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A Thailand government spokesperson announced a significant recruitment drive by the Department of Employment for 40 positions on oil rigs in Brunei, offering high annual salaries, free accommodation, and excellent benefits. The application window for these coveted roles opened on February 9 and will close on February 23, inviting experienced professionals with a minimum of eight years in the industry, including four years on oil rigs, to apply for the roles of Marker Fitter and 6 GR Pipe and Structural Welder. The Department of Employment in Thailand has opened applications for skilled workers to fill positions with Adinin Worl & Engineering SDN BHD, a company based in Brunei that operates within the oil and gas industry. The positions available are for assembly fitters and welding technicians, with attractive salary packages on offer. Successful candidates can expect to earn 98 Brunei dollars per day, equivalent to approximately 2,560 Thai baht, over a two-year contract with a maximum of 245 working days per year. In addition to a competitive salary, the employer will provide free accommodation, medical care, and compensation insurance for work-related accidents. The roles specifically call for experienced individuals who have at least eight years of relevant experience, including a minimum of four years on offshore oil drilling platforms. Proficiency in English is also a requirement to ensure smooth communication within the multinational work environment. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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 Travel Industry Urged To Reduce Usage Of US$ For Doing Business by TNR Staff THE Thai travel & tourism industry has been warned about using the US dollar for business transactions and urged to use the currencies of the countries with which they are doing business. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319705-thai-travel-industry-urged-to-reduce-usage-of-us-for-doing-business/

THE Thai travel & tourism industry has been warned about using the US dollar for business transactions and urged to use the currencies of the countries with which they are doing business. In a landmark lecture at this year’s joint meeting of the Association of Thai Travel Agents and the Thai Hotels Association on Feb. 5, Professor Dr. Piti Srisangnam, head of the Asean Foundation, cited “De-Dollarisation” as one of “6D” trends that will shake up Travel & Tourism, the other five being Decoupling/ DeRisking of the global value chains, Deglobalisation, Destabilisation, the Digital Divide and Degradation of Environment. The lecture is set to reset the content of industry discourse, in Thailand and beyond. For the first time, two leading Thai travel & tourism industry associations invited a professor to discuss the impact of geopolitical conflicts on their businesses, jettisoning the repetitively boring talks on post-Covid recovery, sustainability and technology. In a cogently argued lecture, Dr. Piti challenged many of the sunny-side-up positions presented by corporate speakers at industry forums. Between the lines, he highlighted the problematic role of the United States in all the 6Ds, from wars and conflict to currency volatility, trade wars, technological disruption and environmental degradation. Of all the 6Ds, his most detailed views were on De-Dollarisation, which directly impacts on the bottom lines of every company. by TNR Staff Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-12 - 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 street food vendor dies after punch in card game dispute by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A Bangkok street food vendor succumbed to injuries sustained from a single punch delivered by a friend during a drunken altercation over alleged cheating in a card game. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319703-bangkok-street-food-vendor-dies-after-punch-in-card-game-dispute/

A Bangkok street food vendor succumbed to injuries sustained from a single punch delivered by a friend during a drunken altercation over alleged cheating in a card game. The incident, which took place yesterday, February 12, resulted in the 49 year old vendor, Wichok, being found unconscious in his room with a swollen, bruised face and bleeding from the nose and mouth. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations revealed that Wichok, who ran a food stall with his 47 year old wife, Malivaly, went out to deliver food to customers before joining acquaintances for drinks at a nearby workers’ camp. After receiving news that her husband was found drunk and unconscious on a bed in the camp, Malivaly discovered his injuries. She learned from friends at the camp that her husband had argued in the drinking circle and had been knocked down by a 40 year old friend, Supachai, resulting in a fatal head injury. Supachai recounted that he had been drinking and playing cards with Wichok and another colleague when an inebriated Wichok accused him of cheating. In the heat of the moment, following a verbal exchange and a challenge to strike first, Supachai admitted to hitting Wichok with a single punch to the jaw, causing him to fall and hit his head. Believing the injury to be minor, Supachai left the scene, only to later learn of Wichok’s death and return to surrender to the police. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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

Man dies on flight from Bangkok with 'blood gushing out of his mouth' - Tim Newton Today - Feb 12 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319701-man-dies-on-flight-from-bangkok-with-blood-gushing-out-of-his-mouth-tim-newton-feb-12/

Thailand News - We are seeking more information on the death or a poor man, travelling with his wife, on a Lufthansa flight from Bangkok last Thursday. The description of his death sounds horrific for the passenger witnesses. Our Kite Surfing 8 year old 'Shane' has completed his crossing of the Gulf of Thailand. Some more news of dreadful PM2.5 levels around Thailand and some new technology being used to assess the actual sources and find solutions. And a Thai man has tried to increase his sexual prowess, but it didn't. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Thailand’s economic crisis feared amidst digital wallet dispute by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin (Facebook) The Bank of Thailand and the government have been at odds for months, with tensions escalating last week when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept interest rates at 2.5% despite political pressure for a reduction. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319697-thailand’s-economic-crisis-feared-amidst-digital-wallet-dispute/

The Bank of Thailand and the government have been at odds for months, with tensions escalating last week when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept interest rates at 2.5% despite political pressure for a reduction. This disagreement came to the fore during discussions about the digital wallet scheme, a 560 billion baht (US$15.58 billion) project which the central bank has urged caution over. A poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed that 68.8% of respondents wouldn’t be upset if the project was abandoned, while Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai remains committed to the scheme. He argued it is essential for reviving the economy and warned that a crisis akin to the 1997 Tom Yam Kung crisis could occur without some form of stimulus. This has led to speculation within the private sector about an impending economic crisis, with some suggesting that the government should explore alternative measures rather than sticking to the digital wallet scheme. President of the Federation of Thai SMEs, Sangchai Theerakulwanich, added to these concerns by stating that an economic crisis in Thailand is likely due to a combination of internal and external factors within the financial sector. He singled out the issue of non-performing loans (NPLs), particularly within the automotive industry, as a potential trigger for an economic crisis. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin (Facebook) Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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

Suspect Arrested in Patong for Opening Bank Accounts for Scammers By Goongnang Suksawat Patong –A man was arrested in Patong for opening a bank account, called a horse bank account, for investment scheme scammers in which he received 1,000 baht for his job. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319695-suspect-arrested-in-patong-for-opening-bank-accounts-for-scammers/

Patong –A man was arrested in Patong for opening a bank account, called a horse bank account, for investment scheme scammers in which he received 1,000 baht for his job. The Central Investigation Bureau told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they arrested a suspect identified only as Mr. Chaiyapong, 29, from Phuket, at a house in Patong. He is being accused of fraud by importing false information into computer systems which caused damages to others. The arrest follows after two years ago in which many victims were persuaded by scammers to work in online advertising by sharing products posted on social media. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-12 - 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

Phuket Valentine’s Day blood drive to replenish medical reserves by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Nguyễn Hiệp, Unsplash A Valentine’s Day blood donation drive has been announced in Phuket, a collaboration between Vachira Phuket Hospital and Limelight Phuket. The event, scheduled for February 14, is an open invitation to locals and tourists alike, to replenish medical blood reserves. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319694-phuket-valentine’s-day-blood-drive-to-replenish-medical-reserves/

A Valentine’s Day blood donation drive has been announced in Phuket, a collaboration between Vachira Phuket Hospital and Limelight Phuket. The event, scheduled for February 14, is an open invitation to locals and tourists alike, to replenish medical blood reserves. The blood donation drive will be held at Limelight Phuket, a frequent host to Vachira Phuket Hospital’s special blood donation events. The event, set to run from 10am to 6pm, has not released extensive details, but donors are likely to receive a T-shirt as an acknowledgement of their contribution from the Phuket medical team. An additional perk to the event is the chance to meet Busadee Suwannarat, the spouse of the Phuket Governor and Phuket Red Cross’s President. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Nguyễn Hiệp, Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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

Soi Ta-iad’s traffic woes: Tiger Muay Thai urges govt intervention by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of The Phuket News Traffic congestion woes have hit the bustling Soi Ta-iad in Chalong, with Watchara Jaruriyanon, the Managing Director of Tiger Muay Thai training facility, urging authorities to intervene. The street, albeit petite, is a hub of activity, largely due to the parked cars lining both sides of the road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319693-soi-ta-iad’s-traffic-woes-tiger-muay-thai-urges-govt-intervention/

by Mitch Connor Traffic congestion woes have hit the bustling Soi Ta-iad in Chalong, with Watchara Jaruriyanon, the Managing Director of Tiger Muay Thai training facility, urging authorities to intervene. The street, albeit petite, is a hub of activity, largely due to the parked cars lining both sides of the road. Watchara voiced his concerns during a meeting aimed at backing the government’s initiative to issue special Muay Thai visas. This scheme allows tourists a 90-day stay in the country to learn and practice the revered martial art of Muay Thai. “As a boxing camp operator, I am delighted that the government supports the issuance of special visas for tourists to practice Muay Thai for 90 days. This will attract more tourists and those keen on travelling to practice boxing in Phuket.” He believes that this move will stimulate the economy, as boxing is largely viewed as a health practice in most provinces. Despite this, Watchara highlighted that there are numerous boxing camps in Phuket, some registered, others not. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of The Phuket News Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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

Commerce Ministry plans to expand GI product list to boost sales by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Aiming to boost sales from geographical indication (GI) products to 60 billion baht (US$1.6 billion) by 2024, the Commerce Ministry is set to expand the GI product list by an additional 20 items this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319692-commerce-ministry-plans-to-expand-gi-product-list-to-boost-sales/

Aiming to boost sales from geographical indication (GI) products to 60 billion baht (US$1.6 billion) by 2024, the Commerce Ministry is set to expand the GI product list by an additional 20 items this year. Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang highlighted the plan as a strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. By utilising GI as a tool, it is hoped to add value to crops with geographical or cultural significance, subsequently leading to job creation and income generation for Thai farmers. Currently, the number of GI-registered products stands at 198, a figure that the ministry intends to increase. The attention will be particularly directed towards promoting agricultural products as raw materials and items that can be transformed into finished goods. “Last year GI sales amounted to 50 billion baht (US$1.39 billion) and in 2024 the target is 60 billion,” Napintorn stated. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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 sugar intake quadruples WHO daily limit causing health concerns by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Thailand’s sugar consumption has soared to a worrying level, with Thai citizens consuming on average 23 teaspoons of sugar per day, almost quadruple the daily limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319689-thailand’s-sugar-intake-quadruples-who-daily-limit-causing-health-concerns/

Thailand’s sugar consumption has soared to a worrying level, with Thai citizens consuming on average 23 teaspoons of sugar per day, almost quadruple the daily limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The information was revealed by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), which pointed out that this sugar intake greatly exceeds WHO’s guideline of six teaspoons per day. Pairoj Saonuam, the Assistant Chief Executive Officer at ThaiHealth, highlighted the health risks associated with such high consumption on Sunday. He identified heart attacks, strokes, cancers and diabetes as the major health hazards linked to excessive sugar intake among the Thai population. He pinpointed sugary drinks as the main source of sugar in the Thai diet and urged manufacturers to cut down on the sugar content in their beverages. In a joint effort to combat the issue, ThaiHealth has collaborated with various organisations such as the Excise Department, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Public Health. They have imposed a sugar tax under the Excise Act 2017, targeting drinks with high sugar content. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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

Overstaying Taiwanese Fraud Suspect Apprehended in Pattaya By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A joint operation by the Tourist Police Division 2 and Pattaya Police resulted in the arrest of a Taiwanese national wanted on fraud charges in his home country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319688-overstaying-taiwanese-fraud-suspect-apprehended-in-pattaya/

Pattaya — A joint operation by the Tourist Police Division 2 and Pattaya Police resulted in the arrest of a Taiwanese national wanted on fraud charges in his home country. The suspect, Mr. Hsues Hua Liu, was arrested on Saturday, February 10th, due to his alleged involvement in a call center gang in Taiwan. Pattaya police said the 22-year-old suspect had fled to Pattaya to evade authorities in Taiwan. Acting on information obtained from Taiwanese authorities, officers successfully apprehended Mr. Liu in Pattaya on Walking Street on February 10th. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-12 - 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

Controversy over new water tunnel network plan in Kanchanaburi’s wildlife sanctuary by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) have come under scrutiny for their plan to build a new water tunnel network in the Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319687-controversy-over-new-water-tunnel-network-plan-in-kanchanaburi’s-wildlife-sanctuary/

The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) have come under scrutiny for their plan to build a new water tunnel network in the Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi. The project, designed to combat summer droughts, has sparked concerns among local conservationists due to its potential impact on the local ecosystem. The RID justifies the project as a necessary measure to alleviate drought and water shortages in the eastern region of Kanchanaburi province, including districts such as Bo Phloi, Huay Krachao, Lao Khwan, Nong Prue, and Phanom Thuan. The RID indicated that a thorough environmental impact assessment has been carried out for the project, which is slated for completion between 2027 and 2032. The project, budgeted at 11,758.80 million baht, involves the construction of a 20.5-kilometre water tunnel, reported Bangkok Post. The tunnel will channel water from the Srinakarind Dam, located in the western part of the province, to the Lam Iee Su reservoir. From there, water will be distributed further to the surrounding districts. The RID anticipates that the tunnel will transport approximately 2.97 million cubic metres of water annually, benefiting 486,098 rai of agricultural land. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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

US-Thailand talks focus on Myanmar crisis and regional connectivity by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The United States and Thailand are set to engage in high-level talks on Monday, with a focus on the Myanmar crisis, a strengthening of their security partnership, and regional connectivity through Thailand’s Land Bridge project. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319686-us-thailand-talks-focus-on-myanmar-crisis-and-regional-connectivity/

The United States and Thailand are set to engage in high-level talks on Monday, with a focus on the Myanmar crisis, a strengthening of their security partnership, and regional connectivity through Thailand’s Land Bridge project. Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, who embarked on his official visit to the United States on Saturday, will meet with his American counterpart and other influential figures in the US administration. The visit, facilitated by an invitation from US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, also includes meetings with Senators Chris Van Hollen and Tammy Duckworth, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and Senior Advisor for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein. The trip is set to conclude on Monday. Vice Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow outlined the visit’s main objectives, stating it was a crucial step in fortifying the strategic partnership between Thailand and the United States. Numerous issues are set to be discussed, including the security partnership, which has been highlighted by this year’s large-scale Cobra Gold military training, the most extensive drill Thailand and the United States have conducted together in recent years. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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