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Thailand signed an agreement with china yesterday which will allow Thai and chinese nationals visa free travel to each others county for Travel holidays and transit. Under the deal, visitors can extend their 30-day visa to 90 days, Thailand's foreign minister said this visa-exemption agreement serves as a significant step in cooperation. The scheme will become effective from 1st March. A thai border patrol seized 2.5 million methamphetamine pills after they came across a group of smugglers at a border crossing near Chaing Mai. Gun fire was exchanged for some 10 minutes before the smugglers fled leaving their haul. The drugs were in 25 backpacks each containing 100,000 pills. A 33-year-old British man died on Saturday evening after his parachute failed to open during a jump from the top of a 29-storey condominium near Pattaya. He hit a tree before smashing into the ground. His friend had recorded the jump on video for social media and was questioned by police. Anntonia Porsild, Miss Universe 2023's first runner-up, joined an the "Thai Extravaganza Reflection event at Bluport last night. She was accompanied by Seven visiting tennis players from the WTA ‘Thailand open’ who also sported traditional and contemporary Thai outfits on the stage. Around the region. North Korea tested a new strategic cruise missile for the second time in a week yesterday, calling it a newly developed submarine-launched cruise missile. Statemedia reported the launch was supervised by it’s leader Kim Jong Un. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny partly cloudy 29C. Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 33C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny 33C Hua Hin: Sunny partly cloudy 29C 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 2024-01-29 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

French tourist drowns on Similan Islands in snorkelling accident by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post A 66 year old French tourist drowned while snorkelling near Koh 9 in Mu Koh Similan National Park yesterday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318300-french-tourist-drowns-on-similan-islands-in-snorkelling-accident/

A 66 year old French tourist drowned while snorkelling near Koh 9 in Mu Koh Similan National Park yesterday afternoon. Officials from the Thai Maritime Enforcement Centre Region 3 were swiftly notified by the Port Security Control Centre in Phang Nga at approximately 3pm. The victim’s identity remains undisclosed, pending notification of relatives. Upon reaching the shore, a team of medics and navy security unit officials administered first aid. Despite their efforts, vitals signs were lost on the Frenchman. The race against time continued as the lifeless body was rushed to the Khao Lak Medical Centre where he was pronounced dead. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-29 - 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

Petitioner Srisuwan, Pro-Prayut Party Members Bailed Out In Bribe-Taking Case by TNR Staff Mr. Srisuwan Janya, left, and Mr. Yoswarit Chuklom, or Jeng Dokjik, right. Photo: Matichon BOTH prolific petitioner and two members of Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, largely viewed as de facto led by former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, were bailed out after being arrested in a bribe-taking sting operation, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318299-petitioner-srisuwan-pro-prayut-party-members-bailed-out-in-bribe-taking-case/

BOTH prolific petitioner and two members of Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, largely viewed as de facto led by former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, were bailed out after being arrested in a bribe-taking sting operation, Matichon newspaper said. Having consistently denied bribery charges during nine hours of interrogation by Anti-Corruption Division police, the well-known petitioner Mr. Srisuwan Janya was bailed out at 2 a.m. upon placing 400,000 baht surety. Later at 6 a.m. this morning both Mr. Yoswarit Chuklom, or Jeng Dokjik, who heads the political movement Ruam Chai Rak Chart (United in Love of the Country), and Ms. Phimnattha Chiraphutthiphak, a former MP candidate for Ruam Thai Sang Chart, were bailed out with 400,000 baht surety. Police took action after being informed by Rice Department Director-General Mr. Natthakit Khongthip that Srisuwan and his accomplices had demanded 3 million baht to drop a complaint about two major government projects with this reduced to 1.5 million baht after negotiation. by TNR Staff Mr. Srisuwan Janya, left, and Mr. Yoswarit Chuklom, or Jeng Dokjik, right. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-01-29 - 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

Military dogs which failed tests on auction at Military Dog Training Centre Many dog lovers showed up this morning at the Military Dog Training Centre, in Pak Chong district of the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, to participate in the auction of 54 dogs which have failed the test to enter military service. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318298-military-dogs-which-failed-tests-on-auction-at-military-dog-training-centre/

Many dog lovers showed up this morning at the Military Dog Training Centre, in Pak Chong district of the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, to participate in the auction of 54 dogs which have failed the test to enter military service. There were 6 Labrador Retrievers, 28 German Shepherds and 20 Belgian Malinois. The prices started at 1,500 baht and bids incremented by 100 baht. Each buyer is limited to the purchase of two dogs. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-29 - 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

Nine arrest warrants sought following death of Pathumwan vocational student Bangkok’s Pathumwan district police are to seek warrants for the arrests of nine former students of a rival institution suspected of involvement in the murder of a student at the Pathumwan Institute of Technology in Pathumwan district on Friday night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318297-nine-arrest-warrants-sought-following-death-of-pathumwan-vocational-student/

Bangkok’s Pathumwan district police are to seek warrants for the arrests of nine former students of a rival institution suspected of involvement in the murder of a student at the Pathumwan Institute of Technology in Pathumwan district on Friday night The victim, identified only as “Waravut”, and his friend became involved in a quarrel and subsequent physical altercation with a group of about 10 youths in front of their college. He was stabbed and died shortly after his arrival at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Pol Maj-Gen Samart Promchart, commander of the 6th division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, told the media on Saturday night that police have managed to identify nine of the suspects and were about to seek warrants for their arrests. He said that the suspects are former students of a rival college, adding that eye-witnesses had told the police that some students took pictures in front of the institute and engaged in an argument with some college students. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-29 - 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

Mercedes engine fire causes frenzy in Udon Thani by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A Mercedes engine burst into flames in downtown Udon Thani, causing a stir among locals and fitness enthusiasts in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318296-mercedes-engine-fire-causes-frenzy-in-udon-thani/

A Mercedes engine burst into flames in downtown Udon Thani, causing a stir among locals and fitness enthusiasts in the area. The incident occurred yesterday, January 27, at 8.13pm near a shop along Nong Prachak Silapakom Park within the Udon Thani city municipality. Upon notification of the fire, Police Lieutenant Colonel Tanawat Thongwilai, an investigating officer at the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, coordinated with municipal firefighters who rushed to the scene along with rescue workers from the Udon Sawang Mettha Tham Foundation. At the scene, firefighters encountered the blue Mercedes with the license plate number ขต 9791 Udon Thani engulfed in flames, particularly in the engine compartment. The sudden blaze shocked onlookers and passersby. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-29 - 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 It took firefighters around 20 minutes to extinguish the fire using water and chemical agents. Amidst the firefighting efforts, the vehicle’s horn alarm sounded incessantly, prompting the use of an axe to sever the electric circuit from the battery, silencing the alarm and preventing further electrical short circuits, reported KhaoSod.

Thailand tops ASEAN for international tourist arrivals by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Hanny Naibaho, Unsplash Thailand emerges as the top destination for international tourists in the ASEAN region, as revealed by Sudawan Wangsuphakitgosol, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, during the 27th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2024) in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318295-thailand-tops-asean-for-international-tourist-arrivals/

Thailand emerges as the top destination for international tourists in the ASEAN region, as revealed by Sudawan Wangsuphakitgosol, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, during the 27th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2024) in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The forum’s theme, Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future, reflected a collective intent among ASEAN tourism ministers to restore and promote responsible and sustainable tourism that enhances the competitiveness and development of the region’s tourism sector. The figures presented at the meeting highlighted a significant rise in ASEAN’s international tourist arrivals by 153% in 2023 compared to the previous year. The success is attributed to two marketing campaigns, imaginASEAN and the ASEAN Tourism Recovery Campaign, which drew a staggering 2.5 billion participants globally. In the ASEAN region, Thailand led the pack in 2023 with an impressive count of 28.09 million foreign visitors, marking an increase of 153.94% from the 11.06 million recorded the previous year. Vietnam followed with 12.06 million international tourists, a substantial increase of 344.2% from the 3.66 million the year before. by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Hanny Naibaho, Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-29 - 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

Tragedy Strikes at Ao Tubtim: Chinese Tourist Drowns on Koh Samet in Rayong By Kittisak Phalaharn Rayong—At 5:00 PM, on January 27th, 2024, Phe police officers received a report of a Chinese tourist drowning at Ao Tubtim, Koh Samet, Rayong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318294-tragedy-strikes-at-ao-tubtim-chinese-tourist-drowns-on-koh-samet-in-rayong/

Rayong—At 5:00 PM, on January 27th, 2024, Phe police officers received a report of a Chinese tourist drowning at Ao Tubtim, Koh Samet, Rayong. Local rescue and Rayong medical teams were dispatched to the incident scene and found a Chinese tourist whose name was withheld by the police, 46, in a blue swimsuit, lying on the beach. The rescue teams performed first aid but could not resuscitate the Chinese tourist. Upon investigation, it was found that the Chinese victim had traveled to Koh Samet with other family members. However, the victim swam in the sea alone in Ao Tubtim before drowning. The family told the police that they reportedly attempted to rescue the victim but they were too slow. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-29 - 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

Big Joke says police and Thailand vindicated after German trip where sex abuser recanted his story by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn met with German prosecutors this week on his trip to the European Union country. At length, the 55-year-old German accused Jens Kirch retracted the sensational claims made on a DW TV exposé broadcast on German TV. Previously, he said he paid ฿ 1 million in bribes to be able to leave Thailand after being charged with underage sex abuse in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318293-big-joke-says-police-and-thailand-vindicated-after-german-trip-where-sex-abuser-recanted-hi/

Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn met with German prosecutors this week on his trip to the European Union country. At length, the 55-year-old German accused Jens Kirch retracted the sensational claims made on a DW TV exposé broadcast on German TV. Previously, he said he paid ฿ 1 million in bribes to be able to leave Thailand after being charged with underage sex abuse in Pattaya. Police investigation finds that the Deutsche Welles TV exposé on Pattaya underage sex arrests was unethical. No substance was found in the claims made in the documentary that officials in Pattaya were bribed to let a German businessman fly home after being arrested in an underage sex crackdown. Big Joke or General Surachate Hakparn heralded his trip to Germany as a success this week. It came after a written statement by a 55-year-old German businessman arrested in Pattaya in September 2022 for underage sex, absolved police in the city of complicity in his escape from justice in Thailand. The letter was handed over by German police. Afterwards, General Surachate blamed the media outlet Deutsche Welles TV and unethical behaviour by journalists for the controversy raised in December when an explosive TV exposé was aired in Germany and worldwide online. Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn, on a visit to Germany, has blamed journalists working with Deutsche Welle (DW) for explosive claims in a controversial TV documentary which was banned in Thailand and led to a high-level investigation led by the top cop. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner 2024-01-29 - 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: Parents of a Russian Man who Broke into the Phuket Gov’s Office Personally Apologize By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – The parents of a young Russian man who broke into the Phuket Governor’s office recently personally apologized to the Governor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318292-update-parents-of-a-russian-man-who-broke-into-the-phuket-gov’s-office-personally-apologiz/

Phuket – The parents of a young Russian man who broke into the Phuket Governor’s office recently personally apologized to the Governor. Our previous story: An erratic and unhinged Russian man broke into the Phuket Governor’s office at the Phuket Provincial Hall on Tha Kraeng Road in Talad Nuea, Phuket Town before later trying to steal a motorbike. Now for the update: On Saturday (January 27th) the parents of the 24-year-old Russian man personally visited the Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. They said that they were very sorry to the governor for what their son had done to him and to the Phuket government. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-29 - 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 bar owner arrested in Bang Na for illegal operations by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a swift operation against illegal nightlife activities, police arrested the owner of an unlicensed bar in the Bang Na district of Bangkok and detained four individuals for drug use. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318291-bangkok-bar-owner-arrested-in-bang-na-for-illegal-operations/

In a swift operation against illegal nightlife activities, police arrested the owner of an unlicensed bar in the Bang Na district of Bangkok and detained four individuals for drug use. The raid, which took place in the early hours today, January 28 at the Clio bar on Udomsuk 58 Alley, resulted in the discovery of underage patrons and the seizure of evidence of illegal alcohol sales and drug consumption. Under the command of Deputy Superintendent Nopparat Boonthanom from the Bang Na Police Station, the team, including Deputy Superintendents Aekaphop Likhitthanasombat and Thanasak Sawangsri, executed the raid at 1am. The target was a venue suspected of flouting licensing and drug laws. The operation led to the apprehension of Panatnicha, the 35 year old proprietor, who faces multiple charges, including operating a service establishment without permission and allowing minors to use the premises. During the inspection, authorities found four customers whose urine tested positive for drugs, indicating substance abuse within the establishment. In a proactive approach to tackling drug addiction, the police recorded voluntary statements from the individuals, expressing their consent to undergo rehabilitation, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-29 - 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

270 million baht to be sought for promotion of this year’s Songkran festival The Soft Power Strategy Committee is to request about 270 million baht from the government for the promotion of this year’s Songkran Festival, in an attempt to make it part of the country’s soft power. It is expected that the event will attract more foreign visitors to Thailand and generate about 35 billion baht revenue, according to Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, secretary of the committee. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318290-270-million-baht-to-be-sought-for-promotion-of-this-year’s-songkran-festival/

The Soft Power Strategy Committee is to request about 270 million baht from the government for the promotion of this year’s Songkran Festival, in an attempt to make it part of the country’s soft power. It is expected that the event will attract more foreign visitors to Thailand and generate about 35 billion baht revenue, according to Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, secretary of the committee. He said that the money will be used to fund activities related to Songkran in Bangkok and elsewhere, as well as a promotional campaign which is expected to kick off in February, ahead of the festival in April. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai party and vice chair of the Soft Power Strategy Committee, presided over the launch of “Bangkok Design Week 2024 yesterday, which showcases various designs and creative works by Thai designers and artists from across the country. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-29 - 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

Threat Of Overtourism Returns As Thailand, China Sign Total Visa-Free Travel Deal by TNR Staff Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara at today’s (Jan. 28) signing of a total visa-free travel agreement. THAILAND and China have signed an agreement for the citizens of the two countries to get totally visa-free access, as of March 1, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318288-threat-of-overtourism-returns-as-thailand-china-sign-total-visa-free-travel-deal/

THAILAND and China have signed an agreement for the citizens of the two countries to get totally visa-free access, as of March 1, 2024. The move will set off a renewed boom in Chinese visitors and help the kingdom exceed its original arrival targets for 2024 beyond eight million for Chinese nationals and 35 million in total. It will also lead to the renewed threat of overtourism and all its associated social, cultural and environmental problems. The agreement was signed on Jan. 28 by Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi, who is also a Member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. It is a critical part of a broader plan to mark the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations in 2025 with a sweeping upgrade of economic, political, cultural and transportation linkages. The agreement allows citizens of the two countries a visa-free stay for up to 30 days, and a cumulative period of stays not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period, except for the purposes of residing or engaging in employment, study, media activities or other activities that require prior approval from competent authorities of the other country. In his remarks to the media, Mr. Wang Yi said, “This will surely bring our people-to-people exchanges to a new height. There will be a big increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand. We also welcome friends from Thailand to feel the vitality and vibrancy of China and the hospitality of the Chinese people. China and Thailand are one family. It’s important that our two peoples forge closer friendships and stronger bonds, and embrace a better life.” by TNR Staff TOP: Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara at today’s (Jan. 28) signing of a total visa-free travel agreement. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-01-29 - 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