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TAT Organizes Event Promoting Faith-Based Tourism in Thailand by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to organize an event promoting 12 spiritual tourism routes throughout the country. The event aims to stimulate tourism and drive revenue by catering to those who enjoy engaging in religious activities or who follow a spiritual path. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298540-tat-organizes-event-promoting-faith-based-tourism-in-thailand/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to organize an event promoting 12 spiritual tourism routes throughout the country. The event aims to stimulate tourism and drive revenue by catering to those who enjoy engaging in religious activities or who follow a spiritual path. TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn shared data from the Ministry of Commerce indicating that religious tourism generated up to 10.8 billion baht in revenue in 2019. This suggests the potential for faith-based tourism to grow exponentially, with projections indicating a threefold increase in global economic value within ten years. The value is expected to skyrocket from over US$13.7 billion in 2022 to $40.9 billion by 2033. The TAT governor explained that the project focuses on offering valuable and meaningful tourism experiences. These include showcasing religious and cultural tourism products that reflect Thailand’s identity and uniqueness. They also include religious temples and other places of faith and worship, cultural heritage, wisdom, and community-based tourism. The event is slated to run from June 30 to July 2 at the Square B in front of the CentralWorld shopping center. The event is divided into three main sections comprising a simulation zone for worship and blessings along 12 spiritual tourism routes; a marketplace featuring shops and restaurants from five regions of Thailand; and a stage for performances by famous artists. Those interested can visit the website “tourismproduct.tourismthailand.org” or the Facebook fan page: Tourism Product for more information and details. by Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230621102919664 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-06-21 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

National Astronomical Research Institute forecasts today as longest day in Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Freepik The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand today announced that the Summer Solstice or ‘Srisamayan’ will result in the longest day and shortest night of the year. The Sun will pause at the highest point in the north today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298538-national-astronomical-research-institute-forecasts-today-as-longest-day-in-thailand/

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand today announced that the Summer Solstice or ‘Srisamayan’ will result in the longest day and shortest night of the year. The Sun will pause at the highest point in the north today. The term ‘Solstice’ comes from the Indo-European word stice, meaning steady or pause. The Summer Solstice signifies the day when the Sun’s path reaches its northernmost point and remains stationary. The Sun’s position changes about one degree per day, and from March, it gradually moves northwards until it reaches its highest point today. After this, it will slowly move southwards. This phenomenon results in the Sun rising from the eastern horizon and leaning towards the north, and setting at the western horizon, leaning towards the north. The southern hemisphere subsequently enters the winter season, while the northern hemisphere enters summer. The Earth’s axial tilt of 23.5 degrees, perpendicular to its orbital plane around the Sun, makes various areas around the globe receive different amounts of sunlight, resulting in varying temperatures and day and night durations. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/national-astronomical-research-institute-forecasts-longest-day-in-thailand-on-21-june-2023 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-21 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thailand News - New PM in 3 weeks, Chiang Mai Baht Bus stripper : Tim Newton Today - June 21 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298537-thailand-news-new-pm-in-3-weeks-chiang-mai-baht-bus-stripper-tim-newton-today-june-21/

A timeline has been announced for the next Thai parliament, Move Forward's Pita Limjareonrat gets Covid, Thai tourism operators worried about slump... blame delay in forming new government, announcement today about Phuket's bid for the Specialised Expo in 2028, best curries in the world, a Chinese Tin Tokker has Chiang Mai all steamy, an abduction interrupted in Bangkok, and the upcoming Pattaya Beach Games. 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/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Saturday's LIVE TNT... 9am Thai Time. Free for everyone to join in 0:56 - Timeline announced for formation of next Thai government and selection of prime minister 4:35 - Move Forward leader Pita gets Covid 19 6:08 - Tourism operators complain about slump in tourism, "TAT should do more" 8:39 - Phuket tourist spots are very quiet at the moment 9:54 - Phuket waits for announcement about Specialised Expo 2028 today 11:30 - Thailand has the world's best curries 12:23 - Chiang Mai Baht Bus get additional publicity from Chinese soft-porn Tik Tok stripper 14:54 - Abduction interrupted at Bangkok road checkpoint 16:12 - Pattaya Beach Games... and how to use a Thesaurus of flowery words

RTP warn porn enthusiasts to stay ‘hard’ on security as unsuspecting victim loses 3 million baht by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Channel 7 The Royal Thai Police (RTP) issued a warning to pornography lovers to be vigilant after a victim was fleeced of 3 million baht after he browsed an illegal porn website. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298535-rtp-warn-porn-enthusiasts-to-stay-‘hard’-on-security-as-unsuspecting-victim-loses-3-million-baht/

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) issued a warning to pornography lovers to be vigilant after a victim was fleeced of 3 million baht after he browsed an illegal porn website. The RTP yesterday told a gathering press pack that the top five scams in Thailand included counterfeit products and services, fraudulent part-time or freelance jobs, loan scams, call centre scams, and investment scams. The RTP added that a popular new scam is pushing to get into the top five – porn site extortion. The RTP made known that the victim was contacted by the administrator of a porn site he browsed and invited him to add the website as a friend on the LINE application. The admin informed the victim that there was more free adult content available on the LINE account, so the victim agreed to add it. The victim was then invited to perform a series of tasks to access more free explicit content and then lured into applying as a member of a website called the v-verve club. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Channel 7 Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/rtp-warn-porn-enthusiasts-to-stay-hard-on-security-as-unsuspecting-victim-loses-3-million-baht -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-21 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Nonthaburi snack vendor reports fake cops extorting monthly fee for dubious protection sticker by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Khaosod A Thai snack vendor in Nonthaburi has filed a police complaint against four men posing as officers, who demanded a monthly fee of 3,500 baht (US$100) in exchange for a lion sticker claiming to offer protection for her business. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298534-nonthaburi-snack-vendor-reports-fake-cops-extorting-monthly-fee-for-dubious-protection-sticker/

Thai workers in Japan fall victim to job scam, left stranded and penniless by Nattapong Westwood Two Thai workers in Japan contacted the media for help after falling victim to a job scam in which they were lured to Japan with promises of high salaries, only to end up with no work and living in substandard conditions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298532-thai-workers-in-japan-fall-victim-to-job-scam-left-stranded-and-penniless/

Two Thai workers in Japan contacted the media for help after falling victim to a job scam in which they were lured to Japan with promises of high salaries, only to end up with no work and living in substandard conditions. The victims claim that the job agents, who charged them 150,000 baht (US$4,321) each for the opportunity, have made no effort to help them find jobs or return their money. The victims of the job scam include 42 year old Wasana Suwannakram, and 29 year old Ton, who paid a total of 300,000 baht (US$8,640) to the agent, Ruen, and his wife. After arriving in Japan, they found themselves without work or money to survive, living with other victims in a small room. The workers claimed that they were promised jobs and salaries of at least 50,000 baht (US$1,440) at factories and as technicians, but arrived in Japan to find no such opportunities. “They said there would be good jobs, good accommodation, and salaries between 50,000 and 60,000 baht. But when we got here, there were no jobs,” said Maem, a 45 year old Thai woman who came to Japan in the hopes of earning money to pay off her debts. by Nattapong Westwood Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/thai-workers-in-japan-fall-victim-to-job-scam-left-stranded-and-penniless -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-21 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Pita voices support for ASEAN-led peace efforts for Myanmar Mover Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat on Tuesday reaffirmed his support for the ASEAN centrality in resolving the crisis in Myanmar in what is seen as his attempts to distance himself from the current Thai government’s peace initiative that has drawn widespread criticisms from both local and international human rights and democracy groups. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298530-pita-voices-support-for-asean-led-peace-efforts-for-myanmar/

Mover Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat on Tuesday reaffirmed his support for the ASEAN centrality in resolving the crisis in Myanmar in what is seen as his attempts to distance himself from the current Thai government’s peace initiative that has drawn widespread criticisms from both local and international human rights and democracy groups. Pita also pledged to have an inter-agency task force set up in the Prime Minister’s Office to coordinate multi-pronged efforts and seek solutions to the Myanmar situation. Pita, whose party emerged the top winner in the recent general election, is in the process of setting up a coalition government with himself as prime minister. Pita has been openly critical of the Prayut government’s policy toward Myanmar which he sees as too accommodating to the military junta which seized power in early 2021. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pita-voices-support-for-asean-led-peace-efforts-for-myanmar/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-21 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Election uncertainty affects Thai tourism; domestic spending slows down by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Khaosan Road Today - ถนน ข้าวสาร Facebook As the Election Commission validates candidates for MP-elect roles this week, tourism operators express concern about a slowdown in domestic spending. Travellers appear to be delaying their plans, whilst local businesses hesitate to reinvest until a government is established. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298529-election-uncertainty-affects-thai-tourism-domestic-spending-slows-down/

As the Election Commission validates candidates for MP-elect roles this week, tourism operators express concern about a slowdown in domestic spending. Travellers appear to be delaying their plans, whilst local businesses hesitate to reinvest until a government is established. “There will still be a vacuum period until the government is formed,” stated Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association. Sanga highlighted that domestic tourists seem reluctant to spend on travel due to the ongoing political uncertainty, particularly if protests arise. Khao San Road businesses rely heavily on domestic tourists, especially during weekends and the low season for European market visitors, while the short-haul market has yet to return to its 2019 levels, Bangkok Post reported. Sanga commented that the economy is at a standstill, with not much the caretaker government can do about it, adding that the Tourism Authority of Thailand should enhance promotional campaigns in partnership with airlines. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Khaosan Road Today - ถนน ข้าวสาร Facebook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/election-uncertainty-affects-thai-tourism-domestic-spending-slows-down -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-21 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Bangkok warned of quake risks for pre-2007 buildings amid Myanmar tremors by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Channel News Thailand In light of a recent 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar‘s southern coast, the Thai Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) has issued a warning that Bangkok buildings constructed prior to the 2007 building code revision could potentially suffer damage from future quakes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298527-bangkok-warned-of-quake-risks-for-pre-2007-buildings-amid-myanmar-tremors/

Unfinished 29 million baht tourist centre in Satun languishes after six years: governor’s brother implicated by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of เอ สดใส Facebook A tourist service centre worth 29 million baht in Khuan Don, Satun province, remains incomplete after six years, despite pledges to expedite construction. The contractor for the project is the younger brother of the local governor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298526-unfinished-29-million-baht-tourist-centre-in-satun-languishes-after-six-years-governor’s-brother-implicated/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 21 June 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298525-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-21-june-2023/

Move Forward Party leader Pita Lim-jaroen-rat says he has tested positive for Covid-19, the prospective prime minister who has received 6 jabs is isolating after feeling sick on Sunday. Four police officers are under investigation for alleged extortion from a drug dealer, they reportedly demanded 300,000 baht in exchange for letting him go. Officers seized over 16,500 methamphetamine pills, drug paraphernalia, a copy ID card , residential documents, and a vehicle. The authorities are actively interviewing witnesses and examining CCTV as part of their ongoing inquiry. Newly elected Pheu Thai MP Thossa-porn Serirak has vowed to push for a draft amnesty law at the earliest opportunity in parliament to absolve political offenders, adding that this would be a priority and he plans to raise it at the first parliamentary meeting expected in the coming days 3D scanning technology will be used to monitor Wat Arun's main stupa in after it was found to have tilted, The temple on the bank of the chao phraya river in Bangkok will be checked every 3 months as part of the ‘department of fine arts’ project to survey historic buildings in the capital. Around the Region: The Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) has moved its first-ever joint drills, due mid September, edging them away from waters disputed by China. joint exercises were initially slated to take place in waters which Indonesia claims as its exclusive economic zone but where Beijing’s ships occasionally patrol. China claims most of the South China Sea despite protests from South-east Asian nations, including Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia. The weather: Cloudy with thundershowers Chiang Mai and the north: Bright Cloudy with showers 33C Bangkok: Sunny partly Cloudy 35 Pattaya, Sunny partly Cloudy 32 Phuket and the south: Sunny DRY 31C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny Partly Cloudy, perhaps a shower late this afternoon 33 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 2023-06-21 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Taiwanese National Arrested in Nan Province for Overstaying 3,971 Days Picture: Naew Na On June 19, 2023, at Chaisathan Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan Province, the Nan Immigration Office, led by Pol. Col. Apisak Pisanno, Director of Nan Immigration and team, apprehend an overstaying Taiwanese male. The individual had been residing in the Kingdom of Thailand without proper authorization for a duration exceeding 3,971 days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298521-taiwanese-national-arrested-in-nan-province-for-overstaying-3971-days/

"My Mate Nate" Claims Entertainment Purposes, 8 Real Policemen Hired for Off-Duty Roles Picture: Thai Rath Well-known content creator "My Mate Nate" has encountered police officers in Kanchanaburi city, stating that the controversial video he posted was solely for entertainment purposes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298519-famous-youtuber-interrogated-at-local-police-station/?do=findComment&comment=18156806

"My Mate Nate" Claims Entertainment Purposes, 8 Real Policemen Hired for Off-Duty Roles Well-known content creator "My Mate Nate" has encountered police officers in Kanchanaburi city, stating that the controversial video he posted was solely for entertainment purposes. Out of the 30 individuals involved, eight were actual police officers hired for off-duty roles, while the remaining 22 were actors. As for the filming location, it was a private property with proper permissions obtained, reported Thai Rath. Following the recent social media uproar surrounding the viral video in which Nate filmed a survival mission, the latest progress was discussed during a meeting held at the Kanchanaburi Provincial Police Headquarters on June 20th, 2023, at 3:00 PM. Deputy Police Colonel Pairawat Khumpai, the Kanchanaburi Provincial Police Commander, along with his deputy and Police Colonel Surayut Mekmangkorn, the Superintendent of Kanchanaburi City Police Station, attended the meeting to discuss the investigation progress. According to Police Colonel Surayut Mekmangkorn, during the meeting, Nate, whose real name is undisclosed, personally met with the police at Kanchanaburi City Police Station and provided information about the filming location, date, and social media posting time of the video in question. Nate also shared details about the police involvement, explaining that he contacted off-duty officers to participate in the production for additional income. As for the actors, they were hired through a third party, which requires further verification. Initially, the intent behind the video, as claimed by Nate, was solely for entertainment purposes, portraying a chase and search scenario. However, the matter of any potential misconduct has been reported to the superiors for further consideration. "As in regular movie production, if permission is granted and there is a script to be evaluated, the authorities will consider how the police officers executed their roles. If the superiors approve, it can be done," added Police Colonel Surayut Mekmangkorn. Nevertheless, after the news broke, My Mate Nate's content received significant attention from the teenage student community in Kanchanaburi. Discussions about him and the desire for more content in the area have been prevalent, as his popularity has brought worldwide recognition to Kanchanaburi, making his content worth following for entertainment purposes. Picture: Thai Rath -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-21 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information. 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

Famous YouTuber Interrogated at Local Police Station A well-known YouTuber and their team recently met with investigating officers at the Kanchanaburi city police station. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298519-famous-youtuber-interrogated-at-local-police-station/

A well-known YouTuber and their team recently met with investigating officers at the Kanchanaburi city police station. The meeting, which took place late at night, was to provide details regarding the filming of a content clip in a deserted mall within the jurisdiction of the aforementioned station. This confirmation came from the case officer on June 20th, reported INN. The YouTuber and a number of their team had arrived to meet the investigators around 21:00 on June 19th. At this stage, the visit was purely informational, providing investigators with details about the filming of the aforementioned clip. No allegations have been made or any legal proceedings initiated against either the channel owner or the team. However, a summons for the YouTuber and their team to provide a detailed statement will be issued in the future. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-21 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information. 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

Tragic School Incident: Senior Student Fatally Stabs Junior in Cafeteria Altercation In a deeply unsettling incident at a school in Mae Ai, Chiang Mai, an alarming confrontation unfolded between a senior high school student in the third year (M.3) and a junior student in the second year (M.2). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298518-tragic-school-incident-senior-student-fatally-stabs-junior-in-cafeteria-altercation/