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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has predicted that almost a million foreign tourists will visit the kingdom during the Chinese New Year festival, which runs from February 8th to 16th, generating an estimated 28 billion baht in revenues. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said that the number of foreign arrivals, especially from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, is expected to increase by 29% compared to last year. Arrivals from China during this year’s festival are forecast to increase threefold, to about 150,000, while arrivals from Taiwan and Hong Kong are expected to increase by 137%. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-24 - 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

Belgian fugitive convicted for attempted murder arrested in Thailand by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Immigration Bureau A Belgian fugitive, previously convicted in Belgium for charges of attempted murder, has been apprehended in Patong, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317914-belgian-fugitive-convicted-for-attempted-murder-arrested-in-thailand/

A Belgian fugitive, previously convicted in Belgium for charges of attempted murder, has been apprehended in Patong, Thailand. The 36 year old man, known only by the name Achmal, had been operating as a DJ in a local nightlife establishment for a number of years. Achmal was taken into custody by Phuket Immigration officers from an apartment in Patong, according to the Deputy Chief of the Immigration Bureau, Police Major General Phanthana Nuchanart. He announced the arrest during a press conference in Bangkok yesterday, January 23. The specifics of Achmal’s apprehension, including the date and location, remained undisclosed, as did the name of the club where he was employed as a DJ. According to Maj. Gen. Phanthana, Achmal held dual citizenship, with passports issued by Belgium and Morocco. His arrest was in response to a Criminal Court Arrest Warrant, numbered 878/2566, dated December 15, 2023. The charges laid against Achmal were severe. He was found guilty of attempting to murder another person with premeditation, carrying a firearm without permission, and possession of ammunition spare parts or accessories which were installed on a firearm without permission, as disclosed by Maj. Gen. Phanthana. The Court of Appeal of Brussels had previously sentenced Achmal to a decade in prison, reported The Phuket News. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Immigration Bureau Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-24 - 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

Wealthy heiress found dead in Chanthaburi, police suspect foul play by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod The mysterious death of a wealthy heiress from a prominent family has shocked the community in Chanthaburi province. Today, early at 6.10am, local police led by Police Major General Phadungsak Raksasuk arrived at the residence, a house behind an old petrol station in Ma Kham district, to investigate the circumstances leading to the untimely demise of 77 year old Panithi Kosalanan in a swimming pool. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317912-wealthy-heiress-found-dead-in-chanthaburi-police-suspect-foul-play/

The mysterious death of a wealthy heiress from a prominent family has shocked the community in Chanthaburi province. Today, early at 6.10am, local police led by Police Major General Phadungsak Raksasuk arrived at the residence, a house behind an old petrol station in Ma Kham district, to investigate the circumstances leading to the untimely demise of 77 year old Panithi Kosalanan in a swimming pool. Panithi, belonging to a family well-known for a notorious land inheritance dispute that escalated to a deadly shooting at the Chanthaburi courthouse in 2019, was found floating lifelessly in a fruit orchard’s pool, approximately 100 metres from her home. The investigation revealed no signs of a break-in, with belongings seemingly untouched, except for the absence of certain critical items, including surveillance cameras, a server, and essential loan-related documents. The local police force, under the command of Pol. Maj. Gen. Phadungsak, meticulously combed through the scene and gathered additional evidence from within the house. Their initial findings indicated that the house was in its usual state, with no evidence of ransacking, fueling speculation that the incident was carried out by someone with professional skills who knew the victim well rather than a random act of violence, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-24 - 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

Man posing as undercover cop with BB gun arrested in Chon Buri by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Chaos erupted in the municipality of Ban Bueng, Chon Buri province, when a 40 year old man, under the influence of drugs, terrorised residents by brandishing a gun and claiming to be an undercover police officer. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317910-man-posing-as-undercover-cop-with-bb-gun-arrested-in-chon-buri/

Chaos erupted in the municipality of Ban Bueng, Chon Buri province, when a 40 year old man, under the influence of drugs, terrorised residents by brandishing a gun and claiming to be an undercover police officer. The incident occurred around 10.30pm yesterday, January 23, and ended with the man’s arrest by local authorities. The man, identified only as Sorachai to protect his privacy, had attracted the attention of the community due to his erratic behaviour and incoherent speech. Sorachai’s alarming actions prompted a swift response from the police, who attempted to negotiate with him to ensure a peaceful resolution. However, Sorachai, who was wearing a black vest, remained uncooperative. In response to the escalating situation, community leaders were called upon to assist with the negotiations. It was during a moment of distraction that Sorachai, along with Bee, a woman presumed to be his wife, was apprehended by a combined force of community members and police officers. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-24 - 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

Heightened security around Constitutional Court on Pita’s judgement day Police have been increasing security around the Constitutional Court since early this morning, as supporters of the Move Forward party and other political groups are expected to show up to offer moral support to the former party leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317909-heightened-security-around-constitutional-court-on-pita’s-judgement-day/

Police have been increasing security around the Constitutional Court since early this morning, as supporters of the Move Forward party and other political groups are expected to show up to offer moral support to the former party leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Steel barricades were erected around the Prince Ratchaburi Direkrit building, where the Constitutional Court is located. Only authorised personnel are being allowed entry to the building. Metropolitan Police officers have also been deployed outside the court to keep the peace. Members of the media were asked by court officials to identify themselves, their media outlets and phone numbers before being allowed into the central hall and guest room on the second floor of the court building. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-24 - 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 probes private ownership of 153 lions after Pattaya Bentley incident (video) Photo of Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of paga.gennari Tiktok Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation revealed that there are 153 lions in the possession of 24 Thai nationals, highlighting the controlled status of these wild animals and the legal requirement to declare ownership. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317838-big-cat-cruising/?do=findComment&comment=18640981

Thailand probes private ownership of 153 lions after Pattaya Bentley incident (video) Photo of Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of paga.gennari Tiktok Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation revealed that there are 153 lions in the possession of 24 Thai nationals, highlighting the controlled status of these wild animals and the legal requirement to declare ownership. This announcement comes amidst a high-profile investigation following the circulation of a video showing a lion being driven around Pattaya in a Bentley, which drew significant public attention. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, today ordered Naruephon Tipmontha, Director of the Forest Fire Control Division, to initiate an inquiry. The investigation began with identifying the Bentley Continental GTC registered in Phuket, which was seen in the viral video. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-24 - 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 ‘safari’ with Bentleys & Lions, Thai PM on southern spending spree - Tim Newton Today - Jan 24 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317908-pattaya-‘safari’-with-bentleys-lions-thai-pm-on-southern-spending-spree-tim-newton-today-jan-24/

Thailand news - The Thai PM, and cabinet, were in southern Thailand yesterday throwing money at a list of smaller projects as they drum up support for the Land Bridge mega-project, a lion cub, causing around in an open-top Bentley in Pattaya, has captured the imagination of all of Thailand's media and social media. Pita Limjareonrat, former leader of the Move Forward Party, and PM candidate, learns about his fate today from the Thai Constitutional Court. The Chinese Submarines for the Royal Thai Navy, are up for discussions again by a new panel, and 8 year old 'Shane' from Pattaya is attempting to kite surf his way across the Gulf of Thailand today - 110 kilometres to Hua Hin. Good luck Shane! Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Late night kitchen blaze claims three young lives in Phichit by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Three young lives were tragically lost to a fierce house fire that erupted late last night in Phichit province, with two others sustaining serious injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317907-late-night-kitchen-blaze-claims-three-young-lives-in-phichit/

Three young lives were tragically lost to a fierce house fire that erupted late last night in Phichit province, with two others sustaining serious injuries. The blaze, which police and emergency services responded around 1.30am today, January 24, is believed to have begun in the kitchen of the two-story dwelling, according to a 14 year old survivor who reported hearing an explosion before the flames quickly spread. The devastating incident occurred at a residence in the Wang Krot sub-district of Phichit, where a group of male youths, all relatives, had gathered for the night. The 14 year old, one of the survivors, recounted that the group had finished their evening meal between 10pm and 11pm and had gone to sleep upstairs. He awoke to the sound of an explosion from the kitchen and saw sparks igniting into a rapid inferno. As the fire engulfed the house, built with a combination of wood on the upper floor and concrete below, firefighters battled for more than two hours to bring the situation under control. The aftermath was harrowing, with three young people found deceased, their bodies severely burnt. The deceased was identified as 19 year old Nattawat (surname withheld), a 7 year old boy known as A (a pseudonym), trapped in a bedroom, and 18 year old Anuwat (surname withheld), found in the hallway, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-24 - 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 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Join us now!

Authorities Order Demolition of Encroaching Resorts PHETCHABUN, Jan 24 (TNA) – The Director-General of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has issued an order to demolish two resorts, encroaching on the Khao Kho National Park area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317904-authorities-order-demolition-of-encroaching-resorts/

PHETCHABUN, Jan 24 (TNA) – The Director-General of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has issued an order to demolish two resorts, encroaching on the Khao Kho National Park area. The directive comes after a group of more than ten people obstructed the access to the resorts, preventing authorities from carrying out the demolition. Legal action will be taken against them. Several Hmong hill tribe people blocked the road leading to Khao Kho, preventing Mr. Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, the director of the National Park Office, and a team of administrative officials from proceeding with the demolition of two resorts, namely “Phutubberk Suansawan Resort” and “Good View-Hot View Phutubberk,” located within the Khao Kho National Park. These resorts had been previously ordered for removal. The group carried a placard indicating the prohibition of passage. Full story: TNA-MCOT 2024-01-24 - 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

Mobile Cabinet allocates 552 million baht for Andaman Coast development by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Phuket Info Center (Facebook) A total of 552 million baht (US$15 million) has been allocated by the mobile Cabinet towards the development of 18 new projects across six southern provinces on the Andaman Coast. Full stoy: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317903-mobile-cabinet-allocates-552-million-baht-for-andaman-coast-development/

A total of 552 million baht (US$15 million) has been allocated by the mobile Cabinet towards the development of 18 new projects across six southern provinces on the Andaman Coast. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday after a Cabinet meeting in Ranong. The projects, proposed by the Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee responsible for the southern provinces on the Andaman Coast, have been approved. These provinces include Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, Phuket, Ranong, and Satun. Funds for these projects will be sourced from the central budget’s emergency and urgent expenditure reserve for fiscal 2023. Among the approved projects, 13 were presented by the government and valued at a total of 350 million baht (US$9.7 million), whilst the private sector proposed five projects worth 202 million baht (US$5.6 million), reported Bangkok Post. The state-proposed ventures comprise the Community Marina Project, aimed at fostering trade and tourism along the Andaman Coast, and the enhancement of landfill areas for waste management in Phuket. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-24 - 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

8-year-old set to kite foil across the Gulf of Thailand this week! By Online Reporter Thanawat “Shane” Promwaen, the remarkable 8-year-old kite & wing foiling prodigy from Thailand, is gearing up for a record-breaking journey across the Gulf of Thailand on Wednesday, 24 January. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317902-8-year-old-set-to-kite-foil-across-the-gulf-of-thailand-this-week/

Thanawat “Shane” Promwaen, the remarkable 8-year-old kite & wing foiling prodigy from Thailand, is gearing up for a record-breaking journey across the Gulf of Thailand on Wednesday, 24 January. In a demonstration of remarkable skill and determination, 8-year-old Shane from Pattaya is set to cover an impressive 110 kilometers (70 miles) from Pattaya to Pak Nam Pran, near Hua Hin, setting a record for the youngest ever to achieve the crossing by kite foil. Born on 11 February, 2015, Shane has been making waves in the world of kite and wing foiling since the tender age of three and his latest adventure is a significant step in his preparation for international competitions in 2024. Shane balances his academics in the 3rd grade with an intensive training schedule, guided by his biggest mentors, his parents. But currently too young to compete, he relies on special invitations into adult competitions. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-01-24 - 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

Infant with critical heart defect rushed to Bangkok for life-saving surgery by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Channel 7 A seven-month-old baby with a critical heart condition was successfully transferred to Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok for emergency life-saving surgery after showing signs of severe distress and requiring a ventilator. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317901-infant-with-critical-heart-defect-rushed-to-bangkok-for-life-saving-surgery/

A seven-month-old baby with a critical heart condition was successfully transferred to Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok for emergency life-saving surgery after showing signs of severe distress and requiring a ventilator. The infant’s journey from the Nong Khai border region included bypassing the city of Udon Thani via Mittraphap Road and onward through Khon Kaen to the capital. Today, at 1.20pm, the young child, a boy of only seven months, arrived at Chulalongkorn Hospital. He had been suffering from a severe heart defect known as a leak in the lower chambers of the heart. The medical condition had turned the child’s complexion to a worrying shade of blue, indicating oxygen deprivation, and necessitated the use of a ventilator to aid his breathing. The transfer from the northeastern border province of Nong Khai was a race against time. Starting at 7.30am earlier that day, medical personnel carefully monitored the infant’s precarious condition throughout the transport. The intricate journey covered 700 kilometres, bypassing major urban areas to ensure the quickest possible transit to the hospital in Bangkok. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Channel 7 Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-24 - 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

Probe into e-cigarette sales by officer’s wife sparks police ethics inquiry by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via BMC blog network Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) police are investigating allegations that a police officer provided his wife with confiscated e-cigarettes to sell online for profit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317898-probe-into-e-cigarette-sales-by-officer’s-wife-sparks-police-ethics-inquiry/

Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) police are investigating allegations that a police officer provided his wife with confiscated e-cigarettes to sell online for profit. This inquiry was initiated after a Facebook page disclosed information regarding the alleged incident. The Deputy Chief of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, Athasit Sudsanguan, revealed that the National Police Chief, Torsak Sukwimon, was aware of the situation and had ordered a factual investigation. Currently, the Chief of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, Worawat Wattanakornbancha, directed Chusak Kasetnid, the Commander of the Crime Suppression and Analysis Division, to coordinate with the Esor crushes the news, which was the first to disclose the information. They aim to obtain the original post or the source of the images and information, which showed a police officer, presumed to be with his wife, selling seized e-cigarettes online. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via BMC blog network Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-24 - 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 Initially, the division did not know the identity or the affiliation of the officer in the picture. However, the woman featured in the news images has posted a statement denying any involvement in selling the seized items as claimed.