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Samui Open Beach Volleyball Tournament 2024 By Goongnang Suksawat The 6th annual TAT Samui Open Beach Volleyball Tournament will be held on Koh Samui, Thailand 29-31 March 2024 at SEEN Beach Club on Chaweng Beach. Promising to be a thrilling sporting event, the international tournament will be a big boost for Sports-Tourism for Southern Thailand & Koh Samui. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321941-samui-open-beach-volleyball-tournament-2024/

The 6th annual TAT Samui Open Beach Volleyball Tournament will be held on Koh Samui, Thailand 29-31 March 2024 at SEEN Beach Club on Chaweng Beach. Promising to be a thrilling sporting event, the international tournament will be a big boost for Sports-Tourism for Southern Thailand & Koh Samui. The now fully registered tournament will see 88 teams with 130 athletes and 28 countries represented from Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, Australia and Asia. 80% of the athletes are from overseas and 20% are Thai and Foreign National. 100,000THB in prize money will be awarded to tournament winners along with trophies, medals, sponsor vouchers, volleyball gear and apparel. The Beach Volleyball Event is partnering with ‘HUB Beach Volleyball’ Camp from Australia offering a 3-day Training Camp prior to the event and features Olympic Volleyball Silver Medalist, David McKienzie, as the Head Coach. The international event, the biggest event of its type to date, is presented by Tourism Authority Thailand (TAT), organized by Biggs Island Productions (BIP), hosted by SEEN Beach Club/Avani Hotel Chaweng and supported by Koh Samui Municipality (Tessaban). By Goongnang Suksawat PRESS RELEASE Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Dead Sea Turtle Washes Ashore on Jomtien Beach By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A large dead sea turtle was discovered washed ashore on Jomtien Beach in Pattaya early Friday morning, March 8th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321939-dead-sea-turtle-washes-ashore-on-jomtien-beach/

Pattaya — A large dead sea turtle was discovered washed ashore on Jomtien Beach in Pattaya early Friday morning, March 8th, 2024. The Pattaya municipal special operations officers and sea rescue personnel received a report from tourists about the dead animal at around 00:46 AM. The lifeless sea turtle was found near Soi Jomtien 10, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Authorities responded to the scene upon receiving the report. There, authorities discovered a large green turtle carcass laying on Jomtien Beach. Estimated to be 7-10 years old, the turtle measured approximately 80 cm in length and weighed around 50-60 kg. The body exhibited signs of decomposition, with deep wounds on its shell. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Tourists capturing marine life for social media face legal action Koh Phi Phi National Park swiftly responded to reports of tourists capturing marine life and sharing it on social media. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321936-tourists-capturing-marine-life-for-social-media-face-legal-action/

Koh Phi Phi National Park swiftly responded to reports of tourists capturing marine life and sharing it on social media. On March 4th, complaints highlighted foreign tourists aboard the "Quel Voyage GEORGE TOWN" boat snorkeling at Koh Bida Island, part of Phi Phi Island, reported Daily News. Following investigation, officials confirmed marine life capture, including shellfish, in Zone 7. Mr. Yutthapong emphasized park regulations, prohibiting activities harmful to marine life and the environment. The incident, falling under the park's jurisdiction in Krabi Province, was reported to local police. Authorities stress responsible tourism to protect biodiversity and natural resources. All pictures courtesy of Daily News -- ASEAN NOW 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 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

Economic agency boss raises concern about runaway online media content in Thailand and fake news by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) Danucha Pichayanan raised the issue on Monday. He was commenting on the economy’s performance at the end of 2023. Mr Danucha cited Chinese regulations, including the prohibition of content showcasing unrealistic wealth. He also suggested that the nature of online media in Thailand be redefined. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321930-economic-agency-boss-raises-concern-about-runaway-online-media-content-and-fake-news/

Secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) Danucha Pichayanan raised the issue on Monday. He was commenting on the economy’s performance at the end of 2023. Mr Danucha cited Chinese regulations, including the prohibition of content showcasing unrealistic wealth. He also suggested that the nature of online media in Thailand be redefined. Thai Economic Council raises the question of social media regulation amidst a fake news surge. In particular, online influencers face scrutiny as concern grows over their economic and societal impact. Is tighter control really necessary? A top government agency official on Monday hinted at the possibility of enhanced regulation of online media content. The Secretary-general of the government’s top economic body, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Danucha Pitchayanan referenced Chinese laws which have outlawed content promoting conspicuous consumption when he raised the issue. Mr Danucha suggested that Thai regulations be updated with online media sources redefined legally. This was met by scepticism from key media and advertising industry players who warned against stifling creativity and innovation. In a statement on Monday, March 4, 2024, Mr Danucha Pitchayanan, Secretary-General of the NESDC, raised questions about Thailand’s social media environment. With the rise of influencers, content production has become a competitive arena. He was concerned that trending content was prioritising engagement over accuracy. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 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

Market thief electrocuted during wire heist in Mae Klong by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A female thief’s audacious wire theft act at the Rom Hub Market nearly turned fatal when she was electrocuted during the thievery, sparking concerns among local shop owners. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321929-market-thief-electrocuted-during-wire-heist-in-mae-klong/

A female thief’s audacious wire theft act at the Rom Hub Market nearly turned fatal when she was electrocuted during the thievery, sparking concerns among local shop owners. A CCTV system at a catfish shop in Rom Hub Market, Mae Klong, Mueang district, Samut Songkhram province, captured the shocking incident. On the night of March 6, the woman, wearing what appeared to be pyjamas, entered the market and began her illicit scavenging. She brazenly used scissors to cut through electrical wires, which resulted in an electric shock and a bright flash of sparks. Startled by the sudden jolt, the thief quickly fled the scene. The owner of the catfish shop, 48 year old Jitrapa Slabsri was packing up her stall as the Mae Klong train was arriving at the station when she pointed out the cut wires. She recounted that the same individual had previously stolen from her shop twice, on December 19, 2022, and January 29 last year. On both occasions, the thefts were quick, lasting only about five to ten minutes, and the value of the stolen goods was minimal, so she did not report the incidents to the authorities. However, the most recent and third incident on March 6 was different due to the severe risk posed by the cut wires and the potential for fire, reported KhaoSod. Jitrapa issued a stern warning to the woman in the video and anyone who might know her, emphasising the gravity of the situation. “Stealing like this could lead to death here in Rom Hub Market, and it could cause trouble for everyone else. If the sparks had caused a fire, hundreds of shops could have suffered.” Jitrapa also requested that the authorities apprehend the perpetrator to prevent further nuisance to others. In related news, CCTV camera footage caught a foreign man stealing a Thai flag from outside an office in Phuket. Thai netizens urged the police to take the case seriously as the Thai flag is highly respected by locals. 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

Thaksin Leaving For Chiang Mai For A Few Days Next Week By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra is anticipated to leave Bangkok for Chiang Mai next week to stay there for a few days, according to a partisan source. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321927-thaksin-leaving-for-chiang-mai-for-a-few-days-next-week/

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra is anticipated to leave Bangkok for Chiang Mai next week to stay there for a few days, according to a partisan source. The politically powerful, privileged Thaksin will fly a private jet from the capital to his northern home province on Mar. 14 to visit his relatives and pay homage to a stupa containing remains of his forebears. The de facto Pheu Thai boss has planned to stay in Chiang Mai until Mar. 16 and fly back to Bangkok on the same day, the partisan source said. However, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is scheduled to leave for Chiang Mai on Mar. 15 and proceed to pay an official visit to Payao on Mar. 16. By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Thailand’s population to halve in 60 years, warns deputy PM by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin cautioned that Thailand’s population could plummet from 66 million to a mere 33 million within six decades. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321926-thailand’s-population-to-halve-in-60-years-warns-deputy-pm/

Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin cautioned that Thailand’s population could plummet from 66 million to a mere 33 million within six decades. This alarming forecast, issued yesterday, spells out dire consequences for the nation’s economic vitality and security, with the working-age populace dwindling from 46 million to a mere 14 million, according to Somsak. Speaking at a meeting of a committee on preventing teenage pregnancy, which he chairs, Somsak underscored the urgency of addressing the issue of plummeting birth rates. Somsak cited statistics from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). He highlighted a staggering decline in the fertility rate from 6.29 in 1970 to a mere 1.08 in 2023. “The number of newborns in Thailand has plummeted below 500,000 annually, a stark contrast to the over 1 million births recorded in 1970.” NESDC projections paint a grim picture, forecasting a peak population of 67.19 million in 2028, followed by a gradual decline to 66.18 million by 2037. The council anticipates a steady erosion of the working-age demographic, plummeting from 66.1% in 2017 to 56.8% by 2037. Further exacerbating the crisis is the impending decline in the number of women of reproductive age, projected to plummet to 11.81 million by 2037, compared to 14.2 million in 2017. With over half of women in this cohort aged 30 to 44, a stage marked by declining fertility, the situation appears increasingly dire, reported The Nation. Somsak advocated for targeted campaigns aimed at younger women to bolster the birth rate. Additionally, he proposed leveraging medical technology and implementing policies conducive to fostering a supportive life and work environment for women over 30, in a bid to augment childbirth rates. In related news, China witnessed a massive decline in population last year with a decrease of two million, marking the nation’s second consecutive annual dip, according to government reports. The aftermath of Covid-19 restrictions lifting unleashed a demographic whirlwind, unveiling unforeseen challenges for the once-populous Asian giant. The statistics bureau disclosed that deaths surged by a staggering 690,000, reaching 11.1 million – more than double the increase seen in the previous year. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation 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

Pattaya News March 2024 - What's Happening in Pattaya? Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321925-pattaya-news-march-2024-whats-happening-in-pattaya/

Craig McAvenue and Andrew Sloan talk about what events are coming up in Pattaya, Songkran traditions and a new English Best Bitter Beer and a Stout by Dwyers which is now in Thailand getting great reviews.

Sex pest caught sexually assaulting women in Bangkok by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ The Key Police arrested a Thai sex pest for repeatedly sexually assaulting women, especially teenagers, in the Min Buri district of Bangkok by grabbing their breasts, masturbating in front of them, and spitting on them. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321924-sex-pest-caught-sexually-assaulting-women-in-bangkok/

Police arrested a Thai sex pest for repeatedly sexually assaulting women, especially teenagers, in the Min Buri district of Bangkok by grabbing their breasts, masturbating in front of them, and spitting on them. More than ten women filed a complaint at Min Buri Police Station that a perverted Thai sex pest on a motorcycle approached them while they were walking on the footpath and sexually assaulted them. Most of the incidents occurred in Soi Sriburanukit 9. Some victims said the man grabbed their breasts and drove away on a motorcycle. Some said he showed them his penis and masturbated. Others said the pervert had spat on them before leaving. Channel 7 reported that one schoolgirl suffered depression after the sexual assault, and another trainee student working in the area quit and left Bangkok for her home province due to stress and fear over the assault. Residents in the area attempted to apprehend the suspect and reviewed security camera footage to discover his identity. The man was seen riding a red motorcycle but the footage was insufficient to positively identify him. Residents printed out his image and displayed it on walls as a cautionary measure. Additionally, his photo was shared on social media platforms. Subsequently, an online user came forward to inform the Min Buri Police Station that the suspected perpetrator might be the individual involved in the theft of women’s underwear in the Rat Uthit neighbourhood within the same district. Upon investigating the man’s criminal record, the police suspected that his name might be Apisit. Officers managed to arrest Apisit at an egg shop in the district as he was preparing to deliver eggs to customers. Apisit admitted to the sexual assaults and confessed that he did this to many victims. Apisit was charged with sexually assaulting people, including a child under the age of 15. The penalty is imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both under Section 278 of the Criminal Law. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ The Key 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

UPDATE: Bangkok’s street stall showdown: Pedestrians vs Vendors by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of CuddlyNest The age-old saga of Bangkok’s bustling streets versus its iconic street stalls continues, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) at the forefront of a new regulation to solve the decade-long issue of street stalls encroaching on pedestrian paths. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321892-will-bangkok’s-mission-to-clear-footpaths-ruin-street-food-paradise/?do=findComment&comment=18752732

Bangkok’s street stall showdown: Pedestrians vs Vendors by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of CuddlyNest The age-old saga of Bangkok’s bustling streets versus its iconic street stalls continues, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) at the forefront of a new regulation to solve the decade-long issue of street stalls encroaching on pedestrian paths. A resident of Bangkok’s Udom Suk area lamented her daily struggle as a pedestrian, echoing the frustrations of many. “Footpath warfare is real. I end up walking on the road instead.” She sighed, pointing to the ubiquitous stalls crowding the pavements. Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s hope. The BMA’s proposed regulation seeks to strike a balance between preserving the livelihoods of street vendors and reclaiming space for pedestrians. Under the draft, vendors must register, with strict income thresholds ensuring assistance for those truly in need. However, not all are on board with the plan. Yada Pornpetrumpa, representing the Khaosan Street Stall Club, voices concern over the income ceiling, fearing it may spell doom for vendors in lucrative areas. Yet, for vendors like Noi, the stakes are high. With dreams of retiring to her hometown, the bustling streets of Bangkok are her lifeline. Deputy Bangkok Governor Jakkapan Phiewngam assures that the BMA’s efforts aren’t a death knell for vendors. Instead, they offer a chance for coexistence, with designated areas and negotiated rents easing the transition, reported Thai PBS World. From the inauguration of hawker centres to the meticulous inspection of potential sites, the BMA marches forward, undeterred by challenges. As Jakkapan asserts, the mission to regulate street stalls is vital for the city’s infrastructure and hygiene. In related news, BMA has initiated a comprehensive project to refurbish the city’s antiquated pathways. The objective is to create robust and user-friendly pathways that cater to the needs of pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities and wheelchair users, as per the announcement made by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt on November 30. The renovation project has already taken off, with work underway on the sidewalks lining both sides of Udomsuk Road in the heavily populated district of Bang Na. 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

British and Norwegian nationals arrested for illegal employment by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post A Norwegian woman and a British man have been apprehended in Thailand for alleged illegal employment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321923-british-and-norwegian-nationals-arrested-for-illegal-employment/

A Norwegian woman and a British man have been apprehended in Thailand for alleged illegal employment. The arrests occurred on Koh Pha Ngan and Phuket island respectively, as part of a police operation targeting foreign nationals working unlawfully in the country. The Norwegian woman, 56 year old Unni Sekkesaeter was taken into custody at Tha Sala pier in the district of Pha Ngan, Surat Thani. The arrest was facilitated by a joint task force comprising immigration, tourist police and local police. Sekkesaeter was apprehended as she waved goodbye to two departing tourists from her Toyota sedan, prominently marked with the name Pha Ngan Paragon Resort & Spa. The arrest was confirmed by Surat Chani’s immigration chief, Naruewat Phutthaviro. Sekkesaeter is now facing charges for ferrying passengers in her vehicle, a violation of Thai law which forbids foreigners from driving passengers. She has reportedly admitted to the charge. In addition to this, Sekkesaeter is the general manager of Pure Lifestyle, a company that operates Pha Ngan Paragon Resort & Spa among other resorts on the southern tourist island, famous for its Full Moon Party. Police have been instructed to press charges against the company and its authorised director for permitting Sekkesaeter to engage in work that is off-limits to foreigners. Meanwhile, in Phuket, the immigration chief, Phisit Sawadthavorn, reported the arrest of a 34 year old British man, Ryan Horner. The arrest occurred in the parking lot of Wat Phra Yai in Mueang district. Horner stands accused of working as a guide, a profession in Thailand that is reserved exclusively for Thai citizens, reported Bangkok Post. Following his arrest, Horner was taken to Karon police station to face the charges. In related news, police charged an American woman for running an unlicensed nursery on Koh Phra Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. Seven foreigners were found working at the site without permits. by Mitch Connor 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

One Worker in Pattaya Seriously Injured After Construction Site Collapses By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —A Thai construction worker sustained severe injuries after a construction site collapsed on her. The incident happened on Friday, March 8th, 2024, at 9:30 AM. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321922-one-worker-in-pattaya-seriously-injured-after-construction-site-collapses/

Pattaya —A Thai construction worker sustained severe injuries after a construction site collapsed on her. The incident happened on Friday, March 8th, 2024, at 9:30 AM. The Sawangburiboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation received a report about the collapse of a steel framework at a building under construction on Soi 5 near Pratumnak Road in South Pattaya today. They immediately rushed to the scene. A Thai woman, identified as 53-year-old Ms. Wilaisak Longthong, was trapped beneath the wreckage. Both of her legs were pinned under the steel structure, sustaining severe injuries. The rescue team swiftly lifted the debris and administered initial first aid to Ms. Wilaisak before transporting her to Banglamung Hospital. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Indian Man Nabbed by Pattaya Immigration for Allegedly Stealing Employers Money By Aim Tanakorn An Indian man was arrested by Pattaya Immigration on Thursday, March 7th, after being accused of stealing 100,000 baht and a tablet from his employer. The suspect reportedly admitted that he had already spent all the money on self-entertainment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321921-indian-man-nabbed-by-pattaya-immigration-for-allegedly-stealing-employers-money/