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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. IndiGo’s Airbus A320 family aircraft will be your chariot on this exhilarating journey, as it swoops into Bangkok, marking its 14th international destination from HYD. In a head-to-head battle, IndiGo goes wing-to-wing with Thai Airways, introducing formidable competition on this coveted route. Thai Airways, currently reigning with Boeing 787-8 flights, now faces a challenger that’s ready to take on the skies in style. This launch propels IndiGo’s international destinations from eight to an impressive 14, all within a year since February last year. IndiGo already dominates the skies with flights to Bangkok from five Indian cities – Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. bi Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Mint 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

New zoning areas for water sports set for Hua Hin beach By Online Reporter File photo Hua Hin’s Mayor, Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul, presided over a meeting with local water sports operators as part of plans to enhance tourist safety and regulate water sports activities on Hua Hin beach. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317671-new-zoning-areas-for-water-sports-set-for-hua-hin-beach/

Hua Hin’s Mayor, Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul, presided over a meeting with local water sports operators as part of plans to enhance tourist safety and regulate water sports activities on Hua Hin beach. The meeting, which took place at the Pool Suk Room in the Hua Hin Municipality Office on January 18, was also attended by Deputy Mayor Mr. Atichart Chaisri, representatives from various local and provincial agencies, including the Hua Hin District Office, Provincial Police, Pranburi Marine Police, and the Hua Hin Tourist Police. The primary objective of the meeting was to communicate the latest regulations and legal requirements essential for conducting water sports activities, focusing on ensuring the safety of tourists and participants. By Online Reporter File photo Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 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

Famed Isaan monk blesses 301 truck plates to bring prosperity in Surin by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook A 97 year old southern Isaan monk blessed 301 registration plates for pick-up trucks. The ceremony took place at Wat Phattanathammaram, also known as Wat Ban Dan Chong Chom, in Surin Province. The event aimed to bring luck and prosperity to the winning bidders. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317670-famed-isaan-monk-blesses-301-truck-plates-to-bring-prosperity-in-surin/ Full story:

A 97 year old southern Isaan monk blessed 301 registration plates for pick-up trucks. The ceremony took place at Wat Phattanathammaram, also known as Wat Ban Dan Chong Chom, in Surin Province. The event aimed to bring luck and prosperity to the winning bidders. The ceremony, held yesterday, saw Sahachai Kampoon from the Surin Transport Office, along with other officials from the transport office, participate in the Buddhist consecration ceremony. These 301 registration plates, bearing the letters บษ, a phrase meaning completed with property, receiving the fortune of a millionaire, were blessed by Luang Phu Heng Paphaso, the revered abbot of Wat Phattanathammaram. Luang Phu Heng Paphaso, a revered figure in southern Isaan, has been dubbed the God of Fortune. He was born in August 1927, during the Year of the Rabbit. His parents were Cambodian but moved to Thailand during the French colonial era. They settled in Ban Prasat Village, Ta Ong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province, where they farmed and raised their 13 children, with Luang Phu Heng being the seventh, reported Sanook. by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook 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

New tiger discovery in Chumphon province’s forests sparks transboundary patrol theory by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Three tigers, believed to traverse between Thailand and Myanmar, have been discovered in Chumphon province’s forests. The big cats were detected last Friday in the Tanao Sri Mountain Range, which forms the border between the two countries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317669-new-tiger-discovery-in-chumphon-province’s-forests-sparks-transboundary-patrol-theory/

Three tigers, believed to traverse between Thailand and Myanmar, have been discovered in Chumphon province’s forests. The big cats were detected last Friday in the Tanao Sri Mountain Range, which forms the border between the two countries. The tigers are suspected of patrolling the forests of Duang Charoen, Nern Thong, and Chong Kamew in the Ta Sae district’s Song Pee Noing subdistrict. According to Attapon Charoenchansa, head of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), continuous monitoring suggests that these tigers regularly cross between Thailand and Myanmar. The revelation is a result of a collaborative investigation by the DNP and the Bangkok-based Freeland Foundation, a renowned anti-trafficking organisation. The survey focused on tiger populations within the Tanao Sri Mountain Range, which encompasses areas along the Thai border and Lenya National Park on the Myanmar side. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation 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

US warns Thai navy over salvage operations of sunk HTMS Sukhothai by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) received a second warning from the Joint United States Military Advisory Group Thailand (Jusmagthai) over salvage operations on the US-built HTMS Sukhothai, which sank in the Gulf of Thailand back in 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317668-us-warns-thai-navy-over-salvage-operations-of-sunk-htms-sukhothai/

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) received a second warning from the Joint United States Military Advisory Group Thailand (Jusmagthai) over salvage operations on the US-built HTMS Sukhothai, which sank in the Gulf of Thailand back in 2022. This information was revealed by Bangkok’s Move Forward Party MP, Chayaphon Satondee, during a parliamentary debate on the 2024 budget bill. Chayaphon explained that Jusmagthai, the body regulating military trade between Thailand and the US, had expressed concern that the RTN has not yet responded to US queries since the ship went under on December 18, 2022. On December 1, Jusmagthai sent a second letter to the RTN, reminding it to comply with their agreement, following reports that a Thai contractor working with China had been selected to salvage the vessel. The first letter from Jusmagthai was delivered in January last year, but the RTN has yet to inform the US about the situation. Chayaphon emphasised that the RTN is obliged to secure approval for third-party transfer from the US government for the contractor’s clearance, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post 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

Talks On Reopening Gate To Preah Vihear Temple Urged by TNR Staff The locked gate to the direct access to Preah Vihear temple ruins. Photo: Naewna SOME Sisaket MPs want Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to negotiate with Cambodian leader Hun Manet on reopening the gate to Preah Vihear temple ruins from Khao Phra Viharn National Park on the Thai side during his visit to the neighbouring country next month, Naewna newspaper said today (Jan. 20). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317667-talks-on-reopening-gate-to-preah-vihear-temple-urged/

The locked gate to the direct access to Preah Vihear temple ruins. Photo: Naewna SOME Sisaket MPs want Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to negotiate with Cambodian leader Hun Manet on reopening the gate to Preah Vihear temple ruins from Khao Phra Viharn National Park on the Thai side during his visit to the neighbouring country next month, Naewna newspaper said today (Jan. 20). Dr. Phumin Lee Teeraprasert, a Pheu Thai MP for Sisaket’s constituency 4, said on Jan. 2 he and six other Phue Thai MPs for this province had an opportunity to ask to Srettha start the negotiations on reopening this access to the Unesco World Heritage Site and he scheduled a meeting for Wednesday Jan. 24 on this issue prior to his visit to Cambodia on Feb. 7. In 1962, after a lengthy dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over ownership, the International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled that the temple was in Cambodia. by TNR Staff TOP: The locked gate to the direct access to Preah Vihear temple ruins. Photo: Naewna 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

Riot Erupts Among 100 Detained Juveniles in Nakhon Ratchasima By Kittisak Phalaharn Nakhon Ratchasima—At 10:30 AM, on January 21st, 2024, the Nakhon Ratchasima Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection (DJOP), District 3, reported to Pho Klang police officers regarding a riot of more than 100 detained juveniles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317666-riot-erupts-among-100-detained-juveniles-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

Nakhon Ratchasima—At 10:30 AM, on January 21st, 2024, the Nakhon Ratchasima Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection (DJOP), District 3, reported to Pho Klang police officers regarding a riot of more than 100 detained juveniles. The Pho Klang police were sent to control the situation. After the riot, Nakhon Ratchasima rescue teams transferred 24 injured juveniles to Maharat Hospital and Debaratana Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima. It was reported that an undisclosed number of detained juveniles suffered minor injuries and were sent back to the DJOP shortly after, Thai local media reported. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

57-year-old local political player mercilessly gunned down after a funeral in Nakhon Si Thammarat by James Morris and Son Nguyen 57-year-old Suriyan Anuphak (left) was ruthlessly assassinated on Thursday night in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Senior police briefed the media on Friday, saying they were open-minded but confident of apprehending the local official’s killer. Political power play or something more personal? In another chilling murder, a prominent local political figure, Mr Suriyan Anuphak, was ruthlessly gunned down in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317665-57-year-old-local-political-player-mercilessly-gunned-down-after-a-funeral-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

Political power play or something more personal? In another chilling murder, a prominent local political figure, Mr Suriyan Anuphak, was ruthlessly gunned down in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The 57-year-old, known for his political clout, fell victim to a shotgun attack, sustaining 30 wounds mainly in the chest area. A local political player in Nakhon Si Thammarat was gunned down late on Thursday night. Police are confident of hunting down the assassin who appeared out of the shadows as the 57-year-old opened the door of his blue pickup truck after attending a funeral. Officers are simultaneously pursuing a number of lines of enquiry and keeping an open mind on the case. Police in Nakhon Si Thammarat are investigating the murder of a local political figure who was gunned down on Thursday. In brief, Mr Suriyan Anuphak, a well-known former sub-inspector and current assistant village headman, met a violent death at the end of shotgun blasts. Horrifically, the deceased was left with no less than 30 body wounds. by James Morris and Son Nguyen TOP" 57-year-old Suriyan Anuphak (left) was ruthlessly assassinated on Thursday night in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Senior police briefed the media on Friday, saying they were open-minded but confident of apprehending the local official’s killer. Full story: Thai Examiner.com 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

29-year-old turned down position as an MP and resigned from Bhumjaithai Party in a striking move by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor 29 year old Chontida Asavahame (right), pictured with her mother, well known singer, recording artist and Samut Prakan politician, Nantida Kaewbuasai. Ms Nantida is, at this time, Chief Executive of the Provincial Administrative Organisation in Samut Prakan. In a stunning act, 29-year-old actress and singer, Chontida Asavahame, rejects an MP seat and leaves the Bhumjaithai Party. The daughter of a powerful political dynasty, her decision is linked to Thailand’s dynastic politics, especially following the death of her influential father, Chonsawat Asavahame, last year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317664-29-year-old-turned-down-position-as-an-mp-and-resigned-from-bhumjaithai-party-in-a-striking-move/

In a stunning act, 29-year-old actress and singer, Chontida Asavahame, rejects an MP seat and leaves the Bhumjaithai Party. The daughter of a powerful political dynasty, her decision is linked to Thailand’s dynastic politics, especially following the death of her influential father, Chonsawat Asavahame, last year. A stunningly beautiful 29-year-old actress, singer and local politician on Friday renounced her position in the Bhumjaithai Party. In effect, she turned her back on a seat as an MP in parliament and a voice in national politics. The daughter of a powerful and wealthy political dynasty in Samut Prakan instead chose to focus on local politics. On Friday, we got an interesting glimpse into the dynamics of dynastic politics in Thailand. In an unexpected turn, Chontida Asavahame, the fifth candidate on Bhumjaithai’s Party list who would automatically have become an MP when the former Minister of Transport, Saksayam Chidchob resigned on Wednesday after a Constitutional Court ruling against him, instead declined the role. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor TOP: 29 year old Chontida Asavahame (right), pictured with her mother, well known singer, recording artist and Samut Prakan politician, Nantida Kaewbuasai. Ms Nantida is, at this time, Chief Executive of the Provincial Administrative Organisation in Samut Prakan. Full story: Thai Examiner.com 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

Elephant Rampage at Suphanburi Red Cross Fair: Three People Slightly Injured, One Critically Injured, After Teasing Incident By Kittisak Phalaharn Suphanburi—On January 20th, 2024, Thai local media reported an irritated elephant attacking people at the Suphanburi Provincial Red Cross fair in Suphanburi, causing four injuries with one person in critical condition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317663-elephant-rampage-at-suphanburi-red-cross-fair-three-people-slightly-injured-one-critically-injured-after-teasing-incident/

Suphanburi—On January 20th, 2024, Thai local media reported an irritated elephant attacking people at the Suphanburi Provincial Red Cross fair in Suphanburi, causing four injuries with one person in critical condition. The annual Don Chedi Memorial and Red Cross fair was held from January 18th to February 1st, and on the incident day, many people went to the fair to watch an elephant show and feed elephants. However, while a mother elephant and a calf were preparing for the show, one of the fair-goers allegedly teased the calf, causing the mother elephant to become angry and attack people, according to Thai local media. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Thai Cannabis Network Seeks Clarity on New Draft Bill: Concerns Over Many Parts of the Bill By Kittisak Phalaharn On January 19th, 2024, Mr. Prasitchai Nunual, the secretary-general of the network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, spoke about Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai Minister of Public Health, regarding the draft Cannabis and Hemp bill. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317662-thai-cannabis-network-seeks-clarity-on-new-draft-bill-concerns-over-many-parts-of-the-bill/

On January 19th, 2024, Mr. Prasitchai Nunual, the secretary-general of the network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, spoke about Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai Minister of Public Health, regarding the draft Cannabis and Hemp bill. Using cannabis for health benefits must have a valid prescription from a physician under the draft bill, however, smoking marijuana in public areas would annoy others. Therefore, smoking marijuana should not be in public areas, remarked Prasitchai. Smoking marijuana should be in designated areas only like cigarettes, said Prasitchai. Herbal treatments using cannabis were a traditional method whether by smoking, eating, or other means. Prasitchai questioned Dr. Cholnan on how to differentiate that if a single roll of marijuana was medicinal or recreational. There has also been significant concern that the proposed fine of 60,000 Baht if caught using marijuana recreationally could be potentially abused by corrupt law enforcement to extort people, especially tourists and foreigners. This was doubly true if the judge of if using marijuana was recreational or medical was left to police. The new bill stated that it completely prohibited recreational purposes, emphasizing the use for medical and health prospects. However, no clear measures indicated the protection of consumers from marijuana smoke in public areas, remarked Prasitchai. It has also been suggested that allowing cafes where people can smoke with experts on staff without bothering others would be preferred over public area use. The Thai government aimed to control the use of marijuana as an illicit substance and drafted the bill with very strict measures compared to the control of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes which were allowed to be used for recreational purposes, said Prasitchai. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Chinese Tourist Fatally Falls from Speed Boat at the Similan Islands in Phang Nga By Kittisak Phalaharn Phang Nga—At 1:45 PM, on January 20th, 2024, the Phang Nga Maritime Enforcement Command Center received a report of a Chinese tourist falling from a speed boat heading to the Similan Islands National Park in Phang Nga. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317661-chinese-tourist-fatally-falls-from-speed-boat-at-the-similan-islands-in-phang-nga/

Phang Nga—At 1:45 PM, on January 20th, 2024, the Phang Nga Maritime Enforcement Command Center received a report of a Chinese tourist falling from a speed boat heading to the Similan Islands National Park in Phang Nga. Similan Island Navy Security Officers reported a Chinese tourist, publicly identified as Mr. Qinghai Shandong, 44, falling from a speed boat on the way to the national park. The national park medical and security officers rushed to rescue the Chinese tourist and performed first aid before transferring him to a mainland hospital. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 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

Russian Tourist Rescued After Jumping Into Pattaya Sea in Intoxicated State By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A Russian tourist in an intoxicated state sparked a late-night drama on Saturday as he jumped into the Pattaya sea from Bali Hai Pier and attempted to climb onto a yacht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317660-russian-tourist-rescued-after-jumping-into-pattaya-sea-in-intoxicated-state/

Pattaya — A Russian tourist in an intoxicated state sparked a late-night drama on Saturday as he jumped into the Pattaya sea from Bali Hai Pier and attempted to climb onto a yacht. The unidentified man, a 30-40 year old Russian national, was spotted by a witness, Mr. Nikorn Buntham, who was fishing at the pier around 11 PM on January 20th. Mr. Nikorn observed the tourist walking unsteadily before plunging into the sea. Concerned for his safety, Mr. Nikorn immediately notified the authorities. Upon arrival, officers from the Pattaya Police Station, Pattaya Tourist Police, and sea rescue personnel saw the man trying to swim to a yacht anchored 300 meters offshore. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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