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Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed yesterday that the Thai government is set to implement e-payments across the state sector as a pivotal strategy to tackle the rampant issue of corruption. The announcement was made at an Anti-Corruption Day event organised by the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT), which the prime minister chaired. This event marked Srettha’s first public forum since assuming the role of prime minister. The forum was held at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station’s fourth floor, and attended by approximately 500 individuals, including public officials and representatives from the private sector. The 61 year old PM expressed his concern over Thailand’s rank on the Corruption Perceptions Index last year, where it held the fourth position among ASEAN countries, trailing behind Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The prime minister noted that these countries are direct competitors of Thailand, making it imperative for the nation to improve its standing since corruption can significantly impact the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and investor confidence, reported Bangkok Post. “Corruption dampens investors’ confidence and undermines the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).” By Mitch Connor Caption: Picture courtesy of Thairath Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-government-to-tackle-corruption-with-e-payments-and-digitalisation -- The Thaiger 2023-09-07 - 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 Deliver Policy Statement on Sept 11-12 BANGKOK, Sept 7 (TNA) – House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha has scheduled the declaration of the government’s policy statement to Parliament on Sept 11-12, or 30 hours in total. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305818-govt-to-deliver-policy-statement-on-sept-11-12/

BANGKOK, Sept 7 (TNA) – House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha has scheduled the declaration of the government’s policy statement to Parliament on Sept 11-12, or 30 hours in total. Mr. Wan Muhammad disclosed the session would take two day from 09:00 to 24:00 with allocated time as follows: the House Speaker for 1 hour, the Cabinet for 5 hours, the coalition parties for 5 hours, the opposition parties for 14 hours, and the Senate for 5 hours. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1234659 -- Thai News Agency 2023-09-07 - 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

Take a Closer Look at Siamese Buddhist Murals Early 19th century murals at Wat Bang Yi Khan, Thonburi depicting Jatakas between windows, with two scenes on the right separated by a jagged red sinthao line. Source: Aiken Unni “A picture’s worth a thousand words” has never been truer with Siamese murals. Seen in Thai temples, museums, and palaces, Siamese murals are packed with messages of morality and wisdom distilled from the Jataka tales, a collection of stories telling of the Buddha’s previous incarnations. Translating these fables into murals allowed for most people to access Buddhist values in artful ways that captured the imagination. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305817-take-a-closer-look-at-siamese-buddhist-murals/

“A picture’s worth a thousand words” has never been truer with Siamese murals. Seen in Thai temples, museums, and palaces, Siamese murals are packed with messages of morality and wisdom distilled from the Jataka tales, a collection of stories telling of the Buddha’s previous incarnations. Translating these fables into murals allowed for most people to access Buddhist values in artful ways that captured the imagination. Still, the Jatakas are almost two millennia old and weren’t the most relatable material. To create a more enjoyable learning experience, artists began to inject unrelated imagery between the celestial figures, weaving together a network of scenes, both relevant and irrelevant. Here, we decipher the scenes and symbolism of real murals and explain the thought process that went into creating ancient Siamese art. Form and function Initially temple murals were created as religious offerings. However, thanks to relaxing trade monopolies in the 18th century, a new bourgeoisie class emerged and wanted to invest in charitable projects. As a result, these religious murals began to take on a more didactic function: teaching moral lessons to a largely illiterate population. The design and structure of the murals would therefore become more and more important for storytelling. There was no single, widely accepted composition for these murals, leading to a period of experimentation. Eventually, the more effective compositions grew popular and would become standardized during the Rattanakosin (Bangkok) period. Generally, painters composed their murals with the Jatakas at eye-level, in bays between windows, which provided a source of light. This example at the temple of Wat Bang Yi Khan in Thonburi has each scene or story take up one bay. When multiple scenes occupied a single bay, they were separated with characteristic zig-zag lines called sinthao. The entire mural was organized clockwise within the hall. Above the windows, historic Buddhas and angels were marginalized to the upper registers, as they were mostly decorative. One of the best-known Jatakas is the “Victory over Mara,” a turning point in the life of the Buddha. At Wat Bang Yi Khan, the scene is painted on the upper wall facing the principal Buddha statue or image. The story goes that after several failed attempts at halting the Buddha’s process of enlightenment, Mara (the devil) descended on the Buddha with his army of demons. The Buddha called the earth goddess Dharani (Phra Mae Thorani) to witness his enlightenment. Seeing Mara’s armies, the earth goddess wrung water from her hair, washing them away in a tidal wave while their weapons were transformed into flowers. Thus, the Buddha assumes victory over the devils, a metaphor for worldly temptations. On the opposite end, behind the Buddha image, a similar-size mural depicts the “traiphum” (three worlds) of Buddhist cosmology. The traiphum was first described in the 14th-century text of the same name, which detailed the various heavens and hells of the Buddhist cosmos. Artists’ depictions of traiphum tend to be extremely dramatic. This composition was only popular until the mid-19th century, at which point, Siamese murals had already begun to change drastically in the reign of King Rama III (c. 1824-51). While the most important stories were contained at roughly eye level, the visual language of the 19th century called for narrative scenes that expanded all the way up to the ceiling. Faith with profanity Being visible isn’t the same as drawing attention. To keep temple-goers interested, artists began introducing scenes of everyday life as a way to make the murals more relatable. These scenes became known as phap kaak or “art dregs.” The contrast between the heavy themes of morality and art dregs gave the viewer room to breathe and helped to contemporize the murals. This is thought to create a stronger emotional connection between the viewer and the characters in the story. Bangkok’s Wat Chong Nonsi has an interesting example, which depicts a typical setting of a rural residence. As per the Jataka tale, the renowned sage Vidhura bids his wives and children farewell and the demon Punnaka takes him away to be killed. However, in the background, a couple can be seen fornicating while other members of the household nosily peek through the bed curtains. Near the base of the house, children are playing a prank on their parents as they pound rice. In essence, it’s people going about their daily life, uncensored. Here, the viewer can picture a rural setting typical of the time period. The episode of Vidhura leaving his family is a sad one, but using the ordinary, familiar setting of Vidhura’s home helps to put viewers in his shoes. Beyond the Jatakas With form and function completely mastered by artists in the 19th century, Siamese murals became increasingly versatile. Stories other than the Jatakas were applied to the same compositions and underwent similar adaptations. The Ramayana was a popular subject among royal patrons. This Hindu epic, known in Thai as the Ramakien, recounts the adventures of the Hindu god Rama and his fight against the evil Ravana (known in Thai as tossakan) to win back his wife Sita. Rama is considered the ideal king, and therefore, depictions of the story were frequently used to legitimize royal power. Kings would project themselves as a mix of a bodhisattva (a person who is on the path towards Buddhahood) and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of Rama. The most famous of the Ramakien paintings is the long and winding mural in the corridor of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The current paintings are from the 20th century, but paintings have existed here since the 18th century. The style of these paintings are very modern, yet they retain a narrative clarity in their composition. The scenes, though heavily repainted, correspond to the classical Thai architecture and setting of the late 19th–early 20th centuries. In the 1830s, King Rama IV’s reformed Dhammayuttika Nikaya or Thammayut sect of Buddhism was growing. Followers hail the Thammayut sect as reflecting a more rational approach, dismissing superstition and magical practices. New art was needed to reflect this new direction, and the monk painter Khrua In Khong was the perfect candidate. Khrua In Khong fused aspects of European and Chinese paintings with traditional narrative elements to create some of the most intriguing Siamese murals still in existence. Instead of Jatakas, the monk portrayed various scenes that were more metaphorical and philosophical in nature. The horseracing mural at the royal temple of Wat Borom Niwat in Bangkok is accompanied by an inscription explaining that the jockey is like the Buddha who trains his horse to be steadfast and well mannered. The act of training the horse is therefore a metaphor for Buddha’s teachings (dharma) and the horse represents the Buddhist clergy (sangha). Paintings of legends behind Bangkok’s important Buddha images (the Emerald Buddha and Phra Phuttha Sihing) were introduced in the 19th century. A prime example survives in Wat Bowon Sathan Sutthawat. They retell the legendary origins of the statue in Sri Lanka and how it, after swapping places several times between various kingdoms in Siam, ended up in Bangkok. Though most likely fictional, the stories were used to boost Bangkok’s prestige as a center of divine administrative authority. In those days, precious and sacred Buddha images were vital to legitimizing a kingdom’s power. Key takeaways Siamese murals have enjoyed almost three centuries as popular tools of teaching that flourished with the emergence of a merchant class looking to commission lavish, charitable projects. Exploring a sudden interest in a religious medium, Thai muralists developed complex compositions and inserted irrelevant, even outright profane scenes meant to balance out the heavy moral fables. Eventually, a shift in religious and political climate would push the envelope of Siamese paintings past literal depictions of the Jatakas into interpretations of Thai Buddhism, creating a precedent for Thai murals to broaden their subject matter. This style would become the core of a centuries-old tradition that can still be seen around Thailand today. By Aiken Unni 1st photo caption: Early 19th century murals at Wat Bang Yi Khan, Thonburi depicting Jatakas between windows, with two scenes on the right separated by a jagged red sinthao line. Source: Aiken Unni 2nd photo caption: Maravijaya (“Victory over Mara”) mural (first half of the 19th century) above the front doors of the ordination hall at Wat Bang Yi Khan. Source: Aiken Unni 3rd photo caption: Mural (c. 1750-1830) behind the presiding Buddha image at Wat Mai Thep Nimit in Bangkok depicting the traiphum and its seven great mountain ranges, with mount Meru at the center. Source: Aiken Unni 4th photo caption: Mural (c. 1734) at Wat Koh Keaw Suttharam, Phetchaburi with an unusual composition depicting the Buddha’s life. Source: Aiken Unni 5th photo caption: Murals (after 1822) in the ordination hall of Wat Suthat, a royal temple in Bangkok. The lower sections are stories of paccekabuddhas (individuals who attain enlightenment independently), while the upper sections tell of historic buddhas. Source: Aiken Unni 6th photo caption: Mural (late 17th-18th century) at Wat Chong Nonsi, Bangkok depicting Vidhura Pandita taking leave of his family. Source: Aiken Unni 7th photo caption: Mural (20th century) at the Grand Palace, Bangkok of Hanuman in his giant form sheltering Rama’s camp. Source: Aiken Unni 8th photo caption: Murals (1834-65) in Wat Borom Niwat, Bangkok depicting horse racing, an allegory for Buddha, his teachings, and the clergy. Source: Aiken Unni 9th photo caption: Mural (c. 1850s) portraying Sri Lanka at Wat Bowon Sathan Sutthawat in the Grand Palace. Note the European-style architecture, which was meant to allude to a foreignness, as opposed to the Siamese architecture in other sections. Source: Aiken Unni Source: https://www.thailandnow.in.th/arts-culture/take-a-closer-look-at-siamese-buddhist-murals/ -- THAILAND NOW 2023-09-07 - 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

Gov’t Digital Money Campaign in Discussion: PM BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has set a target to launch the digital money campaign it promised during election campaigns, saying the fund will be available early next year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305815-gov’t-digital-money-campaign-in-discussion-pm/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has set a target to launch the digital money campaign it promised during election campaigns, saying the fund will be available early next year. The Thai government under the leadership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is expected to roll out the digital money campaign in February 2024. The administration is now in talks with several sectors in regard to necessary steps and due diligence. The Prime Minister yesterday met with Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, who gave him suggestions on the country’s financial system and briefed him on the household debt situation. The digital money campaign was heavily promoted by coalition leader Pheu Thai Party during the election campaign. Thai citizens at the age of 16 and over will be eligible to receive 10,000 baht in digital money, which can be used to purchase goods from sellers located within a 4-kilometer radius of their residences. Pheu Thai Party said this campaign will provide a major boost to the sluggish economy, while accelerating the country’s digital infrastructure development. The government is scheduled to deliver its policies to the legislature next week. Mr. Srettha promised concrete outcomes under his administration. The next Cabinet meeting will be taking place on 13 September. The topics of constitutional amendment and energy price reductions are among the issues to be discussed. By Tanakorn Sangiam Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230907160838620 -- NNT 2023-09-07 - 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

Srettha’s Cabinet ready for work BANGKOK (NNT) - Cabinet ministers under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration today outlined their work priorities as they met in a special meeting at Government House. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305814-srettha’s-cabinet-ready-for-work/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Cabinet ministers under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration today outlined their work priorities as they met in a special meeting at Government House. Minister of Public Health Dr. Chonlanan Srikaew said he intended to improve the universal health system, allowing citizens to have access to services at any healthcare facility using only their ID card. The health minister did not mention the timeframe for this goal to be achieved, but said he needed to look into the details of this plan. Minister of Social Development and Human Security Varawut Silpa-archa said his family and Chart Thai Pattana Party have for decades been working on social issues and helping people with disabilities, which he wishes to continue in this administration. Mr. Varawut said he was prepared to start working on several urgent tasks, which shall proceed after the declaration of government policies before the parliament. He also expressed his confidence that the debt issue faced by the National Housing Authority can be solved. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul said everything within the Ministry of Interior is urgent. He said he was prepared to work together with civil servants and had already gathered input from the Permanent Secretary of Interior. On the topic of decentralization, the minister said there have always been efforts made in this regard such as the transfer of hospitals from the Ministry of Public Health to provincial administrative organizations. Lastly, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Anucha Nakasai said he can work comfortably with Cabinet members from other political parties. He promised his ministry would continue the cattle farming promotion campaign and that all the responsibilities within the ministry would be delegated by Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Capt Thamanat Prompow. By Tanakorn Sangiam Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230907092423437 -- NNT 2023-09-07 - 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

Thapanee Kiatphaiboon Assumes Role as TAT Governor BANGKOK (NNT) - Thapanee Kiatphaiboon has officially assumed her role as the new Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). With a career at TAT dating back to 1999, she has held various key positions within the organization, including Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, and most recently, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305813-thapanee-kiatphaiboon-assumes-role-as-tat-governor/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thapanee Kiatphaiboon has officially assumed her role as the new Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). With a career at TAT dating back to 1999, she has held various key positions within the organization, including Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, and most recently, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing. During her tenure as Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, Thapanee spearheaded several impactful tourism initiatives aimed at bolstering Thailand’s economy. Notable initiatives included promoting workation in Thailand, faith and religious tourism routes, and solo travel, which collectively contributed to stimulating 151.45 million domestic trips in 2022, nearly 88% of the record set in 2019, generating 641.5 billion Baht. Thapanee’s leadership was instrumental in launching the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification program during her role as Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business. The new TAT governor also initiated the Special Tourist Visa (STV) scheme to promote Thailand’s reopening, leading to other entry schemes like Villa Quarantine, Yacht Quarantine, Golf Quarantine, and the internationally acclaimed Phuket Sandbox model for the country’s reopening. Thapanee’s proficiency in technology and social media played a crucial role in leveraging these platforms for Thailand’s tourism promotion and development. Her accomplishments include the Google Street View project in collaboration with Google Thailand and the management of ’Amazing Thailand’ social media platforms. Recognized as a proponent of special interest tourism products, Thapanee has contributed to the development of health and wellness tourism, yacht and cruise tourism, community tourism, and the award-winning "King’s Wisdom for Sustainable Tourism" project, which received the PATA Grand Awards 2018 in the Education and Training category. In her earlier years at TAT, Thapanee received recognition for her efforts in promoting and developing intra-regional travel within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). By Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230907110642477 -- NNT 2023-09-07 - 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

Thai Oil Pipeline Rupture Sparks Coral Health Concerns BANGKOK (NNT) - The ruptured offshore pipeline of Thai Oil in Chon Buri province has raised concerns among marine experts at the Aquatic Resources Research Institute (ARRI) of Chulalongkorn University. They fear that the oil spill could have severe consequences on coral and result in long-term effects. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305812-thai-oil-pipeline-rupture-sparks-coral-health-concerns/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The ruptured offshore pipeline of Thai Oil in Chon Buri province has raised concerns among marine experts at the Aquatic Resources Research Institute (ARRI) of Chulalongkorn University. They fear that the oil spill could have severe consequences on coral and result in long-term effects. Research conducted by ARRI indicates that oil pollution can hinder the coral’s ability to generate new reproductive cells, leading to what is termed the "abortion effect." Even though marine environments can eventually recover from such incidents, the affected coral may not fully regain its health. The agency recommends close monitoring and the use of advanced scanning technology to assess the long-term impact on marine life. Researchers from Chulalongkorn University have already begun collecting samples from the oil-polluted area, and a metagenomic study will be conducted to assess the effects on marine animals. The recent oil spill in Chon Buri follows similar incidents in January and July in Rayong. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reported finding a thin layer of oil near the pipeline, but there is currently no evidence of oil pollution on the coral. Inspections using underwater drones were carried out by various authorities, including the Marine and Coastal Resources Administration Office 2 in Chon Buri, the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center in the Eastern Upper Gulf of Thailand, and the Pollution Control Department. The survey results have so far revealed a thin layer of oil near Khang Khao Island. By Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230907111201480 -- NNT 2023-09-07 - 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

EC endorses Move Forward candidate’s qualifications ahead of Rayong by-election Pongsathon Sonpechnarintr, Move Forward candidate for Rayong by-election Election Commission (EC) has confirmed that Pongsathon Sonpechnarintr, the Move Forward party candidate running in the by-election in Constituency 3 of Rayong province, is qualified to contest the poll this Sunday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305811-ec-endorses-move-forward-candidate’s-qualifications-ahead-of-rayong-by-election/

Election Commission (EC) has confirmed that Pongsathon Sonpechnarintr, the Move Forward party candidate running in the by-election in Constituency 3 of Rayong province, is qualified to contest the poll this Sunday. The EC’s ruling, which was published on its website, dismissed a complaint challenging the qualifications of Pongsathon on the grounds that he was a Move Forward party-list candidate in the May 14 general election and is, therefore, unqualified to run in the by-election, in accordance with the election law. The EC said it had conducted an investigation and discovered that Pongsathon, on August 5, had formally requested that the party delete his name from the list of party-list candidates, effective as on August 6, and the party had informed the EC chairman and the House Speaker about Pongsathon’s decision. Caption: Pongsathon Sonpechnarintr, Move Forward candidate for Rayong by-election Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ec-endorses-move-forward-candidates-qualifications-ahead-of-rayong-by-election/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-07 - 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 Srettha agrees to use bullet-proof Mecedes-Benz Before going to take oath of office at Dusit Royal Palace on September 5, Prime Minister Srettha arrived at Government House in his new Lexus LM 350h Executive saloon, causing many to wonder whether he will use it as his official vehicle. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305810-pm-srettha-agrees-to-use-bullet-proof-mecedes-benz/

Before going to take oath of office at Dusit Royal Palace on September 5, Prime Minister Srettha arrived at Government House in his new Lexus LM 350h Executive saloon, causing many to wonder whether he will use it as his official vehicle. Some went further, claiming that Srettha wanted to use the Lexus as his official vehicle, because he did not want to have the same vehicle as his predecessor Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. The subject of Srettha’s transport has been widely debated on Thai social media. The following day, however, the media at Government House reported that officials had brought a specially equipped Mercedes-Benz to the front entrance and Srettha was seen getting into the back seat of the German vehicle and then getting back out again. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pm-srettha-agrees-to-use-bullet-proof-mecedes-benz/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-07 - 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

Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol: First-time MP ready to blaze trail as tourism minister Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, a first-time MP, has surprised observers by winning a post in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s new Cabinet. The 41-year-old was catapulted to the top of Thailand’s political tree as the scion of one of the country’s most influential political clans. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305809-sudawan-wangsuphakijkosol-first-time-mp-ready-to-blaze-trail-as-tourism-minister/

Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, a first-time MP, has surprised observers by winning a post in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s new Cabinet. The 41-year-old was catapulted to the top of Thailand’s political tree as the scion of one of the country’s most influential political clans. Sudawan was handed the sought-after post of tourism and sports minister on September 2, becoming the youngest member of the Cabinet. Family matters Born in 1982, Sudawan is the eldest daughter of Weerasak Wangsuphakijkosol, a former deputy commerce minister, and his wife Yolada, who is chief executive of Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organization. Caption: Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/sudawan-wangsuphakijkosol-first-time-mp-ready-to-blaze-trail-as-tourism-minister/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-07 - 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

Wanted Former Pattaya Mayor Reportedly Flees Thailand to Evade Arrest PHOTO: Prachachat Pol. Maj. Gen. Chomchawin Punatananon, the Deputy Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police, told Thai media today that he has received information, which indicated that Mr. Itthiphol has left Thailand on the morning of August 30th, 2023, after attending a meeting, and has not returned since. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305653-arrest-warrant-issued-for-former-pattaya-mayor-over-condo-approval-case/?do=findComment&comment=18330438

Wanted Former Pattaya Mayor Reportedly Flees Thailand to Evade Arrest Pol. Maj. Gen. Chomchawin Punatananon, the Deputy Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police, told Thai media today that he has received information, which indicated that Mr. Itthiphol has left Thailand on the morning of August 30th, 2023, after attending a meeting, and has not returned since. He reportedly left the country on Cambodia Airways flight KR0702 and was headed to Phnom Penh. By Tanakorn Panyadee Caption: PHOTO: Prachachat Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/09/06/update-wanted-former-pattaya-mayor-reportedly-flees-thailand-to-evade-arrest-in-waterfront-condo-case/ -- The Pattaya News 2023-09-06 - 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

Senate to grill govt over “digital wallet” and constitutional amendments A number of senators will question the government over its “digital wallet” scheme and plans for constitutional amendments during the policy statement debate, which will take place over about 30 hours on September 11 and 12. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305744-senate-to-grill-govt-over-“digital-wallet”-and-constitutional-amendments/

A number of senators will question the government over its “digital wallet” scheme and plans for constitutional amendments during the policy statement debate, which will take place over about 30 hours on September 11 and 12. Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, spokesman for the Senate whips, said today (Wednesday) that the whips of the senate, the government and opposition parties will meet tomorrow to discuss the allocation of time during the debate. Kamnoon said that each senator will be given about 10 minutes to speak and has until this Friday to apply to join the debate. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/senate-to-grill-govt-over-digital-wallet-and-constitutional-amendments/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-06 - 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

Bangkok engineer arrested for alleged extortion Photo via Facebook/ สื่อสารองค์กร สำนักงาน ป․ป․ท․ Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers arrested a senior engineer at Lat Krabang District Office in Bangkok on a corruption accusation. The official was reportedly accused of extorting 50,000 baht from a construction contractor. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305740-bangkok-engineer-arrested-for-alleged-extortion/

Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers arrested a senior engineer at Lat Krabang District Office in Bangkok on a corruption accusation. The official was reportedly accused of extorting 50,000 baht from a construction contractor. The Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) received a complaint about corruption from a construction contractor. According to the complainant, the senior engineer in question, 59 year old Wiroj, pressured the contractor to pay him by making a lot of edits to the construction plans. It is alleged he requested the contractor to pay 50,000 baht in exchange for a construction permit. The PACC conducted a further investigation into the matter and found that the complaint was genuine and handed the case over to the CIB to execute the arrest. The CIB engaged with the construction contractor, urging him to prepare the money, and then arrange a meeting with Wiroj at the district office, set for September 5. On the meeting day, the CIB monitored the district office and witnessed Pairoj taking a paper bag with money from the contractor. The CIB officers swiftly revealed themselves, informing Wiroj of the accusations against him. Wiroj denied the allegation. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Facebook/ สื่อสารองค์กร สำนักงาน ป․ป․ท․ Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/cash-con-tractor-bangkok-engineer-arrested-for-alleged-extortion -- The Thaiger 2023-09-06 - 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