The Department of Provincial Administration official told the Phuket Express the raid came after officials received complaints from the Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R) that the bar was allegedly operating a prostitution service with underage sex workers for foreign customers. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/03/16/raid-on-illegal-bar-on-bangla-road-in-patong-leads-to-rescue-of-six-underage-sex-workers/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-03-16 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thailand’s National Environment Board (NEB) has decided to tighten up measures to curb the worsening PM2.5 problem in 17 northern provinces, which is threatening public health and is being blamed on forest fires and the burning of farm waste. There will be a complete ban on burning in open spaces, strict enforcement of the law against violators who light fires in forests or burn farm waste and cooperation sought from millers to stop buying burnt sugarcane from farmers. At a meeting on Wednesday, the NEB has also instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to mobilise all its resources, including aircraft, to control forest fires. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tighter-measures-to-curb-dangerous-pm2-5-levels-in-northern-provinces/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-16 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

By Editor At the March meeting of the Royal Coast Riviera Club, Mr. Luca Bernardinetti, CEO of Mahanakorn Partners Group, a company that specialises in visas for Thailand, presented a detailed description of the advantages, requirements and process related to Thailand’s recently introduced long-term resident (LTR) visa. Almost 3,000 wealthy and/or skilled foreigners have applied for the LTR in the first four months, says government spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul. Traisulee said 2,920 foreigners had applied for LTR visas from the Board of Investment (BOI) between November 1 and February 28 this year. The program authorises foreigners to remain in the country for up to ten years and a total of four dependents may be granted a visa as well, including a spouse and children under the age of 20. The ten year LTR visa was introduced on November 1st last year to attract foreign talent and multinational firms to Thailand. At the time it was anticipated that this initiative would attract 1 million new foreign residents over the first five years. Although at the current rate of applications, it seems highly unlikely that forecast will be attained. Of those who have applied, 195 are wealthy people, 1,011 are retirees, 771 are people who want to work in Thailand, 390 are skilled individuals, and 553 are dependants. The top three sources of applications were Europe (940 people), followed by the US (517) and China (325). LTR visa holders enjoy several privileges. Holders are not required to report to Thai immigration authorities every 90 days and enjoy duty-free tax exemption. Additionally, long-term residents benefit from modified laws and regulations regarding working and foreigner-owned land in Thailand. High-potential foreigners are placed into four applicant groups: wealthy global citizens, wealthy retirees, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and highly skilled workers. ● Wealthy Global Citizen (LTR-W): Wealthy individuals holding at least USD 1 million in assets ● Wealthy Pensioner (LTR-P): Retirees aged 50 years and older who have an annual pension or stable income ● Work-from-Thailand Professional (LTR-T): Remote workers working for well-established overseas companies ● Highly-skilled Professional (LTR-H): Professionals or experts in targeted industries working for business entities or higher education institutes or research centres in Thailand or Thai Government agencies Additionally, the Dependants (LTR-O) visa refers to the spouse and children (under 20 years of age) of LTR visa holders (maximum 4 dependants per LTR visa holder). Successfully applying for an LTR involves numerous steps and meeting multiple requirements. It will take time, typically not less than 18 months, to prove the requirements are met, submit the necessary documentation and the go through a final review before an approval is obtained. The documents required for each type of LTR visa vary and even within the same category, are considered on a case-by-case basis. Across the country multiple seminars continue to be offered by immigration and visa consultants, typically recommending that receiving expert advice and support is the way to go, although self-managed applications have been successful. Official Information Source: Expatriate Services Division, One Stop Service Center of Visa and Work Permit (OSS) 18th Floor, Chamchuri Square Building, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Official Website: https://ltr.boi.go.th/ Tel: +66 2209 1100 ext.1109-1110, E-mail: [email protected] Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2023/03/will-thailands-long-term-resident-visa-work-for-you/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2023-03-13 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

BANGKOK (NNT) - Suvarnabhumi International Airport has started rolling out upgrades to its security screening facility at its departure terminal. The airport also warned departing passengers of potential delays as checkpoints are partially closed due to this renovation. Suvarnabhumi Airport has advised departing passengers of potential delays caused by renovation work at its security checkpoints where new equipment is being installed. The airport is in the process of adding an automated tray return system at security checkpoints, where departing passengers are required to have their carry-on bags scanned for prohibited items. The new tray system will help double the capacity at checkpoints from 3,300 passengers per hour to 6,650. Once in operation, passengers can expect a faster process and less congestion at the airport. To handle the current situation, the airport said it is deploying additional staff members to help passengers and has coordinated with immigration police to ensure a sufficient number of personnel at passport control. Nonetheless, departing passengers are advised to arrive at least 3 hours before departure time in order to avoid any unexpected situations. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230305163350439 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-06 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Despite Thailand’s increasing desperation to boost the quality of its education, authorities have decided that teacher trainees only need to be tested on one subject to get a license. This new system will go into effect from March 15. Students and graduates of teacher-training programs who began higher education during the academic years of 2019 and 2022 will only be tested on the subject of Professional Teaching. Before this, teacher trainees were required to test on four subjects: Thai Communication, English Communication, Digital Education and Professional Teaching. “How can we have confidence in teachers’ quality if they are only tested on their professional techniques?” asked Asst Prof Athapol Anunthavorasakul, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Education. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/education-experts-fear-quality-will-drop-as-teacher-exams-made-easier/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-27 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

By Thai Enquirer Ivermectin is not shown to be effective against Covid-19 in clinical trials according to the findings of a joint University of Oxford and Mahidol University study. The study that was published on the peer-reviewed eLife medical journal found that high doses of the drug ivermectin, controversially recommended by some high-profile political and media figures during the pandemic, is ineffective at treating the virus. Conducted at the Center for Tropical Diseases in Bangkok, the study is part of the ongoing PLATCOV trial the study hoped to assess the antiviral effectiveness of medicines in treating early symptomatic Covid-19 infections. The findings support claims that the drug has little antiviral activity against the virus. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/48271/ivermectin-not-effective-in-treating-covid-19-joint-mahidol-oxford-study-shows/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2023-02-24 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Lamduan Armitage's body was found near Penyghent on 20 September, 2004. FAMILY PHOTO/DONLAWAT SUNSUK By Alex Moss BBC News Cold case officers have travelled to Thailand to speak with the husband and family of a woman found dead in the Yorkshire Dales almost 19 years ago. Walkers discovered the half-naked body of Lamduan Armitage, nee Seekanya, in a stream near Pen-y-ghent in 2004. For 15 years her identity was unknown until family in Thailand came forward and DNA proved it was their daughter. As well as her parents, police are hoping to speak to husband David Armitage who now lives in Thailand. North Yorkshire officers, who arrived in the country on Sunday, said being there was a crucial next step in their attempts to finally solve the case. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-64570426 -- © Copyright BBC 2023-02-14 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Tourists wait for their boats in Phuket, Thailand. Photo by Reuters By Hoang Phong Americans spend an average of 96,269 baht (US$2,887) per person while traveling in Thailand, higher than European visitors, who spend $2,684, a survey shows. U.S. tourists spend an average of 2,000-3,000 baht on accommodation a night and they always stay in the country up to 15 days per trip, according to the survey conducted by the Tourism Council of Thailand, which polled 200 Western tourists during the final quarter of last year. The survey also showed that European tourists spend 1,000-2,000 baht per night on accommodations and stay in Thailand for 13 days on average. In Vietnam, foreign tourists spent $117.80 a day in 2019, the year before the onset of the pandemic, according to statistics from the General Statistics Office (GSO). On average, foreign tourists in Vietnam spent about $35.50 for accommodations, $25.80 for food, $18.90 for transportation, $19.70 for shopping and about $18 for other expenses, such as sightseeing and medical services. Vietnam welcomed a record 18 million foreign tourists in 2019. The country reopened its borders in March 2022 and received 3.6 million foreign arrivals for the year. Thailand welcomed 11 million foreign visitors last year thanks to its open visa policy, making its tourism industry among the fastest to recover in the region following the Covid-19 pandemic. SOURCE: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/american-tourists-spend-more-money-than-europeans-in-thailand-survey-4566525.html -- © Copyright VN EXPRESS 2023-02-06 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Daily News Thai Caption: I remember his face! The Taiwanese actress at the center of claims that she and her friends were extorted out of 27,000 baht in a nighttime shakedown at the hands of the Thai police in Huay Khwang, Bangkok, has hit back at suggestions that she was somehow in the wrong. In a feisty post on Instagram Story in which she indicated she had already spoken to "Interpol", the celebrity known as Charlene An in English told the RTP to "stop talking trash". She claimed they are having a go at her in order to appear innocent and hide their wrong-doing. This followed comments by a spokesman after her initial claims about the extortion on January 4th, the day before she returned home, reported Daily News. The spokesman tried to excuse the RTP by making claims about e-cigarettes and a belligerent group of tourists. Their visas' validity had been questioned also despite them being totally above board. Ms An said she wasn't drunk at all in a message in Chinese to her fans. "I want to tell everyone after talking to Interpol about the unclean Thai police. "They are attempting to use me in an effort to appear innocent themselves because it goes against their interests". She had a message for Thailand's 'finest': "STOP TALKING TRASH!" She went into a few further details about the night in question when she said all lanes on the road were blocked off at the 1 am checkpoint. There were more than seven cops and she said she clearly remembers the officer who extorted her. She wondered why she was singled out. She said that the RTP should check CCTV, stop talking nonsense, stop trying to target her and stop fixing people up. She spoke of her intense irritation not just of the incident itself but what has happened since. She signed off with conciliatory words for Thailand but a final broadside against its police: "Thailand is a lovely place with so many great attractions - but their police are not one of them". ASEAN NOW notes that it appears the RTP have been caught massively with their trousers down. Increasingly in the age of the internet and social media spotlight they have shown their ineptness. They have been revealed for what their critics say they are. They say they are little more than a mafia organization in uniform and a disgrace to the country. The RTP are already facing huge trouble that has led to their overseer Thai PM Prayuth Chan-ocha calling for those responsible to be held to account. This involves the damning clip of preferential treatment shown to a Chinese tourist who was fast-tracked through airport immigration for money then taken to Pattaya in a motorcade. That has been going on for a decade according to reports. This latest mess for Thai tourism caused by the RTP shows that drastic action is needed to rein them in before further damage is down. And on this occasion in the dark of a lonely New Year night in a Bangkok suburb, they absolutely picked on the wrong person. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-01-28 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information. 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

British diving instructor, Neil Gibin, from Birmingham was found dead in Thailand’s Koh Tao, also known as ‘Death Island’. By Rahmah Ghazali A British man was found dead on Thailand’s Koh Tao - notoriously known as Death Island - last week and circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery. The body of Neil Gibin, 48, was discovered in a rented bungalow in the small paradise island on Wednesday (January 18) after he failed to turn up to a diving lesson. Described as ‘fit and healthy’, Neil, from Birmingham, is believed to have died from natural causes. According to a report by a national newspaper, there was no sign of a struggle leading up to his death and that there was “nothing to investigate”. However, Neil is said to be the fifth instructor to die in the past few years on the island following a series of unexplained deaths and murders of backpackers and tourists, tainting its reputation. A friend told the newspaper that Neil was found in his underwear on his sofa with a blanket on him. The friend added: “The medics who showed up said there was nothing suspicious. I was told the police said straight away there was nothing to investigate. It happened so quickly. I don’t even think they did an autopsy. I talked to Neil about some of the deaths that happened here. Full story: https://www.birminghamworld.uk/read-this/british-diving-instructor-found-dead-on-thailands-koh-tao-under-mysterious-circumstances-3997303 -- © Copyright Birmingham World 2023-01-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on a Thai based US TikTok star who went to see top lawyer Decha Kittiwithayaran of Thanai Khlai Thuk. Kyle Anderson, 39, had seen an ad on social media for a 2021 Miami Blue Porsche 911 that was being sold at a luxury showroom in Samphan Sung, Bangkok, just off the motorway. It was July 12th last year. He called the showroom and was told he could view the automobile and have a test drive that day. He loved the model and it was just what he wanted. He paid 250,000 baht deposit and went back to Pattaya with his Thai girlfriend. On 7th August he paid 5 million baht at the showroom and agreed three more payments to take the cost up to a round 13 million baht. But driving back to Pattaya he and the girlfriend got only as far as the motorway before the car conked out. He called the showroom who said to let it cool down a bit then restart. That didn't work and the motor was picked up and taken in for repairs by the showroom. After the repairs Kyle wanted to take his girlfriend to see some coastal views. That lasted half an hour before the Porsche broke down again. He thought about having it repaired himself. Then the registration book arrived. It was not a 2021 model but a 2020, not the one he wanted. When confronted about this the showroom said "oh, that was the year it was registered in Thailand, we put that in the ad". It was agreed that the showroom would buy back the car at 12.2 million baht but on the day of payment they allegedly reneged on that offering Kyle only 1.5 million baht saying they had to pay tax of 9 million baht on the deal. Kyle said he had been in Thailand for 12 years and had never conned anyone. He loves Thailand and everything about it and never thought he'd be a victim in a case like this. He urged the showroom concerned to stop their fraudulent practices and make sure their vehicles are roadworthy. Lawyer Decha said that he would press the matter via three separate charges under consumer and other laws. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-01-16 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! 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

Picture: Thai Rath A British pensioner was shot multiple times in the back by an unknown assailant as he was returning home on a motorcycle in the Pattaya area. Neil Lewis Roger, 71, had told his close friend that he was off to have a drink with a friend in town. After buying some groceries he headed home to Huay Yai but was shot on the way at least 3 times. He died in a pool of blood 2 KM from his home. His friend called him a popular man who had no known enemies. First reports of the shooting in Soi Khao Makork 1 came in to Pol Maj Prakasit Paladech of the Huay Yai police who went to the scene with rescue services expecting to find an injured man. It was 9.45pm last night. It's a quiet soi and at the scene a red Scoopy Honda bike was found on its side. The victim had no pulse and was lying face down in a pool of blood. Medics tried to stem the flow of blood and perform CPR but it proved futile and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been shot twice in the back and once under the waist with parts of the projectiles exiting shoulder and armpit. Evidence of shots from a 9 mm weapon were found 50 meters away. "Pop", 29, at the scene told Thai Rath that he had found the foreigner who was wearing a full face helmet. He thought he had merely fallen off his bike and it was only when rescue services arrived that they all realised he had been shot. "Em", 23, a hotel security man, said that he had been sleeping 300 meters away. He said he heard 3 shots within a ten second timeframe. Police managed to contact a close friend and carer of the deceased, 38 year old Thitiphan Kamlat from Mukdahan. She arrived at the scene and was distraught. Fighting back tears she said that the decesed was a retired engineer from the UK. They had been together for four years. On Christmas Eve he had flown back to the UK to be with his family and got back to Pattaya on Wednesday. At 4pm he said he was going for a drink with "Peter" in Soi Bua Khao in central Pattaya. She was invited but decided not to go. She said that the deceased had no issues with anyone and had lots of friends being a popular guy. Chonburi provincial police have determined that at 9.18 pm the victim was at a mini mart on Phra Tamnak hill. There he bought two tins of baked beans, a loaf of bread and half a roast chicken. He then went via Sukhumvit Road and Soi Chaiyapreuk towards his home in Huay Yai. Police have suggested no motive at present. They are studying CCTV to get a full picture of both the victim's movements and that of the assailant who shot him. More on this case as we hear of it at ASEAN NOW. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-01-06 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! 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

The spot where the New Zealand tourist plunged to the ground and his body being taken to the hospital. Photo: Naewna by TNR Staff A TOURIST from New Zealand slipped and fell from the train that had slowed down for passengers to take photos at Kanchanaburi’s Krasae Cave which was the camp of POWs in World War II, Naewna newspaper said Tuesday (Dec. 27). At 12.10 p.m. Pol. Lt. Col. Kiattisak Kerdchok, an investigator at Sai Yok police station, was notified of a foreigner having died after falling off a train at Krasae Cave in Lum Sum subdistrict and quickly went there together with Pitakarn Kanchanaburi Foundation rescuers. At the scene they found Mr. Patrick Ward, 45, lying on the ground after plunging seven to eight metres from the train. His body was taken to Sai Yok Hospital for an autopsy with the New Zealand embassy too contacted. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/12/27/new-zealander-dies-in-fall-from-kanchanaburi-train/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-12-28 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that Pol Gen Surachate Hakpan - who they called Deputy Joke - was at the Muang Pattaya police station to announce developments in underage sex cases at the Cobra Beer Bar. Mr Michael, a Brit and Mr Jens, a German, paid 2,000 baht for sex with 14 and 15 year olds. The owner of the bar took 500 baht. The pair were arrested after the crime on September 24th. Also arrested was bar owner Ornthana, 43, after a search warrant was served at her address in Soi Chaiyapreuk 2. The names of ten underage girls were found on bills. She faces human trafficking charges. Surachate was in town to wrap up the investigation that was of great public interest as well as being followed closely in the media. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-11-01 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! 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

The Bank of Thailand has defended new rules for cash deposits through automated cash deposit machines (CDMs), introduced by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). Bank of Thailand’s Payment Systems Policy Office’s senior director, Budsakorn Teerapunyachai, said today (Tuesday) that the new measure is in line with the AMLO law against money laundering and financial support for terrorism. She also said that the central bank will urge all commercial banks to modify their systems to accommodate the new requirement and other card-less identification services. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-central-bank-defends-new-controls-on-cash-deposits-via-cdms/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-19 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

From November 15th, people who want to deposit cash via cash deposit machines (CDMs) in Thailand will be required to identify themselves by inserting their credit or debit cards and entering their Personal Identification Number (PIN) or password. The new measure has been introduced by the Anti-Money Laundering Office and will be applied to all commercial banks, to prevent the laundering of money earned from drug trafficking, illegal gambling or other criminal activity. According to AMLO, the alternative for those who do not have a credit or debit card PIN or password for their bank accounts is to deposit their money and show their ID cards tobank tellers in the branch, which will incur service charges. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-rule-for-cash-deposit-machines-from-november-15th/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-18 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!