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Thai food vendor sparks debate after giving free food to foreign backpacker (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via TikTok/ @aeowxx A Thai food vendor sparked a debate on social media after giving free food to a foreign backpacker in the southern province of Surat Thani. Many netizens hailed the vendor’s gesture while others said the foreign woman just took advantage of Thais’ kindness. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318519-thai-food-vendor-sparks-debate-after-giving-free-food-to-foreign-backpacker/

A Thai food vendor sparked a debate on social media after giving free food to a foreign backpacker in the southern province of Surat Thani. Many netizens hailed the vendor’s gesture while others said the foreign woman just took advantage of Thais’ kindness. The food vendor shared a video of the foreign backpacker eating food at her restaurant on her TikTok account, @aeowxx, last week. “Foreigner asked for food. She doesn’t have any money.” The foreign woman was seen eating at a table in the restaurant with a backpack strapped on. A foreign man who was a customer at the shop also gave the woman a bottle of water before she left. The vendor explained that she was preparing food on the table for her son. However, her son was too busy with customers and did not have time to eat. The foreign backpacker thought the food was leftover and asked if she could eat it, which the vendor allowed. by Petch Petpailin Photo via TikTok/ @aeowxx Full story: The Thaiger 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

Thailand faces thunderstorms and high waves, north cools down by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Erik Witsoe, Unsplash Today’s weather update signals turbulent conditions across the country, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issuing an alert for thunderstorms in 20 provinces. The forecast warns of high waves exceeding 2 metres in the southern seas, while the northern region experiences a significant drop in temperature. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318516-thailand-faces-thunderstorms-and-high-waves-north-cools-down/

Today’s weather update signals turbulent conditions across the country, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issuing an alert for thunderstorms in 20 provinces. The forecast warns of high waves exceeding 2 metres in the southern seas, while the northern region experiences a significant drop in temperature. The weather pattern over the upper northern region is influenced by a westerly wind in the upper levels, leading to cooler air and a temperature decrease. This development is expected to continue until tomorrow, with the lowest temperatures ranging from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius and the highest from 27 to 33 degrees Celsius. At higher altitudes, the weather is cold to very cold, with possible frost, as temperatures are anticipated to fall between 4 and 12 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the high-pressure area or moderate cold mass that covers Thailand and the weakening South China Sea is causing temperatures in the upper part of the country to rise. However, mornings will still be cool with fog. Lower northern, central, and eastern regions expect some rainfall due to the influence of southerly and southeasterly winds. The public in these areas is advised to take care of their health due to the changing weather conditions and to exercise caution when travelling through foggy areas. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Erik Witsoe, Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 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

Russian musicians still in BKK, a push for 90 day visa waivers - Tim Newton Today - Jan 31 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318515-russian-musicians-still-in-bkk-a-push-for-90-day-visa-waivers-tim-newton-today-jan-31/

Thailand news - The latest on the fate of the Russians, Israeli and Australian citizens awaiting possible deportation from Bangkok. The Tourism Authority of Thailand are pushing for extending visa waivers from 30 to 90 days for citizens from US and Europe. A ruling expected today about the fate of the Move Forward Party, the air pollution and PM2.5 problem looming large in the media after more poor air recorded in and around Bangkok and Pattaya. Cat's testicles take centre stage in a new neutering campaign and art exhibition. And Pattaya shows off its new, extended Jomtien Beach. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Teen dies in Bangkok after motorcycle chase ends in horror crash by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic accident in Bangkok claimed the life of a 17 year old teen after a motorcycle chase ended in a violent collision with a garbage truck. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318514-teen-dies-in-bangkok-after-motorcycle-chase-ends-in-horror-crash/

A tragic accident in Bangkok claimed the life of a 17 year old teen after a motorcycle chase ended in a violent collision with a garbage truck. The incident occurred at around 3.15am today on Kanjanapisek Road, Bang Khae District. The police, forensic experts, and emergency medical teams were called to the scene, where they found the young victim dead. The teenager, identified only as Nat (a pseudonym), wearing a green jacket, black jeans, and high-top shoes, was found with a severe head wound, lying in a pool of blood. Nearby, two others were injured, including a passenger on the motorcycle. The motorcycle, a black Honda Wave 110i, lay wrecked at the rear of the garbage truck, with its bumper severely dented from the impact. About 20 metres from the initial site, another Honda Wave 110i was found crashed onto a footpath, with its driver also injured and taken to Mitrapap Hospital for treatment, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 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

Air quality concerns threaten Thailand's tourism growth Minor International chairman William Heinecke emphasized the necessity for Thailand to collaborate with neighboring countries in finding practical and sustainable solutions to tackle the PM2.5 and air pollution issue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318512-air-quality-concerns-threaten-thailands-tourism-growth/

Minor International chairman William Heinecke emphasized the necessity for Thailand to collaborate with neighboring countries in finding practical and sustainable solutions to tackle the PM2.5 and air pollution issue. He expressed this concern during a group interview, citing the anticipated growth in Thailand's tourism and hospitality sectors this year. While acknowledging the positive performance of Thailand's tourism industry compared to other regional countries, Heinecke voiced apprehension about the potential threat to this momentum posed by poor air quality, which is no longer limited to seasonal fluctuations. Recent Air Quality Index (AQI) data raised alarms about prolonged bad air quality in Thailand. Despite the current AQI reading at a moderate level of 28 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), it remains 1.12 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended level of 15 µg/m3. Heinecke stressed the importance of collaboration not only within Thailand but also with neighboring nations to address the severe air pollution problem. His concerns align with experts who emphasize the need for structural attention rather than short-term measures. Nipon Paopongsakorn, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of public participation in finding solutions due to the diverse causes of air pollution in different parts of Thailand. Despite these concerns, Heinecke expressed optimism about the Thai government's proactive approach to addressing air pollution. He commended the administration for taking favorable steps, such as the visa waiver and other initiatives, which have contributed to a positive outlook for the tourism sector, reported THE NATION. Heinecke projected that Thailand could expect at least 33 million visitors this year, thanks to these supportive measures. Notably, the Cabinet recently gave preliminary approval to the Clean Air Bill proposed by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, raising hopes for a more comprehensive and long-term solution to Thailand's air pollution challenges. -- ASEAN NOW 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 your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Witchcraft whispers: Swiss man ensnared in black magic murder mystery by Petch Petpailin Photo via Naewna Social media users accused a Swiss man of employing black magic as part of a plot to murder his Thai wife, following the discovery of a Jack of Hearts card in the dead woman’s mouth. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318491-dead-wife-caught-swiss-husband-having-an-affair/?do=findComment&comment=18658365

Witchcraft whispers: Swiss man ensnared in black magic murder mystery by Petch Petpailin Photo via Naewna Social media users accused a Swiss man of employing black magic as part of a plot to murder his Thai wife, following the discovery of a Jack of Hearts card in the dead woman’s mouth. Identified only as Roland, the Swiss man eventually admitted to killing his wife, Orathai Phosingam, and disclosed that he had concealed her body in a cornfield in Nakhon Ratchasima province in Isaan after Orathai’s daughter pleaded for the truth. Speculation about black magic arose when investigators found the playing card in Orathai’s mouth. The 46 year old Orathai had inherited a fortune of approximately 13 million baht from her former Swiss husband, who died away in 2020. Returning to Thailand two years ago with her new husband, Roland, aged 53, the couple resided in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Orathai went missing on January 8 after a dispute with Roland, making him the main suspect in the case. However, the Swiss man denied the accusation and insisted on his innocence. The search for Orathai continued for more than 20 days but officials found no clues leading to her. Roland stayed at home and refused to give an interview to the Thai media. He also did not try to search for his wife, unlike other family members, making him even more suspicious. Full story: The Thaiger 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

Thai Police Warn Motorbike Riders Driving Under Trailer Truck in Thalang – Video Thalang – Traffic Police warned reckless motorbike riders who rode under a trailer truck in Cherng Talay. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318511-thai-police-warn-motorbike-riders-driving-under-trailer-truck-in-thalang-–-video/

Thalang – Traffic Police warned reckless motorbike riders who rode under a trailer truck in Cherng Talay. The Cherng Talay Traffic Police told the Phuket Express about the occurrence that took place earlier this week at the Cherng Talay Junction in which a trailer truck was carrying concrete poles and was moving through a yellow light. GKY6OxlMlYVF1V4BAJDPqGYU-1xjbmdjAAAF.mp4 When the light turned red, the trailer truck, a very long vehicle was stuck at the traffic lights at the junction and the trailer truck was now blocking traffic. Two unidentified motorbike riders, who seemed to be in a hurry and were waiting to go when the lights turned green decided to ride under the trailer truck. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 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

Royal project scam exposed with six arrests and 270 million baht loss by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post An illicit operation, exploiting the name of royal projects to defraud unsuspecting investors, has been exposed. Six individuals implicated in the scheme have been apprehended, with damages resulting from the con estimated at a staggering 270 million baht (US$7.6 million). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318509-royal-project-scam-exposed-with-six-arrests-and-270-million-baht-loss/

An illicit operation, exploiting the name of royal projects to defraud unsuspecting investors, has been exposed. Six individuals implicated in the scheme have been apprehended, with damages resulting from the con estimated at a staggering 270 million baht (US$7.6 million). The arrests followed a comprehensive search operation spanning Bangkok, Lop Buri, Chachoengsao, Songkhla, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, confirmed Pol Maj Gen Phuthidej Boonkraphue, the commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD), on Tuesday. The investigation was triggered by complaints from eight victims who expressed their concerns to the ECSD’s sub-division 4, after discovering the projects they had invested in were non-existent and the fraudsters consistently deferred paying any dividends. The suspects, ranging in ages from 41 to 60 years old, were identified as Chayawan Kanthong, Wiroj Paehkongseng, Pitchaya Promwee, Singkhon Siriyotha, Kaikaew Channongwaeng, and the alleged ringleader, Jarudech Baibua. The Pathum Thani Provincial Court issued warrants for their arrest, with charges of colluding in loan fraud and misinforming through a computer system to the detriment of others. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 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

Drastic fivefold rise in e-cigarette use among Thai schoolchildren by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Pratooyai School E-cigarette usage amongst Thai schoolchildren has witnessed a drastic fivefold rise over the last seven years, with the majority of users starting their vaping journey during their primary school years, reveals a newly conducted study. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318505-drastic-fivefold-rise-in-e-cigarette-use-among-thai-schoolchildren/

E-cigarette usage amongst Thai schoolchildren has witnessed a drastic fivefold rise over the last seven years, with the majority of users starting their vaping journey during their primary school years, reveals a newly conducted study. The study was carried out amongst 6,700 students and the findings were shared at a seminar, the collective effort of the Centre for Tobacco Control Research and Education, the World Health Organization, and the Tobacco Control Network. Chayanan Sittibut, who is in charge of the Tobacco Products Control Board under the Department of Disease Control, expressed grave concern regarding the escalating trend of vaping amongst young Thai individuals. The findings show a significant leap from a mere 3.3% in 2015 to a staggering 17.6% in 2022 in e-cigarette usage amongst Thai youth, marking a fivefold increase. The researchers also pointed out an alarming trend where the tobacco industry appears to be targeting a younger demographic. There has been a surge in online e-cigarette adverts, with a greater variety of flavours being introduced to lure in young vapers. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Pratooyai School Full story: The Thaiger 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

Beijing says construction of multibillion-dollar China-Thailand rail must be sped up Connectivity of the two countries with Laos also needs to be hastened, Chinese foreign minister said on Bangkok visit By Nontarat Phaicharoen for BenarNews File photo China and Thailand need to speed up the construction of a delayed, high-speed railway to link their countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Monday at the end of a three-day visit to Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318504-beijing-says-construction-of-multibillion-dollar-china-thailand-rail-must-be-sped-up/

Connectivity of the two countries with Laos also needs to be hastened, Chinese foreign minister said on Bangkok visit China and Thailand need to speed up the construction of a delayed, high-speed railway to link their countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Monday at the end of a three-day visit to Bangkok. The Thai PM, for his part, said Beijing’s loan of pandas to Thailand signified the warm ties between the two nations and he hoped China would soon send a giant member of that rare bear species to replace Lin Hui who died last April. Wang said he appreciated Srettha’s decision to make China the first country to visit, outside Southeast Asia, after taking office, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement. “The two sides should jointly advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, speed up the construction of the China-Thailand Railway, and open the central line of the Trans-Asian Railway,” Wang said to Srettha at their meeting, the statement said. The nations should also “realize regional connectivity, and promote the early implementation of the vision of interconnected development of China, Laos and Thailand, so as to provide new impetus and open up new space for the long-term development of the two countries,” China’s top diplomat said. By Nontarat Phaicharoen for BenarNews Top: File photo Full story: RFA - Radio Free Asia2024-01-31 - 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

Taiwanese tourism in Thailand set to hit one million mark by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Taiwanese tourism market in Thailand is projected to reach a milestone of one million visitors this year, provided that Thailand’s government prolongs its visa-free scheme until the end of the year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318501-taiwanese-tourism-in-thailand-set-to-hit-one-million-mark/

The Taiwanese tourism market in Thailand is projected to reach a milestone of one million visitors this year, provided that Thailand’s government prolongs its visa-free scheme until the end of the year. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta), stated that despite the delayed visa exemption approval for Taiwanese tourists in November last year, the total Taiwanese tourist arrivals in Thailand reached an impressive 724,000, close to the 2019 record of 781,000 arrivals. Sisdivachr emphasised the Taiwanese market’s robustness, largely unaffected by the economic downturn that has hit other Northeast Asian markets. The visa exemption has further facilitated this growth, encouraging more frequent travel to Thailand. As per Taiwan’s Directorate General of Budget, the country’s annual GDP growth between 2016-2023 averaged 3.17%, surpassing the global average during the same period. The president of Atta also highlighted a shift in travel trends, from large tour groups to smaller, private groups who favour 4-5 star hotels and seek local experiences. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 31 January 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318500-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-31-january-2024/

Six people were arrested after claiming they were working on Royal projects, then duped victims into investing into a scam that promised high returns on their investments, damages were estimated at 270 million baht. 4 victims filed complaints after they found the so called royal projects were fake, Police seized multiple bank books, luxury cars, cameras and other items during raids in bangkok, chachoengsao, Lopburi Songkhla and Nakhon si Thammarat. The families of a 14-year-old schoolboy and another student he allegedly stabbed in the stomach and neck on Monday are now under government care. The victim died later in hospital, the attacker said he had been bullied by the victim, he is now receiving a psychiatric assessment, The government was considering legislation to lower the age of liability for legal proceedings against youngsters. The air force intends to seek a 19-billion-baht budget in the upcoming fiscal year to acquire new fighter jets, with the Swedish-manufactured 'F35' under consideration. A recent government mandate stipulates that any nation providing Thailand with new military equipment must also offer an equivalent economic assessment in bilateral trade. the cabinet yesterday approved proposed regulations aimed at enhancing alcohol testing procedures for motorists. If a motorist is suspected of being under the influence following an accident, police have the authority to presume the driver is drunk and initiate legal proceedings. the suspect would then undergo testing at a hospital. The legal threshold for alcohol content remains unchanged at 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. Thailand's ranking has dropped seven spots to 108th out of 180 countries in the latest annual corruption survey released by Transparency International. The Corruption Perceptions Index 2023 evaluates nations based on the perceived extent of corruption as assessed by experts and business leaders. Around the region. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny partly cloudy isolated showers 29C. Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 33C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy 31C Phuket and the south: Sunny 32C HuaHin:S unny Partly Cloudy 31C AQI Red unhealthy. . 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 2024-01-31 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

Tourists in Briefs Ignite Fury in Thailand By Arun Saronchai In recent weeks, Thailand has once again found itself at the center of a cultural controversy, thanks to the actions of foreign tourists that have sparked widespread debate across social media and within the local community. This discourse is not new to Thailand. However, the recurring theme of cultural insensitivity displayed by some Western tourists while visiting the kingdom raises profound questions about respect, cultural relativism, and the seemingly double standards that pervade international tourism. The incidents in question — two foreigners clad in nothing but briefs at Phuket airport and another pair sunbathing in the vicinity of the Grand Palace in Bangkok — are not just isolated acts of individual thoughtlessness. They are symptomatic of a broader issue that plagues many tourist destinations worldwide: the failure of some visitors to recognize and respect the cultural norms and sacred sites of their host countries. Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 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