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Phuket tuk tuk driver shooting sparks alarm in bustling tourist hub by Neill Fronde Picture courtesy of Patong Police Station A rivalry between two tuk tuk drivers escalated to violence today when one of the drivers was shot in the stomach and thigh near the entrance of Bangla Road in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305436-phuket-tuk-tuk-driver-shooting-sparks-alarm-in-bustling-tourist-hub/

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 4 September 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1305435-thailand-live-monday-4-september-2023/

Pattaya — A drunken British man was beaten by a group of Thai men in Pattaya for allegedly causing a nuisance and angering the Thai men at a local convenience store yesterday morning, September 3rd. British Man Beaten by Two Thai Men in Pattaya Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305434-intoxicated-british-man-beaten-by-two-thai-men-in-pattaya/

Royal approval of Thailand’s new Cabinet granted A Royal Command has been issued by His Majesty the King and published in the Royal Gazette approving the line-up of the new cabinet led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305362-royal-approval-of-thailand’s-new-cabinet-granted/

A Royal Command has been issued by His Majesty the King and published in the Royal Gazette approving the line-up of the new cabinet led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The cabinet comprises: • Srettha Thavisin Prime Minister and Finance Minister • Phumtham Wechayachai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister • Somsak Thepsutin Deputy Prime Minister • Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister • Anutin Charnvirakul Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister • Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan Deputy Prime Minister and Natural Resources and Environment Minister • Pirapan Salirathavibhaga Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister • Puangpet Chunlaiad Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office • Thammanat Prompao Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives • Sutin Klungsang Defense Minister Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/royal-approval-of-thailands-new-cabinet-granted/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-02 - 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 motorcycle production to exceed 2.1 million units amid tourism rebound by Alex Morgan Image by Oleg Magni from Pexels The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is forecasting that motorcycle production this year will surpass the initial target of 2.1 million units. The revival of the tourism sector and the easing of the global semiconductor shortage are cited as the primary factors for this optimistic outlook. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305361-thai-motorcycle-production-to-exceed-21-million-units-amid-tourism-rebound/

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is forecasting that motorcycle production this year will surpass the initial target of 2.1 million units. The revival of the tourism sector and the easing of the global semiconductor shortage are cited as the primary factors for this optimistic outlook. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, the vice-chairman and spokesperson for the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club, attributes this increased demand to the reopening of borders and the resurgence of tourism, as many foreign tourists prefer motorcycle travel. At the start of the year, the FTI had estimated the local motorcycle production for 2023 to be at 2.1 million units. The expectation was that 1.75 million units would cater to the domestic market, with the remaining 350,000 units directed towards exports. However, the FTI’s report shows that Thailand’s motorcycle production capacity in July fell by 7.84% year-on-year to 194,773 units. Completely built-up (CBU) units saw an increase of 11.1% year on year, reaching 170,123 units. In contrast, completely knocked-down (CKD) units saw a significant decline, plummeting by 57.6% year on year to 24,650 units. by Alex Morgan Image by Oleg Magni from Pexels Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thai-motorcycle-production-to-exceed-2-1-million-units-amid-tourism-rebound -- The Thaiger 2023-09-02 - 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 Prime Minister pledges to tackle fisheries industry woes by Mitch Connor Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister, promised to address the issues plaguing the fisheries industry in his visit to Samut Songkhram yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305360-thai-prime-minister-pledges-to-tackle-fisheries-industry-woes/

Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister, promised to address the issues plaguing the fisheries industry in his visit to Samut Songkhram yesterday. This move came after representatives from the industry called upon the newly formed government to revise laws to mitigate the effects of restrictions put in place to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Srettha stated that the industry’s struggles were among the Pheu Thai-led government’s top priorities. To address these challenges, he proposed the formation of a working committee. It is anticipated that Thamanat Prompow, the secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), who is expected to serve as the agriculture minister, will head this panel to strategise a comprehensive solution to the problems. The Pheu Thai party’s Manaporn Charoensri and PPRP’s Phai Lik, who are tipped to become the deputy transport minister and deputy commerce minister respectively, were among the delegation that met with representatives from the fisheries sector. by Mitch Connor Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-pm-pledges-to-tackle-fisheries-industry-woes-revises-iuu-fishing-laws -- The Thaiger 2023-09-02 - 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

Ratch Group earmarks 35 billion baht for business expansion by Alex Morgan Image by Snapwire from Pexels Thailand’s leading private power producer, Ratch Group Plc, remains steadfast in its decision to allocate a capital expenditure of 35 billion baht for the expansion of its operations in both the power and non-power sectors this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305359-ratch-group-earmarks-35-billion-baht-for-business-expansion/

Thailand’s leading private power producer, Ratch Group Plc, remains steadfast in its decision to allocate a capital expenditure of 35 billion baht for the expansion of its operations in both the power and non-power sectors this year. Chief Executive Choosri Kietkajornkul said that out of this capital allocation, 29 billion baht is for investments in power generation. She further revealed that the company had already invested 651 million baht in this segment in the first half of the year. She also outlined that the remaining 6 billion baht of the budget is allocated for the non-power sector. She added that as of June this year, the company has already deployed 301 million baht. by Alex Morgan Image by Snapwire from Pexels Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/ratch-group-earmarks-35-billion-baht-for-business-expansion -- The Thaiger 2023-09-02 - 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 shakes up golden visa scheme, hikes prices by up to 500 per cent By Anne Somanas Thailand’s Thai Elite golden visa scheme has undergone a significant overhaul, now rebranded as Thailand Privilege and with price hikes ranging from 50 per cent to 500 per cent across different packages. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305358-thailand-shakes-up-golden-visa-scheme-hikes-prices-by-up-to-500-per-cent/

Thailand’s Thai Elite golden visa scheme has undergone a significant overhaul, now rebranded as Thailand Privilege and with price hikes ranging from 50 per cent to 500 per cent across different packages. The move, coinciding with its 20th anniversary, was announced by Thailand Privilege Card Co. (TCP), a Tourism Authority of Thailand subsidiary. The former Thai Elite visa, priced at one million baht (US$28,587) and available to all, has given way to an exclusive Reserve Card, which is by invitation only and limited to just 100 new members annually. This costs five million baht. Holders of the Reserve Card can keep the good times rolling with five-year extensions, each at a mere 10 per cent of the Reserve card’s current value when they decide to extend. Meanwhile, the popular five-year visa package, previously valued at 600,000 baht, has been rebranded as the Gold Card, now priced at 900,000 baht. Additional options include the Diamond Card (15 years for 2.5 million baht) and the Platinum Card (10 years for 1.5 million baht). By Anne Somanas Full story: https://www.ttgasia.com/2023/08/31/thailand-shakes-up-golden-visa-scheme-hikes-prices-by-up-to-500-per-cent/ -- TTG Asia 2023-09-02 - 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 launches second edition of responsible tourism project By TTG Asia Responsible tourism activities have been initiated in renowned destinations, such as the Walking Streets in Chiang Mai, pictured With the success of the The One for Nature initiative in 2020, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled The 2nd The One for Nature project in its continuous efforts to promote responsible tourism in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305357-thailand-launches-second-edition-of-responsible-tourism-project/

With the success of the The One for Nature initiative in 2020, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled The 2nd The One for Nature project in its continuous efforts to promote responsible tourism in Thailand. The 2020 project embodied the concept of Travel with Responsibility in Thailand, and aimed to spotlight Thailand’s sustainable tourism and safeguard the nation’s abundant natural resources. The resurgence of this project offers travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in more abundant natural surroundings once again after natural sights across Thailand have rejuvenated and restored their natural beauty. By TTG Asia TOP image: Responsible tourism activities have been initiated in renowned destinations, such as the Walking Streets in Chiang Mai, pictured Full story: https://www.ttgasia.com/2023/08/28/thailand-launches-second-edition-of-responsible-tourism-project/ -- TTG Asia 2023-09-02 - 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

Asian Teens Invited to Enroll in South Korean High Schools by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - South Korea’s North Gyeongsang Province is taking innovative measures to address its declining youth population by inviting teenagers from various Asian countries to enroll in its high schools. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305356-asian-teens-invited-to-enroll-in-south-korean-high-schools/

BANGKOK (NNT) - South Korea’s North Gyeongsang Province is taking innovative measures to address its declining youth population by inviting teenagers from various Asian countries to enroll in its high schools. The aim of this initiative is not only to bolster school enrollment but also to cultivate potential future residents for the region. The province is currently in the process of selecting 72 eligible candidates from six Asian countries – Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Mongolia, Cambodia, and China – for admission to its high schools in the upcoming school year starting in March 2024. Under this program, selected students will be granted free tuition, similar to their Korean counterparts. However, they will be responsible for covering their living expenses, including dormitory fees. The initiative is especially attractive due to South Korea’s policy of providing free public education from elementary to high school levels, resulting in no scholarships being offered for this study abroad opportunity. Nine schools, primarily vocational institutions with boarding facilities, will welcome foreign students through this program. Applicants are required to submit their middle school academic records and achieve at least Level 2 in the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), a state-run language test. Successful candidates will be eligible to apply for a D-4-3 visa, which typically caters to elementary, middle, or high school students studying in South Korea. The D-4 visa permits students to reside in South Korea for a year, with the requirement to renew the visa annually to continue their studies beyond the initial year and ultimately graduate. Discussions are underway with relevant authorities to facilitate work visas for program graduates, encouraging them to settle in North Gyeongsang Province after completing their studies. Among the participating schools, Uiseong Unitech High School, Korea International Culinary Arts High School, Korea Railroad High School, and Gimcheon High School have already concluded their application processes. A total of 32 students from China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Mongolia have been admitted to these institutions. The application deadline for the remaining five schools is September 8. The initiative is set to continue next year for the 2025 school year, with possible adjustments to the list of participating schools and student quotas. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230901113002069 -- NNT 2023-09-02 - 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

Bangkok’s ‘Beautiful Roads’ project aims to enhance cityscape by Mitch Connor Image by Andrey Khrobostov The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated a new endeavour to enhance the city’s traffic islands, lands under expressways, and public pavements. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305354-bangkok’s-‘beautiful-roads’-project-aims-to-enhance-cityscape/

AIS withdraws lawsuit against NBTC over True-DTAC merger approval by Alex Morgan Image via Wikipedia AIS, the telecommunications giant, recently took a surprising turn as it withdrew its case against the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s (NBTC) decision, which recognised the merger between True Corporation and Total Access Communication (DTAC), its two direct competitors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305351-ais-withdraws-lawsuit-against-nbtc-over-true-dtac-merger-approval/

AIS, the telecommunications giant, recently took a surprising turn as it withdrew its case against the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s (NBTC) decision, which recognised the merger between True Corporation and Total Access Communication (DTAC), its two direct competitors. The lawsuit contended that the NBTC board had failed to exercise its authority to regulate the deal according to existing regulations. An AIS executive, who wished to remain unnamed, commented that the lawsuit was dismissed due to the belief that the merger process has progressed too far to be reversed. The management took the decision to withdraw the lawsuit within the past fortnight. The NBTC board, on October 20, 2022, voted 3-2 against having the authority to either approve or reject the planned merger of True and DTAC. This in effect, paved the way for the merger. The board cited 2018 regulations which state that NBTC’s role is simply to govern mergers, not to accept or reject them. In the early part of the year, True and DTAC finalised the merger of their operations and management structure, giving birth to the entity known as True Corporation. Both the subsidiaries, TrueMove H Universal Communication (TUC) and DTAC Trinet (DTN), registered under the merger scheme with the Department of Business Development on August 3, resulting in DTN ceasing to exist as a legal entity. DTN’s assets, debt, rights, and responsibilities have been transferred to TUC from August 3. by Alex Morgan Top Image via Wikipedia Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/ais-withdraws-lawsuit-against-nbtc-over-true-dtac-merger-approval -- The Thaiger 2023-09-02 - 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 Tourism UPDATE: September 2023 By Andrew J Wood TD Guest Writer Collaboration between Thai Prime Minister the Travel Industry and Airlines Set to Transform Tourism Sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305350-thailand-tourism-update-september-2023/

Collaboration between Thai Prime Minister the Travel Industry and Airlines Set to Transform Tourism Sector. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s strategic collaboration with top officials aims to capitalise on the high season tourism surge. New initiatives to boost flight frequency, streamline visa policies, and enhance Thailand’s tourism appeal were discussed, with a focus on increasing flight frequency, making visa policies more efficient, and improving Thailand’s attractiveness as a tourism destination. Thailand’s newly appointed PM, in a crucial meeting with tourism operators, addressed concerns while outlining strategies for industry growth. Significant changes are being considered including the announcement contemplating extending tourist visa validities from 30 to 90 days, enhancing Thailand’s appeal for foreign tourists and facilitating seamless travel experiences. PM Thavisin emphasized streamlining immigration procedures to ensure convenience for incoming tourists. He acknowledged security concerns about exempting entry visas for tourists from China, India, and Russia, highlighting the need to balance tourism promotion with national security. By Andrew J Wood TD Guest Writer Guest Writers are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the specific writer directly Full story: https://www.traveldailymedia.com/thailand-tourism-update-september-2023/ -- TRAVEL DAILY 2023-09-02 - 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

Car Crashes into Trailer, Driver Escapes but Succumbs to Flames A startling event transpired when a sedan collided with the back of a trailer, erupting in flames upon contact. Unfortunately, the sedan driver couldn't flee from the blaze in time, leading to a heart-wrenching fatality. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305345-car-crashes-into-trailer-driver-escapes-but-succumbs-to-flames/

2-Year-Old Toddler Shot on His Second Birthday Picture: Siam Rath In a profoundly distressing sequence of events, a lifeless 2-year-old boy was brought to a hospital under the guise of a hit-and-run accident, only for the truth to unveil that he had indeed been subjected to gunshot wounds. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305344-2-year-old-toddler-shot-on-his-second-birthday/

Police and Local Authorities Ensure Peace at Pattaya Beach Picture: Siam Rath In a joint effort to curb incidents of teenage brawls, law enforcement and local officials conducted a thorough inspection of Pattaya Beach. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305342-police-and-local-authorities-ensure-peace-at-pattaya-beach/