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Chiang Mai tourism booms as Chinese New Year approaches by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Puntid Photo courtesy of The Nation The northern city of Chiang Mai in Thailand is experiencing a tourism bonanza as hotel bookings surge to a staggering 90%, with Chinese New Year reservations already topping 60%. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319162-chiang-mai-tourism-booms-as-chinese-new-year-approaches/

The northern city of Chiang Mai in Thailand is experiencing a tourism bonanza as hotel bookings surge to a staggering 90%, with Chinese New Year reservations already topping 60%. Paisan Sukcharoen, president of the Northern Upper Region Hotel Association of Thailand affirms that Chiang Mai’s tourism scene is on an upward trajectory. The cool embrace of Chiang Mai’s weather further enhances its charm, drawing in a diverse array of international visitors. Predominantly hailing from Europe, Scandinavia, and South Korea, tourists flock to the region, with a notable surge during year-end festivities, said Paisan. “The influx of Korean tourists rivals that of our Chinese visitors.” by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Puntid Photo courtesy of The Nation 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

Rider From Netherlands Arrested For Reckless Driving, Disobeying Police in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat A rider from the Netherlands was arrested for reckless driving and disobeying police officers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319161-rider-from-netherlands-arrested-for-reckless-driving-disobeying-police/

A rider from the Netherlands was arrested for reckless driving and disobeying police officers. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they undertook a crackdown on illegal motorbike riders during which they arrested a male rider from Holland. He was taken to the Patong Police Station to face charges of driving without consideration for the property and life of others, safety concerns, fighting/obstructing officers, disobeying officers’ orders, and reckless driving. 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

Pattaya police crackdown on underage entry at local club by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Pattaya police cracked down on the city’s entertainment hotspots in an operation named Nightwatch, arriving at Area 39 on Pattaya Third Road at 1.30am on February 3. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319160-pattaya-police-crackdown-on-underage-entry-at-local-club/

Pattaya police cracked down on the city’s entertainment hotspots in an operation named Nightwatch, arriving at Area 39 on Pattaya Third Road at 1.30am on February 3. Amidst the sea of IDs, a 19 year old girl emerged, attempting to slyly slip past with a counterfeit identity. The venue management pointed fingers at the imposter, claiming she hoodwinked her way in. Lead investigator Police Major Colonel Aphinant Boonyarat wasted no time summoning the venue manager for questioning. Facing the heat, the manager now bears the weight of three serious charges: operating sans permission, peddling booze after legal hours, and permitting the under-20 individuals to enter the premises, reported Pattaya Mail. Pattaya’s law enforcers have sounded the alarm, cautioning all entertainment venue owners that unannounced raids are the new norm, and any infringements will lead to arrests. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail 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

Thailand targets 35 million international tourists by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand is optimistic about its ability to attract 35 million international tourists this year. This confidence stems from the fact that in the first month of the year alone, the country recorded three million foreign visitors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319159-thailand-targets-35-million-international-tourists/

The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand is optimistic about its ability to attract 35 million international tourists this year. This confidence stems from the fact that in the first month of the year alone, the country recorded three million foreign visitors. The encouraging figure was aided by daily arrivals exceeding 90,000 on weekdays and 100,000 during the weekends in January. The government plans to maintain this momentum through a variety of incentives throughout the year. These include the continuation of visa-free schemes for all eligible countries, the removal of TM6 immigration forms at the Thai-Malaysian border checkpoints, and promotions aimed at second-tier cities. As of the start of February, the highest number of visitors were from China, with a total of 533,450 arrivals. They were followed by Malaysia and South Korea, with 337,729 and 229,517 tourists respectively. The president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, mentioned that the airfares for China-Thailand routes remain high compared to 2019. The prices spiked to 4,000-5,000 yuan or approximately 20,000 baht (US$559) for a round-trip ticket during the Chinese New Year. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock 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

Bristol backpacker in bar brawl bloodbath: Brit stabbed in neck in Koh Pha Ngan by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Hotels.com Thailand A horrifying incident unfolded at Bamboo Bar on Koh Pha Ngan, where a British backpacker from Bristol was attacked, leaving him gushing blood after being stabbed in the neck in a Thai bar brawl. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319158-bristol-backpacker-in-bar-brawl-bloodbath-brit-stabbed-in-neck-in-koh-pha-ngan/

A horrifying incident unfolded at Bamboo Bar on Koh Pha Ngan, where a British backpacker from Bristol was attacked and stabbed in the neck in a Thai bar brawl. Hugo Mooney found himself sprawled on the floor of Bamboo Bar on the infamous Full Moon Party island of Koh Pha Ngan, his life hanging by a thread. The incident unfolded on January 28, around 11.30pm, as Mooney and his group of six pals were savouring beers. It was then, as alleged by Mooney, that Israeli national Eliran Alias targeted his female friend with unwelcome advances. When Mooney intervened, he was met with a savage onslaught: Alias wielding a jagged beer bottle, thrusting it into his neck. Fortunately, providence intervened in the form of a vacationing Canadian doctor, who administered vital first aid, pulling Mooney from the brink of death. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Hotels.com Thailand 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: Prosecutors, Police Have Waited In Vain To Quizz ‘Untouchable’ Thaksin By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. File photo: Thai Rath PUBLIC PROSECUTORS AND POLICE have apparently waited in vain for a questioning of de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra at a Bangkok prison on lese majeste charges, a police source said today (Feb.6). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319122-thaksin’s-future-still-in-the-balance/?do=findComment&comment=18675128

Thaksin Tipped To Be Released On Parole On Feb.18 By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. File photo: Thai Rath THE “UNTOUCHABLE” DE FACTO PHEU THAI boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra will likely be released on parole on Feb.18, a police source said today (Feb.6). The deposed prime minister is now expected to be released on parole after he has spent more than five months for medical treatments of his mystery-shrouded “illnesses” at Police Hospital instead of being literally put behind bars at Bangkok Remand Prison to serve a curtailed, one-year jail term for convicted misconduct perpetrated during his previous premiership. Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong declined to either confirm or deny news reports that the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large will be released on parole on Feb.18, saying the matter depends on a decision made by a 19-person government committee in charge of granting paroles. Thawee commented that Thaksin has already practically spent half of his jail sentence at Police Hospital though he may have been basically supposed to be put behind bars at Bangkok Remand Prison since he returned from self-exile abroad last August. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Prosecutors, Police Have Waited In Vain To Quizz ‘Untouchable’ Thaksin By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. File photo: Thai Rath PUBLIC PROSECUTORS AND POLICE have apparently waited in vain for a questioning of de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra at a Bangkok prison on lese majeste charges, a police source said today (Feb.6). The public prosecutors attached to the Office of the Attorney-General and the police of the Technology Crime Suppression Division have earlier requested for a yet-ungiven permission from an executive official of Bangkok Remand Prison to conduct the interrogation of the deposed prime minister who might possibly otherwise be held in temporary custody by the police on charges of violating the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code, at a time when he was residing in his self-exile overseas. Neither the public prosecutors nor the police have been informed by Bangkok Remand Prison’s executive official as to how soon the sought-after questioning of the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large could possibly be conducted at prison, the police source said. Instead of being literally put behind bars, the billionaire, politically-powerful Thaksin was provided a private ward at Police Hospital for undisclosed “illnesses” for more than five months without schedule to be discharged from the hospital and be returned to prison. The public prosecutors and police’s joint attempt to question the “untouchable” Thaksin at Bangkok Remand Prison for allegedly making verbal statements tantamount to lese majeste content whilst he was residing in self-exile overseas might probably fall through until he is released on parole as soon as later this month. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Thaksin Being Hit With Section 112 Charges Upon Release On Parole by TNR Staff CONVICTED de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra who is speculated will be released on parole on Feb. 22 now faces charges under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law, and the Computer Crimes Act with the Corrections Department being notified to hold him, Matichon newspaper said this morning (Feb. 6). The billionaire, politically powerful convict has not spent a single day behind bars at Bangkok Remand Prison where he had been originally destined after he returned from self-exile abroad on Aug. 22 last year, the same day real estate mogul Srettha Thavisin was named prime minister, to face criminal charges of misconduct which he had perpetrated during his previous premiership nearly a couple of decades earlier. While sentenced in absentia by court to eight years in prison he has been given royal pardon to the extent that his jail term be curtailed to only one year with the possibility of being released on parole this month. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 7 February 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1319157-thailand-live-wednesday-7-february-2024/

PM wants tourists sight-seeing or shopping, not stuck in airports Photo : PM’s twitter Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has wanted all arriving air passengers from abroad to take no more than 30 minutes going through the immigration procedure and picking up their luggage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319123-pm-wants-tourists-sight-seeing-or-shopping-not-stuck-in-airports/

The future of convicted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be granted parole soon, remains uncertain, because he has now been charged with violating royal defamation laws during an interview he gave in Seoul in 2015. Thaksin’s future still in the balance Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319122-thaksin’s-future-still-in-the-balance/

Motorcycle taxi rider stabs rival rider after dispute over passenger by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath A 73 year old motorcycle taxi rider in the central province of Chachoengsao stabbed a rival taxi rider after the victim accused him of stealing a passenger. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319095-motorcycle-taxi-rider-stabs-rival-rider-after-dispute-over-passenger/

A 73 year old motorcycle taxi rider in the central province of Chachoengsao stabbed a rival taxi rider after the victim accused him of stealing a passenger. Officers from Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station intervened in a confrontation between two motorcycle taxi riders outside the Metropolitan Waterworks Office on Junlanan Road in Chachoengsao province on February 5. Officers witnessed the 43 year old taxi rider, Pornthep, who bore a cut wound on his left arm, arguing with another rider, 73 year old Sayunt. Officers contacted a rescue team to provide Sayant first aid before questioning both riders about the motive of the dispute. Officers clarified to Channel 7 that Sayunt had dropped off his passenger at Buddha Sothorn Hospital and was departing when another customer, 29 year old Sakarn, asked Sayunt to take him to a bank on Maha Jakkaphat Road. Sayunt agreed and proceeded to escort his passenger out of the hospital. by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-06 - 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

Myanmar worker squashed to death by concrete by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Phuket News A construction worker from Myanmar died at the weekend after being crushed by concrete wall panels in Cherng Talay, Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319092-myanmar-worker-squashed-to-death-by-concrete/

A construction worker from Myanmar died at the weekend after being crushed by concrete wall panels in Cherng Talay, Phuket. The 25 year old Burmese worker, Aye Myat Thu, was sent to Thalang Hospital but was later pronounced dead. Police officers arrived at the accident scene at the construction site at around 11.30am, Saturday, February 3. The site supervisor, Pimpisa Phinijmontri told police that the accident occurred at 9am. The deceased had requested early leave as he felt unwell. Pimpisa had permitted him to go home. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Phuket News Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-06 - 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 Aye Myat Thu proceeded to wash his hands before leaving when a stack of wall panels fell on top of him. It is believed that he had put his hand on it. Each wall panel weighed 100 kilogrammes where in total there were three to four, reported Phuket News.

Thai police officer found dead with gunshot wound at an Isaan dam by Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon Locals discovered the dead body of a Thai police officer with a gunshot wound to his head at Lam Pao Dam in the Isaan province of Kalasin yesterday, February 5. Police suspect suicide but his family are not convinced. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319091-thai-police-officer-found-dead-with-gunshot-wound-at-an-isaan-dam/

Locals discovered the dead body of a Thai police officer with a gunshot wound to his head at Lam Pao Dam in the Isaan province of Kalasin yesterday, February 5. Police suspect suicide but his family are not convinced. Officers from Nakhung Police Station in Kalasin investigated the Lam Pao Dam scene after receiving a report of the death yesterday. Officers discovered the body of a Thai man, later identified as 22 year old police Lance Corporal Suppakorn Phunasi. There were no signs of struggle or theft at the scene. Suppakorn was not wearing his police uniform. He was wearing a grey T-shirt covered by a black long-sleeved jacket and long jeans. Suppakorn’s gun, a Glock pistol, and his mobile phone were found near his body. His motorcycle, a black Honda CBR, was parked at the entrance to the dam, 100 metres from his body. A bullet wound was found to his head, according to Amarin TV. Suppakorn’s body has been taken to Yang Talat Hospital for an autopsy. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-06 - 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

Types of driving licenses in Thailand by Konain Asif Konain Asif Photo taken by juanderpaul life Navigating the roads in Thailand requires more than just a sense of adventure; it demands the right kind of driving license. Whether you’re a resident or a foreigner looking to explore the Kingdom on wheels, understanding the different types of driving licenses is crucial. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319090-types-of-driving-licenses-in-thailand/

Britain’s King Charles Diagnosed with Cancer at the Age of 75 By Goongnang Suksawat PRESS RELEASE: Britain’s King Charles, who became monarch in September 2022, has been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 75. Buckingham Palace announced on Monday (Feb 5) that he will temporarily step back from public duties to undergo treatment. Despite initial concerns about his potential impact as a monarch, Charles had quietly adapted to his role, maintaining a busy schedule. King Charles, known for his dedication and hard work, has always maintained a rigorous daily exercise routine and avoided lunch. Supporters and critics alike have acknowledged his commitment. Details of royal health are usually private, and there was no indication of his cancer diagnosis when he appeared in public on Sunday, attending church with Queen Camilla. Prince Harry, who has had public disagreements with the royal family, is returning to Britain to be with his father during his illness. As messages of support pour in from world leaders, ordinary Britons express their concern and well-wishes for the king. Charles’ illness has stirred emotions, particularly among those who grew up during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, with many fondly remembering her. The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.