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Patong –Fifteen foreign riders have been arrested in Patong this week for breaking traffic rules. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that they arrested in total 15 foreign riders this week. Ten of them were unable to present legal driving licenses. Police released their nationalities but not their names: American man French man British man French man German man Chinese man Czech man Belgian man Australian man Polish man By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-25 - 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

Police still targeting Big Joke over BNK Master website case. Arrest warrant considered by James Morris and Son Nguyen Big Joke or General Surachate Hakparn, Deputy National Police Chief speaking with reporters with whom he has a good rapport. This week, he was at the centre of a controversy which threatened to rock the Royal Thai Police to its foundations. It followed shocking revelations by his lawyers on Tuesday. They told the media that efforts are being made by unseen forces to remove him. At the same time, they made disturbing claims relating to systemic corruption linked to illegal online gambling site BNK Master. (Inset) General Surachate attended a party for underprivileged children in Bangkok on Saturday. It came as Bangkok police sought to serve a criminal summons on him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323175-police-still-targeting-big-joke-over-bnk-master-website-case-arrest-warrant-considered/

Big Joke or General Surachate Hakparn, Deputy National Police Chief speaking with reporters with whom he has a good rapport. This week, he was at the centre of a controversy which threatened to rock the Royal Thai Police to its foundations. It followed shocking revelations by his lawyers on Tuesday. They told the media that efforts are being made by unseen forces to remove him. At the same time, they made disturbing claims relating to systemic corruption linked to illegal online gambling site BNK Master. (Inset) General Surachate attended a party for underprivileged children in Bangkok on Saturday. It came as Bangkok police sought to serve a criminal summons on him. ‘BIG JOKE’ SAGA CONTINUES TO UNFOLD: Arrest warrant request to the courts considered by Bangkok-based police as they continue to target him over the BNK Master case. The PM’s intervention has not extracted him from legal peril. Top cop reportedly planning a short UK vacation amidst the legal turmoil that continues to surround him. The dramatic intervention by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday has still left Police Deputy Chief General Surachate Hakparn exposed. An additional attempt to serve a summons on him related to the controversial BNK Master investigation was made on Friday. At the same time, Metropolitan Police Bureau sources in Bangkok, on Saturday, were reportedly considering another application to have an arrest warrant issued. This comes with reports the top policeman known also as ‘Big Joke’ is planning on a short holiday to the United Kingdom. The developments come amid concerns about the remit of the three-member panel of enquiry appointed by the Prime Minister on Wednesday. It came following shocking revelations of industrial-level corruption within the Royal Thai Police revealed by General Surachate’s lawyers on Tuesday. The dramatic saga surrounding Deputy Chief General Surachate Hakparn, colloquially known as ‘Big Joke,’ continues to unfold. The deputy police commander’s recent activities included attending a charitable event for underprivileged children in Bangkok. This took place on Saturday by prior appointment. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Full story: Thai Examiner 2024-03-25 - 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

Fatal Big Bike Collision in Phuket Claims Three Lives, Leaves One Young Woman Injured By Kittisak Phalaharn Phuket—At 2:47 AM, on March 24th, 2024, Chalong police officers received an accident report of a big bike colliding with a motorbike on Wiset Road, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, claiming three lives and one serious injury. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323174-fatal-big-bike-collision-in-phuket-claims-three-lives-leaves-one-young-woman-injured/

Horror greets responders after shocking high-speed motorbike crash on Phuket road leaves three dead by News Desk Police at the scene of the motorbike smash in the Rawai area of Phuket earlier on Sunday. A criminal investigation is now underway. CCTV footage showed the catastrophic accident in real-time. It appears that one motorbike collided with the other as they raced along the road. A shocking high-speed motorcycle collision in Rawai, Phuket, claims three lives, leaving a young Thai woman fighting for survival. Gruesome scenes greeted responders as the fiery crash unfolded. Investigation is underway amidst rising road fatalities on the island. Police are carrying out an investigation into a horrific motorcycle accident in Rawai Phuket early on Sunday morning. The fiery crash between two motorbikes left three people dead including two foreign nationals. A young Thai woman is fighting for her life. The deceased foreigners were Russian and Swedish men who lost their lives together with a 44-year-old Thai woman. Locals passing by at the scene of the crash as well as emergency responders were confronted with gruesome sights. The motorbike crash is understood to have been extremely forceful leading to an explosion and fire. Both bikes were carrying Thai women as pillion passengers travelling at recklessly high speeds. Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-03-25 - 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—At 2:47 AM, on March 24th, 2024, Chalong police officers received an accident report of a big bike colliding with a motorbike on Wiset Road, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, claiming three lives and one serious injury. Phuket emergency services and police officers were dispatched to the accident scene and found a blue big bike and a white motorbike overturned on the road. Nearby, two bodies of foreigners and one Thai body were on the road whose names were publicly identified only as Mr. Kristofer, 36, Mr. Magnus, 52, and Mrs. Kanokkan, 44, respectively. One seriously injured person was found at the accident scene and publicly identified only as Mrs. Phattharawarin, 18. The emergency responders performed first aid before transferring her to Chalong Hospital for immediate medical treatment. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-25 - 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 Area Beachside Restaurant Investigated for Allegedly Using Public Buoys as Seating By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A beachside restaurant on Krathing Lai Beach near Pattaya is reportedly being investigated for using buoys, which supposedly belong to the public, as chairs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323173-pattaya-area-beachside-restaurant-investigated-for-allegedly-using-public-buoys-as-seating/

Pattaya — A beachside restaurant on Krathing Lai Beach near Pattaya is reportedly being investigated for using buoys, which supposedly belong to the public, as chairs. Local reporters visited the restaurant in question on Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya 6 on March 23rd, 2024, after receiving reports from concerned citizens of the suspicious activity. They found the restaurant appeared to be using a large number of plastic buoys, typically deployed for swimming boundaries and sea barriers, as makeshift chairs for customers. The buoys are still in good condition, according to the reporters, and they are being offered to the customers of the restaurant who use services there. The reporters also reported that they saw similar buoys being stored at a nearby rescue center and beach coastline maintenance facility. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-25 - 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 Hotels Surge in Occupancy as Songkran Approaches By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — Pattaya’s hotel industry is experiencing a significant surge, with some hotels seeing over 90% occupancy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323172-pattaya-hotels-surge-in-occupancy-as-songkran-approaches/

Pattaya — Pattaya’s hotel industry is experiencing a significant surge, with some hotels seeing over 90% occupancy. According to Mr. Wit Tantivorawong, Managing Director of the Support Division at Land and Houses Plc, Grand Center Point hotels, one of Thailand’s premier hotel brands, both Bangkok and Pattaya are experiencing a sharp increase in occupancy rates. Hotel occupancy in Bangkok has reached 85%, with room rates averaging 6,000 baht per day. Pattaya’s hotels, on the other hand, have seen an even greater increase, with occupancy rates reaching 90% and peaking at 99% on some days, Mr. Wit said. Mr. Wit revealed that room rates at premium hotels in Pattaya range from 5,000 to 6,000 baht per day during weekdays and rise to 7,000-8,000 baht on weekends. He attributed this surge to the influx of Chinese tourists, particularly independent travelers. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-25 - 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

Koh Larn in Pattaya Sees Thousands of Visitors Over Past Weekend By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Mgronline Pattaya —The picturesque island of Koh Larn welcomed more than 5,000-6,000 visitors over the past weekend as the island remains one of the top picks for a diverse mix of tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323171-koh-larn-sees-thousands-of-visitors-over-past-weekend/

Pattaya —The picturesque island of Koh Larn welcomed more than 5,000-6,000 visitors over the past weekend as the island remains one of the top picks for a diverse mix of tourists. This influx of visitors has prompted Pattaya City to deploy special task force personnel to assist tourists and ensure their convenience at transportation spots between Koh Larn and the mainland. The task force anticipated that on weekends, there are over 5,000-6,000 visitors who travel to Koh Larn. Golf carts to accommodate elderly tourists have also been arranged at the ferry spots. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Mgronline Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-25 - 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

Central Bank Says Thais Among Top Target Of Cyber Criminals In Asia by TNR Staff Representation of a hacker. Above image: Shafin Al Asad Protic from Pixabay THE BANK of Thailand revealed that Thais are among cyber criminals favourite targets in Asia and as these scammers continuously come up with new tactics it led to a total of 56,746 online fraud cases in January this year with 3.981 billion baht being stolen, Matichon newspaper said today (Mar. 24). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323170-central-bank-says-thais-among-top-target-of-cyber-criminals-in-asia/

THE BANK of Thailand revealed that Thais are among cyber criminals favourite targets in Asia and as these scammers continuously come up with new tactics it led to a total of 56,746 online fraud cases in January this year with 3.981 billion baht being stolen, Matichon newspaper said today (Mar. 24). Mr. Pinyo Tripetcharaporn, director of the central bank’s Overall Risk Management Department, said on SpotlightLiveTalk programme that statistics show of the total cyber fraud cases in January, 46% involved being deceived in making online purchases followed by 10% being tricked to borrow money and 7% duped into transferring money. In terms of total stolen cash 32% was drained away through investment fraud. On average cyber crime losses total around 4 billion baht a month with the total damage in 2023 being almost 50 billion baht which is very high, he said, adding the losses could climb this year because they rise when financial transactions increase. by TNR Staff Representation of a hacker. Above image: Shafin Al Asad Protic from Pixabay Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-03-25 - 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

Thailand aims to reduce tuberculosis rate by 5% annually by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Lifestylememory, Freepik The Public Health Ministry of Thailand has set a goal to decrease the annual rate of tuberculosis (TB) cases by 5%. Dr Cherdchai Tontisirin, Dr Niti Haetanurak, and Dr Jos Vandelaer announced this target during a press conference on Friday, marking World Tuberculosis Day. The trio emphasised that, despite being globally recognised as the deadliest disease, tuberculosis’s prevalence is still worryingly high. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323169-thailand-aims-to-reduce-tuberculosis-rate-by-5-annually/

The Public Health Ministry of Thailand has set a goal to decrease the annual rate of tuberculosis (TB) cases by 5%. Dr Cherdchai Tontisirin, Dr Niti Haetanurak, and Dr Jos Vandelaer announced this target during a press conference on Friday, marking World Tuberculosis Day. The trio emphasised that, despite being globally recognised as the deadliest disease, tuberculosis’s prevalence is still worryingly high. Dr Niti highlighted that the disease causes 4,000 deaths and 30,000 new cases daily worldwide, making it the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19. He cited data from the World Health Organization (WHO) stating that in 2022, around 10.6 million tuberculosis cases, 1.3 million deaths due to tuberculosis, and a quarter of the global population suffering from latent tuberculosis infection were reported. Dr Niti shared that in Thailand, the WHO estimated 111,000 new cases and 12,000 deaths annually. However, the trend is improving, with authorities having provided treatment to 78,000 patients, leaving about 30,000 patients to be treated. He added that the incidence of tuberculosis in Thailand has seen a decline from 241 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to 143 cases in 2021. The authorities plan to bring the number of tuberculosis patients down to 80 cases per 100,000 people by 2035. To achieve this, they will focus on seven risk groups: those in close contact with patients, convicts, healthcare workers, individuals with weak immune systems, diabetics, those above 65 years old, and foreign labourers. In addition, Dr Cherdchai unveiled the ministry’s End tuberculosis Strategy, which aims to reduce deaths and new cases by 95% and 90%, respectively by 2035, reported Bangkok Post. Moreover, the National Health Security Office has given preliminary approval to the Tuberculosis Division’s proposal to buy the WHO’s newly formulated antitubercular medication. This new drug can cure tuberculosis patients with no drug resistance within six months, a significant improvement from the previous medication, which could require up to 11 months of use. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Lifestylememory, Freepik Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-25 - 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

Thailand gears up to become global festival hub hosting Tomorrowland and Summer Sonic by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Danny Howe, Unsplash Thailand is set to become a global festival hub as it gears up to host two internationally acclaimed music festivals, Summer Sonic and Tomorrowland. This move forms part of the government’s broader vision to stimulate economic activity by attracting major international events. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323168-thailand-gears-up-to-become-global-festival-hub-hosting-tomorrowland-and-summer-sonic/

Thailand is set to become a global festival hub as it gears up to host two internationally acclaimed music festivals, Summer Sonic and Tomorrowland. This move forms part of the government’s broader vision to stimulate economic activity by attracting major international events. Chai Watcharonke, a government spokesperson, revealed that Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin is spearheading this initiative, aiming to leverage Thailand’s potential as a global event destination. This initiative has already led to successful discussions with several high-profile event organisers, including Formula One Group, Formula E, and Art Basel. Chai announced that Thailand has secured the rights to host Summer Sonic, a highly successful music festival originating from Japan. The festival will take place at the IMPACT Arena on August 24 to August 25, following its shows in Tokyo and Osaka. This marks the second time the festival has been held outside of Japan and a first for any Southeast Asian country. Thailand’s festival roster is further boosted with the addition of Tomorrowland, a renowned electronic dance music (EDM) festival from Belgium. The country will host the festival in 2026, with the possibility of hosting it for the following nine consecutive years. PM Srettha has been actively engaging with event organisers to bring the world’s most popular festivals to Thailand. The positive response received so far underscores Thailand’s potential and infrastructure readiness. Chai stated, “The prime minister is pushing for this by himself in his bid to promote Thailand as a host to important world-class events”, reported Bangkok Post. Emphasising the economic advantages, Chai added, “It is an extra tool that will provide economic benefits for Thai citizens in the form of income.” In related news, aiming to transform Thailand into Southeast Asia’s leading festival and international concert hub, the government plans to engage with top record companies and concert organisers for global artists. Discussions will focus on the challenges and advantages of hosting such large-scale events in Thailand and how conditions can be optimised. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Danny Howe, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-25 - 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

Polish yoga instructor arrested in Koh Phangan for unlicensed operations by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Assawin Pakkawan In a recent development on the southern resort island of Koh Phangan in Surat Thani Province, a 46 year old Polish yoga instructor, Michal, found himself under arrest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323167-polish-yoga-instructor-arrested-in-koh-phangan-for-unlicensed-operations/

In a recent development on the southern resort island of Koh Phangan in Surat Thani Province, a 46 year old Polish yoga instructor, Michal, found himself under arrest. The arrest occurred at Tantra Movement School, a tantra yoga establishment he was operating in Tambon Koh Phangan, around 3pm yesterday, March 23. It is speculated that this man may also be known as Michal Kali Griks on Facebook. Upon the arrest, police and administrative officials discovered two foreign individuals on the premises, who claimed to be new clients of the yoga school. Michal confessed to officials that he had been conducting three-day yoga courses on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For each course, he charged his clients anywhere between US$ 400 and US$ 600. However, he admitted to not possessing a licencing permit for his operations, according to officials, reported Bangkok Post. In addition to this, it came to light that Michal also holds the status of a YouTuber. In related news, police charged an American woman for running an unlicensed nursery on Koh Phra Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. Seven foreigners were found working at the site without permits. Officers from the Immigration Bureau, Tourist Police, Koh Phra Ngan Police Station, and district office raided a rented house on a coconut plantation on the island which was converted into a daycare centre on March 6. Police said the house was equipped with tables, chairs, toys and educational materials. Officers found 20 foreign children, aged between three and five, playing and studying outside the house under the supervision of three foreign nursery teachers, one Ukrainian and two Israeli women. Four Burmese women worked as maids at the centre. The 40 year old American woman, Jennifer Keanne Irwin, introduced herself as the owner of the centre. She reportedly became angry when she saw the police. She was unable to show the officers the nursery’s licence and all the foreigners were working without a permit. The Burmese nationals also entered Thailand illegally. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Assawin Pakkawan Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-25 - 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

Electricity saved in Bangkok during “Earth Hour” less than last year The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and its public and private sector networks managed to save 24.65 megawatts of electricity, by reducing unnecessary lighting and power consumption between 8.30pm and 9.30pm Saturday night, in observation of the “60+ Earth Hour 2024”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323166-electricity-saved-in-bangkok-during-“earth-hour”-less-than-last-year/

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and its public and private sector networks managed to save 24.65 megawatts of electricity, by reducing unnecessary lighting and power consumption between 8.30pm and 9.30pm Saturday night, in observation of the “60+ Earth Hour 2024”. However, the electricity saved this year in Bangkok was less than last year, when 36 megawatts were saved, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 5.2 tonnes. This reduction was equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from 43 flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, a diesel car traveling a distance of 31,200 kilometers, or the switching off of lights in 23,400 households for an hour.” Full story: Thai PBS 2024-03-25 - 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

Motorbike-Riding Foreign Couple Fall Into Chiang Mai Road Hole by TNR Staff The Hungarian couple riding their motorcycle and the hole they fell into. Photo: Amarin TV A FOREIGN COUPLE holidaying in Chiang Mai got injured after the front wheel of their motorcycle got stuck in a hole dug in a Chiang Mai road to put electrical wires underground causing them to somersault down, Amarin TV said today (Mar. 24). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323165-motorbike-riding-foreign-couple-fall-into-chiang-mai-road-hole/

A FOREIGN COUPLE holidaying in Chiang Mai got injured after the front wheel of their motorcycle got stuck in a hole dug in a Chiang Mai road to put electrical wires underground causing them to somersault down, Amarin TV said today (Mar. 24). The unidentified couple from Hungary were riding along a road around the outer moat of this northern city near Chang Phueak Gate when they fell into a 50-by-50cm hole that is also around 50cm deep at approximately 6.20 p.m. last evening. Another passing vehicle’s car camera captured the accident and the driver quickly shared photos online with a warning that roads in Chiang Mai’s municipal area, particularly those around the moat, are dangerous because of drilling operations to lay pipelines and bury electrical cables. While these holes were covered this was not done with the safety of road users in mind, he added. by TNR Staff TOP: The Hungarian couple riding their motorcycle and the hole they fell into. Photo: Amarin TV Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-03-25 - 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

Senators To Grill Pheu Thai-Led Govt Over Thaksin’s ‘Double-Standard Privileges’ By Thai Newsroom Reporters Senator Seri Suwanphanon, above, and Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn briefing the press about Monday’s censure debate. Photo: Thai Rath SENATORS PLAN TO GRILL the coalition government over alleged double-standard privileges provided for de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra, among other bones of contentions, on the upcoming Monday, sources said Saturday (Mar 23). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323164-senators-to-grill-pheu-thai-led-govt-over-thaksin’s-‘double-standard-privileges’/