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Over 20,000 Contraband Fresh Eggs Seized At Thai-Cambodia Border by TNR Staff Over 20,000 smuggled fresh eggs, poultry meat and other items seized at Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province,Feb. 19, 2024. Photo: Naewna MORE THAN 20,000 smuggled fresh eggs and poultry meat plus other items were seized from a pickup that had just crossed the border from Cambodia to Arayanprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, last night (Feb. 19), Naewna newspaper said today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320434-over-20000-contraband-fresh-eggs-seized-at-thai-cambodia-border/

MORE THAN 20,000 smuggled fresh eggs and poultry meat plus other items were seized from a pickup that had just crossed the border from Cambodia to Arayanprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, last night (Feb. 19), Naewna newspaper said today. Pol. Col. Anothai Jindamanee, superintendent of Khlong Luek police station, said a team of policemen intercepted the pickup truck at around 7.30 p.m. after the Immigration Division of Provincial Police Region 3 was tipped off about the smuggling attempt via natural channels. Arrested at kilometre 5 of a road heading towards Aranyaprathet subdistrict was the driver of this pickup truck with a high roof frame Mr. Chakkrit (surname withheld), 49, who admitted to the smuggling charges. by TNR Staff TOP: Over 20,000 smuggled fresh eggs, poultry meat and other items seized at Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province,Feb. 19, 2024. Photo: Naewna Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-21 - 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

Growing Thailand’s “Gross National Cool” by Ken Mathis Lohatepanont Of the policies that the various political parties campaigned on during the 2023 general election in Thailand, one that especially raised my eyebrow was Pheu Thai’s “One Family, One Soft Power” policy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320433-growing-thailand’s-“gross-national-cool”/

Of the policies that the various political parties campaigned on during the 2023 general election in Thailand, one that especially raised my eyebrow was Pheu Thai’s “One Family, One Soft Power” policy. It described a proposal where at least one family member from every household have the chance to enter a “creative skills incubation center” at no cost. The merits of such a policy can be debated. The name, on the other hand, is to me unambiguously bad. It is confusing. It misuses a key term. And it hints at a deeper problem: a lack of conceptual clarity on what “soft power” is and how it can best be harnessed. When a word catches fire in Thai bureaucratese, it becomes virtually inescapable. Soft power is the latest instance. It was first promoted under the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration, which announced that it would prioritize support for the “5Fs”: food, film, fashion, fighting, and festivals. Under the Srettha Thavisin government, use of this term has proliferated even further. The government has now set up a National Soft Power Strategy Committee headed by the prime minister and Paethongtharn Shinawatra. by Ken Mathis Lohatepanont Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 2024-02-21 - 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

Cumbria couple relocates to Thailand, goes off-grid by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Business Insider In a tale of resilience and determination, a couple from Cumbria, in the United Kingdom made their dream of relocating to Thailand come true sooner than planned. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320428-cumbria-couple-relocates-to-thailand-goes-off-grid/

In a tale of resilience and determination, a couple from Cumbria, in the United Kingdom made their dream of relocating to Thailand come true sooner than planned. Formerly entrenched in the bustling food and beverage scene of Cumbria, Ben and Anna battled through the pandemic’s harsh realities, fighting tooth and nail to keep their businesses afloat. “We were both working about 80 hours a week, but we were doing it for no money. We both thought that we really enjoyed what we did, but we very quickly realised that wasn’t true.” The UK couple’s decision to expedite their plans came as a result of Covid-19’s unforgiving impact on their ventures. With their businesses shuttered, the duo seized the opportunity to embark on their long-awaited journey to Thailand. Navigating the complexities of international travel amidst a global pandemic proved to be no easy feat. Anna made the initial journey in March 2021, with Ben following suit two months later. Even their beloved dog joined the adventure, albeit on a separate flight. Settling in the serene province of Nong Bua Lam Phu, the UK couple’s vision of a blissful existence began to take shape. Nestled on a picturesque 5-acre plot, their new abode offered a glimpse of paradise amidst the lush landscapes of northeastern Thailand. Dream home Despite the idyllic setting, the road to their dream home was fraught with obstacles. From bureaucratic delays to tumultuous monsoon seasons, the couple faced setback after setback. Yet, their unwavering resolve saw them through, as they braved floods and road reconstructions to finally complete their 2,900-square-foot sanctuary. “We didn’t realise this until we started building the house, it was just a lucky bonus.” With a backdrop of majestic mountains and a tranquil river flowing nearby, their haven epitomised the essence of tranquillity. Ben reflected on the challenges he faced during the past 22 months. “Honestly, there were so many times I felt regretful about this decision. It seemed like the end of the world. Wading through waist-deep water just to reach my farm, I’d look around and think, What am I doing?” The stress was palpable. Living a 30-minute drive from the nearest city, and 15 minutes from the closest village, which offered little beyond houses and a tiny shop, underscored their remote lifestyle. “To highlight how isolated we are, our five-acre plot lacks electricity and water — we had to go entirely off-grid.” Thai life Their water source was a well they dug themselves, and solar panels provided their electricity. They endeavoured to grow their food, cultivating rice and various fruits. “It’s mostly aspirational for now but we’re making progress. We have around 100 banana trees, five mango trees we’ve planted, plus lemons, limes, and such.” They planned to venture into commercial coconut cultivation soon. Ben noted that living costs in Thailand were significantly lower than in the UK. “We could scrape by on maybe US$500 (18,000 baht) a month for both of us, covering food, fuel, and car insurance if we tightened our belts.” However, this would exclude luxuries like dining out. Despite still being involved in a UK chef recruitment business, the reduced cost of living alleviated work-related stress for him, reported Business Insider. “I don’t need to earn thousands every week or month.” Beyond work, Ben devoted himself to farming and chronicled his experiences on YouTube. He aimed to portray the realities of his journey authentically, encompassing both joys and hardships. “It’s not all sunshine and rainbows — there were plenty of tough times, like the horrendous flooding, that I wanted to share.” His advice to aspiring homeowners? Consider going off-grid. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Business Insider Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-21 - 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

Captain Dies after Long-Tail Boat Carrying 31 Foreign Tourists Crashes in Krabi By Goongnang Suksawat Krabi – A boat captain died after two long-tail boats which carried 31 foreign tourists crashed near an island in Krabi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320427-captain-dies-after-long-tail-boat-carrying-31-foreign-tourists-crashes-in-krabi/

Algerian Tourist Arrested for Alleged Theft of Gold Amulet in Bangkok By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: siamrath Bangkok — On February 20th, 2024, Bangkok police announced the arrest of a 56-year-old Algerian tourist, identified only as Mr. Garou, on charges of theft at a gold shop in the Phra Nakhon district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320426-algerian-tourist-arrested-for-alleged-theft-of-gold-amulet-in-bangkok/

Krabi – A boat captain died after two long-tail boats which carried 31 foreign tourists crashed near an island in Krabi. The Krabi Marine Police told the Phuket Express that two long-tail boats crashed near the Poda Island earlier this week. One boat carried 21 foreign tourists and another boat carried 10 foreign tourists. All foreign tourists were safe. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-21 - 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 — On February 20th, 2024, Bangkok police announced the arrest of a 56-year-old Algerian tourist, identified only as Mr. Garou, on charges of theft at a gold shop in the Phra Nakhon district. According to the police press conference, the incident occurred on February 15th at the “Yong Heng Cheang Heng” gold shop. The shop owner, Ms. Samatchaya Rattanaubonchai, reported that a foreign man, later identified as Mr. Garou, entered the shop inquiring about gold ornaments but left without making a purchase. CCTV footage later revealed Mr. Garou allegedly stole a gold amulet worth around 20,000 baht from the shop. Ms. Samatchaya filed a police report, and authorities launched an investigation, leading to Mr. Garou’s arrest on February 19th. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: siamrath Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-21 - 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 Transport Minister Addresses High Ticket Prices for Bangkok-Phuket Flights, Promises Reduction Before Songkran Festival By Kittisak Phalaharn At 9:30 AM, on February 20th, 2024, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Thai Minister of Transport, gave an interview before the Cabinet meeting regarding the issue of some airline passengers criticizing that ticket prices for Bangkok-Phuket flights were too high. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320425-thai-transport-minister-addresses-high-ticket-prices-for-bangkok-phuket-flights/

At 9:30 AM, on February 20th, 2024, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Thai Minister of Transport, gave an interview before the Cabinet meeting regarding the issue of some airline passengers criticizing that ticket prices for Bangkok-Phuket flights were too high. Suriya stated that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), responsible for setting the fare ceiling for airlines, investigated the claim that Bangkok-Phuket flight tickets were too expensive. Upon investigation, it was found that the flight tickets were roughly 10,000 baht for a round trip. However, for low-cost carriers, the average price should not exceed 5,000 baht per flight. This amount of 5,000 baht was established as a formula in a calculation set by CAAT. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-21 - 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 to acquire 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners with option for 80 more Photo : Boeing Thai Airways International has entered into a deal to acquire a fleet of 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, plus an option on another 80, with the deal also offering the carrier a route to the new 777X. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320423-thai-to-acquire-45-boeing-787-dreamliners-with-option-for-80-more/

Thai Airways International has entered into a deal to acquire a fleet of 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, plus an option on another 80, with the deal also offering the carrier a route to the new 777X. The aircraft will be powered by GE Aerospace GEnx engines and delivery is to be spread over 10 years, starting in 2027. The deal was announced today by THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri on the opening day of the Singapore Air Show. The order also gives THAI the ability to switch its commitment to the in-development 777X, said Chai. The seamless interchangeability between these Dreamliner models and the 777X offers THAI strategic advantages in optimising routes, capacity and operational efficiency, claimed Chai. Top Photo : Boeing Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-21 - 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

Thaksin Has Degenerative Bones In The Neck: Pheu Thai Spokesperson By Thai Newsroom Reporters Composite photo of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra leaving Police Hospital and sitting near a swimming pool at his residence. Credit: Matichon DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra is wearing a soft splint around his neck due to a degeneration of the bones within, said Pheu Thai spokesperson Danuporn Punnagun today (Feb.20). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320422-thaksin-has-degenerative-bones-in-the-neck-pheu-thai-spokesperson/

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra is wearing a soft splint around his neck due to a degeneration of the bones within, said Pheu Thai spokesperson Danuporn Punnagun today (Feb.20). Danuporn quoted Thaksin’s daughter/Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra as saying her father is yet to undergo an operation to cure his degenerative bone disease at Police Hospital. Thaksin has stayed at Police Hospital for about six months to serve half of his curtailed, one-year sentence outside of a prison since he returned from 17 years of self-exile abroad. Nevertheless, the deposed prime minister had preferred to leave the hospital upon his release on parole granted on Sunday by the Corrections Department and to return for the operation on his neck at a later date, Danuporn said. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Composite photo of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra leaving Police Hospital and sitting near a swimming pool at his residence. Credit: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-21 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 21 February 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1320421-thailand-live-wednesday-21-february-2024/

Former Cambodian PM Hun Sen to visit Thaksin Former Cambodian PM Hun Sen is scheduled to travel to Bangkok tomorrow to visit Thaksin Shinawatra, at the latter’s residence in Ban Chan Song La, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s youngest daughter confirmed today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320407-former-cambodian-pm-hun-sen-to-visit-thaksin-

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is gearing up to welcome a surge of Russian tourists to Thailand, unveiling plans to tackle the flight shortage bottleneck yesterday. PM Srettha pledges to woo back Russian tourists with revived flights Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320402-pm-srettha-pledges-to-woo-back-russian-tourists-with-revived-flights/ Photo courtesy of KhaSod English

Is new amnesty law the path to political reconciliation in Thailand? Legal amnesty for people charged with political crimes has been a hot potato for the past decade in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320385-is-new-amnesty-law-the-path-to-political-reconciliation-in-thailand/

Legal amnesty for people charged with political crimes has been a hot potato for the past decade in Thailand. An attempt in 2013 by Yingluck Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai government to pass an amnesty law covering anyone charged in connection with political conflicts led to massive street protests that culminated in a military coup in May 2014. Later moves to push for an amnesty law all failed. Now, Pheu Thai’s return to power has sparked fresh efforts by parties and civic groups to pass a blanket pardon for political cases. However, a heated debate has emerged over whether the legislation should cover lese majeste cases under Article 112 of the Criminal Code. The House of Representatives on February 1 resolved to set up a 35-member ad hoc committee tasked with studying the prospective amnesty law, proposed by the ruling Pheu Thai party. The panel was given 60 days to complete its mission. ‘Amnesty should be for everyone’ Olarn Thinbangtieo, a lecturer at Burapha University’s Faculty of Political Science and Law, insists that to secure full political reconciliation, a new amnesty law must cover all criminal cases of a political nature. For him, that includes lese majeste cases. An amnesty that excludes lese majeste suspects and convicts would be “incomplete and lacking legitimacy”. He believes amnesty should be granted in all political cases except those involving corruption or the masterminding of violence. Meanwhile leaving out lese majeste cases would represent a failure to address the “root cause” of the problem, he said. “We must acknowledge that people are being persecuted with Article 112. This clause has been used as a political tool to destroy political enemies,” the academic said. He added that the monarchy is being damaged by allegations that lese majeste is being used as a political weapon. Threats to the monarchy is “why everyone doesn’t want Article 112 cases to be included in the amnesty law. But in fact, if we leave it out, the problem will remain unsolved,” Olarn said. The amnesty bill supported by Yingluck’s Pheu Thai government also covered corruption and murder cases, which angered many people who took to the streets. Suspicion arose that the draft law had been designed to benefit Yingluck’s brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, who faced numerous corruption charges stemming from his time as prime minister before his government was ousted in the 2006 military coup. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-20 - 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

Stray tiger trapped in Kamphaeng Phet A wild tiger, which raised safety concerns when it was recently seen straying into a rural community in Khlong Lan district of Kamphaeng Phet province, was caught in a trap last night, according to the Facebook page of the Thailand Tiger Project DNP. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320384-stray-tiger-trapped-in-kamphaeng-phet/

A wild tiger, which raised safety concerns when it was recently seen straying into a rural community in Khlong Lan district of Kamphaeng Phet province, was caught in a trap last night, according to the Facebook page of the Thailand Tiger Project DNP. The post said that the tiger is now in the care of officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. A veterinarian checked the health of the 2-3-year-old female cat, estimated to weigh between 80 and 90kg, and found that it is blind in its left eye and emaciated with minor wounds on a left paw. It was given deworming medication, antibiotics and vitamins before being sent to the wildlife breeding station in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. The vet said that the tiger will be kept at the breeding centre for a few months for rehabilitation, before it is released back into the wild in Huai Kha Khaeng. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-20 - 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: Thaksin denies lese majeste law violation, secures 500,000 baht bail by Petch Petpailin Photo via Instagram/ @ingshin21 After being released on parole for only a day, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra turned himself into authorities again, yesterday, February 19, in connection with a lese majeste case. He successfully secured bail of 500,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320347-thaksin-virtually-held-hostage-with-lese-majeste-lawsuit-nida-academic/?do=findComment&comment=18707489

Thaksin denies lese majeste law violation, secures 500,000 baht bail by Petch Petpailin Photo via Instagram/ @ingshin21 After being released on parole for only a day, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra turned himself into authorities again, yesterday, February 19, in connection with a lese majeste case. He successfully secured bail of 500,000 baht. The 74 year old former PM was released on parole after a six-month detention at Police General Hospital. On February 18, he returned to his home, Ban Chan Song La, for the first time in 17 years. The second place that Thaksin visited was the Office of the Attorney General. He went to the place yesterday, to report himself to the Attorney General Director Preecha Sudsanguan. Thaksin is accused of violating Section 112 of the Criminal Law, or lese majeste law, 11 times from 2006 onwards. Among the 11 cases, seven were dropped due to lack of evidence, while the remaining four accusations, made in 2006, 2011, and 2016, are still under investigation. Thaksin denies all allegations and expresses a desire to prove his innocence. The Attorney General saw that the cases required more investigation and evidence gathering so granted temporary release to Thaksin with the collateral of 500,000 baht. Thaksin is required to participate in the next hearing scheduled for April 10. After Thaksin’s return home, Preecha informed the media that authorities agreed to grant bail due to Thaksin’s critical illness. Thaksin had to use a wheelchair, wore neck collars, spoke with a hoarse voice, and appeared exhausted from his illnesses. Since Thaksin’s release on parole, his reported critical illnesses have become a topic on social media. Many netizens noted that he appeared healthier compared to other released prisoners. The former PM and his family have been urged to clarify the health details to the public to prove that his release was not based on any privileges. Besides the Attorney General’s Office director, some politicians confirmed Thaksin’s critical illness. The Minister of Defence, Sutin Klungsang, insisted that Thaksin was suffering from broken bones, while the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumitham Wechayachai, stated that Thaksin’s shoulder tendon was torn. Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-20 - 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