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A Russian Falcon 10 private jet en route to Moscow crashed in northeastern Afghanistan on Jan. 20 with six people on board, Russian propaganda outlet RIA Novosti reported. Of the six people on board, two were Russian citizens. The plane belongs to the Russian company Athletic Group. It was initially reported that the aircraft was flying from Gaya, India to Zhukovsky, Russia via Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Later, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency clarified that the initial departure point was Thailand's U-Tapao airport. The New Voice of Ukraine A Russian Falcon 10 private jet Full story: Yahoo! 2024-01-22 - 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 bracing for temperature drop due to cold blast from China by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Eutah Mizushima, Unsplash. A new blast of cold air is set to lower temperatures by four degrees Celsius, warns the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD). This weather shift, prompted by a strong high-pressure system from southern China and northern Vietnam, is anticipated to affect the northeastern and eastern parts of Thailand today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317694-thailand-bracing-for-temperature-drop-due-to-cold-blast-from-china/

A new blast of cold air is set to lower temperatures by four degrees Celsius, warns the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD). This weather shift, prompted by a strong high-pressure system from southern China and northern Vietnam, is anticipated to affect the northeastern and eastern parts of Thailand today. The cold weather and strong winds in the northeast are expected to result in a drop of 2-4 degrees Celsius while the eastern region will experience a 1-3 degrees Celsius decrease. With these sudden weather changes, residents in these regions are urged to take care of their health. The north-eastern monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region is also intensifying, leading to increased cloud cover in the southern region. The lower part of the Gulf of Thailand is expected to experience waves of 1-2 metres in height, with areas experiencing thunderstorms likely to have waves higher than 2 metres. Sailers and fishermen in the lower Gulf of Thailand are advised to avoid areas experiencing thunderstorms due to these conditions. The current weather conditions are also resulting in an accumulation of dust particles/ smog in the lower northern, lower north-eastern, central including Bangkok, and eastern regions. This is attributed to the weak winds covering the area and poor air circulation. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Eutah Mizushima, Unsplash. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-22 - 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

Best Bangkok night markets by Ann Carter Stock photo via Trip Savvy Checking out Bangkok’s night markets is one of the most exciting things to do in the city. Here, the capital of Thailand boasts some of the largest markets in the world, with the possibility of bargaining your heart out. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317693-best-bangkok-night-markets/

Checking out Bangkok’s night markets is one of the most exciting things to do in the city. Here, the capital of Thailand boasts some of the largest markets in the world, with the possibility of bargaining your heart out. Tourists and locals alike love visiting the night markets as it is easy to find almost anything you desire. Souvenirs are abound as well as some amazing second-hand goods. Here, we list the best night markets in Bangkok below. 1. Asiatique This ultimate shopping experience combines a night market and mall together to make one great shopping experience. Just 10 minutes away from Saphan Taksin BTS station, Asiatique makes it fun to spend a day shopping. With over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants, shopping is endless. Additionally, if you are done with shopping, the Calypso ladyboy cabaret show is performed nightly. Hours: Daily 11:00am-12:00am Location: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand Asiatique Market 2. Chatuchak Weekend Market The world-renowned Chatuchak Market opens every weekend, but many don’t know you can come there for nighttime shopping on Fridays. Vendors set up their stalls starting around 9 pm and if you get there early, you can get some amazing bargains. If you visit on the weekend, make sure to go in the morning or evening as the market is vast, and the heat can turn your shopping into a sweat bath. However, regardless of the heat, this market is one of the largest in the world, offering just about anything from housewares to pets. Hours: Saturday-Sunday 9:00am-6:00pm ,Wednesday-Thursday 7:00am-6:00pm ,Friday 6:00pm-12:00am Location: Chatuchak Park, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand PHOTO: via Thailand tour Package 3. Khao San Road Khao San Road is known as the most popular place for backpackers to shop and stay as it offers cheap hostels, cheap food and souvenirs. Here, you can bargain with vendors to get the best price while having a bucket of jungle juice. With loads of fun to be had, it is easy to party here while meeting fellow travellers and come home with a souvenir. Moreover, getting a tailor-made suit here is a great choice as they are cheap and nicely fitted to your body. Secondhand book shops are also located here, making it easy to pick up a book before arranging an island tour from one of the travel companies in Khao San Road. Hours: Daily from 3:00pm-2:00am Location: Khao San Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Khao San Market by Ann Carter TOP: Stock photo via Trip Savvy Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-22 - 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

Wang Nam Khieo tourism business calls for measures against wild gaur attacks by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Prasit Tangprasert Tourism business operators from Wang Nam Khieo district in Nakhon Ratchasima have put forward initiatives to tackle the escalating number of incidents involving wild gaurs. These large, wild bulls are causing havoc, attacking individuals, and wreaking destruction on crops. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317692-wang-nam-khieo-tourism-business-calls-for-measures-against-wild-gaur-attacks/

Tourism business operators from Wang Nam Khieo district in Nakhon Ratchasima have put forward initiatives to tackle the escalating number of incidents involving wild gaurs. These large, wild bulls are causing havoc, attacking individuals, and wreaking destruction on crops. The most recent incident occurred on January 11, when a mother and her seven year old daughter were assaulted by a rogue gaur while they were travelling on a motorbike along Highway No. 3052, connecting Wang Nam Khieo and Pak Chong district. The gaur charged at the motorbike, causing it to skid across the road. The young girl was caught in the gaur’s horns and was carried off into the nearby forest as the animal dashed off the road. The terrified mother pursued the gaur, eventually finding her injured daughter roughly 100 metres deep into the forest. The child was initially taken to a local hospital but was later moved to a larger medical facility in the province for further treatment. On Saturday, the Wang Nam Khieo tourism club called upon state agencies to consider installing additional lighting along the highway to improve visibility. There have been several incidents involving wild gaurs and motorists during the night, the club highlighted. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Prasit Tangprasert Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-22 - 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’s Student Loan Fund tackles 100 billion baht in bad debts by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of studentloan The Student Loan Fund (SLF) in Thailand has accumulated bad debts amounting to 100 billion baht (US$2,816,902,000). This is a significant increase from 2017 when the total non-performing loans stood at 60 billion baht. The SLF’s manager, Chainarong Katchapanan, attributes this surge to borrowers prioritising other repayments, such as credit card debt and mortgages, over their student loans. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317689-thailand’s-student-loan-fund-tackles-100-billion-baht-in-bad-debts/

The Student Loan Fund (SLF) in Thailand has accumulated bad debts amounting to 100 billion baht (US$2,816,902,000). This is a significant increase from 2017 when the total non-performing loans stood at 60 billion baht. The SLF’s manager, Chainarong Katchapanan, attributes this surge to borrowers prioritising other repayments, such as credit card debt and mortgages, over their student loans. Cronulla Sharks handed a dream run while Melbourne Storm and Parramatta Eels face horror schedule in 2024 as NRL draw is released, and other top stories from November 13, 2023. The SLF is implementing new measures under the revised Student Loan Fund Act of 2023 with the hope of incentivising borrowers to pay off their outstanding debts. The goal is to decrease the volume of non-performing loans and maintain the fund’s long-term financial stability. The new law has introduced a fresh approach to loan repayment calculations. When a borrower makes a payment on a defaulted loan, the payment is first applied to the principal balance. Once that’s paid off, the money goes towards the accrued interest and, finally, any remaining fines. This is a stark shift from the past, when repayments were first used to cover outstanding fines and interest, with the principal only being paid once these were cleared, reported Bangkok Post. Furthermore, the amended law has set a cap on loan interest at a maximum of 1% per year and a 0.5% annual fine for defaulters. This is a considerable reduction from the previous arrangement, where borrowers were charged 1% per year in interest and a hefty 7.5% fine for defaulting. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of studentloan Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-22 - 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

Ekapop Luengprasert confronts Sai Thong Gang over harassment of Nonthaburi locals by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of tnews Ekapop Luengprasert, a political advisor and founder of the Survive Facebook page, visited the notorious Sai Thong Gang in Nonthaburi today, following reports of their persistent harassment of locals. Ekapop threatened that if the police fail to manage the situation, they should relocate to a crime-free area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317688-ekapop-luengprasert-confronts-sai-thong-gang-over-harassment-of-nonthaburi-locals/

Ekapop Luengprasert, a political advisor and founder of the Survive Facebook page, visited the notorious Sai Thong Gang in Nonthaburi today, following reports of their persistent harassment of locals. Ekapop threatened that if the police fail to manage the situation, they should relocate to a crime-free area. Ekapop, along with his team, visited the Sai Thong Village, known as the gang’s stronghold. They inspected the site where the gang leader, known as Tee Tha Sai, was reported to terrorise locals and children. Today, 18 year old Pornsak Chaisinsorn, a victim of the gang’s violence, joined Ekapop to bring light to the ongoing issue, as his complaint has seen no progress. Pornsak revealed that he was formerly a member of the Sai Thong Gang, which has over 100 members, ranging from 13 to 21 years old. The gang is known for their violent attacks on individuals dressed similarly to the gang members. They are armed with homemade weapons, including knives and guns, the manufacturing of which they learned from YouTube, reported Sanook. Pornsak further shared that two months ago during an attack, he was the only one to escape police capture because he was unarmed. His escape led the gang to believe he had incriminated them, and three gang members brutally attacked him on Soi Samakkhi 6. by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of tnews Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-22 - 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

The Success of a Salesman by Ken Mathis Lohatepanont Back in October, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin argued that he does not merely want people to see him as a prime minister, but as a businessman. “I’m a salesman. I have to sell Thailand’s great products and build investors’ confidence. It’s my duty and mission as the No 1 salesman of the country,” he told a forum hosted by Krungthep Turakij. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317684-the-success-of-a-salesman/

Back in October, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin argued that he does not merely want people to see him as a prime minister, but as a businessman. “I’m a salesman. I have to sell Thailand’s great products and build investors’ confidence. It’s my duty and mission as the No 1 salesman of the country,” he told a forum hosted by Krungthep Turakij. The “national salesman” personal branding is not necessarily a new concept. Indeed, it was most recently used by former commerce minister Jurin Laksanawisit in the previous government. What does feel new, of course, is the intense focus that any prime minister has given on being the salesman. Former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was temperamentally unsuited to the role, and in the past nine years he did not make his presence on the international stage felt. Srettha’s proclivity towards being a national salesman is something that can be welcomed. It is unfortunate, then, that in this early stage of his tenure, Srettha has already seemingly made one mistake that has damaged his ability to be an effective national salesman. Earlier this month, Srettha announced that China has agreed to waive travel visas for Thai nationals beginning in March, following Thailand’s unilateral decision to waive visas for Chinese travelers last year in a bid to boost tourism. by Ken Mathis Lohatepanont Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 2024-01-22 - 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 - Monday 22 January 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317683-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-22-january-2024/

Prime Minister Thavisins government will carefully consider concerns raised by critics of the Land Bridge megaproject. The PM, currently visiting the project site in Ranong was responding to calls by critics for the government to listen to their concerns about the impact of the Land Bridge project on local residents. The government is to submit a plan addressing the problem of PM2.5 fine dust particles following an order from a court in Chiang Mai, earlier a complaint had been submitted to the court by a local community group. Officials will formulate the plan but the government said there had been a significant decline in fine dust levels in Chiang Mai compared to January 2020. Police arrested a 53 year old man in Buriram for allegedly supplying fake US dollar bills. He is suspected of supplying 790, fake $100 dollar bills. He was charged with being in possession of forged foreign currency and handling 18 bullets. The man was also in possession of a registered pistol. A private jet that took off from U Tapau airport near Pattaya over the weekend was reported to have crashed over Afghanistan. All 6 people on board were believed to have been Russian citizens heading to Moscow. Around the region The Philippines’ music-loving President is drawing criticism online for using a government helicopter to fly over Manila’s horrendous traffic to see a concert by Coldplay. A video showered president Marcos and his wife seeping from the chopper in a field next to the stadium. Manila is said to have some of the worst city traffic in the world. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny, 31C Bangkok: Sunny, partly cloudy 34C Pattaya: Partly cloudy with showers 31C Phuket and the south: Partly cloudy with showers 31C Hua Hin: Sunny, light cloud 33C AQI Orange which is high. 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 2024-01-22 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

Underage Revelers Found in Unlicensed Nightclub Pictrure: Thai Rath Police from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) raided the "Miw Prachachuen" nightclub, discovering 13 individuals under the age of 20. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317682-underage-revelers-found-in-unlicensed-nightclub/

Police from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) raided the "Miw Prachachuen" nightclub, discovering 13 individuals under the age of 20. Upon inspection, the establishment lacked the required license to operate as a nightclub. The person in charge now faces four charges, and DOPA officials emphasized that they will not tolerate such violations. The investigative team, led by Pol. Col. Santi Korkasem, Deputy Director of DOPA, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Woraprat Wutthiraksak, Pol. Lt. Col. Piyarat Wesasakolsol, Pol. Lt. Col. Moradom Kwangmuang, and Pol. Lt. Col. Prawamporn Pathanawat, from the Women and Children Protection Unit, deployed two teams to inspect "Miw Prachachuen" located at 50 Rangrak North Municipality Road, Lad Yao, Chatuchak District, Bangkok, reported Thai Rath. Upon arrival, the officers found a one-story building hosting a lively nightclub atmosphere with a large group of revelers enjoying music, dancing, and merriment. Authorities immediately halted the music and instructed the venue to turn on bright lights for substance checks and verification of the age of the patrons. Thirteen underage individuals, comprising three males and ten females, were identified and found to be illegally using the services. Simultaneously, the investigative team apprehended Mr. Pongphan Sornsawas, a 31-year-old resident of Nonthaburi, who was responsible for the venue. He is now facing charges related to operating without a permit, selling alcohol outside regulated hours, exceeding the alcohol content limit, and knowingly allowing individuals under 20 years old to use the services. Following the arrest, the underage patrons were detained, and Mr. Pongphan Sornsawas is set to be prosecuted. At noon, Pol. Col. Sanyya Ubolyviriyakul, Director of DOPA, revealed that the establishment was operating as a semi-nightclub and restaurant. Despite ongoing checks on January 19 and 20, authorities had not overlooked any violations, including urine tests for tourists. Subsequent legal actions will involve recommending the closure of the establishment. Picture: Thai Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-01-22 - 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

Suspect In Dismemberment Of Myanmar Man Has Fled The Country: Police by TNR Staff Police inspecting the crime scene with the freezer in which the murder victim’s dismembered body parts were found inset. Photo: Amarin TV FIVE FRIENDS of a Myanmar man found his dismembered body parts in a freezer at a shophouse in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district where they all had stayed temporarily as arranged by their Indian job agent this afternoon (Jan. 21) but police said the suspect has now fled the country, Amarin TV said this evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317677-suspect-in-dismemberment-of-myanmar-man-has-fled-the-country-police/

FIVE FRIENDS of a Myanmar man found his dismembered body parts in a freezer at a shophouse in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district where they all had stayed temporarily as arranged by their Indian job agent this afternoon (Jan. 21) but police said the suspect has now fled the country, Amarin TV said this evening. At 3 p.m. Pol. Lt. Col. Chakri Disjai, an inspector at Tha Kham police station, rushed to a shophouse in Soi Sakae Ngam 35/3, Samae Dam subdistrict, with a police team upon getting a report that a dismembered body was found there. At this three-storey shophouse they found the brand new freezer in one of the two rooms on the second floor which was otherwise empty with the murdered man’s dismembered body parts placed within. There were blood stains on the wall and floor of the adjacent bathroom. At the other room on this floor they found an electric saw and two knives in a box beneath a bed. Police are in the process of identifying the murder victim and determining the motive for this gruesome crime. by TNR Staff TOP: Police inspecting the crime scene with the freezer in which the murder victim’s dismembered body parts were found inset. Photo: Amarin TV Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-01-22 - 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

Rescuers Save Lives of 2 Grandparents Stuck in BTS Elevator for Over 1 Hour Picture: Siam Rath Rescue workers rushed to the scene to help two people who were trapped inside a BTS elevator for more than an hour before being rescued. The incident took place at the National Stadium BTS station on Rama 1 Road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317675-rescuers-save-lives-of-2-grandparents-stuck-in-bts-elevator-for-over-1-hour/

Rescue workers arrived at the scene to help two people who were trapped inside a BTS elevator for more than an hour before being rescued. The incident took place at the National Stadium BTS station on Rama 1 Road. On January 21, at 8:00 AM, a Poh Teck Tung Rescue Team received a report of people losing consciousness inside the BTS elevator at the National Stadium station. Rescue equipment and a medical team from the police hospital were dispatched to the scene. Upon initial observation, it was noted that the elevator, where the grandparents were stuck, was about 4 meters deep in the middle of its shaft. Subsequently, elevator technicians from BTS were called in along with their personnel. The technicians attempted to use backup power but faced delays. Meanwhile, rescue workers made a phone call to the trapped grandparents below to inquire about their condition. The grandmother responded that she was conscious but struggling to breathe due to the lack of ventilation. By 8:30 AM, the technicians expedited the use of backup power, causing the elevator to ascend to the top. Both grandparents were found safe, and the police hospital medical team provided oxygen to the grandmother and grandfather. They had been inside the elevator for nearly an hour. When questioned, the grandparents explained that they had traveled from the Jantana Road area to conduct business near the National Stadium. After taking the BTS and descending to the station, the elevator malfunctioned, leading to an unexpected one-hour ordeal. Following the incident, the rescue team provided oxygen, and paramedics assisted before the grandparents boarded a bus to continue their journey safely. This happened amid a large crowd of commuters patiently waiting for transportation. Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-01-22 - 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

Safety controls on firework factories in Suphan Buri to be strengthened Suphan Buri provincial authorities have been instructed by the governor to tighten up safety controls on the about 10 firework factories still operating in the province, to prevent a repetition of last week’s explosion, which killed 23 people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317674-safety-controls-on-firework-factories-in-suphan-buri-to-be-strengthened/

Suphan Buri provincial authorities have been instructed by the governor to tighten up safety controls on the about 10 firework factories still operating in the province, to prevent a repetition of last week’s explosion, which killed 23 people. Governor Natthapat Suwanprateep said that most of these factories do not have an operating license from the Industrial Works Department and they usually hire villagers, who have no knowledge of or experience in the handling of the volatile substances used in the making of pyrotechnics. Most such factories are not required to be licensed, because they are small, hire only a handful of people and are equipped with machinery of a limited size. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-22 - 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

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today that he is open to all, including divergent opinions about the major land bridge project in southern Thailand and is expecting to meet with supporters and opponents during his second mobile cabinet meeting in Ranong province tomorrow. The land bridge is a significant government logistics project, aimed at facilitating the transport of cargo, including oil, from Thailand’s west coast, in Ranong province, to its east coast, in Chumphon province, via a motorway, pipeline and rail system, enabling shippers to bypass the busy maritime choke point in the Strait of Malacca. The prime minister said that the government is ready to explain the details and importance of the project to those who oppose it, for fear that it may cause environmental problems and threaten their livelihoods or fishing grounds, adding that his visit to Ranong is an indication that the government attaches importance to the local people and to their opinions. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-22 - 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

IndiGo launches flights from Hyderabad to Bangkok late February bi Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Mint Indian airline IndiGo announced the launch of daily nonstop flights between Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) starting February 26. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317672-indigo-launches-flights-from-hyderabad-to-bangkok-late-february/