webfact

International motorcycle gang and Indonesian drug syndicate nabbed in Thailand crackdown Picture courtesy of Thairath An international motorcycle gang and a major Indonesian drug gang, both of whom had fled to Thailand, have been apprehended in a sweeping operation by the Thai Immigration Bureau (IB). The series of arrests also included the capture of a notorious human trafficking network operating in the Sa Kaeo province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304544-international-motorcycle-gang-and-indonesian-drug-syndicate-nabbed-in-thailand-crackdown/

New Thai PM Srettha Thavisin said that outgoing PM Prayut Chan-o-cha asked him to move past conflicts, so that the country can move forward. Prayut asks me to move past conflicts : Srettha Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304554-prayut-asks-me-to-move-past-conflicts-srettha/

New PM Srettha Meets with Caretaker PM Photo Cr. Thai Koo Fah BANGKOK, Aug 24 (TNA) – Srettha Thavisin, the new Prime Minister on Thursday met with Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the current caretaker Prime Minister at Government House to seek advice before formally assuming the position. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304524-new-pm-srettha-meets-with-caretaker-pm/

Photo Cr. Thai Koo Fah BANGKOK, Aug 24 (TNA) – Srettha Thavisin, the new Prime Minister on Thursday met with Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the current caretaker Prime Minister at Government House to seek advice before formally assuming the position. Gen Prayuth currently continues his role as the prime minister and minister of defense. This meeting comes after Srettha received the royal command, appointing him as the 30th Prime Minister. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news/line-today-english-news-1227956 -- TNA-MCOT 2023-08-24 - 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

More felicitations pour in from India and UK for new Thailand premier India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Srettha Thavisin, saying “Heartiest congratulations @Thavisin on your election as the Prime Minister of Thailand.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304522-more-felicitations-pour-in-from-india-and-uk-for-new-thailand-premier/

India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Srettha Thavisin, saying “Heartiest congratulations @Thavisin on your election as the Prime Minister of Thailand.” In his X (Twitter) post, Modi said he looks forward to working closely with him, to take Indian-Thai bilateral relations to a higher level. Srettha tweeted back, “Thank you PM @narendramodi for your kind message. I am looking forward to working closely with India to further strengthen our country’s ties.” Meanwhile, the UK Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, congratulated Srettha in his tweet, saying Great Britain is looking forward to working with Srettha in pursuit of British-Thai shared priorities, including economic and sustainable development, regional security and tackling global challenges. Gooding also posted a photo of him standing next to Srettha at the British Embassy in Thailand. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/more-felicitations-pour-in-from-india-and-uk-for-new-thailand-premier/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-24 - 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

China’s economic woes are becoming Thailand’s export and tourism woes By Peter Roche Concerns about a drop in exports to China, along with a drop in Chinese tourists heading to Thailand, is fuelling concerns, especially in tourist-dependent areas, like Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304521-china’s-economic-woes-are-becoming-thailand’s-export-and-tourism-woes/

Concerns about a drop in exports to China, along with a drop in Chinese tourists heading to Thailand, is fuelling concerns, especially in tourist-dependent areas, like Phuket. Many of the problems are happening because of an emerging economic downturn in China. China’s economy is slowing down, and this is affecting Thailand’s tourism and local exports headed to China. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, says that China’s real estate business is in “big trouble’. After China stopped strict rules over Covid-19, the economic recovery has been hampered by the downturn in the property market. Lately that ‘downturn’ has become a collapse of some of the largest property developers in China. By Peter Roche Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/chinas-economic-woes-are-becoming-thailands-export-and-tourism-woes/ -- PhuketGO 2023-08-24 - 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

Narrow escape at sea: Quick action prevents speedboat disaster off Phuket’s coast by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. A near-drowning incident involving five individuals on a speedboat off the coast of Maithon Island, Phuket, was averted by swift action from local authorities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304520-narrow-escape-at-sea-quick-action-prevents-speedboat-disaster-off-phuket’s-coast/

Cyber-crime police warn public about “digital wallet” scam Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has warned members of the public not to fall victim to scammers sending short messages (SMS), informing them that they now have access to the 10,000 baht subsidy, under the “digital wallet” scheme, and should contact officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304518-cyber-crime-police-warn-public-about-“digital-wallet”-scam/

Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has warned members of the public not to fall victim to scammers sending short messages (SMS), informing them that they now have access to the 10,000 baht subsidy, under the “digital wallet” scheme, and should contact officials. CCIB spokesman Pol Col Krisana Pattanacharoen said today (Thursday) that people who receive such messages should just ignore them. The “digital wallet” scheme is a Pheu Thai party policy, aimed at stimulating the economy, through the disbursement of a one-time subsidy of 10,000 baht paid into the digital wallets of all Thai nationals aged 16 and over. The subsidy must be spent within six months to buy food and other necessities in stores within a 4km radius from their house or lodging. The scheme is, however, yet to be launched. He disclosed that the SMSs come in different forms, but mostly concern financial gains, such as messages from a fake postal service informing the receivers that they can claim compensation for damage to parcels addressed to them, messages from the Provincial Electricity Authority or the Metropolitan Electricity Authority saying that they can now claim a refund of the charges for the installation of electricity meters, messages from the Land Department informing them that they owe land or household taxes or are entitled to refunds for overcharged taxes or messages for them to update their personal information relating to their pensions. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/cyber-crime-police-warn-public-about-digital-wallet-scam/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-24 - 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

US congratulates Thailand’s new PM Photo : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken//AFP The United States has congratulated Srettha Thavisin on his appointment as the new prime minister of Thailand, saying it wants to strengthen the bilateral relationship further. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304517-us-congratulates-thailand’s-new-pm/

The United States has congratulated Srettha Thavisin on his appointment as the new prime minister of Thailand, saying it wants to strengthen the bilateral relationship further. “We look forward to working with the Prime Minister, to build on last year’s U.S.-Thailand Communiqué on Strategic Alliance and Partnership, and to strengthen further the enduring alliance between the United States and Thailand,” US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said in a press statement. “We will collaborate closely with the new Thai government to continue advancing our shared values and a free and open, connected, peaceful and resilient Indo-Pacific region.” TOPPhoto : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken//AFP Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/us-congratulates-thailands-new-pm/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-24 - 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

Teenage couple arrested for canal-side murder in Chiang Mai by Petch Petpailin Photo via Nation TV. Police arrested a teenage couple after they murdered a Thai man on a road along an irrigation canal in the northern province of Chiang Mai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304516-teenage-couple-arrested-for-canal-side-murder-in-chiang-mai/

Thai actress among 31 charged over illicit cyanide procurement by Mitch Connor Picture of Preechaya "Ice" Phongthananikorn courtesy of Facebook. Deputy National Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn revealed that 31 individuals, including renowned Thai actress Preechaya “Ice” Phongthananikorn, are set to be summoned by the police next week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304513-thai-actress-among-31-charged-over-illicit-cyanide-procurement/

Deputy National Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn revealed that 31 individuals, including renowned Thai actress Preechaya “Ice” Phongthananikorn, are set to be summoned by the police next week. They are to face charges of allegedly procuring cyanide for illicit purposes. The charges were initiated by the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), which lodged complaints with the Crime Suppression Division against these individuals. Among those named are Preechaya and alleged Thai cyanide serial killer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn. Sararat stands accused of 14 counts of murder and one attempted murder. Preechaya reportedly purchased cyanide from the same source as Sararat, intending to use it as a pesticide. Purchasing a chemical compound, in this case, cyanide, for wrongful use can result in a sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to 300,000 baht, or both, as clarified by Big Joke. by Mitch Connor Picture of Preechaya "Ice" Phongthananikorn courtesy of Facebook. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-actress-among-31-charged-over-illicit-cyanide-procurement -- Thaiger 2023-08-24 - 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

TAT Aims to Attract One Million Hong Kong Tourists BANGKOK, Aug 24 (TNA) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target to lure one million tourists from Hong Kong to Thailand in 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304511-tat-aims-to-attract-one-million-hong-kong-tourists/

BANGKOK, Aug 24 (TNA) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set an ambitious target to lure one million tourists from Hong Kong to Thailand in 2024. Ms. Pornmon Jansri, Director of TAT's Hong Kong Office revealed that Hong Kong tourists are considered a high-potential market, especially among couples looking to tie the knot. Therefore, TAT is planning marketing campaigns to encourage this group to travel to Thailand for destination weddings, given the diverse range of tourist attractions, especially beaches and seaside venues. “Each year, there are approximately 50,000 couples from Hong Kong who choose to get married, with about 10% of them opting for destination weddings abroad, especially the younger generation. These are travelers with high spending power who seek convenience and are willing to invest in hassle-free wedding experiences. Thailand offers a competitive advantage in this regard, as it provides a wide range of wedding venues and streamlined wedding planning compared to Hong Kong, where lengthy queues for registration and hotel bookings can be a common hassle, along with high costs,” she explained. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1227871 -- TNA-MCOT 2023-08-24 - 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 Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1227871

13 year old Thai student stabs classmate due to persistent bullying in Isaan by Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 8 A 13 year old schoolboy stabbed his classmate claiming that the victim had subjected him to constant bullying at a high school in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304508-13-year-old-thai-student-stabs-classmate-due-to-persistent-bullying-in-isaan/

Karaoke chaos: Scout’s dishonour as bar’s Girl Scout-themed staff raises eyebrows by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. A karaoke bar in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri province has come under public scrutiny after images of its staff dressed as Girl Scouts surfaced online. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304503-karaoke-chaos-scout’s-dishonour-as-bar’s-girl-scout-themed-staff-raises-eyebrows/

UPDATE: Peruvian man caught in Bangkok Airport: Tourist’s cocaine-smuggling scheme foiled by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กรมศุลกากร : The Customs Department. Thai authorities apprehended a Peruvian man at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on Monday after the foreigner smuggled cocaine into the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304470-customs-department-arrests-peruvian-national-smuggling-cocaine-worth-over-68m-baht-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/?do=findComment&comment=18298060

Royal approval of new Thai PM, Thaksin ‘not in VIP room’ : Tim Newton Today - August 24 Thailand's new PM is now officially royally endorsed, former PM Prayut congratulates Srettha Thavisin on his appointment, timeline for new cabinet and government, Thaksin is "not" in a VIP suite, as rumoured, at the Police Hospital in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304501-royal-approval-of-new-thai-pm-thaksin-‘not-in-vip-room’-tim-newton-today-august-24/

Thailand's new PM is now officially royally endorsed, former PM Prayut congratulates Srettha Thavisin on his appointment, timeline for new cabinet and government, Thaksin is "not" in a VIP suite, as rumoured, at the Police Hospital in Bangkok. Scary statue will have to have a screen put up so passers-by can't see it, Chiang Mai has some monkeypox cases and a big problem with dengue at the moment, China, Laos and Thailand plan a joint crackdown on the Burmese cyber crime gangs proliferating in the border areas. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

New PMs of Thailand and Cambodia vow to work together Srettha Thavisin (L), and Hun Manet (R) (Photos by AFP) Newly appointed prime ministers Srettha (Thailand) and Hun Manet (Cambodia) have vowed to work together and strengthen bilateral relationships, according to the Khmer Times. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304500-new-pms-of-thailand-and-cambodia-vow-to-work-together/

Newly appointed prime ministers Srettha (Thailand) and Hun Manet (Cambodia) have vowed to work together and strengthen bilateral relationships, according to the Khmer Times. Hun Manet called Srettha on Tuesday evening. During the call, the two leaders congratulated each other for being elected prime minister on the same day. Hun Manet said “Both governments are committed to strengthening friendship and cooperation, especially between our two peoples.” Posting on X (Twitter), outgoing prime minister and president of Cambodia’s Privy Council Hun Sen said on Tuesday that it was a “beautiful day, as two neighbouring countries with constitutional monarchies welcomed new prime ministers together”, according to the Khmer Times. “Although I stepped down as prime minister of Cambodia onTuesday, I would like to send a congratulatory message to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin,” he added. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-pms-of-thailand-and-cambodia-vow-to-work-together/ TOP: Srettha Thavisin (L), and Hun Manet (R) (Photos by AFP) -- Thai PBS 2023-08-24 - 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