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Phang Nga – 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. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-06 - 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

Vietnam fines TikTok influencer suggesting Cambodia's Angkor Wat is in Thailand by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Puntid Photo courtesy of Nikkei Asia In a 90-second TikTok clip that shook the social media scene, Vietnamese influencer Hua Quoc Anh found himself in hot waters after overlaying the Thai flag on an image of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316243-vietnam-fines-tiktok-influencer-suggesting-cambodias-angkor-wat-is-in-thailand/

In a 90-second TikTok clip that shook the social media scene, Vietnamese influencer Hua Quoc Anh found himself in hot waters after overlaying the Thai flag on an image of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. The influencer faced a hefty US$300 fine (approximately 10,000 baht) and a stern meeting with the authorities. Vietnam, known for its tight grip on social media in the one-party state, flexed its censorship muscles in an unexpected arena – a bizarre clash over cultural sensitivity. Quoc Anh’s creative faux pas sparked a frenzy, highlighting the murky waters of online content legality in a nation more accustomed to censoring political or human rights discussions. Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phil Robertson called the incident ridiculous and urged Hanoi to champion free speech rather than fretting over upsetting Phnom Penh. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Puntid Photo courtesy of Nikkei Asia Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-06 - 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

Prachuap Khiri Khan experiences 90-100% hotel occupancy and economic growth over New Year By Online Reporter Tourists at Ao Manao beach during New Year The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Prachuap Khiri Khan Office has released data indicating a significant upsurge in tourism activity and economic gains during the New Year 2024 celebrations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316242-prachuap-khiri-khan-experiences-90-100-hotel-occupancy-and-economic-growth-over-new-year/

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Prachuap Khiri Khan Office has released data indicating a significant upsurge in tourism activity and economic gains during the New Year 2024 celebrations. According to the report, the province witnessed a hotel occupancy rate soaring between 90 to 100%, which peaked on the night of December 31, 2023. Mr. Achawan Kongkanant, the Director of TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, shared on January 5, 2024, that the tourism inflow during the festive period resulted in an estimated revenue of 340 million Baht. Mr. Archawan Kongkanant,, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for Prachuap Khiri Khan. File photo The data signifies a robust period for the local hospitality sector but also marks a clear upward trajectory in the regional tourism economy. By Online Reporter Top picture: Tourists at Ao Manao beach during New Year Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-01-06 - 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 influencer Sebow faces charges for promoting online gambling by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via wikipedia The Thai Police Technology Crime Suppression Division 2 (TCSD), based in Thong Thani, questioned a popular 24 year old social media influencer, who confessed to promoting online gambling sites. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316241-thai-influencer-sebow-faces-charges-for-promoting-online-gambling/

The Thai Police Technology Crime Suppression Division 2 (TCSD), based in Thong Thani, questioned a popular 24 year old social media influencer, who confessed to promoting online gambling sites. Today the influencer, Sebow, who has more than 400,000 followers on her Facebook page, reported to Lieutenant Colonel Nipon Boonkeert, the head of TCSD 2, to provide testimony and acknowledge the charges against her for promoting online gambling links. According to the police investigation, Sebow had been employed to post promotional content for online gambling for about a year, earning a fee per post of 1,000 to 1,500 baht. The posts typically include a sexy picture of her on social media, along with a link to an online gambling site, encouraging her followers to gamble. Her income depended on the frequency of her advertising posts. Sebow confirmed that she had been hired to advertise an online gambling site, with the contact made via her private Facebook account. The online gambling site owner hired her at a rate of more than 1,000 baht per post, attracted by her sexy posts and large follower count. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via wikipedia Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-06 - 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 hopes to launch NARIT Cube-1 satellite into space by 2024 by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Thairath Dr Saran Posayajinda, Director of the National Astronomical Research Institute (NARIT), revealed that this year Thailand will build a world-class astronomical infrastructure, the NARIT Cube-1 satellite. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316240-thailand-hopes-to-launch-narit-cube-1-satellite-into-space-by-2024/

Dr Saran Posayajinda, Director of the National Astronomical Research Institute (NARIT), revealed that this year Thailand will build a world-class astronomical infrastructure, the NARIT Cube-1 satellite. A new radio telescope for research in radio astronomy, the Vigos model (VGOS), with a diameter of 13 metres, in Chiang Mai and Songkhla provinces, will connect to networks with other countries. The launch of a stargazing mobile application created by Thai people named NAPA from planetarium software is being prepared. NARIT Director Dr Saran explained further that a Thai-made satellite, NARIT Cube-1 is expected to be launched into space within the year. The Thai Space Consortium (TSC-1) with Payload, a scientific research satellite under the Thai Space Cooperation Partnership will be unveiled. The Sirindhorn Astronomical Park, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, is also working hand in hand with China, progressing with the lunar exploration project with the Chang’e 7 mission, with plans to send it to explore the moon by 2026. Importantly, NARIT will reveal an innovation: a telescope base to track celestial objects with high precision. To obtain accurate, continuous, and complete information for astronomy research studies, research will be conducted to solve issues on a national level, reported Thairath. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Thairath Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-06 - 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

Opinion Editorial: What’s in Store for Pattaya in 2024 By Adam Judd 2023 is in the rear view window and here we are, at the start of a fresh new year, a brand new slate, and plenty of ambitious promises and goals from Thai government officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316237-opinion-editorial-what’s-in-store-for-pattaya-in-2024/

2023 is in the rear view window and here we are, at the start of a fresh new year, a brand new slate, and plenty of ambitious promises and goals from Thai government officials. 2023 was a year of further recovery from the disastrous impact the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions had on Thailand’s economy, in particular a tourism driven one like Pattaya. Pattaya’s economy is about 90 percent driven on tourism, both in the legitimate and so-called grey sector and as a result was obviously decimated for about two and a half years, and has still not fully recovered to 2019 numbers according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). That being said, Thailand saw about 28 million foreign tourists/visitors in 2023, but far short of the 40 million in 2019. In 2023 Pattaya saw roughly 23 million tourists, with a significant number of them domestic, according to the TAT. The goal for 2024 is 27 million which on paper sounds ambitious but the TAT believes it is wholly possible with continued strong domestic tourism and the hopeful return of Chinese tourists, which is a big question mark. Let’s look at those two things for a moment. First, domestic tourism. Covid-19 actually strongly benefitted domestic tourism in Pattaya as the city changed focus from foreign tourism (It had no choice with borders closed or restricted for over two years) and instead focused on drawing visitors from around Thailand to Pattaya, especially Bangkok and Eastern provinces. Pattaya began an aggressive strategy of weekly events, from sports, music, food, culture, and more along with promotions to bring more domestic tourists to Pattaya. It worked, stronger than they could have ever anticipated and Pattaya became and continues to be an extremely popular destination for domestic tourists, especially from Bangkok, on holidays and weekends. As a result, in 2024 Pattaya has committed to a similar aggressive strategy of weekly events to encourage tourism and, yes, most of them will be aimed at Thai tourists and not foreign tourists and centred around holidays and weekends. Local residents, however, while certainly understanding the significance of tourism to the economy of Pattaya, especially those who saw first hand the devastation during Covid-19 restrictions of businesses and thousands in food handout lines, have mixed feelings on these constant events. The issue, at the core, is not the events but the fact that in its current form the infrastructure of the city traffic wise can’t really support the number of tourists visiting. This, as a result, brings many headaches in terms of traffic around Pattaya. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-06 - 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

Nongprue Police Bust Stall Selling Kratom Drinks Mixed with Cough Syrup By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Pattaya — Nongprue police arrested the owner of a stall in the Pattaya area for selling Kratom drinks laced with cough syrup to young people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316236-nongprue-police-bust-stall-selling-kratom-drinks-mixed-with-cough-syrup/

Pattaya — Nongprue police arrested the owner of a stall in the Pattaya area for selling Kratom drinks laced with cough syrup to young people. Acting on a tip from the Region 2 Police Command Center, officers from Nongprue Police Station led by Pol. Lt. Col. Chumpol Saenwichai raided the “Bung Ton 168” shop on Soi Nern Phlap Wan, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. They found and confiscated 18 liters of Kratom drinks spiked with cough syrup, stored among normal bottles of water in large coolers. The stall owner, identified by police only as 44-year-old Mr. Nakarin, was apprehended and faced charges of selling Kratom drinks with other mixtures. By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-06 - 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

Bangsaen Koff Fest to Take Place from Jan 20th-21st By Tanakorn Panyadee Chonburi — Mark your calendars! The “Bangsaen Koff Fest” is brewing up something special again, this time happening from January 20th to the 21st, 2024, on the idyllic sands of Bangsaen Beach. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316235-bangsaen-koff-fest-to-take-place-from-jan-20th-21st/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Chonburi — Mark your calendars! The “Bangsaen Koff Fest” is brewing up something special again, this time happening from January 20th to the 21st, 2024, on the idyllic sands of Bangsaen Beach. From 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, prepare to immerse yourself in a world of all things coffee, tea, cocoa, and delectable baked goods. Over 80 vendors will be waiting for you at this year’s Bangsaen Koff Fest, ready to tantalize your taste buds with an array of brews, beans, and blends. Dive into the latest coffee trends with expert baristas and passionate enthusiasts, who will be sharing their knowledge and brewing secrets in exciting workshops. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-06 - 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

Part of Jomtien Beach Road to Become One-Way Starting in Early March During Construction Project By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya —A major part of Jomtien Beach Road will transform temporarily into a one-way street starting in early March of this year to facilitate a landscape improvement project. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316233-part-of-jomtien-beach-road-to-become-one-way-starting-in-early-march-during-construction-project/

Pattaya —A major part of Jomtien Beach Road will transform temporarily into a one-way street starting in early March of this year to facilitate a landscape improvement project. The one-way plan was declared yesterday, January 4th, during a meeting of Pattaya City authorities. Chaired by Deputy Mayor Mr. Kritsana Bunsawat, the authorities resolved to turn Jomtien Beach Road one-way from the Pattaya Police Station’s Khong Dong Tan Office to the Chaiyaphruek Service Center on Jomtien Beach. The transformation’s purpose is to facilitate an installation of underground pipes, relocation of structures and utilities, and construction of a new drainage system. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-06 - 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 Investigate Residence Hosting Nearly 100 Foreign Workers in Samut Sakhon By Kittisak Phalaharn Samut Sakhon—At 10:30 AM, on January 5th, 2024, Mueang Samut Sakhon police officers and relevant agencies performed an inspection at a townhouse in Baan Suan Rangsi, Mueang, Samut Sakhon, after a local reported almost a hundred foreign workers staying inside the residence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316231-thai-police-investigate-residence-hosting-nearly-100-foreign-workers-in-samut-sakhon/

Samut Sakhon—At 10:30 AM, on January 5th, 2024, Mueang Samut Sakhon police officers and relevant agencies performed an inspection at a townhouse in Baan Suan Rangsi, Mueang, Samut Sakhon, after a local reported almost a hundred foreign workers staying inside the residence. An unidentified local in Baan Suan Rangsi reported to Mueang Samut Sakhon that two buses transported 97 male foreign workers to a two-story house. The house was first rented a few months ago for foreign workers, with 10 to 20 individuals each time, to stay temporarily before being picked up by a van or a taxi to elsewhere, said one of the locals. According to a report by the police, 97 of them held a valid passport with MOU contracts from an anonymous company in Pathum Thani. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-06 - 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

Malaysian Man Arrested for Illegal Entry into Thailand Picture: Siam Rath In accordance with the policies of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), a joint operation led by Colonel Itthipon Itthisarnranchai, the SBPAC commander, along with Colonel Panumas Boonyalak, and Colonel Thanaphon Nuchnanatharoeng, the deputy commanders, was conducted to apprehend a Malaysian man who had illegally entered the town. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316229-malaysian-man-arrested-for-illegal-entry-into-thailand/

Two Injured as Motorcycle Collides at Pattaya Intersection Picture: Siam Rath In an incident at 01:10 on January 5, 2023, two individuals sustained injuries in a motorcycle collision at the Pattaya Central intersection, located on Sukhumvit Pattaya Middle Road, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316228-two-injured-as-motorcycle-collides-at-pattaya-intersection/

In accordance with the policies of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), a joint operation led by Colonel Itthipon Itthisarnranchai, the SBPAC commander, along with Colonel Panumas Boonyalak, and Colonel Thanaphon Nuchnanatharoeng, the deputy commanders, was conducted to apprehend a Malaysian man who had illegally entered the town. Following the directive, officials were instructed to patrol and inspect high-risk areas, particularly focusing on violations of the Immigration Act of 2522 B.E. to maintain peace, safety, and security during the New Year festivities for the local residents and tourists, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath Recently, Major General Charoenpong Kanchitllo, the Provincial Police Chief of Satun, ordered Lieutenant Colonel Yongyuth Lertprichakorn, together with the Satun Provincial Police Narcotics Suppression Team, to investigate the designated area. This was to prevent and investigate any illegal activities during the New Year celebrations, following a report received on January 3, 2567, from a citizen news network. The report indicated that a 43-year-old Malaysian man named Mohamad had unlawfully entered the city and was residing in the Satun province. Picture: Siam Rath Authorities conducted random observations within the local market, discovering that Mohamad had been purchasing rice from the municipality's fresh market. Subsequently, an inquiry into his travel documents revealed that he had entered Thailand without proper authorization. Facing charges of "foreigner entering the kingdom without permission," legal proceedings were initiated. Top Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-01-06 - 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

In an incident at 01:10 on January 5, 2023, two individuals sustained injuries in a motorcycle collision at the Pattaya Central intersection, located on Sukhumvit Pattaya Middle Road, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Promptly notified, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Unit received assistance from volunteer rescue teams and medical personnel from Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, reported Siam Rath. The accident involved a damaged Yamaha Fino motorcycle, green in color with Chonburi license plate, driven by Mr. Artakorn, 27, who suffered injuries. Another motorcycle, a Honda Wave 110 in blue without a license plate, also sustained damage. A Thai male rider in his twenties was found injured, lying in a pool of blood. Picture: Siam Rath Eyewitness Mr. Prateep, 48, reported following the incident, stating that he was driving behind when he noticed the speeding Honda Wave motorcycle with a young rider. Despite the flashing yellow traffic signal, the rider did not slow down, colliding with a yellow-flashing traffic light operated by the Pattaya City Traffic Police. Investigations are underway, with initial findings recorded and CCTV footage to be reviewed for a comprehensive analysis of the accident's cause. Top Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-01-06 - 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

Phuket Sum Up Seven Days with Two Deaths over New Year Road Safety Campaign By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket has announced in total 2 deaths with 40 injuries and 41 accidents in seven days (December 29th, 2023 – January 4th, 2024) of the New Year Seven Day Road Safety campaign. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316227-phuket-sum-up-seven-days-with-two-deaths-over-new-year-road-safety-campaign/

Phuket has announced in total 2 deaths with 40 injuries and 41 accidents in seven days (December 29th, 2023 – January 4th, 2024) of the New Year Seven Day Road Safety campaign. The Phuket Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Office told the Phuket Express on Friday (January 5th) details on the seventh day of the safety campaign (January 4th) with a total of 5 road accidents and 5 injuries. There were 4 road accidents with 4 injuries in Mueang Phuket district. One road accident with 1 injury was in the Thalang district. There were no road accidents in the Kathu district. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-06 - 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