snoop1130

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will revoke the construction permit for the luxury Ashton Asoke condominium in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area, as ordered by the Supreme Administrative Court, but the owner can apply for a new permit. Deputy Bangkok Governor Wisanu Subsompon said that, according to procedure, following a ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court, the city administration must revoke the existing construction permit adding, however, that it does not mean that the condominium building will be demolished. The owner of the condominium, Ananda Development, can apply for a new construction permit from City Hall. According to the Supreme Administrative Court’s ruling, the access to and from the condominium onto Asoke Road is located on land expropriated from private landowners by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), for the construction of the Blue Line train project and, therefore, cannot be used for other purposes. As such, the land was leased illegally to Ananda Development by the MRTA. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ashton-asoke-condominium-owner-can-apply-for-new-construction-permit/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-31 - 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.

Labor Ministry Reaffirms Overall Stability of Social Security Fund BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor has reaffirmed the stability of the Social Security Fund, following concerns from several academic sectors about its financial liquidity and possible collapse within the next three decades. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302202-labor-ministry-reaffirms-overall-stability-of-social-security-fund/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor has reaffirmed the stability of the Social Security Fund, following concerns from several academic sectors about its financial liquidity and possible collapse within the next three decades. According to Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, the concerns stemmed from the structural deficit and pension payments exceeding the fund’s contributions. Boonsong clarified that the Social Security Fund still holds an adequate reserve ratio in accordance with principles of actuarial science. The fund’s status has been regularly evaluated in collaboration with international labor organization experts. There are currently about 571,000 pension recipients, with the number of cumulative pension recipients projected to rapidly increase to 2 million by 2030, 5 million by 2040, and 8 million by 2050. In response, the Social Security Office has taken measures to amend laws related to old-age benefits in order to match the needs of the insured. These measures are currently under consideration by the House of Representatives. In terms of long-term policy, discussions will be held with stakeholders, including the insured, employers, and the government, to jointly find solutions for ensuring the sustainability of pension rights. The aim is to provide a secure safety net for insured individuals in their retirement years. By Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230731115341473 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-31 - 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.

Jatuporn predicts that a prime minister will not be selected this Friday Jatuporn Promphan Former red-shirt movement leader Jatuporn Promphan said he believes that Thailand will still be without a new prime minister this Friday, when parliament is due to meet again to one. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302201-jatuporn-predicts-that-a-prime-minister-will-not-be-selected-this-friday/

Former red-shirt movement leader Jatuporn Promphan said he believes that Thailand will still be without a new prime minister this Friday, when parliament is due to meet again to one. The Pheu Thai party, which is now the core party in forming a new government, is expected to nominate Srettha Thavisin, one of its three prime ministerial candidates. In his Facebook post, however, Jatuporn pointed out that Srettha agreed with the Move Forward policy to amend the lèse majesté law during the election campaign. By Jatuporn Promphan Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/jatuporn-predicts-that-a-prime-minister-will-not-be-selected-this-friday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-31 - 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.

As many as 13,000 new forest rangers being recruited Photo by the Department of National Parks Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has been recruiting as many as 13,000 new forest rangers, to protect the country’s dwindling forests and resources. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302200-as-many-as-13000-new-forest-rangers-being-recruited/

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has been recruiting as many as 13,000 new forest rangers, to protect the country’s dwindling forests and resources. Besides the recruitment plan, Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the department’s head, said they plan to upgrade the status of park rangers, with proper remuneration, fringe benefits, job security and a career path, instead of being employees without any other welfare, benefits or prospect of career advancement, as is currently the case. Marking World Ranger Day today (Monday), Atthaphon said that park rangers have patrolled, on foot, covering more than 480,000 hectares, or 70% of Thailand’s conserved forests, in the past year. Caption: Photo by the Department of National Parks Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/as-many-as-13000-new-forest-rangers-being-recruited/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-31 - 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.

Foundation for Consumers offers help to buyers of Ashton Asoke condos Thailand’s Foundation for Consumers is offering free legal counselling to buyers of condominium units at the Ashton Asoke luxury condominium in Bangkok, if they want to cancel the purchase contracts, and to seek a refund from the developer, Ananda Development. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301954-court-revokes-construction-permit-for-ashton-asoke-luxury-condominium/?do=findComment&comment=18234724

Foundation for Consumers offers help to buyers of Ashton Asoke condos Thailand’s Foundation for Consumers is offering free legal counselling to buyers of condominium units at the Ashton Asoke luxury condominium in Bangkok, if they want to cancel the purchase contracts, and to seek a refund from the developer, Ananda Development. On Thursday, the Supreme Administrative Court ordered the construction permit for the condominium project to be revoked, after it ruled that it is illegal for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority to allow land that was expropriated from private landowners for the Blue Line train project to be used by the condominium for access to and from Asoke Road. Narumon Mekborisut, deputy director of the foundation, said that buyers of the condos have been affected by the Supreme Administrative Court ruling. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/foundation-for-consumers-offers-help-to-buyers-of-ashton-asoke-condos/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-28 - 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.

Jet ski rider disappears in Bang Pakong River, near Bangkok Rescuers search for a jet ski rider who disappeared on the Bang Pakong river. (via KhaoSod) A tragic incident unfolded in Bang Pakong, east of Bangkok, where a well-respected jet ski rider vanished without a trace. Rescuers were alerted to the missing man after locals who had been cutting saplings on the riverbank spotted an abandoned jet ski mid-river. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301984-jet-ski-rider-disappears-in-bang-pakong-river-near-bangkok/

A tragic incident unfolded in Bang Pakong, east of Bangkok, where a well-respected jet ski rider vanished without a trace. Rescuers were alerted to the missing man after locals who had been cutting saplings on the riverbank spotted an abandoned jet ski mid-river. Despite an extensive overnight search which lasted more than nine hours, authorities have yet to locate the missing jet ski rider, identified as Weerapol Athinuwat, commonly known as Moss, around 30 years old. Locals stumbled upon the idle jet ski in the Bang Pakong River and quickly raised an alert. Police organised a search operation in coordination with the Chachoengsao rescue unit. Search operations for Moss conducted across both river banks and the river’s centre using a sonar scanner led to the detection of four possible locations. However, despite three divers probing eight metres deep to search for the missing man, there has been no body recovered. Officials continued the search operation on foot, scanning the river banks where the sapling cutters had seen the floating jet ski. No sign of the missing man was found by the time the search operation finally ended at around 2.30am. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Rescuers search for a jet ski rider who disappeared on the Bang Pakong river. (via KhaoSod) Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/eastern-thailand/puzzling-disappearance-of-highly-regarded-jet-ski-rider-provokes-extensive-search-in-bang-pakong-river -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-28 - 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.

Blue Flag market unveiled by Phuket to combat rising costs Tiwat Seedokbuab, pictured, announced the launch of the Blue Flag Market in Phuket. (via PPAO) Phuket is preparing to host a monthly special market dubbed the “Blue Flag.” The market is hoped to bring an economic lifeline to the less affluent residents of the city as they struggle with the inflating prices of common household essentials. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301983-blue-flag-market-unveiled-by-phuket-to-combat-rising-costs/

Phuket is preparing to host a monthly special market dubbed the “Blue Flag.” The market is hoped to bring an economic lifeline to the less affluent residents of the city as they struggle with the inflating prices of common household essentials. The Phuket Provincial Commerce Office has taken the initiative of kick-starting the Blue Flag market beginning from the first week of August, with plans to run it every month until December. The market will be hosted right in front of the old Provincial Hall on Narisorn Road in central Phuket Town. The Deputy President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO), Tiwat Seedokbuab, unveiled the Blue Flag market event yesterday during a meeting at their headquarters. The key goal of the Blue Flag market is to offer consumer products at reasonable prices from August to December to ease the burden of living costs. Alongside him were representatives from other participating entities, such as Phuket Commerce Office policy specialist Pathumporn Yamkerd, and representatives from different public departments and the private sector, reported Phuket News. By Mitch Connor Caption: Tiwat Seedokbuab, pictured, announced the launch of the Blue Flag Market in Phuket. (via PPAO) -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-28 - 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.

Mysterious death in Dubai of Thai worker prompts urgent investigation Photo courtesy of Pratidin Bureau A 49 year old woman from Nakhon Ratchasima province unknowingly embarked on a journey for casual labour to Dubai, only to mysteriously die three days after her arrival. Her shocked family has turned to the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for help, nine months after her unknown mysterious death, to aid them in bringing their relative’s body back to Thailand and help unravel the cause of her unexpected death. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301981-mysterious-death-in-dubai-of-thai-worker-prompts-urgent-investigation/

A 49 year old woman from Nakhon Ratchasima province unknowingly embarked on a journey for casual labour to Dubai, only to mysteriously die three days after her arrival. Her shocked family has turned to the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for help, nine months after her unknown mysterious death, to aid them in bringing their relative’s body back to Thailand and help unravel the cause of her unexpected death. Described by her nephew as the family’s backbone, she was also the main provider for her 85 year old mother. She had been abroad on several occasions for work, but her last trip to Dubai took a toll on her life on October 3 last year. Her husband, who works in Chon Buri province, lost contact with her three days after her departure, during which she confided her desire to return home. Her disappearance led to an extensive nine month search by Thai citizens in Dubai, who finally broke the sad news of her death to her family on July 13. She died three days after she arrived in Dubai, but it took nine months of rigorous search by the Thai community, aided by Facebook, to finally track down her relatives. They provided her passport and UAE-issued death certificate as evidence of her death. This devastating revelation led her family to turn to the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation to aid in repatriating her remains back to Thailand and investigate the mysterious cause of her passing. By Samantha Rose Caption: Photo courtesy of Pratidin Bureau Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/mysterious-death-in-dubai-of-thai-worker-prompts-urgent-investigation -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-28 - 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.

Toll-free travel treats: Thailand’s EXAT suspends expressway fees to ease the burden on residents Picture courtesy of Pattaya News The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) today announced that toll fees for three major expressways will be suspended on select dates this year, to ease travel and lessen the financial strain on residents. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301980-toll-free-travel-treats-thailand’s-exat-suspends-expressway-fees-to-ease-the-burden-on-residents/

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) today announced that toll fees for three major expressways will be suspended on select dates this year, to ease travel and lessen the financial strain on residents. To make commuting smoother and friendlier to the pocket during the upcoming holiday season, EXAT has provided toll-free access to the following expressways: Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway and Si Rat Expressway in Bangkok, and Udon Ratthaya Expressway. This move is seen as part of an effort to reduce the financial load on citizens. This fee exemption will be in effect on July 28 and August 1 and 2, chosen dates which align with the festivities of the Thai holiday season. The decision is set to potentially benefit a large number of travellers and commuters expected to be on the move during this period. EXAT said… “The Expressway Authority of Thailand announced that toll fees for three major expressways will be suspended on select dates this year, to ease travel and lessen the financial strain on residents.” By Top Caption: Picture courtesy of Pattaya News Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/transport/exat-suspends-tolls-on-key-pattaya-expressways-for-upcoming-holidays -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-28 - 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.

Drug trafficking ring spanning across Thailand busted by police A major drug trafficking ring was busted by Thai police. (via Freepik) A police crackdown resulted in the arrest of seven individuals in connection to a drug trafficking ring spanning the length of Thailand. Police stated the organised criminals caught yesterday had a long-standing pattern of sustained violence, striking fear into local communities. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301978-drug-trafficking-ring-spanning-across-thailand-busted-by-police/

A police crackdown resulted in the arrest of seven individuals in connection to a drug trafficking ring spanning the length of Thailand. Police stated the organised criminals caught yesterday had a long-standing pattern of sustained violence, striking fear into local communities. The drug trafficking ring’s operations extended from Chiang Rai through Nakhon Si Thammarat and on to Trang. The arrests were made by the Suppression Division’s Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents. Initially, the operation netted seven arrests on charges of jointly trading and possessing Category 1 drugs (methamphetamine) for sale, cooperating in serious drug-related offences, and violent activities indicative of criminal organization. The sting was the culmination of investigations dating back to August of last year. Police authorities under the 6th Border Patrol received complaints from citizens facing drug-related disturbances from a drug trafficking network headed by Charoen (only first name revealed). Charoen and his affiliates were secretly peddling drugs to local teenagers and using war weapons to terrorise villagers. Police interceptions led to Charoen’s arrest along with others, where methamphetamines, explosives, and firearms were also seized as evidence. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: A major drug trafficking ring was busted by Thai police. (via Freepik) Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-police-break-up-drug-trafficking-ring-sparking-local-fear-and-violence -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-28 - 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.

Traffic safety: Ten main traffic laws enforced over long public holiday Police will focus on ten traffic safety laws over the upcoming holiday. (via KhaoSod) Royal Thai Police yesterday under the leadership of Roy Inkpairoj, Deputy Commander of the Police Force, rolled out a campaign to enforce ten key traffic safety rules during the long public holiday period from July 28 to August 2. The measures taken to protect citizens during their holiday travels aim to prevent and reduce road accidents. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301977-traffic-safety-ten-main-traffic-laws-enforced-over-long-public-holiday/

Royal Thai Police yesterday under the leadership of Roy Inkpairoj, Deputy Commander of the Police Force, rolled out a campaign to enforce ten key traffic safety rules during the long public holiday period from July 28 to August 2. The measures taken to protect citizens during their holiday travels aim to prevent and reduce road accidents. Inkpairoj issued a radio order to police officers across the country to enforce ten key traffic safety laws aimed at alleviating the main causes of road accidents. The violations include exceeding the speed limit, disregarding traffic signals, drink driving, overtaking in tight spaces, motorcyclists not wearing helmets, and passengers not wearing seatbelts, among others. Police were instructed to set up roadblocks and alcohol inspection points in areas prone to accidents or lawbreakers. The police avoided overlapping units and selected areas based on the local accident situation. They are mobilising rapid response teams to enforce laws. For any vehicular accidents involving injuries or fatalities, investigating officers were instructed to check the blood alcohol level of every driver involved to ensure robust traffic safety. People found guilty of any offences will be fully prosecuted for all offences. Police are required to review lawbreakers’ criminal history which could make them subject to additional or increased punishment. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Police will focus on ten traffic safety laws over the upcoming holiday. (via KhaoSod) Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-police-enforce-ten-main-traffic-laws-during-long-public-holiday-to-ensure-citizen-safety-and-prevent-accidents -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-28 - 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.

TAT Organizes Amazing Thailand Fest 2023’ in Japan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organized the ’Amazing Thailand Fest 2023’ in Osaka, Japan, highlighting meaningful travel, experience-based tourism, and Thailand’s soft-power foundations as a preferred travel destination. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301976-tat-organizes-amazing-thailand-fest-2023’-in-japan/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organized the ’Amazing Thailand Fest 2023’ in Osaka, Japan, highlighting meaningful travel, experience-based tourism, and Thailand’s soft-power foundations as a preferred travel destination. The ’Amazing Thailand Fest 2023’ took place at Abeno Q’s Mall in Osaka from July 21 to July 23, 2023. The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports Khempol Uitayakul, Akrapong Chalermnon, the Consul-General of Thailand in Osaka, and other dignitaries and TAT executives. The tourism gathering featured shows promoting the Songkran and Loi Krathong festivals, Thai boxing matches, live and online appearances by actors and actresses from popular Thai shows, Thai food stalls, and an exhibition of Thai fashion from various eras where participants could also dress up in Thai-style attire for photographs. According to TAT Governor, The Amazing Thailand Fest 2023 emphasized Thailand’s 5F soft-power foundations - Food, Film, Festival, Fight, and Fashion - to portray various meaningful and unique tourist experiences in Thailand. It also showcases fun and joy through Thai cultural performances and activities through its theme to promote the Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters campaign to Japanese and foreigners living in Japan. Thailand, as a preferred destination in the Japanese market, particularly among business and leisure travelers, golfers, and the elderly, was also highlighted at the event. By Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230728013223681 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-28 - 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 Calls for Cooperation to Protect Mangrove Ecosystem BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand has commemorated the International Day for Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem by highlighting the progress made in preserving its mangroves but also emphasized the need for increased cooperation from various sectors to further protect and expand these vital habitats. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301975-thailand-calls-for-cooperation-to-protect-mangrove-ecosystem/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand has commemorated the International Day for Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem by highlighting the progress made in preserving its mangroves but also emphasized the need for increased cooperation from various sectors to further protect and expand these vital habitats. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa stated that the country’s environment protection policies have led to a significant expansion of its mangrove forests by 200,000 rai since 2014. Thailand currently boasts 1.74 million rai of mangrove forests, marking a positive step in conservation efforts. Despite this progress, the government acknowledges that it has yet to achieve its long-term goal of covering 40% of the country’s area with forests and mangroves. Increasing forest areas is seen as a crucial step towards Thailand’s net-zero goal by 2065. Minister Varawut stressed that reforestation, rehabilitation, and conservation of mangroves continue to be significant goals and challenges, requiring the cooperation of all sectors. He called for support from the public and extended appreciation to officials working to safeguard the fertile mangrove ecosystem. Thailand’s efforts have led the nation to rank fifth in Southeast Asia with the largest area covered by mangroves. The International Day for Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, observed on July 26 each year since 2015, aims to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves as unique and vulnerable ecosystems and promote sustainable management, conservation, and utilization solutions. As highlighted by UNESCO, mangroves play a critical role in supporting the well-being, food security, and protection of coastal communities worldwide. They are rich in biodiversity, acting as vital nursery habitats for fish and crustaceans. Mangroves also serve as natural coastal defenses against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels, and erosion, while their soils act as effective carbon sinks, capturing substantial amounts of carbon. UNESCO Bangkok organized a field trip to the Salakphet Mangrove Walkway on Koh Chang in 2020, providing participants with a chance to learn about environmental degradation and potential sustainable solutions for the future. By Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230728012037677 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-28 - 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.