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It was announced on 8 March 2024 that the Norwegian woman Ms. Unni had been arrested for operating as a taxi driver in Koh Phangan. Later on the same day information was released that the woman did not intend to work as a taxi driver, but was dropping off foreigners who had been guests at the company where she was the manager. She was arrested by a combination of Immigration, Tourist, and Local police. According to Surat Thani Immigration Chief, Pol Col Naruewat Phutthaviro, Ms. Unni had the name ‘Phangan Paragon Resort & Spa’ on her car. Ms. Unni faced charges for transporting passengers in her car, and she admitted to the charges. by Lærke Kobberup Full story: ScandAsia 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Tourist Police Patrol Walking Street to Ensure Tourist Safety By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongsayam Meekanthong, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Tourist Police, led a security patrol on Pattaya Walking Street yesterday in a display of commitment to tourist safety. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322126-pattaya-tourist-police-patrol-walking-street-to-ensure-tourist-safety/

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Pattaya —Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongsayam Meekanthong, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Tourist Police, led a security patrol on Pattaya Walking Street yesterday in a display of commitment to tourist safety. The March 10th inspection focused on Walking Street in South Pattaya, which is considered one of the most popular tourist hotspots in the city. The primary aim of the patrol was to safeguard tourists, both international and domestic, from criminals. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

American Man Allegedly Sexually Assaults Pregnant Horse in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – An 18-year-old American man allegedly sexually assaulted a pregnant horse in Thalang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322125-american-man-allegedly-sexually-assaults-pregnant-horse-in-phuket/

Thalang – An 18-year-old American man allegedly sexually assaulted a pregnant horse in Thalang. The Thalang Police Department told the Phuket Express that they were notified of the incident from a stable keeper identified only as Mr. Chatchot, 50, from Paklok on Sunday (March 10th) of the incident. He told the police that at 4:00 P.M. that day he gave a routine health check of a 10-year-old female pregnant horse inside the stable in Soi Bang Sai, Paklok. The condition of the horse alarmed the stable keeper who immediately recognised that the horse had suffered apparent sexual abuse based on her condition and stress levels. He checked CCTV footage in the stable and discovered to his shock a foreign man found in the stables. The man is seen on CCTV appearing to sexually abuse the horse with his hand. The footage of the incident was posted online to various animal watchdog groups where it immediately went viral. The Phuket Express has decided not to share this footage however as it depicts animal sexual abuse and may upset many readers. The suspect was later identified by police only as Mr. Stephen, 18, an American national. Further details on this developing story may be released as they are revealed by police. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

No Pheu Thai MPs To Skip House Meeting To See Thaksin: Chief Govt Whip By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath NO PHEU THAI MPs would skip a House meeting to see de facto party boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra in Chiang Mai on the upcoming Thursday, said chief government whip Wisut Chainarun today (Mar. 11). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322124-no-pheu-thai-mps-to-skip-house-meeting-to-see-thaksin-chief-govt-whip/

NO PHEU THAI MPs would skip a House meeting to see de facto party boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra in Chiang Mai on the upcoming Thursday, said chief government whip Wisut Chainarun today (Mar. 11). The chief government whip confirmed he has already instructed all Pheu Thai MPs including those representing northern constituencies to not skip Thursday’s House meeting only to travel to the northern province to see the deposed prime minister in person. Wisut said he is not expecting any current Pheu Thai MPs to prefer to desert their legislative duties at parliament for that reason though former lawmakers of the ruling party may do so. Granted parole without an EM ankle bracelet, Thaksin is reportedly scheduled to leave Bangkok for Chiang Mai from Thursday until Saturday to see his relatives and pay homage to a stupa with remains of his forebears in his northern home province. By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Threat from contaminated fruit and vegetables from China part of a wider problem facing the kingdom by Joseph O' Connor Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul has ordered the Customs Department to step up checks on imports from China. The plan is to ensure that all Chinese imports meet Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) requirements. It comes with rising concerns about cheap imported fruit and vegetables from China contaminated with pesticides. Contaminated Chinese imports threaten Thai markets. Shift from China to India ahead. The Thai retail and manufacturing sector is under pressure from tainted imports. Government urged to tighten oversight. Manufacturing and agriculture are at risk. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322123-threat-from-contaminated-fruit-and-vegetables-from-china-part-of-a-wider-problem/

Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul has ordered the Customs Department to step up checks on imports from China. The plan is to ensure that all Chinese imports meet Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) requirements. It comes with rising concerns about cheap imported fruit and vegetables from China contaminated with pesticides. Contaminated Chinese imports threaten Thai markets. Shift from China to India ahead. The Thai retail and manufacturing sector is under pressure from tainted imports. Government urged to tighten oversight. Manufacturing and agriculture are at risk. Thailand is making plans to shift its trade focus away from China and towards India in the longer term. It comes as news emerged this week of contaminated fruit and vegetables being dumped on Thai markets from China. Many of the substandard products are for sale at a fraction of the cost offered by Thai producers and farmers. Similarly, Thailand’s manufacturing sector especially in fashion and furniture, is being decimated by China. Recent figures show only a 30-45% utilisation of factory capacity in these sectors. The current predicament raises sharp questions about the Thai government’s trade and economic development policies over the last ten years. In short, these can be directly linked to the challenges being faced today by farmers and small business concerns. A top official with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is sounding the alarm over pesticide-contaminated fruit and vegetable imports from China and other bordering countries. He is urging the government to enhance scrutiny of produce from neighbouring countries to safeguard consumer health. In particular, there is concern about escalating imports from China. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 12 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1322122-thailand-live-tuesday-12-march-2024/

UPDATE: Thai millionaire and her secretary found dead at house in Hua Hin Photo via Naewna Police are investigating the deaths of a millionaire and her secretary at a house in the Hua Hin district in the southern province of Prachuap Kiri Khan. A letter left at the scene suggested that the secretary accidentally shot her employer dead before committing suicide. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322118-thai-millionaire-and-her-secretary-found-dead-at-house-in-hua-hin/

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced that a discount of roughly 20% will be applied to early morning and late-night domestic flights during the Songkran holiday. This move is aimed at providing an economical travel option for all holidaymakers. Discounted domestic flights for Songkran announced by CAAT Image courtesy of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Facebook Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322116-discounted-domestic-flights-for-songkran-announced-by-caat/

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Australian man under investigation for road rage incident near Bangkok (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว A Thai woman filed a complaint against an Australian man, accusing him of intentionally causing an accident and damaging her car at Bearing Intersection in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok on March 3. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322071-australian-man-under-investigation-for-road-rage-incident-near-bangkok-video/

A Thai woman filed a complaint against an Australian man, accusing him of intentionally causing an accident and damaging her car at Bearing Intersection in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok on March 3. The Thai driver, Angkana, reported to DailyNews that the incident took place when she was driving her sedan to her home in Samrong Nuea district of Samut Prakarn province. The foreign man, later identified as 41 year old Ratukore Jones Agamom, rode his motorcycle close to her car and knocked on her car window asking her to pull over. Angkana stated that she continued driving, causing Agamom to raise his middle finger at her and drive away from the scene. Angkana did not know the motive behind Agamom’s actions. She speculated that she may have unintentionally cut him off or angered him while driving. She believed the incident would end there but it took an unexpected turn. Angkana encountered Agamom once again as she approached the Bearing Intersection, preparing to make a left turn. Agamom, positioned ahead of her, abruptly applied the brakes on his motorcycle, despite no vehicle obstructing his path, resulting in Angkana’s car colliding with his motorcycle. Angkana subsequently shared a video of the incident with the public. In the footage, Agamom can be observed dismounting his motorbike and striking her car with his fist. He attempted to force open her car door, hurled a registration plate at Angkana’s vehicle, spat on it, and delivered kicks before the video concluded. Angkana lodged a report at Samrong Nuea Police Station, alleging that Agamom had deliberately applied the brakes on his motorcycle to provoke an accident. Nevertheless, the police declined to acknowledge her account, citing the absence of dash camera footage as substantiating evidence. Discrimination against Thai Angkana showed the video from her phone, displaying Agamom’s aggressive behaviour but the officer remained unconvinced. The officer asked Angkana to stop arguing and pay compensation to the Australian man. Angkana insisted that she would not allow the case to end there. She actively pursued CCTV footage from the area and submitted it to the officer as evidence, demonstrating that the accident was a consequence of Agamom’s deliberate actions. Despite this, the police officer refused to view the video. Angkana claimed that she had to pay 6,000 baht to Agamom and the foreign man agreed to pay 11,000 baht for the damage to her car. Feeling that this was unjust, she shared the video with several news agencies, drawing attention to her case. The superintendent of the Samrong Nuea Police Station, Wiroj Tatso, came forward to apologise to Angkana yesterday, March 10. He assured her that he would transfer her case to another police officer and promised to ensure justice for her. Another victim surfaces Another Thai man came forward to share another aggressive action by the same Australian man that occurred at the beginning of January this year. The man explained that he drove his car out of a condominium in the Sukhumvit neighbourhood of Bangkok and encountered Agamom playing on a skateboard in the middle of the road. The man sounded his horn to alert Agamom to clear the road, provoking him and leading to damage to his car. The Thai victim asserted possession of dash cam footage as evidence and complained to Samrong Nuea Police Station. However, there have been no advancements in the case until the foreign man repeated his actions. Samrong Nuea Police Station has not disclosed whether they have reviewed evidence from both victims, leaving the charges Agamom might face uncertain. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two women found shot dead at property in Hua Hin By Online Reporter File photo Police are currently investigating the deaths of two women, found shot at a property in Hua Hin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322069-two-women-found-shot-dead-at-property-in-hua-hin/

Police are currently investigating the deaths of two women, found shot at a property in Hua Hin. The deceased, identified as a 63-year-old businesswoman and her 46-year-old secretary, were discovered on Sunday by the son of the older woman, after he grew concerned over his inability to contact his mother for several days. Traveling from Bangkok to Hua Hin, he arrived at his mother’s home to find it securely locked, with the air conditioning still running. Upon entering the house through a back window, he was met with a foul smell, prompting him to alert local authorities. Upon arrival, police uncovered the bodies of Mrs. Phat (a pseudonym), a prominent figure in the local business community known for her work in casting Buddha statues and crafting religious items, and her secretary, Mrs. Su. By Online Reporter TOP: File photo Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-03-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Brothel bust: Thai asylum seeker facing seven years behind bars in UK by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail A Thai national faces seven years in prison and a severe fine for brazenly establishing an illicit brothel and escort agency right under the noses of the British Home Office as he sought asylum from his home country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322068-brothel-bust-thai-asylum-seeker-facing-seven-years-behind-bars-in-uk/

A Thai national faces seven years in prison and a severe fine for brazenly establishing an illicit brothel and escort agency right under the noses of the British Home Office as he sought asylum from his home country. The audacious endeavour came to light last night, revealing that Saranwee Kwanpetch managed about 50 girls across multiple locations in London, all while he was supposed to be under Home Office surveillance. Saranwee arrived in the UK on a healthcare visa in 2011, subsequently overstaying illegally for a decade until immigration authorities apprehended him. Despite this, in 2021, the 38 year old pimp was granted permission to remain in the country after applying to the Home Office for refuge, albeit with the stipulation that he refrain from working during the processing period. Despite facing multiple rejections, he continues his efforts. Despite being closely monitored by the Home Office, Saranwee brazenly incorporated StarAsian Ltd on May 31, situated mere minutes from the Ritz. The company’s purported activities were listed as, other activities of employment placement agencies. Its website boldly advertises Asian escort services, boasting a catalogue of “over 40 special companions for every occasion,” allegedly all in the UK illegally and at risk of exploitation. Prices for services range from £150 (6,900 baht) for an hour to £1,000 (45,500 baht) for a full night. Saranwee, originally from Bangkok, registered as a tenant at ten properties across London and Essex, some of which are alleged to have been utilised as brothels. According to one employee, he charged rent and claimed a third of their earnings. Controlling another person’s prostitution for financial gain is illegal under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Furthermore, it is a criminal offence for a brothel keeper to arrange for individuals to travel for sexual services under human trafficking legislation. Picture of Saranwee Kwanpetch courtesy of The Daily Mail The escort agency’s website even offers to travel to customers unable to reach Central London, ensuring no one misses out on the fun. A customer, who identified Saranwee as Benny, reported him to immigration services in December and January to no avail. It is alleged that some of the women working for Saranwee were in the UK on tourist or family visas, while others reportedly submitted false asylum claims under his guidance. One escort admitted that seeking asylum seemed easier and safer than obtaining a visa, despite facing dangerous situations with clients. A Home Office spokesperson, red-faced, declined to comment on individual cases, citing longstanding government policy. Saranwee faces being charged with Section 33A as an either-way offence and has a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment on indictment or 6 months upon summary conviction. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

More ‘Swiss’ fallout, pilots fall asleep, Pattaya loses its mojo - Tim Newton Today - March 11 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322066-more-‘swiss’-fallout-pilots-fall-asleep-pattaya-loses-its-mojo-tim-newton-today-march/

Thailand news - The Swiss man in Phuket loses his Elephant Sanctuary license, a 17 year old shot in Pattaya, 3XL prostitution in Bangkok, Pattaya is losing its former mojo and becoming gentrified... according to Stickman Bangkok. Interested in your commentary on the matter. https://www.stickmanbangkok.com/reade... BOTH pilots fall asleep during a trip in Indonesia, and a start up airline from Thailand announces flights to Macau. Kho Phi Phi has double trouble - water and weed, and a 70 year old finally gets to enjoy the open sea in Thailand. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Thai retail sector struggles despite tax incentives and tourist spending by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Despite increased spending by tourists and tax incentives to encourage buying, Thailand’s retail sector is under strain. The sector, facing the challenges of a surge of substandard goods from China, is burdening local entrepreneurs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322065-thai-retail-sector-struggles-despite-tax-incentives-and-tourist-spending/

Despite increased spending by tourists and tax incentives to encourage buying, Thailand’s retail sector is under strain. The sector, facing the challenges of a surge of substandard goods from China, is burdening local entrepreneurs. Thai Retailers Association Vice President Chatchai Tuongratanaphan predicts a growth of only 1-2% in the retail sector for the first half of the year. This is due to the postponed fiscal 2024 budget and the termination of the Easy E-Receipt scheme, which provided tax rebates of up to 50,000 baht (US$1,409) for spending from January 1 to February 15. Chatchai revealed that the tax incentive failed to stimulate retail sales significantly as it was only applicable to about 4 million taxpayers who earned more than 25,000 baht (US$704) monthly and had substantial spending power. Most of these taxpayers are based in the Bangkok metropolitan area and are typically purchasers of expensive, non-food items like electrical appliances. Chatchai anticipates that the retail sector will pick up pace in the third quarter as budget spending increases, contributing to overall retail growth of 3% in 2024, in line with the GDP growth forecast. However, he noted several issues that continue to hinder the sector and its supply chain. These include a high non-performing loan outlook and escalating living costs, which diminish consumer spending power, particularly among the middle and low-income classes. Chatchai also recommended short-term initiatives to drive high-spending consumers, such as turning Phuket into a tax-free shopping destination to lure high-value buyers. To enhance foreign tourist spending, he suggests focusing on prolonged stays and the development of high-quality products. Concerning the flood of inexpensive Chinese goods, Chatchai believes this globalisation trend emerged years ago and should not significantly impact the retail sector that stands at the end of the supply chain. He suggested that the government should consider regulating free trade zones and reassessing value-added tax (VAT) exemptions for online purchases of less than 1,500 baht (US$42) to curb the influx of illegal, low-cost foreign goods. Retail forecast Thailand’s retail sales are forecast to expand by 3% this year to 4.1 trillion baht (US$115 billion), according to Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research). However, K-Research warned that local manufacturers are likely to face fierce competition from imported goods, particularly from China. Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the Thai Restaurant Association, expressed that the influx of cheap food ingredients from China also disrupted the domestic market, posing a threat to the competitiveness of local farmers. She emphasised the need for more coordinated efforts among responsible ministries to support the entire agricultural supply chain, from upstream production and sourcing to downstream selling and exports. Thaniwan anticipates steady revenue growth in the restaurant industry this year as foreign tourist arrivals increase, forecast to reach 35-40 million. However, she also noted that as domestic purchasing power weakens, locals may opt for more affordable meals or street food to manage expenses, reported Bangkok Post. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chulalongkorn Uni pressured to reveal fraudulent thesis results by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of ThaiPost Chulalongkorn University is currently under pressure from an alumni group, Network of Universities Reform, to reveal the findings of an investigation into an alleged fraudulent doctoral research paper. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322064-chulalongkorn-uni-pressured-to-reveal-fraudulent-thesis-results/