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Fatal argument at Nakhon Ratchasima shop ends with gunshot by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Daily News A 23 year old man’s visit to a motorcycle repair shop in Nakhon Ratchasima turned deadly when an argument over motorcycle noise escalated into a fatal shooting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320539-fatal-argument-at-nakhon-ratchasima-shop-ends-with-gunshot/

A 23 year old man’s visit to a motorcycle repair shop in Nakhon Ratchasima turned deadly when an argument over motorcycle noise escalated into a fatal shooting. The confrontation began with a slap and ended with the young man returning with three friends and firearms, resulting in the death of a 27 years old man at the scene. At the single commercial building in the middle of a village in Nong Bunnak district, police found Komen Ternsraket’s body lying in a pool of blood, with a gunshot wound to the face. According to witnesses, Komen was drinking with friends, including the shop owner, when the gunman arrived to inflate his motorcycle tyres. An argument broke out between Komen and the young man, who then left the scene only to return shortly after with his friends as backup and three handguns, reported KhaoSod. The assailants, all between the ages of 17 and 23 years old, fled after the shooting but were later apprehended by police. Among them was 23 year old Yanrit Meesap who confessed to the shooting and killing, stating he acted out of anger after Komen had attacked him first. He admitted to retrieving a gun from his home and mobilising his friends to carry out the revenge shooting. Prasert Pornjimareung, the 42 year old owner of the repair shop, recounted an incident a few days prior when Komen and Yanrit had a heated exchange. Yanrit had been hunting field rats when Komen disrupted him with loud noises, leading to a confrontation where Yanrit brandished a slingshot in a threatening manner. Although the incident had not escalated further at the time, tensions flared up again on the night of the shooting. After Komen slapped Yanrit on the head, the young man warned he would return with a gun—a threat that tragically became a reality. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Daily News Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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 authorities tackle surge in cheap Chinese imports by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post A surge in cheap Chinese products flooding Thai markets, particularly through e-commerce platforms, has prompted Thai authorities and organisations to seek measures to protect local producers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320536-thai-authorities-tackle-surge-in-cheap-chinese-imports/

A surge in cheap Chinese products flooding Thai markets, particularly through e-commerce platforms, has prompted Thai authorities and organisations to seek measures to protect local producers. The influx has negatively impacted local small manufacturers of household goods and has boosted calls for the Revenue and Customs departments to expedite their efforts in controlling this wave of low-cost goods. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently advocated for tighter scrutiny on customs declarations, following numerous instances where importers under-declared the value of their goods to benefit from value-added tax (VAT) and import tariff waivers. A key factor behind the flood of Chinese products is a tax and tariff waiver. To support local businesses, Thailand waived the import duty and VAT on imported parcels with combined prices and cost, insurance, and freight fees of no more than 1,500 baht (US$ 41) per piece. The limit was increased from 1,000 baht (US$ 27) in 2018. Approximately 30 million parcels are shipped into Thailand each year, with half of the importers claiming that the item price is lower than 1,500 baht. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) revealed that around 20 industrial sectors, including steel, aluminium, plastics, ceramics, petrochemicals, and medicine, are battling increased competition due to these imports, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) being the hardest hit. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI, remarked that Chinese imports have led to a 50% decrease in production for some local manufacturers. The industry body is calling for additional government assistance, while Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul has directed the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) to collaborate with the Customs Department to examine the quality of imported goods, especially those overseen by the TISI. This move is designed to curb the influx of low-quality, inexpensive products that are currently saturating the market, reported Bangkok Post. Surprisingly, some local businesses have temporarily ceased production at their factories and have instead become importers of Chinese goods. Large steel industry companies, such as Tata Steel Thailand Plc (TSTH), expressed concern over the cheap steel imports from China. TSTH stated that Thailand’s capacity utilisation in the steel industry continues to decline due to slow economic recovery and the influx of low-priced Chinese steel. Chinese imports Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that China’s status as a major global manufacturing hub, with abundant raw materials and efficient supply chains, leads to lower production costs and cheaper products. These factors, in combination with the e-commerce boom, have resulted in an increase in cheap Chinese products in the Thai market. While the local retail sector is expected to grow this year, according to the Kasikorn Research Centre, it will face stiff competition from imported products, particularly those from China. In 2022, Thailand imported consumer goods worth 470 billion baht (US$ 13,088,461,300) from China, a 2.8% increase year-on-year. Electrical appliances account for 43.3% of total imports, followed by fruit and vegetables at 10%, as per the Commerce Ministry’s data. Despite the challenges, solutions are being explored. The Finance Ministry is considering a 7% VAT on imported goods worth less than 1,500 baht, while keeping the import tariff waiver, to reduce the tax gap between Chinese and domestic manufacturers. Other potential measures include enforcing anti-dumping and anti-circumvention measures, enhancing customs inspections of imported goods, and speeding up the establishment of standards for industrial products. Thailand’s e-commerce gross merchandise value reached 980 billion baht (US$ 27,289,687,600) in 2023, making it the second-largest market in Southeast Asia. As the Thai e-Commerce Association (THECA) continues to strategise on ways to tackle the influx, they are also discussing opportunities with Wuhan city in China to bring local SMEs to sell products in China, hiring Chinese influencers to promote Thai products through live commerce. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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 braces for 38-degree heatwave with potential thunderstorms by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of lifeforstock, Freepik Thailand faces a scorching day with temperatures peaking at 38 degrees Celsius and scattered thunderstorms in some areas, the Meteorological Department warns. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320534-thailand-braces-for-38-degree-heatwave-with-potential-thunderstorms/

Thailand faces a scorching day with temperatures peaking at 38 degrees Celsius and scattered thunderstorms in some areas, the Meteorological Department warns. The latest weather forecast anticipates strong southerly and southeasterly winds affecting the northeastern, lower central, and eastern regions of the country, creating the potential for thunderstorms in these areas. In the period from February 24 to February 26, a high-pressure system or cool air mass from China is expected to extend over Vietnam and the South China Sea. Meanwhile, upper Thailand will experience hot weather in many areas. The presence of southerly and southeasterly winds covering the lower northern, northeastern, and central regions, as well as Bangkok and its vicinity, and eastern parts, will lead to thunderstorms, strong gusts, hail in some places, and possible lightning strikes. In the northern region, the upper parts will see cool to cold weather with morning fog, turning hot with clear skies by midday. The lower northern region will have partly cloudy skies with some morning fog, also becoming hot during the day. Minimum temperatures will range from 13 to 23 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures will hit 34 to 37 degrees Celsius. Mountain peaks may experience very cold conditions, with lows of 6 to 15 degrees Celsius. The northeastern region will experience cool temperatures in the upper areas with some morning fog, heating up during the day. Thunderstorms are expected in about 10% of the region, mainly in Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, and Surin. Minimum temperatures will range from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures will be between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius. Again, higher altitudes will be cooler, with minimum temperatures of 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, reported KhaoSod. For the central region, hot daytime weather will be accompanied by thunderstorms in about 10% of the area, predominantly in Lopburi and Saraburi. Temperatures will range from a minimum of 24 to 26 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 35 to 38 degrees Celsius. The eastern region will also experience hot daytime weather, with thunderstorms expected in 10% of the area, mainly in Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Minimum temperatures will range from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures will reach 33 to 38 degrees Celsius. The sea will have waves less than 1 metre high, but in stormy areas, waves could be higher than 1 metre. Hot weather In the southern region (east coast), hot weather during the day will be accompanied by thunderstorms in about 10% of the area, particularly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani. The temperature will vary from a low of 22 to 25 degrees Celsius to a high of 31 to 38 degrees Celsius. The sea will see waves about 1 metre high, increasing beyond 1 metre in stormy conditions. On the southern region’s west coast, areas including Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket, and Krabi will experience hot daytime weather with thunderstorms in about 10% of the region. Minimum temperatures will be between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures will range from 34 to 37 degrees Celsius. Sea waves will stay below 1 metre in distance from the shore but can exceed 1 metre during storms. Bangkok and its vicinity will not be spared from the heat, with hot daytime conditions and the likelihood of thunderstorms in about 10% of the area. The mercury will range from a minimum of 26 to 27 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 34 to 37 degrees Celsius. Citizens are advised to stay hydrated and to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, while also being prepared for sudden weather changes. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of lifeforstock, Freepik Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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

Three distinct prehistoric animal fossils unearthed in Khon Kaen by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post A new discovery has surfaced in the Tambon Muang Wan region of Nam Phong district, Khon Kaen, as fossils of three different prehistoric animals have been unearthed. This comes as an addition to the previous findings in the same area. Full syory: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320533-three-distinct-prehistoric-animal-fossils-unearthed-in-khon-kaen/

A new discovery has surfaced in the Tambon Muang Wan region of Nam Phong district, Khon Kaen, as fossils of three different prehistoric animals have been unearthed. This comes as an addition to the previous findings in the same area. The analysis of the collected fossils is being undertaken by a team led by Sasa-On Khansubha, a palaeontologist affiliated with the Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum in Kalasin. Preliminary results hint that the fossils could belong to a carnivorous dinosaur with a diet consisting of fish, a herbivorous dinosaur, and a marine species. The site of the discovery is known as the Khok Kruat Formation, a rock formation believed to be between 100 and 110 million years old. Given the presence of fish-eating dinosaurs, the area is speculated to have been a rich biodiversity hotspot, abundant in food sources, reported Bangkok Post. This discovery adds to the collection of 110-million-year-old fossils found in late January in Tambon Muang Wan, which belonged to sauropod and spinosaurid species. “Safeguarding the site of discovery has been a priority. It has been cordoned off to prevent any potential damage to undiscovered fossils,” said Sasa-On. She holds a firm belief that the area could potentially house more fossils of dinosaurs or other ancient animals. The site is now under the protection of the Fossil Protection Act, enabling geologists to conduct a thorough search and collect as much evidence as possible. The palaeontologist also noted the uncertainty surrounding whether the fish-eating and herbivorous dinosaurs are the same species as those of the 130-million-year-old fossils discovered in Phu Wiang district in Khon Kaen. In related news, dinosaur fossils, estimated to be between 100 million to 110 million years old, have been unearthed in the Nam Phong district of Khon Kaen. The fossils, thought to be from the sauropod and spinosaurid species, were discovered by a team from the Department of Mineral Resources, led by Sasa-On Khansubha, a palaeontologist from the Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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

Chon Buri couple offers 100,000 baht for their missing cat by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod An elderly couple from Chon Buri province is offering a substantial reward of 100,000 baht (US$ 2,787) for the return of their beloved missing cat, Miaow Miaow. The feline, a unique 12 year old neutered male weighing approximately 5 kilograms, has been part of their family since 2011 when he wandered into their home and became a cherished pet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320532-chon-buri-couple-offers-100000-baht-for-their-missing-cat/

An elderly couple from Chon Buri province is offering a substantial reward of 100,000 baht (US$ 2,787) for the return of their beloved missing cat, Miaow Miaow. The feline, a unique 12 year old neutered male weighing approximately 5 kilograms, has been part of their family since 2011 when he wandered into their home and became a cherished pet. The owners, 75 year old Intiworn Singhaseni, and 74 year old Dech Singhaseni, have been in distress since Miaow Miaow disappeared on August 12, 2022, from their home in Nong Khayat, Phanat Nikhom district. Despite their efforts, which included an initial reward offer of 10,000 baht (US$ 278) and widespread distribution of flyers throughout the region, there has been no trace of him for six months. Miaow Miaow’s disappearance has caused the elderly couple daily anguish, evident in their statement that “money can be earned again, but a cat like him is one of a kind in the world.” Their emotional plea for information leading to Miaow Miaow’s return underscores their deep attachment to their pet, whose routine habits—such as waking and eating on time and sleeping at the foot of the bed rather than on the chest—set him apart from other cats. The Singhasenis’ unwavering hope that Miaow Miaow will be found is accompanied by a heartfelt acknowledgement of his irreplaceable presence in their lives, reported KhaoSod. The search for Miaow Miaow continues, with the couple and the local community holding onto the hope that someone will recognise the cat and reunite him with his owners. The Facebook page Animal Hospital – Phanat Veterinarians shared the appeal, urging people to contact the number provided in the image, 087-082-7841, with any information that might lead to the recovery of Miaow Miaow. In related news, a Japanese woman paid over 300,000 baht to put up billboards in Phuket in other to find her two cats which have both been missing. She says she’ll pay a 30,000 baht reward for each cat. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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

High-speed car chase in Ayutthaya ends with crash and drug arrest by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A high-speed car chase on Asia Road in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province ended in a dramatic crash and arrest yesterday at 6.30pm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320531-high-speed-car-chase-in-ayutthaya-ends-with-crash-and-drug-arrest/

A high-speed car chase on Asia Road in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province ended in a dramatic crash and arrest yesterday at 6.30pm. Police apprehended a 34 year old factory worker after his blue Mitsubishi Mirage, with the license plate กน 5928, flipped several times and came to a wrecked halt at kilometre 10 in Bang Pa-in district. The incident began when highway patrol officers noticed the car parked by the roadside, initially mistaking it for a breakdown. Upon closer inspection, the officers discovered Somkid inside the vehicle, using methamphetamine. As they approached, Somkid panicked and sped off, leading to a pursuit that culminated in the crash. The police managed to capture Somkid, who sustained minor injuries and seized one methamphetamine pill and drug paraphernalia. The investigation revealed that Somkid had purchased two pills for 100 baht (US$ 2.8) from a colleague and had already consumed one when he was startled by the approaching police vehicle, reported KhaoSod. Somkid, now in custody, faces charges of possession of methamphetamine for personal use, using drugs while driving, reckless driving endangering others, and failing to comply with a lawful command from an officer. The reporters noted that it was fortunate the incident did not involve other civilians on the road, especially during the busy hours, and only the highway police vehicle from Ayutthaya was damaged in the collision. In related news, a 26 year old Nigerian led Thai police on a frenzied car chase across in Phuket in an attempt to escape charges that escalated and escalated the more police uncovered. The incident unfolded in the afternoon in Thalang, when the Phuket Immigration Police, along with officers from the Cherng Talay Police Station began trailing a suspicious sedan driving through. When they attempted to pull the car over, it sped off, resulting in a car chase that spanned an impressive 20 kilometres. It traversed several towns starting from Cherng Talay, cutting across Pa Klok and Koh Kaew before finally reaching a dramatic end in Kathu. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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 - Thursday 22 February 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320530-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-22-february-2024/

Thailand's Civil aviation authority is discussing with all six Thai airlines to boost the frequency of holiday flights and reduce high domestic fares, especially during peak times. all six airlines were required to explain why flights were so expensive. The aim is to keep prices down and adapt to changing travel trends, Another meeting between CAAT and airlines is due before the end of the month. The national police chief says officers have fallen into debt totalling around 300 billion baht. He added there was a shortage of police officers and most had a poor standard of living, he asked for a budget to build accommodation flats for officers. The police chief was responding to questions from the House committee reviewing the budget for this year. 200 Thai officers raided and cordoned off part of Soi Nana in Bangkok last night. The raid follows the death of a swiss tourist who died from cocaine consumption. six individuals, including five West Africans and a Thai woman were apprehended on Sunday, and small quantities of drugs were seized, along with assets worth in excess of 4.6 million baht. Two further suspects were apprehended last night. The minister of Agriculture has pledged to preserve and not touch the forest areas within national parks across the country, in a bid to reduce the problem of disputed land. He was speaking at a meeting with the prime minister and wildlife and parks officials, They concluded that disputed land within parks would not be allocated to farmers. Around the region South Korea: More than 1,600 trainee doctors walked out from their jobs forcing hospitals to turn away patients, their action came a day after 6,400 trainee doctors resigned en masse to protest against a government plan to increase medical school admissions from 2025. Korea’s medical association claims there are sufficient doctors in the country and an increase could lead to unnecessary medical procedures and strain Korea’s National Health Insurance system. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, partly cloudy 35C Bangkok: sunny, partly cloudy, , 34C Pattaya: sunny, 33C 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 2024-02-22 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

Thai businesses fear cost surge due to potential minimum wage hike by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Apichart Jinakul Businesses in Thailand are bracing for a potential increase in operating costs, following the government’s proposition to raise the daily minimum wage to 400 baht (US$ 11) within the year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320529-thai-businesses-fear-cost-surge-due-to-potential-minimum-wage-hike/

Businesses in Thailand are bracing for a potential increase in operating costs, following the government’s proposition to raise the daily minimum wage to 400 baht (US$ 11) within the year. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has expressed its concern over the implications of this wage hike, particularly on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are currently grappling with elevated interest rates and household debt. “The daily wage should remain unchanged, in line with the tripartite wage committee’s decision,” stated Montri Mahaplerkpong, FTI’s vice chairman. The aforementioned committee, comprising representatives from the government, employers, and employees, had resolved to adjust the wage by an average of 2.37%, or by 2 to 16 baht (US$ 0.056 to 0.45) per day, a decision that commenced on January 1 this year. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, however, suggested that the current wage increase is insufficient for some workers, particularly those in the Deep South, prompting a call for a more substantial wage adjustment that could occur more than once annually, reported Bangkok Post. The FTI has warned that a rapid wage increase might lead to severe repercussions for SMEs, with some potentially facing closure. The federation further commented that the wage increase would have minimal impact on the Thai economy, as migrant workers, who stand to benefit from the wage hike, typically spend only half of their earnings in Thailand, remitting the rest to their home nations. The FTI is also monitoring potential increases in illegal migrant workers from Myanmar, following the junta government’s attempts to fortify its military conscription plan in response to anti-government insurgency. It is anticipated that numerous individuals from Myanmar might cross into Thailand to evade conscription and seek employment. In a related development, the FTI disclosed that Thailand’s Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) witnessed a rise in January, ascending to 90.6 points from 88.8 the prior month. This increase has been attributed to higher consumption, spurred by government initiatives such as the Easy E-Receipt scheme offering tax rebates up to 50,000 baht (US$ 1,393), visa-free policies for certain foreign visitors, and increased spending in the run-up to the Chinese New Year festival in early February. The TISI figures were derived from a survey conducted among 1,331 entrepreneurs from 46 industry clubs under the FTI. The survey results revealed a prevailing concern over a global economic slowdown, with 82.5% of respondents citing this as the top negative factor. This was followed by high loan interest rates (73.7%) and fluctuating fuel prices (50.1%). by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Apichart Jinakul Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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

Southern Thailand sees room revenue surge due to European visitors by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Southern provinces of Thailand are experiencing a boost in room revenue in the first quarter, thanks to extended stays by European visitors. This increase has occurred despite the lesser number of tourists from China. Room rates have reached a new high, setting a record. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320528-southern-thailand-sees-room-revenue-surge-due-to-european-visitors/

Southern provinces of Thailand are experiencing a boost in room revenue in the first quarter, thanks to extended stays by European visitors. This increase has occurred despite the lesser number of tourists from China. Room rates have reached a new high, setting a record. Pongsakorn Ketprapakorn, the ex-president of the Tourism Council of Phangnga predicted, “The first quarter of this year will likely be the best high season in five years.” Hotels in the province, particularly in Khao Lak, are charging higher room rates, between 6,000 and 10,000 baht (US$ 167 and 278) per night, surpassing the average of 5,000 baht (US$ 139) in 2019, a peak tourism year for Thailand. The majority of tourists hail from Germany, Scandinavia, and Russia, and are choosing to stay for several weeks to a month. Hotels have been recording over a 90% occupancy rate, or are even fully booked. Tourists are also spending more on food and other hotel services. Chinese tourists, who make up the largest number of arrivals in Thailand, with over 987,000 out of 5.2 million tourists, haven’t been a significant market for Phangnga. As Pongsakorn notes, Chinese tourists often prefer livelier, urban experiences, such as Phuket and Bangkok, rather than nature-oriented destinations like Phangnga. Chinese tourists only make up 5 to 10% of the foreign tourist market for the province, reported Bangkok Post. Phangnga is set to host the Thailand Travel Mart Plus tourism trade show, an annual event organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, between June 5 and June 7 this year. Charintip Tiyaphorn, owner of Pimalai Resort and Spa at Koh Lanta of Krabi, noted that during this high season, its villa room type, which covers 200 square metres, has sold faster than deluxe rooms, which are sized 48 square metres. This trend indicates a strong demand from high-end tourists from Europe and the US. The resort’s average room rate in January across all room types exceeded 9,000 baht (US$ 250), surpassing the 2019 level, while the occupancy rate stood at over 90%. European tourists Long-haul guests typically stay 7 to 10 days at the resort and spend more at bars, dining at the resort’s outlets or participating in local activities on the island. Krabi, however, is lacking direct flights from China, which previously had services from 5 to 6 Chinese cities before the pandemic. Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, president of the Krabi Tourism Association, mentioned that the province now has charter flights from Stockholm, Warsaw, and Prague, with regularly scheduled flights from major markets like Dubai, Singapore, and Malaysia. According to Sasithorn, the top markets for Krabi currently are Sweden, Malaysia, Poland, and the UK. All of these have resulted in 20 to 30% higher room rates than in 2019. The association and tourism operators in Krabi are planning to join the global trade show ITB Berlin 2024 in March, to attract travellers, particularly the European market, through sustainable tourism and hot spring attractions. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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 Goods: Anutin rejects pity-based purchases by foreigners In a recent address, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the need for significant development in the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) program, a local entrepreneurship initiative aimed at promoting community-made products across Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320526-thai-goods-anutin-rejects-pity-based-purchases-by-foreigners/

Police Dismantle Intl. Drug Network in Bangkok's Nana area Picture: Siam Rath On February 21st, Colonel Tanarat Lukboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), along with Lieutenant Colonel Tinnakorn Rangmat, Deputy Commander of Bangkok Metropolitan Police, officers from the Immigration Bureau and Tourist Police conducted an operation to dismantle a drug network in the Nana area, Sukhumvit Soi 3/5/7/9/11. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320524-police-dismantle-intl-drug-network-in-bangkoks-nana-area/

In a recent address, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the need for significant development in the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) program, a local entrepreneurship initiative aimed at promoting community-made products across Thailand. Speaking at the 60th anniversary of Khon Kaen University, Anutin highlighted the underdevelopment of OTOP products and declared his refusal to let foreign buyers purchase Thai intellectual property out of pity, reported INN. Anutin, overseeing a special lecture on "Grassroots Economy and the Development of a New Northeast," pointed out the pricing and marketing strategies of OTOP products need urgent revision. He shared his experience of purchasing a durable bag from Sakon Nakhon for only 65 baht ($2), questioning the low pricing and urging local officials and the newly appointed Director-General of the Department of Community Development to reassess and enhance the value of such products. Highlighting the bag's quality, made from leftover fabric, Anutin argued that OTOP items have the potential to generate significant profit due to their low production costs and high added value. He stressed the importance of improving OTOP products so they can stand proudly on the international stage, not as objects of sympathy, but as embodiments of Thai creativity and craftsmanship. Anutin's purchase and the attention it garnered at a cabinet meeting underline the untapped potential of Northeastern Thailand's products to generate income and recognition without relying on foreign pity. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-02-22 - 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

Danish man denies allegations of theft at first court meeting by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen A 47-year old Danish man, Jesper Jensen, denied the allegations of theft in his first hearing in the Samut Prakan Provincial Court in Thailand on Monday, the 19 February 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320525-danish-man-denies-allegations-of-theft-at-first-court-meeting/

A 47-year old Danish man, Jesper Jensen, denied the allegations of theft in his first hearing in the Samut Prakan Provincial Court in Thailand on Monday, the 19 February 2024. Three months after the Dane’s arrest, his statement has now been recorded by the court of law. The Danish man was arrested on 18 November 2023 in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and is accused of stealing an expensive Celine handbag and five less expensive items in the bag. The defendant entered the courtroom around 10 am, approximately an hour after plan, without his defense lawyer. He walked in, limping, and with a bent back as he gripped the chains around his ankles in order to keep them from chafing his skin. He is a tall man, with a shaved head and tattoos on both arms. The brown shorts and sand colored shirt were baggy around his body, and the number 12, printed in white on his back, indicated that he is a prisoner. He walked down to the wooden benches in the back, sitting next to a female prisoner with the number four. No official statement After some time the defense lawyer entered the courtroom. He hastily went up to the Dane, to get him to sign a statement, saying he denied the allegation and would defend himself in a court of law. The defense lawyer had not prepared an official statement of what the Dane claims had happened in the airport when he was arrested, on 18 November 2023. The lawyer said, he had not yet had the time to visit the Dane in prison. by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen Full story: ScandAsia 2024-02-22 - 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

On February 21st, Colonel Tanarat Lukboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), along with Lieutenant Colonel Tinnakorn Rangmat, Deputy Commander of Bangkok Metropolitan Police, officers from the Immigration Bureau and Tourist Police conducted an operation to dismantle a drug network in the Nana area, Sukhumvit Soi 3/5/7/9/11. Colonel Tanarat Lukboon, ONCB Secretary-General, stated, "Based on reports and complaints from the public, it was discovered that foreign nationals were selling drugs to Thai and foreign tourists, leading to unrest and endangering public safety, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath Furthermore, a Swiss tourist died from cocaine overdose. Investigations revealed the purchase of cocaine from West African nationals in the Nana area.", The operation involved raids on hotels, apartments, and entertainment venues, targeting over 100 individuals. Today's operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects for drug-related offenses and one for illegal immigration. Picture: Siam Rath This operation, initiated last week, led to the arrest of six West African nationals, confiscating 1.45 grams of cocaine and 13.5 grams of heroin, along with assets valued at approximately 4.6 million baht. Colonel Tanarat emphasized the government's commitment to addressing drug and crime issues in tourist areas, aiming to ensure the safety and confidence of both local and international tourists. Picture: Siam Rath He acknowledged the cooperation of citizens in reporting drug activities and urged continuous engagement to foster community involvement. The government's goal is sustainable solutions to drug problems, achieved through active citizen participation. Top Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-02-22 - 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

UK and Thailand unveil 15.3 billion baht science fund by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post In a historic move announced in Bangkok, the British Embassy and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) have joined forces to roll out the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320520-uk-and-thailand-unveil-153-billion-baht-science-fund/