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Its Happening - Law to Tax Overseas Income Now in Progress Courtesy of Revenue Dept. The Thai Revenue Department is currently drafting legislation to tax the overseas income of individuals residing in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337596-its-happening-law-to-tax-overseas-income-now-in-progress/

Its Happening - Law to Tax Overseas Income Now in Progress Courtesy of Revenue Dept. The Thai Revenue Department is currently drafting legislation to tax the overseas income of individuals residing in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337596-its-happening-law-to-tax-overseas-income-now-in-progress/

Large-Scale Search Underway for Missing Belgian Tourist Picture Courtesy: Naew Na A large-scale search operation has been launched in Mae Hong Son province for a 28-year-old Belgian tourist, Ms. Cloe Ferari, who disappeared on September 6th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337568-large-scale-search-underway-for-missing-belgian-tourist/

Picture Courtesy: Naew Na A large-scale search operation has been launched in Mae Hong Son province for a 28-year-old Belgian tourist, Ms. Cloe Ferari, who disappeared on September 6th. Pol. Lt. Col. Suwit Bunyapeng, Tourist Police Inspector for the province, reported that Ms. Ferari vanished from her accommodation, leaving on a bicycle. Concern grew quickly when her abandoned bicycle was discovered at the entrance to Mae Yen Waterfall in Pai district. The search operation involves multiple agencies, including the tourist police, local Pai police station, district administration officials, Pai Samakkhi Rescue volunteers, the Pai Enduro team, and soldiers from the 7th Infantry Regiment. Efforts to locate Ms. Ferari began earnestly yesterday afternoon. The discovery of her bicycle heightened the urgency, prompting officers to trek through heavy rain and flash floods in a bid to find her. Given the challenging terrain and inclement weather, vehicles could not be used, adding to the search's complexitym reported Naew Na. Due to worsening conditions, the search team had to suspend their efforts at 10:15 p.m. last night. However, they resumed the operation at first light this morning, hoping to leverage better weather and increased visibility. The local authorities have also issued an appeal to residents and visitors in the area to report any sightings or information related to Ms. Ferari's whereabouts. As the community rallies together, anxiety grows for the young tourist's safety amid unpredictable weather conditions and rugged terrain. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining safety precautions when exploring natural attractions, especially during the monsoon season. Authorities are urging tourists to stay informed about weather advisories and to avoid risky adventures that could put them in harm's way. Picture Courtesy: Naew Na -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Victim alleges fraud, payments withheld in Jomtien condo scam By Pattaya Mail Pongnattana W, 33, files a police report after being scammed by a condominium salesperson in Jomtien. He alleges that the salesperson forged his signature to cancel a purchase contract and withheld his down payment of over 1,002,500 baht. PATTAYA, Thailand – On September 6, a man filed a police report at the Dongtan sub-branch of Pattaya Police Station after realizing he had been scammed by a condominium salesperson in Jomtien. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337566-victim-alleges-fraud-payments-withheld-in-jomtien-condo-scam/

Pongnattana W, 33, files a police report after being scammed by a condominium salesperson in Jomtien. He alleges that the salesperson forged his signature to cancel a purchase contract and withheld his down payment of over 1,002,500 baht. By Pattaya Mail PATTAYA, Thailand – On September 6, a man filed a police report at the Dongtan sub-branch of Pattaya Police Station after realizing he had been scammed by a condominium salesperson in Jomtien. Pongnattana W, 33, accused the salesperson of forging his signature to cancel a purchase contract and withholding his down payment of over 1,002,500 baht. Pongnattana had initially bought three condo units within the same project several years ago and had already paid substantial down payments. However, the project remained incomplete. The salesperson later proposed a new project, but Pongnattana declined and requested a refund. Instead, the salesperson suggested that he sell his down payments. In one case, after placing a 500,000 baht down payment, Pongnattana agreed to cancel the contract, receiving only 198,000 baht out of the promised 250,000 baht. Another unit, for which he had paid 700,000 baht, remained unresolved. The most severe case involved the third unit, where Pongnattana had placed a down payment of 1 million baht. He later found out that his contract had been fraudulently cancelled, and the condo was sold without his knowledge, with the proceeds never returned. The property rights had been transferred to a new owner, who was issued the title deed. Source: PATTAYA MAIL -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Deceased monk found on Udon Thani road sparks safety concerns by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A monk was found dead on a road in Udon Thani province, leaving locals puzzled about the circumstances. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337564-deceased-monk-found-on-udon-thani-road-sparks-safety-concerns/

A monk was found dead on a road in Udon Thani province, leaving locals puzzled about the circumstances. The incident, which occurred around 8pm yesterday, September 6, has raised concerns about road safety and the need for better street lighting in the area. Police Lieutenant Apiwut Leepontong, an investigator at Nong Han Police Station, received a report of a monk being hit by a vehicle on Nitayo Road, Route 22, leading into Udon Thani city. The scene was located opposite a Caltex petrol station in Ban Mueang, Nong Han subdistrict. Rescue teams from Promote Dharma Service Point arrived to find the monk lying motionless on the road, still in his saffron robes. Documents identified the deceased as 61 year old Phra Upakut Panyayang from Ban Kamsida, Moo 3, Nachum Saeng subdistrict, Thung Fon district, Udon Thani province. Nearby, a 5-baht coin and a pair of glasses, presumably belonging to the monk, were discovered. It remains unclear whether the incident was an accident. The driver of the car involved in the incident, 48 year old Phonchai Pinjai recounted that he and his wife were driving towards Udon Thani city when they noticed something lying in the middle of the road. Initially, they thought it was an object or an animal, prompting them to swerve and avoid it. This maneuver caused their car to veer off the road. Fortunately, neither Phonchai nor his wife sustained any injuries. Upon exiting the vehicle, they were shocked to find the monk deceased on the road. Phonchai insisted that he did not hit the monk, as another driver had already reported seeing the monk lying on the road. Locals expressed confusion and concern, noting that it is unusual for monks to be on the road at night, especially during the Buddhist Lent period. They also pointed out the lack of street lighting at the accident scene. The Nong Han District’s Department of Highways has installed streetlights along the entire stretch from Nong Han to Udon Thani, except for this particular spot. Residents highlighted that this area has been prone to accidents and incidents of youths throwing stones at passing vehicles. They called for the installation of additional streetlights to improve road safety, reported KhaoSod. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok honors unsung heroes, ensuring city stays orderly By Pattaya MailSeptember 7, 202407 Chadchart expressed his personal connection to these workers, stating, “I’ve grown close to our sanitation and park personnel, especially during my early morning runs at 4 or 5 AM. BANGKOK, Thailand – Governor Chadchart Sittipunt presided over a ceremony recognizing outstanding sanitation and park personnel for 2024, held on September 5 at the Irawat Pattana Building, Din Daeng. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337560-bangkok-honors-unsung-heroes-ensuring-city-stays-orderly/

Chadchart expressed his personal connection to these workers, stating, “I’ve grown close to our sanitation and park personnel, especially during my early morning runs at 4 or 5 AM. By Pattaya Mail BANGKOK, Thailand – Governor Chadchart Sittipunt presided over a ceremony recognizing outstanding sanitation and park personnel for 2024, held on September 5 at the Irawat Pattana Building, Din Daeng. The event, organized by the Bangkok Environment Department, aimed to honor those with exceptional performance in maintaining cleanliness and public parks, while encouraging morale and maximizing the potential of Bangkok’s workforce in these crucial sectors. Governor Chadchart expressed his personal connection to these workers, stating, “I’ve grown close to our sanitation and park personnel, especially during my early morning runs at 4 or 5 AM. These individuals are like unsung heroes, ensuring our city stays orderly. Without them, Bangkok would not be as beautiful or clean. I want to thank them for their dedication, and I wish them continued success in their careers, good health, and for them to be role models for their colleagues.” The program recognizes personnel in four categories: waste collection, street sweeping, park maintenance, and other services, including waste management, public restrooms, water services, road cleaning, and overpass maintenance. This year, 40 awards were presented to outstanding personnel across these categories. Full story: PATTAYA MAIL -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Indian murder suspect arrested in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post An Indian man accused of multiple serious crimes, including murder and abduction, has been apprehended in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337559-indian-murder-suspect-arrested-in-bangkok’s-phra-nakhon-district/

An Indian man accused of multiple serious crimes, including murder and abduction, has been apprehended in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. Immigration officers and other officials arrested 27 year old Parveen Kumar at a restaurant in the Bang Khun Phrom area of Phra Nakhon district yesterday, September 6. Kumar, known by the alias Kala, was wanted in connection with 13 criminal cases in India. According to Police Major General Phanthana Nutchanart, deputy chief of the Immigration Bureau, the arrest followed a tip-off from the Armed Forces Security Centre. The centre had reported seeing a man, believed to be an Indian national, acting suspiciously and frequenting a hotel in the Bang Khun Phrom area. Investigations by immigration officers confirmed the man’s identity as Kumar. They then sought assistance from the Indian embassy to verify his criminal record. The embassy confirmed that Kumar was wanted for a series of crimes, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, abduction, and weapons offences. “The man was a dangerous person wanted in 13 criminal cases.” Kumar is currently being detained by the Immigration Bureau and is awaiting deportation to India, where he will face legal proceedings. The police have ensured that Kumar will be handed over to Indian police as soon as the deportation process is completed, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, Thai police officers arrested a jealous Burmese man in the northern province of Tak three hours after he fatally attacked his 13 year old ex-girlfriend and her father. The attacker claimed that his ex-girlfriend’s father assaulted him first. Officers from Mae Sot Police Station were called to investigate the crime scene near Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Public Park in the Mae Sot district of Tak on Monday, September 2. In other news, a brutal triple murder in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has left a community in shock. A pregnant woman, her daughter, and her husband were found murdered in separate locations. Police believe the motive was robbery. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand allocates 21M baht for mpox vaccine for high-risk groups by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has allocated a budget of 21 million baht to purchase 3,000 doses of the mpox vaccine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337557-thailand-allocates-21m-baht-for-mpox-vaccine-for-high-risk-groups/

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has allocated a budget of 21 million baht to purchase 3,000 doses of the mpox vaccine. Dr Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director-general of the department, announced that the MVA-BN vaccine from Denmark is expected to arrive in four months and will be administered to high-risk individuals. The vaccine is intended for disease control and is not necessary for the general population. High-risk groups will receive the vaccine under medical guidelines. The first high-risk group includes disease control staff working at international airports, border station health-check units, medical workers, and staff working at laboratories. These individuals fall under the pre-exposure category. The second group comprises those needing post-exposure prophylaxis, such as people who have had close contact with mpox patients. Since no businesses have applied to import the mpox vaccine in Thailand, the Disease Control Act empowers the department to import medications or vaccines without requiring Food and Drug Administration approval to combat diseases. The MVA-BN vaccine, modified from the smallpox vaccine, might not be 100% effective in preventing infections but could lessen the severity of the illness. Avoiding close contact with people suspected of being infected remains the best preventive measure. The disease generally does not cause severe illness, except for individuals with severely compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV/Aids. All 13 deaths in the country have been associated with HIV/Aids patients, reported Bangkok Post. “We’ve found the rate of the disease spreading is very low in the country, with only 833 cases from January 2022 until now, comprising 812 in men and only 21 in women. “Infections happen in the event of very close skin contact for a certain period, and most cases are found among men and sex workers. Hence, it is not necessary to vaccinate everyone.” In related news, in addition to decisions regarding which groups of individuals in the country should receive the mpox (monkeypox) vaccine, Thailand is stepping up its fight against the spread of mpox with new travel regulations aimed at passengers arriving from Africa. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese Man Arrested in Thailand After 14 Years on the Run Picture courtesy: Daily News Thai immigration police have apprehended a 59-year-old Chinese man, Mr. Yu, in connection with a fraud case worth over 50 million baht. Mr. Yu had been on the run for 14 years, using a fake Thai ID card to evade authorities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337555-chinese-man-arrested-in-thailand-after-14-years-on-the-run/

Picture courtesy: Daily News Thai immigration police have apprehended a 59-year-old Chinese man, Mr. Yu, in connection with a fraud case worth over 50 million baht. Mr. Yu had been on the run for 14 years, using a fake Thai ID card to evade authorities. The arrest was announced by Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchnarat, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau. The operation involved coordinated efforts from various divisions, including the Immigration Bureau’s Crime Suppression Division and the Department of Provincial Administration. Mr. Yu had entered Thailand through natural channels and assumed the identity of "Mr. Yongyuth" using a counterfeit ID card. He managed to maintain this false identity and stay hidden for over a decade. Detection of the fraudulent ID led authorities to contact the Chinese Embassy in Thailand. The embassy confirmed Mr. Yu's identity and detailed his criminal history. In China, Mr. Yu had opened a hotel business and deceived investors into pouring money into his enterprise, resulting in financial damages exceeding 50 million baht before he fled to avoid prosecution. The thorough investigation by the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division 4 uncovered Mr. Yu's long-term residence in Thailand under the fake identity. Authorities collected compelling evidence, which prompted the Phra Nakhon Nuea District Court to issue a search warrant. The arrest took place at Mr. Yu's residence in the Huai Khwang area of Bangkok. During questioning, Mr. Yu admitted to entering Thailand illegally and fabricating his Thai ID card in 2010. He had remained in the country ever since. He now faces charges of being an alien residing in the Kingdom without permission and will be subject to legal action by the Immigration Bureau. Additionally, the Department of Provincial Administration is contemplating further charges related to the use of fraudulent identification cards and documents obtained through illegal means. This arrest underscores the efficacy of Thai immigration authorities in identifying and apprehending individuals attempting to exploit the system and evade justice, reported Daily News. -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

American 'Life Coach' Arrested for Selling Psychedelic Mushroom Therapy Picture courtesy: Siam Rath On September 6, at the Immigration Bureau, police officials held a press conference to announce the arrest of an American man who claimed to be a Life Coach. He was accused of selling courses to treat depression using psychedelic mushrooms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337553-american-life-coach-arrested-for-selling-psychedelic-mushroom-therapy/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath On September 6, at the Immigration Bureau, police officials held a press conference to announce the arrest of an American man who claimed to be a Life Coach. He was accused of selling courses to treat depression using psychedelic mushrooms. Police Major General Panthana Nuchanarot, along with other senior officers, revealed the details. The arrested man, a 62-year-old American named Darius (surname withheld), was found in possession of 1,360 grams of dried mushrooms. He was charged with working without a permit and possessing a Category 5 narcotic substance (psychedelic mushrooms) without authorization. The arrest took place at his residence located in Soi Ladprao 108, Jompol Subdistrict, Chatuchak District, Bangkok. The investigation began when the Immigration Bureau found online ads selling depression treatment courses using psychedelic mushrooms. Claiming to have a Master's degree in Psychology and over 20 years of experience, Darius marketed himself as a Life Coach. Undercover agents were able to track him to his home by pretending to be interested in buying a course for 2,000 baht per session. After the undercover agent made the payment, the officials conducted a legal search. Darius was unable to provide a work permit. During the search, the officers found 13 bags of dried mushrooms in the freezer, totaling 1,360 grams, and the marked money used for the undercover purchase. Darius admitted that he knew the mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, had properties that could combat depression. He claimed ignorance of their illegal status in Thailand. He had been running these treatment courses for about a month, using methods like smoking the mushrooms or mixing them into chocolate while playing soothing music to relax his clients. The officials have since charged Darius and are proceeding with legal actions against him, reported Siam Rath. -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Illegal Austrian Tour Guide Arrested on Pha Ngan Island By Goongnang Suksawat Surat Thani – An illegal Austrian tour guide was arrested on the Pha Ngan district in Surat Thani after two years of working. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337551-illegal-austrian-tour-guide-arrested-on-pha-ngan-island/

Surat Thani – An illegal Austrian tour guide was arrested on the Pha Ngan district in Surat Thani after two years of working. The Koh Pha Ngan Police told the Phuket Express that on Thursday (September 5th) they arrested Mr. Guenter, 44, an Austrian national, at a restaurant in the Koh Pha Ngan sub-district. He was arrested while he was with two foreign customers. The customers told police that they were recommended a tour guide from their German friend via the Facebook account ‘Guenter’. They contacted him for a tour guide service on the Pha Ngan Island. They paid 2,000 Baht per trip per person which did not include meals. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

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Pattaya Tops Agoda’s List for Quick Weekend Escapes from Bangkok Photo: The Pattaya News Pattaya has emerged as the number one most-searched destination for a quick weekend getaway from Bangkok this August, according to Agoda. The travel site unveiled its list of top five nearby destinations, lauding Pattaya for its diverse attractions and convenience. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337532-pattaya-tops-agoda’s-list-for-quick-weekend-escapes-from-bangkok/

FILE photo for reference only. Courtesy of: Jakarta Post The new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) has rapidly become a popular choice among expat communities both in Thailand and abroad. Designed to cater to remote workers, individuals seeking skills-based education or medical treatment, and families, the innovative visa option is attracting significant interest. While exact statistics are still unavailable, estimates from Thai embassies in neighbouring countries suggest that over 1,000 applications have been submitted worldwide in just under two months. Most of these applications appear to come from digital nomads looking to take advantage of the visa's flexible terms, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail. The DTV offers several key advantages over traditional visas. It provides a long validity period of five years with multiple entries, a substantial improvement over the typical one-year extensions for retirement or marriage visas. The initial enrolment fee is 10,000 baht (approximately $300 USD) for an initial period of 180 days, with the option to extend for another 180 days for a fee of 1,900 baht. However, applicants must leave and re-enter Thailand to reset their visa status for another cycle. One notable feature of the DTV is its financial guarantee requirement of 500,000 baht (around $16,000 USD), which is more affordable than the sums required for traditional visas or the five-year Elite visa, the latter of which necessitates a non-returnable fee of 900,000 baht (approximately $26,000 USD). This has prompted many retirees to consider the DTV as a cost-effective alternative, especially since they only need to justify their application. Some agencies in Thailand are already partnering with Muay Thai academies or cookery schools to help applicants meet the visa's enrollment requirements. Despite the ease of online application, DTV requests are referred to respective Thai embassies for consideration and cannot be submitted from within Thailand. Some ambiguities remain, such as differing financial guarantee requirements between embassies. For instance, the Thai embassy in Washington DC requires a checking or savings account in the applicant's name, while the embassy in Laos accepts payslips or other financial guarantees and does not impose an additional service charge beyond the 10,000 baht fee. In contrast, Washington DC charges a service fee of $400 USD (approximately 13,600 baht). As the DTV continues to gain traction, it is poised to become a viable long-term solution for expats looking to live and work in Thailand under flexible and financially feasible conditions. -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Lawsuit Challenges Paetongtarn’s PM Status Over Thavi Appointment Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives for a group photo at the government house before taking oath in front of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Another legal bid has been launched to remove Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. The lawsuit accuses her of appointing Thavi Sodsong, deemed dishonest and unethical, to a cabinet position. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337541-lawsuit-challenges-paetongtarn’s-pm-status-over-thavi-appointment/