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Thai Government Aims for 90 Billion Euros in Tourism Income in 2024, Unveils Measures to Boost the Overall Industry By Kittisak Phalaharn On March 7th, 2024, Mr. Chai Watcharong, the Thai Government spokesman, publicly stated details after a speech on The Amazing Thailand Networking Event with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, to present tourism industry policies in Berlin, Germany. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322014-thai-govt-aims-for-90-billion-euros-in-tourism-income-in-2024/

On March 7th, 2024, Mr. Chai Watcharong, the Thai Government spokesman, publicly stated details after a speech on The Amazing Thailand Networking Event with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, to present tourism industry policies in Berlin, Germany. According to Chai, Srettha exchanged opinions on the world stage regarding the potential for investment in Thailand, especially in the Thai tourism industry. The Thai government aimed to generate income from tourism in 2024 at an estimated 90 billion euros and anticipated more than 8.5 million tourists from the European region. Furthermore, the Thai government gave importance to the overall tourism industry which not only stimulated economic growth but also increased employment rates for Thai locals, remarked Chai. The Thai government planned to enhance and support the Thai tourism industry through various measures. Visa exemption policies in various countries including India, Russia, Taiwan, and other countries, and the recent permanent visa exemption in China, would facilitate and make foreign tourists travel with ease, said Chai. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Bangkok cops bust plus-size women’s sex trade party organiser by Westwood Nattapong Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Bangkok’s bustling city centre became the scene of a significant police raid when police apprehended a 49 year old woman, the alleged organiser of plus-size women’s parties involving illicit activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322013-bangkok-cops-bust-plus-size-women’s-sex-trade-party-organiser/

Bangkok’s bustling city centre became the scene of a significant police raid when police apprehended a 49 year old woman, the alleged organiser of plus-size women’s parties involving illicit activities. The police operation, led by high-ranking officers from the Metropolitan Police, resulted in the seizure of condoms, sex toys, and other items related to the sex trade. The crackdown took place at a resort in the Bang Khen district yesterday, March 9. The investigation into these parties began when the Metropolitan Police received tips about online advertisements inviting men to participate in events featuring plus-size women for sexual services. These parties were held in Bangkok’s Ram Inthra area. The advertisements, posted on the X application, were explicit about the sexual nature of the events. The police deployed undercover agents to infiltrate the party after confirming the details of the event, which included an entry fee and the promise of unlimited sexual encounters with the women in attendance, reported KhaoSod. Sophang, known as Ke, was charged with facilitating sexual services, even with the consent of those involved. She was arrested at the resort room where the party was held. During the interrogation, she admitted to organising the event and receiving a fee of 800 baht (US$28) per guest for her services. The police gathered evidence, including the seized items and bank transactions, to support the charges against her. Sophang was taken into custody and is now facing legal proceedings for her alleged role in the sex trade operation. In related news, a woman suspected of operating a minor sex trade and drug distribution network has surrendered to the police. This dramatic event unfolded on December 4 last year, rooted in allegations from two teenage victims who had reached out to a local Facebook page, Zoom Rayong, claiming they had been held captive and exploited in a house doubling as a brothel in the Mueang district. by Westwood Nattapong Picture courtesy of KhaoSod 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

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 11 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1322012-thailand-live-monday-11-march-2024/

Karon – An Illegal British tour guide was arrested at the Phuket Big Buddha in Karon. The Phuket Tourist Police told the Phuket Express that on Thursday (March 7th) at 4:00 P.M. they arrested a suspect identified only as MR. Ryan, Illegal British Tour Guide Arrested in Karon By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322011-illegal-british-tour-guide-arrested-in-karon/

Karon – An Illegal British tour guide was arrested at the Phuket Big Buddha in Karon. The Phuket Tourist Police told the Phuket Express that on Thursday (March 7th) at 4:00 P.M. they arrested a suspect identified only as MR. Ryan, 34, British national. He was arrested at the parking area of the Phuket Big Buddha (Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkhon Ek Nakkhiri) on the Nakkerd Hill. He was taken to the Karon Police Station to face the charge of being an illegal tour guide as well as being a foreigner doing a protected job (tour guide). By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 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

Northeast Thailand: Former boxer’s son kills father over farming dispute by Top Top Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A former boxer’s son murdered his father yesterday in a fit of dissatisfaction over a farming dispute. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321956-northeast-thailand-former-boxer’s-son-kills-father-over-farming-dispute/

A former boxer’s son murdered his father yesterday in a fit of dissatisfaction over a farming dispute. The son, after finding only two plots ploughed instead of the expected complete field for vegetable farming, locked his father’s neck and used a steel rod, typically carried by oxen, to stab him multiple times in the neck and abdomen, leading to the father’s death. Deputy Inspector Ruengsak Sangkham of the Lam Plai Mat Police Station in Buriram Province reported receiving a call about a son assaulting his father, resulting in death. The police and medical officers, along with Police Colonel Watchirawit Wannathani, the Superintendent of Lam Plai Mat Police Station, rushed to the scene in Hin Kon village, Lam Plai Mat district. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of the 60 year old man with several sharp force injuries. Witnesses confirmed that the perpetrator was the victim’s 30 year old son, who fled the scene on a motorcycle. The investigation revealed that the son had asked his father to prepare the land for vegetable cultivation. However, due to fatigue, the father managed to plough only two plots, which angered the son, leading to the tragic outcome. The wife of the deceased noted that their son had previously suffered from mental health issues and had been treated at a hospital the year before. After returning home, he refused to continue his medication. The village head of Moo 9 recounted that after the incident, the son showed no signs of remorse or panic, walking around calmly before riding away on his motorcycle in front of villagers who were trying to assist his dying father. The son, once a well-known boxer with the ring name David Kui, is now the subject of a manhunt, reported KhaoSod. The authorities transported the father’s body to the hospital for further examination and are continuing their investigation in accordance with the law to apprehend the son. by Top Top Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-09 - 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

Man on rampage in Sisaket injures cop and residents with crowbar by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A 50 year old Thai man’s violent rampage in Sisaket Province ended with a police officer seriously injured and the assailant subdued by an electric gun. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321953-man-on-rampage-in-sisaket-injures-cop-and-residents-with-crowbar/

A 50 year old Thai man’s violent rampage in Sisaket Province ended with a police officer seriously injured and the assailant subdued by an electric gun. The incident unfolded in the small community of Ban Kradaw, where the man, identified as Boonyiam, attacked an elderly man on a motorcycle with a metal crowbar, breaking his arm. A female village head who intervened was also struck. Police were notified of the chaos at 2.21pm yesterday, with the assailant armed with a metal crowbar and a knife. Upon arrival, police found Boonyiam in a frenzied state. During the altercation, a 60 year old man riding his motorcycle was hit by the crowbar, resulting in a broken arm. Ratthachak Surakhote, the village head, rushed to assist but sustained injuries to his back. Police officer Thanasilp Wannawong attempted to control the situation but was stabbed in the stomach by Boonyiam, necessitating emergency medical attention. The police resorted to an electric gun to incapacitate the perpetrator, who was subsequently arrested along with the weapons in his possession. Deputy Provincial Police Chief Chayakorn Tesbumroong participated in the interrogation, noting that Boonyiam claimed to be under severe stress. No drugs were found in his system, pending further examination by Rasri Sail Hospital the following day. Thanasilp, severely wounded, underwent surgery at Srisaket Hospital and has yet to regain consciousness. Boonyiam has been preliminarily charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer while on duty, reported KhaoSod. Investigation is underway to uncover the motives behind Boonyiam’s actions and ensuring justice for the victims. Meanwhile, the police are being commended for their quick response and management of a volatile and dangerous situation. In related news, a mentally ill Thai man stabbed a local woman he met on a coach bus in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen on February 6. The attacker’s mother revealed that her son had a mental illness but refused any treatment. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-09 - 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

Chiang Mai's Air Pollution Remains of Concern CHIANG MAI, March 9 (TNA) — Many provinces in the northern region were still affected by high PM2.5 air pollution for three days in a row on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321952-chiang-mais-air-pollution-remains-of-concern/

CHIANG MAI, March 9 (TNA) — Many provinces in the northern region were still affected by high PM2.5 air pollution for three days in a row on Friday. Some areas the PM2.5 particulate matter level surpassed 800 micrograms per cubic meter. Chiang Mai was ranked as the most polluted city globally for many hours and the pullution has started to have health impact against the people. Doi Luang Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai was heavily covered with the air pollution and the people were unable to see the hill which reflected the severe problem of air smog that covered Chiang Dao district of Chiang Mai. The hourly highest dust level was recorded at over 800 micrograms per cubic meter. Doi Suthep in the city of Chiang Mai was facing the same fate as it was hidden under the thick smog that covers the city for three days in a row. The flights from Chiang Mai airport could be seen vaguely before quickly disappearing amid the thick smog. This was like an index to indicate how thick the smog covers Chiang Mai. The province on Friday was ranked the world's worst polluted city in the air quality by the IQAir website for many hours. The toxic haze situation was considered unhealthy for the people in Chiang Mai. Many people have to take measures to prevent the ultra- fine dust. Full story: TNA-MCOT 2024-03-09 - 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

Myanmar exchange student falls to death from Thailand dormitory by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic incident unfolded when a 26 year old Myanmar exchange student fatally fell from the sixth floor of a dormitory building in Pathum Thani province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321951-myanmar-exchange-student-falls-to-death-from-thailand-dormitory/

A tragic incident unfolded when a 26 year old Myanmar exchange student fatally fell from the sixth floor of a dormitory building in Pathum Thani province. The incident, which took place around 12.30am today, has left authorities and acquaintances searching for answers. Officials from Pak Klong Rangsit Police Station, led by investigation officer Suwat Phothiree, were notified of the fatal fall at a dormitory situated near Rangsit University. Upon arrival, they collaborated with forensic experts from the Ministry of Justice and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation to examine the scene. The deceased, who was attending the King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, was found lifeless on the parking lot below, having plummeted from the sixth floor of the seven-story building. Aung Cho Oo, also 26 years old and from Myanmar, provided a statement to the police. He explained that the victim, a fellow student from Ladkrabang, had come to visit friends at room number 3616. During the visit, a total of 11 people were present in the room when, in a sudden and shocking turn of events, the victim ran out to the balcony and leaped off. The group, who had been consuming a moderate amount of alcohol, was left in shock, unable to comprehend why their friend had jumped, reported KhaoSod. The investigation officer, Suwat Phothiree, after inspecting the scene and collecting photographic evidence, arranged for the body to be transported to the forensic institute for further examination. The next steps include coordinating with the deceased’s parents for the repatriation of their son’s body and performing additional interviews with friends who were present at the scene to glean more information. The police are calling upon all individuals with any knowledge of the incident to come forward. In related news, in November last year, an 18 year old student fell from a well-known university building in central Bangkok on the night of the Loy Krathong Festival. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-09 - 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

Thai agency may include monkeys in wildlife compensation scheme by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) is contemplating the inclusion of monkeys in its wildlife compensation programme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321949-thai-agency-may-include-monkeys-in-wildlife-compensation-scheme/

The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) is contemplating the inclusion of monkeys in its wildlife compensation programme. This consideration arises following an incident where a woman suffered injuries from a macaque attack, leading her to file a police complaint to secure compensation for her medical expenses. The victim named Arikanta Kanchanasinmetha reported the incident at Tha Hin police station in Lop Buri’s Mueang district yesterday. She sought to formalise her complaint to procure an official document, which she could use to claim medical reimbursement. The specific agency or office she intends to apply to for the reimbursement remains undisclosed. Her younger brother expressed his disbelief on social media. “How come we have reached the point of registering a complaint with monkeys involved?” According to the complaint, Arikanta was accosted by a group of macaques around 7.30pm on Wednesday while walking in Mueang district. One of the monkeys jump-kicked her in the back, causing her to fall and lose her food. The fall resulted in a dislocated knee and other minor injuries. Rescue volunteers quickly transported her to Lop Buri Hospital, where she received treatment and was later discharged. “I was about to get into my car and all of a sudden I found myself lying in the street. I told my brother that I fell down and could not get up.” Phadet Laithong, the director of the Wildlife Conservation Office of the DNP, stated that while the victim can file a complaint with the DNP, the current compensation policy only covers damages inflicted by elephants and gaurs. However, in light of the recent incident, authorities are mulling over the macaques’ inclusion in the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act 2019. This inclusion would enable victims of monkey attacks to be eligible for compensation payments, reported Bangkok Post. Monkey-related problems have been a recurring issue in Lop Buri for several years. A recent study revealed a wild population of 5,709 monkeys in the province last year. In an attempt to manage the escalating monkey problem, authorities have embarked on a sterilisation plan aimed at reducing their numbers. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-09 - 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

Thai AirAsia opposes airfare reductions due to operational costs by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thai AirAsia has weighed in on the issue of high airfares which prompted calls for price reductions, arguing that slashing ceiling prices is not a feasible solution due to increased operational costs borne by airlines since the onset of the pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321947-thai-airasia-opposes-airfare-reductions-due-to-operational-costs/

Thai AirAsia has weighed in on the issue of high airfares which prompted calls for price reductions, arguing that slashing ceiling prices is not a feasible solution due to increased operational costs borne by airlines since the onset of the pandemic. The airline’s Chief Executive, Santisuk Klongchaiya, has suggested increasing flights during the Songkran festival as a potential strategy to decrease average fares. Santisuk explained that costs of operation, including fuel and maintenance, have surged since the pandemic hit. Furthermore, the aircraft supply chain has yet to recover to its pre-pandemic state. He stated that it’s typical for airfares to increase during the Songkran holiday due to high demand. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) regulates these airfares, setting ceiling prices for each route. Thai AirAsia plans to keep prices reasonable, adjusting them based on each route’s seasonality and passenger demand. As a response to CAAT’s policy, the airline proposes to add more late-night and early-morning flights to help lower average fares. Santisuk argued against the implementation of a minimum price for airlines, citing that such a measure contradicts free market principles and could negatively affect consumer benefits from airlines’ promotions. The Thai AirAsia CEO also stated that Thai carriers would not revert to price wars as past experiences have proven this to not yield positive operational results. He suggested that the government could assist in reducing passenger costs by adjusting the jet fuel tax rate. Setting standard prices On the same note, Tansita Akrarittipirom, director of commercial operations at Thai AirAsia, highlighted the necessity for low-fare promotions in the Thai market. She noted that the majority of the public does not have high disposable income, but travel remains a desired activity. Thai AirAsia has set a target of 15 to 20% revenue growth this year, aiming to expand its fleet to 60 aircraft with a seat capacity of 23.3 million. The airline has plans to add three A321neo and one A320ceo jets to its fleet, with the intention to operate 33 domestic and 58 international routes to 18 countries this year, reported Bangkok Post. Sarun Benjanirat, deputy director-general of CAAT, mentioned that the agency is considering a new ceiling price that will accommodate all airlines. The price will be set for each route and adjusted based on each airline’s services. Factors such as fluctuating fuel price are to be considered in setting an appropriate rate. The implementation of these new rules is expected in the second or third quarter of this year. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-09 - 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

Southern Thailand protests against newly proposed national park by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand Protests have sparked among the residents of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani over the proposed creation of Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321946-southern-thailand-protests-against-newly-proposed-national-park/

Protests have sparked among the residents of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani over the proposed creation of Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. Approximately 500 locals from these regions argue that the establishment of the park would directly impede their livelihoods, utilising the land they rely on for subsistence. The public outcry was voiced during a meeting held at the Khanom District Office on Wednesday. High-ranking officials such as Thitiwat Boonkit, the district chief of Khanom, and Wimonmart Nuipakdee, the head of the proposed national park, were present to oversee the proceedings. Suttipan Nurak, the representative of the locals, criticised the lack of clarity surrounding the park’s establishment plan. The residents perceive the national park’s regulations as an imminent threat to their traditional way of life. Nurak escalated the issue by delivering a letter of complaint to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, handed over through Sunthorn Photsalee, the senior permanent secretary of Khanom district. Wimonmat Nuipakdee, on the other hand, confirmed that the national park’s proposed boundaries have already been trimmed down from a 197,614-rai area to 125,817 rai. This reduction of 73,197 rai between 2008 and 2023 was intended to prevent encroachment on land owned by government agencies and citizens. She defended the park’s establishment, citing the Cabinet resolution of April 3, 2001, and the Fisheries Act 2015 that secure the locals’ rights to fish within a 5.4-kilometre radius from the shoreline. Moreover, Nuipakdee highlighted the park’s potential to serve as a sanctuary for various wildlife species, including serows, deers, boars and southern dusky leaf monkeys. The marine area, islands and beaches within the park’s premises would also potentially provide a habitat for pink dolphins and sea turtles. Awaiting decision Despite these arguments, residents unanimously voted against the national park’s establishment. Nuipakdee clarified that the meeting was primarily aimed at addressing the locals’ concerns and complaints rather than serving as a public hearing on the national park’s boundaries. She further stated that the opinions of other stakeholders, such as the communities of Koh Taen, Koh Rab, and Koh Mudsum, are yet to be heard, reported Bangkok Post. This conflict follows a recent petition submitted by locals from Koh Taen in Koh Samui district, who protested against the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP)’s plan to include their island and neighbouring areas in the Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-09 - 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

Thai cop’s ‘exhausting’ excuse fails to sway assault claims (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath and Facebook/ ประยูร ดวงเนตร A Thai officer from Tarnsum Police Station in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani claimed that a congenital disease and exhaustion led him to assault a man seeking assistance at the cop shop. He denied drinking alcohol on duty. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321944-thai-cop’s-‘exhausting’-excuse-fails-to-sway-assault-claims-video/

A Thai officer from Tarnsum Police Station in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani claimed that a congenital disease and exhaustion led him to assault a man seeking assistance at the cop shop. He denied drinking alcohol on duty. Thai man Prayoon Duangnate is seeking justice by exposing the officer’s behaviour to several media outlets. He was later identified as Tarnsum Police Station Captain Rattakrit Kuetarn. Prayoon told ThaiRath that he suspected a neighbour of setting fire to his cottage and rice field over a boundary dispute. He decided to go to the police station on March 4 to ask the police to investigate the matter. However, the officer, Rattakrit, refused to accept his complaint and asked him to return later with the land document. Prayon added that Rattakrit told him to return home to distinguish the fire before filing a report and even stated that the weather was too hot for police to investigate the scene on that day. Prayoon returned to the police station the following day, March 5, with the required document, but Rattakrit again refused to deal with his complaint. Prayoon said Rattakrit, who appeared drunk, damaged the document and threw it into a bin before shouting at him. “I don’t take complaints on land under boundary disputes. Leave! Go back home!” Prayoon tried to retrieve the document but Rattakrit attacked him. The police captain allegedly punched him, strangled him, and kicked him in the head. Prayoon stated he sustained only minor injuries, fled the scene, and later contacted his aunt for assistance Congenital disease, exhaustion Prayoon’s aunt was unable to file a complaint or retrieve the document because Rattakrit also chased her away from the police station. They returned home and decided to expose Rattakrit’s behavior to the public. Prayoon shared a video of the incident on Facebook. “Come to the police station to ask for help and meet this… Who will dare to ask for help?” Rattakrit was heard in the video shouting at them. “Go back home! This way! Get out of here! Your land was burned? How much land do you own? Twenty rai (about seven acres)? Did you just shout at me? Did you? People like you have 20 rai of land? Liar!” The video went viral on social media, attracting more news agencies and prompting Tarnsum Police Station Superintendent Surawit Yonjorhor to clarify the matter. Surawit insisted that Rattakrit was not drunk and did not consume alcohol on duty as Prayoon and the public suspected. Surawit claimed that his subordinate looked like a drunk person because he worked non-stop for 24 hours from 8am on March 4 to the morning of March 5 due to an emergency case. According to Surawit, the inappropriate behaviour stemmed from Rattarit’s involvement in a serious emergency case, lack of sleep, and a congenital disease. Surawit assured the public that he already apologised to Prayoon for the matter and would initiate an investigation into the complaint. Surawit stated that he would punish Rattakrit for his inappropriate act but did not reveal what the punishment would be. There is no report on whether Rattakit issued an apology to Prayoon. The officer remains silent and has not provided any interviews to the media. by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath and Facebook/ ประยูร ดวงเนตร Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-09 - 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

Temple’s toilet threat leaves visitors flushed by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath A temple in the Isaan province of Si Saket successfully kept its bathroom clean by employing a unique approach, issuing a warning to visitors that there would be severe consequences in the afterlife and karma haunt them if the temple’s monks had to handle their waste. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321942-temple’s-toilet-threat-leaves-visitors-flushed/

A temple in the Isaan province of Si Saket successfully kept its bathroom clean by employing a unique approach, issuing a warning to visitors that there would be severe consequences in the afterlife and karma haunt them if the temple’s monks had to handle their waste. Pictures of spray-painted messages on the bathroom wall within the Ta Dob Temple in Si Saket were shared on social media and attracted attention from several Thai media outlets. Each message is rather eye-catching. “Monks clean visitors’ poop.” “Hell, do you see?” “Poop and then clean it.” The head of a community, Nat Chaiyadarun, informed ThaiRath and Channel 7 that the messages were spray-painted by a monk who left his monkhood several years ago. According to the community leader, a monk noticed that the visitor bathroom consistently remained unclean, emitting an unpleasant odour. Visitors were neglecting to flush and clean the toilet after use. Realising it shouldn’t fall solely on the monks, especially considering the risk of injury for elderly monks on the slippery floor, the monk decided to act. Thai Buddhists are apprehensive about facing punishment in hell for their actions, especially if directed against Buddhist monks. The monk used this concept to raise awareness among temple visitors. The messages aimed to highlight that failing to clean the toilet after use constituted negative karma towards the monks, instilling a sense of fear of wrongdoing. The community leader noted a significant improvement in the cleanliness of the bathroom, and visitors have found the messages both informative and entertaining. Every temple in Thailand educates visitors about the concept of karma mostly through the mural paintings on the inner walls of the main halls. These murals depict the atmosphere in hell and the punishments individuals will face in the afterlife for their wrongdoings. The Non Sa-at Forest Temple in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima even launched a hell tour to encourage visitors to refrain from engaging in wrongful actions. by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-09 - 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