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Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Excise Department Director-General, announced that the department is deliberating over whether to implement a single tax rate or a weight-based tax for cigarettes. Currently, the tax structure is a two-tier system, with a 25% tax applied to cigarette packs retailing at up to 72 baht (US$2), aimed at reducing the impact on low-income individuals. Packs costing more than 72 baht are taxed at 42%. An additional flat-rate tax of 1.25 baht (US$0.036) per cigarette is also applied, regardless of the pack’s retail price. The two-tier system, according to Ekniti, has led to cigarette manufacturers selling packs for 72 baht or less to avoid higher tax rates. If a single tax rate is to be implemented, it must balance the income of farmers, public health, government revenue and the prevention of the smuggling of cheaper foreign brands. This single rate, if chosen, should fall between 25% and 42%. However, further study is needed to assess the potential impact of a single tax rate. The previous two-tier tax structure, which expired in September 2021, taxed packs priced up to 60 baht at 20%, and those above 60 baht (US$1.72) at 40%, reported Bangkok Post. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - 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

Rice rivalry: India’s export ban grains optimism for Thai prices by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock The ongoing ban on white rice exports in India is bolstering the optimism of local shippers that Thai rice prices will remain relatively high during the first half of this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317097-rice-rivalry-india’s-export-ban-grains-optimism-for-thai-prices/

The ongoing ban on white rice exports in India is bolstering the optimism of local shippers that Thai rice prices will remain relatively high during the first half of this year. Chookiat Ophaswongse, the honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, expressed that global market prices are likely to stay around US$600 per tonne, a rate not seen in over a decade, due to robust demand from numerous countries. Chookiat also foresees a continuation of rice imports by Indonesia this year, although the quantity may be lower than last year, where nearly four million tonnes were imported from several nations, including Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Myanmar. Last year, rice exports likely reached a total of 8.8-8.9 million tonnes, thus exceeding the earlier projection of 8.5 million tonnes. This was attributed to the increase in prices, which led to an estimated value of 180 billion baht (US$5 billion). In November 2022, rice exports scaled up to one million tonnes, valued at 23 billion baht (US$658 million). This marked a 19.9% increase in volume and a 23.3% increase in value compared to October 2022. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - 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 Prime Minister to woo global giants at World Economic Forum by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via CNN Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to meet with several leading global private companies, confident that these interactions will attract further trade and investment from abroad. These meetings will take place during the World Economic Forum (WEF) of 2024 and are expected to significantly benefit the Thai economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317095-thai-prime-minister-to-woo-global-giants-at-world-economic-forum/

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to meet with several leading global private companies, confident that these interactions will attract further trade and investment from abroad. These meetings will take place during the World Economic Forum (WEF) of 2024 and are expected to significantly benefit the Thai economy. Chai Watcharong, Prime Minister Office spokesperson, revealed that during the WEF Finance Minister Srettha, will have discussions with executives of major global corporations. The 61 year old Thai PM will present Thailand’s potential on the global stage, ensuring substantial benefits are brought back to the country. The good news is that the government’s clear policy on illegal rubber has seriously increased the price of rubber, breaking through 60 baht per kilogramme. These discussions are expected to result in increased trade and investment, benefiting the Thai economy. The major private companies that will meet with the prime minister include DKSH, a market expansion service provider. DKSH Thailand is one of the largest organizations in the country in terms of sales and is the largest operating country in the DKSH group. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via CNN Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - 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

Concerns after two foreign women sunbathe in Chiang Mai temple by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กูรูเชียงใหม่ เรื่องเชียงใหม่กูรู้ A Thai tourist called on the authorities to put up warning signs after spotting two foreign women sunbathing inside Chiang Man Temple in the northern province of Chiang Mai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317093-concerns-after-two-foreign-women-sunbathe-in-chiang-mai-temple/

A Thai tourist called on the authorities to put up warning signs after spotting two foreign women sunbathing inside Chiang Man Temple in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The Thai tourist who witnessed the foreigners’ action took a picture and sent it to Channel 3 around 1.30pm yesterday, January 14. The picture showed two foreign women in shorts and tank tops lying on the grass and enjoying the afternoon sun. The Thai tourist told the media that the picture was taken at Chiang Man Temple in the Mueang district of Chiang Mai. Being the oldest and first temple in the province, it holds significant historical importance. Residents in the vicinity hold the site in high regard, making sunbathing there culturally inappropriate. The concerned witness brought the matter to the attention of a monk, who assured that the message would be relayed to the tour guide responsible for bringing the foreign women to the temple. However, upon departing the temple, the witness noticed the two women still lying there. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กูรูเชียงใหม่ เรื่องเชียงใหม่กูรู้ Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - 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

Three guards shot dead in Ratchaburi, new 90 day tourist visa? Taiwan election - Tim Newton Today - Jan 15 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317091-three-guards-shot-dead-in-ratchaburi-new-90-day-tourist-visa-taiwan-election-tim-newton-today-jan-15/

Thailand news - Three security guards shot dead in Ratchaburi, another injured, government looking at a new 90 day 'Muay Thai' visa for foreigners, also an industry request to amend the long-standing 2-5pm daily ban on alcohol sales, one foreigner dies in plane crash in Chon Buri, another foreigner injured. Pattaya nightlife operators report that the extended opening hours has been a success, particularly for staff. And Taiwan has elected a new President, but China's not happy. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Thailand introduces 90-day visa for foreigners training in Muay Thai by Petch Petpailin Photo by Juliia Abramova via Unsplash Thailand has introduced a special visa scheme for foreigners visiting the country for Muay Thai training, allowing them to extend their stay from 60 to 90 days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317090-thailand-introduces-90-day-visa-for-foreigners-training-in-muay-thai/

Thailand has introduced a special visa scheme for foreigners visiting the country for Muay Thai training, allowing them to extend their stay from 60 to 90 days. The government set up the National Soft Power Strategy Committee to promote Thailand’s soft power, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Vice Chairman of the Board. The committee aims to promote soft power in 11 areas, including festivals, tourism, food, art, design, sports, music, books, films, dramas and series, fashion, and games. Traditional Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, is one of the targets. Following the promotion, the Advisor to the Prime Minister, Pimon Sriwikorn, announced on January 12 that Thailand will have a special visa for foreigners who are interested in Muay Thai training. Normally, foreigners who come to Thailand to train can stay for 60 days on a tourist visa but with this special visa, they can extend their stay to 90 days. However, Pimon has not yet revealed when the new special visa will be available. by Petch Petpailin Photo by Juliia Abramova via Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - 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

Broke Ukrainian Man Causes Chaos at Patong Police Station By Goongnang Suksawat A Ukrainian man damaged public and private property inside the Patong Police Station and caused a public nuisance, reportedly due to being completely broke and having no way to pay for a ticket back to the Ukraine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317089-broke-ukrainian-man-causes-chaos-at-patong-police-station/

A Ukrainian man damaged public and private property inside the Patong Police Station and caused a public nuisance, reportedly due to being completely broke and having no way to pay for a ticket back to the Ukraine. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that the Ukrainian man became nervous and mentally unstable due to having no money to go back home to the Ukraine. The unidentified man had been staying at the police station for several days with police providing him food and water while police worked with the Ukraine Embassy to attempt to find a way to return the man home. On Sunday (January 14th), the Ukrainian man caused a public nuisance at the Patong Police Station after seemingly suffering a mental breakdown, damaging some property inside the station and frightening other people present. He was taken to the Patong Hospital and psychiatric medicine was given to him to calm him down. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-15 - 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

Flame Jelly Fish Found on Phuket Beach in Wichit By Goongnang Suksawat About ten flame jellyfish were recently found on a beach in Wichit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317088-flame-jelly-fish-found-on-phuket-beach-in-wichit/

About ten flame jellyfish were recently found on a beach in Wichit. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reported that late last week they were notified from a hotel operator that flame jelly fish were found on a beach in Wichit. They inspected the beach to find about ten flame jelly fish (Pelagia sp.) on the beach during high tide. Beachgoers have been warned to be careful. If a swimmer has been stung, seawater and vinegar, if available, can be used to wash the affected skin. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-15 - 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

Koh Samui set for tourism boost with influx of cruise liner visits by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Supapong Chaolan Surat Thani province’s popular resort island Koh Samui is expecting a significant boost in tourism this year, with 47 cruise liners set to dock and unload around 25,000 international travellers, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317086-koh-samui-set-for-tourism-boost-with-influx-of-cruise-liner-visits/

Surat Thani province’s popular resort island Koh Samui is expecting a significant boost in tourism this year, with 47 cruise liners set to dock and unload around 25,000 international travellers, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). As stated by Kanokkittika Kritwuthikorn, TAT’s director for Koh Samui, the majority of these tourists will be hailing from the United States, Europe, and Australia. With 10 cruise liners scheduled to arrive in just January, the island is bracing for a busy start to the year. Over the weekend, Koh Samui played host to two cruise liners. The first, Celebrity Solstice, carried 2,852 tourists, predominantly from Asia, who had travelled from Hong Kong via Vietnam. Following their one-day excursion on the island, the liner was set to continue its journey towards Singapore, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Supapong Chaolan Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok residents warned of escalating air pollution, urged to work remotely by Mitch Connor Photo by @jamboree08 via Facebook/ JS100 Radio The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has warned residents of Bangkok to prepare for an escalation in ultra-fine particle pollution in the air, which is anticipated to worsen by Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317084-bangkok-residents-warned-of-escalating-air-pollution-urged-to-work-remotely/

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has warned residents of Bangkok to prepare for an escalation in ultra-fine particle pollution in the air, which is anticipated to worsen by Wednesday. As a result of this alert, the PCD has implored individuals residing in the capital to opt for remote working until the situation improves. The intensifying accumulation of PM2.5 pollutants, according to Preeyaporn Suwanakate, the PCD’s director-general, is a consequence of compromised air circulation in several areas across the city. This complication is largely attributed to the combination of low atmospheric pressure and fluctuating wind patterns in the region, leading to the buildup of pollutants. She mentioned that the current winds from the South will be replaced by winds from the East and Northeast, which would transport pollutants from other regions into Bangkok. In response to the warning from the department, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has increased its scrutiny of all pollution sources within the city. Additionally, the BMA has directed schools to establish dust free rooms at all kindergartens and schools under its jurisdiction. by Mitch Connor Photo by @jamboree08 via Facebook/ JS100 Radio Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - 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 government’s plan to open drug rehab centres in army barracks raises concerns by Mitch Connor A green fence in focus with a red building in the background. Taken at a youth detention center in Stockholm. The fence is ment so symbolize incarceration. Photo courtesy of iStock Civil society groups are expressing apprehension regarding the Thai government’s decision to establish drug rehabilitation centres, known as Rakjai centres, in 52 army barracks across the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317083-thai-government’s-plan-to-open-drug-rehab-centres-in-army-barracks-raises-concerns/

Civil society groups are expressing apprehension regarding the Thai government’s decision to establish drug rehabilitation centres, known as Rakjai centres, in 52 army barracks across the country. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has highlighted the nation’s drug issues on social media and outlined the government’s plan to utilise military premises for drug rehabilitation programmes. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has since been involved in discussions concerning this initiative, which will initially aid 4,414 people with drug addiction in 30 provinces through 60, 90 or 120-day treatment schemes. However, this approach to drug rehabilitation, employing military-style methods, has raised concerns about potential abuse. Thissadee Sawangying, director of the Health and Opportunity Network, questioned whether the government’s initiative would replicate the regimes of the existing military-run rehab centre, the Civil Development Center. This centre, which has long been in operation, accommodates individuals convicted of illegal drug use and subjects them to disciplinary training under military supervision. by Mitch Connor A green fence in focus with a red building in the background. Taken at a youth detention center in Stockholm. The fence is ment so symbolize incarceration. Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - 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

Fatal accident in Samut Prakan as truck falls on worker during repair by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod A tragic accident has occurred in Samut Prakan province, where a heavy-set man was killed after a six-wheel truck fell on him while he was conducting repairs on it. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317080-fatal-accident-in-samut-prakan-as-truck-falls-on-worker-during-repair/

A tragic accident has occurred in Samut Prakan province, where a heavy-set man was killed after a six-wheel truck fell on him while he was conducting repairs on it. The incident happened at a Ta Sai located along Khlong Khud Road, Bang Phli District yesterday (January 14). The man, a 57 year old worker from Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani province, was working on the truck after his shift when the unfortunate event took place. The truck, without any support, fell on him, causing his immediate death. Upon getting the report of the incident, Deputy Investigation Officer Thanakrit Kaen-in of Bang Phli police station, alongside medical personnel from Bang Phli Hospital and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, arrived at the scene. There, they found the lifeless body of the man kneeled down with a pair of pointed pliers in his right hand on the truck’s beam. His chest and back showed signs of severe impact, with broken bones apparent, reported Khao Sod. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - 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

Ancient animal footprints discovered at Thai waterfall mark country’s oldest find by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock A groundbreaking discovery of prehistoric animal footprints, estimated to be 225 million years old, has been made at the Tat Yai waterfalls located on the border between Phetchabun’s Nam Nao district and Khon Kaen’s Phu Pha Man district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317079-ancient-animal-footprints-discovered-at-thai-waterfall-mark-country’s-oldest-find/

A groundbreaking discovery of prehistoric animal footprints, estimated to be 225 million years old, has been made at the Tat Yai waterfalls located on the border between Phetchabun’s Nam Nao district and Khon Kaen’s Phu Pha Man district. The revelation came from the Department of Mineral Resources, which stated that a team from the Mineral Resources Office Region 2 (Khon Kaen), headed by palaeontologist Tida Liard, conducted a preliminary survey of the site. The investigation was sparked by a report last year of animal footprints in Phu Pha Man National Park. The team, led by Tida, unearthed five tracks of footprints embedded in mudstone on the lower part of the Huai Hin Lad rock formation. They identified the first two sets of prints as belonging to a sauropod – a category of long-necked, plant-eating dinosaurs that roamed the earth during the late Triassic period, between 225 to 220 million years ago. These footprints stand as the oldest animal trails ever discovered in Thailand. Two additional tracks were hypothesised to belong to smaller creatures, while the last set was attributed to an archosaur reptile. Of particular interest to the team were the archosaur’s prints, as the animal’s paw details, including the claws of both the front and back paws, were clearly imprinted on the stone. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - 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