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Srettha Government Grants Visa-Free Entry to China and Kazakhstan, Leaving Many Questions Unanswered by Enquistock In a noteworthy move during its first Cabinet meeting, the newly-appointed government of Srettha Thavasin has announced visa-free entry to Thailand for nationals of China and Kazakhstan. While the decision is being praised for its potential to bolster the tourism sector—which accounts for more than 15% of Thailand’s GDP—it raises a number of unresolved questions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306668-srettha-government-grants-visa-free-entry-to-china-and-kazakhstan-leaving-many-questions-unanswered/

In a noteworthy move during its first Cabinet meeting, the newly-appointed government of Srettha Thavasin has announced visa-free entry to Thailand for nationals of China and Kazakhstan. While the decision is being praised for its potential to bolster the tourism sector—which accounts for more than 15% of Thailand’s GDP—it raises a number of unresolved questions. A Boost to Tourism On Tuesday, Srettha’s cabinet revealed its plan to waive visa requirements for Chinese and Kazakhstani nationals with the aim of revitalizing the struggling tourism industry. In the first eight months of 2023, Thailand welcomed 17.86 million tourists. Malaysia led the list with nearly 2.9 million visitors, followed by China with 2.2 million, South Korea with 1.06 million, India with 1.02 million, and Russia with 923,112 visitors. The decision to invigorate tourism revenues deserves commendation, particularly at a time when other economic sectors—most notably exports—are experiencing a downturn. by Enquistock Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 2023-09-15 - 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

Aranyaprathet Rescue Mission: Foundation Saves Villagers from Giant Snakes Sa Kaeo - The Aranya Prathet Rescue Foundation received distress calls from local residents seeking help to capture two large snakes in the Aranya Prathet district of Sa Kaeo province. These massive snakes, measuring 3-4 meters long, were threatening the village's chickens. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306664-aranyaprathet-rescue-mission-foundation-saves-villagers-from-giant-snakes/

Residents bemoan ongoing problem of burning trash in Smorprong By Online Reporter Persistent burning of waste in the Smorprong area continues to be a thorn in the side for local residents, whom claim their pleas for help from authorities have fallen on deaf ears. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306661-residents-bemoan-ongoing-problem-of-burning-trash-in-smorprong/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 15 September 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306660-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-15-september-2023/

The government will seek legal advice from the Council of State, on whether it is possible to revoke orders issued by the now-defunct coup-makers NCPO, National Council for Peace and order. Saying they are no longer relevant while some obstruct the running of government business and people's daily life. The FORMER SENATOR of Saraburi has been charged along with 5 others for sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl at a motel, her 37 year old mother whos from Myanmar is alleged to have forced her daughter into prostitution, Police are pressing charges against the mother, for human trafficking, and illegal entry into the country. Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat has been included on the TIME100 Next list of young global leaders to watch Mr Pita, whose party won the most seats in the May 14 general election but was unable to form a government, was the only Thai on the annual list of 100 people seen as defining the next generation of leadership... The Center for research and Business Development says Most parents would like the government to maintain the current ban on the import and sale of e-cigarettes, citing potential health risks. Following a survey more than 4,000 people. The Chinese embassy has thanked the Thai government for its visa-free policy which starts on 25th September and runs until the end of February, giving a boost to tourism during the upcoming high season. Around The Region: Taipei says it has seen 68 Chinese warplanes and 10 navy ships passing around its island, after warning that China was conducting air and sea drills in the Western Pacific. Myanmar. Air force chiefs from 4 countries around Southeast Asia did not attend a conference in Myanmar this week after ASEAN accused the ruling junta of targeting civilians. However Air force heads from Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam did attend the meeting which is due to end today. The annual meeting discusses cooperation in defense, combating extremism, and disaster relief. The weather: very heavy thunderstorms north of Bangkok in central Thailand Chiang Mai and the north: thunderstorms 30C Bangkok:, thunderstorms, 30C Pattaya, cloudy with thundershowers 30C Phuket and the south:bright, partly cloudy showers, 29C Hua Hin: Bright, partly cloudy, isolated showers: 30C. 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 2023-09-15 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

Hit-and-Run Accident Leaves Three People Injured in Pattaya, One Seriously By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A collision between a sedan and a motorcycle sidecar on Sukhumvit Road early on Thursday morning, September 14th, left three people injured, one of them seriously. The driver of the sedan fled the scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306659-hit-and-run-accident-leaves-three-people-injured-in-pattaya-one-seriously/

Thaksin's detention outside prison complies with regulations: Justice Minister In a statement yesterday (Sep 14), the Minister of Justice highlighted that the detention of Thaksin Shinawatra outside of prison is subject to regulations and contingent upon a medical assessment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306657-thaksins-detention-outside-prison-complies-with-regulations-justice-minister/

In a statement yesterday (Sep 14), the Minister of Justice highlighted that the detention of Thaksin Shinawatra outside of prison is subject to regulations and contingent upon a medical assessment. On September 14, 2023, Pol. Lt. Gen. Tawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, shed light on Thaksin Shinawatra's case, stressing that detaining individuals outside of incarceration falls under the authority of correctional commanders, reorted INN. However, if the detention exceeds a 30-day timeframe, it compels the Director-General of the Department of Corrections to provide authorization. In the circumstance where the duration exceeds 60 days, it requires obtaining consent from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice. For detentions surpassing 120 days, approval from the Minister of Justice is the critical determinant. The most pivotal aspect of this process remains the medical evaluation. Amendments to the law in 2017 ensured that detention must strictly adhere to legal and regulatory protocols, with no exceptions. This disclosure underscores the vital role of medical opinions in establishing the duration of Thaksin Shinawatra's non-prison detention, ensuring that legal principles and standards are maintained throughout the process. -- ASEAN NOW 2023-09-15 - 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

Physician's Son Arrested for Robbery to Fund Lavish Parties Pattaya police have apprehended the son of a renowned physician, who was driving a sleek BMW and staying at an upscale hotel, suspected of vandalizing and robbing high-value assets to fund his lavish party lifestyle. This arrest comes after multiple previous encounters with law enforcement, leaving authorities baffled. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306656-physicians-son-arrested-for-robbery-to-fund-lavish-parties/

Police Arrest Intoxicated Man Accused of Assaulting and Stabbing Monk UDON THANI - Authorities apprehended a man who was allegedly intoxicated and caused a disturbance at a local temple. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306655-police-arrest-intoxicated-man-accused-of-assaulting-and-stabbing-monk/

Mrigadayavan Palace to briefly open its doors to the public in October By Online Reporter Officials have announced that the historic Mrigadayavan Palace will temporarily reopen to the public for three special days in October 2023. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306654-mrigadayavan-palace-to-briefly-open-its-doors-to-the-public-in-october/

Former Police Captain loses ฿1 million bail after he failed to show up for latest court judgement by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor On June 20th 2020, then-30-year-old former Police Captain Songklod Boonsong (centre and right) played a part in the death of his girlfriend 32 year old Ms Pim Chadaporn (left), who died during an altercation between the pair at a house in the Bang Kapi area of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306653-former-police-captain-loses-฿1-million-bail-after-he-failed-to-show-up-for-latest-court-judgement/

Family of the dead young woman urged the former police officer to own up to his responsibilities in the matter and turn himself into the justice system. They also point out that the accused has not made any effort to pay compensation to the daughter or niece of the deceased woman. A hearing in Bangkok has been set to read the verdict of the Court of Appeal in a case on October 10th next related to the death of a 32-year-old woman in the Bang Kapi area of the city on June 20th 2020. Last week, the court ordered the seizure of ฿1 million in bail after a former police officer, Songklod Boonsong, failed to show up to hear its decision. The ex-police captain was sentenced to twenty years in prison in 2022 when granted bail for the second time to appeal the judgement. A 33-year-old former police colonel who was last year convicted by a court in the death of his girlfriend or common-law wife on the night of June 20th 2020, has skipped bail and failed to turn up for the latest verdict in the case which was to be delivered on Thursday the 7th of September at the criminal court in Ratchadapisek Road in Bangkok. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor TOP Picture: On June 20th 2020, then-30-year-old former Police Captain Songklod Boonsong (centre and right) played a part in the death of his girlfriend 32 year old Ms Pim Chadaporn (left), who died during an altercation between the pair at a house in the Bang Kapi area of Bangkok. Full story: Thai Examiner 2023-09-15 - 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

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Move Forward Party, named in TIME100 Next List By Peter Roche Pita Limjareonrat Thailand Time Magazine Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Thailand’s Move Forward party, known for his near-ascension to the position of Thailand’s 30th prime minister, has earned a place on Time magazine’s prestigious “TIME100 Next” list for the year 2023. He is the only Thai on this year’s list. Pita stands as the sole Thai representative in this exclusive list compiled by the US-based magazine, recognising influential individuals who are shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership worldwide. The list is categorised into five segments – Artists, Phenoms, Innovators, Advocates and Leaders. Time’s Charlie Campbell highlighted Pita Limjaroenrat’s remarkable electoral victory and the bold agenda he pursued to achieve it. The Harvard-educated leader led the upstart Move Forward Party to secure an impressive 38% of the votes in Thailand’s polls held on May 14 this year. The party’s platform centered on promises to rein in the nation’s armed forces, reform the revered royal institution, abolish the contentious royal-defamation law and put an end to military conscription. Full story: PhuketGO 2023-09-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Update: Ex-Senator Charged With Sexually Abusing 15-Year-Old Thai/Myanmar Girl By Thai Newsroom Reporters The motel in Saraburi where the forced prostitution of an underaged Thai/Myanmar girl took place. Photo: Matichon A FORMER SENATOR of Saraburi has been charged for sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl who had been allegedly forced by her own mother into the flesh trade, police said yesterday (Sep.14). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306652-ex-senator-politician-surrenders-in-underage-prostitution-case/?do=findComment&comment=18349243

Ex-Senator-Politician Surrenders In Underage Prostitution Case by TNR Staff Graphic image on prostitution by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay A FORMER senator who is now a well-known politician showed up at Ban Mo police station in Saraburi late last night to surrender over charges of buying sex services from an underage girl but denied the accusation, Matichon newspaper said Thursday afternoon (Sep. 14). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306652-ex-senator-politician-surrenders-in-underage-prostitution-case/

Thai Air Force In Joint Drill With US Air National Guards By Thai Newsroom Reporters THE THAI AIR FORCE and United States Air National Guards are jointly conducting a tactical air exercise over Nakhon Ratchasima, an air force source said yesterday (Sep.14). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306651-thai-air-force-in-joint-drill-with-us-air-national-guards/

THE THAI AIR FORCE and United States Air National Guards are jointly conducting a tactical air exercise over Nakhon Ratchasima, an air force source said yesterday (Sep.14). The Thai air force’s Wing 1, Wing 4, Wing 7 and Wing 21 are currently taking part in the joint exercise codenamed Enduring Partners Engagement 2023 alongside the Washington Air National Guard and Oregon Air National Guard. The 10-day joint tactical air exercise, the first ever of its kind and scheduled to end next week, is featuring five McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle fighters from the Washington Air National Guard and Oregon Air National Guard. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Images from the Enduring Partners Engagement 2023 tactical air exercise. Credit: INN News Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2023-09-15 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 15 September 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1306650-thailand-live-friday-15-september-2023/

Would-be PM Pita makes it onto the “TIME100 Next” list this year Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward party, who almost became Thailand’s 30th prime minister, has been included on Time magazine’s “TIME100 Next” list for 2023. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306617-would-be-pm-pita-makes-it-onto-the-“time100-next”-list-this-year/

The recent dinner party murder of a local highway policeman in Nakhon Pathom province has placed local power structures in Thailand under intense national focus. Govt to Heavily Scrutinize Local Influential Figures Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306629-govt-to-heavily-scrutinize-local-influential-figures/

Firearm amnesty: Illegal Thai gun owners given 30 days to ‘trigger’ compliance by Mitch Connor (Photo by Varuth Hirunyatheb) courtesy of Bangkok Post. In an attempt to crackdown on illegal firearm possession, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drafted a 30-day amnesty for gun owners without permits. They now have a month to turn in these firearms at any police station before stricter enforcement measures are applied. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306605-firearm-amnesty-illegal-thai-gun-owners-given-30-days-to-‘trigger’-compliance/

In an attempt to crackdown on illegal firearm possession, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drafted a 30-day amnesty for gun owners without permits. They now have a month to turn in these firearms at any police station before stricter enforcement measures are applied. This initiative was implemented yesterday, September 13, following a raid where a team of 100 officials targeted 21 locations in Nakhon Pathom. The operation resulted in the seizure of around 16 guns and 200 bullets from a network likened to organised crime. This network has been connected to a recent shooting incident involving a highway police officer, which took place at a social gathering at the residence of Praween Chanklai, a local leader and construction business operator also known as Nok. Government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, stated that Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has been designated by Prime Minister Srettha to oversee a team specifically set up to execute the month-long amnesty, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor (Photo by Varuth Hirunyatheb) courtesy of Bangkok Post. Full story: The Thaiger 2023-09-14 - 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

Kamnan Nok scandal lifts lid on Thai bureaucracy’s corruption crisis An unprecedented shooting that killed one police officer and left another wounded in Nakhon Pathom province has exposed ugly corruption in Thailand’s police force and public services in general. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306603-kamnan-nok-scandal-lifts-lid-on-thai-bureaucracy’s-corruption-crisis/