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Victims of call center crime worth 76 million baht appeal to activist Paweena Hongsakul for help Picture: Siam Rath A group of 156 victims of call center fraud worth 76 million baht represented by Portnthip Withayawornphat, 51, a foreign NGO rep and designer Sawin Phianphithak, 51, went to ask social activist Paweena Hongsakul for help yesterday at the foundation that bears her name in Pathum Thani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266075-victims-of-call-center-crime-worth-76-million-baht-appeal-to-activist-paweena-hongsakul-for-help/

Picture: Siam Rath A group of 156 victims of call center fraud worth 76 million baht represented by Portnthip Withayawornphat, 51, a foreign NGO rep and designer Sawin Phianphithak, 51, went to ask social activist Paweena Hongsakul for help yesterday at the foundation that bears her name in Pathum Thani. They want action against a call center run in Cambodia and the employees tricked into working there brought back to Thailand, reported Siam Rath. Pornthip said she personally lost 400,000 baht after she was contacted by people claiming to work for DHL who said they had a parcel containing an illegal substance connected to a man involved in a money laundering case. She said she had nothing to do with such a business but was conned into parting with money to prove her innocence on the pretext of getting it back. Of the victims of the gang 95% are women in homes where they are single mothers, mothers of newborns or pregnant women or older women. They were convinced in three hour long conversations that they had to comply or face trouble. The group want help from the Thai police in contacting the Cambodians and getting their money back. Paweena is contacting the chief of the tech police Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat who is also an RTP deputy commander over the case. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-16 - 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

Annoying Arab/Indian motorcycle gang busted by Pattaya traffic police Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the Muang Pattaya traffic police set up roadblocks to stop a large gang of Arab and Indian motorcyclists annoying residents following complaints. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266074-annoying-arabindian-motorcycle-gang-busted-by-pattaya-traffic-police/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the Muang Pattaya traffic police set up roadblocks to stop a large gang of Arab and Indian motorcyclists annoying residents following complaints. The gang was revving engines, sounding horns and driving in a negligent fashion. Checkpoints were set up by Pol Maj Arut Saphanon in Soi VC, Soi Yen Sabai and at the second road intersection in south Pattaya. The annoyance from the foreigners was happening every day as they rode their rented motorcycles around without a care in the world, said the media. Most were Kuwaitis and Indians. Ten were booked for not having licences, six for failing to wear helmets, four for not having documentation and four for not having tax. Motorcycles were seized and fines issued. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-16 - 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

Two foreign tourists rescued after battling with waves at Kata Beach By Goongnang Suksawat Kata, Phuket – Two foreign tourists were rescued after battling with waves at Kata Beach, the same beach and the same day that two other tourists passed away. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266069-two-foreign-tourists-rescued-after-battling-with-waves-at-kata-beach/

By Goongnang Suksawat Kata, Phuket – Two foreign tourists were rescued after battling with waves at Kata Beach, the same beach and the same day that two other tourists passed away. In both cases, the tourists went swimming despite many red flags, no swimming signs, and lifeguards warning people not to enter the water. Lifeguards at Kata Beach reported yesterday (July 14th) that they rescued a foreign woman and a man aged around 35-years-old from drowning at Kata Beach, Karon sub-district in the Mueang Phuket district. They were choking on water before being taken to the Chalong Hospital in the Chalong sub-district, Mueang Phuket district. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/07/15/two-foreign-tourists-rescued-after-battling-with-waves-at-kata-beach/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-07-16 - 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!

Thai destinations and hotels place well in Travel + Leisure’s ‘World’s Best Awards 2022’ Accolades include Chiang Mai and Bangkok among best cities, Phuket among best islands, and five Thai resorts among the 10 best resorts in Southeast Asia. TAT Newsroom Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai (file photo) Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that a number of destinations and hotels in Thailand have performed impressively in the ‘World’s Best Awards 2022’ from Travel + Leisure, including Chiang Mai and Bangkok, who were named among the best 25 cities worldwide. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266066-thai-destinations-and-hotels-place-well-in-travel-leisure’s-‘world’s-best-awards-2022’/

Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai (file photo) Accolades include Chiang Mai and Bangkok among best cities, Phuket among best islands, and five Thai resorts among the 10 best resorts in Southeast Asia. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that a number of destinations and hotels in Thailand have performed impressively in the ‘World’s Best Awards 2022’ from Travel + Leisure, including Chiang Mai and Bangkok, who were named among the best 25 cities worldwide. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “It’s always wonderful to see Thai destinations and resorts receive such recognition from the world’s travellers. It shows that Thailand remains one of the favourite holiday spots.” In the list of ‘The 25 Best Cities in the World’, Chiang Mai was voted into 7th place with a score of 90.70 and Bangkok into 24th place with a score of 88.62. In the list of ‘The 15 Best Cities in Asia’, Chiang Mai placed 2nd and Bangkok 11th. The Grand Palace, Bangkok (file photo) In the list of ‘The 25 Best Islands in the World’, Phuket was named the 7th best with a score of 91.90, and in the list of ‘The 5 Best Islands in Asia’ it was 3rd best. Three-Beach or Kata-Karon Viewpoint, Phuket (file photo) Four Thailand hotels were included in the list of ‘The 100 Best Hotels in the World’; The Standard, Hua Hin at No. 35 with a score of 97.38, Six Senses Yao Noi (Phuket) at No. 43 with a score of 97.07, Amanpuri (Phuket) at No. 57 with a score of 96.67, and the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok at No. 84 with a score of 96.18. The Standard, Hua Hin and Six Senses Yao Noi also appeared in the list of ‘The 15 Best Resorts in Asia’, at No. 7 and No. 11, respectively. ‘The 10 Best Resorts in Southeast Asia’ list included five resorts in Thailand, these being The Standard, Hua Hin at No 1., Six Senses Yao Noi at No. 3, Amanpuri (Phuket) at No. 5, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort at No. 6 with a score of 95.28, and 137 Pillars House (Chiang Mai) at No. 9 with a score of 91.21. The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok also appeared in the list of ‘The 15 Best City Hotels in Asia’ at No. 6, while Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel featured at No. 12 with a score of 94.13. Making the list of ‘The 3 Best Hotels in Bangkok’ were the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok at No. 1, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel at No. 2, and Banyan Tree Bangkok at No. 3 with a score of 91.47. There was further distinction for Bangkok as the destination and the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, as the World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame honourees. This designation is given for being voted onto a specific list for the past 10 years consecutively, and Bangkok received this for its inclusion in the 2022 ‘The 15 Best Cities in Asia’ list, while the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok received this for its inclusion in the 2022 ‘The 100 Best Hotels in the World’ and ‘The 3 Best Hotels in Bangkok’ lists. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/07/thai-destinations-and-hotels-place-well-in-travel-leisures-worlds-best-awards-2022/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-07-16 - 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!

Cannabis and hemp will become a top new tourism trend in Thailand and a positive soft power, Bhumjaithai MP says By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – Suphachai Jaismut, Bhumjaithai party-listed MP and member of the Cannabis Act Drafting Committee, insisted that the decriminalization of cannabis and hemp will become a new tourism trend for Thailand rather than a negative soft power. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266065-cannabis-and-hemp-will-become-a-top-new-tourism-trend-in-thailand-and-a-positive-soft-power-bhumjaithai-mp-says/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – Suphachai Jaismut, Bhumjaithai party-listed MP and member of the Cannabis Act Drafting Committee, insisted that the decriminalization of cannabis and hemp will become a new tourism trend for Thailand rather than a negative soft power. He wrote his statement online yesterday, July 14th, that marijuana will definitely become a soft power for the country and a new kind of tourist attraction. He stated: “The proof is that despite pushing the legalization of cannabis that the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand expects about 430,000 flights to Thailand by the end of the year. This indicates that tourists are not concerned about the cannabis policy. They must have studied what one can and cannot do whilst in Thailand before traveling here. They must already be aware of marijuana and they must already know where its usage limit is.” Suphachai also mentioned ‘Cannabis Tourism’ previously applied in several countries and the ‘2020 MMGY Travel Intelligence and Enlighten Strategies’ survey which revealed that 29 percent of leisure travelers are interested in cannabis-related tourism. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/07/15/cannabis-and-hemp-will-become-a-top-new-tourism-trend-in-thailand-and-a-positive-soft-power-bhumjaithai-mp-says/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-07-16 - 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!

UPDATE: Thailand’s new policy on land ownership rights aims to boost domestic economy among high-potential foreigners, government says By Nop Meechukhun PHOTO: Prachachat Bangkok – The Thai government has clarified in that the policy of land ownership rights to attract high-potential foreigners that it only aims to allow specific foreign investors for housing with not more than 1 rai in specified areas, without selling the entire land. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266053-select-foreigners-can-own-016-hectares-1-rai-for-residential-use-in-thailand-from-september/?do=findComment&comment=17482592

Thailand’s new policy on land ownership rights aims to boost domestic economy among high-potential foreigners, government says By Nop Meechukhun PHOTO: Prachachat Bangkok – The Thai government has clarified in that the policy of land ownership rights to attract high-potential foreigners that it only aims to allow specific foreign investors for housing with not more than 1 rai in specified areas, without selling the entire land. Government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana stated today, July 15th, that the government would grant permission to certain groups of high potential foreigners to stay in the Kingdom according to economic and investment stimulus measures issued on May 25th, 2022. The four main groups of high-potential expatriates are the wealthy population, the retirees, the businessmen/investors who want to work in Thailand, and special “experts”. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/07/15/thailands-new-policy-on-land-ownership-rights-aims-to-boost-domestic-economy-among-high-potential-foreigners-government-says/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-07-16 - 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!

UPDATE: Thailand eyes 1 million new expats with 10 year visas and land ownership By Online Reporter Thai government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana. File photo Thailand hopes that offering 10 year visas and the option to own land for residential use will help to attract 1 million new expats, which in turn will generate over 1 trillion baht to the local economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266053-select-foreigners-can-own-016-hectares-1-rai-for-residential-use-in-thailand-from-september/?do=findComment&comment=17482586

Thailand eyes 1 million new expats with 10 year visas and land ownership By Online Reporter Thai government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana. File photo Thailand hopes that offering 10 year visas and the option to own land for residential use will help to attract 1 million new expats, which in turn will generate over 1 trillion baht to the local economy. Up until now, foreigners owning land in Thailand had been prohibited. However, government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana on Friday (July 15) confirmed plans to relax Thailand’s rules on land ownership for foreigners. The move, first reported by Hua Hin Today earlier this week, and still subject to cabinet approval, would see foreigners granted permission to own land for residential purposes providing they invest 40 million baht, (approximately US$1 million) in Thailand over three years. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/thailand-eyes-1-million-new-expats-with-10-year-visas-and-land-ownership/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-07-16 - 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!

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 16 July 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1266062-thailand-live-saturday-16-july-2022/

Thailand to Tighten Air Quality Safety Standards BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Environmental Board has approved the Pollution Control Department’s proposal to tighten the air quality safety standard by reducing the acceptable level of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere from an average of 50 micrograms per cubic meter (g/m3) per 24 hours to 37.5 g/m3 per 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266038-thailand-to-tighten-air-quality-safety-standards/

Skeleton reportedly belonging to a missing 79-year-old Canadian man found in an abandoned field A hotel housekeeper stumbled upon a skeleton that reportedly belonged to a missing 79-year-old Canadian man in an abandoned field behind a hotel in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266044-skeleton-reportedly-belonging-to-a-missing-79-year-old-canadian-man-found-in-an-abandoned-field/

Fourth Army Region commander injured in helicopter crash-landing Fourth Army Region commander, Lt-Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, and five other people were injured when the army Blackhawk helicopter in which they were travelling crash-landed in a rubber plantation in the Thepa district of Thailand’s southern province of Songkhla this morning (Friday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266035-fourth-army-region-commander-injured-in-helicopter-crash-landing/

Cyber cops show hundreds of air rifles and "blank guns" seized in raid - man arrested for online trade Picture: Thai Rath Senior police connected to the technology force showed the results of two raids in Bangkok at a press conference in Pathum Thani yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266021-cyber-cops-show-hundreds-of-air-rifles-and-blank-guns-seized-in-raid-man-arrested-for-online-trade/

Picture: Thai Rath Senior police connected to the technology force showed the results of two raids in Bangkok at a press conference in Pathum Thani yesterday. Arrested was a man called Ton, 50, who was charged with the illegal sale of firearms and ammunition. This was being done online. Seized were 2,103 guns known as blank guns in Thai and 142 air rifles plus more than 80,000 rounds of ammunition for both. The police stressed that blank guns were not toys and could be adapted to fire real ammunition, reported Thai Rath. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-15 - 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!

Wealthy rapist shot TWENTY times by Suphan police in shootout at Ayutthaya gas station Picture: Thai Rath A wealthy Thai businessman and owner of a tire and mag wheels shop in Suphanburi was shot dead by police in a shootout after resisting arrest at an Ayutthaya gas station. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266018-wealthy-rapist-shot-twenty-times-by-suphan-police-in-shootout-at-ayutthaya-gas-station/

Picture: Thai Rath A wealthy Thai businessman and owner of a tire and mag wheels shop in Suphanburi was shot dead by police in a shootout after resisting arrest at an Ayutthaya gas station. Sathit Pathumsuthi, aged 39, had been wanted by the Suphanburi police for the statutory rape of his 14 year old girl friend as well as the rape of another 14 year old who became embroiled in her friend's case. The man - also known as "Fung Jorakhee" - went on the run after a court warrant was issued following parental complaints in Suphan, central Thailand. He made it to the Bang Jak gas station on Route 340 in Sam Meuang sub-district on Wednesday evening when he parked in front of the toilets and went in to relieve himself. He clearly was unaware that he was being tailed though it came as no surprise - he was tooled up with a gun and a great deal of ammunition if need be. When he came out of the toilets he was confronted by the police but he pulled out a gun and started firing though he hit no one. He continued to shoot two or three times as he got into his red plate Honda Jazz and officers decided to shoot back and end it there and then. Thai Rath reported that the suspect was riddled with 20 bullets and dead. Inside the car he was slumped onto the gear stick. He had gun magazine holders on his waistband, a quantity of ice (crystal meth) and thirty other bullets in the car. Still clasped tightly in his hand was a 9mm gun. An Isuzu at the gas station was also hit in the crossfire. Fortunately no one in that vehicle or otherwise was injured in the incident. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-15 - 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!

Video: High sea levels in Samut Prakan - sea side residents up to their waists in water - and it's set to get even worse 77kaoded Thai Caption: High sea levels 77kaoded reported with a video how high sea levels are disrupting the lives of people living close to the Gulf of Thailand in Samut Prakan, south east of the Thai capital Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266015-video-high-sea-levels-in-samut-prakan-sea-side-residents-up-to-their-waists-in-water-and-its-set-to-get-even-worse/

77kaoded Thai Caption: High sea levels 77kaoded reported with a video how high sea levels are disrupting the lives of people living close to the Gulf of Thailand in Samut Prakan, south east of the Thai capital Bangkok. And it's only going to get worse according to the navy meteorological office. In some places the water is up to residents' waists, comes in fast and is now at its worst in three decades. Picture: 77kaoded In the video and in still photos there were inundated roads, flooded markets and distressed householders having to cope with ruined homes. One woman says: "This is the third time". This comment coming as they cleared up again and pointed to the devastation as their possessions floated in the high tides. Picture: 77kaoded Information from the navy met office suggested that sea levels had risen dramatically yesterday but would then subside before another even worse peak of 3.9 meters today. That was not all. It was set to get even worse every day until next Wednesday, July 20th. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-15 - 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!

US ambassador-nominee pledges to help Thais pressure Myanmar junta US ambassador-nominee to Thailand Robert F. Godec during testimony at Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266013-us-ambassador-nominee-pledges-to-help-thais-pressure-myanmar-junta/