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Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Leads Massive Gambling Den Raid Operation in Nonthaburi, Over 300 Gamblers Captured By Kittisak Phalaharn National—At 10:00 PM, on March 19th, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and relevant agencies of more than 100 individuals launched a raid operation on a massive gambling den in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi. As a result, more than 300 gamblers were captured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322822-anutin-leads-massive-gambling-den-raid-operation-in-nonthaburi/

National—At 10:00 PM, on March 19th, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and relevant agencies of more than 100 individuals launched a raid operation on a massive gambling den in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi. As a result, more than 300 gamblers were captured. Anutin publicly stated the Thai Ministry of the Interior had straightforward policies aiming to organize public order free of illegal activities with collaboration from all sectors. According to the police report, locals in the area filed complaint reports that a local influential figure illegally operated a massive gambling den in Phra Pin Village 3, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi, since late 2023. Upon the police investigation, it was found that the gambling den was completely fenced and could station more than 100 vehicles inside and 300 vehicles outside. The secret agent then disguised as a gambler to infiltrate the facility. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-20 - 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

Health riders revolutionise medication delivery by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation To transform healthcare accessibility, volunteers dubbed “health riders” are poised to bring medicines directly to patients’ doorsteps, following a successful trial period. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322821-health-riders-revolutionise-medication-delivery/

To transform healthcare accessibility, volunteers dubbed “health riders” are poised to bring medicines directly to patients’ doorsteps, following a successful trial period. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, unveiling the service on Monday, March 18, announced its rollout to cater initially to 30-baht plus universal healthcare beneficiaries across 32 provinces. This innovative initiative, part of the 30-baht plus healthcare scheme, ensures prompt medication delivery to patients, eliminating the need for them to queue at hospitals or pharmacies. Speaking at the Day of Village Public Health Volunteers ceremony at Pua School in Nan’s Pua district, Cholnan highlighted the significant impact of the health riders, lauding their role in reducing hospital queues by 14% daily. Under this scheme, bedridden patients or those facing difficulty in accessing medical facilities will receive prescribed medicines directly at their homes, enhancing convenience and efficiency in healthcare delivery. Since December, a pilot programme has been underway, with 2,796 orders fulfilled in Nan province alone, showcasing a resounding success in improving patient satisfaction and access to medication. Encouraging health volunteers and hospital personnel to participate as health riders, Cholnan announced the opportunity for them to register for a provider ID, offering an avenue for additional income, reported The Nation. Furthermore, plans are underway to collaborate with private logistics firms, including Global Jet Express, GRAB, and Thailand Post, to further streamline and expand the delivery services nationwide. ORIGINAL STORY: PM Srettha inspects ’30-Baht Plus’ healthcare policy Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheaded the inspection of the Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Hospital’s construction progress and closely monitored the implementation of the 30-baht Plus healthcare policy in Sakon Nakhon Province. The Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Hospital stands as a beacon of hope, catering to a vast population, including residents from neighbouring provinces. The relentless pursuit of excellence has driven ongoing enhancements within the hospital to deliver optimised services efficiently. PM Srettha’s vigilant oversight extends to the rollout of the pioneering healthcare initiative, where citizens can access treatment for a mere 30-baht Plus or with just their ID card. This policy, orchestrated by the Ministry of Public Health, is poised to extend its reach to Sakon Nakhon Province imminently, following successful trials in Phrae, Roi Et, Phetchaburi, and Narathiwat. Furthermore, as March approaches, the government gears up for the project’s ambitious second phase, which will encompass eight additional provinces. Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Sa Kaeo, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nakhon Ratchasima, Amnat Charoen, and Phang Nga are all slated to benefit from the expansion, promising enhanced healthcare accessibility for millions across Thailand, reported Pattaya Mail. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-20 - 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

Drunk American flees horror crash leaving British family shattered in Thailand by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of the Daily Mirror A drunk American man is on the run after a horror smash left a British family of three hospitalized in Thailand. The British man fears unless the fugitive is brought to justice he will continue to drink and drive and cause mayhem after showing no remorse after the crash. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322819-drunk-american-flees-horror-crash-leaving-british-family-shattered-in-thailand/

A drunk American man is on the run after a horror smash left a British family of three hospitalized in Thailand. The British man fears unless the fugitive is brought to justice he will continue to drink and drive and cause mayhem after showing no remorse after the crash. Thai police are actively pursuing the American, who is accused of crashing into a British family, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, while riding a motorcycle in Koh Chang, Thailand. Gregory Yamada, the American involved, collided with the British couple and their four year old daughter during what was supposed to be a dream family holiday, leaving them with critical injuries. According to the British father, the driver appeared to be still heavily intoxicated and displayed no remorse following the collision. His 40 year old wife was rendered unconscious in the harrowing crash, sustaining severe injuries to her head and body. Their daughter suffered injuries to her eyes, face, and body upon being flung into the air, along with a sinus fracture from the impact on her face. The family, who were enjoying a holiday in Thailand, were walking along a footpath on the island of Koh Chang when they were struck by the 39 year old American, from San Jose, California. It is alleged that Yamada was four times over the legal alcohol limit at the time of the incident. Yamada was driving a potent Honda motorcycle and has been charged with “driving while intoxicated, causing a collision resulting in injuries to others.” The Thai authorities have since issued an arrest warrant for him, suspecting that he has fled across the border to Cambodia. The 36 year old British father disclosed that they have since returned to the UK following the January crash but are still undergoing medical treatment. “The injuries my partner and daughter suffered were horrific. From what I witnessed, they are lucky to still be alive. “At the hospital on the night of the crash, he was evidently still very drunk and denied any involvement. I could not believe it. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of the Daily Mirror Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-20 - 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

Summer storm alert for 45 Thai provinces including Bangkok by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Micah Tindell, Unsplash The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe summer storm warning for 45 provinces, including Bangkok, as strong winds, thunderstorms, hail, and occasional lightning struck at 5am today, March 20. It is the seventh summer storm warning issued by the TMD this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322818-summer-storm-alert-for-45-thai-provinces-including-bangkok/

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe summer storm warning for 45 provinces, including Bangkok, as strong winds, thunderstorms, hail, and occasional lightning struck at 5am today, March 20. It is the seventh summer storm warning issued by the TMD this year. A moderate high-pressure system from China extended its reach over northern Thailand and the South China Sea, coupled with easterly and southeasterly winds bringing moisture to the area, leading to the early stages of the summer storm season in Thailand. This weather pattern resulted in thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail in some parts, with the potential for lightning strikes. Following this, temperatures are expected to drop. The Department had previously announced a summer storm warning affecting 62 provinces, with strong winds and hail expected from yesterday to today. Residents in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution and avoid open spaces, large trees, unstable structures, and billboards due to the potential dangers of summer storms. They should also take care of their health as the weather changes. Farmers are advised to prepare for the protection of their crops and livestock from possible damage. The provinces expected to be impacted today, include Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun in the north. In the northeast, the provinces of Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, and Surin are listed. For the central region, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram, including Bangkok and its vicinity, are mentioned. In the south, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan are noted, reported KhaoSod. Citizens are urged to stay informed through announcements from the Meteorological Department, which can be accessed online at the department’s website or through their hotline, available 24 hours at 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182. The next update from the TMD is scheduled for 5pm today. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Micah Tindell, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-20 - 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

5 Vessels Caught Smuggling Illegal Oil in Sattahip By Aim Tanakorn Sattahip, Chonburi — The Royal Thai Police seized five vessels suspected of carrying over 400,000 liters of smuggled oil in the Gulf of Thailand near Sattahip, Chonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322817-5-vessels-caught-smuggling-illegal-oil-in-sattahip/

Sattahip, Chonburi — The Royal Thai Police seized five vessels suspected of carrying over 400,000 liters of smuggled oil in the Gulf of Thailand near Sattahip, Chonburi. The major operation was conducted on March 19th, 2024, involving various law enforcement departments within the Royal Thai Police. The vessels were located approximately 100 nautical miles off the coast of Sattahip district, Chonburi province. Upon the operation, five vessels were found allegedly carrying over 400,000 liters of smuggled oil. The unknown number of suspects on the vessels were detained and handed over to the Sattahip Police Station for legal proceedings. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-20 - 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

Tourist Police and 7-Eleven Join Forces to Enhance Tourist Safety Picture: Daily News The Tourist Police has taken proactive steps to enhance convenience and ensure the safety of tourists to promote a positive image of the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322804-tourist-police-and-7-eleven-join-forces-to-enhance-tourist-safety/

Thai women ranked the third among foreign wives married to Korean men File photo : AP Last year Thai women ranked third among foreign wives married to Korean men after Vietnam and China, according to Statistics Korea, as reported by Korea Times on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322807-thai-women-ranked-the-third-among-foreign-wives-married-to-korean-men/

Last year Thai women ranked third among foreign wives married to Korean men after Vietnam and China, according to Statistics Korea, as reported by Korea Times on Tuesday. Last year, of the 19,700 international marriages registered in South Korea, 14,700 comprised a Korean husband and a foreign wife rose to 22.5 percent from the previous year. Vietnam ranks first among foreign wives representing 33.5 percent while China ranks second with 18.1 percent. Thai wives comprised 13.7 percent. File photo : AP Full story: Thai PBS 2024-03-20 - 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 20 March 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322806-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-20-march-2024/

The Minister of Public Health assured that patient data remains secure despite rumors of a leak affecting over 2.2 million people. Allegations by the 'Rural Doctors Society' claimed the data was sold for 360,300 baht on a dark website. This follows a previous incident where a hacker threatened to expose the personal details of 55 million Thai nationals. The Minister is due to meet the cyber security agency today. Lawyers for deputy police chief surachate Hakparn say around 30 police officers may have taken kickbacks in a bribery case linked to an online gambling network, adding they found no evidence of links between bank accounts used by the network and General Surachate. The Court of Justice will create a new division to handle cases involving cyber and technology crime which should improve the efficiency of related court cases. Evidence usually involves data which requires special skills to extract and gather information to be used in court proceedings. Thaksin Shinawatra appeared at the Bangkok Probation Office yesterday, one day ahead of schedule. As part of his parole conditions, Thaksin is required to report to the Probation Department monthly for the first four months after being released from the Police general hospital. Around the region Hong Kong's legislature fast tracked new national security law yesterday introducing penalties such as life imprisonment for crimes related to treason and insurrection, and up to 20 years jail for the theft of state secrets. UN rights chief Volker Turk denounced the "rushed" adoption, criticising it as "a regressive step for the protection of human rights". Hongkongs City leader John Lee called it "a historic moment for Hong Kong", WEATHER Considerable rain up in central and north east Thailand Chiang Mai and the north: cloudy with thunder showers, 30C Bangkok: cloudy with thunder showers 31C Pattaya: cloudy with thundery showers 30C Phuket and the south: Sunny, 35C Hua Hin’: Cloudy with rain 32C AQI yellow moderate, Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-03-20 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 - 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

The Tourist Police has taken proactive steps to enhance convenience and ensure the safety of tourists to promote a positive image of the country. Teaming up with CP All, they have established emergency reporting points for tourists at 7-Eleven stores, reported Daily News. Since the Thai government initiated the Visa Free policy for international tourists, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, from January 1st to March 17th, 2567, Thailand welcomed a staggering 8,074,651 foreign tourists, generating revenue of 390.906 billion baht. This reflects the immense potential of Thailand's tourism sector, drawing interest from global travelers. Picture: Daily News Lieutenant General Sak Siriphan Pueak-oyam, Commander of the Tourist Police, emphasized that this collaboration aims to support the government's urgent economic stimulus policy through tourism revenue. It includes adjusting entry conditions, implementing measures to ensure convenience and safety for tourists, and enhancing the country's tourism image. The initiative involves leveraging the Strong Tourism Community (S.T.C.) project, focusing on Smart Safety Zones in 20 key tourist destinations across 18 provinces. This collaborative effort with private sector partners aims to identify and mitigate physical risks, ensuring safer tourism experiences. Moreover, CP All's extensive network of 7-Eleven stores, totaling over 14,000 branches nationwide with a workforce exceeding 200,000, makes them an ideal partner for providing assistance to tourists. The staff, trained in customer service and community support, embody the spirit of "Thousands of People, Thousands of Kindnesses," aligning with the mission to serve society. In the initial phase, 156 7-Eleven branches in crucial tourist areas across 18 provinces have been selected for participation. Over 300 staff members from these branches have undergone training to effectively assist tourists and collaborate with the Tourist Police. Picture: Daily News The 20 key tourist destinations in the first phase include renowned landmarks and bustling streets such as Khao San Road in Bangkok, the Floating Market in Samut Prakan, and Walking Street in Pattaya. Mr. Yuthasak Poomsurakul, CEO of CP All, highlighted the significance of this cooperation in elevating safety measures and convenience for tourists while supporting the government's tourism industry growth agenda. This partnership not only enhances tourist convenience and safety but also reinforces trust in Thailand as a destination, in line with the ethos of "Giving and Sharing" upheld by both organizations. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-20 - 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

Crackdown on Foreigners Breaking Law: Thai Authorities Shut Down Car Rental Company Phuket Provincial Police Region 8, along with spokespersons, convened to monitor measures against foreigners' misconduct. Since October 1st, there have been 614 cases of foreign nationals violating laws. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322803-crackdown-on-foreigners-breaking-law-thai-authorities-shut-down-car-rental-company/

Phuket Provincial Police Region 8, along with spokespersons, convened to monitor measures against foreigners' misconduct. Since October 1st, there have been 614 cases of foreign nationals violating laws. Those failing to meet criteria face immediate visa revocation. Today, authorities raided and shut down a car rental company in Thalang District, discovering Thai nationals involved in money laundering, reported Thai Rath. Picture: Siam Rath On March 19th, Pol. Lt. Gen. Suksawat Sukwimol, Phuket Provincial Police Commander, ordered Pol. Col. Surapong Thanajit, Chief of Phuket Provincial Police Region 8, and Pol. Col. Achayon Kraithong, Police Spokesperson, to convene and oversee preventive measures against foreign nationals' misconduct. Pol. Lt. Col. Sineleat Sukhum, Deputy Chief of Phuket Provincial Police Region 8, reported 32,207 foreign residents in Phuket, primarily engaged in business (27.94%), private education (25.04%), and retirement (15.19%). Picture: Siam Rath Among the 614 arrests, charges include working without permits, illegal entry, overstaying visas, drunk driving, drug offenses, robbery, prostitution, assaulting officers, property crimes, and sexual offenses. Cases are referred to Immigration for visa review. Notably, 98 visas have been revoked. Measures discussed include crackdowns on foreign criminal syndicates to enhance tourist safety and maintain lawfulness. TOP Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-20 RELATED STORY: Immigration officers told to increase screening of foreigners in Thailand https://aseannow.com/topic/1322743-immigration-officers-told-to-increase-screening-of-foreigners-in-thailand/ - 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

Homeless Man in Pattaya Rescued After Setting Sail on Homemade Raft Again By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A middle aged homeless man was rescued for the second time this month after being stranded on a homemade raft off the Pattaya coast. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322798-homeless-man-in-pattaya-rescued-after-setting-sail-on-homemade-raft-again/

Pattaya — A middle aged homeless man was rescued for the second time this month after being stranded on a homemade raft off the Pattaya coast. On March 18th, 2024, the same man, Uncle Somkiat, whose real name was identified as Mr. Somkiat Mahawan, 53, a Thai citizen from Nakhon Phanom, was spotted relaxing on a homemade raft made from plastic bottles, drifting in the middle of the sea in Pattaya. This is not the first time this man has found himself in a precarious situation at sea. On March 12th, Uncle Somkiat was rescued after attempting to sail to Koh Larn on a similar self-constructed raft. Luckily, local authorities located him stranded in a waterway frequented by tourist ferries and safely brought him back to the shore. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-20 - 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

New Finance Minister expected in April as economic malaise deepens with downgrades in GDP growth by Joseph O' Connor Current Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Chairman and top businessman, Pichai Chunhavajira, is being tipped for the role of Minister of Finance. It comes with a cabinet reshuffle due in April. Mr Pichai is seen as a stalwart of the Pheu Thai Party and the Shinawatra family. New Finance Minister expected amidst GDP downgrades | Economic malaise deepens as new finance minister anticipated in April. Amidst ballooning private sector debt and structural impediments, Pichai Chunhavajira has emerged as the front-runner for the role. Srettha’s trenchant criticism of the central bank has sparked unease. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322797-new-finance-minister-expected-in-april-as-economic-malaise-deepens/

Current Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Chairman and top businessman, Pichai Chunhavajira, is being tipped for the role of Minister of Finance. It comes with a cabinet reshuffle due in April. Mr Pichai is seen as a stalwart of the Pheu Thai Party and the Shinawatra family. New Finance Minister expected amidst GDP downgrades | Economic malaise deepens as new finance minister anticipated in April. Amidst ballooning private sector debt and structural impediments, Pichai Chunhavajira has emerged as the front-runner for the role. Srettha’s trenchant criticism of the central bank has sparked unease. A new Minister of Finance may be appointed in April. It comes as the Pheu Thai-led government comes to terms with economic realities. This includes the growing problem of ballooning private sector debt and structural impediments to growth. At the same time, most analysts agree that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who currently handles the role, has spooked markets with his overt criticism in recent months of the country’s central bank. The potential appointment of a new Finance Minister has seen the name of Pichai Chunhavajira emerge. Mr Pichai, the stock exchange boss, is a stalwart of the Pheu Thai Party and significantly, the Shinawatra family. Since Thaksin Shinawatra’s release on parole on February 18th, the role of the Shinawatra family in government has grown stronger. It now appears that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will cede his role as Minister of Finance. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-03-20 - 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

Alleged Russian Prostitute Arrested in Wichit, Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Wichit –An alleged Russian prostitute was arrested in Wichit on Monday (March 18th) after a sting operation, the fourth Russian woman this month arrested for alleged prostitution. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322795-alleged-russian-prostitute-arrested-in-wichit-phuket/

Wichit –An alleged Russian prostitute was arrested in Wichit on Monday (March 18th) after a sting operation, the fourth Russian woman this month arrested for alleged prostitution. The Wichit Police told the Phuket Express that they arrested a suspect identified only as Ms. Marina, 22, a Russian national at a hotel in Wichit. The arrest came after police operated a sting operation because they had received a tip off from concerned citizens that Russian prostitutes were working illegally in Phuket. The Russian woman was advertised on an undisclosed online platform. She agreed on a fee for her services to an undercover cop and made an appointment at an unidentified hotel where she was eventually arrested. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-20 - 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

Three Foreigners Arrested for Drunk Driving in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong –An Indian, a British and a French driver were arrested in Patong for drunk driving on Tuesday (March 19th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322794-three-foreigners-arrested-for-drunk-driving-in-patong/