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Phuket launches pilot reforestation project for combating climate change by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of PR Phuket A unique pilot project bolstering reforestation efforts was initiated in Phuket yesterday. This initiative marks a concentrated effort towards environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300176-phuket-launches-pilot-reforestation-project-for-combating-climate-change/

UPDATE: 4 Runners Die, Over 30 Hurt In Hillside Bus Crash by TNR Staff Photo: Naewna A BUS carrying a large number of runners ran off the road and plunged down a cliff while coming down a hill in Sisaket province killing four athletes and injuring over 30 others. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300150-three-trail-runners-die-16-injured-in-bus-accident-in-si-sa-ket-province/?do=findComment&comment=18193171

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 10 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1300173-thailand-live-monday-10-july-2023/

Thailand aims to boost economy with health tourism campaign by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Freepik The Thai government has launched an ambitious campaign, “Discover the New You” to entice international visitors to spend upwards of 18 million baht (US$510,000) by September of this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300175-thailand-aims-to-boost-economy-with-health-tourism-campaign/

The Thai government has launched an ambitious campaign, “Discover the New You” to entice international visitors to spend upwards of 18 million baht (US$510,000) by September of this year. This initiative is a concerted effort by the government, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and over 130 healthcare, wellness businesses and service providers including hotels, spas, health resorts, hospitals, and clinics. Government spokesperson, Anucha Burapachaisri, expressed delight yesterday regarding the wide-ranging collaboration on this initiative designed to boost health tourism and sustainable tourism. Anucha said… “The country’s Prime Minister [Prayut Chan-o-cha] is assured that this effort will grab tourist attention and yield a positive economic impact.” The campaign aligns seamlessly with the pervading project known as the Amazing Thailand Health and Wellness New Chapters New Experience, which endorses products that would engage tourists under the theme of “meaningful wellness,” reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Freepik #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-aims-to-boost-economy-with-543k-health-tourism-campaign -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-10 - 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.

Kiwi’s prison plight ends: Thai hellhole release brings a breath of relief by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of New Zealand Herald. A Kiwi national who thought he was going to die after being imprisoned last year for the possession of drugs can finally breathe a sigh of relief after being released from his Thai hellhole. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300174-kiwi’s-prison-plight-ends-thai-hellhole-release-brings-a-breath-of-relief/

A Kiwi national who thought he was going to die after being imprisoned last year for the possession of drugs can finally breathe a sigh of relief after being released from his Thai hellhole. Ari Michael Salinger, son of prominent New Zealand climate change expert Dr Jim Salinger, was arrested in Patong in September last year for the possession of two ecstasy tablets. The 45 year old, initially released on bail, expected to pay a small fine and then be sent on his way. Instead, the New Zealand national was incarcerated for several months in what he described as a hellhole, his worst nightmare. Salinger was cuffed, starved and forced to sleep naked on prison floors in Patong, Phuket, and Bangkok prisons. He said, it was worse than any movie depiction and, he thought he was going to die. “I thought I would be killed.” Ari Michael Salinger. Picture courtesy of Alex Burton Pre-Covid-19 Salinger moved to Thailand from the Philippines because he believed his cryptocurrency business would thrive in the Land of Smiles, reported the New Zealand Herald. “The business was great when I came here, I made a lot of money and then Covid hit. I was unable to go back to the Philippines to my partner Vanessa and our son.” The Kiwi’s cryptocurrency business tanked during Covid and, as if things couldn’t get any worse, suspicious Patong Police picked up and arrested Salinger as he was leaving his Patong hotel for drug possession. He was carrying two ecstasy pills he now claims weren’t his, even though he initially pleaded guilty to the charges. Salinger claims he was humiliated by Patong Police Station officers. “In the interview room, they tightened my handcuffs and refused to even let me use the toilet. I have irritable bowel syndrome and they did not care. I told them I’ll have to relieve myself here if they won’t let me use the toilet. “So, six officers took me to the toilet. I requested to have my handcuffs loosened so I could pull my pants up but they wouldn’t let me. I asked for one of them to help me pull them up but they did not offer any help. “They made me walk half naked with my pants down all the way through the public corridors, they pushed me, made me fall over, they were all laughing and taking a video recording. It was very humiliating.” by Bob Scott Top Picture courtesy of New Zealand Herald. #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/kiwis-prison-plight-ends-thai-hellhole-release-brings-a-breath-of-relief -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-10 - 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.

Three trail runners die, 16 injured in bus accident in Si Sa Ket province Three trail runners were killed and 16 others injured when their bus plunged into a ravine as it was making its ascent in the Phnom Dangrek mountain range, in Phu Sing district of Si Sa Ket province, on Sunday morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300150-three-trail-runners-die-16-injured-in-bus-accident-in-si-sa-ket-province/

A reward of 3 million baht is being offered on social media to anyone who knows the whereabouts of a German real estate businessman, who has reportedly been missing from his home in Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri province, with his Mercedes Benz, since July 4th. #news Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300144-three-million-baht-reward-offered-for-finding-missing-german-businessman/

French firms eye big ticket investment in Thailand’s EEC by Alex Morgan Chula Sukmanop (second from right) visiting the Paris Airshow, Image courtesy of Bangkok Post In a bid to fortify its economy, the Thai government is extending an invitation to French corporations to make significant investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300100-french-firms-eye-big-ticket-investment-in-thailand’s-eec/

In a bid to fortify its economy, the Thai government is extending an invitation to French corporations to make significant investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Identified as an ideal zone for the development of a high-tech industrial park, the EEC comprises sections of Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Rayong. The authorities have identified aviation alongside 11 other S-curve industries as prime investment opportunities within the economic corridor. “EEC officials met executives from French companies and they are interested in investing in the corridor,” revealed Chula Sukmanop, the secretary-general of the EEC Office, post a thorough roadshow dedicated to French entrepreneurs. Several corporations, particularly those engaged in the aerospace and defence industries, have signalled their intent to dive into these investment ventures. These include renowned names such as Safran Group, Thales Group, Satys Aerospace, Volocopter, GIFAS, and VoltAero. Other significant meetings involved Total Energies, Dassault Systemes, Renault Group and Mouvement Des Entreprise De France, heralded as France’s largest employer federation. by Alex Morgan Image: Chula Sukmanop (second from right) visiting the Paris Airshow, Image courtesy of Bangkok Post #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/french-firms-eye-big-ticket-investment-in-thailands-eec -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-08 - 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.

Phuket governor takes action to solve out of school children crisis by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of The Phuket News In a decisive step towards ensuring all children in Phuket receive a formal education, Narong Woonciew, the Governor of Phuket, convened a meeting on a weekend in July at the Phuket Provincial Hall. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300099-phuket-governor-takes-action-to-solve-out-of-school-children-crisis/

Thai SEC seizes Stark Corporation’s assets amidst false accounting claims by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Bangkok Post The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand, in a powerful move, has seized the assets of Stark Corporation and some of its key personnel due to accusations of false accounting. Excessive damages have ensued following this misconduct with Stark’s debts rising above 38 billion baht as believed by the regulators. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300098-thai-sec-seizes-stark-corporation’s-assets-amidst-false-accounting-claims/

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand, in a powerful move, has seized the assets of Stark Corporation and some of its key personnel due to accusations of false accounting. Excessive damages have ensued following this misconduct with Stark’s debts rising above 38 billion baht as believed by the regulators. The SEC has also frozen the assets of Vonnarat Tangkaravakoon, formerly the acting chief executive officer and Stark’s largest shareholder, for 180 days. In addition to this, the assets of former executives, including ex-chairman Chanin Yensudchai, Kundan Sathar Chantrasettalead, Chinawat Assavapokee and Kittisak Jitprasertngam, have been frozen along with those associated with Stark’s associated companies. These range from Thai Cable International, Phelps Dodge International (Thailand), and Adisorn Songkhla Co, to Asia Pacific Drilling Engineering. Charges filed by the SEC at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) against the aforementioned parties, purport they were complicit or in agreement to falsify the financial statements of Stark and its associates during 2021 and 2022 with an intention to deceive. “Reasonable circumstances” have been identified in the freeze order, suggesting a potential threat from the individuals to transfer or sell the assets. Moreover, the SEC announcement also revealed plans to obtain a court injunction restricting the convicts from overseas travel for the next fortnight. by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Bangkok Post #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thai-sec-seizes-stark-corporations-assets-amidst-false-accounting-claims -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-08 - 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.

Khon Kaen shop owners targeted by clever thief employing overpayment scam by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Disturbing incidents have been reported in Khon Kaen, where several local shop owners fell victim to a scam by a short-haired woman masquerading as a male shopper. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300096-khon-kaen-shop-owners-targeted-by-clever-thief-employing-overpayment-scam/

Thai engineer confirms the safety of Phra Nang Klao bridge by Mitch Connor Photo by David Tang via Flickr In response to buzzing speculation concerning the slim pillars of Phra Nang Klao Bridge, a key project engineer has affirmed that the bridge is indeed designed to global engineering standards. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300095-thai-engineer-confirms-the-safety-of-phra-nang-klao-bridge/

Caught on the fly: Thai police nab Uzbek fleeing prostitution charges in Pattaya by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เจาะลึกทั่วไทย Inside Thailand Thai police arrested an Uzbek man at Suvarnabhumi Airport just as he was about to flee the country due to his involvement in illegal prostitution in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300093-caught-on-the-fly-thai-police-nab-uzbek-fleeing-prostitution-charges-in-pattaya/

The pharmacist will see you now: Has Thailand found cure for hospital overcrowding? At 59, Wan needs to visit a doctor every four months to keep her hypertension and high cholesterol under control. So, she ends up being a factor in hospital overcrowding and has to suffer long queues for treatment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300090-the-pharmacist-will-see-you-now-has-thailand-found-cure-for-hospital-overcrowding/

At 59, Wan needs to visit a doctor every four months to keep her hypertension and high cholesterol under control. So, she ends up being a factor in hospital overcrowding and has to suffer long queues for treatment. “I turned up at 7am today and waited until 1.30 to see a doctor. Then, I had to wait till nearly 3pm to get my medicines,” she said. Wan ranks among 47 million Thais who are covered by the universal healthcare scheme, under which citizens receive most medical services for free. The main providers of these services are state hospitals, which operate under the Public Health Ministry. Records show that the number of outpatient visits almost doubled from 155 million in 2013 to 300 million in 2017. Queues have thus become longer at state hospitals. This is putting an increasingly severe strain on both patients and medical staff, more and more of whom are complaining of exhaustion. At some overcrowded hospitals, patients are unable to see a doctor without a prior appointment even if they queue up as early as 6-7am. Initiatives to ease hospital overcrowding The Public Health Ministry and the National Health Security Office (NHSO), which manages the universal healthcare coverage scheme, have tried to ease hospital overcrowding with several initiatives. For example, patients with non-communicable diseases are now permitted to pick up medicines from their local pharmacy instead of a hospital. And some hospitals refer patients with non-serious conditions to clinics for treatment. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/the-pharmacist-will-see-you-now-has-thailand-found-cure-for-hospital-overcrowding/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-08 - 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.

Legal action sought against those involved in alleged “import” of Myanmar children Police in Ang Thong province are seeking legal action against a former school director and four others for alleged involvement in “importing” and sheltering 126 Myanmar children. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300088-legal-action-sought-against-those-involved-in-alleged-“import”-of-myanmar-children /

Thailand's Richest: Chearavanont family still holds the number 1 spot The Chearavanont family still holds the number one spot among Thailand's billionaires with assets worth 1.18 trillion baht, followed by the Chalerm Yoovidhya family with assets worth 1.16 trillion baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300082-thailands-richest-chearavanont-family-still-holds-the-number-1-spot/

The Chearavanont family still holds the number one spot among Thailand's billionaires with assets worth 1.18 trillion baht, followed by the Chalerm Yoovidhya family with assets worth 1.16 trillion baht. A news report from Forbes Thailand reveals that the ranking of the top 50 Thai billionaires for the year 2023 shows a 15% increase in the combined wealth of the 50 individuals, totaling 1.73 trillion US dollars. However, there are 22 billionaires whose wealth has decreased. The Chearavanont family, belonging to the consumer goods group, still occupies the first rank, reported Daily News. Meanwhile, business magnate Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth has seen the largest decrease in net worth, with a drop of nearly 30% compared to the lowest cutoff criteria for this year's ranking, which is 590 million dollars, down from 655 million dollars in 2022. This means that five billionaires had to say goodbye to the list this year. The top 10 Thai billionaires for the year 2023 are as follows: Rank 1: Chearavanont brothers Net Worth: 34,000 billion dollars or 1.18 trillion baht Rank 2: Chalerm Yoovidhya and Family Net Worth: 33,400 billion dollars or 1.16 trillion baht Rank 3: Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi Net Worth: 13,600 billion dollars or 4.74 trillion baht Rank 4: Chirathivat Family Net Worth: 12,400 billion dollars or 4.32 trillion baht Rank 5: Sarath Ratanavadi Net Worth: 11,300 billion dollars or 3.94 trillion baht Rank 6: Vanich Chaiyawan Net Worth: 3,900 billion dollars or 1.36 trillion baht Rank 7: Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth Net Worth: 3,800 billion dollars or 1.32 trillion baht Rank 8: Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and Family Net Worth: 3,500 billion dollars or 1.22 trillion baht Rank 9: Somphote Ahunai and Family Net Worth: 3,000 billion dollars or 1.04 trillion baht Rank 10: Osathanugrah Family Net Worth: 2,500 billion dollars or 872 billion baht Rank 11: Harald Link $2.3 billion dollars Rank 12 Prayudh Mahagitsiri $2.2 billion dollars Rank 13: Thaksin Shinawatra $2.1 billion dollars Rank 15: Wichai Thongtang $2.01 billion dollars Rank 14: Supaluck Umpujh family $2 billion dollars #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-08 - 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

Pattaya Woman Demands Someone to take Financial Responsibility after Crashing Her Sedan into Construction Site on Threpprasit Road By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A college student in Pattaya is demanding someone to take financial responsibility after she crashed her sedan into a road construction site on Threpprasit Road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300075-pattaya-woman-demands-someone-to-take-financial-responsibility-after-crashing-her-sedan-into-construction-site-on-threpprasit-road/

Undocumented Myanmar children to be allowed to attend class in Chiang Rai The administrator of a foundation in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai, which is providing temporary shelter to 18 of 126 undocumented Myanmar children from a school in Ang Thong province, said the children will be given the choice of being sent back to Myanmar or continuing their studies in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300074-undocumented-myanmar-children-to-be-allowed-to-attend-class-in-chiang-rai/

The administrator of a foundation in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai, which is providing temporary shelter to 18 of 126 undocumented Myanmar children from a school in Ang Thong province, said the children will be given the choice of being sent back to Myanmar or continuing their studies in Thailand. A school close to the foundation’s office has agreed to accept the children, if they want to study there, said the official. The children, aged from 7 to 13, were studying at Grade 1 and Grade 2 of primary education at the Thai Rath Witthaya School, in Pa Moke district of Ang Thong, before they were forced to leave and sent to five shelters in Chiang Rai to awaitrepatriation, after they were found to be illegal immigrants. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/undocumented-myanmar-children-to-be-allowed-to-attend-class-in-chiang-rai/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-08 - 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.