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BANGKOK, April 19 (TNA) – The Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) is preparing to propose fund utilization to keep retail diesel prices not exceeding 30 baht per liter. Today marks the first day after the expiration of the diesel tax reduction measure, causing diesel prices to potentially adjust according to market mechanisms. The OFFO reports monitoring the global oil market situation, which remains at high levels with various factors impacting oil prices, notably the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Full story: Thai News Agency 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ex-deputy PM criticises senators’ planned European study trips as terms end Cr. FB ดร.ปลอดประสพ สุรัสวดี Former deputy prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has criticised a large group of senators who are planning overseas study trips before the end of their terms in office and has urged them to cancel their plans for “the sake of their dignity”. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325383-ex-deputy-pm-criticises-senators’-planned-european-study-trips-as-terms-end/

Former deputy prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has criticised a large group of senators who are planning overseas study trips before the end of their terms in office and has urged them to cancel their plans for “the sake of their dignity”. In his Facebook post today, Plodprasop said that the European study trips, planned by several Senate committees, whose terms in office are due to end on May 10th, have come under heavy public criticism because the trips will cost an estimated 81 million baht of taxpayers’ money. In justifying the study trips, the Senate committees claim that they have not been abroad for a few years, thanks to the COVID pandemic and, therefore, have saved the budget earmarked for overseas trips for Senate committees. Caption: Cr. FB ดร.ปลอดประสพ สุรัสวดี Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Diesel price to rise by one baht per litre this Saturday The diesel price is expected to increase by one baht, to 31.44 baht/litre, from tomorrow, unless the Fuel Fund Executive Committee decides to absorb the increase, fully or partially. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325382-diesel-price-to-rise-by-one-baht-per-litre-this-saturday/

The diesel price is expected to increase by one baht, to 31.44 baht/litre, from tomorrow, unless the Fuel Fund Executive Committee decides to absorb the increase, fully or partially. At its meeting on Tuesday, the cabinet decided not to extend the one baht/litre excise tax cut for diesel, which is due to expire today. This means that the pump price of diesel will automatically rise by one baht/litre at midnight tonight. Informed cabinet sources say that the Fuel Fund Executive Committee has not yet decided whether to absorb the full or half the price increase, as both options will impact the Oil Fuel Fund, which is already running at 103.6 billion baht in the red. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin’s most complicated mission ever Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra / AFP Thailand’s triangular political equilibrium rests on many things, and one of the most important foundations can be the most unpredictable. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325381-thaksin’s-most-complicated-mission-ever/

Thailand’s triangular political equilibrium rests on many things, and one of the most important foundations can be the most unpredictable. Thaksin Shinawatra, wielding one of the country’s biggest political influences according to an opinion poll, spawns theories. The first is what “appears” to be publicly but is gaining skepticism left and right. In the first theory, he is sincere about stepping away from politics, about giving political advice to the Pheu Thai-led government from time to time, about helping the Shinawatra grownups maintain relevance in Thai politics as long as that does not impact his devotion to the Shinawatra toddlers. The second theory is that he unexpectedly has to be substantially more politically active than he wanted to, because of the threats posed by the Move Forward Party to Pheu Thai’s status quo. In other words, Pheu Thai is no longer the leader in the ideological half it once dominated, and Thaksin has to fix it. This means a lot more than giving occasional advice or helping the government promote the digital wallet. Pheu Thai needs a reboot, and so far Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra do not look like they were built for the job. To win back the party’s popularity, Thaksin cannot act like the man Chuan Leekpai is to the Democrat Party. Simply put, while Chuan is no longer the Democrats’ flagship, Thaksin has to be the real face of Pheu Thai. Yet in this second theory, it’s not that Thaksin is cunning or trickery. It’s because the brand needs him or it will die, quickly or slowly. Caption: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra / AFP Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Palang Pracharath to host joint meeting of governing coalition parties The Palang Pracharath party will play host for a joint meeting of coalition parties this month, but the event has nothing to do with a cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told the media today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325380-palang-pracharath-to-host-joint-meeting-of-governing-coalition-parties/

The Palang Pracharath party will play host for a joint meeting of coalition parties this month, but the event has nothing to do with a cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told the media today. The first meeting of coalition parties was hosted by the Pheu Thai party, with the second hosted by the Bhumjaithai party. Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, the advisory chief of Palang Pracharath party, is yet to set the date for the next gathering, said the prime minister, as he dismissed media speculation that a cabinet reshuffle would be discussed. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand and Malaysia Boost Security and Tourism Cooperation BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and Malaysia have discussed enhancing cooperation in security and tourism between the two nations. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325378-thailand-and-malaysia-boost-security-and-tourism-cooperation/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and Malaysia have discussed enhancing cooperation in security and tourism between the two nations. The focus of the discussions between Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Thailand, and his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Minister of Home Affairs of Malaysia, include combating cross-border crime and expanding tourism collaboration. During the discussions, the Malaysian Minister highlighted the need for joint efforts in cybercrime prevention and proposed visa exemptions to bolster tourism, particularly in areas bordering Malaysia. Minister Anutin reaffirmed Thailand's readiness to collaborate with Malaysia in tackling transnational crime and promoting tourism. He mentioned that the Thai government has similarly implemented visa exemption policies to increase tourist exchanges between the two nations. Additionally, Minister Anutin expressed a commitment to deepening cooperation with Malaysia in various dimensions, including achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region. The meeting marks a significant step in strengthening the ties between the two countries. By Naark Rojanasuvan Source: NNT 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand To Boost Craftsmanship and Soft Power with French Collaboration BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is working to elevate the quality of its soft power products to international standards. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325377-thailand-to-boost-craftsmanship-and-soft-power-with-french-collaboration/

Constitutional Court Gives MFP 15 More Days to Defend Dissolution Petition BANGKOK (NNT) - The Constitutional Court of Thailand has granted the Move Forward Party (MFP) a 15-day extension to prepare its defense in the party dissolution case. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325375-constitutional-court-gives-mfp-15-more-days-to-defend-dissolution-petition/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is working to elevate the quality of its soft power products to international standards. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin hosted Bénédicte Épinay, CEO and General Director of the French organization Comité Colbert, following his invitation. They explored ways to boost cooperation in Thai craftsmanship and soft power, aiming to enhance the global standing of Thai products. Épinay commended Thailand for its renowned craftsmanship. Both parties agreed that strategic branding and marketing could significantly increase the value of Thai products. Comité Colbert is eager to assist Thailand in fostering innovations and advancing design education. Furthermore, Prime Minister Srettha expressed optimism that sharing knowledge and experiences with France would enhance the creation of high-quality products and boost international acclaim, thus strengthening Thailand’s soft power. Épinay highlighted the critical role of international collaboration in education and nurturing new talent. Both sides are ready to work together to develop a sustainable and progressive ecosystem in the industry. By Naark Rojanasuvan Source: NNT 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Constitutional Court of Thailand has granted the Move Forward Party (MFP) a 15-day extension to prepare its defense in the party dissolution case. The extension was granted upon the party's request for more time to compile necessary documents after the Election Commission (EC) recommended the dissolution under allegations of actions compromising the constitutional monarchy regime. The case, scheduled for hearing on April 3rd, stems from accusations that the MFP sought changes to the lese majesté law, which the court previously ruled could undermine the constitutional monarchy. Originally, the party was to submit its defense by Wednesday, but the court has now set a new deadline of May 3rd. MFP members remain optimistic about their chances of defending the party successfully against dissolution. In the event the party is dissolved, plans are in place to continue its political activities under a new name and identity, ensuring the movement’s survival. This development marks a significant moment in Thai politics, as it highlights ongoing tensions between progressive elements and traditional structures within the country. By Naark Rojanasuvan Source: NNT 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Deputy Minister’s son gets suspended sentence for drunk driving The son of a deputy minister was given a suspended jail term, had his driver’s license suspended for six months, was ordered to perform 12 hours of community and fined 4,000 baht after he was found guilty of drunk driving. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325374-deputy-minister’s-son-gets-suspended-sentence-for-drunk-driving/

The son of a deputy minister was given a suspended jail term, had his driver’s license suspended for six months, was ordered to perform 12 hours of community and fined 4,000 baht after he was found guilty of drunk driving. The suspect, whose name was not disclosed by the police, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, after he refused to stop at a police checkpoint on Bangkok’s Ratchadapisek Road and rammed his BMW into road barrier early this morning. At about 3.30am today, police manning a checkpoint at the mouth of Ratchadapisek Soi 31 indicated to a BMW to pull over for a check, but the driver refused to stop and rammed his car into the barrier, after which the police made the arrest. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Five dead in Nakhon Phanom road accident Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A road accident claimed the lives of five family members when their Isuzu D-Max pickup truck veered off the road and collided with an electricity pole in Nakhon Phanom province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325372-five-dead-in-nakhon-phanom-road-accident/

A road accident claimed the lives of five family members when their Isuzu D-Max pickup truck veered off the road and collided with an electricity pole in Nakhon Phanom province. The incident, which occurred at 12.30pm yesterday, involved a vehicle carrying six relatives from Amnat Charoen province. The driver, 42 year old Kanchai Sarakun was among the deceased. The latest developments in this tragedy unfolded at the Wat Thatthi Khun funeral hall in the Na Kae district, where authorities and public health officials facilitated the identification and handover of the deceased to their relatives for funeral rites. The fatalities included the driver Kanchai Sarakun, his 62 year old mother, Somsri Sarakun, his niece, 16 year old Kanakorn Sarakun, and his aunts, 82 year old Som Jandawong and 77 year old Saen Panichkul. Kanchai’s wife, 42 year old Paichit Boochaphan survived with minor injuries. Saen Panichkul’s daughter, 40 year old Piyaporn Panichkul revealed that she had argued with her mother, attempting to dissuade her from the journey due to its length and the fact that her mother was not accustomed to such long-distance travel. Despite the disagreement, her mother had hastily packed and left with the others. Upon hearing the news of the accident, Piyaporn’s husband, 48 year old Pisit Rinthong quickly gathered some clothes and left with four other relatives from Amnat Charoen to visit the injured at the hospital in Na Kae. While en route, they received a call informing them that Pisit’s mother-in-law and aunt had succumbed to their injuries, reported KhaoSod. Ambulances from the Petch Kasem Foundation in Amnat Charoen, Yasothon-Pa Tiu, and other foundations from Sakon Nakhon were on hand to transport the bodies to their hometowns for the final farewell. In related news, a tragic accident occurred on Wednesday at 2.45pm in the Hod district of Chiang Mai when a six-wheeled truck’s brakes reportedly failed, causing it to crash into a procession of revellers. The incident resulted in the death of two individuals and serious injuries to two others. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Transgender village head and boyfriend found dead in car Photo via 77 Kaoded A transgender village head and her boyfriend allegedly yesterday committed suicide in a car parked outside a 7-Eleven convenience store in the central province of Ratchaburi. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325371-transgender-village-head-and-boyfriend-found-dead-in-car/

A transgender village head and her boyfriend allegedly yesterday committed suicide in a car parked outside a 7-Eleven convenience store in the central province of Ratchaburi. A 7-Eleven member of staff, Thatsaya Saetang, contacted Ban Pong Police Station officers at about 4pm yesterday, April 18 after she found the people unconscious in the car. Thatsaya explained that she noticed a white Toyota Fortuner parked in front of the store for about 20 minutes without anyone getting out. Then, she heard the engine revving up twice, which raised her suspicion. Thatsaya found the act suspicious and went to check on it. She looked through the car window and found both the driver and passenger unconscious inside. The driver was identified as the transgender village leader of Suan Kluay sub-district, 45 year old Phongsak Buakham. The passenger, believed to be her boyfriend, was identified as 45 year old Suppasate Suppasak-anan. Police and medical professionals from Ban Pong Hospital arrived at the scene and forcibly entered the vehicle. Phongsak and Suppasate were unconscious and bleeding from their noses and mouths. They were rushed to the hospital but were pronounced dead upon arrival. The superintendent of the Ban Pong Police Station, Piyaphong Wongkatejai, speculated that the couple might have committed suicide by consuming toxic substances, as their skin had turned dark and they were bleeding from their noses and mouths. Relationship and business issues were cited as possible motives for the suicide. Police collected samples from some drinking water and a coffee cup found in the car for further toxin testing. They also planned to review dashcam footage and nearby CCTV cameras to trace the couple’s movements before they arrived at the convenience store. Piyaphong mentioned that Phongsak’s father had formerly held the position of village head. Subsequently, Thatsaya became part of the local administrative team and was appointed as the village head for eight years. The family was well regarded in the Suan Kluay sub-district due to their charitable endeavours and support for the community. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via 77 Kaoded Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pheu Thai Party eyes House Speaker position Photo courtesy of Asahi The Pheu Thai Party is reportedly planning to reclaim the House Speaker position from the Prachachat Party, according to a source yesterday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325370-pheu-thai-party-eyes-house-speaker-position/

The Pheu Thai Party is reportedly planning to reclaim the House Speaker position from the Prachachat Party, according to a source yesterday. This move is part of the ruling party’s strategy to restructure its parliamentary operations, and it is predicted that the position might be given to a prominent member of the party, possibly a minister who may be removed from the Cabinet during the anticipated reshuffle. However, it will be a challenging task for the Pheu Thai Party to take back the post from the Prachachat Party as the current House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, holds significant influence. The uncertainty lies in what his decision would be if he were asked to relinquish his role. Wan Noor, a former leader of the Prachachat Party, was chosen for the House Speaker position to resolve a stalemate between the Pheu Thai Party and the Move Forward Party (MFP). This occurred when an eight-party coalition led by the MFP attempted to establish a coalition government last year. Speaking yesterday, Wan Noor stated that while he doesn’t have a particular attachment to his post, he is against interference in parliamentary matters. He emphasised the significance of the House Speaker’s role as one of the three pillars of the democratic system. “If there is intervention for my resignation, Parliament isn’t what it’s supposed to be. The prime minister is authorised to make a Cabinet reshuffle, but the House Speaker’s term is specified by the charter. No one can change it except if he is unable to fulfil his duty or resigns.” Speculations Following his election as House Speaker, Wan Noor resigned from his position as the Prachachat Party leader. This is in accordance with the constitution, which requires that the House Speaker maintains political neutrality and does not hold a position in any political party. Justice Minister and Prachachat list-MP Tawee Sodsong stressed that Cabinet reshuffles and the House Speaker post are separate issues. He was responding to rumours that the post might be given to a Cabinet minister who is ousted from the Cabinet. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin chose not to comment on speculation that the Pheu Thai Party is seeking to regain the House Speaker post. He stated that while the party values the workings of Parliament, he is not the right person to address this question, pointing instead to the Pheu Thai Party leader. “I’d rather not talk about this because it affects other people and it is not my business.” PM Srettha also avoided making comments on the much-discussed Cabinet reshuffle. The buzz around the Cabinet reshuffle and the possible change in the House Speaker has stemmed from the PM’s recent comments on the importance of placing the right person in the right role, be it in executive or legislative work. Rumours are rife that two Pheu Thai veterans, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, might be removed from the Cabinet and given the responsibility of overseeing the ruling party’s parliamentary affairs and strategies, reported Bangkok Post. In the aftermath of last year’s general election, Dr Cholnan was considered for the House Speaker post, but Wan Noor was chosen when the Pheu Thai and MFP reached a compromise. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of Asahi Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Ministry to reimburse victims of call centre scams Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) announced plans to reimburse victims with more than 10 billion baht worth of money and assets, previously seized from call centre scam operations. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325369-thai-ministry-to-reimburse-victims-of-call-centre-scams/

The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) announced plans to reimburse victims with more than 10 billion baht worth of money and assets, previously seized from call centre scam operations. The assets, including 6 billion baht in cash, were retrieved by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) in 2021, according to Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. He iterated that AMLO is poised to dispense all seized assets back to call centre scam victims. To qualify for this, victims must present bank payment confirmations linking them to the scam suspects. These confirmations can be submitted to AMLO through postal service, in person or via email. Once the evidence has been received, it will be forwarded to the court to solicit asset protection for the victims, with the asset investigation process expected to be concluded within a year. The value of the returned assets will not exceed the total assets currently held by Amlo. Prasert added that victims who had previously failed to file a police report can now submit their evidence to Amlo for a chance to reclaim their assets. The details of AMLO’s asset return strategy will be published in the Royal Gazette in the next 90 days. Minister Prasert, flanked by the Royal Thai Police’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and a cryptocurrency organisation named Binance, unveiled details about a bust on a Chinese-led hybrid scam syndicate on Wednesday. This operation reportedly inflicted damage worth no less than 250 million baht. During the operation, a suspect named Su Shoaxian and three other Chinese nationals were apprehended and assets valued at or exceeding 600 million baht were seized. The suspects allegedly enticed victims to invest in cryptocurrency trading through a fraudulent mobile application and lured them into transferring money to accounts under Su’s name, masquerading as digital exchanges. Further investigation led to the arrest of four additional suspects: 31 year old Wisit, 25 year old Siraphat, a 45 year old Chinese citizen named Dongjian, and a 41 year old Singaporean named Wei King Kek. The charges levelled against them include fraud, money laundering, participation in transnational crime organisations, and deceitful importation of distorted computer data, reported Bangkok Post. According to Prasert, the police have also issued 26 arrest warrants. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe