The Thai tourism minister says a total of 5,981,234 international visitors arrived in the kingdom between January 1 and February 25. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol estimates this has resulted in tourism revenue of over 290 billion baht.

 

Thailand welcomes nearly 6 million foreigners in first 8 weeks of 2024

By Peter Roche

 

FILE PHOTO: Tourists arriving Thailand Suvarnabhumi

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321069-thailand-welcomes-nearly-6-million-foreigners-in-first-8-weeks-of-2024/

Srettha, the easily shocked PM

 

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is once again a trending topic on social media, after netizens found him easily ‘shocked’ by too many issues, most of which are common knowledge in Thai society.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321078-srettha-the-easily-shocked-premiere/

3 Starboard Torpedo Tubes Retrieved From Sunken Ship
by TNR Staff

 

The three torpedo tubes raised to Ocean Valor from the sunken HTMS Sukhothai  today, Feb. 28, 2024. Photo: Matichon

 

A JOINT light salvage mission being undertaken by United States and Thai navies to remove armaments and other objects from HTMS Sukhothai (FSG-442) which capsized and sank in stormy seas late 2022, killing 24 sailors with five others missing, successfully dismantled and raised three starboard torpedo tubes on the seventh day of the 20-day operation, Matichon newspaper said .

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321113-3-starboard-torpedo-tubes-retrieved-from-sunken-ship/

 

No Cabinet Reshuffle Until After Budget Bill Becomes Law: Phumtham
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayacha. Photo Thai Rath

 

A CABINET RESHUFFLE would be unlikely at any time until after the 2024 budget bill has been finally turned into law in April, confirmed Pheu Thai wheeler-dealer Phumtham Wechayachai today (Feb 28).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321114-no-cabinet-reshuffle-until-after-budget-bill-becomes-law-phumtham/

 

Police Raid Uncovers Drug Party in Sri Racha, Detain 68 Youths
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Sri Racha — In the early hours of February 28th, 2024, officers from Region 2 Police conducted a raid on a house in the Bang Phra sub-district, Sri Racha district, Chonburi, where a party reportedly involving illegal drug use was taking place.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321115-police-raid-uncovers-drug-party-in-sri-racha-detain-68-youths/

 

Body of Russian Woman Found at Bang Saray Beach
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Sattahip — The body of a 35-year-old Russian woman was discovered in the sea at Bang Saray Beach, Sattahip district, Chonburi, on Wednesday morning.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321116-body-of-russian-woman-found-at-bang-saray-beach/

 

Chinese Tourist Injured after Parasailing Accident in Phuket
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – A female Chinese tourist has broken her leg after a parasailing accident at Karon Beach.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321117-chinese-tourist-injured-after-parasailing-accident-in-phuket/

 

AOT and immigration unite to tackle Suvarnabhumi Airport queues
by Top 

 

Photo via Matichon

 

Airports of Thailand (AOT) and Immigration Division 2 are joining hands to tackle a pressing issue at Suvarnabhumi Airport: inordinately long passenger queues.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321118-aot-and-immigration-unite-to-tackle-suvarnabhumi-airport-queues/

 

Thai woman assaulted by Swiss man in Phuket
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ Chaiyachot Uttamang

 

A female doctor in Thailand is seeking justice after being attacked by a Swiss man for sitting on the staircase of his beachfront villa in Phuket.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321119-thai-woman-assaulted-by-swiss-man-in-phuket/

 

7 year old receives explicit images from father’s new wife amid family feud
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of thaich8

A seven year old girl became the unintended recipient of inappropriate images and messages from her father’s new wife, who also targeted the child’s mother with spiteful words.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321120-7-year-old-receives-explicit-images-from-father’s-new-wife-amid-family-feud/

Thai doctor’s allergy leads to fatal dinner at Florida Disney World
by Samantha Rose

 

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

A Thai doctor from New York died after an allergic reaction at a restaurant at Disney World, Florida.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321121-thai-doctor’s-allergy-leads-to-fatal-dinner-at-florida-disney-world/

 

Bangkok taxi driver found dead at gas station
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A taxi driver was discovered dead in his vehicle at a gas station in Bangkok’s Jomthong district. The incident occurred early this morning, February 28, and the circumstances surrounding the driver’s death are currently under investigation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321123-bangkok-taxi-driver-found-dead-at-gas-station/

Thailand’s household electricity tariffs to remain unchanged until August
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga has affirmed that electricity tariffs for households in Thailand will remain unchanged from May to August, maintaining the current rate of 4.18 baht per unit.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321128-thailand’s-household-electricity-tariffs-to-remain-unchanged-until-august/

 

Bangkok gears up for grandiose Songkran festival with government backing
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Thairath

Bangkok is set for an unprecedented Songkran, the annual water festival. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has plans to incorporate the festivities into the government’s soft power promotion policy, making this year’s festival more grandiose. The announcement came from Chadchart Sittipunt, the governor of Bangkok, yesterday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321129-bangkok-gears-up-for-grandiose-songkran-festival-with-government-backing/

 

A closer look at Wise and Revolut's key features, and where they excel

 

 

Much discussions is going on on the forum regarding regular bank alternatives. Let's take a closer look at Wise and Revolut's key features, and where they excel for ASEAN NOW members

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321125-a-closer-look-at-wise-and-revoluts-key-features-and-where-they-excel/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 29 February 2024
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321132-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-29-february-2024/

 

Thailand’s tourism industry calls for eased travel restrictions to boost numbers
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of Assawin Pakkawan

 

Faced with intense competition from fellow Southeast Asian countries, Thailand’s tourism industry has called on the government to ease travel restrictions and promote cross-border travel. The appeal comes as Malaysia is seen to be catching up with Thailand’s tourism numbers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321133-thailand’s-tourism-industry-calls-for-eased-travel-restrictions-to-boost-numbers/

 

Thai police foil luxury car fake plate scam in Bangkok
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A sophisticated scheme involving the use of counterfeit license plates on luxury vehicles has been thwarted by Thai highway police in a recent crackdown. A 41 year old woman was arrested for affixing a forged red license plate to a brand-new Bentley.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321134-thai-police-foil-luxury-car-fake-plate-scam-in-bangkok/

 

Thai government considers issuing US$1 billion foreign currency bonds

by Alex Morgan 

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Thai government has recently announced its consideration to issue foreign currency-denominated bonds valued at US$1 billion, approximately 36 billion baht, an announcement which has sparked debates over the worth and risks associated with such an undertaking.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321135-thai-government-considers-issuing-us1-billion-foreign-currency-bonds/

 

Thailand braces for turbulent weather as storms target 18 provinces
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of naewna

 

Today, Thailand faces a significant meteorological event as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues a storm warning affecting 18 provinces.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321136-thailand-braces-for-turbulent-weather-as-storms-target-18-provinces/

Srettha will attend the Asean-Australia summit in Melbourne

 

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will attend the special Asea-Australia Summit in Melbourne, Australia, on March 4-6 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, according to an informed diplomatic source.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321137-srettha-will-attend-the-asean-australia-summit-in-melbourne/

 

OPINION

Use Taylor Swift disappointment to fuel Thai soft power
by Wanchai Vatanakool

In the swirling buzz of Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” skipping Thailand for a six-show run in Singapore, thanks to an exclusive deal that’s got the whole of ASEAN locked out, there’s a bitter pill we’re swallowing here.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321138-use-taylor-swift-disappointment-to-fuel-thai-soft-power/

 

Foreign couple condemned for sex antics on Phuket beach (video)
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Amarin TV

 

An allegedly outraged Thai voyeur shared a video capturing a foreign couple having sex on Patong Beach in Phuket on social media platforms. Locals condemned their act and demanded authorities to take action on the matter.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321140-foreign-couple-condemned-for-sex-antics-on-phuket-beach-video/

 

Indonesian tourist’s false Thai honeymoon drama debunked

by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A viral clip of an Indonesian woman‘s outcry on social media, claiming her honeymoon trip to Thailand collapsed because her husband was denied entry for not carrying cash, sparked significant attention.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321141-indonesian-tourist’s-false-thai-honeymoon-drama-debunked/

 

Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra among 150 selected for new NDC defence course
by Mitch Connor

 

Credit Paetongtarn Shinawatra official Instagram @ingshin21

 

The National Defence College (NDC) announced a fresh intake of 150 students for its new defence curriculum.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321143-thai-leader-paetongtarn-shinawatra-among-150-selected-for-new-ndc-defence-course/

Department of Highways announces Rama II Road upgrades will be completed in 2025
By Online Reporter 

 

Rama II Road. Photo taken August 2023. File photo

There is an end in sight to the ongoing construction of the main route between Bangkok and the south of Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321146-department-of-highways-announces-rama-ii-road-upgrades-will-be-completed-in-2025/

 

Graphic warnings for alcohol bottles? New ride-hailing service - Tim Newton Today - Feb 29

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321147-graphic-warnings-for-alcohol-bottles-new-ride-hailing-service-tim-newton-today-feb-29/

 

Bitcoin value triples in a year, hitting over 2 million baht

by Alex Morgan 

 

PHOTO: Bitcoin via Unsplash

 

Bitcoin’s value soared to over 2 million baht on the Bitkub digital asset exchange, as global prices reached an all-time high of US$59,000 yesterday afternoon.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321148-bitcoin-value-triples-in-a-year-hitting-over-2-million-baht/

 

Missing case takes turn: Thai woman reveals escape from abusive husband
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via Facebook/ PickNick Pimpisa and MGR Online

 

A Thai woman broke her silence after being missing for 13 days, informing a news agency that she felt compelled to disappear with her daughter to escape from her abusive husband.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321151-missing-case-takes-turn-thai-woman-reveals-escape-from-abusive-husband/

 

Devotee donates gold to Thai statue after land sale
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A Thai woman devotee made a grand gesture of gratitude by donating gold necklaces, bracelets, and rings to a revered statue after selling her land for over a million baht. The act of devotion took place at Wat Sawang Arom in Nakhon Pathom, as believers and lottery enthusiasts gathered before the government lottery draw.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321152-devotee-donates-gold-to-thai-statue-after-land-sale/