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A Thai man remains at large after brutally assaulting his girlfriend and killing her lover outside a rented room in the Doi Saket district of the northern province of Chiang Mai. Officers from the Doi Saket Police Station and rescuers from the Sawang Samret Chiang Mai Foundation investigated the physical assaults that took place around midnight on March 5. Officers found a Thai woman, 27 year old Chiwa, lying naked outside the rented room with a broken jaw. The woman was rushed to hospital. Nearby, officers discovered the dead body of a Thai man, 45 year old Surachai, with multiple stab wounds to the back of his neck and body. His body was transferred to the Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital for an autopsy. Further investigation by the police revealed that Chiwa lived in the rented room with her boyfriend, Sor. The deceased man was her lover who visited Chiwa on the day of the incident while Sor was away at work. A witness, 47 year old Kanchana, revealed to the police that she was the couple’s neighbour and saw the deceased visit Chiwa several times when Sor was not at home. Kanchana said Chiwa and her boyfriend bought alcohol to drink in her room and fell asleep on her bed after getting drunk. Chiwa’s boyfriend Sor returned home with his younger brother around midnight and could not find his girlfriend, so he went to Kanchana’s room to check on her and saw her with her lover. Kanchana said Sor dragged both Chiwa and Surachai out of her room and physically assaulted them. According to Kanchana, Sor took off Chiwa’s clothes and underwear and hit her with a pestle. He then attacked Surachai by repeatedly stabbing him. Sor’s brother tried to stop him but to no avail. Sor was consumed by anger and jealousy. Kanchana said she did not see the incident clearly because she was disabled and unable to walk to the scene. She heard Sor and his brother leave on a motorbike but did not know which direction they were going. Police are now checking CCTV cameras near the rented room and along the road to track down and arrest Sor. Photo of Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-08 - 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 EV sales surge by 603% amid government incentives by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sales in Thailand surged by 603% year-on-year to 73,568 units last year, with the upward trend expected to continue throughout this year, as per the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321870-thai-ev-sales-surge-by-603-amid-government-incentives/

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sales in Thailand surged by 603% year-on-year to 73,568 units last year, with the upward trend expected to continue throughout this year, as per the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This growth is expected to outstrip that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which witnessed a 13.7% year-on-year sales decline to 238,570 units in 2023, capturing a 30.7% market share in the passenger car segment. However, BEVs claimed a 9.4% market share in the same segment. Despite Apple Inc.’s recent announcement of scrapping its decade-long effort to manufacture EVs, promising EV sales are attracting more investment from car and tech developers. The state EV incentive packages have been instrumental in making EV prices more affordable, thereby catalysing the demand for EVs, stated Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice-chairman of the FTI and spokesman for its Automotive Industry Club. The government has unveiled three packages to stimulate the production and consumption of EVs. Last month, the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee sanctioned incentives to encourage companies to transition their commercial fleets of large trucks and buses to BEVs. These incentives include a tax deduction granted to eligible companies, effective until December 31, 2025. The committee also approved cash grants for EV battery cell manufacturers. The Thai EV industry is also being driven by the EV3.5 and EV3.0 schemes previously launched by the government, according to Surapong. EV3.5, running from 2024 to 2027, comprises subsidies ranging between 5,000 (US$140) to 100,000 baht (US$2,814) for imported electric cars and motorcycles, alongside reductions in import duties and excise tax. EV manufacturers participating in EV3.5 are required to start domestic EV production in 2026. During the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration, the committee approved EV3.0, including tax cuts and subsidies to promote EV consumption and production between 2022 and 2023. The subsidies vary from 70,000 baht (US$1,970) to 150,000 baht (US$4,221) depending on the vehicle type and model, with lower excise tax and import duties on completely knocked-down and completely built-up units. EV confidence The incentives, combined with the economic sentiment in Thailand, will instil confidence among potential car buyers, encouraging them to purchase EVs. If the prices of BEVs, particularly imports, are between 600,000 (US$16,887) and 1 million baht (US$28,145), more people are likely to buy these cars, said Surapong. Krisda Utamote, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), attributed the rapid EV market growth to high oil prices, technological advancements, and environmental concerns. In January this year, BEV sales in the country accounted for 17.8% of total car sales, according to the Automotive Industry Club. The government has set a target for BEVs to constitute 30% of total car manufacturing by 2030, producing 725,000 zero-emission cars, 675,000 electric motorcycles, and 34,000 electric buses and trucks. Surapong dismissed the belief that a limited number of EV charging outlets, especially in public places, will impact EV sales and production. With the growing demand for EVs, developers and operators of charging facilities are expected to increase their numbers, making chargers more publicly accessible, reported Bangkok Post. Apple plans to transfer employees working on the EV project to the artificial intelligence division, as per a Bloomberg News report. This decision comes as several EV makers, primarily car companies in China, announced or are pondering more investment in EV assembly and battery manufacturing. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-08 - 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 PM delivers statement at Amazing Thailand Networking Event during ITB Berlin 2024 Highlights his vision to grow the Thai tourism industry, including a number of favourable policies and measures to elevate Thailand’s position as a world-class destination. TAT Newsroom Berlin, 7 March 2024 – Thailand’s Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, delivered a statement at the “Amazing Thailand Networking Event with the Prime Minister of Thailand” as part of the country’s 49th participation in the ITB Berlin 2024 in Germany. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321869-thai-pm-delivers-statement-at-amazing-thailand-networking-event-during-itb-berlin-2024/

Highlights his vision to grow the Thai tourism industry, including a number of favourable policies and measures to elevate Thailand’s position as a world-class destination. Berlin, 7 March 2024 – Thailand’s Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, delivered a statement at the “Amazing Thailand Networking Event with the Prime Minister of Thailand” as part of the country’s 49th participation in the ITB Berlin 2024 in Germany. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the “Amazing Thailand Networking Event with the Prime Minister of Thailand” at ITB Berlin 2024 was held on 7 March 2024, the CityCube Berlin. Prime Minister Srettha stated the importance of tourism in socio-economic development and shared the government’s vision to drive the Thai tourism industry to the next level and generate 90.36 billion euros in overall tourism revenue for this year. Of these, 59.38 billion euros will be from international tourism, including 17.15 billion euros in revenue and 8.5 million visitors from the Europe, Africa, and Middle East markets. His Excellency indicated the significant improvement in the ease of travelling over the past five months, including the temporary visa exemptions for Indian, Russian, Kazakhstani, and Taiwanese visitors and the recently launched Thailand-China mutual visa exemption. In addition, talks are underway with the EU for Schengen visa exemption and ASEAN counterparts for the “One Visa, Free your Destination” agreement. PM extended an invitation to tourists to explore secondary destinations beyond world-renowned cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai to indulge in local cultures and unique experiences. He cited his travel experiences of many interesting local cultures and hidden gems in lesser-known cities. He mentioned the plans to adjust the operating hours of entertainment venues and ease rules on the sale of alcoholic beverages. This will follow the recent extension to the opening hours of entertainment venues in key tourist areas and the reduction in liquor tax. The PM reiterated that the government places ‘Thai Soft Power’ at the core of its tourism policy. Thailand’s unique and beautiful festivals are being leveraged to position the country as a world-class festival destination. The “Maha Songkran World Water Festival” will be organised to celebrate its UNESCO ‘intangible cultural heritage’ status. Incentives will be launched to attract major international festivals, concerts, and events to be held in Thailand. Lastly, Prime Minister Srettha expressed his vision to see Thailand become the aviation hub of Southeast Asia within this decade. He highlighted renovation and expansion plans for existing airports and the development of two new airports – the Lanna International Airport in Chiang Mai and the Andaman International Airport in Phang-nga. He stressed the plans to improve the efficiency of ground handling services to accommodate the increasing number of passengers. Apart from providing quality services to customers, safety and security standards are significant elements of leading forward to be a global aviation hub. He also mentioned discussions with airlines to increase flights and new routes to Thailand, and the upcoming “Air-mazing Thailand: The Amazing Airlines Fam Trip” being organised by the TAT to showcase the country’s expansive aviation capabilities. “With the investment and commitment from the government, Thailand is poised to see an explosive growth in the tourism sector in the coming years. We want to encourage travellers to embrace their experiences, share their travel stories in Thailand that will turn into lifelong memories, and inspire others around the world to seek endless journeys in Thailand,” Prime Minister Srettha concluded. The Amazing Thailand Networking Event with the Prime Minister of Thailand was attended by more than 200 invited European and Thai tour operators and media members. TAT also use the networking event as a platform to launch for the first time at the ITB Berlin 2024, its latest TVC: “Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End” communication concept. It aims to instil ‘unforgettable experiences’ into travellers through meaningful travel or memorable trips during their journey in Thailand. This will lead the travellers to become storytellers who share their own stories in Thailand with others and inspire the world to embark on endless journeys and create never-ending stories. TAT Newsroom Source: TAT NEWS 2024-03-08 - 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 now world’s third most polluted city by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Chiang Mai ranks as the third most polluted city globally amid a severe air quality crisis in northern Thailand, with particulate matter (PM)2.5 levels surging due to widespread forest fires. The situation, which peaked today, March 7, has triggered health concerns and advisories. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321865-chiang-mai-now-world’s-third-most-polluted-city/

Chiang Mai ranks as the third most polluted city globally amid a severe air quality crisis in northern Thailand, with particulate matter (PM)2.5 levels surging due to widespread forest fires. The situation, which peaked today, March 7, has triggered health concerns and advisories. Northern Thailand is grappling with a significant air pollution crisis. Today, the Air Pollution Crisis Resolution Centre reported that at 7am, PM2.5 levels had exceeded national safety standards in several northern provinces. The crisis is attributed primarily to extensive forest fires, which have been detected by NASA’s Firms website as numerous hotspots across the region. The unchecked spread of these fires is pumping dangerous levels of PM2.5 into the atmosphere, raising alarms about the potential health impacts on the population. In Chiang Mai, the situation is particularly dire. The air quality index (AQI) readings have reached hazardous levels, prompting local authorities to issue warnings and health advisories. Medical professionals from Chiang Mai University are deeply concerned about the rising pollution, which could lead to severe health complications, especially among vulnerable groups. The issue is not confined to the north, however. The northeastern and central regions, including areas like Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi, have also reported PM2.5 levels that far exceed safe limits. Residents in these areas are facing similar threats to their health and well-being. Data from the monitoring stations indicate that PM2.5 concentrations in the north ranged from 43.9 to 196.1 microgrammes per cubic metre, far above the standard value. The northeast also showed elevated levels, with measurements between 37.2 and 136.0 micrograms per cubic metre. Although the central and western regions had fewer areas exceeding the standards, the readings of 23.2 to 46.4 microgrammes per cubic metre still pose a risk. Air pollution In contrast, the eastern and southern regions of Thailand, as well as Bangkok and its vicinities, have been faring better, with air quality generally within acceptable ranges. The ranking of Chiang Mai as one of the most polluted cities comes from data provided by the IQAir website, highlighting the severity of the pollution. The AQI scores reflect the concentration of various pollutants in the air, with PM2.5 being a significant concern due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing various health issues, reported KhaoSod. The situation has prompted Thai authorities to intensify their efforts to tackle pollution. Measures are being implemented to control the burning and reduce the number of hotspots, which have been identified as the main cause of the hazardous air quality. The public is being advised to stay indoors when possible and use air purifiers or masks to minimise exposure. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-08 - 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 House rejects labour bill fearing 30% cost surge by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Nutthawat Wichieanbut A labour welfare bill proposed by the Move Forward Party (MFP) has been rejected by the House of Representatives, sparking concerns of a potential 30% increase in labour costs across Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321864-thai-house-rejects-labour-bill-fearing-30-cost-surge/

A labour welfare bill proposed by the Move Forward Party (MFP) has been rejected by the House of Representatives, sparking concerns of a potential 30% increase in labour costs across Thailand. Despite this setback, the MFP had some success as the House consented to two additional draft bills, one from the Bhumjaithai Party and another from the MFP. List-MP Sia Jampathong from the MFP, who penned the rejected draft, expressed his disappointment with the House’s decision. His bill was designed to improve working conditions and promote a healthier work-life balance for all employees. The MFP has criticised the government coalition parties for allegedly blocking any bill suggested by the main opposition party. Contrary to these accusations, Chanin Rungtanakiat, a Pheu Thai Party list-MP and deputy spokesman for the party, revealed that another labour welfare bill presented by the MFP was passed just yesterday. This bill, along with another proposed by Worasit Liangprasit of the Bhumjaithai Party, gained approval during its first reading. The rejected bill from Sia Jampathong only secured 149 votes in support, with 252 MPs opposing it due to concerns over potential damage to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Chanin Rungtanakiat explained that if the bill were to become law, labour costs could surge by up to 30%, potentially causing harmful economic effects on SMEs. Sia’s draft demanded employers to employ workers under monthly contracts, paying them at least the minimum wage, and providing the same benefits offered to permanent employees. The draft also suggested a limit on maximum working hours to 40 hours per week for all jobs, excluding those classified as dangerous. In contrast, the Bhumjaithai MP’s draft bill requires employers to provide full pay to workers on paternal leave for a maximum of 49 days out of a total of 98 days and also grants paternity leave rights to male employees, reported Bangkok Post. The additional MFP bill, proposed by list-MP Wanvipa Maison, seeks to extend the maximum number of paternity leave days from the current 98 to 180, and demands employers to pay workers on paternity leave for a minimum of 90 days. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Nutthawat Wichieanbut Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-08 - 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

Facebook dispute leads to teenager being shot dead in downtown Hua Hin By Online Reporter File photo A dispute that started on Facebook resulted in a 16-year-old teenager being shot dead in Hua Hn on Thursday night (March 7). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321863-facebook-dispute-leads-to-teenager-being-shot-dead-in-downtown-hua-hin/

A dispute that started on Facebook resulted in a 16-year-old teenager being shot dead in Hua Hn on Thursday night (March 7). The incident, which also left another person seriously injured, unfolded on Nares Damri Road in the municipal area of Hua Hin. The victim’s mother was said to be in inconsolable grief over the loss of her son. The altercation began when Mr. Din, a local teenager, became embroiled in an argument on Facebook over derogatory remarks made about his sister. The online disagreement led to a face-to-face meeting intended to resolve the conflict. However, the situation took a deadly turn, culminating in gunfire. By Online Reporter Top: File photo Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-03-08 - 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 launches Vape Operation cracking down on e-cigarette sales by Top Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News A comprehensive ‘Vape Operation’ was launched at 2.30pm on March 6, resulting in a crackdown on major e-cigarette sales sources in various areas of Bangkok. The operation was coordinated by Dr. Puangpetch Chunlaid, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, alongside relevant agencies. The targeted e-cigarette sales were estimated to be worth over three million baht. Following a detailed police investigation, Dr. Puangpetch and his team conducted hands-on inspections in several areas across the city. The focus was on community areas where e-cigarette vendors were reportedly selling their products to minors and students. Before digging deeper into the warehouses serving as distribution centres in the Daeng area, the officers seized the disputed property. The investigation also uncovered online platforms used for delivering the products to consumers, as reported by the police. This ‘Vape Operation’ involved a collaborative effort across all sectors, aimed at suppressing and eradicating e-cigarettes from Thai society. Consequently, 15 different locations were raided, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects involved in e-cigarette sales in Bangkok. Over 10,000 illegal e-cigarette-related products were confiscated, with an estimated total value of three million baht (US$84,364). Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-08 - 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 8 March 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321862-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-8-march-2024/

The government has been told negotiations were underway to settle a land dispute between the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ARLO) and the Department of National Parks, The dispute revolves around different maps used to mark plots of land near Khao Yai national park, the ministry of defense would draw up standard markings to settle the dispute. A move Forward party MP added that the 22 million rai of land under the Alro scheme will be allocated to landless farmers and will not touch forest land. Two 16-year-old students are in hospital after being allegedly shot by a 15-year-old with a 9mm pistol at their school in Buri Ram. one student is in a critical condition with a bullet wound to the head. Police retrieved five bullet casings at the school and the gun was recovered from a pond in a temple. The House of Representatives has rejected a welfare bill for workers over fears that it could lead to a 30% rise in labour costs. The bill proposed by the move forward party was aimed to improve working conditions and work-life balance for the country’s workforce. Immigration authorities have revoked the visa of the Swiss man who allegedly kicked a female doctor at a beach in Phuket, 45 year old Mr Urs Fehr managing director of his Elephant Sanctuary Park company claims he slipped and fell causing the injury, he and his wife later apologized to the woman. Around the region Hong Kong Three judges yesterday rejected an appeal by prominent pro-democracy activist Tam Tak-chi against his conviction and 40-month sentence for seven charges of sedition, his lawyer had argued his conviction was a disproportionate restriction on freedom of speech. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, 39C Bangkok: sunny, partly cloudy 36C Pattaya: Sunny, becoming cloudy 34C Phuket and the south: Sunny, becoming cloudy 33C Hua Hin: Sunny with light cloud, winds light from the South 34C AQI 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 2024-03-08 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 - 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 visa exemption sparks rise in travel bookings to China by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Molpasorn Shoowong The visa exemption agreement between Thailand and China has sparked a significant rise in bookings from Thai travellers. During the Songkran holiday through May, airlines and tour operators noted an uptick in Thai passengers on some routes outnumbering their Chinese counterparts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321860-thailand’s-visa-exemption-sparks-rise-in-travel-bookings-to-china/

The visa exemption agreement between Thailand and China has sparked a significant rise in bookings from Thai travellers. During the Songkran holiday through May, airlines and tour operators noted an uptick in Thai passengers on some routes outnumbering their Chinese counterparts. Chotechuang Soorangura, the vice president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, highlighted the robust sales of tour packages to China during Songkran. The majority of these outbound tourists possess high purchasing power, affording the steeper airfares. In contrast, budget travellers usually prefer domestic trips or cost-effective outbound destinations such as Vietnam. According to Chotechuang, Thai travellers have experienced no issues upon arrival in China, unlike previous reports of interrogations and deportations in South Korea. This ensures an uninterrupted flow of tourists. Popular destinations include Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming, Nanning, and Guilin. A four-day trip to a city like Kunming is estimated to cost around 30,000 baht (US$844), a 15-20% increase from 2019. Many tour operators have shifted towards Chinese airlines, offering lower fares compared to Thai carriers. Wutthiphum Jurangkool, CEO of Nok Air, revealed that some Chinese routes carried more Thai passengers than Chinese since the visa exemption commenced on March 1. Nok Air operates two routes in China, Nanning and Zhengzhou, from Bangkok. These areas host attractions well-known to Thai tourists, such as the Shaolin Temple. Inbound arrivals from mainland China remain resilient, maintaining a steady influx since the Chinese New Year, as per Chuwit Sirivejkul, the regional marketing director for East Asia at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Chuwit reported that approximately 18,000-20,000 Chinese tourists arrive daily. For the upcoming ‘summer’ season from late March to October, around 6.2 million airline seats will be available to serve the market, equating to about 70% of the seat capacity from the same period in 2019. The TAT maintains optimism about attracting 8 million Chinese tourists this year. The projected overall outbound Chinese trips for 2024 stand at 130 million, a substantial increase from the 87 million trips recorded last year. As of March 3, Thailand has welcomed 1.2 million Chinese arrivals and 6.7 million total foreign tourists, reported Bangkok Post. During Songkran, the TAT plans to host a special Chinese caravan tour for cross-border travel to the North and Northeast. Once the fiscal 2024 budget is approved, the TAT intends to subsidise more charter flights between China and Thailand, particularly during peak holidays such as Labour Day in May and Golden Week in October. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Molpasorn Shoowong Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-08 - 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

White Sedan Ignored Traffic Rules: Crashes into Barrier, Ignites Fire Picture: Daily News A 27-year-old woman driving a sedan encountered a sudden turn by another vehicle, prompting her to swerve and collide with a barrier, resulting in flames engulfing her car. Quick-thinking bystanders helped her escape the fiery wreck. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321859-white-sedan-ignored-traffic-rules-crashes-into-barrier-ignites-fire/

A 27-year-old woman driving a sedan encountered a sudden turn by another vehicle, prompting her to swerve and collide with a barrier, resulting in flames engulfing her car. Quick-thinking bystanders helped her escape the fiery wreck. Lt. Col. Somkid Boonyaloi, deputy chief of the Sri Racha Police Station, received reports of a sedan crashing into a barrier and catching fire on Sukhumvit Road, inbound to Sri Racha, Bang Phra sub-district, Chonburi province, picture Daily News. At the crash site, a red Honda Civic with Chonburi license plate number พ 2334 was found wedged against the barrier, engulfed in flames. Nearby, Miss Thawalrat (surname withheld), 24, was identified as the driver, injured and in shock. Another sedan, a white Honda City with Bangkok license plate number 2 ขท 2895, was parked nearby, with Miss Jiraporn (surname withheld), 27, identified as the driver, waiting for police assistance. Thawalrat stated that she swerved to avoid a turning vehicle, unaware of the barrier, leading to the collision. Jiraporn reported that she didn't notice any vehicles on the straight road but was struck by Thawalrat's car as it turned, causing the fiery crash. Both drivers were treated for minor injuries, and further investigations are underway at the Sri Racha Police Station to determine liability and cover damages. PICTURES: Daily News -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-08 - 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

Pattaya to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th With a Major Parade By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: PRPATTAYA Pattaya — March 17th, 2024, is set to become memorable as Pattaya gears up to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day on that day with a major parade. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321856-pattaya-to-celebrate-st-patrick’s-day-on-march-17th-with-a-major-parade/

Pattaya — March 17th, 2024, is set to become memorable as Pattaya gears up to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day on that day with a major parade. The event, co-organized by Pattaya City and the Father Ray Foundation, will take place along Pattaya Beach Road, involving a lively, colorful parade from children and staff members from the foundation. This year marks the 11th edition of the event, aiming to provide an excellent opportunity for people to participate in a fun, memorable celebration and showcase pride in Irish heritage. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: PRPATTAYA Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-08 - 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

Sa Kaeo and Cambodian Officials Launch Joint Operation to Combat PM 2.5 Problems at Thai-Cambodia Border By Kittisak Phalaharn On March 6th, 2024, Thai national media reported that Sa Kaeo and Cambodian government officials launched a joint operation to tackle PM 2.5 problems by publicizing a campaign to stop burning or any activities that caused smog. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321854-sa-kaeo-and-cambodian-officials-launch-joint-operation-to-combat-pm-25-problems/

On March 6th, 2024, Thai national media reported that Sa Kaeo and Cambodian government officials launched a joint operation to tackle PM 2.5 problems by publicizing a campaign to stop burning or any activities that caused smog. The joint operation between the two nations was in accordance with the Thai government policy to tackle PM 2.5 dust and hotspots in Thailand and Cambodia by working proactively with integration with the Cambodian government. The Thai government acknowledged the PM 2.5 problems as a national agenda that needed to be tackled urgently for good health and the environment. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-08 - 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 Government Launches ‘Vape Operation’ in Bangkok, Seize 10,000 Illegal E-Cigarette Products Valued at 3 Million Baht By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok—At 2:30 PM, on March 6th, 2024, Dr. Puangpetch Chunlaid, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, and relevant agencies launched a “Vape Operation” to eradicate major sources of e-cigarette sales worth more than three million baht in Bangkok areas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321853-thai-govt-launches-‘vape-operation’-in-bangkok-seize-10000-illegal-e-cigarette-products/

Bangkok—At 2:30 PM, on March 6th, 2024, Dr. Puangpetch Chunlaid, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, and relevant agencies launched a “Vape Operation” to eradicate major sources of e-cigarette sales worth more than three million baht in Bangkok areas. Dr. Puangpetch and relevant agencies performed field inspections in various areas in Bangkok after a police investigation. The major sources of e-cigarette sales were located in community areas selling e-cigarettes to minors and students. The officers confiscated the property in dispute before investigating further into warehouses that were distribution centers in the Daeng area. The illegal sales also had online platforms that delivered the products to customers, according to the police. The “Vape Operation” had integration with all sectors to suppress and eradicate e-cigarettes from Thai society. As a result, 15 different locations were raided, and captured eight suspects involved in e-cigarette sales in Bangkok. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-08 - 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: Govt questions ranking of Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang in ‘Worst Airport’ list by UK publisher By Kittisak Phalaharn On March 5th, 2024, Mr. Chai Watcharong, the Thai Government spokesman, posted on X in response to Business Financing, a UK publisher, ranking Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports in the worst airport list in Asia in 2023. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321852-govt-questions-ranking-of-suvarnabhumi-don-mueang-in-‘worst-airport’-list-by-uk-publisher/