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Pheu Thai Party’s unique political partnership faces public disapproval: Survey Leader of Bhumjaithai Party Anutin Charnvirakul, left, shakes hands with Leader of Pheu Thai Party Chonlanan Srikaew during a press conference announcing a coalition party in Bangkok, Monday, August 7. Picture courtesy of AP. A recent telephone survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed significant disapproval of the Pheu Thai Party‘s plan to form a special government in collaboration with its political adversaries, Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation (UTN) parties. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304229-pheu-thai-party’s-unique-political-partnership-faces-public-disapproval-survey/

A recent telephone survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed significant disapproval of the Pheu Thai Party‘s plan to form a special government in collaboration with its political adversaries, Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation (UTN) parties. This survey, also known as the NIDA poll, was conducted from August 15 through August 17 and involved a detailed conversation with over 1,310 adults over the age of 18, hailing from a wide array of backgrounds. The resulting data pointed out that nearly 48% of the populace objected to the Pheu Thai Party’s move for a merged government arrangement. A mere 19.5% demonstrated a high degree of acceptance, whilst an estimated 17% showcased moderate resistance, in contrast to roughly 15% who showed a moderate degree of support. An additional 1% of the respondents refrained from providing their views on the matter. In the survey, when queried about which Pheu Thai candidate would make the best fit for the next prime ministerial run, around 38.6% gave a nod in favour of Paetongtarn “Ung-ing” Shinawatra, while nearly 36.5% stated their preference for Srettha Thavisin. A small faction of around 8.4% vouched for Chaikasem Nitisiri, and approximately 16.3% of people refrained from answering the question at all. By Mitch Connor Caption: Leader of Bhumjaithai Party Anutin Charnvirakul, left, shakes hands with Leader of Pheu Thai Party Chonlanan Srikaew during a press conference announcing a coalition party in Bangkok, Monday, August 7. Picture courtesy of AP. Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/nida-poll-reveals-thai-public-disapproval-over-pheu-thais-merged-government-plan -- Thaiger 2023-08-21 - 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 businesses warned of ‘global boiling,’ rising power costs Climate change is ushering in "global boil" with temperatures and power costs rising. Thai businesses must react. (via Eurasia Review) The United Nations has warned of the global boiling – the intense rise in temperatures and associated power costs we are seeing now, which are predicted to only worsen in the future. Thailand witnessed an unprecedented rise in electricity bills and an all-time high average temperature in July. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304228-thai-businesses-warned-of-‘global-boiling’-rising-power-costs/

The United Nations has warned of the global boiling – the intense rise in temperatures and associated power costs we are seeing now, which are predicted to only worsen in the future. Thailand witnessed an unprecedented rise in electricity bills and an all-time high average temperature in July. This salient shift in weather patterns is leading businesses and governments to consider climate change as an integral aspect of their planning strategies. Sanan Angubolkul, who helms the Thai Chamber of Commerce, opined that climatic upheavals and global warming are impacting the nation’s agricultural and food sectors significantly. Having grave implications for Thailand’s exports and household incomes, these climate changes are incredibly influential on the country’s food security. Whilst the government has shown determination in striving for carbon neutrality by 2050 and a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2065, corporate organisations, particularly larger ones, are gradually recognising the need to take stringent measures. Chaichan Chareonsuk, the leader of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, stressed the importance of businesses strategising for volatile weather conditions and temperature spikes. Due to their immense bearing on the nation’s economy, extreme and prolonged fluctuations in these weather factors could potentially decimate the agricultural sector and its dependent supply chains. However, in the face of the UN’s grim prognosis about the heightened frequency of natural disasters, businesses are slow to respond. Cherdsak Wattanavijitkul, President of TPC Power Holding cited that only a handful have taken actual steps to slash carbon dioxide emissions. By Neill Fronde Caption: Climate change is ushering in "global boil" with temperatures and power costs rising. Thai businesses must react. (via Eurasia Review) Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thai-businesses-urged-to-strategise-amid-global-boiling-and-rising-power-costs -- Thaiger 2023-08-21 - 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

Mother seeks aid as son’s dark turn targets family cat Photo via Facebook/ เจาะลึกทั่วไทย Inside Thailand A Thai mother reached out to a non-profit organisation for help after her 10 year old son was exposed to methamphetamine, commonly known as Yaba, and attempted to kill the family’s pet cat. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304227-mother-seeks-aid-as-son’s-dark-turn-targets-family-cat/

A Thai mother reached out to a non-profit organisation for help after her 10 year old son was exposed to methamphetamine, commonly known as Yaba, and attempted to kill the family’s pet cat. The woman told the Paveena Foundation for Women and Children that her son’s personality had changed for the worse during the past month. The boy is out of control, displaying uncharacteristic aggressive behaviour, and turning on family members which had never happened before. According to the woman, the situation escalated on August 25 when the boy attempted to kill the family cat. The woman said she saw her son holding a knife to the cat’s neck ready to slit the animal’s throat. She managed to intervene and rescued the cat in time. Alarmed by the abrupt and distressing shift in her son’s behaviour, the mother took him to a hospital for a thorough evaluation. A subsequent drug test revealed shocking results that the boy had tested positive for Yaba. The boy then revealed the whole story behind his drug addiction to his mother. He explained that a neighbour named Singha lured him into using Yaba. Singha gave him two to three pills per day in exchange for 50 to 100 baht. He had to find the money to give to Singha otherwise he would suffer from withdrawal symptoms. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Facebook/ เจาะลึกทั่วไทย Inside Thailand Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/yaba-ordeal-mother-seeks-aid-as-sons-dark-turn-targets-family-cat -- Thaiger 2023-08-21 - 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

Rice prices spike threatens farmers in Thailand Photo courtesy of KhaoSod An increase in rice prices is causing concern for local farmers and rice millers in Uttradit, Thailand. The Agricultural Cooperative of Uttradit City Limited, known for producing and selling the “Good Udom” brand of bagged rice, is currently facing a shortage of husked rice. This crisis is due to large-scale rice millers purchasing at high rates, causing the price of rice to increase substantially. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304226-rice-prices-spike-threatens-farmers-in-thailand/

An increase in rice prices is causing concern for local farmers and rice millers in Uttradit, Thailand. The Agricultural Cooperative of Uttradit City Limited, known for producing and selling the “Good Udom” brand of bagged rice, is currently facing a shortage of husked rice. This crisis is due to large-scale rice millers purchasing at high rates, causing the price of rice to increase substantially. This price surge is a ripple effect of India’s decision to halt rice exports, causing global rice prices to skyrocket. The current situation is expected to last until the end of this year or early next year. The manager of the Agricultural Cooperative of Uttradit City Limited, Praphan Mairayong, along with the production and marketing team, inspected the stock of husked rice and bagged rice. At present, the husked rice supply is on a buy-and-sell basis with no stock available. The cooperative has temporarily halted operations and will only mill rice when husked rice is available. They are now only packaging for their regular customers – over 200 stores, as they cannot cater to walk-in customers due to the shortage. Praphan said… “Currently, our mill is short of husked rice because farmers in Uttradit only have crops in the Pichai district. However, large-scale mill operators from other provinces are buying at high prices, over 12,000 baht per tonne. This has turned into a golden opportunity for our farmers.” By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/uttradit-rice-farmers-face-crisis-due-to-skyrocketing-prices-and-supply-shortage-2 -- Thaiger 2023-08-21 - 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

Taiwanese mastermind nabbed for global web of crime, money laundering Photo via Facebook/ Saichon Chounchou Thai police arrested a Taiwanese man behind a money laundering operation, a scam call centre and organising online gambling gangs across Asia and Europe. The 39 year old man was apprehended in a luxury condominium in Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304224-taiwanese-mastermind-nabbed-for-global-web-of-crime-money-laundering/

Thai police arrested a Taiwanese man behind a money laundering operation, a scam call centre and organising online gambling gangs across Asia and Europe. The 39 year old man was apprehended in a luxury condominium in Bangkok. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand alerted the Royal Thai Police (RTP) about the wanted suspect, Guo She Min, due to his involvement in money laundering operations with several criminal gangs. Min reportedly entered the country on a Thailand Elite Visa, which was later revoked by the police. Officers conducted a further investigation into Min until they found his luxury condominium along the Chao Phraya River in the Khlong San district of Bangkok and arrested him on August 18. The condominium where he resided is valued at over 200 million baht. According to a police report, Min created his profile as a celebrity in a high-society community in Taiwan. He also dated a female Taiwanese actress to make his profile more reliable. However, his criminal actions were exposed after he suspiciously opened new companies in Taiwan and other countries. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Facebook/ Saichon Chounchou Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/scam-buster-taiwanese-mastermind-nabbed-in-bangkok-condo-for-global-web-of-crime-money-laundering -- Thaiger 2023-08-21 - 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 taxi driver bucks trend, returns 400,000 baht to passenger Image via Khaosod A Bangkok taxi driver put the breaks on the capital’s bad boy cabbie reputation after he returned nearly 400,000 baht to a Bangladeshi passenger. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304222-bangkok-taxi-driver-bucks-trend-returns-400000-baht-to-passenger/

A Bangkok taxi driver put the breaks on the capital’s bad boy cabbie reputation after he returned nearly 400,000 baht to a Bangladeshi passenger. There’s not a day that goes by without a story breaking of one of Bangkok’s bad boy taxi drivers ripping off customers, refusing to service or turn on meters, brawling with passengers or even masturbating. One Bangkok taxi driver, however, went a long way to redeem others after he discovered a large wad of cash on the back seat and immediately contacted SWP.FM9 radio station to aid in returning the cash to its rightful owner. On Saturday, August 19, the taxi driver, Phonsak Phunni, visited the SWP.FM91 radio station after discovering a long black wallet containing numerous identification cards, credit cards, and 105 US$100 bills, amounting to 10,500 dollars (373,490 baht). The wallet also contained 7,050 Indian rupees (3,000 baht). The wallet was suspected to have been left behind by three foreign male passengers who had travelled from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Indra Emporium in Pratunam around 1pm that day. Phonsak stated that after dropping off the passengers, he immediately picked up new ones from the same area. One of the new passengers handed him the wallet, leading him to believe it belonged to the three men who had just alighted. “I was shocked and shaking. I didn’t dare to look inside completely.” By Bob Scott Caption: Image via Khaosod Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bangkok-taxi-driver-hailed-for-returning-400000-baht-to-bangladeshi-passenger -- Thaiger 2023-08-21 - 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

Narathiwat residents affected by fireworks blast suing warehouse owners PHOTO: Thai PBS Residents who lost their homes in a fatal explosion at a fireworks warehouse in the southern province of Narathiwat plan to sue. Twelve people died and 389 were injured in the July 29 blast in the sub-district of Muno, in the Sungai Kolok district, right near the Malysian border. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304221-narathiwat-residents-affected-by-fireworks-blast-suing-warehouse-owners/

Residents who lost their homes in a fatal explosion at a fireworks warehouse in the southern province of Narathiwat plan to sue. Twelve people died and 389 were injured in the July 29 blast in the sub-district of Muno, in the Sungai Kolok district, right near the Malysian border. A total of a staggering 682 homes were damaged or totally destroyed, along with 3 schools. Some 25 affected homeowners now plan to file a civil lawsuit against the owners of the illegal fireworks warehouse, 42 year old Sompong Nakul, and his 42 year old wife, Piyanuch Puengwirawat. They have been in custody since their arrest on August 6, facing charges of negligence causing deaths, importing and/or selling fireworks without a permit and violating the South’s Emergency Decree. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Thai PBS Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/narathiwat-residents-affected-by-fireworks-blast-suing-warehouse-owners/ -- Phuket GO 2023-08-21 - 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

Thaksin will be “escorted from plane to prison” when he arrives Tuesday Facebook/Thaksin Shinawatra Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra will be arrested as soon as he lands tomorrow, August 22, according to officials who say outstanding arrest warrants and the result of convictions during his exile will be executed when he steps foot in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304218-thaksin-will-be-“escorted-from-plane-to-prison”-when-he-arrives-tuesday/

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra will be arrested as soon as he lands tomorrow, August 22, according to officials who say outstanding arrest warrants and the result of convictions during his exile will be executed when he steps foot in Thailand. It’s the same day that a joint sitting of parliament will meet for the third time to elect a new Thai PM, led by the Pheu Thai party, the party where Thaksin is seen as the ‘spiritual leader’. Nation Thailand reports that there’s much speculation that officials from the Police and Corrections Department will be on hand to meet Thaksin’s private jet and will take him from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport to the Supreme Court. By Peter Roche Caption: Facebook/Thaksin Shinawatra Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/thaksin-will-be-escorted-from-plane-to-prison-when-he-arrives-tuesday/ -- Phuket GO 2023-08-21 - 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 Q2 GDP Growth Below Forecast at 1.8% BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai economy expanded slower than expected in the second quarter, according to data released on Monday (21 Aug), with strength in tourism helping to counter weaker exports amid a slowdown in global demand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304217-thai-q2-gdp-growth-below-forecast-at-18/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai economy expanded slower than expected in the second quarter, according to data released on Monday (21 Aug), with strength in tourism helping to counter weaker exports amid a slowdown in global demand. The government cut its 2023 gross domestic product growth forecast to 2.5% to 3.0% from a range of 2.7% to 3.7%, citing slower exports. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) said Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy grew 1.8% in the April-June period from a year earlier, below the 3.1% expansion expected by economists in a Reuters poll. Gross domestic product (GDP) had risen 2.7% year-on-year in the first quarter. On a quarterly basis, GDP rose a seasonally adjusted 0.2% in the June quarter, versus a forecast rise of 1.2%. First-quarter GDP was revised to 1.7% from an earlier 1.9% increase. As weak global demand crimps exports, Thailand’s economy has been supported by its vital tourism sector and private consumption growth. The agency maintained a forecast of 28 million foreign tourist arrivals this year. It projected exports to drop 1.8% in 2023 versus an earlier forecast for a 1.6% fall. Exports, a key driver of growth, have contracted since October 2022, due to soft global demand, especially due to a slowdown in China, Thailand’s major trading partner. By Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230821125835517 -- NNT 2023-08-21 - 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

TCC Calls for Restoration of Universal Pension Scheme BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has urged the new government to reconsider a recently introduced regulation restricting certain elderly individuals from receiving monthly allowances. The council proposed restoring the universal pension scheme with an increased allowance of 3,000 baht per month. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304216-tcc-calls-for-restoration-of-universal-pension-scheme/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has urged the new government to reconsider a recently introduced regulation restricting certain elderly individuals from receiving monthly allowances. The council proposed restoring the universal pension scheme with an increased allowance of 3,000 baht per month. According to the TCC, the existing scheme should be improved rather than scaled down. It said every senior citizen deserves a state-provided monthly allowance, allowing for a decent standard of living. The proposed 3,000-baht monthly allowance would elevate elderly citizens just above the poverty line, set at 2,800 baht per person by the National Economic and Social Development Council. The new regulation, effective from August 12, only offers monthly allowances to elderly individuals with insufficient income to cover living expenses. Those already receiving allowances are unaffected and the rule pertains only to individuals turning 60 after its implementation. National Health Commission Deputy Secretary-General Asst Prof Weerasak Putthasri underscored the importance of basic income for the elderly as a national priority. He added that monthly allowances should be a right, not subject to means-testing. Meanwhile, Katikar Tipayalai from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Economics cited a study revealing that over 90% of elderly individuals lack savings, with only 9% capable of covering five years of expenses - thereby making state welfare essential. Around 11 million people over the age of 60 currently receive monthly allowances, costing 88 billion baht annually. Elevating the allowance to 3,000 baht would require 400 billion baht. Katikar suggested this investment could stimulate up to 600 billion baht in spending and generate tax revenue. She also recommended budget reforms and an increased value-added tax (VAT) rate for luxury goods and services to support the pension fund. A 1% VAT increase could contribute 70-100 billion baht to the scheme. By Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230821125409513 -- NNT 2023-08-21 - 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

Complaint filed against Deputy House Speaker A political activist lodged a complaint with the national anti-graft body today (Monday), against Deputy House speaker Padipat Suntiphada’s use of parliamentary funds to host a buffet for maids working at the parliament complex. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304215-complaint-filed-against-deputy-house-speaker/

A political activist lodged a complaint with the national anti-graft body today (Monday), against Deputy House speaker Padipat Suntiphada’s use of parliamentary funds to host a buffet for maids working at the parliament complex. In his complaint to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Srisuwan Janya seeks an investigation into the use of the funds, alleging that Padipat misused taxpayers’ money for personal and political gain. It is clear that the use of the money to treat maids working at the parliament complex did not fall into an acceptable category of spending, as defined by law, Srisuwan claims. Caption: Deputy House speaker Padipat Suntiphada Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/complaint-filed-against-deputy-house-speaker/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-21 - 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

No inmate visits at Bangkok Remand Prison the day Thaksin returns For security reasons, Bangkok Remand Prison is suspending inmate visitations tomorrow (Tuesday), when fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is scheduled to return to Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304214-no-inmate-visits-at-bangkok-remand-prison-the-day-thaksin-returns/

For security reasons, Bangkok Remand Prison is suspending inmate visitations tomorrow (Tuesday), when fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is scheduled to return to Thailand. A large number of Thaksin’s supporters are expected to gather in front of the jail, which is on Ngamwongwan Road in Chatuchak district. The prison normally allows visits from Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/no-inmate-visits-at-bangkok-remand-prison-the-day-thaksin-returns/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-21 - 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

Thieves on the run after snatching 400,000 baht from Krung Thai Bank ATM Photo via Facebook/ กระแสข่าวเมืองคอน Thieves remain at large after stealing about 400,000 baht from a Krung Thai Bank ATM in front of Prachanukroh School in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303979-thieves-on-the-run-after-snatching-400000-baht-from-krung-thai-bank-atm/