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Man opens plane door on Bangkok-bound flight - Tim Newton Today - Feb 9 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319489-man-opens-plane-door-on-bangkok-bound-flight-tim-newton-today-feb-9/

Thailand news - A Canadian national has opened a plane door and deployed the emergency slide claiming someone was "going to attack him". Personal information from 20 million elderly Thais has been uploaded onto the dark web, more debate about next week's Cannabis & Hemp Control Bill being presented to the Thai Cabinet. Two British men are helping Phuket police with their enquiries about counterfeit Euro bills being exchanged around the island. And Thai Airways has put in an order for 45 new Boeing 787s. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Pheu Thai Party dismisses corruption concerns on 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of The Nation Thailand The Pheu Thai Party dismissed a warning by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concerning the government’s proposed 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319488-pheu-thai-party-dismisses-corruption-concerns-on-10000-baht-digital-wallet-scheme/

The Pheu Thai Party dismissed a warning by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concerning the government’s proposed 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a Pheu Thai list-MP, maintained that the government is open to feedback from all quarters and that the NACC’s concerns are premature as the scheme has not been implemented yet. “If the digital wallet scheme is delayed as a result of the NACC’s warnings, the agency must respond to questions from the people.” The NACC had cautioned the government about potential corruption and legal issues tied to the scheme while stating that the economy is not in a crisis yet. The digital wallet scheme is a key policy of the Pheu Thai-led government to boost the economy, aiming to give 10,000 baht (US$278) to 50 million Thai citizens. However, the scheme’s legality has been questioned as the government plans to seek a 500-billion-baht (US$13.9 billion) loan to fund it, contradicting the Pheu Thai’s election campaign promise of not resorting to loans, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of The Nation Thailand Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-09 - 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

Van plunges into ravine on Chiang Mai-Pai route by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A passenger van on the Chiang Mai-Pai route lost control of his vehicle and veered off the road, plummeting approximately 15 metres into a ravine yesterday evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319486-van-plunges-into-ravine-on-chiang-mai-pai-route/

A passenger van on the Chiang Mai-Pai route lost control of his vehicle and veered off the road, plummeting approximately 15 metres into a ravine yesterday evening. The vehicle was extensively damaged and all 14 passengers on board were injured. Emergency services, including local police, hospital medical teams, and military units, were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance and manage the traffic congestion caused by the accident. The accident took place approximately 17 kilometres from the Mae Ping checkpoint in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province, on a particularly treacherous stretch of road known for its sharp curves and steep inclines. At the scene, authorities discovered the van, operated by a company that regularly transports tourists, including foreign passengers aged between 19 and 28, travelling from Chiang Mai towards the district of Pai. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-09 - 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

Mentally ill Thai man stabs woman on bus in Isaan (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ชุมชนข่าวขอนแก่น A mentally ill Thai man stabbed a local woman he met on a coach bus in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen on February 6. The attacker’s mother revealed that her son had a mental illness but refused any treatment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319479-mentally-ill-thai-man-stabs-woman-on-bus-in-isaan-video/

A mentally ill Thai man stabbed a local woman he met on a coach bus in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen on February 6. The attacker’s mother revealed that her son had a mental illness but refused any treatment. The victim, Nittaya Pimthong, was rushed to hospital with several cut wounds on her arms. She is in stable condition after receiving six stitches on her left arm and 10 stitches on her right arm. The 31 year old injured woman told Amarin TV that she always feared an attack while travelling alone and, sadly, it became a reality for her. Nittaya explained to the police and media that she had accompanied her foreign husband to Isaan province in Nakhon Ratchasima, and subsequently opted to visit her mother in Borrabue district, Mahasarakham province after her husband departed for his home country. On February 6, Nittaya took the Nakhon Ratchasima-Ubon Ratchathani coach bus for her return journey. While stowing her backpack in the bus storage before departure, she was approached by 24 year old Sahatsawat, who inquired about her destination. by Petch Petpailin Top Photo via Facebook/ ชุมชนข่าวขอนแก่น Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-09 - 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: Patong Police Charge Chinese Tourist for False Theft Report By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – A Chinese tourist was charged with reporting false information to law enforcement officers after lying about an alleged 20,000 Baht snatch-theft by a taxi motorcycle taxi rider in Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319478-update-patong-police-charge-chinese-tourist-for-false-theft-report/

Patong – A Chinese tourist was charged with reporting false information to law enforcement officers after lying about an alleged 20,000 Baht snatch-theft by a taxi motorcycle taxi rider in Patong. Our previous story: A Chinese tourist was caught lying about an alleged 20,000 Baht snatch-theft by a taxi motorcycle taxi rider in Patong before later confessing the lie to police. Now for the update: The Patong Police told the Phuket Express on Thursday evening (February 8th) that the Chinese tourist admitted that he made up the story because he thought that he could ask for the ‘damages’ as compensation for his time and frustration. He had been upset at what he thought was a high fare for a taxi ride, reportedly around a hundred Baht. (Three US Dollars) By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-09 - 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

Sedan falls into pit on Bangkok’s Srongprapa Road, rescue underway by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A car has plunged into a construction pit in the Don Mueang district of Bangkok, sparking a flurry of online commentary and concern. The incident occurred on Srongprapa Road near the Don Mueang Technical College, close to the Ozone Market One. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319474-sedan-falls-into-pit-on-bangkok’s-srongprapa-road-rescue-underway/

A car has plunged into a construction pit in the Don Mueang district of Bangkok, sparking a flurry of online commentary and concern. The incident occurred on Srongprapa Road near the Don Mueang Technical College, close to the Ozone Market One. At approximately 2.55am, the vehicle, identified as a sedan, lost control and fell into an open sewer pit that was under construction. Emergency services are currently at the scene conducting rescue operations, reported KhaoSod. The accident on Srongprapa Road, a bustling area near Don Mueang Technical College, has raised numerous questions among the public. Many are inquiring how the vehicle ended up in the pit and whether there were sufficient warning signs like cones, barriers, or other indicators to alert drivers of the ongoing construction. Details about the condition of the individuals inside the car have not been reported yet, but the online community has been quick to express their concerns and demand answers. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-09 - 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

Elder man alleges Chon Buri police assault after family dispute by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod and Ch3 A 73 year old man, Jamras Dokmaiwhai, has brought to light a troubling incident involving Chon Buri police, claiming officers handcuffed and assaulted him in front of his daughter after a family dispute led to a report of physical assault against him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319473-elder-man-alleges-chon-buri-police-assault-after-family-dispute/

A 73 year old man, Jamras Dokmaiwhai, has brought to light a troubling incident involving Chon Buri police, claiming officers handcuffed and assaulted him in front of his daughter after a family dispute led to a report of physical assault against him. Jamras, residing in Chon Buri Province with his daughters and wife, expressed his desire for justice after the alleged police brutality that left him with injuries. On February 5, at 9am, Jamras intended to donate a fan to a local temple event. He approached his youngest daughter’s house to ask for the fan, as she and her husband often donated to charity. However, the visit quickly turned sour when a few words led to his daughter striking him multiple times on the face. Upset and hurt, Jamras proceeded to the nearby police station to report the incident. The attending officer then accompanied him back home, where the situation escalated. According to Jamras, upon returning home in a police truck, he was instructed to wait outside while officers entered the residence. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod and Ch3 Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-09 - 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

13-year-old hero: Young organ donor saves lives after death in Hua Hin By Online Reporter Doctors from Hua Hin Hospital and the Thai Red Cross Society have posthumously honoured a 13 year old patient for donating organs following his tragic death. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319472-13-year-old-hero-young-organ-donor-saves-lives-after-death-in-hua-hin/

Doctors from Hua Hin Hospital and the Thai Red Cross Society have posthumously honoured a 13 year old patient for donating organs following his tragic death. Patcharaphon Srilert, 13, from Hua Hin recently passed away from a brain aneurysm, with his family choosing to donate his organs to assist numerous patients awaiting treatment. The donated organs, which include the liver, kidneys, and heart valves were transported from Hua Hin Hospital to Chulalongkorn Hospital by the Thai Red Cross. The mission to transport the organs began in the early hours of February 7, 2024, when a dedicated team of surgeons, nurses, and support staff from Chulalongkorn Hospital, in collaboration with the Thai Red Cross, made their way to Hua Hin Hospital. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-02-09 - 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

Hua Hin Red Cross Fair to be held from February 24 to March 4 By Online Reporter Hua Hin is gearing up for its annual philanthropic efforts, the “26th Red Cross Fair and Hua Hin District’s Best Products” event, slated to run from February 24 to March 4, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319471-hua-hin-red-cross-fair-to-be-held-from-february-24-to-march-4/

Hua Hin is gearing up for its annual philanthropic efforts, the “26th Red Cross Fair and Hua Hin District’s Best Products” event, slated to run from February 24 to March 4, 2024. This year’s fair, organized by the Hua Hin District in collaboration with the local Red Cross Chapter, promises a mix of local culture, and community service, on the large open site on Soi Hua Hin 102, just behind BluPort Hua Hin. The festivities were kicked off with a promotional car parade on February 7, led by Mr Polkrit Puangwalaisin, the District Chief of Hua Hin, alongside a host of notable figures including Mrs. Usa Puangwalaisin, President of the Hua Hin Red Cross Chapter, and Mr. Nopporn Wutikul, Mayor of Hua Hin. The parade, featuring nearly 20 small four-wheeled vehicles, wound its way through the streets of Hua Hin town, drawing attention to the upcoming fair. Mr Polkrit at a press conference held at The Square in front of Blueport Hua Hin Resort Mall, outlined the fair’s charitable goals. He highlighted the event’s dual purpose: to raise funds for disaster relief efforts, and to support the underprivileged, disabled, and disadvantaged in the Hua Hin District. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-02-09 - 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 - Friday 9 February 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319470-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-9-february-2024/

The government has brushed aside a warning issued by the National Anti-Corruption Commission against the government's 10,000-baht digital wallet handout scheme. One MP said the government is willing to listen to ensure the scheme will be implemented in line with the law. Adding The Anti Corruption Commission should calm down as the scheme has not yet started. Police have detained a tourist for opening an emergency door on a flight as it was about to take off from ChiangMai airport on Wednesday. Mr. Wong, a 40-year-old Chinese-Canadian computer engineer, opened the door releasing the evacuation slide which unfolded. The aircraft became stuck in the middle of the runway and caused delays to 13 other flights and disruption to more than 2000 other passengers. The ministry of Finance has recommended a series of measures to the government to improve the property sector and stimulate the economy, The deputy finance minister said the aim was to relieve the financial burden for those who want to own a home, particularly low-income earners, expand effective housing demand which would lead to improved economic stability. Bangkok’s local authorities have called on those celebrating Chinese New Year to use electric candles and joss sticks to reduce the risk of fire and air pollution. Locally 8 year old Shane and his father Sam made another attempt to Kite foil cross the gulf of Thailand yesterday, Their goal was to achieve the crossing before Shane’s 9th birthday on Sunday. They set off from Hua hin beach at lunch time and completed the 107 kilometer adventure in just over 4 hours, arriving at Jomtien before sunset. Around the region Hong Kong immigration authorities have introduced a national security risk test for all visa applicants to prevent people who pose a threat from entering the city, but they insist it will not target foreign journalists and academics. The Director of Immigration said that his department would evaluate the background and past statements of visa applicants to determine whether they posed a risk to national security. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny 35C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 34C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy, isolated shower this afternoon 33C Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 33C Hua Hin: Sunny 33C AQI YELLOW to orange, MODERATE to HIGH 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 2024-02-09 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

Further Privileges Anticipated For ‘Untouchable’ Thaksin After Release On Parole By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and ex-Democrat MP Thepthai Senapong. Both photos: Thai Rath DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to be given further privileges even after he has been released on parole later this month, according to a former lawmaker. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319468-further-privileges-anticipated-for-‘untouchable’-thaksin-after-release-on-parole/

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to be given further privileges even after he has been released on parole later this month, according to a former lawmaker. Ex-Democrat MP Thepthai Senapong today (Feb.8) posted on his Facebook page to say the authorities might probably allegedly look to sustain double-standard favours for the de facto Pheu Thai boss to the extent that no ankle bracelet be attached as otherwise enforced upon others on parole. Thepthai was apparently referring to government officials dutifully taking care of the “sickly, untouchable” convict, ranging from those of the Corrections Department and Police Hospital to the Probation Department. The billionaire, politically powerful Thaksin, speculated to be released on parole as soon as Feb.18, would likely return to his Chan Song Lah residence without an ankle bracelet since he has been virtually treated as an “angel convict” by the authorities so far, Thepthai said. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and ex-Democrat MP Thepthai Senapong. Both photos: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-09 - 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

Na Jomtien Pickup Truck-Golf Cart Collision Leaves Two Foreign Tourists Injured By Aim Tanakorn Sattahip —A collision between a pickup truck and a golf cart in Chonburi’s Sattahip district on Wednesday, February 7th, left two foreigners seriously injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319459-na-jomtien-pickup-truck-golf-cart-collision-leaves-two-foreign-tourists-injured/

Sattahip —A collision between a pickup truck and a golf cart in Chonburi’s Sattahip district on Wednesday, February 7th, left two foreigners seriously injured. The accident took place at the entrance of a hotel in Na Jomtien around 12:10 PM, prompting an immediate response from the Sawangrojanatham Foundation. Upon arrival, rescue workers found a Toyota Vigo pickup truck had collided with a golf cart. Both vehicles bore significant damage. The driver of the pickup, 20-year-old Mr. Htet Naing Lin, a Myanmar national, stood at the scene uninjured, waiting to cooperate with authorities. Three individuals were found critically injured and scattered across the road. These included Mr. Kornthawat Khongsamran (33), the golf cart driver, Mr. Daniel Berner (51), an Israeli tourist, and Ms. Yuka Mizoguchi (59), a Japanese tourist. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-09 - 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 By Aim Tanakorn

Pattaya Officials Conduct Inspections to Ensure Safety and Positive Image for Tourists By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — In a proactive move to ensure safety and maintain a positive image for tourists, Mr. Weekit Manarojkit, the district chief of Banglamung, conducted surprise inspections of entertainment venues in Pattaya on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319458-pattaya-officials-conduct-inspections-to-ensure-safety-and-positive-image-for-tourists/