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By Peter Roche PHOTO: Matichon Thailand’s Interior Minister flew into Phuket yesterday to monitor the current state of affairs following a number of high-profile incidents, most notably the 45 year old Swiss man allegedly kicking a female Thai doctor in the back as she sat on the steps in front of his house in Cape Yamu. Anutin Charnvirakul landed at around 3.30pm and went straight to a meeting on the fifth floor of the airport. A number of provincial officials, government representatives, and Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat were also in attendance. The Governor, recalled from an overseas trip a week before by Anutin, provided the minister with an update on issues such as the eviction of an illegal sunbed operator from Laem Singh Beach and the ongoing case against Swiss national Urs Fehr. By Peter Roche PHOTO: Matichon Full story: PhuketGO 2024-03-15 - 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 rescue team pulls off penis ring after Thai man makes prick of himself by Petch Petpailin Photo by ไมค์ ท่าเรือ 33 via Facebook/ คลองเตยแลนด์ A rescue team in the Klong Toey district of Bangkok successfully removed 11 steel rings from a Thai man’s penis after he made a prick of himself trying to enlarge his penis. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322427-bangkok-rescue-team-pulls-off-penis-ring-after-thai-man-makes-prick-of-himself/

A rescue team in the Klong Toey district of Bangkok successfully removed 11 steel rings from a Thai man’s penis after he made a prick of himself trying to enlarge his penis. Channel 7 reported that a 30 year old man was admitted to the hospital unconscious yesterday, March 14. According to media sources, he encountered difficulty urinating following a penis enlargement attempt, although the precise reason for his loss of consciousness remains unclear. Upon examination, a doctor was shocked to find 11 tightly constricting rings around the man’s penis, causing severe swelling. While not unprecedented, this case differed from previous instances the doctor had encountered involving Thai men using rings for penis enlargement as those typically involved only one ring. Medical staff endeavoured to insert a urethral tube to alleviate the patient’s urinary obstruction but were thwarted by the presence of the rings. Removal of the rings is imperative before any further medical intervention can be undertaken, prompting the doctor to enlist the assistance of the rescue team. The Facebook page, Klong Toey Land, shared pictures of the rescue operation showing five rescuers carefully cutting off each ring with a portable metal cutting machine. Fortunately, the procedure was successful, and the patient was not harmed by the cutting tool. However, there have been no updates on his current condition. Wiroj Raksakun, a urological surgeon from the Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, informed Channel 7 that the steel ring is recognised as a medical device employed to treat erectile dysfunction. However, it is advised to wear them for approximately 30 minutes at a time, rather than prolonged periods. According to the doctor, wearing the rings for four to six hours can affect the blood circulation system, leading to tissue damage, other serious complications, or loss of the organ. Wiroj said the device must applied under the doctor’s supervision and applied together with other treatment methods to effectively solve the erectile dysfunction. Wiroj also issued a warning to unlicensed doctors or clinics offering ring installations that they could face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to 30,000 baht or both for violating the Medical Profession Act. Channel 7 reported more that the action could also violate the Drug Act and Medical Device Act. The other dangerous penis enlargement procedures that previously made headlines in Thailand include ant bites, olive oil injections, and pearling. by Petch Petpailin Photo by ไมค์ ท่าเรือ 33 via Facebook/ คลองเตยแลนด์ Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-15 - 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

PM heads to Chiang Mai – today’s #1 most air-polluted city By Peter Roche Not the former prime minister Thaksin… we’ll get to him in a moment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322426-pm-heads-to-chiang-mai-–-today’s-1-most-air-polluted-city/

Not the former prime minister Thaksin… we’ll get to him in a moment. But first, the current Thai PM, Srettha Thavisin, is heading to Chiang Mai today on a scheduled visit of the northern city. And, depending on the way you see it, the situation couldn’t be worse, regarding the northern Thailand air pollution. The prime minister arrives on a day, not the first, when Chiang Mai is rated in the respected air pollution monitoring app, iqair.com, as the #1 most polluted city in the world! By Peter Roche Full story: PhuketGO 2024-03-15 - 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’s political resurrection starts with crucial Chiang Mai test By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk The media spotlight has been fixed on Thaksin Shinawatra ever since he returned to Thailand last August after 15 years in exile. That scrutiny intensified on Thursday as the former prime minister began a three-day trip to Chiang Mai less than a month after being released on parole. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322424-thaksin’s-political-resurrection-starts-with-crucial-chiang-mai-test/

The media spotlight has been fixed on Thaksin Shinawatra ever since he returned to Thailand last August after 15 years in exile. That scrutiny intensified on Thursday as the former prime minister began a three-day trip to Chiang Mai less than a month after being released on parole. Thaksin’s first visit to his home province since being ousted in a coup 17 years ago will reportedly include a merit-making ceremony at a Buddhist temple for his deceased parents and ancestors. He stepped down from his private jet in Chiang Mai on Thursday morning to be welcomed by a group of red-shirt supporters and provincial officials. Analysts say Thaksin will use the trip to boost support in the city for his proxy party Pheu Thai after its disappointing performance in last year’s general election. The current ruling party won only two of 10 MP seats up for grabs in Chiang Mai, which had been a key stronghold of Thaksin-controlled parties since Thai Rak Thai came to power over two decades ago. Move Forward grabbed seven of the MP seats in Chiang Mai, while Palang Pracharath won one. Thaksin’s sights are also set on the next provincial administrative organization (PAO) elections, due early next year, analysts said. Displaying political clout Olarn Thinbangtieo, a lecturer at Burapha University’s Faculty of Political Science and Law, said Thaksin’s visit underlines the ex-premier’s strong political influence and behind-the-scenes power. According to Olarn, Thaksin has displayed his political clout on three levels since returning to his family mansion on February 18: the regional level by meeting Cambodia’s former prime minister Hun Sen on Feb 21, the national level by meeting Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin a few days later, and the local level with his ongoing Chiang Mai trip to meet political allies. By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Full story: Thai PBS 2024-03-15 - 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: Female police corporal gets 13-year sentence for torture by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod After a harrowing ordeal that lasted over two years, the court has sentenced a female police corporal to 13 years and five months imprisonment for the brutal treatment of a former female soldier who served under her. The close male friend of the corporal was also convicted, receiving a four-year and one-month jail term. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322417-female-police-corporal-gets-13-year-sentence-for-torture/

After a harrowing ordeal that lasted over two years, the court has sentenced a female police corporal to 13 years and five months imprisonment for the brutal treatment of a former female soldier who served under her. The close male friend of the corporal was also convicted, receiving a four-year and one-month jail term. The case came to light when the victim’s family sought help from the influential activist, Kan Jomplang. The police corporal, Kornsasi Buayaem, also known as Jenuch, was eventually charged with seven serious offences, including human trafficking, labour law violations, firearms offences, crimes against liberty and body, forced labour, and joint assault causing both serious and minor injuries. This followed an indictment by the prosecutor on December 1, 2022. Kan Jomplang accompanied the victim, her lawyer Rose, and her relatives to the Ratchaburi Provincial Court yesterday to hear the long-awaited verdict that took over two hours to be delivered. The court ordered the main defendant to pay 365,620 baht in compensation, while her accomplice was ordered to pay jointly with her an amount of 350,616 baht. The victim expressed relief following the verdict. Despite the trauma experienced, which included a broken nose that restricted breathing to one nostril, she received medical treatment which helped her recover normal breathing function, reported KhaoSod. The victim is now focusing on rebuilding her life, currently under witness protection and running a banana fritter business. She expressed her gratitude to the press and Kan Jomplang for their support and hopes her case serves as a warning to prevent such abuses from happening to others. ORIGINAL STORY: Maid abuse case shines light on layers of corruption On the surface, the policewoman who beat her maid is appalling enough, but as details unfold, they uncover multi-layered rotten corruption laying bare countless cases of abuse of power all the way to the top and connected to the acting prime minister. Not only did the maid endure the abuse in exchange for a pass into the Royal Thai Army but her abuser used similar connections to get appointed to ascending positions in the police force that she was unqualified to do. Police Corporal Kornsasi Buayaem, the 43 year old policewoman, was recruited four years ago, four years past the 35 age limit to join the General Staff Division of the Special Branch Bureau of the Royal Thai Police. From there she moved from a squad leader to the Special Branch Bureau’s First Division and then to the Internal Security Operations Command’s Region 4 Forward Command of the Royal Thai Army. Admiral Sitthawat Wongsuwon and Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwon, who are brothers of caretaker Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, are being questioned by the House Committee on Corruption and Misconduct Prevention and Suppression, accused of using connections to get the policewoman and her maid appointed to their positions. Senator Thani Onlahiad, the senator the woman claimed to be the mistress of, even though he’s been divorced for nearly 30 years, says he did have a close relationship with her in the past but hasn’t spoken with her in a long time. Government corruption The whole unseemly ordeal reeks of cronyism with privileged people offering kickbacks and abusing connections to climb the ladder to increase power. The secretary-general of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand says it’s a vicious cycle of corruption because, as people cheat their way to the top, they then gain the power to help other people cheat their way up the ladder as well. Anyone who blows the whistle on this back panel system sacrifices their chance to advance their career. Laws do afford some wiggle room to sidestep qualifications or avoid punishments for the privileged, but in the case of this policewoman, authorities seem to be muddying the waters with confusing information instead of offering an outright justification of how she was able to follow her career path despite being unqualified. This confusion, coupled with fear of reprisal, stops the public from pushing for transparency and holding people accountable for corruption. The secretary-general pointed out that the Senate has opened a 60-day probe when it should take only a few days to uncover which senator appointed the policewoman, and who gave the green light to her advancements. He calls for an independent panel to take over and at least lend some credibility to the probe, even if everyone involved escapes punishment. Police corruption The maid abuse case also shines a light on the crumbling credibility and corruption of Thailand’s police force, where officers can be appointed without any scrutiny and often with a bribe, leading to incompetency in job posts, and even people being appointed to jobs that don’t exist. For example, the policewoman was appointed to a position in the Deep South, even though she never actually travelled there. A member of the Move Forward Party laments that the police are lacking organization and internal checks and balances that allow them to eat up taxpayer money without performing effectively, with a government seemingly indifferent to the corruption problems. The MP also points at shady dealings and alleges that the police look the other way for a fee as nightlife venues stay open past curfews, casinos operate illegally, and drugs flow fairly unrestricted. In the case of the policewoman who abused her maid, he asks why no probes were launched, and who requested and who else signed off on her advancements and appointments to non-existent posts? Investigations and transparency Meanwhile, the National Police Chief has called for a full investigation to uncover who recruited the policewoman and determine if any regulations were violated in the process, pointing out that she was the only person above the age limit who was hired anyway in the Royal Thai police. The chief says someone in high power must have ordered officers to waive requirements and allow her recruitment to proceed. The chairman of Rangsit University’s Faculty of Criminology and Justice Administration calls for transparency in the police force and their recruitment process to avoid corruption before people lose faith and stop listening to or obeying to police. He says the National Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as other independent agencies and unrelated experts in relevant fields, should be incorporated into the process to avoid it being a pay-to-play system. The loophole that allows the police to recruit people with specialized knowledge has become a floodgate for cronyism, where the only special knowledge appointees possess is the contact info and connection of high-ranking police officers or politicians. Update: by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-15 - 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 woman defends husband for shooting her with harpoon by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod and Matichon A Thai woman in the Isaan province of Buriram defended her husband, who shot her with a harpoon, to prevent him from being arrested, saying the shooting was an accident. Her husband said otherwise. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322414-thai-woman-defends-husband-for-shooting-her-with-harpoon/

A Thai woman in the Isaan province of Buriram defended her husband, who shot her with a harpoon, to prevent him from being arrested, saying the shooting was an accident. Her husband said otherwise. Rescuers from the Siam Ruamjai Pu-in Foundation in the Nang Rong district of Buriram province hurried to assist a 46 year old woman named Phan who got shot in the arm with a harpoon on March 13. Upon arrival, they discovered Phan outside her residence, visibly distressed, clutching her injured arm and awaiting assistance. Phan explained to rescuers that her 59 year old husband, Pairat, accidentally fired a harpoon at her. However, Pairat, who was drunk, claimed he intentionally shot his wife due to her excessive complaints. “I shot her. I really did it. She complains too much!” The rescue team rushed Phan to the hospital to remove the harpoon and receive further treatment. Channel 7 reported that Phan is now in stable condition. The couple’s son, 33 year old Akkaraphon Khornokread, revealed to Matichon that his parents often engaged in heated arguments, particularly when his father was drunk and refused to work. While physical altercations were not uncommon between them, this incident marked the first instance of his father resorting to the use of a weapon. The Superintendent of the Nangrong Police Station, Kamphon Wongsa-nguan, visited the couple’s home to investigate the shooting. The officer took Pairat to the police station for questioning but no charges have been filed yet. Kamphon mentioned that he would interview Phan once her condition improves to inquire whether she wants to take legal action against her husband. He made known that Phan might drop the case as she appeared to love her husband very much. A similar incident occurred in the Isaan province of Surin in February, where a Thai woman attacked her husband with a knife, saying he touched her vagina and body too hard. The injured husband forgave his wife, stating he loved her and found the incident helped keep their relationship lively. In another case, a Thai man forgave his wife after she repeatedly stabbed him. However, their story did not end happily as the wife eventually left him for another man in their community. by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod and Matichon Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-15 - 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

13 sailors injured in naval 'friendly fire', Thaksin meets fans - Tim Newton Today - March 15 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322413-13-sailors-injured-in-naval-friendly-fire-thaksin-meets-fans-tnt-march-15/

Thailand news - 13 Royal Thai Navy sailors are injured in a 'friendly fire' incident at Chonburi, Thaksin attracts some political heavyweights as he visits Chiang Mai for three days. The latest on the murdered Russian man at a Chalong 'cannabis house', two incidents of foreigners being injured in road incidents in Chachoengsao, on the same day! The latest on Thailand's same sex marriage bill, a school in north-east Thailand gets a lot of additional 'fans', and a new Bangkok foodie street makes its way into the list of the World's Coolest Streets list. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

DSI to probe Phuket businesses over potential labour law evasion by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Achadthaya Chuenniran The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has disclosed that a rigorous probe will be undertaken into nine Phuket-based businesses suspected of employing Thai nominees to evade labour laws limiting specific industries to Thai nationals only. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322411-dsi-to-probe-phuket-businesses-over-potential-labour-law-evasion/

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has disclosed that a rigorous probe will be undertaken into nine Phuket-based businesses suspected of employing Thai nominees to evade labour laws limiting specific industries to Thai nationals only. Among these organisations is the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, managed by Urs Fehr, a 45 year old Swiss national known for an incident last month involving an alleged assault on a female doctor near his leased villa at Yamu Beach in Thalang district. An initial examination conducted recently suggested these firms are compliant with Thai law that restricts foreign ownership to no more than 49% of shares in a Thai-registered business. However, Yutthana Praedam, the acting DSI director-general, declared a more comprehensive investigation is essential to ascertain that the Thai shareholders are not merely figureheads. Furthermore, the legitimacy of these companies’ business operations will be evaluated by various state agencies to verify whether they possess the necessary permits for their services, such as tour guides. This collaborative effort sees the involvement of the Department of Business Development, Department of Tourism, Immigration Bureau, and the Tourist Police Bureau alongside DSI, reported Bangkok Post. In a separate development, an inquiry into potential inconsistencies in the allocation of land title deeds for plots situated along Yamu Beach is in progress, according to an anonymous source. Aerial assessments of the location reportedly revealed an absence of previous agricultural activity, originally stated as the reason for issuing Sor Khor 1 land occupation documents back in 1974. These titles were later upgraded to Nor Sor 3 Kor certificates in 2005, the source added. Legal entities potentially involved in nominee activities were found in Chiang Mai and Chon Buri provinces. Ongoing analysis aimed to evaluate investment values and obtain more business information, while warnings were issued against aiding foreigners in circumventing business laws. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Achadthaya Chuenniran Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-15 - 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

Young Indochina tiger undergoes eye surgery in Uthai Thani by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation A semi-blind male Indochina tiger, believed to be approximately two years old, underwent successful surgery this week to remove an intensely inflamed eye. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322410-young-indochina-tiger-undergoes-eye-surgery-in-uthai-thani/

A semi-blind male Indochina tiger, believed to be approximately two years old, underwent successful surgery this week to remove an intensely inflamed eye. The tiger, known as Balago, was discovered wandering around Kamphaeng Phet around a month ago and was brought to Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani. Senior veterinarian Pimchanok Songmongkol, along with a team of specialists from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), performed a thorough health check on Balago. The left eye of the tiger was notably twice the size of its right and was considered to be causing severe pain for the animal. The decision was made to proceed with the eye’s removal. Following the operation, Balago was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication along with antibiotics. The excised eye and blood specimens were dispatched to the DNP and Mahidol University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science for further investigation into the cause of the inflammation. Balago was initially spotted in Khlong Lan National Park in Kamphaeng Phet. He was captured on February 19 and transported to the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Breeding Centre in Lan Sak district for further care and rehabilitation. Upon the first medical assessment, the tiger was found to be entirely blind in its left eye due to a corneal scratch. Additionally, Balago had a minor injury on his front left paw and showed signs of malnourishment, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, the release of bantengs in Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary reportedly led to a notable increase in the Indochinese tiger population, a first in over 30 years. Trap cameras captured images of six tigers, indicating successful conservation efforts. Plans to merge banteng herds aim to prevent inbreeding and ensure species survival. With conservation measures in place, the sanctuary plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species in western Thailand. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-15 - 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

204+ hectares of Sor Por Kor certificates in Korat province to be revoked The Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) has ordered its office in the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima to revoke the Sor Por Kor 4-01 land certificates issued to 10 people for 13 plots covering about 54.56 hectares. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322409-204-hectares-of-sor-por-kor-certificates-in-korat-province-to-be-revoked/

The Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) has ordered its office in the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima to revoke the Sor Por Kor 4-01 land certificates issued to 10 people for 13 plots covering about 54.56 hectares. ALRO Secretary-General Vinaroj Sapsongsuk said that the land certificates need to be revoked because it has been discovered that the plots in question are not “degraded” land, but remain forested. In his urgent order to the ALRO in Nakhon Ratchasima province on Thursday, he also instructed the officials to cancel the planned allocation of 45 plots, covering 149.92 hectares to 26 individuals, although the land has been demarcated. He made clear that the land in question must not be allocated under the land reform program. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-03-15 - 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

Mo Chit 2 taxi drivers demand fare increase and crackdown on illegal taxis by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Pattanapong Hirunard A demand for an increase in the starting taxi fare at Mo Chit 2 to 50 Thai baht (US$1.40) was presented to the Transport Ministry by the Professional Association of Public Taxi Motorists on Thursday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322408-mo-chit-2-taxi-drivers-demand-fare-increase-and-crackdown-on-illegal-taxis/

A demand for an increase in the starting taxi fare at Mo Chit 2 to 50 Thai baht (US$1.40) was presented to the Transport Ministry by the Professional Association of Public Taxi Motorists on Thursday. The association simultaneously appealed for the resolution of the persistent issue of the illegal taxis operation in the area. Khanesuan Gamkhuntod, the President of the association, highlighted the longstanding struggle against ‘mafia’ taxis at Mo Chit 2. This situation has been causing inconvenience for both legal taxi services and passengers for many years. Despite several policy interventions, the issue remains unsolved, resulting in an influx of unregistered taxis and privately owned vehicles offering unlawful taxi services in the vicinity of Mo Chit 2. These non-compliant services charge passengers a fixed fare, significantly higher than the legal limit, according to Khanesuan Gamkhuntod. In an attempt to address the ongoing issue, the association conducted a survey between March 1 and March 13, involving 1,000 passengers. The survey sought approval for a proposed increase in the starting fare from 40 baht (US$1.12) to 50 baht at Mo Chit 2. The aim behind this move was to incentivise more taxi drivers to queue at the bus terminal, thereby reducing the passengers’ waiting time. Khanesuan revealed that an overwhelming 99% of the respondents were willing to pay the higher fare for an improved service. In a related incident, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) imposed a penalty on a taxi driver who had been verbally abusive to a passenger on March 7. The driver claimed that the passenger had provided an incorrect pick-up location, which caused him to wait excessively before the ride was ultimately cancelled. The DLT’s action against the driver included a 1,000 baht (US$27.95) fine, a 30-day suspension of his licence, and mandatory participation in a three-hour training session, aimed at enhancing the quality of taxi service, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Pattanapong Hirunard Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-15 - 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

Rocky start for Thailand’s latest alcohol tax reform By Nimmi Malhotra File photo As the newly proposed alcohol tax reforms in Thailand kick in, Nimmi Malhotra looks into the impact on the country’s wine trade. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322406-rocky-start-for-thailand’s-latest-alcohol-tax-reform/

As the newly proposed alcohol tax reforms in Thailand kick in, Nimmi Malhotra looks into the impact on the country’s wine trade. Thailand has decided to cut its prohibitive alcohol taxes. The tax changes were announced earlier this year, and took effect from 1 March. The cabinet proposed an alcohol tax slash at three levels. First, the import duties of 54% will be reduced to 0%. Second, the excise tax will drop from 10% to 5%. Another excise tax, which applies to the volume and percentage of alcohol and calculated at 1,500 Bhat (£32.84) per litre for every 100 degrees of alcohol content, will now come down to 1,000 Bhat. Christophe Imbert of Comte de Sibour Ltd, a wine distribution company with a strong focus on on-trade distribution, confirmed to db that the excise cuts are fully confirmed, and the import cuts will be applied to every exit from the bonded warehouse starting this week. There are two reasons behind the tax system overhaul, according to Michel Conrad of Independent Wine and Spirits Ltd, a leading beverage importer with a global portfolio including Treasury Wine Estate and Concha y Toro. “First, the new government wants to promote tourism,” he says. Secondly, “they are trying to get rid of entities who are under-declaring the correct amount of the wine they are importing.” But businesses have faced challenges since the change in rules came into force. All importers are now required to re-register every label with the excise department, and this time around, the customs and excise will determine the wine value. Full story: The Drinks Business 2024-03-15 - 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 workers set to transform South Korea’s shipbuilding industry by Top Photo courtesy of The Nation Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn secured an agreement during his recent visit to Seoul as 3,000 Thai workers are set to revolutionise South Korea’s shipbuilding sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322405-thai-workers-set-to-transform-south-korea’s-shipbuilding-industry/

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn secured an agreement during his recent visit to Seoul as 3,000 Thai workers are set to revolutionise South Korea’s shipbuilding sector. The minister, in a high-stakes meeting at Lotte Hotel Seoul, clinched a deal with representatives from five top South Korean shipbuilders: HD Hyundai Heavy Industry, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Hyundai Samho, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean. Expressing his optimism, Phiphat revealed that the triumvirate of Hyundai companies had committed to collaboration, marking a pivotal moment for Thai-South Korean labour relations. “Thailand is poised to dispatch skilled welders and mechanical technicians, adept in shipbuilding, oceanographic engineering, and electronic communication engineering.” Notably, these workers will boast fluency in English and possess the capacity to learn Korean swiftly. Addressing concerns over labour exploitation, Phiphat reassured South Korean counterparts about Thailand’s stringent worker export protocols. He underscored the significance of eradicating nefarious practices like those uncovered in the crackdown on human-trafficking websites targeting vulnerable Thai workers, known as “little ghosts.” With wages in South Korea standing at least five times higher than in Thailand, Phiphat revealed plans to escalate Thai worker deployment by 3,000 to 4,000 this year. The ministry’s broader agenda aims to dispatch 100,000 Thai workers globally, with a keen eye on burgeoning demand in destinations such as Australia and Eastern Europe, particularly Poland. While acknowledging the proficiency of Thai workers in technical domains, the minister stressed the imperative of bolstering language proficiency, particularly in Korean, Japanese, and English. “Thai workers boast unparalleled talent and skills, coupled with a knack for precision and obedience.” Director-General of the Employment Department, Somchai Morakotsriwan, echoed Phiphat’s sentiments, emphasising the South Korea visit’s pivotal role in widening horizons for Thai workers, reported The Nation. Assuring seamless facilitation, he outlined collaborative efforts between departments to assist workers in securing South Korean work permits and refining their skills before embarking on their transformative journey overseas. by Top Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-15 - 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