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A pickup truck crashed into a noodle stall in Sri Racha and injured three people including the driver. The driver was suspected of drunk driving. Sri Racha police responded to a traffic accident report yesterday, July 5th, at the front of a supermarket in the Nongkham sub-district of Sri Racha district, Chonburi. They rushed to the scene along with the local rescue team. According to local media, three people, including the driver, had been injured by a pickup truck that suddenly crashed into a noodle stall where they were eating. Two of the three injured were identified as Mr. Jirawat Phosin, 35, and Mr. Thanasit Limphothong, 32, who was the driver of a white pickup truck. By Tanakorn Panyadee Caption: PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya #news Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/06/pickup-truck-crashes-into-sri-racha-noodle-stall-and-injures-three-people/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-07-06 - 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.

Formerly in favour, 2 Senators will now not support Pita for PM From left : Senators Songdet Samerkum and Chalermchai Fuengkon Two senators, who had implied that they would vote for the Move Forward party leader to become prime minister, said Thursday that they have changed their minds. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299945-formerly-in-favour-2-senators-will-now-not-support-pita-for-pm/

Two senators, who had implied that they would vote for the Move Forward party leader to become prime minister, said Thursday that they have changed their minds. Senators Chalermchai Fuangkhon and Songdet Samerkum said, in separate interviews, that the change is entirely due to the party’s stance against the royal institution and its policy to amend the lèse majesté law. Both said that, if Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat changed both stances, they are ready to vote for him as the next premier. Caption: From left : Senators Songdet Samerkum and Chalermchai Fuengkon #news Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/formerly-in-favour-2-senators-will-now-not-support-pita-for-pm/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-06 - 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.

Endangered hawksbill turtle saved at Patong Beach now rehabilitating Picture courtesy of DMCR An endangered hawksbill turtle, found stranded at Patong Beach earlier this week, has been taken into the care of the Siritharn Rare Marine Life Rescue Centre, at Ao Makham on the eastern coast of Phuket. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299941-endangered-hawksbill-turtle-saved-at-patong-beach-now-rehabilitating/

An endangered hawksbill turtle, found stranded at Patong Beach earlier this week, has been taken into the care of the Siritharn Rare Marine Life Rescue Centre, at Ao Makham on the eastern coast of Phuket. Responding to an alert by the beach lifeguards, officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) quickly arrived on the scene. Marine biologists assessed the turtle’s status before relocating it to the rescue centre for rehabilitation and further observation. After close examination, it was confirmed that the turtle is a young hawksbill, with a weight of 2.7 kilogrammes. Its shell measures 34 centimetres in length and 29 centimetres in width. The turtle had a noticeable wound to one of its flippers, assumed to be the result of a collision with a propeller blade. Added to this, an X-ray unveiled a blockade in its gastrointestinal system. A medical examination verified that the turtle was grappling with protein deficiency, reported The Phuket News. Even though it’s still unclear what caused the turtle’s gastrointestinal obstruction, marine biologists drew on past experiences where such blockages were primarily due to plastic ingestion. By Mitch Connor Caption: Picture courtesy of DMCR #news Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/endangered-hawksbill-turtle-saved-from-patong-beach-now-under-rehabilitation -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Night-time blaze claims the life of bed-ridden man in Ang Thong, Thailand A blaze ripped through a wooden house in the middle of the night, tragically claiming the life of a bed-ridden 48 year old man in Ang Thong province. His heartbroken father, who escaped by jumping from the house, was unable to save him. It took approximately an hour for fire officers and local volunteer groups to subdue the fire. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299940-night-time-blaze-claims-the-life-of-bed-ridden-man-in-ang-thong-thailand/

A blaze ripped through a wooden house in the middle of the night, tragically claiming the life of a bed-ridden 48 year old man in Ang Thong province. His heartbroken father, who escaped by jumping from the house, was unable to save him. It took approximately an hour for fire officers and local volunteer groups to subdue the fire. The incident occurred at around 2am this morning in the property located at 63 Moo 3, Pho Thong, Ang Thong. Upon receiving the alarm, Deputy Investigator Sombad Somboondee and officials from Pho Thong Police Station rushed to the incident scene. They were joined by local firefighting units including the Bang Plapat Fire Unit and Pho Thong Municipality Fire Brigade, as well as Ang Thong Rescue volunteers. When at the scene, the fire had already engulfed the entire house. The body of the bed-bound patient, Artit, lay scorched amidst the debris. All contents of the house were destroyed, revealing nothing but a shell of the former home. The fire also consumed several motorcycles parked underneath the house, reported KhaoSod. The house owner, 63 year old Somchet, a construction contractor, lived in the house with two others. He recounted the incident disclosing that the blaze had erupted from below the house and quickly spread across the property. He managed to leap to safety but could not get to his son, who was trapped in the burning building. His son’s dire condition made it impossible for him to move, which made any rescue attempt futile. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of วิหค นิวส์ ข่าวอ่างทอง Facebook #news Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/central-thailand/night-time-blaze-claims-the-life-of-bed-ridden-man-in-ang-thong-family-and-community-reel-from-the-tragedy -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Divine dispenser: Thai man’s Buddha amulet vending machine sends waves through social media Photo via Facebook/ เกาะติดเหตุการณ์ สุพรรณบุรี A Thai man sparked a sensation across social media platforms in Thailand when he introduced a Buddha amulet vending machine to raise funds for temples in isolated areas. A famous Thai monk opposed the idea, saying selling amulets via vending machines is disrespectful. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299939-divine-dispenser-thai-man’s-buddha-amulet-vending-machine-sends-waves-through-social-media/

A Thai man sparked a sensation across social media platforms in Thailand when he introduced a Buddha amulet vending machine to raise funds for temples in isolated areas. A famous Thai monk opposed the idea, saying selling amulets via vending machines is disrespectful. News of the Buddha amulet vending machine went viral on Thai social media a few days ago after its founder, 33 year old Chayakorn Ittisarn, installed the machine at a shopping mall in the central province of Suphan Buri. Chayakorn revealed in an interview with a local news agency in Suphan Buri that he and his family members loved making merit and were also Buddha amulet collectors. Motivated by a desire to support financially struggling temples, the concept of a vending machine sprang to mind for Chayakorn. Chayakorn explained that he wanted his vending machine to solve the issue of counterfeit amulets among collectors. He ensured that all of the amulets in his vending machine were genuine. He and his family personally sourced the amulets from various temples and revered monks to include in the machine’s inventory. Chayakorn added that part of the revenue would also go to temples in remote areas where monks struggle to cover necessities like tap water and electricity. According to Chayakorn, the Buddha amulets are priced between 100 and 500 baht, with each item accompanied by detailed information regarding its composition and place of origin. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Facebook/ เกาะติดเหตุการณ์ สุพรรณบุรี #news Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/divine-dispenser-thai-mans-buddha-amulet-vending-machine-sends-waves-through-social-media -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Missing Thai woman found, close friend confesses to murder Photo via Matichon A Thai woman allegedly confessed to the police that she and her boyfriend murdered a close friend, who was former reported to be missing. The murderer claimed that she killed her friend to end the debt she owed her. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299707-lost-in-thailand-desperate-search-for-missing-mum-sends-police-on-a-mission/?do=findComment&comment=18186843

Missing Thai woman found, close friend confesses to murder A Thai woman allegedly confessed to the police that she and her boyfriend murdered a close friend, who was former reported to be missing. The murderer claimed that she killed her friend to end the debt she owed her. A Thai woman filed a complaint with Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Station in the central province of Kanchanaburi on Saturday, July 1, after her aunt, 58 year old Daran Pealoy, disappeared from her workplace, Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University in Kanchanaburi on June 30. According to her son, Daran had informed him that she would visit a hospital after work, but she never returned home. Locals in the area discovered Daran’s burned belongings near the Khwae Yai River but both she and her motorcycle remained missing. Police eventually found Daran’s motorcycle at the house of her close friend, Wilaiwan Pradabphet, making Wilaiwan the primary suspect in the incident. Police officers summoned Wilaiwan for questioning yesterday. The interrogation took over five hours from 10am to 5.40pm and Wilaiwan denied any involvement in the crime. Wilaiwan provided officers with a false testimony stating that she and her boyfriend, Golf, drove their sedan to pick up Daran at a petrol station. Daran requested that they burn all her belongings before dropping her off at an unnamed person’s house. This unnamed person was allegedly going to help repay her huge debt. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Matichon #news Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/missing-thai-woman-found-close-friend-confesses-to-murder -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Scammer alert: Rogue seller fleecing train passengers in Nakhon Sawan Picture courtesy of @hamzterzkub Twitter Nakhon Sawan Railway Station has been a recent hotspot for a scammer. Numerous social media users are warning others of a dishonest merchant on board the trains who claims that he has no change and disappears after offering to exchange for smaller notes. This rogue scammer seems to be a common scourge, as many have faced a similar situation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299938-scammer-alert-rogue-seller-fleecing-train-passengers-in-nakhon-sawan/

Nakhon Sawan Railway Station has been a recent hotspot for a scammer. Numerous social media users are warning others of a dishonest merchant on board the trains who claims that he has no change and disappears after offering to exchange for smaller notes. This rogue scammer seems to be a common scourge, as many have faced a similar situation. A social media user’s post cautioning the public first brought attention to the issue. The user detailed their experience on the รถไฟไทย TrainThailand Facebook group. They were travelling on the express train service number 108, which made a stop at Nakhon Sawan station at 1.11am. A skinny, dark-skinned man was peddling bottled water on the train, asking for 20 baht per bottle. After receiving 100 baht from the passenger and promising to return the change, the rogue seller vanished before returning the change. The complaining passenger clarified that their post didn’t aim to generalise or stigmatise all hawkers on trains. They acknowledged there are plenty of trustworthy sellers on these trains and the rogue seller is part of a minority tarnishing the image of those honest vendors. This post has struck a chord with many online commentators, several of whom indicated they’ve had a similar experience. Collectively, they are requesting that relevant officers address the rogue seller’s actions, reported KhaoSod. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of @hamzterzkub Twitter #news Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/scam-alert-rogue-seller-fleecing-train-passengers-in-nakhon-sawan -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Late-night crash kills 1, critically injuries 2 in collision between car and ice truck Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A fatal late-night crash involving a Chevrolet car and a six-wheeler ice delivery truck resulted in one death and two casualties along route 2068, which connects Non Thai and Nong Sarong, Nakhon Ratchasima. Police are seeking accurate answers to the cause of the tragic accident. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299937-late-night-crash-kills-1-critically-injuries-2-in-collision-between-car-and-ice-truck/

A fatal late-night crash involving a Chevrolet car and a six-wheeler ice delivery truck resulted in one death and two casualties along route 2068, which connects Non Thai and Nong Sarong, Nakhon Ratchasima. Police are seeking accurate answers to the cause of the tragic accident. The incident occurred on the inbound lane to Non Thai district. The black Chevrolet’s front was seen in shambles and strewn across the route after a head-on collision with the six-wheeler truck. The Chevrolet (plate number: ขจ-7067 Nakhon Ratchasima) reportedly strayed off its lane and collided with the ice delivery truck (plate number: 83-8898 Nakhon Ratchasima). The Chevrolet driver, identified as 28 year old Klathoranong, sadly lost his life while trapped in the wreckage of the car. A passenger, 32 year old Sawanat, also sustained serious injuries. The truck driver, 24 year old Promsiri, was equally wounded and trapped within the truck cabin. Emergency teams from Hook31 rescue foundation and the central office responded immediately to the scene, employing heavy-duty equipment to free the victims from the wreckages. Both victims were speedily transported to Non Thai hospital for immediate medical attention, reported KhaoSod. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod #news Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/road-deaths/late-night-route-2068-crash-kills-one-critically-injuries-two-in-collision-between-car-and-ice-truck -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Northeast Thailand villages ravaged by wild elephants: Urgent action plea Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Agricultural communities in Loei, a province in northeast Thailand, are grappling with the daunting invasion of wild elephants from the Phu Luang Wildlife Reserve. The elephants have devoured crops almost entirely in some fields, leading to an earnest plea to the relevant government agencies for an urgent resolution. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299936-northeast-thailand-villages-ravaged-by-wild-elephants-urgent-action-plea/

Agricultural communities in Loei, a province in northeast Thailand, are grappling with the daunting invasion of wild elephants from the Phu Luang Wildlife Reserve. The elephants have devoured crops almost entirely in some fields, leading to an earnest plea to the relevant government agencies for an urgent resolution. The impacted residents mainly inhabit 11 villages in Phu Kradueng and Huai Som districts. They are witnessing the intrusion of the wild elephants emerging from the wildlife reserve which is home to more than 30 of these giant beasts. Every night the elephants venture out in search of food, causing severe damage by consuming and trampling over a vast quantity of crops. Sometimes they enter the villages, leaving the villagers in fear. The villagers say they can’t claim compensation for the destruction of their crops and possessions, blaming government agencies for failing to address the issue adequately. One of the villagers from Huai Pai village, Huai Som sub-district, Phu Kradueng district, recounted his plight. He lamented the now-daily trouble caused by the elephants ravaging the crops. On one particular night, seven elephants invaded his land causing significant damage to his banana and cassava plantations alongside other crops, almost wiping out his entire field. He also complained about the similar level of destruction caused by the elephants in the fields of his neighbouring farmers. The villagers live in fear as the elephants appear even during the day thus preventing them from working in their fields. They are appealing to the relevant agencies to help them find a way out of this predicament, reported KhaoSod. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod #news Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/northeast-thailand-village-life-ravaged-by-wild-elephant-incursions-urgent-action-plea -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Occupation lockdown: Thailand’s Labour Ministry draws the line for foreigners, 27 out, 13 in the conditions The Ministry of Labour in Thailand outlined a list of 40 occupations that are off-limits for foreigners, with 27 being completely restricted and 13 permitted under certain conditions. These occupations are classified into four categories, aiming to address the shortage of local labour in areas where Thai nationals show less interest, particularly in light of the large-scale arrival of foreign workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299935-occupation-lockdown-thailand’s-labour-ministry-draws-the-line-for-foreigners-27-out-13-in-the-conditions/

The Ministry of Labour in Thailand outlined a list of 40 occupations that are off-limits for foreigners, with 27 being completely restricted and 13 permitted under certain conditions. These occupations are classified into four categories, aiming to address the shortage of local labour in areas where Thai nationals show less interest, particularly in light of the large-scale arrival of foreign workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Foreigners are allowed to work in specific occupations governed by bilateral agreements between Thailand and certain countries, provided they adhere to Thai laws. Within this category, there are three professions open to foreigners: accounting, engineering, and architecture. For skilled or semi-skilled occupations, foreigners can only work if they are employed by an authorized employer. This category includes eight occupations, including agriculture, masonry/carpentry/construction, mattress making, knife making, shoe making, hat making, dress making, and pottery or ceramic ware making. In skilled occupations, foreigners can work with the employer’s approval and enter Thailand under the Agreement between the Government of Thailand and Foreign Governments (MoU) on the Admission of Foreign Workers under the Immigration Laws. Two occupations fall into this category: sculptor and retail salesperson. The Ministry of Labour emphasizes the importance of strict compliance with these regulations for both employers and foreign workers, reported KhaoSod English. By Bob Scott #news Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/occupation-lockdown-thailands-labour-ministry-draws-the-line-for-foreigners-27-out-13-in-the-conditions -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Over 2 million baht worth of items stolen from Krabi villa Thieves have allegedly stolen over 2 million baht worth of items from a partially-constructed pool villa in Ao Nang, Krabi. The Phuket Express reports that the owner of the villa, Khwansurat Beger, filed a police report 5 months ago but the suspects have never been caught. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299933-over-2-million-baht-worth-of-items-stolen-from-krabi-villa/

Thieves have allegedly stolen over 2 million baht worth of items from a partially-constructed pool villa in Ao Nang, Krabi. The Phuket Express reports that the owner of the villa, Khwansurat Beger, filed a police report 5 months ago but the suspects have never been caught. Khwansurat, who is from Surat Thani, has also filed a complaint at the Ombudsman’s Krabi office. She says she invested over 10 million baht in building the villa, but construction was paused during the Covid-19 pandemic. The owner goes on to say that when she visited the construction site with her family on February 10, she noticed that many tools and two large containers were missing, presumed stolen. She says residents nearby told her that the previous month, they had seen people with crane trucks taking the containers away, along with some roof structures. They told her they assumed it was at her instruction. By Peter Roche #news Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/over-2-million-baht-worth-of-items-stolen-from-krabi-villa/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-07-06 - 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.

Tourism officials expect Thailand to welcome up to 30 million visitors in 2023 The Tourism Authority of Thailand says Thailand can expect up to 30 million visitors this year, with nearly 13 million having arrived in the first 6 months. Most of those have come from Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea and India, according to the data. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299932-tourism-officials-expect-thailand-to-welcome-up-to-30-million-visitors-in-2023/

The Tourism Authority of Thailand says Thailand can expect up to 30 million visitors this year, with nearly 13 million having arrived in the first 6 months. Most of those have come from Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea and India, according to the data. In Phuket the June foreign arrivals comprised mostly of Chinese, followed by Russians, Australians, Indians and Singaporeans. The arrival numbers in June were 35% fewer than the March total and the number of Russian arrivals is down over 70% compared with the arrivals just three months before. According to a Nation Thailand report, the TAT says that if things continue at this rate, the tourism sector will achieve 80% of the pre-pandemic figures reported in 2018 (by their own maths and published statistics, their prediction is already incorrect). By Peter Roche #news Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/tourism-officials-expect-thailand-to-welcome-up-to-30-million-visitors-in-2023/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-07-06 - 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.

Icon NOW: Thailand’s EC Chairman Gets Candid About 2019 Challenges, Lessons Learned Imagine for a moment: it’s 2019, and the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) is charged with organizing free and fair elections for the first time since 2014. An inter-departmental team announces that unofficial results will be public by 8pm on Election Day. Then everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299931-icon-now-thailand’s-ec-chairman-gets-candid-about-2019-challenges-lessons-learned/

What’s in an icon? As part of Thailand NOW’s mission to share authentic insights into all things Thai, we’re spotlighting iconic individuals who have not only excelled in their respective areas, but influenced the complex tapestry of Thailand as it exists today and, in doing so, inspire us to be a part of the fabric of Thai society. In this Icon NOW interview, Ittiporn Boonpracong, Chairman of the Election Commission of Thailand, gets candid about the lessons learned from past elections and what it takes to persevere as a custodian of the democratic process in Thailand. Imagine for a moment: it’s 2019, and the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) is charged with organizing free and fair elections for the first time since 2014. An inter-departmental team announces that unofficial results will be public by 8pm on Election Day. Then everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. “When it was 9:45pm, I rushed down from my office to the press room. We hadn’t succeeded at anything. There was a lot of confusion,” says ECT Chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong. Most of this confusion came from the fact that the polling staff — who had been working since 5am that day — were responsible for entering the vote tally for each candidate into the ECT’s Rapid Report system. Compounding human error with technical difficulties, the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) reported that observers saw several polling staff open the Rapid Report app only to be met with unresponsive screens. Once incorrect data is entered into the system, it is difficult to revise. “That is a disaster. A calamity.” “That’s the first black spot,” Ittiporn recounts candidly. “‘This polling station has only 500 eligible voters; why does No. 1 have 600 votes?’ That is a disaster. A calamity.” The second black spot would come from the late arrival of ballots from New Zealand, invalidating the votes of over 1,500 Thai nationals. Despite his clear-eyed assessment and personal ownership of the 2019 election, Ittiporn remains unbowed by the challenges of his office. As a law-educated career diplomat, it comes with the territory. “Find ways to better serve.” “You can’t blame anyone once a mistake is made. You have to assume that it’s your mistake. And you have to work with that attitude. Attitude is very important. And I can take anything that is thrown at me because it’s normal once you work in this kind of position: don’t be ashamed, don’t be shy, don’t feel bad, don’t be sad. Find ways to better serve,” Ittiporn declares. Few can claim to be better qualified for the position. Before being elected to the post of ECT chair by his fellow commissioners, Ittiporn had spent 36 years serving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing Thailand in several multilateral assignments. The lifelong diplomat has been dispatched to the Royal Thai Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya; the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland; the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Bangkok; and the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations in New York, USA. He further served as Chairman of the Group of 77 (Nairobi Chapter), representing 133 developing countries. Significantly, he has served extensively in the MFA’s Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs. Speaking of his legal chops and diplomatic experience, Ittiporn explains, “That deepened my experience working multilaterally and with people who think differently. The best way is to try to listen, be open-minded, and try to find common ground. In doing so, you need patience, you need perseverance, you need to be positive, and you need to be firm, focused, and in control of yourself. When you walk into the room, there may be 100 ideas, and you need to figure out how to get everyone in the room to walk out with the same understanding.” Despite retiring from the Foreign Ministry and initially considering a position with the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, Ittiporn heard the ECT was open to new commissioners and decided to apply. “Work is kind of addictive to me.” “Work is kind of addictive to me,” he admits. “Being at the Election Commission allows me to work with all sectors of society and allows me to work with international partners too. So it’s a good package for me. And you will feel the need and the heat from the position. I don’t invite trouble, but if there isn’t anyone else to deal with it, I’m always willing and I always volunteer to do it.” After his Senate appointment as election commissioner, the new commissioners voted to appoint him as ECT Chairman. Since then, he has continued to steer the polling authority through local, municipal, gubernatorial, and national elections. He has worked relentlessly to establish consensus among fellow election commissioners while navigating the practical and sometimes unprecedented implications of six major laws: the 2017 Constitution, organic laws governing the election commission, political parties, house elections, and senate selections, and acts governing referendums and local elections. “It’s a good training ground for the members of the ECT. Next year [in 2024], we will need to do the selection of senators, and by the end of next year, the provincial local elections again, and we might need to do a referendum depending on the new administration. It gives us a kind of dynamism. It’s very vibrant,” Ittiporn says. The perseverance of the ECT and its stalwart chairman — not to mention, four more years of experience — has finally paid off. ANFREL, which had been critical of the national poll in 2019, released an interim report on the 2023 election commending both the strong voter turnout as well as the Election Commission’s “much-improved delivery of results.” The non-governmental organization further lauded the advance voting proceedings as “a clear expression of commitment to improve the level of electoral participation and level of trust in Thailand’s democratic system.” There have been two critical differences between the Election Commission’s approach in 2019 versus 2023: a greater emphasis on practical implementation and transparency. “The scope and scale of responsibilities are much broader, deeper, detailed, and involve everyday life, not just on Election Day,” says Ittiporn. He added that the election management body must be “more vocal, more visible, and interactive.” The ECT worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure advanced voting for overseas Thais, as well as the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to provide better accessibility for voters with disabilities and the elderly. The ECT has made major strides in its current roster, though Ittiporn sees plenty of room for improvement. In addition to combating a rise in social media disinformation, the ECT Chairman looks forward to further expanding accessibility amid a rapidly aging Thai population, and possibly even advocating for voting rights and means among inmates. Referring to technical disqualifications of public office holders, Ittiporn believes we should “let the law work itself to delete it.” “The election is a matter for the people.” While the efficacy, transparency, and impartiality of election management bodies are essential to organizing free and fair elections, Ittiporn takes great satisfaction in Thailand’s impressive voter turnout and the political participation of the Thai citizenry. “I’m personally happy that more people are aware of how important the election is to them, and the fact that they come out and be part of it, to observe how the election is done that day,” Ittiporn says. “We have a lot of volunteers. We watched iLaw join forces with us to observe each polling station. This is good because, after all, the election is a matter for the people: people electing people, people managing the election themselves.” When asked if he had any advice for the next ECT Chairman, Ittiporn, who admittedly underestimated the scope and scale of the position, says, “My suggestion is for them to please study the qualifications of the ECT members that was explicitly spelled out in the organic law on the ECT. […] You have to be adaptable, you have to be quick: quick in reacting, quick in providing better service. If you have this mindset, whatever background you have, you can do it. So have the right attitude.” Top photo caption: Source: Election Commission of Thailand Facebook Page 2nd photo caption: Source: lev radin / Shutterstock.com 3rd photo caption: Source: 2p2play / Shutterstock.com 4th photo caption: Source: Brickinfo Media / Shutterstock.com Bottom photo caption: Ittiporn Boonpracong standing in front of portraits of former chairpersons of the Election Commission of Thailand. He is the first ECT Chairman since the 2017 constitution was enacted. #news Source: https://www.thailandnow.in.th/current-affairs/icon-now-thailands-ec-chairman-gets-candid-about-2019-challenges-lessons-learned/ -- © Copyright THAILAND NOW 2023-07-06 - 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.