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This file photo shows the facade of the Supreme Court in Manila. Philstar.com / EC Toledo, file MANILA, Philippines (Updated 4:31 p.m.) — The Supreme Court has ordered former Palace official Lorraine Badoy-Partosa to explain why she should not be cited in contempt of the court over her posts concerning Manila Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar. The SC in an en banc session on Tuesday issued a show-cause order against Badoy-Partosa. She was given 30 calendar days from receipt of resolution to submit her explanation on why she should not be cited in contempt of the judiciary and the high court. The SC Public Information Office said in a statement that Badoy should respond to the following issues under oath: Whether or not she posted or caused the posting of the statements attacking the September 21, 2022 Resolution rendered by the Regional Trial Court in Civil Case No. R MNL-18-00925-CV in any or all of her social media accounts; Whether or not her social media post encouraged more violent language against the judge concerned in any or all of her social media platforms; Whether or not her post, in the context of social media and in the experience of similar incendiary comments here or abroad, was a clear incitement to produce violent actions against a judge and is likely to produce such act; and Whether or not her statements on her social media accounts, implying violence on a judge, is part of her protected constitutional speech Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/10/04/2214230/sc-issues-show-cause-order-vs-badoy-over-posts-manila-judge -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-10-04

Electrified: Thailand’s Surging Digital Economy In our last look into digital assets and electronic transactions, we outlined Thailand’s ready adoption of and openness to digital payment systems, financial technologies, and cryptocurrencies. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1273697-electrified-thailand’s-surging-digital-economy/

In our last look into digital assets and electronic transactions, we outlined Thailand’s ready adoption of and openness to digital payment systems, financial technologies, and cryptocurrencies. Barely a year since, it has become clear that morning has well and truly broken for the digital economy in Thailand, with government, private sector, and consumer support converging in the nation to accelerate the transition to a digitally-based financial system. Exchange platform excitement The first indication of the digital economy’s maturation in Thailand are the seemingly daily additions of cryptocurrency and blockchain-related businesses and projects, as well as the success of major players in the space. Thai-based exchanges for cryptocurrency, such as Bitkub and Satang Pro, have become household names practically overnight, with trading volumes in the hundreds of millions of US dollars. Bitkub Online has partnered with the creator of USD Coin, Circle, to promote knowledge and understanding among investors on digital assets, affirming the potential seen in the Thai market for the trading of cryptocurrencies. Source: TongRoRo / Shutterstock.com Beyond exchanges, this list by Bangkok Biz News shows 22 Thai-based firms entering the digital finance space. AJ Advance Technology announced a THB900 million investment in bitcoin mining, Country Group Holdings took a 25% stake in Cryptomind Group, GMM Grammy entered into partnerships to present its music catalog in the form of NFTs (????????), and Jasmine Technology Solutions repositioned itself completely as a digital assets firm. Even leading real estate developers Sansiri (????????), SC Asset (????????), and Ananda Development have launched blockchain-powered projects. An appetite for digital assets Source: Auttapol Tatiyarat / Shutterstock.com Since our assessment that “Thailand’s digital economy is just on the horizon” with electronic transactions making up 24.2% of the GDP in 2019, digital payments have rocketed into the mainstream, with the number of people making e-payments rising by 8.7% from 2021 to a total 36.79 million individuals in a population just shy of 70 million. A study by ACI Worldwide, Global Data, and Centre for Economics and Business Research found Thailand recorded 9.7 billion real-time electronic payment transactions in 2021, behind only economic giants India and China. Overall, 31.4% of Thai citizens use a banking, investment, or insurance website or mobile app on a monthly basis and 36.2% use a mobile payment service each month. Most notably, the Digital 2022 Global Overview Report revealed Thailand as a global leader in terms of the proportion of internet users who own cryptocurrencies, with 20.1% of Thailand’s netizens between 16–64 years of age holding some form of cryptocurrency. Deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek attributed the hike in these numbers to adoption of e-payment by people of all ages and businesses of all scales, along with the country’s comprehensive payment infrastructure. Source: NOTE OMG / Shutterstock.com “The widespread adoption of real-time e-payment is a result of the national e-payment policy which was first introduced in 2015,” she explained. “Since then, we have launched several successful projects that use the e-payment infrastructure, including the state welfare card, government wallet [G-wallet], and the Pao Tang application.” Most importantly, the deputy spokesperson stated, “This policy has helped the public and business sector with economic activities, which will eventually enhance people’s quality of life, boost the country’s competitiveness, and improve the ease of doing business in Thailand.” The latest example of the Thai state’s promotion of digital financial tools came in April, when the Government Lottery Office (GLO) began using the Pao Tang mobile application to sell its lottery tickets digitally. By offering the tickets through the state-operated mobile application, the GLO was able to ensure the official retail price was maintained while also serving buyers looking for a cashless payment option. State-fostered fintech The digitized lottery was just one of the more recent signals from the government of its bullish outlook in digital assets and financial technology. In March of this year, relaxed tax rules were announced for the trading of cryptocurrencies until the end of 2023 with the explicit purpose of supporting the digital assets space. The leniency includes value-added-tax (VAT) exemption for trades of digital assets on government-approved exchanges and the ability to deduct losses from crypto trading from taxes due on gains. One of the most indicative examples of official acceptance, however, is the Bank of Thailand’s (BoT) pilot plan for a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), which is slated to launch later this year. BoT Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, speaking to Coindesk, said, “We see it as putting in place the infrastructure that the private sector can innovate on, making sure that whatever platform they innovate on is controllable.” Source: Bank of Thailand Facebook Page This year’s pilot is to test deposits, withdrawals, and transfers using the CBDC, viewing it as “an alternative payment method for ‘cashlike activities within a limited scale.’” The BoT will also allow the private sector and the public to participate in presenting business use cases for Retail CBDC via a “CBDC Hackathon.” Once the test is carried out, it will put Thailand ahead of Europe, which has slated its CBDC test for 2023, while better positioning the nation to take part in the Multiple CBDC (m-CBDC) Bridge Project, which involves China, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong. Digital economy discretion Where the Thai state has hindered financial technology growth, it has done so with the intent of avoiding possible pitfalls. Just as it announced more conducive tax laws for cryptocurrencies, the government disallowed the use of such currencies for the payment of goods and services. The decision was made to keep Thai regulations aligned with those in Europe, the U.K., South Korea, and Malaysia. In a display of readiness to take action where needed, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) imposed fines on Bitkub Online, accusing it of non-compliance with digital asset listing rules and failing to take into account the conflict-of-interest protection measure when listing its own KUB Coin. While these instances may appear to show some resistance, they are actually a reflection of Thailand’s awareness of the power of the digital economy and the need to harness that power with mindfulness. These rare examples have only served to keep Thailand on a path toward genuinely benefitting from the era of digital finance. The digital revolution in full swing Source: VideoFlow / Shutterstock.com The era of the digital economy has begun in earnest in Thailand with the nation’s government devoting significant attention to empowering citizens to reap the utmost benefit. Thailand’s embrace of digital assets, electronic payment, and cryptocurrencies has put it at the forefront of the revolution towards digitized finance now taking place globally and made it an ideal regulatory environment for crypto entrepreneurs and those ready to join the crypto revolution. Source: https://www.thailandnow.in.th/business-investment/electrified-thailands-surging-digital-economy/ -- © Copyright THAILAND NOW 2022-10-04 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Heavy Downpours Expected in Bangkok This Evening BANGKOK, Oct 4 (TNA) – The City Hall expected heavy rains this evening especially in flood-prone districts namely Laksi, Don Muang and Bang Khen. It will deploy vehicles with high water wading capacity to help commuters. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1273695-heavy-downpours-expected-in-bangkok-this-evening/

BANGKOK, Oct 4 (TNA) – The City Hall expected heavy rains this evening especially in flood-prone districts namely Laksi, Don Muang and Bang Khen. It will deploy vehicles with high water wading capacity to help commuters. Bangkok deputy governor Thawida Kamolwech said that rains would pound down in the capital this evening and City Hall workers were strengthening embankments with sandbags. Vehicles with high water wading capacity would be deployed in Laksi, Don Muang and Bang Khen districts to help commuters after many of them were stranded last night following heavy downpour, she said. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1031227 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-10-04 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Chaengwattana area worst hit by Monday night’s downpour Many commuters were forced to wade along flooded pavements in the Chaengwattana area late last night (Monday), due to a lack of public transport and traffic gridlock, after the area was drenched by several hours of heavy rain. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1273694-chaengwattana-area-worst-hit-by-monday-night’s-downpour/

Many commuters were forced to wade along flooded pavements in the Chaengwattana area late last night (Monday), due to a lack of public transport and traffic gridlock, after the area was drenched by several hours of heavy rain. Rainfall at the Government Complex in Chaengwattana over the past 24 hours was measured by the Meteorological Department at 165.5mm, 137mm in neighbouring Lak Si district and 126mm in Bang Na area. The department has also forecast rain and isolated heavy showers covering 70% of Bangkok this evening. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/chaengwattana-area-worst-hit-by-monday-nights-downpour/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-04 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

August’s Mountain B pub fire in Sattahip claims 24th life The deadly inferno at the Mountain B pub in Sattahip district of Chon Buri on August 5th claimed its 24th life last night (Monday), at the Somdech Phra Pinklao military hospital in Thon Buri. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1273693-august’s-mountain-b-pub-fire-in-sattahip-claims-24th-life/

The deadly inferno at the Mountain B pub in Sattahip district of Chon Buri on August 5th claimed its 24th life last night (Monday), at the Somdech Phra Pinklao military hospital in Thon Buri. The latest victim, Pattharakrit Suwanchim, a non-commissioned naval officer, was pronounced dead at 8.40pm. He had been hospitalised since he sustained severe burns when the fire struck the pub. 57 other people were injured in the blaze, some of whom have since died. 11 others are still in hospital, including three who are on ventilators. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/augusts-mountain-b-pub-fire-in-sattahip-claims-24th-life/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-04 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Confrontation between villagers over draining of floodwater in Ayutthaya Two groups of villagers in Thailand’s central province of Ayutthaya confronted each other today (Tuesday), over whether excess water should be drained into a water retention area in Pak Hai district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1273692-confrontation-between-villagers-over-draining-of-floodwater-in-ayutthaya/

Two groups of villagers in Thailand’s central province of Ayutthaya confronted each other today (Tuesday), over whether excess water should be drained into a water retention area in Pak Hai district. The incident started when about 200 people from Bang Hak, Bang Luang and Wat Taku sub-districts of Bang Ban district gathered on a local road, linking Bang Ban with Pak Hai, to demand that irrigation officials drain excess water from their communities into the retention area in Pak Hai district, claiming that their villages have been flooded since August. They claimed that the prolonged flooding has made their lives miserable, with their crops and property damaged, and that they have to use boats as the only way to get in and out of their villages. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/confrontation-between-villagers-over-draining-of-floodwater-in-ayutthaya/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-04 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Pasak River expected to overflow into four central provinces of Thailand People living in four provinces along the Chao Phraya and Pasak rivers have been advised to prepare for overflows due to rising water levels, following an increase in the rate of water being discharged through the Pasak Dam until Monday, according to the National Water Command Centre. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1273691-pasak-river-expected-to-overflow-into-four-central-provinces-of-thailand/

People living in four provinces along the Chao Phraya and Pasak rivers have been advised to prepare for overflows due to rising water levels, following an increase in the rate of water being discharged through the Pasak Dam until Monday, according to the National Water Command Centre. Only some districts of the four central provinces will be affected by the increased discharge. They are Muang, Tha Rua and Bang Sai districts in Ayutthaya, Muang and Manorom districts in Chai Nat, Muang district in Uthai Thani and Phatthana Nikhom district in Lop Buri province. The National Water Command Centre explained that the increased discharge of water from Pasak Jolasid reservoir, by the Royal Irrigation Department, is necessary to ensure the stability of the dam, after both the Meteorological Department and the Institute of Water Resources Information Institute predicted that there will be about 400m3/sec s of water runoffs flowing into the reservoir over the next 5-6 days. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pasak-river-expected-to-overflow-into-four-central-provinces-of-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-04 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Open Sky App Introduced for Requesting Permission to Fly Drones BANGKOK, Oct 3 (TNA) – Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co (AEROTHAI) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) introduced the Open Sky app which lets people request permission to fly drones via mobile phones and obtain it within two days. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1273619-open-sky-app-introduced-for-requesting-permission-to-fly-drones/

BANGKOK, Oct 3 (TNA) – Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co (AEROTHAI) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) introduced the Open Sky app which lets people request permission to fly drones via mobile phones and obtain it within two days. In a discussion on the Open Sky app, Thaleingsak Phathong, AEROTHAI’s senior director for Bangkok terminal air traffic control, said the Open Sky app would shorten the time needed for the approval from 5-7 days to 1-2 days. Submitting the request via the Open Sky app will enable all relevant agencies such as the Royal Thai Police, the Royal Thai Air force, the CAAT to see the information at the same time, so they can consider giving the permission as soon as possible. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1030689 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-10-03 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

“Nuan” the cat chosen as Thailand’s mascot for APEC Summit The Thai Foreign Ministry has chosen a cat, by the name of Nuan, as Thailand’s publicity mascot for the APEC Summit, to be held in Bangkok on November 18th and 19th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1273618-“nuan”-the-cat-chosen-as-thailand’s-mascot-for-apec-summit/

The Thai Foreign Ministry has chosen a cat, by the name of Nuan, as Thailand’s publicity mascot for the APEC Summit, to be held in Bangkok on November 18th and 19th. The ministry said, in its Instagram post that, hosting theAPEC meetings this year presents an important opportunity for Thailand to play constructive role in formulating policies and directions for regional economic development and for the sharing of experiences and knowledge between APEC countries, which will help improve economic development in Thailand and strengthen capacities in all areas of both the public and private sectors. All members of the Thai public are invited to be good hosts for all the guests to make this important event a success, said the ministry. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/nuan-the-cat-chosen-as-thailands-mascot-for-apec-summit/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-03 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Widespread flooding in Chiang Mai as Ping River breaches flood wall Water from the overflowing Ping River breached flood walls this afternoon (Monday), causing widespread inundation of the Muang district of Chiang Mai, including in the economic zone. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1273617-widespread-flooding-in-chiang-mai-as-ping-river-breaches-flood-wall/

Water from the overflowing Ping River breached flood walls this afternoon (Monday), causing widespread inundation of the Muang district of Chiang Mai, including in the economic zone. The water level in the Ping River, measured at the Nawarat Bridge, had risen to 4.65 metres at 3pm today, which is above the 3.70 metre critical level, due mainly to the arrival of runoffs from the Mae Tang river basin. Provincial officials have warned that the flood situation may get worse, as more runoff is expected from Chiang Dao district and the Mae Tang river basin tomorrow. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/widespread-flooding-in-chiang-mai-as-ping-river-breaches-flood-wall/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-03 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Heavy rain and extensive road flooding in Bangkok on Monday Extensive flooding and severe traffic congestion hit Bangkok’s roads this afternoon (Monday) following very heavy rain. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1273608-heavy-rain-and-extensive-road-flooding-in-bangkok-on-monday/

Extensive flooding and severe traffic congestion hit Bangkok’s roads this afternoon (Monday) following very heavy rain. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s flood prevention centre reported that 104mm and 93mm of rain fell in the Laksi and Bang Na districts respectively in the past six hours, while moderate rainfall was reported in other districts. The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in Lat Krabang, Bang Khun Thian and Prawet districts overnight tonight. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/heavy-rain-and-extensive-road-flooding-in-bangkok-on-monday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-03 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

The Mong Sen viaduct on an expressway between Hanoi and Sa Pa will open to traffic this year. The viaduct will cross two hills past a hydroelectric power station and Sa Pa’s rice terraces. It is 612 meters long with five continuous spans, and 14 meters wide with four lanes. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/photo/news/vietnams-tallest-viaduct-gets-ready-for-traffic-4517200.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-10-03

The opening ceremony of the sixth plenum of the 13th Central Committee of Vietnam's Communist Party in Hanoi, October 3, 2022. Photo by Vietnam Government Portal The sixth plenum of the 13th Central Committee of Vietnam's Communist Party began in Hanoi Monday to discuss the national budget for until 2025. The week-long session will see the Central Committee discuss budget expenses so far this year and consider proposed socio-economic development plans and budget plans for the next three years. It will orientate plans for 2021-30 and set out a vision for until 2050 as Vietnam continues to accelerate toward industrialization and modernization. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/party-central-committee-meets-to-discuss-budget-for-until-2025-4518499.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-10-03

A section of the Ben Luc - Long Thanh Expressway running through a mangrove forest in Dong Nai Province, August 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran The investor of Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway should finish the project in 2024 instead of 2025, the National Assembly chairman ordered. Leading a delegation to inspect the expressway project in Dong Nai Province that borders Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday, National Assembly (NA)chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said: "Related units should boost progress to cut the construction time by one year." In June, state-owned Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC), the project investor, asked for the government's permission to extend the project's completion deadline from 2023 to the third quarter of 2025. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/parliament-wants-southern-vietnam-s-longest-expressway-to-be-completed-in-2024-4518586.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-10-03

A macaque that attacked children at a kindergarten on Binh Thuan's Phu Quy Island, October 3, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Truong Thinh Around 10 young children on Binh Thuan Province's Phu Quy Island were attacked and injured on Monday by a macaque who had escaped from a local family. The macaque, which weighed over 10 kilograms, entered a kindergarten in Ngu Phung Commune Monday afternoon. It climbed through a window of a class of around 20 kindergarteners, before biting the arms of a 4-year-old child. Teachers chased the macaque away and it escaped to a tree in the school yard. The 4-year-old was rushed to a local medical center and vaccinated against rabies as a precaution. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/young-children-attacked-by-endangered-macaque-let-loose-on-central-vietnam-island-4518695.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-10-03