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Violent clash between Thai and Filipino trans groups rocks Bangkok by Nattapong Westwood] Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Chaos erupted early this morning outside a hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 11 when a violent confrontation broke out between Thai and Filipino ladyboys. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321574-violent-clash-between-thai-and-filipino-trans-groups-rocks-bangkok/

Chaos erupted early this morning outside a hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 11 when a violent confrontation broke out between Thai and Filipino ladyboys. The Thai group assembled in response to an incident on March 5, where a Thai ladyboy was assaulted and robbed by a group of about 20 Filipino ladyboys. Tensions heightened as the Thai group demanded justice, leading to a heavy police presence from Lumpini Police Station to secure the scene and negotiate a path to peace. The standoff intensified as the Thai group, numbering in the hundreds, refused to back down, occupying the space in front of the hotel where the Filipino group was staying. The gathering persisted into the early hours, with the Thai group shouting “Thailand!” and “Get out!” as the Filipino individuals, evidently intimidated, refused to leave the premises. At around 3:30am, police officers, numbering just over ten, arrived to establish a perimeter around the hotel and escort the first two Filipino individuals out amidst the uproar. Despite pleas from the police, communicated over loudspeakers, to avoid violence, the situation quickly descended into mayhem as the Thai group began hurling bottles at the emerging Filipino individuals. Several members of the Thai group broke through the police line and physically attacked the Filipino individuals, who were dressed in white hoodies and dark glasses. The police struggled to contain the violence, which culminated in the Thai group dragging the Filipino individuals out in front of the hotel to continue the assault. Ultimately, police managed to intervene and detain both the assailants and the victims, transporting them to Lumpini Police Station. The exact number of those arrested and the condition of the injured remains unknown, reported KhaoSod. Discover lesser-known facts about Thailand’s ladyboy culture, including acceptance, beauty pageants, and societal roles. Learn how to spot a ladyboy and challenge stereotypes. by Nattapong Westwood] Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-05 - 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

Unexpected roadside delivery: Thai woman helps stranger give birth by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Thitiwan Keardpum (Facebook) A sudden roadside birth turned a routine day into an unforgettable experience for a Thai woman on her way to a temple, as a pregnant stranger delivered a healthy baby boy in her car. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321573-unexpected-roadside-delivery-thai-woman-helps-stranger-give-birth/

A sudden roadside birth turned a routine day into an unforgettable experience for a Thai woman on her way to a temple, as a pregnant stranger delivered a healthy baby boy in her car. On March 3, Thitiwan Keardpum shared an extraordinary encounter on Facebook, detailing how a heavily pregnant woman unexpectedly gave birth in her vehicle. The post, accompanied by a clip showing the newborn half out on the back seat, crying loudly, began with a greeting typically reserved for holy days, “Hello, it’s a Buddhist holy day,” and went on to describe the unforeseen event. Thitiwan, from Ayutthaya, was driving with two companions to a temple when suddenly flagged down by a man on a motorcycle, who had a young boy in front and a pregnant woman in obvious distress. The man urgently requested a ride to the hospital as the woman was close to giving birth. Without hesitation, Thitiwan agreed to help. Within five minutes of getting into the car, the pregnant woman exclaimed she couldn’t hold on any longer. What followed was the swift arrival of a healthy baby boy, safely delivered to the world in the back seat of the car. Thitiwan expressed gratitude for being chosen for this unexpected service and noted the day’s profound impact on her life. After the birth, Thitiwan shared a photo of her car parked at the hospital and the vehicle’s registration number, which curious onlookers had requested multiple times. The clip she posted on Facebook attracted much attention, illustrating the moments leading up to the baby’s safe transfer to the medical staff’s care. Thitiwan reflected on the incident the next morning, still exhilarated by the experience. She addressed those questioning her actions during the birth, suggesting they wouldn’t understand unless they had been in that situation themselves. The car’s registration, 2 ขจ 7823, became a point of interest for many, as it is a common belief in Thailand that such extraordinary occurrences can bring good luck, reported Sanook. by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Thitiwan Keardpum (Facebook) Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-05 - 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 - Tuesday 5 March 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321569-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-5-march-2024/

Contractors failing to meet deadlines, standards, and safety regulations during the construction of the Rama II Road expressway will face budget cuts and down grading by the state. Prime minister Thavasin met with the budget approval department and discussed penalizing these contractors due to ongoing delays and occasional accidents which have affected tourism to Huahin and the south. Conservation activists petitioned the United nations and foreign embassies to oppose the government's Land Bridge megaproject, citing lack of transparency, environmental harm, and undermining of human rights principles. They urged investors to carefully assess the project before proceeding. The group's leader, along with 50 activists, visited the embassies of China, Japan, and Germany, to express their opposition. These countries were previously visited by Prime Minister Thavisin to promote the project. The Royal Thai Navy commander has written to express concern over the governments decision to deny budget for a new frigate, emphasizing the critical need to strengthen the nation's defenses. The navy chief urged the chairman of the special House committee responsible for reviewing the 2024 budget to reconsider the decision, highlighting that a new frigate is vital for maintaining territorial sovereignty, especially with plans to decommission current frigates in the coming years. Officials from the prime minister's office say Thailand's economy is in a "critical situation" that requires urgent stimulus measures and a potential rate cut, Prime Minister Thavisin, has been pushing to revive Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy, which has suffered from weak exports and a slow recovery from the pandemic compared with regional neighbours. The Office of National Economic and Social Development proposes that the government regulate social media influencers to curb the spread of unethical or illegal content. They recommend expanding the Media Standard, Ethics, and Freedom Protection Act to include online content creators, nd enabling authorities to monitor social media content for legal compliance. Thailand ranks second in Southeast Asia, with two million influencers. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, 39C Bangkok: sunny partly cloudy, 37C Pattaya: Sunny, partly cloudy 34C Phuket and the south: Sunny, partly cloudy 33C Hua Hin: Sunny partly cloudy, winds light from the South 34C AQI yellow moderate, 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 2024-03-05 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

UPDATE: Bolt Rider Murder Suspect Surrenders in Pattaya, Pleads Innocence By Aim Tanakorn A Pattaya murder suspect surrendered himself to police on Monday following a fatal shooting that killed a Bolt rider earlier last week. The suspect, however, has said he is innocent and plans to fight the charges. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321567-bolt-rider-murder-suspect-surrenders-in-pattaya-pleads-innocence/

A Pattaya murder suspect surrendered himself to police on Monday following a fatal shooting that killed a Bolt rider earlier last week. The suspect, however, has said he is innocent and plans to fight the charges. Mr. Piriyapong Nampetcharoenphon, also known as “U,” surrendered to authorities at 12:30 PM of March 4th, after the Pattaya Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant on him under suspicions of the murder of Mr. Chatchai Phaentong, a 30-year-old rider for the ride-sharing application Bolt. The 30-year-old Thai man faced charges of conspiracy to commit murder with premeditation, causing serious harm to others, possession of firearms, and carrying firearms in public areas without permission. Mr. Piriyapong turned himself in with the chief of the Nongprue Police Station, Pol. Col. Thawee Kudthaeng. UPDATE by Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-05 - 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

Red Sea cables have been damaged, disrupting internet traffic LondonCNN — Damage to submarine cables in the Red Sea is disrupting telecommunications networks and forcing providers to reroute as much as a quarter of traffic between Asia, Europe and the Middle East, including internet traffic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321548-red-sea-cables-have-been-damaged-disrupting-internet-traffic/

Beauty pageant entrance stirs debate with dramatic emergency by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Angelopedia The recent staging of a dramatic entrance by Kanyaphatsaphon Rungrueang Misgrand Pathum Thani at a beauty pageant sparked a mix of criticism and concern across social media platforms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321562-beauty-pageant-entrance-stirs-debate-with-dramatic-emergency/

The recent staging of a dramatic entrance by Kanyaphatsaphon Rungrueang Misgrand Pathum Thani at a beauty pageant sparked a mix of criticism and concern across social media platforms. Kanyaphatsaphon, representing Pathum Thani in the Miss Grand Thailand 2024 competition, made her debut with the sound of emergency sirens blaring, as she was laid on a stretcher, ostensibly receiving CPR, before emerging vibrant and ready to take on the pageant. The controversial spectacle, intended to create a memorable and striking entrance, instead drew backlash from netizens and healthcare professionals alike. The use of an ambulance in the act raised questions about the legality and morality of such a portrayal. Comments ranged from critical to outright disapproving, with some suggesting that such displays could contribute to public misunderstanding about the seriousness of emergency vehicles, potentially leading to hesitation to give way to ambulances in actual emergencies. One social media user expressed disappointment and questioned the skit. “What’s the purpose of doing this?” Another comment pointed out the potential for confusion. “I was waiting to turn my car around, thinking there was an actual incident because of the traffic jam.” The sentiment was echoed widely, with predictions that apologies would soon follow for the misjudgment. Among the voices were those of medical professionals, one of whom enquired whether imitating an emergency without a real incident was against the law. They pondered if the pageant organizers had notified authorities that it was a performance. The discussion highlights a broader conversation about the use of emergency services for entertainment purposes and the implications of such actions on public perception and emergency response protocols. The bold act undoubtedly achieved its goal of attracting attention but perhaps not in the way intended by Kanyaphatsaphon or the pageant organizers. As the images and videos circulate online, they ignite debate on the balance between creativity in pageantry and respect for emergency services. The incident serves as a striking example of how public stunts, especially those involving sensitive themes like emergency healthcare, can backfire and trigger widespread debate about appropriateness and respect for essential services, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Angelopedia Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-05 - 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 Man Hospitalized After Domestic Dispute Turns Violent By Aim Tanakorn Chonburi — A domestic dispute early yesterday morning resulted in multiple injuries and property damage in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321561-pattaya-man-hospitalized-after-domestic-dispute-turns-violent/

Chonburi — A domestic dispute early yesterday morning resulted in multiple injuries and property damage in Pattaya. At around 2:00 AM on March 4th, 2024, Nongprue Police Station received a report of a stabbing incident at a rented room in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Police and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find a chaotic situation. Officers discovered Mr. Surasak, 29, who appeared intoxicated and unsteady on his feet. He had sustained a knife wound to his left elbow and was bleeding profusely. Mr. Surasak initially resisted medical treatment and attempted to flee from both police and rescue personnel. After negotiation, he agreed to be transported to a local hospital for treatment. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-05 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two People Die after Car Collides with a Motorbike in Thalang By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang –Two people have died after a car collided with a motorbike in Sri Soonthorn. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321560-two-people-die-after-car-collides-with-a-motorbike-in-thalang/

Thalang –Two people have died after a car collided with a motorbike in Sri Soonthorn. The Thalang Police were notified of the accident on Monday (March 4th) in the morning at 6:40 A.M. on the Baan Mueang Mai – Monument Road in Sri Soonthorn sub-district. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the damaged motorbike and the car on the road. Two bodies were also found on the road. The bodies were later identified as Mrs. Pensri Klaewkla, 59, from Thalang, and Mrs. Thimaphon Ratchasri, 55, from Nakhon Si Thammarat. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-05 - 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

Graft-Busters Not Sending Case Against Big Joke Back To Police by TNR Staff Deputy Police Chief Pol.Gen. Surachate Hakparn. Photo: Thai Rath THE National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) decided at a meeting today (Mar. 4) to itself investigate a case against Deputy Police Chief Pol.Gen. Surachate Hakparn, nicknamed Big Joke, and five of his subordinates involving allegations of links to a gambling website and not return it police Anti-Corruption Division to do so, Naewna newspaper said this afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321558-graft-busters-not-sending-case-against-big-joke-back-to-police/

THE National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) decided at a meeting today (Mar. 4) to itself investigate a case against Deputy Police Chief Pol.Gen. Surachate Hakparn, nicknamed Big Joke, and five of his subordinates involving allegations of links to a gambling website and not return it police Anti-Corruption Division to do so, Naewna newspaper said this afternoon. The six of them have been accused of violating sections 157 and 149 of the Criminal Code over charges of being linked to the Minnie gambling website network. There are two cases involving the Minnie gambling website network, allegedly run by Ms. Suchanun Sucharitchinsri, 25, also known Minnie, with there being 61 suspects in the main one, among them police officers and ordinary people with damage totalling over 300 million baht, which NACC has handed back to police Anti-Corruption Division for investigation. by TNR Staff TOP: Deputy Police Chief Pol.Gen. Surachate Hakparn. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-03-05 - 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 businessman loses millions to virtual love affair by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath A Thai businessman lost around 4 million baht to a woman he met through an online game and dated online for more than five years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321557-thai-businessman-loses-millions-to-virtual-love-affair/

Photo via ThaiRath A Thai businessman lost around 4 million baht to a woman he met through an online game and dated online for more than five years. The victim, 40 year old A, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after discovering that the woman he had been dating online for five years cheated him out of around 4 million baht by using a fake identity. A explained that he met the scammer, called Aey, through an online game and they started playing the game together more and more. He then asked Aey for her contact details and continued to talk to her on the LINE application. Their relationship developed and Aey often told A about her financial problems via chat and phone. Aey stated that her family required funds for medical treatment, as well as for the renovation of her house in Chon Buri, among other expenses. Each time she requested money, A provided it to her, often giving her more than she asked for. Aey expressed her desire to establish a car parts shop despite lacking expertise in cars or business management but A supported her by investing in the business and overseeing its operations on her behalf. He did not retain any profits for himself, instead, A handed them all over to his girlfriend. According to A, he never had the opportunity to meet Aey in person or engage in a video conference with her. Aey consistently avoided face-to-face encounters and only shared pictures of herself. In these images, Aey appeared beautiful and alluring, which deepened my affection for her. Romance scam A saw that Aey had some profits from her business, so he asked Aey to pay back the money that she borrowed. Aey said she did not have enough money to pay back but would sell her house to cover the debt. Aey then disappeared without a trace. Worried about her welfare, A decided to go to her house in Chon Buri. A followed the address given by Aey a long time ago until he arrived at the house but she was not there. He met with his girlfriend’s sister and realised that he had fallen victim to a romance scam. Aey’s real name is Nick and she looks nothing like the pictures she sent him. Nick’s sister promised to contact him to settle the debt but A has not heard from either Nick or her sister since. The founder of Saimai Survive, Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, urged Nick to contact the organisation or A to agree on the repayment of the debt. If not, A would report the matter to the police. Ekkaphop suggested the woman whose Nick took her pictures to deceive A should also file a police report. by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-05 - 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

Senior Phuket Policeman ‘Just A Friend Of A Friend’ Of Swiss Man Facing Charges by TNR Staff Pixelated photo of a Phuket policeman with Swiss businessman Mr. Urs Fehr. Credit: TV Channel 7 IN INVESTIGATING whether any policemen in Phuket were involved in the case about a Swiss businessman who allegedly kicked a female doctor Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum said a senior policeman seen in a couple of photos socialising with him is just a friend of a friend, TV Channel 7 said this evening (Mar. 4). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321556-senior-phuket-policeman-‘just-a-friend-of-a-friend’-of-swiss-man-facing-charges/

IN INVESTIGATING whether any policemen in Phuket were involved in the case about a Swiss businessman who allegedly kicked a female doctor Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum said a senior policeman seen in a couple of photos socialising with him is just a friend of a friend, TV Channel 7 said this evening (Mar. 4). This policeman’s friend took him to join Mr. Urs Fehr, or David, 45, for drinks and photos were then taken, he explained. Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert added that he had ordered Thalang police station to check whether any policemen were close to Fehr and were involved in this case but initial investigation showed none were connected with him. by TNR Staff Pixelated photo of a Phuket policeman with Swiss businessman Mr. Urs Fehr. Credit: TV Channel 7 Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-03-05 - 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 banks to charge for transactions abroad From May 1st, Thai commercial banks will charge their customers a 1% Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fee for making cash withdrawals abroad. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321555-thai-banks-to-charge-for-transactions-abroad/

From May 1st, Thai commercial banks will charge their customers a 1% Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fee for making cash withdrawals abroad. A similar fee will also be levied on the use of Visa or Master credit cards for transactions made abroad for goods or services or through online stores which are registered outside Thailand. For instance, paying a Netflix membership fee, buying products through TikTok, Alibaba or Amazon or making hotel bookings via Agoda will also be subject to the 1% DCC fee. The banks claim that the DCC charge is in line with credit card practices for transactions abroad adding, however, that customers have an option to use “travel cards” without any extra fees. Source: Thai PBS 2024-03-05 - 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: Swiss Expat Accused of Allegedly Kicking Thai Doctor Having his Visa Reviewed by Thai Immigration By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket –A legal long-term visa permit for staying in Thailand is to be requested to be revoked for the Swiss expat who allegedly kicked a Thai doctor in a viral incident last month that has dominated Thai media headlines. Lieutenant Colonel Sarupong Thanomjit, the Region 8 Commander, has disclosed that Mr. David faced a previous incident in December of last year, 2024, related to a road altercation. A viral video captured him appearing to refuse to yield to an ambulance on a road in Phuket and even appearing to gesture rudely with his middle finger. Subsequently, the ambulance driver lodged a complaint with the police and shared the video on social media. In response, Mr. David also filed a legal report against the driver, alleging that false information had been disseminated online, tarnishing his reputation and causing defamation. Lieutenant Colonel Sarupong emphasized that Mr. David’s behavior suggests he may have threatened others, posing a risk to both peace and public safety. Mr. David has denied both the kicking incident, saying he slipped, and the alleged ambulance incident, saying it was false information and not the whole story and planned to defend the issues in court. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-05 - 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: Swiss man’s visa revoked By Peter Roche The latest in the ‘doctor kicking’ saga. The Commander of Region 8 Police in Phuket, Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomjit has announced that Phuket police have made an official request to the Immigration Police to revoke of the visa of 45 year old Urh ‘David’ Fehr Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321554-update-swiss-man’s-visa-revoked/