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Police Raid Chinese Residents' House, Gang Selling Religious Artifacts for Over 3 Hours Before Allowing Inspection In a recent case, local police officers in Chonburi Province raided a gang of Chinese individuals involved in selling high-priced religious artifacts to Chinese tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298702-police-raid-chinese-residents-house-gang-selling-religious-artifacts-for-over-3-hours-before-allowing-inspection/

UPDATE: Chonburi Police Officers Accused in 140-million-baht Extortion Case Cry Foul Over Alleged Unfair Treatment By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Matichon Chonburi — Three police officers accused in a 140-million-baht shakedown scandal filed a complaint claiming they did not receive fair treatment during the investigation process by the police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298701-update-chonburi-police-officers-accused-in-140-million-baht-extortion-case-cry-foul-over-alleged-unfair-treatment/

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 23 June 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1298699-thailand-live-friday-23-june-2023/

Overstaying Algerian Man Trying to Evade Thai Immigration by Dressing as a Woman Arrested In Bangkok By Adam Judd Bangkok – An Algerian man was arrested in Bangkok for 251 days of overstaying his legal visa after he allegedly tried to dress as a woman in order to avoid Thai Immigration officers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298700-overstaying-algerian-man-trying-to-evade-thai-immigration-by-dressing-as-a-woman-arrested-in-bangkok/

Wat Arun is structurally safe, despite slight tilting of mondop The slight lean in the four mondops, Thai religious architectural features, towards the central tower, or prang, of Bangkok’s famous Wat Arun is not threatening the structure of the main prang, according to Phanombootra Chandrajoti, director-general of the Fine Arts Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298689-wat-arun-is-structurally-safe-despite-slight-tilting-of-mondop/

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt addressed intimate pictures of him with an unnamed woman that were circulated on social media. These pictures showed the 57 year old Bangkok chief kissing a blonde woman in a restaurant. Picture perfect scandal: Bangkok governor addresses leaked intimate photos https://aseannow.com/topic/1298686-picture-perfect-scandal-bangkok-governor-addresses-leaked-intimate-photos/

Songkhla police probe disappearance of sword from Prince Lop Buri Ramet statue Police in Thailand’s southern province of Songkhla have been trying to locate the sword belonging to the statue of Prince Lop Buri Ramet (Krom Luang Lop Buri Ramet) on Khao Noi Hill, which has gone missing and is believed to have been stolen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298642-songkhla-police-probe-disappearance-of-sword-from-prince-lop-buri-ramet-statue/

Foreign food vendors reveal costly sticker payment scheme in Thailand by Samantha Rose PHOTO: Sanook At 11pm last night, a video clip from a local resident dining at a restaurant in Nonthaburi showed a Vietnamese squid vendor discussing the difficulties faced by foreign sellers in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298641-foreign-food-vendors-reveal-costly-sticker-payment-scheme-in-thailand/

At 11pm last night, a video clip from a local resident dining at a restaurant in Nonthaburi showed a Vietnamese squid vendor discussing the difficulties faced by foreign sellers in Thailand. The 35 year old vendor, Min, spoke about various fees and the sticker system, revealing that they incur high monthly costs. Min, who has been selling squid for roughly a year, stated that he is required to pay several agencies, receiving stickers in return. Currently, he has two types of stickers, one with a chicken and another with a duck, affixed to the back of his mobile phone for easy reference. The two stickers represent two different organisations, each demanding a payment of 800 baht (US$23) per month. In addition to these expenses, Min also needs to make payments to specific people he calls ‘brother officer.’ In the video, Min explained that he needs to sell at least 1,000 baht (US$29) of squid daily; otherwise, he cannot afford the nearly 6,000 baht (US$172) worth of fees he must pay to eight to nine agencies each month. He expressed his extreme exhaustion due to selling until 2am to 3am, at times making a small profit due to high costs, Sanook reported. by Samantha Rose PHOTO: Sanook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/foreign-food-vendors-reveal-costly-sticker-payment-scheme-in-thailand -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-22 - 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.

Thailand boosts oversight of agriculture imports to tackle smuggling by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Page 3 News Facebook The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is ramping up its efforts to strengthen the oversight of agricultural product imports in an attempt to tackle smuggling in the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298636-thailand-boosts-oversight-of-agriculture-imports-to-tackle-smuggling/

The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is ramping up its efforts to strengthen the oversight of agricultural product imports in an attempt to tackle smuggling in the country. The Internal Trade Department’s deputy director-general, Chakra Yodmani, noted that his agency has instituted measures to control the flow of 10 different crops, including paddy and milled rice, government stockpiled rice, fresh cassava roots, tapioca chips, cassava seedlings or cuttings, palm oil, animal feed corn, wheat and barley, mature coconuts and coconut products, as well as onion and garlic. The aim is to deter smuggling and unlawful import activities. Controlled areas have been established at customs checkpoints and several border locations. To transport goods beyond these controlled zones, proper authorisation is required. Chakra stated that checkpoints are in place along transportation routes to verify permits and monitor for excessive amounts being transported. Offenders will face penalties, he warned. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Page 3 News Facebook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailand-boosts-oversight-of-agricultural-imports-to-tackle-smuggling -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-22 - 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.

Smart moves by KTO set to boost Korean tourists in Thailand by one million by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is on a mission to lure travellers with cutting-edge smart tourism offerings, boosting the number of Korean visitors to Thailand to an impressive one million during the upcoming third quarter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298635-smart-moves-by-kto-set-to-boost-korean-tourists-in-thailand-by-one-million/

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is on a mission to lure travellers with cutting-edge smart tourism offerings, boosting the number of Korean visitors to Thailand to an impressive one million during the upcoming third quarter. As this thriving alliance between the two countries takes shape, Korean tourism is set to soar to new heights. Tanes Petsuwan, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) deputy governor for Asia and the South Pacific, said the Korean market’s resurgence is positive, with Thailand receiving approximately 4,000-5,000 daily arrivals from Korea over the past two months. This places Korea among the top five countries for visitor arrivals. As of June 18, the total number of Korean visitors stood at 712,492, ranking fourth with 11.8 million tourists overall. Russia topped the list, followed by China and Malaysia. Petsuwan explained that urban sightseeing, retreats, and golf courses make Thailand popular among Korean travellers, unlike other Asian markets such as China, where shopping is the preferred activity. Additionally, 85% of flights connecting Thailand and Korea have resumed, linking major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai to Seoul and Busan, boosting Korean tourism in Thailand. Petsuwan remarked that more charter flights would be added during the high season, and average airfares are expected to become cheaper than in the early stages of recovery. Affordable flights may encourage an increase in tourists planning trips to Thailand, influencing Korean tourism growth. by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/korean-tourists-to-thailand-nears-1-million-boosted-by-smart-tourism -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-22 - 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.

Fairway fury: Jealous Thai man swings into violence, leaving golfer and caddy teetering on the edge in Kanchababuri by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ โจโฉ A jealous Thai man shot a golfer and his caddy at Mae Klong Dam Golf Course in the Tha Muang district in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The two victims are in a coma, fighting for their lives. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298634-fairway-fury-jealous-thai-man-swings-into-violence-leaving-golfer-and-caddy-teetering-on-the-edge-in-kanchababuri/

Hua Lamphong Station Ready as New Hub for Events and Commuting by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Hua Lamphong Railway Station is entering a new phase as a dual-purpose station, capable of hosting major events while maintaining its role as a commuter and tourism train hub. The station has undergone upgrades to accommodate both functions, marking an exciting chapter in its history. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298633-hua-lamphong-station-ready-as-new-hub-for-events-and-commuting/

Phuket renews focus on medical hub plans after failing to win Expo bid By Peter Roche Medical Hub in Phuket Phuket is turning its attention back to its international medical hub plans after losing out to Belgrade in its bid to host the next Specialised Expo. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298630-phuket-renews-focus-on-medical-hub-plans-after-failing-to-win-expo-bid/

Purse-snatching pinch: Chinese thief bagged for swiping 2.1 million baht Louis Vuitton at Bangkok airport by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สน.ดอนเมือง สน.เพื่อประชาชน Thai police yesterday arrested a Chinese man after he stole an exclusive Louis Vuitton bag worth 2.1 million baht from a fellow Chinese woman at the Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298629-purse-snatching-pinch-chinese-thief-bagged-for-swiping-21-million-baht-louis-vuitton-at-bangkok-airport/

AI Used to Catch Illegal Riders on Footpaths BANGKOK, June 22 – (TNA) The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) software to detect motorcyclists illegally riding on footpaths through CCTV cameras at five spots before expanding the system to cover 100 locations across the capital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298628-ai-used-to-catch-illegal-riders-on-footpaths/

Heavy rainfall warnings issued for Bangkok and 35 provinces as storms weaken by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: iStock Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for 36 provinces, including Bangkok, with a 60% chance of downpours today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298626-heavy-rainfall-warnings-issued-for-bangkok-and-35-provinces-as-storms-weaken/

Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for 36 provinces, including Bangkok, with a 60% chance of downpours today. The Thai Meteorological Department has also cautioned boat operators in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand due to high waves amid weakening southwest monsoon conditions. The forecast for the next 24 hours shows a subtropical storm over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand gradually diminishing in intensity as an area of low pressure covers Vietnam’s upper regions. While this will lead to a reduction in rainfall in Thailand, isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms are still expected in the eastern provinces. In the upper Andaman Sea, sea waves are predicted to reach a height of 1 to 2 metres, with waves higher than 2 metres during thunderstorms. Similarly, for the Andaman Sea’s southern portion and the Gulf of Thailand, waves are estimated to be around 1 metre and can reach 1 to 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. Maritime activities in the area are advised to take caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: iStock Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/rainfall-warnings-issued-for-bangkok-and-35-provinces-as-storms-weaken -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-22 - 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.

Man tragically dies in Ratchaburi after car slides into canal while resting by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Nat Nongphai Facebook. A tragic accident occurred in Ratchaburi, where a 40 year old man lost his life after his car slid into a canal while he was resting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298625-man-tragically-dies-in-ratchaburi-after-car-slides-into-canal-while-resting/

Thailand News - Monorails for Pattaya, cave rescue Governor dies : Tim Newton Today - June 22 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298620-thailand-news-monorails-for-pattaya-cave-rescue-governor-dies-tim-newton-today-june-22/

Monorail! Yes, four monorails proposed for Pattaya over the next decade, starting with the Green Line, Phuket loses to Serbia as the host of the 2027 Specialised Expo, the Governor at the centre of the Tham Luang cave rescue in 2018 has died. YouTube serial pest Nate Bartling in trouble with Thai police, Thailand has 'snubbed' ASEAN with its own regional talks over Myanmar, caretake PM Prayut packs up his boxes at Government House, Pattaya locals sick of the international beggars on their streets, Thai video and TV content making waves in regional content summit. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists. With thanks to our sponsor 5 Star Marine in Phuket for premium, private charters. Click on this link for a special offer for TNT viewers... https://5starmarinephuket.com/tim/

Burmese Worker Perish as Trailer Truck Brake Failure Results in Fatal Impalement Picture: Siam Rath A horrifying incident took place as three Burmese workers were seated on a steel beam atop a trailer truck, delivering supplies for a dam construction project. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298619-burmese-worker-perish-as-trailer-truck-brake-failure-results-in-fatal-impalement/

Soldier of deceit: Thai woman’s shocking revelation exposes husband’s camouflage of lies by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Channel 8 and ThaiRath A Thai woman from Buriram province in the northeastern part of Thailand revealed to the media that her husband deceived her into thinking he was a soldier. She also discovered that three other women fell victim to the fake soldier. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298616-soldier-of-deceit-thai-woman’s-shocking-revelation-exposes-husband’s-camouflage-of-lies/