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Frenchman arrested in Chiang Mai for selling fake ID cards by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ตำรวจไซเบอร์ – บช.สอท. Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers arrested a Frenchman in the northern province of Chiang Mai for making and selling fake identification (ID) cards of French citizens. Unfortunately, another French suspect managed to evade the arrest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317484-frenchman-arrested-in-chiang-mai-for-selling-fake-id-cards/

Thick haze shrouds Bangkok and vicinity this morning Bangkok and its vicinity are shrouded in a thick haze on Friday morning, as the amount of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere has exceeded the standard threshold in 79 areas of the capital and 11 areas in surrounding provinces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317477-thick-haze-shrouds-bangkok-and-vicinity-this-morning/

Bangkok and its vicinity are shrouded in a thick haze on Friday morning, as the amount of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere has exceeded the standard threshold in 79 areas of the capital and 11 areas in surrounding provinces. The Pollution Control Department reported, today, that the average level of PM2.5 in the air in the past 24 hours was measured at between 38.3-85.1µg/m³ (microns/cubic metre of air) against the standard level of 37.5µg/m³. Nong Khaem district of Bangkok is most affected, with PM2.5 at 73.3µg/m³ and in Mueang district of Samut Sakhon, the highest level of PM2.5 was measured at 84µg/m³, said the department, as it cautions that the situation is tending to deteriorate further over the coming days. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-19 - 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 police to crackdown on overloaded trucks byf Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has been empowered to crack down on trucks exceeding legal weight limits. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317476-thai-police-to-crackdown-on-overloaded-trucks/

The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has been empowered to crack down on trucks exceeding legal weight limits. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inked the amendment to the ministerial order, marking a significant shift in highway law enforcement, disclosed ministry spokesperson Trisulee Trisaranakul yesterday, January 18. Before this regulatory facelift, only local highway officials, primarily from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), wielded the authority to enforce the 1992 Highway Act, inclusive of rules governing overloaded trucks. Trisulee highlighted that the amendment extends the ambit of law enforcement, as now MPB officials can actively participate, ensuring a more robust and comprehensive approach. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-19 - 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

Prosthetic police probe: Thai man accuses hopalong cop of wife’s murder confession coercion by Petch Petpailin Panya during the qestioning with Big Joke | Photo via Workpoint Today A Thai man accused a hopalong cop with a prosthetic leg at Aranyaprathet Police Station in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo of torture and forcing him into confessing to the murder of his wife. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317475-prosthetic-police-probe-thai-man-accuses-hopalong-cop-of-wife’s-murder-confession-coercion/

A Thai man accused a hopalong cop with a prosthetic leg at Aranyaprathet Police Station in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo of torture and forcing him into confessing to the murder of his wife. Buaphan Tansu was brutally assaulted and murdered by a group of five teenagers, who are now in police custody. Initially, the police wrongly arrested 54 year old Panya Kongsaenkham, as the main suspect. He was later released when the real perpetrators were identified. However, suspicions arose about why Panya confessed to a crime he did not commit. A voice recording of a police officer from Aranyaprathet Police Station and information from Panya’s relatives were released, strengthening the suspicion. The Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, intervened in the case to seek justice for Panya and his wife. Big Joke reported yesterday, January 18, that the deputy superintendent of the Aranyaprathet Police Station was the voice in the recording, and he confirmed Panya had been tortured. Big Joke told Amarin TV that his team showed pictures of every officer at Aranyaprathet Police Station to Panya and he pointed to only one officer who tortured him on the day. by Petch Petpailin PICTURE: Panya during the qestioning with Big Joke | Photo via Workpoint Today Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-19 - 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

Fallout from fireworks explosion, public health mulls gay surrogacy - Tim Newton Today - Jan 19 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317474-fallout-from-fireworks-explosion-public-health-mulls-gay-surrogacy-tim-newton-today-jan-19/

Thailand news - Some near misses at Wednesday's fireworks explosion in Suphon Buri, Thailand's fireworks factories fall between legislative cracks, Thai PM meeting Bill Gates and world leaders at Davos during visit to WEF, Srettha promotes Land Bridge project to international investors whilst the deputy transport minister starts to walk back the mega project in parliament. Gay surrogacy... a possible solution to Thailand's negative birthrate according to the public health ministry, Phang Nga a new source of lithium to support Thailand's EV and battery building ambitions, a Thai man receives a 50 year sentence for insulting the Thai monarchy. Two foreigners arrested after refusing to pay for the subbed and umbrella along Pattaya Beach. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Phuket’s Cafe Del Mar faces police action over noise pollution by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Cafe del Mar. Phuket’s much-loved entertainment hotspot Cafe Del Mar had a brush with the Kamala police recently over an issue of noise pollution disturbing residents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317471-phuket’s-cafe-del-mar-faces-police-action-over-noise-pollution/

Phuket’s much-loved entertainment hotspot Cafe Del Mar had a brush with the Kamala police recently over an issue of noise pollution disturbing residents. This internationally known beach club found itself in hot water when the Kamala police declared that the volume of their music was exceeding acceptable levels. This was causing considerable disruption to the peaceful existence of the locals residing in the adjacent area. The Superintendent of Kamala Police Station, Police Colonel Somsak Thongkliang, and police inspector Pol. Lt. Thammarat Pensri, went to the venue around 1pm on the said day. Accompanying them was Phiphob Sudkhao, the District Secretary of Kathu Province, and officials from the Kathu District Public Health office. Upon arrival, it was divulged to the venue’s manager that the establishment had overstepped the boundaries laid down by Section 25 of the Public Health Act B.E. 2535. This law specifically speaks against creating nuisances and unacceptably disrupting peace. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Cafe del Mar. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-19 - 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 PM hails Thailand as top Airbnb hotspot and UK Telegraph’s 6th best destination this year by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of TTG Asia Thailand emerged as the ultimate getaway for Chinese tourists, clinching the top spot on Airbnb‘s coveted list and securing the 6th position in The Telegraph’s must-visit destinations for 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317470-thai-pm-hails-thailand-as-top-airbnb-hotspot-and-uk-telegraph’s-6th-best-destination-this-year/

Thailand emerged as the ultimate getaway for Chinese tourists, clinching the top spot on Airbnb‘s coveted list and securing the 6th position in The Telegraph’s must-visit destinations for 2024. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke revealed that Thailand outshone all rivals on Airbnb’s hotel booking platform during the winter season of December 2023 to February 2024. “Thailand is the most sought-after destination for Chinese travellers, leaving behind Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and others.” The Airbnb spotlight extends beyond the country level, with five Thai cities securing spots on the list of the top 20 most searched by Chinese tourists globally. Phuket claims the crown, followed by Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Pattaya. Adding the cherry on top, The Telegraph’s prestigious rankings for 2024 place Thailand at a remarkable 6th position. This accolade makes Thailand the sole Asian country to grace the top 20 list. The Telegraph’s distinguished top 10 includes exotic locales like Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, Bad Ischl and the Salzkammergut in Austria, and the Norwegian ski slopes. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of TTG Asia Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-19 - 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

Police general takes flight: Aims to soar Suvarnabhumi Airport into global top 50 in 2 years by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Aleliro. The new chairman of Airports of Thailand (AoT), Police General Visanu Prasattongosoth, announced an ambitious plan to elevate Suvarnabhumi International Airport into the top 50 global airports within two years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317469-police-general-takes-flight-aims-to-soar-suvarnabhumi-airport-into-global-top-50-in-2-years/

The new chairman of Airports of Thailand (AoT), Police General Visanu Prasattongosoth, announced an ambitious plan to elevate Suvarnabhumi International Airport into the top 50 global airports within two years. The strategy, revealed yesterday, January 18, is part of AoT’s broader initiative to upgrade and increase the capacities of six airports under its jurisdiction, in response to the anticipated global resurgence of air travel in the post-Covid-19 era. The airports slated for improvement include Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Mae Fah Luang. The enhancements aim to accommodate a higher influx of international arrivals by bolstering airport personnel numbers and facilities, Pol. Gen. Visanu said. “AoT is focused on establishing Thailand as a regional air travel hub and propelling Suvarnabhumi airport into the world’s top 50.” Currently, the airport ranks 77th in the Skytrax World Airport Awards, a drop from its 68th rank in the preceding year. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Aleliro. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-19 - 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

Police rescues Thai man clinging to wife’s car for 15 kilometres by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod A police officer rescued a Thai man clinging to his wife’s car for 15 kilometres on the Asian Highway in the central province of Ayutthaya following a dispute fuelled by jealousy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317467-police-rescues-thai-man-clinging-to-wife’s-car-for-15-kilometres/

A police officer rescued a Thai man clinging to his wife’s car for 15 kilometres on the Asian Highway in the central province of Ayutthaya following a dispute fuelled by jealousy. The Police Lance Corporal of Phrain Racha Police Station, Tiwa Puttakawee, came across the incident while driving home on Wednesday, January 17. Tiwa saw a Thai man, later identified as 40 year old Sittipunt, clinging to a red car and asked the driver to stop. The driver was Tiwa’s 39 year old wife, Sunan. Sunan’s passenger was her boyfriend. Sittipunt and Sunan made an appointment to sign a divorce document that day but the chaos interfered with their peaceful conclusion. Sittupunt told the police officer in tears that he married Sunan 20 years ago and had three children with her. He claimed that he caught Sunan cheating on him several times but forgave her. Sunan recently met her lover through a TikTok application and asked her husband for a divorce. by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-19 - 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

Govt Urged To Get Ready For A Flood Of Myanmar Refugees By Thai Newsroom Reporters A representative image of refugees coming to Thailand and parliamentary debate. Credit: Matichon THE GOVERNMENT WAS PRESSED today (Jan.18) to get prepared for a probable influx of refugees fleeing fighting across the border from the war-torn Myanmar where many townships have reportedly been seized by armed ethnic rebels. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317466-govt-urged-to-get-ready-for-a-flood-of-myanmar-refugees/

THE GOVERNMENT WAS PRESSED today (Jan.18) to get prepared for a probable influx of refugees fleeing fighting across the border from the war-torn Myanmar where many townships have reportedly been seized by armed ethnic rebels. During a weekly interpellation at parliament, Move Forward MP Rangsiman Rome called on the Pheu Thai-led government in general and the National Security Council in particular to review their standard operating procedure for the handling of refugees anticipated to scramble en masse across the Thai-Myanmar border as strife between Tatmadaw government forces and armed ethnic rebel groups inside Myanmar have reportedly been prolonged and escalated. According to the Move Forward MP, Thailand is currently capable of receiving no more than 75,000 refugees whilst hundreds of thousands more would probably escape across the border into Tak’s border districts and elsewhere along the 2,400-kilometre-long shared border. Thailand today is home to an estimated 96,000 refugees from Myanmar, mostly being provided shelter in Mae Sot district of Tak and Mae Sariang district of Mae Hong Son, according to Move Forward MP Tisana Choonhavan. By Thai Newsroom Reporters A representative image of refugees coming to Thailand and parliamentary debate. Credit: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-01-19 - 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 uncovers human trafficking operation worth over 117 million baht by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Thai Newsroom A year-long investigation into human trafficking led by Thailand’s National Police Office, under the command of Police Lieutenant General Torsak Sukwimon and Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn resulted in the arrest of a man from Bangladesh. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317465-thailand-uncovers-human-trafficking-operation-worth-over-117-million-baht/

A year-long investigation into human trafficking led by Thailand’s National Police Office, under the command of Police Lieutenant General Torsak Sukwimon and Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn resulted in the arrest of a man from Bangladesh. The suspect, 46 years old Asraf, has been involved in a clandestine human trafficking network, charging each individual between 100,000 and 150,000 baht. This illicit operation has generated over 117 million baht. The suspect was arrested under the warrant of the Na Thawi District Court, dated December 14, 2023. He was charged with providing shelter and assistance to illegal immigrants, allowing them to evade arrest. Asraf was apprehended in front of the Pattani Provincial Court and was then handed over to the Khanom Police Station in Songkhla Province for legal proceedings. A second individual, 47 year old Abu, a Bangladeshi national, was also apprehended under the warrant of the Narathiwat Provincial Court, dated December 28, 2023. Similarly, Abu was also charged with providing shelter and assistance to illegal immigrants. He was arrested in the vicinity of the Pattani Provincial Court and was later transferred to the Narathiwat Provincial Police Station for further legal proceedings. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Thai Newsroom Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-19 - 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

From threads to trends: Chiang Mai couple behind Thailand’s elephant pants phenomenon by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Puntid Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English In Chiang Mai, a business duo are turning Thailand’s iconic elephant pants into a global trend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317464-from-threads-to-trends-chiang-mai-couple-behind-thailand’s-elephant-pants-phenomenon/

In Chiang Mai, a business duo are turning Thailand’s iconic elephant pants into a global trend. Hailing from Chiang Mai, Kingkarn Samorn, the Managing Director, and Jakkaphum Samorn, the Director of Chinrada Garment Company, are the masterminds behind the rise of this iconic fashion phenomenon. From a small home office in 2013 to a sprawling modern factory in 2018, the couple’s journey is nothing short of a sartorial success story. In an exclusive interview with Prachachat Business, the couple revealed their ambitious plans, preparing to unleash elephant pants as soft-power fashion items targeting the online livestream market in Thailand and beyond. Chinrada Garment boasts an impressive 80% wholesale share, spanning both domestic and international markets. Countries like Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the US, Australia, China, France, Canada, and the Netherlands have all succumbed to the allure of the elephant pants. However, the couple hasn’t forgotten their roots, with 15% of sales happening through online channels and a factory store catering to the local crowd. The company’s unique approach allows budding sellers to dip their toes into the market, with orders as low as 12 units. Wholesale prices ranging from 40 to 100 baht per item ensure sellers can keep their stocks dynamic. Kingkarn and Jakkaphum take pride in the fact that their products have become symbols of local pride, even in provinces developing their clothing symbols. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Puntid Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-19 - 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

Five Bangladeshi Men Arrested in Phuket Using Fake Visas By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Five Bangladeshi men were arrested at Phuket International Airport after they were found to be using fake visa stamps. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317462-five-bangladeshi-men-arrested-in-phuket-using-fake-visas/

Phuket – Five Bangladeshi men were arrested at Phuket International Airport after they were found to be using fake visa stamps. The Phuket Immigration Officer told the Phuket Express that on Wednesday (January 17th) they arrested five Bangladeshi men at the international arrivals terminal. They were found using fake visa stamps. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-19 - 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