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A Thai woman yesterday rescued an abandoned newborn baby boy found in a cardboard box on the roadside in the eastern province of Rayong. The 33 year old woman, Wanida, reported the discovery to officers at Pluak Daeng Police Station. She explained that she noticed the abandoned baby while picking up her child from school. Wanida said her child found the box while playing by the roadside as they walked home from school. Her child then asked her to check on the baby. Channel 7 reported that the baby boy was wearing a nappy and wrapped in a pink towel. He was reportedly born no more than five hours before being discovered and was healthy and crying loudly in the box. Police coordinated with a rescue team and arrived at the scene together. The rescuers fed the infant boy baby formula before taking him to Pluak Daeng Hospital. Police are now reviewing security camera footage from near the scene to identify the mother who abandoned him. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Amarin TV Full story: The Thaiger 2024-07-18 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai king honoured for vital contribution to Covid-19 fight Image courtesy of Bangkok Post King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua demonstrated his generosity through substantial support for medical personnel battling the Covid-19 pandemic. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333252-thai-king-honoured-for-vital-contribution-to-covid-19-fight/

King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua demonstrated his generosity through substantial support for medical personnel battling the Covid-19 pandemic. To celebrate his 69th birthday on July 28, the king is being honoured for his vital contributions to medical science and public health, which have become crucial amidst the pandemic. The king’s efforts in enhancing medical science and public health, especially during the pandemic that has gripped the country since early 2020, have earned him profound respect. Since the initial outbreak of Covid in early 2020, the king has donated 122 million baht worth of mobile lab vehicles and medical equipment to hospitals and medical institutes nationwide. These donations, part of a project aimed at supplying medical equipment and respirators, strengthened the public health sector by enabling effective screening and testing in heavily affected areas. The king donated two mobile X-ray units, 200,000 reusable PPE items, 400,000 Silguard isolation gowns, and 50,000 Silguard coveralls. These PPE donations provided much-needed relief to frontline medical workers, who often faced shortages of protective gear while working long hours to save lives. In 2021, Their Majesties the King and Queen received a prototype of the Express Analysis Mobile Unit from the president of Chulalongkorn University Council. They then donated four additional units, which, along with the university’s unit, were handed to the public health permanent secretary for conducting Covid tests. These mobile units, paired with royally donated sample-collecting vehicles, completed the testing process within three hours, aiding mass testing in high-infection areas and effective tracing of infection clusters. On June 7, 2021, Their Majesties granted 16 more sample-collecting vehicles equipped with onboard IT and six biosafety units. These additions complemented the 20 vehicles previously donated, offering on-site testing that saved people trips to the hospital and limited infection spread. According to a news bulletin from the Bureau of the Royal Household (BRH), Their Majesties have been actively involved in the pandemic response since it was first detected in Thailand in early 2020. Their Majesties guided infection control measures and moral support to public health workers. They acknowledged the hard work and exhaustion of medical personnel on the front lines. Their Majesties also supported the economy by purchasing farming products from all regions, providing an economic lifeline during the crisis, reported Bangkok Post. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-07-18 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Named 4th Most Beautiful Country Globally Photo: The Pattaya News Thailand has been rated the fourth most beautiful country globally in a survey conducted by usnews.com. The nation gained recognition for its breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and the perfect blend of traditional and modern elements in its urban areas. In the "adventure" category of the US News 2023 Best Countries rankings, Thailand followed New Zealand, Greece, and Italy, bolstering its reputation as a top tourist attraction worldwide. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333185-thailand-named-4th-most-beautiful-country-globally/

Thailand has been rated the fourth most beautiful country globally in a survey conducted by usnews.com. The nation gained recognition for its breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and the perfect blend of traditional and modern elements in its urban areas. In the "adventure" category of the US News 2023 Best Countries rankings, Thailand followed New Zealand, Greece, and Italy, bolstering its reputation as a top tourist attraction worldwide. Within the more extensive Best Countries rankings, Thailand secured the 29th position, evaluated on various elements like cultural influence, entrepreneurship, and quality of life. Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, Australia, and the United States were declared the leaders of this list. Recently, a local magazine named Bangkok as the leading city in the Asia-Pacific area. Furthermore, the islands of Phuket and Samui received high rankings compared to other island locations in the Asia-Pacific region. In another accomplishment, CEOWORLD magazine chose Thailand as the top country to visit in your lifetime for 2024, and Phuket's Maya Beach was listed among the top five beaches worldwide by BeachAtlas. Encouraged by these acknowledgements, the Thai government is doubling its efforts to promote tourism. It has set out plans to attract more foreign tourists in 2025. These plans include targeted campaigns to stimulate off-season travel and strategies to promote lesser-known provinces' tourism. The goal is to distribute the benefits of tourism evenly across the country, reported by The Pattaya News. Photo: The Pattaya News -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Unidentified Foreigner Found Asleep on Pattaya Beach Dressed as Monk Photo: The Pattaya News Early this morning, an odd incident occurred on Pattaya Beach, Thailand. A foreign man, outfitted in monk's attire, was found asleep on the beach. Local residents and tourists spotted the unfamiliar man dozing on the beach around 03:40 AM on July 17, 2024. They promptly informed the Pattaya police. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333184-unidentified-foreigner-found-asleep-on-pattaya-beach-dressed-as-monk/

Early this morning, an odd incident occurred on Pattaya Beach, Thailand. A foreign man, outfitted in monk's attire, was found asleep on the beach. Local residents and tourists spotted the unfamiliar man dozing on the beach around 03:40 AM on July 17, 2024. They promptly informed the Pattaya police. The police arrived promptly at the scene and found the foreign man sleeping on a monk's robe. He was also dressed in a white shirt and white trousers. However, when questioned, the man wasn't able to answer coherently. After searching his monk's bag, the police found nothing unlawful. The man was then brought to the Pattaya Police Station for further investigation. Initial findings indicated that the man possessed no travel documents to Thailand or any evidence of being a formally ordained monk linked to any temple. The identity of the man remains a mystery at the time of the press release because he is still largely unable to articulate a clear response. Local resident, 46-year-old Mr. Preecha Intarasorn, reported spotting the foreign man, dressed like a monk, walking from Walking Street. The man then headed down to the beach, changed into white attire, placed a monk's robe on the beach, and lay down. Mr. Preecha expressed concern that the man was not a genuine monk. He reported the incident to the police to protect Buddhism's integrity, mainly because numerous foreign tourists witnessed the event. He appealed to the police for stringent action, reported by The Pattaya News. Photo: The Pattaya News -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Fishing boat capsizes in heavy storm off Trang, woman loses her life File photo for reference only During a devastating storm, a fishing boat was overturned off the Trang coast, leading to the tragic death of a woman, while her husband survived. The incident took place in the early hours of July 17, when the couple was trying to come back to land amid the rough seas. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333183-fishing-boat-capsizes-in-heavy-storm-off-trang-woman-loses-her-life/

During a devastating storm, a fishing boat was overturned off the Trang coast, leading to the tragic death of a woman, while her husband survived. The incident took place in the early hours of July 17, when the couple was trying to come back to land amid the rough seas. Reports of a flipped fishing boat south of Koh Muk, near Koh Libong, reached the Trang Marine Department at 4am. The boat was owned by a local fishing couple, Monsit, 55, and Rortiya, 53. Local fishermen were the first to start a rescue mission after the accident. While Monsit was located safely, Rortiya was unaccounted for. Emergency teams – made up of personnel from the Hat Chao Mai National Park, Kantang Marine Police, Central Investigation Police, and staff from Koh Libong and Bang Sak – joined the search. Rortiya's body was found floating near Koh Libong by 10:10am. She was still wearing her life jacket. After the body was recovered, the appropriate officials were informed to organize an autopsy and make funeral arrangements. Efforts were also made to retrieve the submerged boat and tow it back to the coast. An investigation to find the reason behind the boat overturning is underway. Early assessments imply that the heavy rainfall and rough seas during the storm might have played a part in the mishap. The couple had earlier sailed out to set crab traps. With the storm escalating, they tried to get back to land but were beaten by the adverse weather, resulting in the boat capsizing. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Mae Hong Son cracks down on inappropriate tourist behaviour Image courtesy of Pattaya Mail Mae Hong Son Governor Chucheep Pongchai issued an urgent directive to tighten regulations and enhance supervision of tourism activities in the Pai district, following reports of inappropriate behaviour by some foreign tourists during river tubing on the Pai River. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333182-mae-hong-son-cracks-down-on-inappropriate-tourist-behaviour/

Mae Hong Son Governor Chucheep Pongchai issued an urgent directive to tighten regulations and enhance supervision of tourism activities in the Pai district, following reports of inappropriate behaviour by some foreign tourists during river tubing on the Pai River. The matter came to the fore when a local resort owner in Pai raised concerns about the current state of tubing activities along the Pai River. The complaints revealed that alcohol and beer were being illicitly sold to tourists, disguised in plastic water bottles to evade detection. Tourists, after finishing their tubing activities, were reportedly seen wandering around town in their swimwear, with some men donning only swim briefs and women clad in two-piece swimsuits or bikinis. This behaviour has been deemed disrespectful to local culture. Additionally, there have been instances of tourists sneaking into resort areas for sexual activities, leading to police reports and widespread online criticism. In response, Chucheep directed relevant agencies and business operators to promptly implement measures to regulate tourism in Pai, particularly focusing on tubing activities involving foreign tourists. The objective is to preserve the town’s reputation as a desirable tourist destination. The district chief of Pai initially reported the inappropriate behaviour linked to tubing activities. Consequently, district authorities and police will convene with business operators to establish cooperative measures. These will include a ban on alcoholic beverages during tubing activities, regular inspections, and ensuring tourists dress modestly, wear life jackets, and respect local cultural norms. While most tourists have been cooperative, there have been a few exceptions. The Deputy Governor of Mae Hong Son is scheduled to visit the Pai district to attend a meeting with relevant agencies to further organise and solidify tourism measures. Mae Hong Son has emerged as a popular destination for both Thai and international tourists alike. From the beginning of the year until July, nearly 40,000 tourists have visited. River tubing on the Pai River is seen as a significant attraction for foreign tourists, reported Pattaya Mail. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Pattaya Mail Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok’s Wat Pho climbs Asia’s top travel list Photo courtesy of The Nation Bangkok’s Wat Phra Chetuphon, famously known as Wat Pho, clinched a coveted spot among TripAdvisor’s 25 most popular destinations in Asia for 2024. This year, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha proudly stands at 9th place, a testament to its enduring appeal since it first made the list in 2020. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333180-bangkok’s-wat-pho-climbs-asia’s-top-travel-list/

Bangkok’s Wat Phra Chetuphon, famously known as Wat Pho, clinched a coveted spot among TripAdvisor’s 25 most popular destinations in Asia for 2024. This year, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha proudly stands at 9th place, a testament to its enduring appeal since it first made the list in 2020. TripAdvisor’s glowing recommendation highlights the tranquil allure of Wat Pho, urging visitors to wander through the serene grounds, and take in the stunning architecture adorned with intricate decorations and golden spires. The travel agency also encourages guests to marvel at the magnificent Buddha statues and appreciate the rich cultural significance of this popular destination. For those seeking a deeper experience, TripAdvisor suggests enrolling in a traditional Thai massage course within the temple’s peaceful confines. Other Thai landmarks also shone brightly in this year’s rankings. Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, secured the 11th spot, the Big Buddha in Phuket was placed at 13th, and Bangkok’s Grand Palace rounded out the list at 25th. The 2024 ranking was drawn from an impressive pool of eight million destinations. These sites were celebrated for their exceptional reviews and opinions gathered over 12 months by the TripAdvisor community, reported The Nation. Here’s the full list of Asia’s top tourist destinations for this year: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Angkor Wat, Cambodia Mutianyu Great Wall, China Taj Mahal, India Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, Japan Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, Malaysia Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Indonesia Wat Phra Chetuphon, Thailand War Remnants Museum, Vietnam Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), Thailand Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia Big Buddha Phuket, Thailand Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam Museum PASIFIKA, Indonesia Singapore Botanic Gardens Cloud Forest, Singapore Kinkakuji Temple, Japan Ta Prohm, Cambodia Bayon Temple, Cambodia Qutub Minar, India Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Cambodia MinNature Malaysia National Orchid Garden, Singapore The Grand Palace, Thailand By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Beach horror: Lower body find sends shockwaves in central Thailand Photo via Channel 8 A hotel employee yesterday discovered the lower part of a human body on Laem Sadet Beach in the central province of Chanthaburi. Police are struggling to identify the deceased due to the missing upper half, including the head. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333179-beach-horror-lower-body-find-sends-shockwaves-in-central-thailand/

A hotel employee yesterday discovered the lower part of a human body on Laem Sadet Beach in the central province of Chanthaburi. Police are struggling to identify the deceased due to the missing upper half, including the head. The 39 year old hotel worker, whose name has not been disclosed, told Matichon that he found the human remains at approximately 6pm yesterday, July 16. He initially mistook the body for a sack of wooden sticks but upon closer inspection, he realised it was a human body. The worker asked a colleague to confirm his suspicion before reporting the discovery to other hotel staff and officers at Thamai Police Station. Police arrived at the scene along with the Sawang Katanyu Dhammasathan Rescue Foundation and Thamai Hospital professionals. The lower half of the body, from the lower ribcage to the thighs, was reportedly lying on top of a bamboo log. The arms, head, and legs were missing, and there was little flesh remaining on the body. Officers searched the area but could not find the missing body parts. The lower half was taken to Prapokklao Hospital for an autopsy to determine the identity of the deceased and to examine any visible wounds that could shed light on the cause of death and other details of the case. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 8 Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Myanmar Civil War Increases Sea Trade Activity at Thailand’s Ranong Port File photo for reference only Due to the civil war in Myanmar, goods are now being shipped via maritime routes, which has increased activity at Ranong Port in Thailand. This could be a significant benefit to the government's Land Bridge project. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri explained that conflict in Myanmar has disrupted overland trade, pushing business owners to ship their goods from Ranong Port instead of land routes through Tak’s Mae Sot district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333178-myanmar-civil-war-increases-sea-trade-activity-at-thailand’s-ranong-port/

Due to the civil war in Myanmar, goods are now being shipped via maritime routes, which has increased activity at Ranong Port in Thailand. This could be a significant benefit to the government's Land Bridge project. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri explained that conflict in Myanmar has disrupted overland trade, pushing business owners to ship their goods from Ranong Port instead of land routes through Tak’s Mae Sot district. Manaporn directed the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) to make sure that Ranong Port’s infrastructure and staff were well-equipped for receiving the influx of goods from Myanmar. He said that the current situation presents an opportunity to revive maritime trade routes. “This is a chance to revitalize overland trade routes via Thailand’s southern seas… This will also boost the government’s Land Bridge Project which involves constructing a bridge linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea." The aim of this project is to enhance the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC), linking it with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), to generate extra economic value for Thailand. The Deputy Transport Minister emphasized that the Land Bridge project would bolster the region's farming, cash crops, livestock, and local markets. This could potentially increase the region’s GDP from 2% to 10% by drawing in private investment. He also suggested that the project could lead to significant economic growth in the region through the creation of factories and industrial estates, increasing local employment opportunities. Manaporn expressed hope that Thailand could become a global center for sea logistics and cargo distribution. The PAT’s Director-General, Kriangkrai Chaisiriwongsuk, revealed that Ranong Port recently welcomed its first cargo ships from Myanmar on July 5 and 8, originating from Yangon. The first ship carried 39 containers of imported goods and went back with 56 containers of Thai exports. The second ship arrived with 56 containers and left with 35. Kriangkrai stated that the goods imported to Thailand from these shipments included agricultural produce. The ships returned with electrical equipment and construction materials. These changes indicate a considerable shift in the region's trade, with Ranong Port becoming a significant facilitator in the new maritime trade path between Thailand and Myanmar. The increase in port activity both supports the Thai government's wider economic objectives and underscores the strategic significance of maritime infrastructure in regional trade and economic development. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

13-Year-Old Boy Rescued After Repeated Sexual Assaults by Temple Head File photo for reference only A 13-year-old Thai boy alerted his family after enduring repeated sexual assaults from the head of a temple in Nakhon Phanom, in the Isaan province. The child kept the incidents a secret as he wished to continue his education at the temple. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333177-13-year-old-boy-rescued-after-repeated-sexual-assaults-by-temple-head/

A 13-year-old Thai boy alerted his family after enduring repeated sexual assaults from the head of a temple in Nakhon Phanom, in the Isaan province. The child kept the incidents a secret as he wished to continue his education at the temple. The child's mother, 40-year-old Lawan, reported the alleged perpetrator, a head monk named Boonsong, to the Tart Phanom Police Station on July 16. She also provided a medical certificate as proof of the sexual assault. The victim told authorities that due to the family's financial constraints, he was sent to the temple to pursue his studies. However, during his two-month stay, he was repeatedly violated by Boonsong, despite wanting to continue his studies. According to the victim, Boonsong forced him to give massages in his private quarters, coerced him into performing sexual acts, and later sexually assaulted him. After these incidents became increasingly frequent, the boy confided in his mother. Lawan expressed her shock, as the family held Boonsong in high regard. Having lived at the temple for over five years, there had been no previous allegations of sexual misconduct on his part. Despite the emotional toll the incident had taken, Lawan expressed her hope that her son could still pursue his studies at the temple. Uthit Aoonchai, a community leader, confirmed to Channel 7 that Boonsong admitted to his actions and proposed to compensate the victim's family and remain a monk. However, the monks' committee denied this request due to his severe misconduct. Boonsong stated his actions sprang from love and impulse, confessing to multiple instances of sexual assault on the boy during his stay. Having been expelled from the monkhood due to his atrocities, Boonsong was transported to a local police station for further investigation. He faces charges of sexual assault and rape of a person under the age of 15, with a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Siblings Sentenced for Extorting Monk Over Intimate Photos File photo for reference only A woman and her brother were sentenced today in the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court due to their extortion and coercion of a famous monk, extracting over 300,000 baht from him. Despite their remorse, the court ordered prison sentences for the siblings. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333175-siblings-sentenced-for-extorting-monk-over-intimate-photos/

A woman and her brother were sentenced today in the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court due to their extortion and coercion of a famous monk, extracting over 300,000 baht from him. Despite their remorse, the court ordered prison sentences for the siblings. The case stemmed from incidents that happened between April 5 and 21 last year. During this time, the woman, Weerinchita, is said to have bullied the well-known preacher, Phongsakorn, resulting in him giving her 180,600 baht in cash. She threatened to expose private conversations and photos which could ruin his reputation and prompt him to leave his religious vocation. Her brother, Satit, used this confidential information to intimidate Phongsakorn into giving up an extra 300,000 baht. This happened in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Pathum Thani. Satit promised to keep Weerinchita quiet and not disclose any information to the press to protect the monk's reputation. The prosecution insisted that the siblings should be held responsible for their extortion and return the 300,000 baht to Phongsakorn. Initially, both Weerinchita and Satit rejected these claims. However, they later confessed, resulting in a settlement where they agreed to repay Phongsakorn 30,000 baht—20,000 baht from Weerinchita and 10,000 baht from Satit. As a result, Phongsakorn did not press further legal charges. On the day of the ruling, Weerinchita and Satit arrived in court as expected. Weerinchita was found guilty of multiple charges resulting in her receiving a two-year prison sentence for extortion and a three-year sentence for coercion. In addition, she was fined a total of 60,000 baht. Similarly, Satit was sentenced to two years in prison and slapped with a 20,000 baht fine for coercion. However, due to their forthrightness and the victim's desire for peace, their sentences were halved. Eventually, Weerinchita was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and a fine of 30,000 baht, while Satit received a one-year sentence and a 10,000 baht fine. The court established that neither had previous criminal records and showed genuine remorse. Given the circumstances and the reparations to the victim, the court suspended their sentences for two years. They have been ordered to report to probation officers four times within a year and perform 24 hours of community service. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Alleged Rape by Thai Tattoo Artist Leads to Client's Suicide Attempt File photo for reference only A mother in Thailand is seeking justice for her 20-year-old daughter, who attempted to take her own life after being sexually assaulted by a tattoo artist in Bangkok. Her daughter is currently in critical condition and the accused has not been arrested. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333174-alleged-rape-by-thai-tattoo-artist-leads-to-clients-suicide-attempt/

A mother in Thailand is seeking justice for her 20-year-old daughter, who attempted to take her own life after being sexually assaulted by a tattoo artist in Bangkok. Her daughter is currently in critical condition and the accused has not been arrested. The mother disclosed to Channel 7 that her daughter sent her a message saying, “Mother, I love you” on July 12. After her daughter failed to reply to messages later that day, the mother became worried and asked her husband, the girl's stepfather, to check on her at their home in Bangkok. Upon his arrival, he found his stepdaughter unconscious, hanging from the ceiling. He quickly removed her and rushed her to the hospital. Despite their efforts, she remains unconscious due to severe lack of oxygen to her brain. To find out why her daughter tried to kill herself, the mother checked her daughter's cellphone. There, she found a conversation revealing that a tattoo artist known only as Gap had allegedly assaulted her. The mother said her daughter previously asked for permission to get a tattoo. However, due to the size of the tattoo her daughter wanted, she didn't give her permission, advising her to get a smaller design and not to visit the tattoo studio alone. Despite her mother's advice, the young woman visited the tattoo studio on the day of the assault with two male friends. One of these friends was an older acquaintance who escorted her to the studio, but the identity of the other friend remains undisclosed. When the mother tried to lodge a complaint against the tattoo artist at Bangna Police Station, the officers reportedly refused to take her statement, saying she needed to wait until her daughter regained consciousness. Heartbreakingly, doctors presume her daughter might never recover. Coming to terms with this, the mother decided to take the story to the media. In light of the media coverage, officers at Bangna Police Station have started to examine the case. They explained their initial refusal to accept the complaint was because they believed the victim was the most crucial source of information. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

BEM Secures Project for Orange Line Western Route Worth 140 Billion Baht File photo for reference only The Thai government has given the green light to Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to start working on the western route project of the Orange Line transit system. This was announced by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333172-bem-secures-project-for-orange-line-western-route-worth-140-billion-baht/

The Thai government has given the green light to Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to start working on the western route project of the Orange Line transit system. This was announced by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. The Orange Line transit system plans to connect the Bang Khun Non district with the Min Buri district. It will consist of a network that extends 35.9 kilometers via underground and elevated railway sections. A 13.4-kilometer route from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Center makes up the western route, while a 22.4-kilometer route from the Cultural Center to Suwinthawongse in Min Buri district forms the eastern part. Construction on the eastern stretch has been completed, with the expected operational date set for January 2028. However, the western route's execution has been put off due to a dispute over bidding between the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). On June 12, the Supreme Administrative Court dismissed a lawsuit brought by BTSC against MRTA. The court decision stated that MRTA’s bidding committee operated within legal parameters when they changed the terms of reference. After this ruling, the BEM, which runs the MRT Blue and Purple lines, was given the go-ahead to operate the Orange Line. BEM stood out from its competitor, Italian-Thai Development (ITD), by proposing less reliance on state financial support, as stated by Chai Wacharonke. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit confirmed that the government is set to sign a contract with BEM worth 140 billion baht (approx. $4 billion). The investment will be under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-Net-Cost investment model. A 30-year duration has been agreed upon for the contract, with the completion of the western section slated for 2030. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe