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Ancient painting discovered by rangers in Nam Phong National Park by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Hin Chang Si Protection Unit Rangers in Nam Phong National Park, Nong Ruea district, Khon Kaen stumbled upon an ancient painting whilst combating local forest fires. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320856-ancient-painting-discovered-by-rangers-in-nam-phong-national-park/

Rangers in Nam Phong National Park, Nong Ruea district, Khon Kaen stumbled upon an ancient painting whilst combating local forest fires. The discovery was made within the grounds of the Hin Chang Si Protection Unit, roughly four kilometres from its headquarters, according to a Facebook post by the rangers yesterday. The team, having extinguished the forest fire, took a moment to rest under a sandstone shelter where they noticed the historical piece of art. This discovery was situated approximately 700 metres from Ang Chad Rock, a site recently under the scrutiny of a survey, reported Bangkok Post. Upon the discovery, the rangers promptly took photographs of the ancient painting and reported their find to officials from the Fine Arts Department. Related news In related news, during a collaborative salvage operation between the Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy, a significant discovery emerged from the sunken HTMS Sukhothai. On the operation’s third day, a Buddha sculpture along with several documents was unearthed near the primary engine’s hatch by a combined diving team. R Adm Veerudom Muangjin, the spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, disclosed plans for further investigation into these items, particularly focusing on the well-preserved Buddha statue. The salvage effort, initiated on February 22 as part of the US Navy’s Cobra Gold joint military exercise, enlisted the participation of 49 divers from both Thailand and the United States. The retrieval of the Buddha sculpture followed the recovery of the sunken ship’s nameplate on the previous day, adding significance to the mission. Reflecting on the day’s undertakings, Navy officials concentrated on surveying and photographing evidence around the ship, organising the operation into six dives. In an unexpected turn, Navy Chief Adm Adoong Pan-iam directed the return of a 90 million-baht budget for the operation to the government, reallocating the funds for public financial assistance purposes. by Mitch Connor Top Photo courtesy of Hin Chang Si Protection Unit Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-26 - 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

Unlocking borders: Thailand and China enter ‘visa-free era’ for tourists By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Chinese tourists in Thai traditiona (Temple of Dawn). For the first time since the two countries established modern-day diplomatic ties almost 50 years ago, Thai tourists will be allowed visa-free entry to China from March 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320853-unlocking-borders-thailand-and-china-enter-‘visa-free-era’-for-tourists/

For the first time since the two countries established modern-day diplomatic ties almost 50 years ago, Thai tourists will be allowed visa-free entry to China from March 1. Excitement is growing among Thais eager to visit Chinese destinations without having to apply for visas anymore, according to media reports in both countries. Thailand temporarily waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists on September 25 last year, allowing them to stay in the kingdom for 30 days. From March 1, both countries will implement permanent mutual visa exemptions. Long history of friendship Records show ties between the two countries date back to the mid-14th century when a Chinese envoy traveled to Ayutthaya to announce the establishment of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). In October 1371, a representative from the king of Siam – as Thailand was known at the time – was sent to the Middle Kingdom (China) with trained elephants and local products as a tribute to the Chinese emperor, who reciprocated with a gift of 32 bolts of patterned fine silk and 19,000 pieces of porcelain. Tributary trade relations between Siam and China lasted over 480 years. By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Top picture: Chinese tourists in Thai traditiona (Temple of Dawn). Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-26 - 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 breathes easier as PM2.5 levels fall but rise looms in the north by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Panumet Tanraksa The upcoming week brings a breath of fresh air for Bangkok locals as levels of harmful PM2.5 pollutants, ultra-fine particulars, are expected to decrease. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320851-bangkok-breathes-easier-as-pm25-levels-fall-but-rise-looms-in-the-north/

The upcoming week brings a breath of fresh air for Bangkok locals as levels of harmful PM2.5 pollutants, ultra-fine particulars, are expected to decrease. However, residents in the North and Northeast are being warned of an imminent rise in air pollution due to prevalent wildfires in these regions. Sunday morning data from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) air quality monitoring centre, AirBKK, reported that PM2.5 concentrations in Bangkok were between 12.8-26.8 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³). These figures sit comfortably below the safe exposure threshold of 37.5µg/m³ over a 24-hour period, reported Bangkok Post. The BMA anticipates these figures to continue decreasing, predicting improved airflow over Bangkok up until March 3. Reassuringly, the centre detected no fire hotspots within the capital city. Contrastingly, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported above-average PM2.5 levels in 17 provinces spread across the North and Northeast on Sunday. Lamphun and Sukhothai recorded the highest PM2.5 levels among these provinces, with 89.6 µg/m³ and 76.8 µg/m³ respectively. The dust levels in the remaining 15 provinces were deemed unhealthy for most people. The elevated PM2.5 levels are primarily attributed to wildfires in several northern provinces, including Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Phitsanulok. Firefighters and park rangers are grappling with the task of extinguishing these fires, many of which are located in hard-to-reach areas, as reported by Chiang Mai deputy governor Tosapon Puanudom. Most of the fires in Chiang Mai are concentrated in Ob Luang National Park in the Hot district, where 38 hotspots were identified on Sunday. The wildfires in Mae Hong Son are predominantly affecting the Muang district, with 14 hotspots found, marginally outpacing the 13 hotspots identified in the Pai district. Several wildfires have also been reported in Wang Thong district in Phitsanulok, where four hotspots were detected. Firefighters, aided by volunteers across the three provinces, are working tirelessly to control the wildfires. Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, has ordered every governor to respond to the wildfires and enforce laws on farm burnings stringently in each of their provinces to mitigate the PM2.5 air pollution levels, as revealed by Interior Ministry spokeswoman, Traisulee Taisaranakul on Sunday. In related news, hazardous levels of ultrafine dust were reported in 48 provinces of Thailand, particularly affecting the northeast. Efforts were made to address the issue, including rain-making operations and international collaboration. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Panumet Tanrak Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-26 - 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 : Srettha orders improvement of immigration control at Suvarnabhumi airport by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Srettha Thavisin (X) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered improvements to the immigration control services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, citing concerns over long queues and excessive waiting times. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320829-thai-prime-minister’s-surprise-airport-inspection-unveils-slow-services-vows-improvement/?do=findComment&comment=18721303

Srettha orders improvement of immigration control at Suvarnabhumi airport by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Srettha Thavisin (X) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered improvements to the immigration control services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, citing concerns over long queues and excessive waiting times. PM Srettha conducted an unexpected inspection of the airport on Saturday evening, his second unannounced visit since February 5. The prime minister revealed that he had personally timed the duration of various procedures from the moment passengers exited their vehicles to when they finally boarded their flights. Similarly, he tracked the time taken for arrivals to disembark and clear immigration. He expressed dissatisfaction with the protracted process, and urged officials to establish time limits for processing each passenger, reported Bangkok Post. PM Srettha noted the critical need for improvements, stating, “This aspect needs to be improved urgently. I want Airports of Thailand (AoT) or immigration officials to work together to inspect the system at peak hours so they can learn about the problems and find ways to solve them.” The prime minister’s unanticipated visits precede scheduled upgrades across the country’s airports and aviation sector, set to commence next month. These enhancements include the construction of a new runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. AoT, according to its president Kerati Kijmanawat, is set to invest a total of 44 billion baht in the expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport and the third phase of a development project at Don Mueang International Airport. Kerati reported that service and security improvements are already underway at Suvarnabhumi Airport, anticipating a total of 65 million passengers this year. Don Mueang International Airport developments Furthermore, the AoT aims to boost the daily flight capacity of Suvarnabhumi’s satellite terminal 1 from 50 flights to 120 within two months, and ultimately to 400 flights by year’s end. The East Expansion project will see an 8 billion baht investment towards enlarging Suvarnabhumi’s passenger building to accommodate an additional 15 million passengers annually. The AoT will also channel 36 billion baht into the third phase of Don Mueang Airport’s development, which includes the construction of a new international terminal and refurbishment of passenger building 1. This expansion will raise the passenger capacity from 30 million to 50 million annually. PM Srettha emphasised his ambition to position Thailand as a regional aviation hub, and his eagerness to impress foreign visitors from the moment they disembark. He stated, “We are trying to push for Thailand to become an aviation hub in the region as the country is now fully open to foreign visitors. I want officials to be service-minded and pay attention to visitors to impress them the moment they disembark. Everything should be seen as an opportunity to boost Thailand’s tourism.” Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-26 - 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 - Monday 26 February 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1320850-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-26-february-2024/

Prime Minister Thavisin says he is not satisfied with long queues and lengthy delays at Suvarnabhumi airport. The PM posted that he made an un announced visit to the airport and checked the time it took for both departing and arriving passengers to go through immigration procedures. The PM added: " officials should be service-minded and pay attention to visitors. Everything should be seen as an opportunity to boost Thailand's tourism A 51 year old woman was stabbed to death and another seriously injured when a police officer suffering from mental issues, attacked them in the face and neck with a knife and kicked over the womens motorcycle in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Other officers nearby managed to arrest the attacker. Police yesterday received a report of a dead body found in an abandoned store near Suvarnabhumi airport. Officers say they found blood stains and gloves at the scene which indicated the body had been shot on the head then moved and partially submerged in a sewage plant. The man was unidentified and probably Chinese or japanese. Thailand's tourism and sports minister says. Popular tourist destinations will be proposed as scenes in a new mobile phone gaming app. The application was originally developed in Korea and attracted some 50 million players. A new Thai developed version due out at the end of the year will feature tourist spots such as Ayutthaya and include thai elephants and other cultural features. Nearly 10,000 military officers from 30 countries will participate in Cobra Gold exercises that kick off today and will run for 12 days.The exercises would block off some airspace and may cause some flight delays. Around the region A Philippines’ opposition movement gathered in their thousands across cities yesterday to protest against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s plans to amend the Constitution, The proposed change has been framed as economic reforms, but critics warn that lawmakers could also extend the president’s time in office, which is restricted to six-years. The demonstrations took place on the 38th anniversary Of the revolt that ousted Marcos senior 1986. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, 37C Bangkok: sunny, partly cloudy 36C Pattaya: bright partly cloudy 33C Phuket and the south: sunny, light cloud 34C Hua Hin: Sunny, some light cloud…winds light from the South east 32C AQI Green to Yellow light to moderate Green clear, yellow light, 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 2024-02-26 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

Brake failure causes deadly crash at Yala wedding procession by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic accident occurred yesterday at noon when a chartered bus, part of a wedding procession, suffered brake failure and crashed into a house, killing one person and injuring 22 others, four critically, in Yala province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320849-brake-failure-causes-deadly-crash-at-yala-wedding-procession/

A tragic accident occurred yesterday at noon when a chartered bus, part of a wedding procession, suffered brake failure and crashed into a house, killing one person and injuring 22 others, four critically, in Yala province. The incident unfolded on a road near a waterfall in Ban Haer, Tharn To district, where the bus, hired for a wedding convoy, was bringing guests from Pattani province to join the bridal procession. As the vehicle approached the bride’s house, the driver lost control due to the brake malfunction, reported KhaoSod. Despite the driver’s attempts to manage the vehicle for over one kilometre, the situation forced a critical decision. Faced with a sheer drop on one side of the road, the driver swerved to collide with a house on the opposite side, preventing what could have been a far more catastrophic incident involving a plunge into the ravine. Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In related news, a terrifying incident unfolded as a crane lorry’s brakes failed in Nakhon Sawan province, causing it to veer off and collide with roadside shops, resulting in severe damage. The accident, which occurred in September last year, left a noodle shop owner scalded by boiling water. The driver, Phiphatt, denied consuming alcohol before the incident. The crane, owned by a company, plowed into several shops, including a pork and rice shop, a noodle shop, and a grocery store, as well as a car repair garage and three motorcycles. One casualty was reported, with the injured woman receiving immediate medical attention. The driver explained the failure of the vehicle’s air system, leading to loss of control. Initial investigations led to his custody for further questioning. The extent of the damage is yet to be determined, but the crane company assured compensation for all damages, attributing the incident to a sudden air pump system failure. by Nattapong Westwood Top Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-26 - 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

Fatal motorcycle crash in Samut Songkhram leaves one dead, another in coma by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Tragedy struck as two young men’s night ride on a motorcycle ended in a fatal crash. A 22 year old lost his life when the bike skidded off a dark, curve-ridden road in Samut Songkhram province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320847-fatal-motorcycle-crash-in-samut-songkhram-leaves-one-dead-another-in-coma/

Tragedy struck as two young men’s night ride on a motorcycle ended in a fatal crash. A 22 year old lost his life when the bike skidded off a dark, curve-ridden road in Samut Songkhram province. His 27 year old friend suffered serious injuries and is now in a coma. The incident happened on the evening of February 25, when the pair were returning from a visit to a friend’s place. Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The Samut Songkhram rescue team, along with the local police, responded to the distressing scene on the unlit Nam Lun Ton Lam Pan Road in the Amphawa district. They found the deceased lying by the roadside, his neck broken and his head severely injured. Nearby lay the wreckage of their Honda Wave motorcycle, bearing the license plate number กง 6860 Phetchaburi, thoroughly damaged from the crash. The 27 year old man was discovered with a broken left arm and multiple abrasions, quickly rushed to Somdej Phra Phutthaloetla Hospital for urgent medical attention, reported KhaoSod. Initial investigations revealed that both victims were Myanmar nationals, suggesting that unfamiliarity with the treacherous stretch of road may have contributed to the accident. The motorcycle appeared to have failed to negotiate a bend, causing the rider to lose control and both to fall by the wayside. Following the accident, law enforcement officials have initiated an inquiry and are taking the necessary legal steps. A similar event was reported early this month. In Phuket, a 33 year old man lost his life in a tragic motorcycle accident early this morning. Identified as Sutthisak, he crashed his Honda Wave I motorcycle on a sharp curve near Wat Khatu in the Khatu district. Despite efforts by police and emergency services, Sutthisak succumbed to fatal head injuries at the scene. Authorities suspect high speed and loss of control led to the devastating crash. Read more about the high-speed motorcycle crash on Phuket road. by Nattapong Westwood Top Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-26 - 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

Will Sethaput meet the fate of BOT governors defying the government? By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk File photo : Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput //Reuters Bank of Thailand (BOT) Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput is yielding no ground in his face-off with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over the central bank’s interest rate policy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320844-will-sethaput-meet-the-fate-of-bot-governors-defying-the-government/

Bank of Thailand (BOT) Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput is yielding no ground in his face-off with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over the central bank’s interest rate policy. Against the backdrop of slowing economic growth, Srettha wants the BOT to lower the interest rate from the current 2.5 per cent per annum, the highest in nearly a decade. The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has turned a deaf ear to the government’s exhortations and left the rate unchanged at its two previous meetings. The MPC is scheduled to hold its next meeting in April. Srettha, however, wants the MPC to call an emergency meeting to lower the rate. His call came after the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), a state think-tank, released a report on the gross domestic product in 2023: GDP grew by only 1.9 per cent, well below expectations and slower than the 2.5 per cent growth in the previous year. NESDC secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan also urged the central bank to seriously consider a rate cut in order to cushion the blow on citizens from the higher cost of living. He also wanted the central bank to relax rules on credit card payments, suggesting that the minimum monthly installment payment be reduced from 8 per cent at present to 5 per cent, as the central bank had done during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lowering the credit card installment would offer relief to credit card debtors, Danucha argued. Despite facing pressure from both PM Srettha and senior bureaucrats, Sethaput is showing no signs of heeding the call for an MPC emergency meeting to consider a rate cut. By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk File photo : Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput //Reuters Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-26 - 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 seeks German investment in electric vehicle industry by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Dailynews Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara announced on a recent official trip to Germany, the Thai government’s intention to attract German automobile manufacturers to invest in Thailand’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320842-thailand-seeks-german-investment-in-electric-vehicle-industry/

Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara announced on a recent official trip to Germany, the Thai government’s intention to attract German automobile manufacturers to invest in Thailand’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry. This initiative is part of the broader plans for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s official visit to Germany next month. The deputy prime minister, who also serves as the foreign affairs minister, embarked on his official German trip last Wednesday, concluding today. The visit’s agenda surpasses just diplomacy. It is also a preparatory measure for the prime minister’s impending visit on March 15, Parnpree revealed. Multiple investment projects are on the Thai government’s plate to propose to German investors. These projects encompass various sectors, including the colossal Land Bridge megaproject, semiconductors, a data centre, and notably, EV manufacturing. Parnpree disclosed that the government is particularly eager to invite German car manufacturers to invest in Thailand’s EV industry, considering Germany’s standing as a significant automobile producer, reported Bangko Post. On the subject of Thailand’s registration as a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to boost trade and investment, Parnpree admitted that it is a process that requires time, potentially up to two years. “Thailand must apply first to express our intention to become a member.” Upon receipt of the application, Thailand stands a better chance of joining the 38-member OECD. Membership would set standards for Thailand concerning the environment, finance, and trade negotiations with developed countries, Parnpree said. Among the deputy prime minister’s itinerary was a visit to the Mercedes-Benz facility in Bremen, a core site for the brand’s plug-in hybrid and EV car manufacturing since 2019. Parnpree expressed Thailand’s eagerness to promote the use of EVs and readiness to support Mercedes-Benz in their Thai investment ventures during his visit. Parnpree also engaged in discussions with Michael Frieß, the factory’s Head of Production and Location Representative, about the brand’s strategy for EVs and sustainability. Both parties concurred on the significance of using clean energy. Back in Thailand, PM Srettha has expressed his ambition to transform the country into a Future Mobility Hub, according to spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. The EV Policy Board, on Wednesday, also agreed on measures to stimulate energy storage system (ESS) manufacturing investment. Eligible investors and operators can now apply for funds from the Board of Investment until 2027, Chai disclosed. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Dailynews Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-26 - 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-Kazakhstan to sign MoU on bilateral visa-free travel in April Thailand and Kazakhstan are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in April to permanently exempt Thai and Kazakh citizens from requiring pre-travel visas for travel to each other’s country, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkaphong Sangmanee. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320841-thailand-kazakhstan-to-sign-mou-on-bilateral-visa-free-travel-in-april/

Thailand and Kazakhstan are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in April to permanently exempt Thai and Kazakh citizens from requiring pre-travel visas for travel to each other’s country, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkaphong Sangmanee. Currently, Kazakh citizens can visit Thailand without a visa, following the Thai cabinet’s decision on September 25th last year, but this arrangement is due to expire on February 29th. On February 20th, the cabinet decided to extend the arrangement until the end of August. Thai tourists can visit Kazakhstan up to 30 days without a visa. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-26 - 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

Don Mueang Reveals Conditions For Carrying Spare Batteries On Airplanes by TNR Staff Power banks being used. Photos: Thai Rath AFTER a power bank exploded on a Thai AirAsia flight from Don Mueang Airport to Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday (Feb. 24) and fortunately none of the 186 passengers and crew were harmed with the airplane landing safely at the destination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320840-don-mueang-reveals-conditions-for-carrying-spare-batteries-on-airplanes/

AFTER a power bank exploded on a Thai AirAsia flight from Don Mueang Airport to Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday (Feb. 24) and fortunately none of the 186 passengers and crew were harmed with the airplane landing safely at the destination, this airport today published conditions for carrying spare batteries, with power banks being considered one of them, on board on its Facebook page, Thai Rath newspaper said. IATA considers power banks to be a type of stand-alone battery, which must be classified as UN3480 (lithium ion) or UN3090 (lithium metal), as appropriate. The conditions for only taking them in carry-on baggage not checked-in baggage are as follows: – Battery capacity not exceeding 20,000 mAh (less than 100 Wh) maximum 20 pieces per person. Permission from the airline is required to carry more than than this on a flight; by TNR Staff Power banks being used. Photos: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-26 RELATED TOPIC: Power Bank Explosion Causes Panic on AirAsia Flight https://aseannow.com/topic/1320816-power-bank-explosion-causes-panic-on-airasia-flight/ - 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

7-Eleven in Thailand Reports Record Income of 399 Billion Baht in 2023, Announces Expansion Plans for 700 Plus New Locations By Kittisak Phalaharn On February 23rd, 2024, CP All Plc., publicly revealed business profit results for 2023 for Seven-Eleven in which the convenience stores had an overall income of 399 billion baht, having a gross profit of 112 billion baht and increasing from the previous year by 16.1%. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320839-7-eleven-in-thailand-reports-record-income-of-399-billion-baht-in-2023/

On February 23rd, 2024, CP All Plc., publicly revealed business profit results for 2023 for Seven-Eleven in which the convenience stores had an overall income of 399 billion baht, having a gross profit of 112 billion baht and increasing from the previous year by 16.1%. CP All stated to the public that the increasing profit and income was from an increase in average sales of 5.5% or 80,837 baht daily on average in each 7-11. It was reported that each customer spent 83 baht on average per bill and each store had daily 965 customers on average. This result was from new strategic plans to expand the customer base with new products and promotions, according to CP All. Furthermore, CP All reached customers with other means such as 7-11 vending machines, 7-Delivery application, and 707 new 7-11 branches nationwide in 2023. This approach could create opportunities from continuously improving economic conditions and increasing the numbers of foreign and Thai customers in 2023. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-26 - 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 Airways Reports Stellar Growth in 2023, Credits Chinese Visa Exemption and Strategic Moves By Kittisak Phalaharn On February 24th, 2024, Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the President of Bangkok Airways Public Co., Ltd., publicly revealed a continuous recovery rate of the aviation industry in the 4th quarter of 2023, as a result of Chinese visa exemptions and long holidays. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320836-bangkok-airways-reports-stellar-growth-in-2023-credits-chinese-visa-exemption/