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Video: Great lump of concrete just waiting to fall on a motorist or two and kill them - or quite safe... Sanook Thai Cap: You're quite sure it won't fall? Sanook reported on a Facebook video post by a guy called Anuphong Hunphuang who was riding a motorcycle in Nonthaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276085-video-great-lump-of-concrete-just-waiting-to-fall-on-a-motorist-or-two-and-kill-them-or-quite-safe/

Sanook Thai Cap: You're quite sure it won't fall? Sanook reported on a Facebook video post by a guy called Anuphong Hunphuang who was riding a motorcycle in Nonthaburi. He took footage of what many people thought was an accident waiting to happen. A large piece of concrete precariously atop an overhanging piece just meters above motorists' heads. Picture: Sanook It was filmed on the Bang Yai to Kanchanaburi Road. It is a section where there are roadworks and site engineers assured Sanook that the pieces in question were all fixed together as part of a bridge and there was no cause for alarm. There was no danger of it falling off at all. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-28 - 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! 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

Traffic comes to a standstill as two tons of chicken falls off "red plate" pick-up covering the road Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the Kamphaeng Saen police in Nakhon Pathom, central Thailand, were alerted to an accident in Huay Khwang sub-district where a pick up had overturned at a bend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276083-traffic-comes-to-a-standstill-as-two-tons-of-chicken-falls-off-red-plate-pick-up-covering-the-road/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the Kamphaeng Saen police in Nakhon Pathom, central Thailand, were alerted to an accident in Huay Khwang sub-district where a pick up had overturned at a bend. There was a three kilometer tailback. Picture: Siam Rath At the scene of the accident a red plate Ratchaburi registered pick-up was on its side over two lanes in the road. Scattered about was more than two tons of chicken that cost 300,000 baht. Neungrithai, the 54 year old driver of the stricken pick-up said she had gone to get the chicken in Suphanburi and was on her way back to Ratchaburi. Picture: Siam Rath There was rain and the road was slippery, she recounted, before she lost control and hit the kerb. Police and members of the public helped clear the road that was fully open again at 6.30 pm. An hour after the first report of the incident. The lady driver is being interviewed again by the police. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-28 - 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! 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

Famous Thai ladyboy who said "it's me or the designer bag who's fake" is jailed but walks out of court Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on the case of a well known celebrity ladyboy called Mr Naphaphat or "Tina", 42. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276080-famous-thai-ladyboy-who-said-its-me-or-the-designer-bag-whos-fake-is-jailed-but-walks-out-of-court/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on the case of a well known celebrity ladyboy called Mr Naphaphat or "Tina", 42. Tina had been charged with embezzlement or loss of property. But had not turned up to hear a court judgment against him on October 18th. He was taken from a condo to the court in Thonburi. The case referred to back in December 2021 when Tina was dealing in brand name items. He'd bought a Hermes bag from a woman called Jidapha but believed it to be fake and the woman who sold it a criminal. She scribbled "fake" on the bag. And announced if it was real he would give up his ladyboy ways and become plain old Mr Sorapong. And he'd be willing to pay 2 million baht if experts showed the bag was the real deal. The victim in the case had rejected an offer of 380,000 baht for the bag and hired lawyers instead. The court convicted Tina on two charges jailing the defendant for a year. This was reduced to half after the defendant's admission was taken into consideration. Tina announced an intention to appeal the six month sentence and was released subject to conditions and the wearing of an electronic monitoring (EM) device. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-28 - 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! 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

Thailand welcomes over 7 million foreign tourists from 1 January to 26 October 2022 Heading into the traditional high season of October to March, the full year target for 2022 is 7-10 million visitor arrivals. TAT Newsroom Thailand welcomed over 7 million tourists between 1 January and 26 October, 2022, with the full year target for 2022 being between seven and 10 million visitor arrivals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276079-thailand-welcomes-over-7-million-foreign-tourists-from-1-january-to-26-october-2022/

Heading into the traditional high season of October to March, the full year target for 2022 is 7-10 million visitor arrivals. TAT Newsroom Thailand welcomed over 7 million tourists between 1 January and 26 October, 2022, with the full year target for 2022 being between seven and 10 million visitor arrivals. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said “With the difficult times of recent now behind us, Thailand is seeing its efforts across the board – from ongoing tourism marketing and promotion, to the Amazing Thailand SHA health and safety standards put in place – paying off, with more than 7 million foreign tourists having already returned to our shores so far in 2022.” The total number of visitor arrivals for the 1 January-26 October, 2022, period was 7,349,843. The top five source markets were Malaysia with 1,246,242 arrivals, India with 661,751 arrivals, Lao PDR. with 538,789 arrivals, Cambodia with 373,811 arrivals, and Singapore with 365,593 arrivals. Tabulated by the TAT Intelligence Centre based on data from the Immigration Bureau, these totals do not include migrants, United Nations officials, and non-nationalities. The top five points of entry to Thailand were Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (3,891,196 arrivals), Phuket International Airport (958,027 arrivals), Don Mueang International Airport (564,008 arrivals), Sadao Border Checkpoint (451,578 arrivals), and Nong Khai Border Checkpoint (225,859 arrivals). Now having fully reopened to international tourism, Thailand no longer requires tourists to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results, and a longer length of stay is being offered. Effective from 1 October, 2022 to 31 March, 2023, the period of stay is extended to 45 days (from 30 days) for tourists from countries/territories entitled for visa exemption, and to 30 days (from 15 days) for those eligible for a visa on arrival (VOA). Major international and regional airlines are resuming flights to Thailand from countries around the world, while Thai Airways International (THAI) in its recently announced 2022-2023 winter schedule (30 October, 2022 – 25 March, 2023) is operating flights on 34 European, Australian, and Asian routes with increased frequencies on selected routes. More international events and local festivals are again being held throughout Thailand, including the popular Loi Krathong annual festival in locations nationwide in the first part of November, and the Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB 2022) which is taking place through until 23 February, 2023, at various locations across Bangkok featuring works by 73 local and international artists. Also, as the host of APEC 2022, a number of APEC meetings are taking place in Thailand, most recently the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) from 19-21 October, 2022. Next, the high-profile APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) is to take place from 14-19 November, 2022. Mr. Yuthasak said, “Looking ahead, TAT is actively working to ensure Thailand remains a top-of-mind destination for tourists from around the world, such as with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign.” Complementing the campaign, the ‘Write Your New Chapter’ TVC was launched to communicate the Amazing New Chapters message and to engage tourists around the world through a cinematic perspective to show them Thailand has a multitude of holiday possibilities in which there is something for all. The aim is to inspire tourists to explore Thailand and create their own chapters, which they can then share with their friends and family and encourage them to also visit. Thailand is moving towards more sustainable, more responsible and more inclusive tourism in line with the Thai government’s Bio-Circular-Green or BCG Economy Model. The kingdom will continue to be promoted as a world-class destination with existing and new tourism experiences waiting to be discovered by the world’s tourists. This will be showcased alongside NFT products including Nature to keep, Food to explore, and Thainess to discover – which are the main highlighted products in the “Amazing New Chapters” campaign. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/10/thailand-welcomes-over-7-million-foreign-tourists-from-1-january-to-26-october-2022/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-10-28 - 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!

Dr Song speaks out: He was kidnapped for ransom in Africa for 25 days Daily News Thai Cap: I was saved by... Dr Nopparat Rattanaworah - better known as Dr Song - who was kidnapped by an armed group in Africa has been speaking to Daily News and other Thai media about his ordeal. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276078-dr-song-speaks-out-he-was-kidnapped-for-ransom-in-africa-for-25-days/

Daily News Thai Cap: I was saved by... Dr Nopparat Rattanaworah - better known as Dr Song - who was kidnapped by an armed group in Africa has been speaking to Daily News and other Thai media about his ordeal. Dr Song was travelling between Burkina Faso and Mali when he heard gunshots. There was a man pointing a gun. He was ordered out of the vehicle and onto his knees and blindfolded and tied up. Picture: Daily News He was taken on an eight hour journey into the countryside through jungles, corn fields and small villages. He had no idea where he was headed. He was given a mat. He would sleep under trees in the day to escape the sunlight having to move as the sun's rays moved. He was in a small tent at night. He said he was never assaulted. He lived mostly on plain rice if he couldn't get anything better to go with it. He said it was stressful but he always believed he would get away. None of his captors spoke about money for ransom to him. Eventually he managed to convince the chief of the captors that he was just a humble doctor travelling the world, not a rich businessman. The chief allowed him to call his mother and French Fries, his girlfriend. Picture: Daily News French Fries proved very helpful in helping to secure his release - mostly through What's App negotiations. He was dumped in the deep jungle and told to find his way back. Dr Song said there was not much point in trying to get back at his captors. He had no idea who they were or how to go about finding them. He'd just carry on touring the world and put it behind him. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-28 - 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! 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

Malaysian didn't learn from previous lesson - back selling bootleg foreign liquor online Daily News Thai Caption: Arrested yet again 191 police armed with a search warrant went to a house in Soi Hatairat 3, Minburi, northern Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276073-malaysian-didnt-learn-from-previous-lesson-back-selling-bootleg-foreign-liquor-online/

Daily News Thai Caption: Arrested yet again 191 police armed with a search warrant went to a house in Soi Hatairat 3, Minburi, northern Bangkok. It was the home and distribution depot of one Mr Chan, 55, a Malaysian national. Mr Chan was caught in possession of items such as imported foreign liquor and wine, empty liquor and wine bottles, tax labels from Thailand and abroad, corks and stickers of many kinds, reported Daily News. Mr Chan was importing foreign liquor and wine then repackaging it for profit. He got his empty bottles from a recycling dump. He turned a case of foreign booze worth 3,200 baht into 7,500 baht for customers who contacted him online. Police say Mr Chan was making 150,000-200,000 baht a month and had been doing it for a year. They also discovered that he had been arrested in 2019 on similar charges of bootlegging and tax evasion when he had 600,000 baht's worth of items seized. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-28 - 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! 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

Tim Newton Today - Oct 28: Thai LTR visa numbers, Chinese 'party' dens being investigated, ASEAN bla bla Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276071-tim-newton-today-oct-28-thai-ltr-visa-numbers-chinese-party-dens-being-investigated-asean-bla-bla/

ASEAN foreign ministers met yesterday in Jakarta and decided, well, nothing really. The New Thai Long Term Resident visas appear to be massively underperforming. Police checking into the proliferation of Chinese party dens around Bangkok and Pattaya. A safe landing after an engine fire on a Boeing 737. Tim Newton Today is a daily, independent look at Thai and south East Asian regional news.

Thai police allegedly ignore desperate gamblers appeal for help - they put the phone down because the call came from a casino Daily News Thai Caption: They claimed...trickery Daily News reported on an alarming case in which a group of gamblers had been winning at cards known as Dragon Tiger at a casino under the Prasert Manutham expressway section in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276070-thai-police-allegedly-ignore-desperate-gamblers-appeal-for-help-they-put-the-phone-down-because-the-call-came-from-a-casino/

Daily News Thai Caption: They claimed...trickery Daily News reported on an alarming case in which a group of gamblers had been winning at cards known as Dragon Tiger at a casino under the Prasert Manutham expressway section in Bangkok. The gamblers had been at the tables for three days and the third was August 19th. At 6 pm on that day two representatives of the casino invited the group to a second floor room where it was claimed they had been cheating at the tables leading to big losses for the house. The gamblers called 191 for help telling them that they were being held against their will and needed help. When it was confirmed that they were indeed calling from a casino 191 contact ceased and couldn't be reestablished. Then another casino rep came into the room saying that someone had tried to call the police. They were all bundled into a van being told they were off to a police station. They were instead taken to a vacant area near the Chonburi Motorway where they were held for an hour and a half. At this time they later discovered the police made a trip to the casino. They were then put back in the van and returned to the casino after the police had dropped in. At about midnight the group was split up and individually attacked including having black bags placed over heads, noses and mouths held shut and suffering body assault to try and extort money. The assailants said they were soldiers. They kept repeating "how much money have you got, give it all to us". There were ten assailants. Finally after their severe beating through the night the victims were forced into transferring 5 million baht to their assailants. They were then put back in the van and dumped in Sukhaphiban 5 Road at about 6 am. They were told that if they reported what had happened they would be murdered. They were informed that all their data on their Thai ID's had been recorded. Including their addresses. In September one member of the victims' group decided to go to the police chief responsible for this part of Bangkok. But he found that the charge was just "causing losses" against the casino. Eventually after contact with the casino rep this victim managed to get back 500,000 baht but had earlier been extorted out of 2 million. The police hid behind the fact that the losses came from gambling, ignoring the gravity of the assault. Now all five victims have approached online community action group Sai Mai Tong Rort. It's founder Ekkaphop Leuangprasert said that the casino in question is a big operation with many different types of games available including Dragon Tiger and baccarat all under one roof. There are people gambling there all day and all night. He called what had happened "robbery" not "causing losses". What took place was a serious crime. He called the police response "unusual". And putting a plastic bag over someone's head could be attempted murder. Phones and jewelry were also missing from the victims. There has been no mention of a police report. He intended to take the matter up with the local chief. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-28 - 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! 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

PM elaborates on 3 core strategies for elevating Thailand’s prosperity level by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The prime minister has asserted a revamp of Thailand requires the implementation of 3 core strategies that would elevate prosperity and people’s overall livelihood. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276067-pm-elaborates-on-3-core-strategies-for-elevating-thailand’s-prosperity-level/

by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The prime minister has asserted a revamp of Thailand requires the implementation of 3 core strategies that would elevate prosperity and people’s overall livelihood. Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha delivered a speech on the topic “Accelerating Thailand.” He elaborated the government strives to concretely bring various initiatives to realization as it prepares the nation for future challenges. One goal is to elevate the overall wealth of the nation and dissipate prosperity to every locality so people’s livelihood could improve. Three core strategies are being implemented for these purposes. The first strategy involves infrastructure development for transportation as well as for digital affairs. Infrastructure will open up opportunities for people to make their living and be self-reliant. The second strategy involves the electric vehicles industry and modern agriculture. These two industries are poised to become among the world’s largest in the future. The third strategy concerns the use of the banking sector to create opportunities for new entrepreneurs and enterprises. The prime minister said the aim is to bring these strategies to realization within the next 12 months. Many projects under these strategies are already progressing. Gen. Prayut called for the public to have confidence in said projects and asked for public cooperation in taking the nation toward greater prosperity. The prime minister added there are criticisms over his management of the nation from time to time, and said this is normal in a democracy. He noted that people should not let their attention over crucial national matters be distracted. He asked that everybody contribute to the big picture at hand and ready the nation for the future. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221028092245598 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-10-28 - 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!

Properties from about 200 developers being offered at old prices at 42nd House and Condo Exhibition by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - Prices of energy and construction materials as well as interest rates have all increased this year. Nonetheless, the Thai Condominium Association and Housing Business Association are partnering with developers to offer properties at their original prices. These offers from about 200 developers may be found at the 42nd House and Condo Exhibition in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276066-properties-from-about-200-developers-being-offered-at-old-prices-at-42nd-house-and-condo-exhibition/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - Prices of energy and construction materials as well as interest rates have all increased this year. Nonetheless, the Thai Condominium Association and Housing Business Association are partnering with developers to offer properties at their original prices. These offers from about 200 developers may be found at the 42nd House and Condo Exhibition in Bangkok. Labor minister Suchart Chomklin presided over the opening of the 42nd House and Condo Exhibition at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. During the occasion, he said the real estate sector is one of the drivers enabling the Thai economy to expand. This is due to the fact many businesses are associated with real estate. He acknowledged that construction costs will soon rise by 5-10% because of high energy prices impacting the prices of construction materials. The rise in minimum wages will also have an impact on construction costs. Chairat Thamphira, chair of the 42nd House and Condo Exhibition organizing committee, said the current period is still an appropriate time for buying properties. He cited the current government measure reducing the property transfer fee and mortgage registration fee. The Bank of Thailand is also currently implementing relaxed LTV ratios for mortgages to enable borrowers to take a loan of equal value to the property. Furthermore, property developers partaking in the exhibition are keeping prices unchanged as the properties were constructed when costs were lower. 32.8% of properties available at the exhibition are condominiums. 19.7% are detached homes and 16.4% are townhouses. The properties are being offered alongside special promotions from the developers. About 100,000 people are expected to visit the 4-day exhibition that is being held from today (27 October) until Sunday. The organizer expects roughly 50 billion baht in sales during and shortly after the event. Those who would like to look at current property offers from developers may visit the exhibition at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center Hall 5. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221028091046590 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-10-28 - 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!

Democrat Party hit with another major defection This picture taken on April 18, 2022 shows the exterior of Thailand’s Democrat Party headquarters in Bangkok. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP) The Democrat Party, Thailand’s oldest political party, has been dealt another blow with the resignation of one of its most senior members Trairong Suwankiri on Thursday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276065-democrat-party-hit-with-another-major-defection/

This picture taken on April 18, 2022 shows the exterior of Thailand’s Democrat Party headquarters in Bangkok. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP) The Democrat Party, Thailand’s oldest political party, has been dealt another blow with the resignation of one of its most senior members Trairong Suwankiri on Thursday. Trairong, an advisor of the party, gave no reason for his resignation but said in a Facebook post that he decided to quit “despite my love for the Democrat Party”. Trairong is only the latest veteran politician to quit the Democrat Party. It’s not immediately clear whether he will join another political party despite speculation that he has been courted by Ruam Thai Sang Chart, a new political party set up by supporters of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/democrat-party-hit-with-another-major-defection/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-28 - 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!

Tourists given suspended jail sentences/fines after Bangkok-Sathorn raid Picture: Siam Rath Seven people have appeared in court including tourists following the raid on a premises in the Yannawa police jurisdiction in the Sathorn area of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276063-tourists-given-suspended-jail-sentencesfines-after-bangkok-sathorn-raid/

Picture: Siam Rath Seven people have appeared in court including tourists following the raid on a premises in the Yannawa police jurisdiction in the Sathorn area of Bangkok. They are the first group of defendants who have admitted their guilt. Far more who have denied drug taking will see their cases in court today. Prosecutors took four Chinese men, one Thai man and two Thai women to the Bangkok South Municipal court. The Chinese men and Thai women admitted to taking the Class 1 drug methamphetamine and ketamine (Class 2). They were given 1-2 month prison sentences and fines of 8-16,000 baht. The fines were reduced to 4-8,000 baht due to their admissions and help in the case while the prison sentences were suspended for two years. The Thai man was convicted after admitting to taking a prohibited liquid drug and acquiring funds illegally. He was fined 4,200 baht reduced in half due to admission. There are still 56 - mostly Chinese tourists - who will appear in court today. These are the ones who are fighting charges. ASEAN NOW will bring you the result of the case as soon as we hear of it. Sources: Siam Rath | Daily News -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-28 - 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! 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: Chinese businessman linked to pub raid is donor of Palang Pracharath More than 200 Chinese clients were found in the pub in Yannawa raided by police on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1276042-palang-pracharath-admits-man-likely-linked-to-illegal-nightclub-donated-cash/?do=findComment&comment=17690042