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Cha Am announces seven-day Songkran festival celebration By Online Reporter Cha-am will host a week long celebration for Songkran, planned from April 12th to 18th, 2024, at the Cha-Am Beach viewpoint. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323862-cha-am-announces-seven-day-songkran-festival-celebration/

Cha-am will host a week long celebration for Songkran, planned from April 12th to 18th, 2024, at the Cha-Am Beach viewpoint. The annual festival, known for its vibrant displays of culture and community spirit, promises an exciting lineup of entertainment and activities for both locals and visitors alike. The celebration sees daily live music and DJ performances, kicking off on April 12th with a party featuring performances by DJ Kan, DJ Paphloy, MC Ton Ao, DJ Sarnchai, and Oi Roy Jub. This continues on April 13th with appearances by MC Jib Me, MC Yumiko, DJ Ice, DJ Tom Entertainment Line, MC Est, and DJ Ta Naew Mo Chanwo. Each day offers a unique “Party Foam” theme, ensuring a fresh and dynamic experience for festival-goers. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-02 - 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

Norwegian arrested for overstay in Cha Am as Phetchaburi Immigration tackles visa violations and illegal employment By Online Reporter As part of an operation carried out by Phetchaburi immigration, several individuals have been arrested under the campaign “X-Ray Risk Area/High-Risk Foreigners,” highlighting the authorities’ rigorous efforts to enforce immigration laws. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323861-norwegian-arrested-for-overstay-in-cha-am-as-immigration-tackles-visa-violations/

As part of an operation carried out by Phetchaburi immigration, several individuals have been arrested under the campaign “X-Ray Risk Area/High-Risk Foreigners,” highlighting the authorities’ rigorous efforts to enforce immigration laws. On March 27, 2024, at 1:40 PM, Phetchaburi Immigration Office, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Hattaporn Sewakorn, conducted an operation resulting in the arrest of a 62-year-old Norwegian man, identified only as Mr. John. The arrest was made in Cha-am District, specifically at the Pilla Room, Room No. 20, located at 52/3 Moo 2, Sam Phraya Sub-district. Mr. John faces charges for overstaying his visa, formally accused of “being a foreigner who entered and remained in the Kingdom without permission.” This operation underscores the ongoing vigilance of the immigration authorities in monitoring and acting against foreign nationals staying illegally in the country. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-02 - 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 Man Arrested for Drunk Driving in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – A Russian man was arrested for drunk driving in Patong early on Monday morning (April 1st). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323859-russian-man-arrested-for-drunk-driving-in-patong/

Patong – A Russian man was arrested for drunk driving in Patong early on Monday morning (April 1st). The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that they had set up a police checkpoint near the Dolphin Circle. At 3:30A.M. the suspect, identified only as Mr. Gleb, 30, a Russian driver, was stopped at the checkpoint. He was given an alcohol breath test that showed .79 milligrams percent of alcohol which was over the limit of .50. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-02 - 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

Australian Tourist in Coma After Wading into Pattaya Sea While High on Marijuana By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — An Australian tourist was rescued after nearly drowning at Pattaya Beach on Monday, April 1st, 2024. The tourist smoked marijuana before the incident, said his wife. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323857-australian-tourist-in-coma-after-wading-into-pattaya-sea-while-high-on-marijuana/

Pattaya — An Australian tourist was rescued after nearly drowning at Pattaya Beach on Monday, April 1st, 2024. The tourist smoked marijuana before the incident, said his wife. The incident happened at 03:16 AM yesterday in front of Soi Jomtien 11, Pattaya City, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. The victim, publicly identified by Pattaya police as Mr. Loy Malcolm Ayles, 58, was swimming in the sea when he suddenly disappeared underwater. A good Samaritan saw the incident and swam to his rescue. Mr. Loy was pulled unconscious from the water and brought to the beach. Rescue workers performed CPR and rushed him to a local hospital. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-02 - 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

Passenger charges soar at six major Thai airports by Mitch Connor Passenger service charges (PSC) at six major Thai airports have seen an increase, as announced by the Airports of Thailand Plc. The charges, applicable on both domestic and international departing flights, have been raised at Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Don Mueang, Hat Yai, Phuket and Suvarnabhumi airports. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323856-passenger-charges-soar-at-six-major-thai-airports/

Passenger service charges (PSC) at six major Thai airports have seen an increase, as announced by the Airports of Thailand Plc. The charges, applicable on both domestic and international departing flights, have been raised at Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Don Mueang, Hat Yai, Phuket and Suvarnabhumi airports. For international flights, the fees have been increased from 700 to 730 baht, while for domestic flights, a rise from 100 to 130 baht has been implemented. AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat announced the change today, April 1, explaining that the increase in the service charge would cover the cost of AOT’s Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS). The CUPPS includes automatic services such as Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE), which handles boarding passes, Common-Use Self Service (CUSS) for airport check-ins, and Common Use Bag Drop (CUBD). In related news, the General Manager of Don Mueang International Airport, Wichit Kaewsaitiam, has forecasted a significant surge in traffic through the Bangkok airport during the Songkran festival, taking place from April 11 to 17. It is predicted that Don Mueang Airport will serve 89,362 travellers daily during this period, marking an increase of 14.81% compared to the previous year. Moreover, the airport is expected to handle 590 flights each day, a rise of 10.58%. Last week, to enhance passenger convenience and elevate service standards, the Airports of Thailand (AoT) unveiled the latest addition to Suvarnabhumi Airport: Grab taxi services. Positioned at Gate 4 on the first floor of the terminal, the newly inaugurated Grab service centre stands ready to cater to passengers around the clock, announced AoT Director Kirati Kitmanawat. Echoing Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s vision to propel Suvarnabhumi into the echelons of the world’s top 20 airports, Kirati highlighted the strategic move as a testament to AoT’s commitment to fostering seamless transport connectivity. This initiative follows AoT’s successful collaborations with Grab at Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, and Phuket airports. Kirati underscored the significance of this partnership. by Mitch Connor Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-02 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 2 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1323855-thailand-live-tuesday-2-april-2024/

Phuket police arrest Italian man for drink driving By Peter Roche PHOTO: The Phuket News An Italian man has been arrested in Patong after he was found to be driving while intoxicated. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323803-phuket-police-arrest-italian-man-for-drink-driving/

Russian couple’s dine and dash attempt exposed in Phuket restaurant by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath A shameless cheating Russian couple insisted they had settled their bill at a Phuket restaurant after being accused of attempting to dine and dash. They later falsely incriminated a Thai waitress of theft but their deception was exposed by CCTV footage, forcing them to apologise and settle the bill. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323801-russian-couple’s-dine-and-dash-attempt-exposed-in-phuket-restaurant/

Police arrested a German and a Canadian man for illegally conducting a Shaolin kung fu training course on Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. German and Canadian charged for illegal kung fu course Photo via YouTube/ ThaiRath TV Originals Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323835-german-and-canadian-charged-for-illegal-kung-fu-course/

Move Forward party urges public to watch censure debate this week The opposition Move Forward party has launched a publicity campaign, urging members of the public to monitor the general debate against the government this Wednesday and Thursday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323804-move-forward-party-urges-public-to-watch-censure-debate-this-week/

The opposition Move Forward party has launched a publicity campaign, urging members of the public to monitor the general debate against the government this Wednesday and Thursday. On its website today, the party posted a teaser for the censure debate, questioning the performance of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over the past seven months. The party claims that the government has not met the expectations that the Pheu Thai party, with its track record, would be able to solve the economic problems of the past ten years and move the country forward. 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

Phuket police arrest Italian man for drink driving By Peter Roche PHOTO: The Phuket News An Italian man has been arrested in Patong after he was found to be driving while intoxicated. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323803-phuket-police-arrest-italian-man-for-drink-driving/

An Italian man has been arrested in Patong after he was found to be driving while intoxicated. The 50 year old, named in a Phuket News report as Claudio Tomaselli, was arrested by Patong Police at around 4am yesterday, March 31. He was detained near Loma Circle, at the northern end of Patong Beach, after a breathalyser test found him to be twice the legal alcohol limit. The Italian was taken to Patong Police Station and charged with driving while intoxicated, an offence that carries a fine of between 5,000 and 20,000 baht and/or a year in prison for a first-time offence. By Peter Roche PHOTO: The Phuket News Full story: PhuketGO 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 couple’s dine and dash attempt exposed in Phuket restaurant by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath A shameless cheating Russian couple insisted they had settled their bill at a Phuket restaurant after being accused of attempting to dine and dash. They later falsely incriminated a Thai waitress of theft but their deception was exposed by CCTV footage, forcing them to apologise and settle the bill. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323801-russian-couple’s-dine-and-dash-attempt-exposed-in-phuket-restaurant/

A shameless cheating Russian couple insisted they had settled their bill at a Phuket restaurant after being accused of attempting to dine and dash. They later falsely incriminated a Thai waitress of theft but their deception was exposed by CCTV footage, forcing them to apologise and settle the bill. The restaurant shared security footage of the incident on a Facebook group for local food stores in Phuket to issue a warning about the Russian couple’s dine-and-dash. In the video, the Russian man was seen placing a banknote in a bill folder but then later removed it. The Russian man looked around to see if anyone noticed his action. He then asked the waitress to pick up the empty bill folder, pretending he already paid. The waitress, Santanee, who served the foreigners that day, told Channel 3 that the couple dined at the restaurant on Saturday, March 30. Santanee said the cashier could not find the money in the folder and asked her to check with the foreign couple. According to Santanee, the couple insisted they had already paid the bill, and the banknote might have slipped out of the folder. Santanee helped them look for the money but did not find it anywhere. The couple became angry at the cashier counter and tried to blame Santanee for stealing the money. The Russian customers maintained their innocence and dared the restaurant to check the security camera. Clear evidence Unfortunately, the CCTV cameras at the restaurant were old models and required a technician to obtain the video file. So, the restaurant owner had to let the foreigners go but asked for their contacts. After reviewing the security camera footage, it was clear that the accused couple did not pay for their meal. So, the owner sent the video to the couple and summoned them to pay the bill. The foreigners agreed to pay and apologised for their actions. They said they did not expect there to be a CCTV camera at that angle. The owner recorded the video of them apologising but did not take legal action against them. Santanee revealed she was disappointed by the Russian couple’s behaviour in an interview with Channel 3. “I felt offended when they blamed me for theft. They looked down on Thai people. We provide whatever they want and do our best to fulfill their requests but it does not mean that Thais are their slaves. I almost cried at that time and was trembling. I would like to warn all waitresses and waiters to be aware of these kinds of foreign customers.” Thai netizens voiced their opinions on the matter. “The free visa has many problems. It only focuses on quantity, not quality. Thailand used to have a lot of good foreign tourists. I feel sorry for the country.” “The prime minister is proud of it.” “Good foreign tourists go to our neighbouring countries instead.” “I faced the same situation. I took the foreigners to the police station but the police did nothing and let them go. They sided with the foreigners. I am tired of this.” “Free visa, free trip, free food!” “Foreigners know that Thai law is not that serious. Apologise and everything will be fine.” by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Source: 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

Move Forward eyes new path to power in Thailand with local elections File photo : Pita LImjaroenrat, former leader of Move Forward party//Reuters Politicians targeting powerful posts in provincial administrative organizations now have less than a year to prepare for nationwide local elections. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323800-move-forward-eyes-new-path-to-power-in-thailand-with-local-elections/

File photo : Pita LImjaroenrat, former leader of Move Forward party//Reuters Politicians targeting powerful posts in provincial administrative organizations now have less than a year to prepare for nationwide local elections. And with the poll only months away, it’s clear that many potential candidates are hoping to ride into power on the popularity of the Move Forward Party. The reformist party won last year’s national election but failed to form a government. “I’ve noticed that two types of political groups are reaching out to Move Forward,” said Olarn Thinbangtieo, a lecturer at Burapha University’s Faculty of Political Science and Law. The first group, he said, is composed of new-generation politicians in well-developed provinces that have a significant percentage of middle-class families and individuals with a different mindset in their populations. The second comprises local politicians with limited prominence in their respective provinces. “The first type aspires to breathe positive change into society while the second hopes to dethrone formidable political rivals,” Olarn said. 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

Industrial Commission exposes Chinese steel mill’s law violations by Top Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail The Industrial Commission in Thailand has exposed law violations on the back of a Chinese steel mill crane collapsing in Rayong. This mill, as it turns out, is under Chinese ownership. The revelation led by Industrial Commission Chairman Akaradej Wongpitakroj has brought to the surface allegations of multiple Thai law violations by these Chinese investors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323796-industrial-commission-exposes-chinese-steel-mill’s-law-violations/

The Industrial Commission in Thailand has exposed law violations on the back of a Chinese steel mill crane collapsing in Rayong. This mill, as it turns out, is under Chinese ownership. The revelation led by Industrial Commission Chairman Akaradej Wongpitakroj has brought to the surface allegations of multiple Thai law violations by these Chinese investors. The commission informed the public about these alleged violations, which include undertaking construction without the necessary permissions, operating businesses under false pretences, contributing to local pollution, and employing Thai nominees to manage their businesses, among other offences. In a recent discovery, it was found that a factory under Chinese ownership had been transporting slag and other hazardous minerals without undergoing the required processing. Akaradej expressed concern about the potential health risks this could pose to the local community. Nevertheless, the Industrial Commission, along with other relevant agencies, is actively investigating this case and others similar to it across Thailand. The goal is to bring the offenders to account for their transgressions. Speaking on the issue, Akaradej revealed that a Chinese investor in Chon Buri had been apprehended for violating environmental laws. Two other cases involving Chinese investors located in Samut Sakhon and Chachoengsao were under examination by a team of more than five officials. Akaradej pointed out the adverse effects of the actions of these Chinese investors, who continue their operations in violation of Thai laws. These actions have had a detrimental impact on both the environment and the local populace. Legal action In light of the Pluak Daeng crane collapse incident, a committee has been formed to investigate the matter. This committee will hold a meeting with representatives from both the public and private sectors to deliberate on the appropriate legal action against the company in question. Addressing concerns about the potential impact on Chinese investment in the country, Akaradej stated that Thailand’s long-term goal was to attract quality investors who respect local rights and aren’t a threat to the country’s economic stability. The Thai government is determined to implement stringent measures to safeguard the interests of the locals and the environment against those wishing to conduct business in Thailand. Furthermore, Akaradej mentioned that the Thai government intends to negotiate these matters with China to ensure the selection of quality investors. The government has also given the Chinese authorities the power to consider suitable punishments for the offenders, including visa revocation. by Top Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail Source: 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

Hot weather forecast across Thailand today April is usually the hottest month of the year in Thailand, with the whole country experiencing high to very high temperatures. Today is no exception, with highs forecast to reach 42oC in some northern and central provinces, according to the Meteorological Department’s weather forecast. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323795-hot-weather-forecast-across-thailand-today/