George Anderssen

George Anderssen

George founded ThaiVisa.com in 2002 that later rebranded to aseannow.com, Thailand's biggest English-language forum. He has experience working in various media like radio, television and internet startups and can be found online 24/7!
  • Thailand NewsI’ve been denied entry to Thailand – Now What?

    I’ve been denied entry to Thailand – Now What?

    THE THAIGER / ASEAN NOW EXCLUSIVE What happens if you are being denied entry to Thailand? The Thaiger asked Tod Daniels, visa expert at ASEAN NOW visa forum, what do do in this situation. Tod: The first thing is DO NOT panic, many many hundreds of people per week are denied entry and it is not the end of the…

  • Thailand NewsTragedy strikes annual rocket festival in Roi Et: Explosion injures 30

    Tragedy strikes annual rocket festival in Roi Et: Explosion injures 30

    On June 16, 2024, a tragic incident marred the annual Rocket Festival at Ban Sang Bu Temple in Roi Et Province. The normally joyous event, which attracts numerous locals and visitors to Phon Sai Sawang Subdistrict, Phon Thong District, ended in disaster when a rocket explosion caused significant injuries among the attendees. The explosion occurred at precisely 5:00 p.m. during…

  • Business NewsThai car sales plunge; luxury market hit amid economic woes

    Thai car sales plunge; luxury market hit amid economic woes

    Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) reports a significant decrease in domestic car sales, affecting even the typically robust premium car sector. The struggling Thai economy and banks’ stricter auto lending policies due to high household debt, are impacting car manufacturers across all sectors. This includes the luxury market, which generally leverages higher purchasing power. “The automotive industry has been hard hit by this…

  • Business News3,900 Thai community radio stations to cease under new digital scheme

    3,900 Thai community radio stations to cease under new digital scheme

    Approximately 3,900 community radio stations will be forced to cease broadcasting after this year due to the transition from analogue to a licensing regime and a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) scheme. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been working on the digital radio regulatory framework, aiming to implement it by September. This significant change is set to happen…

  • Thailand NewsThai CBD market faces 10bn Baht losses

    Thai CBD market faces 10bn Baht losses

    The Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association in Thailand has sounded alarm bells over the possible relisting of cannabis and hemp as narcotic plants. The controversial decision by the government could lead to industry operators incurring losses upwards of 10 billion baht in combined investments. CBD, or cannabidiol, a medically beneficial compound found in both cannabis and hemp, has skyrocketed in…

  • Thailand NewsGlobal hacking group dismantled in Thai-US joint operation

    Global hacking group dismantled in Thai-US joint operation

    In an unprecedented global crackdown, a leading cybercrime organisation, described as the world’s most sophisticated hacking group, has been successfully dismantled. This victory comes as a result of a tireless combined operation between Thai and US security services. The operation orchestrated by the FBI and Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), resulted in the arrest of three top-ranking members of…

  • Thailand NewsStepfather arrested after six years of child abuse in Bangkok

    Stepfather arrested after six years of child abuse in Bangkok

    A twelve-year-old girl‘s brave revelation led to the arrest of her stepfather, Amnuay Dongtan, 60, accused of sexually abusing her for six years. Despite the girl’s pleas, her biological mother chose not to believe her and even tried to derail the police investigation. This underage victim suffered continuous abuse, which began when she was only six years old. This true…

  • Thailand NewsConfusion at BKK Airport Immigration: Travelers got 30 days entry instead of 60 days

    Confusion at BKK Airport Immigration: Travelers got 30 days entry instead of 60 days

    The recent announcement of a 60 days visa exempt at arrival in Thailand has apparently not yet been enforced at Suvarnabhumi Airport and land borders. Confused travellers arriving this morning at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) received 30 day entry stamps only, not 60 days as they had expected. The announcement from different Thai Government entities had announced 60 days stamps for…

  • Thailand NewsThai Consulate Savannakhet: No more walk-in services

    Thai Consulate Savannakhet: No more walk-in services

    THAI CONSULATE SAVANNAKHET POLICY CHANGE The Royal Thai Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos, will go to online appointment booking only effective June 1st (actually on Tuesday June 4th which is the first day they’re open after the holiday). The consulate will no longer allow walk up service, you have to book an appointment to get in the gate. At this time the…

  • Thailand NewsMassive positive changes to Thailand’s visa system from June 1

    Massive positive changes to Thailand’s visa system from June 1

    5-year visas available for digital nomads, boxers and chefs students The cabinet has approved a number of new visa initiatives aimed at attracting more tourists. This includes visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, extended stays for students, and a decrease in mandatory health insurance for retirees. The Foreign Ministry suggested these actions due to the country’s significant reliance on tourism, according to…

  • Pattaya NewsRussian driver collides with motorbike, leaving one dead

    Russian driver collides with motorbike, leaving one dead

    Last night, a Russian man driving a car in Pattaya caused a severe accident by colliding with a motorcycle, leaving one person dead and one critically injured. The incident occurred on Sukhumvit Road, near the South Pattaya traffic light, as the driver, appearing inebriated, sped down the road. Local rescue services quickly arrived at the scene, finding the car’s front end…

  • Thailand NewsThailand drives PromptPay QR code payments forward

    Thailand drives PromptPay QR code payments forward

    The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is accelerating its efforts to expand the digital payments ecosystem, aiming to make transactions more accessible and convenient for both Thai citizens and foreign visitors. This strategic move aligns with the growing global trend toward digital financial solutions and aims to enhance financial inclusion and cross-border transactions. A key focus of the BOT‘s initiative is…

  • Thailand NewsDisgraced Khon Kaen school director nabbed for buying sex from student, 12

    Disgraced Khon Kaen school director nabbed for buying sex from student, 12

    Authorities in Khon Kaen have launched an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse after the arrest of a school director and a retired teacher accused of purchasing sex from a 12-year-old student. The school director has been reassigned to the local educational services office and will face disciplinary action, according to Thee Pawangkhanan, deputy secretary-general of the Office of…

  • Thailand NewsDurian: Can The King of Fruits kill you when you drink alcohol?

    Durian: Can The King of Fruits kill you when you drink alcohol?

    Durian, the notorious “king of fruits,” is a culinary adventure synonymous with Thailand. Its spiky exterior hides a creamy, custard-like flesh with a flavor that’s been described as anything from sweet caramel to pungent onion. Durian has a devoted following throughout Thailand, where it’s enjoyed in everything from ice cream to savory curries. But what happens when this tropical king…

  • Economy NewsBitcoin’s bull run: Crypto climbs with biggest surge in months

    Bitcoin’s bull run: Crypto climbs with biggest surge in months

    Bitcoin’s price today experienced a substantial surge marking its most significant single-day gain in two months. This sudden upward movement has been attributed to growing anticipation of a more relaxed monetary policy environment in the coming months. The prospect of central banks potentially easing their grip on digital currency interest rates has injected a wave of optimism into the market.…