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Pattayas Iconic Secret Beach Strewn with Trash By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: ข่าวพัทยา Pattayanews Pattaya — The iconic “secret beach” of Pattaya was recently seen covered in heaps of garbage, prompting nearby residents to call for immediate action from authorities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335130-pattayas-iconic-secret-beach-strewn-with-trash/

Pattaya — The iconic “secret beach” of Pattaya was recently seen covered in heaps of garbage, prompting nearby residents to call for immediate action from authorities. Residents complained to local media about trash washing up on a so-called hidden part of Pattaya beach, located near Soi Na Kluea 18. The beach was littered with plastic bags, beer bottles, and other debris. Residents said this mess is tarnishing the beach’s appeal, which was previously popular among both Thai and international visitors for its clear waters and proximity to nearby hotels and condos. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: ข่าวพัทยา Pattayanews Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-10 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

British tourist missing after trip to Bangkok found safe in Finland by Petch Petpailin Photo via MyLocal Lincolnshire A British tourist who went missing after a trip to Bangkok has been found safe and well according to his older sister. The British man, Simon Robinson, is in Helsinki, Finland. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335129-british-tourist-missing-after-trip-to-bangkok-found-safe-in-finland/

A British tourist who went missing after a trip to Bangkok has been found safe and well according to his older sister. The British man, Simon Robinson, is in Helsinki, Finland. The 27 year old British man was on holiday in Bangkok with friends and scheduled to return home to Boston in Lincolnshire on August 3. He had earlier informed his girlfriend of an early return, saying he would board a return flight on July 27. However, Robinson did not follow his schedule and lost contact with his family, girlfriend, and friends from July 26. He did not get in touch with his family, even on his 27th birthday at the end of July. Following the tracking of his phone signal, Robinson was found to be in Bangkok, near Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Robinson’s older sister, Sarah Robinson Dale, later reported to the British press that her brother had been on Finnair flight AY142, travelling from Bangkok to Finland. The sister told the media that she would contact the authorities about his destination country to locate her brother as soon as possible. Fortunately, Dale confirmed yesterday, August 8, that Robinson finally called her and apologised for the loss of contact. He also apologised for causing everyone concern. Dale also expressed her appreciation to everyone who helped by sharing the missing person’s post and supporting her in the search for her brother. “Simon has called me. He is okay and deeply sorry for worrying everyone. Thank you to everyone who has shared and supported us.” Dale and Robinson have not yet clarified the issue that prevented Robinson from contacting his loved ones but this latest announcement happily confirms that Robinson is safe. UPDATE 1: Missing Brit from Bangkok airport boarded flight to Finland The baffling disappearance of a British tourist hours before his flight from Bangkok has taken a twist: his sister insists he did board a plane. Sarah Robinson-Dale revealed that her brother, 27 year old Simon Robinson, boarded a flight to Helsinki, Finland. This revelation has shifted the search a staggering 5,000 miles from Southeast Asia to the Arctic Circle. Initially, Robinson was feared to have vanished in Bangkok, leaving his family distraught and believing he never boarded his July 26 flight home, despite his phone pinging near the airport minutes before departure. “We have received confirmation that Simon did board the flight on July 26. A massive thank you to everyone who shared and to the kind people who found this information, as police on both sides haven’t done anything. I am waiting for a call back from the police and embassy in Helsinki.” South Yorkshire Police confirmed Robinson’s case was reported to them but hadn’t issued their own missing person’s appeal. The missing Brit’s sister mentioned that the information about him leaving Thailand emerged despite UK police confirming he didn’t. The family’s new theory was prompted by a man claiming to be a Thai immigration officer, who informed them Robinson was on flight AY142 – Finnair’s Bangkok-Helsinki route. Dale confirmed her brother jetted off to Finland but did not reveal the source of her confirmation. Finnair declined to provide customer information when The Sun requested verification of Robinson’s flight details. Robinson, from Skegness, Lincolnshire, initially flew to Thailand on July 22 and was not due home until August 3. However, on July 26, he called his girlfriend to announce he was flying home early. He has not been heard from since. The UK Foreign Office stated it stands ready to assist any Brit abroad but refrained from commenting on Simon’s case. Interpol also declined to comment, citing the need for special circumstances or approval from the missing person’s country, reported The Sun UK. ORIGINAL STORY: Search for British tourist who disappeared at Bangkok airport A 27 year old British tourist embarked on a dream holiday to Thailand but has mysteriously vanished, leaving his loved ones in a state of despair. Simon Robinson jetted off to Thailand on July 22, planning to soak up the Sun until August 3. However, just days into his trip, he phoned his girlfriend on July 26, announcing his early return. That call was the last anyone heard from him. According to The Lincolnite, Robinson, who spends much of his time in Boston, Lincolnshire, UK, never boarded his flight despite his phone pinging near Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Since that fateful call, his phone has been switched off, and his whereabouts remain unknown. Friends and family are now frantically raising awareness to initiate a search effort. South Yorkshire police have confirmed that Simon’s case has been reported, though they have not launched a missing persons appeal. The Foreign Office has stated it is ready to assist any British national abroad. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the missing Brit’s sister, Sarah Robinson Dale, expressed her anguish. “I am going out of my mind here. I am receiving hundreds of messages and don’t have time to reply to them all. I am thankful for everyone’s support and sharing.” Dale urged anyone in Bangkok to contact the police if they see her brother and encouraged people in other countries to keep sharing his picture. “As soon as I have any information, I will update on here. Forever grateful, let’s get Simon home.” Dale was due to speak with the British embassy in Thailand yesterday. Robinson’s friend, Sam Champ, also took to social media to spread the word. “One of my dear friends has gone missing in Bangkok, he hasn’t been heard from since July 26. He was supposed to board a flight that day but he didn’t show up. It was his 27th birthday yesterday and everyone is growing very concerned. He has been reported as a missing person.” Champ attached a picture of his friend, urging people in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand to share the post to help locate his friend, reported The Sun UK. by Petch Petpailin Photo via MyLocal Lincolnshire Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-10 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 10 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1335128-thailand-live-saturday-10-august-2024/

Former Members of the Dissolved MFP Form New Political Group: The People's Party A new political group called "The People's Party" was launched today by members of the now-disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP). The new party leader is Natthaphong “Teng” Ruengpanyawut, who was the Deputy Secretary-General for the MFP. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335104-former-members-of-the-dissolved-mfp-form-new-political-group-the-peoples-party/

The Embassy of the State of Kuwait in the Kingdom of Thailand, under the leadership of His Excellency Ambassador Mohammad Hussain Al-Failakawi, is closely monitoring recent events that took place in Pattaya City. Ambassador Al-Failakawi has emphasised the importance of Kuwaiti citizens strictly adhering to the instructions and guidelines issued by the Embassy, as well as the laws and regulations enforced by the Thai authorities. Kuwaiti Embassy urges citizens to follow Thai Laws Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335100-kuwaiti-embassy-urges-citizens-to-follow-thai-laws/

Norwegian man falls to his death from 16th floor of Pattaya condo by Petch Petpailin Photo via Amarin TV A Norwegian man allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the 16th floor of his condominium in Pattaya yesterday, shocking his Thai wife, who was cooking in the kitchen. The wife contacted officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station to report the death of her husband, 88 year old Jan Asbjorn Hauge, at their condominium in the Jomtien neighbourhood of Pattaya. The incident occurred at approximately 3.30pm yesterday, August 8. Police reported that Hauge allegedly jumped from the balcony of his room on the 16th floor. His body fell onto the roof of a bar on the third floor. Sawang Boriboon Dham Rescue team was called to retrieve the body from the roof. Rescuers faced difficulties during the operation and had to use a boom lift to access the third-floor roof. Police stated that there were no signs of physical altercation or struggle, either on Hauge’s body or in the room he shared with his wife. Hauge’s wife told the police that they had not argued and Hauge had never mentioned anything about suicide. According to her, Hauge had a kidney disease and was very quiet on the day of the incident. She believes he seized the opportunity while she was cooking to take his own life. The wife said she was shocked when she saw Hauge’s body on the roof of the bar. She had to take some time to compose herself before reporting the matter to the police. Leaping from a condo in Pattaya has become a thing over the past few years with locals insensitively calling it “The Pattaya Flying Club.” In a related report, a Thai mother and her daughter committed suicide in their home in Pattaya in July. The mother had been suffering from lung cancer, while her daughter had been battling autoimmune diseases. It is believed they ended their lives due to the distress caused by their illnesses. Multiple suicide cases have been reported in Pattaya recently, including the deaths of a Chinese man in February, a Czech man in March, a Thai-American man in April, and a British, Russian, and Thai man in June. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Motorcyclist Severely Injured in Crash with Pattaya Female Car Driver By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A motorcyclist in Pattaya was critically injured after a car collided with his bike. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335073-motorcyclist-severely-injured-in-crash-with-pattaya-female-car-driver/

Pattaya — A motorcyclist in Pattaya was critically injured after a car collided with his bike. The accident took place at 1:00 AM on August 8th, 2024, on Sukhumvit Road near the Chaiyaphruek intersection, heading towards Sattahip, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Rescue volunteers were quickly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found a gray Honda Jazz car with severe front-end damage after crashing into the rear of a red and black Honda Wave 100 motorcycle, which was lodged in the front of the car. The motorcycle rider, an unidentified Thai man believed to be between 40 and 50 years old, was found face down on the road, severely injured with both legs and arms broken. Rescue personnel provided initial first aid before urgently transporting him to a nearby hospital. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya officials tackle cable chaos in Naklua old market By Pattaya Mail Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn inspects the tangled electrical and communication cables in Naklua Old Market, highlighting the need for reorganization to ensure the safety of residents and tourists. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City officials inspected the tangled and untidy cables in Naklua Old Market, Soi 8/1 (Soi Wattanachai), on August 8 as part of an initiative to reorganize the cluttered infrastructure in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335067-pattaya-officials-tackle-cable-chaos-in-naklua-old-market/

Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn inspects the tangled electrical and communication cables in Naklua Old Market, highlighting the need for reorganization to ensure the safety of residents and tourists. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City officials inspected the tangled and untidy cables in Naklua Old Market, Soi 8/1 (Soi Wattanachai), on August 8 as part of an initiative to reorganize the cluttered infrastructure in the area. Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn, who led the inspection, emphasized the historical significance of the Lan Pho Naklua market, a community known for its traditional Thai-style wooden houses that preserve the unique heritage of the area. He noted that the aging electrical and communication cables have become a growing concern due to their potential to cause dangerous short circuits. By Pattaya Mail Full story: Pattaya Mail 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese man suspected in death of Lao girlfriend in Chon Buri by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Jack Thekop An overstaying Chinese man told police that his Lao girlfriend chased him from her condominium in Chon Buri and had nothing to do with her death. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335066-chinese-man-suspected-in-death-of-lao-girlfriend-in-chon-buri/

An overstaying Chinese man told police that his Lao girlfriend chased him from her condominium in Chon Buri and had nothing to do with her death. She was later found dead in the bathroom with a severe cut to her throat. The cause of her death remains unclear. A 25 year old woman, Nong, reported the death of her 28 year old Laotian friend, Prai “Namfon” Manee, at Nongprue Police Station yesterday, August 8. Her body was found in the bathroom of her room at a condo in Soi Ban Noen Rot Fai 1. Nong told police that Namfon’s older sister had called her at about 2pm that day, asking her to check on Namfon because she was unable to contact her. Upon arriving at the condo, Nong found Namfon’s Chinese boyfriend, 42 year old Chang Zi, outside the room. According to Nong, the room was locked, and the Chinese man did not have a key to Namfon’s room. They decided to call a locksmith, who helped them gain entry. Nong stated that Chang entered the room before her but immediately ran out in fear, informing her that Namfon was dead. Nong said Chang excused himself and left the scene, stating that he had overstayed his visa and did not want to encounter the police. According to the police report, Namfon was found lying face-up in a pool of blood in the bathroom. She was dressed in red shorts and a black T-shirt. She had a deep cut to her neck and was holding a kitchen knife in her right hand. Another knife was found in the sink. Suspicious footprints There were large bloody footprints, which appeared to belong to another person, in front of the bathroom. A cat was also found in the room. Nonetheless, officers summoned Chang for questioning. Chang revealed to the police that he and Namfon had been in a relationship for about three years. Before Namfon’s death, Chang claimed that Namfon had arrived at the room at 7pm on August 7 and seemed drunk. Namfon allegedly shouted that a ghost was following her and wanted to kill her. She then chased Chang out of the room and locked it. Chang said he attempted to gain entry again but received no response, so he spent the night at a friend’s place instead. Namfon’s death remains under investigation. The police have yet to determine whether Namfon committed suicide or was murdered. The Chinese man will be questioned further but has been initially charged with overstaying his visa by over four years. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Jack Thekop Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Simon Robinson: British Man Still Missing After Taking Flight from Bangkok Simon Robinson. Picture courtesy: Facebook UPDATE: The family of Simon Robinson, a British man, is appealing for help after he went missing whilst returning from Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335064-simon-robinson-british-man-still-missing-after-taking-flight-from-bangkok/

Simon Robinson. Picture courtesy: Facebook UPDATE The family of Simon Robinson, a British man, is appealing for help after he went missing whilst returning from Thailand. Simon was last heard from on 26th July before boarding a flight from Bangkok to Helsinki. He was supposed to catch a connecting flight from Helsinki to Manchester, but he never boarded the second plane. Simon’s sister, Sarah Robinson Dale, confirmed he was on the flight from Thailand but did not take the connecting flight. Distressingly, his phone has been switched off ever since, and there has been no contact with family or friends. Simon Robinson, a 27-year-old from Skegness, Lincolnshire, was initially scheduled to fly back from his holiday on 3rd August. However, he contacted his girlfriend to inform her he would return early. Concerns grew when he failed to show up, prompting his family to spread the word about his disappearance. Ms Dale has created a missing person poster in both English and Finnish, hoping it will generate new leads in Finland. The family has also launched an Instagram page, @findsimonrobinson, to raise awareness and gather information, reported Sky News. Simon is described as 6ft 2in tall, of regular build, with brown hair and blue eyes. His disappearance has left his family in a state of worry and uncertainty, urging anyone who might have seen him or has information on his whereabouts to reach out. For those in the UK with potential information, they are encouraged to contact the police on 101. If you are outside the UK, specifically in Finland, you can reach Interpol in Helsinki at +358 295 480 181. The family hopes that with the help of the public, they can find Simon and bring him back home safely. Source: Sky News -- 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man Faints and Falls to His Death After Encounter with Ladyboy This morning, a 30-year-old man tragically drowned after suffering an epileptic seizure during an intimate moment by a moat in Nakhon Ratchasima. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335062-man-faints-and-falls-to-his-death-after-encounter-with-ladyboy/

This morning, a 30-year-old man tragically drowned after suffering an epileptic seizure during an intimate moment by a moat in Nakhon Ratchasima. Authorities were alerted to the situation at 12:40 a.m. and rushed to Kamhaeng Songkhram Road, near the Court of Appeals, Region 3. Despite the water being only knee-deep, efforts to revive the man were unsuccessful. Rescue workers and divers retrieved his body, dressed in a white T-shirt and black jeans, within five minutes from the bank of the moat. Mr. B, a 28-year-old ladyboy from Muang Nakhon Ratchasima District, revealed that the two met earlier that evening at a Thai-style pavilion near the Thao Suranaree (Ya Mo) monument. They struck up a friendly conversation and decided to move to the quieter area near the moat. As they conversed, the man suddenly experienced a seizure. Mr. B initially thought he was joking, but his condition quickly worsened. The man, who had previously mentioned his chronic illness, rolled into the canal. Realising the severity of the situation, Mr. B immediately sought help from authorities. However, despite their swift response, it was too late, and the man drowned. The Sawang Metta Thammasathan Rescue Unit transported the body to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital's Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy to confirm the exact cause of death. This tragic incident underscores the dangers faced by those with chronic illnesses and highlights the importance of having a medical alert device, especially in vulnerable moments. Our thoughts go out to the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time. Picture courtesy: CH7 -- 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bank of Thailand Holds Interest Rate Steady at 2.5% Amid Inflation Concerns Bank of Thailand. Picture courtesy: MGR online The Bank of Thailand is anticipated to maintain the benchmark interest rate at 2.5% in its forthcoming meeting, responding to the gradual rise in inflation back within its target range. Experts are calling for more government stimulus, alongside existing digital wallet schemes, to invigorate the sluggish economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335059-bank-of-thailand-holds-interest-rate-steady-at-25-amid-inflation-concerns/

The Bank of Thailand is anticipated to maintain the benchmark interest rate at 2.5% in its forthcoming meeting, responding to the gradual rise in inflation back within its target range. Experts are calling for more government stimulus, alongside existing digital wallet schemes, to invigorate the sluggish economy. Headline inflation edged up to 0.8% last month, exceeding the consensus estimate of 0.7% and June's 0.6% rise. This nearing alignment with the central bank's inflation target range of 1-3% was highlighted by Maybank economists in Kuala Lumpur. Core inflation also rose, hitting 0.5% from June’s 0.4%, marking a peak in six months, according to Erica Tay, Maybank’s Director of Macro Research. “The phasing out of electricity subsidies in the latter half of 2024 could drive headline inflation higher. We project the consumer price index (CPI) to average 0.9% this year, rising to 1.8% next year,” Tay elaborated. The central bank remarked, “Consumer confidence continues to wane due to higher living costs from rising energy prices and concerns over the tepid recovery of the Thai economy.” Tourism remains vital, with tourist arrivals hitting 21 million year-to-date, a 33% year-on-year increase, as per Tay’s insights. With the CPI gradually climbing back to the target range and a forecasted increase in public spending in the latter half of the year, the Bank of Thailand is less likely to reduce its policy rate at the August 21 meeting, as noted by Maybank. Looking ahead, Maybank predicts a rate cut of 0.25 percentage points to 2.25% next year, maintaining their GDP growth forecasts at 2.4% for this year and 2.8% for 2025. The Bangkok Post reports that Bank of America (BoA) noted Thailand’s July CPI aligned with expectations but was slightly above the consensus forecast due to rising oil and food prices. BoA's Pipat Luengnaruemitchai stated, “Thai inflation remains relatively low year-on-year compared to regional countries. We foresee a minor dip in August inflation due to the base effect but anticipate a rise above 1% in Q4 due to last year's low energy price base.” Economists like Nattaphon Khamthakruea from Yuanta Securities and Amonthep Chawla from CIMB Thai Bank expressed concerns that economic growth may dip below 2% this year, especially depending on the imminent Constitutional Court ruling regarding Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. They advocate for immediate stimulus measures to boost the economy. TOP: Bank of Thailand. Picture courtesy: MGR online -- 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

HP Considers Thailand Amid Shift in PC Production from China Picture courtesy: Bangkok Biz News Hewlett-Packard (HP) is exploring a significant shift in its production strategy, aiming to relocate a substantial portion of its PC manufacturing operations from China to Thailand. https://aseannow.com/topic/1335057-hp-considers-thailand-amid-shift-in-pc-production-from-china/Full story:

Picture courtesy: Bangkok Biz News Hewlett-Packard (HP) is exploring a significant shift in its production strategy, aiming to relocate a substantial portion of its PC manufacturing operations from China to Thailand. This move is influenced by ongoing geopolitical concerns and potential risks associated with the US-China relationship. HP, an American IT giant, is reportedly in discussions with its suppliers to execute this transition within the next two to three years, as highlighted by a recent Nikkei Asia report. The company aspires to have up to 70% of its notebook production outside of China eventually. Additionally, HP is planning to establish a backup design hub in Singapore to further diversify its operations. According to the report, HP is actively coordinating with at least five suppliers to set up new manufacturing and warehouse facilities in Thailand. Since the beginning of the year, two of these suppliers have been expanding their capacities at HP’s request. An executive involved with the plans commented, "HP is betting big on building a production hub in Thailand. While we have other Southeast Asian facilities, they were deemed insufficient, prompting the need for a new factory in Thailand.” Other sources within HP have emphasised the growing business opportunities in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, while also pointing out the geopolitical risks associated with maintaining a large manufacturing base in China. These risks have been exacerbated by ongoing US-China tensions and disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. HP's strategic shift underscores the broader trend of companies reassessing their reliance on Chinese manufacturing amid global supply chain uncertainties. By exploring new production hubs in Thailand, HP aims to mitigate potential disruptions and leverage new markets, ensuring business continuity and growth in a volatile global landscape. -- 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UN 'Deeply Concerned' by Thailand’s Opposition Party Ban Former leader of Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, center, arrives at Move Forward Party headquarter in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Rach Sumetlak) The United Nations has voiced deep concern after Thailand's Constitutional Court dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP), a prominent pro-democracy opposition group, on Wednesday. The court's unanimous decision effectively bans MFP's executive board from political activities for the next decade. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335051-un-deeply-concerned-by-thailand’s-opposition-party-ban/

Former leader of Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, center, arrives at Move Forward Party headquarter in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Rach Sumetlak) The United Nations has voiced deep concern after Thailand's Constitutional Court dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP), a prominent pro-democracy opposition group, on Wednesday. The court's unanimous decision effectively bans MFP's executive board from political activities for the next decade. UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed grave worries in a statement, saying, "This decision seriously impacts fundamental freedoms of expression and association, and people's right to participate in public affairs and political life in Thailand." Turk highlighted the severity of penalising a party and its leaders for championing legal reforms, particularly those in support of human rights. MFP, which garnered significant support in last year's general election, had campaigned vigorously to amend Thailand's stringent royal defamation laws. The laws, known as lese-majeste, criminalise defamation, insults, or threats to the monarchy, often resulting in lengthy prison sentences. Turk and various human rights bodies have long criticised these laws for being inconsistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Turk labelled the court's ruling as "deeply troubling" and reiterated past concerns regarding the lese-majeste laws. "I call on the government to find pathways to ensure a vibrant, strong and inclusive democracy that promotes and respects the rights to freedom of expression and association and end the use of lese-majeste laws to suppress critical voices," he said. Emphasising the importance of diverse political voices, Turk added, "A diversity of voices and opinions is fundamental to ensuring respect and protection of human rights and achieving peaceful social and economic development." The dissolution of MFP raises questions about the future of Thailand's pro-democracy movement and the broader implications for political expression in the country. The international community will undoubtedly continue to monitor the situation closely, as calls for democratic reform and human rights take centre stage. -- 2024-08-09 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai gear shift: BOI revs up JV incentives for global auto partners by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Bangkok Motor Show Thailand announced incentives to encourage joint ventures (JV) between Thai and foreign companies to produce automotive parts for various propulsion systems, the Board of Investment (BOI) revealed yesterday.' Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335050-thai-gear-shift-boi-revs-up-jv-incentives-for-global-auto-partners/