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TAT Expects More Day Trips During Upcoming Long Weekend by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thais are estimated to make 2.6 million domestic travels totaling around 8.76 billion baht during the National Mother’s Day long weekend, which runs from August 12-14, 2023. The number, however, has fallen from the same period last year due to the effects of inflation and various factors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303271-tat-expects-more-day-trips-during-upcoming-long-weekend/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thais are estimated to make 2.6 million domestic travels totaling around 8.76 billion baht during the National Mother’s Day long weekend, which runs from August 12-14, 2023. The number, however, has fallen from the same period last year due to the effects of inflation and various factors. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn stated that authorities expect a decrease in domestic travel for this long weekend since most Thais have already made trips during the six-day holiday at the end of July. The trips for this weekend are likely to be day trips to nearby destinations, which result in lower spending on hotel accommodations and tourist-related services. A recent survey by the Tourism Council of Thailand on trips for this weekend aligns with the TAT’s forecast, with 23% of respondents planning to travel within their province. Around 21% want to spend the night in the nearby provinces, while nearly 20% arrange day trips to other areas. Meanwhile, TAT reported that Bangkok was the most popular domestic destination for the long holiday weekend of July 28-August 2, with over 600,000 trips totaling 3.13 billion baht in tourism revenue. The eastern region was the second most visited, with 367,190 trips and 1.34 billion baht in tourism earnings. The northern provinces came in third, with 290,350 visits and a revenue of 1.11 billion baht. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230811100237780 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-08-11 - 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.

Thai woman rescues 19 puppies abandoned in Isaan forest by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Suputtra Linthong A Thai woman rescued 19 puppies that were abandoned near a roadside forest in the Isaan province of Nong Bua Lamphu. The animal lover is now looking for new homes for the abandoned puppies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303270-thai-woman-rescues-19-puppies-abandoned-in-isaan-forest/

TAT Emphasizes New Government’s Role to Boost Tourism by Tarin Angskul BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has stressed the importance of the formation of a new government to boost tourism and attract overseas tourists for the upcoming tourism high season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303269-tat-emphasizes-new-government’s-role-to-boost-tourism/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has stressed the importance of the formation of a new government to boost tourism and attract overseas tourists for the upcoming tourism high season. TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn stated that the next government’s formation has significant ramifications for budget allocation for the fiscal year 2024, which begins in October each year. He said that TAT has sought a 1.5 billion baht increase above this year’s budget of 3 billion baht for the fiscal year 2024. This budget will include routine expenses, such as personnel costs, as well as existing and possible new marketing campaigns to lure foreign visitors to Thailand. The TAT Governor emphasized that any delay in government formation would result in a delay in budget approval, limiting TAT’s marketing efforts to only 50% of the budget for this year. With the changing environment and fierce competition in the global tourism business, he believes that any delay in establishing the new government will hinder Thailand’s competitiveness in the global tourism sector. The TAT Governor further noted that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is yet to meet expectations, with only 1.85 million visiting the country in the first seven months of this year. This number is still far below the 4 million Chinese visitors forecast for 2023, owing to economic concerns in China as well as the Chinese government’s stimulus initiatives to boost domestic travel. With these unforeseen variables, he emphasized that Thailand needs to implement additional strategies in order to attract more tourists in order to achieve the goal, which requires authorization from the next government. Meanwhile, as one of TAT’s strategies to attract more visitors, TAT has recently introduced the "STAR: Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating" program to help push Thailand’s move towards sustainable tourism. Under the program, businesses that meet the program’s self-assessment requirements will be awarded the "Sustainable Star" certificate, which is valid for two years. Applications can be submitted online at www.TATstar.org. Those who are interested in joining the program can contact TAT for more information. by Tarin Angskul Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230811094325770 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-08-11 - 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.

Spanish chef “I was blackmailed”, bouncers bash Brits in Pattaya : Tim Newton Today - August 11 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303268-spanish-chef-“i-was-blackmailed”-bouncers-bash-brits-in-pattaya-tim-newton-today-august-11/

Thailand News - Phalang Pracharat throws their political weight behind Srettha Thavisin as next Thai PM, Spanish Chef claims he was blackmailed leading to the murder of Columbian 'lover', Pattaya's Jomtiem Beach is becoming popular at night for 'revelers', a British father and son are bashed outside a Pattaya bar, Hua Hun gets the nod as one of the best places in Asia to retire, Prawit's watch investigation continues... 6 years on. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

TAT holds ‘Write Your Own Amazing New Chapters’ in Thailand International influencers and travel writers invited to experience bespoke trips showcasing meaningful travel and sustainable tourism activities on offer in the kingdom. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303266-tat-holds-‘write-your-own-amazing-new-chapters’-in-thailand/

International influencers and travel writers invited to experience bespoke trips showcasing meaningful travel and sustainable tourism activities on offer in the kingdom. Bangkok, 10 August 2023 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is holding a ‘Write Your Own Amazing New Chapters’ in Thailand event bringing in 60 influencers and travel writers from around Asia and the Pacific to network with 50 Thai tourism industry professionals and experience new and wonderful meaningful travel and sustainable tourism activities in established Thai destinations. Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said “The ‘Write Your Own Amazing New Chapters’ in Thailand event reflects the ongoing ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign towards the promotion and development of high value and sustainable tourism. The activity also corresponds with the Thai government’s Bio-Circular-Green, or BCG, Economy Model, which is designed to stimulate a circular economy and underline Thailand’s vision for national development to achieve prosperity in terms of economic, social, and environmental sustainability.” Taking place from 9-13 August 2023, the event is conceptualised to inspire invited influencers and travel writers to illustrate and share their impressions of the ‘Amazing New Chapters’ tourism experiences in Thailand with emphasis on the meaningful travel and sustainable activities in Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Rayong, Phuket, as well as Bangkok. The invited influencers and travel writers include those from Australia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, as well as foreign expatriates in Thailand. The event kicked off on 9 August 2023, with a networking session in Bangkok to strengthen the relationship between the participants and TAT’s strategic partners, followed by a welcome dinner at the Columbia Pictures Aquaverse in Chon Buri with cultural performances and showcases that reflect Thailand’s 5F soft-power foundations – Food, Film, Festival, Fight, and Fashion. From 10-13 August 2023, the participants – assigned into three groups – are scheduled to embark on three specially customised trips to Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Rayong, and Phuket. Each route represents abundant natural resources, history, and culture combined with new and meaningful travel and sustainable tourism experiences exclusive to each destination. In Chiang Mai, the trip highlights its beautiful scenery and the unique Lanna culture through a night bike tour and local community workshops in combination with a thrilling paramotor ride, a relaxing spa, and an elephant care experience. In the eventful destinations of Pattaya and Rayong, the itinerary combines a fun time at Columbia Pictures Aquaverse with soft adventure activities – trekking at Khao Laem Ya National Park and surfing at Mae Ramphueng Beach – and excursions to Nong Nooch and Rayong Botanical Gardens, Ban Phe and Roi Sao Market, and Rayong Floating Pagoda. In the world-class destination of Phuket, the trip showcases luxury tourism experiences of a sunset cruise and a Thai cooking class at a fine-dining restaurant plus a range of tailormade experiences, including an activity at a local tourism community, a walking tour, relaxing spa, and a workshop at a local rum distillery. All three routes present a multitude of gastronomy delights that highlight the diversity of cuisine unique to each destination and conclude with farewell activities and dinner in Bangkok. TAT expects the ‘Write Your Own Amazing New Chapters’ event to inspire at least 150 creative contents publicised via social media platforms and online media outlets, resulting in no less than a 20,000,000 reach globally. by TAT Newsroom Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2023/08/tat-holds-write-your-own-amazing-new-chapters-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2023-08-11 - 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.

Clear for takeoff: Thailand’s aviation adopts pay-to-fly models amid post-Covid revival by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Ruben Sukatendel, Unsplash. Thailand’s aviation industry is witnessing growth in pay-to-fly employment models after the struggle to regain its pre-Covid footing. In these arrangements, licensed pilots are required to pay more than 1.5 million baht (US$ 42,702) for training, a prerequisite to securing a job. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303264-clear-for-takeoff-thailand’s-aviation-adopts-pay-to-fly-models-amid-post-covid-revival/

Thailand’s aviation industry is witnessing growth in pay-to-fly employment models after the struggle to regain its pre-Covid footing. In these arrangements, licensed pilots are required to pay more than 1.5 million baht (US$ 42,702) for training, a prerequisite to securing a job. This is happening against a backdrop of pilot salaries remaining below pre-pandemic levels due to a decrease in the size of airline fleets. The situation is particularly challenging for student pilots, who, lacking requisite experience, find it difficult to compete with seasoned professionals. As per the International Air Transport Association, recovery for Asia-Pacific aviation trailed the rest of the globe last year. However, with the reopening of China in the early weeks of 2023, it’s anticipated that recovery will be brought forward from 2025 to 2024. Yet, in Thailand, a glut of idle pilots has led several airlines to introduce a pay-to-fly element to their recruitment programmes. Potential pilots seeking new career opportunities have to go through training to ensure their skills match the requirements of the aircraft types that the hiring airlines operate. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Ruben Sukatendel, Unsplash. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thai-aviation-hit-by-controversial-pay-to-fly-scheme-amid-slow-recovery -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-11 - 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.

Prachuap Khiri Khan is no longer in drought crisis: Officials By Online Reporter Prachuap Khiri Khan has emerged from its drought crisis, with sufficient aid having been given to all the impacted areas, officials reported. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303256-prachuap-khiri-khan-is-no-longer-in-drought-crisis-officials/

Thai tycoon Prayudh Mahagitsiri sentenced in 400 million baht land scandal by Mitch Connor Prayudh Mahagitsiri, Bangkok Post. In a recent surge against corruption, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) confirmed the sentencing of Prayudh Mahagitsiri, a well-known tycoon, to two years and eight months imprisonment with the charge linked to an infamous land encroachment scandal. The judgement was passed by the Region 8, Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303253-thai-tycoon-prayudh-mahagitsiri-sentenced-in-400-million-baht-land-scandal/

In a recent surge against corruption, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) confirmed the sentencing of Prayudh Mahagitsiri, a well-known tycoon, to two years and eight months imprisonment with the charge linked to an infamous land encroachment scandal. The judgement was passed by the Region 8, Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, who serves as the secretary-general of the commission, stated that the court found the millionaire and ten other former land officials in Krabi blamable for unlawfully granting title deeds for state land. The prime allegation is that around 19 rai of land in the Mueang district has been wrongly titled. “The court established that Prayudh had a prominent role in abetting these state officials in their illegal deeds title issuance,” disclosed Nitwatchai. Penalising the offenders involved in this land scandal, the court initially sentenced one defendant to serve a jail term of six years. Additional culprits, including Prayudh, were handed down a jail sentence of four years each, added Nitwatchai. Considering the confessions made by the defendants, the court subsequently consented to commute the sentences. by Mitch Connor Prayudh Mahagitsiri, Bangkok Post. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/thai-tycoon-prayudh-mahagitsiri-sentenced-in-400-million-baht-land-scandal -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-11 - 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.

Beach regulations: Pattaya considers time limits due to litter and noise surge by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of expedia.com Escalating noise levels and litter are being reported on the popular beaches of Pattaya City. As a result, the city council is contemplating the introduction of strict timings for public access to these beaches, in line with the proposed beach regulations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303252-beach-regulations-pattaya-considers-time-limits-due-to-litter-and-noise-surge/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 11 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303251-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-11-august-2023/

All 40 MPs from the Palang Pracha-rath party including it’s leader and former deputy prime minister Prawit Wong-suwan said they will vote for Pheu Thai’s prime minister candidate Srettha Thavi-sin. A poll by move forward mps suggest 95 percent of its supporters are against supporting Pheu Thai’s candidate for prime minister. Move forward said they expect more feedback from the public who provided 14 million votes in the May general election. Police have arrested 7 suspects who allegedly defrauded people into investing in non-existent development projects in the Northeast over a two year period using the name of the royally established foundation name. Documents, bank books and mobile phone were seized.. The gang had swindled more than 20 victims out of 1.5 million baht. The foundation reported the gang's activities to police. A Criminal Court for Corruption sentenced a millionaire to two years and eight months in jail and found 10 former land officials in Krabi guilty of falsely issuing title deeds for state-owned land covering about 19 rai The court ordered the land titles to be revoked. Local authorities have set up a disaster prevention center to manage and help prevent drought, Much of Prachuab khiri khan including sam roy yod, pranburi and parts of hua hin have experienced drought conditions since january, local authorities had to pump wells and use trucks and to get water to remote areas, almost 6800 acres of farmland were also affected. Around the Region: S Korea authorities evacuated some 14,000 people and closed schools in flood-hit areas as tropical storm Khanun swept across the south of the country yesterday about 350 flights and 450 train routes were cancelled as the storm swept north towards Seoul. The storm is likely to reach Pyongyang tomorrow. Malaysia has banned rainbow coloured Swatch watches and accessories that celebrate LGBTQ rights, saying the Swiss watchmaker’s products may be harmful to morality and public interest. A person can be jailed for up to three years or fined up to 20,000 ringgit for owning the banned timepiece. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north: cloudy with thundershowers 33C Bangkok: Sunny partly Cloudy, 34C Pattaya, sunny 32C Phuket and the south: Cloudy with rain this afternoon, 30C ‘Hua Hin’: Sunny, partly cloudy, 34C. 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 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2023-08-11 - 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.

Green airport: Suvarnabhumi’s sustainable future fueled by solar panel installation by Mitch Connor Solar Panel, courtesy of freepik In a decisive move towards clean energy, the Airports of Thailand (AoT) are looking to harness the sun’s power, with the installation of solar rooftop panels on the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303250-green-airport-suvarnabhumi’s-sustainable-future-fueled-by-solar-panel-installation/

Chaipattana fraud: Thai police nab seven in 1.5 million baht foundation scam by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Wassayos Ngamkham/Bangkok Post Ten people suspected of running a sham investment scheme, donning the name of the distinguished Chaipattana Foundation, have been apprehended by the Thai police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303249-chaipattana-fraud-thai-police-nab-seven-in-15-million-baht-foundation-scam/

Ten people suspected of running a sham investment scheme, donning the name of the distinguished Chaipattana Foundation, have been apprehended by the Thai police. The Chaipattana fraud team caused havoc since 2021, deceiving their victims into believing they were investing in non-existent development projects in the Northeast region. The Chaipattana fraud revelation came from the police’s top boss, the Crime Suppression Division chief, Montree Theskhan, who conveyed the unfolding situation to the press yesterday. According to him, a thorough investigation had led them to the conclusion that ten individuals were integral to the unscrupulous operations. Consequently, the law enforcement officials conducted operations across diverse locations, namely Chaiyaphum, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Kalasin, Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Suphan Buri, where the fraudulent activities had transpired. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Wassayos Ngamkham/Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/thai-police-nab-seven-in-45200-chaipattana-foundation-scam -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-11 - 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.

Drug raid leads to the arrest of 40 individuals at high-end Bangkok birthday party by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Yesterday, a high-end birthday party turned drug raid saw the arrest of 40 young, affluent individuals at a hotel in the Ram Inthra district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303247-drug-raid-leads-to-the-arrest-of-40-individuals-at-high-end-bangkok-birthday-party/

Bang Sue Police Station Addresses 'Knocking on Car Window' Issue The Bang Sue Police Station has unveiled measures to tackle the problem of a group of individuals knocking on car windows, causing disturbance and inconvenience to the general public. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303246-bang-sue-police-station-addresses-knocking-on-car-window-issue/

Brutal Debt Collection: Pork Seller shot in the Face Picture: Siam Rath On August 10, 2023, at 5:40 PM, Pol. Lt. Col. Punyawach Jantra, duty officer of Kalasin Police Station, received a report about a gunfight and injuries. The incident occurred opposite the local highway district office on Apai Road, Kalasin District, Kalasin Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303244-brutal-debt-collection-pork-seller-shot-in-the-face/

Unidentified Insects Found Floating Along a 3km Stretch of Rayong Beach, Raising Natural Hazard Concerns Picture: Siam Rath On August 10th, at 4:00 PM, news broke of a large number of unidentified insects found floating along the shores of Rayong Beach, spanning over 3 kilometers from Laem Chabang to Suan Chan Beach in Muang District, Rayong Province. Experts have been dispatched to investigate the phenomenon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303243-unidentified-insects-found-floating-along-a-3km-stretch-of-rayong-beach-raising-natural-hazard-concerns/

All 40 Palang Pracharath MPs Including Prawit To Vote Srettha For PM By Thai Newsroom Reporters Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan, left, and Pheu Thai candidate for prime minister Srettha Thavisin. Left photo: Naewna, right photo: Matichon Weekly and merged by Thai Newsroom ALL 40 PALANG PRACHARATH MPs including party leader Prawit “Uncle Pom” Wongsuwan will almost certainly vote Pheu Thai candidate Srettha Thavisin for prime minister, no matter if the military-installed party will be brought into coalition government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303242-all-40-palang-pracharath-mps-including-prawit-to-vote-srettha-for-pm/