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IEAT reveals Japan-inspired Smart City development plan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) has announced its development plan for smart cities and industrial estates inspired by Japan. The agency is now working to further extend Thailand-Japan cooperation in modern industries, with a 3 billion baht investment from a Japanese firm expected over the next two years. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270342-ieat-reveals-japan-inspired-smart-city-development-plan/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) has announced its development plan for smart cities and industrial estates inspired by Japan. The agency is now working to further extend Thailand-Japan cooperation in modern industries, with a 3 billion baht investment from a Japanese firm expected over the next two years. IEAT Governor Veeris Ammarapala said the agency wants to adopt practices introduced by Haneda Innovation City, Japan, through its own smart industrial estate campaign at Samut Sakhon Industrial Estate, as well as the agency’s Smart Park campaign for zero emissions. This initiative focuses on the implementation of advanced technology and modern innovations for industrial and smart city development, together with advanced medical technology and the use of hydrogen as fuel. IEAT is also working with the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) to attract more Japanese investments. Both are assisting a Japanese firm specializing in circuit boards and microchips that will invest an additional 3,000 baht in Chonburi city over the next 2 years. The IEAT chief said Thailand remains an attractive investment destination for Japanese investors, according to his conversation with several of them. He said many investors are interested in making new investments or expanding their current investments in Thailand, thanks to the country’s infrastructure, workforce security, utilities, and logistics capability. Mr. Veeris said Japanese investors have not shown any concerns with Thailand’s internal politics, as they are mostly interested in the investment benefits provided. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220829164202280 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-27 - 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!

Former Thai MP Sira Jenjaka sentenced to 16 months in prison Former Palang Pracharath MP Sira Jenjaka was sentenced to 16 months in prison without suspension today (Monday), after Don Mueang District Court found him guilty on five counts of defamation and trespassing charges, filed against him by Mongkutwattana Hospital and its director, Maj-Gen Rienthong Nanna. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270341-former-thai-mp-sira-jenjaka-sentenced-to-16-months-in-prison/

Former Palang Pracharath MP Sira Jenjaka was sentenced to 16 months in prison without suspension today (Monday), after Don Mueang District Court found him guilty on five counts of defamation and trespassing charges, filed against him by Mongkutwattana Hospital and its director, Maj-Gen Rienthong Nanna. According to the charge sheet, on May 7th last year, Sira led a group of 4 or 5 men who trespassed on land in Laksi district, near the Mongkutwattana Hospital, where a field hospital was to be built to accommodate COVID-19 patients. The former MP subsequently led about 20 people in a protest against the field hospital project and made offensive remarks against Maj-Gen Rienthong to many people at the construction site. Sira was granted bail by the court after he put up a 21,600 baht bail bond. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/former-thai-mp-sira-jenjaka-sentenced-to-16-months-in-prison/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - 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!

Thailand’s new police chief announced The National Police Policy Committee Meeting has voted unanimously to appoint Police General Damrongsak Kittipraphat as the next National Police Chief, succeeding Police General Suwat Jangyodsuk, who will retire on September 30th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270340-thailand’s-new-police-chief-announced/

The National Police Policy Committee Meeting has voted unanimously to appoint Police General Damrongsak Kittipraphat as the next National Police Chief, succeeding Police General Suwat Jangyodsuk, who will retire on September 30th. The meeting was chaired by the acting prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan. Police General Damrongsak has, to date, been responsible for national security and the police cyber taskforce and will become the 13th National Police Chief. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-new-police-chief-announced/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - 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!

Nguyen Van Anh of Hai Phong is being investigated for selling four Vietnamese teenagers to Cambodia. Photo by Hai Phong police Four families in Hai Phong City visited Cambodia to pay thousands of dollars in ransom to get their children back after the latter were tricked and trafficked by an acquaintance. Nguyen Tuan of An Duong District in Hai Phong learned late March that his teenage son wished to travel to Cambodia and work with his friends. It was Nguyen Van Anh, 45, who recommended his son for the job. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/families-pay-ransom-to-buy-back-teens-from-cambodian-mafia-4504965.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-29

An intersection of the western branch of the North-South Highway, the beginning point of the Van Thien Road that will lead to a national park in Thanh Hoa Province. Photo by VnExpress/Le Hoang Construction of a 12-km road at a cost of VND1.2 trillion (US$51.1 million) through a national park in Thanh Hoa Province began Sunday. The Van Thien Road, with four lanes and a designed speed at 80 kph, will run through Nong Cong and Nhu Thanh districts in the central province. Construction is expected to finish in 2025. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/51-mln-road-to-run-through-central-vietnam-national-park-4505043.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-29

Cars arrive at the domestic terminal of Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCMC. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran The Ministry of Transport has required airports across the country to adopt an electronic toll collection (ETC) system at their gates. In a statement released Sunday, the ministry said the ETC system would smooth out traffic flow and avoid congestion at airports. The system is one solution to handling overload at airports, which has caused flight delays or even cancelations, said the ministry. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/airports-to-apply-automatic-toll-collection-to-avoid-congestion-4505063.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-29

Doctors at Hanoi's Bach Mai Hospital treats a patient. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy A bidding process that requires hospitals to buy the cheapest medical products and tools is worrying doctors, who warn low-quality products directly impact patients' health. A renowned surgeon at an unidentified hospital in the north, returning home after midnight one day, could not sleep: His conscience was troubled by the fact his patients' condition could be affected because of low-quality sutures. Cheap, low-quality sutures makes it difficult for doctors to knot them, and they can break if tugged too hard, he said. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/cheap-medical-tools-mean-costly-consequences-doctors-lament-4504409.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-29

Passengers pictured at Tandang Sora Jeep Terminal in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City on Oct. 19, 2021. The Department of Transportation is pushing for an increase in passenger capacity of public utility vehicles following the downgrading of Metro Manila's COVID-19 alert level from 4 to 3. The STAR / Michael Varcas MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said that it expects to release the rate of the long-overdue jeepney fare hikes as early as next week. LTFRB Chairperson Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said they are still weighing how much out of the P3 to P4 additional fare petition will be imposed on commuters. The regulatory board required jeepney groups to file a position paper or a memorandum within 15 days since their last hearing with the regulatory board held August 18. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205932/overdue-jeepney-fare-hike-rate-be-released-earliest-next-week -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. leads the commemoration of the National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on August 29, 2022. Screengrab from PTV livestream MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to Filipinos of "extraordinary courage" who fought to establish and protect the Philippines as the country celebrates National Heroes’ Day. "We remember and honor each of them for the sacrifices they made in our behalf so that we may live in peace, security, and liberty as well as realize our full potential as Filipinos," Marcos said in his first National Heroes Day message as the chief executive. He urged the public to not forgetthem as "their legacy of heroism lives on in the hearts of our medical professionals, civil servants, uniformed personnel, and ordinary citizens who toil to keep the Filipino dream alive." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205912/marcos-be-heroes-our-own-right-inspire-future-generations-filipinos -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

Smoke billows as rival Libyan groups exchange fire in the capital Tripoli, on August 27, 2022. The fighting broke out in various districts of Tripoli between groups armed with both heavy and light weapons, as two rival governments yet again vie for power in the oil-rich but impoverished North African country. The exchange wounded civilians and raised fears of all-out conflict in a country facing a grave political crisis. AFP / Mahmud Turkia MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has not received a report of Filipinos harmed in clashes between the backers of Libya’s rival governments. Amb. Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA spokesperson, said that the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli is monitoring the situation. “The DFA strongly urges our kababayans to take shelter at home or in other safe places while the fighting is ongoing and to contact our Embassy through its hotline numbers for immediate assistance,” Daza told the media Sunday evening. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205918/no-filipino-reported-harmed-tripoli-clashes-dfa -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

A consensus building is held in Brgy. Barong Barong in Brooke's Point on August 5, 2022. Rowena Combang MANILA, Philippines — Indigenous Pala’wans in Brooke’s Point in Palawan said they are at serious risk of losing their lands, livelihoods, and way of life due to the extraction of nickel from their ancestral territory. Mining activities in the southern Palawan municipality threaten the livelihood of communities dependent on agriculture, fisheries and forests, and affect the access of residents to clean water, Pala’wan leaders and youth interviewed by Philstar.com said. They protested the Community Consultative Assemblies (CCAs) that they said were hastily done for the activities of Ipilan Nickel Corp. (INC) and the outcomes of the meetings. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205905/palawan-ips-nickel-mining-threat-communitys-survival -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

Bangkok Introduces Ratchaphiphat Sandbox Model BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched its telemedicine program at Ratchaphiphat hospital in Bang Kae district, with mobile units to be deployed to various areas in the capital. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270324-bangkok-introduces-ratchaphiphat-sandbox-model/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched its telemedicine program at Ratchaphiphat hospital in Bang Kae district, with mobile units to be deployed to various areas in the capital. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, accompanied by his deputy, Tavida Kamolvej, presided over the launch of the "Ratchaphiphat Sandbox Model." According to Chadchart, the BMA is currently working to expand and enhance the city’s healthcare services for the general public, particularly for those in need of medical assistance. The program aims to make it easier for patients and medical staff to request and provide assistance, thereby reducing hospital crowding and workloads. Chadchart added that the Ratchaphiphat Sandbox Model, which is subsidized by the private sector, is also receiving support from the BMA’s Medical Service Department, the Health Department, district offices, the National Health Security Office and a number of private medical centers in the capital. Even though the model is only available to certain communities in Bangkok, Chadchart said he hoped that similar health initiatives will soon be available in all of the city’s 50 districts. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220829134741179 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-27 - 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!

Kratom Plant Act Announced in Royal Gazette BANGKOK (NNT) - The Kratom Plant Act has been promulgated with specified legal terms regarding the exploitation of its medicinal properties and the prohibition of its use by the vulnerable. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270323-kratom-plant-act-announced-in-royal-gazette/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Kratom Plant Act has been promulgated with specified legal terms regarding the exploitation of its medicinal properties and the prohibition of its use by the vulnerable. Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the Kratom Plant Act, which went into effect on August 27, followed the removal of kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) from the national list of controlled substances more than a year ago. According to Rachada, the law primarily regulates the use of kratom leaves, the boiling of the leaves to create infused water, leaf extracts and the application process for a kratom license. It also addresses the suspension and revocation of related licenses, the legal protection of those susceptible to harm from kratom leaf consumption, and the prevention of substance abuse. Rachada said state agencies could also assist the public in cultivating kratom and processing the leaves under their culture and customs. However, the procedure must be strictly carried out in accordance with applicable laws. Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin meanwhile said more government support was required to conduct research and improve the quality of kratom leaves and that laws could be amended to permit the production of kratom leaves and herbal ingredients for use in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220829142448208 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-27 - 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!

Government Dismisses Rumors About Cabinet Reshuffle, House Dissolution BANGKOK (NNT) - Following the Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha from his duties as prime minister, the government has dismissed rumors of a possible cabinet reshuffle or dissolution of the House of Representatives. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270319-government-dismisses-rumors-about-cabinet-reshuffle-house-dissolution/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Following the Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha from his duties as prime minister, the government has dismissed rumors of a possible cabinet reshuffle or dissolution of the House of Representatives. Deputy Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana stated in an interview on Saturday (27 Aug) that Gen Prayut still has other responsibilities within the government and that his suspension as prime minister is only in effect until the court issues a ruling on his tenure. As required by the 2020 State Affairs Administration Act, Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon has assumed the role of acting prime minister. Tipanan also confirmed that all government projects, including Thailand’s preparations for the upcoming APEC summit in November, will continue as planned. The Constitutional Court last week suspended Gen Prayut from his position as prime minister pending its decision on his term limit. The suspension order followed the court’s unanimous decision to accept a petition from the opposition requesting a ruling on Gen Prayut’s eight-year tenure. The petition, signed by 171 opposition lawmakers, was submitted on Monday (22 Aug). Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Sunday (28 Aug) that coalition parties remain united and will continue to work with the ruling Palang Pracharath Party until the court rules on the matter. Full Story: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220829132000167 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-27 - 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!

Efforts underway to return three historic artefacts to Thailand from USA The US Department of Homeland Security has been negotiating with the Denver Art Museum for the return of three historic artefacts to Thailand, Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said today (Monday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270318-efforts-underway-to-return-three-historic-artefacts-to-thailand-from-usa/

The US Department of Homeland Security has been negotiating with the Denver Art Museum for the return of three historic artefacts to Thailand, Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said today (Monday). The three items are the Srivijaya-era Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and two bronze statues of the Dvaravati period, from the 7th to 11th centuries AD. Last year, the Department of Homeland Security helped to secure the return, from the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, of two Khmer stone lintels, believed to have originated from Prasat Nong Hong in Buri Ram province and Prasat Khao Lon in Sa Kaeo province. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/efforts-underway-to-return-three-historic-artefacts-to-thailand-from-usa/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - 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!

Poor market sentiment sinks SCB’s multi-billion-baht deal for Bitkub Siam Commercial Bank (now named SCB X), Thailand’s oldest commercial bank, created a flutter in the markets in November last year when it announced a multibillion deal to buy a majority stake in Bitkub Online Co, Thailand’s largest digital asset exchange. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270317-poor-market-sentiment-sinks-scb’s-multi-billion-baht-deal-for-bitkub/

Siam Commercial Bank (now named SCB X), Thailand’s oldest commercial bank, created a flutter in the markets in November last year when it announced a multibillion deal to buy a majority stake in Bitkub Online Co, Thailand’s largest digital asset exchange. The 17.8-billion-baht deal made headlines and spurred excitement in the financial and startup communities. SCB X said at the time that the deal was part of its efforts to transform its business and to ride the rapid popularity of digital assets. The deal was expected to hoist Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co, the parent company of Bitkub Online, to unicorn status — a startup worth over US$1 billion (about 36 billion baht currently) — and make Jirayut Srupsrisopa, the founder and CEO of Bitkub Capital Group, as potentially a new billionaire. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/poor-market-sentiment-sinks-scbs-multi-billion-baht-deal-for-bitkub/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - 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!

Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, Wattanasak Sur-iam, says that Thai President Foods (Mama), Thai Preserved Food (Wai Wai) and Wan Thai Foods Industry (Yum Yum) are allowed to increase their instant noodle pricesby 1 Baht, increasing the price to 7 baht per packet, effective August 25th. Any greater price increase could, however, lead to 7 years in prison and/or a fine of up to 140,000 baht. In reaching their decision, the ministry took into account the increased costs of production. This approval is, however, on the condition that, if or when those costs reduce, the per-packet prices will reduce accordingly. The noodle makers also have to report monthly to the Department of Internal Trade onthe cost of raw materials. “Today we invited the three manufacturers for a meeting. They have been seeking permission for a 2-baht price increase since 2021 and the department had asked them to maintain the price until now. The matter has been monitored closely. With the cost increases in production, as well as energy and labour costs, we have agreed to a raising of the price, effective tomorrow (Thursday).” Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-commerce-ministry-approves-1-per-packet-instant-noodle-price-rise/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-24 - 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!