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French Duo's Extortion Plan Fails in Phuket Photo by Joshua Forbes via Unsplash Two foreign men, believed to be French nationals, reportedly attempted to extort 2,000 baht from a Thai tourist in the Patong area of Phuket on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342135-french-duo’s-extortion-plan-fails-to-baguette-away-with-it-in-phuket/

Thailand Postpones Start of Winter Season Thailand’s Meteorological Department has delayed announcing the start of winter due to unusual weather conditions throughout the country. The department expected winter to begin on October 29. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342147-thailand-postpones-start-of-winter-season/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Confirmed! Lisa Manoban to Join Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025 at ICONSIAM On 30 October 2024, ICONSIAM’s official Facebook page announced a major surprise for this year’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342148-confirmed-lisa-manoban-to-join-amazing-thailand-countdown-2025-at-iconsiam/

BLACKPINK’s Lisa to perform at New Year countdown event in Bangkok It is confirmed that Thai K-pop artist, Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban of BLACKPINK, will perform at the New Year countdown event 2025 at ICONSIAM in Bangkok. The shopping centre confirmed on social media today that Lisa will be headlining the New Year countdown celebrations, organized between December 29th and 31st. This comes after prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra hinted to reporters last week that Lisa may, at the invitation of the private sector, be performing in Thailand for the New Year celebrations. This event will be Lisa’s first performance in Thailand as a solo artist, following her appearances at the MTV Video Music Awards 2024 and, most recently, at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Full story: Thai PBS -- 2024-10-30

Lisa to Headline Iconic Countdown at ICONSIAM BANGKOK, Oct 30 (TNA) – ICONSIAM has confirmed that superstar Lalisa Manobal, known globally as Lisa of the K-pop group Blackpink will be performing at its annual New Year's Eve countdown celebration, “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025.” The announcement was made on ICONSIAM's official Facebook page, which revealed that the K-pop sensation will join the festivities and deliver a special performance for fans and tourists alike. The event is set to take place from December 29-31, 2024, at ICONSIAM's River Park. Full story: TNA-MCOT -- 2024-10-30

Confirmed! Lisa Manoban to Join Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025 at ICONSIAM Picture courtesy: Siam Rath On 30 October 2024, ICONSIAM’s official Facebook page announced a major surprise for this year’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342148-confirmed-lisa-manoban-to-join-amazing-thailand-countdown-2025-at-iconsiam/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath BANGKOK - On 30 October 2024, ICONSIAM’s official Facebook page announced a major surprise for this year’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025. The iconic Thai superstar Lisa Manoban, renowned globally as LISA, is set to join the spectacular event, bringing joy and excitement to both Thai residents and international visitors at ICONSIAM. This year’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025 will take place from 29 to 31 December 2024 at River Park, ICONSIAM, under the theme of “Celebrating Thailand’s Greatest Achievements.” With the stage set for grand festivities, ICONSIAM promises unforgettable moments as it welcomes the New Year with a blend of Thai cultural pride and international glamour. For further details on how to attend this highly anticipated event, fans can stay updated through ICONSIAM’s Facebook page and official social media channels, reported Siam Rath. Prepare for a thrilling night and be ready to ring in the New Year in style with LISA and the extraordinary countdown at ICONSIAM! #LISA -- 2024-10-30

German man dies in Koh Phayam resort, candy found during CPR by Petch Petpailin Photo via SiamRath A German man died at a resort on Koh Phayam, an island in the southern province of Ranong. A piece of candy may have been spat out of his mouth during CPR but officers concluded that the cause of death was a pre-existing medical condition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342103-german-man-dies-in-koh-phayam-resort-candy-found-during-cpr/

A German man died at a resort on Koh Phayam, an island in the southern province of Ranong. A piece of candy may have been spat out of his mouth during CPR but officers concluded that the cause of death was a pre-existing medical condition. Officers from Pak Nam Ranong Police Station were alerted to the death of the German national, 57 year old Mathias Deutsch, yesterday, October 29. Police then visited the resort on Koh Phayam where he died to investigate the circumstances. Deutsch was found lying lifeless on a bed. Nearby were his mobile phone, medication for his medical conditions, and a packet of sweets. There were no signs of theft or struggle in the room. His wife, whose name was not disclosed, was present in the room. According to the resort owner, Deutsch and his wife were holidaying with three friends on the island. His wife rushed out of their room in the morning to seek help from the owner, saying her husband stopped breathing. The resort owner and other staff members performed CPR on Deutsch and noticed a piece of candy fly out of his mouth during the attempt. Unfortunately, they were unable to revive him. The resort owner speculated that the candy might have contributed to Deutsch’s death. Medical teams were called to the scene to assess the cause of death. Following an initial examination, it was believed that Deutsch died from a pre-existing medical condition, such as hypertension, obesity, or heart failure. Regarding the candy, the medical team suggested that he might have consumed it before he died but it was unlikely to have played a significant role in his death. Deutsch’s death was reported to the German embassy. His body will be repatriated once all legal procedures are completed. In a related incident, another German man was found dead at a resort in the Patong area of Phuket on October 16. A nurse hired to care for the 66 year old foreigner informed the media and the police that he suffered from a urinary tract infection and had been bedridden for several months. According to the nurse, the man had a fever and experienced dizziness before his death. She attempted to save him and wipe his body to lower his temperature, but her efforts were unsuccessful. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Siam Rath Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-30

Thai visa woes: From easy as pie to digital fly, book before you buy by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Royal Thai Visa Once upon a time, jetting off for a Thai visa was as easy as pie. A quick border dash to a nearby country, pop into a consulate in Laos, Malaysia, or Vietnam, and voilà! You’d be done and dusted, ready for an evening drink by the Mekong River. Ah, the good old days! Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342101-thai-visa-woes-from-easy-as-pie-to-digital-fly-book-before-you-buy/?utm_source=241030-10

Once upon a time, jetting off for a Thai visa was as easy as pie. A quick border dash to a nearby country, pop into a consulate in Laos, Malaysia, or Vietnam, and voilà! You’d be done and dusted, ready for an evening drink by the Mekong River. Ah, the good old days! But hold onto your hats, because the digital age has swept in like a whirlwind, turning the visa game on its head. In recent years, many consulates have swapped the spontaneous stroll-in method for an appointment-only system, meaning you have to jump online and nab a slot before making your visa run. Now, brace yourselves: several Thai consulates in the region have ditched paper applications altogether, opting for the online-exclusive e-visa route. Others still cling to the good old-fashioned paper method but insist on an online appointment first. Confused about which consulate offers what? Don’t fret! Here’s the ultimate guide to prevent a wasted trip across the border. Consulates going E-visa only These days, some consulates won’t even entertain the idea of a face-to-face submission. Moving exclusively to e-visas are: Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Bharu Cambodia: Phnom Penh Thinking of strolling in? Think again! Applications must be submitted online, and here’s a crucial tip: you’ve got to be in the country where the Thai consulate is based when applying. Unfortunately, no cheeky attempts from afar are allowed. E-visa dilemma Now, the e-visa concept might sound as smooth as silk—head to Vietnam, apply online, and zip back post-application. But here’s where it gets sticky: what if they ask for more documents after you’ve returned home? Or worse, if they reject your application, you’re stuck reapplying. Suddenly, staying put for the 5-10 day processing time seems unavoidable, turning the supposedly slick e-visa tech into a sticky wicket compared to the speedy traditional walk-in approach, Thailand Life reported. Consulates requiring appointments for paper applications Prefer the tangible world of paper? Some consulates still accept in-person submissions but demand an online appointment first. This mixed-method madness is available at: Laos: Vientiane, Savannakhet Myanmar: Yangon While they technically offer walk-ins, don’t try rocking up unannounced—you’ll need that online appointment as your golden ticket. Rumours suggest agents may help you nab an appointment (for a fee, of course), but tread cautiously. Walk-ins still welcome here For those who crave nostalgia, a handful of consulates still embrace the classic walk-in system without appointments: Indonesia: Jakarta Taiwan: Taipei Philippines: Manila Special note for marriage-based non-immigrant O visas For those gunning for the long-term, marriage-based Non-O visa, a once-hot commodity in Ho Chi Minh City, the shift to e-visas means looking elsewhere. Savannakhet in Laos and Yangon in Myanmar are now your best bets. E-visa futures As the e-visa trend continues, globetrotters and expats must fine-tune their Thai visa strategy. Spontaneous jaunts to Laos or unplanned flights to Penang are fading into memory. With digital control tightening, who knows which consulate will be the next to switch? Stay sharp and double-check the specifics for each location before packing those bags. The visa landscape is shifting—don’t be caught off guard! by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Royal Thai Visa Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-30

Pattaya shooting: Gunman opens fire on revellers by Bob Scott Bob Picture courtesy of Pattaya News A terrifying shooting incident early this morning has left both locals and tourists reeling in Pattaya City. The drama unfolded at 4.06am, today, October 30, on Petchtrakul Road, right outside the Moo Krata Baek Kap Din Sam restaurant in the Nongprue subdistrict. Panic set in as police received urgent calls about the shocking event, prompting the deputy chief of Pattaya City Police Station to alert the chief. They quickly mobilised a team of officers to rush to the scene. When they arrived, chaos reigned. A wrecked motorcycle lay abandoned, personal belongings were strewn across the pavement, and ominous bloodstains marred the ground. The suspects had fled in various directions, leaving behind a crowd of distraught witnesses, including startled tourists and bus drivers. A 65 year old eyewitness, Amnuay, described the harrowing moment when a lone gunman approached a group of what appeared to be foreign visitors and opened fire. “I saw someone hit the ground.” Amnuay added that the injured party was whisked away by companions in a black Alphard van. The vehicle’s registration remains a mystery, and the shooter had vanished by the time the police arrived. Initial investigations suggest the violence may have stemmed from a heated argument at a nearby entertainment venue. Witnesses reported that the injured man and the gunman were likely from the same group, possibly Thai nationals, who had been in a heated exchange before the shooting erupted. The frightening scene sent onlookers fleeing in all directions. The investigation is still underway, with authorities working tirelessly to piece together the details of this shocking incident. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-30

Minister Jiraporn Pledges Transparency in “The iCon Group” Investigation Picture courtesy NNT Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraporn Sinthuprai, has responded to allegations of fraudulent practices linked to “The iCon Group” and the search for a figure known as the “NACC Angel.” She assured that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has made this case a priority, directing all related agencies to act swiftly. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342096-minister-jiraporn-pledges-transparency-in-“the-icon-group”-investigation/

Picture courtesy NNT Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraporn Sinthuprai, has responded to allegations of fraudulent practices linked to “The iCon Group” and the search for a figure known as the “NACC Angel.” She assured that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has made this case a priority, directing all related agencies to act swiftly. Since October 10, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) have been handling complaints, initiating asset seizures and account freezes in connection with the case. More than 9,000 complaints have been submitted, with damages exceeding 2 billion baht. With the criteria met, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has officially taken over, with data support from the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (NACC). Minister Jiraporn clarified that the term “NACC Angel” emerged from an audio recording suggesting a possible settlement. She assured the public of a thorough investigation, with Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong overseeing the case, supported by an independent committee for transparency. The committee, which includes representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, AMLO, DSI, and RTP, is tasked with completing its investigation within 30 days. Two subcommittees have also been established: one to examine the facts and another to review legal limitations related to direct sales and multi-level marketing. The government, under Minister Jiraporn’s direction, is also reviewing the Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act to strengthen regulations. Additionally, the NACC is exploring technological measures to improve monitoring and prevent future cases of public fraud, reported NNT. -- 2024-10-30

Tourists Panic as Teenagers Fight, Shoot at each other at a Crowded Restaurant in Pattaya By Adam Judd Pattaya, Chonburi Province – On October 30th, 2024, at 4:06 AM, R.T.O. Wuttikorn Plodprong, deputy chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of a shooting incident in front of the Moo Krata Baek Kap Din Sam restaurant on Petchtrakul Road in Pattaya City, Nongprue Subdistrict. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342092-tourists-panic-as-teenagers-fight-shoot-at-each-other-at-a-crowded-restaurant-in-pattaya/

Pattaya, Chonburi Province – On October 30th, 2024, at 4:06 AM, R.T.O. Wuttikorn Plodprong, deputy chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of a shooting incident in front of the Moo Krata Baek Kap Din Sam restaurant on Petchtrakul Road in Pattaya City, Nongprue Subdistrict. The report was promptly relayed to Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, who led a team of patrol and investigation officers to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found tourists, bus operators, and local residents in a state of panic. The scene showed signs of a fight, including a damaged motorcycle, scattered belongings, and blood on the ground. Both parties involved had fled in separate directions before the police arrived. Eyewitness Mr. Amnuay, 65, reported seeing a gunman approach alone and shoot at the injured group, believed to be foreigners. The injured individual fell to the ground before being quickly taken away by friends in a black Alphard van, whose license plate number remains unknown. The gunman had already fled the scene. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2024-10-30

Thai Baht's Strength Puts Pressure on Fiscal Revenue Collections File photo Revenue collection for the fiscal year ending in September 2024 fell 4-5 billion baht short of government targets due to the stronger baht, impacting VAT from imports. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342091-thai-bahts-strength-puts-pressure-on-fiscal-revenue-collections/

File photo Revenue collection for the fiscal year ending in September 2024 fell 4-5 billion baht short of government targets due to the stronger baht, impacting VAT from imports. According to finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, the baht appreciated rapidly in the last two weeks of the fiscal year, reducing the baht value of imports like oil, leading to a dip in VAT revenue. Import values in baht terms dropped, causing the shortfall. Lavaron noted that without currency fluctuations, revenue would have likely hit targets. He assured that despite the reduced collections, government spending would remain stable as budget usage rarely hits 100%. For fiscal 2024, government expenditure was earmarked at 3.48 trillion baht against projected revenue of 2.78 trillion, leaving a budget deficit. The coming fiscal year 2025 follows a similar pattern, proposing expenditure of 3.75 trillion baht with expected revenue of 2.88 trillion, again falling short. The Revenue Department is tasked with collecting 2.37 trillion baht of the projected revenue, while Thailand's Excise Department is set for 609 billion baht. Meanwhile, Lavaron attended an event recognising educational institutions with impressive student loan repayments from the Student Loan Fund (SLF). Recent SLF law amendments have improved repayments by restructuring debt obligations to favour the principal over interest payments. In the last academic year, SLF repayments increased by 10% to hit 25 billion baht. Loans granted peaked at 52 billion baht. Fund manager Chainarong Katchapanan highlighted successful debt restructuring offers, which motivate more repayments by extending terms and temporarily shelving penalties. Over 200,000 borrowers from 2 million eligible benefitted, with plans to extend restructuring options to state financial entities, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-10-30

Bangkok to Ban Trucks in "Low Emission" Zones Amid Pollution Rise Picture courtesy: Daily News In response to heightened air pollution, Bangkok is set to implement a new ban on trucks entering designated "low emission" zones. This move, introduced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), targets the looming threat of PM2.5 pollution during the cool season, spanning from November to March. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342090-bangkok-to-ban-trucks-in-low-emission-zones-amid-pollution-rise/

Picture courtesy: Daily News In response to heightened air pollution, Bangkok is set to implement a new ban on trucks entering designated "low emission" zones. This move, introduced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), targets the looming threat of PM2.5 pollution during the cool season, spanning from November to March. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the zones would be declared in districts like Dusit, Phaya Thai, and Phra Nakhon when PM2.5 levels reach the Red Level (90µg/m3) for two consecutive days. These areas will be enforced as low emission zones with a prior 24-hour notice, remaining effective for three days. To maintain compliance, haulage operators must register their trucks from 1st November, ensuring vehicles are in optimal condition with updated oil filters. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to 2,000 baht or a month's imprisonment for unregistered trucks found in these zones. The BMA's initiative aims to incentivise operators to maintain their vehicles properly, mitigating their contribution to urban pollution. The Governor is hopeful that around 500,000 trucks will register within the fiscal year. Additionally, in events where PM2.5 pollution persists at dangerous levels, the governor has encouraged businesses to adopt "work from home" policies to reduce commuter traffic and emissions. Bangkok is also prepared to handle pollution-related health issues, with several hospitals such as Central, Taksin, and Sirindhorn equipped to treat affected individuals, reported Thai PBS. -- 2024-10-30

Thailand's PM Paetongtarn Tackles PM2.5 Pollution Crisis File photo Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced decisive action to combat PM2.5 pollution in Thailand. These solid particulate matters, smaller than 2.5 microns, are wreaking havoc on public health, particularly during the cold season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342077-thailands-pm-paetongtarn-tackles-pm25-pollution-crisis/

File photo Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced decisive action to combat PM2.5 pollution in Thailand. These solid particulate matters, smaller than 2.5 microns, are wreaking havoc on public health, particularly during the cold season. The fine dust can clog lungs, causing respiratory issues and other health concerns. In response, Paetongtarn’s government has identified agricultural practices and vehicle emissions as primary contributors to the pollution. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangthong, along with Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, have been tasked with leading discussions with relevant authorities to tackle the crisis urgently. A significant part of the new strategy involves addressing post-harvest burning in agriculture. The government will refuse to buy corn and sugarcane from farmers who burn their farmland residues, a traditional practice that's widely believed to contribute to increased pollution. Importantly, this measure is not only restricted to local farmers but extends to imports, affecting international trade if necessary. In conjunction with agricultural reforms, the Transport Ministry has been directed to strictly enforce regulations on vehicle emissions. The ministry is planning a concerted effort to pull up vehicles spewing black smoke and issue penalties to factories emitting toxic fumes. Paetongtarn’s approach signals a multifaceted strategy, combining immediate intervention with long-term prevention. The challenge is significant, as PM2.5 pollution is a complex problem intersecting numerous sectors, from agriculture to transport. However, with strong policies and cooperation across ministries, Paetongtarn’s government aims to create sustainable improvements in air quality, safeguarding the health of Thailand's population. As these measures roll out, the focus will be on monitoring their effectiveness and ensuring compliance, aiming for a nationwide impact that could transform the landscape of pollution management in Southeast Asia, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2024-10-30

Phuket Tourism Forecast to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Revenue in 2024 File photo courtesy: Wikipedia Tourism in Phuket is on track to surpass revenue levels seen in 2019, with visitor numbers almost reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the Phuket Tourist Association. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342078-phuket-tourism-forecast-to-surpass-pre-pandemic-revenue-in-2024/

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia Tourism in Phuket is on track to surpass revenue levels seen in 2019, with visitor numbers almost reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the Phuket Tourist Association. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, the association's president, announced that Phuket has shifted towards attracting quality tourists. Despite a slight dip in visitors, total tourist spending has increased compared to 2019. Data from the Department of Tourism indicates that Phuket's tourism generated 246 billion baht in the first half of the year. With anticipated monthly spending of 50 billion baht during November and December, the year's revenue could hit the 500 billion baht target. This surge is aided by new direct flights, including recent routes from Astana, Kolkata, Chennai, and Siem Reap, as well as forthcoming flights from Jeddah starting on 2nd December. Thanet estimates this year's tourist numbers will range between 13 to 14 million, nearing 2019's figures. In comparison, around 11 million tourists visited Phuket last year. The top tourists hail from China, followed by Russia and India, with steady yet modest growth from European and Australian visitors. Looking ahead, Thanet is optimistic about further growth next year, especially with international events like the Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025, a contemporary art festival slated from November 2025 to April 2026. In related news, Phuket Governor Sopon Suwannarat recently hosted Japanese officials, led by Tokushima Governor Masazumi Gotoda. They explored a potential tourism and trade agreement between their regions, highlighting unique cultural offerings like Tokushima's Iya Valley and the Awa Odori Dance Festival. This development is seen as a strategic move to bolster tourism ties and cultural exchange, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-10-30

Swedish Men Arrested in Pattaya on Fraud and Overstay Charges Picture courtesy: Naew Na Two Swedish nationals have been apprehended in Pattaya, accused of call centre fraud amassing over 50 million baht in damages and overstaying their visas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342073-swedish-men-arrested-in-pattaya-on-fraud-and-overstay-charges/