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Coup-proofing Thailand, oil slick off Chon Buri : Tim Newton Today - Sep 5 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305588-coup-proofing-thailand-oil-slick-off-chon-buri-tim-newton-today-sep-5/

Thailand News - Oil slick heading to islands of Chon Buri, visa-free travel for Chinese from October 1? Military reform at the top of the agenda for new Thai government, including getting rid of conscription and fewer Generals. Sugar prices set to soar. A 28 American English teacher in Thailand arrested, along with a Turkish fitness instructor for various misdemeanours, Daily Mail version of yesterday's story about a British man beaten up in Pattaya, and Hippopotamus Mae Mali has her 58th birthday. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Thailand’s first expressway tunnel proposed through 36 billion baht investment by Mitch Connor Photo by Benjamin Huggett on Unsplash The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) has put forth a proposal for an underground expressway, aiming to replace a contentious section of the N1 Expressway development. The proposal came after an extensive 17-month initial feasibility study. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305584-thailand’s-first-expressway-tunnel-proposed-through-36-billion-baht-investment/

NBTC and DES ministry prepare for Thaicom 4 satellite transition in 2024 by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Pattaya Mail The office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is working closely with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) to prepare for the Thaicom 4 satellite‘s 2024 lifespan expiry at 119.5° East orbit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305580-nbtc-and-des-ministry-prepare-for-thaicom-4-satellite-transition-in-2024/

The office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is working closely with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) to prepare for the Thaicom 4 satellite‘s 2024 lifespan expiry at 119.5° East orbit. Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, NBTC board chair, held talks with outgoing DES Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn on joint responsibilities. Thaicom previously managed both Thaicom 4 broadband and Thaicom 6 broadcasting satellites under a ministry concession. The Thaicom 4 and Thaicom 6 satellites operate in the 119.5° East and 78.5° East orbital slots, respectively. The latter’s engineering lifespan will come to an end in 2029. In September 2021, following the conclusion of Thaicom’s 30-year concession, the ministry took over the ownership and related assets of the two satellites. by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Pattaya Mail Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/nbtc-and-des-ministry-prepare-for-thaicom-4-satellite-transition-in-2024 -- The Thaiger 2023-09-05 - 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

Illegal Thai resort dismantled for violating National Forest Act by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Phetchabun witnessed a significant operation yesterday as over a hundred officials systematically dismantled parts of a resort found to be unlawfully constructed on national forest grounds within the Khao Kho district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305575-illegal-thai-resort-dismantled-for-violating-national-forest-act/

Drug suspect’s escape attempt causes crash, leaving five injured in Chonburi by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khao Sod Online A drug suspect fleeing from police caused a traffic accident that resulted in five injuries, including two police officers and a local resident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305573-drug-suspect’s-escape-attempt-causes-crash-leaving-five-injured-in-chonburi/

New Labour Minister orders carpets removed from executive suite at Ministry building in Bangkok by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn of the Bhumjaithai Party was appointed to the cabinet first as Minister of Tourism and Sports in 2019 and presided over the biggest crisis the industry has ever experienced since it first took off in the 1960s. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305570-new-labour-minister-orders-carpets-removed-from-executive-suite-at-ministry-building-in-bangkok/

Incoming Minister of Labour, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, was briefed by officials on Monday but had to use a different office on the 6th floor of the 15-story ministry building in the Din Daeng area of Bangkok. He has ordered the white and beige carpet in the minister’s executive suite replaced with laminate flooring as he prepares to take up duties on Thursday, September 7th. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn of the Bhumjaithai Party was appointed to the cabinet first as Minister of Tourism and Sports in 2019 and presided over the biggest crisis the industry has ever experienced since it first took off in the 1960s. In his new role, he faces the challenging prospect of implementing the Pheu Thai Party’s minimum wage policies which are expected to meet resistance from the business sector and employers. New Minister of Labour, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has ordered his 6th-floor executive suite at the ministry building in Din Daeng refurbished ahead of his first official day at work on September 7th after discovering it has carpeted flooring. The incoming Minister of Labour, the former Minister for Tourism and Sports in the previous government and Bhumjaithai Party stalwart, has ordered his office on the sixth floor of the 15-story ministry building to be revamped ahead of his first day on the job on September 7th. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/09/05/labour-minister-phiphat-orders-office-carpet-removed-at-ministry-bangkok/ -- Thai Examiner 2023-09-05 - 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

Informant fears life after exposing drug cartel and corrupt officers by Mitch Connor Jang Talat Phlu, Image courtesy of Bangkok Post A police informant, known by the alias Jang Talat Phlu, has taken to the Sai Mai Tong Rod (Sai Mai Must Survive) Facebook page, renowned for its help during Covid-19 lockdowns, fearing for his life. He alleges threats from both a police gang and a drug cartel he exposed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305568-informant-fears-life-after-exposing-drug-cartel-and-corrupt-officers/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 5 September 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305564-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-5-september-2023/

Thailand's new minister for defense said reform of the military will proceed and conscription will be phased out gradually, to be replaced by voluntary enlistment. Them minister said the armed forces would be leaner, salary increases and better welfare benefits could be incentives to encourage people to join up. The Immigration Bureau arrested more than 20 Chinese nationals smuggled into the country from Cambodia in recent months, along with the arrest of several Thai nationals. while en route to Myanmar to work for call-center gangs, Some Chinese gangs were on the move after raids by authorities in Cambodia, and have now started to use routes through Laos around Thailand after being aware that Thai police were on the lookout for them. American English teacher and TikTok celebrity known as Mr. Luke, who has 1.3 million followers, was temporarily released by a Bangkok Court yesterday, and ordered to pay 100,000 baht for bail He faces charges of child abuse involving a 16-year-old minor and is prohibited from leaving the country. The girl's mother alleged the two had a sexual relationship after only 5 months. Efforts continued to clean up an oil spill following the rupture of a pipe being used to pump oil from a tanker close to a jetty in Sri Racha south of Pattaya, pollution authorities said the slick was being cleared and had been confined to a local area. One of Thailand's largest online service platforms, LINE’ announced the acquisition of Rabbit Line Pay Company. an integrated online and offline payment platform, The CEO of LINEMAN said having their own online payment system would allow for better services with a more seamless experience. Around The Region: North Korea’s Kim Jong Un plans to travel to Russia this month to meet President Vladimir Putin and discuss the possibility of supplying Moscow with weapons for it’s war in Ukraine. Kim would travel from Pyongyang, probably by armoured train, to Vladivostok. Malaysia’s high court has dropped 47 charges of embezzlement against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Hamidi, stirring outrage and dubious credibility of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s reform agenda, after he vowed to clean up corruption in the country. He had been charged with misappropriating millions of dollars from his own charitable foundation. The weather: Cloud and storms in central and northern thailand Clearer in the south. Chiang Mai and the north: heavy thundershowers 29C Bangkok:, thunder showers, 31C Pattaya, Cloudy, thunderstorms 31C Phuket and the south: thundershowers 28C Hua Hin: Sunny, partly cloudy, : 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 2023-09-05 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

UPDATE: Free visa for Chinese tourists stirs Thai transnational crime fears by Mitch Connor Image by Serhii Yevdokymov The newly proposed travel policy by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, which includes free visa privileges for Chinese tourists, could potentially escalate transnational crime rates, as per the Immigration Bureau (IB) of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305551-new-visa-free-regime-plan-for-chinese-tourists-will-see-more-criminal-elements-entering-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=18326421

Free visa for Chinese tourists stirs Thai transnational crime fears by Mitch Connor Image by Serhii Yevdokymov The newly proposed travel policy by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, which includes free visa privileges for Chinese tourists, could potentially escalate transnational crime rates, as per the Immigration Bureau (IB) of Thailand. The program, which is set to kick off on October 1, is designed to stimulate the influx of Chinese tourists, who once dominated the tourist arrivals. However, despite the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, travel from China has not bounced back as expected. Adith Chairattananon, the honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta), pointed out that the economic burden and a weakened yuan have discouraged many Chinese from venturing overseas. Furthermore, Adith mentioned that negative perceptions of Thailand, especially concerning safety, have been circulating on Chinese social media platforms, deterring prospective travellers. The Atta also highlighted the struggles of several Chinese travel agencies to cope with the lack of staff and escalating operational costs. The planned free-visa program has sparked a divide in opinions, with Srettha in discussions with security and related agencies about potential risks. A particular concern of some tourism-related businesses is the potential influx of Chinese criminals due to relaxed entry regulations. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/free-visa-for-chinese-tourists-stirs-thai-transnational-crime-fears -- The Thaiger 2023-09-05 - 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

Ambulance with Critical Patient onboard blocked by Reckless Sedan Driver (video) A disturbing incident surfaced on the "Want to be Famous? We'll Make It Happen" Facebook page, highlighting an incident from an ambulance's dashcam footage recorded on Sunday afternoon (3 September). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305561-ambulance-with-critical-patient-onboard-blocked-by-reckless-sedan-driver-video/

Preparations underway for the official opening of Thailand’s largest naga statue in Cha-am By Online Reporter Image: Patrick Jacobs Preparations are well underway for the official opening of Thailand’s largest naga, which is located at Wat Tham Cheng in Cha-am. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305559-preparations-underway-for-the-official-opening-of-thailand’s-largest-naga-statue-in-cha-am/

Controversy Erupts Over Thai Taxi Association's Guidelines for Female Passengers The "Thai Taxi Association" recently issued a set of guidelines titled "5 Don'ts for Women in Taxis" aimed at ensuring passenger safety, sparking intense online debate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305557-controversy-erupts-over-thai-taxi-associations-guidelines-for-female-passengers/

The "Thai Taxi Association" recently issued a set of guidelines titled "5 Don'ts for Women in Taxis" aimed at ensuring passenger safety, sparking intense online debate. The post, originally shared on their Facebook page, listed the following suggestions: 1. Don’t sit in the front seat. 2. Avoid falling asleep. 3. Refrain from wearing short dresses. 4. Avoid initiating conversations. 5. Don’t admit to being unfamiliar with routes. For any concerns or untrustworthy drivers, passengers are advised to call the hotline 1584m reported Daily News. However, after the guidelines were published, several netizens expressed strong disagreements. Some of the notable comments included: - "At this rate, it's better to use Grab. I won't be using these services anymore. Too much hassle." - "Turning a crisis into a disaster, honestly." - "A straightforward answer: drivers need to exercise self-discipline." - "Improvement is an endless journey." Credits: Image and information from Thai Taxi Association. -- ASEAN NOW 2023-09-05 - 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

Russian Man Denies Ties to 'Call Center' Gang, Cites Cryptocurrency Dealings Picture: Daily News A 26-year-old Russian man, identified here as Mr. A, has denied any association with the notorious 'Call Center' gang based in Cambodia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305556-russian-man-denies-ties-to-call-center-gang-cites-cryptocurrency-dealings/

American Arrested in Bangkok Following Phuket Incident Picture: Siam Rath On September 4, 2023, Bangkok authorities reported the apprehension of Mr. John (alias), a 41-year-old American. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305554-american-arrested-in-bangkok-following-phuket-incident/

Even More Mysterious Debris Found on Phuket Beach By Goongnang Suksawat Kata, Mueang Phuket – More mysterious debris has been found on a beach in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305552-even-more-mysterious-debris-found-on-phuket-beach/

Thai Immigration Prepares for Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Tourists BANGKOK, (TNA) – The Immigration Bureau is preparing plans to implement the prime minister's policy of granting visa-free entry to Chinese tourists starting from October 1. Immigration Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat Sajjaphan disclosed that TAT is ready to welcome the policy after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the visa-free entry for Chinese nationals by October 1. However, it is acknowledged that this policy may lead to overcrowding at entry points, notably airports. Consequently, adjustments and increased staffing will be required, and discussions will be held with aviation authorities to create special channels for Chinese tourists, minimizing the impact on travelers from other countries. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1233048 -- TNA-MCOT 2023-09-05 - 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

New visa-free regime plan for Chinese tourists will see more criminal elements entering Thailand by James Morris and Son Nguyen Senior Immigration Bureau police officers briefed the media on plans to cope with the new visa-free plan for Chinese tourists, due to be introduced on October 1st. The Immigration Bureau has also expressed concern about queues and pressure at Suvarnabhumi Airport caused by the large number of Chinese arrivals expected to avail of visa-free travel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305551-new-visa-free-regime-plan-for-chinese-tourists-will-see-more-criminal-elements-entering-thailand/

The Immigration Bureau has also expressed concern about queues and pressure at Suvarnabhumi Airport caused by the large number of Chinese arrivals expected to avail of visa-free travel. Senior officers call for special lanes for Chinese tourists and promise to provide 200 more staff to cope with the demand. It is accepted even by police that a new policy ordered by the incoming Pheu Thai government to offer visa-free access to Chinese visitors from October 1st will see more criminal elements from China entering the kingdom. On Monday, senior officers with the Immigration Bureau flew to China to meet with police and security officials there to help minimise the threat from October 1st. Senior officers with the Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police on Monday made it clear that they are ready to cooperate with a new policy introduced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to issue a visa-free dispensation to Chinese tourists from October 1st. The move, a short-term measure to boost foreign tourism, is expected to see an increase in the number of Chinese visitors to the kingdom this year by 700,000 people after arrivals from China have been disappointing due to tighter screening introduced earlier in the year with an economic downturn and loss of consumer confidence in the Communist country. by James Morris and Son Nguyen TOP: Senior Immigration Bureau police officers briefed the media on plans to cope with the new visa-free plan for Chinese tourists, due to be introduced on October 1st. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/09/04/visa-free-plan-for-chinese-tourists-a-risk-immigration-bureau-officers-in-china/ -- Thai Examiner 2023-09-05 - 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

PM Tells Cabinet Members To ‘Never Say No’ To People By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin holding talks with Pheu Thai ministers at the party headquarters. Photo: Thai Rath NEWLY-NAMED Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin Monay (Sep.4) told Pheu Thai members of cabinet to “never say no” to people about anything under their own responsibilities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305550-pm-tells-cabinet-members-to-‘never-say-no’-to-people/