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by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - More than a million Malaysian tourists have made holidays in Thailand so far this year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) now hopes to bank on the tourism high season and raise this figure to 1.8 million by year’s end. TAT deputy governor Tanes Petsuwan indicated Malaysia is a high-potential market due to tourists being able to enter Thailand by land as well as by air. He said most Malaysian tourists drive into Thailand through various border points. Unlike in the past, Malaysian tourists no longer remain solely in Hat Yai City during their holiday in Thailand. Instead, they now visit other provinces such as Krabi, Phatthalung, Phuket, Satun, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. 1,041,293 Malaysian tourists visited Thailand from January 1 to October 7 this year. These visitors are expected to have contributed about 26.575 billion baht of tourism income to Thailand. Mr. Tanes, who is in charge of International Marketing in Asia and South Pacific, said the number of Malaysian tourists will increase as Thailand has entered the high season. Additionally, the tourism high season coincides with the school break in Malaysia, as well as the Diwali, Christmas, and New Year’s festivals. Mr. Tanes said the TAT will continually hold tourism promotion activities with an aim of attracting 1.8 million Malaysian tourists to Thailand this year. The TAT deputy governor said cooperation between his agency and partners in Malaysia has contributed to the revival of the tourism industry. This is illustrated by the resumption of international flights between Malaysia and Thailand, of which there are now 23 per day. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221026093739999 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-10-26 - 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!

Pattaya: Operators say they don't pay bribes to police and higher-ups A major scandal is brewing in Pattaya following the botched raid on the Club One Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275852-pattaya-operators-say-they-dont-pay-bribes-to-police-and-higher-ups/

Picture: Thai Rath A major scandal is brewing in Pattaya following the botched raid on the Club One Pattaya. A clip emerged on social media showing someone boating about paying off the higher-ups. And a list emerged with names that allegedly paid bribes to the local cops and other authorities. Pattaya police are investigating the names on the list. Some of the heads of operators' associations were at the police station yesterday, reported Thai Rath. Lisa Hamilton who represents many small beer bars said that none of her members pay bribes. They work with the police and the authorities to ensure tourism confidence and safety instead. Picture: Thai Rath Others said backhanders are not part of the relationship in Pattaya. Amporn Kaewsaeng who fronts a local police committee said that their involvement was misconstrued. Thet were just involved in developing the police station after it was criticized for being out of date and dirty. Investigations into the list continue. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-26 - 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 26: Foreigners to be able to buy land in Thailand, digital nomad survey Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275850-tim-newton-today-oct-26-foreigners-to-be-able-to-buy-land-in-thailand-digital-nomad-survey/

Foreign ownership of land in Thailand approved by cabinet, with conditions. Big earthquake in Philippines, digital nomad survey, rogue cop on loose in Trang, airstrike on Burmese concert in northern Myanmar, Ebola alert for Thailand. Tim Newton Today is a daily, independent look at Thai and south East Asian regional news. Big thanks to our sponsors, 5 Star Marine in Phuket... https://5starmarinephuket.com

Vasily 68, looks at his destroyed house in the village of Andriivka, Kyiv region, on August 29, 2022, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by SERGEI CHUZAVKOV / AFP) Russia has notified the United States about its plans to carry out annual exercises of its nuclear forces, the U.S. government said on Tuesday, a move that Washington said lowers the risk of miscalculation at a time of “reckless” Russian nuclear rhetoric. The United States has said it expects Russia to carry out test launches of missiles during its annual “Grom” exercises of its strategic nuclear forces, noting in the past it has fired inter-continental ballistic missiles. Under the New START Treaty, Russia is obliged to provide advance notification of such missile launches, U.S. officials say. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/russia-notifies-u-s-it-will-carry-out-expected-nuclear-drills/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-26 - 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!

BREAKING Thai cabinet open up country for sale to foreigners - but there's a 40 MB catch Daily News Thai Caption: In exchange for 40 million baht! Daily News quoted government spokesman Anucha Buraphachaisri as saying that rules on foreign land ownership for residential purposes had been changed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275847-thai-cabinet-open-up-country-for-sale-to-foreigners-but-theres-a-40-mb-catch/

Daily News Thai Caption: In exchange for 40 million baht! Daily News quoted government spokesman Anucha Buraphachaisri as saying that rules on foreign land ownership for residential purposes had been changed. The laws will have a period of five years before being subject to review. The proposal had come from the Interior Ministry to boost economic activity and was in the offing for more than a year. It applies to four target groups: Well off high earning foreigners, retirees, digital nomads and experts with required and special skills. Foreigners in those categories will be able to buy up to one rai of land for residential use in Bangkok, Pattaya or other designated downtown areas. File photo For this privilege the foreigner must invest 40 million baht in a single project and must commit to three years. This could be invested in Thai government bonds, real estate funds or investment trusts according to the law. Early withdrawal of funds need to be reported within 60 days. Applications can be made at land offices. Anucha said that changes to the law would be good for the economy and investment sector. He cautioned that PM Prayuth Chan-ocha said the law would be subject to review every five years. Now the rubber stamping comes via the Government Gazette before the law is finally changed. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-26 - 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

Thaksin hints at collusion behind “Tak Bai massacre” Exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra / AFP Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday blamed what he described as a collusion among some military officers for the incident in the conflict-ridden south of Thailand in 2004 in which as many as 85 people died in an army operation. Despite demands by human rights groups for him to be held responsible, Thaksin denied any knowledge of the incident which 78 people, mostly young Muslim youths, suffocated after being arrested at a protest site and later stacked on top of each other in the back of army trucks. Seven others were shot dead earlier while protesting in front of a police station in Tak Bai District, Narathiwat. “I had nothing to do with it,” Thaksin said in his weekly interview on Clubhouse with his supporters. A religious ceremony was held in Tak Bai District yesterday to mark the 18th anniversary of the incident which has been seen as a turning point for the years-long Muslim insurgency in the deep south. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thaksin-hints-at-collusion-behind-tak-bai-massacre/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-26 - 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!

Thaksin blames Gen. Prawit for the Tak Bai massacre By Erich Parpart Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra blamed the Tak Bai massacre in 2004 on the security forces in the south and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan who was the army chief at the time while coming out to apologize for the atrocities committed by the security forces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275844-thaksin-blames-gen-prawit-for-the-tak-bai-massacre/

By Erich Parpart Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra blamed the Tak Bai massacre in 2004 on the security forces in the south and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan who was the army chief at the time while coming out to apologize for the atrocities committed by the security forces. “Even though I did not order the massacre, but as Prime Minister, I would like to say I am sorry and apologize to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” the self-exiled former Prime Minister said late last night at his bi-weekly talk show on Clubhouse. Yesterday marked the 18th anniversary of the Tak Bai massacre that saw as many 85 people who died due to suffocation and lack of food after the security forces rounded up thousands of protestors who were trying to free 6 of the village’s defence volunteers who were arrested for allegedly stealing state weapons and provide them to insurgents in the area. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/45390/thaksin-blames-gen-prawit-for-the-tak-bai-massacre-says-seed-to-overthrow-him-was-his-disapproval-of-militarys-handling-the-situation/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-10-26 - 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 - Wednesday October 26 2022 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275842-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-october-26-2022/

Listen to the news: The government has blocked a bill proposed by the move forward party that seeked to break the monopoly of corporate brewers and allow small- and medium-scale brewers and entrepreneurs to enter the brewery market. The government claimed: if passed the bill would lead to problems in brewing illegal liquor and poor quality of production. In the south, one suspected insurgent was killed and two policemen were wounded in a clash with security forces, the incident took place after police surrounded the house of the man and began to negotiate in an attempt to get him to surrender. The man opened fire prompting police to return fire killing the insurgent. Air passengers arriving from Africa are being monitored to prevent the potential spread of the ebola virus, following cases detected in Uganda last month. So far The World Health Organization has not classified the current Ebola outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. Police are waiting for a psychiatric report on the man who attacked Progressive Movement leader K,Thanathorn at the book fair at Queen Sirikit National Convention last week, once received they will determine whether to press charges.. The man has a history of psychiatric illness. The government has approved a plan to allow foreign nationals to purchase up to one rai of land for residential purposes, initially in either Bangkok or Pattaya. The purchaser will need to invest at least 40 million baht for a minimum of three years. The idea is to attract wealthy investors and retirees as a means to boost the Thai economy. REGION Philippines: A 6.5-magnitude earthquake rocked the much of the north last night, One hospital was severely damaged along with other properties prompting people to run into the streets. The quake was felt over 300 kilometers away in the capital Manila WX: fine and sunny up north Rain - Storms to the south of Phuket Chiang Mai: Sunny 33C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy showers 33C Pattaya and SE: Bright but Cloudy with rain this afternoon 31C. Phuket: Partly Cloudy showers 29C. Hua Hin: Sunny partly cloudy, 30C 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 2022-10-26 - 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 - Wednesday 26 October by Chili Radio Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275838-world-sports-news-wednesday-26-october-by-chili-radio/

Listen to the news: Football - In last night's Champions League in Group E Chelsea won 2-1 at FC Red Bull Salzburg and now go through to the last 16. AC Milan won 4-0 in Croatia at Dinamo Zagreb, In Group F holders Real Madrid were beaten 3-2 by RB Leipzig and Glasgow Celtic and Shakhtar Donetsk drew 1-1. In Group G Manchester City are also through to the last 16 despite only drawing 0-0 in Germany against Borussia Dortmund. Sevilla beat FC Copenhagen 3-0. In Group H PSG hammered Maccabi Haifa 7-2 and Benfica beat Juventus 4-3, both these teams have qualified for the last 16 as well. Basketball - A Russian court has rejected an appeal by US basketball star Brittney Griner against her nine-year jail term for drug charges. Griner, 32, was convicted in August of smuggling and possessing cannabis oil. The WNBA star's lawyer, Alexander Boykov, said his team hoped that a prisoner exchange would be possible. Cricket - Marcus Stoinis hit the second-fastest half-century in the Men's T20 World Cup as Australia bounced back from their opening defeat with a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka who reached 157-6. In reply the Aussies were 158-3. Download the Chili Radio app : https://chiliradio.app for Chili Pop and Chili Classics. -- © Copyright Chili RADIO 2022-10-26 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!

Kathu officials surveying another natural route to Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu – Kathu officials are surveying another natural route from Kathu to Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275833-kathu-officials-surveying-another-natural-route-to-patong/

By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu – Kathu officials are surveying another natural route from Kathu to Patong. Kathu officials led by the Kathu District Chief Mr. Siwat Rawangkun and the Patong Deputy Mayor Mr. Kittisan Kuru surveyed another natural route from Kathu to Patong. Mr. Siwat told the Phuket Express, “The route is near a Go-kart speedway near an elephant camp before Kwan Yang.” Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/10/25/kathu-officials-surveying-another-natural-route-to-patong/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-10-26 - 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!

Eighteen gamblers arrested in Thalang raid By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – Eighteen gamblers have been arrested after a gambling den raid in Thalang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275832-eighteen-gamblers-arrested-in-thalang-raid/

By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – Eighteen gamblers have been arrested after a gambling den raid in Thalang. A team of the Thalang officials raided a gambling den at a house in the Thep Kasattri sub-district yesterday (October 24th). Eighteen gamblers have been arrested who are eight men and ten women who were playing cards. The raid came after officials received complaints that there was an illegal gambling circle in the area. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/10/25/eighteen-gamblers-arrested-in-thalang-raid/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-10-26 - 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!

Kathu Field Hospital opens as temporary solution due to Patong Hill road collapse By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu – The Kathu Field Hospital has temporarily opened after the Patong Hill road collapsed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275831-kathu-field-hospital-opens-as-temporary-solution-due-to-patong-hill-road-collapse/

By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu – The Kathu Field Hospital has temporarily opened after the Patong Hill road collapsed. The Phuket Provincial Public Health office together with the Patong Hospital today (October 25th) has opened a temporary field hospital at the Kathu Public Park. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/10/25/kathu-field-hospital-opens-as-temporary-solution-due-to-patong-hill-road-collapse/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-10-26 - 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!

Pattaya mayor personally compensates for car that got crushed by fallen tree By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: บริษัท โสภณ เคเบิ้ล ที.วี.และสื่อสาร พัทยา จำกัด Pattaya — Pattaya mayor Poramase Ngampiches used his own money to compensate the driver whose car got crushed by a large tree on Sunday, October 23rd. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275830-pattaya-mayor-personally-compensates-for-car-that-got-crushed-by-fallen-tree/

PHOTO: บริษัท โสภณ เคเบิ้ล ที.วี.และสื่อสาร พัทยา จำกัด By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Pattaya mayor Poramase Ngampiches used his own money to compensate the driver whose car got crushed by a large tree on Sunday, October 23rd. Poramase said he had the city’s botanists examine the tree yesterday, October 24th, and found that its interior was hollow and decaying due to termites, which was why it toppled despite appearing strong from the outside. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/10/25/update-pattaya-mayor-personally-compensates-for-car-that-got-crushed-by-fallen-tree/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-10-26 - 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!

Finance Ministry unveils green bonds as it seeks ฿900 billion for investment over four years by James Morris and Son Nguyen Reporters on Monday and Tuesday were briefed by both Patricia Mongkhonvanit of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) (right) and Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith (left) Kingdom’s finances appear to be sound with a projected debt-to-GDP ratio in 2023 of 60.4% which is extremely prudent by international standards. The fact that over 98% of public debt funding comes from within Thailand also makes the country impervious to turmoil on international markets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275829-finance-ministry-unveils-green-bonds-as-it-seeks-฿900-billion-for-investment-over-four-years/

Reporters on Monday and Tuesday were briefed by both Patricia Mongkhonvanit of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) (right) and Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith (left) by James Morris and Son Nguyen Kingdom’s finances appear to be sound with a projected debt-to-GDP ratio in 2023 of 60.4% which is extremely prudent by international standards. The fact that over 98% of public debt funding comes from within Thailand also makes the country impervious to turmoil on international markets. Thailand has unveiled a range of green, social and sustainability bonds to fund ฿900 billion in investment projects from 2023 to 2027 to boost the economy and competitiveness. It comes as Minister of Finance Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has also signalled that from the middle of next year, after a burst of economic stimulus to support public consumption at the start of the year, it will be business as usual. He said the kingdom will move back towards a balanced budget with sources within the ministry pointing to a need to raise the tax take through a broader base and plugging existing concessions. Thailand’s Minister of Finance has said that the state will provide economic stimulus in early 2023 to boost consumer spending while the economy in 2022 remains on course to grow by between 3% and 3.5%. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/10/25/green-bonds-unveiled-seeking-900-billion-baht-finance-ministry/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-10-26 - 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!