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Thai Transport Minister accused of illegally holding shares in partnership company Photo via Thai News Agency Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Pakornwut Udompipat accused the current Minister of Transport of violating the constitution by holding shares in a partnership company. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301796-thai-transport-minister-accused-of-illegally-holding-shares-in-partnership-company/

Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Pakornwut Udompipat accused the current Minister of Transport of violating the constitution by holding shares in a partnership company. The accusation was first brought into the public domain in the censure debate on July 19 of last year. Pakornwut presented his information stating that Saksayam Chidchop, from the Bhumjaithai Party, concealed his shares, in Buri Charoen Construction, from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Pakornwut accused the transport minister of transferring the shares to a nominee only 23 days before taking a ministerial position. However, he manipulated the nominee and managed the company and provided special advantages during government construction project bids. Saksayam denied these allegations, asserting that he had no involvement with the company even before taking up the ministerial position in 2019. He added that he had the documents to prove his innocence. The matter was forwarded to the Constitution Court, which subsequently led to Saksayam being suspended from his ministerial duties on March 3 of this year. This suspension was a result of the accusation that he violated Section 170(5) of the constitution, which prohibits ministers from holding shares in partnership or limited companies. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Thai News Agency Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-transport-minister-accused-of-illegally-holding-shares-in-partnership-company -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

Ex-cop wanted in vehicle theft of Kanchanaburi soy milk vendor: More suspects sought Picture courtesy of สำนักข่าวกาญจน์ - Kanchanaburi News Facebook A Thai court issued a warrant for the arrest of an ex-policeman, now identified as one of the alleged perpetrators in a violent vehicle theft. The victim of the attack is a local 25 year old soy milk vendor who was tasered and abducted but ultimately managed to escape his assailants. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301795-ex-cop-wanted-in-vehicle-theft-of-kanchanaburi-soy-milk-vendor-more-suspects-sought/

A Thai court issued a warrant for the arrest of an ex-policeman, now identified as one of the alleged perpetrators in a violent vehicle theft. The victim of the attack is a local 25 year old soy milk vendor who was tasered and abducted but ultimately managed to escape his assailants. The incident occurred at around 6.40pm yesterday. Police Major General Pairoj Khumpai, the chief of Kanchanaburi Police Station, shed light on the unfolding investigation. Two men, one dressed as a police officer and the other in casual clothes, allegedly assaulted and attempted to steal a pickup truck from Jeerawat, also known as Pop. They forced him into his vehicle and tasered him. Fortunately, he was able to untie the binds on his hands and feet, escape, and seek help from residents, reported KhaoSod. After witness testimonies and victim statements, photos of the suspects were obtained. One of the criminals was identified as 50 year old Bunthueng Taeng-on. Investigators gathered evidence to support their belief that Bunthing was involved in the event. Consequently, a request was made for his arrest. Late in the evening, the Kanchanaburi Provincial Court approved the arrest warrant, numbered 458/2666, dated yesterday, July 25. Following the court’s approval, Bunthueng is now facing charges of theft resulting in bodily or mental harm and detention of others. Upon receipt of the warrant, a team from Kanchanaburi Provincial Police, Crime Suppression Division 7 and the Tha Ruea Police Station began their search to apprehend the suspect. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of สำนักข่าวกาญจน์ - Kanchanaburi News Facebook Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/ex-cop-wanted-in-vehicle-theft-of-local-tofu-trader-more-suspects-sought -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

Phuket Airport to create area for all registered taxis to pick up passengers Phuket airport taxis awaiting passengers The General Manager of Phuket International Airport has confirmed plans for an area where all legally registered taxis can pick up passengers. In a 3 page statement described as a “clarification”, Monchai Tanode responded to a formal complaint from Move Forward MP, Somchart Techathavorncharoen. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301793-phuket-airport-to-create-area-for-all-registered-taxis-to-pick-up-passengers/

The General Manager of Phuket International Airport has confirmed plans for an area where all legally registered taxis can pick up passengers. In a 3 page statement described as a “clarification”, Monchai Tanode responded to a formal complaint from Move Forward MP, Somchart Techathavorncharoen. In a detailed complaint dating back to May, Somchart raised a series of issues affecting passengers arriving at the airport. These included tourists having to walk through the rain to get to the airport bus stop and having to leave the airport grounds to meet a pre-arranged taxi. Phuket Airport is paid an undisclosed amount of money for its taxi concession that has caused decades of high fares, extortion and poor service for arriving tourists. The ‘monopoly’ has effectively blocked any real attempts to provide a real alternative. Even the bus service has been relegated to a ‘difficult to find’ area to the north of the domestic terminal arrival area. By Peter Roche Caption: Phuket airport taxis awaiting passengers Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/phuket-airport-to-create-area-for-all-registered-taxis-to-pick-up-passengers/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 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.

Phuket officials expect 2.2 billion baht revenue over LONG weekend FILE PHOTO A very LONG weekend indeed, 6 days from this Friday (the King’s Birthday) until next Wednesday (the end of Buddhist Lent). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301792-phuket-officials-expect-22-billion-baht-revenue-over-long-weekend/

A very LONG weekend indeed, 6 days from this Friday (the King’s Birthday) until next Wednesday (the end of Buddhist Lent). The Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand is hopeful that the upcoming long weekend will bring over 2 billion baht in revenue to the island. The Bangkok Post reports that TAT Phuket director is expecting more than 234,000 people to visit the province. Lertchai Wangtrakuldee says the official projection is for 234,035 visitors between Friday and Sunday, generating revenue of 2.2 billion baht. Lertchai says the island can offer 1,890 hotels, with a total of 101,556 rooms between them. Occupancy currently stands at just under 66%, with an average stay of 1.7 days per person (many pre-2019 hotels remain closed, skewing the local TAT’s statistics). By Peter Roche Caption: FILE PHOTO Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/phuket-officials-expect-2-2-billion-baht-revenue-over-long-weekend/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 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.

6 Year-old Egyptian Girl Drowns at Phang Nga Waterfall A 6-year-old Egyptian girl tragically drowned at a waterfall in Mueang Phang Nga. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301790-6-year-old-egyptian-girl-drowns-at-phang-nga-waterfall/

A 6-year-old Egyptian girl tragically drowned at a waterfall in Mueang Phang Nga. The Mueang Phang Nga District Chief Mr. Pongsak Wetthayawong was notified of the sad incident on Wednesday (July 26th) from a village headman in the Song Preak sub-district. Rescue workers arrived at the Ton Song Preak Waterfall and discovered a 6-year-old Egyptian girl who reportedly fell into the waterfall by accident. It took about half an hour to find the girl’s body which was stuck between large rocks. The girl had been on a trip with her family with a tour company and was a tourist. By Goongnang Suksawat Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/26/6-year-old-egyptian-girl-drowns-at-phang-nga-waterfall/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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.

13 Tons of Illicit Substances Seized in Thai-Australian Anti-Drug-Trafficking Operation The Royal Thai Police has extended a joint operation with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to crack down on transnational drug trafficking networks between the two countries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301789-13-tons-of-illicit-substances-seized-in-thai-australian-anti-drug-trafficking-operation/

The Royal Thai Police has extended a joint operation with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to crack down on transnational drug trafficking networks between the two countries. The Royal Thai Police, represented by Mr. Thanakorn Kainan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Narcotics Control Board, convened a meeting with the AFP on Tuesday, July 25th, to discuss the results of the joint anti-drug-trafficking “Taskforce Storm” operation. Representing the AFP was Mr. Peter Sykora, the Regional Commander of the AFP for the Asian region. Since Thailand collaborated with the AFP, a total of 20 operations have been conducted, with 6 successful operations and 14 still ongoing, Thanakorn said during the meeting. As a result of these efforts, a total of 55 drug suspects have been arrested, and 13 people wanted on arrest warrants have been apprehended. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/26/13-tons-of-illicit-substances-seized-in-thai-australian-anti-drug-trafficking-operation/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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.

Finance Ministry Trims GDP Growth Outlook to 3.5% Bangkok, July 26 (TNA) – The Ministry of Finance has lowered Thai 2023 economic growth outlook to 3.5% from 3.6% projected earlier. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301788-finance-ministry-trims-gdp-growth-outlook-to-35/

Bangkok, July 26 (TNA) – The Ministry of Finance has lowered Thai 2023 economic growth outlook to 3.5% from 3.6% projected earlier. The ministry’s spokesman Pornchai Thiraveja, who is also head of the ministry’s fiscal policy office said the projected economic growth is driven by the continuous recovery of the tourism sector, domestic demand and decreasing inflation. Tourist arrivals from Asian countries are expected to increase. It is projected that the total number of foreign tourists will be 29.5 million this year, contributing to a 164.2% annual increase in revenue from tourism and related service businesses. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1213616 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 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.

Muslim Diplomats Observe Development in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces YALA (NNT) - Diplomats from ten Muslim countries recently visited the southern border provinces of Thailand to observe local development initiatives. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301787-muslim-diplomats-observe-development-in-thailand’s-southern-border-provinces/

YALA (NNT) - Diplomats from ten Muslim countries recently visited the southern border provinces of Thailand to observe local development initiatives. The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) informed the diplomats on progress made in the region, particularly regarding security, quality of life enhancements, and the promotion of multiculturalism. The southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, have significant populations of people following the Islamic faith. SBPAC Secretary-General Rear Admiral Somkiat Ponprayoon explained the center’s work in creating socio-psychological assurances to foster a robust multicultural society and encourage peaceful resolutions to ongoing issues. The ultimate goal of the center is to ensure good livelihoods for residents and protect their freedom to live according to their identities, beliefs, cultures and traditions. According to the National Security Council, the number of violent incidents in the southern border provinces has declined since 2016. There were 86 reported cases from October of last year to June 2023, with 33 deaths and 110 injuries. These figures represent a 48% reduction in cases and 69.44% in fatalities compared to the same period in 2017. The steady improvement in the situation has been attributed to collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors. Thai authorities remain optimistic about the ongoing progress. By Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230726105503874 -- © 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.

Sports Authority Issues Apology Over Canceled Tottenham-Leicester Match 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). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301786-sports-authority-issues-apology-over-canceled-tottenham-leicester-match/

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