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Anutin Collaborates with Israeli Envoy Over Pai Tourist Concerns Picture courtesy: Thai Newsroom In a bid to resolve growing tensions and misunderstandings in Pai, Mae Hong Son, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul joined forces with Israeli Ambassador Orna Sagiv on Wednesday. Their joint mission was to address concerns that Israeli settlers were causing disruptions in this scenic northern Thai district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352991-anutin-collaborates-with-israeli-envoy-over-pai-tourist-concerns/

Picture courtesy: Thai Newsroom In a bid to resolve growing tensions and misunderstandings in Pai, Mae Hong Son, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul joined forces with Israeli Ambassador Orna Sagiv on Wednesday. Their joint mission was to address concerns that Israeli settlers were causing disruptions in this scenic northern Thai district. Provincial Governor Ekawit Meepian assured both officials and the public that the situation had stabilised and that tourism remained unaffected, with visitor numbers and local income on the rise. Ambassador Sagiv's visit highlights the urgency of the issue, as she sought to prevent any negative perceptions towards Israeli tourists and residents. Anutin clarified that concerns about an Israeli community in Pai resulted from communication mishaps. "There are only about 20 Israelis here who have married locals and settled down," he explained. "They live peacefully without any espionage or security-related activities." Cultural nuances have sometimes led to misunderstandings, Sagiv noted. She plans to educate Israeli tourists on local customs to ensure harmonious interactions. The Chabad House, a registered foundation, serves as a spiritual centre for Israelis. While it is not open for unrestricted public entry due to religious observances, Thais are not entirely barred. "There have been misconceptions about the Chabad House," Anutin stated. "It's not a commercial venture as it hasn't registered as a restaurant, and they have no plans to do so." Anutin also addressed grievances from Pai business owners about certain tourists refusing to pay for meals they disliked. "Such behaviour is unacceptable," he warned. "Legal actions will be taken against those who defy payment norms." Furthermore, Anutin reassured that the Ministry of Interior would not tolerate any forced influence or intimidation from foreign individuals towards local citizens. Ambassador Sagiv expressed dismay over signs excluding Israelis from certain places, likening it to the historical trauma of the Holocaust. However, she left the meeting optimistic. "The cooperation with Anutin today was fruitful," she commented. "Though approximately 300,000 Israeli tourists visit annually, it's become a significant issue that both nations can resolve." This diplomatic encounter underscores the importance of cultural diplomacy and local engagement in maintaining the hospitality that Thailand is renowned for. As officials work together, the hope is to foster mutual understanding and respect in this multicultural hub, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-02-27

Picture courtesy: MGR online In a crackdown on illegal foreign residents in Thailand, police have arrested a Chinese couple living in a luxurious villa in Phuket for visa-related offences. The husband overstayed his visa by nearly four years, while his wife illegally entered the country despite being previously barred. Under the directive of Police Lieutenant General Suraphong Thanomjit, the Region 8 police intensified efforts to clamp down on foreigners residing illegally. The couple, identified as Zhongyu Wang, 29, and Chun Chen, 31, were apprehended in a high-end villa in Chalong, Phuket City. Authorities discovered they were living extravagantly, possessing several luxury cars, including a Mercedes-Benz and a Toyota Alphard. Zhongyu Wang was charged with overstaying his visa by 1,317 days since 22 February 2020. Chun Chen, who was banned from entering Thailand for five years after her departure on 27 November 2024, was found to have re-entered the country illegally through a natural border crossing from Malaysia, avoiding immigration checks. The arrest followed a police investigation into the couple's lifestyle, which aroused suspicion. They appeared to have no legitimate occupation, yet owned luxurious assets and were potentially involved in services catering to Chinese nationals. Both individuals failed to produce valid travel documents upon request. After their arrest, they were charged and taken to Chalong Police Station for legal proceedings, reported MGR online. -- 2025-02-27

Chinese Couple Arrested in Phuket for 4-Year Visa Overstay Picture courtesy: MGR online In a crackdown on illegal foreign residents in Thailand, police have arrested a Chinese couple living in a luxurious villa in Phuket for visa-related offences. The husband overstayed his visa by nearly four years, while his wife illegally entered the country despite being previously barred. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352989-chinese-couple-arrested-in-phuket-for-4-year-visa-overstay/

Maid Seeks Help After Enduring Brutal Abuse from Employer Picture: Facebook page "Kan Jompalang Helps Fight" A young maid fled her employer's home in Nonthaburi seeking assistance after enduring severe physical abuse, which included being struck 98 times and having hot soup thrown on her face, as highlighted by a viral Facebook post on 26 February. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1353003-maid-seeks-help-after-enduring-brutal-abuse-from-employer/

Picture courtesy: Facebook page "Kan Jompalang Helps Fight" A young maid fled her employer's home in Nonthaburi seeking assistance after enduring severe physical abuse, which included being struck 98 times and having hot soup thrown on her face, as highlighted by a viral Facebook post on 26 February. The post by "Kan Jompalang Helps Fight" described shocking details of the maid’s ordeal. She was regularly beaten with rattan and bamboo sticks, often forced to strip before being whipped a staggering 98 times in one instance. The abuse didn't stop there; she was punched in her face and head nearly 30 times, and subjected to further indignities such as having hot soup splashed in her face. The maid eventually found an opportunity to escape, but within four days, her employer reported her for theft, using a video that allegedly shows her taking something, though it wasn’t clear what. The maid claimed she only picked up her ID card. Afraid of the employer's close ties with local police at Bang Kruai Police Station in Nonthaburi, as alleged, she turned to "Kan Jompalang" for help with turning herself in. Though the police did investigate, they reportedly found no evidence of theft. The maid now seeks justice for the wrongful accusations and hopes the authorities will address the abusive actions of her employer, who seems to believe justice favours the affluent. "Kan Jompalang" has pledged to support her in seeking fair treatment, reported Siam Rath. -- 2025-02-27

Mystery Key Boxes Expose Bangkok's Illegal Rentals Photo: Thai PBS World This week, curious images of mysterious key boxes scattered across downtown Bangkok captured the attention of online communities in Thailand. The viral photos featured inconspicuous wooden boxes, measuring 60cm x 60cm, strategically placed at locations like Sukhumvit Soi 42, sparking widespread speculation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352955-mystery-key-boxes-expose-bangkoks-illegal-rentals/

Thailand Dismisses Claims of 94% Drop in Chinese Tourists Picture courtesy of Hanny Naibaho, Unsplash The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is dismissing rumors that Chinese tourist numbers have plummeted by 94%. TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, assures that Thailand still ranks as the top destination for Chinese travelers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352958-thailand-dismisses-claims-of-94-drop-in-chinese-tourists/

Fed-Up Bangkok Locals Demand Action on Rowdy Foreign Renters Photo courtesy of Drama-addict Facebook Residents of a Bangkok condo are fed up with noisy tourists disrupting their once tranquil home. Foreign renters have made loud parties, the smell of cannabis, and pool rule-breaking common, sparking frustration among long-term residents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352953-fed-up-bangkok-locals-demand-action-on-rowdy-foreign-renters/

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 27 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1352968-thailand-live-thursday-27-february-2025/

Thai Stocks Surge as Bank of Thailand Cuts Interest Rate to 2% File photo for reference only In a move to energize Thailand's economy, the Bank of Thailand lowered its key interest rate by 0.25% on Wednesday, responding to government pleas for economic relief and a weaker baht to enhance exports. The Monetary Policy Committee voted 6-1 in favor of reducing the one-day repurchase rate to 2.00%, citing increased economic risks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352966-thai-stocks-surge-as-bank-of-thailand-cuts-interest-rate-to-2/

Chon Buri Man Shot Over Unpaid Debt of Tens of Thousands of Baht Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A 32-year-old man from Chon Buri is fighting for his life following a violent altercation over an unpaid debt of tens of thousands of baht. The incident unfolded in the early hours of February 26 at a residence in the Mueang district of Chon Buri province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352925-chon-buri-man-shot-over-unpaid-debt-of-tens-of-thousands-of-baht/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A 32-year-old man from Chon Buri is fighting for his life following a violent altercation over an unpaid debt of tens of thousands of baht. The incident unfolded in the early hours of February 26 at a residence in the Mueang district of Chon Buri province. Upon receiving notification of the shooting, Police Lieutenant Chinawat Thisala and emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene. There, they found Patipon, the victim, severely wounded with gunshot injuries to his abdomen and chest. Prompt medical attention was provided, and Patipon was rushed to Chon Buri Hospital for intensive care. The investigation revealed significant evidence at the location, including broken beer bottles and several 9mm bullet casings scattered around. Crucially, a wallet discovered at the scene, left by the assailant, helped identify the perpetrator—a 27-year-old tattoo artist named Dunlawat, from the nearby Ban Bueng area. Natthapong, a 26-year-old eyewitness and friend of Patipon, recounted the distressing events. He reported that Dunlawat, along with an accomplice, arrived at the residence in a white Honda Civic. Natthapong and Patipon were familiar with Dunlawat, which allowed the unexpected confrontation to escalate quickly. Once there, Dunlawat confronted Patipon, demanding immediate repayment of the outstanding debt, noted to be several tens of thousands of baht. A heated argument ensued, quickly deteriorating into a personal exchange involving insults about family members. The confrontation reached a critical point when Dunlawat brandished a firearm and shot Patipon multiple times before fleeing the scene in his vehicle, according to KhaoSod. Police officers are currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident, coordinating with medical personnel to gather more information from the injured Patipon. Further, the authorities are pursuing Dunlawat for questioning as they prepare to initiate legal proceedings against him, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-26

Pattaya Enhances Tourist Safety with Volunteer Training Initiative Picture of Pattaya Mayor, Poramase Ngampichet courtesy: Pattaya News In a significant push to bolster the safety of tourists in Pattaya, over 180 dedicated volunteers converged for a comprehensive training seminar. This event, which aims to enhance their skills in protecting and aiding visitors, took place on February 25 at the Bang Lamung District Office. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352918-pattaya-enhances-tourist-safety-with-volunteer-training-initiative/

Picture of Pattaya Mayor, Poramase Ngampichet courtesy: Pattaya News In a significant push to bolster the safety of tourists in Pattaya, over 180 dedicated volunteers converged for a comprehensive training seminar. This event, which aims to enhance their skills in protecting and aiding visitors, took place on February 25 at the Bang Lamung District Office. Spearheaded by Police Major General Noraseth Suwannanikha, Commander of Tourist Police Division 1, the seminar gathered notable figures including Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapach Sritanyanont and Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, Chief of Pattaya Tourist Police, highlighted the seminar's significance, emphasizing, “This initiative is a cornerstone of our strategy to roll out comprehensive training for volunteer officers across all tourist police stations by 2025.” The intensive programme was designed to provide volunteers with a thorough understanding of the vital duties performed by the Tourist Police, the specific roles of volunteer officers, and essential emergency response protocols. Moreover, participants received training in the art of effective collaboration with locals, a crucial aspect of maintaining a secure atmosphere for tourists in Pattaya’s bustling environment. With the enthusiastic participation of around 180 individuals committed to elevating tourist safety standards, the seminar was heralded as a resounding success and is paving the way for a safer and more welcoming Pattaya in the years ahead, as reported by Pattaya News. This initiative follows the recent active policing on Pattaya’s notorious Walking Street during Chinese New Year last month. Revelers observed an impressive police presence from the Pattaya Tourist Police, supported by local officers and agents from the US Navy’s NCIS, during their festive celebrations. This extensive operation, led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Noraseth, involved both uniformed and undercover officers patrolling high-risk areas to ensure the safety of the thousands of partygoers who flocked to the city. As Pattaya continues to uphold its reputation as a vibrant tourist hotspot, efforts such as these reflect a dedicated approach to providing a secure environment for visitors, ensuring they can enjoy all the city has to offer with peace of mind. Residents and officials alike are hopeful that these measures will bring about a harmonious balance between entertainment and safety, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-26

Pattaya Nightlife Comes Under Scrutiny Amid Noise Complaints Picture courtesy of John Borthwick Pattaya's lively beer bar scene is facing scrutiny as local authorities respond to mounting noise complaints from residents. On Tuesday, February 24, at 8.30pm, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet spearheaded an investigation into a well-known beer bar complex on Soi Diana, South Pattaya. The bustling area, known for its vibrant atmosphere, has drawn the ire of locals who claim the noise is disrupting their nightly peace. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352912-pattaya-nightlife-comes-under-scrutiny-amid-noise-complaints/

Picture courtesy of John Borthwick Pattaya's lively beer bar scene is facing scrutiny as local authorities respond to mounting noise complaints from residents. On Tuesday, February 24, at 8.30pm, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet spearheaded an investigation into a well-known beer bar complex on Soi Diana, South Pattaya. The bustling area, known for its vibrant atmosphere, has drawn the ire of locals who claim the noise is disrupting their nightly peace. The raid saw city officials, accompanied by law enforcement, descend upon the noisy venue, aiming to curb the cacophony reportedly keeping residents awake. The identity of the venue is being kept under wraps as investigations are ongoing. The complaints, already making waves on TikTok, accuse the venue of delivering relentless live music performances with pounding basslines and thunderous drums that echo well beyond the complex. During the raid, officials reported discovering the venue's expansive setup, featuring ten distinct bar zones, a central seating area, and a conspicuous live music stage. A sound test conducted on-site confirmed the claims, revealing music levels that exceeded permissible limits and easily reached nearby residential areas. Consequently, officials issued an order demanding that the venue contain its noise levels. In response, Thakolrat, the bar manager, pledged to implement necessary acoustic improvements to prevent further disturbances. "The venue’s been up and running for barely a year and was trouble-free until this month," noted Thakolrat, expressing a commitment to resolving the issue within the coming 30 days. To ensure compliance, authorities have scheduled a follow-up inspection, offering hope for quieter nights for the area’s beleaguered residents. As Pattaya continues to balance its reputation as a popular tourist destination with the needs of its residents, the city's approach to managing its exuberant nightlife will be closely watched. Residents hope the recent actions signal a move towards a more harmonious balance between entertainment and community well-being, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-26

People’s Party Eyes Clean Sweep in Bangkok's 2026 Gubernatorial Election FILE PHOTO: Leader of People's Party, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, left, with party members. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) The People’s Party has announced its plans to make a major push in the upcoming Bangkok gubernatorial election. On Tuesday, the party revealed its “Hackable Bangkok 2026” campaign, aiming to tackle the city’s significant issues such as air pollution. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352909-people’s-party-eyes-clean-sweep-in-bangkoks-2026-gubernatorial-election/

FILE PHOTO: Leader of People's Party, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, left, with party members. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) The People’s Party has announced its plans to make a major push in the upcoming Bangkok gubernatorial election. On Tuesday, the party revealed its “Hackable Bangkok 2026” campaign, aiming to tackle the city’s significant issues such as air pollution. Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Bangkok MP and the party’s election strategist, highlighted the urgent need to address PM2.5 pollution. This air pollution poses serious health risks, including asthma and heart conditions. The party is calling for the creation of dust-free zones to alleviate the problem, which could otherwise lead to heavy financial burdens on the city. Having roots in the well-supported Future Forward and Move Forward parties, the People’s Party is leveraging its strong voter base in Bangkok. In the 2023 general election, Move Forward candidates won 32 out of 33 constituencies in the city. This background fuels their current ambition to focus on policies rather than personalities, which they believe will appeal to voters. According to Nattacha, Bangkok voters are more interested in policies that promise a better future than in individual candidates’ charisma. People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut echoed this sentiment, pointing out that major agendas have stalled due to coalition rifts within the government. The party is also encouraging public engagement through its “Hackable Bangkok 2026” initiative. They invite residents to share ideas and perhaps even step forward as candidates. Natthaphong expressed confidence in their potential candidates, stating they possess the qualities necessary for effective city management. The People’s Party aims to win hearts and minds across all 50 districts during the governor election. While they appreciate the hard work of current Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, they argue that better policies are needed to solve Bangkok’s problems. Overall, the People’s Party is positioning itself as a forward-thinking force ready to bring substantial changes to Bangkok’s administration through innovative policies and active public participation, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-26

Thailand, Myanmar, Laos Tackle Haze with Hotline File photo for reference only Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos have joined forces to combat the persistent issue of transboundary haze pollution that has been plaguing the region. This new collaboration involves the establishment of a dedicated hotline to facilitate rapid communication and coordinated action among the three countries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352886-thailand-myanmar-laos-tackle-haze-with-hotline/

Thai Air Force Tests Gripen Jets on Highway for Emergency Readiness File photo courtesy: Defence Security Asia The Royal Thai Air Force is set to conduct an exercise testing the operational capabilities of its Gripen fighter jets, focusing on takeoff and landing on a highway rather than on traditional airstrips. This upcoming event is scheduled for Thursday on Highway 4287, located in Songkhla province, and will showcase the jets' adaptability and readiness in utilising alternative runways. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352884-thai-air-force-tests-gripen-jets-on-highway-for-emergency-readiness/

File photo courtesy: Defence Security Asia The Royal Thai Air Force is set to conduct an exercise testing the operational capabilities of its Gripen fighter jets, focusing on takeoff and landing on a highway rather than on traditional airstrips. This upcoming event is scheduled for Thursday on Highway 4287, located in Songkhla province, and will showcase the jets' adaptability and readiness in utilising alternative runways. The drill involves two key operations: landing and taking off, honing the jets' ability to function on limited runway space, which is crucial should regular airports become unusable during emergencies. An air force source emphasizes that the Gripen jets need no more than 800 metres for an effective runway, proving their efficiency in unconventional settings. The Department of Highways has confirmed the suitability of Highway 4287 for this demonstration. In addition, security measures will be heightened by police, military, and local officials to ensure the safety and success of the operation. Earlier this year, Wing 7's 701 Squadron carried out a similar exercise with two Gripen jets at the Wing 5 airfield in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Despite the airfield possessing a 2,057-metre runway, the jets demonstrated their prowess by completing a short-field landing using merely 640 metres. Furthermore, the Thai Air Force is in the process of expanding its fleet, with plans to purchase four additional Gripen jets. This acquisition would cost around 19 billion Thai Baht and follows careful considerations comparing offers from Swedish manufacturer Saab and US-based Lockheed Martin, which produces the F-16. This initiative represents a significant step in improving Thailand's military preparedness, reflecting a commitment to maintaining a flexible and robust air defence capability. By incorporating highway operations into their training regime, the Thai Air Force aims to ensure it can effectively respond to a range of scenarios, guaranteeing national security even under adverse conditions, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-26

File photo for reference only Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos have joined forces to combat the persistent issue of transboundary haze pollution that has been plaguing the region. This new collaboration involves the establishment of a dedicated hotline to facilitate rapid communication and coordinated action among the three countries. The move is part of larger efforts to address the harmful PM2.5 dust levels that are projected to rise dangerously later this week. The agreement for this hotline was reached during a recent teleconference organised by Thailand's Pollution Control Department, led by Director-General Preeyaporn Suwanaged. The meeting, which included representatives from Myanmar and Laos, marks a significant step in regional cooperation to address air pollution challenges. The hotline will establish a direct line of communication between the environmental departments of the three nations, enabling immediate response to haze situations. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of regional strategies and ensure swift action when required. A key topic discussed was the progress of the Clear Sky strategic plan, which spans from 2024 to 2030. It's part of a broader vision to reduce pollution through concerted regional initiatives. Myanmar has reported some success in reducing the number of pollution hotspots; however, Thailand and Cambodia continue to see slight increases. Representatives from Myanmar and Laos provided updates on increased law enforcement against illegal burning, a major source of the haze. Both countries are also intensifying awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of reducing environmental damage. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for the coming months to evaluate the effectiveness of the current measures and explore additional strategies. In Thailand, public health authorities are on alert as PM2.5 levels are anticipated to escalate later in the week. Dr Thiti Sawaengtham, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, has advised people, particularly those with existing health issues, to monitor air quality closely and wear masks if pollution levels rise. The Ministry of Public Health has been proactive, with its Emergency Operation Centre instructing healthcare providers to be vigilant for symptoms related to air pollution, such as nosebleeds. Additionally, 16,246 "clean air" rooms are prepared in 70 provinces to accommodate up to 1.9 million people if necessary. Around 2.6 million N95 masks are also ready for distribution in case the situation worsens. With this new tri-nation hotline and proactive health measures, the region is taking significant steps towards mitigating the adverse impacts of haze. Each country's commitment to the Clear Sky plan and continued cooperation is crucial in ensuring a healthier environment for all its residents, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-26

File photo courtesy: Thai Rath Thailand's visa-free policy, aimed at boosting tourism, is under scrutiny as local business leaders call for improved tourist screening to prevent potential issues. Thailand's initiative to attract more tourists by waiving visa requirements has indeed spurred significant growth in this sector. However, Mr Boon-anan Pattanasin, president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, has expressed concerns that the current lack of stringent screening might inadvertently allow individuals with dubious intentions to enter the country. The visa-free policy undoubtedly simplifies the travel process, encouraging more visitors. Yet, Boon-anan warns of the potential downsides, such as tourists entering under false pretences or overstaying illegally. Particular worry centres around those from visa-required countries who may circumvent regulations, alongside those not providing clear accommodation details. Call for Stricter Measures In a recent discussion with Tourist and Immigration police, the business association emphasised the need for better screening procedures. While police agree that the visa-free entry has helped tourism, they echo calls for more robust checks. There's a specific concern regarding the discontinuation of requiring foreign arrivals to declare their Thai address on form TM.6. This omission could hinder efforts to track visitors staying in unregistered accommodations or involved in unlawful activities. File photo courtesy: Thai Rath Tourism Dynamics in Pattaya Despite these challenges, Pattaya continues to thrive as a tourist hotspot. Russian tourists, in particular, dominate the city, making up a remarkable 90% of hotel bookings, followed by Indian and Chinese visitors. However, the influx of Chinese tourists has dipped, possibly due to concerns following news of call-centre scams in the country. Preserving Thailand's Tourism Reputation To safeguard Thailand’s reputation as a safe and attractive destination, Mr Boon-anan strongly advocates for stricter tourist evaluations. By doing so, the government can ensure a sustainable and secure tourism environment. In conclusion, while the visa-free policy has invigorated the tourism sector, it is crucial for Thai authorities to bolster their screening processes. By addressing these security concerns, Thailand can continue to offer an inviting yet secure destination for global tourists. Current exchange rates place one Thai Baht at approximately £0.021, translating into a lucrative opportunity for budget-conscious travellers drawn to the kingdom's rich culture and vibrant destinations, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-02-26

Cabinet Pushes Bank of Thailand for Rate Cut to Boost Inflation File photo In a decisive move, the Thai cabinet has urged the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to consider reducing interest rates to avoid inflation drifting below its target range. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352897-cabinet-pushes-bank-of-thailand-for-rate-cut-to-boost-inflation/