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At noon on March 22nd, Police Lieutenant General Surachate disclosed to the press via telephone that today, as prearranged, Police Lieutenant General Torsak Sukwimol, the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, informed Mr. Theerapong Wongsiwawilas, the Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, about his scheduled leave. This leave is for personal matters in Nong Khai province. Subsequently, he will travel for a family vacation in the United Kingdom on March 26th, reported Siam Rath. He plans to return to Thailand on April 1st. He will then schedule a formal press conference to provide further details to the media. "Big Joke" is known for his unconventional methods and high-profile operations during his tenure, drawing both criticism and admiration from the public. Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-23 - 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 your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email marketing[at]aseannow.com for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

62 Burmese Nationals Apprehended in Illegal Immigration Bust in Kanchanaburi By Kittisak Phalaharn Kanchanaburi—At 6:00 AM, on March 21st, 2024, Thong Pha Phum police received a report from an anonymous source that a large number of immigrants would illegally cross the Thai border by boats in Vajiralongkorn Reservoir, Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323066-62-burmese-nationals-apprehended-in-illegal-immigration-bust-in-kanchanaburi/

Kanchanaburi—At 6:00 AM, on March 21st, 2024, Thong Pha Phum police received a report from an anonymous source that a large number of immigrants would illegally cross the Thai border by boats in Vajiralongkorn Reservoir, Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi. The Thong Pha Phum patrol rangers and relevant agencies inspected the reported area and discovered scattered human footprints heading deep into the forest. The officers followed the tracks and found a large number of illegal Burmese immigrants hiding within a hilly forest on the side of the road. The officers then secured the area and entrapped the illegal immigrants. As a result, 62 Burmese individuals were taken into custody. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-23 - 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

Two Indians and Two Myanmar Men Arrested in Kamala for Overstaying and Illegally Working By Goongnang Suksawat Kamala – Two Indians and two Myanmar men were arrested in Kamala after they were found illegally working and overstaying. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323065-two-indians-and-two-myanmar-men-arrested-in-kamala-for-overstaying-and-illegally-working/

Kamala – Two Indians and two Myanmar men were arrested in Kamala after they were found illegally working and overstaying. The Kamala Police told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they arrested Mr. Amreetansh, 39 and Mr. Ved, 40, both are Indian nationals. They also arrested Ms. Khine, 25, and Mr. Min, 32, both are Myanmar nationals. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-23 - 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. This makes seven total foreigners arrested for drunk driving in three days in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323064-russian-man-arrested-for-drunk-driving-in-patong/

Patong – A Russian man was arrested for drunk driving in Patong. This makes seven total foreigners arrested for drunk driving in three days in Phuket. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that they set up a checkpoint in Patong on the Sirirat Road. After midnight on Friday (March 22nd) a Russian driver was stopped at a checkpoint. He was given an alcohol breath test that showed 98 milligrams percent of alcohol which was over the limit of .50. He was taken to the Patong Police Station to face charges of drunk driving. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-23 - 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 Woman Denies Stealing Chinese Tourist’s Credit Card By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —A Thai woman denied stealing a credit card from a Chinese tourist in Pattaya to buy gold chains. The woman alleged she instead almost got raped by the tourist. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323062-pattaya-woman-denies-stealing-chinese-tourist’s-credit-card/

Pattaya —A Thai woman denied stealing a credit card from a Chinese tourist in Pattaya to buy gold chains. The woman alleged she instead almost got raped by the tourist. On March 21st, 2024, Ms. B (pseudonym) complained to the Facebook page Sai Mai Tong Rod to counter a claim made by Chinese tourist Mr. Mu Dihui Wu Dihui, 33, that she stole the tourist’s credit card to buy gold jewelry and then ran away. Ms. B’s version of events totally differed from Mr. Mu Dihui’s. She stated that the Chinese tourist actually gave her the credit card to purchase gold, and she then exchanged it for cash at the gold shop. Ms. B claimed she gave all the money back to Mr. Mu Dihui, however, Mr. Mu Dihui allegedly attempted to rape her. This forced her to escape and seek help from a nearby motorcycle taxi driver. Mr. Nid, the motorcycle taxi driver, told the media that Ms. B appeared distressed when she approached him. She stated that Mr. Mu Dihui had taken her phone and was trying to intimidate her. Mr. Nid then assisted Ms. B in purchasing a new phone before she left for Bangkok without filing a police report. UPDATE: by Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-23 - 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

Shortage of berry soup and yoghurt in Finland if Thai berry-pickers banned by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen Thai citizens make up a large part of the berry-pickers in Finland and the recent ban on visas for Thai berry-pickers can create a shortage in berry soup and yoghurt. In the previous summers Thai nationals made up 80-90 percent of the workforce and it can be difficult to replace the workers this harvest seasons. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323061-shortage-of-berry-soup-and-yoghurt-in-finland-if-thai-berry-pickers-banned/

Thai citizens make up a large part of the berry-pickers in Finland and the recent ban on visas for Thai berry-pickers can create a shortage in berry soup and yoghurt. In the previous summers Thai nationals made up 80-90 percent of the workforce and it can be difficult to replace the workers this harvest seasons. Operations manager Birgitta Partanen at the industry organisation Arkiset Aromat said to the Finish media outlet yle, that the decision to ban visas for Thai national berry-pickers came as a shock to the industry and that they do not yet have a plan as to how to replace them. According to yle, the industry expected for the old visa system to continue this year until a new permanent system is created. Birgitta Partanen says the industry is trying to hire domestic laborers to cover the vacant positions, but not enough are willing to take the jobs, as the pay is low by Finnish standards. by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen Full story: ScandAsia 2024-03-23 - 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 collaborates with Sweden and Denmark to fight corruption by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) tightens collaborations with Denmark and Sweden in a meeting with the Nordic Police Liaison Office. The goal is to develop new tactics and tackling illegal activities in accordance with the global standards for corruption. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323060-thailand-collaborates-with-sweden-and-denmark-to-fight-corruption/

Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) tightens collaborations with Denmark and Sweden in a meeting with the Nordic Police Liaison Office. The goal is to develop new tactics and tackling illegal activities in accordance with the global standards for corruption. The cooperation between the Nordic countries is both bilateral and multilateral and extends to exchange of legal information, coordinate cases, and to collaborate academically in order to share knowledge of fighting corruption. The initiative aims at suppressing and preventing corruption and be beneficial in raising the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of Thailand. The Thai newsagency the Nation published an article yesterday saying the NACC’s Secretary General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, Assistant Attache/Liaison Officer Carsten Andersen, the Nordic Police Affairs Department at the Danish Embassy in Thailand Jane Ohlsson, Assistant Ambassador Officer for Police Affairs in the Nordic Countries at the Swedish Embassy in Thailand, NACC’s executives and representatives from the Bureau of International Affair and Corruption Investigation, the Bureau of Investigation and Special Operation met on 8 March 2024 to discuss the topic. by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen Full story: ScandAsia 2024-03-23 - 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 Saturday 23 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1323059-thailand-live-saturday-23-march-2024/

Thai MPs score controversy with illegal match stream in Parliament Photo by Thai News Pix via WorkPoint Today Pheu Thai Party MPs sparked controversy on Thai social media for watching yesterday’s Thailand versus South Korea football match on an illegal website, complete with gambling advertisements, during a parliament meeting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323028-thai-mps-score-controversy-with-illegal-match-stream-in-parliament/

Tourist Police and the Chinese consulate in Thailand are teaming up to enhance safety measures for Chinese tourists visiting Pattaya. Tourist Police and Chinese Consulate Team Up to Enhance Safety for Chinese Tourists Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323022-tourist-police-and-chinese-consulate-team-up-to-enhance-safety-for-chinese-tourists/

State Railway of Thailand’s renovation project for accessibility by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post In a significant move towards inclusivity, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has embarked on a renovation project for 10 of its passenger carriages. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323003-state-railway-of-thailand’s-renovation-project-for-accessibility/

In a significant move towards inclusivity, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has embarked on a renovation project for 10 of its passenger carriages. The initiative is aimed at making the carriages more accessible for individuals with disabilities, according to Aekkarat Sriarayanpong, head of the SRT governor’s office. The carriages undergoing renovation are second-class vehicles put into service in 2012. The SRT plans to have the first two refurbished carriages ready by the end of the month. Subsequently, the remaining carriages are slated to be completed in stages, with three in April, another two in May, and the final two in October. The primary objective of the renovation is to improve safety measures and convenience for passengers with disabilities. The modifications include the installation of a closed-system toilet, a platform ladder, and an escalator. These enhancements are designed to provide a user-friendly experience for the disabled. In addition to this undertaking, the SRT already has 115 CNR Special Express Train carriages in operation that are equipped to accommodate passengers with disabilities. These carriages serve various destinations across the northern, northeastern, and southern train routes, reported Bangkok Post. Following the completion of the current renovation, the SRT has plans to refurbish 16 additional second-class carriages in the subsequent year, as disclosed by SRT governor Nirut Maneepan. This ongoing commitment to inclusivity by the SRT is a commendable stride towards making public transport more accessible for all. In related news, the SRT advanced with plans to construct three double-track railroad routes spanning a total of 634 kilometres. The project, which will require a combined investment of 113.14 billion baht, has been approved by the SRT board and is due to be submitted to the Transport Ministry last month. In other news, the SRT rolled out a game-changing 90-day advance booking service for CNR express trains on key routes, for the upcoming Songkran festivities. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-22 - 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

Sakon Nakhon headman caught in 9 million baht heroin bust by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In a major drug bust, authorities in Bueng Kan Province apprehended three individuals, including a prominent subdistrict headman from Sakon Nakhon, for smuggling nearly 10 kilogrammes of heroin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323001-sakon-nakhon-headman-caught-in-9-million-baht-heroin-bust/

In a major drug bust, authorities in Bueng Kan Province apprehended three individuals, including a prominent subdistrict headman from Sakon Nakhon, for smuggling nearly 10 kilogrammes of heroin. The arrest took place yesterday afternoon at a border patrol police company in Bueng Kan, following a covert operation led by the local law enforcement and border patrol units. The suspects were caught red-handed with the narcotics, valued at approximately 9 million baht, along with a white Nissan sedan and three mobile phones, which have been seized as evidence. The operation was a result of meticulous intelligence gathering by the border patrol police company 244, which received a tip-off about a suspicious bag located in a scrubland near Highway 212. Upon further inspection, the bag contained an aluminium frame with heroin concealed within, cleverly disguised to look like ordinary folding bed legs. The heroin, totalling 9.29 kilogrammes, was expertly hidden and would have required a keen eye to detect its presence within the aluminium tubes. The suspects include 29 year old Wachira, 55 year old Rungphet, and 53 year old Petchrat, all from Sakon Nakhon. During the sting operation, Wachira and Petchrat were observed retrieving the bag and attempting to load it into the vehicle, while Rungphet waited inside the car. All three were immediately apprehended by the officers lying in wait. Upon questioning, Rungphet, the headman, confessed that following his wife’s death, he had been in a relationship with Petchrat. She had invited him on what he believed to be a casual trip to Bueng Kan and to transport some items for a friend, unaware of the illicit contents. Wachira, on the other hand, admitted to being hired for 50,000 baht to deliver the heroin to Sakon Nakhon, intending to share the payment with Petchrat upon successful delivery. The Bueng Kan Governor, Chumphon Wannachatchawansiri, expressed shock at the involvement of a local official in such illicit activities. Rungphet, despite claiming ignorance about the heroin, is facing not only criminal charges but also disciplinary action due to his status as a government official, reported KhaoSod. The governor emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards any state officials involved in drug trafficking and assured that stringent measures would be taken against such individuals. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-22 - 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

Hairstyle Mimicking Forest Fire CHIANG MAI, March 22 (TNA) – With a bold move, an owner of a hair salon in Chiang Mai designed a hairstyle resembling a forest fire, vividly depicting the pain caused by wildfires and advocating for an end to forest burning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323000-hairstyle-mimicking-forest-fire/

CHIANG MAI, March 22 (TNA) – With a bold move, an owner of a hair salon in Chiang Mai designed a hairstyle resembling a forest fire, vividly depicting the pain caused by wildfires and advocating for an end to forest burning. This unique hairstyle aligns with the current severe situation of thick smoke from forest fires in many provinces, particularly in Chiang Mai, which ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. The haze has engulfed the area for over a month, prompting both government and private sectors to campaign for a cessation of all open burning activities. In one hair salon in Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, the owner, Maitree Muangthong also known as Boy emphasizes the importance of this issue. He designed a hairstyle resembling a forest fire to raise awareness and urge people to cease forest burning practices due to the widespread distress it causes. Full story: TNA-MCOT 2024-03-22 - 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

Arson attacks by insurgents in three southernmost provinces Suspected insurgents launched coordinated robbery and arson attacks on multiple targets in the three restive southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat early this morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322999-arson-attacks-by-insurgents-in-three-southernmost-provinces/

Suspected insurgents launched coordinated robbery and arson attacks on multiple targets in the three restive southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat early this morning. The targets included 7-11 convenience stores, a crushing plant, cell towers, CCTV cameras, a road grader, a saw mill and a car. Car tyres were also set alight on some roads, but no one was killed or injured. In one of the arson attacks on a 7-11 convenience store in Muang district of Pattani, an employee told the police said that three armed men fired several shots into the air before they entered the store and ordered all the employees to leave. One of them refused and a rebel threatened to shoot him. Then the rebels poured gasoline over the cashier’s counter and set it alight, before fleeing the scene on motorcycles. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-03-22 - 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

Rouble trouble: Russian woman fined for assaulting pregnant Thai by Bob Scott Picture of the Russian woman, identified Alena, courtesy of Bangkok Post The violent Russian woman who blamed her period for assaulting a pregnant Thai woman in Koh Pha Ngan has been fined 500 baht and handed a suspended 15-day jail sentence. Immigration authorities in Surat Thani are deliberating whether to revoke her visa due to the criminal offence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322998-rouble-trouble-russian-woman-fined-for-assaulting-pregnant-thai/