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Shares of K-pop agency YG Entertainment tumbled almost 9% on Friday after South Korean media reported that Blackpink member Lisa has rejected a contract renewal offer from the agency, reported CNBC news website. The share price tumble is YG’s largest one-day drop since September 28, 2022. According to South Korean news outlet Star News, Lisa, the Thailand-born member, has rejected two offers from YG, with the size of the contract reportedly worth 50 billion South Korean won ($37.6 million). In a statement to South Korean media outlet TVReport on Friday, a YG spokesperson said the company is “discussing renewing our contract with Lisa,” according to Google Translate. “The rumor has not been officially confirmed,” the person added. The CNBC said the latest development follows reports earlier in July that Lisa has “not been able to find an agreement” regarding a contract extension with the agency. At the time, South Korean media outlet Newsen reported that YG responded to queries by saying that contract renewal discussions were underway, but outlet Munhwa Ilbo reported that “it is known that the difference between the two sides is quite large.” Blackpink — made up of members Jisoo, Jennie and Rosé, in addition to Lisa — has been one of YG’s most successful K-pop groups. The news comes as Blackpink wraps up its “Born Pink” world tour, in what has been described as the largest world tour by a K-pop girl group, attracting an estimated 1.5 million people over 41 cities since it started in October 2022. Blackpink will hold the final two days of the tour on September 16 and 17 in Seoul. The four-member group debuted with YG in August 2016. As K-pop groups typically sign seven-year contracts, Blackpink’s contract was expected to expire in August, but the agency has not confirmed any contract renewals with any of the members. Source: Thai PBS 2023-09-18 - 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

CRACKDOWN time in Thailand, Bangkok Airways weighing passengers : Tim Newton Today - Sep 18 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306890-crackdown-time-in-thailand-bangkok-airways-weighing-passengers-tim-newton-today-sep-18/

Thailand News - Pita resigns as leader of the Move Forward Party, Bangkok Airways is weighing passengers - why? Three 'crackdowns' announced by the new Thai PM, on call centre scams, 'influential figures', and the illicit drug trade. More comments from the new PM about banning recreational 'cannabis'. The latest in the 'Kamnan Nok' shooting investigation, and raising rats in Cambodia for food. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Debt moratorium to benefit 7 million farmers and SMEs by Alex Morgan Photo: Somchai Poomlard/Bangkok Post Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has announced that no more than 7 million farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will qualify for the initial phase of the debt moratorium. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306877-debt-moratorium-to-benefit-7-million-farmers-and-smes/

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has announced that no more than 7 million farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will qualify for the initial phase of the debt moratorium. The breakdown of this figure is expected to be around 4 million small-scale farmers and 3 million SMEs. The Deputy Finance Minister has refrained from providing specifics on the scope and limit of the debt suspension, with these details largely determined by the government’s fiscal responsibility in terms of interest payments to state financial institutions. “The debt relief will be offered to small-scale farmers and SMEs without the need to prove any hardship,” revealed Julapun. Further details of the scheme are awaited over the forthcoming fortnight and are set to be submitted to a cabinet meeting at the onset of next month. Post the implementation of the first phase, the government intends to investigate the debt issues of other categories of borrowers, including agricultural cooperatives, teachers, police officers, and informal debt borrowers. The Finance Ministry has been directed by the Prime Minister to hasten the debt suspension for the initial category and alleviate the debt burden of the entire populace. by Alex Morgan Photo: Somchai Poomlard/Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2023-09-18 - 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

Chiang Rai’s new college to tackle Mekong region drug trafficking by Mitch Connor Wichai Chaimongkhon, ONCB Secretary General. Photo: Bangkok Post The International Narcotics Control College (INCC), a newly founded institution in Chiang Rai, Thailand, is set to provide specialised training for law enforcement agents and associated organisations, with the mission of curbing drug trafficking in the Mekong subregion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306876-chiang-rai’s-new-college-to-tackle-mekong-region-drug-trafficking/

UK IT firms back nationwide tablet initiative for equal education by Alex Morgan Photo: Tawatchai Kemgumnerd/ Bangkok Post The plan of the Education Ministry to equip every student and teacher across the nation with a tablet has received support from several IT companies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306873-uk-it-firms-back-nationwide-tablet-initiative-for-equal-education/

The plan of the Education Ministry to equip every student and teacher across the nation with a tablet has received support from several IT companies. They believe the tablet initiative is a step towards promoting equal educational opportunities. However, they recommend a well-thought-out strategy about device specifications, relevant courseware, and the necessary skills students should acquire. This tablet initiative is an integral part of the ministry’s objective to facilitate “good learning with happiness” and is expected to commence with secondary schools. The “one tablet per child” programme is not a new concept; it was introduced by the Yingluck Shinawatra administration in 2011. By mid-2012, about 860,000 prathom 1 (grade 1) students had received tablets. Nitipat Praweenwongwuthi, Acer Computer’s marketing director, pointed out that this programme has seen three significant phases. The Yingluck administration’s phase was marked by concerns about device specifications and content shortage, coupled with unprepared students and teachers. The second phase was triggered by the pandemic, which necessitated remote learning. This phase saw students becoming more familiar with online learning and completing assignments using computers. by Alex Morgan Top Photo: Tawatchai Kemgumnerd/ Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2023-09-18 - 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 18 September 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306872-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-18-september-2023/

Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn yesterday announced that 14 policemen are being charged for not assisting their two colleagues who were shot at a house party. One officer was shot multiple times and another was hit by a stray bullet. Despite about 30 police officers being present, both the house owner and the shooter escaped. The gunman was later killed in a shootout, and the home owner surrendered to the police. A woman from Myanmar was arrested in Kanchanaburi over the weekend for illegally possessing 920 empty M16 cartridges and 24 magazines loaded with M16 ammunition. Police were alerted by a delivery company employee after they suspected a suspicious parcel. Police arrange for the parcel to be delivered then arrested the recipient, a woman from Myanmar who said she had been living in Thailand without a visa for the last 13 years. In Chiang Rai, a new college, initiated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and led by Regional Director Jeremy Douglas, has opened to train law enforcement officers and affiliated organizations in combatting drug trafficking in the Mekong region. The college focuses on enhancing skills, drug analysis, and providing intelligence software and training. A group of Tribal villagers from two forest communities, submitted a petition to the Prime Minister during his visit to Chaingmai yesterday. The group wants the government to scrap a policy on management of forest land because it harms their way of life. They asked the Prime Minister’s Office to respect a cabinet resolution made in 2010, which fully recognises the rights of ethnic minorities. A Nida Poll taken last week of just over 13 hundred people found 60.3 percent are afraid of having problems with influential figures, while just under 39 percent responded saying they have little or no faith in police or state officials. Around The Region: A recent survey spanning six Asian countries revealed that Indonesians overwhelmingly prefer democracy over a strong leader when given the choice. 85% of Indonesian respondents favored democracy, while those in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore showed a greater inclination towards strong leadership. In Thailand, the preference for democracy stood at 53%, with 45% leaning towards a strong leader. The survey found that individuals with higher levels of education were more inclined to choose democracy. The weather: Heavy thunderstorms in central and northern thailand Chiang Mai and the north: thunderstorms 30C Bangkok:, thunderstorms this afternoon, 30C Pattaya, sunny partly cloudy 32C Phuket and the south:bright, partly cloudy showers, 30C Hua Hin: Fine and sunny this morning becoming cloudy with a good chance of rain this afternoon. 32C. 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 2023-09-18 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

Sexual activity aids kidney stone expulsion, suggests Thai doctor’s study by Samantha Rose Samantha Rose17 seconds ago 1 minute read Photo: en.healthinessfortwo.it Yesterday, a noteworthy post was made on the Facebook page Sirianan Prasit by Doctor Sirianan Prasit. The post highlighted an intriguing revelation: engaging in sexual activity can assist in the natural expulsion of kidney stones. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306871-sexual-activity-aids-kidney-stone-expulsion-suggests-thai-doctor’s-study/

Yesterday, a noteworthy post was made on the Facebook page Sirianan Prasit by Doctor Sirianan Prasit. The post highlighted an intriguing revelation: engaging in sexual activity can assist in the natural expulsion of kidney stones. Dr. Sirianan shared insights from a conference he attended, where the intriguing research was presented. The study, which was conducted systematically and analysed meticulously, compared individuals who engaged in sexual activity or self-pleasure at least three times a week with those who solely relied on medications to expel kidney stones or just drank water. The findings were astonishing. The study revealed, “The self-expulsion rate of distal kidney stones is equivalent to the rate achieved with medication and is better than just drinking water. The incidence of kidney stone pain reduced, the need for pain-relieving injections decreased, and the rate of surgeries also diminished.” by Samantha Rose Samantha Rose17 seconds ago 1 minute read Top Photo: en.healthinessfortwo.it Full story: The Thaiger 2023-09-18 - 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

Tragic Pattaya Accident Claims Lives of 3-Year-Old and 12-Year-Old in Motorbike Collision, 3 Other Children Injured By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A 3-year-old and 12-year-old child were killed in a motorbike-pickup truck collision today near Pattaya. Three more people were injured, all under 18 years old. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306869-tragic-pattaya-accident-claims-lives-of-3-year-old-and-12-year-old-in-motorbike-collision-3-other-children-injured/

Tragic GPS Mishap Claims Vendor's Life in Ratchaburi In a heartbreaking incident on September 17th at 8:15 PM, a GPS mishap led to the demise of a local vendor in Chanthaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306868-tragic-gps-mishap-claims-vendors-life-in-ratchaburi/

Police and Related Agencies Combat Crime in Chiang Mai Picture: Siam Rath On September 17, 2023, Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran Nuanma, the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, led an operation to combat crime in Chiang Mai City, aligning with the government's tourism policy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306867-police-and-related-agencies-combat-crime-in-chiang-mai/

Thai Authorities Prepare for Influx of Chinese Tourists On September 17, 2023, at the National Police Headquarters, Assistant Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai Pitani Labut announced preparations for the arrival of foreign tourists, especially Chinese nationals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306866-thai-authorities-prepare-for-influx-of-chinese-tourists/

On September 17, 2023, at the National Police Headquarters, Assistant Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai Pitani Labut announced preparations for the arrival of foreign tourists, especially Chinese nationals, reported Siam Rath. On September 18, at 10:00 AM, a meeting was called to assess the readiness of police officers from the immigration control units to handle the influx of tourists at two immigration offices, specifically to accommodate a large number of Chinese visitors arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport's immigration checkpoints. Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai stated that this preparation is in line with the government's tourism policies, focusing on ensuring readiness to welcome foreign tourists, especially those from China, who will be passing through various immigration checkpoints nationwide, notably at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Currently, they are conducting rehearsals to ensure they can handle a substantial surge in tourist arrivals, including Chinese citizens and tourists from other countries. They plan to assign officers to the 119 immigration channels and believe they can efficiently manage the crowd despite the anticipated congestion. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with airlines and relevant agencies to increase the number of immigration checkpoints to meet the potential rise in tourist numbers. -- ASEAN NOW 2023-09-18 - 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

Immigration Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Foreigners, Promote Tourism Policies Picture: Siam Rath In a concerted effort led by immigration authorities, Nakhon Nayok Province has intensified its actions against illegal foreign nationals while simultaneously promoting tourism-friendly policies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306865-immigration-authorities-crack-down-on-illegal-foreigners-promote-tourism-policies/

PM orders working committee to tackle illegal narcotics A working committee has been set up to tackle illegal narcotics, with the active participation of the military and the aim of reducing the problem within a year, according to Thailand’s prime minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday (Sunday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306863-pm-orders-working-committee-to-tackle-illegal-narcotics/

A working committee has been set up to tackle illegal narcotics, with the active participation of the military and the aim of reducing the problem within a year, according to Thailand’s prime minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday (Sunday). After witnessing the destruction of seized narcotics by the Office of Narcotics Control Board in Samut Prakan province, the prime minister said that details about the working committee and how it will tackle the problem will be disclosed in due course, including such issues as the seizure of assets from the traffickers, money laundering and the time frame for the destruction of seized narcotics. He noted that the military will play a more active role in preventing the smuggling of narcotics into Thailand from neighbouring countries. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-18 - 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

Srettha Thavisin to bolster Thai-Chinese tourism, bilateral ties in China visit by Neill Fronde Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin reacts before he reads the policy statement at Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is slated for a diplomatic visit to China from Oct 8-10 to negotiate on 10 pivotal issues, among which strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing Thai-Chinese tourism cooperation take precedence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306862-srettha-thavisin-to-bolster-thai-chinese-tourism-bilateral-ties-in-china-visit/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is slated for a diplomatic visit to China from Oct 8-10 to negotiate on 10 pivotal issues, among which strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing Thai-Chinese tourism cooperation take precedence. The announcement came yesterday during his visit to Chiang Mai, where he also hinted at the renewal of the Thai-Chinese memorandum of understanding on the loaning of Chinese ambassador pandas to Thailand, set to expire in the coming months. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke informed that Thai-Chinese tourism cooperation will be a significant point of discussion during the visit. The government’s stance on maintaining equilibrium between Thailand’s relations with the US and China was clarified by Chai, stating that both are esteemed as major trade partners. Srettha’s forthcoming attendance at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York City will present an opportunity to meet US President Joe Biden, US trade representatives and significant US companies. It is anticipated that this will provide an avenue for the Prime Minister to encourage US investors to invest more in Thailand, with plans for discussions with major tech firms. by Neill Fronde TOP: Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin reacts before he reads the policy statement at Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Full story: The Thaiger 2023-09-18 - 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

Villa robbery in Phuket raises safety concerns for foreign family by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of The Phuket News A foreign family, currently residing in Phuket, experienced a shocking robbery of their villa in Chalong, raising serious safety concerns. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306860-villa-robbery-in-phuket-raises-safety-concerns-for-foreign-family/

Thailand Ranks Ninth in the World for Country Most Open for Business By Adam Judd The Royal Thai Embassy in the United States has announced through its Facebook page that Thailand has secured ninth place among 87 countries listed as the most open for business in 2023. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306859-thailand-ranks-ninth-in-the-world-for-country-most-open-for-business/

The Royal Thai Embassy in the United States has announced through its Facebook page that Thailand has secured ninth place among 87 countries listed as the most open for business in 2023. The annual ranking – known as ‘Best Country: Open for Business in 2023’ – is organized by the US News and World Report. The ranking considers an equal weighted average of five factors comprising bureaucracy, low production costs, corruption, tax-friendly environment, and transparent government regulations. Leading the list as the most open country for business is Switzerland, followed by Luxembourg and Finland. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2023-09-18 - 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