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The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) expressed approval for the Thai government’s latest move to slash both electricity and diesel costs. This initiative is aimed at alleviating the financial pressure on households and businesses. The reduction in power tariff was confirmed yesterday, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s policy statement announcement in parliament, reports Bangkok Post. The new power tariff is set at 4.104 baht per kilowatt-hour, a decrease from the previous rate of 4.45 baht. Additionally, a price ceiling of 30 baht per litre has been established for diesel, a slight drop from the current 31.94 baht per litre. Vice-chairman of EconThai, Tanit Sorat, believes that these reductions will prove beneficial for businesses, particularly those in the logistics sector, as it will enable cost-saving. He also said that consumers should expect a stable price for goods. “Such measures will ultimately deter an increase in the price of goods, which favours households.” Despite this, Sorat also voiced concerns about the potential negative impact these measures could have on the state budget, potentially creating future financial problems for citizens. The updated power tariff will be applicable from September to December, replacing the current rate. The revised diesel retail price is due to come into effect from September 20. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo by Ronald Langeveld on Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 2023-09-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Govt to Heavily Scrutinize Local Influential Figures The recent dinner party murder of a local highway policeman in Nakhon Pathom province has placed local power structures in Thailand under intense national focus. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306629-govt-to-heavily-scrutinize-local-influential-figures/

The recent dinner party murder of a local highway policeman in Nakhon Pathom province has placed local power structures in Thailand under intense national focus. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul recently addressed the issue of cracking down on criminal organizations. He also cautioned against phrases like “subduing mafia” and wording that overly narrows the scope of the crackdown to just organized criminal elements, stressing that the matter is not only about reining in individuals with local influence who break the law and intimidate residents. Recognizing there are many wrongdoers, Minister Anutin said strict punitive measures and preventative steps would be adopted to curb unlawful activities. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: The Pattaya News 2023-09-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Goods Prices to Be Reduced After Oil Price Cut: Commerce Minister BANGKOK, Sept 14 (TNA) – Prices of various goods will be reduced within 15 days following the government’s decision to lower electricity and diesel oil prices, said the Commerce Minister. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306622-goods-prices-to-be-reduced-after-oil-price-cut-commerce-minister/

BANGKOK, Sept 14 (TNA) – Prices of various goods will be reduced within 15 days following the government’s decision to lower electricity and diesel oil prices, said the Commerce Minister. Deputy prime minister and commerce minister Phumtham Wechayachai began working at the Ministry on the first day, discussing with senior officials their joint effort to address the country’s crisis. Their urgent policy is to monitor goods prices, as the Cabinet has already issued measures to lower electricity and oil costs. Full story: Thai News Agency 2023-09-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM Initiates Committee to Enhance Universal Healthcare Services BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has directed Public Health Minister Dr Cholnan Srikaew to establish a committee aimed at improving services within the universal healthcare program. The objective is to streamline healthcare access for the public, including the elimination of the current requirement that patients must visit their designated hospitals first for medical care. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306620-pm-initiates-committee-to-enhance-universal-healthcare-services/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has directed Public Health Minister Dr Cholnan Srikaew to establish a committee aimed at improving services within the universal healthcare program. The objective is to streamline healthcare access for the public, including the elimination of the current requirement that patients must visit their designated hospitals first for medical care. The new committee will focus on digitizing the referral process, reducing paperwork, and facilitating the transfer of patients to other hospitals when necessary. Patients will still require a referral document, but the process will become more efficient. Efforts to minimize hospital wait times and enable medication delivery to patients without requiring in-person visits to hospitals are also part of the plan to enhance convenience and reduce healthcare costs. The proposed changes will grant patients the flexibility to seek care at any hospital of their choice, similar to individuals with private health insurance policies. The goal is to create a patient-centric healthcare service. Dr Cholnan said the policy guidelines, divided into 13 groups for implementation, align with the Prime Minister’s efficiency-focused health policy. A committee dedicated to the development of the national health system will also be formed, chaired by the Prime Minister and led by Dr Surapong Suebwonglee as its secretary. The Public Health minister added that he plans to discuss with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to push for a special law that will address its workforce needs while allowing it more flexibility than existing CSC regulations. By Paul Rujopakarn Full story: NNT 2023-09-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Govt to Meet With Companies to Negotiate Minimum Wage Raise BANGKOK (NNT) - The government will negotiate with companies to raise the minimum daily wage as part of efforts to help alleviate workers’ financial burdens. The minimum wage raise, revision in labor laws and plans to address energy issues were just some of the economic policies declared during the recent debate on the government’s policy statement. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306619-govt-to-meet-with-companies-to-negotiate-minimum-wage-raise/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government will negotiate with companies to raise the minimum daily wage as part of efforts to help alleviate workers’ financial burdens. The minimum wage raise, revision in labor laws and plans to address energy issues were just some of the economic policies declared during the recent debate on the government’s policy statement. Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin said the government will meet with employers and employees to discuss raising the minimum wage to 400 baht, underlining the importance of doing so as soon as possible. He stressed that the wage raise is one of the government’s signature stimulus measures to revitalize the Thai economy. If successful, the wage increase will help the Pheu Thai Party move closer to achieving its election pledge of ultimately increasing the minimum wage to 600 baht by 2027. The current daily minimum wage varies from province to province, ranging from 328 baht to 354 baht. The prime minister also emphasized the importance of protecting employees’ rights and ensuring their security and welfare, including for migrant workers. He added that a one-stop center will be established to assist these people with documentation in a more efficient manner. The premier has also instructed the Ministry of Energy to work towards addressing the issue of rising electricity rates, which affects households and businesses. He added that the government will launch new stimulus programs to boost the tourism industry, as well as look into revising regulations to ensure that all workers are protected by labor laws and receive their full benefits. By Paul Rujopakarn Full story: NNT 2023-09-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

New Thai trade representative appointed Nalinee Taveesin The Cabinet has formally acknowledged the appointment of Nalinee Taveesin as Thai Trade Representative and an advisor to the prime minister. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306618-new-thai-trade-representative-appointed/

The Cabinet has formally acknowledged the appointment of Nalinee Taveesin as Thai Trade Representative and an advisor to the prime minister. Nalinee was born on February 12, 1960, as Nalinee Suthipak. She married Pitinan Taveesin and when they divorced some years later, Nalinee kept the family name. She previously served serve as a Thai Trade Representative under then prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra in 2011. She was later appointed as PM’s Office Minister, overseeing several government agencies, including the Royal Academy, the National Research Council of Thailand and the Office of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council. Caption: Nalinee Taveesin Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Would-be PM Pita makes it onto the “TIME100 Next” list this year Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward party, who almost became Thailand’s 30th prime minister, has been included on Time magazine’s “TIME100 Next” list for 2023. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306617-would-be-pm-pita-makes-it-onto-the-“time100-next”-list-this-year/

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward party, who almost became Thailand’s 30th prime minister, has been included on Time magazine’s “TIME100 Next” list for 2023. Pita is the only Thai listed by the US-based magazine among leaders whom they identify as shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership. The list is divided into five categories: Artists, Phenoms, Innovators, Advocates and Leaders. “The only thing more stunning than Pita Limjaroenrat’s election victory was the radical agenda he ran on to achieve it,” according to Time’s Charlie Campbell. The Harvard graduate’s upstart Move Forward Party secured 38% of the votes in Thailand’s May 14th polls, by promising to bridle the nation’s armed forces and the revered royal institution, scrapping its controversial royal-defamation law and ending military conscription. “But the byzantine nature of Thai democracy means Pita’s path to power has been blocked by an unelected Senate and a flurry of legal challenges,” wrote Campbell. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Court dismisses call for dissolution of Move Forward, Prachachat and Fair The Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition, demanding the dissolution of the Move Forward, Prachachat and Fair parties on charges of separatism and attempting to overthrow the democratic system through amendments to the Constitution. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306616-court-dismisses-call-for-dissolution-of-move-forward-prachachat-and-fair/

The Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition, demanding the dissolution of the Move Forward, Prachachat and Fair parties on charges of separatism and attempting to overthrow the democratic system through amendments to the Constitution. The petition was filed by Natthaporn Toprayoon, a lawyer and former advisor to the ombudsman, accusing the three parties of seeking to amend Chapter 1 of the Constitution, regarding the kingdom of Thailand, and Chapter 2, regarding the monarchy. He also accused the three parties of associating themselves with individuals or groups advocating for self-determination in the country’s three restive southern provinces. The court ruled that there is no factual evidence or otherwise to prove that the three parties were involved in separatist activities, or activities deemed as an attempt to overthrow the democratic system. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Brief details of “Kamnan Nok’s” extensive construction business Praween Chanklai, aka “Kamnan Nok, operates two construction firms, P. Phatanarungrod and P. Raweekanok, which have won contracts in 1,544 construction projects in 11 provinces combined. These contracts have been worth 7 billion baht since 2011, according to police investigation reports. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306615-brief-details-of-“kamnan-nok’s”-extensive-construction-business/

Praween Chanklai, aka “Kamnan Nok, operates two construction firms, P. Phatanarungrod and P. Raweekanok, which have won contracts in 1,544 construction projects in 11 provinces combined. These contracts have been worth 7 billion baht since 2011, according to police investigation reports. Praween, former head of Ta Kong sub-district in Mueang district of Nakhon Pathom province, is currently being held in police custody for the alleged murder of a highway police officer and wounding another at his house on September 6th, after one of the victims declined his request for the promotion of one of his men. Several state agencies, among them the Department of Special Investigation, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, the Revenue Department and the Central Investigation Bureau are investigating Praween’s vast construction business, to determine whether the contracts with state and local agencies were won through price collusion or the intimidation of competitors. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Search intensifies for mentally disabled teen lost in Thung Salaeng Luang forest Picture courtesy of KhaoSod The fate of a 17 year old boy with a mental disability, who has been lost in the Thung Salaeng Luang forest for four days, remains unknown. The search operation is being intensified, with the discovery of a common route previously used by lost individuals. Aerial search teams from the 11th Division of the National Park Department are waiting for clear skies to deploy paragliders today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306542-search-intensifies-for-mentally-disabled-teen-lost-in-thung-salaeng-luang-forest/

The fate of a 17 year old boy with a mental disability, who has been lost in the Thung Salaeng Luang forest for four days, remains unknown. The search operation is being intensified, with the discovery of a common route previously used by lost individuals. Aerial search teams from the 11th Division of the National Park Department are waiting for clear skies to deploy paragliders today. Sompong Homsanit, the District Chief Officer of Wang Thong, along with Tossaporn Paphakul, Chief of the National Park Division, Seksan Lomplaeng, Chief of the Conservation and Resource Protection Division, and rescuers from Prasat Boonyathan Station, are amongst those coordinating the search for Veerayut Yabooch, also known as Sam. Since September 9, they’ve been searching for him but have yet to find him. A team of more than 20 officials has been divided into two groups to search for him. An aerial search team from the 11th Division of the National Park Department has been grounded due to poor weather conditions. Previously, a group of five villagers went to search for the teenager, who was lost in the forest. However, all five villagers ended up getting lost as well. Fortunately, they had a phone with them and were able to contact the operation centre, allowing officials to safely rescue them. However, Veerayut is still missing, reported KhaoSod. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/search-intensifies-for-mentally-disabled-teen-lost-in-thung-salaeng-luang-forest -- The Thaiger 2023-09-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

American man faces dilemma as Thai girlfriend’s parents demand 1 million baht dowry Photo by Ben Stephenson via Flickr An American man asked netizens for advice on what to do after his Thai girlfriend’s family demanded a million baht dowry, known as sinsod in Thailand. He said he loved her very much but was not a foolish farang. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306541-american-man-faces-dilemma-as-thai-girlfriend’s-parents-demand-1-million-baht-dowry/

An American man asked netizens for advice on what to do after his Thai girlfriend’s family demanded a million baht dowry, known as sinsod in Thailand. He said he loved her very much but was not a foolish farang. The American shared his story on the social media platform Reddit yesterday, September 12. The man began by explaining that he was dating a Thai university student from a province in the Isaan region of Thailand. He expected that his girlfriend did not make much money from her career after graduation but her parents are middle class and own a shipping company. The parents asked the foreign man to give them 1 million baht as a dowry, half of which would go to his fiancée after the wedding ceremony and the other half would be kept by the parents for safekeeping. The American added that the amount was not negotiable whereas his girlfriend believed that the amount was reasonable because they had to show the dowry during the wedding ceremony. The foreign man concluded his post by stating that he would be departing Thailand in two weeks and might not return, leading him to decide to end the relationship. The post garnered over 300 comments from Reddit users. Some individuals online suggested that the dowry served as a form of security for the woman, as her parents might have been concerned that a foreigner would eventually abandon her. Others believed that the parents simply wanted to ensure that the man could provide for their daughter. Some advised the man to end the relationship, as he might end up having to provide even more for the woman and her family in the future. However, the majority of netizens recommended that he should approach his girlfriend and her parents honestly, informing them that he would not pay the dowry, rather than leaving without any explanation. By Petch Petpailin Captioon: Photo by Ben Stephenson via Flickr Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/american-man-faces-dilemma-as-thai-girlfriends-parents-demand-1-million-baht-dowry -- The Thaiger 2023-09-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ericsson Thailand’s 5g vision: Auctioning spectrum for king-sized connectivity Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post To boost 5G development in the kingdom, Ericsson Thailand advises the auctioning of the 3,500-megahertz spectrum by 2025, thus ensuring the best economic value and meeting consumer and enterprise needs. If the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) fails to allocate the 3,500MHz spectrum range by then, it may have to reallocate the 2,300MHz spectrum after 2025 when the National Telecom’s spectrum usage rights expire. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306540-ericsson-thailand’s-5g-vision-auctioning-spectrum-for-king-sized-connectivity/

To boost 5G development in the kingdom, Ericsson Thailand advises the auctioning of the 3,500-megahertz spectrum by 2025, thus ensuring the best economic value and meeting consumer and enterprise needs. If the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) fails to allocate the 3,500MHz spectrum range by then, it may have to reallocate the 2,300MHz spectrum after 2025 when the National Telecom’s spectrum usage rights expire. Igor Maurell, head of Ericsson Thailand, suggests that the reallocation of the 2,300MHz spectrum could help existing telecom operators optimise the spectrum, complementing the middle bands currently used for 5G service provision. The auction or reallocation should be based on affordable prices to attract potential telecom operators. The 3,500MHz range is globally acknowledged as an integral part of the middle band for 5G development. Its adoption by mobile phone operators for 5G is a top priority. Europe already has operators offering 5G commercial service through various networks and devices using the 3,500MHz range. Maurell emphasises that adopting 5G on 3,500 MHz would bolster Thailand’s regional competitiveness, enhancing network capability, performance, and value creation through monetising fixed wireless access (FWA) services for consumers and businesses. A working panel was previously established by the NBTC to prepare for the auction of 3400-3700 megahertz licences, but the plan was abandoned after the 5G licences auction in February 2020. Maurell recognises Thailand’s progressive stance on 5G, noting its dynamic market and tech-savvy consumers. By Atima Homtientong Caption: Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/ericsson-thailand-urges-3500mhz-spectrum-auction-for-5g-boost-by-2025 -- The Thaiger 2023-09-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Court dismissed petition against House speaker for trying to topple democratic system The Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition accusing House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha of attempting to topple the democratic system by negating Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination for prime minister. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306539-court-dismissed-petition-against-house-speaker-for-trying-to-topple-democratic-system/

The Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition accusing House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha of attempting to topple the democratic system by negating Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination for prime minister. The petition was lodged by Bandhit Poomthip, asking the court to rule whether the action by the Speaker, to order a vote during a joint sitting of the House and Senate on July 19 to determine whether Pita’s renomination, was against parliamentary rule 41. Bandhit accused the House speaker of abusing his authority in a way which was deemed, by the petitioner, to be an attempt to topple the democratic system in the country. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/court-dismissed-petition-against-house-speaker-for-trying-to-topple-democratic-system/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe