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As foreign tourists return to Thailand so do associated problems - this time drugs, but are "zero dollar" tours on comeback? Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath filed a special report in which they noted that foreign tourism into Thailand in August was 1.17 million people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275955-as-foreign-tourists-return-to-thailand-so-do-associated-problems-this-time-drugs-but-are-zero-dollar-tours-on-comeback/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath filed a special report in which they noted that foreign tourism into Thailand in August was 1.17 million people. Compared to last year's August that was up 7,000%, they commented drily. But they said that with the return of tourists has come the return of problems associated with tourism. They reported on a bust at 3 am yesterday when the metropolitan police raided a building in Sathon that had been converted into 20 karaoke rooms after opening four months ago. Outside were parked cars including a Rolls Royce, Porsche, Mercedes Benz and BMW. Picture: Thai Rath Inside were 237 Chinese, mostly tourists - 111 men and 126 women. There were 19 Thai and Cambodian staff. Maj-Gen Nitithorn Jintakanon said that 300 packets of ketamine happy water were found. The packets were being sold to the tourists for 10,000 baht each. The vehicles outside were seized in the raid and there appear irregularities in some of their registrations. Police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Achayon Kraithong said that most of the tourists were in Thailand on tourist visas or VoA. A total of 104 tested positive for drugs with a purple urine result. Further tests are underway at Thanyarak Hospital to determine what was in their systems. The ones not taking drugs would be released. Those on drugs would be considered for blacklisting and deportation after the legal process has finished. Picture: Thai Rath He said that they were looking into the ownership of the business as well as the tourists. He said that before the pandemic there had been many problems with so called "zero dollar" tours for the Chinese. These effectively brought very little money into Thailand and were usually run by Chinese with nominees who kept the money out of the country. Action by the authorities dramatically reduced the business. He pointed out that tourism from China has changed since before and during the pandemic with restrictions still in place by the Chinese government and people who do manage to holiday relying on small groups or travelling idependently using apps and recommendations. But the conditions are there for a return of the menace of "zero dollar" tours so the force will be keeping a close watch on the tourism sector as it continues its recover, said Achayon. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-27 - 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. 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

Opinion – NBTC’s decision to give greenlight to telecom mega merger was daylight robbery that needs to be reversed By Erich Parpart The Thailand Consumer Council continues to fight the uphill battle to derail the recent decision by the National Broadcasting & Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) to approve the merger of Thailand’s 2nd and 3rd largest mobile phone operators – True Corporation Plc (TRUE) and Total Access Communication Plc (DTAC). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275952-nbtc’s-decision-to-give-greenlight-to-telecom-mega-merger-was-daylight-robbery-that-needs-to-be-reversed/

Opinion – By Erich Parpart The Thailand Consumer Council continues to fight the uphill battle to derail the recent decision by the National Broadcasting & Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) to approve the merger of Thailand’s 2nd and 3rd largest mobile phone operators – True Corporation Plc (TRUE) and Total Access Communication Plc (DTAC). The merger that was given the greenlight on October 20th continues to remain contentious because some of the details are emerging that makes the approval process undertaken more like snatching away the rights of the consumers. In case some of you forgot or did not pay attention to this detail, one of the reasons why the vote for the merger by the 5-seat board of the NBTC came out to be 3:2 to “acknowledge” the merger was because the chairman of the board decided to use his power to cast an additional vote to break the tie break. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/45429/opinion-nbtcs-decision-to-give-greenlight-to-telecom-mega-merger-was-daylight-robbery-that-needs-to-be-reversed/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-10-27 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday October 27 2022 Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275949-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-october-27-2022/

Listen to the news: Prime minister Prayut has instructed his national security council to beef up security ahead of the APEC summit meeting due next month. The smooth and safe meeting is considered essential for Thailand, to allow the nation to benefit from investment and tourism from attending countries. Thailand says it expects to continue to burn coal for its electric power after it extended the lifespan of some generation plants to cope with record high natural gas prices. A Thai celebrity and media tycoon and transgender rights advocate has bought the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million dollars. MIss universe has ben held annually for the last 71 years. The new owner Ms Jaka-pong runs a TV production company says she plans to expand the miss universe brand across Asia, The body of a woman who went missing in phuket a week ago has been found. 53 year old Elena Rus-rad-chenko, from Russia, was found floating in the sea about 30 kilometers off Patong beach. Police raided 3 building in the capital’s China town yesterday being used as a night club, 104 customers were arrested, 99 of them Chinese most tested positive for drugs. The Chinese owner of the club was operating the club on a tourist visa. Investigations continue. REGION Malaysia: Six people have been found alive after the private helicopter they were in crashed in Cameron Highlands North of Kuala Lumpur. The helicopter was attempting an emergency landing in an area of forest. The passengers - members of a medical team including a doctor - were found with light injuries, while the pilot of the helicopter was uninjured. Chiang Mai: Bright partly cloudy with rain 31C Bangkok: Cloudy with thnderstorms31C Pattaya and SE: thunderstorms clearing up, remaining cloudy 30C. Phuket: Partly Cloudy with thunderstorms this afternoon 29C. Hua Hin: heavy rain will ease, remaining cloudy with rain on and off most of the day 29C Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com. Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2022-10-27 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

World Sports News - Thursday 27 October by Chili Radio Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275946-world-sports-news-thursday-27-october-by-chili-radio/

Listen to the news: Football - In last night's CL action Liverpool progressed to the last 16 from Group A after beating Ajax 3-0 in The Netherlands and that was the same score as in form Napoli knocked out Glasgow Rangers in the same group. In Group B Atletico Madrid go out after only being held to a 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen. Porto hammered Club Bruges 4-0 but both these teams have qualified. In Group C Barcelona were well beaten by German champions Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp 3-0, they also went out and Inter Milan secured their place in the next round after beating Viktoria Plzen 4-0. Still all to play for in Group D as Tottenham Hotspur and Sporting Lisbon drew 1-1 and Eintracht Frankfurt beat Marseille 2-1. Cricket - The Men's T20 World Cup match between New Zealand and Afghanistan was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.They both take a point apiece in Group 1.The wet weather had earlier cut short Ireland's shock five-run victory over England at the same venue. England were in pursuit of 158, but were 105-5 in the 15th over when rain arrived. With England behind the required rate, Ireland secured a five-run win on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method when the match was called off soon after. Download the Chili Radio app : https://chiliradio.app for Chili Pop and Chili Classics. -- © Copyright Chili RADIO 2022-10-27 Chili Radio: https://chiliradiothailand.com Listen Live: https://chiliradio.asia - 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!

Another local road from Kathu to Patong Hill to be renovated By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu – Another local route from Kathu to Patong Hill is set to be renovated for motorbike users. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275940-another-local-road-from-kathu-to-patong-hill-to-be-renovated/

By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu – Another local route from Kathu to Patong Hill is set to be renovated for motorbike users. The Kathu District Chief Mr. Siwat Rawangkun told the Phuket Express, “We are going to renovate a local road from near the Bang Thong House of Priests in Kathu to the Tiger God Shrine on Patong Hill.” Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/10/26/another-local-road-from-kathu-to-patong-hill-to-be-renovated/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-10-27 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

UPDATE: Body of missing Russian woman found in sea off Pa Tong Beach Rescue teams in Phuket have found the body of a Russian woman, who went missing from Nai Thon Beach in Thalang District last Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275876-body-of-missing-russian-woman-in-phuket-found/?do=findComment&comment=17687672

Body of missing Russian woman found in sea off Pa Tong Beach Rescue teams in Phuket have found the body of a Russian woman, who went missing from Nai Thon Beach in Thalang District last Friday. Pol Maj-Gen Sermphan Sirikhong, commander of Phuket provincial police, said today (Wednesday) that the body of 53-year-old Elena Rusradchenko was found floating in the sea off Pa Tong Beach at about 9am, adding that the decomposing remains were then taken to the Vachira Phuket Hospital for an autopsy before her relatives and friends were to be notified of the finding. Since her disappearance, he said that police suspected that she might have drowned or got lost, rather than being kidnapped, so their efforts had focused on searches of the sea and nearby mountains. A member of the recovery team said that the body was found among floating garbage about 40km from the beach where she was last seen swimming. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/body-of-missing-russian-woman-found-in-sea-off-pa-tong-beach/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-27 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

24-year-old man loses his leg in car crash in Chonburi, poor street lighting blamed By Tanakorn Panyadee PPHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Chonburi — A 24-year-old man crashed his motorbike into a pickup truck and lost his leg. The pickup truck driver blamed poor street lighting as the cause of the accident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275939-24-year-old-man-loses-his-leg-in-car-crash-in-chonburi-poor-street-lighting-blamed/

PPHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya By Tanakorn Panyadee Chonburi — A 24-year-old man crashed his motorbike into a pickup truck and lost his leg. The pickup truck driver blamed poor street lighting as the cause of the accident. The incident took place in the Huai Yai subdistrict of Banglamung at late night yesterday, October 25th. Sawang Boriboon rescue workers and Huai Yai police aided a Thai man, Mr. Atthaphon Simsuwan, 24, who crashed his white Honda MSX motorbike into a pickup truck and lost his left leg. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/10/26/24-year-old-man-loses-his-leg-in-car-crash-in-chonburi-poor-street-lighting-blamed/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-10-27 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

UPDATE: Cabinet approves edict allowing non-Thais to buy land for residential purposes The Thai cabinet has approved an edict from the Ministry of Interior, which will pave the way for four groups of non-Thai citizens to be able to buy up to 0.16 hectare (one rai) of land for residential purposes, as part of the government’s measures to attract foreign investment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275847-thai-cabinet-open-up-country-for-sale-to-foreigners-but-theres-a-40-mb-catch/?do=findComment&comment=17687663

Cabinet approves edict allowing non-Thais to buy land for residential purposes The Thai cabinet has approved an edict from the Ministry of Interior, which will pave the way for four groups of non-Thai citizens to be able to buy up to 0.16 hectare (one rai) of land for residential purposes, as part of the government’s measures to attract foreign investment. Those eligible include people with high incomes, pensioners, those who want to work from Thailand and specialists with skills needed in Thailand. They will be able to purchase the land in Bangkok, Pattaya and other municipalities and areas specified by law. They will, however, be required to invest at least 40 million baht (US$1,051,700) in government bonds or real estate funds in Thailand for at least three years. Government Spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said the edict will be renewed every five years, in line with the prevailing economic and social situation at the time. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/cabinet-approves-edict-allowing-non-thais-to-buy-land-for-residential-purposes/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-27 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Tak Bai and Krue Se incidents to be raised in Thaksin’s libel trial against House Speaker House Speaker Chuan Leekpai The Krue Se and Tak Bai massacres in Thailand’s south in 2004, during Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s administration, are set to be revisited in the trial in the Criminal Court of a libel case, filed by the fugitive former prime minister against House Speaker Chuan Leekpai. The case was filed many years ago, after Chuan gave a lecture to members of the Democrat Party on October 28th, 2012, about the situation in the four southern provinces, during which he blamed Thaksin for the mistakes made. For unknown reasons, the case sat at the office of the public prosecutors for years and was not taken to court until recently, when the prosecutor in charge of the case told Chuan that he wanted to see him on Tuesday, to acknowledge the charges, as the case is due to expire this Friday. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tak-bai-and-krue-se-incidents-to-be-raised-in-thaksins-libel-trial-against-house-speaker/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-27 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Deputy Prime Minister Jurin reports higher than expected exports in September but a trade deficit by James Morris and Son Nguyen Deputy Prime Minister and Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit Speaking on Monday, the minister reaffirmed his party’s opposition to the government’s marijuana bill. The deputy prime minister said the liberal availability of cannabis was not in the national interest and that this was the main concern of the Democrat Party and its parliamentary members. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275938-deputy-prime-minister-jurin-reports-higher-than-expected-exports-in-september-but-a-trade-deficit/

Deputy Prime Minister and Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit by James Morris and Son Nguyen Speaking on Monday, the minister reaffirmed his party’s opposition to the government’s marijuana bill. The deputy prime minister said the liberal availability of cannabis was not in the national interest and that this was the main concern of the Democrat Party and its parliamentary members. Minister of Commerce and leader of the Democrat Party Jurin Laksanawisit has unveiled a higher-than-expected 7.8% rise in exports for September which beat market expectations although Thailand still recorded a trade deficit for the sixth month in a row and a deficit for the first nine months of 2022. On Monday, the deputy prime minister told reporters that his party still opposed the government’s proposed bill on marijuana and a more liberal regime in relation to cannabis. It was considered not in the national interest. Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit addressed a press conference in Bangkok on Wednesday in which he unveiled better-than-expected export data for September which significantly beat expectations according to a Reuters poll of economic observers. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/10/26/higher-exports-in-september-sixth-trade-deficit/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-10-27 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Chuan Sued For Defaming Thaksin 3 Days Before Statute Of Limitations Expires by TNR Staff Parliament President and House Speaker Chuan Leekpai, right in above photo and left in Front Page image, and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Top photo: Thai Rath THE Public Prosecutor Tuesday (Oct. 25) filed a lawsuit against Parliament President and incumbent Speaker of House of Representatives Mr. Chuan Leekpai on a charge of defaming former prime minister Thaksin Shinawater on Oct. 28, 2012 just three days before the statute of limitations was to expire, TV Channel 7 said Wednesday. https://aseannow.com/topic/1275937-chuan-sued-for-defaming-thaksin-3-days-before-statute-of-limitations-expires/

Parliament President and House Speaker Chuan Leekpai, right in above photo and left in Front Page image, and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Top photo: Thai Rath by TNR Staff THE Public Prosecutor yesterday (Oct. 25) filed a lawsuit against Parliament President and incumbent Speaker of House of Representatives Mr. Chuan Leekpai on a charge of defaming former prime minister Thaksin Shinawater on Oct. 28, 2012 just three days before the statute of limitations was to expire, TV Channel 7 said Wednesday. Chuan had on that day given a speech on Thaksin’s policies on southern border provinces and it is alleged that an error was made. Investigating officers at Wat Phraya Krai police station on Oct. 20, 2022 submitted this case to the Public Prosecutor with the opinion that Chuan be sued for defamation by advertising but not violating the Computer Crime Act. The prosecutors then filed the lawsuit at Southern Bangkok Criminal Court yesterday. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/10/26/chuan-sued-for-defaming-thaksin-3-days-before-statute-of-limitations-expires/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-10-27 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 27 October 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1275936-thailand-live-thursday-27-october-2022/

Many Foreigners Arrested with Drugs at Luxury Karaoke Shop BANGKOK, (TNA) – About 100 policemen raided a building in Charoen Rat area of Sathorn district and found a lot of foreigners and narcotics. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275896-many-foreigners-arrested-with-drugs-at-luxury-karaoke-shop/

Body of missing Russian woman in Phuket found By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – The body of a missing Russian woman in Phuket frorm Thalang was found floating near Patong Beach on Day 6 of a major island wide search. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275876-body-of-missing-russian-woman-in-phuket-found/

Move Forward Party cries foul against attempts to scuttle its Progressive Liquor Bill Thailand’s opposition Move Forward Party is urging members of the public to voice their support for the party’s draft Progressive Liquor Bill openly and to share the party’s view on this issue on social media, according to party leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275892-move-forward-party-cries-foul-against-attempts-to-scuttle-its-progressive-liquor-bill/