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THAI Expects Early Exit From Rehabilitation Plan BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai Airways International (THAI) has announced it is on track to exit its court-sanctioned rehabilitation plan ahead of schedule, with CEO Chai Eamsiri anticipating a mid-2024 departure. The airline’s consistently improving performance aligns with recovery in the tourism sector, which has been crucial to the rebound. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303552-thai-expects-early-exit-from-rehabilitation-plan/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai Airways International (THAI) has announced it is on track to exit its court-sanctioned rehabilitation plan ahead of schedule, with CEO Chai Eamsiri anticipating a mid-2024 departure. The airline’s consistently improving performance aligns with recovery in the tourism sector, which has been crucial to the rebound. THAI and its subsidiary, Thai Smile Airways, have reported profits for four consecutive quarters. The second quarter of this year recorded pre-tax profits of 2.3 billion baht, marking a remarkable 171% increase compared to the same period last year - the airline’s highest profit in two decades. To further its financial progress, THAI plans to register on the stock market, making its shares publicly tradable on the Thai bourse, potentially by March 2025. With an estimated cash current account of 50 billion baht, THAI expressed confidence in managing its substantial debt and interest payments, averaging around 10 billion baht annually from next year onward, with the goal of settling all debts by the end of 2031. Chai affirmed that the ongoing political situation will not have significant repercussions on the airline, noting its commitment to pursuing investments in the U-Tapao aviation maintenance center - a project valued at about 7 billion baht. With THAI’s financial status on the mend and its strategies for restructuring and future investments falling into place, analysts believe the airline is well-positioned for a stable resurgence in the coming years. By Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230814132052735 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-08-14 - 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.

Thailand’s first monkey pox related death reported This 2003 electron microscope image shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. (Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC via AP, File) Thailand has reported its first monkey pox related fatality, in a man who was also infected with HIV and syphilis, according to Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Disease Control Department. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303551-thailand’s-first-monkey-pox-related-death-reported/

Thailand has reported its first monkey pox related fatality, in a man who was also infected with HIV and syphilis, according to Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Disease Control Department. He said today (Monday) that the 34-year old patient was admitted to a private hospital in Chon Buri province on July 3rd and was diagnosed with monkey pox a week later. The patient subsequently developed a sore throat and was found to have a fungal infection, an opportunistic disease found in those with HIV. After 4 weeks of treatment, he was discharged from the hospital, but was later sent to Bamrasnaradura Institute of Infectious Diseases sufferingfrom fatigue and breathing difficulties. Caption: This 2003 electron microscope image shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. (Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC via AP, File) Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-first-monkey-pox-related-death-reported/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-14 - 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.

Red Line suburban train service to start at 5am from Tuesday Bangkok’s Red Line suburban train service will begin daily operations half an hour earlier, at 5am, from tomorrow (Tuesday) and will increase the train frequency from every 12 minutes to 10 minutes from 7am to 9am and from 5pm to 7.30pm. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303550-red-line-suburban-train-service-to-start-at-5am-from-tuesday/

Bangkok’s Red Line suburban train service will begin daily operations half an hour earlier, at 5am, from tomorrow (Tuesday) and will increase the train frequency from every 12 minutes to 10 minutes from 7am to 9am and from 5pm to 7.30pm. The train frequency during the off-peak hours will also be changed from every 20 minutes to every 15. Sutep Punthupeng, CEO of the SRT Electrified Train Company, a subsidiary of the State Railway of Thailand, said that the adjustment of service hours and the increased train frequency are intended to offer more convenience to commuters, many of whom are air passengers travelling to Don Mueang airport before dawn to catch flights. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/red-line-suburban-train-service-to-start-at-5am-from-tuesday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-14 - 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.

Pheu Thai closing in on a House majority, Senate an open question Pheu Thai appears to be getting close to commanding a majority in Thailand’s 500-seat House of Representatives House. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303330-pheu-thai-closing-in-on-a-house-majority-senate-an-open-question/

Pheu Thai appears to be getting close to commanding a majority in Thailand’s 500-seat House of Representatives House. Pheu Thai gained momentum when the Bhumjaithai party, of Anutin Charnvirakul, which won 70 House seat, appeared at a joint press conference to declare that they would be at the core of forming the governing coalition. Combined, the two parties initially commanded 212 House, plus another 16 held by the Prachachat, Thai Liberal, Chart Pattana Kla, Pheu Thai Rumphalang, Plung Sungkom Mai and Thongthee Thai parties, bringing the current total to 228. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pheu-thai-closing-in-on-a-house-majority-senate-an-open-question/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-11 - 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.

Electrifying mishap on condo balcony leaves painter with First-Degree burns Photo via Facebook/ ธวัช หลำเบ็ญส๊ะ A painter suffered from First-Degree burns after being electrocuted while painting a condo balcony near an electricity pole in southern Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303327-electrifying-mishap-on-condo-balcony-leaves-painter-with-first-degree-burns/

A painter suffered from First-Degree burns after being electrocuted while painting a condo balcony near an electricity pole in southern Thailand. According to Channel 3, the shocking incident occurred to the unnamed victim at 11am yesterday when he was painting the exterior of a third-floor balcony in the southern province of Songkhla. The man accidentally touched the high-voltage electric wire with a 4-metre iron rod, resulting in an electric shock which waltzed through his body and turned him into a ball of fire shocking nearby bystanders. The building owner rushed to aid the man by pouring a bucket of water over his body to extinguish the fire. The flames were quelled but the man bore First-Degree burns to his body. The rescue team then rushed the man to a nearby hospital. The electric pole and overhead electric and communication wires became enflamed, triggered by the electric shock. Firefighters later arrived at the scene to control the blaze. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Facebook/ ธวัช หลำเบ็ญส๊ะ Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/shocking-outcome-electrifying-mishap-on-condo-balcony-leaves-painter-with-first-degree-burns-video -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-11 - 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.

Pheu Thai MP Invites UTN to Join Coalition BANGKOK, Aug 11 (TNA) – Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, deputy leder of the United Thai Nation party (UTN) says Pheu Thai list MP Somsak Thepsutin invited him to join the Pheu Thai –led coalition government. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303326-pheu-thai-mp-invites-utn-to-join-coalition/

BANGKOK, Aug 11 (TNA) – Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, deputy leder of the United Thai Nation party (UTN) says Pheu Thai list MP Somsak Thepsutin invited him to join the Pheu Thai –led coalition government. If the UTN will join the coalition, the whole party will do so, Thanakorn said. Although Somsak gave him a signal but he said the UTN leader will play a role in the negotiation. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1221987 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-08-11 - 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.

Construction permit withdrawal sparks caution in Thai property lending Photo by atomx from Skyscraper City The property developer community has been unsettled by the recent Ashton Asoke saga, wherein the construction permit was withdrawn, prompting lenders to proceed with caution when issuing debt instruments and loans to developers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303325-construction-permit-withdrawal-sparks-caution-in-thai-property-lending/

The property developer community has been unsettled by the recent Ashton Asoke saga, wherein the construction permit was withdrawn, prompting lenders to proceed with caution when issuing debt instruments and loans to developers. AP Thailand’s chief executive, Anuphong Assavabhokhin, explained that it’s becoming increasingly challenging to secure loans as financial institutions grow wary of extending credit to real estate companies due to the consequences of the Ashton Asoke episode. Additionally, the issuance of debt instruments is also expected to become more complex. Particularly detrimental could be the impact on medium-scale residential developers who have previously issued debt instruments and are close to rolling over their debts, Anuphong noted. Posing a question to the industry, he suggested… “If debt roll-overs cannot be executed by these developers, might we find ourselves facing a crisis similar to 1997?” Several companies, to avoid bank loans, prefer to issue debt instruments. If these companies fail to secure loans and are unable to roll over these existing debt instruments, a significant crisis might be looming over the industry, suggested Anuphong. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo by atomx from Skyscraper City Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/construction-permit-withdrawal-sparks-caution-in-thai-property-lending -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-11 - 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.

Thai consumer confidence dips due to political instability and slow recovery Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash Reports today reveal that last month Thai consumer confidence dramatically dropped for the first time in 14 months. Evidence pointed towards the general unease of continuous political instability in the Kingdom of Thailand after the General Election took place in May, as well as a sluggishly recovering economy. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303324-thai-consumer-confidence-dips-due-to-political-instability-and-slow-recovery/

Reports today reveal that last month Thai consumer confidence dramatically dropped for the first time in 14 months. Evidence pointed towards the general unease of continuous political instability in the Kingdom of Thailand after the General Election took place in May, as well as a sluggishly recovering economy. The survey, helmed by the esteemed University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), showcased a diminished consumer index for July, standing at 55.6 compared to June’s reading of 56.7. The university highlighted the prevalent concerns amongst consumers with regard to the ambiguous situation surrounding the formation of a fresh government body. Stability was a major concern as well. Additionally, issues related to the high cost of living continue to burden the Thai people. Thailand has continued to grapple with ambiguity post-election, with the Move Forward Party (MFP), notwithstanding their win, being thwarted twice by the resistance of conservative and pro-military factions in their attempts to form a government. Last week provided a significant boost for the Pheu Thai Party, which was the second-largest party in the May 14 General Election. It received newfound support from the Chartthaipattana Party, marking the ninth party to join its aspiring alliance. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thai-consumer-confidence-dips-due-to-political-instability-and-slow-recovery -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-11 - 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.

Fabricated robbery to escape violent partner leads to justice twist for Thai woman in Chon Buri Photo via Khaosod A Thai woman who fabricated a robbery in fear of her violent boyfriend has been charged with perverting the course of justice in Ban Bueng, Chon Buri province. The distressed woman, Thanpimon, falsely reported the robbery to local police that her purse and mobile phone had been snatched by two men on a motorcycle but later admitted to fabricating the story out of fear of her partner’s rebuke over a minor monetary issue. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303323-fabricated-robbery-to-escape-violent-partner-leads-to-justice-twist-for-thai-woman-in-chon-buri/

A Thai woman who fabricated a robbery in fear of her violent boyfriend has been charged with perverting the course of justice in Ban Bueng, Chon Buri province. The distressed woman, Thanpimon, falsely reported the robbery to local police that her purse and mobile phone had been snatched by two men on a motorcycle but later admitted to fabricating the story out of fear of her partner’s rebuke over a minor monetary issue. Arriving on the scene, the Ban Bueng police investigation team found a very anxious Thanpimon. Hinting at the robbery that took place yesterday in Chon Buri, Thanpimon explained to the police that around 5.42pm, while she was coming back to her apartment from a convenience store, located on Nong Chak 2/5 street, her green handbag which contained 300 baht and her mobile phone valued at 5,900 baht was allegedly snatched by two culprits on a motorbike. Investigators circled back to the spot of the fabricated robbery, expecting to discover some evidence from the closed-circuit television camera installed in the area. However, the camera footage failed to reflect the sequence reported by Thanpimon, leading the police to investigate further. The investigation officer, Chalong Sak, called the 31 year old to double-check the accuracy of her initial statement, away from her anxious boyfriend. When asked again, Thanpimon insisted that her story was not fabricated and that her belongings were indeed stolen. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo via Khaosod Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/chon-buri-woman-creates-false-robbery-report-over-fear-of-partners-reaction-to-cash-transfer -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-11 - 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.

Spanish tusker-tamer’s uproarious elephant escapade sweeps online spotlight in Thailand Picture courtesy of Jam Press A Spanish woman, well-versed in transforming tusker-sized tales into online sensations, couldn’t resist sharing her uproarious rendezvous with an elephant during a recent Thailand escapade. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303322-spanish-tusker-tamer’s-uproarious-elephant-escapade-sweeps-online-spotlight-in-thailand/

A Spanish woman, well-versed in transforming tusker-sized tales into online sensations, couldn’t resist sharing her uproarious rendezvous with an elephant during a recent Thailand escapade. The self-deprecating woman, Julia Candela, with a penchant for furry and tusked friends alike, took to TikTok to unveil her rib-tickling tête-à-tête with an elephant in Thailand that left her momentarily nose-to-nose with the ground. The video took the digital world by storm. The 22 year old elephant lover embarked on a journey to an animal sanctuary nestled in Chiang Mai, Thailand, reported Jam Press. Amidst her visit, Candela ventured into the elephants’ compound, aiming for a perfect snap alongside two of the majestic creatures. As she stood beside the enclosure, the video chronicles her grinning while one elephant playfully coils its trunk around her waist—promptly joined by its partner-in-crime. In an unexpected twist, the elephants executed an unexpected manoeuvre that sent Julia into a fit of giggles, ending up face-down in the dirt. By Bob Scott Caption: Picture courtesy of Jam Press Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/spanish-tusker-tamers-uproarious-elephant-escapade-sweeps-online-spotlight-in-thailand-video -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-11 - 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.

Thai PM affirms progress of Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation Picture courtesy of Government House Commendable strides have been achieved in the first five years of the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi), said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. He said intense innovation and research activity outlined the success of this endeavour. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303320-thai-pm-affirms-progress-of-eastern-economic-corridor-of-innovation/

Commendable strides have been achieved in the first five years of the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi), said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. He said intense innovation and research activity outlined the success of this endeavour. PM Prayut, alongside Interior Minister, Anupong Paojinda, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, and Labour Minister, Suchart Chomklin embarked on a trip yesterday, scrutinising the progress of the EECi. Their journey took them to Wangchan Valley, located in the Wang Chan district of Rayong. EECi, a project administered under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), aims to cultivate an environment conducive to sparking innovations. These innovations are then utilised in ten industries pinpointed at a national level. EECi’s hub is nestled within Wangchan Valley, which consists of an Intelligent Operation Centre (IOC), Innovative Agriculture Smart Greenhouse, and Smart Manufacturing Centre (SMC). The Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (Vistec) also forms part of the Valley. In alignment with the country’s celebration of Industry 4.0, SMC and IOC have been established to primarily target entrepreneurs, developers, researchers, and students. The Thai Prime Minister initiated his visit to these development centres, reported Bangkok Post. The 69 year old prime minister subsequently turned his attention to Vistec to explore its efforts towards environmental conservation, which includes its net zero carbon emissions commitment. This environmental pursuit is in synchrony with the government’s resolution to curtail emissions by an impressive 20%, leveraging a novel national energy strategy to achieve net zero emissions between 2065-2070. By Mitch Connor Caption: Picture courtesy of Government House Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-pm-affirms-progress-of-eastern-economic-corridor-of-innovation -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-11 - 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.

Police chief defends handling of protests at Pheu Thai headquarters PHOTO: Thai Rath Thailand’s national police chief has defended the police officers stationed outside Pheu Thai headquarters during violent protests on Monday, August 7. According to a Nation Thailand report, Damrongsak Kittiprapas spoke out yesterday, following criticism from several figures, including Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303319-police-chief-defends-handling-of-protests-at-pheu-thai-headquarters/

Thailand’s national police chief has defended the police officers stationed outside Pheu Thai headquarters during violent protests on Monday, August 7. According to a Nation Thailand report, Damrongsak Kittiprapas spoke out yesterday, following criticism from several figures, including Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. Bhumjaithai has just entered into coalition with Pheu Thai and both parties were holding a press conference at the latter’s headquarters when skirmishes broke out. Members of the Thalu Wang protest group had rallied outside the building to protest against Pheu Thai’s abandoning of the Move Forward Party. The activists blocked a Bhumjaithai convey attempting to leave Pheu Thai headquarters, with Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, deputy leader of Bhumjaithai getting out of his vehicle to confront a female protester. Nation Thailand reports that the pair got into a brief verbal dispute, in which the woman swore at him and the minister appeared to be trying to control his anger. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Thai Rath Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/police-chief-defends-handling-of-protests-at-pheu-thai-headquarters/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-08-11 - 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.

Chinese take over from Russians as Phuket’s most frequent visitors Chinese have taken over from Russian visitors as the most numerous to come through the Thai immigration turnstiles at the moment. Nationally, Russian visitors are not even in the top 5 anymore, whilst in Phuket the arrival numbers have dropped off drastically, compared to the influx from December 2022 to February 2023. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303318-chinese-take-over-from-russians-as-phuket’s-most-frequent-visitors/