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100,000 Small Retailers Sign Up For Digital Wallet Scheme Reference image courtesy: Thai Rath Money Today, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that approximately 100,000 small-sized merchants have offered to join the new digital wallet project. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335045-100000-small-retailers-sign-up-for-digital-wallet-scheme/

Reference image courtesy: Thai Rath Money Today, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that approximately 100,000 small-sized merchants have offered to join the new digital wallet project. This scheme, initiated by the government, aims to modernise transactions and promote cashless payments among vendors and consumers. Julapun expressed optimism that more retailers, food vendors, and restaurant owners would come on board by registering with the Ministry of Commerce from October 1. He addressed concerns from small vendors about the potential retroactive collection of personal income tax, ensuring that the Revenue Department would not access any database related to the project. The project is designed to reach 45 million Thai nationals aged 16 and over, spread across the country. The government plans to allocate 450 billion baht to fund this initiative. So far, around 27 million eligible recipients have signed up via the Stateway App, with more expected to register before the September 15 deadline. Julapun noted that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed all relevant authorities to ensure the project becomes effective by November. While there were initial hopes of starting the project in October, marking the beginning of Q4, the timeline has been adjusted to ensure complete readiness, reported Thai Newsroom. This digital wallet initiative is part of a broader effort to increase financial inclusion and reduce reliance on cash. By encouraging digital payments, the government aims to streamline economic transactions, improve transparency, and enhance the overall efficiency of the market. As the registration deadline approaches, both merchants and consumers are expected to participate in large numbers, propelling Thailand towards a more digitally integrated economy. The success of this project could set a benchmark for similar initiatives in the future, fostering a more modern financial landscape. -- 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand's Schengen-Style Visa Proposal Faces Hurdles Picture courtesy: Facebook/Phi Phi World Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has proposed a unified visa system, similar to Europe's Schengen Area, to boost tourism in Southeast Asia. Despite the economic benefits of increased tourist numbers, concerns about feasibility, overtourism and potential inflationary pressure persist. The success of the visa proposal will hinge on the adoption of sustainable tourism practices and effective regional cooperation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335038-thailands-schengen-style-visa-proposal-faces-hurdles/

Picture courtesy: Facebook/Phi Phi World Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has proposed a unified visa system, similar to Europe's Schengen Area, to boost tourism in Southeast Asia. Despite the economic benefits of increased tourist numbers, concerns about feasibility, overtourism and potential inflationary pressure persist. The success of the visa proposal will hinge on the adoption of sustainable tourism practices and effective regional cooperation. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has recently proposed a novel approach to reinvigorate tourism in Southeast Asia — a Schengen-style visa scheme. Modelled after Europe’s Schengen Area, this unified visa system would allow travel to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos. This initiative is a key component of Thailand’s efforts to boost tourism, aiming to attract 80 million tourists annually by 2027. The Schengen-style visa proposal has potential to significantly enhance Thailand’s economy. Tourism is a vital sector for Thailand, contributing approximately 12 per cent to the country’s GDP annual and providing around 20 per cent of its jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted this sector and its recovery has been slow, which has left Thailand unable to buffer a concurrent decline in manufacturing and exports. In this proposed visa scheme, tourists must first pass through Thailand as a central hub, enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a travel destination. It promises to attract more tourists, especially high-spending visitors who stay for extended periods. Increased tourist arrivals are expected to boost tourist spending, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, retail and transportation. A surge in tourism could also create further job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in regions heavily reliant on tourism. Thailand’s well-developed tourism infrastructure positions it to benefit greatly from the consequential influx of tourists. Its burgeoning wellness industry, including traditional Thai massages, spa treatments and holistic healing practices, are particularly appealing to tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The visa initiative could enhance accessibility for tourists interested in wellness experiences and help Thailand capitalise on the thriving global wellness tourism industry. This Schengen-style proposal could also diversify Thailand’s tourism markets. Thailand is traditionally dependent on tourists from the Southeast and East Asia regions, such as Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea, India and Singapore. But Thailand now seeks to attract tourists from markets farther afield like Europe, the Americas and Africa. This strategy could enhance the Thai tourism sector’s resilience against global economic fluctuations. Despite the initiative’s potential economic benefits, there are widespread concerns about its feasibility, the risks associated with overtourism and inflation. Southeast Asia’s political landscape is remarkably diverse and intricate. Achieving consensus among the member states of ASEAN on visa policies is no small feat. Each country maintains its own immigration laws, security concerns and economic interests. Harmonising these disparate elements into a cohesive visa policy requires extensive negotiation and compromise. Efforts to create a unified visa system in Southeast Asia are not new. In the 2000s, a joint visa proposal under Ayeyawady–Chao Phraya–Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy — an organisation of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar — only saw Cambodia coordinating with Thailand, reported East Asia Forum. In 2019, an ‘ASEAN Visa’ plan also failed to materialise. Other attempts at regional integration, such as the ASEAN Economic Community, have shown that while progress is possible, it is often slow and fraught with challenges. Infrastructure and technological readiness vary significantly across Southeast Asian countries. Implementing a unified visa system necessitates significant investments in border control infrastructure, data sharing mechanisms and security protocols. Countries with less-developed infrastructure may struggle to meet these requirements, potentially delaying the implementation of the scheme. Additionally, this initiative raises broader questions about regional integration and mobility. One important consideration is whether this visa scheme could pave the way for ASEAN citizens to freely work, study or reside across national boundaries, including in Thailand. This potential development carries significant implications for logistics, infrastructure and immigration policies within the Southeast Asian region. While this Schengen-style visa scheme will undoubtedly enhance travel convenience for international tourists, it stirs apprehension regarding overtourism. Thailand has already experienced the negative impacts of overtourism in popular destinations such as Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Implementing such a visa scheme without addressing existing overtourism challenges might exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to environmental degradation, strained infrastructure and diminished quality of life for permanent residents. Overtourism may also dilute the tourist experience, making popular sites overcrowded, more expensive and less enjoyable. This could ultimately harm Thailand’s reputation as a travel destination and reduce the long-term sustainability of its tourism sector. Another potentially detrimental consequence is the inflationary pressure emanating from a unsustainable influx of wealthy visitors. This would drive up demand for food, daily necessities and housing, which in turn raises prices and increases living costs for residents. To mitigate these risks, Thailand needs to adopt sustainable tourism practices. This includes implementing measures to manage tourist flows, promoting lesser-known destinations and investing in infrastructure that can accommodate increased tourist numbers without compromising the environment or local communities. Regional cooperation is also crucial to ensure the benefits and burdens of increased tourism are equitably distributed among participating countries. Srettha’s proposal for a Schengen-style visa scheme in Southeast Asia is an ambitious and innovative idea with the potential to boost tourism and economic growth in the region. But its successful implementation requires overcoming substantial political, logistical and infrastructural challenges. While Thailand stands to gain economically, there is also a significant risk of exacerbating the overtourism crisis. To maximise the potential benefits and minimise the risks, a balanced approach is necessary. Addressing these challenges could make this Schengen-style visa scheme a transformative initiative for Southeast Asian tourism, benefiting both Thailand and the broader region. -- 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Vendors with Sidecars Fined for Obstructing Traffic By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — Pattaya municipal officers fined many vendors on the Pattaya-Naklua Road for obstructing traffic following complaints from residents and tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335037-pattaya-vendors-with-sidecars-fined-for-obstructing-traffic/

Pattaya — Pattaya municipal officers fined many vendors on the Pattaya-Naklua Road for obstructing traffic following complaints from residents and tourists. The operation, carried out on August 8th, 2024, was ordered by Pattaya Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngampiches. Previously, residents and tourists traversing along Pattaya-Naklua Road have complained to the city about these vendors creating traffic congestion with their sidecars while selling goods and food on the roadside. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Online Fraud Losses Surge to 3.47 Billion Baht in July File photo courtesy: NBT World In a startling revelation, online fraud in Thailand has surged exponentially, recording total damages of 3.47 billion baht for the month of July alone. Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang has shared these grim statistics, highlighting the relentless advance of cybercrime. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335035-online-fraud-losses-surge-to-347-billion-baht-in-july/

File photo courtesy: NBT World In a startling revelation, online fraud in Thailand has surged exponentially, recording total damages of 3.47 billion baht for the month of July alone. Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang has shared these grim statistics, highlighting the relentless advance of cybercrime. The colossal figure sits as an alarming average loss of 111.98 million baht per day. Despite diligent efforts to tackle the issue, a staggering 13.54 billion baht in requests for account freezes had poured in. Of this, authorities managed to successfully freeze 1.49 billion baht – a notable but insufficient amount amidst the growing menace. Diving deeper into the types of scams, Karom identified the top five most prevalent fraudulent activities that have plagued Thai citizens. Fraudulent sales of goods or services emerged as the leading cause, accounting for 149.78 million baht in damages. Scammers employing deceitful job offers swindled innocent job seekers out of 689.42 million baht. Loan scams followed closely, resulting in 142.21 million baht in losses. Computer system investment frauds have now become a sophisticated trap, raking in 1.29 billion baht in stolen funds. Lastly, fraudulent prize or purpose transfers added another 257.67 million baht to the tally of losses. This wave of online fraud signifies that vigilance is more crucial than ever. Karom urged the public to stay alert to the various schemes employed by cybercriminals. He encouraged individuals to report any suspicious activities or incidents promptly through thaipoliceonline.com, or by reaching out via the hotline 1441 or the telephone number 081-866-3000. -- 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

British Airways flights to Bangkok to resume end of October by Puntid Tantivangphaisal British Airways is ramping up its flights from London to Bangkok and expanding its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, giving travellers even more options to explore Thailand and Cambodia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335034-british-airways-flights-to-bangkok-to-resume-end-of-october/

British Airways is ramping up its flights from London to Bangkok and expanding its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, giving travellers even more options to explore Thailand and Cambodia. British Airways’ direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok is back on October 28, after a four-year hiatus. Initially operating three times a week, the service will increase to five weekly flights between January and March 2025, making it easier than ever to reach Thailand’s vibrant capital. In addition, thanks to an enhanced codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways, British Airways customers can now seamlessly connect to five new dream destinations across Thailand and Cambodia—all on one ticket. Whether you’re dreaming of the beaches of Phuket, the tranquillity of Koh Samui, the cultural riches of Chiang Mai, or the historic sites of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, your Southeast Asian adventure just got a whole lot easier. “In October, we will be operating our first direct flight to Thailand in more than four years, so it’s a highly anticipated return to our global network. Knowing that this route will be particularly popular with our leisure customers, we’re pleased to be working with Bangkok Airways to offer more choices and make these sought-after holiday destinations more accessible.” Travellers who are members of the British Airways Executive Club can collect Avios and Tier Points when flying on Bangkok Airways, unlocking perks like lounge access and free seat selection, reported Travel Daily Media. In related news, Bangkok Airways and luxury resort SO/ Maldives are optimistic about expanding their business in the Maldives, a popular destination among Thai tourists. The Maldives achieved a significant milestone in tourism last year, welcoming over 1.8 million visitors, the highest number in a year, according to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corp. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai PM Dismisses US Criticism of Move Forward Party Dissolution Srettha Thavisin. Photo courtesy: Srettha Thavisin via TNN The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, has brushed off criticism from the United States regarding the Constitutional Court’s decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party, stating it is “meaningless” and emphasising Thailand’s sovereignty. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335031-thai-pm-dismisses-us-criticism-of-move-forward-party-dissolution/

The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, has brushed off criticism from the United States regarding the Constitutional Court’s decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party, stating it is “meaningless” and emphasising Thailand’s sovereignty. In a statement today, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin offered reassurance to the Thai public by asserting that Thailand’s sovereignty ensures the country manages its own political affairs and democratic processes. He remarked, “We, as a sovereign nation, have our own way of developing our politics and democracy. So, what the US says about us is meaningless.” Thavisin expressed confidence that the Thai populace understands and supports this stance, emphasising that no external entity will dictate Thailand's internal matters. However, Thavisin nuanced his response by suggesting that perhaps the term "interference" was too strong, and that the United States might merely be extending advice. His comments come on the heels of a statement from the US Department of State, which criticised the Thai court’s decision. The US expressed concern that dissolving the Move Forward Party undermines Thailand’s democratic progress and conflicts with the aspirations of the Thai people for a robust democratic future. The US statement urged Thailand to make efforts to ensure inclusive political participation and to safeguard democracy and freedoms of association and expression. In addition, Prime Minister Srettha addressed concerns over the potential for unrest in response to the court’s ruling. He indicated he had been in discussions with Deputy National Police Commissioner Pol Gen Kittiratt Phanphet. Srettha noted, “He told me that there were some symbolic gatherings, which were peaceful.” As Thailand navigates its political path amid international scrutiny, Thavisin’s stance underscores a commitment to sovereignty and internal decision-making, while potentially acknowledging the international community's interest in the country's democratic health. Srettha Thavisin. Photo courtesy: Srettha Thavisin via TNN -- 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 9 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1335030-thailand-live-friday-9-august-2024/

x-Move Forward MPs to appoint executive committee of a new party Photo: Thai PBS Former MPs of the now defunct Move Forward party will meet on Friday to discuss the formation of a new executive committee for a new party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335004-ex-move-forward-mps-to-appoint-executive-committee-of-a-new-party/

There was a raid on three herbal shops in Pattaya yesterday. The police uncovered illegal employment, false health claims, and deceit upon investigation. Crackdown on Illegal Herbal Shops in Pattaya: Foreign Employees Apprehended Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335019-crackdown-on-illegal-herbal-shops-in-pattaya-foreign-employees-apprehended/

UPDATE: Fuel for thought: Bangkok-bound uncle abandons girl in Buriram by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A young girl was abandoned at a petrol station in Buriram by her uncle who journeyed more than 400 kilometres to Bangkok. The six year old was found in a distressed state and was initially too scared to cooperate with rescuers. Her mother, working in Bangkok, has been contacted and is on her way to reunite with her. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334967-girl-forgotten-at-gas-station-travels-400-km-before-rescue/?do=findComment&comment=19130674

Fuel for thought: Bangkok-bound uncle abandons girl in Buriram by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A young girl was abandoned at a petrol station in Buriram by her uncle who journeyed more than 400 kilometres to Bangkok. The six year old was found in a distressed state and was initially too scared to cooperate with rescuers. Her mother, working in Bangkok, has been contacted and is on her way to reunite with her. At 2am today, August 8, Siam Ruam Jai Pu In Rescue Unit received a report of a lost child at a petrol station in Nang Rong district, Buriram province. Responding promptly, the rescue unit found two women comforting a young girl, approximately six years old, who had a backpack on. The women explained that they had seen the girl crying for a long time but no one came to claim her, prompting them to call the rescue team. The rescue team attempted to take the girl to Nang Rong Police Station but she was too frightened to go with them. The two women who initially looked after her managed to calm her down enough to get her into the rescue vehicle. Despite this, she cried throughout the journey and refused to respond to any questions from the rescuers. The police then directed the rescue unit to take the child to their office, which provided a more comfortable environment. Once there, the girl’s condition improved significantly as a female rescue worker engaged her in conversation. It was soon evident that the girl spoke in a dialect resembling that of people from Laos. The Siam Ruam Jai Pu In Rescue Unit subsequently posted an announcement to locate the girl’s family, which was widely shared. A woman soon contacted them, claiming to be the girl’s mother, a worker in Bangkok. Kampon Wongsa-nguan, the head of Nang Rong Police Station, along with the rescue unit, confirmed the identity of the mother, who is from Laos and works in Bangkok. The mother explained that her daughter had been travelling with her uncle from Laos to Bangkok on a bus from Pakse. The bus, carrying around 30 passengers, made a stop at the petrol station in Nang Rong at approximately 11.55pm for a routine break. Lost girl CCTV footage showed the girl and her uncle entering the restroom together. However, when the bus resumed its journey, the girl was not on board. The uncle, upon returning to the bus, asked the driver if he had seen the girl. The driver mistakenly informed him that she was sleeping at the back of the bus. The confusion went unnoticed until the bus arrived at Mo Chit Station in Bangkok, where the girl’s mother and another uncle were waiting. Upon realising the girl was missing, they alerted the transport office, leading to the discovery that she was under the care of the Siam Ruam Jai Pu In Rescue Unit. The mother is now en route to Nang Rong to collect her daughter, reported KhaoSod. Vorabodin Rungrojchaikul, the head of Siam Ruam Jai Pu In Rescue Unit, gave a statement on the incident. “After receiving the report, we immediately went to check on the child. She was traumatised and did not speak to anyone. From our initial understanding, it was clear she was not Thai. We then posted her picture to find her guardians. Fortunately, the child was unharmed.” Source: The Thaiger] 2024-08-08 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Dissolution of Move Forward disenfranchises 14 million Thais – US The Constitutional Court’s decision yesterday to dissolve the opposition Move Forward party has disenfranchised the over 14 million Thais who voted for the party in the May general election last year and raises questions about their representation in Thailand’s electoral system, the US Department of State said in a statement yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334978-dissolution-of-move-forward-disenfranchises-14-million-thais-–-us/

The Constitutional Court’s decision yesterday to dissolve the opposition Move Forward party has disenfranchised the over 14 million Thais who voted for the party in the May general election last year and raises questions about their representation in Thailand’s electoral system, the US Department of State said in a statement yesterday. It also said that the ruling jeopardises Thailand’s democratic progress and runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a strong democratic future. “The United States does not take a position in support of any political party, but, as a close ally and friend with deep and enduring ties, we urge Thailand to take action to ensure fully inclusive political participation and to protect democracy and the freedoms of association and expression,” according to the statement. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch (HRW) Asia Director Elaine Pearson said that the case against the Move Forward party, which was initiated by the Election Commission, was “a sham right from the start” and the Constitutional Court’s ruling is a severe blow to Thailand’s teetering efforts to restore democratic rule after years of military dictatorship. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-08-08 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Thai university student stabbed and burned to death in Nonthaburi by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath The Forensic Science Institute yesterday discovered hairs belonging to the suspected murderer of a Thai university student on the victim’s hands. The student was found stabbed and burned to death at his dormitory in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334947-man-found-dead-after-fire-had-stab-injuries/?do=findComment&comment=19130615

Thai university student stabbed and burned to death in Nonthaburi by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath The Forensic Science Institute yesterday discovered hairs belonging to the suspected murderer of a Thai university student on the victim’s hands. The student was found stabbed and burned to death at his dormitory in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok. Officers from Rattanathibet Police Station were alerted to a fire in room 611 on the sixth floor of a dormitory in Soi Prachachuen 8 in Nonthaburi province at about 4.20pm yesterday, August 7. Police later arrived at the scene with firefighters, rescuers, and a doctor from the Forensic Science Institute. The rescue team found the scorched body of a 22 year old male university student, Wissawa, wrapped in a light blue blanket. The entire room was damaged by fire. The only electrical appliance found in the room was a fan, which was not plugged into the socket. At that time, police were unable to conclude the cause of the fire, as an electrical circuit fault seemed unlikely due to the unplugged fan. Wissawa’s body was transferred to the Forensic Science Institute, where the doctor found a stab wound to his chest and two cut wounds on his chin and right eyebrow. Wissawa was found tightly holding the hairs of someone in his left hand. A 27 year old Thai man, Earth, who lived next door told ThaiRath that residents of the dormitory knocked hard on his door and informed him that a fire broke out next door. Earth said he rushed to knock on the door of that room and asked the person inside to come out but received no response. Alleged killer spotted on CCTV Earth attempted to kick down the door to enter and extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful. A staff member from the dormitory later arrived to open the door, at which point Earth immediately used a fire extinguisher to spray the room. It was then that Wissawa’s body was discovered. According to ThaiRath, security camera footage showed Wissawa leaving his room around 1pm and returning at approximately 1.15pm with food. Later, Wissawa was seen leaving again and coming back with another man dressed in a white T-shirt and jeans. This man has become the primary suspect in the case, and the hairs found on Wissawa’s hand are believed to belong to him. Police suspected that the two had engaged in an argument and the suspect stabbed Wissawa to death before destroying all the evidence with fire. The identity of the suspect had not yet been determined, and the next steps of the police investigation had not been made public. Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-08 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Girl Forgotten at Gas Station Travels 400 km Before Rescue A six-year-old girl from Laos, en route to visit her mother in Bangkok, was forgotten at a gas station, traveling 400 km before anyone realized she was missing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334967-girl-forgotten-at-gas-station-travels-400-km-before-rescue/

A six-year-old girl from Laos, en route to visit her mother in Bangkok, was forgotten at a gas station, traveling 400 km before anyone realized she was missing. Late on August 7, 2024, the Siam Ruam Jai Pu In Rescue Unit responded to a report of a lost child at the PTT Nong Bo gas station in Nang Rong District, Buriram Province. Upon arrival, they found a young girl carrying a small bag, comforted by two concerned women. The girl, upset and crying, had been left behind by a passenger bus. Known for certain she was not Thai, rescuers took her to Nang Rong Police Station. However, the child refused to go due to fear. Reluctantly, she agreed to get into the rescue vehicle, crying the entire journey. At the rescue office, a female member of the team managed to calm her down, revealing a distinct Laotian accent in the girl's speech. A Facebook search notice from Siam Ruam Jai Pu In Rescue Unit eventually pinpointed her identity. The girl’s mother, a Laotian worker in Bangkok, recognized her daughter and contacted authorities. Investigation revealed that the girl had been on a bus from Pakse, Laos, with her uncle, bound for Bangkok. CCTV footage showed the child and her uncle disembarking at the gas station to use the restroom. However, the bus driver, mistaken by the uncle's inquiry, believed the child was asleep in the back and drove off without her. The error was discovered only after the bus reached Bangkok, with the uncle realizing the child had been left behind. Mr. Worabodin Rungrojchaikun, head of the rescue unit, said the girl had been in fear and distress, but they managed to keep her safe until her mother's arrival. The episode underscores the importance of passenger checks during stops to prevent such distressing incidents in the future. -- 2024-08-08 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya police intervene to stop violence as Kuwaiti tourists clash by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Tensions escalated once more as Kuwaiti youths clashed in Pattaya last night, leading to police intervention. Police in Pattaya City were alerted to a brawl in the Soi Yensabai area of South Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334965-pattaya-police-intervene-to-stop-violence-as-kuwaiti-tourists-clash/

Tensions escalated once more as Kuwaiti youths clashed in Pattaya last night, leading to police intervention. Police in Pattaya City were alerted to a brawl in the Soi Yensabai area of South Pattaya. The incident occurred around 11.06pm, yesterday, August 7, and officers from the Pattaya City Police Station quickly arrived at the scene. Upon arrival, the police discovered two large groups of Kuwaiti tourists, approximately 20 individuals on each side, engaged in a heated argument. The confrontation threatened to turn violent as members from both groups attempted to physically assault each other. Fortunately, the timely intervention by the police prevented the situation from escalating further. Residents had managed to record the chaotic scene and handed the footage over to the police as evidence. Witnesses, including restaurant staff, recounted the events leading up to the altercation. According to one restaurant employee, initially, the two groups were seated at separate tables, dining peacefully. The situation took a turn for the worse when an argument broke out between the groups, although the cause of the dispute remained unclear. The staff and other patrons managed to temporarily de-escalate the situation, believing it to be resolved. However, not long after, both groups returned with reinforcements, filling the narrow street and reigniting the confrontation. This prompted a call to the police for immediate assistance. Another resident also captured video footage of the altercation, showing the groups attempting to physically attack each other. Fortunately, bystanders intervened, preventing any serious injuries or further violence, reported KhaoSod. The incident caused significant alarm among locals and tourists present in the area. The swift response by the police helped to defuse the situation before it could escalate into a more severe conflict, much to the relief of those witnessing the event. In related news, Pattaya City police initiated a detailed investigation following a violent confrontation between Thai and Kuwaiti nationals on Soi Yensabai. The Kuwaiti suspects are facing potential deportation after legal proceedings, according to police sources. by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-08 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe