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Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat underlined the government’s prerogative to deem the current economy as crisis-ridden, a pivotal aspect for sanctioning the 500-billion-baht loan bill to propel its digital wallet disbursement scheme. According to him, the definition of an economic crisis is subjective, hinging on individual perception. Nonetheless, the government’s assessment paints the picture of an economy in dire need of swift stimulus measures to avert further decline. Julapun emphasised that the state of the economy, whether in crisis or not, would unlikely impact the affluent. However, the less fortunate demographic perceives the economy to be underperforming and in a state of crisis. He attributed Thailand’s economic slump to the skyrocketing household debt, which currently stands at 90% of GDP. This has ramifications on domestic consumption, savings, and investment, leading to a stagnant growth rate over the past two decades, reported Bangkok Post. The concern of most individuals revolves around maintaining their existence, securing funds for debt repayment. Simultaneously, the private sector is preoccupied with cost reduction to enhance debt servicing ability. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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

Bank of Thailand urged to slash interest rates amid economic struggle by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bank of Thailand Pressure is mounting on the Bank of Thailand to ease the economic strain on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by slashing interest rates on commercial bank loans. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318402-bank-of-thailand-urged-to-slash-interest-rates-amid-economic-struggle/

Pressure is mounting on the Bank of Thailand to ease the economic strain on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by slashing interest rates on commercial bank loans. Pichai Naripthaphan, deputy chairman of the Pheu Thai Party‘s strategies and politics committee and an advisor to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, argued that the central bank needs to acknowledge the real-world challenges people are grappling with. He highlighted the stagnant income levels, rising expenses, and mounting debts that are forcing many to resort to high-interest informal loans. According to the Fiscal Policy Office, Pichai revealed that Thailand’s economic growth in the last quarter of 2023 was a meagre 1.4%, with the overall expansion for the year only reaching 1.8% – a figure he classified as very low. He projected that without government intervention and fresh strategies, the economic growth for the current year will likely follow the same disappointing trajectory. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bank of Thailand Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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

Bangkok’s Chinatown gears up for Lunar New Year celebrations by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock This year’s Lunar New Year festivities in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, will officially commence on February 10 under the auspices of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318400-bangkok’s-chinatown-gears-up-for-lunar-new-year-celebrations/

This year’s Lunar New Year festivities in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, will officially commence on February 10 under the auspices of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The deputy governor of Bangkok, Tavida Kamolvej, confirmed her Royal Highness’s arrival at the Odeon Circle’s gate at 5pm to formally inaugurate the two-day celebrations. The announcement was made at a press conference following a safety-focused discussion held by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and various other agencies. The Lunar New Year celebrations, a significant annual event in Bangkok’s Chinatown, will feature a range of activities. These include lion dance performances, an exhibition emphasising Thai-Chinese ties, and Chinese lantern decoration, shared Tavida. She added that in a bid to guarantee public safety throughout the event, the BMA and other organisations will deploy security officers at specific locations. Furthermore, four of the city’s 78 Chinese shrines and several department stores, specifically CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, and Iconsiam, will coordinate their own Chinese New Year events alongside Yaowarat’s festivities on February 9-10. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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 30 January 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318399-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-30-january-2024/

Prime Minister Sretha has invited China's President Xi Jinping to visit Thailand next year to mark the 50th anniversary of relations between the two countries. Thailand PM concluded a 4 day visit yesterday where he met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both countries hope to see growth in travel and tourism to pre covid levels. Consumer Protection Police raided and seized more than 14,000 fake and illegal cosmetic products worth 3.6 million baht, at a Chinese-owned warehouse in Lat Krabang east of the capital. The raid followed a complaint by a cosmetics company that claimed their brand name products were being sold on TikTok. An employee at the warehouse said a Chinese businessman ran the operation and sold around 10, 000 items online daily. The department of Digital Economy has launched a free (AI)- powered preliminary lung cancer screening service, targeting 1 million people this year. The Ai screening system was developed by AstraZeneca And is expected to be rolled out to provinces nationwide. A dissident Russian rock band, known for their outspoken criticism of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is at risk of deportation from Thailand for working without permits. The band, Bi-2, faces potential harsh punishment if returned to Moscow, where its lead singer, Igor Bortnick, has been labeled a "foreign agent" for his online criticism of Vladimir Putin. Human rights groups expressed concern over the band's safety if forced to return home. Around the region. Laos Southeast Asian foreign ministers met in LAOS yesterday where they pressed for an end to Myanmar's bloody conflict, they expressed unity in their backing for a regional peace plan and a "Myanmar-owned and led solution" to the crisis. ASEAN ministers gave support for efforts by their new special envoy, and expressed confidence in his resolve to help the Myanmar people. 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 Hua Hin:Sunny 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 2024-01-30 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

UPDATE: Swiss Man Admits Killing Missing Thai Wife: Police by TNR Staff Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318386-swiss-man-admits-killing-missing-thai-wife-police/

Foreign Tourist Assaulted in Pattaya: Urgent Call for Authorities' Intervention Picture: Siam Rath On January 29, 2024, Pattaya city's emergency responders swiftly reacted to a distress call reporting an attack on a tourist within Soi Pattaya Sai 2, Soi 11, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The rescue team, joined by volunteers, promptly arrived at the location to initiate an inquiry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318395-foreign-tourist-assaulted-in-pattaya-urgent-call-for-authorities-intervention/

On January 29, 2024, Pattaya city's emergency responders swiftly reacted to a distress call reporting an attack on a tourist within Soi Pattaya Sai 2, Soi 11, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The rescue team, joined by volunteers, promptly arrived at the location to initiate an inquiry. At the site, Mr. Kyoung, a 29-year-old South Korean national, was discovered with head injuries and facial bleeding. Immediate first aid was administered before the injured individual was transported to Jomtien Hospital for further medical attention, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath According to eyewitness Win Jiyu, who was delivering passengers in the alley, he witnessed the victim being attacked by two Russian nationals. The assailants inflicted severe injuries, resulting in facial bleeding. Following the assault, one attacker fled towards a hotel, while the other disappeared down the alley. Rescuers assisted the victim, revealing that he was a Korean national proficient in the Thai language but physically disabled on both legs. Picture: Siam Rath The attackers targeted the victim due to a dispute over the cost of a massage service. In spite of the severity of the incident, the victim refrained from filing a complaint, concerned about potential reprisals from the assailants who had issued threats of additional harm if authorities were alerted. Top Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-01-30 - 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

Immigration officers gets 42 years in prison for aiding drug dealers' illegal entry/exit On January 29, 2024 news broke that the court had sentenced immigration officers and related individuals to a staggering 42 years for corruption and misconduct. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318394-immigration-officer-gets-42-years-in-prison-for-aiding-drug-dealers-illegal-entryexit/

On January 29, 2024 news broke that the court had sentenced immigration officers and related individuals to a staggering 42 years for corruption and misconduct. The officers neglected their duties, enabling the release of dark-skinned drug dealers who entered and exited the country without proper identification. The case unfolded when immigration police inspected individuals entering Thailand, revealing abnormal passport processing for drug dealers. Despite multiple recorded entries and exits, these dealers were nowhere to be found during inspections. Subsequent investigations exposed irregularities, as police officers were discovered assisting drug dealers in obtaining visas without their physical presence, reported Siam Rath. Further action was taken by former Chief Inspector Surachet 'Big Joke' Hakpal, who initiated proceedings against the implicated officers. On January 11, 2024, the Special Prosecutor's Office notified airport customs officers about the progress of the three corruption cases related to the police's criminal activities. The court, in a verdict dated December 20, 2023, found the police officers guilty of various charges, resulting in a combined sentence of 42 years and 56 months. This case serves as a striking example of proactive measures taken against officers who neglected their duties, especially those involved in unauthorized use of fake foundations for certification of residency. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-01-30 - 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

Leopards seen in Kaeng Krachan National Park, just 1.5 hours from Hua Hin By Online Reporter A family of leopards were recently photographed at Kaeng Krachan National Park, delighting tourists with their presence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318393-leopards-seen-in-kaeng-krachan-national-park-just-15-hours-from-hua-hin/

A family of leopards were recently photographed at Kaeng Krachan National Park, delighting tourists with their presence. On January 27th, a report was made to Mr. Somjet Jantana, the Director of the Office of Conservation Area Management No. 3 in Phetchaburi Branch, by Mr. Mongkol Chaiyachuea, the Head of Kaeng Krachan National Park. According to the report, Mr. Pongsak Kuntuk and Miss Ann, both from Baan Krang Coffee Shop, had the unique opportunity to encounter three leopards while driving in the park. Located in Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province, this area is known for its leopard sightings. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-01-30 - 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

Efforts stepped up to tackle Hua Hin’s growing macaque population By Online Reporter As part of an initiative to address the escalating problem of macaque monkeys in Hua Hin, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and Hua Hin Municipality. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318392-efforts-stepped-up-to-tackle-hua-hin’s-growing-macaque-population/

As part of an initiative to address the escalating problem of macaque monkeys in Hua Hin, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and Hua Hin Municipality. The agreement, which aims to mitigate the impact of macaques on the local community, was formalised at the Hua Hin Municipality Office. Key signatories included Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and Mr. Nopporn Wutikul, the Mayor of Hua Hin. The signing was witnessed by Mr. Phadet Lai Thong, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, Mr. Somjet Chanthana, Director of the Conservation Area Administration Office 3 in Phetchaburi, Ms. Busaba Choksuchart, Deputy Mayor of Hua Hin, Mr. Jeerawat Pramani, the Secretary of Hua Hin Municipality, and other executives and officials. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-01-30 - 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: Dark news as Swiss husband confesses to a brutal murder. Thai Wife found with a card in her mouth by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Police brought the 53-year-old suspect to the cornfield on Monday, where the decomposed body of his 46-year-old Thai wife Orathai Posee-ngarm, was found lying on its back. In a grisly development, police found her mouth sealed with duct tape and a playing card lodged in her gullet. A day of horrifying revelations, as 53-year-old Swiss husband, Mr Roland confessed to strangling his Thai wife, Orathai Posee-ngarm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318386-swiss-man-admits-killing-missing-thai-wife-police/?do=findComment&comment=18655286

Tourist Police Step Up Patrols to Ensure Safety in Key Pattaya Areas By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — In a concerted effort to safeguard tourists, high-visibility patrols were conducted yesterday, January 28th, by the tourist police in several key areas of Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318389-tourist-police-step-up-patrols-to-ensure-safety-in-key-pattaya-areas/

Dark news as Swiss husband confesses to a brutal murder. Thai Wife found with a card in her mouth by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Police brought the 53-year-old suspect to the cornfield on Monday, where the decomposed body of his 46-year-old Thai wife Orathai Posee-ngarm, was found lying on its back. In a grisly development, police found her mouth sealed with duct tape and a playing card lodged in her gullet. A day of horrifying revelations, as 53-year-old Swiss husband, Mr Roland confessed to strangling his Thai wife, Orathai Posee-ngarm. The woman inherited ฿13 million in 2021. Shockingly, a ‘Jack of Hearts’ playing card was found in her mouth, challenging any claims that this was not a gruesome crime. It culminated on Monday in a cornfield, leaving the community stunned, angered and demanding justice. There was devastating news from Nakhon Ratchasima on Monday as police arrested the 53-year-old Swiss husband for the murder of 46-year-old Orathai Posee-ngarm. In short, she went missing on January 8 last. Mr Roland was brought by police to a cornfield 6 kilometres from the home he previously shared with his wife to find her dried and decomposed body lying unburied on the ground. Earlier, the suspect had demanded his passport back from police before he was later interrogated and grilled for 5 hours. Finally, he confessed to murdering his wife by strangling her. Moreover, the already cruel fate of Ms Orathai took an even darker twist when police found a Jack of Hearts playing card lodged in her gullet with her mouth bound by duct tape. A tale of cruelty, tragedy and foul murder emerged in Nakhon Ratchasima on Monday. In short, it came after a Swiss national identified as Mr Roland finally confessed. In brief, he brutally and cruelly murdered his Thai wife, Orathai Posee-ngarm. Although police are still investigating, it appears that the Swiss man was angered by his wife’s incessant gambling on cards. Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-01-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya — In a concerted effort to safeguard tourists, high-visibility patrols were conducted yesterday, January 28th, by the tourist police in several key areas of Pattaya. Led by Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensan, officers on bicycles patrolled Bali Hai Pier, Pattaya Second Road, Terminal 21 Shopping Center, Pattaya Beach Road, and Walking Street. According to Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong, the initiative aimed to deter potential criminal activity targeting tourists as part of the “Pattaya Walking Street (S.T.C.)” project. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong stated citizens and tourists were encouraged to report any suspicious activity through the official 24/7 Line account: S.T.C. Walking Street. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-30 - 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 Man Arrested in Pattaya for Overstay and Money Laundering By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — In a joint operation on Monday, Thai and Taiwanese authorities apprehended a 27-year-old Taiwanese national, Mr. Hung Hua Wang, wanted for money laundering in his home country and overstaying his visa in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318388-taiwanese-man-arrested-in-pattaya-for-overstay-and-money-laundering/

Pattaya — In a joint operation on Monday, Thai and Taiwanese authorities apprehended a 27-year-old Taiwanese national, Mr. Hung Hua Wang, wanted for money laundering in his home country and overstaying his visa in Pattaya. The suspect had been hiding in Pattaya following his alleged involvement in the financial crime in Taiwan. The successful operation on January 29th was the result of close collaboration between Pattaya Tourist Police Division 2, Tourist Police Division 1, Chonburi Provincial Police, along with Taiwanese authorities. The arrest was made on a tip-off received from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand. They alerted Thai authorities about Mr. Hung’s whereabouts in Pattaya and requested assistance in apprehending him based on the existing arrest warrant for money laundering issued in Taiwan. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-30 - 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-sanctioned rock band arrested in Phuket and face deportation to Russia The Russian-sanctioned rock band Bi-2, which includes four Israeli citizens was arrested in Phuket last Thursday for performing without appropriate permits, Israeli media reported. The members of the band were all fined, had their passports confiscated, and were taken to a detention center. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318361-russian-sanctioned-rock-band-arrested-in-phuket-and-face-deportation-to-russia/

A SWISS man who is the second husband of a Thai woman who inherited 13 million baht from her first Swiss husband upon his death in 2021 and has been missing since Jan. 8 has now confessed to having killed her, Amarin TV said this afternoon (Jan. 29). Police at Chaliang subdistrict, Khon Buri district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, again questioned the suspect, only identified as Mr. Roland, and later said he confessed to having strangled his wife, Ms. Orathai Posingam, 46, to death during a fierce quarrel, carrying her body on a motorcycle and dumping it in a cornfield around 6km from their home. She had gone missing the same night they had quarrelled at their home in this northeastern province where they had moved to two years ago. Ms. Orathai Posingam and a pixelated image of her second husband only identified as Mr. Roland who police said has confessed to killing her. Both photos: Amarin TV There has been a big search for her with a scuba diving team from Buddhatham 31 Foundation searching a pond next to the village temple yesterday but did not find her body nor anything suspicious related to her disappearance. The suspect had not come to witness the search as he has been mostly staying home only coming out to drink coffee or have a meal and meet the police. by TNR Staff TOP: Rescuers searching for the body of Ms. Orathai Posingam with her image inset. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-01-30 - 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 RELATED TOPIC: Swiss man’s wife missing in Thailand after inheriting 13 million baht https://aseannow.com/topic/1318283-swiss-man’s-wife-missing-in-thailand-after-inheriting-13-million-baht/page/4/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 30 January 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1318385-thailand-live-tuesday-30-january-2024/