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Online impostors scam public with high-profile personas as digital deception thrives by Alex Morgan Photo: HT_PRINT Members of the public are being targeted by fraudsters posing as high-profile business figures as online scams continue to run rife. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305056-online-impostors-scam-public-with-high-profile-personas-as-digital-deception-thrives/

Members of the public are being targeted by fraudsters posing as high-profile business figures as online scams continue to run rife. Authorities warned potential investors to exercise caution and authenticate any investment links or messages they receive, following a spike in scam cases. The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry identified common traits among scammers, most notably the promise of exceptionally high returns on investment within a short timeframe. Often, the scammers would use photographs of well-known celebrities or business figures on their platforms to lend credibility to their schemes. In addition, they may use the names of listed companies and symbols of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Stock Exchange of Thailand to deceive those eager to invest in gold. To counteract the online scams issue, the SEC has called upon business operators and stakeholders in the capital and digital asset markets to collaborate in notifying companies of any fraudulent use of their names. Furthermore, the DES Ministry has announced its intention to seek a court order to shut down Facebook services in Thailand due to allegations of the platform’s failure to block fraudulent ads. by Alex Morgan Photo: HT_PRINT Full sttory: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/rising-online-scams-in-thailand-high-profile-figures-impersonated-public-warned -- Thaiger 2023-08-30 - 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

“Global human trafficking crisis” in SE Asia. “No more coups” : Tim Newton Today - August 30 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305055-“global-human-trafficking-crisis”-in-se-asia-“no-more-coups”-tim-newton-today-august-30/

Thailand News - Big explosion easy of Bangkok puts 7 in hospital, hundreds more affected, new PM wants to waive visa fees for some countries, foreign tourist numbers reach 17.6 million this year, 5 Star Marine charity birthday bash, cyber-scam industry booms in SE Asia, centering around Cambodia, new nominate defence minister causes stirs, two killed in Pattani as part of the southern insurgency. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

‘Experience economy’ drives Thailand’s tourism growth Star-studded concerts increase demand for accommodation and flights into Bangkok By Kristin Mariano TD Editor The return of popular international artists and live concerts to Bangkok offers multiple benefits to the Thai economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305052-‘experience-economy’-drives-thailand’s-tourism-growth/

United voices: Education associations list criteria for next Thai minister by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Royal Coast Review. Thailand’s National Association of Secondary School Administrators, along with the National Parents and Teachers Association and the Basic Education Committee of Thailand, released a joint statement outlining six desired traits for the country’s next Minister of Education and its deputy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305051-united-voices-education-associations-list-criteria-for-next-thai-minister/

Thailand’s National Association of Secondary School Administrators, along with the National Parents and Teachers Association and the Basic Education Committee of Thailand, released a joint statement outlining six desired traits for the country’s next Minister of Education and its deputy. The groups stressed that the roles require individuals with solid educational experience, capable of addressing the current challenges faced by the country’s youth. The statement was announced by Narin Channadu, Director of Karnjananukhro School and President of the National Association of Secondary School Administrators (NASSA). It was highlighted that the education sector plays a crucial role in shaping Thailand’s future, hence the need for ministers who possess the qualities outlined by the associations. The statement detailed that the minister should be knowledgeable and experienced in managing education, understand the issues and have a vision for driving Thai education to solve the problems facing today’s youth. The minister should also have a vision for setting policies and plans for managing Thai education, which at the moment lacks consistency across pre-primary, primary, and secondary levels. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Royal Coast Review. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-education-bodies-call-for-education-ministers-with-six-specific-traits-to-tackle-pressing-youth-issues -- The Thaiger 2023-08-30 - 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

DIT inspecting cold storage facilities that stock pork to prevent illegal imports by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Pork smuggling from outside of Thailand continues despite suppression efforts by the relevant authorities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305050-dit-inspecting-cold-storage-facilities-that-stock-pork-to-prevent-illegal-imports/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Pork smuggling from outside of Thailand continues despite suppression efforts by the relevant authorities. The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) is now conducting monthly inspections on each cold storage facility that stores pork, to make sure meat is legitimately sourced and to foster safety for consumers. DIT Director-General Wattanasak Sur-iam led officials on an inspection of a cold storage facility in Minburi district of Bangkok. The team comprised officials from the Department of Livestock Development and the Consumer Protection Police Division. The cold room inspected was operated by Pitcha Meat Group Co., Ltd. and reported handled about 200 pork carcasses per day. Upon inspection, no wrongdoing was found and the cold room was deemed to have clearly sourced the pork carcasses from a slaughterhouse in Ratchaburi and pig farms. Since outbreaks of African Swine Fever (AFS) and the discovery of rampant pork smuggling came to light, relevant authorities have intensified their inspections of venues associated with pork handling. Pork stocks were routinely inspected to prevent hoarding and to foster confidence among swine raisers and consumers that stocks would not contain illicitly imported pork. Out of 421 cold rooms inspected throughout the country, operators of 14 were found to have committed wrongdoing. 12 of the operators failed to report their stocks to the DIT as required by law. Two did not hold a license to operate a cold storage facility. Legal action has been taken against all 12. According to the DIT chief, the pork price was averaging at 133 baht per kilogram leading up to Chinese Ghost Festival. This figure was similar to last week’s and was considered to be lower than in the same period of last year when the price averaged at 186 baht. Wattanasak added the DIT will monitor pork sellers, including middle men, wet market sellers and retail stores to prevent abnormal pricing. The department was also looking to hold activities to promote pork consumption. by Namo Vananupong Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230830084857878 -- NNT 2023-08-30 - 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 PM plans secondary city airport revitalisation to boost tourism by Mitch Connor Srettha Thavisin plans to rejuvenate secondary airports for a tourism boost. Photo: thaipost.net Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s recent plan to revitalize airports in secondary cities has been warmly received by tourism operators in Nakhon Ratchasima. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305049-thailand’s-pm-plans-secondary-city-airport-revitalisation-to-boost-tourism/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 30 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305046-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-30-august-2023/

Police are searching for five suspects who ran several accounts associated with a gang and a scam that triggered a family tragedy in Samut Prakan, The victim, a man traumatized over family debts killed his wife, two sons and then tried to kill himself. The Cyber crime Bureau found evidence of transactions made by the man's wife to eight accounts linked to the five suspects. Police viewed security video to try and identify the suspects who withdrew the money, funds were then transferred to accounts overseas. 183 workers were evacuated from Laem Chabang port yesterday after fire broke out in a shipping container containing hazardous chemicals. At least 6 suffered from breathing difficulties and were given first aid, Other workers and some local residents were checked and provided with high quality face masks. The fire was brought under control after about 30 minutes. THE government has approved in principle the setting up an entertainment zone within an Eastern Aviation City being built around U-Tapao airport. Thai press report that Entertainment Nightspots will be permitted to operate 24 hours a day without any restriction on the sale of alcohol. This is seen as part of Thailand’s plan to expand U Tapao and boost growth along the Eastern Economic Corridor between Bangkok and Pattaya. Locally Hua hins Mayor Mr. Nopaporn Wutthi-kun, presided over a medical training project, organized by a rescue service foundation and Bangkok hospital. 124 students from Ban Hua Hin School received training in first aid, CPR techniques and the use of defibrillators. The group has been providing educational sessions to secondary schools in the area reaching over 4,000 students so far. Around the Region: Indonesia will host an Asean leaders summit plus representatives from major powers including China, the United States, Russia and India next week. Meanwhile Jakarta has ranked in the top 10 most congested cities for years, this week President Joko Widodo launched the country’s latest light rail transit network that links the capital with two outer cities. Malaysia: Plans to establish a US$430 million dollar fund for an ambitious green energy plan as a transition into the country’s next growth sector. Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia needs to invest 260 billion dollars by 2050 for its energy transition master plan. Finally if you are due to fly to the U.K. there are still flight cancellations and delays following a technical breakdown 2 days ago at all British airports. Check before you fly over the next few days. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north:bright, cloudy with thundershowers 30C Bangkok: Partly cloudy, thunder showers, 33C Pattaya, Sunny Partly cloudy, 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny Partly cloudy, 31C ‘Hua Hin’: Sunny, partly cloudy, could see some heavy showers this afternoon: 33C. 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 #nop -- SURF 102.5 FM 2023-08-30 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

CKP and BEM partner for Thailand’s first solar-powered mass transit rail by Alex Morgan Photo: Bangkok Post CK Power Plc (CKP) Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) have forged a partnership to bring the first solar-powered mass transit rail systems to Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305045-ckp-and-bem-partner-for-thailand’s-first-solar-powered-mass-transit-rail/

CK Power Plc (CKP) Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) have forged a partnership to bring the first solar-powered mass transit rail systems to Thailand. The collaboration aims to utilise solar energy to power the MRT Chalerm Ratchamonkol Line (MRT Blue Line) and the MRT Chalong Ratchadham Line (MRT Purple Line) which, combined, span over 71 kilometres and have 54 stations across Bangkok and Nonthaburi. The solar transit partnership entails that 452 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of power will be supplied to the two MRT lines over a span of up to 25 years. The amount equates to 12% of the total anticipated power consumption of the lines, according to CKP managing director Thanawat Trivisvavet. CKP will bring in engineering expertise for system design, installation, and construction, along with comprehensive post-installation maintenance services. This solar transit railway project is expected to be ready for expansion. The design work is set to be completed by January next year, with construction beginning in February of the same year. The first delivery of electricity under commercial operations is slated for August next year, with various other phases commencing through February 2025. by Alex Morgan Photo: Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/ckp-and-bem-partner-for-thailands-first-solar-powered-mass-transit-rail -- The Thaiger 2023-08-30 - 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 tourism faces strain from sluggish Chinese, Japanese economies by Alex Morgan Photo: EPA-EFE Tourism operators in Thailand are facing significant challenges due to the sluggish economies of China and Japan and an uneven recovery in Thai tourism that benefits larger operators. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305044-thai-tourism-faces-strain-from-sluggish-chinese-japanese-economies/

Tourism operators in Thailand are facing significant challenges due to the sluggish economies of China and Japan and an uneven recovery in Thai tourism that benefits larger operators. A recent survey by the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and the Bank of Thailand revealed that 29% of three-star or lower-rated hotels have been severely impacted by interest rate hikes and may require debt restructuring. The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) anticipates this trend continuing into the third quarter, with 34% of respondents uncertain about the Thai tourism outlook and 19% expecting to earn less than in the previous quarter. Chamnan Srisawat, president of the TCT, stated that facilitating equal business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) poses a significant hurdle for the new government. “After Covid-19, a K-shaped recovery has been apparent as the rich got richer, while SMEs, which account for 34% of tourism enterprises, severely struggled to maintain their businesses,” Chamnan explained. by Alex Morgan Photo: EPA-EFE Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thai-tourism-faces-strain-from-sluggish-chinese-japanese-economies -- The Thaiger 2023-08-30 - 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

Blood sample tubes sold as sweets by Thai school kids, sparking outcry by Samantha Rose Illustration: Blood sample tubes, anna/pixabay A startling revelation has come to light regarding mysterious tubes filled with pink liquid being sold to primary school children as sweets at a shop near their school. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305042-blood-sample-tubes-sold-as-sweets-by-thai-school-kids-sparking-outcry/

A startling revelation has come to light regarding mysterious tubes filled with pink liquid being sold to primary school children as sweets at a shop near their school. The tubes are in fact used for collecting blood samples in hospitals. This alarming situation was brought to attention by parents on the Facebook group ‘Don Chedi.’ Following this, a renowned medical technician, Parkphum Dethusdin, took to his Facebook page ‘Doctor Lab Panda’ to explain the gravity of the situation. In the original post by the concerned parents, they sought clarification about the nature of these tubes, which their children claimed were sweets. One of the parents mentioned that after inquiring about the origin of these tubes, they were carefully packed up and disposed of by a teacher. A photograph of the blood sample tubes was also shared. Upon seeing this post, Parkphum felt compelled to clarify what these tubes were. “This is a blood sample tube,” he elaborated, “When we go to the hospital for blood tests, they use tubes of various colours. by Samantha Rose Illustration: Blood sample tubes, anna/pixabay Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-school-kids-sold-hospital-blood-sample-tubes-as-sweets-parental-outcry-sparks-investigation-2 -- The Thaiger 2023-08-30 - 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

Miracle escape as officer survives Yala-Bangkok train collision unharmed by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Sanook A collision occurred between a Yala to Bangkok express train and a pickup truck, resulting in the vehicle being seriously damaged but the driver, a corrections officer, miraculously survived unscathed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305041-miracle-escape-as-officer-survives-yala-bangkok-train-collision-unharmed/

Thammakaset: Thai poultry farmer loses his 36th defamation suit By Jonathan Head BBC News, Bangkok The campaigners after being cleared of defamation Three Thai human rights campaigners have been found not guilty of criminal defamation over social media posts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305039-thammakaset-thai-poultry-farmer-loses-his-36th-defamation-suit/

Three Thai human rights campaigners have been found not guilty of criminal defamation over social media posts. Poultry businessman Chanchai Pheamphon accused the women of posting comments in support of others he had sued. The comments were about the alleged abuse of migrant workers at his chicken processing factories. Mr Pheamphon has lost all but one of the 37 cases he has filed, a record for Thailand where plaintiffs can sue for defamation quite easily. By Jonathan Head BBC News, Bangkok TOP: The campaigners after being cleared of defamation Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66643591 -- BBC 2023-08-30 - 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

Caught in a Massage Parlor Raid! Police Detain 4 Chinese Nationals, Bust Illegal Drug Party at 'Diamond KTV' Police have extended their operation, apprehending an additional four individuals involved in the illegal activities behind the scenes of the Chinese-owned "Diamond KTV" underground nightclub. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305037-caught-in-a-massage-parlor-raid-police-detain-4-chinese-nationals-bust-illegal-drug-party-at-diamond-ktv/

Sattahip Police Raid "Pool Villa Party" - Apprehends 52 Teenagers with 7 Guns and 23 Luxury Cars Picture: Siam Rath August 29, 2023 - 2:40 PM. Superintendent Lt. Col. Panya Damlek led a joint operation with Capt. Suwijak Reungnawadee, Deputy Chief of Police; Capt. Chanat Tantat, Deputy Chief of Tourist Police; and a team of over 30 officers to raid a lavish pool villa party in Soi 4, Sattahip, Chonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305036-sattahip-police-raid-pool-villa-party-apprehends-52-teenagers-with-7-guns-and-23-luxury-cars/

Fire in Luxury Condo Unit in Pattaya, Residents Flee for Their Lives On August 29th, 66 at 7:30 PM, news broke of a devastating fire in a condominium complex beneath Pattaya's skyline. Local authorities swiftly responded to the call, dispatching firefighting and rescue teams to the scene in Nong Pru, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305035-fire-in-luxury-condo-unit-in-pattaya-residents-flee-for-their-lives/

Double-Decker City Sightseeing Bus Tours Now Available in Pattaya By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — The Pattaya News is thrilled to introduce an exciting city tour tailor-made for citizens and tourists in Pattaya, all on a modern double-decker bus! Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305033-double-decker-city-sightseeing-bus-tours-now-available-in-pattaya/