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Jetstar Asia soars to Krabi and Clark, Philippines by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Jetstar Newsroom Jetstar Asia announced two direct routes to Krabi and Clark, Philippines, promising to whisk passengers away to paradise. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321745-jetstar-asia-soars-to-krabi-and-clark-philippines/

Jetstar Asia announced two direct routes to Krabi and Clark, Philippines, promising to whisk passengers away to paradise. Starting June 7, thrill-seekers can jet off to the mesmerising shores of Krabi, with the low-cost carrier offering six weekly services to this South Thai gem. From June 16, travellers can hop aboard for a journey to the heart of the Philippines’ vibrant culture with four weekly services to Clark, soon to ramp up to five by October 18. Known for its pristine beaches and towering limestone cliffs, Krabi beckons adventurers and beach lovers alike. Meanwhile, Clark opens doors to the Philippines’ rich tapestry of culture and awe-inspiring landscapes. Jetstar’s promise of over 60,000 low fares annually to Krabi and more than 45,000 customers served on the Clark route by the end of this year ensures an accessible adventure for all. Jetstar Asia CEO John Simeone expressed enthusiasm. “Our commitment to expanding our Southeast Asian network means enhanced connectivity and boundless travel possibilities for our customers. “Whether it’s the allure of Krabi’s white beaches or the cultural charm of Clark, Jetstar Asia is poised to deliver unforgettable experiences just a short flight away.” With A320s boasting 180 seats, the journey to these paradises promises to be as comfortable as it is exciting, reported TTR Weekly. Photo courtesy of TTR Weekly In related news, British Airways (BA) is recommencing its connections with Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, adding fuel to the excitement of travellers eager to explore Asia once more. Starting in late October, British Airways will be steering its Boeing 777s three times a week from London Gatwick (LGW) to Bangkok, veering away from the previous daily flights from Heathrow. However, first-class cabins will not be available on the revived service. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur will witness daily flights from London Heathrow (LHR), signalling BA’s robust commitment to expanding its Asian network post-pandemic. In other news, come March 31, Thai Airways (THAI) will operate flights to Perth in Western Australia and Colombo in Sri Lanka. In addition, THAI’s first flight to Southwest India’s Cochin Airport will take off on April 2. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Jetstar Newsroom Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-07 - 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 man found asleep in police van outside Nong Prue station Photo of Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Nong Prue Police officers were taken aback last Friday, March 1 when they stumbled upon a Thai man sleeping inside a police van parked right in front of the local station. The bizarre incident left the officers bewildered and concerned for the man’s welfare. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321744-thai-man-found-asleep-in-police-van-outside-nong-prue-station/

Nong Prue Police officers were taken aback last Friday, March 1 when they stumbled upon a Thai man sleeping inside a police van parked right in front of the local station. The bizarre incident left the officers bewildered and concerned for the man’s welfare. Initially appearing innocuous with the van’s engine off and windows tightly shut, the situation took a puzzling turn as officers’ instincts kicked in, sensing something was awry. Upon opening the van’s door, they were greeted with an unexpected sight – a disoriented man, estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old, sprawled face down within the vehicle, showing signs of heavy intoxication, with drool staining his face and his appearance dishevelled. Further investigation revealed that earlier that day, the same individual had been apprehended for public intoxication and released around 10am. Presumed to have left the area, he had surreptitiously re-entered one of the police vans, catching the officers off guard. A rescue team acted swiftly, transporting the man to Bang Lamung Hospital for immediate medical attention, as he had been deprived of air for several hours, raising grave concerns about his well-being, reported Pattaya Mail. Authorities are now delving into the circumstances surrounding his actions and prior detention. In related news, a 28 year old Indian tourist fell into a profound slumber inside a locked car in Pattaya in the early hours of January 9. His unsuspecting companions were left with no choice but to shatter the vehicle’s windows to rouse him from his sleep. In other news, a restaurant employee found a Thai man dead in his car, parked on Pattaya Sai Sam Road. The deceased had been drunk, and his friends had left him to sleep off the alcohol in the car with the engine running. An employee of Pattaya Seafood restaurant reported that he went to work on the night of February 11, and found a black Honda CR-V SUV car parked outside the restaurant. He saw a Thai man sleeping in the driver’s seat and decided to check on him. Photo of Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-07 - 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

PM announces plans for a mid-sea airport in Hua Hin By Online Reporter Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Image: Tourism Authority of Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming Thailand into a global aviation hub. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321743-pm-announces-plans-for-a-mid-sea-airport-in-hua-hin/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming Thailand into a global aviation hub. The plans involve a nationwide overhaul and expansion of Thailand’s airport infrastructure to support both domestic and international travel. And while Hua Hin’s existing airport wasn’t mentioned in the plans specifically, another interesting development for the region was. Part of this vision is the development of a state-of-the-art mid-sea airport in Hua Hin, designed to cater exclusively to high-net-worth individuals traveling on private jets. By Online Reporter TOP: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Image: Tourism Authority of Thailand. Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-03-07 - 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

PM Srettha revs up plans for Thailand’s Formula One debut by Petch Petpailin Photo by Brian McCall via Unsplash and Facebook/ เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is scheduled to meet with representatives from the renowned world of Formula One (F1) during his official trip to France in a bid to host an F1 event in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321742-pm-srettha-revs-up-plans-for-thailand’s-formula-one-debut/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is scheduled to meet with representatives from the renowned world of Formula One (F1) during his official trip to France in a bid to host an F1 event in Thailand. PM Srettha spoke to the media at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on March 4, discussing his upcoming trips to Australia, Germany, and France. He revealed that his first destination would be the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Australia. The 62 year Thai prime minister stated his intention to hold discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet regarding the facilitation of travel between Thai and Cambodian citizens, resolving the issue of PM 2.5 pollution, and addressing overlapping territorial areas. Subsequently, he planned to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Bin Ibrahim to explore business and economic matters concerning the provinces in the Deep South. PM Srettha shared that he will also discuss the exchange of knowledge in the education and agricultural sectors with Australian representatives before heading to Germany on March 6 to participate in the International Tourism Berlin (ITB). Later in the day, the Thai PM is scheduled to travel from Germany to Paris in France. He plans to meet with President Emmanuel Macron and attend the world’s leading real estate market event, Le marché international des professionnels de l’immobilier (MIPIM). The Bangkok-born premier added that he aims to promote various Thai products to the leaders of each country and discuss the Schengen visa exemption for Thai tourists which he once discussed with German Foreign Minister Tobias Lindner in September last year. Highlights of the visit to France include a meeting with a representative from Volkswagen and discussions with the F1 organiser. The Thai prime minister expressed his ambition to invite Volkswagen to establish a factory in Thailand and also wanted the F1 team to consider Thailand as an F1 host. F1 is a premier international auto racing series featuring high-speed, open-wheel cars. It involves a series of races known as a Grand Prix, where teams and drivers compete for the championship, showcasing technology and skill on diverse circuits worldwide. The PM is expected to return to Germany on March 13 before travelling back to Thailand around 1 pm on March 14. by Petch Petpailin Photo by Brian McCall via Unsplash and Facebook/ เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-07 - 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 airports hit turbulence: Ranked among world’s worst by Petch Petpailin The Passenger Terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport | Photo by Ruben Sukatendel via Unsplash Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok ranked among the worst air travel hubs in Asia according to Business Financing’s recent report. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321741-bangkok-airports-hit-turbulence-ranked-among-world’s-worst/

Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok ranked among the worst air travel hubs in Asia according to Business Financing’s recent report. The financial information and research website from the UK, Business Financing, launched the Best & Worst Airports in the World, According to Business Travellers in February this year. This rank is based on the business travellers across the world on the online forum, Air Quality. Aside from information provided by the Air Quality website, Business Financing did not explicitly outline the additional criteria and conditions considered in the rankings. Scores ranged from 1 to 10, with only 12 airports achieving a score above 5. Noi Bai International Airport in Vietnam claimed the top spot with a score of 6.8, while Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Belgium was deemed the worst in the world this year. Noi Bai International Airport also secured the top position in Asia, surpassing Singapore’s Changi Airport, which held the top spot in Skytrak’s 2023 ranking. Kuwait International Airport was identified as the worst airport in Asia. Two of the 10 worst airports in Asia were the airports in the capital of Thailand, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueng Airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport was in seventh place while Don Mueang Airport was in tenth place. The rank together with the complaints about the two airports, garnered attention in Thailand. Thai MP opposes ranking Last week, Suvarnabhumi Airport experienced an electric system failure in its driverless automated people mover (APM) train, causing a 30-minute delay for over 500 passengers. A well-known Thai actor Jesdaporn “Tik” Pholdee also expressed dissatisfaction with the smoking prohibited area at the airport, citing a significant amount of cigarette butts. Concerns about the overall atmosphere and facilities at Don Mueang Airport, along with delays at Suvarnabhumi Airport, continue to surface on social media. Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Chai Watcharong responded to the ranking on Twitter. He urged Thai people to carefully check the source of the rank before concluding or depreciating airports in Thailand. Chai questioned the expertise and international acceptance of Business Financing within the airport industry, emphasising the need to assess every aspect of the evaluation. He added that the rankings may be based on the satisfaction assessment of some travellers regarding factors such as queue times at check-in counters. by Petch Petpailin TOP: The Passenger Terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport | Photo by Ruben Sukatendel via Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-07 - 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

Opposition parties to seek censure debate in April File photo : Opposition leader Chaithawat Tulathon Opposition parties have agreed to hold a no-confidence debate against the government, tentatively in early April, after the passage of the 2024 budget bill. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321740-opposition-parties-to-seek-censure-debate-in-april/

File photo : Opposition leader Chaithawat Tulathon Opposition parties have agreed to hold a no-confidence debate against the government, tentatively in early April, after the passage of the 2024 budget bill. Chaithawat Tulathon, Move Forward and opposition leader, said today that a motion will be sent to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha on March 13th, to seek a no-confidence debate under Section 152 of the Constitution, meaning that there will not be a vote after the debate. He said that the opposition parties agreed that there are sufficient grounds to censure the government because, after about six months in office, it has not fulfilled the promises made to the electorate during the election campaign and has also failed to achieve anything substantial. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-03-07 - 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

Big Drug Trafficker Shot Dead In Clash With Police by TNR Staff The police team surrounding the house of the drug trafficker before a gunfight broke out. Photo: TV Channel 7 A MAJOR drug trafficker with three warrants issued for his arrest was shot dead in a clash with police at his house Nakhon Si Thammarat during which he flung a grenade at them, TV Channel 7 said this afternoon (Mar. 6). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321739-big-drug-trafficker-shot-dead-in-clash-with-police/

A MAJOR drug trafficker with three warrants issued for his arrest was shot dead in a clash with police at his house Nakhon Si Thammarat during which he flung a grenade at them, TV Channel 7 said this afternoon (Mar. 6). A Provincial Police Region 8 team found out that the unidentified drug dealer with three arrest warrants issued by Thung Song Provincial Court was hiding at a house in Phipun district and moved in to search it. When the suspect saw that the police team had surrounded his house he fought back with gunfire erupting after he threw a grenade at them but in the end he was shot dead. by TNR Staff TOP: The police team surrounding the house of the drug trafficker before a gunfight broke out. Photo: TV Channel 7 Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-03-07 - 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

87 Wild Animals Seized at Suvarnabhumi Airport: Six Indian Tourists Face Charges By Kittisak Phalaharn On March 5th, 2024, the Suvarnabhumi Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Customs Office, and relevant agencies received a report from airport security officers after detecting 87 wild animals stashed inside eight baggage items of six Indian tourists heading to Mumbai, India. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321738-87-wild-animals-seized-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-six-indian-tourists-face-charges/

On March 5th, 2024, the Suvarnabhumi Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Customs Office, and relevant agencies received a report from airport security officers after detecting 87 wild animals stashed inside eight baggage items of six Indian tourists heading to Mumbai, India. According to Suvarnabhumi security officers, more than 87 wild animals were seized after six Indian suspects went through security processing at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. The wild animals included cotton-top tamarins, reptiles, macaws, lizards, red pandas, and other protected wildlife. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-07 - 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

Chanthaburi Noodle Shop Owner Returns 300,000 Baht in Overpayment to Chinese Customers By Kittisak Phalaharn Chanthaburi—At 6:00 PM, on March 5th, 2024, Chanthaburi local media interviewed a noodle shop owner after returning 300,000 baht in overpayment to Chinese customers in Mueang, Chanthaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321737-chanthaburi-noodle-shop-owner-returns-300000-baht-in-overpayment-to-chinese-customers/

Chanthaburi—At 6:00 PM, on March 5th, 2024, Chanthaburi local media interviewed a noodle shop owner after returning 300,000 baht in overpayment to Chinese customers in Mueang, Chanthaburi. Mr. Samart Wongnapa, a 49-year-old noodle shop owner, revealed to local media that at 12:00 PM on the same day, there was a group of four Chinese gem merchants who ordered noodle dishes at the shop with an amount of 210 baht for seven dishes. After checking the bills, however, the Chinese customers accidentally transferred 333,210 via a mobile banking platform. Samart, the noodle shop owner, realized that and then rushed to call the Chinese customers to return the money. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

No Evidence of Prostitution Found in Transgender Brawl Incident, Say Bangkok Police By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok—On March 5th, 2024, the Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt and relevant agencies performed a field inspection for illegal activities including so-called taxi mafia and alleged prostitution, as well as illegal guides, in Soi Nana Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321736-no-evidence-of-prostitution-found-in-transgender-brawl-incident-say-bangkok-police/

Bangkok—On March 5th, 2024, the Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt and relevant agencies performed a field inspection for illegal activities including so-called taxi mafia and alleged prostitution, as well as illegal guides, in Soi Nana Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. During the inspection, Thai national media inquired to Chadchart regarding the recent incident involving over 100 Thai transgender people who went to protest against a group of Filipino transgender people in Soi Sukhumvit 11 on March 4th. Chadchart stated that it was a conflict between two different groups of people and this inspection was not directly related to the incident. Chadchart said that he regularly commuted on this route and the street was in disorder as many homeless and drunk people could be seen in the early morning. As for the incident involving Thai transgender people on March 4th, Thai netizens named it as the “Transgender Veterans Incident”. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-07 - 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

Romanian Man Arrested in Patong for Allegedly Operating Tour Services By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – A Romanian man was arrested in Patong after he was found allegedly selling tour packages. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321734-romanian-man-arrested-in-patong-for-allegedly-operating-tour-services/

Patong – A Romanian man was arrested in Patong after he was found allegedly selling tour packages. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that on Tuesday (March 5th) they arrested MR. ION, 28, Romanian national at a parking area of an undisclosed hotel on the Phra Baramee Road in Patong. The arrest came after the police were notified by concerned citizens that a foreigner was selling tour packages at the hotel. Police found that the Romanian was recommending foreign tourists tour packages. Tourists also allegedly were seen buying a tour package and paying the Romanian man. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-07 - 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

Three Russians Arrested at Thalang Vehicle Rental Shop for Alleged Work Permit Related Offenses By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang –Three Russians were arrested at a vehicle rental shop in Cherng Talay for work permit related offenses. Full sttory: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321733-three-russians-arrested-at-vehicle-rental-shop-for-alleged-work-permit-related-offenses/

Thalang –Three Russians were arrested at a vehicle rental shop in Cherng Talay for work permit related offenses. The Region 8 Police told the Phuket Express that on Tuesday (March 5th) they arrested three Russian men who were identified only as MR. STEPAN, 38, MR. DMITRII, 34, and MR. ROMAN, 43. They were arrested at a company on Sri Soonthorn Road in Cherng Talay which was being operated as a vehicles rental shop. The full name of the shop was withheld by Thai police due to the ongoing investigation. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-07 - 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

Yingluck’s Planned Return Without Being Imprisoned Could Be ‘The Last Straw’: Jurin By Thai Newsroom Reporters Democrat leader Jurin Laksanavisit and former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath THE PLANNED HOMECOMING of deposed prime minister-cum-convict at large Yingluck Shinawatra without imprisonment could possibly be “the last straw” for those who might no longer tolerate an evident undermining of the country’s rules of law and judicial process, said a prominent lawmaker today (Mar 6). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321732-yingluck’s-planned-return-without-being-imprisoned-could- be-‘the-last-straw’-jurin/