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Several neighboring countries compete with Thailand for foreign retirees By Barry Kenyon Property growth is the biggest draw in south east Asia as this Phuket hoarding illustrates. Thailand offers a multiplicity of long-term visas for women and men well past the first bloom of youth. They include annual extensions of stay, the 5-20 years Elite visa and the 10 years Long Term Residence (LTR), each of which has its own scale of charges with assorted pluses and minuses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336044-several-neighboring-countries-compete-with-thailand-for-foreign-retirees/

Property growth is the biggest draw in south east Asia as this Phuket hoarding illustrates. By Barry Kenyon Thailand offers a multiplicity of long-term visas for women and men well past the first bloom of youth. They include annual extensions of stay, the 5-20 years Elite visa and the 10 years Long Term Residence (LTR), each of which has its own scale of charges with assorted pluses and minuses. None of them allows direct ownership of land by foreigners, nor guarantees a path to permanent residency or citizenship. Purchase of condominiums is allowed but does not generally result in visa concessions. Since January 2024, anyone spending six months or more in the kingdom may be liable to personal income tax on remitted income. Malaysia has had a 5-20 years My Second Home program since 2002 but there have been a succession of changes, including the requirement to purchase and retain a property and associated land (100 percent in their name) in order to spur growth in the local market. Perks include obtaining visas for spouses, parents and children under 34 years. Unlike Thailand, Malaysia imposes the requirement to live in the country for at least three months per year, although a dependant relative can substitute where the visa holder is still of working age. Malaysia is not currently insisting on foreign tax residents paying tax on remitted income from abroad. Cambodia seems to have abandoned an earlier second home campaign, but the Retirement ER visa gives one year which is annually renewable. Retirees aged at least 55 years do not need to provide written proof of status or finances. Property ownership laws are strict and similar to Thailand’s. In theory, Cambodia requires foreign residents to file and pay taxes on their foreign income, but there are few signs of enforcement for this kind of visa. Cambodia allows foreigners to purchase citizenship provided they invest or donate US$300,000, an offer taken up with alacrity by rich Chinese in particular. Full story: PATTAYA MAIL 2024-08-21 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 21 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1336042-thailand-live-wednesday-21-august-2024/

Foreign cyclist severely injured after being hit by Phuket Airport taxi Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ A foreign cyclist sustained a severe injury after being hit by an airport taxi while cycling along a road in Phuket. Fullstory: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336015-foreign-cyclist-severely-injured-after-being-hit-by-phuket-airport-taxi/

Suspect in Police's killing granted bail by Hua Hin court The accused in a fatal shooting of a sergeant in a local pub has been given bail by a Hua Hin court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336034-suspect-in-polices-killing-granted-bail-by-hua-hin-court/

Thai Smile Bus launches electric bus services across Bangkok by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Thai Smile Bus (TSB) launched 24-hour air-conditioned bus services across 13 routes in Bangkok, featuring electric-powered buses operating every hour. This initiative aims to assist night-shift workers who struggle with transportation. The service began today, August 20. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335988-thai-smile-bus-launches-electric-bus-services-across-bangkok/

Thai Smile Bus (TSB) launched 24-hour air-conditioned bus services across 13 routes in Bangkok, featuring electric-powered buses operating every hour. This initiative aims to assist night-shift workers who struggle with transportation. The service began today, August 20. Kulapornphas Wongmacharapinya, CEO of Thai Smile Group, announced that the licenced public transport provider has expanded its services to meet the demand for night travel. This decision follows multiple complaints from citizens about the lack of nighttime bus services after previous operators discontinued some night routes. Understanding the importance of night travel for economic activities, TSB has introduced round-the-clock bus services. Starting from midnight to 5am, these electric buses operate hourly across various routes. The company plans to increase the number of buses gradually to match passenger demand. Routes now available for night service include: Route 1-3(34): Bang Khen – Phahonyothin Road – Hua Lamphong, operating at 11pm, midnight, 1am, 2am, 3am, and 5am Route 1-37(27): Min Buri – Victory Monument, operating at 10pm, midnight, and 5am Route 1-39(71): Suan Siam – Khlong Toei, operating at 10pm, 10.40pm, midnight, 1am, 2am, 3.45am, 4am, 4.15am, 4.30am, 4.45am, and 5am Route 2-15(97): Ministry of Public Health – Somdej Phra Pinklao Hospital, operating at 11pm, midnight, 1.30am, 3am, 4am, 4.10am, 4.20am, 4.30am, 4.40am, 4.50am, and 5am Route 2-38(8): Happyland – Phutthaphot Bridge Pier, operating at 10pm, 11pm, midnight, 1am, 2am, 3.45am, 4am, 4.10am, 4.20am, 4.30am, 4.40am, 4.50am, and 5am Route 3-1(2): Pak Nam – Phutthaphot Bridge Pier, operating at 10pm, midnight, 1am, 2am, 3am, 3.50am, 4.05am, 4.20am, 4.35am, 4.50am, and 5am Route 3-6(25): Pathumkongka School Samut Prakan – Ekkamai Bus Terminal (one additional bus), operating at 10.40pm, 11pm, 1am, 2am, 4.30am, 4.45am, and 5am Route 3-36(4): Khlong Toei Pier – Phasi Charoen Pier, operating at 10pm, 11.30pm, 1am, 2am, 3.30am, 4am, 4.30am, and 5am Route 34: Rangsit – Hua Lamphong, operating at 10.10pm, midnight, 3.40am, 4.20am, and 5am Route 4-36(7): Suksanaree School – Hua Lamphong, operating at 11.30pm, 1am, 2.30am, 3.45am, 4am, 4.10am, 4.20am, 4.30am, 4.40am, 4.50am, and 5am Route 4-44(80A): Wapawor 11 Village – Suan Luang Rama VIII, operating at 10.30pm, 1am, 4.45am, and 5am Route 4-46(84): Wat Rai Khing – BTS Krung Thon Buri, operating at 10pm, 11pm, midnight, 1am, 2am, 3am, 4am, 4.10am, 4.20am, 4.30am, 4.40am, 4.50am, and 5.10am Route 4-15(82): Phra Pradaeng Pier – Bang Lamphu, operating at 10pm, 11pm, midnight, 1am, 2am, 3am, 4am, 4.30am, 4.40am, and 5am. TSB also considers the cost of living for citizens. All blue electric buses now accept the HOP Card, which offers the Daily Max Fare benefit. Passengers can ride unlimited times in one day for a maximum fare of 40 baht per day. Combining bus and boat rides will cost no more than 50 baht per day. Otherwise, fares are based on actual usage, starting at 15, 20, or 25 baht, reported KhaoSod. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-08-20 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chiang Rai nurses wear black in abusive doctor protest (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via One 31 Thai nurses working at a state hospital in the northern province of Chiang Rai are wearing black in protest against an abusive doctor who brutally assaulted a nurse at the weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335982-chiang-rai-nurses-wear-black-in-abusive-doctor-protest-video/

Thai nurses working at a state hospital in the northern province of Chiang Rai are wearing black in protest against an abusive doctor who brutally assaulted a nurse at the weekend. Nurses at the unidentified hospital changed their white uniforms to black yesterday, August 19, to call on the executive team to take action against the abusive doctor, whose identity remains undisclosed. The victim’s family members also visited the hospital to file a complaint with the executive team. The abusive doctor reportedly physically assaulted one of the nurses at around 10.16pm on Saturday, August 17. The doctor assigned a task to the nurse and later hit her in the back twice. The reason and motive for the attack remain unclear. ThaiRath reported that this doctor transferred from a nearby hospital and has been working here for less than a year. Security camera footage shows the victim working in front of a computer when the attacker approached her from behind. The victim moved aside to allow the doctor to view her work on the computer. After seeing the work, the doctor hit her in the back, prompting the nurse to try to protect herself. The doctor struck her again and continued to assign more tasks to the nurse. The executive team declined to give an interview to the media, stating that a special committee is investigating the issue. The hospital revealed that they would hold a meeting to clarify the matter on August 21. by Petch Petpailin Photo via One 31 Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-20 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Urged To Expand Tax Cuts for Rooftop Solar Panels File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Wikimedia The IEEE Power and Energy Society in Thailand is urging the government to expand its new tax reduction scheme for rooftop solar panel installations, aiming to boost the adoption of clean energy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335977-thailand-urged-to-expand-tax-cuts-for-rooftop-solar-panels/

File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Wikimedia The IEEE Power and Energy Society in Thailand is urging the government to expand its new tax reduction scheme for rooftop solar panel installations, aiming to boost the adoption of clean energy. Designed to offer tax incentives to 90,000 households from this year to 2027, the scheme is awaiting final approval within the second half of the year. Households purchasing solar panels with a power generation capacity under 10 kilowatts and costing less than 200,000 baht are eligible, as per the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency. A member of the IEEE Power and Energy Society and director of Naresuan University’s School of Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Technology, Nipon Ketjoy, stated that the scheme should accommodate more participants due to the high demand for solar power. Thailand’s 2024 national power development plan, expected to be approved next month, aims for renewable energy to constitute 51%, or 73.2 gigawatts, of the total power supply by 2037, up from 20% last year. Nipon emphasised the importance of including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tax reduction scheme to alleviate their electricity costs amid the economic slowdown. “Power bills are part of their operating costs. The government should not ignore their participation to benefit from the tax reduction.” He acknowledged the Finance Ministry’s potential hesitation to aid SMEs, noting that while some can afford solar power technology, others require financial support. Nipon added that if the latter is given the aid, they could better deal with energy costs, which could lead to business growth and higher tax collection for finance officials. An official from the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency highlighted that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her Cabinet must decide whether to adjust the scheme to include SMEs. The scheme, with a budget of 20.2 billion baht, is projected to reduce electricity consumption by 585 million kilowatt-hours annually, according to the department. A local solar panel distributor, New Energy Plus Solutions Co, previously expressed support for the tax reduction scheme as a means to lower carbon dioxide emissions, reported the Bangkok Post. -- 2024-08-20 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Surin officer fatally shoots girlfriend in Saraburi by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A district police officer in Surin lured his girlfriend into a meeting under the pretence of discussing compensation for a previous assault, only to fatally shoot her inside a vehicle in Saraburi yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335974-surin-officer-fatally-shoots-girlfriend-in-saraburi/

A district police officer in Surin lured his girlfriend into a meeting under the pretence of discussing compensation for a previous assault, only to fatally shoot her inside a vehicle in Saraburi yesterday. Thakorn Boonla-or, previously serving in Sangkha district, had been reassigned to Mueang Surin district following charges of assaulting 41 year old Kanya Greenfield in July, which left her with broken ribs. Despite an active case and CCTV footage documenting the assault, Thakorn contacted Kanya, persuading her to meet in Saraburi. The tragic encounter escalated around 3.20pm near the Wang Mueang Police Station in Saraburi, where Thakorn and Kanya were engaged in a heated argument inside a pickup truck. In a fit of rage, Thakorn pulled out a handgun and shot Kanya, leading to her immediate demise. Thakorn then exited the vehicle and reported the incident to the local police, subsequently surrendering to the Wang Mueang police. Earlier in the day, around 11.30am, Thakorn had driven from Pak Chong district in Nakhon Ratchasima province, with Kanya accompanying him. The argument that began during their journey continued until the fatal shooting. The vehicle, a pickup truck with the licence plate กง.-3460 from Chon Buri, was parked outside the Wang Mueang Police Station at the time of the incident. Kanya’s parents had passed away years ago, leaving her and her two siblings, who had travelled to Saraburi to claim her body and await the results of the autopsy. Close friend 49 year old Samai Poomkaew recounted her warnings to Kanya about the potential danger of meeting Thakorn. Despite her advice, Kanya insisted on going, leading to the fateful encounter. “Thakorn should not have resorted to such extreme violence.” Following the assault charges in July, Thakorn had been instructed by his superiors to assist in administrative duties at Mueang Surin district. Despite this reassignment, the unresolved tensions between him and Kanya culminated in the tragic incident, reported KhaoSod. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-20 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin to receive certificate of innocence following his release under royal pardon By Pattaya Mail Thaksin was among tens of thousands of prisoners granted pardons on Sunday (Aug 18), celebrating His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28 while his one-year jail sentence, initially set to end on August 31, has been nullified. The Department of Corrections (DOC) has announced that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to receive a certificate of innocence within 120 days following his release under a royal pardon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335968-thaksin-to-receive-certificate-of-innocence-following-his-release-under-royal-pardon/

Thai mother suspects murder after son’s suspicious suicide by Petch Petpailin Photo via INN News A Thai mother is searching for the truth after suspecting her 15 year old son’s suicide was staged to cover up his murder in Samut Prakan province, near Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335969-thai-mother-suspects-murder-after-son’s-suspicious-suicide/

A Thai mother is searching for the truth after suspecting her 15 year old son’s suicide was staged to cover up his murder in Samut Prakan province, near Bangkok. The teenager, C, disappeared from his home on Tuesday, August 13, prompting his family to share a missing person poster on social media, urging netizens to help locate the teenager. On Thursday, August 15, a local fisherman found C’s lifeless body hanging from a tree in a mangrove forest. Officers from Bangpu Police Station, who were called to the scene to investigate the cause of death, initially concluded that C committed suicide. However, C’s family was not convinced by this conclusion. On Wednesday, August 14, the day before the discovery of the body, C’s mother, Thanate Kaewruenthong, received a mysterious call during which someone said, “I love you, mother,” before hanging up. Thanate was certain that the call was not from her son, as she would recognise his voice. Thanate did not believe that her son would commit suicide and pointed out several suspicious details on his lifeless body. She noted that C had wounds and bruises that appeared consistent with an assault. His face also had a burn mark, as if someone pressed a cigarette against it. Thanate further noted that the spot where C’s body was found was in a mangrove forest. If he walked there to commit suicide, his feet and legs should be covered in mud. However, there was no mud on his body. Suspicious student Thanate requested that the police conduct a comprehensive autopsy on C’s body to ascertain the true cause of death and the origin of his injuries. To uncover more details about her son’s death, Thanate attempted to return the mysterious phone call, but no one answered. Subsequently, a woman, who claimed to be the elder sister of a vocational student, reached out to Thanate. She apologised and explained that her brother had called Thanate as a prank after obtaining her number from a missing person poster on social media. Despite this explanation, the vocational student remains under suspicion due to an audio recording in which he is heard discussing C’s death with an older student. In the recording, he allegedly said, “They beat C until he lost consciousness.” “They tied his arms and legs and continued the physical assault. C might have died at about 10pm when his mother could not contact him. They thought C was already dead, so they hung him from the tree. However, C was still alive and woke up while being hung. He struggled to survive, biting his teeth until they broke. The attackers offered no help and let him die.” C’s family has cancelled his funeral and transferred the body back to the police for an autopsy. The officers are awaiting the autopsy results before continuing their investigation and have not yet determined whether the vocational student was involved in C’s death. by Petch Petpailin Photo via INN News Full story: The Thaiger 2024-08-20 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

New Cabinet to Be Finalised This Week: Paetongtarn In this photo released by the Government Spokesman Office, Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, second right in front, pays respect for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after she receives a royal letter of endorsement ceremony which appoints her as the new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (The Government Spokesman Office via AP) The coalition parties are set to submit their prospective cabinet lists by tomorrow, as the prime minister aims to finalise the complete list of cabinet members this week. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1335965-new-cabinet-to-be-finalised-this-week-paetongtarn/

Thaksin was among tens of thousands of prisoners granted pardons on Sunday (Aug 18), celebrating His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28 while his one-year jail sentence, initially set to end on August 31, has been nullified. The Department of Corrections (DOC) has announced that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to receive a certificate of innocence within 120 days following his release under a royal pardon. Thaksin was among tens of thousands of prisoners granted pardons on Sunday (Aug 18), celebrating His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28. His one-year jail sentence, initially set to end on August 31, has been nullified. The process to issue Thaksin’s certificate of innocence, which allows him to travel abroad, involves coordination between provincial governors, prison chiefs, judges, and prosecutors. The Thon Buri Special Remand Prison chief will submit Thaksin’s details to the Thon Buri Criminal Court as part of the procedure for all pardoned prisoners. By Pattaya Mail Full story: Pattaya Mail 2024-08-20 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

In this photo released by the Government Spokesman Office, Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, second right in front, pays respect for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after she receives a royal letter of endorsement ceremony which appoints her as the new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (The Government Spokesman Office via AP) The coalition parties are set to submit their prospective cabinet lists by tomorrow, as the prime minister aims to finalise the complete list of cabinet members this week. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the newly-appointed Prime Minister, revealed today that her Pheu Thai Party will hold an internal meeting to discuss their quota of ministers. She plans to hold personal discussions with coalition partners to expedite the formation of the new government. The Bhumjaithai Party has already submitted a list of eight ministerial candidates, according to an informed party source. The nominees are Anutin Charnvirakul (Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister), Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob (Education Minister), Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (Labour Minister), Supamas Isarabhakdi (Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovations), Songsak Thongsri (Deputy Interior Minister), Chada Thaised (Deputy Interior Minister), Surasak Phancharoenworakul (Deputy Education Minister), and Napintorn Srisunpang. Paetongtarn, who succeeded Srettha Thavisin after his parliamentary vote win last Friday, stressed that careful background checks will be conducted to avoid the mistakes that led to her predecessor's downfall. Srettha was removed from office due to a Constitutional Court ruling related to a problematic cabinet reshuffle involving Phichit Chuenban, a lawyer previously jailed for contempt of court. Paetongtarn assured reporters that the review of each minister's background and qualifications will ensure they meet constitutional requirements. She expects the entire process to take no more than one month. Phumtham Wechayachai, Pheu Thai’s deputy leader, stated that coalition parties must send their potential minister lists to Dr Prommin Lertsuridej, the former PM’s secretary-general, who will then forward them for background checks by the Cabinet Secretariat and the Council of State. When questioned about the future of the Palang Pracharath Party, whose leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwan did not attend the parliamentary vote for the new premier, Phumtham suggested Prawit would be best to comment on his own party’s stance. Prawit has remained absent from political functions and parliamentary sessions despite frequent visits to parliament. -- 2024-08-20 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

E-Cigarettes Disguised as Toys Seized in Massive Police Raid Picture courtesy: Facebook MorningNews Thai police conducted a major raid today in Chiang Mai, seizing e-cigarettes disguised as toys worth 10 million baht. The police confiscated 31,790 e-cigarette items from a warehouse, uncovering a scheme to appeal to youth and evade detection by parents and teachers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335962-e-cigarettes-disguised-as-toys-seized-in-massive-police-raid/

Picture courtesy: Facebook MorningNews Thai police conducted a major raid today in Chiang Mai, seizing e-cigarettes disguised as toys worth 10 million baht. The police confiscated 31,790 e-cigarette items from a warehouse, uncovering a scheme to appeal to youth and evade detection by parents and teachers. Leading the operation, Police Lieutenant General Nirundorn Luemsri reported the raid stemmed from an investigation into the website yaivapeth.com, which sold e-cigarettes across the country. The investigation culminated in the bust of a storeroom in Pa Phai, San Sai District, owned by Saran Yu. He confessed to running the business for four years. "The packaging was tailored to look like toys, making it easier for youngsters to hide these products," remarked Pol. Lt. Gen. Nirundorn. This discovery highlights the growing sophistication of vendors trying to circumvent regulations and target young consumers. The ministry seized over 100,000 e-cigarettes from 18 dealers this past year. Yet, limitations in existing laws have hampered efforts to crackdown on the illicit e-cigarette trade effectively. These current statutes, spanning Public Health, Customs, and trademark laws, lack the cohesive authority needed to address the problem comprehensively. Thanakrit Jitarareerat, an advisor to Thailand's Minister of Public Health, stressed the urgency for stronger legislation. He emphasized, "We are working on drafting new e-cigarette control laws to bridge these enforcement gaps. The aim is to empower authorities to take action against importers, sellers, and even possessors." The Ministry’s proposed legislation seeks to provide clear guidelines and robust enforcement mechanisms, targeting all levels of the distribution chain from importation to end-users. This move is seen as crucial to curb youth e-cigarette use and mitigate associated health risks. Today's significant seizure demonstrates the complexity of regulating e-cigarettes. It's clear more stringent laws and a unified enforcement strategy are needed to control this emerging public health issue. -- 2024-08-20 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 20 August 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335957-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-20-august-2024/

Experts are urging people to stay vigilant against a new strain of mpox. A leading virologist from Chulalongkorn University highlighted that this variant, recently identified in Africa, poses a significant threat. While no cases of this strain have been detected in Thailand yet, the country has reported 100 cases of the less infectious clade 2b strain. In response, airport authorities have increased screening for passengers arriving from Africa. Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi has expelled four students for their alleged involvement in a hazing assault that left a first-year engineering student seriously injured. The boys parents were pushed and kicked by a group of 10 students after they filed a complaint with the university. The incident was captured in CCTV, four others are also being investigated, The Highways Department has chosen not to renew the contract with the Don Muang Tollway concessionaire, despite an upcoming toll fee increase in December. The current contract will expire in 2034, at which point the elevated tollway will revert to state ownership. Authorities will then decide whether to make the tollway free or establish a flat rate, depending on a study of maintenance costs. Around the region Chinese President Xi Jinping and his new Vietnamese counterpart Mr Lam pledged to deepen bilateral relations, particularly in education, finance and media, they signed 14 agreements yesterday, this was Mr Lam’s first overseas trip after being appointed Vietnam’s top leader on Aug 3rd. Todays Weather Chiang Mai and the north: cloudy, thundershowers 30C degrees celsius Bangkok: Bright, partly cloudy, thundershowers 34 Pattaya: Partly Cloudy 33 Phuket and the south: cloudy, with showers 29 Hua Hin: Sunny, partly cloudy this afternoon 32C Much the same over the weekend . AQI: green which is good Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Wunderground.com The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Windy.com. -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-08-20 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Global Leaders Congratulate Paetongtarn on Becoming PM Thailand's Prime Minister designate Paetongtarn Shinawatra, interacts with members of Pheu Thai party after a press conference at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) Foreign leaders have extended their congratulations to Paetongtarn Shinawatra on her historic appointment as Thailand’s youngest prime minister. This significant event has ignited messages of goodwill from key figures around the world, each underscoring the hope for strengthened international ties and cooperation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335956-global-leaders-congratulate-paetongtarn-on-becoming-pm/