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Pattaya Tourist Police, in collaboration with various authorities, launched a public relations and prevention project aimed at reducing tourist fatalities from water activities in Koh Larn. The opening ceremony, held at Tawaen Beach, Koh Larn, was presided over by Mr. Manot Nongyai, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, on Wednesday, February 28th. Attending dignitaries included Pol Col Man Rotthong, Deputy Chief of the Chonburi Provincial Police Region 2, Pol Lt Col Piyaphong Ensan, Chief of the Tourist Police Station, and other high-ranking authorities. Additionally, regular police officers, hospital staff from Pattaya Hospital, personnel from the Port Authority of Thailand, along with 60 jet ski operators, beach umbrella operators, and lifeguards from Koh Larn participated in the event. Pol Col Man emphasized the project’s purposes, including to reduce tourist fatalities associated with water activities, enhance CPR skills among participants to enable them to provide immediate and effective assistance in emergency situations, and promote public participation to empower attendees to offer timely and efficient support to tourists in need. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-01 - 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

A shooting incident in Pattaya resulted in the death of a Bolt driver and injuries to another on February 28th, 2024. Pol. Lt. Col. Nattiphong Jiampuak, an investigator at the Nongprue Police Station, received a report of the incident at 9:36 PM. The incident scene was identified as an unnumbered house within Soi Mab Yai Lia 24, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Upon arrival, officers found the scene in disarray, with residents in a state of unrest. The victim, Mr. Chatchai Phaentong, a 30-year-old driver for the ride-sharing application Bolt, was discovered with a gunshot wound to his leg. Despite receiving CPR from the emergency response team, Mr. Chatchai ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Another individual, Mr. Krisana Boonsong, a 39-year-old Muay Thai trainer, was found suffering from a skull fracture after being struck by the butt of a gun by the suspect. He received initial medical attention before being rushed to the hospital. A 9mm bullet casing was collected as evidence. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-01 - 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

Chinese Man Sentenced for Using Fake ID, Operating Illegal Club in Pattaya By Aim Tanakorn A Chinese national, Mr. Nitipat Chokchaithanaphon (also known as Guo Ei Yao), was sentenced to two years in prison by the Pattaya Provincial Court on February 28th. He was found guilty of using a fake Thai ID card and operating an illegal nightclub in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321215-chinese-man-sentenced-for-using-fake-id-operating-illegal-club-in-pattaya/

A Chinese national, Mr. Nitipat Chokchaithanaphon (also known as Guo Ei Yao), was sentenced to two years in prison by the Pattaya Provincial Court on February 28th. He was found guilty of using a fake Thai ID card and operating an illegal nightclub in Pattaya. Mr. Nitipat, 45, was arrested in 2022 for possessing and using a counterfeit Thai identification card, violating Sections 137, 267, and 268 of the Criminal Code, and Section 14(1) of the Population Registration Act of 1983. These charges stemmed from his attempt to obtain Thai citizenship through false documents. The investigation originated on October 22nd, 2022, when authorities raided a nightclub called “Club One Pattaya” and allegedly uncovered illegal activities within the establishment. During the raid, Mr. Nitipat, who was identified as the club’s owner, displayed resistance and accused the officers of corruption, claiming he had previously paid off officials, which was later proven to be false. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-01 - 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 police arrest duo after violent mugging in Bangkok Noi by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Bangkok police apprehended two young men following a violent assault and robbery in Bangkok Noi district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321214-thai-police-arrest-duo-after-violent-mugging-in-bangkok-noi/

Bangkok police apprehended two young men following a violent assault and robbery in Bangkok Noi district. The suspects, identified as 23 year old Pongpattan from Kalasin, and 29 year old Somjai from Bangkok allegedly demanded money from a pedestrian and subsequently attacked and robbed the individual when the request was denied. The incident occurred yesterday when the victim was walking near the bus stop on Arun Amarin Road Soi 28 in the Bangkok Noi district. The two men approached the victim asking for money. Upon refusal, they assaulted the victim, causing head injuries, and snatched two mobile phones before fleeing the scene. Bangkok Yai Police Station officers, led by Police Colonel Payap Sombun, Pol. Lt. Col. Chakorn Prempridi Lert, Deputy Chief of Investigation, Pol. Lt. Col. Somsak Saeng, Deputy Chief of Crime Suppression, Pol. Lt. Col. Mangkorn Phanthurasri, and other investigative officers, coordinated a pursuit. The patrol officers from Bangyikhan Police Station encountered the suspects fleeing in the opposite direction. After a chase, cops captured the assailants in the middle of Soi Somdej Phra Pin Klao 9 on Somdej Phra Pin Klao Road in the Arun Amarin subdistrict, Bangkok Noi district. The suspects were subsequently taken into custody and handed over to the investigative officers to proceed with legal action, reported KhaoSod. In related news, Pattaya police apprehended a 19 year old Thai national following a robbery incident that occurred on Pattaya Walking Street on January 10. The man was accused of snatching a 1 baht weight gold necklace, valued at 32,000 baht, from a Thai woman. In other news, in a harrowing incident that unfolded near the Jomtien Complex condominium, a 21 year old Cambodian man became the victim of a brutal assault outside a local bar. Pattaya police and Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation volunteers rushed to the scene on the night of January 23. The man suffered a swollen and bruised eye, head wounds, and bruises adorning his body. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-01 - 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

Transport minister slashes prices with 38 more domestic flights by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Amid escalating complaints over skyrocketing airfare prices, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced an additional 38 domestic flights and an estimated 13,000 seats for the upcoming Songkran holiday season in April. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321213-transport-minister-slashes-prices-with-38-more-domestic-flights/

Amid escalating complaints over skyrocketing airfare prices, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced an additional 38 domestic flights and an estimated 13,000 seats for the upcoming Songkran holiday season in April. Suriya asserted that this measure is just one of the short-term solutions being devised to combat the escalating airfare predicament. “We’re taking decisive action to address the concerns raised by citizens on social media.” The directive issued to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) mandates collaborative efforts with airlines and pertinent state bodies to devise a comprehensive strategy. This includes a contingency plan to manage the influx of holiday travellers while ensuring convenience for both local and international tourists, a priority echoed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. In a concerted effort, CAAT recently convened a pivotal meeting with six domestic airlines, culminating in a raft of measures to mitigate the impact of soaring ticket prices. Among these initiatives is the proposal to bolster flight frequencies during peak periods, notably the Songkran festival, alongside targeted fare reductions. The comprehensive plan encompasses 38 additional flights slated for April 11 to 12 and 15 to 16, servicing key regional airports such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi. Strategically scheduled during off-peak hours, these flights aim to offer more affordable options to passengers, reported The Nation. In tandem with increased flight operations, Suriya has tasked relevant authorities with extending operating hours and deploying additional personnel to accommodate the influx of flights and passengers. Six Thai airlines have asked for authorisation to expand domestic flight operations during peak holiday periods, responding to widespread public fury over exorbitant airfares. Representatives from Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, and Thai VietJet convened with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on February 20 to delve into strategies for curbing fare hikes. In related news, the soaring cost of air travel to Phuket has sparked a backlash from local tourists, with low-cost carriers reportedly charging up to 14,000 baht for a round trip from Bangkok. Despite making bookings weeks in advance, some travellers reported paying 5,000 baht for a one-way ticket. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-01 - 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 Runner Completes 2,100 KM Fundraising Run Across Thailand Raises Over 140,000 Baht for Orphans and Impoverished Schools in Thailand By Kittisak Phalaharn On February 29th, 2024, Thai national media reported a British runner, Mr. Chris Russell, completed his fundraising campaign “Run Thailand 2,100 KM” from Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, to Betong, Yala, to aid orphans and impoverished schools in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321212-british-runner-completes-2100-km-fundraising-run-across-thailand/

British Runner Completes 2,100 KM Fundraising Run Across Thailand Raises Over 140,000 Baht for Orphans and Impoverished Schools in Thailand On February 29th, 2024, Thai national media reported a British runner, Mr. Chris Russell, completed his fundraising campaign “Run Thailand 2,100 KM” from Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, to Betong, Yala, to aid orphans and impoverished schools in Thailand. Chris completed his ultra-marathon journey from the northernmost to southernmost points of Thailand in 50 days, starting on January 10th, 2024, and fundraised more than 140,000 baht. Chris reported that he donated all the money from his run to orphans and impoverished schools across Thailand. According to Chris’s post he had vast appreciation on social media as he received support from people along the way on his journey and made a stop at night where he seemed fit. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-01 - 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

Hua Hin News Feb 2024 - What's happening in Hua Hin and some property purchase advice Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321211-hua-hin-news-feb-2024-whats-happening-in-hua-hin-and-some-property-purchase-advice/

Andrew Sloan and Richard Buckle chat about some local news and what's coming up and happening in the beautiful sea side town. Also some tips on what to think about when buying property in Hua Hin. Please COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, LIKE AND SHARE to support our channel. Our thanks to Richard Buckle of https://surf.radio for the Hua Hin

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 1 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1321210-thailand-live-friday-1-march-2024/

Thailand’s hotels produce the most greenhouse gas in Asia Photo courtesy of The Nation According to KResearch’s latest findings, Thai hotels are the leading culprits in greenhouse gas emissions, emitting a whopping 0.064 tonnes of carbon per guest each night, significantly higher than the regional and global averages of 0.057 and 0.019 tonnes respectively. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321179-thailand’s-hotels-produce-the-most-greenhouse-gas-in-asia/

Tourism Safety Measures Announced BANGKOK (NNT) - Puangpet Chunlaiad, Minister attached to the Office of the Prime Minister, presided over a meeting with network partner agencies to integrate work between the public and private sectors in tourism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321175-tourism-safety-measures-announced/

In a move to safeguard tourists’ wallets, Bangkok unveils an arsenal of measures to tackle the notorious tuk tuk and taxi overcharging crisis. Tuk tuks and taxis: Bangkok’s solution to overcharging crisis Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321195-tuk-tuks-and-taxis-bangkok’s-solution-to-overcharging-crisis/

War on online scams: Nearly 40,000 fraudulent accounts frozen by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of iStock via Mint Since its establishment on November 1 last year, the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC 1441) has waged a battle against cyber fraud, culminating in the freezing of 39,918 bank accounts, revealed Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321157-war-on-online-scams-nearly-40000-fraudulent-accounts-frozen/

Since its establishment on November 1 last year, the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC 1441) has waged a battle against cyber fraud, culminating in the freezing of 39,918 bank accounts, revealed Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong. Prasert disclosed that this drastic action was prompted by a deluge of 307,515 complaints received by AOC as of January’s conclusion. Explaining the gravity of the situation, Prasert highlighted the prevalence of purchase scams, constituting 44.9% (17,954) of the frozen accounts, followed by fake job offers (13.3%), fake investment schemes (9.3%), loan sharks (8.4%), and extortion (6.2%). January alone witnessed the freezing of accounts amounting to 1.9 billion baht, reclaiming 56.7% of the 3.4 billion baht lost to scams. Comparatively, the previous months’ efforts paled in comparison, with only 11% of the 11 billion baht lost to scammers recovered between March and September the previous year. The minister lauded the centre’s efficiency, citing a daily freezing rate of 500 accounts, each resolved within a mere 10 minutes. Expressing satisfaction with the outcomes, Prasert attributed the success to collaborative efforts involving the police, the Bank of Thailand, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, and mobile phone operators, reported The Nation. However, amidst these triumphs, a new threat emerged as scammers began impersonating AOC officials on social media platforms, prompting a warning from the Anti-Fake News Centre. Emphasising the sole legitimate point of contact, the watchdog clarified that AOC can only be reached via the 1441 24-hour hotline and maintains no presence on social media or the internet. In related news, a surge in online scams, driven by the significant increase in internet-based activities, is anticipated to continue throughout this year, warned Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Jirabhop Bhuridej. The CIB’s analysis of cybercrime, as reported by the Royal Thai Police (RTP), indicated that over 400,000 cases were logged between March 1 and November 30 of last year. In other news, a sophisticated scheme involving the use of counterfeit license plates on luxury vehicles has been thwarted by Thai highway police in a recent crackdown. A 41 year old woman was arrested for affixing a forged red license plate to a brand-new Bentley. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of iStock via Mint Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-29 - 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

Consumer confidence hits 47-month high amid economic recovery by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Apichart Jinakul January saw a significant rise in consumer confidence, reaching the highest level in 47 months due to the ongoing economic recovery, according to a statement by Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321155-consumer-confidence-hits-47-month-high-amid-economic-recovery/

January saw a significant rise in consumer confidence, reaching the highest level in 47 months due to the ongoing economic recovery, according to a statement by Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja. The consumer confidence index marked its sixth consecutive month of growth, reaching 62.9, a slight increase from 62.0 in December. This growth is indicative of improved domestic consumption, as passenger car sales experienced a year-on-year rise of 2.4% and a month-on-month increase of 9.4% after adjusting for seasonal effects. However, newly registered motorcycles saw a year-on-year decrease of 1.8%, despite a month-on-month growth of 7.6% after seasonal adjustments. Similarly, value-added tax saw a year-on-year decline of 2.7%, but an increase from the previous month by 1.1% after seasonal adjustments. On the positive side, real farm income saw a year-on-year expansion of 0.6%. The tourism sector, private consumption, and merchandise exports, which have been expanding for six consecutive months, also contributed to the overall economic improvement in January, reported Bangkok Post. Private investment, on the other hand, showed signs of slowing down compared to the previous month. The FPO will be closely monitoring both external and internal factors impacting the manufacturing sector, as indicated by Pornchai. Further negative signals were observed in private investment, with a 26.5% year-on-year decline in the volume of commercial vehicle sales. Investment in construction, as reflected by domestic cement sales, also experienced a 7.2% year-on-year decline. Moreover, the real estate transaction tax witnessed a 3.3% drop compared to the same period the previous year. On a brighter note, foreign tourist arrivals reached 3.04 million, marking a 41.5% increase from the same period last year. The majority of these tourists originated from China, Malaysia, South Korea, Russia, and India. Furthermore, the value of merchandise exports, increasing for six consecutive months, hit US$22.6 billion in January, marking 10% year-on-year growth. Inflation trends saw headline inflation contracting by 1.11%, while the core inflation rate was recorded at 0.52%. Regarding economic stability, public debt at the end of December accounted for 61.3% of GDP. This level is still considered under control following the 2018 State Financial and Fiscal Discipline Act. As for external stability, the situation remains stable and is capable of supporting risks stemming from global economic volatility. This stability is reflected in the country’s international reserves at the end of January, totalling US$222 billion. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Apichart Jinakul Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-29 - 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

Planting seeds of change: Thai veggie market sprouts into billion-baht industry by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World In a culinary revolution, plant-based food companies are urged to overhaul taste, slash prices, and boost health benefits. Will this signal a paradigm shift in global dining habits? Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321153-planting-seeds-of-change-thai-veggie-market-sprouts-into-billion-baht-industry/

In a culinary revolution, plant-based food companies are urged to overhaul taste, slash prices, and boost health benefits. Will this signal a paradigm shift in global dining habits? The Thai plant-based food market, once a niche, is now a burgeoning industry worth billions. By 2024, it’s expected to skyrocket to 45 billion baht, according to Statista, a German online platform that specializes in data gathering and visualisation. Amidst a pandemic-induced health consciousness, consumers are ditching meat for plant-based alternatives, presenting lucrative opportunities for food giants like CP Foods and Thai Union Group. Even unexpected players like the PTT Group are venturing into a plant-based protein business. But amidst this buzz, taste, price, and nutrition remain key concerns for consumers, reported Thai PBS World. Preeyanut, a government officer, embraces plant-based foods for health benefits but finds them pricey. “If the prices come down, I will have them more often.” Meanwhile, Patipon, an office employee, seeks convenience but notes taste disparities among plant-based products. “I love veggie steamed buns… but vegan spaghetti… was not that great.” Nida, a business owner, finds plant-based products disappointing, urging brands to match the taste of traditional items. “I would eat plant-based products over meat products if they tasted better.” Even dietitian Patsita opts for minimally processed foods, wary of high sodium levels in some plant-based alternatives. “I often feel thirsty after eating plant-based meats.” As consumers demand tastier, cheaper, and healthier options, will the plant-based food industry rise to the occasion, reshaping the future of how we eat? Time will tell. In related news, in a case of social media misunderstanding, a well-intentioned educational post on Facebook by a Thai doctor went viral for the wrong reasons. Chulalongkorn University shared on its Facebook page an image of Dr Pawat Phuensan with a pink background and a message warning about the dangers of prawn whisker punctures leading to fatal infections. However, netizens misinterpreted the post as an obituary for the doctor, leading to a flood of condolence messages. by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-29 - 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

Devotee donates gold to Thai statue after land sale by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A Thai woman devotee made a grand gesture of gratitude by donating gold necklaces, bracelets, and rings to a revered statue after selling her land for over a million baht. The act of devotion took place at Wat Sawang Arom in Nakhon Pathom, as believers and lottery enthusiasts gathered before the government lottery draw. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321152-devotee-donates-gold-to-thai-statue-after-land-sale/

A Thai woman devotee made a grand gesture of gratitude by donating gold necklaces, bracelets, and rings to a revered statue after selling her land for over a million baht. The act of devotion took place at Wat Sawang Arom in Nakhon Pathom, as believers and lottery enthusiasts gathered before the government lottery draw. The serene premises of Wat Sawang Arom in Nakhon Chai Si district, Nakhon Pathom province, buzzed with excitement as believers and lottery enthusiasts flocked to the temple, seeking blessings and lucky numbers on the eve of the government lottery draw scheduled for March 1. A particular focus of these activities was the statue of Ta Thong Ngiew Rai, which stands alongside a sacred water basin believed to grant luck and fortune. In a striking display of faith and thankfulness, a woman, after successfully selling over 20 rai (approximately 32,000 square metres) of previously unsellable land, presented a series of gold offerings to the statue of Ta Thong Ngiew Rai. The land, located in Trat province, had been unattractive to buyers due to poor conditions and frequent flooding. Despite this, the woman managed to sell it for 1.5 million baht (US$ 41,776) after making a vow to the revered figure. Natthaya, a 35 year old hospital worker from Chanthaburi province, was among those who made the pilgrimage to the statue. She fulfilled her promise, made after her wish to sell the land was granted, by bringing 30 pig heads, 10 boiled chickens, 100 chicken eggs, gold bracelets, necklaces, and rings, along with 100 Pho leaves, to the temple as offerings, reported KhaoSod. The ceremony of fulfilling the vow was led by Arun Rungreung Mueng Yot, who chanted prayers to ensure the successful completion of the act. Natthaya then placed the gold bracelet, necklace, and ring on the statue of Ta Thong. She expressed her intention to offer the gold to Ta Thong Ngiew Rai to Phra Khru Yutithamnuyut, the abbot of Wat Sawang Arom, explaining her previous plight with the land and her recent fortune. Having witnessed the one-month turnaround from her prayer to the successful sale, Natthaya was both grateful and amazed. She also entrusted the gold to the temple for safekeeping, suggesting it could be used as part of the sacred alloy should the temple cast new religious icons, thereby contributing to the perpetuation of Buddhism. Lucky numbers After the offerings were made, the abbot presented Natthaya with a framed picture and a lucky money envelope for prosperity. She also took a chance at finding lucky numbers in the water basin, claiming to have seen the digits 6, 8, 7, and 4, 7. Meanwhile, lottery ticket sellers at the temple capitalised on the event, displaying numbers associated with the water basin and Ta Thong Ngiew Rai for the upcoming draw. The numbers 2, 0, 3, 4, 1, and the powerful Friday numbers 6-3-5 were all highlighted, providing an array of choices for hopeful customers. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-29 - 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

Missing case takes turn: Thai woman reveals escape from abusive husband by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ PickNick Pimpisa and MGR Online A Thai woman broke her silence after being missing for 13 days, informing a news agency that she felt compelled to disappear with her daughter to escape from her abusive husband. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321151-missing-case-takes-turn-thai-woman-reveals-escape-from-abusive-husband/