VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (16 November 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya

VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (16 November 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya

– Bangkok airport to introduce automatic passport check systems 
Starting next month, more travellers will be able to use the automatic passport check lines at Bangkok’s main airport, avoiding the traditional snake line of delays. With immigration staff being re-allocated to arrivals areas, speeding up the process there too, the new automation system, similar to those used in many countries including the UK, will scan, read and process departures quickly.  Linked to the Immigration database, those on overstays will see barriers remain closed until staff attend.   Currently in test mode, and available only to Thai, Singapore and Hong Kong travellers, the system is expected to be full on by mid-December.

– 23 homes raided, 13 arrested in loan scam crackdown
Pre planned consecutive raids on 23 addresses within 10 provinces yesterday morning saw the central investigation bureau arrest 13 people, including two organisers, who ran an online loan scam operation that has a reported 500 MILLION baht in receivables.  It seems they got customers from numerous social media services through advertising and cold messaging.  Borrowers though only received just over half of the loan proceeds with the rest being clawed back as ADMIN fees.  Yet, within days, repayments were demanded.  These virtual loan sharks have become a huge issue in Thailand and cause severe distress. Oh the interest rate.. up to two and three quarter THOUSAND percent annually according to Khao sod news who broke the story.

– ‘Thais need to make more babies’ says Public health Ministry
The Public Health ministry is encouraging this to procreate.  Seems the national death rate is overtaking the birth rate which is a rare thing in Asia, but result of better education, employment and couples planning their futures.  All well and good but according to spokeswoman, incentives may be offered, such as family allowances to encourage prospective mothers to bring more than 2 children into the world.

– Government seeks 500 billion baht loan approval 
The parliamentary committee overseeing plans for the 10K baht digital give away to lower income to Thais reported to be consulting with the council of state to confirm the legitimacy of a bill that would see the state BORROW 500 billion baht to fund the scheme.   This according to a deputy PM, quoted in Thai media as saying that the approval is unlikely to delay planned rollout dates, now set for mid-May.

– Makro denies buying smuggled pork
Following online claims to the contrary, Makro has issued a statement to confirm that they do NOT purchase illegally imported pork from a company that was raided earlier this month.  Meat smuggling has become a huge issue here and Makro appears to have been pushed to make the statement following viral posts.  Seems the errant company WAS a supplier until about 18 months ago but was dropped as the supply didn’t meet makro standards.  Makro points out that they have a policy that ensures all meat has traceable origins.

– Thai airports to reduce airport fees
Thailand’s airports will offer further incentives to airlines in an attempt to see an increase in flights to and from the country.  With some already in place, the program sees airport fees reduced through to April 1, and extra discounts for airlines adding new flight schedules.

– Thai Army to begin repatriation of Thais stuck in Myanmar 
Following a deal brokered by deputy police chief hakparn, the Royal Thai Army will start the repatriation program for Thais stuck in MYANMAR amid infighting there, which has caused plans to use an exit route via China to become tougher to put into place.  With 200 nationals  awaiting help, a joint op between Burmese and Thai armies will see them bussed back here, starting today.

–  Federation of Thai industries recommends lower energy costs for Thailand
The federation of Thai industries has told the media that a serious cut in energy costs here is the only way to encourage new operations and investment from outside Thailand.  With current discounts seeing rates at a fraction under 4 baht a unit, he went on to quote rates in Vietnam where it’s just 2.7 baht.

– Thai man passes away after clinging on to thieves truck 
When a Saraburi resident realized he was being robbed at his home, he chased and clung on to the thieves pickup as it fled with his wares.   Sadly, they didn’t stop in fact once they realized he was ON BOARD, they did everything to throw him off. Medics and police were too late to aid his recovery after he was thrown off at high speed.  Locals, according to police, know who the culprits are and CCTV is being checked.

– 103fm news crew back on air 
We are pleased to be back here in the newsroom after our news crew were all hit by a new virus DOING THE ROUNDS.  For anyone feeling ill, weak, no voice, sweats and more.. contacting a medical professional is recommended.  Locally all doctors are aware of the current outbreaks and have recommended medication specific to them.

– Locals complain of rotting Bali Hai shipwreck
Tour boat operators have complained to the management of bali hai pier over the rotting huk of a semi sunken tour boat that has been making sailing somewhat hazardous for several months since it was tied up and abandoned.  In addition to navigational issues, they also claim that it reeks and is unpleasant for tourists.

– Man knifed by jealous girlfriend in Pattaya
Before dawn yesterday, police and medics attended a Nong prue estate where they were told someone was armed with a knife.   There they found a 34 yr old Cambodian man with knife wounds.  Seems he was stabbed by his girlfriend who was celebrating HER birthday with a little party, until she spotted HIM making eyes at another woman.  Both parties were due to be questioned and the cake?  Which remained uneaten, was photographed as evidence.

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