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13 Pregnant Teens Intercepted by Police: Smuggling Operation Exposed Picture: Daily News On February 22nd, police officers, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Sanchai Panichkul, the superintendent of Mae Ai Police Station, conducted a checkpoint operation on the public road between Mae Ai and Tha Ton in Chiang Mai Province. Their aim was to curb illegal activities in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320623-13-pregnant-teens-intercepted-by-police-smuggling-operation-exposed/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 23 February 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320628-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-23-february-2024/

The minister for justice affirmed that the parole granted to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who avoided spending any time in jail upon his return last August, adhered to legal regulations. This statement came in response to Move Forward Party MP who also requested disclosure of the identities of the two physicians who confirmed Thaksin had been seriously ill yet recovered within 180 days. Members of the public attended a forum in bangkok yesterday organised by the House committee on consumer protection, the aim was to gain opinion on public transport and how services may be improved. A move forward party MP stated that the quality of transport services in the city is rated as poor while fares are high. He added the government should consider subsidizing all forms of transportation in the capital, not just electric rail systems, Pol Gen Surachate said no charges have been laid against him since the highly publicised search of his house last year. He also denied any involvement with online gambling networks. On Wednesday, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau announced at a press conference that Pol Gen Surachate and four others were being investigated. The son of a former politician has been charged with reckless driving, causing death, and illicit use of drugs after he drove into a group of students in songkhla, killing two and injuring 13 on Wednesday. The driver claimed a motorbike cut in front of his vehicle causing him to lose control of his vehicle. Around the region China experts have revealed a massive data attack, citing a Chinese tech security firm ‘I-Soon’ that was able to breach foreign government systems, infiltrate social media accounts and hack into personal computers. They claim, I-Soon also breached “democracy organisations” in Hong Kong, universities and the Nato military alliance. This according to cyber-security firms SentinelLabs and Malwarebytes WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, 36C Bangkok: sunny, 35C Pattaya: sunny, 32C Phuket and the south: sunny 33C Hua Hin: Sunny,…winds light from the South 33C 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 2024-02-23 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

One of "Big Joke's" eight juniors files suit against the Deputy Police Chief for negligent or unauthorized dereliction of duty under Section 157, before the Criminal Court of Corruption and Misconduct on March 12th. On February 22nd, amidst proceedings against the eight juniors, Lt. Col. Surachet Hakpal, Deputy Commissioner, allegedly involved with the Minnie gambling website, reported Daily News. Six officers, ranging from Lt. Col. to Col., are accused of colluding to facilitate gambling activities, advertising, or enticing others to gamble electronically without official permission, aiming to launder money. Lt. Col. Teeraroj Roroteerapong, close aide to "Big Joke," accuses Deputy Commissioner Sakdawat Sukwimon of dereliction of duty or negligence under Section 157. The hearing is scheduled for March 12th, 2024, at 09:00. Pictire: Daily News -- ASEAN NOW 2024-02-23 - 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

On February 22nd, police officers, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Sanchai Panichkul, the superintendent of Mae Ai Police Station, conducted a checkpoint operation on the public road between Mae Ai and Tha Ton in Chiang Mai Province. Their aim was to curb illegal activities in the area. During the operation, they stopped a suspicious Toyota pickup truck bearing license plate number Pha-4769 from Chiang Rai. To their surprise, all 13 passengers were young pregnant women aged between 17 and 25. Suspecting something amiss, female officers were called to conduct a search, reported Daily News. The search revealed that the pregnancies were not real. Instead, the women had been concealing raw opium, approximately 1.6 kilograms each, strapped to their bodies to mimic pregnancies. The total weight of the concealed opium was 21.32 kilograms. The driver, Mr. Wisanu, 25, confessed that he intended to deliver the opium to clients in Mae Ai District. He admitted to hiring all the young women, including his wife, from Chiang Rai Province, to disguise the opium as pregnancies in hopes of passing through various checkpoints undetected. Authorities have charged them all with trafficking category 2 drugs (opium) for distribution, intending to profit and causing harm to society's safety and security without permission. Additional charges of residing in the kingdom without permission were also filed against two foreign women. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the sources and recipients involved. Picture: Daily News -- ASEAN NOW 2024-02-23 - 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

Thai doctor’s health warning on Facebook mistaken for obituary by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Sanook In a case of social media misunderstanding, a well-intentioned educational post on Facebook by a Thai doctor went viral for the wrong reasons. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320621-thai-doctor’s-health-warning-on-facebook-mistaken-for-obituary/

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. Chulalongkorn University’s Facebook page published a post on Monday featuring Dr Pawat Phuensan from the Department of Internal Medicine. The post included an image of Dr Pawat against a pink backdrop with a warning about infections from prawn whisker injuries and a QR code directing viewers to a video explaining the risks associated with such injuries. This was in response to a tragic incident involving a Chinese man who died from an Aeromonas infection after being pricked by a prawn whisker. Despite the educational intent, the post’s presentation led many netizens to mistakenly believe that Dr Pawat had passed away. Their comments expressed sorrow over the young physician’s supposed death. The misunderstanding was widespread, prompting even popular pages like Drama-Addict to share the post and clarify that the doctor is providing knowledge, that he is alive and has not died due to a prawn. The viral post, although causing initial confusion, ultimately served as a valuable public health announcement. The video provided by Dr Pawat offers free information about the dangers of seemingly harmless prawn whisker injuries, which can lead to severe Aeromonas infections and potentially fatal consequences, reported Sanook. In related news, Thai doctor Thiravat Hemachudha sparked controversy when he shared information about the potentially fatal effect of the messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) Covid-19 vaccine, citing English YouTuber John Campbell. Thiravat shared information from the English YouTuber, and retired nurse educator, Campbell, on Facebook on February 19. Thiravat talked about a white clot that was found in people and dead bodies with a history of the mRNA Covid vaccines. by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Sanook Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-23 - 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

Air Japan cancels Bangkok-Tokyo flights, stranding passengers by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Passengers were left disappointed and frustrated when their Air Japan flight to Tokyo was abruptly cancelled due to technical issues. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320619-air-japan-cancels-bangkok-tokyo-flights-stranding-passengers/

Passengers were left disappointed and frustrated when their Air Japan flight to Tokyo was abruptly cancelled due to technical issues. The fledgling airline, a low-cost carrier within the ANA group, found itself at the centre of controversy after it revealed that it operates with a single aircraft, which brought about a series of cancellations affecting travellers from both Thailand and abroad. Passengers bound for Narita Airport in Japan were caught off-guard when Air Japan announced a lengthy delay, followed by the cancellation of not one, but four flights. These were scheduled to depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok at 12.15am today. The situation escalated when it came to light that passengers, having made complete arrangements such as hotel bookings and travel plans, were left stranded. The airline’s offer to refund tickets did little to quell the growing discontent, as any attempts to reschedule flights resulted in additional charges. This led to a group of passengers staging a protest at the airport gate, demanding more substantial assistance from Air Japan to resolve their travel dilemmas, reported KhaoSod. What added to the shock was the discovery that Air Japan, which had just inaugurated its Bangkok-Tokyo route on February 9, was operating with a solitary aeroplane. This severely limited the airline’s ability to manage the situation by transferring passengers to another flight. In related news, an El Al flight en route from Phuket to Ben-Gurion Airport in Israel encountered a spine-chilling moment on Saturday night as unidentified hostile elements attempted to seize control of its communication network. This nerve-racking incident, the second of its kind within a week, sent shockwaves through the aviation world. Despite the menacing takeover attempt, the aircraft managed to reach its destination unscathed, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board. In other news, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is gearing up to welcome a surge of Russian tourists to Thailand, unveiling plans to tackle the flight shortage bottleneck. Acknowledging reports of a burgeoning number of Russian tourists eyeing Thailand for their holidays, PM Srettha highlighted the critical lack of flights to accommodate the demand. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-23 - 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: Wild Condo Brawl Between British Tourists and Transgenders in Phuket Leads to Multiple Injuries By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – Three transgender people and three foreign men have been injured after an unsuccessful negotiation over pricing for companionship at a condominium in Karon in Mueang Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320603-british-tourist-injured-in-money-dispute-with-thai-ladyboys-in-phuket/?do=findComment&comment=18714205

Wild Condo Brawl Between British Tourists and Transgenders in Phuket Leads to Multiple Injuries By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – Three transgender people and three foreign men have been injured after an unsuccessful negotiation over pricing for companionship at a condominium in Karon in Mueang Phuket. Captain Surasak Sudmueang of the Karon Police was notified of the incident at a condominium in Karon at 4:00 A.M. on Thursday morning (February 22nd) before arriving at the condominium. Foreign men, reportedly British, told police that they contacted three transgenders in Patong to come to their condominium at 3:00 A.M for companionship and to hang out. The men allegedly agreed to give the transgenders 4,000 baht each for their time. The three transgender people arrived in the room at the condominium but the three foreign men only gave 2,000 baht to one of the transgenders. They then asked the other two transgenders to leave the room and refused to pay them. The transgenders became angry at the foreigners before they started a verbal argument which escalated to a physical argument, with the transgenders continuing to demand payment for their time. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-23 - 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’s Longest Beachside Kite Festival Takes Flight in Pattaya By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Central Pattaya Pattaya — The Pattaya International Kite on the Beach 2024, touted as Thailand’s longest beachside international kite festival spanning over 1 kilometer, has kicked off on Pattaya Beach today with a dazzling display of vibrant kites and unique designs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320618-thailand’s-longest-beachside-kite-festival-takes-flight-in-pattaya/

Pattaya — The Pattaya International Kite on the Beach 2024, touted as Thailand’s longest beachside international kite festival spanning over 1 kilometer, has kicked off on Pattaya Beach today with a dazzling display of vibrant kites and unique designs. Featuring participants from various countries, notable kites include the Tabrix, a blue dragon-shaped kite from Germany, the Wyverex, a green dragon-themed kite, and the Sea Dragon, all showcasing advanced craftsmanship and considered among the world’s most valuable dragon kites. A highlight of this year’s festival is the unique beach-themed kites crafted by experienced Australian designers, marking their first-ever display in Thailand. Additionally, the event boasts the participation of the renowned French Kite Whale Team, adding an international flavor to the festival. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Central Pattaya Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-23 - 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

Samut Prakan Police Crack Down on Teen Roadblock Motorbike Race, 22 Individuals Charged By Kittisak Phalaharn Samut Prakan—On February 22nd, 2024, Phra Samut Chedi police officers publicly revealed a case of teenagers blocking a road in Phra Samut Chedi, Samut Prakan, to hold a motorbike race. As a result, investigative police filed charges against 22 individuals. Fill story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320617-samut-prakan-police-crack-down-on-teen-roadblock-motorbike-race-22-individuals-charged/

Samut Prakan—On February 22nd, 2024, Phra Samut Chedi police officers publicly revealed a case of teenagers blocking a road in Phra Samut Chedi, Samut Prakan, to hold a motorbike race. As a result, investigative police filed charges against 22 individuals. The court issued an order for a fine of 10,000 baht for each person with 3-month imprisonment suspended on parole. The police took hold of youths and minors of a total of 10 individuals before sending them to the Samut Prakan Juvenile and Family Court for further legal processing, according to the police. The defendants, the guardians of the minors, confessed their involvement in wrongdoings, and the court issued an order for the fine to be reduced in half to 5,000 baht per person. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-23 - 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

Chonburi Immigration Apprehends South Korean Fugitive By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Chonburi Immigration Chonburi — The Chonburi Immigration Bureau apprehended a South Korean fugitive wanted by Interpol for leading a call center fraud syndicate on February 21st, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320616-chonburi-immigration-apprehends-south-korean-fugitive/

Chonburi — The Chonburi Immigration Bureau apprehended a South Korean fugitive wanted by Interpol for leading a call center fraud syndicate on February 21st, 2024. Acting on intelligence received from foreign authorities in early February, immigration officers apprehended Mr. Oh Suk Yeon, a 51-year-old South Korean national, in Pattaya. Mr. Oh was the subject of an Interpol warrant for his alleged involvement in a call center gang that targeted victims in South Korea. The syndicate, based in China, employed various tactics to deceive individuals into transferring money, resulting in losses exceeding 200 million won in just two weeks, according to the Chonburi Immigration. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Chonburi Immigration Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-23 - 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

Is S Korea racist towards Thais? Dehumanizing immigration ordeal says yes By Arun Saronchai A recent account by a Thai traveler subjected to an exhaustive interrogation by South Korean immigration officials has cast a glaring spotlight on the deeply ingrained issues of prejudice and dehumanization faced by Southeast Asians visiting South Korea. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320615-is-s-korea-racist-towards-thais-dehumanizing-immigration-ordeal-says-yes/

A recent account by a Thai traveler subjected to an exhaustive interrogation by South Korean immigration officials has cast a glaring spotlight on the deeply ingrained issues of prejudice and dehumanization faced by Southeast Asians visiting South Korea. This experience, shared widely across social media, is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a more profound, systemic problem that demands immediate attention and action. The ordeal involved a Thai national being interrogated relentlessly at various checkpoints, with questions probing deeply into personal plans, financial status, and even the minutiae of daily meals during their stay. Despite providing detailed answers and showing preparedness with all necessary documents, the traveler was ultimately denied entry on the grounds of supposedly insufficient preparedness. This incident starkly illustrates the dehumanizing scrutiny that travelers from Southeast Asia often endure, reduced to their perceived economic status or intentions, rather than being recognized as individuals with legitimate aspirations to explore and experience new cultures. This pattern of behavior towards Southeast Asians is emblematic of a broader issue of racial profiling and discrimination that, regrettably, remains pervasive in various parts of the world. In South Korea, a country renowned for its cultural exports and a popular destination for tourists worldwide, such experiences starkly contrast with the welcoming image it seeks to project. This contradiction not only tarnishes South Korea’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination but also betrays a deeper societal issue that needs addressing. By Arun Saronchai Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 2024-02-23 - 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 self-confidence index reveals gap between aspirations and appearance A fascinating new study, the “Self-Confidence Index”**, sheds light on the aspirations and anxieties of Thai consumers regarding their appearance. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320614-thai-self-confidence-index-reveals-gap-between-aspirations-and-appearance/

A fascinating new study, the “Self-Confidence Index”**, sheds light on the aspirations and anxieties of Thai consumers regarding their appearance. While Thais across various generations show considerable confidence in their looks, the research reveals a surprising desire for further enhancement through beauty treatments. The study, conducted by leading aesthetics company Merz Aesthetics Thailand in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University’s Assistant Professor Dr. Watcharaporn Bunyasiriwat, surveyed 1,000 individuals aged 18-55. They identified six key factors influencing self-confidence: attitude and mindset, social aspects, work and study, health, appearance (average score of 82%), and income. Interestingly, despite appearance ranking fifth, the survey revealed a lower-than-average confidence level in this area. This aligns with the widespread use of photo-editing apps, suggesting a desire to enhance perceived attractiveness. “This gap between desired and perceived appearance presents an opportunity for the aesthetics industry,” said Kittiwan Rattanachandr, Vice President of Merz Aesthetics Thailand and Singapore. “Our survey found that beauty treatments significantly boost confidence, with an average increase to 91% post-procedure. This highlights the potential of aesthetics to empower individuals and improve their overall well-being.” **The Self-Confidence Index Survey, commissioned by Merz Aesthetics Thailand and conducted through a private research company between December 2023 and February 2024, involved 1,000 Thai consumers aged 18-55. It explored factors influencing confidence and patterns of confidence across various life aspects. The top six factors identified were attitude, social, work and study, health, appearance and income. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-23 - 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

Palang Pracharath Emerges As Largest Recipient Of Cash Donations By Thai Newsroom Reporters Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan with the party’s rank and file. Photo: Thai Rath THE PALANG PRACHARATH led by former deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan topped the list of parties being donated the most in cash last December, says a report released today (Feb. 22) by the Election Commission. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320612-palang-pracharath-emerges-as-largest-recipient-of-cash-donations/

THE PALANG PRACHARATH led by former deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan topped the list of parties being donated the most in cash last December, says a report released today (Feb. 22) by the Election Commission. Two unknown businesswomen were the only two donors who had reportedly handed out a combined 13.8 million baht in cash to the Palang Pracharath which currently has 40 MPs under command, rendering the pro-military, conservative camp as the largest recipient among all others last December. The Bhumjaithai led by Anutin Charnvirakul with 71 MPs under the influence of de facto party boss Newin Chidchob was the second largest recipient with 2.36 million baht in cash from a total of 92 donors during the same period of time. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan with the party’s rank and file. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-23 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

No Democrat Design To Keep Self-Exiled Yingluck At Bay: House Committee Chair By Thai Newsroom Reporters File photo of deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra with her brother Thaksin Shinawatra, also former prime minister and current de facto boss of Pheu Thai Party. Photo: Matichon HOUSE COMMITTEE ON POLICE Affairs Chair Chaichana Dejdecho today (Feb. 22) categorically denied that his Democrat colleagues have quietly hatched a partisan move to keep self-exiled, deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra from practically following in the footsteps of her brother/de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320611-no-democrat-design-to-keep-self-exiled-yingluck-at-bay-house-committee-chair/

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON POLICE Affairs Chair Chaichana Dejdecho today (Feb. 22) categorically denied that his Democrat colleagues have quietly hatched a partisan move to keep self-exiled, deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra from practically following in the footsteps of her brother/de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra. The House committee chair, concurrently a Democrat MP of Nakhon Sri Thammarat, confirmed his partisan lawmakers had earlier drafted legislation to amend corrections of convicts without intent to use it against any specific individuals including Yingluck who has been living in self-exile abroad in the face of a five-year jail sentence earlier delivered to her for convicted misconduct pertaining to her Pheu Thai government’s rice subsidy campaign run over a decade ago. Nevertheless, Chaichana insisted the judicial procedures for all convicts be carried out with transparency and without use of legal loopholes or double standards unlike those contentiously applied to the allegedly powerful, privileged de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole. Yingluck who had quietly pushed for the naming of former real estate mogul Srettha Thavisin as prime minister following last year’s election is largely believed to sooner or later follow in the footsteps of her brother who has never spent a single day behind bars at Bangkok Remand Prison and had been instead granted privileges to stay in a private ward at Police Hospital for mystery-shrouded “illnesses” for six months since he returned from self-exile abroad last August By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: File photo of deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra with her brother Thaksin Shinawatra, also former prime minister and current de facto boss of Pheu Thai Party. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-23 - 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