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Former Thailand athlete turns scammer, stealing from woman by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สืบนครบาล IDMB Police in Bangkok arrested a former national athlete for allegedly befriending a Thai woman on a dating app and stealing her valuables after spending a few days together. The thief confessed that he resorted to theft due to his need for money to fuel his online gambling habit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319089-former-thailand-athlete-turns-scammer-stealing-from-woman/

Police in Bangkok arrested a former national athlete for allegedly befriending a Thai woman on a dating app and stealing her valuables after spending a few days together. The thief confessed that he resorted to theft due to his need for money to fuel his online gambling habit. The victim, a Thai woman from the Isaan province of Buriram, filed a complaint against the 27 year old man named Suppakit “Golf” Chandara for stealing her iPad Air 4 and a grey GPX motorcycle at Mueang Buriram Police Station. The victim revealed that she met Golf on a dating site in November last year. Golf subsequently moved into her home in Buriram on December 19 but vanished with her possessions just four days later, on December 23. Following an investigation into the incident, officers uncovered that Suppakit, also known as Golf Flintstones, was a former badminton player. Despite being ranked among the top three national junior badminton players, Suppakit did not pursue a career in sports further. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สืบนครบาล IDMB 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

DSI seizes over 1,000 million baht from ‘Gofug’ lottery scam by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via spacebar The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) made a significant breakthrough in a high-profile case involving an online lottery scam and tax evasion, seizing assets from the Gofug network, including luxury vehicles and gold. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319088-dsi-seizes-over-1000-million-baht-from-‘gofug’-lottery-scam/

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) made a significant breakthrough in a high-profile case involving an online lottery scam and tax evasion, seizing assets from the Gofug network, including luxury vehicles and gold. The seizure came after coordinated raids across Bangkok and several provinces today uncovering a financial flow exceeding 1,000 million baht within the network. During a press conference, Thawee Sodsong, the Acting Director-General of DSI, accompanied by Yutthana Praedam, the Deputy Director-General, and Rawee Aksornsiri, the Director of the Anti-Money Laundering Office, outlined the results of the operation that targeted 27 locations linked to the Gofug network. Their investigation was initiated after the Office of the Attorney General alerted the DSI to a fraudulent scheme involving the falsification of fuel export documents to claim tax refunds, causing the state a potential loss of 10,000 million baht. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via spacebar 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

Thai finance minister urges bank of Thailand to lower policy rate by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bank of Thailand The Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, called on the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to consider lowering its policy rate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319085-thai-finance-minister-urges-bank-of-thailand-to-lower-policy-rate/

The Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, called on the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to consider lowering its policy rate. The request comes in a bid to alleviate the strain on the public, taking into account the impact of the policy rate on individuals rather than solely focusing on financial stability. Julapun argues for a harmonious approach, stating that “fiscal and monetary policies must go together,” amid government efforts to bolster a slow economic recovery. The robust fundamentals of the banking system should be taken into account during the central bank’s policy review today, February 6, he added. Last year’s economic growth slowdown was confirmed by both the Fiscal Policy Office and the Bank of Thailand. To counteract this, the government is seeking to implement short-term stimulus measures, such as the 10,000-baht (US$279) digital wallet handout, to help boost the economy. Furthermore, Julapun suggests that legislation around the issuing of a 500-billion-baht (US$13.9 billion) loan bill to finance the digital wallet handout scheme should be considered by the government. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bank of Thailand 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

Navigating Economic Turbulence: The Thai Economy at a Crossroads by Thai Enquirer As Thailand grapples with its latest economic challenges, the recent contraction in headline inflation for four consecutive months has emerged as a critical barometer of the nation’s financial health. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319080-navigating-economic-turbulence-the-thai-economy-at-a-crossroads/

As Thailand grapples with its latest economic challenges, the recent contraction in headline inflation for four consecutive months has emerged as a critical barometer of the nation’s financial health. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s warning underscores a broader economic narrative that demands urgent attention. The Bank of Thailand (BoT)’s aggressive interest rate hikes, aimed at taming inflation, now seem to tread a fine line between stabilizing prices and inadvertently stifling economic growth. The confluence of rising interest rates, from a historic low of 0.5% to the current 2.5%, the highest since October 2013, and the subsequent economic contraction, signals a precarious juncture for Thailand. This tightrope walk by the BoT reflects a broader global challenge as central banks worldwide struggle to balance inflation control with economic vitality. by Thai Enquirer Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 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

Chonburi Authorities Launch Campaign to Tackle Forest Fires, Haze, and PM2.5 By Aim Tanakorn Chonburi — Following a recent spate of forest fires causing damage to over 200 rais and exceeding PM2.5 standards, Chonburi province has launched a multi-agency campaign to prevent further fires, control haze, and reduce harmful fine particulate matter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319077-chonburi-authorities-launch-campaign-to-tackle-forest-fires-haze-and-pm25/

Chonburi — Following a recent spate of forest fires causing damage to over 200 rais and exceeding PM2.5 standards, Chonburi province has launched a multi-agency campaign to prevent further fires, control haze, and reduce harmful fine particulate matter. Governor Thawatchai Sritong spearheaded the campaign on Sunday, February 4th, urging awareness and action from all levels of government and local communities. The initiative, held near the forested hills of the Sri Racha district, also involved the Deputy Governor, the 14th Military Circle, the Chonburi Provincial Police, and various local authorities. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Thai government and BRN to commence peace talks in Malaysia by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The upcoming dialogue between the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) and the Thai government’s peace team is set to commence on Tuesday in Malaysia, as disclosed by a source from the National Security Council (NSC). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319074-thai-government-and-brn-to-commence-peace-talks-in-malaysia/

The upcoming dialogue between the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) and the Thai government’s peace team is set to commence on Tuesday in Malaysia, as disclosed by a source from the National Security Council (NSC). The two-day negotiation session will be steered by Chatchai Bangchuad, NSC deputy secretary-general, representing the NSC team, and Anas Abdulrahman, a high-ranking BRN official, leading the rebel group’s negotiators. The source revealed that both teams have incorporated new members into their peace panels. Gen Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, the previous chief of the Malaysian armed forces, will be participating as the Malaysian facilitator. The primary focus of Tuesday’s negotiations will be to advance a joint agreement on peace in the deep South. The end goal is to finalise a deal within this year. The discussions also include the creation of a team dedicated to diminishing violence. The Thai team is aiming to launch this initiative around Songkran, which is being referred to as the ‘Songkran of peace.’ by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post 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

Fifth suspect in Srisuwan extortion case sought by central investigation bureau by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The ongoing high-profile Srisuwan extortion case is set to take another twist, as the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Deputy Commissioner, Jaroonkiat Pankaew, announced on Monday that they are seeking an arrest warrant for a fifth suspect. This individual is considered less significant to the case compared to the four who have already been apprehended. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319073-fifth-suspect-in-srisuwan-extortion-case-sought-by-central-investigation-bureau/

The ongoing high-profile Srisuwan extortion case is set to take another twist, as the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Deputy Commissioner, Jaroonkiat Pankaew, announced on Monday that they are seeking an arrest warrant for a fifth suspect. This individual is considered less significant to the case compared to the four who have already been apprehended. The quartet detained last week, including known petitioner Srisuwan Janya and his alleged accomplices – Yoswaris Chuklom, Phimnattha Chiraphutthiphak, and Eakluck Wareechol, are believed to have played a pivotal role in the extortion attempts. They were all later released on bail. The allegations suggest that the group, spearheaded by Srisuwan, attempted to extort money from the Rice Department (RD) Director-General, Natthakit Khongthip, following his appointment as department chief. Srisuwan, Yoswaris, and Phimnattha are accused of demanding three million baht (US$83,817), a sum that was later negotiated down to 1.5 million baht (US$41,908). Srisuwan was detained at his residence in Pathum Thani when undercover police officers delivered 500,000 baht (US$13,969) of the bribe to his home. All three refute the extortion charges and have a two-week window to submit written defences. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 6 February 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319072-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-6-february-2024/

Two-days of talks between the Thai government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional group in Malaysia are due to begin today. Both parties have introduced fresh faces to their teams. the former chief of the Malaysian armed forces will serve as mediator, The primary objective is to advance a peace agreement for the deep South, and to reach a deal later this year. Prime minister Stretta yesterday instructed officials to speed up immigration procedures during a surprise visit to Bangkok's Suvanabum airports. He then posted on X’ that passengers should take no more than 30 minutes to pass through immigration and spend less time waiting for luggage. The Customs Department has been told to ban Chinese imports of traditional thai cat and elephant-patterned pants, the government claims the designs on the imports were in breach of copyright. In Thailand the loose and cool elephant trousers are mostly made in Chiang Mai, The government will organise World Songkran Festival activities nationwide from April 1 to the 21st, Unesco's recently formally recognized the Songkran festival as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Around the region China: A court has handed down a suspended death sentence on charges of espinoage against the Australian writer Yang Heng-jun The sentence was handed down three years after a closed-door trial shocked his family and supporters. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said the sentence was an outrageand vowed to continue to make efforts for his release. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny 34C Bangkok: Sunny 35C Pattaya: Sunny 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny 32C Hua Hin: Sunny 32 C The weekend sunny some light cloud AQI Orange 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 2024-02-06 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

Surge in Thai condo market fueled by visa-free policy and Chinese buyers by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of iStock The Thai condominium market is experiencing a surge in activity, largely due to a permanent visa-free policy for Chinese nationals, which has led to a significant increase in property purchases by foreigners. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319071-surge-in-thai-condo-market-fueled-by-visa-free-policy-and-chinese-buyers/

The Thai condominium market is experiencing a surge in activity, largely due to a permanent visa-free policy for Chinese nationals, which has led to a significant increase in property purchases by foreigners. In the first three quarters of the year 2023 foreign buyers transferred ownership of 10,703 units valued at 52,259 million baht (US$1.46 million). This momentum is expected to continue, with projections suggesting that the year-end figures will likely mirror those of the previous year, where transactions totalled 59,260 million baht (US$1.65 million). The visa-free policy, which has been extended to tourists from Kazakhstan, India, and Taiwan temporarily, is anticipated to positively influence the Thai condominium market, as it facilitates easier travel. Foreigners often purchase condos as a second home, close to their children’s schools, with the option to rent them out when not in use. Chinese buyers have been particularly active, accounting for nearly 50% of foreign transactions in the nine months of 2023, with 4,991 units transferred at a value of 24,740 million baht (US$691,602). by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of iStock 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

Saraburi’s new police station faces scrutiny over service gaps by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Line Today A newly constructed police station at Hin Kong, Nong Khae, Saraburi, despite having a 10 million baht (US$279,466) budget, faces criticism for not providing police services to residents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319070-saraburi’s-new-police-station-faces-scrutiny-over-service-gaps/

A newly constructed police station at Hin Kong, Nong Khae, Saraburi, despite having a 10 million baht (US$279,466) budget, faces criticism for not providing police services to residents. The Police Colonel Surachet Saenwong Na Ayutthaya, the chief of Nong Khae Police Station, responded to the concerns, explaining the situation and the steps being taken towards a resolution. Villagers in the Hin Kong area have voiced their frustrations over the lack of police presence at the local substation, which was built with a significant budget. A sign posted at the station directs residents to seek services at the main Nong Khae Police Station, inconveniently located a considerable distance away. This has led to hardship for the community members, particularly in emergencies. Surachet, who assumed his role on December 6, 2023, reviewed the workforce and found only eight investigation officers available, with one newly transferred officer required to undergo a month of mandatory training. This left the station critically understaffed, with each officer handling an average of 60-70 cases per year, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Line Today 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

Pita Confirms Appealing Suspended Sentence Over 2019 Rally by TNR Staff Pita Limjaroenrat, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and the other six defendants outside Pathumwan District Court yesterday, Feb. 5, 2024. Photo: Matichon AFTER PATHUMWAN District court sentenced former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, Progressive Movement Chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit plus six others to four months in jail suspended for two years over a peaceful demonstration at the skywalk intersection in front of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on Dec. 14, 2019, the former confirmed that they will be filing an appeal, Matichon newspaper said yesterday (Feb. 5). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319069-pita-confirms-appealing-suspended-sentence-over-2019-rally/

AFTER PATHUMWAN District court sentenced former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, Progressive Movement Chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit plus six others to four months in jail suspended for two years over a peaceful demonstration at the skywalk intersection in front of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on Dec. 14, 2019, the former confirmed that they will be filing an appeal, Matichon newspaper said yesterday (Feb. 5). The eight defendants, with the other six being Mr. Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, Ms.Pannika Wanich, Ms. Nattha Mahatthana, Mr. Parit Chiwarak, Mr. Thanawat Wongchai and Mr. Pairattachote Chantarakajon, were also fined 20,200 baht for violating the Public Assembly Act, jointly organising public assembly without minimum 24-hour notice, doing within 150 metres of Sa Pathum Palace and using loudspeakers without permission. Mr. Kritsadang Nutjarat, president of Lawyers for Human Rights Centre, said the defendants were perplexed by the issue of the demonstration having been held within 150 metres of royal ground and were wondering where the distance was measured from. This case is comparable to other cases of demonstrations held at the same place and same spot with Southern Bangkok Criminal Court having previously dismissed the charge of gathering within 150 metres of the royal ground, he added. by TNR Staff TOP: Pita Limjaroenrat, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and the other six defendants outside Pathumwan District Court yesterday, Feb. 5, 2024. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Thai customs halt import of Chinese elephant-patterned trousers by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Apichart Jinakul A directive to halt the importation of Chinese elephant-patterned trousers has been issued by the Thai Customs Department, following the registration of the pattern’s copyright, according to statements from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319068-thai-customs-halt-import-of-chinese-elephant-patterned-trousers/

A directive to halt the importation of Chinese elephant-patterned trousers has been issued by the Thai Customs Department, following the registration of the pattern’s copyright, according to statements from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Monday. The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is presently conducting an inquiry into the ongoing imports from China, as shared by Phumtham. The issue surrounding this much-loved apparel item was initially raised on a Facebook page, ‘Lui Chine’ or ‘shoot2china’, which boasts a following of 1.4 million individuals. The page posted on Sunday that trousers available for purchase on Chinese online shopping platforms were far cheaper than those available locally, with prices starting as low as 30 baht per piece at wholesale rates. It went on to state that some Thai merchants had begun importing items from China, with prices of shorts starting from 65 baht (US$1.82) and trousers from 75 baht (US$2). by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Apichart Jinakul 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

Phuket police charge man with molesting Russian in bus station toilet By Peter Roche PHOTO: MGR Online A Thai man has now been charged with molesting a Russian woman in a Phuket bus station toilet. The 26 year old suspect, named only as Peerayuth, is originally from the southern province of Trang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319065-phuket-police-charge-man-with-molesting-russian-in-bus-station-toilet/