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Picture: Thai Rath Police in Bang Poo, Samut Prakan yesterday arrested a man at the center of allegations that he viciously assaulted his wife. Alongkorn, 25, was picked up at a condo in the area south east of the Thai capital Bangkok on an assault warrant, reported Thai Rath. Earlier the mother of his 23 year old wife had gone to the police to report him. Her daughter had a ruptured spleen and ruptured liver after being repeatedly kicked in January. The victim and her lawyer have also now gone to a secretary at the justice ministry for help in getting compensation in the case. The suspect, a deliveryman, told a police captain that he was jealous after discovering that his wife was chatting with another man on Facebook. He kicked her three times after she failed to answer his questions about the nature of the relationship. He said his wife appeared okay and she went to work but a subsequent visit to a hospital revealed the horrific nature of her internal injuries. The couple have been together four years and have a 3 year old son. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-18 - Aetna 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

Big Joke on the underage sex warpath: People who bought child sex include doctor, soldier and politician's son Picture: Thai Rath Charismatic cop Pol Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan - known universally as Big Joke - is following through on his aims to prosecute Thais who prey on children for sex. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250707-big-joke-on-the-underage-sex-warpath-people-who-bought-child-sex-include-doctor-soldier-and-politicians-son/

Picture: Thai Rath Charismatic cop Pol Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan - known universally as Big Joke - is following through on his aims to prosecute Thais who prey on children for sex. Thai Rath reported that arrest warrants have been issued in seven cases against eight men who allegedly had sex with young teens. Among them are a doctor, a politician's son and a soldier. The case is a result of inquiries after a 13 year old girl was involved in arguments at a hotel in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, last November. Procurers of the teens were soon rounded up. Now the RTP are taking the step of going after the men who buy the sex and Big Joke is in no mood for compromise. He was in Surat Thani yesterday meeting with TICAC (crimes against children) taskforce members. But it has also emerged that one of the teens accused of being a "madam" is just 14 herself. Surachate was pictured interviewing one suspect, aged 52 and unnamed, already in custody after his arrest in Chaiya district. This man said he had contacted a woman called "Miss B" but claimed he had no idea the girls were underage. He has promised to help the force in their investigations. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-18 - Aetna 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

Stunning RTP spokeswoman "Lieutenant Viking" hits back at criticism of sexy swimsuit photoshoot Picture: Sanook The RTP's hottest asset - spokeswoman Patarasaya Rerkrut - better known as Lieutenant Viking - has hit back at critics after she appeared in a sexy poolside photoshoot. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250706-stunning-rtp-spokesman-lieutenant-viking-hits-back-at-criticism-of-sexy-swimsuit-photoshoot/

Picture: Sanook The RTP's hottest asset - spokeswoman Patarasaya Rerkrut - better known as Lieutenant Viking - has hit back at critics after she appeared in a sexy poolside photoshoot. Lt-Viking has reminded the conservatives at the force and the old fuddy-duddies in society that this is 2022. Sanook reported that the stunner was fresh from her appearance at the mike in the case of alleged force murderer Ferrari Joe. Picture: Sanook Now it was back to the more palatable business of Lt Viking's worldly assets rather than Joe's high end cars. Her swimsuit pictures got a rise alright - out of netizens who thought it was inappropriate for a member of the constabulary. Eyebrows were also raised at the force - perhaps in admiration at one of their own. She revealed that the pictures were intended for a competition that due to one thing and another never materialized. Picture: Sanook But these snaps were part of getting out of her comfort zone, forming her personality and challenging stereotypes. She said she was part of a conservative society but there was nothing wrong with the poolside pictures. Picture: Sanook These days your looks and your ability to do your job were separate entities, she said. "Hello...this is 2022," she reminded her detractors. Adding that even her mum and dad approved of the pictures. Picture: Sanook Sanook added that Lt Viking speaks 3 languages including English and Chinese, once got a bursary to study in Taiwan and has her own YouTube channel at VikkiPatara where she displays one of her other talents - singing. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-18 - Aetna 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

Three people injured after pickup truck driver crashes into grocery store in Chonburi By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / komchadluek Chonburi – Three people have sustained injuries after a pickup truck driver crashed into a grocery store in the Bor Thong district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250699-three-people-injured-after-pickup-truck-driver-crashes-into-grocery-store-in-chonburi/

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / komchadluek By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – Three people have sustained injuries after a pickup truck driver crashed into a grocery store in the Bor Thong district. Emergency responders were notified of the accident earlier this week at an intersection on Nong Samet – Bor Thong Road. They arrived at the scene to find a damaged white pickup truck that had crashed directly into a grocery store, damaging a significant amount of merchandise. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/17/three-people-injured-after-pickup-truck-driver-crashes-into-grocery-store-in-chonburi/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-18 - Aetna 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

New Elite Card allows holders to work in Thailand – for 32 million baht By Jonathan Fairfield Thailand Privilege Card Co Ltd, the company that operates the Elite Card, has launched a new program that will allow new and some existing members to legally work in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250698-new-elite-card-allows-holders-to-work-in-thailand-–-for-32-million-baht/

By Jonathan Fairfield Thailand Privilege Card Co Ltd, the company that operates the Elite Card, has launched a new program that will allow new and some existing members to legally work in Thailand. Under the Elite Card’s new Flexible Plus Program applicants will be able to obtain a work permit. Previously, Elite Card holders were prohibited from working in Thailand. But now new applicants to the Flexible Plus Program, as well as existing members of the Thailand Elite Card, Elite Ultimate Privilege, Elite Superiority Extension and Elite Privilege Access will be granted the right to work in Thailand. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/new-elite-card-allows-holders-to-work-in-thailand-for-32-million-baht/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-18 - Aetna 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

Prayut denies allegations that he mishandled Covid response By Erich Parpart Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha on Thursday denied that the current administration is the same as the previous junta government.v Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250697-prayut-denies-allegations-that-he-mishandled-covid-response/

By Erich Parpart Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha on Thursday denied that the current administration is the same as the previous junta government. He also denied allegedly mishandling the Covid-19 outbreak. Opposition parties have made allegations that the government’s delay in procuring vaccines, along with the mismanagement of emergency loans, may have resulted in rising public and household debt, rising unemployment rates, and high inflation levels. “I insist that this government is not the same government as the one in 2014,” Prayut said. “Everyone who is sitting here is based on the 2017 constitution and the people who were in power are now performing new duties that are based on a new constitution and a new law,” he said during parliament debate on Thursday. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37617/prayut-denies-allegations-that-he-mishandled-covid-response/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-18 - Aetna 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

Thai government accused of covering up spread of swine flu since 2019 Move Forward MP Padipat Suntiphada accused the government today (Thursday) of covering up the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) since October 2019, as there was an official letter issued, which was acknowledged by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit and Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Srion, ordering the setup of an ad hoc committee to try to contain the contagious pig disease. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250696-thai-government-accused-of-covering-up-spread-of-swine-flu-since-2019/

Move Forward MP Padipat Suntiphada accused the government today (Thursday) of covering up the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) since October 2019, as there was an official letter issued, which was acknowledged by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit and Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Srion, ordering the setup of an ad hoc committee to try to contain the contagious pig disease. Speaking in Parliament on the first day of the two-day general parliamentary debate, Padipat claimed that ASF was first detected in 2019 and spread until last year, during which time about 300,000 pigs died, either from the disease or through culling to prevent the disease from spreading. About one billion baht in compensation has been paid by the government to affected pig farmers. As a direct result of the cover-up of the spread of ASF in 2020, Padipat said that the disease had spread across almost the entire country, forcing many small pig farmers to sell off their animals at fire-sale prices to middlemen who pushed the prices of live pigs down to 300-500 baht each, instead of having the animals culled. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-government-accused-of-covering-up-spread-of-swine-flu-since-2019/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-18 - Aetna 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

New Economic party leader resigns in the middle of parliamentary debate New Economic party-list MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan tendered his resignation as a member of parliament in the middle of the general debate today (Thursday), saying that he has not felt happy in his legislative role for the past two years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250695-new-economic-party-leader-resigns-in-the-middle-of-parliamentary-debate/

New Economic party-list MP Mingkwan Saengsuwan tendered his resignation as a member of parliament in the middle of the general debate today (Thursday), saying that he has not felt happy in his legislative role for the past two years. Taking to the floor at about 5pm, Mingkwan said that he feels, after almost eight years, that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has been in the office long enough, while the country’s economy is nose-diving. He said that he doubts the prime minister’s leadership ability and vision, citing some of the latter’s questionable suggestions. For instance, he proposed opening more pawn shops to solve the problem of household debt, told farmers to raise fish instead of planting rice when they are hit by floods, suggested people pray when there is a storm, threatened the use of military trucks to deliver goods when truckers threatened to go on strike and advised Thai people to raise two chickens per household to address the poverty problem. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-economic-party-leader-resigns-in-the-middle-of-parliamentary-debate/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-18 - Aetna 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

How do Thai women compare with Western women as a wife? This topic can only cover some general observations of course, as I am sure there are many of you who have or did have a very happy marriage to a western wife. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250694-how-do-thai-women-compare-with-western-women-as-a-wife/

This topic can only cover some general observations of course, as I am sure there are many of you who have or did have a very happy marriage to a western wife. Also, we read tales of how expats end up unhappy and sometimes broke after an unsuccessful marriage to a Thai wife. That said here is a snapshot of general views. Firstly, Thai culture means Thai women do have a great sense of loyalty to family, even after marrying. It is not unusual to find many Thai families all living together in the same house. It is very common to see that many mothers are happy to look after their grandkids. Some almost full-time while their daughters go off to work or get married. It is a different culture in the West where grandmothers do not generally look after their grandchildren, just visit on birthdays and at Christmas. Have fun Thai women know how to have fun. They generally also do not ever give a lot of hassle about low funds or being bored. They are happy to make ends meet and enjoy the free things in life such as Thailand’s inner beauty, like the beaches, and just going to see their friends. Many Western wives meanwhile are obsessed with keeping up appearances. Paying bills late such as school fees is a big no-no. One of the main reasons for divorce in the West is normally over family financial issues. Is she loyal? A significant portion of Thai women and many other Asian women do not butterfly, as it’s just not a part of their culture. These women remain monogamous to their men. Western marriages come under strain when either party flirts at parties or have office romances. And of boy do they like to gossip! Most Thai women tend to be very feminine with their beautiful faces, bodies, and souls. I love their display of the motto, The Land of Smiles; their sense of shyness at first, then friendship afterward. For some reason, the Asian climate seems to agree with Asian women’s looks, and even the over-fifties tend to have fewer wrinkles than Western women. Finally, Western women can be boring. A significant portion wants to know from a man what kind of car he drives, his job/career, will he take care of her, so she doesn’t have to work, etc. before tying the knot. Seems that Western women make great friends/buddies, but lousy girlfriends and wives. Perhaps until the Western women change their attitude and learn from Thai and other Asian women about how to give their heart to a man, only then things might change. Now as we said these are just observations, so we are sure you may wish to agree or perhaps disagree. The debate starts here. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-18 - Aetna 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 18 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1250692-thailand-live-friday-18-feb-2022/

Police Sued for B72m for Doctor’s Death at Crossing BANGKOK (TNA) – The family of late Dr Waraluck Supawatjariyakul who was fatally hit by a policeman on his Ducati motorcycle sued the Royal Thai Police Office and the policeman for 72 million baht for her death. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250645-police-sued-for-b72m-for-doctor’s-death-at-crossing/

Thailand Working to Upgrade Status on Human Trafficking Watchlist BANGKOK (NNT) - The government hopes to improve Thailand’s position in the United States’ Trafficking in Persons report. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250643-thailand-working-to-upgrade-status-on-human-trafficking-watchlist/

Change.org campaign against Bangkok name change draws over 2,700 signatures Downtown Bangkok. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP) An online campaign has been launched on change.org to oppose the change of Bangkok’s official name to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, a move which has sparked much controversy over the past few days. So far the online campaign attracted over 2,700 signatures as of Thursday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250639-changeorg-campaign-against-bangkok-name-change-draws-over-2700-signatures/

DTN to Expedite FTA Talks with Turkey and Pakistan By Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) is adamant to close more free trade agreements (FTAs) with Turkey and Pakistan. It also plans more FTA talks with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) along with ASEAN-Canada deals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250628-dtn-to-expedite-fta-talks-with-turkey-and-pakistan/

By Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) is adamant to close more free trade agreements (FTAs) with Turkey and Pakistan. It also plans more FTA talks with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) along with ASEAN-Canada deals. DTN Director-General Auramon Supthaweethum said that the 8th round of FTA talks with Turkey will likely be held sometime between March and April. She stated that establishing markets and ironing out FTA terms are top on the agenda. The department is determined to close the deal with Turkey within this year. The Director-General said that her agency has already finished drafting FTA terms with Pakistan, while adding that the remaining task is to establish markets there. The department is now in the process of scheduling the next talks with the country. Additionally, Director-General Auramon said that the next round of FTA negotiation between the ASEAN bloc and Canada will take place soon. The previous round was held last November. Furthermore, she disclosed that two new FTAs with the European Union and the EFTA are now in the works. The DTN and related agencies are drafting the terms and are in the talking process with their EU and EFTA counterparts. These new FTA negotiation plans will later be proposed to the Cabinet at the end of either the first or second quarter of this year. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-17 - Aetna 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

Bangkok name change: It's all a change in punctuation File photo Thailand's Royal Society - getting tired of all the netizens having a go about the name change of Bangkok to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon have said it is all about one thing and one thing only. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250624-bangkok-name-change-its-all-a-change-in-punctuation/

File photo Thailand's Royal Society - getting tired of all the netizens having a go about the name change of Bangkok to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon have said it is all about one thing and one thing only. Punctuation. The ORST - their office - said that all they were doing was changing the official name of the city from "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon; Bangkok" to "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), notes ASEAN NOW. They said people were at liberty to call the city whatever they liked. It's been known since the year dot among Thais as Krung Thep and officially as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon for more than two decades. Now punctuation is causing all the online chatter! The slight change is due to be rubber stamped shortly but many people online including our forums have been getting hot under the collar. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-17 - Aetna 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