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BANGKOK, Feb 7 (TNA) – This year’s Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, February 10th, leaving time for celebrants to find auspicious home decorations to bring more luck, abundance and prosperity into the house for the upcoming festival. In Bangkok’s Chinatown, items such as Chinese lanterns and blessing banners, known as “Duilian couplets,” are in high demand. With this year being the Year of the Dragon, products related to dragons, especially Chinese dragon ornaments ranging from 3 to 5 meters in length, are selling out quickly. Traders report that merchandise related to the Chinese New Year is selling well both in physical stores and online platforms. Customers from various provinces have been purchasing goods since the beginning of January. The majority of customers visiting stores currently are from Bangkok. Despite ample preparations, shop owners see insufficient goods for sales some days, particularly on weekends. The influx of customers necessitates additional sales staff. The atmosphere in Chinatown is bustling, with Thai locals purchasing home decorations, ordering auspicious offerings, and tourists exploring. This aligns with consumer spending behaviors during the Chinese New Year season. Full story: TNA-MCOT 2024-02-07 - 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

Beach blues: Na Jomtien residents wave off unauthorised businesses by Top Top Picture courtesy of Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya. Residents of Na Jomtien in Sattahip raised concerns over continuous disturbances and unauthorised commercial activities on the beach. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319163-na-jomtien-beach-residents-concerned-about-fireworks-beach-encroachment-noise-pollution/?do=findComment&comment=18675802

Beach blues: Na Jomtien residents wave off unauthorised businesses by Top Top Picture courtesy of Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya. Residents of Na Jomtien in Sattahip raised concerns over continuous disturbances and unauthorised commercial activities on the beach. These issues have previously been highlighted and rectified, thanks to the combined efforts of local officials and law enforcement. However, according to the community, the resolutions have been temporary rather than a permanent fix. The focal point of these complaints is the far end of Jomtien Beach, under the jurisdiction of Na Jomtien and Sattahip authorities, not Pattaya. This location, home to several popular Thai seafood eateries, has recently seen a surge in the number of beach-goers. While the locals appreciate the increased activity and newfound vibrancy of their beach, they also express concern over the impact on their tranquillity, especially during the night. The residential area has always been a quiet retreat for locals and tourists alike, particularly when compared to the bustling Pattaya Beach. However, the increase in footfall, coupled with the area’s narrow roads and limited lanes, has started to strain the local infrastructure. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-07 - 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: Trunk trouble: Illegal elephant pants imports surge sparks probe by Top Top Picture courtesy of Stay in Thailand A surge of illegal imports of Thai elephant pants from China and neighbouring countries led to an official investigation on February 5. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, directed the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) to look into this matter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319183-much-ado-about-elephant-pants-in-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=18675758

Trunk trouble: Illegal elephant pants imports surge sparks probe by Top Top Picture courtesy of Stay in Thailand A surge of illegal imports of Thai elephant pants from China and neighbouring countries led to an official investigation on February 5. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, directed the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) to look into this matter. These infringing items were spotted at various tourist hotspots, being sold at prices significantly lower than the original Thai-made products. Thai elephant pants, along with other unique Thai designs such as the Korat Cat, are recently registered copyrights protected under Thai intellectual property laws, as confirmed by DIP officials. These distinctive garments have become widely popular, with Thai elephant pants even making it to the top trending list on a global platform, Twitter. However, this popularity has also brought an unwelcome spotlight on the product. A substantial influx of counterfeit elephant pants has been noted, originating from China and other nearby countries. These knock-offs, sold at a fraction of the price of the authentic items, have caused a stir on social media, leading to the ensuing controversy. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-07 - 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

Corruption potential in the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Despite potential warnings from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the government has confirmed plans to proceed with the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319212-corruption-potential-in-the-10000-baht-digital-wallet-scheme/

Despite potential warnings from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the government has confirmed plans to proceed with the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat agreed to let the digital wallet policy committee begin work next week. The focus of the forthcoming meeting will be on the potential for corruption during the handout process and the strategic planning involved. While there is an NACC panel currently studying the policy, it has not yet submitted its final report. Regardless, the committee has decided to commence their work. The policy committee will be split into two groups. One will conduct public hearings while the other will assess the project. The first group will gather comments from the public and both public and private agencies, with a two-week deadline set. The second group, without a deadline, will scrutinise the handout results, including any alleged corruption. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-07 - 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: Ex-PM Thaksin eyes special parole as prison sentence hits halfway mark by Mitch Connor Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, is eligible for special parole as he approaches the halfway point of his prison sentence on February 18, according to an insider from the Department of Corrections (DoC). The source confirmed that Thaksin is included in a list of inmates who qualify for parole and special parole. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319122-thaksin’s-future-still-in-the-balance/?do=findComment&comment=18675715

Ex-PM Thaksin eyes special parole as prison sentence hits halfway mark by Mitch Connor Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, is eligible for special parole as he approaches the halfway point of his prison sentence on February 18, according to an insider from the Department of Corrections (DoC). The source confirmed that Thaksin is included in a list of inmates who qualify for parole and special parole. Special parole may be granted to prisoners who are over 70 years old, critically ill, or disabled, after serving a third of their sentence. Thaksin, who had previously spent 15 years in self-imposed exile, returned to Thailand on August 22, 2023. The Chiang Mai-born politician was subsequently sentenced to eight years in prison by the Supreme Court for his past legal cases, a sentence later reduced to one year by royal clemency. On his first night at Bangkok Remand Prison, the 74 year old former PM was transferred to Police General Hospital due to alleged serious illnesses, as per the DoC doctors’ recommendation. The list of inmates eligible for parole is set to be forwarded to the justice minister for review. A contact from the Ministry of Justice pointed out that the DoC’s rules for assessing an inmate’s eligibility for parole do not specify the type of cases that qualify. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-07 - 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 abbot allegedly rapes 7 year old girl, police ignore case by Petch Petpailin Photo via KomChadLuek A Thai mother sought help from a social media influencer after her seven year old daughter was allegedly raped by a temple abbot in the central province of Ayutthaya. The mother added that the police ignored the complaint she filed nine months ago. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319210-thai-abbot-allegedly-rapes-7-year-old-girl-police-ignore-case/

A Thai mother sought help from a social media influencer after her seven year old daughter was allegedly raped by a temple abbot in the central province of Ayutthaya. The mother added that the police ignored the complaint she filed nine months ago. Well-known social media influencer Kannarat “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet accompanied the mother to meet the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, today, February 6. She filed a complaint at Mueang Ayutthaya Police Station but officers have made no progress after nine months. The mother revealed to the media and Big Joke that her daughter lived with her grandmother in Ayutthaya province during the school holidays since she was five years old. Her grandmother worked for the abbot, so the girl had to go to the temple almost every day. by Petch Petpailin Photo via KomChadLuek Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-07 - 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

Luxury Porsche worth 5 million baht goes up in flames after crashing in Phitsanulok by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A Porsche Panamera, estimated to be worth no less than 5 million baht, was found engulfed in flames after veering off the road and crashing into an electric pole at 1.40am this morning, in the Phlai Chumphon area of Phitsanulok. Police and rescue teams rushed to the accident scene only to find the driver missing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319208-luxury-porsche-worth-5-million-baht-goes-up-in-flames-after-crashing-in-phitsanulok/

A Porsche Panamera, estimated to be worth no less than 5 million baht, was found engulfed in flames after veering off the road and crashing into an electric pole at 1.40am this morning, in the Phlai Chumphon area of Phitsanulok. Police and rescue teams rushed to the accident scene only to find the driver missing. Upon arrival at the scene in Phlai Chumphon Subdistrict, Phitsanulok, emergency services encountered the white Porsche ablaze, with firefighters from the municipal office and volunteers from Prasat Boonsathan Foundation battling the fierce flames for approximately two hours before bringing the fire under control. Remarkably, there were no casualties or fatalities discovered. Thanakorn Tharariyo, a rescue worker from the Prasat Boonsathan Foundation, expressed his surprise upon finding no driver or passengers at the scene. He speculated that relatives might have taken the occupants for medical treatment before the team’s arrival. Furthermore, the collision caused a widespread power outage, which the electricity authority addressed subsequently. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-07 - 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

Tourist Police Strengthen Presence in Pattaya, Celebrate Security Guard’s Completion of Training By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —High-ranking tourist police officers led a patrol in Pattaya’s popular Walking Street area on Monday in a show of force and dedication to tourist safety. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319206-tourist-police-strengthen-presence-in-pattaya-celebrate-sec-guard’s-completion-of-training/

Pattaya —High-ranking tourist police officers led a patrol in Pattaya’s popular Walking Street area on Monday in a show of force and dedication to tourist safety. The operation, held on February 5th and headed by Deputy Chief of the Police Region Two, Pol. Col. Man Rotthong, aimed to deter crime and ensure a smooth experience for visitors. The patrol also served as an opportunity to celebrate the recent completion of training for 250 guards at entertainment venues. These guards underwent comprehensive training to enhance their skills in assisting tourists in various situations. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-07 - 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 with 10,600 Meth Pills and 600 Grams of Crystal Meth in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket –A suspect was arrested with 10,600 methamphetamine pills and 600 grams of crystal methamphetamine in Thalang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319189-suspect-arrested-with-10600-meth-pills-and-600-grams-of-crystal-meth-in-phuket/

Phuket –A suspect was arrested with 10,600 methamphetamine pills and 600 grams of crystal methamphetamine in Thalang. The Phuket Provincial Police told the Phuket Express that on Tuesday (February 6th) they arrested Mr. Dechaphon ‘Nay’, 43 from Sri Soonthorn, Thalang. He was arrested at a housing estate on the Liphon – Hua Harn Road in Sri Soonthorn. Seized from him were 661.30 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 10,600 methamphetamine pills. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-07 - 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

Much Ado About Elephant Pants in Thailand By Adam Judd Over the past several days various Thai politicians and government officials have made headlines, at least on Thai language news, with consistent updates on what they call a pressing issue-Elephant pants. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319183-much-ado-about-elephant-pants-in-thailand/

Over the past several days various Thai politicians and government officials have made headlines, at least on Thai language news, with consistent updates on what they call a pressing issue-Elephant pants. Specifically, their concerns have been around illegal imports of the elephant pants from China and how Thai officials feel the prices are undercutting those of Thai made elephant pants. Thailand considers elephant pants, commonly seen on tourists and especially backpackers, as a ‘soft power” and fashion symbol for the country. Well, at least some Thai officials do, not everyone is fond of the elephant pants or believe they are particularly fashionable according to recent conflicting and unconfirmed reports from Thailand’s Soft Power Fashion Committee. Indeed, some netizens have debated if the elephant pants can even be considered a true soft power at all. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-07 - 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

Five Alleged Illegal Drug Users Arrested at Abandoned Hotel in Jomtien By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Pattaya — On February 5th, 2024, Pattaya police conducted a raid on a deserted hotel in Soi Jomtien 1, leading to the arrest of five individuals suspected of drug-related activities and illegal electricity use. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319177-five-alleged-illegal-drug-users-arrested-at-abandoned-hotel-in-jomtien/

Pattaya — On February 5th, 2024, Pattaya police conducted a raid on a deserted hotel in Soi Jomtien 1, leading to the arrest of five individuals suspected of drug-related activities and illegal electricity use. Acting on a tip from concerned citizens, a team led by Pol. Col. Navin Teerawit, Superintendent of the Pattaya Police Station, searched an abandoned hotel located in Banglamung district, Chonburi province. The hotel was abandoned during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports. Upon arrival, authorities observed signs of trespassing on the property. Despite the presence of several no-trespassing signs, the police eventually apprehended five unidentified individuals who were secretly residing in separate hotel rooms. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-07 - 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 - Wednesday 7 February 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319173-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-7-february-2024/

Energy consultants say talks with Cambodia needs to be speeded up over disputed waters rich in oil and gas, as the global trend for clean energy could hinder developing those resources Thailand's deputy prime minister is due to meet Cambodia’s Prime minister later today to discuss how to jointly utilize a 26,000 sq kilometer stretch of sea rich in fossil fuel resources. State prosecutors say they are considering a report into whether former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra violated the law against defaming the monarch in 2016 over comments he made to journalists while he was visiting South Korea. 74 year old Thaksin currently detained at a police hospital and will be eligible to apply for parole which could see him released later this month. Public Health authorities say it plans to provide "dust-free" hospital rooms for at-risk patients in 30 provinces following an increase in the number of people affected by PM2.5. more than 10,000 patients were reported to have been affected by the fine dust air pollution over the past four months, with more than 14 hundred needing emergency care. Thailand is accelerating the development of it’s Open ThaiGPT project, hoping the country can avoid heavy reliance on overseas technologies in the area of artificial intelligence. The National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec) teamed up with three organisations in April last year to launch the thai language ‘ThaiGPT’ The Finance Ministry announced Value Added Tax VAT would be excempt on digital asset trading. This move aims to foster digital assets as a fresh avenue for fundraising and to bolster the country's digital economy. Around the region Myanmar Ousted pro democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is in “strong spirits”, according to her son Kim Aris, after receiving a letter from her – their first communication since she was detained three years ago. Mr Aris said Ther letter was received last month and was “the first real indication that she’s actually alive. Suu kyi is serving 20 years, after what rights groups say was a sham trial in a junta court. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny 34C Bangkok: Sunny 35C Pattaya: Sunny 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny 32C Hua Hin: Sunny 34C AQI YELLO MODERATE The weekend sunny some light cloud 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 2024-02-07 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

Na Jomtien Beach Residents Concerned About Fireworks, Beach Encroachment, Noise Pollution By Adam Judd Na Jomtien, Sattahip-In a story that many of our regular readers will remember has been a recurring problem, Na Jomtien residents have raised concerns to the Thai media, police, and local government officials about encroachment by various businesses onto the beach, noise pollution, fireworks, and homemade bars open until all hours of the night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319163-na-jomtien-beach-residents-concerned-about-fireworks-beach-encroachment-noise-pollution/

Na Jomtien, Sattahip-In a story that many of our regular readers will remember has been a recurring problem, Na Jomtien residents have raised concerns to the Thai media, police, and local government officials about encroachment by various businesses onto the beach, noise pollution, fireworks, and homemade bars open until all hours of the night. This certainly isn’t the first time these issues have been concerns, as we have covered this story several times over the past few years. To be fair, after getting publicity the problem is usually resolved with joint efforts by local officials and law enforcement, but unfortunately doesn’t seem to be a permanent or long term solution, say local concerned citizens. The area specifically in question is located at the very end of Jomtien Beach in the jurisdiction of Na Jomtien, which falls under Sattahip authorities and not Pattaya. This is near several popular Thai seafood restaurants. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-07 - 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