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Thailand Revokes Visas of Tourists Attacking Policeman PHUKET, (TNA) – Authorities have revoked visas of two New Zealanders after they assaulted a traffic police officer in Phuket on Saturday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322711-kiwi-brothers-slapped-with-5-charges-for-assaulting-policeman/?do=findComment&comment=18776605

Amid the uncertainty and delay in its submarine acquisition, the Royal Thai Navy suffered another setback when its slim hopes of procuring a frigate were dashed by lawmakers. A House of Representatives ad hoc committee on the budget rejected the Navy’s proposal to buy the warship, citing budget constraints and a poor procurement plan. Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang said his government was not able to arrange enough budget for the Navy to purchase a 17-billion-baht frigate to replace its aging fleet in fiscal year 2024. The national defense budget would have been too high, as the Navy continues to remain interested in the submarine project, he said. Government MPs, mostly from the ruling Pheu Thai Party in the House budget committee, voted against the Navy’s frigate proposal. In contrast, opposition MPs backed the frigate plan. They argued that it was necessary to ensure maritime security and ensure economic benefit for the country. The Defense Ministry had proposed a 198.3-billion-baht budget for the military for fiscal 2024, up 2 per cent over the 194.4 billion baht arranged by the military-backed government under General Prayut Chan-o-cha last year. The Navy had sought a 17-billion-baht budget for five years to procure a 4,000-ton frigate that would have required a payment of 1.7 billion baht in the first year. Navy vs Air Force When asked if the Navy would have a chance to submit its proposal for consideration in the next fiscal year, Sutin said the Air Force had already submitted a proposal to procure 12 new fighter jets that might cost 19 billion baht. Admiral Adung Phan-iam told reporters that the Navy would leave the final decision to the defense minister on whether it would be possible to arrange the budget soon, or perhaps in fiscal year 2025 or 2026. The proposed frigate would have been the most advanced warship to be commissioned in the Thai fleet with stealth technology, an anti-drone system, and a three-dimension radar. By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk TOP: File photo Full story: 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

Navy stranded without submarine or frigate amid budget crunch By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk File photo Amid the uncertainty and delay in its submarine acquisition, the Royal Thai Navy suffered another setback when its slim hopes of procuring a frigate were dashed by lawmakers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322713-navy-stranded-without-submarine-or-frigate-amid-budget-crunch/

Thailand Revokes Visas of Tourists Attacking Policeman PHUKET, March 18 (TNA) – Authorities have revoked visas of two New Zealanders after they assaulted a traffic police officer in Phuket on Saturday. They have been detained as the police oppose bail. If approved by the court, they will be taken into custody by the immigration police. Pol.Snr.Sgt.Maj. Somsak Noo-ied, a traffic police officer is now in hospital after he was injured during an incident on March 16 while on duty patrolling Chao Fa Thawan-ok Road. Full story: Thai News Agency 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

Pol. Lt. Somsak Noo-iad locked in a chokehold by one of the two men from New Zealand. Photo: Thapapong Trs and shared by Amarin TV TWO BROTHERS from New Zealand who tried to snatch a Phuket policeman’s pistol during a tussle after they were chased and stopped for speeding on their motorcycles face five charges, TV Channel 7 said Monday afternoon (Mar. 18). After a meeting attended by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, it was announced that the two New Zealand tourists, Mr. Hamish Day, 36, and Mr. Oscar Mattson Day, 38, will be slapped with five charges from the original four adding a charge of bribing officials as well. The initial four charges are stealing, fighting and obstructing officers while performing their duties, attacking an officer and driving without a licence. Governor Sophon issued a statement saying he “cannot accept” inappropriate and illegal behavior.The Immigration Bureau has already revoked the visas of the two tourists and ordered strict prosecution in order not to damage the tourism atmosphere in Phuket. Meanwhile Phuket Facebook page “Phuket Info Centre ” dug up the background of the two brothers who assaulted Pol. Lt. Somsak Noo-iad, attached to Chalong police station, and tried to snatch his pistol on Sunday finding out that they are boxers and for this reason it is not surprising they were able to lock him in a chokehold. by TNR Staff TOP: Pol. Lt. Somsak Noo-iad locked in a chokehold by one of the two men from New Zealand. Photo: Thapapong Trs and shared by Amarin TV Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Kiwi Brothers Slapped With 5 Charges For Assaulting Phuket Policeman by TNR Staff Pol. Lt. Somsak Noo-iad locked in a chokehold by one of the two men from New Zealand. Photo: Thapapong Trs and shared by Amarin TV TWO BROTHERS from New Zealand who tried to snatch a Phuket policeman’s pistol during a tussle after they were chased and stopped for speeding on their motorcycles face five charges, TV Channel 7 said Monday afternoon (Mar. 18). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322711-kiwi-brothers-slapped-with-5-charges-for-assaulting-policeman/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 19 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1322709-thailand-live-tuesday-19-march-2024/

Millions Allocated to Combat Forest Fires in the North BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has announced a financial commitment of 272.65 million baht from its central emergency fund to combat forest fires and address the escalating issue of high PM2.5 levels. The decision, made on Sunday (Mar 17), comes amid criticism from opposition MPs regarding the insufficiency of personnel allocated for fire-fighting efforts in the nation's forests. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322677-millions-allocated-to-combat-forest-fires-in-the-north/

Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the national police chief, maintains that one of his deputies, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, is not the victim of persecution or of foul play over the issuance of a summons for him to report to Thung Song Hong police station, to acknowledge money laundering charges related to the BNKMaster online gambling website. National police chief refutes claim of foul play in Surachate Hakparn case Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322670-national-police-chief-refutes-claim-of-foul-play-in-surachate-hakparn-case/

Virtual banks to revolutionise Thailand’s financial landscape by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The Royal Gazette announced that virtual banks are set to become a reality in Thailand, with the Bank of Thailand (BoT) accepting applications from March 20 to September 19 this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322655-virtual-banks-to-revolutionise-thailand’s-financial-landscape/

The Royal Gazette announced that virtual banks are set to become a reality in Thailand, with the Bank of Thailand (BoT) accepting applications from March 20 to September 19 this year. The aim is to stimulate competition and ensure the stability of the financial system, without limiting the number of licences available. Virtual banks are expected to cater to customers who have been underserved by traditional banking services, including SMEs struggling to secure capital and low-income individuals. This is hoped to reduce reliance on informal borrowing channels, as traditional banks often reject applications for unsecured loans. The BoT hopes that the creation of virtual banks will lead to lower interest rates and fees, as operating costs for purely digital services are lower due to fewer staff and no physical branches. This should also foster competition, resulting in virtual banks offering more reasonable interest and fee rates. However, there is ongoing debate about whether these banks can provide easy capital access for low-income earners and SMEs while ensuring consumer safety. The BoT anticipates announcing the approval of virtual bank licences in June 2025, with operations expected to commence in June 2026. Wipawin Promboon, senior director of the financial institutions’ strategy department at the BoT, stated that the formation of virtual banks should lead to lower interest rates and fees as they lack physical branches and employ fewer staff. He noted that purely digital banking services in other countries have significantly improved financial inclusion for underserved and unserved populations. A major concern for the Federation of Thai SMEs is easier access to financial resources once virtual banks are established. Sangchai Theerakulwanich, president of the federation, argued that virtual banks could alleviate the liquidity problems faced by SMEs. He suggests that the introduction of virtual banks should enhance competition, assisting SMEs, freelancers, and low-income earners in need of funds, as these banks should be able to offer lower interest rates and fees. Improved services Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, expects virtual banks to better cater to the needs of customers and provide improved access to financial services for unserved segments of the population and SMEs. He also stated that virtual banks still face challenges in terms of deposit mobilisation and loan analysis. Moreover, he noted that many traditional banks are offering more digital financial services, such as mobile and Internet banking. He also asserted that while virtual banks are unlikely to significantly impact existing banks’ financial performance, they should intensify competition by offering new services. Thanyalak Vacharachaisurapol, deputy manager at Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), expects the impact of new virtual banks on traditional banks to be relatively modest and unlikely to significantly disrupt their operations during the initial three years of operation. She emphasised that having the right business model that covers customer segments, financial products and services, interest rates and fees, business operations and cost control, will be key to the success of virtual banks in Thailand. However, virtual banks also face a unique set of risks due to their heavy reliance on technology and third-party service providers. Khongsak Kortrakul, security engineer director for Southeast Asia & Korea at Check Point Software Technologies, highlighted that virtual banks are prime targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. Anothai Wettayakorn, managing director of IBM Thailand, stated that as banks look to experiment with emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), hackers are expected to leverage AI technology at the same speed, scale and sophistication. Therefore, financial organisations and virtual banks must enable responsible, explainable, high-quality and trustworthy AI models, while adhering to regulatory compliance, reported Bangkok Post. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-18 - 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

Golden getaway: Thai woman swipes Chinese man’s credit cards in Pattaya by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว A Thai woman is on the run after stealing credit cards from a Chinese man to buy two gold necklaces valued at about 33,000 baht from a gold shop in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322654-golden-getaway-thai-woman-swipes-chinese-man’s-credit-cards-in-pattaya/

A Thai woman is on the run after stealing credit cards from a Chinese man to buy two gold necklaces valued at about 33,000 baht from a gold shop in Pattaya. Bang Lamung Police Station told Channel 8 that the 33 year old Chinese man, Dihui Wu Dihui, reported the theft of his credit cards to the police via a phone call on the afternoon of March 13. He explained that a Thai woman, whose identity he did not know, stole his credit cards while he was sleeping. The Chinese man disclosed that he had met the woman on a dating application while he was in Bangkok. A week before the incident, they were travelling together in Pattaya and stayed at a hotel in Soi Khao Talo. According to the Chinese man, he woke up on March 13 to see that the woman disappeared from his hotel room. Then, he received two messages from his banks on his mobile phone informing him that his credit cards had been used to buy gold necklaces worth 32,815 baht. Thai police officer Sornsuphan Audthonsri-anan reported that he did not understand Dihui’s complaint due to the language barrier. So, they requested Dihui to meet them at the police station later, providing a Chinese interpreter. However, Dihui did not appear at the scheduled time. According to the Facebook page, Esor New, the Thai thief remains at large, evading capture. The page alleges that Dihui wasn’t the initial target of this woman. She has been running a romance scam through a dating application for a while now, frequently altering her name and profile on the app to ensnare fresh victims. Thai netizens questioned why the gold shop approved the sales despite the differences in the woman’s signatures and names on the cards. Channel 8 reported that the owner of the gold shop refused to give an interview with the media. However, in a brief conversation, it was revealed that the woman used two credit cards to buy two gold necklaces until the credit limit was reached. The owner added that she allowed the woman to buy the products because there were no names or signatures of the cardholders on the back of the cards. Bang Lamung Police Station officers did not disclose the next steps of the investigation to the public. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-18 - 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 demands 100,000 baht from Thai woman for alleged assault (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 7 A Russian man accused a Thai woman of physically assaulting him at a house in the Isaan province of Buriram last month, demanding the woman pay him 100,000 baht in compensation. The accused woman denied the allegation and told a different side of the story to a new agency. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322651-russian-demands-100000-baht-from-thai-woman-for-alleged-assault-video/

A Russian man accused a Thai woman of physically assaulting him at a house in the Isaan province of Buriram last month, demanding the woman pay him 100,000 baht in compensation. The accused woman denied the allegation and told a different side of the story to a new agency. The Russian man filed a complaint against 42 year old Sommai Jamnongsook, at Khumueang Police Station in Buriram, accusing the woman of physically assaulting him and demanding 100,000 baht in compensation from her. Sommai denied the accusation and reached out to Channel 7 to seek justice. Sommai told the media that the Russian national was the person who physically assaulted her and her 10 year old son at her home on February 18. Sommai recounted that she hosted a birthday party for her son, during which the son invited his friend and the friend’s mother. Later, at around 11pm, the Russian man arrived at her home in search of his wife. An argument between the man and his wife ensued, culminating in the foreigner physically assaulting his wife and subsequently losing consciousness in Sommai’s house. Russian assault Sommai recounted that the Russian man then punched her in the face twice, causing her to collapse to the floor, and proceeded to choke her. Her son intervened by attempting to aid her, prompting the foreigner to push the boy away, nearly causing him to fall down the stairs. The Russian man grabbed a small wooden table and tried to hit Sommai with it but her neighbours came to her aid. In the chaos, the man accidentally fell down the stairs to the first floor, injuring his head. Sommai said she filed a complaint against the Russian man at Khumueang Police Station for trespassing, physical assault, and property damage. The man denied any wrongdoing and accused her and her neighbours of physically assaulting him. Sommai stated that she would proceed with the legal steps against the Russian national to the fullest extent. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 7 Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-18 - 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

Jomtien Beach Bustles with Tourists at Second Week of Pattaya Music Festival 2024 By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: PRPATTAYA Pattaya —The Pattaya Music Festival 2024 continued its second weekend on Friday and Saturday, March 15th-16th, at Jomtien Beach, drawing a massive crowd of both Thai and international tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322646-jomtien-beach-bustles-with-tourists-at-second-week-of-pattaya-music-festival-2024/

Pattaya —The Pattaya Music Festival 2024 continued its second weekend on Friday and Saturday, March 15th-16th, at Jomtien Beach, drawing a massive crowd of both Thai and international tourists. The festival’s second week featured big-name headliners like Paradox, Big Ass, Cocktail, Youngohm, and Bodyslam, who kept the festivalgoers moving with their energetic performances. In addition to the music, a variety of vendors offered delicious and unique food and merchandise for purchase. This allowed visitors to enjoy a complete beachfront experience with their stomachs full while listening to the beat. Unfortunately, one day did see a power outage that affected many food vendors but did not affect the overall concert. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: PRPATTAYA Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-18 - 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

Former Professional Competitive Shooter Nabbed After Fatal Gunfire Incident in Chiang Mai That Leaves One Person Dead, One Injured By Kittisak Phalaharn Chiang Mai—At 11:40 PM, on March 15th, 2024, San Kamphaeng police officers received a fatal shooting report on the Pa Phai-Super Road, San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai, causing one casualty and one injury. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322643-former-professional-competitive-shooter-nabbed-after-fatal-gunfire-incident-in-chiang-mai/

Chiang Mai—At 11:40 PM, on March 15th, 2024, San Kamphaeng police officers received a fatal shooting report on the Pa Phai-Super Road, San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai, causing one casualty and one injury. San Kamphaeng police and emergency services were dispatched to the incident scene and found a grey pickup truck plunged into a canal on the roadside. Inside the pickup truck, two victims were identified only as Mr. Aek, 28, who was fatally shot at his right eye and right shoulder a total of three times, and Mr. Nophasin, 41, who was shot at his left shoulder one time, according to the police report. Unfortunately, Aek, the victim, was announced deceased by physicians after being transferred to Lanna Hospital, and Nophasin was currently receiving medical treatment, according to the police report. The forensic officers gathered evidence at the crime scene and found six bullet shells. Upon the police investigation, the police were able to track down the suspect from local CCTV. The suspect was publicly identified as Mr. Rungroj Promsiri, a 42-year-old former firearms shooting competitor driving a white pickup truck on the incident day. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-18 - 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

Thai Deputy Minister of Agriculture Launches Royal Rainmaking Operation to Tackle Chiang Mai’s PM 2.5 Crisis By Kittisak Phalaharn National—On March 15th, 2024, Dr. Chaiya Promma, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, performed an inspection in Chiang Mai to tackle air pollution, PM 2.5, which was at concerning levels in the northern region. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322641-minister-launches-royal-rainmaking-operation-to-tackle-chiang-mai’s-pm-25-crisis/

National—On March 15th, 2024, Dr. Chaiya Promma, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, performed an inspection in Chiang Mai to tackle air pollution, PM 2.5, which was at concerning levels in the northern region. Dr. Chaiya issued an order to relevant agencies to urgently launch a proactive Royal Rainmaking operation to alleviate the PM 2.5 problems in the northern region. The operation deployed up to six types of aircraft during the mission to alleviate PM 2.5, wildfires, and drought problems. In response to the Air Quality Index (AQI) that Chiang Mai ranked the number one worst air quality in the world (Based on the cities in the index, which is limited, notes TPN media), Dr. Chaiya followed up on the program to alleviate air pollution, drought, and wildfire problems in various areas, especially in Chiang Mai. The problems greatly affected locals and tourists in Chiang Mai and the economy in the future as well. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-18 - 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

Chalong resident hits 30 million baht jackpot in national lottery by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Phuket News Champagne corks popped for a resident of Chalong, Phuket, after she hit the jackpot, winning a colossal 30 million baht from the National Government Lottery. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322639-chalong-resident-hits-30-million-baht-jackpot-in-national-lottery/

Champagne corks popped for a resident of Chalong, Phuket, after she hit the jackpot, winning a colossal 30 million baht from the National Government Lottery. Naranun Ruchichaiyapat revealed her good fortune yesterday, March 17, upon receiving the hefty cash prize from Panthawat “Not” Nakwisut, the CEO of the lottery ticket application, Lottery Plus. The 44 year old woman, who is affectionately known as Nara, expressed her gratitude towards Nakwisut, recalling the moment she realised she had won. “When Nakwisut called me personally, I knew I had won.” The lucky Thai jackpot winner disclosed that she had bought five tickets bearing the number 997626 via the Lottery Plus application. The inspiration for the number 26 came to her at a petrol station in Chumphon, while she was en route to visit her son in Nong Bua Lamphu. Naranun has big plans for her winnings. She has decided to pay off her sister’s car and invest in a house. Despite her newfound wealth, she plans to continue working. Her mother passed away when she was young, and her father, residing in Nong Bus Lumphu, had taken on the responsibility of raising her son while she was employed. Naranun recounted her call to her father to share the exciting news, reported Phuket News. “I waited for a few hours [before telling him]. I was afraid that he would be shocked and then slowly let the people in the village know. “After all, the entire Nong Bua Lamphu will be having a party in its country style. Anyone passing by will stop by to eat in our country-style celebrations.” Picture courtesy of Phuket news In related news, one recent lottery winner has donated nearly half of their 6 million baht (US$167,033) prize, a sum of 2.4 million baht (US$ 66,807), to Wat Ton in Nonthaburi Province after praying for luck and winning the first prize. The donation follows a promise made to the revered Luang Phor Samret statue at the temple, which is believed to have been with the temple since the late Ayutthaya period. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Phuket News Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-18 - 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 kiwis assault a Phuket policeman, Surachate summoned - Tim Newton Today - March 18 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322636-two-kiwis-assault-a-phuket-policeman-surachate-summoned-tim-newton-today-march-18/

Thailand news - Two New Zealand men are now in custody after a weekend assault on a Phuket policeman after a nominal traffic infringement in Chalong. The Kiwis even ended up holding the policeman's gun and tried to take his phone from him. Thailand's deputy police chief has now been officially summoned over allegations of corruption in the investigation of an online gambling website. He says he hasn't yet seen the summons as he was still up on Chiang Mai as part of the Thai PM's security contingent. Meanwhile the PM has called on a ban of corn imports from neighbouring countries in the ongoing battle against the PM2.5 and smoke haze in the northern region. Royal Rainmakers have also been called in to assist. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.