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On January 12th, 2024, Asst. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and the president of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand, publicly revealed after the 1st meeting of the Sport Industry Subcommittee regarding an extension visa for foreigners studying Muay Thai to stay in Thailand from 60 to 90 days. Thai Government Extends Visa for Foreign Muay Thai Students to 90 Days Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316929-thai-government-extends-visa-for-foreign-muay-thai-students-to-90-days/

2 former ministers accused of demanding bribes from Thai workers in Finland Former Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin is seeking justice after accusing the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) of damaging his reputation by calling out two former labour ministers for demanding bribes from Thai workers in Finland. ThaiRath reported that Thailand considers workers to be victims of human trafficking if employers detain, abuse or illegally exploit them. However, the law in Finland is different and more detailed. For example, workers who are kept in unsuitable accommodation or do not have enough food and facilities are considered victims of trafficking. Recently, the authorities in Finland rescued several Thai workers considered to be the victims of human trafficking. They were considered victims of trafficking because they revealed to the authorities that they had to pay bribes to return to Thailand when their work in Finland ended. After the rescue, the Finnish authorities reported the case to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry then referred the case to the DSI for further investigation into human trafficking and the extra fee. After further investigation into the case, the DSI found that each Thai worker travelled to Finland and worked there legally under Thai law but later became victims of human trafficking when they returned to Thailand. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via bangkokbiznews Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-12 - 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

Alleged Malaysian drug lord in Thai police custody Thai anti-narcotics officers have taken a Malaysian, alleged to be a major drug trafficker with connections in Thailand, Laos, China, Myanmar and Malaysia, into custody. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316903-alleged-malaysian-drug-lord-in-thai-police-custody/

Thai anti-narcotics officers have taken a Malaysian, alleged to be a major drug trafficker with connections in Thailand, Laos, China, Myanmar and Malaysia, into custody. The suspect, Ong Gim Wah, was handed over to Thai anti-narcotic officials yesterday, after being arrested in Laos and deported to Thailand, with the help of the Lao and Australian police forces and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong attributed the arrest and deportation to the Australian, US and Lao governments, Laos in particular, for responding to the Thai request for the extradition of the suspect to stand trial in Thailand. One million baht in reward money was offered for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and this was handed over to a representative of the Lao government yesterday. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-12 - 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-llywood lights, camera, baht! 2023 sees record of 6.6 billion baht roll in from film shoots in Thailand by Alex Morgan PHOTO: via Greenlight films A record-breaking 6.6 billion baht was generated by over 466 film shoots in Thailand in 2023, marking an impressive 40% increase in revenue from the previous year. This remarkable upturn was largely credited to the production of high-budget films, including a blockbuster with a budget of 3 billion baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316902-thai-llywood-lights-camera-baht-2023-sees-record-of-66-billion-baht-roll-in-from-film-shoots-in-thailand/

A record-breaking 6.6 billion baht was generated by over 466 film shoots in Thailand in 2023, marking an impressive 40% increase in revenue from the previous year. This remarkable upturn was largely credited to the production of high-budget films, including a blockbuster with a budget of 3 billion baht. Jaturon Phakdeewanit, the head of the Tourism Department, noted the significant role of large-scale productions in driving up spending within the country’s local supply chain. Consequently, the department plans to continue its strategy of attracting major productions to the country. The department anticipates revenue from film locations to increase by at least 5% this year, amounting to 6.9 billion baht. According to Jaturon, this target is quite attainable considering the growing interest from filmmakers in the UK, Hong Kong, China, and Europe. In addition, the department plans to promote more film roadshows in these markets. Despite increased competition from other Southeast Asian countries for foreign film crews, Thailand remains a favoured destination. The country offers a variety of unique filming locations, from vibrant cities to serene temples and picturesque beaches. Moreover, it has professional crews, production teams, and competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for filmmakers. by Alex Morgan PHOTO: via Greenlight films Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-12 - 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

Council of State makes digital wallet look even harder By Tulsathit Taptim The government’s legal advisers have issued a very polite warning about the massive borrowing plan which is necessary if the ruling Pheu Thai Party is to keep its controversial election promise. Problem is “being nice” can always be misinterpreted and that is exactly what happened over the past few days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316901-council-of-state-makes-digital-wallet-look-even-harder/

The government’s legal advisers have issued a very polite warning about the massive borrowing plan which is necessary if the ruling Pheu Thai Party is to keep its controversial election promise. Problem is “being nice” can always be misinterpreted and that is exactly what happened over the past few days. The Council of State’s opinion on the Bt500 billion borrowing bill was first considered a nod but then not quite so when the respectful wordings were carefully scrutinised. The advisory body actually warned that the government must strictly comply with the Fiscal Discipline Act, citing Section 53, which states that a loan bill can be issued only when there is a crisis or an urgent necessity, and Section 57, which states that the borrowing must be spent on a plan or project which is economically or socially worthwhile. More sections of the Fiscal Discipline are coming into play as more and more experts look into the Council of State’s words and complications of the digital wallet programme. Those sections basically demand absolute prudence regarding how the state deals with its own or borrowed money. In a matter of hours, government leaders have gone from “See? The borrowing bill has been approved” to “The Council of State’s job description is about giving opinions, not greenlights”. But Jatuporn Prompan, a former Pheu Thai street warrior who has become the party’s sworn enemy, insisted it was an unmistakably “No” said in the most covert way. By Tulsathit Taptim Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-12 - 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

Senior labour official denies DSI’s allegation of human trafficking Labour Permanent Secretary, Pairoj Chotikasathien Labour Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien has categorically denied the Department of Special Investigation’s allegation that he was involved in the trafficking of thousands of Thai workers to Finland, to work as wild berry and strawberry pickers, and promised to cooperate with the DSI in its investigation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316900-senior-labour-official-denies-dsi’s-allegation-of-human-trafficking/

Labour Permanent Secretary, Pairoj Chotikasathien Labour Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien has categorically denied the Department of Special Investigation’s allegation that he was involved in the trafficking of thousands of Thai workers to Finland, to work as wild berry and strawberry pickers, and promised to cooperate with the DSI in its investigation. The DSI has implicated two former Labour ministers and two senior officials in demanding 3,000 baht kickbacks from each of some 12,000 Thai workers going to work in Finland between 2020 and 2023. All four suspects have been charged with human trafficking and malfeasance in office. Pairoj said that he has instructed the Department of Employment to gather all relevant information about Thai workers who went to work in Finland during that period, whether on their own or through employment agencies, the names of their employers or job agencies, how much each of them spent and whether they had paid the 3,000 baht kickback and to whom. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-12 - 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 Airways soars back to Milan and Oslo after a four-year break by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Simple Flying Thai Airways (THAI) is ready to conquer the European skies, reviving services to Milan Malpensa Airport and Oslo Gardermoen Airport after a four-year hiatus. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316897-thai-airways-soars-back-to-milan-and-oslo-after-a-four-year-break/

Thai Airways (THAI) is ready to conquer the European skies, reviving services to Milan Malpensa Airport and Oslo Gardermoen Airport after a four-year hiatus. The Bangkok – Milan route will be graced by the sleek Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, flaunting 298 seats across two classes. Meanwhile, the Bangkok – Oslo journey will witness the grandeur of the Boeing 777-300ER, a majestic bird boasting 348 seats and a lavish mix of economy and business class. Embarking on this European escapade, the THAI timetable reveals a meticulous dance in the skies. TG904 will make midnight departures from Bangkok at 12.40am ICT, touching down in Milan at 7.35am CET. The return leg, TG941, will take off from Milan at 2.05pm, landing back in Bangkok at 5.55am the following day. Under the banner of TH954, THAI will whisk passengers away from Bangkok at 12.55am ICT, delivering them to Norway at 7.25am CET. The return flight, TG955 takes off from Oslo at 2.15pm CET, touching down in Bangkok at 6.15am IST the following morning. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Simple Flying Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-12 - 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 Art and Culture Centre - 16/28 January 2024 BACC / 939 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 (BTS National stadium) Opening hours: from Tuesday - to Sunday - 10.AM to 8 pm GENERAL PRESENTATION Most of the drawings and watercolors were made specially to illustrate a book: "The tumult of words" published in April 2023 in French, with Jean-Pierre Ghio, writer; A literary and pictorial essay with short, laconic sentences, calling for existential questions relating to the environment, the avatars of our earth, conflicts, the mistakes of men and, paradoxically, the beauty and progressive disappearance of the living. These concerns call for reflection, in order to encourage the emergence of resolutions. Jean-Michel Ferry is an Architect and urban planner, writer. Architectural creations in the fields of disability, schooling, social housing, often in the context of competitions. He lives in Thailand where he also works at universities and is responsible for associations. He has published several books, novels and essays. He never parted with small travel diaries to regularly record his impressions of the men or landscapes that marked him.

American Ex-pat Dies after Hit and Run Accident in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat An American motorbike rider has been pronounced dead at the scene after a truck driver hit him and then fled the scene of the accident in the Mai Khao sub-district. The Tha Chatchai Police were notified of the accident at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday (January 11th) on the Thep Krasattri Road southbound lane near Soi Luan In. Police, rescue workers, and the Phuket Express arrived at the scene to find the damaged motorbike on a footpath. The body of a foreign rider was found nearby with severe head injuries. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-12 - 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 ex-Bhumjaithai MPs banned by Supreme Court by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Transcontinental Times The Supreme Court delivered a harsh blow to three former Bhumjaithai MPs, slamming them with a 10-year ban from contesting elections. Chalong Thirdweerapong, Phumisak Kongmee, and Natee Ratchakitprakarn were all found guilty of a severe breach of parliamentary ethics. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316887-three-ex-bhumjaithai-mps-banned-by-supreme-court/

The Supreme Court delivered a harsh blow to three former Bhumjaithai MPs, slamming them with a 10-year ban from contesting elections. Chalong Thirdweerapong, Phumisak Kongmee, and Natee Ratchakitprakarn were all found guilty of a severe breach of parliamentary ethics. The court’s ruling, based on a parallel case in the Criminal Court, unveils a scandalous scheme. On May 18 last year, the trio was convicted of handing over their MP identification cards to others during the deliberations of the 2020 budget bill. This deceitful act resulted in a nine-month jail sentence, which they are currently appealing. The Supreme Court wasted no time in enforcing the ban, citing Article 235 of the Constitution. According to the court, the former MPs failed to uphold the code of ethics, neglected their duty with dishonesty, and caused severe damage to the honourable position of MPs. The ban, effective immediately, prevents Chalong, Phumisak, and Natee from contesting elections or holding any political position over the next decade. The court retroactively disqualified them as MPs from September 3, 2021, when they were initially suspended by the court, reported The Nation. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Transcontinental Times Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-12 - 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

Double-down drama: DOPA crackdown sees 200 gamblers dealt a losing hand in southern Thailand by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ พิกัดข่าว24 Officers from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) yesterday swooped on a gambling den in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat and arrested 200 gamblers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316886-double-down-drama-dopa-crackdown-sees-200-gamblers-dealt-a-losing-hand-in-southern-thailand/

Officers from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) yesterday swooped on a gambling den in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat and arrested 200 gamblers. Residents in Nakhon Si Thammarat submitted a complaint about the gambling house to the Deputy Interior Minister, Chada Thaiseth. They reported that the gambling den was open 24 hours a day. More than 200 gamblers visited the place daily and more than 100 vehicles were seen in the car park. Locals added that the venue had been offering gambling games for a long time and was well known among residents in the area. However, no relevant authorities took action on the matter. Chada handed the case over to the DOPA. The authorities dispatched a spy to the location and found that the gambling house was operating in a building resembling a gymnasium, surrounded by a wall over 2.5 metres high. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ พิกัดข่าว24 Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-12 - 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 MP proposes revision of strict alcohol control bill by Top Top Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Thaophiphob Limchitrakorn proposed a revision of a stringent Alcohol Control bill concerning alcohol product advertising during a parliamentary meeting on Wednesday, January 10. Three versions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act were under scrutiny, including two public sector drafts and Thaophiphob’s draft. The first draft, supported by numerous anti-alcohol groups and labelled as Article 32 on advertising, aimed to intensify current regulations. It proposed an amendment to prohibit the use of logos similar to alcoholic beverage logos on non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks and water. Bangkok MFP MP Thaophiphob explained that this would mean that advertising for brands of non-alcoholic beverages with logos resembling alcoholic beverages would be considered a breach of the law. For example, brands like Chang or Singha could not use the same logo for alcohol products on non-alcoholic products to advertise or sponsor events if this bill were to be enacted. Thaophiphob offered an alternative in his second draft that would permit advertising, albeit within reason. His goal was to address the worries of ordinary individuals, who should be able to post or advertise beer on social media without risking a fine of 50,000 baht or imprisonment. He commented that the current fine for ordinary individuals advertising alcoholic products is higher than the penalty for drink driving. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-12 - 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

Phuket: Motorcycle taxi rider fatally stabbed during brawl, another injured by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Phuket News Two motorcycle taxi riders got embroiled in a brawl in Patong, Phuket, yesterday, leading to one fatality at the scene, while the other sustained serious injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316884-phuket-motorcycle-taxi-rider-fatally-stabbed-during-brawl-another-injured/

Two motorcycle taxi riders got embroiled in a brawl in Patong, Phuket, yesterday, leading to one fatality at the scene, while the other sustained serious injuries. The deceased taxi rider, 61 year old Samanmart Ueanoth, was found with three stab wounds to his chest and was transported to the local hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries and lost his life. He hailed from Phetchaburi and was known as Uncle Mit by locals. Patong Police Chief Police Colonel Chalermchai Hirsawat received a report of the incident and arrived at the scene with fellow officers. The altercation took place near Government Savings Bank, Phra Barami Road. The other motorcycle taxi driver, 41 year old Thawatchai Kaewsamsri drove himself to hospital for treatment for his injuries. The two riders worked for the same motorcycle ride service company and had been drinking on duty, according to witnesses. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Phuket News Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-12 - 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

13 deaths at Chiang Mai Night Safari, American dies in Phuket - Tim Newton Today - Jan 12 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316883-13-deaths-at-chiang-mai-night-safari-american-dies-in-phuket-tim-newton-today-jan-12/

Thailand news - Where's Thaksin? Official visit to the Police Hospital cancelled, an American killed in Phuket road incident, Thai PM signs new Clean Air Act, Settha also speaks to Cambodian PM about cross-boundary air pollution, the 'wai' designated as a mew national symbol in Thailand, a purge at the top with many army Generals offered early retirement to cull the numbers. 13 endangered species have died at the Chiang Mai Night Safari during December last year... why? And the world's most anticipated travel destinations for 2024, according to TripAdvisor. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

2 Indian men arrested near Bangkok for offering high-interest loans by Petch Petpailin Photo via Naewna Immigration Bureau (IB) officers announced a successful operation to arrest two Indian men illegally offering high-interest loans to Thai people in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316881-2-indian-men-arrested-near-bangkok-for-offering-high-interest-loans/

Immigration Bureau (IB) officers announced a successful operation to arrest two Indian men illegally offering high-interest loans to Thai people in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The IB launched the operation to crack down on foreigners running illegal businesses or posing as powerful and influential people in the communities. The operation led officers to a 39 year old Indian man, identified only as A, who offered loans to Thais in the Nonthaburi province. Officers observed the man and discovered that he rode around the area on a bicycle offering loans to Thais with financial problems. Armed with concrete evidence, officers arrested A at his accommodation in the province and also discovered that he had overstayed his visa by more than six years. A further investigation into the matter was conducted until officers found a Thai woman who borrowed money from another Indian man, B. The woman made known that she was the owner of a clothes shop and borrowed 3,000 baht from B. No document or contract was made for the loan. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Naewna Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-12 - 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