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The Finnish Embassy in Bangkok has temporarily suspended the issuance of new visas to Thais who want to work as berry pickers in Finland, pending the adjustment of regulations to ensure fair treatment for foreign pickers. Somchai Morakotsriwan, director-general of the Department of Employment, said that the visa suspension is to allow representatives from Thailand and Finland to develop measures to ensure better employment protection for the workers. Applications for visas for other purposes are still being accepted, he added. As a matter of principle, Somchai said that employers who agreed to take Thai nationals to work in Finland must be responsible for all the expenses incurred in getting them to Finland, adding that the amended regulations will ensure transparency and protect the workers from abuse by employers. Full story: Thai PBS 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 New Zealand Men Arrested in Phuket for Alleged Brutal Assault on Traffic Cop By Adam Judd Phuket—At 3:50 PM, on March 16th, 2024, Chalong police officers captured two New Zealand nationals who allegedly refused to pull over for a traffic offense, evaded police arrest, and were later accused of assaulting an officer who pursued them in Mueang, Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322598-two-new-zealand-men-arrested-in-phuket-for-alleged-brutal-assault-on-traffic-cop/

Phuket—At 3:50 PM, on March 16th, 2024, Chalong police officers captured two New Zealand nationals who allegedly refused to pull over for a traffic offense, evaded police arrest, and were later accused of assaulting an officer who pursued them in Mueang, Phuket. According to the police report, Chalong patrol police were performing their regular duty on Chaofa East Road, in front of the Chalong police station. Two foreigners on motorbikes did not follow the traffic laws, not riding close to the left side of the road and riding at high speed in a community area, according to Chalong police. The police on duty asked for cooperation from them to stop their motorbikes. However, the two violators then allegedly attempted to flee from the police.After the police pursuit, the two foreigners were infuriated and allegedly attacked the police while having the incident recorded by the police. The situation escalated as the foreigners allegedly attempted to snatch the officers’ firearm causing the gun to fire once, nobody was injured, according to the police. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 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

Thaksin Tells Critics: ‘To Each Their Own’ By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss talking to reporters in Chiang Mai. Photo: Thai Rath DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra today (Mar. 16) bluntly told those who may dislike him for whatever reason “to each their own.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322597-thaksin-tells-critics-‘to-each-their-own’/

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra today (Mar. 16) bluntly told those who may dislike him for whatever reason “to each their own.” Thaksin shrugged off criticism he had merely feigned “critical illnesses” to deserve a six-month period of staying in a private ward at a hospital in lieu of being put behind bars at a prison to otherwise serve his curtailed, one-year sentence for court-convicted misconduct in office, saying “to each their own.” Leaving his home province of Chiang Mai where he has stayed for three days for Bangkok today, the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole maintained that he had been clinically ill but stopped short of saying what diseases or symptoms which he had had. Without a soft splint around his neck today, Thaksin said he has recovered from his undisclosed “illnesses” but he is still suffering from a herniated disk in the neck and spine. By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss talking to reporters in Chiang Mai. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Tourists, Residents Panic As Fire Breaks Out At Pattaya High-Rise Condo by TNR Staff Fire at a luxury condo in Pattaya Saturday, Mar. 16, 2024. Photo: Matichon TOURISTS AND local residents fled in panic after a fire broke out at a unit within a 31-storey luxury condominium building on Second Pattaya road at 1.30 p.m. today (Mar. 16) but this was extinguished in half an hour. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322596-tourists-residents-panic-as-fire-breaks-out-at-pattaya-high-rise-condo/

TOURISTS AND local residents fled in panic after a fire broke out at a unit within a 31-storey luxury condominium building on Second Pattaya road at 1.30 p.m. today (Mar. 16) but this was extinguished in half an hour. Pattaya’s Public Disaster Prevention Department quickly alerted firefighters who rushed to the building with three fire engines and a crane fire truck. Also helping out were rescuers from Sawang Boriboon Foundation. Upon reaching the building they saw smoke pouring out of a unit on the 11th floor frightening both condo residents and those living nearby. by TNR Staff Fire at a luxury condo in Pattaya Saturday, Mar. 16, 2024. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Bangkok Taxi Driver Returns Handbag with $3,310 and Passports to Burmese Owner By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok—On March 16th, 2024, FM91 Trafficpro publicly revealed the case of a Bangkok taxi driver returning a handbag containing 3,310 US dollars and two Myanmar passports after a passenger left the items behind on March 7th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322595-bangkok-taxi-driver-returns-handbag-with-3310-and-passports-to-burmese-owner/

Bangkok—On March 16th, 2024, FM91 Trafficpro publicly revealed the case of a Bangkok taxi driver returning a handbag containing 3,310 US dollars and two Myanmar passports after a passenger left the items behind on March 7th. Mr. Songchai Chaiiam, a 51-year-old taxi driver, expressed his feelings that for 30 years of his service, he always returned passengers’ left-behind property to FM91 Trafficpro, Police Communications Division, Chatuchak, Bangkok. This time was the most valuable thing ever that he had returned to passengers, according to Songchai. The second he found the handbag, he worried about the owner as he/she might not have sufficient money to stay in Thailand, said Songchai. Songchai then handed the handbag to FM91 Trafficpro to search for the owner right away. “Money is hard to gain. Every taxi driver should be honest if they find left-behind property from any passenger. Furthermore, all passengers should check if they forgot anything before stepping out of the taxi and they should remember the taxi’s information in case anything happened,” noted Songchai. 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 military officer’s road rage prompts armed forces investigation by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post A road rage incident involving armed military personnel has prompted an investigation by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) Headquarters. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322594-thai-military-officer’s-road-rage-prompts-armed-forces-investigation/

A road rage incident involving armed military personnel has prompted an investigation by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) Headquarters. The episode, captured on video, featured a uniformed military man, armed with a pistol, confronting a pickup truck driver at a toll plaza over his driving behaviour. The incident came to light when the truck driver filmed the confrontation on his mobile phone and later posted it on Facebook. The video, dated March 15, depicted the military personnel approaching the motorist, pistol in case, before returning to his vehicle. The truck driver, in turn, reminded the military man of his government position and hinted at a future encounter. The RTAF headquarters has taken the matter seriously. Spokesperson Lieutenant General Theerapong Patamasing na Ayutthaya confirmed today that the man seen wielding the pistol in the video was indeed a member of their staff. Upon learning of the incident, General Songwit Noonpakdi, chief of the defence forces, swiftly ordered the detention of the involved military man. An investigation has been launched into the incident, including the legality of the firearm possession and its display in public, reported Bangkok Post. Lt. Gen. Theerapong assured that the probe would be conducted thoroughly and speedily, promising a fair investigation. He also mentioned that the outcome of the investigation would be reported back to the chief of the defence forces within 48 hours. In related news, an angry Thai hitchhiker refused to apologise after scaring a Thai woman and smashing her car with a motorcycle helmet on an expressway in Bangkok on March 9, saying the victim was unhelpful by refusing to give him a ride. The victim, Panhathai Buranaprasoetkun, recounted the incident and shared dashcam footage on Facebook to warn other women travelling alone. Panhathai said the incident happened at around 1.30pm on March 3 near the entrance to an expressway on Rama III Road in Bangkok. by Mitch Connor 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

Thailand’s cannabis sector faces threat from recreational use ban by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Jeff W, Unsplash The future of recreational cannabis use in Thailand is under siege, with the government set to roll out a ban by year-end while still permitting its medical use. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322593-thailand’s-cannabis-sector-faces-threat-from-recreational-use-ban/

The future of recreational cannabis use in Thailand is under siege, with the government set to roll out a ban by year-end while still permitting its medical use. Thodsapol Hongtong, a 31 year old influencer with his own cannabis shop and online platform, Channel Weed Thailand, enjoys the camaraderie and economic benefits of the booming cannabis sector, estimated to be worth 43 billion baht (US$ 1.2 billion) by next year, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. “We can lie around on the beach and enjoy a joint,” says Thodsapol, during a smoke break at the Green Party, a popular venue amongst Bangkok’s cannabis enthusiasts. However, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew views the recreational use of cannabis as a misuse, harming children and potentially leading to other drug abuses. He aired these concerns in an interview last month. Since its full decriminalisation in 2022, Thailand has witnessed a surge in recreational cannabis use and an emerging weed appreciation culture. This transformation is evident in the tens of thousands of shops, spas, bars, and gaming lounges displaying neon signs of cannabis leaf in various languages, showcasing a wide range of cannabis strains. The tourism sector has also embraced the cannabis wave, with street shops in tourist hotspots selling smoking paraphernalia and cannabis-related festivals such as last year’s joint-rolling competition on the resort island of Phuket attracting global weed aficionados, reported Bangkok Post. The government’s proposed law to ban recreational cannabis use will be up for cabinet approval later this month, putting the thriving cannabis culture and economy at risk. In related news, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew enacted a proposed bill concerning the use of cannabis, underlining its restriction to medical applications only. After signing the bill, Cholnan clarified the bill. “The newly proposed law will explicitly outline that cannabis can only be utilised for medical reasons. It will further promote the health benefits that cannabis can provide.” by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Jeff W, Unsplash 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

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 18 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1322592-thailand-live-monday-18-march-2024/

Enquiry officers from Bangkok’s Thung Song Hong police station have issued a summons for Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, to acknowledge money laundering charges, in connection with the BNKMaster online gambling website, which has been closed by the police and is under investigation. 'Big Joke' summoned to acknowledge money laundering charges Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322582-pol-gen-surachate-hakparn-summoned-to-acknowledge-money-laundering-charges/

Big Joke faces money-laundering charge linked to online gambling by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn faces a money-laundering charge linked to alleged online gambling, leading to a police summons. Today, March 17, Thung Song Hong Police Station officers delivered the notice from Metropolitan Police Division 2 to Big Joke’s residence on Soi Vibhavadi 60 Road, located in Bangkok’s Laksi district. Big Joke must acknowledge the charge at the division on Thursday, as stated in the notice. However, initial attempts to deliver the summons at the housing estate were hindered, as security guards requested to see the notice, a request the police declined. Following a warning that the guards risked being charged with obstruction of the officers’ mission, police were granted access after roughly 20 minutes of negotiation. An anonymous police source disclosed that the National Police Chief, Torsak Sukvimol is aware of the notice and supports the legal action taken. Big Joke, who was not present at home during the delivery of the summons, later informed reporters that he would review the details of the notice, particularly the legality of the investigation into his case. If the investigation is found to be illegitimate, the notice will be considered likewise. Big Joke’s legal team is expected to hold a press conference regarding the matter on Tuesday, March 19. Last week, the deputy national police chief denied any involvement with an online gambling network, citing a court’s refusal to issue a warrant for his arrest. Nathawit Netijarurote, Big Joke’s lawyer, last Tuesday suggested that there have been attempts to discredit his client, considering he is the most senior candidate for the national police chief’s position, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-17 - 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

Enquiry officers from Bangkok’s Thung Song Hong police station have issued a summons for Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, to acknowledge money laundering charges, in connection with the BNKMaster online gambling website, which has been closed by the police and is under investigation. The summons will be delivered to Surachate at his residence in Vibhavadi Rangsit Soi 60 by the enquiry officers, according to informed police sources. The sources said that a copy of the summons and a letter explaining the case against Surachate will also be sent to Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the national police chief, in accordance with regulations concerning charges filed against senior police officers. On March 12th, the Ratchadapisek Criminal Court issued warrants for the arrests of three other police officers and acivilian, also on money laundering charges related to the same investigation. The four suspects are Pol Col Kittichai, Pol Sgt Natthawut, Pol Sgt Natthanan and “Napansakorn”. Source: Thai PBS 2024-03-17 - 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 teacher arrested after blackmailing student with her explicit videos by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สืบนครบาล IDMB A Thai mother sought help from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) after her 18 year old daughter attempted to commit suicide, saying her teacher was blackmailing her by posting her explicit videos on several online platforms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322514-thai-teacher-arrested-after-blackmailing-student-with-her-explicit-videos/

A Thai mother sought help from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) after her 18 year old daughter attempted to commit suicide, saying her teacher was blackmailing her by posting her explicit videos on several online platforms. The mother told the IDMB that her 18 year old daughter had undergone a change. She appeared distressed and expressed reluctance to attend university. The daughter told her mother that she did not want to pursue her university education and desired to withdraw. The mother talked to her daughter girl until she found out about the alleged explicit videos made by a 28 year old male teacher, Watcharawit “Prem” Sungnart. The girl admitted to dating Prem when she was 16. She met Prem when he was a relief teacher at her high school. Prem recorded her engaging in sexual activities and told the girl that it was normal practice for a boyfriend and girlfriend. They later broke up after Prem avoided conscription to study in Germany for nine months. The girl started university last year and found a new boyfriend. She shared a picture of him on her Instagram account, and this sparked Prem’s jealousy and blackmailing. According to the victim, Prem continued to contact her for sex even after they broke up. He also kept an eye on her social media account and became angry after seeing a picture of her boyfriend. The victim said she became suspicious when the number of followers on Instagram increased rapidly. She later found out that her explicit videos were the reason netizens came to her account. Many friends informed her that they found her videos with a link to her Instagram account, and this made her want to quit the university. More victims expected The family had not yet managed to lodge a police report when Prem posted another explicit video on a social media group at her university. The family lodged a complaint with the Samae Dam Police Station, and an arrest warrant was issued. The girl was stressed while waiting for his arrest. Worried that another video might be posted, she confided in her mother that she wanted to end her life. The mother decided to seek justice from the IDMB for the swift operation that led to Prem’s arrest at a school in the southern province of Songkhla on March 14. Police found at least 15 explicit videos and images of young girls on his mobile phone and computer. Officers also found several online conversations with more than 10 young female students, along with pictures of naked pictures with the girls. He was also in a relationship with a female student at the school. Prem admitted to recording the video of the victim during their relationship but denied posting it online. He claimed that a technician in Germany who fixed his mobile phone stole the videos from him. Prem refused to answer questions about the victim’s Instagram account, which was attached to the videos. Prem was a part-time teacher in at least three schools before moving to Songkla province to work full-time. Officers believe there may be more victims and will question Prem for further information. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สืบนครบาล IDMB Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-16 - 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 entrepreneurs make record-breaking sales at Japan food expo by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Fifty Thai entrepreneurs showcased their culinary prowess at the Foodex Japan 2024 exhibition held in Tokyo from March 5 to 8. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322511-thai-entrepreneurs-make-record-breaking-sales-at-japan-food-expo/

Fifty Thai entrepreneurs showcased their culinary prowess at the Foodex Japan 2024 exhibition held in Tokyo from March 5 to 8. The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) revealed that the response from Japanese buyers was so overwhelming that sales soared to nearly 2.5 billion baht. Chanthapat Panjamanond, Thailand’s commercial attaché in Tokyo revealed that orders for Thai food products skyrocketed to a record-breaking 2.458 billion baht. This staggering figure marked a fourfold increase compared to the previous year’s sales of 590 million baht, showcasing Japan’s rising purchasing power and robust economic policies that spell bright prospects for Thai exports in the coming year. Moreover, Thai fruits also got a piece of the action as a group of Japanese buyers ordered a whopping 5,000 tonnes of bananas and an additional 4,000 tonnes of mangosteen, set to tantalize taste buds across Japan starting in April. With plans to introduce Thailand’s unique OTOP products to the Tokyo market, the aim is not just to sell goods but to transform Thailand’s soft power into tangible income for local communities, aligning perfectly with government policies. Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai stressed the importance of integrating marketing strategies with Thailand’s soft power to bolster income and expand export opportunities, reported The Nation. January 2024 already showed promising growth with a remarkable 10% expansion in export value, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead. In related news, the UTCC (University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce) predicted a revival in exports, projecting a growth of 2 to 3% for the year, which equates to a value between US$290 to 293 billion. This shows a significant improvement from the 1% contraction experienced in the previous year. In other news, Phumtham conducted a rice inspection following an invitation from the Association of Thai Agricultural Product Surveyors. The association, keen to dispel allegations regarding the quality of rice held under the contentious rice-pledging scheme, orchestrated an eventful visit to warehouses owned by Poonpon Trading Ltd and Kittichai Ltd in different districts of the northeastern province. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-16 - 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 exorbitant price Thailand is paying for high household debt By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk The crisis of high household debt is casting a dark shadow over Thai society: over a million people are on the edge of bankruptcy, some have committed suicide or crimes, and many are suffering from mental breakdowns. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322509-the-exorbitant-price-thailand-is-paying-for-high-household-debt/

The crisis of high household debt is casting a dark shadow over Thai society: over a million people are on the edge of bankruptcy, some have committed suicide or crimes, and many are suffering from mental breakdowns. The problem of high household debt has been hounding the country since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in 2020, when the household debt-to-GDP ratio climbed sharply to 90 per cent from 60 per cent in 2010. Currently it remains precariously high at 91 per cent. Household debt totalled a staggering 16.2 trillion baht in the third quarter of 2023, increasing by 3.3 per cent compared to the same quarter last year. The household debt-to-GDP ratio remained stable at 90.9 per cent, unchanged from the preceding quarter, according to Thailand’s Social Outlook for Q4/2023 report released recently by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), a state think tank. The high debt has enormous social consequences. News media often report stories of people taking their own and family members’ lives as they are unable to extricate themselves from their debt trap. “The number of property crimes and crimes against life, body, and sexuality surged by 25.9 per cent and 15.1 per cent, respectively in the fourth quarter of last year,” according to the NESDC’s social report. The problem with low interest rates Low-interest rates of the past have been blamed partly for encouraging people to borrow more money. Commercial banks and non-banking financial institutions also provided disguised cheap loans to consumers. These financial products often offer zero interest for the first few months but charge higher rates later, or have enticing offers like “travel now, pay later”. These end up in large personal borrowings, and car hire-purchase loans. Undesirable consumer behavior On the consumer side, borrowers are urged to be careful about their spending. In the era of social media, the NESDC pointed to the rising impact of influencers boosting consumption. They often lure people to spend on meals, cars, and vacations, encouraging their followers to consume products and services beyond their means. By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk Full story: Thai PBS 2024-03-16 - 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

Microsoft CEO halts Southeast Asia trip including Bangkok by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Techsauce Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has delayed his visit to Thailand and neighbouring Southeast Asian nations, as announced yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322507-microsoft-ceo-halts-southeast-asia-trip-including-bangkok/

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has delayed his visit to Thailand and neighbouring Southeast Asian nations, as announced yesterday. The eagerly awaited Microsoft Build: AI Day event slated for March 21 in Bangkok now hangs in limbo indefinitely, Microsoft revealed on Friday. “We are doing our utmost in preparing to reschedule the event and will inform you of the details as soon as possible.” Curiously, no explicit reason has been given for the sudden change in plans, leaving tech enthusiasts speculating about the underlying motives. Moreover, uncertainty shrouds whether Nadella will grace the rescheduled event with his presence. Originally set to embark on a whirlwind tour from March 19 to 21, Nadella intended to make stops in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta for separate AI Day engagements. His anticipated rendezvous with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, scheduled during his Bangkok visit, now hangs in the balance. The highlight of the thwarted Microsoft Build: AI Day in Bangkok was to be Nadella’s keynote address on the dawn of artificial intelligence’s new era. Promising insights into the transformative power of AI for organisations and society at large, the event was eagerly awaited by tech enthusiasts. Nadella, who hails from India, last graced Thailand’s shores in 2016, pledging Microsoft’s support to bolster the nation’s developer community during the Microsoft Thailand Developer Day event, reported The Nation. Nadella ascended to the helm of Microsoft in 2014, succeeding Steve Ballmer as CEO and John Thompson as chairman in 2021. In related news, six flagship projects, including the development of an AI workforce and the Thai large language model (ThaiLLM), are on the cards for the second phase of the national AI strategy and action plan. The initiation of these projects is pending approval from a new National AI Committee, appointed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. An estimated budget of 1.5 billion baht is required for these projects, with 1 billion dedicated to the development of 30,000 AI-skilled workers, including engineers and beginners. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Techsauce Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-16 - 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