webfact

Thai authorities are stepping up campaigns encouraging people to roll up their sleeves and get booster shots as COVID-19 makes a comeback. The campaigns are designed to combat a new surge in cases, attributed to factors such as students returning for the new semester – but most importantly people’s declining immunity. “The prime minister is worried about the elderly and vulnerable groups. They should take a booster shot every year,” said Anucha Burapachaisri, deputy secretary-general to the PM and acting government spokesperson. He added that even young people should get booster shots, which are being offered for free at state hospitals. “Don’t forget that COVID-19 can still be deadly,” he emphasized. Deaths surging again Deaths from the disease have soared more than threefold over the past month, according to official data. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-makes-comeback-in-thailand-as-booster-fatigue-leaves-door-open/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-02 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Rangsiman Rome tells reporters that efforts by conservative elements or perhaps misinformation operations should stop as he clarifies the Move Forward foreign policy position. He told reporters that while the reports were ‘fake news’ he was opposed to the prosecution of anyone for sharing information like this but simply wished that people behind such efforts would cease in the interests of national unity. The Move Forward firebrand and key leader of the party, Rangsiman Rome, has firmly denied that the party supports allowing the United States to establish a military base in Thailand. On Wednesday, he pointed to the balanced commitment concerning Thailand’s relationship with key world powers given in its Memorandum of Understanding or programme for government and stated that Move Forward would object to any such move as it is committed to protecting the country’s sovereignty. The controversy comes amid rising tensions between the United States and China with indications that Thailand’s neighbour Cambodia is forging stronger links with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) including, according to US officials, the construction of a Chinese naval base in the Gulf of Thailand. Top Move Forward Party MP-elect Rangsiman Rome has come out to forcefully deny what he suspects are malicious rumours suggesting that the Move Forward Party has an agenda to let the United States establish a military base in Thailand. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Image caption: Move Forward Party key figure and MP elect Rangsiman Rome ( centre right) Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/05/26/move-forward-rejects-us-military-base-plan/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-05-26 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand remains a popular filming location among international production houses. Filming activities have generated massive revenue for the country and local people, while at the same time revitalizing the country’s own film industry. Thailand has maintained its reputation as a popular filming location and has recently welcomed the production teams of two series from Singapore and the U.S. television network HBO, who chose Hat Yai City in Songkhla as a filming location. Mr. Patt Rakthongthana, a local coordinator who has worked with international production studios, said these activities have generated income for local communities, as all the production crews contributed to the local economies throughout their shooting schedules. Mr. Patt suggested that proper management and the relaxation of certain regulations would make Thailand even more appealing to international production houses. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230518090544416 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-05-18 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Nigel Farage. Credit: Wikimedia Former UKIP leader blames Tory government for not taking advantage of leaving the EU BY ANDREW MCDONALD LONDON — Nigel Farage, one of the biggest advocates of Britain’s departure from the European Union, reckons Brexit has failed. Speaking on the BBC’s Newsnight program Monday night, the former Brexit Party leader — one of the most famous figureheads of the Brexit cause — admitted the U.K. had not benefited economically from leaving the bloc. “What Brexit has proved, I’m afraid, is that our politicians are about as useless as the commissioners in Brussels. We’ve mismanaged this totally,” Farage said, responding to a raft of data suggesting there had been a negative economic impact of Brexit. “Brexit has failed,” he added. “We’ve not delivered on Brexit and the Tories have let us down very, very badly.” Full story: https://www.politico.eu/article/nigel-farage-uk-eu-brexit-has-failed/ -- © Copyright POLITICO 2023-05-17

If your memory isn’t too hazy, let’s enter a blast from the past to a time when even weed was beautiful and a lot less complicated. The cannabis veterans among us – and perhaps the young connoisseurs too – will remember the classics of the 20th Century. Strains brought out during the 60s – 90s, a golden age of weed devoid of today’s over-engineering or technical babble that pervades modern dispensaries and smoky living rooms alike. The classic cannabis flowers of yester-millennium were something special, and they are back right here at Prikpot. We’ve revived these strains with careful attention to detail, maintaining the characteristics that made them legendary. The PrikPot Classics line up at the time of writing: - Acapulco Gold (22% THC) | A sativa-leaning hybrid from the 60s that was so good Cheech and Chong sang songs about it. - Afghan Kush (21% THC) | Hitting the scene in the 70s after emerging from Afghanistan’s Kush Mountains, this Indica strain was popular with pretty much everyone. - Bubba Kush (20% THC) | If the 90s were your decade, Bubba Kush was there with you. An Indica that felt right at home in your living room after a long day. - Colombian Gold (20% THC) | Not to be outdone by other countries, Colombia produced one of the most legendary Sativas of the era, ideal for an energetic high. - Mazar (20% THC) | Another legendary Afghan Indica, this time from the 80s, that was great to grow AND wonderful to smoke. - Northern Lights (18% THC) | A cross of Afghani and Thai strains, NL came out in the 80s and embraced us all with its relaxing effects and one of the coolest names ever. - White Widow (20% THC) | Famous for its powerful burst of euphoria and energy, this 90s strain from the Netherlands went worldwide in a hurry. The complete PrikPot Classics line up can be found here: https://prikpot.com/product-category/flowers/classic-flowers/?tap_a=114340-911ad0&tap_s=2 932157-79232a To celebrate the good old days, we also launched our PrikPot Classics Pack that will give you 2 grams/strain of 5 select classic and iconic flowers. That’s a whopping 10 grams for just 2,495 baht. This is a 50% discount for a time machine that is into cannabis’ past. Find the PrikPot Classics Pack here: https://prikpot.com/product/prikpot-classics-10gr-bundle-5-flowers/?tap_a=114340-911ad0&t ap_s=2932157-79232a Your satisfaction is guaranteed through Prikpot’s discerning processes and high standards, offering cannabis that is: - 100% organic - Produced by experienced local artisan growers - Stored and handled with professional care - Shipped for free all over Thailand with same-day dispatch if ordered before 1:00pm Mon-Sat - Attentive and personal customer service and support - 1-hour delivery for customers in metropolitan Chiang Mai (Mon-Sat) Transport yourself to those groovy days by clicking here: https://prikpot.com/product/prikpot-classics-10gr-bundle-5-flowers/?tap_a=114340-911ad0&t ap_s=2932157-79232a -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

-- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-04-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai dishes continue to be desired delicacies among food enthusiasts around the world. A global food website TasteAtlas has ranked Phanaeng curry the best stew in the world, ahead of Japanese curry and Sichuan hot pot. TasteAtlas has placed Phanaeng curry at the top of the Best Stews in the World ranking, with a 4.8 score out of 5. The website describes Phanaeng curry as a variety of Thai curry that is characterized by its thick texture and a salty-sweet peanut flavor, consisting of meat that is stewed with dried chilis, kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk, cilantro, cumin, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, and peanuts. The dish is traditionally made without any vegetables. Another Thai dish making the top-ten ranking is Massaman curry, coming at number eight with a score of 4.6. The website says Massaman stands out from other Thai curries as it is the mildest and sweetest kind. TasteAtlas describes Massaman curry as a combination of creamy coconut milk, meat, potatoes, and a curry paste made with roasted spices, while highlighting the use of coconut milk in this dish as an authentic Thai element, providing a rich base for the rest of the ingredients. Thicker cuts of meat such as beef, bone-in chicken, lamb, and mutton are typically used for this dish, which is cooked along with spices such as cumin, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, and peppercorns, mixed with fresh garlic, chili, galangal, lemongrass, tamarind paste, and palm sugar. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230321094005148 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-21 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thailand’s National Environment Board (NEB) has decided to tighten up measures to curb the worsening PM2.5 problem in 17 northern provinces, which is threatening public health and is being blamed on forest fires and the burning of farm waste. There will be a complete ban on burning in open spaces, strict enforcement of the law against violators who light fires in forests or burn farm waste and cooperation sought from millers to stop buying burnt sugarcane from farmers. At a meeting on Wednesday, the NEB has also instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to mobilise all its resources, including aircraft, to control forest fires. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tighter-measures-to-curb-dangerous-pm2-5-levels-in-northern-provinces/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-16 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

By Editor At the March meeting of the Royal Coast Riviera Club, Mr. Luca Bernardinetti, CEO of Mahanakorn Partners Group, a company that specialises in visas for Thailand, presented a detailed description of the advantages, requirements and process related to Thailand’s recently introduced long-term resident (LTR) visa. Almost 3,000 wealthy and/or skilled foreigners have applied for the LTR in the first four months, says government spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul. Traisulee said 2,920 foreigners had applied for LTR visas from the Board of Investment (BOI) between November 1 and February 28 this year. The program authorises foreigners to remain in the country for up to ten years and a total of four dependents may be granted a visa as well, including a spouse and children under the age of 20. The ten year LTR visa was introduced on November 1st last year to attract foreign talent and multinational firms to Thailand. At the time it was anticipated that this initiative would attract 1 million new foreign residents over the first five years. Although at the current rate of applications, it seems highly unlikely that forecast will be attained. Of those who have applied, 195 are wealthy people, 1,011 are retirees, 771 are people who want to work in Thailand, 390 are skilled individuals, and 553 are dependants. The top three sources of applications were Europe (940 people), followed by the US (517) and China (325). LTR visa holders enjoy several privileges. Holders are not required to report to Thai immigration authorities every 90 days and enjoy duty-free tax exemption. Additionally, long-term residents benefit from modified laws and regulations regarding working and foreigner-owned land in Thailand. High-potential foreigners are placed into four applicant groups: wealthy global citizens, wealthy retirees, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and highly skilled workers. ● Wealthy Global Citizen (LTR-W): Wealthy individuals holding at least USD 1 million in assets ● Wealthy Pensioner (LTR-P): Retirees aged 50 years and older who have an annual pension or stable income ● Work-from-Thailand Professional (LTR-T): Remote workers working for well-established overseas companies ● Highly-skilled Professional (LTR-H): Professionals or experts in targeted industries working for business entities or higher education institutes or research centres in Thailand or Thai Government agencies Additionally, the Dependants (LTR-O) visa refers to the spouse and children (under 20 years of age) of LTR visa holders (maximum 4 dependants per LTR visa holder). Successfully applying for an LTR involves numerous steps and meeting multiple requirements. It will take time, typically not less than 18 months, to prove the requirements are met, submit the necessary documentation and the go through a final review before an approval is obtained. The documents required for each type of LTR visa vary and even within the same category, are considered on a case-by-case basis. Across the country multiple seminars continue to be offered by immigration and visa consultants, typically recommending that receiving expert advice and support is the way to go, although self-managed applications have been successful. Official Information Source: Expatriate Services Division, One Stop Service Center of Visa and Work Permit (OSS) 18th Floor, Chamchuri Square Building, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Official Website: https://ltr.boi.go.th/ Tel: +66 2209 1100 ext.1109-1110, E-mail: [email protected] Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2023/03/will-thailands-long-term-resident-visa-work-for-you/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2023-03-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

BANGKOK (NNT) - Suvarnabhumi International Airport has started rolling out upgrades to its security screening facility at its departure terminal. The airport also warned departing passengers of potential delays as checkpoints are partially closed due to this renovation. Suvarnabhumi Airport has advised departing passengers of potential delays caused by renovation work at its security checkpoints where new equipment is being installed. The airport is in the process of adding an automated tray return system at security checkpoints, where departing passengers are required to have their carry-on bags scanned for prohibited items. The new tray system will help double the capacity at checkpoints from 3,300 passengers per hour to 6,650. Once in operation, passengers can expect a faster process and less congestion at the airport. To handle the current situation, the airport said it is deploying additional staff members to help passengers and has coordinated with immigration police to ensure a sufficient number of personnel at passport control. Nonetheless, departing passengers are advised to arrive at least 3 hours before departure time in order to avoid any unexpected situations. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230305163350439 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-06 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Despite Thailand’s increasing desperation to boost the quality of its education, authorities have decided that teacher trainees only need to be tested on one subject to get a license. This new system will go into effect from March 15. Students and graduates of teacher-training programs who began higher education during the academic years of 2019 and 2022 will only be tested on the subject of Professional Teaching. Before this, teacher trainees were required to test on four subjects: Thai Communication, English Communication, Digital Education and Professional Teaching. “How can we have confidence in teachers’ quality if they are only tested on their professional techniques?” asked Asst Prof Athapol Anunthavorasakul, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Education. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/education-experts-fear-quality-will-drop-as-teacher-exams-made-easier/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

By Thai Enquirer Ivermectin is not shown to be effective against Covid-19 in clinical trials according to the findings of a joint University of Oxford and Mahidol University study. The study that was published on the peer-reviewed eLife medical journal found that high doses of the drug ivermectin, controversially recommended by some high-profile political and media figures during the pandemic, is ineffective at treating the virus. Conducted at the Center for Tropical Diseases in Bangkok, the study is part of the ongoing PLATCOV trial the study hoped to assess the antiviral effectiveness of medicines in treating early symptomatic Covid-19 infections. The findings support claims that the drug has little antiviral activity against the virus. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/48271/ivermectin-not-effective-in-treating-covid-19-joint-mahidol-oxford-study-shows/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2023-02-24 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Lamduan Armitage's body was found near Penyghent on 20 September, 2004. FAMILY PHOTO/DONLAWAT SUNSUK By Alex Moss BBC News Cold case officers have travelled to Thailand to speak with the husband and family of a woman found dead in the Yorkshire Dales almost 19 years ago. Walkers discovered the half-naked body of Lamduan Armitage, nee Seekanya, in a stream near Pen-y-ghent in 2004. For 15 years her identity was unknown until family in Thailand came forward and DNA proved it was their daughter. As well as her parents, police are hoping to speak to husband David Armitage who now lives in Thailand. North Yorkshire officers, who arrived in the country on Sunday, said being there was a crucial next step in their attempts to finally solve the case. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-64570426 -- © Copyright BBC 2023-02-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

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

Daily News Thai Caption: I remember his face! The Taiwanese actress at the center of claims that she and her friends were extorted out of 27,000 baht in a nighttime shakedown at the hands of the Thai police in Huay Khwang, Bangkok, has hit back at suggestions that she was somehow in the wrong. In a feisty post on Instagram Story in which she indicated she had already spoken to "Interpol", the celebrity known as Charlene An in English told the RTP to "stop talking trash". She claimed they are having a go at her in order to appear innocent and hide their wrong-doing. This followed comments by a spokesman after her initial claims about the extortion on January 4th, the day before she returned home, reported Daily News. The spokesman tried to excuse the RTP by making claims about e-cigarettes and a belligerent group of tourists. Their visas' validity had been questioned also despite them being totally above board. Ms An said she wasn't drunk at all in a message in Chinese to her fans. "I want to tell everyone after talking to Interpol about the unclean Thai police. "They are attempting to use me in an effort to appear innocent themselves because it goes against their interests". She had a message for Thailand's 'finest': "STOP TALKING TRASH!" She went into a few further details about the night in question when she said all lanes on the road were blocked off at the 1 am checkpoint. There were more than seven cops and she said she clearly remembers the officer who extorted her. She wondered why she was singled out. She said that the RTP should check CCTV, stop talking nonsense, stop trying to target her and stop fixing people up. She spoke of her intense irritation not just of the incident itself but what has happened since. She signed off with conciliatory words for Thailand but a final broadside against its police: "Thailand is a lovely place with so many great attractions - but their police are not one of them". ASEAN NOW notes that it appears the RTP have been caught massively with their trousers down. Increasingly in the age of the internet and social media spotlight they have shown their ineptness. They have been revealed for what their critics say they are. They say they are little more than a mafia organization in uniform and a disgrace to the country. The RTP are already facing huge trouble that has led to their overseer Thai PM Prayuth Chan-ocha calling for those responsible to be held to account. This involves the damning clip of preferential treatment shown to a Chinese tourist who was fast-tracked through airport immigration for money then taken to Pattaya in a motorcade. That has been going on for a decade according to reports. This latest mess for Thai tourism caused by the RTP shows that drastic action is needed to rein them in before further damage is down. And on this occasion in the dark of a lonely New Year night in a Bangkok suburb, they absolutely picked on the wrong person. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-01-28 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on a Thai based US TikTok star who went to see top lawyer Decha Kittiwithayaran of Thanai Khlai Thuk. Kyle Anderson, 39, had seen an ad on social media for a 2021 Miami Blue Porsche 911 that was being sold at a luxury showroom in Samphan Sung, Bangkok, just off the motorway. It was July 12th last year. He called the showroom and was told he could view the automobile and have a test drive that day. He loved the model and it was just what he wanted. He paid 250,000 baht deposit and went back to Pattaya with his Thai girlfriend. On 7th August he paid 5 million baht at the showroom and agreed three more payments to take the cost up to a round 13 million baht. But driving back to Pattaya he and the girlfriend got only as far as the motorway before the car conked out. He called the showroom who said to let it cool down a bit then restart. That didn't work and the motor was picked up and taken in for repairs by the showroom. After the repairs Kyle wanted to take his girlfriend to see some coastal views. That lasted half an hour before the Porsche broke down again. He thought about having it repaired himself. Then the registration book arrived. It was not a 2021 model but a 2020, not the one he wanted. When confronted about this the showroom said "oh, that was the year it was registered in Thailand, we put that in the ad". It was agreed that the showroom would buy back the car at 12.2 million baht but on the day of payment they allegedly reneged on that offering Kyle only 1.5 million baht saying they had to pay tax of 9 million baht on the deal. Kyle said he had been in Thailand for 12 years and had never conned anyone. He loves Thailand and everything about it and never thought he'd be a victim in a case like this. He urged the showroom concerned to stop their fraudulent practices and make sure their vehicles are roadworthy. Lawyer Decha said that he would press the matter via three separate charges under consumer and other laws. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-01-16 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

The spot where the New Zealand tourist plunged to the ground and his body being taken to the hospital. Photo: Naewna by TNR Staff A TOURIST from New Zealand slipped and fell from the train that had slowed down for passengers to take photos at Kanchanaburi’s Krasae Cave which was the camp of POWs in World War II, Naewna newspaper said Tuesday (Dec. 27). At 12.10 p.m. Pol. Lt. Col. Kiattisak Kerdchok, an investigator at Sai Yok police station, was notified of a foreigner having died after falling off a train at Krasae Cave in Lum Sum subdistrict and quickly went there together with Pitakarn Kanchanaburi Foundation rescuers. At the scene they found Mr. Patrick Ward, 45, lying on the ground after plunging seven to eight metres from the train. His body was taken to Sai Yok Hospital for an autopsy with the New Zealand embassy too contacted. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/12/27/new-zealander-dies-in-fall-from-kanchanaburi-train/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-12-28 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

The Bank of Thailand has defended new rules for cash deposits through automated cash deposit machines (CDMs), introduced by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). Bank of Thailand’s Payment Systems Policy Office’s senior director, Budsakorn Teerapunyachai, said today (Tuesday) that the new measure is in line with the AMLO law against money laundering and financial support for terrorism. She also said that the central bank will urge all commercial banks to modify their systems to accommodate the new requirement and other card-less identification services. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-central-bank-defends-new-controls-on-cash-deposits-via-cdms/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

From November 15th, people who want to deposit cash via cash deposit machines (CDMs) in Thailand will be required to identify themselves by inserting their credit or debit cards and entering their Personal Identification Number (PIN) or password. The new measure has been introduced by the Anti-Money Laundering Office and will be applied to all commercial banks, to prevent the laundering of money earned from drug trafficking, illegal gambling or other criminal activity. According to AMLO, the alternative for those who do not have a credit or debit card PIN or password for their bank accounts is to deposit their money and show their ID cards tobank tellers in the branch, which will incur service charges. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-rule-for-cash-deposit-machines-from-november-15th/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-18 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

We put on some jungle camo and went in search of the most original of Thai cannabis strains. The results are beyond the wildest dreams of everyone at PrikPot and the experienced smokers among our customer base. Our online shelves are now stocked with weed that embodies everything legendary that came out of the Southeast Asian cannabis scene during the Vietnam War Era. We are happy to introduce you to Vintage Thai. A strain that takes true dedication to produce, involving five months of growing followed by six months of curing. Buy Vintage Thai here: https://prikpot.co.th/product/vintage-thai-original-thai-stick/?tap_a=114340-911ad0&tap_s=2932157-79232a To be clear, the term Thai Stick does not refer to a particular strain, but a packaging method that involved compressing cannabis around thin bamboo sticks, wrapping it in cannabis fan leaves and securing it with string/thread. Technically, any cannabis can be packed using the Thai Stick technique, but we were not seeking the aesthetics of that era. We wanted the real thing. Our efforts led us to original seeds from the 60s, and with them we have produced cannabis that is: ● The original Thai strain that popularized Thai Stick ● A native landrace 100% Sativa ● Grown for 5 months and then cured for 6 months ● Grown organically in Chiang Mai Smoking or consuming Vintage Thai brings on a rapid high that feels invigorating and full, likely to make you look at the label again to check you really saw 18% THC concentration written there. We couldn’t believe it either. Vintage Thai is a beautiful and enjoyable Sativa whose innocuous appearance and relative lack of aroma hide its quality effects. PrikPot is offering Vintage Thai in 10 gram packs for 2,490 Baht each, which equates to fantastic value for money at 249 Baht per gram. Members of ASEAN NOW are entitled to a 10% discount on all orders. Just enter the discount code ASEAN10 at the time of checkout. Check out the PrikPot website or contact us directly to learn more. https://prikpot.co.th/product/vintage-thai-original-thai-stick/?tap_a=114340-911ad0&tap_s=2932157-79232a If you are located in Chiang Mai, PrikPot offers instant deliveries via Grab on Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00. You are also welcome to visit PrikPot Cafe, our own dispensary and lounge with discounts, a broad selection of pre-rolls and a dedicated smoking room. Location here: https://go.prikpot.co.th/map

The Livestock Development Department buried about 24 tonnes of frozen pork, which originated in Brazil and was smuggled into Thailand from a neighboring country, at a landfill in Phayuha Khiri district of Nakhon Sawan province. . The pork was seized from a cold storage facility in Samut Prakan on September 11th. It was delivered by truck to the department’s quarantine zone in Phayuha Khiri district for destruction, to prevent the possible spread of African swine fever (ASF). Officials from the department said that Brazil has no agreement for the export of pork to Thailand and it is a country in which ASF has been reported. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/24-tonnes-of-pork-smuggled-from-brazil-destroyed-to-prevent-spread-of-swine-flu-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-28 - 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!

Daily News Thai Caption: Totaled Daily News and many other Thai media reported on an appalling incident on the beach front at Ban Phe, Rayong, yesterday evening in which an apparently drunk British man in a pick-up killed and injured people before driving off and damaging four vehicles before overturning. Pol Capt Natthawat of the Phe Rayong police on the eastern seaboard was alerted to the incident yesterday evening and went with rescue services to the area near the Lotus store on the beach front road - Suan Son to Ban Phe Road - where they found an overturned four door pick-up. Inside was an apparently drunk Brtish man trapped in the driver's seat. Stephen P., 70, was given first aid. Picture; Daily News A police patrol nearby was giving CPR. But dead at the scene was Niran Pramuan, 53, and severly injured was 32 year old Chanasak. They were taken to Rayong Hospital. Witnesses reported seeing the foreigner reverse at high speed into the two men crushing them up against a lamppost. The driver then raced off colliding with two cars and two motorcycles before ending up on its side. Witnesses said that the British man lived locally and was a habitual drunkard who would drive in the wrong lane and that local people were fed up with his behavior. He was kept in custody while his injuries were treated as police prepared a breath test and for his subsequent prosecution. More on this as we hear of it. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-05 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. 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

By Online Reporter Thailand is now welcoming applications for its new 10 year Long-term Resident Visa (LTR Visa), which is aimed at attracting foreigners of “high potential” to live and work in the country. The LTR Visa formally came into effect on September 1, with the government seeing the program as a way to encourage new investment into the country. The 10 year LTR visa will be offered across four categories: Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly-Skilled Professionals. Across each of the four categories, holders will need a personal income of USD 80,000/year. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailands-new-10-year-long-term-resident-visa-ltr-visa-is-now-available/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-09-02 - 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!

file photo for reference only OPINION | by Michael Bridge The pandemic, along with the Russian-Ukraine conflict and rising fuel costs is making the rising inflation difficult for many. Now everyone needs to look very carefully at their monthly outgoings. What was a simple trip in the car to the local city for shopping, is now expensive with rising fuel costs, which are likely to go up even more? Commuting to work is also getting exorbitant whether you drive or take public transport, which in most cases are cutting back due to lack of customers. So, what ways can we save on our monthly outgoings when living in Thailand? Some may be obvious while others may be a surprise. Travel Those of us driving around in a car will want to reduce our fuel consumption asap, as fuel prices are rising every week and it is now an expense to drive anywhere. Either downgrade to a smaller more economic vehicle, maybe a diesel model, or perhaps buy an old scooter for local trips. Join the locals and take the train wherever possible, especially for long trips up north. Travelling at night is not only cooler but also cheaper too. Also jumping on a baht bus or songtaew will be a lot cheaper than grabbing a taxi. Airfares are also going through the roof, so if you must travel internationally, avoid school or national holidays, and try an airline with multiple stops. It may be inconvenient, but the price should be a lot lower. Accommodation Those of us who are renting could look around and maybe consider moving away from the new flashy high-rise condominiums to an older building. Usually, you will get a lot more space and with a lick of paint, it will feel like new too. And you will be saving a lot each month too. Shopping Forget the flashy supermarkets with their expensive imported brands. Going to the local market will instantly save you money, and the product will be very fresh as well. Walking to a local store or market not only should be cheaper, but again you are not paying to fill up the tank. You are also getting some exercise as well. Macro is a great place to buy meat and chicken at extremely competitive rates. You can save on drinking water by simply refilling up a bottle for only a few baht at the many water machines around. Eating out at a local Thai restaurant is also a lot cheaper. ATMs Withdrawing cash every day is expensive as the banks charge us a withdrawal fee. Better to take out a lump sum at your bank branch and keep it for daily use at home. Most Thai banks will also help you out by reducing your monthly repayments on your ATM cards. If you don’t ask you don’t get!!!! Your Cashflow Finally, keep track of your expenses. Treat your outgoings like a business and run a cash flow on all your income and outgoings on an Excel sheet. List everything from going to the cinema to even having a foot massage. It is amazing how running a weekly cash flow can focus the mind. Cutting back on extras can also help. Look how many Netflix accounts have been canceled in the past few months. Maybe reading a good novel will make a comeback and you can go to a second-hand café to buy them!!! I am sure many of you will have some useful and helpful tips so do let us know? -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-01 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more! Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that a 48 year old Thai wife arranged to have her 63 year old Danish husband murdered in Thailand for 500,000 baht. Via an older friend it was arranged that a relative would drive into the foreigner as he rode his motorcycle by a field. But despite a serious collision that left a hole in a windshield - a picture in Thai Rath was published - Mr. Larsen survived with serious injuries. Picture: Thai Rath The plot to get 10 million baht in life insurance soon unravelled and three people are in custody. Mr Larsen remains in Srisawan Hospital in the central/northern province of Nakhon Sawan. Yesterday Pol Maj-Gen Attasit Sutsanguan, Region 6 deputy, gave details of the case. Now in custody after warrants were issued on charges of arranging murder are Mr Larsen's wife Pratheep Fang Larsen, 48, and Jemjan Khamkaew, 60. On Thursday of last week, 21st April, the small sub-police station of Nong Krot received a report of a collision between a car and a motorcycle in Beung Pla Thu sub-district of Ban Photphisai district. A grey Toyota with Lampang plates had collided with the bike ridden by Mr Larsen propelling him into a field. Driving the Toyota was Ekkasit Wichajan, 24. Ekkasit claimed it was an accident and it appeared that way at first, said Attasit. But soon there appeared inconsistencies and it became obvious this had been deliberate and was a staged accident. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Daily News Under intense interrogation Ekkasit broke down and admitted that he was hired by his relative Jemjan to kill Mr Larsen but failed. It emerged that Pratheep Larsen had paid her friend 500,000 baht to arrange her husband's death so she could claim 10 million baht in life insurance. The Larsen's have two children and had been living in Denmark for many years. But they came back to Thailand and couldn't return because of the pandemic. They had purchased tens of rai of land for 20 million baht but a dispute arose. The wife wanted a divorce but the husband opposed this. They could not get back to Denmark because of the pandemic. It was also reported that ten years ago Jemjan was charged with organising someone's murder but was acquitted. Ekkasit was promised a new car for killing Mr Larsen but after he failed he was given just 10,000 baht for his trouble. All three are now in custody as Mr Larsen recovers in hospital. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates 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