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Lovers of Japanese pornography are in for a treat next month with two of Asia’s best-known adult video (AV) stars making a guest appearance in Bangkok at the For 16 Years Asia Tour Fan Meeting. AV stars Hatano Yui and Otsuki Hibiki have been close friends since they were members of the now-disbanded idol group T♡Project. The girls, both 36 years old, have collaborated on many projects since their pop music debut and now ply their trade in the AV industry. Facebook page JapanSalaryman shared that the pair is very popular in Taiwan, especially Hatano, who has a similar appearance to a famous Taiwanese actress. Hatano appeared in over 3,000 AVs throughout her career. She is considered one of the most popular AV actresses and one of the longest-serving in the industry. Otsuki, who debuted at the same time as her friend, performed in more than 2,100 AV films. Following the positive feedback of the fan meets event in Taiwan, the hot girls are looking forward to greeting their fans in Thailand. The two will meet their fans at the entertainment venue in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok, Mr. Fox Live House, on September 21. Tickets for the event will be available on ThaiTicketMajor from tomorrow, August 31, from 10am, and are priced at 20,000 baht (VVIP), 9,500 baht (VIP), 3,500 baht, and 1,000 baht. VVIP ticket holders should be prepared for special activities with the two stars, including dinner, a personalised voice message, and a signed Polaroid. VIP ticket holders will not have access to these activities. So, the major fans should prepare for the 20,000 baht ticket. Limited merchandise will be available at the event, including limited edition cushions, T-shirts, towels, and official postcards. Please note that only VVIP participants will have access to purchase the limited-edition cushions. In the same month, Thailand will welcome more than 15 porn stars for the AV Expo, which will take place from November 22 to 24 at IMPACT Forum Hall 4 at the IMPACT Arena Exhibition and Convention Centre. Otsuki is also on the name list for this event. Tickets for this event will also be available from tomorrow on ThaiTicketMajor, priced at 1,000 / 1,500 / 3,000 / 4,800 / 5,000 / 8,000 / 9,600 baht. by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiTicketMajor Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-31 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Boat Crew Member Faces Serious Charges for Defecating in Pattaya Bay By Aim Tanakorn UPDATE: A Pattaya boat crew member is facing serious charges after a video of him defecating into the sea went viral, sparking outrage and prompting swift action from authorities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336913-pattaya-boat-crew-member-faces-serious-charges-for-defecating-in-pattaya-bay/

UPDATE: A Pattaya boat crew member is facing serious charges after a video of him defecating into the sea went viral, sparking outrage and prompting swift action from authorities. Today, August 30th, 2024, Mr. Poramase Ngampichet, the Mayor of Pattaya, together with Mr. Ekkarat Kantharo, Director of the Pattaya Regional Harbor Office, and Pol Lt Col Apichat Charurak from the Tourist Police Station 4 held a press conference to address a viral incident in which a male boat crew member was caught defecating into Pattaya Sea near Koh Larn. According to Mr. Poramase, the incident has severely damaged Pattaya’s tourism image. He stated that such vulgar behavior should not be repeated, noting that the man’s friend might have not not thought it through before posting such a video on Facebook for everyone to see. Furthermore, the mayor stated that the man’s actions violate the Public Cleanliness and Orderliness Act of 1992, which prohibits defecation or urination in public areas, including the sea. As a result, the city will impose the maximum fine of 2,000 baht on the offender as a punishment. Meanwhile, Mr. Ekkarat, Director of the Pattaya Regional Harbor Office, said that the crew member also violates Section 119 of the Navigation in Thai Waters Act of 1913, which prohibits dumping any waste into public waters. Violators can face up to six months in jail or a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both, and must also cover the cleanup costs. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-31 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese Man Allegedly Brandishes Knife at Driver in Pattaya By Aim Tanakorn A Chinese man in Pattaya allegedly brandished a knife at another driver in a shocking road rage incident earlier this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336912-chinese-man-allegedly-brandishes-knife-at-driver-in-pattaya/

A Chinese man in Pattaya allegedly brandished a knife at another driver in a shocking road rage incident earlier this week. A TikTok video is currently going viral in Thailand, showing a foreigner, believed to be Chinese, allegedly threatening another driver with a knife in the middle of a road in Pattaya. The 22-second clip depicts the man, who was driving a white Ford Everest, opening his car door, lowering the driver’s side window, and reportedly pulling out a knife to intimidate the driver of a nearby sedan. In the caption, it was understood that the incident occurred near Khao Phra Tamnak in South Pattaya. Many netizens are calling for police to take action against the foreigner. On August 30th, 2024, The Pattaya News reporters visited the incident scene on Khao Phra Tamnak Road, under the Bali Hai Pier overpass. However, nearby residents were unaware of the event but mentioned that traffic in the area is notoriously congested in the evenings, which they believe may have caused the road rage incident captured in the video. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-31 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Man’s Highway Photo-Shoot Sparks Legal Controversy in Thailand Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Criticism erupted on social media after a Thai man was seen taking photos with his car on a deserted expressway. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336901-man’s-highway-photo-shoot-sparks-legal-controversy-in-thailand/

Tragic End to Dream Holiday: Brit Found Dead in Thai Waters Photo courtesy of Essex Live A dream holiday in Thailand turned into a heart-wrenching nightmare for an Essex couple when 27-year-old Theo Morgan, a British national from Romford, was tragically found dead in a body of water after a night out. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336900-tragic-end-to-dream-holiday-brit-found-dead-in-thai-waters/

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 31 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1336911-thailand-live-saturday-31-august-2024/

Five Star Cinema in Korat screens final show after 29 years Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The final chapter has closed on Korat’s beloved Five Star Cinema, a cherished venue for local students and residents. Yesterday, August 29, marked the last screening at the iconic theatre, succumbing to the competition from central investors and streaming services. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336887-five-star-cinema-in-korat-screens-final-show-after-29-years/

Despite a whirlwind of global economic challenges and shrinking wallets worldwide, Thailand’s tourism sector is making a remarkable comeback. The nation is on the brink of welcoming nearly as many visitors as it did in the golden year of 2019, when almost 40 million foreign tourists poured in, generating a staggering 2 trillion baht in international revenue. Tourism triumph: Can Thailand hit the 2.3 trillion baht jackpot? Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336879-tourism-triumph-can-thailand-hit-the-23-trillion-baht-jackpot/

Commerce Ministry cracks down on hidden foreign ownership by Puntid Tantivangphaisal The Commerce Ministry intensifies its scrutiny of businesses allegedly using Thai nominees to hide foreign ownership, focusing on sectors like tourism, real estate, and logistics. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336845-commerce-ministry-cracks-down-on-hidden-foreign-ownership/

The Thailand Commerce Ministry intensifies its scrutiny of businesses allegedly using Thai nominees to hide foreign ownership, focusing on sectors like tourism, real estate, and logistics. Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Business Development, stated that under the Foreign Business Act of 1999, foreign firms must secure permission as outlined in specific lists before starting operations. A Thai limited company typically restricts foreign business ownership to a maximum of 49%. Operating a business without permission or hiding foreign ownership by using a nominee to hold over 51% of shares is illegal. The department reviewed 26,019 nominee cases across four business sectors: tourism and related enterprises, real estate trading, hotels and resorts, and logistics. These investigations spanned six major tourist provinces: Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Surat Thani, Phuket, Bangkok, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. “After an in-depth investigation, including financial statements in 498 cases, 165 cases warranted examination of additional evidence.” Following a meeting chaired by Caretaker Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai with executives from 28 agencies to address the flood of cheap, poor-quality imported products, the department inspected four more business sectors: wholesale and retail, warehouses, construction and engineering, and metal trading. “Entrepreneurs who identify companies at risk and affected by any business using nominees are encouraged to inform the department for investigation and further action by related agencies such as the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).” Regarding Chinese online retailer Temu’s entry into the Thai market, the Commerce Ministry seeks cooperation with the Chinese Embassy for the portal to establish an office in Thailand to ensure legal compliance and taxation. The Commerce Ministry assigned the Digital Economy and Society Ministry (MDES) to follow up on this matter. Auramon noted that new business registrations for the first seven months of 2024 rose by 0.16% to 54,220, with a combined registered capital of 169 billion baht, down 62.1% year-on-year. The department anticipates new business registrations this year to total between 90,000 and 98,000, marking a 5 to 15% increase. Auramon attributed the uptick to government initiatives, such as the disbursement of the fiscal 2024 budget, the approval of the digital wallet handout, measures to attract foreign investment like the long-term resident visa scheme, and corporate income tax exemption for foreign companies doing business in Thailand, as well as the harvest season for crops. However, consumers remain concerned about the slow economic recovery, high levels of household debt, political stability, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, reported Bangkok Post. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Source:: The Thaiger 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Chuan opposes Democrat joining coalition government with ruling Pheu Thai Party By Pattaya Mail Picture courtesy: Pattaya Mail Chuan Leekpai, former leader of the Democrat Party and a current Party-List Democrat MP, has expressed firm opposition to the idea of his party joining a coalition government with the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336841-chuan-opposes-democrat-joining-coalition-government-with-ruling-pheu-thai-party/

Chuan Leekpai, former leader of the Democrat Party and a current Party-List Democrat MP, has expressed firm opposition to the idea of his party joining a coalition government with the ruling Pheu Thai Party. He emphasized that his stance is based on principles, not personal animosity, citing his campaign efforts against the Pheu Thai Party. Chuan stated that Pheu Thai’s selective development policy, particularly its neglect of the Southern provinces, is a major reason for his opposition. He pointed out that his campaign contributed to Pheu Thai’s failure to secure MPs in the South, despite their success elsewhere. Supporting Pheu Thai now would betray the voters’ trust, he argued. Chuan also dismissed rumors of possible expulsion from the party, stating that no actions have been taken against him, and the issue of expulsion has not been raised. By Pattaya Mail Full story: PATTAYA MAIL 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Krungsri’s card charge: Loan surge despite economic strain by Bob Scott The unsecured loan arm of Bank of Ayudhya, Krungsri Consumer, is predicting a spike in credit card loans in the second half of the year, despite the economy limping along and new rules raising the minimum payments. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336839-krungsri’s-card-charge-loan-surge-despite-economic-strain/

The unsecured loan arm of Bank of Ayudhya, Krungsri Consumer, is predicting a spike in credit card loans in the second half of the year, despite the economy limping along and new rules raising the minimum payments. Currently, Krungsri’s non-performing loan (NPL) rate is a lowly 1.4%, far better than the industry average of 2.9%. Atis Ruchirawat, head honcho at Krungsri Consumer Group, blames economic woes and new regulations for the dip in loan quality. Earlier this year, the Bank of Thailand slapped a higher minimum payment requirement on credit cards, bumping it from 5% to 8% of the total balance. While cardholders felt the pinch at first, things have now calmed down, said Atis. “We observed a rising trend in credit card NPLs starting from the second half of this year, and this is expected to continue until the end of the year. However, we anticipate the situation will remain manageable.” Atis stated that the company has been cautious in approving both credit cards and personal loans, aiming to align clients’ credit risk profiles with the economic environment. The approval rates for credit cards and personal loans are approximately 40% and 30%, respectively, a slight decrease from last year. Despite these challenges, Krungsri Consumer remains optimistic about achieving its business targets for the upcoming year, especially after a strong performance in the first half. The company acquired 287,000 new customer accounts in the first half, with a full-year target of 617,000 accounts, representing a 10% growth from the previous year. Personal loan portfolio This increase in accounts contributed to credit card spending reaching 189 billion baht, nearly half of the full-year target of 393 billion baht, which is an 8% increase from the previous year. Additionally, Krungsri Consumer expanded its new personal loan portfolio by 47 billion baht in the first half, up 6% year-on-year, targeting 100 billion baht for the year, a 9% gain from the previous year. The total outstanding unsecured loan portfolio grew to 140 billion baht in the first half, a 2% year-on-year increase. The full-year target is set at 151 billion baht, 2% higher than last year. According to Atis, the company has adjusted its business strategy to align with the economic environment over the next 12 months, focusing on three core areas: credit cards, personal loans, and instalment loans. The aim is to maintain a leading position in these segments through sustainable long-term growth, reported Bangkok Post. In addition, Krungsri Consumer is positioning itself as a payment facilitator by developing innovative payment systems, such as biometric payments, to align with digital era trends. The company is collaborating with hypermarket Lotus’s to test facial recognition payments in a pilot project. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy by Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Outrage over Luxury Car Owner’s Littering on Chonburi Bridge Picture courtesy: Pattaya Mail Social media users are fuming after a viral video revealed a woman driving a luxury car dumping rubbish into the sea from the Cholamarkwithi Bridge, a notable tourist landmark in Chonburi Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336836-outrage-over-luxury-car-owner’s-littering-on-chonburi-bridge/

Picture courtesy: Pattaya Mail Social media users are fuming after a viral video revealed a woman driving a luxury car dumping rubbish into the sea from the Cholamarkwithi Bridge, a notable tourist landmark in Chonburi Province. The video, captured by a dashboard camera and shared by the “Chonburi News” Facebook page, features a woman in her 40s or 50s stepping out of a black Mercedes onto the bridge. Ignoring a nearby bin, she casually throws a ball-sized garbage bag into the water. The post's caption noted the trash bin being just 20 meters away, critiquing her apparent love for her car but not the environment. The footage has ignited public outrage, with many social media users condemning the woman's blatant disregard for environmental preservation. The car's license plate is clearly visible in the video, prompting calls for the authorities to take legal action, reported Pattaya Mail. In response, local reporters visited the scene, confirming the location is near a dim sum restaurant on the bridge. They noted the proximity of a trash can, situated within 20 meters of where the woman discarded the garbage. Mr. Ek, a local vendor selling drinks on the bridge, mentioned that this kind of littering is unfortunately common. He frequently sees both tourists and residents carelessly dumping rubbish into the sea, especially after social gatherings on the bridge. “This kind of behaviour not only tarnishes our environment but also affects the marine ecosystem and ruins the seawater’s quality,” Mr. Ek commented. Wittaya Khunpluem, President of the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), urged both locals and tourists to adhere to proper waste disposal practices. He highlighted the significance of the Cholamarkwithi Bridge as both a tourist spot and a crucial traffic route. In a bid to prevent such incidents, the PAO plans to coordinate with Chonburi Municipality to increase the number of trash disposal points. As for the offending driver, the Chonburi PAO will refer the matter to the Bang Sai Subdistrict Municipality for potential legal action under the Public Cleanliness Act. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Surin Elephant Museum trumpets into life next month by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Surin province will unveil its majestic new treasure, the Surin Elephant Museum, on September 5. This monumental opening promises a trunk-load of fascinating insights and interactive exhibits dedicated to the grandeur of elephants. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336832-surin-elephant-museum-trumpets-into-life-next-month/

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Surin province will unveil its majestic new treasure, the Surin Elephant Museum, on September 5. This monumental opening promises a trunk-load of fascinating insights and interactive exhibits dedicated to the grandeur of elephants. The Surin Elephant Museum, born from a partnership between the Surin Provincial Administrative Organisation and the Dr Thiam Chokwatana Foundation, is set to become a premier destination for both education and tourism. Advertisements Divided into four captivating zones, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through the world of elephants. Visitors can explore the history and significance of royal, wild, and domesticated elephants in the first zone, while the second zone delves into intriguing stories about these gentle giants. The third zone showcases the ancient history of elephants, and the fourth zone, the Elephant Gallery, displays an array of stunning elephant-themed exhibits. This initiative is a key component of the Elephant World project, which aims to establish Surin as a global hub for elephant conservation. Known as the land of elephants, Surin is committed to the preservation of these magnificent creatures through a world-class conservation centre and educational facility. The project also seeks to reconnect the Kui people, a local ethnic group renowned for their deep-rooted traditions in elephant care, with their cultural heritage and homeland. Positioned as the world’s largest elephant conservation centre, the Surin Elephant Museum is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a centre for research and learning, dedicated to enhancing our understanding and appreciation of elephants, reported Pattaya Mail. In related news, a group of tourists found themselves in a perilous situation when their raft capsized in a raging river in Chiang Mai province on June 30. Swift action by a team of elephant riders ensured their safe rescue. The incident occurred when a sudden strong current overturned the tourists’ raft, leaving them stranded in the middle of the river. Clinging desperately to the tip of a tree, the tourists awaited rescue as the waters surged around them. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin's New Tax Plan Targets Poverty in Thailand FILE - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, with, his daughter Paetongtarn, arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File) Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai Prime Minister, is back in the news with a bold proposal: a negative income tax (NIT) aimed at reducing poverty and social inequality in Thailand. This latest plan could significantly alter the country's tax system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336829-thaksins-new-tax-plan-targets-poverty-in-thailand/

FILE - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, with, his daughter Paetongtarn, arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File) Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai Prime Minister, is back in the news with a bold proposal: a negative income tax (NIT) aimed at reducing poverty and social inequality in Thailand. This latest plan could significantly alter the country's tax system. The concept of NIT is not entirely new to Thailand. Over a decade ago, the Finance Ministry's Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) introduced a similar proposal. It was also included in the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017-2021) and the National Reform Plan under former PM Prayut Chan-o-cha. The Pheu Thai Party, to which Thaksin belongs, even highlighted a related idea in their most recent election campaign. So, what exactly is NIT? It’s essentially a system where the government supplements the income of individuals earning below a certain threshold. As these individuals’ earnings grow, the government’s support gradually reduces and eventually stops. The aim is to incentivise work and integrate recipients into the tax system. Unlike traditional welfare, NIT requires recipients to be working and paying into the tax system. Thaksin isn’t the first to propose something like this. The concept was first introduced by renowned economist Milton Friedman, who suggested it as a way to combat poverty without disrupting the free market. However, for NIT to work effectively in Thailand, the tax system will need substantial reforms. Currently, Thai citizens earning as little as 60,000 baht a year must file taxes, but compliance is inconsistent. Under the NIT plan, everyone would be required to file taxes, even if they earn just one baht. This would require amending Section 56 of the Revenue Code. One significant challenge is public acceptance. Connecting NIT to the tax system might cause confusion and concerns about increased taxation, making it a tough sell politically. Additionally, NIT excludes non-working individuals, suggesting the need for alternative support measures like vocational training. The FPO sees NIT as part of a broader welfare reform strategy. This initiative aims to target support to those most in need while easing the financial strain of welfare payments on the government's budget. Existing programmes like the Universal Coverage scheme already demand substantial funding, and political promises of additional benefits only add to the pressure. Thailand’s revenue collection is already strained, with tax cuts and a stagnant VAT rate contributing to a shrinking revenue base. The country has been running a budget deficit for two decades. Introducing NIT might be a risky but potentially game-changing move for Thailand. Whether Thaksin's proposal will be the solution Thailand needs remains to be seen, but it undeniably opens up a significant conversation about the future of welfare and taxation in the country. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok Prepares for Rising Waters: Governor Reassures Residents Photo courtesy: The Nation Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has stepped up to ensure the city's readiness as floodwaters approach, focusing on key flood defence projects. Accompanied by Deputy Governor Wisanu Supsompol and officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Drainage and Sewerage Department, Chadchart recently inspected vital flood levee repairs along the Chao Phraya River in Yannawa district. Attention centered on the Rama III area, where a new water gate at Klong Ta Huang is under construction. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336828-bangkok-prepares-for-rising-waters-governor-reassures-residents/

Photo courtesy: The Nation Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has stepped up to ensure the city's readiness as floodwaters approach, focusing on key flood defence projects. Accompanied by Deputy Governor Wisanu Supsompol and officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Drainage and Sewerage Department, Chadchart recently inspected vital flood levee repairs along the Chao Phraya River in Yannawa district. Attention centered on the Rama III area, where a new water gate at Klong Ta Huang is under construction. During the visit, Chadchart and his team assessed the ongoing work on the new gate, which aims to enhance water management. Plans also include dredging the canal to increase its water retention capacity. The delegation reviewed recent repairs to ruptured levees and the installation of water pumps in critical spots to manage overflow risks effectively. Chadchart expressed confidence in the city's flood management preparations, highlighting the ample capacity of the Sirikit and Bhumibol dams upstream to handle additional water. These measures, he believes, will mitigate the impact of the floodwaters and rising sea tides expected in October. “We are well-prepared for the upcoming flood season,” Chadchart assured residents. “The BMA is capable of managing the situation efficiently, ensuring Bangkok remains safe.” As the city gears up for potential challenges, a Thai economist has issued a grave warning about the long-term risks. Without significant intervention, Bangkok could face submersion within the next seven to eight years, posing substantial economic and social threats. In other related news, a dispute erupted over the distribution of meal boxes to flood victims in Nan province. On August 23, a Facebook post from the group Original Nan Community Market detailed the frustrations of a member who struggled to access food aid, sparking a heated online debate. Governor Chadchart's proactive approach marks a crucial step in safeguarding Bangkok’s residents and infrastructure, proving essential as natural threats loom on the horizon. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 30 August 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336823-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-30-august-2024/