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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/

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. A Thai teacher at a school in the Isaan province of Udon Thani filed a complaint at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station on February 6 after learning her student, identified only as A, had been raped. The teacher said A had a developmental delay and she was paying close attention to her. The teacher noticed that A seemed depressed, unlike before, so she wondered if her student had any problems at home. A finally revealed the sexual assault to her teacher saying her 32 year old stepfather, a sergeant major first class, did it. The name of the soldier was not revealed in the report. A explained that the incident took place about four to five months ago when she was ill and at home alone with her stepfather. She took medicine which made her feel drowsy and she fell asleep. The stepfather lay down next to her, hugged her, took off her shorts and sexually assaulted her. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ MGR Online อีสานบ้านเฮา 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

Crackdown on underage prostitution, teen Thai pimp arrested by Petch Petpailin Photo via Police News Varieties Children and Women Protection Sub-Division and Chana Songkram Police Station officers swooped on an underage prostitution racket and arrested a 19 year old pimp as she accompanied two underage sex workers to a hotel in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319549-crackdown-on-underage-prostitution-teen-thai-pimp-arrested/

Children and Women Protection Sub-Division and Chana Songkram Police Station officers swooped on an underage prostitution racket and arrested a 19 year old pimp as she accompanied two underage sex workers to a hotel in Bangkok. The teenage pimp, Rapheporn, was arrested on Wednesday, February 7, at the hotel on Prachathipatai Road in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, and two underage sex workers were rescued as the victims. Officers received a tip-off from two police spies that Rapheporn was offering sex and entertainment services through the LINE application. Officers then asked the spies to pose as customers and contact Rapheporn that they wanted two girls to entertain them at the hotel. Rapheporn arrived at the hotel with two girls aged 16 years old at about 9.30pm and asked the police spies to pay her 3,500 baht for the girls before using the service. The spies transferred the money to her via a mobile phone application. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Police News Varieties 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

Thai woman arrested in murder for hire case after 16 years by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ POLICETV สถานีโทรทัศน์สำนักงานตำรวจแห่งชาติ Officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) arrested a Thai woman in Bangkok in a murder for hire case after she evaded arrest for over 16 years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319548-thai-woman-arrested-in-murder-for-hire-case-after-16-years/

Officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) arrested a Thai woman in Bangkok in a murder for hire case after she evaded arrest for over 16 years. The body of a Thai woman was found in a canal in Pak Poon sub-district, Mueang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province on July 8, 2008. She bore signs of strangling on her neck and seven stab wounds to her neck, left leg, and chest. Officers believed she died eight hours before she was discovered. Her bag containing 10,000 baht in cash, a mobile phone and a notebook were found near the scene. Investigations revealed that the deceased offered informal loans to people in the province and ran a kitty in which many people in the area participated. Officers then discovered that the deceased and a Thai woman named Jamnian had a conflict over the kitty. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ POLICETV สถานีโทรทัศน์สำนักงานตำรวจแห่งชาติ 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

Pita’s shocking family secrets exposed in IG post controversy by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat came forward to address the controversies surrounding his alleged Cambodian ancestry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319547-pita’s-shocking-family-secrets-exposed-in-ig-post-controversy/

Former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat came forward to address the controversies surrounding his alleged Cambodian ancestry. In a recent Instagram post that captivated his 2.7 million followers, Pita shed light on his maternal grandmother, Anusri, and the intriguing connections within his family tree. Setting the record straight, Pita affirmed his grandmother’s birthplace as Bangkok, vehemently dismissing any claims of Cambodian descent. However, he did acknowledge that his grandmother had resided in Battambang for some time. The astute politician emphasised that he had never laid claim to being part of the prominent Abhaiwong family. In a heartfelt message shared on his Instagram account (@pita.ig), Pita explained the circumstances surrounding a picture he posted back in 2015, during his visit to Battambang. The photograph, featuring his beloved grandmother, was intended to pay homage to her memory. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation 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

Passenger Minivan Crashes into Parked Timber Truck on Chonburi Highway, Two People Injured By Aim Tanakorn Chonburi — A collision between a minivan and a parked timber truck on Highway 36 in Chonburi resulted in injuries to two passengers on Wednesday evening, February 8th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319544-passenger-minivan-crashes-into-parked-timber-truck-on-chonburi-highway-two-people-injured/

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. Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy chief of the Immigration Bureau, said the Chonburi office team was tipped off that the unidentified 34-year-old Russian man was behaving suspiciously. An investigation revealed that not only has he overstayed in Thailand he is also wanted by the Russian authorities on a drug charge with Interpol having issued a Red Notice for his arrest. by TNR Staff TOP: 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 Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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