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Jail time to return for Cannabis players as Srettha describes the trade as a threat to the country by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Prime Minister Srettha’s interview with France 24’s Bangkok correspondent, Matt Hunt, was broadcast this week. It was previously recorded in Chiang Mai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323769-jail-time-to-return-for-cannabis-players-as-pm-describes-the-trade-as-a-threat-to-thailand/

Prime Minister Srettha’s interview with France 24’s Bangkok correspondent, Matt Hunt, was broadcast this week. It was previously recorded in Chiang Mai. In it, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in a slow, measured and humble voice, opened up to the interviewer. It was a frank exchange. He made his negative views on Cannabis crystal clear but also demonstrated the importance of meeting world leaders. The PM additionally highlighted Thailand’s key role as a mediator between the superpowers in Asia amid roiling tensions. Thai PM Srettha vows crackdown on cannabis trade, labelling it as a massive threat to the kingdom. Calls for the return of jail time. Exclusive interview details on France 24 as Mr Srettha gives key insights into his role as Prime Minister and his government’s plans. In a revealing interview with France 24 aired in the last few days, the Thai Prime Minister spoke in English. In a wide-ranging to and fro with the international French news channel’s correspondent in Bangkok, Matt Hunt, the Prime Minister gave a revealing insight into his views on the future of cannabis in Thailand and an exchange with French President Emmanuel Macron over the real danger posed to world peace by Russia. During the interview, Mr Srettha made it clear that Thailand will stamp out the current freewheeling liberal atmosphere at street level regarding the sale and consumption of cannabis or marijuana. Through a number of emphatic statements, Mr Srettha described the trade as highly damaging to the country and certainly not a positive for the kingdom’s economy at all. He also appeared to countenance the return of prison sentences for those in the trade. Thai PM Srettha Thavisin strongly criticised the current status of cannabis in the kingdom. It came in an interview broadcast in the last few days on a French international news channel. The prime minister gave the interview in English. Indeed, the PM went further and described the current cannabis regime as a danger to the country. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya City Gears Up for Grand Wan Lai Celebration By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —Pattaya City is set to host a grand “Wan Lai Day” on Friday, April 19th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323768-pattaya-city-gears-up-for-grand-wan-lai-celebration/

Pattaya —Pattaya City is set to host a grand “Wan Lai Day” on Friday, April 19th, 2024. The announcement was made at a press conference held on March 28th at Central Pattaya Shopping Center, with Deputy Mayor Ms. Thithiphan Pettrakul presiding alongside representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chonburi Province Cultural Office, and Central Pattaya. The Wan Lai festival will be divided into two sections. The first part, held from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Wat Chai Mongkol, will focus on promoting, conserving, and showcasing the beautiful, cultural side of the Thai Songkran festival. Visitors can expect traditional performances and displays reflecting the essence of Songkran amidst the backdrop of the temple’s peaceful atmosphere. The afternoon and evening session, from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, will transform all of Pattaya Beach into a modern entertainment zone. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE THAIGER 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Son Decapitates Mother in Shocking Murder at Palm Garden in Surat Thani By Kittisak Phalaharn Surat Thani—At 8:00 AM, on March 30th, 2024, Wiang Sa police officers received a murder report of a son decapitating his mother at a palm garden in Wiang Sa, Surat Thani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323767-son-decapitates-mother-in-shocking-murder-at-palm-garden-in-surat-thani/

Surat Thani—At 8:00 AM, on March 30th, 2024, Wiang Sa police officers received a murder report of a son decapitating his mother at a palm garden in Wiang Sa, Surat Thani. At the incident scene, the headless body of a woman who was later publicly identified as Mrs. Champa Bunthong, 73, was found lying down on a concrete floor. According to the police report, the suspect who was publicly identified as Mr. Natthaphon Yuenyong, a 31-year-old son of Champa, was holding Champa’s head and sprinted into the palm garden to flee the police pursuit. It was reported that Natthaphon held and chopped his mother’s head along the way during the police pursuit, the police were able to capture Natthaphon shortly after. Upon the police investigation, the suspect was found to have lived with Champa and five other siblings. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Is Already A World-Class Destination, Says Thai Real Estate Experts By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Prachachat Pattaya — “Pattaya has already become a world-class destination and is poised for leaping growth in the next five years,” says Thai real estate industry leaders speaking at a seminar hosted by the Chonburi Real Estate Association. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323766-pattaya-is-already-a-world-class-destination-says-thai-real-estate-experts/

Foreigner Allegedly on Drugs Causes Ruckus in Pattaya By Kittisak Phalaharn Bang Lamung—At 9:30 PM, on March 29th, 2024, Pattaya City police received a report of a foreigner allegedly being drug-intoxicated and causing a ruckus among locals on Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323763-foreigner-allegedly-on-drugs-causes-ruckus-in-pattaya/

Pattaya — “Pattaya has already become a world-class destination and is poised for leaping growth in the next five years,” says Thai real estate industry leaders speaking at a seminar hosted by the Chonburi Real Estate Association. The seminar, themed “Real Estate…Factors-Opportunities-Hopes of the Thai Economy,” was hosted recently, focusing on Pattaya’s growing appeal to both domestic and international tourists. The seminar saw the presence of numerous real estate leaders in Thailand, including Mr. Chanin Vanichwong, CEO of Habitat Group, who pointed out that “Pattaya is no longer just a domestic, budget nightlife destination, but it has already become a world-class destination.” For example, Mr. Chanin said many major Thai corporations have invested in Pattaya such as the Land & House Group that brought to the city projects like Terminal 21 Pattaya, and the Asset World Corporation that is expanding its hotel portfolio into the city. Central Group is also investing in a community mall project, and Magnolia Quality Development Corporation is undertaking a large-scale mix-use development. Mr. Chanin further revealed that Habitat Group itself has been a key player in Pattaya’s growth. He explained that ten to twenty years ago, Pattaya was just a nightlife destination, surrounded by industrial estates but now the landscape has changed. This transformation is evident in the rise of high-end tourism around the city. Areas like Na Jomtien now houses several hotels that are more than 20,000 baht per night, while the Wongamat area features condominiums valued at over 300,000 baht per square meter. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Prachachat Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bang Lamung—At 9:30 PM, on March 29th, 2024, Pattaya City police received a report of a foreigner allegedly being drug-intoxicated and causing a ruckus among locals on Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. A video of the bizarre incident can be found on our Facebook here. Pattaya City police were dispatched to the incident scene and found a foreigner causing a rampage and appearing to be drug-intoxicated. The foreigner was reportedly afraid of everybody who was near him and “waied” the police all the time. The police attempted to convince the foreigner to calm down, however, it was not successful. To prevent unforeseen incidents, the police decided to force an arrest on the foreigner. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Navy Sailor Saves Unconscious Dutch Expat with CPR at Sattahip Shopping Center By Kittisak Phalaharn Chonburi—On March 30th, 2024, Thai national media reported a good deed of a Thai Navy sailor performing CPR on a Dutch expat who fainted inside his car at Sattahip shopping center, Marco, Sattahip, Chonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323762-thai-navy-sailor-saves-unconscious-dutch-expat-with-cpr-at-sattahip-shopping-center/

Chonburi—On March 30th, 2024, Thai national media reported a good deed of a Thai Navy sailor performing CPR on a Dutch expat who fainted inside his car at Sattahip shopping center, Marco, Sattahip, Chonburi. According to Thai national media, the good citizen was publicly identified as CPO2 Niwat Khanghang who reportedly performed CPR on an unconscious Dutch expat whose name was later publicly identified as Mr. Zacharias Krokke. Zacharias reportedly laid still inside his car and was unconscious while his Thai wife looked for help. CPO2 Niwat and his wife reportedly brought Zacharias to an open area with aid from nearby people. It was reported that Zacharias did not breathe and had no pulse. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Is Srettha planning to divest his finance portfolio to SET chief Pichai? File photo : Pichai Chunhavajira The first Cabinet reshuffle of the Srettha Thavisin government is expected to take place after the close of the current Parliamentary session on April 9. Among the frontrunners for the finance minister’s post is Pichai Chunhavajira, 76, a longtime Shinawatra family loyalist. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323761-is-srettha-planning-to-divest-his-finance-portfolio-to-set-chief-pichai/

The first Cabinet reshuffle of the Srettha Thavisin government is expected to take place after the close of the current Parliamentary session on April 9. Among the frontrunners for the finance minister’s post is Pichai Chunhavajira, 76, a longtime Shinawatra family loyalist. With PM Srettha reportedly wanting to give up the additional portfolio of finance that he holds, Pichai – currently chairperson of the Stock Exchange of Thailand – is widely tipped to be the new finance minister. Pichai is already serving as an advisor to Srettha, with long and close political ties with the Shinawatra family, the political dynasty controlling the ruling Pheu Thai Party. There were widespread rumours that Pichai had recently sold 1.2 million shares in BCPG, worth an estimated 8.5 million baht, in preparation for being named the finance minister. He is currently an advisor to the prime minister and also an advisor to The Board of Investment of Thailand. In addition he serves on the board of the State Enterprise Director Screening Committee and is a member of the monitoring committee solving problems of Thai Airways International Company. File photo : Pichai Chunhavajira Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Officials Announce "Innovative" Expat Health Measure File photo BANGKOK – In a move likely to raise eyebrows within the expat community, Thailand's Ministry of Health has unveiled a new initiative to combat communicable diseases: reinstating mask mandates for foreigners in major tourist areas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323760-thai-officials-announce-innovative-expat-health-measure/

NOTE: April Fools! In case people have missed the hundreds of so posts pointing out that this is ASEAN NOW April Fools joke ---- BANGKOK – In a move likely to raise eyebrows within the expat community, Thailand's Ministry of Health has unveiled a new initiative to combat communicable diseases: reinstating mask mandates for foreigners in major tourist areas. Citing concerns about the potential for foreign visitors to introduce new illnesses, officials emphasize this isn't about pinpointing blame, but rather a proactive, preventative measure. "Thailand prides itself on its warm hospitality," declared a Ministry spokesperson. "However, with global travel increasing, it's imperative to safeguard public health. This targeted approach ensures that our international guests don't unwittingly compromise the well-being of our citizens." The regulation will apply to popular destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Locals, with their presumed stronger resistance to regional ailments, will be exempt. Enforcement details are still under development. However, officials suggest a potential collaboration between health inspectors and immigration officers, possibly leading to on-the-spot mask checks and educational pamphlets for new arrivals. Expat Community Expresses Concerns The announcement has sparked a range of reactions within the expat community. Some express understanding, citing Thailand's history of vigilance during past outbreaks. Others voice concerns about potential discrimination and the slippery slope of increasingly targeted regulations. "While I appreciate the desire to protect public health," commented one long-term Bangkok resident, "singling out foreigners seems like an oversimplification. Viruses don't check passports." Tourism Industry Anticipates Challenges The Tourism Authority of Thailand has issued a statement acknowledging the Ministry of Health's concerns while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a welcoming environment for all visitors. Industry figures are privately worried about negative publicity and potential confusion among travelers. Whether this new regulation will have a significant impact on public health or tourism numbers remains to be seen. What is certain is that Thailand, known for its sometimes labyrinthine bureaucracy, has once again sparked a lively debate on the balance between precaution and inclusivity. TOP: File photo -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

More people drafted in, as search for missing 2-year-old expands About 100 officials and volunteers have been mobilised, supported two police sniffer dogs, GPS tracking and blood trace detection devices, in the expanding search for the 2-year-old Lahu tribe boy, who has been missing for nearly 10 days from his home in the Muang district of Chiang Rai province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323759-more-people-drafted-in-as-search-for-missing-2-year-old-expands/

About 100 officials and volunteers have been mobilised, supported two police sniffer dogs, GPS tracking and blood trace detection devices, in the expanding search for the 2-year-old Lahu tribe boy, who has been missing for nearly 10 days from his home in the Muang district of Chiang Rai province. Yesterday, the search effort focused on and around the hill-top house of the boy’s parents, in Mae Yao sub-district, and reeks in the village, as well as the spot where he was last seen. No clues to either the whereabouts of the boy or how he disappeared have been found so far. Aekkaluck Loomchomkhae, chief of the Centre for Missing People of the Mirror Foundation, said that the areas which were searched yesterday had been searched before but, this time, it was more thorough. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Speedboat Capsizes in Sri Racha, 10 Passengers Safely Rescued By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: ประชาชาตินิวส์ ทีวี ภูมิภาค Sri Racha, Chonburi — A speedboat carrying 10 passengers capsized off the coast of Sri Racha on March 28th, 2024. All of them were safely rescued. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323758-speedboat-capsizes-in-sri-racha-10-passengers-safely-rescued/

Sri Racha, Chonburi — A speedboat carrying 10 passengers capsized off the coast of Sri Racha on March 28th, 2024. All of them were safely rescued. According to news reports, the boat was overturned by strong waves and wind between the Harbour Bridge and the Silo Bridge in the Surasak area, Sri Racha district, Chonburi province, around 2 PM. A nearby resident saw the boat capsize and called for help. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: ประชาชาตินิวส์ ทีวี ภูมิภาค Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Russian Tourist Topples Over Seven Power Poles in Phuket Car Accident By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket Phuket — A Russian tourist crashed his car and toppled over seven power poles in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323757-russian-tourist-topples-over-seven-power-poles-in-phuket-car-accident/

Phuket — A Russian tourist crashed his car and toppled over seven power poles in Phuket. The accident occurred on Saiyuan Road in Rawai, Phuket, on March 29th, 2024. The 30-year-old Russian tourist, who could not be immediately identified, was driving a red-plated sedan when he lost control and crashed into a power pole. The car then spun several times and hit several other vehicles and buildings. Seven power poles were knocked down in the accident, and five cars and motorcycles were damaged. Fortunately, no one was injured. By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese Flocking Here For Plastic Surgery, Infertility Treatment by TNR Staff Representative image of Chinese people flocking here for plastic surgery. Photo: Matichon THE VISA-FREE access to Thailand by Chinese tourists has led a large number of them inquiring and then deciding to undergo plastic surgery, infertility treatment as well as general medical examination here, Matichon newspaper said this evening (Mar. 30). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323756-chinese-flocking-here-for-plastic-surgery-infertility-treatment/

THE VISA-FREE access to Thailand by Chinese tourists has led a large number of them inquiring and then deciding to undergo plastic surgery, infertility treatment as well as general medical examination here, Matichon newspaper said this evening (Mar. 30). Mr. Sitthi Panupattnapong, chairman of Synphaet Co. Lt.’s board of directors, said the visa waiver had turned the foreign medical market more lively with Chinese finding it convenient to fly here for treatment. However patients from Middle Eastern countries usually come here for more difficult treatments including heart problems, cancer, gastrointestinal problems and knee replacement. He added that of his company’s seven hospitals it is Synphaet Srinakarin that treats foreign patients with most of them being from Taiwan and the Middle East. by TNR Staff Representative image of Chinese people flocking here for plastic surgery. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket rescue team kept busy with surge in reptile sightings by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of DDPM-Wichit Rescue workers at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation branch in Wichit Municipality (DDPM-Wichit), Phuket, have been kept busy with a surge in reptile sightings. Even before the onset of the rainy season, the task of managing the movement of these creatures has become a daily routine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323755-phuket-rescue-team-kept-busy-with-surge-in-reptile-sightings/