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Thailand news - Two opinion pieces about the possibility of Thai immigration lengthening the current 30 day visa-waivers for some countries, to 90 days. The latest in the fate of the Russian/Belarusian rock band, were they deported? Interesting report on trends, specifically with Grab, relating to tourists and their customers. And Chinese-manufactured cars, for the first time, have overtaken Japanese exports to become the world's largest car exporter. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Drunk officer leaves 12 year old boy in critical condition after hit-and-run (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สาธิต เสาโกมุท A reckless police officer under the influence of alcohol crashed his pickup into a motorcycle and dragged a 12 year old boy along the road in the Isaan province of Roi Et, leaving the victim hospitalised and in critical condition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318692-drunk-officer-leaves-12-year-old-boy-in-critical-condition-after-hit-and-run-video/

A reckless police officer under the influence of alcohol crashed his pickup into a motorcycle and dragged a 12 year old boy along the road in the Isaan province of Roi Et, leaving the victim hospitalised and in critical condition. The crash between the two vehicles on Prem Pracharath Road was reported to Mueang Roi Et Police Station at 9.50am today, February 1. Upon investigation, the pickup was not present at the scene. Police found only the 12 year old victim, Warit Puengpaisarn, who bore scratches all over his body and suffered a major wound to his face. Warit was rushed to the Roi Et Hospital by a rescue team. The hospital revealed that both of his arms were broken and the boy was in critical condition. Warit’s grandmother, Supaporn, recounted the accident to the police saying she and her grandson were travelling to the Tung Charoen Fresh Market. She was riding and Warit was a passenger. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สาธิต เสาโกมุท Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-02 - 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

Central Group grabs Ploenchit Road for record-breaking 16 million baht per square metre by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Expedia The land price per square wah in the heart of Bangkok is set to smash records, with Central Group snatching up a plot on Ploenchit Road from the Sukosol family at 4 million baht per square wa (16 million baht per square metre). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318691-central-group-grabs-ploenchit-road-for-record-breaking-16-million-baht-per-square-metre/

The land price per square wah in the heart of Bangkok is set to smash records, with Central Group snatching up a plot on Ploenchit Road from the Sukosol family at 4 million baht per square wa (16 million baht per square metre). This coveted three-rai plot, formerly the Morakot parking lot nestled between Central Chidlom and Soi Somkid, has been a hot topic among developers since 2018. An insider source revealed that the Sukosol family resisted previous offers but a new player has entered the game: the relentless rise in land and building taxes. The game-changer came with the implementation of the land and building tax in 2020, now reaching its full-rate collection this year. Additionally, new appraisal prices introduced last year are nudging even the most stubborn landlords to reconsider their holdings. The Treasury Department’s latest bombshell indicates a staggering 11% surge in the appraisal price of land on Ploenchit Road for 2023 to 2026, soaring to 1 million baht per square wa from the previous 900,000 baht (2016 to 2022). This seismic shift means that a 3-rai plot (4,800 square metres) on Ploenchit Road, with an appraisal price of 1.2 billion baht, would be slapped with a colossal 7.2 million baht tax bill. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Expedia Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-02 - 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

Health alert: Your favourite grilled pork buffet could be killing you by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation The Ministry of Public Health (MPH) issued a dire warning to all Moo Kratha enthusiasts, exposing the perilous health risks lurking behind the seemingly innocent Thai barbeque-style grilled pork. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318690-health-alert-your-favourite-grilled-pork-buffet-could-be-killing-you/

The Ministry of Public Health (MPH) issued a dire warning to all Moo Kratha enthusiasts, exposing the perilous health risks lurking behind the seemingly innocent Thai barbeque-style grilled pork. Moo Kratha has been a Thai culinary delight but the MPH’s latest survey unveiled a dark side to this all-you-can-eat extravaganza, putting the health of many Thais at risk. A comprehensive survey conducted by the Department of Health Service Support revealed that 32.1% of respondents are regularly partaking in grilled pork buffets, raising alarming concerns about their health habits. This culinary phenomenon, where patrons cook raw pork, beef, chicken, sausages, meatballs, and seafood on an upside-down wok-like hot plate, has been identified as a breeding ground for five hazardous eating habits, each a potential precursor to chronic diseases, reported The Nation. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-02 - 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 rice exports expected to drop 14.4% amid global competition by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock A projected drop of 14.4% in Thailand’s rice exports is anticipated for this year, due to a combination of reduced production and increased global competition, as reported by the Foreign Trade Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318689-thailand’s-rice-exports-expected-to-drop-144-amid-global-competition/

A projected drop of 14.4% in Thailand’s rice exports is anticipated for this year, due to a combination of reduced production and increased global competition, as reported by the Foreign Trade Department. The department’s director-general, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, revealed that the estimate of 7.5 million tonnes of rice exports this year was jointly made with the Thai Rice Exporters Association. This forecast takes into account several influences such as the expected 5.87% decrease in rice production year-on-year, attributable to the El Niño weather conditions. Additionally, the global rice market is set to become more competitive due to heightened production rates. Ronnarong Phoolpipat also indicated a potential decline in import demand from trade partners, as rice consumption trends are decreasing in China, Japan and Malaysia. This might lead to intense price competition. There are also suggestions that Indonesia may import less rice this year due to substantial stocks remaining from 2023. Simultaneously, China is ramping up its rice production, transitioning from being a significant rice importer to a self-reliant producer. This shift could potentially affect Thailand’s future rice exports. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-02 - 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

OPINION Yes, It’s Time to Allow More Countries to Have a 90 Day Visa on Entry to Thailand By Goongnang Suksawat Earlier this week TPN Media and some other Thai media reported a proposal that for once got a nearly universally positive response from our readers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318688-yes-it’s-time-to-allow-more-countries-to-have-a-90-day-visa-on-entry-to-thailand/

Earlier this week TPN Media and some other Thai media reported a proposal that for once got a nearly universally positive response from our readers. OPINION That proposal, being put forward by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is to allow many more countries a 90 Day stay in Thailand with a Visa Waiver upon arrival, which we reported here. Currently, only Russians have a similar program of the same length which was largely due to a reciprocal agreement between the two countries that also allows Thai nationals to enter Russia up to 90 days with a visa waiver. This agreement came together last year largely due to Thailand’s neutrality between the Ukraine and Russia war. Recently, China has signed a similar agreement with Thailand but for less days, as we reported here, which is designed to hopefully boost lagging Chinese tourism. Now, with the most recent proposal, hopes have been raised by many of our readers from countries like the UK, America, Australia, and many more that a similar program is coming for them. Let’s be clear, this is just a proposal. There is no guarantee whatsoever that the proposal will happen. We state this so people don’t continually ask us when the extended visa waiver will begin. OPINION By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-02 - 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 2 February 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318684-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-2-february-2024/

The Department of Transport will send a roadshow on it’s Land Bridge megaproject to China next month. The idea is to attract potential investment China’s government has already shown interest in the project following Thailand's meeting with foreign minister Wang Yi last month. A report will be presented to China next week. The Move Forward Party is under threat of dissolution proceedings, following pressure by activists to the election commission on the party's stance and its attempts to amend the so-called les majeste law. On Wednesday the court ruled that the party’s push to amend Section 112 was an attempt to overthrow the government and the monarch. The election commission would then be obliged to petition the Constitutional Court to consider dissolving that party and banning it’s members from running in elections for 10 years. The department of social welfare will forward a bill raising the monthly living allowance for the elderly to 3,000 baht per month. The current allowance is just 600 baht a month, the increase to 3,000 baht a month is likely to be implemented in stages. Around the region. Myanmar’s military rulers extended a state of emergency in place since the 2021 coup as the junta battles to contain a bloody, pro-democracy rebellion that has severely tested its ability to govern. The junta says the The 6 month extension was needed “to bring the nation to a normal state of stability and peace. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny partly cloudy 32C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 33C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy an isolated shower 30C Phuket and the south: Sunny 32C Hua Hin: Sunny 31C AQI Yellow 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 2024-02-02 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

Eerie shadow on Phetchabun road sparks ghostly buzz online by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A chilling story has emerged from a seemingly innocuous post about a broken branch blocking a road in Phetchabun province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318682-eerie-shadow-on-phetchabun-road-sparks-ghostly-buzz-online/

A chilling story has emerged from a seemingly innocuous post about a broken branch blocking a road in Phetchabun province. The shadow of the branch, upon closer inspection, appeared to bear an eerie resemblance to a person who had died three months earlier, sparking a flurry of comments and supernatural speculation online. The original post, made by 41 year old Narong Saeng-Ong, a deputy head of a local volunteer group, featured a photograph of the fallen branch on a road in Tha Phlon district, taken at 8.09pm. The accompanying text suggested that interpretations could vary based on individual beliefs. The highway, Klong Proong-Umpaeng, had been the scene of a fatal incident just before the New Year, adding a layer of macabre significance to the image. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-02 - 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 Airways sues over passenger’s flight diversion criticism by Nattapong Westwood FILE PHOTO: A Thai Airways Boeing 777-300ER plane takes off from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport February 23, 2015. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom/File Photo/File Photo Thai Airways has taken legal action against a passenger who criticised the airline’s decision to divert a Bangkok-Melbourne flight to Sydney due to adverse weather conditions. The airline asserts that the crew followed international safety and security standards and seeks to protect its reputation and that of its personnel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318679-thai-airways-sues-over-passenger’s-flight-diversion-criticism/

Thai Airways has taken legal action against a passenger who criticised the airline’s decision to divert a Bangkok-Melbourne flight to Sydney due to adverse weather conditions. The airline asserts that the crew followed international safety and security standards and seeks to protect its reputation and that of its personnel. Thai Airways has addressed the uproar caused by a passenger’s complaints about a captain’s decision to change a flight’s landing destination from Melbourne to Sydney. Yesterday (February 1), the airline announced it was pursuing legal steps to defend its rights and those of its employees affected by the incident on flight TG 465 on January 28. The airline reiterated its adherence to safety and security standards and emphasized the significance of not misleading the public. The passenger’s post, which criticised the pilot’s actions on the January 28, flight from Bangkok to Melbourne and led to an alternate landing in Sydney due to weather at Melbourne Airport, has sparked widespread discussion. Many have voiced support for Thai Airways’ decision to take legal action against the passenger, praising the airline for setting a positive precedent in a society increasingly filled with disrespect, reported KhaoSod. One comment read, “It’s justified and a thank you to Thai Airways for setting a good example for society. Insulting and slandering are not honest criticism. Remember this, or better yet, tattoo it on your forehead so you see it every time you look in the mirror!” by Nattapong Westwood TOP FILE PHOTO: A Thai Airways Boeing 777-300ER plane takes off from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport February 23, 2015. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom/File Photo/File Photo Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-02 - 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 parties unite to amend Referendum Act for easier constitution change by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Thailand’s leading political parties, Pheu Thai and Move Forward, are joining forces to amend the country’s Referendum Act. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318678-thai-parties-unite-to-amend-referendum-act-for-easier-constitution-change/

Thailand’s leading political parties, Pheu Thai and Move Forward, are joining forces to amend the country’s Referendum Act. The Act’s existing flaws are viewed as hurdles to modifying the constitution, a critical move supported by many parties who see the current charter as a legacy of the National Council for Peace and Order, the orchestrator of the last coup. Both Pheu Thai, the governing party, and the main opposition faction, the Move Forward Party (MFP), have put forth two separate draft bills proposing modifications to the Referendum Act. These were presented to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha yesterday. The drafts are now up for parliamentary debate and are expected to be consolidated into a single bill during the review process. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha anticipates a speedy resolution to the revamp of the Referendum Act, given that the current ordinary House term is due to break in two months. Chusak Sirinil, a list MP from Pheu Thai and legal authority, indicated that 129 members of his party have endorsed the bill initiated by the coalition government. He pointed out three main issues within the act making constitutional changes nearly unachievable. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-02 - 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

Constitutional Court Already Turned Into ‘Superpower’ Agency: Academic By Thai Newsroom Reporters Representative images of the Constitutional Court. Credit: Matichon THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT has practically become a “superpower” agency which could put an end to policies and resolutions made by those in the legislative branch and hand them severe penalties, according to a noted academic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318676-constitutional-court-already-turned-into-‘superpower’-agency-academic/

THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT has practically become a “superpower” agency which could put an end to policies and resolutions made by those in the legislative branch and hand them severe penalties, according to a noted academic. Munin Pongsapan, a former dean of Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law, commented the Constitutional Court had been practically turned into a “superpower” agency empowered by the junta-designed constitution of 2017 to deliver draconian penalties to parties in the legislative branch at any given time. That the Constitution Court’s ruling delivered yesterday (Jan.31) to prohibit the Move Forward from proceeding with attempted amendment to the lese majeste law, better known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code, unambiguously underlined the independent, judicial agency’s superseding power over pro-amendment moves of the progressive party which constitutes part of the legislative branch, Munin said. According to the Thammasat academic, the Constitutional Court has unduly overpowered the legislative branch though the judges were basically designed to keep the judicial branch in check and balance with the legislative or executive branch. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Representative images of the Constitutional Court. Credit: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-02 - 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

British Teacher Who Allegedly Molested a Minor arrested in Thailand By Goongnang Suksawat Thailand –A British teacher who allegedly took away a minor from her guardians and molested her in Phuket many years ago was arrested in Chiang Mai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318671-british-teacher-who-allegedly-molested-a-minor-arrested-in-thailand/

Suvarnabhumi Airport Prepares for Uptick in Chinese New Year Tourists, Anticipates Over 2.3 Million Travelers By Kittisak Phalaharn On February 1st, 2024, Thai national media reported that Mr. Kittipong Kittikachorn, the Suvarnabhumi Director of The Airports of Thailand (AoT), estimated an increasing number of tourists during the Chinese New Year Festival between 4 – 16 February 2024, would reach 2,366,940. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318674-suvarnabhumi-airport-prepares-for-uptick-in-chinese-new-year-tourists/

On February 1st, 2024, Thai national media reported that Mr. Kittipong Kittikachorn, the Suvarnabhumi Director of The Airports of Thailand (AoT), estimated an increasing number of tourists during the Chinese New Year Festival between 4 – 16 February 2024, would reach 2,366,940. The number included international and domestic flights of 1,949,564 and 417,376 respectively or 32.73% higher compared to the previous Chinese New Year celebration. It was estimated that there would be 12,883 flights divided into international and domestic flights of 9,878 and 3,005 respectively or 19.99% higher compared to the previous year. In response to the Thai Ministry of Transport’s policy “Convenient and Safe Transportation, Good Service Minds,” the Suvarnabhumi Director stated that Suvarnabhumi Airport prepared Chinese interpreters to support the government and airlines. Furthermore, souvenir shops and restaurants use the Chinese languages of Mandarin and Cantonese to facilitate Chinese tourists across various services. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-02 - 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

British couple’s near fatal motorbike crash in Thailand leads to a romantic hospital proposal by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Northern Echo In a tale of love, resilience, and an unexpected proposal, a British couple from Durham, in the northeast of England, found themselves thrust into the spotlight after a near-fatal motorbike crash during what was supposed to be a dreamy 28-day Thai vacation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318673-british-couple’s-motorbike-crash-in-thailand-leads-to-a-romantic-hospital-proposal/