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Kratom Juice Vendors Arrested in Kathu By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu – Kratom juice vendors were arrested at a local grocery in Kathu district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320727-kratom-juice-vendors-arrested-in-kathu/

Kathu – Kratom juice vendors were arrested at a local grocery in Kathu district. The Kathu District Officers told the Phuket Express that on Thursday (February 22nd) they inspected a local grocery store in the Kathu sub-district. There they arrested two Thai men at the grocery store (Their names and ages were not given by officers). The inspection followed complaints from concerned citizens. Seized from the two men were many bottles containing Kratom juice and also some in huge cooking pots. They were taken to Kathu Police Station to face further legal action. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-24 - 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 captivated by lottery craze as March 1 draw nears (video) by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Freepik Lottery fever grips Thailand once again as hopefuls seek winning numbers for the March 1 lottery draw. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320726-thailand-captivated-by-lottery-craze-as-march-1-draw-nears-video/

Lottery fever grips Thailand once again as hopefuls seek winning numbers for the March 1 lottery draw. Enthusiasts tirelessly hunt for their lucky numbers, drawing inspiration from various sources including celebrities, social media influencers, and even the Chinese calendar, which remains a popular method for selecting potential winning combinations. On March 1, the anticipation for the Thai Government Lottery draw was palpable, as individuals from all walks of life scoured for auspicious numbers to enter the draw. The fascination with lottery numbers extends beyond simple guesses, as many believe that certain numbers can bring fortune and change lives. This belief is deeply rooted in Thai culture, where the lottery is not merely a game of chance but a blend of superstition, hope, and tradition. A TikTok user with the account @nid8857, from Pathum Raj Technique Solar Salt, tapped into this nationwide excitement by sharing a clip featuring four different sets of numbers from the Chinese calendar. Each set presents a unique combination, leaving it to the viewers to decide which numbers resonate with them. The video, available on the platform, provides a visual guide for those looking to divine their lucky digits, reported Sanook. The hunt for auspicious numbers is a unifying quest, with eager participants sharing their findings and tips across platforms. For the March 1 draw, the spotlight was also on vehicle registration numbers, which are often seen as another source of potential lottery luck. These numbers can become overnight sensations if they are connected to significant events or figures in the public eye. As the draw approached, participants also looked back at the results from the previous draw, which took place last Friday, February 16, analysing the outcomes for hints and patterns to inform their choices. This retrospective analysis is a common practice among lottery enthusiasts, who often believe that past draws can offer clues to future wins. by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Freepik Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-24 - 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

Officials assess Prachuap port for integration with Thailand’s ‘Land Bridge’ project By Online Reporter On Friday (Feb 23), a delegation led by Mr. Jane Namchaisiri, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry, visited Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to evaluate the potential integration of Prachuap Port with the proposed $28-billion land bridge project. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320724-officials-assess-prachuap-port-for-integration-with-thailand’s-‘land-bridge’-project/

On Friday (Feb 23), a delegation led by Mr. Jane Namchaisiri, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry, visited Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to evaluate the potential integration of Prachuap Port with the proposed $28-billion land bridge project. This ambitious project aims to create a direct transportation link across Thailand’s narrow south, offering an alternative route for cargo ships that currently navigate the longer passage through the Malacca Strait and Singapore. The visit, hosted at the facilities of Sahaviriya Steel Industries Public Company Limited (SSI) in Bang Saphan District, one of Thailand’s leading steel producers, included assessments of the logistics, deep-sea port, and steel industries. Mr. Kittiphong Sukphakulkul, Deputy Provincial Governor, represented the provincial leadership and, along with executives from Sahaviriya, showcased the capabilities of Prachuap Port. Prachuap Port, operated by Prachuap Port Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sahaviriya, boasts four berths that can accommodate both international sea-going and coastal transport vessels. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-02-24 - 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 seeks army’s help with water supply in bid to prevent potential drought By Online Reporter In a step towards combating the looming threat of drought in Hua Hin, local municipal officials have reached out to the Army Non-Commissioned Officer School for assistance in supplying water to the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320723-hua-hin-seeks-army’s-help-with-water-supply-in-bid-to-prevent-potential-drought/

In a step towards combating the looming threat of drought in Hua Hin, local municipal officials have reached out to the Army Non-Commissioned Officer School for assistance in supplying water to the area. This move comes in the wake of warnings about potential water scarcity in the coming months due to insufficient rainfall in the past wet season. On February 23, 2024, Hua Hin Mayor Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul led a delegation to discuss drought prevention strategies with Major General Sompron Donsingha, Commander of the Army Non-Commissioned Officer School. The meeting, aimed at addressing the anticipated water shortage, was also attended by Deputy Mayor Mr. Atichat Chaisri, Hua Hin Municipality Secretary Mr. Jeerawat Phrahomnee, Acting Director of the Sanitary Engineering Department Ms. Madi Raksasa, and Mr. Nopadol Meephat, Head of the Maintenance and Service Division of the Waterworks Department, among other officials. by Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-02-24 - 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

95 Phones Found in Hotel Room, Investigation Underway Picture: Siam Rath In a surprising turn of events, a total of 95 mobile phones were discovered forgotten in a hotel room in Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320720-95-phones-found-in-hotel-room-investigation-underway/

In a surprising turn of events, a total of 95 mobile phones were discovered forgotten in a hotel room in Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai province. Picture: Siam Rath On February 23rd, reporters learned that Lt. Col. Apipoo Muang Sai, from the 3101st Infantry Regiment, received a report concerning guests who had stayed at a certain hotel in the Sathang area of Chiang Khong district on February 22nd, 2024. It was reported that these guests had left behind a bag in their room, and despite the hotel's attempts, they couldn't reach the guests. Sensing something amiss, the hotel promptly notified authorities for investigation, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath Upon inspection, upon opening the bag, officials found a total of 95 mobile phones. Authorities will further investigate whether these phones are linked to any legal infractions or if they were imported lawfully. Picture: Siam Rath TOP picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-02-24 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man Arrested for Stealing iPhone from Chinese Tourist in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – A Thai man was arrested after he stole an iPhone from a Chinese tourist in Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320715-man-arrested-for-stealing-iphone-from-chinese-tourist-in-patong/

Patong – A Thai man was arrested after he stole an iPhone from a Chinese tourist in Patong. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that on Sunday (February 18th) an unidentified Chinese tourist had filed a report to police. He told police that he had parked a motorbike in front of a department store on the Ratcha Uthit 200 Pi Road. He left his iPhone 12 in the motorbike and later found out that his iPhone had been stolen. Police tracked down the suspect by checking CCTV footage from nearby. On Thursday (February 22nd) police arrested the suspect, identified only as Mr. Witoon, 44. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-24 - 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

Speedboat Driver in Krabi Arrested with 10 Meth Pills By Goongnang Suksawat Krabi – A speedboat driver was arrested with 10 methamphetamine pills at a beach in Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320714-speedboat-driver-in-krabi-arrested-with-10-meth-pills/

Krabi – A speedboat driver was arrested with 10 methamphetamine pills at a beach in Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi. The Krabi Marine Police told the Phuket Express that on Thursday (February 22nd) they randomly checked boat drivers and crews at Nopparat Thara Beach in the Sai Thai sub-district. The inspection came after they were notified by concerned citizens that boat drivers and crews were allegedly involved with illegal drugs while servicing tourists. This was of particular concern due to a recent accident in Chalong in which a five-year-old Russian girl died when a speedboat crashed into rocks while the captain was high on methamphetamine. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-24 - 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 Prime Minister Orders Crackdown on Illegal Guides, Addresses Taxi Meter Issues and PM 2.5 Pollution in Bangkok By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok—At 8:50 AM, on February 23rd, 2024, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt, and relevant agencies held a meeting on the progress of Bangkok City development. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320713-thai-prime-minister-orders-crackdown-on-illegal-guides-addresses-taxi-meter-issues/

Bangkok—At 8:50 AM, on February 23rd, 2024, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt, and relevant agencies held a meeting on the progress of Bangkok City development. During the meeting, Srettha emphasized several issues on Bangkok’s development. One of the prominent issues was Taxi drivers charging extra without using meter devices. Srettha said that it is crucial for fair and transparent fares and urged the Minister of Transport to collaborate on improving this aspect to benefit both passengers and drivers. Regarding the illegal tour guides in the Bangkok area, Srettha described it as a cancerous issue undermining Thailand’s tourism image. Srettha issued an order to the commissioner general of the Royal Thai Police to take strict measures against the problem. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-24 - 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

Nameplate, Buddha Image Retrieved From Sunken Navy Ship by TNR Staff Divers from Thai and US navies working on a light salvage of HTMS Sukhothai, Feb. 23, 2024. Photo: TV Channel 7 ON THE second day of a light salvage mission undertaken by United States and Thai navies to remove armaments and other objects from HTMS Sukhothai (FSG-442) which capsized and sank in stormy seas late 2022, killing 24 sailors with five others missing, the corvette’s nameplate, a Buddha image and some documents were brought to the surface, TV Channel 7 said tonight (Feb. 23). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320712-nameplate-buddha-image-retrieved-from-sunken-navy-ship/

ON THE second day of a light salvage mission undertaken by United States and Thai navies to remove armaments and other objects from HTMS Sukhothai (FSG-442) which capsized and sank in stormy seas late 2022, killing 24 sailors with five others missing, the corvette’s nameplate, a Buddha image and some documents were brought to the surface, TV Channel 7 said tonight (Feb. 23). Deployed in the 20-day joint US-Thai light salvage mission in the sea off Prachuap Khiri Khan are HTMS Rattanakosin (FSG-441) which is of the same type as the US-built, Ratanakosin-class corvette which sank undersea, the Thai navy’s minehunter HTMS Bang Rachan (MHC-631) and landing craft HTMS Mannai (LCU-783) and the US navy’s tugboat Ocean Valor. On the first dive today some of the 60 US and Thai navy divers working on this mission successfully recovered HTMS Sukhothai’s nameplate which was considered a good start and raised their morale. On the second dive photos were taken and the perforation on the left side of the ship’s starboard hull measured. by TNR Staff TOP: Divers from Thai and US navies working on a light salvage of HTMS Sukhothai, Feb. 23, 2024. Photo: TV Channel 7 Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-24 - 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

Tourists Advised to Bring US$417 Cash to Enter Thailand Translator: Najla Nur Fauziyah Editor: Laila Afifa TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand is one of the most favored travel destinations for Indonesian tourists for its beautiful beaches and ease of access. Indonesians need no visa to enter Thailand, and the cost is fairly affordable. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320711-tourists-advised-to-bring-us417-cash-to-enter-thailand/

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand is one of the most favored travel destinations for Indonesian tourists for its beautiful beaches and ease of access. Indonesians need no visa to enter Thailand, and the cost is fairly affordable. However, entering Thailand is not as easy as it sounds. The Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok revealed that it received many complaints from citizens who were barred from entering the country—the reason being incomplete travel documents while Thailand’s immigration officers did a random check. According to the embassy, visitors are required to show their active passport with a minimum validity period of six months, proof of a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Lastly, visitors are required to show proof of financial ability during their stay in Thailand by bringing in adequate cash into the country. “Thailand Immigration did not specifically mention how much money visitors must bring, but based on an open source at least 15,000-20,000 baht per person,” the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok wrote in last week’s release. Translator: Najla Nur Fauziyah Editor: Laila Afifa Full story: TEMPO 2024-02-24 - 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 Joke fights for his name as summons rumours swirl around him linked with online gambling sites by James Morris and Son Nguyen Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn or ‘Big Joke’ insisted he was not connected to any probe into illegal online gambling websites. General Surachate said there was no link between him and illegality. The top cop instead suggested that a campaign was afoot to discredit him and linked it to a bizarre police raid on his home in Bangkok in September 2023. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320710-big-joke-fights-for-his-name-as-summons-rumours-swirl-around-him-linked-with-gambling-sites/

Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn or ‘Big Joke’ insisted he was not connected to any probe into illegal online gambling websites. General Surachate said there was no link between him and illegality. The top cop instead suggested that a campaign was afoot to discredit him and linked it to a bizarre police raid on his home in Bangkok in September 2023. This was days before he lost out in his bid to become Thailand’s police chief. At the same time, National Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimol (inset right), on Friday, tried to broker talks between General Surachate and General Jaroonkiat Pankaew (inset left) of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). This police unit is leading a probe into online gambling. In short, this includes a network called ‘Minnies’ which investigators claim is linked to subordinates of General Surachate. Big Joke’s reputation is threatened as an online gambling scandal rocks the Royal Thai Police. The high-profile deputy chief stoutly denies allegations amidst an intense ongoing investigation. There is now open internal strife within the force. The Prime Minister urges fairness and defends General Surachate’s right to be presumed innocent. Public trust in law enforcement is now at another low ebb. It comes as a further murky affair threatens the reputation of a policeman who has long been seen as an anti-corruption campaigner and hero. On Friday, National Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimol moved to try to limit reputational damage to the Royal Thai Police. It comes as the country’s most popular police officer, General Surachate Hakparn, finds himself battling to protect his good name. It came amid reports that the deputy police chief was on the verge of being summoned by investigators over alleged links to online gambling websites. General Surachate vehemently protested his innocence. At length, he also linked the swirling reports to a bizarre police raid on his home last September. This occurred just days before the new police chief was chosen. The senior officer had been widely tipped for the role. On Friday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasised that General Surachate was innocent of any charges until proven otherwise. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-02-24 - 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 Airways records recovery with US$782 million profit in 2023 by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Thai Airways Thai Airways International Public Company Limited witnessed a significant rebound in its earnings following an increase in air travel demand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320709-thai-airways-records-recovery-with-us782-million-profit-in-2023/

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited witnessed a significant rebound in its earnings following an increase in air travel demand. The airline reported a net profit of 28.1 billion baht (US$782 million) in 2023, a substantial recovery from the 272-million-baht loss experienced in the previous year. This is the second-highest annual net income recorded by the company, surpassed only by the 55-billion-baht profit in 2021, primarily attributed to an 81.5 billion baht gain from debt restructuring. The operating profit, excluding one-time items, also saw an upturn, reaching 24.6 billion baht, a stark contrast to the 4.59-billion-baht loss in 2022. The total operating revenue witnessed a 53% surge, amounting to 161 billion baht. However, the carrier has not released its fourth-quarter earnings yet, reported Bangkok Post. Passenger numbers grew substantially, reaching 13.76 million, marking a 53% increase from 2022, when Thailand began to lift Covid-related travel restrictions. The airline also reported a one-time gain of 3.96 billion baht from debt restructuring, in comparison to a 5.24-billion-baht loss from similar transactions the previous year. This marks only the third time Thai Airways has reported an annual profit since 2013. The airline, which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020, managed to secure an agreement from most creditors to extend terms and reduce some interest repayments as part of a rehabilitation plan. Currently, it plans to conclude its court-supervised debt restructuring ahead of schedule, by the end of 2024. In response to increasing passenger demand, Thai Airways recently agreed to order 45 aircraft from Boeing Co, with an option to extend the order to 80. The United States planemaker confirmed this order to be the largest in Thai history. The airline also intends to add three new Airbus A350-900 aircraft this quarter to accommodate a surge in bookings. In addition, Thai Airways confirmed the completion of its capital restructuring by 2024 to bolster its financial status and allow for the resumption of stock trading on the Thai exchange in 2025. The shares have been suspended from trading since May 2021. In related news, Transport Minister Suriya Juangruangreangkit announced that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is in discussions with six airlines in Thailand, including Thai Airways, to increase the number of flights during holidays and reduce the flight price ceiling to address high fares. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Thai Airways Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-24 - 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 asks Korea to toughen K-ETA screening after denied entries of its people A meeting with consular affairs and safety at Seoul's foreign ministry and consular officials from Thailand, in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand asked Korea on Thursday to toughen the pre-entry screening process for foreign visitors from visa-waiver countries, after a number of its citizens were denied entry into Korea and the incidents stirred public ire. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320707-thailand-asks-korea-to-toughen-k-eta-screening-after-denied-entries-of-its-people/