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Patong –An Indian, a British and a French driver were arrested in Patong for drunk driving on Tuesday (March 19th). The Patong Traffic Police told the Phuket Express that early in the morning, 1:30 A.M., they set up a checkpoint in Patong. The three foreign drivers arrested at the checkpoint were identified only as Mr. Manoj, an Indian national, 35, Mr. Myles, a British national, 26, and Mr. Alexandre, a French national, 33. They were taken to Patong Police Station to face charges of driving while drunk. 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

Yemeni Man Arrested for Allegedly Working at Patong Grocery Store By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – A Yemeni man was arrested after he was allegedly found working illegally at a grocery store in Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322793-yemeni-man-arrested-for-allegedly-working-at-patong-grocery-store/

Patong – A Yemeni man was arrested after he was allegedly found working illegally at a grocery store in Patong. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that over the past weekend they arrested a suspect identified only as Mr. Abdulwali, 38, Yemeni national. He was arrested at a grocery store in Soi Saen Sababai in Patong. He has a legal work permit but it did not allow him to specifically be a salesperson. The Patong Police did not reveal what exactly the job description is in his work permit. 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

Russian Man Arrested at Kathu Restaurant for Allegedly Working Without Legal Permission By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu –A Russian man was arrested at a restaurant in Kathu on Monday (March 18th) after he was found allegedly cooking in a kitchen against the terms of his work permit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322792-russian-man-arrested-at-kathu-restaurant-for-allegedly-working-without-legal-permission/

Kathu –A Russian man was arrested at a restaurant in Kathu on Monday (March 18th) after he was found allegedly cooking in a kitchen against the terms of his work permit. The Kathu Police told the Phuket Express that at 7:00 P.M. on the day in question they arrested a 36-year-old Russian man at an unidentified restaurant in Kathu. The arrest came after the Kathu Police received a tip-off from an anonymous caller that a foreigner had opened a restaurant with many foreign customers. The Russian man was often found cooking in the restaurant’s kitchen and the caller was concerned that the Russian man didn’t have a work permit and could be breaking Thai laws. The Russian man did in fact have a work permit and presented it to police. However, his work permit described his job as only a consultant and advisor on management and development for marketing, not related to cooking or interacting with customers directly. 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

British Man Arrested for Allegedly Selling Cocaine in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Karon – A British man was arrested in Karon for allegedly selling cocaine and using methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322791-british-man-arrested-for-allegedly-selling-cocaine-in-phuket/

Karon – A British man was arrested in Karon for allegedly selling cocaine and using methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine. The Karon Police told the Phuket Express that over the past weekend they arrested a suspect identified only as Mr. David, 45, British national, at a rental room on the Tai Na Road in Karon. Seized from him were cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and methamphetamine pills. The Phuket Express noted the exact amounts of illegal drugs found were not released by police. Mr. David was taken to the Karon Police Station to face charges of illegal possession of cocaine with intent to sell and using crystal methamphetamine and methamphetamine pills. 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 Police also did not state how the suspect was discovered.

No Move Forward MPs Stepping Down To Be Replaced By Others On Party List By Thai Newsroom Reporters Former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, left, and current leader, Chaithawat Tulathon with the Constitutional Court logo in the background. Photo: Matichon NO MOVE FORWARD MPs, most of whom concurrently perform as members of the opposition party’s executive board, are going to resign as elected lawmakers and be replaced by somebody else on a party list anytime soon, Move Forward spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu said today (Mar. 19). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322790-no-move-forward-mps-stepping-down-to-be-replaced-by-others-on-party-list/

NO MOVE FORWARD MPs, most of whom concurrently perform as members of the opposition party’s executive board, are going to resign as elected lawmakers and be replaced by somebody else on a party list anytime soon, Move Forward spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu said today (Mar. 19). None of the five Move Forward MPs, especially including former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, is going to resign as elected legislators in the face of the possibility that their party might be dissolved by court as soon as early next month, according to the party spokesperson. Parit was responding to speculation that those Move Forward MPs would sooner than later step down as elected legislators so they could be automatically replaced by those earlier named as party-list candidates running in last year’s general election. Except for Pita who had earlier performed as a member of the Move Forward’s executive board, all the others are sitting on it and performing as MPs in concurrent fashion. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, left, and current leader, Chaithawat Tulathon with the Constitutional Court logo in the background. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

UPDATE: Foreign Woman Blasted On Thai Social Media For Allegedly Kicking A Pregnant Woman by TNR Staff The woman identified as a Russian by two social media users who said she kicked the pregnant coffee shop owner after being told to remove her shoes. Photos shared by Satika Oz, reshared by Red Skull and published by Amarin TV TWO THAI social media users alleged that a Russian woman kicked a heavily pregnant Thai woman upon being asked to take off her shoes at the latter’s coffee shop on Koh Phangan, Amarin TV said today (Mar. 19). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322745-russian-tourist-on-pha-ngan-island-accused-of-kicking-thai-pregnant-woman/?do=findComment&comment=18779616

UPDATE: Foreign Woman Blasted On Thai Social Media For Allegedly Kicking A Pregnant Woman by TNR Staff The woman identified as a Russian by two social media users who said she kicked the pregnant coffee shop owner after being told to remove her shoes. Photos shared by Satika Oz, reshared by Red Skull and published by Amarin TV TWO THAI social media users alleged that a Russian woman kicked a heavily pregnant Thai woman upon being asked to take off her shoes at the latter’s coffee shop on Koh Phangan, Amarin TV said today (Mar. 19). An X user, Red Skull, circulated photos taken by Facebook user, Satika Oz, allegedly showing the Russian woman at the coffee shop with captions asking netizens to inform them if they saw her. Later Satika Oz, said the suspect had been found and legal action against her started. Red Skull had said in the caption: “This is the person who kicked a shop owner who told her to take off her shoes, but she refused to do so and criticised the shop owner for being rude. “When she was asked to leave, she kicked her. “Police report has been filed and she also has a medical certificate from the hospital. Now we are waiting for the police to summon her.” Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 20 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1322789-thailand-live-wednesday-20-march-2024/

Thai airlines gear up for Songkran splashdown with extra flights Picture courtesy of Stay in Thailand Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet are gearing up for the Songkran festival, a major annual event in Thailand. With an expectation of a surge in travel demand, these airlines have announced the addition of extra flights and ticket discounts to accommodate this rise. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322773-thai-airlines-gear-up-for-songkran-splashdown-with-extra-flights/

A Thai woman on Pha-ngan Island, who is eight months pregnant, has filed a complaint with the police, alleging that a Russian tourist kicked and injured her. Russian tourist on Pha-ngan Island accused of kicking Thai pregnant woman Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322745-russian-tourist-on-pha-ngan-island-accused-of-kicking-thai-pregnant-woman/

Russian tourist on Pha-ngan Island accused of kicking Thai pregnant woman A Thai woman on Pha-ngan Island, who is eight months pregnant, has filed a complaint with the police, alleging that a Russian tourist kicked and injured her. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322745-russian-tourist-on-pha-ngan-island-accused-of-kicking-thai-pregnant-woman/

A Thai woman on Pha-ngan Island, who is eight months pregnant, has filed a complaint with the police, alleging that a Russian tourist kicked and injured her. The woman claims that a Russian woman came to the shop she owns and refused to remove her shoes before entering, as requested. The Russian then allegedly yelled and used abusive language. When she was informed that she was not welcome and was asked to leave, she allegedly kicked the pregnant owner and left. The pregnant woman sought medical attention before filing a complaint with the police, who are currently attempting to locate the Russian. Several social media platforms have posted images of the Russian, taken from the shop’s CCTV system. Source: Thai PBS 2024-03-19 - 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 UPDATE: Pregnant Thai woman seeks justice after Russian assault in Koh Pha Ngan by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Satika Oz A pregnant Thai woman turned to social media for justice after a Russian woman kicked her yesterday at a coffee shop in Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. The Thai victim, known only as Ploy, shared pictures of the Russian woman with blonde hair on a Facebook group called Facebook Koh Pha Ngan, yesterday, March 18. In her post, she stated… “This Russian woman physically assaulted me, an eight-month-pregnant woman, by kicking me. Does anyone know her or where she stays? Please inform me if you meet this woman. I will never give up on taking legal action against her.” Later, Ploy discovered the Russian woman’s Instagram account and shared it in the group. According to her bio, the foreigner claimed to be an actress, model, and designer based in Koh Pha Ngan. However, her Instagram account was later set to private, and all bio information was deleted. Ploy later revealed to Channel 3 that she owns an organic vegetable shop on the island, located next to the coffee shop where the incident took place. On the day of the incident, the Russian woman entered the coffee shop wearing her shoes, despite warnings from other local customers and a sign outside that she had to take them off before entering the establishment. Vulgar language Ploy noticed that the Russian woman seemed to have difficulty understanding the Thai language spoken by the locals. Deciding to help, Ploy approached and explained about the shoes in English. However, the Russian woman responded with vulgar language, prompting Ploy to ask her to leave. Following the request to leave, the Russian woman became enraged and kicked Ploy in the groin. Ploy, who was eight months pregnant, feared for her unborn child as the kick narrowly missed her abdomen. Subsequently, the Russian woman left the shop without offering any apologies. Ploy then complained to Koh Pha Ngan Police Station, providing CCTV footage of the incident as evidence. Ploy told Channel 3 that the Russian woman’s boyfriend tried to seek help from a local politician in the province to evade charges. However, Ploy insisted that she would not drop the charges, saying the incident insulted her dignity as a Thai resident. Authorities from Koh Pha Ngan and the Immigration Office reportedly identified the woman and planned to summon her for questioning. They also intended to review her visa status, as some netizens suggested she might be working in Thailand without permission. 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

Plugo, headquartered in Singapore, launched its Thailand subsidiary office recently to offer an all-in-one e-commerce platform, which provides users the opportunity to seamlessly manage their e-commerce channels under one umbrella without the hassle of having to control several marketplace outlets. With its new direct-to-consumer (D2C) approach, users will be able to personalize their online stores with custom website templates, payment and logistic integrations as well as marketing tools with its PlugoStore, PlugoSync, PlugoPOS, PlugoAds and PlugoLinks. Entirely cloud-based and hosted, Plugo allows users to access and manage their business from anywhere, at any time in the world. “From Morgan Stanley’s eCommerce Global Research in April 2023, we see a definite e-commerce trend shift from B2B to D2C, which is being adopted across the globe, prominently in the US and Australia. Although presently 95% of e-commerce in ASEAN countries is being undertaken by a third-party marketplace player such as Lazada and Shopee, among others, we believe the direct-to-consumer (D2C) trend will evolve rapidly in the region. With a regional total e-commerce worth of US$149 billion in 2023, an estimated increase to US$199 billion in 2024, and forecasted to reach a value of US$285 billion by 2027, we believe the timing is right to introduce this D2C concept in Thailand”, remarked Mr. Varot Kamolchotiros, Plugo Thailand’s Country Manager. Plugo completed its Series A funding with a total of US$9 million in late 2022 with investments raised from Altos Ventures (USA) and Access Ventures (HK). It now has offices in Indonesia, Korea and Thailand. “Riding on our success in Indonesia, we are delighted to introduce Plugo into the Thai e-commerce landscape. Although a relatively new player in the e-commerce arena, we are happy to have gained considerable trust in a short period of time since our establishment in 2022, and are proud to now have over 7,000 business users. We hope to replicate our success in Indonesia to be able to empower businesses, especially SMEs, in Thailand. Whether you are using Facebook, Tik Tok, Lazada, Shopee, Instagram or any other third-party channels to sell your goods, we can bring them all together on Plugo to make life easier for you”, said Mr. Kyungmin Bang, Founder and CEO of Plugo. In 2023, 26 million visitors explored Plugo’s brand websites, resulting in a consistent 9% conversion rate from visits to purchases, a record of 47,000 products were sold in one day. In addition, the highest single-month GMV last year was US$ 6.3 million, equivalent to THB 220 million. “In Thailand, we are offering businesses a very affordable entry monthly package of THB 1,480 inclusive of 7% VAT. Interested users can contact us on www.plugo.co/th for an initial complimentary consultation as different businesses have different technical requirements. However, It is important to emphasize that the added value that Plugo also brings as a D2C platform is that business owners can have direct access to their customers’ database and, therefore, can gear their marketing or promotional efforts to each specific target group when and as needed”, commented Ms. Muntana Saengchanwattana, Product Owner of Plugo Thailand. -- 2024-03-19

Immigration officers told to increase screening of foreigners in Thailand Foreigners in Thailand can expect increased scrutiny from the authorities in the wake of several high-profile criminal cases. Khaosod English reports that police have been issued new instructions to strictly enforce immigration laws. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322743-immigration-officers-told-to-increase-screening-of-foreigners-in-thailand/

Foreigners in Thailand can expect increased scrutiny from the authorities in the wake of several high-profile criminal cases. Khaosod English reports that police have been issued new instructions to strictly enforce immigration laws. Following two separate assault cases involving Swiss nationals, and the more recent case of two New Zealanders allegedly assaulting a Phuket police officer, the authorities are promising to ‘get tough’. Roy Ingpairoj, deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police, has issued instructions to the Commissioner of Immigration calling for increased scrutiny of foreigners in Thailand. In particular, the authorities are targeting those who have entered the kingdom illegally and who have ulterior motives for being here. Newly-issued instructions include… • All foreigners entering and leaving the kingdom to be strictly screened. Enhanced screening will also apply to those seeking extensions of stay, visa stamps, and any change in visa status. • All crimes committed by foreigners to be investigated and prosecuted, including violations of the Immigration Act, the Alien Employment Act, the Entertainment Places Act, illegal business operations, nominee arrangements where Thai nationals own shares or real estate on behalf of foreigners to avoid legal compliance. Full story: PhuketGO 2024-03-19 - 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

UPDATE: Smokin’ setback: Forest fires force Bangkok Airways flight cancellations by Petch Petpailin Photo via SiamRath Bangkok Airways had to cancel six flights at Mae Hong Son Airport this month due to smoke arising from widespread forest fires in the province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322738-forest-fires-in-thailand-increase-dangerous-pm25-levels/?do=findComment&comment=18777668

Smokin’ setback: Forest fires force Bangkok Airways flight cancellations by Petch Petpailin Photo via SiamRath Bangkok Airways had to cancel six flights at Mae Hong Son Airport this month due to smoke arising from widespread forest fires in the province. Bangkok Airways yesterday, March 18, cancelled flight PG 205, which runs from Bangkok to Lampang and then Mae Hong Son because the thick smoke affected the pilots’ visibility. Chiang Mai News reported that the flight had been cancelled six times since the beginning of March due to the ongoing forest fire situation. According to the media, the cancellation affected tourism and businesses, not only in Mae Hong Son but also in Lampang, as this flight route is connected. Naewna reported yesterday that 277 hotspots were discovered in Mae Hong Son, indicating that the forest fire situation in the province remains concerning. The concentration of dust particles smaller than 2.5 microns was measured at 294 microgrammes per cubic metre, exceeding the standard value by seven times. This marked the highest recorded amount among the northern provinces of Thailand. A firefighting team from the southern province of Nakhon Si Thamarat was dispatched to assist the team in Mae Hong Son. Most of the forest fires were situated on high mountains, making them challenging to discern and leading to heightened levels of smoke and dust. The director of the Srisangwan Hospital in Mae Hong Son, Somsak Uthaipibun, told SiamRath that he and other medical workers distributed free face masks to patients and their families at the hospital yesterday because the forest fire situation this year was worse. Somsak reported that many patients sought treatment for respiratory illness and skin allergies due to forest fires. He added that eight patients with critical conditions at the hospital are suffering from respiratory illness and pneumonia. Multiple forest fires were also reported in Chiang Mai and other provinces in northern Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently visited Chiang Mai to discuss solutions to the forest fires and PM 2.5 pollution issues. The PM offered two million face masks to firefighters in the province as a token of appreciation for their dedication to firefighting missions and urged relevant departments to provide proper welfare to the teams. Former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat also travelled to Chiang Mai and joined the firefighting team to help control the forest fires in the Mae Wang district of the province on March 17. Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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

Hua Hin expat Martin Harrison honored with British Empire Medal for decades of voluntary service By Online Reporter Dedicated volunteer and Hua Hin based expat, Martin Harrison, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s Honor in recognition of his commitment to voluntary service spanning over 40 years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322739-hua-hin-expat-martin-harrison-honored-with-british-empire-medal/

Dedicated volunteer and Hua Hin based expat, Martin Harrison, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s Honor in recognition of his commitment to voluntary service spanning over 40 years. The British Empire Medal (BEM) is a British and Commonwealth award for meritorious civil service worthy of recognition by the Crown. Martin, has for the past 42 years, most of his adult life, been involved in a range of voluntary organisations, providing different services, support and helping raise funds for a varied and wide breadth of the community. This commitment has been in addition to being fully employed in non-related organisations. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-03-19 - 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

Forest fires in Thailand increase dangerous PM2.5 levels by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Forest fires in the northern provinces of Thailand have sparked an increase in atmospheric PM2.5 levels, leading to a stern warning from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322738-forest-fires-in-thailand-increase-dangerous-pm25-levels/

Forest fires in the northern provinces of Thailand have sparked an increase in atmospheric PM2.5 levels, leading to a stern warning from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The department stated yesterday that severe legal consequences will be faced by those who illicitly ignite fires in forest lands. Department chief Athapol Charoenshunsa unveiled that they have recently forbidden access to 11 conservation forest zones and 10 national reserved forest areas in the northern provinces. The move was prompted by the potential risk of forest fires and poaching activities by those entering these regions. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, who is participating in a mobile cabinet assembly in Phayao today, has also ordered the department to intensify efforts to curb forest fires. These fires have culminated in dangerously high PM2.5 levels in the northern region. Highlighting the department’s escalated plan to subdue forest fires and strictly impose the entry prohibition, Athapol stated that the villagers residing near each forest in the north would collaborate closely with the department staff. This cooperation aims to gather information on suspected trespassers in forest lands, enabling their capture and arrest. The department plans to establish special watch regions to shield them from the potential devastation of artificial forest fires. This will involve dispatching additional patrols as a preventive measure. Firefighting teams will also be on standby to respond to any instances of forest burning, and the number of checkpoints will be increased to prevent unauthorised entry. In the previous year, the department recorded 7,136 hotspots in Chiang Rai province, in contrast to the 1,294 hotspots identified from October last year to March 17. Despite the reduced number of hotspots in the province, the haze in the northern region remains a serious issue due to burning activities in neighbouring provinces and countries, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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