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The Canadian man in Chiang Mai, who was arrested after opening the door of a Thai Airways aircraft as it was about to take off on Wednesday night, has been taken to Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital for assessment after he hurt himself in his cell. Canadian who opened plane door before take off self- harms in cell Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319657-canadian-who-opened-plane-door-before-take-off-self-harms-in-cell/

The Canadian man in Chiang Mai, who was arrested after opening the door of a Thai Airways aircraft as it was about to take off on Wednesday night, has been taken to Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital for assessment after he hurt himself in his cell. Chiang Mai police say that the suspect, 40-year-old Wong Sai Heung, bashed his head against the iron bars of the detention cell, in the Mueang district police station, and bit the back of his own hand. Police officers subdued him and had him taken to the neurological hospital for psychological assessment. According to other passengers, Wong appeared to be in a state of panic when he opened the door, causing the automatic deployment of the evacuation slide and forcing the pilot to stop the plane. Full story: THai PBS 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

Tragedy on Lufthansa Flight from Bangkok to Germany Passengers say they were offered 10 francs after returning to Bangkok airport Horrified air passengers screamed and were left 'traumatised' yesterday when a German husband started coughing up 'litres of blood' in front of his wife before collapsing and dying mid-flight. Passengers took pictures onboard as the drama unfolded Horrified air passengers screamed and were left 'traumatised' yesterday when a German husband started coughing up 'litres of blood' in front of his wife before collapsing and dying mid-flight. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319566-tragedy-on-lufthansa-flight-from-bangkok-to-germany/

Flight from hell: Husband, 63, dies beside his wife when 'litres of blood' shoot out of his nose and mouth all over the interior of the plane in front of screaming passengers flying from Bangkok to Germany Passengers say they were offered 10 francs after returning to Bangkok airport By JAMES REYNOLDS Horrified air passengers screamed and were left 'traumatised' yesterday when a German husband started coughing up 'litres of blood' in front of his wife before collapsing and dying mid-flight. Passengers took pictures onboard as the drama unfolded Horrified air passengers screamed and were left 'traumatised' yesterday when a German husband started coughing up 'litres of blood' in front of his wife before collapsing and dying mid-flight. The 63-year-old traveller, who has not been named, was said to have boarded the Lufthansa flight from Bangkok to Munich visibly ill before his condition rapidly deteriorated. 'It was absolute horror, everyone was screaming,' fellow passenger Martin Missfelder, 53, from Zurich, Switzerland, told Swiss outlet Blick. A medical vehicle is pictured at the airport after a man died on a flight from Bangkok yesterday The man - who was travelling with his Filipina wife - had got on with 'cold sweats' and was 'breathing much too quickly' before passengers rushed to help him, offering chamomile tea and taking his pulse. But as the plane took off, his health went quickly downhill. The man was said to have been spitting into a bag when a 'gush of blood' came out of his mouth and nose, splattering the walls of the Airbus A380 aircraft. Full story: DAILY MAIL ONLINE 2024-02-10 - 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

Australian governor-general to visit Thailand, strengthening ties by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The longstanding ties between Thailand and Australia are set to be celebrated as Governor-General of Australia David John Hurley prepares for a visit to Thailand from February 13 to 17. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319568-australian-governor-general-to-visit-thailand-strengthening-ties/

The longstanding ties between Thailand and Australia are set to be celebrated as Governor-General of Australia David John Hurley prepares for a visit to Thailand from February 13 to 17. The visit, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promises to be a significant event in the annals of both nations. The itinerary of the visit includes a royal audience with His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana. This encounter is eagerly anticipated as David John Hurley and the King share a unique bond, having been classmates at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, from 1972 to 1975. This personal connection is seen as a reflection of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. “Australia is proud of our close relationship with Thailand. It is a friendship that spans many areas of cooperation and is based on mutual respect, trust and understanding. I am looking forward to celebrating and strengthening that relationship.” by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-10 - 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

Snack bars to night guards: Will reforms ease burden on Thailand’s teachers? File photo Noi’s school day starts at 6am sharp, when she arrives to set up the snack bar – adding to her already demanding 15-hour weekly teaching load. “I need to be there early,” she explains, “because I have to prepare the place and accept deliveries of food and snacks before it opens.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319567-snack-bars-to-night-guards-will-reforms-ease-burden-on-thailand’s-teachers/

Noi’s school day starts at 6am sharp, when she arrives to set up the snack bar – adding to her already demanding 15-hour weekly teaching load. “I need to be there early,” she explains, “because I have to prepare the place and accept deliveries of food and snacks before it opens.” Noi spends about two hours a day at the snack bar, also returning during the lunch break to serve students. Her story reflects a wider reality in the Thai education system, where the list of teachers’ duties runs very long. For Noi, it covers more than 400 tasks. Other teachers at her school have also taken on special assignments – including registration, supplies, administrative tasks and more. A survey by the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) revealed that the average teacher spends 84 days per year away from their classroom handling other tasks. Typically, more than half of these non-teaching days (43) are devoted to assessing their own performance, that of their school, and their qualifications for promotion. On average, they also spend 29 days on academic competitions and 10 days on training. TOP: file photo Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-10 - 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: House committee welcomes humanitarian aid plan for Myanmar Thailand’s plan to send humanitarian assistance to displaced persons inside Myanmar should be followed by a more active role by the current Srettha government in helping find a peaceful solution to the conflict in the country, said chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs Noppadon Pattama. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319559-thailand-to-set-up-safe-zone-deliver-aid-to-myanmar-border-towns/?do=findComment&comment=18683073

House committee welcomes humanitarian aid plan for Myanmar Thailand’s plan to send humanitarian assistance to displaced persons inside Myanmar should be followed by a more active role by the current Srettha government in helping find a peaceful solution to the conflict in the country, said chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs Noppadon Pattama. “It is a good starting point. In fact, it’s something that should have been done long ago,” said Noppadon in an interview with Thai PBS World. He said humanitarian assistance is part of the five-point consensus of ASEAN designed to help resolve the crisis in Myanmar and as its immediate neighbour Thailand is in a unique position to help push it forward. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-10 - 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

Lunar New Year rituals at Bangkok’s dragon lotus temple draw Thai-Chinese community by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Today marks the onset of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Year of the Dragon, a significant occasion for Thais with Chinese roots. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319565-lunar-new-year-rituals-at-bangkok’s-dragon-lotus-temple-draw-thai-chinese-community/

Today marks the onset of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Year of the Dragon, a significant occasion for Thais with Chinese roots. The shared belief of expelling impending misfortune, termed as fixing a cursed year or Pi Chong in Thai, strengthens the cultural ties between the two communities. A customary practice during the Lunar New Year involves visits to Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, also known as Wat Leng Noei Yi, located in the Yaowarat area of Pomprap Sattruphai district, Bangkok’s Chinatown. This revered temple, one of the most frequented in the country, is a haven for Thais of Chinese descent to make merit and conduct rites to dismiss any omens of ill luck. The name of the temple, Leng Noei Yi, translates to dragon lotus temple. It is anticipated to host even larger crowds during this year’s festivities. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-10 - 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 police seize 10 million meth pills, 60kg crystal meth in major drug bust by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Following a two-month-long surveillance operation, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau of Bangkok’s Division 6 successfully dismantled three drug trafficking networks, seizing 10 million methamphetamine pills and 60 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The haul, intended for distribution in local communities, was intercepted at 1pm yesterday, February 8, at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 6. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319564-bangkok-police-seize-10-million-meth-pills-60kg-crystal-meth-in-major-drug-bust/

Following a two-month-long surveillance operation, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau of Bangkok’s Division 6 successfully dismantled three drug trafficking networks, seizing 10 million methamphetamine pills and 60 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The haul, intended for distribution in local communities, was intercepted at 1pm yesterday, February 8, at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 6. Assistant Commissioner of the National Police, Samran Nualma, alongside other high-ranking officers, announced the arrest of Watthana, a 30 year old man from Lopburi Province. The suspect was caught with a substantial drug cache, which comprised 10 million methamphetamine pills and 60 kilogrammes of crystal meth. This significant arrest stemmed from a previous operation that took place on November 9, when Narcotics Suppression officers of Division 6 expanded their investigations following the apprehension of two suspects in the Buddha Monthon area. These individuals were found in possession of three million methamphetamine pills, 24 kilograms of crystal meth, and 9,000 ecstasy pills. Upon confession, the suspects revealed that they had obtained the narcotics from a network based in the Bang Bo District of Samut Prakan Province. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-10 - 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

The realities of PM2.5 in Thailand revealed by ‘Check Dust’ by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Thailand is facing a grave environmental crisis as PM 2.5 levels soar to dangerous heights, threatening the health of millions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319563-the-realities-of-pm25-in-thailand-revealed-by-‘check-dust’/

Thailand is facing a grave environmental crisis as PM 2.5 levels soar to dangerous heights, threatening the health of millions. The Thai Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), in partnership with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and other relevant bodies, took decisive action to combat this escalating threat. The Check Dust application, utilising cutting-edge satellite technology and AI, revealed a disturbing reality with PM 2.5 concentrations reaching hazardous levels in several provinces, posing severe health risks to the populace. According to satellite data obtained through the Check Dust application at 8am yesterday, February 8, alarming levels of PM 2.5 were identified in 14 provinces across Thailand, posing significant health hazards to respiratory systems. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-10 - 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 to set up safe zone, deliver aid to Myanmar border towns Bangkok hopes this will lead to larger goal of starting dialogue between junta and resistance forces. By RFA Staff Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Panpree Phitthanukorn, in gray jacket, at Mae Sot's Rim Moei market on Feb. 9, 2024. (RFA) Thailand will establish a humanitarian safe zone and deliver aid to displaced people living on its border with wartorn Myanmar, the Thai foreign minister said Friday, a move it hopes will achieve the larger goal of establishing dialogue between the military junta, ethnic armed groups and the civilian government-in-exile. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319559-thailand-to-set-up-safe-zone-deliver-aid-to-myanmar-border-towns/

Bangkok hopes this will lead to larger goal of starting dialogue between junta and resistance forces. Thailand will establish a humanitarian safe zone and deliver aid to displaced people living on its border with wartorn Myanmar, the Thai foreign minister said Friday, a move it hopes will achieve the larger goal of establishing dialogue between the military junta, ethnic armed groups and the civilian government-in-exile. The plan will serve some 20,000 people in three towns in Myanmar, Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said at a press conference in Mae Sot. Thailand plans to begin delivering food and medical supplies within a month, he said. Fierce fighting during Myanmar’s three-year civil war, sparked by a military coup in February 2021, has forced more than 2.6 million people across the country to flee their homes, according to United Nations estimates. As of Jan. 29, roughly 190,000 of them are in Kayin and Kayah states, along the western border of Thailand, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR. “It is good to have a chance to observe the area here in Mae Sot. It is suitable to be a base for humanitarian assistance, which will happen soon," Parnpree said on Friday’s visit to the border. Thailand has not disclosed the exact location of the safe zone. By RFA Staff Top photo: Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Panpree Phitthanukorn, in gray jacket, at Mae Sot's Rim Moei market on Feb. 9, 2024. (RFA) Full story: RFA - Radio Free Asia 2024-02-10 - 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 post-pandemic economic recovery still trailing behind by Wannaphong Durongkaveroj Ramkhamhaeng University Thailand's economy, significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has not fully recovered, with the manufacturing sector continuing to contract while merchandise exports decline. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319558-thailand’s-post-pandemic-economic-recovery-still-trailing-behind/

Thailand's economy, significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has not fully recovered, with the manufacturing sector continuing to contract while merchandise exports decline. Recovery strategies include short-term methods like a one-off digital cash payment scheme and debt relief, and long-term plans involving new free trade agreements, green industry initiatives and infrastructure projects. But the country’s new government is still struggling to address challenges like an ageing population, education inequality and global trade tensions. Unlike other ASEAN countries, Thailand’s real GDP and GDP per capita have yet to outpace pre-pandemic figures. The Thai economy was hit hard by COVID-19 and has experienced a relatively slow economic recovery. Thailand’s large informal economy and dependence on tourism made the economy particularly vulnerable to the pandemic. Mild economic growth in 2023 was primarily driven by activities in the travel sector, but the manufacturing sector continued to contract. Merchandise exports, a backbone of the Thai economy, continued to decline. The new government’s short-term economic policies include a one-off digital cash payment to about 50 million residents across the country, debt relief aimed at tackling illegal loan sharks and efforts to cut energy and electric train costs. Its medium- to long-term economic measures include new free trade agreements, green industry projects and a land bridge project connecting the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea. Even though the digital wallet scheme has faced criticism from Thai economists, including two former Bank of Thailand governors, the government has decided to continue. The economic stakes are high due to the scheme’s 500 billion baht (US$14 billion) budget and the number of recipients. by Wannaphong Durongkaveroj Ramkhamhaeng University Wannaphong Durongkaveroj is Assistant Professor of Economics at Ramkhamhaeng University. https://doi.org/10.59425/eabc.1707472800 Full story: EAST ASIA FORUM 2024-02-10 - 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

Justice Minister: Thaksin's Release Status Still Pending Friday (February 9) at Centurie Park Hotel, Bangkok, General Tawee, Minister of Justice, disclosed that regarding the detention of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, rumored for release on February 17 after midnight, no names have been proposed to him yet. Despite a possible submission by the Corrections Department by Monday, February 12. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319557-justice-minister-thaksins-release-status-still-pending/

Friday (February 9) at Centurie Park Hotel, Bangkok, General Tawee, Minister of Justice, disclosed that regarding the detention of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, rumored for release on February 17 after midnight, no names have been proposed to him yet. Despite a possible submission by the Corrections Department by Monday, February 12. The Corrections Department might have already convened, as monthly meetings typically occur to compile a list of nationwide detainees eligible for regular or exceptional release, reporting approximately 1,000 individuals monthly to the Ministry of Justice. However, General Tawee confirms no reports or names have surfaced yet, reported INN. Nevertheless, it's expected that the detainee list could be presented shortly, maybe today or by Monday, February 12. But further scrutiny is required, managed by the ministry's permanent secretary and deputy, necessary due to differences between detention and actual release, the latter being prosecutorial authority. Regarding allegations concerning former MP Watchara Petchthong, claiming Thaksin didn't stay at the police hospital but at three other locations, General Tawee emphasizes professionalism, stating that the corrections process is integral, dismissing doubts or speculations. He stresses the importance of preserving the organization's integrity amid societal expectations for truth and accountability. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-02-10 - 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

Russian Man Wanted On Drug Charge Nabbed After Hiding In Thailand For 10 Years The Russian man wanted back home on a drug charge and has overstayed his visa for more than 10 years being arrested in front of his house in Chonburi today, Feb. 9, 2024. Photo: TV Channel 7 IMMIGRATION Bureau police today (Feb. 9) arrested a Russian man wanted in his home country on a drug charge after hiding in Thailand by overstaying his visa for more than 10 years, TV Channel 7 said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319546-russian-man-wanted-on-drug-charge-nabbed-after-hiding-in-thailand-for-10-years/

Expat Tax Twists in Thailand: Navigating the New Landscape in 2024 File photo. For illustrative purposes only. A new reality is dawning for expats in Thailand. A significant overhaul of the Thai tax system, effective January 1st, 2024, has thrown a curveball at the expat community, raising concerns and prompting a scramble for solutions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319545-expat-tax-twists-in-thailand-navigating-the-new-landscape-in-2024/

Thai soldier rapes his stepdaughter, mother forgives rapist by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ MGR Online อีสานบ้านเฮา A Thai soldier raped his 14 year old stepdaughter and got her pregnant. The victim’s mother and grandmother insist that the charges be dropped because they are family, and the rapist is the household’s breadwinner. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319551-thai-soldier-rapes-his-stepdaughter-mother-forgives-rapist/