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The Criminal Court yesterday summoned Deputy National Police Commissioner Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn for alleged involvement in money laundering from an online gambling operation website. Surachate, considered a high-ranking officer, was summoned instead of being issued an arrest warrant. three police officers and one civilian were being charged.. Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission is expected to summon six businessmen suspected of illegally holding land plots reserved for landless farmers, This comes As investigations are underway into land encroachment in Khao Yai National Park. Ways were being sought to seize the properties of those involved in unlawful use or transfer of land. Prime minister Thavasin yesterday defended his frequent overseas trips saying he was connecting Thailand to the world and the world to Thailand in order to be more open to the international community, so that Thailand can be viewed from a different perspective. He added Paris supports the idea of a free-visa for thai nationals and negotiations should be concluded by the end of the year. A four-year-old girl suffocated and died during a fire at a Fresh Market in Bangkok yesterday afternoon. Two adults were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. Around the region Australia's government released its first National Climate Risk Assessment yesterday highlighting 11 priority areas that were at “significant risk”including water security, agriculture and economic resilience. This may see insurance companies and banks withdraw their services from communities vulnerable to extreme events, potentially triggering “cascading effects” across Australia's economy. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, partly cloudy 38C Bangkok: cloudy, thundershowers 33C Pattaya: bright, cloudy with rain at times 31C Phuket and the south: Sunny, partly cloudy 33C Hua Hin: bright but cloudy with a chance of rain, winds light from the South 32C AQI Yellow moderate, Orange High, Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-03-13 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Model's Nightmare: Taxi Harassment Unfolds Amid Fare Dispute In a recent incident reported by the user of the Facebook profile named Social Hunter Reborn V3, a young model faced harassment by a taxi driver after allegedly canceling the ride before its arrival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322219-models-nightmare-taxi-harassment-unfolds-amid-fare-dispute/

In a recent incident reported by the user of the Facebook profile named Social Hunter Reborn V3, a young model faced harassment by a taxi driver after allegedly canceling the ride before its arrival. Picture: Siam Rath The model supposedly attempted to hail a taxi through a mobile application but changed her mind abruptly, leading to dissatisfaction on the part of the taxi driver, who allegedly attempted to coerce her into boarding the vehicle, reported Siam Rath. The model shared her side of the story, stating that she had called for a taxi via the app but later changed her mind, citing sudden changes in plans. This led to a confrontation where the driver demanded compensation for wasted time. The situation escalated when the driver allegedly attempted to forcibly take her into the taxi. Fortunately, bystanders intervened, preventing any further escalation. Picture: Siam Rath Following the incident, the news media reached out to the victim, identified as Miss Phalyakarn (surname withheld), 24 years old, who recounted the events of the morning of March 8th. She explained that she had initially called for a taxi to return home after dining at her elder sibling's house near Sukhumvit Soi 4. However, the driver became aggressive during a phone call, demanding a fee for his time. Despite the unpleasant encounter, she canceled the ride and chose not to use the service again. TOP Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-13 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man Arrested at Entertainment Venue in Patong that was Allegedly Opened Without Permission By Goongnang Suksawat Patong –A man was arrested at an entertainment venue on the Bangla Road in Patong allegedly opened without legal permission after a raid on Monday (March 11th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322216-man-arrested-at-entertainment-venue-in-patong-that-was-allegedly-opened-without-permission/

Patong –A man was arrested at an entertainment venue on the Bangla Road in Patong allegedly opened without legal permission after a raid on Monday (March 11th). The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that at 11:00 P.M. they raided an unidentified night club in Soi Gon So on the Bangla Road. Customers were also found inside the nightclub. Mr. Pakapumin, no last name released, was presented as the owner. He was unable to present a legal license for the entertainment venue. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PUKET  EXPRESS 2024-03-13 - 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

Pickup Truck Carrying Fresh Fish Overturns on Road Near Pattaya By Aim Tanakorn Chonburi — A pickup truck, carrying fresh fish, overturned on Highway 331 near Pattaya, on Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322215-pickup-truck-carrying-fresh-fish-overturns-on-road-near-pattaya/

Chonburi — A pickup truck, carrying fresh fish, overturned on Highway 331 near Pattaya, on Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM on March 11th, 2024, in Baan Pong Saket, Moo 5, Takhian Tia sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. The Sawangboriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation in Pattaya responded to the scene upon receiving the report. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found a bronze Isuzu D-Max pickup truck with Rayong registration plates lying on its roof in the middle of the median strip. The vehicle had sustained significant damage. However, its driver, 40-year-old Mr. Suwann Rirat, fortunately emerged unharmed from the devastating accident. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-13 - 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

Pattaya to Expand Lanes on Chaiyapruek Road for Improved Traffic Flow By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: PRPATTAYA Pattaya —Pattaya City officials announced plans on Sunday, March 11th, to expand lanes on Chaiyapruek Road, heading towards Sukhumvit Road, to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322213-pattaya-to-expand-lanes-on-chaiyapruek-road-for-improved-traffic-flow/

Pattaya —Pattaya City officials announced plans on Sunday, March 11th, to expand lanes on Chaiyapruek Road, heading towards Sukhumvit Road, to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. The project involves creating designated left-turn lanes along Chaiyapruek Road to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Mr. Worapot Phongphali, Assistant Secretary to the Mayor of Pattaya, and Mr. Praiwan Aromchuen, Deputy Head of the Pattaya City Council, visited the Chaiyapruek intersection on Sunday to assess the situation and gather information for the project. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: PRPATTAYA Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-13 - 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 casino odds looking up as House Committee wraps study by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Michal Parzuchowski for Unsplash The potential of casino legalisation in Thailand took a significant step forward with the House Committee on casino legalisation concluding its comprehensive study on the matter. Senior figures from the Pheu Thai Party have revealed that the study’s findings will be presented to parliament in the coming week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322211-thailand’s-casino-odds-looking-up-as-house-committee-wraps-study/

The potential of casino legalisation in Thailand took a significant step forward with the House Committee on casino legalisation concluding its comprehensive study on the matter. Senior figures from the Pheu Thai Party have revealed that the study’s findings will be presented to parliament in the coming week. The special House Committee, chaired by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, completed a thorough investigation into the feasibility of legalising casinos in the country. Amornvivat informed on Tuesday that their study, packed with detailed information, is now ready to be presented. The progression of this legalisation will depend on the House’s acceptance of the study. If approved, the next step will involve forwarding the study to the Cabinet for further approval and eventual implementation. The House Committee’s Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the coalition-core Pheu Thai Party, Sorawong Thienthong, confirmed the approaching completion of their study. He is set to propose the study to the House next week. Thienthong emphasised the extensive nature of the study, which could potentially lead to substantial revenue generation for the country, reported Bangkok Post. “If this is realised, it could generate huge revenue for the country. What we emphasise is entertainment complexes. Casinos would be a small part of such complexes.” The potential legalisation of casinos would place operators under the obligation to meet the total investment. The government, in turn, would issue licences, levy taxes, and set specific conditions regarding the location of the complexes. According to Thienthong, these complexes must not be located adjacent to Bangkok. Only last month the Thai cyber police successfully dismantled two major online gambling networks, confiscating over 18 million baht (US$498,000) in cash and revealing a staggering 300 million baht (US$8,296,000) monthly circulation. The crackdown occurred on February 15, under the operation of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD). The announcement revealed the arrest of 26 individuals linked to the gambling websites ramruy.net and pok9.com. by Mitch Connor Top Picture courtesy of Michal Parzuchowski for Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-13 - 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 Airways resumes flights to Sri Lanka next month by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Daily Mirror LK Thai Airways (THAI) gears up to grace the runways of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) once again, starting April 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322209-thai-airways-resumes-flights-to-sri-lanka-next-month/

Thai Airways (THAI) gears up to grace the runways of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) once again, starting April 1. With daily flights on the agenda, travellers are in for a treat as they embark on a journey of exploration and adventure. The resumption of THAI” operations is not just a mere flight schedule update, it is a boost for the tourism sector, which has been eagerly awaiting its return. The numbers speak volumes, with a staggering 207,182 passengers jetting in during January and an equally impressive 218,350 in February with over 60 cities sprawled across 28 countries on the itinerary. As the sun sets on Sri Lanka’s aviation landscape, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt.) Limited (AASL) welcomes THAI back to its main gateway. By February, a total of 36 esteemed airlines would have graced Sri Lanka’s skies, cementing its status as a pivotal player in the aviation industry, reported Daily Mirror LK. In related news, THAI witnessed a significant rebound in its earnings following an increase in air travel demand. The airline reported a net profit of 28.1 billion baht last year, a substantial recovery from the 272-million-baht loss experienced in the previous year. This is the second-highest annual net income recorded by the company, surpassed only by the 55-billion-baht profit in 2021, primarily attributed to an 81.5 billion baht gain from debt restructuring. In other news, THAI and AerCap have signed agreements to lease 17 aircraft to THAI. These aircraft include four Airbus A350-900, three Boeing 787-9, and 10 Airbus A321neo airliners. THAI acquired these in 2023 as part of its short-term fleet development. Two of the four A350 aircraft have been transferred over while the other two will be sent to THAI within the first two quarters of this year. The 787 aircraft will be delivered in the second quarter of next year. As for the A321neo airliners, these will be handed over from the third quarter of next year through the second quarter of the following year, 2026. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Daily Mirror LK Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-13 - 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 Authorities Seize 5.36kg of Cocaine, Unveil Transnational Crime Network Involving West African Suspects By Kittisak Phalaharn On March 11th, 2024, Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat Lakboon, the Secretary-General of the Office of the Thai Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), and relevant agencies held a press conference after a crackdown on transnational crime networks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322208-thai-authorities-seize-536kg-of-cocaine-transnational-crime-network/

On March 11th, 2024, Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat Lakboon, the Secretary-General of the Office of the Thai Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), and relevant agencies held a press conference after a crackdown on transnational crime networks. According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat, on March 6th, 2024, the Suvarnabhumi Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) seized international parcels containing 5,360 grams of cocaine stashed inside 5 sets of steel clothes racks from the USA. Previously, ONCB had launched a search operation together with 200 officers in the Nana area, Bangkok, to deter and prevent narcotic crimes on February 21st. After the seizure, ONCB investigated further and tracked down three West African suspects who were allegedly involved in distributing illicit substances in the Nana area, Sukhumvit, Bangkok, according to Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat. The identities of the suspects were withheld by the ONCB. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-13 - 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

Chinese Man Arrested at Phuket Airport For Allegedly Not Paying a Staff Member By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket –A Chinese man was arrested at Phuket International airport after he allegedly did not pay an employee of his in Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322207-chinese-man-arrested-at-phuket-airport-for-allegedly-not-paying-a-staff-member/

Phuket –A Chinese man was arrested at Phuket International airport after he allegedly did not pay an employee of his in Patong. The Phuket Immigration told the Phuket Express that this week they arrested the wanted suspect, a 49 years old Chinese man, he was arrested at the International Departures Terminal in the airport while he was trying to leave Phuket. He is being accused of not paying a salary to an employee and breaking Thai employment laws. He was taken to the Patong Police Station for further legal action. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-13 - 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 with Diazepam in Karon By Goongnang Suksawat Karon – A British man was arrested after he was found illegally in possession of Diazepam in Karon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322206-british-man-arrested-with-diazepam-in-karon/

Karon – A British man was arrested after he was found illegally in possession of Diazepam in Karon. The Karon Police told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they set up a routine checkpoint in front of the Nong Harn Lake. They stopped a taxi car, and a foreign man, who was later identified only as Mr. Thomas, 27, a British national who according to police looked suspicious as he waited inside the taxi. Karon police did not specifically reveal what made Mr. Thomas look suspicious but The Phuket Express notes that random tests for drugs or illegal substances are legal in Thailand. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-13 - 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 hitchhiker’s fury: Helmet-wielding road rage riles driver by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Panhathai Buranaprasoetkun 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322205-bangkok-hitchhiker’s-fury-helmet-wielding-road-rage-riles-driver/

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. In the video, the Thai man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was walking on the shoulder of the road before turning around and walking into the outside lane of the road to block Panhathai’s car. He walked straight to the car, banged on window, and shouted at her. “Can you drop me ahead? Can I go with you? Can you just drop me ahead!” The man’s shouts grew louder as he pounded the car more forcefully, frustrated by Panhathai’s lack of response. In a subsequent post, Panhathai disclosed that he hadn’t struck the car with his fist, he had wielded a motorcycle helmet to shatter her car window. According to Panhathai, the man also attempted to unlock the car door, but finding it locked didn’t deter him. He persisted, yanking on the handle with greater force in an attempt to gain entry. Feeling frightened, Panhathai swiftly drove away from the scene before alerting the Highway Police to the incident. Panhathai said she later filed a complaint at Thung Mahamek Police Station and shared the story with the public to warn other motorists, especially women, to lock their car doors before travelling. Panhathai’s followers and friends agreed that the man had no intention of accepting a ride and harboured ulterior motives. Positioned near the expressway office and toll booths, he stood in a location conducive to swiftly exiting the expressway area to hail a taxi or seek assistance from authorities. No apologies Thung Mahamek Police Station officers managed to arrest the man yesterday, March 11. Police reported that the man later took a taxi from the scene to Soi Ramkamhaeng 81 but officers are still checking the security cameras to determine how he entered the expressway and what was his intention. During the three-hour interrogation, the man claimed he got lost and ended up on the expressway. He wanted to get off the expressway and hitchhiked but no one would offer him a ride. He hit the woman’s car with his helmet because he was angry. He insisted that he did not want to apologise to her because she was unhelpful. Panhathai told the media in an interview at the police station today that she did not pick him up because of safety concerns as she was travelling alone at the time. She said she was not being unhelpful but it was her right to decide whether to help or not. Panhathai thought the man had a mental illness and would forgive him if he was suffering from the problem. Thung Mahamek Police Station Superintendent, Panom Chueathong, disclosed that officers were trying to contact the man’s family to see if he had a history of mental health treatment or not. Panom said the man sometimes acted aggressively during questioning and believed the man had difficulty controlling his emotions. The man initially faced two charges including: Section 358 of the Criminal Law: damaging the property of another person. The penalty is imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. Section 392 of the Criminal Law: threatening or scaring another person. The penalty is imprisonment of up to one month, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both. by Petch Petpailin Top Photo via Facebook/ Panhathai Buranaprasoetkun Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-13 - 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 say two women shot dead in Hua Hin may have been in a relationship together By Online Reporter File photo Police have provided an update on the deaths of two women, found shot at property on the khlong road in Hua Hin, exploring theories that they may have been involved in a personal relationship beyond that of work colleagues. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322204-police-say-two-women-shot-dead-in-hua-hin-may-have-been-in-a-relationship-together/

Police have provided an update on the deaths of two women, found shot at property on the khlong road in Hua Hin, exploring theories that they may have been involved in a personal relationship beyond that of work colleagues. The victims, identified as 63-year-old businesswoman Suphatra, owner of a curtain shop, and her 46-year-old secretary, Suphawadee, were discovered deceased in a room within the shop house belonging to Suphatra. The grim discovery was made on Sunday by Suphatra’s son, after losing contact with his mother for several days. According to police reports, both women had been dead for approximately 5-7 days before they were found. Initial police investigations revealed that Suphatra suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest from a 9mm caliber gun, while Suphawadee was found shot in the head with the same caliber weapon. By Online Reporter TOP: File photo Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-03-13 - 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 and Macron discuss visa-free access for Thai nationals in the European Union’s Schengen zone by James Morris and Son Nguyen On Monday, PM Srettha Thavisin, in a landmark visit to Paris, discussed trade and diplomatic matters with French President Emmanuel Macron. Prime Minister Settha Thavisin’s Paris tête-à-tête with French President Emmanuel Macron heralds a push for visa-free Schengen access for Thai passport holders. Amid trade and nuclear power talks, Thailand eyes closer ties with the EU. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322203-pm-and-macron-discuss-visa-free-access-for-thai-nationals-in-the-schengen-zone/

On Monday, PM Srettha Thavisin, in a landmark visit to Paris, discussed trade and diplomatic matters with French President Emmanuel Macron. Prime Minister Settha Thavisin’s Paris tête-à-tête with French President Emmanuel Macron heralds a push for visa-free Schengen access for Thai passport holders. Amid trade and nuclear power talks, Thailand eyes closer ties with the EU. French President Emmanuel Macron is to visit Thailand in 2025. In the meantime, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is expecting positive news on Thailand’s push to allow its passport holders visa-free access to the European Schengen zone by the end of 2024. These were just some of the upshots from an important meeting in Paris between the French head of state and the Thai PM on Monday. In addition, the talks covered French expertise in civil nuclear power and the possibility of a Formula 1 Grand Prix stage coming to Thailand. Afterwards, PM Srettha Thavisin announced that Thailand’s free trade pact with the European Union was on track to be sealed in 2025. On Monday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the Élysée Palace in the French capital, Paris. The Thai government leader and French head of state discussed a range of issues, including the finalisation of a free trade pact between Thailand and the European Union, Formula 1 racing, nuclear power and visa-free access to the Schengen zone for Thai travellers. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-03-13 - 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