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Pattaya — Migrant people, including families with young children, disabled individuals, and elderly, have been spotted begging for money near Pattaya Beach, causing discomfort and concern among residents and tourists. According to the complainants, their presence, particularly along Second Road and in front of the Wat Chai Mongkol Market in South Pattaya, has raised questions about the city’s efforts to address panhandling and its impact on the tourism industry. These foreign beggars have become a familiar sight, despite prior interventions by authorities to clear the area. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-01 - 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

Construction to Begin on Sukhumvit Road Drainage Improvement Project in Pattaya By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya —A major construction project to upgrade the drainage system along Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya is set to get underway, February 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318577-construction-to-begin-on-sukhumvit-road-drainage-improvement-project-in-pattaya/

Pattaya —A major construction project to upgrade the drainage system along Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya is set to get underway, February 1st. The initiative, undertaken by the city authorities, aims to improve water flow and management in the area, particularly near Khlong Thom Market and the VT Namnueng shop. The project, currently focusing on Phase 2, involves the collaboration of two construction companies, Inthana Construction Co., Ltd., and K. Associates Co., Ltd. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-01 - 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

Murdered Thai Woman’s Family Searching For Her Cell Phone by TNR Staff The family of a murdered Thai woman searching for her mobile phone at the cornfield where her body was found. Photo: Amarin TV THE FAMILY of a Thai woman whose second Swiss husband has confessed to having strangled her to death during an argument earlier this month searched for her mobile at the cornfield where her body was found, Amarin TV said today (Jan. 31). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318576-murdered-thai-woman’s-family-searching-for-her-cell-phone/

THE FAMILY of a Thai woman whose second Swiss husband has confessed to having strangled her to death during an argument earlier this month searched for her mobile at the cornfield where her body was found, Amarin TV said today (Jan. 31). Ms. Orathai Posingam, 46, who went missing on the Jan. 8, had moved to Chaliang subdistrict, Khon Buri district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, together with her second Swiss husband, only identified as Mr. Roland, 53, around two years ago after her first Swiss husband died and left her 13 million baht. Police said Roland yesterday confessed to strangling Orathai to death during an argument over her not wanting him to go to Pattaya to see a friend after finding out he was having an affair with another woman residing in a rented house in the same province and also over her addiction to gambling. He added that he took her body on a motorcycle and dumped it at this cornfield 6km from home. by TNR Staff TOP: The family of a murdered Thai woman searching for her mobile phone at the cornfield where her body was found. Photo: Amarin TV Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-01 - 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

Foreign Driver Fined after Viral Video Shows Passengers Sitting on Car Windows in Karon By Goongnang Suksawat Karon – A foreign driver faced legal action after he allowed his foreign passengers to sit on a car’s windows in Karon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318575-foreign-driver-fined-after-viral-video-shows-passengers-sitting-on-car-windows-in-karon/

Karon – A foreign driver faced legal action after he allowed his foreign passengers to sit on a car’s windows in Karon. The Karon Police told the Phuket Express that a video clip had gone viral on social media earlier this week. The Karon Traffic Police were notified from a good Samaritan that foreigners were found sitting on a car’s windows while the car was moving on Tuesday (January 30th). They finally found the car and the unidentified male foreign driver. The driver was fined, however, police did not specifically identify the charge or the amount of the fine. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-01 - 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 GLlHOxkxX7zE-nMCAH_NDrI4cvELbmdjAAAF.mp4

Phuket Airport Clarifies Over Viral Picture of Foreigners Wearing Swimwear By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket –The Phuket International Airport has clarified after a photo of two foreign tourists wearing only swimwear has gone viral on social media. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318574-phuket-airport-clarifies-over-viral-picture-of-foreigners-wearing-swimwear/

Phuket –The Phuket International Airport has clarified after a photo of two foreign tourists wearing only swimwear has gone viral on social media. The airport told the Phuket Express on Wednesday (January 31st) that on January 28th, the two male foreign tourists who wear wearing swimwear were dropped from a car in front of the international terminal. They put on clothes before entering the terminal proper, however. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-01 - 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: Thai Tourism Authority Proposes 90-Day Visa-Free Stays for More Countries, Western Countries Targeted By Kittisak Phalaharn National—On January 29th, 2024, Thai national media stated that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) requested the Thai government to extend the visa-free stay duration to 90 days for long-haul tourists, including those from the United States and Europe, to elevate long-haul national revenue to 40% in 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318545-tat-proposes-extended-visa-free-stays-to-boost-tourism/?do=findComment&comment=18660282

Thai Tourism Authority Proposes 90-Day Visa-Free Stays for More Countries, Western Countries Targeted By Kittisak Phalaharn National—On January 29th, 2024, Thai national media stated that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) requested the Thai government to extend the visa-free stay duration to 90 days for long-haul tourists, including those from the United States and Europe, to elevate long-haul national revenue to 40% in 2024. Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, emphasized that longer-duration visas would contribute to an increase in the average length of stay and maximize spending per trip. Thailand, at present, extends tourist visas on arrival to nationals of over 60 countries, including the US, the UK, Germany, France, and Scandinavian nations. Most of these, however, require a trip to Immigration for their extension, the proposal would be for a program similar to Russia currently in which arrivals from certain countries would automatically get longer stays upon arrival in Thailand. Previously, most visitors were eligible for a 30-day stay before requiring a visa application. Siripakorn noted the success of the extended visa program with Russian tourists, who were temporarily granted 90-day stays last November 2023. Over 100,000 foreign tourists applied for a visa allowing a 60-day stay in Thailand in 2023, with a majority coming from the US, the UK, Sweden, and Germany. Anticipating positive economic impacts, Siripakorn estimated that extending stays could generate at least a million room nights nationwide at hotels. The TAT also has sought approval from the National Tourism Policy Committee for other traveler-friendly measures to be extended until the year’s end. These measures included the suspension of TM6 forms at Thai-Malaysia border crossings, a 30-day visa-free stay for Kazakh tourists, and the continuation of the 90-day visa-free stay for Russians. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-01 - 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

Foreigner Begging for Money in Bangkok Sparks Investigation By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok—On January 31st, 2024, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security (SDHS), publicly revealed to the Thai media a complaint about a foreigner in elephant pants asking for money at the Mo Chit BTS station, in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318573-foreigner-begging-for-money-in-bangkok-sparks-investigation/

Bangkok—On January 31st, 2024, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security (SDHS), publicly revealed to the Thai media a complaint about a foreigner in elephant pants asking for money at the Mo Chit BTS station, in Bangkok. In response to the complaint, the Rapid Response Centre for Accelerating Public Welfare Management of SDHS investigated the reported area, however, the unidentified foreigner was nowhere to be found. Upon investigation, unidentified vendors at Mo Chit BTS station reportedly told the SDHS officials that the foreigner had been asking for money with a message saying he needed a flight ticket to return home, please donate 20 baht, thank you. The foreigner had been at Mo Chit BTS station for a few days, and each time Bangkok municipal officials warned him to stop asking for money, the witnesses said to the SDHS officials. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-01 - 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: Thai Cabinet Considers New Alcohol Measurement Method for Drivers: Urine Tests Proposed by Royal Thai By Kittisak Phalaharn At 1:30 PM, on January 30th, 2024, Mr. Karom Phonphonklang, the Thai Deputy Government Spokesperson, publicly revealed the Thai Cabinet meeting results regarding a bill for alcohol measurement by adding a body fluid measurement such as urine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318554-drunk-drivers-in-thailand-to-face-more-testing/?do=findComment&comment=18660276

Thai Cabinet Considers New Alcohol Measurement Method for Drivers: Urine Tests Proposed by Royal Thai By Kittisak Phalaharn At 1:30 PM, on January 30th, 2024, Mr. Karom Phonphonklang, the Thai Deputy Government Spokesperson, publicly revealed the Thai Cabinet meeting results regarding a bill for alcohol measurement by adding a body fluid measurement such as urine. The Royal Thai Police proposed a draft ministerial regulation issued under the Land Traffic Act, Section 5, Paragraph 1, and Section 142, to the Thai cabinet to consider adding a new method of alcohol content measurement. Previously, the police would ask drivers to blow into an alcohol meter to measure alcohol content. If a blood test was required, the drivers had to give consent. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-01 - 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: Court’s ruling will impact on democracy, rights and liberties of Thais Move Forward party said it has no intention whatsoever to undermine the monarchy and the Constitutional Court’s ruling, today, will not only impact the party, but also democracy in Thailand as well as the rights and liberties of the people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318540-court-rules-move-forward-attempted-to-topple-constitutional-monarchy/?do=findComment&comment=18660273

Court’s ruling will impact on democracy, rights and liberties of Thais Move Forward party said it has no intention whatsoever to undermine the monarchy and the Constitutional Court’s ruling, today, will not only impact the party, but also democracy in Thailand as well as the rights and liberties of the people. Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon and former party leader Pita Limjaroenrat jointly made the above statement in response to the Constitutional Court ruling that the party’s campaign to amend the lese majeste law or Article 112 of the Criminal Code constitutes an attempt to topple Constitutional Monarchy and ordered the party to cease all activities related to lese majeste law. Chaithawat said that the court’s ruling may impact on the relationship between the parliament and the Constitutional Court in the future and cause widespread confusion about the democratic system with the King as the head of state. He added that the court’s ruling will also deprive the Thai society of the opportunity to the parliamentary system to resolve political conflict in the future, particularly regarding the Monarchy issue and may bring about negative impacts on the revered institution. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-01 - 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 Thursday 1 February 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1318572-thailand-live-thursday-1-february-2024/

Drunk drivers in Thailand to face more testing By Peter Roche STOCK PHOTO: 77kaoded The Royal Thai Police are introducing more options for testing drunk drivers, including more timely hospital testing. The new measures were endorsed by the Thai Cabinet yesterday, says deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318554-drunk-drivers-in-thailand-to-face-more-testing/

Court rules Move Forward attempted to topple constitutional monarchy The Constitutional Court today unanimously ruled that the Move Forward Party and its former leader Pita Limjaroenrat have attempted to overthrow the constitutional monarchy by campaigning to amend the lese majeste law or Article 112 and ordered them to cease all activities related to it. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318540-court-rules-move-forward-attempted-to-topple-constitutional-monarchy/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is urging the government to extend the visa-free stay period for long-haul tourists from the United States and Europe to 90 days to boost the country’s tourism revenue from these regions to 40% in 2024. The initiative, aimed at increasing the average duration of stay and spending per trip, comes as part of TAT's strategy to enhance the tourism sector's contribution to the economy. TAT Proposes Extended Visa-Free Stays to Boost Tourism Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318545-tat-proposes-extended-visa-free-stays-to-boost-tourism/

PP United win Orchid Palm Homes Cup IX The Orchid Palm Homes Cup IX produced some late drama with PP United anxious spectators in the final match. The team was left hoping that top placed Black Mountain slipped to a defeat at Wat Nalom in the last game of the day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318521-pp-united-win-orchid-palm-homes-cup-ix/

The Orchid Palm Homes Cup IX produced some late drama with PP United anxious spectators in the final match. The team was left hoping that top placed Black Mountain slipped to a defeat at Wat Nalom in the last game of the day. Black Mountain were undefeated and knew that a win would guarantee them top spot but it was Wat Nalom who came out on top, securing their first victory of the day to consign the hosts to second place. PP United ultimately ran out as winners in this Under 13 tournament at the Hua Hin International School, with two wins and two draws. Black Mountain had to settle for second spot after winning two, drawing one and losing one. In third place were Nong Hoi who finished with two wins from their four matches while both Wat Nalom and PTG won matches even if they did miss out on a spot on the podium. It was the third time in a row that PP United had won this tournament, which was founded in 2020. Having drawn with both Wat Nalom and Black Mountain they looked destined to have to settle for second place in the Orchid Palm Homes Cup IX, which was open to all teams in the province. Black Mountain had not conceded a single goal heading into the final match while Wat Nalom were winless. But the hosts had brought a very small squad and the players looked exhausted as they slipped to a 3-1 defeat. Afterwards Orchid Palm Homes owner Stephen Ayling praised the efforts of the players, “I think 80 minutes is a long time to play 6 a side football for and you could see some of the players were tired at the end. But they will only benefit from the experience of playing so many games against so many different teams and we are proud to support local football with this bi-annual tournament.” Black Mountain head coach Gary Stevens was also in attendance and he enjoyed the day, “With Hua Hin City dropping out at the last minute the tournament ended up being in a league format which meant all the teams got to play the same amount of football. At this age it is all about getting the opportunity to play in as many matches as possible and I though the atmosphere was superb and all the games were played in a good spirit.”

Online searches for Thailand up sevenfold in China By Peter Roche FILE PHOTO There has been a significant rise in online searches for Thailand in China, since both countries signed a reciprocal visa waiver agreement. Google Trends is reporting a 7-fold increase in searches for “Thailand tourism” in China. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318520-online-searches-for-thailand-up-sevenfold-in-china/

There has been a significant rise in online searches for Thailand in China, since both countries signed a reciprocal visa waiver agreement. Google Trends is reporting a 7-fold increase in searches for “Thailand tourism” in China. But, so far, this ‘searching’ hasn’t resulted in a sudden rise in actual Chinese tourists although a surge is expected in the lead up to the Chinese New Celebrations, especially in Phuket and parts of Bangkok where the CNY is widely celebrated. The two-way visa waiver agreement recently signed by both countries comes into effect on March 1 and is widely expected to boost tourism in both directions. The pact is also being seen as a sign of growing ties, both economic and cultural, between Beijing and Bangkok. By Peter Roche Full story: PhuketGO 2024-01-31 - 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