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Tour bus accident in Thailand leads to severe injuries by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod A tour bus accident has led to multiple casualties and severe injuries among passengers. Rescue officials rushed to the scene, where they discovered six people seriously injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316350-tour-bus-accident-in-thailand-leads-to-severe-injuries/

A tour bus accident has led to multiple casualties and severe injuries among passengers. Rescue officials rushed to the scene, where they discovered six people seriously injured. The incident, believed to be caused by driver fatigue, occurred on the night of January 7 at 10.30pm. The initial investigation of the incident involved interviewing the bus driver. The accident occurred on Asia route 41, in the southern part of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, near the provincial sports school in Nong Hong sub-district, Thung Song district. Upon arrival, rescuers found the overturned bus, registration number 30-0180 of Nakhon Si Thammarat, in the middle of the four-lane road. Numerous passengers were trapped inside. Rescue efforts were quickly initiated to extricate passengers from the wreckage. Six people were found to be severely injured and were immediately transported to the hospital. The injured included Nattanicha and Chatchai from Songkhla province. Other injured passengers from Nakhon Si Thammarat province include Natthawut, Pornapat, Walya, and Miriam, reported Khao Sod. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08 - 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

Prawit Comes Back!? Political Activities Stir in Various Regions Picture: Siam Rath After a period of silence and tranquility, rumors have surrounded the People Power Party. Recently, General Prawit Wongsuwan, the party leader, organized the first People Power Party caravan, choosing to mobilize in Phetchabun with Sanit Prompat, the Deputy Party Leader and Minister of Public Health. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316349-prawit-comes-back-political-activities-stir-in-various-regions/

After a period of silence and tranquility, rumors have surrounded the People Power Party. Recently, General Prawit Wongsuwan, the party leader, organized the first People Power Party caravan, choosing to mobilize in Phetchabun with Sanit Prompat, the Deputy Party Leader and Minister of Public Health. Simultaneously, as Big Poom moved, the Thai Party also mobilized, holding a massive event in Roi Et. This event saw key figures such as Ungthong U-Itthi, Phatthongtharn Shinawatra, the party leader, participating in the inauguration of the 30 Baht Care Project. The project, a flagship policy of the Thai Party, emphasizes nationwide health system development, reported Siam Rath. Even though the Thai Party deployed forces to Roi Et for the 30 Baht Care Project, Prawit acknowledged that his presence carried significant meaning, especially regarding speculations about his return and the party's unity, debunking earlier rumors. Prawit clarified that he is uncertain about a comeback, but one thing is certain – he has not disappeared entirely. For those concerned or spreading various rumors, Prawit emphasized that the main focus is protecting the party leader's seat, including his younger brother who is the Minister of Transport, ensuring the recent rumors about a cabinet reshuffle do not extend to affecting his brother's position. Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-01-08 - 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 8 January 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316347-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-8-january-2024/

A 2 year old boy who’s body was found in a fridge in the bedroom of a house in Nonthaburi was found to have choked to death The result of an autopsy backed up the claims of a woman who lived in the property, she said the boy died after eating sticky rice. The 25-year-old woman, and her 31-year-old husband, were charged with concealing a body and failure to report the boys death. The Stop-Drink Network Thailand has criticized the recent cabinet decision to reduce taxes on wine and other alcoholic beverages, The decision, made last week, reduces the tariff on commercially imported wine from 100% to 5% and eliminates the 10% import tax on non-commercial wine. The government said the reduction was a New Year's gift and would promote tourism. The director of Stop-Drink Network Thailand expressed surprise and concern, stating that the tax breaks undermine efforts to combat the negative effects of alcohol consumption. Around The Region North Korea Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said her country would launch a military strike immediately in response to any provocation. Her comments came as it fired artillery shells near its border with the South for the third day in a row. South Korea's military said the North had fired more than 60 artillery rounds on Saturday and a volley of more than 200 the previous day. Bangladesh: A fire swept through a Rohingya refugee camp in southeastern Bangladesh in the early hours yesterday destroying about 800 shelters and rendering thousands homeless. Chiang Mai and the north: sunny 32C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 34 Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy, 33 Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy, isolated shower 32C Hua Hin: Sunny, light cloud 32 AQI moderate 70 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 2024-01-08 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

Thai national parks report record revenues and visitors in 2023 by Top Photo courtesy of อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสก - Khao Sok National Park (Facebook) The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation disclosed on January 4, the rankings of the top 10 highest-earning and most-visited national parks from the pool of 133 parks for the previous year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316346-thai-national-parks-report-record-revenues-and-visitors-in-2023/

The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation disclosed on January 4, the rankings of the top 10 highest-earning and most-visited national parks from the pool of 133 parks for the previous year. Based on revenue from January to December 2023, the top 10 Thai national parks accumulated a whopping total income of 1,651,868,101 baht (US$47 million). Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi topped the chart with an income of 377,321,864 baht (US$10 million). Similan Islands National Park in Phang Nga followed closely, generating a total income of 175,392,700 baht (US$5 million). Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima ranked third, bringing in a total income of 136,317,392 baht (US$3.9 million). Coming in fourth and fifth respectively were Ao Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga, with an income of 122,627,830 baht (US$3.5 million), and Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park in Rayong, earning 120,015,600 baht (US$3.46 million). Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai took the sixth position with a total income of 111,289,586 baht (US$3.2 million). Earning 72,883,038 baht (US$2.1 million), Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi clinched the seventh spot, while Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani, with a total income of 66,367,591 baht (US$1.9 million), came in eighth. by Top Photo courtesy of อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสก - Khao Sok National Park (Facebook) Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08 - 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 Gears Up for Exciting Astronomical Year 2024 by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand will be offered chances to witness a series of astronomical events in 2024, beginning with the Micro Full Moon on February 24, coinciding with Makha Bucha Day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316345-thailand-gears-up-for-exciting-astronomical-year-2024/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand will be offered chances to witness a series of astronomical events in 2024, beginning with the Micro Full Moon on February 24, coinciding with Makha Bucha Day. According to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), the calendar includes significant occurrences such as the moon eclipsing Saturn on July 25 and October 15, several planetary conjunctions, including Mars and Venus near the moon in February and March, and a rare alignment of Mars, Saturn, and Venus with the moon in early April. Internationally, the year is significant for space exploration, with NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon, the Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa, JAXA’s exploration of a Martian moon, and ESA’s study of the asteroids Didymos-Dimorphos. Within Thailand, advancements in astronomy and related sciences are marked by the launch of a 13-meter diameter radio telescope and the "NAPA" stargazing application, turning smartphones into digital star maps. The country is also collaborating on international missions, including the "Chang’e 7" lunar mission with China, and is set to launch the Thai-made NARIT Cube-1 CubeSat satellite. NARIT is also integrating astronomical research into atmospheric science, particularly in studying the origins of PM2.5 dust particles. The agency’s "Amazing Dark Sky in Thailand" project is also registering dark sky conservation areas to advance the country’s astronomy and support astronomical tourism. This year, Thailand begins construction of its 5th Regional Observatory for the Public in Phitsanulok province, commemorating His Majesty the King’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28. by Krajangwit Johjit Full story: NNT 2024-01-08 - 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 army chief refutes claims of cultural persecution in southern provinces by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The Chief of the Fourth Army Region, Santi Sakuntanak, refuted accusations that the Thai army has been legally pursuing youths from the provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat for merely donning traditional Malay attire at a fair celebrating Malay culture. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316344-thai-army-chief-refutes-claims-of-cultural-persecution-in-southern-provinces/

The Chief of the Fourth Army Region, Santi Sakuntanak, refuted accusations that the Thai army has been legally pursuing youths from the provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat for merely donning traditional Malay attire at a fair celebrating Malay culture. The 54 year old clarified that those summoned to court were implicated in separatist activities and prominently exhibited the emblem of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN), a separatist movement. “Allegations of these youths being persecuted for celebrating their culture are baseless. In fact, we have previously organised a Malay costume contest at the fair with no objections. This demonstrates our support for the local people of the far South in proudly expressing their cultural identities.” Simultaneously, the army chief urged those spreading misinformation about the youth to cease their actions. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08 - 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

Online scams surge in Thailand warns Central Investigation Bureau by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post A surge in online scams, driven by the significant increase in internet-based activities, is anticipated to continue throughout this year, warned Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Jirabhop Bhuridej. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316343-online-scams-surge-in-thailand-warns-central-investigation-bureau/

A surge in online scams, driven by the significant increase in internet-based activities, is anticipated to continue throughout this year, warned Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Jirabhop Bhuridej. The CIB’s analysis of cybercrime, as reported by the Royal Thai Police (RTP), indicated that over 400,000 cases were logged between March 1 and November 30 of last year. 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. Misleading operations involving counterfeit or below-standard goods and services were the most common, comprising 40.8% of cases. However, it was fraudulent investment schemes that resulted in the greatest financial loss, with over 16 billion baht (US$461,494,080) reported missing. Figures between November 2022 and November 2023 indicated that online scams remained consistent, with around 21,000 cases reported each month. The CIB commissioner highlighted this data as evidence of the persistent threat from online scams and an urgent need for preventative measures. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08 - 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

UPDATE: Marijuana industry faces disaster as Health Minister unveils law to outlaw recreational pot use in Thailand by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Former leader of the Pheu Thai Party and Minister of Public Health Cholnan Srikaew has unveiled his new law on marijuana or cannabis. It is not good news for cannabis shops. It clearly aims to outlaw the recreational use of the drug and empowers the Royal Thai Police to prosecute offenders. Thai Cannabis Crackdown: Health Minister’s new law targets recreational use and challenges Bhumjaithai’s legacy. Minister Cholnan unveils strict cannabis law, eliminating recreational use. The current liberal order faces risk as seizures in Ireland complicate the discussion and re-introduce Thailand’s international obligations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316333-thai-health-minister-proposes-marijuana-bill-focusing-only-on-medical-use/?do=findComment&comment=18602478

New tax era in Thailand begins as Revenue now shares data with 138 countries within the OECD by Joseph O' Connor On Friday, the Director-general of the Revenue Department revealed a surge in tax receipts from October and November 2023. They were driven by a recovery in foreign tourism. At the same time, she also pointed to Thailand’s integration with the OECD tax collection framework. The country will play its part in ending worldwide tax avoidance and evasion by international firms and foreign residents. Thailand’s Tax Revolution – The Revenue Department of Thailand embraces a new era in tax enforcement, sharing data with 138 countries within the OECD framework. As the government sets an ambitious revenue target of ฿2.2767 trillion for fiscal year 2024, the move aims to combat tax avoidance and elevate economic recovery. Foreign firms, residents and tourists expected to foot more of the bill. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316342-new-tax-era-in-thailand-begins-as-revenue-now-shares-data-with-138-countries-within-the-oecd/

Marijuana industry faces disaster as Health Minister unveils law to outlaw recreational pot use in Thailand by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Former leader of the Pheu Thai Party and Minister of Public Health Cholnan Srikaew has unveiled his new law on marijuana or cannabis. It is not good news for cannabis shops. It clearly aims to outlaw the recreational use of the drug and empowers the Royal Thai Police to prosecute offenders. Thai Cannabis Crackdown: Health Minister’s new law targets recreational use and challenges Bhumjaithai’s legacy. Minister Cholnan unveils strict cannabis law, eliminating recreational use. The current liberal order faces risk as seizures in Ireland complicate the discussion and re-introduce Thailand’s international obligations. The writing in a proposed new law is very clear about the future of recreational cannabis use in Thailand. Certainly, after Minister of Public Health Mr Cholnan Srikaew, on Sunday, unveiled his new draft legislation, the future of marijuana or pot outlets which have become ubiquitous in Thailand, are now verily in doubt. The law provides the mechanism to outlaw the sale of parts of the cannabis plant which have a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) value in excess of 0.2%. Moreover, the legal provision even calls for review and research on the efficacy of the ongoing use of cannabis for medical purposes. At the same time, the latter will, when the law is passed, become the only basis by which it can be legally used in Thailand. The fears of the cannabis industry have been realised. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew has officially signed a bill aimed at reinforcing stringent regulations on the drug. Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-01-08 - 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

On Friday, the Director-general of the Revenue Department revealed a surge in tax receipts from October and November 2023. They were driven by a recovery in foreign tourism. At the same time, she also pointed to Thailand’s integration with the OECD tax collection framework. The country will play its part in ending worldwide tax avoidance and evasion by international firms and foreign residents. Thailand’s Tax Revolution – The Revenue Department of Thailand embraces a new era in tax enforcement, sharing data with 138 countries within the OECD framework. As the government sets an ambitious revenue target of ฿2.2767 trillion for fiscal year 2024, the move aims to combat tax avoidance and elevate economic recovery. Foreign firms, residents and tourists expected to foot more of the bill. Thailand is moving toward greater integration with the international tax framework to stamp out tax avoidance and evasion. Significantly, it comes with the Revenue Department reporting a surge in income in the first few months of the fiscal year which will also see foreign residents more closely scrutinised for tax. Thailand’s Revenue Department is to share tax information with 138 countries worldwide as part of the new OECD framework agreed in July 2023. At the same time, the September 15th order which altered the income tax status of all foreign residents after 35 years is also now in effect. Thailand’s tax authorities are expecting a bumper 2024 as the Pheu Thai government aims to widen the kingdom’s tax base. In brief, the government sees this as a factor in bolstering economic recovery while simultaneously combating inequality in the country. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-01-08 - 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

Can Thailand detonate the baby boom it needs as retirement time bomb looms? Thai retirees started outnumbering people entering the workforce for the first time last year, sparking concerns that the country faces a future of economic and social breakdown. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316341-can-thailand-detonate-the-baby-boom-it-needs-as-retirement-time-bomb-looms/

Thai retirees started outnumbering people entering the workforce for the first time last year, sparking concerns that the country faces a future of economic and social breakdown. An official report titled “Thailand’s Critical Birthrate Fall” estimates that the number of first-jobbers (people aged between 20 and 24) has already dropped below the number of people hitting retirement age (60 to 64 years old) in 2023. “The gap between these figures threatens to cause labor shortages, raise the dependency ratio, and increase elderly healthcare expenses,” the report said. Motivating people to have babies If the trend of falling birthrate is not reversed, Thailand’s population will shrink from its current level of 66 million to just 33 million by 2083, says demographics expert Prof Kua Wongboonsin. Projections also suggest that over the same period, the number of working-age people in the country will collapse from 46 million now to just 14 million. The number of retirement-aged Thais (over 65), meanwhile, is projected to jump from 8 million now to 18 million. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-08 - 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 Dies after Snorkeling in Phang Nga By Goongnang Suksawat A Chinese tourist from Phuket died after a snorkeling accident near an island in the Khura Buri district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316340-chinese-tourist-dies-after-snorkeling-in-phang-nga/

By Goongnang Suksawat A Chinese tourist from Phuket died after a snorkeling accident near an island in the Khura Buri district. The Royal Thai Navy station at the Similan Islands told the Phuket Express that they were notified from the Similan National Park staff on Friday (January 5th) that a Chinese tourist fell unconscious while snorkeling near the Ninth Island (Koh Gao). They rushed to the scene to find the 30 year-old Chinese man who was unconscious and who had no pulse. They continued to provide him CPR while rushing him to a hospital on land in Phang Nga. Unfortunately , he was pronounced dead upon arrival despite the best efforts of medical staff and his body was taken back to the Vachira Phuket Hospital. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-08 - 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 Tour Bus Driver Dumps Tourists on Roadside, Leads Police on Wild Chase Ending in Crash – Video By Goongnang Suksawat A tour bus caught on fire in Phang Nga following a crash after a driver dumped tourists on a roadside in Phuket and drove away leading police for a chase of over 70 kilometers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316339-phuket-tour-bus-driver-dumps-tourists-on-roadside-leads-police-on-wild-chase-ending-in-crash-–-video/

By Goongnang Suksawat A tour bus caught on fire in Phang Nga following a crash after a driver dumped tourists on a roadside in Phuket and drove away leading police for a chase of over 70 kilometers. The Tha Chatchai Police told the Phuket Express that on Saturday (January 6th) they were notified from a tour company in Phuket that a bus driver left tourists for apparently no reason at a shop in Kathu, Phuket. He also allegedly attacked a company staffer who tried to stop him from speeding away with the bus. This led to police being called to pursue the bus. The bus was heading to the north of Phuket and had recently exited the Phuket Checkpoint into the Thai Mueang district in Phang Nga. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-08 - 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 f62254b4-7f23-4b51-8a29-1ae7eae8019c.mp4

Russian Man Arrested in Phuket After Allegedly Taking Away Minor from Parental Guardian By Goongnang Suksawat A Russian man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after he allegedly took away a minor under 18 years of age from their parents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316338-russian-man-arrested-in-phuket-after-allegedly-taking-away-minor-from-parental-guardian/