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New year sees considerable drop in road accidents across Thailand by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Prasit Tangprasert The new year holiday period witnessed a significant drop in road accidents, with 212 fatalities and 1,860 injuries, according to statistics from the Department of Land Transport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316061-new-year-sees-considerable-drop-in-road-accidents-across-thailand/

The new year holiday period witnessed a significant drop in road accidents, with 212 fatalities and 1,860 injuries, according to statistics from the Department of Land Transport. The figures indicate a considerable decrease from the previous year, with the death toll and injury count originating from 1,839 traffic mishaps that occurred from December 29 to January 2. Among the provinces, Bangkok reported the highest number of deaths, recording 15 fatalities, while Kanchanaburi province bore the brunt of most accidents, with 69 incidents and the highest number of injured individuals, tallying up to 73. According to the Royal Thai Police Office, there has been a significant drop in comparison to last year’s figures. Notably, the number of fatalities fell by 23.19%, injuries decreased by 3.43%, and the overall accident count declined by 6.17%, reported Bangkok Post. Speeding was identified as the main culprit in these accidents, accounting for a substantial 40.60% of the total. Other major causes included drivers cutting into lanes, which contributed to 23.31% of accidents, and drunk driving, responsible for 14.29% of the incidents. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Prasit Tangprasert Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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

Nonthaburi’s Jack’s Waterfall Noodles stops free meals due to misuse by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via healthline Sakrapee Pathomthasaporn, known as Jack, owner of the popular noodle restaurant Jack’s Waterfall Noodles in Nonthaburi, has made a difficult decision to stop serving free meals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316060-nonthaburi’s-jack’s-waterfall-noodles-stops-free-meals-due-to-misuse/

Sakrapee Pathomthasaporn, known as Jack, owner of the popular noodle restaurant Jack’s Waterfall Noodles in Nonthaburi, has made a difficult decision to stop serving free meals. For over a year, Jack has been known for his generosity, offering free bowls of noodles to the elderly, disabled, homeless, pregnant women, and anyone who couldn’t afford a meal. However, his goodwill gesture was exploited by some who misused this opportunity. Jack was left disheartened by their ungrateful behaviour, leading him to reconsider his generous initiative. The decision to withdraw the free meals came into effect today, following several instances of unappreciative behaviour. Jack’s noodle shop started offering free meals about a year ago, usually given out at the front of the shop and the Nonthaburi pier. His target was the needy, homeless people, who often slept rough around the pier area. The free meals were a gesture of goodwill to those who were less fortunate. However, Jack noticed a shift in the type of people who started visiting his shop after he put up a sign offering free meals. About four months after he put up the sign, Jack noticed that the majority of the people coming for free meals were not the needy ones he intended to help. For instance, a group of nine elderly women began visiting his shop regularly. Men from this group would come to his shop every day, ordering special dishes instead of the regular free meal Jack was offering. He observed cases where people would bring their friends to enjoy the free meals, some would even take food to go, which was against his rules. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via healthline Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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

Motorbike Collision Kills Thai Man, Injures Foreign Man in Kathu By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu – A Thai rider died and a foreign rider was injured after a big bike collided with a smaller motorbike in Kathu. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316058-motorbike-collision-kills-thai-man-injures-foreign-man-in-kathu/

Kathu – A Thai rider died and a foreign rider was injured after a big bike collided with a smaller motorbike in Kathu. Emergency responders were notified of the accident at 8:00 A.M. on Wednesday morning (January 3rd) on the Wichit Songkram Road in Baan San, Kathu. They arrived at the scene to find a damaged big bike on the road. Another damaged motorbike was found in the opposite lane. The big bike rider, identified only as Mr. Nirandorn, 43, from Ranong, was pronounced dead in the opposite lane with his big bike. The foreign rider, whose name was withheld by authorities, had sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-04 - 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’s fruit exports projected to increase by 4% in 2024 by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Expectation for a 4% increase in the volume of fresh and processed fruit exports this year has been projected by the Commerce Ministry, driven by a strong demand. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, after a meeting with ministry officials and fruit-related representatives, expressed optimism about fruit exports. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316057-thailand’s-fruit-exports-projected-to-increase-by-4-in-2024/

Expectation for a 4% increase in the volume of fresh and processed fruit exports this year has been projected by the Commerce Ministry, driven by a strong demand. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, after a meeting with ministry officials and fruit-related representatives, expressed optimism about fruit exports. The ministry predicts a 4% increase in both volume and value of fresh and processed fruit shipments, with an anticipated total of 4.19 million tonnes worth 300 billion baht (US$ 8,703,855,000). Forecasts for fresh fruit exports alone indicate a 4% volume increase to 2.1 million tonnes, and an expected 5% increase in value to 175 billion baht (US$ 5,077,248,750). Notably, China is the principal market, accepting 75% of total exports, followed by the US, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Data from the ministry reveals that in the first 11 months of the previous year, Thailand exported fresh and processed fruit worth 284 billion baht (US$ 8,239,649,400). Fresh fruit accounted for 178 billion baht (US$ 5,164,287,300), which was a 27% increase from the previous year, while frozen and dried fruit totalled 50.1 billion baht (US$ 1,453,543,785), a 25.2% increase. However, processed fruit exports decreased by 10.4%, reaching 56.3 billion baht (US$ 1,633,233,217), reported Bangkok Post. To reach the set target, the ministry plans to encourage production and processing by fast-tracking the certification of 120,000 GAP-certified farms and promoting the processing of durian, longan, and mango, with a target of 320,000 tonnes, said Wattanasak Sur-iam, the Director-General of the Internal Trade Department. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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

Surin motorcyclist dies in elevated bridge collision: Thai police investigate by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of MGR Online A Surin native riding a motorcycle had a fatal accident after colliding with a barrier on an elevated bridge. The police are investigating the cause before contacting the relatives to claim the body. The incident occurred today at 2.30am. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316054-surin-motorcyclist-dies-in-elevated-bridge-collision-thai-police-investigate/

A Surin native riding a motorcycle had a fatal accident after colliding with a barrier on an elevated bridge. The police are investigating the cause before contacting the relatives to claim the body. The incident occurred today at 2.30am. Police Lieutenant Gunsak Kongprasert, an investigating officer at Khu Khot Police Station in Pathum Thani Province, received a report on this motorcycle accident on the elevated bridge heading to the Si Mum Mueang market in Khu Khot sub-district, Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani province. The accident claimed a life. The accident scene was on the elevated bridge heading to the Si Mum Mueang market. A white and red Honda Click motorcycle with a Surin license plate was found leaning against the concrete barrier dividing the traffic lanes. An inspection revealed a crack mark on the left headlight. At the accident point on the bridge, no deceased or injured were found, hence the search at the lower level corresponding to the entrance of Phaholyothin 71 alley. There, they discovered a motorcycle rider’s body. The police then evacuated the vehicle from the elevated bridge to open the traffic, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of MGR Online Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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

Thalang Accident Leaves One Person Dead, Five Other People Injured By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – A 33-year-old male driver died after his pickup truck collided with another pickup truck and a sedan in Thalang, the first death reported in Phuket’s New Year’s Seven Day Road Safety Campaign. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316053-thalang-accident-leaves-one-person-dead-five-other-people-injured/

Thalang – A 33-year-old male driver died after his pickup truck collided with another pickup truck and a sedan in Thalang, the first death reported in Phuket’s New Year’s Seven Day Road Safety Campaign. Emergency responders were notified of the accident at 11:00 P.M. on Tuesday (January 2nd) on the main Thep Krasattri Road in the Mai Khao sub-district. They arrived at the scene to find the severely damaged pickup truck, another overturned pickup truck, and a damaged sedan in the northbound lane. Inside the severely damaged pickup truck first responders found the male driver who had sustained serious injuries. Five other people in the other two vehicles had sustained minor to moderate injuries. They were all rushed to a nearby hospital but were not identified to the media. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-04 - 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’s tourism authority faces challenge to boost foreign arrivals by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Ragnar Vorel, Unsplash With a significantly decreased budget from its 2019 benchmark, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) faces the daunting task of increasing foreign arrivals from 28 million in 2023 to 40 million in the span of just a year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316052-thailand’s-tourism-authority-faces-challenge-to-boost-foreign-arrivals/

With a significantly decreased budget from its 2019 benchmark, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) faces the daunting task of increasing foreign arrivals from 28 million in 2023 to 40 million in the span of just a year. The drastic goal was deliberated on Tuesday when Chai Wacharonke, a government spokesperson, revealed potential plans to boost arrivals to this figure, spurred by new initiatives like the reciprocal visa-free scheme between Thailand and China. Yet, the ambitious target remains unofficial as the Tourism and Sport Ministry continues to uphold its goal of 35 million foreign arrivals for 2024. During a record-breaking year in 2019, Thailand saw 39.8 million foreign arrivals and 2 trillion baht (US$ 58,105,760,000) in revenue, thanks to a generous budget of 6.6 billion baht (US$ 191,749,008) granted to the TAT, as informed by TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaiboon. Nonetheless, this year’s budget has been reduced by approximately 20%, standing at 5.2 billion baht (US$ 151,031,072), despite the significantly higher revenue target of 2.5 trillion baht (US$ 72,611,092,500). The challenge of matching the arrivals figure of 2019 is a complex task that would necessitate comprehensive discussions with the Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, as well as TAT directors from key source markets like China, reported Bangkok Post. The TAT’s 2024 budget, bigger than last year’s 3.2 billion baht (US$ 92,951,680), could potentially face further reductions in the wake of the 2024 Budget Bill debate starting this week. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Ragnar Vorel, Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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 - Thursday 4 January 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316049-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-4-january-2024/

The government has insisted its promised digital wallet scheme to Hand out 10,000 baht to citizens over the age of 16 will be rolled out in May, The secretary-general to the prime minister, said the policy and the loan bill to fund the scheme were legitimate, A Former Democrat leader criticized the government for seeking an additional 100 billion baht loan bringing the total loan to 693 billion baht for 2024, adding this would not cover the digital wallet scheme and Debt repayment obligations, but would leave less funding available for investments. Thai narcotics authorities are seeking the extradition of a Malaysian drug dealer and key member of a transnational drug syndicate from Laos to Thailand. The 39 year old was captured in laos last Friday and is expected to be brought to Thailand along with 47 other drug suspects. The Ministry of Transport is seeking approval for seven new transport development projects at a cost of 133 billion baht, Projects include an extension to the redline train service, expansion of Suvarnabhumi airport’s passenger terminal. And several road extensions and developments. A 41 year old mother and 12 year old daughter were found dead by a work colleague who called in after the woman failed to turn up for work at a vet. Both mother and child are believed to have taken cyanide at their house near Rayong. A suicide note was found at the house. Around The Region. Japan, the death toll following the major earthquake that struck western Japan on Monday has risen to at least 73 with at least 400 injured, but the toll is expected to rise. Taiwan’s Defence Ministry says Three Chinese balloons flew across Taiwan island near an air base on Jan 2nd, the first time it has reported them since a spate of balloons crossed the Taiwan Strait last month.. Chiang Mai and the north: sunny partly cloudy 31C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 34 Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy, 33 Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy, 31C Hua Hin: Sunny, light cloud 31 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 2024-01-04 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 baht predicted to appreciate amid expected US interest rate cuts by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Pornprom Satrabhaya The Thai baht is predicted to appreciate to 33 against the US dollar in the near future, as the market anticipates an early start to US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, possibly as soon as March. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316048-thai-baht-predicted-to-appreciate-amid-expected-us-interest-rate-cuts/

The Thai baht is predicted to appreciate to 33 against the US dollar in the near future, as the market anticipates an early start to US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, possibly as soon as March. This expectation could trigger an inflow of funds into the Thai currency. On Wednesday, the baht registered at 34.26 to 34.28 per US dollar, a slight depreciation from Tuesday’s close of 34.14, a trend that mirrors other regional currencies due to the rise in US bond yield and increased dollar demand. According to Kanjana Chockpisansin, head of research at Kasikorn Research Centre, fluctuations in the Thai currency throughout the year will largely depend on the Fed’s rate cuts. She suggests that the baht could appreciate to 33 against the greenback in the near term. “The market believes the Fed will be quick to cut rates, doing it aggressively this year,” Kanjana stated. The market anticipates that the US central bank will slash rates by up to 1.5 percentage points in 2024, reducing the rate from 5.25% to 5.5% to approximately 4% by the end of the year. However, Kasikorn Research Centre predicts a more cautious approach from the Fed, forecasting a rate cut of only 0.75 percentage points this year, reported Bangkok Post. Kanjana further explained, “The Fed worked very hard to curb US inflation by raising and maintaining rates at a high level. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Pornprom Satrabhaya Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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

Public health office urges pregnant women in Hua Hin to undergo Zika virus testing amid rising cases By Online Reporter In response to a rise in Zika virus cases in Hua Hin, the Public Health Office of Prachuap Khiri Khan is calling on pregnant women to get tested for the virus. The latest figures indicate a total of 25 confirmed cases in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316046-public-health-office-urges-pregnant-women-in-hua-hin-to-undergo-zika-virus-testing-amid-rising-cases/

In response to a rise in Zika virus cases in Hua Hin, the Public Health Office of Prachuap Khiri Khan is calling on pregnant women to get tested for the virus. The latest figures indicate a total of 25 confirmed cases in the area. The specific areas targeted for this health advisory include Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin, Nong Kae, and Thap Tai. Zika virus tests for pregnant women are being carried out at Hua Hin Hospital. To facilitate easy access to this service, a QR Code has been provided for registration. Additionally, an OpenChat group has been created to schedule appointments and disseminate relevant public health news. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-01-04 - 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

Reckless Teenage Motorcyclist Blocks Rescue Vehicle, Arrested for Theft In a shocking incident in Nattawi district, Songkhla province, a reckless teenager, nicknamed "Gunhead Kwuan," intentionally obstructed an ambulance on its way to the hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316041-reckless-teenage-motorcyclist-blocks-rescue-vehicle-arrested-for-theft/

Covert Human Trafficking Network Busted Transporting Bangladeshi Labor The Immigration Bureau announced the successful apprehension of a covert human trafficking network responsible for smuggling Bangladeshi laborers into Malaysia through Thailand, charging them over 100,000 Baht per head. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316040-covert-human-trafficking-network-busted-transporting-bangladeshi-labor/

Thai government to stimulate economy with digital wallet scheme by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The Thai government has reaffirmed its commitment to launch the digital wallet scheme in May, a key policy of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316045-thai-government-to-stimulate-economy-with-digital-wallet-scheme/

The Thai government has reaffirmed its commitment to launch the digital wallet scheme in May, a key policy of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The scheme, financed by a 500 billion baht (US$ 14,518,005,000) loan, aims to inject 10,000 baht (US$ 290) into the digital wallet of every Thai citizen aged 16 and above as a means to stimulate the economy. The government is leveraging the advice of the Council of State to ensure the flawless execution of the scheme. Prommin Lertsuridej, the prime minister’s secretary-general, clarified that the loan bill for the digital wallet scheme is legitimate. The input from the Council of State would merely assist in implementing the scheme more efficiently. The government had previously sought the council’s advice on the feasibility of enacting the loan bill to fund the digital wallet scheme. Responding to queries on the potential impact of this policy on the country’s GDP, Prommin stated that the policy was part of a larger matrix of strategies intended to bolster the economy. He indicated that the projected growth rate of 2.3% to 3.7% by the Budget Bureau for the 2024 annual spending plan didn’t account for the potential influence of the digital wallet scheme. He further assured that the government’s focus would be on strengthening the economy over four years, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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 woman challenges traditional roles with refusal to iron husband’s clothes by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via seventy four istock A Thai woman has taken to an online forum to vent about her mother-in-law’s nagging over her refusal to iron her husband’s clothes. The woman, who works away from home and returns only on weekends, argues that her husband should be able to iron his clothes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316044-thai-woman-challenges-traditional-roles-with-refusal-to-iron-husband’s-clothes/