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Russian Woman Falls to Death at Pattaya Condo, Russian Man Detained as Person of Interest By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand-A Russian woman fell to her death this morning, August 13th, 2023, from the seventh floor of a Pattaya condo, and a Russian man who she stayed with has been detained as a person of interest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303467-russian-woman-falls-to-death-at-pattaya-condo-russian-man-detained-as-person-of-interest/

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 14 August 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1303466-thailand-live-monday-14-august-2023/

Phang Nga – A British tourist called for help after a boat captain fell unconscious while they were in the sea together in Phang Nga. British Tourist Calls for Help after Boat Captain Falls Unconscious in Phang Nga Sea https://aseannow.com/topic/1303465-british-tourist-calls-for-help-after-boat-captain-falls-unconscious-in-phang-nga-sea/

Banglamung Officials Tour Jomtien Beach After Proposals for Overnight Closing By Adam Judd Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, Thailand-Following proposals from some restaurant and bar owners as well as business and tourism associations to consider closing Jomtien Beach overnight. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303379-banglamung-officials-tour-jomtien-beach-after-proposals-for-overnight-closing/

Umphang hospital grapples with 40 million baht deficit due to Myanmar crisis by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of โรงพยาบาลอุ้มผาง Facebook The Thai-Myanmar frontier healthcare services face a financial crisis as a result of the current political turmoil in Myanmar. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303378-umphang-hospital-grapples-with-40-million-baht-deficit-due-to-myanmar-crisis/

THAI expects to exit rehabilitation plan mid 2024 Thai Airways International (THAI) is expected to exit the court sanctioned rehabilitation plan three months ahead of schedule, in the middle of next year, as the airline’s performance has been improving steadily, in line with tourism recovery, according to CEO Chai Eamsiri. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303377-thai-expects-to-exit-rehabilitation-plan-mid-2024/

Thai Airways International (THAI) is expected to exit the court sanctioned rehabilitation plan three months ahead of schedule, in the middle of next year, as the airline’s performance has been improving steadily, in line with tourism recovery, according to CEO Chai Eamsiri. THAI and its subsidiary, Thai Smile Airways, have made money four quarters in a row, with pre-tax profits for the second quarter of this year amounting to 2.3 billion baht, which is an increase of 171% over the same period last year and the largest in 20 years. The airline will have been run under the rehabilitation plan for about three years by the middle of 2024, to settle its accumulated losses of about 240 billion baht. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-expects-to-exit-rehabilitation-plan-mid-2024/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-12 - 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.

Rayong’s by-election to be held on September 10 Election Commission (EC) has announced that the by-election in Constituency 3 of the eastern province of Rayong will be held on September 10. Candidacies must be registered from August 15 to 19t inclusively. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303376-rayong’s-by-election-to-be-held-on-september-10/

Thailand’s tourism sector anticipates fall as China lifts tour group restrictions by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Prachachat In the wake of China’s announcement to allow tour groups to visit Japan and several other nations for the first time since 2020, Thailand’s tourism industry braces itself for a sharp fall in Chinese tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303368-thailand’s-tourism-sector-anticipates-fall-as-china-lifts-tour-group-restrictions/

In the wake of China’s announcement to allow tour groups to visit Japan and several other nations for the first time since 2020, Thailand’s tourism industry braces itself for a sharp fall in Chinese tourists. This results from ongoing visa application challenges, in spite of the government’s efforts to simplify the process. This recent development comes as part of China’s move to lift previously imposed travel restrictions on tour groups. Aside from Japan, other countries including the US, South Korea, and Australia can accept Chinese tour groups. In addition, China has expressed the desire for Japan to consider a visa waiver for Chinese citizens. The honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta), Adith Chairattananon, expressed the potential lure of simplifying the visa application process could be for drawing tourists at a time when competitors are welcoming tour groups. Despite the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s attempts to streamline the necessary paperwork for Chinese tourist visas and shorten the approval procedure to seven days, a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate these market shifts remains nebulous. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Prachachat Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-tourism-sector-anticipates-fall-as-china-lifts-tour-group-restrictions -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-12 - 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.

Pattaya Police Raid Major Nightclub for Drugs and Overstayers, But Find Nothing Wrong By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand-Pattaya police raided a major nightclub catering mostly to Thai nationals on Third Road around 1:00 A.M. this morning, August 12th, 2023, but despite disrupting an evening of partying and fun for over a hundred people found nothing wrong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303365-pattaya-police-raid-major-nightclub-for-drugs-and-overstayers-but-find-nothing-wrong/

Central Retail partners with Ant Group to launch Alipay+ for Asian tourists in Thailand by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post. For the convenience of Asian tourists from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and South Korea, Central Retail Corporation (CRC) has announced its partnership with Ant Group, introducing Alipay+ a comprehensive solution for international digital payments. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303364-central-retail-partners-with-ant-group-to-launch-alipay-for-asian-tourists-in-thailand/

For the convenience of Asian tourists from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and South Korea, Central Retail Corporation (CRC) has announced its partnership with Ant Group, introducing Alipay+ a comprehensive solution for international digital payments. This digital offering will enable travellers to use local digital wallets such as China’s Alipay, Hong Kong’s AlipayHK, Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go eWallet and South Korea’s Kakao Pay for transactions. Alipay+ eliminates the need to carry cash or exchange currency into baht for these tourists as transactions can easily be made through local wallets. These transactions can take place in more than 3,000 stores under CRC, including Central and Robinson Department Stores, Supersports, Tops, Power Buy, B2S, OfficeMate, Matsukiyo, Tops Vita, and Muji. This creates a shopping experience of greater choices and convenience across Thailand for these travellers. Piyawan Leelasompop, in charge of corporate marketing at CRC, expressed the aim of this collaboration is to broaden CRC’s customer’s digital payment channels and provide holistic services to consumers favouring cashless payment options. She said, “We are targeting Asian tourists in Thailand, making their shopping more convenient at Central Retail stores through Alipay+, using their local mobile wallets.” She added that users could also access various promotions and special privileges by Central Retail and international mobile wallet providers, aiming to improve the shopping experience further. Plans to extend payment services to tourists from other countries, including Asia and Europe, are being considered, reported Bangkok Post. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/central-retail-partners-with-ant-group-to-launch-alipay-for-asian-tourists-in-thailand -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-12 - 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.

‘Main customers’: Russians fleeing Putin’s war find a home in Phuket Thai island has had influx of those either trying to avoid fighting in Ukraine or feel unwelcome in Europe Rebecca Ratcliffe in Phuket People walk along Kamala beach at sunset on Phuket. The island has proved a hotspot for Russians fleeing the war. Photograph: Jack Taylor/The Guardian In the humid evenings on the Thai island of Phuket, Aleksei* often sits alone on his balcony, and wonders if the past 18 months have been a strange dream. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303363-‘main-customers’-russians-fleeing-putin’s-war-find-a-home-in-phuket/

DSI freezes assets worth 220 million baht in Stark Corp scandal by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of MGR Online In a recent development that unfolded yesterday, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has placed a freeze on a staggering 220 million baht (US$ 6,273,168) held in the bank account of Chanin Yensudchai, the erstwhile chairman of the beleaguered Stark Corp. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303362-dsi-freezes-assets-worth-220-million-baht-in-stark-corp-scandal/

In a recent development that unfolded yesterday, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has placed a freeze on a staggering 220 million baht (US$ 6,273,168) held in the bank account of Chanin Yensudchai, the erstwhile chairman of the beleaguered Stark Corp. According to DSI spokeswoman Pichaya Tarakornsanti, the action is part of a wider measure to offer compensation to victims in light of the ongoing scandal. Pichaya went on to say, “The DSI has taken similar action with another of Chanin’s accounts with Credit Suisse Bank, with the intention of utilisation for victim compensation.” Additionally, the properties registered under Chanin’s name have been frozen by the DSI. These steps are being reviewed by the Department of Lands to oversee the specific details and evaluate the properties. Accusations of monetary misconduct are trailing Chanin, and he currently remains untraceable overseas. The DSI has made contact with Interpol and requested a red notice to facilitate his apprehension. Communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been initiated by the DSI aiming to suspend Chanin’s passport, informed Pichaya. by Mitch Connor TOP Picture courtesy of MGR Online Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/dsi-freezes-assets-worth-220-million-baht-in-stark-corp-scandal -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-12 - 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.

Happy Mothers Day and Happy Birthday to The Queen Mother By Tanakorn Panyadee National — In Thailand, August 12th is a day of double celebration, intertwining the significance of motherhood and royal admiration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303361-happy-mothers-day-and-happy-birthday-to-the-queen-mother/

National — In Thailand, August 12th is a day of double celebration, intertwining the significance of motherhood and royal admiration. On this day, Thai Mother’s Day coincides with the 91st birthday of the Queen Mother, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, creating a heartfelt occasion that will paint the country in shades of blue. The day has been considered a national holiday and celebrated annually nationwide since 1976 during the reign of His Royal Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama 9). As the nation honors maternal figures, the streets come alive with blue decorations, illuminating the city in a radiant display of unity and love. The color blue, associated with the Queen, serves as a symbol of the deep respect and reverence the Thai people hold for their monarchy and mothers alike. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/08/12/happy-mothers-day-and-happy-birthday-to-the-queen-mother-from-the-pattaya-news-tpn-national-3/ By Tanakorn Panyadee -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-08-12 - 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.

Generous Thai woman’s trust shattered as couple she sheltered steals assets worth over 100,000 baht by Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 3 A Thai woman shared the heartbreaking story of a couple she employed, fed and put a roof over their heads for free, only to discover that they had stolen assets from her totalling more than 100,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303358-generous-thai-woman’s-trust-shattered-as-couple-she-sheltered-steals-assets-worth-over-100000-baht/

Police Raid Luxurious Urban Village Gathering of 9 Nationalities Picture: Daily News Bang Chan police apprehended 9 individuals of various nationalities in a chaotic drug-fueled party within an upscale urban enclave, responding to repeated complaints by disgruntled locals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303355-police-raid-luxurious-urban-village-gathering-of-9-nationalities/

Customs concludes the case of counterfeit luxury watch auctions Director General of the Customs Department's Announcement: Closure of Counterfeit Luxury Watch Auctions; Intent to Sue Agent for Claiming Significant Damages Picture courtesy of Siam Rath Mr. Pachara Anantasilp, Director General of the Customs Department, announced the closure of the Customs Department's counterfeit watch auction case. He admitted that this was the first time in history and it had been an expensive lesson, emphasizing that such an incident would not recur. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303354-customs-concludes-the-case-of-counterfeit-luxury-watch-auctions/

Director General of the Customs Department's Announcement: Closure of Counterfeit Luxury Watch Auctions; Intent to Sue Agent for Claiming Significant Damages Mr. Pachara Anantasilp, Director General of the Customs Department, announced the closure of the Customs Department's counterfeit watch auction case. He admitted that this was the first time in history and it had been an expensive lesson, emphasizing that such an incident would not recur. The aforementioned case stemmed from an auction held by the Customs Department from July 5-7, 2023, to sell 14 luxury watches seized from stores in well-known department stores in the Pathum Wan area, reported INN. Subsequently, the watches underwent a process of preservation and verification by a rights agent in Thailand, who confirmed their authenticity in writing, along with copyright compliance. These watches were then stored in a secure room, monitored closely by closed-circuit cameras and relevant officials. However, upon completion of the auction, it was discovered that 3 of the auctioned watches were fake, which totaled more than 4 million baht. A claim was filed with the Customs Department, which then collaborated with the rights agent in Thailand to reverify the watches. At this juncture, the Thai rights representative communicated with the parent company's representative in Hong Kong. It was reported that a phone call to a customs officer had indicated the watches were counterfeit, although no written confirmation was received. Consequently, the Thai rights representative retracted the statement regarding all watches being counterfeit. The Customs Department assumed responsibility for a full refund and subsequently canceled the auction. Furthermore, the Customs Department established a fact-finding committee to investigate the matter, resulting in disciplinary actions against officers involved. These actions were taken due to their acknowledgment of having discussed over the phone that the watches were indeed fake, although no written documentation was maintained. This communication lapse extended until after the auction had concluded. Additionally, the Customs Department initiated a civil lawsuit against the rights agent, submitting the case to the prosecutor. Regarding the store owner who was apprehended and had their property seized, claiming the authenticity of the watches, the Customs Department intends to collaborate with the OCPB to initiate another case against the shopkeeper. The decision regarding whether to change the company's rights representative in Thailand or not will fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Intellectual Property, and the Customs Department does not hold authority over this decision. Following this auction, guidelines will be enhanced to ensure greater clarity and conciseness. A 30-day inspection period will be implemented for the examined property, during which an expert will conduct inspections. Once the auction concludes, the Customs Department will not assume any further responsibilities. TOP Picture courtesy of Siam Rath -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-08-12 - 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

Highway Patrol arrests foreign smuggling gang Picture: Thai Rath The Highway Patrol has arrested a foreign smuggling gang that managed to break through checkpoints but didn't manage to evade arrest in Nakhon Pathom. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303348-highway-patrol-arrests-foreign-smuggling-gang/

Tourist Police Explain "Skateboard Incident" at Don Mueang airport In a video clip released on August 10, 2023, from Don Mueang Airport, a foreign tourist caused a disturbance, leading three Tourist Police officers to intervene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303347-tourist-police-explain-skateboard-incident-at-don-mueang-airport/

Russian Man Found Dead After Falling from High-rise Condo in Bangkok Picture: Thai Rath In Bangkok's Chatuchak district, a young Russian man was found deceased following a fall from a high-rise apartment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303345-russian-man-found-dead-after-falling-from-high-rise-condo-in-bangkok/