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BANGKOK (NNT) - The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) released an official apology following the cancellation of a friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Rajamangala Stadium on Sunday (23 July). The pre-season match was suspended after heavy rainfall flooded the pitch in the stadium on July 23. The cancellation sparked public criticism of the SAT’s preparation for the match and raised questions over whether the national stadium is capable of hosting major sporting events. The SAT said preparations for the match have been evaluated and approved by the managerial sides of both clubs and affirmed that the stadium met international standards for hosting the event. However, heavy downpours on Sunday caused flooding of the pitch, with all parties inspecting the situation and deeming it unsafe for players, leading to the cancellation of the match. The SAT apologized to everyone who purchased tickets and traveled to the stadium to watch the game. Both football clubs also expressed regret for being unable to play in front of their fans and supporters. By Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230726155501017 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-26 - 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.

DOH Unveils Plan to Develop Thailand’s Highway Network BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Highways (DOH) has announced a 20-year plan to expand the kingdom’s interprovincial network, which will include the construction of new motorways across Thailand. The plan aims to establish a modern and efficient transportation network, facilitating regional connectivity and economic growth. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301785-doh-unveils-plan-to-develop-thailand’s-highway-network/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Highways (DOH) has announced a 20-year plan to expand the kingdom’s interprovincial network, which will include the construction of new motorways across Thailand. The plan aims to establish a modern and efficient transportation network, facilitating regional connectivity and economic growth. DoH Deputy Director-General Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisarn announced the department’s long-term plan during a press conference held at Bangkok’s Eastin Grand Hotel on Monday (24 July). He said the DOH contracted companies to conduct a feasibility study for its updates to the Motorway-Rail Map (MR Map) project. The study, which aims to explore possibilities for developments for future highways and transportation, is expected to be presented to the Ministry of Transport for consideration by the end of this year. The latest revisions to the MR Map, initially proposed in 1997 and last updated in 2016, strive to transform Thailand into a regional transportation and logistics hub. According to the study’s recommendations, the first phase of the upgrades will span the initial five years of the 20-year plan. This phase includes nine projects totaling 457 billion baht, resulting in the construction of 331 kilometers of new highways by the government. The estimated cost for projects in the first phase of the master plan is 413.2 billion baht, with those in the latter phase valued at 775.9 billion baht. Supervision of the MR Map projects will be carried out by various agencies under the Ministry of Transport, including the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), and the DOH. By Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230726151417986 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-26 - 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.

Sri Lanka Targets March 2024 to Formalize FTA With Thailand BANGKOK (NNT) - Sri Lanka is moving forward with plans to bolster its trade relations as it aims to finalize free trade negotiations with Thailand by February 2024 and formally sign an agreement in March. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301784-sri-lanka-targets-march-2024-to-formalize-fta-with-thailand/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Sri Lanka is moving forward with plans to bolster its trade relations as it aims to finalize free trade negotiations with Thailand by February 2024 and formally sign an agreement in March. Having secured a substantial US$3 billion package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in March, Sri Lanka is now focusing on expanding trade opportunities to stimulate economic growth. Negotiations between Sri Lanka and Thailand have already progressed through five rounds of talks, with the most recent discussions held in July. Cabinet Spokesperson Bandula Gunawardena announced that the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with Thailand is just one of several deals that Sri Lanka is actively negotiating to facilitate its economic recovery and return to a sustainable growth trajectory. In addition to the ongoing talks with Thailand, Sri Lanka is looking to initiate free trade discussions with Indonesia and reopen negotiations with its neighboring economic powerhouse, India, to further develop and enhance an existing trade agreement. Sri Lanka has also expressed keen interest in revisiting negotiations for a free trade deal with China. As negotiations with Thailand progress, Sri Lanka said it remains hopeful that the culmination of these efforts will usher in a new era of economic prosperity, open up new avenues for trade, and enhance its position in the global marketplace. By Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230726105907878 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-26 - 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.

What future for the Move Forward MoU? The baton has passed from Move Forward to Pheu Thai, who are now busy talking to parties of all political persuasions, even its political enemies, in a bid to form a government. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301782-what-future-for-the-move-forward-mou/

The baton has passed from Move Forward to Pheu Thai, who are now busy talking to parties of all political persuasions, even its political enemies, in a bid to form a government. Pheu Thai is believed to be trying to push Move Forward away from the current coalition, as its stance on the controversial lèse majesté law has proved to be a major obstacle when wooing other parties to support Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate. Many people are wondering what, then, would happen to the MoU, which Move Forward signed with the seven other coalition parties on May 22nd. Move Forward’s core members, including leader Pita Limjaroenrat, insist that Pheu Thai should stick to the MoU while forming the government, but other coalition members think otherwise. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/what-future-for-the-move-forward-mou/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-26 - 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.

Thaksin faces 12 years in prison upon his return from exile Self-exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will face a total of 12 years in prison, in three outstanding cases, if he returns to Thailand on August 10th, as announced by his daughter, Paetongtarn, after 15 years abroad. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301758-thaksin-to-return-home-on-august-10-paetongtarn-says/?do=findComment&comment=18229857

Thaksin faces 12 years in prison upon his return from exile Self-exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will face a total of 12 years in prison, in three outstanding cases, if he returns to Thailand on August 10th, as announced by his daughter, Paetongtarn, after 15 years abroad. The cases are: -The 3 and 2-digit lottery project of the Government Lottery Office, issued during his administration, in which he was found guilty of malfeasance in office and of violation of ethical conduct by a prime minister by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders. He was sentenced to two years in prison. -The granting of a 4 billion baht loan to the Myanmar government by the Exim Bank of Thailand, for the purchase of equipment and services from Shin Satellite Company in which he and his associates held the majority stake. He was sentenced to three years in prison without suspension by the Supreme Court. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thaksin-faces-12-years-in-prison-upon-his-return-from-exile/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-26 - 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.

Former Ang Thong school director appeals for legal help The former director of a school in Thailand’s Ang Thong province has sought legal support from the Lawyers Council of Thailand, claiming it was unfair to remove her from her job after 126 Myanmar children were found at her former school. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301781-former-ang-thong-school-director-appeals-for-legal-help/

The former director of a school in Thailand’s Ang Thong province has sought legal support from the Lawyers Council of Thailand, claiming it was unfair to remove her from her job after 126 Myanmar children were found at her former school. Kalaya Tasom said she and five other people are also facing legal action for bringing in and giving shelter to illegal immigrants. The only intention and reason she brought children into the Thai Rath Wittaya School, in Pa Moke district of Ang Thong,was to give them an opportunity to study, said Kalaya at a press briefing. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/former-ang-thong-school-director-appeals-for-legal-help/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-26 - 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.

Extra-long weekend in Thailand: here’s what you need to know Thailand is set to enjoy an extra-long SIX day weekend this weekend, which will also see immigration offices closed and a two day ban on the sale of alcohol. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301779-extra-long-weekend-in-thailand-here’s-what-you-need-to-know/

Thailand is set to enjoy an extra-long SIX day weekend this weekend, which will also see immigration offices closed and a two day ban on the sale of alcohol. The holiday begins on July 28 through August 2 inclusive. On Tuesday (July 25) the Cabinet announced that it had suddenly resolved to make July 31 a public holiday. By Online Reporter Full Story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/extra-long-weekend-in-thailand-six-day-holiday-alcohol-ban-immigration-offices-closed-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2023-07-26 - 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.

State welfare card holders to have more choices for public transport Thailand’s state welfare card holders will soon be able to use the 750 baht/month travelling subsidy, provided by the government, to travel by boat, “song thaew” and other transport services provided by private operators. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301702-state-welfare-card-holders-to-have-more-choices-for-public-transport/

Thailand’s state welfare card holders will soon be able to use the 750 baht/month travelling subsidy, provided by the government, to travel by boat, “song thaew” and other transport services provided by private operators. Rachada Dhnadirek, deputy government spokesperson, said today (Tuesday) that the Finance Ministry has decided to offer more public transport choices to card holders. Currently, card holders can only use public transport services provided by Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (the city’s bus operator), the Transport Company, BTS, MRT, the State Railway of Thailand and the eastern high-speed train, linking Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao airports. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/state-welfare-card-holders-to-have-more-choices-for-public-transport/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-25 - 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.

Pattaya Man Misses His Home and Steals a Pickup Truck to get home A Thai man in Pattaya stole a pickup truck from a delivery man but was quickly arrested by police. The suspect desperately claimed that he missed his home in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand, and needed to steal the truck to get there. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301697-pattaya-man-misses-his-home-and-steals-a-pickup-truck-to-get-home/

A Thai man in Pattaya stole a pickup truck from a delivery man but was quickly arrested by police. The suspect desperately claimed that he missed his home in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand, and needed to steal the truck to get there. Pattaya police on Monday, July 24th, arrested an alleged car thief, Mr. Sao Songsaeng, a 27-year-old beach chair rental vendor at Pattaya Beach, while he was trying to flee the city in a stolen white Isuzu D-Max pickup truck. According to the police, they received a complaint from the delivery driver, Mr. Somchai Khetkhan, 47, that his truck, parked on Pattaya-Naklua Road with a running engine, had been stolen by a male suspect. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/25/pattaya-man-misses-his-home-in-chiang-rai-and-steals-a-pickup-truck-to-try-to-get-there/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-07-25 - 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.

Business leaders urge parliament to form a government in 1 month The Former Chairman of Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Stanley Kang Several of Thailand’s business leaders are expressing concern over political instability. A new government has still not been formed since the general election in May. The business community is asking for stability in politics, claiming that continuation of the current impasse could destroy the confidence of foreign investors. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301696-business-leaders-urge-parliament-to-form-a-government-in-1-month/

Several of Thailand’s business leaders are expressing concern over political instability. A new government has still not been formed since the general election in May. The business community is asking for stability in politics, claiming that continuation of the current impasse could destroy the confidence of foreign investors. Two months after the election it remains unclear who will become the country’s 30th prime minister, since the bicameral parliament empowers senators to join the vote for the prime minister. The current political turmoil is affecting foreign investor decisions over put more money into Thailand. The Former Chairman of Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce, Stanley Kang, emphasised the need to have a clearer picture as soon as possible. Caption: The Former Chairman of Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Stanley Kang Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/business-leaders-urge-parliament-to-form-a-government-in-1-month/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-25 - 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.

Crocodiles rock a Thailand community after 10 escape farm during flood Photo via Facebook/ peoplepostnew25 Ten crocodiles mysteriously disappeared from a local farm in the Tung Yai district of the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday after the area was hit by a deluge. Locals managed to capture four of the escaped reptiles but six others are still at large in the residential area. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301693-crocodiles-rock-a-thailand-community-after-10-escape-farm-during-flood/

Ten crocodiles mysteriously disappeared from a local farm in the Tung Yai district of the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday after the area was hit by a deluge. Locals managed to capture four of the escaped reptiles but six others are still at large in the residential area. The district office swiftly issued an official warning to residents in the affected area, cautioning them about the potential dangers posed by the escaped crocodiles. The spot where these animals fled is quite close to a popular play area for local children and near to where some residents keep their cows. Local authorities believe that the remaining six crocodiles sought refuge in the flood-hit palm plantations and fish farms nearby. The district authorities collaborated with the renowned Krai Thong Team, specialists in capturing crocodiles from the Provincial Fisheries Department, to try and apprehend the escaped crocs. The team plan to capture the rest of the crocodiles as soon as possible. A similar case was reported today in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. A local farmer discovered a baby crocodile measuring 70 centimetres in length in Bang Pra Kot Canal. Residents in the area suspected that the crocodile had escaped from a household or farm that had been keeping the reptile illegally. Fearing legal consequences, the owner chose to release it into the canal. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Facebook/ peoplepostnew25 Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/crocodiles-rock-a-thailand-community-after-10-escape-farm-during-flood -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-25 - 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.

Badminton court stokes controversy with MFP colour-coded promotions and political bans Picture courtesy of สนามแบดมินตัน Panda Arena อุตรดิตถ์ Facebook Panda Arena badminton court, situated in the northern Uttaradit province, sparked controversy by offering a promotion to anyone wearing an orange shirt, in support of the Move Forward Party (MFP). The Panda Arena made known that those wearing orange can play on the courts for free for two hours. Interestingly, it has cautioned against wearing red shirts, expressing disgust at the colour. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301692-badminton-court-stokes-controversy-with-mfp-colour-coded-promotions-and-political-bans/

Panda Arena badminton court, situated in the northern Uttaradit province, sparked controversy by offering a promotion to anyone wearing an orange shirt, in support of the Move Forward Party (MFP). The Panda Arena made known that those wearing orange can play on the courts for free for two hours. Interestingly, it has cautioned against wearing red shirts, expressing disgust at the colour. This move indicates an expression of disdain towards certain political views. Earlier, Panda Arena had declared an outright ban on members of Parliament, the Election Commission, and their children from using their services. Panda Arena has, moreover, reiterated its stand, reported KhaoSod. “MPs and assistant MPs who support Pita, including senators who help Pita to be prime minister, our field is open for you to play badminton for free for the rest of your life. I’m very happy to help you before Thailand gets lost even more.” Recently, Panda Arena posted a promotion aimed at customers in orange and red shirts, stating… “Today’s promo, any groups wearing orange shirts to play, the admin will let you play for free for two hours straight. Please don’t wear red shirts, starting to get disgusted.” By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of สนามแบดมินตัน Panda Arena อุตรดิตถ์ Facebook Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/northern-thailand/uttaradits-panda-arena-badminton-court-stokes-controversy-with-colour-coded-promotions-and-political-bans -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-25 - 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.

Heartwarming twist: Water park owner forgives thieves, offers job instead Photo via MGR Online The owner of Aloha Water Park in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon displayed heartwarming humanity to withdraw a complaint against a couple who stole from him and offered them a job. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301691-heartwarming-twist-water-park-owner-forgives-thieves-offers-job-instead/

The owner of Aloha Water Park in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon displayed heartwarming humanity to withdraw a complaint against a couple who stole from him and offered them a job. A security camera captured the moment when a 29 year old Thai named Sarawut stole food from a shop at the Aloha Water Park on July 4 while his 43 year old wife, Arun, and seven year old daughter acted as lookouts. Sarawut stole some green tea, evaporated milk, and several other drink ingredients and put them into his tote bag before making a hasty exit on a motorcycle with his family. The owner of the water park, 42 year old Pitsanu Siripongtanakorn, handed over the evidence at Meaung Sakon Nakhon Police Station and the couple were arrested yesterday, July 24, at their rental house in the province. The couple admitted to the crime. Arun revealed that she took her daughter to the water park for the first time. When they were about to leave, they noticed that the shop had no staff members and decided to take advantage of the empty premises. Arun further revealed that she supported her family by selling homemade desserts and stole the ingredients to cut her business costs and make more income. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via MGR Online Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/heartwarming-twist-water-park-owner-forgives-thieves-offers-job-instead -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-25 - 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.