webfact

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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 12 February 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319685-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-12-february-2024/

Thailand's foreign minister will meet with Antony Blinken and several senators today In the United States for talks to strengthen their strategic partnership. They are due to discuss Myanmar, energy, trade among Asia Pacific countries and the proposed land bridge project. Almost 6,000 hotspots were detected in neighbouring countries on Sunday, with at least 4,000 of them in Cambodia, 979 were in Myanmar , Laos had 622 and Vietnam 166. Around 600 hotspots were detected inside Thailand. Air quality was below safe standards across the country except in the far south. The president of the Thailand’s Environment Institute said: an integrated solution is needed including a ban on slash-and-burn farming that must involve cooperation from neighbouring countries. A 51 year old woman was arrested in Songklah for allegedly swindling 300 million baht from investors through a forex trading scam. She’s believed to have worked with 3 others, a Thai woman and two Malaysians that persuaded 250 people to invest from 20,000 to 6 million baht in their fraudulent foreign currency trading scheme. The air force has agreed to give up its Kanta-rat Golf Course located between the runways at Don Mueang Airport and allow access to some of its other properties for the development of state projects, The air force also agreed to adjust training sessions to reduce their impact on commercial flights at Don Mueang airport . Rescuers, and divers in Surat Thani were searching for a 24 year old British tourist who fell overboard while kayaking on a Reservoir, yesterday. Around the region. The Philippine Coast Guard yesterday accused Chinese vessels of “dangerous” maneuvers during a nine-day patrol near a reef off the the Philippine coast. The Scarborough Shoal reef, a fishing area, has been a flashpoint between the countries since China seized it from the Philippines in 2012. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny partly cloudy 33 Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 34C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy, 34C Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 33C Hua Hin: Sunny 30C AQI Orange to RED , HIGH to Unhealthy 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 2024-02-12 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

British Tourist Robbed in Bangkok Condo: Items Worth Over 200,000 Baht Missing Picture: Daily News On February 11th, at Bangyai Police Station in Nonthaburi Province, officers, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Ronthep Thongchaichai, arrested Mr. Yannapat, aged 40, from Bangkok, on charges related to theft and unauthorized use of electronic cards. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319682-british-tourist-robbed-in-bangkok-condo-items-worth-over-200000-baht-missing/

On February 11th, at Bangyai Police Station in Nonthaburi Province, officers, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Ronthep Thongchaichai, arrested Mr. Yannapat, aged 40, from Bangkok, on charges related to theft and unauthorized use of electronic cards. The arrest followed a warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court, case number 93/2567, dated February 11, '67, charging him with burglary in a condominium and unauthorized use of electronic cards belonging to others. He was apprehended in front of Pibul Condo Ville, Bang Sue District, Bangkok, along with several stolen items valued at approximately 200,000 baht, reported Daily News. The incident occurred on February 10th, when Mr. Daniel, a 24-year-old British citizen, reported being robbed by a female acquaintance. The theft took place during the late hours of February 9th, in a luxurious condominium in Bangyai, Nonthaburi. Prior to the incident, Mr. Daniel and his male friend, also British, ventured out to Khao San Road, where they encountered a woman later identified as the culprit. Picture: Daily News After leaving a liquor store, they accepted an invitation to Mr. Daniel's condo unit, numbered 189/955, to continue drinking. The following morning, around 09:00, Mr. Daniel realized that several items were missing, including $1,500 and £100 in cash, two Acer laptops, an iPhone XR, two UK credit cards, an additional iPhone XR, an Acer notebook with its charging accessories, a black shoulder bag, an HP notebook, a Canon camera, and a camera lens. Mr. Daniel stated that it was his first trip to Thailand, where he initially stayed at a hotel in Bangyai. Although he did not accompany his friend to Khao San Road, he rented a room there and owned the missing valuables. His friend encountered a woman during the outing, who later joined them for drinks in his room, with his consent. Upon waking up, Mr. Daniel discovered the theft and promptly reported it to Bangyai Police Station. He expressed gratitude to the officers for swiftly apprehending the suspect and recovering his belongings. Pol. Lt. Col. Ronthep Thongchaichai emphasized the importance of caution for foreign tourists visiting Thailand. He advised vigilance, especially during late-night outings, as criminals may disguise themselves in various forms. He urged tourists to be cautious and not to trust strangers, especially when meeting them during late-night activities, as they may fall victim to criminal activities. Picture: Daily News -- ASEAN NOW 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 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