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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. Recognised as Southeast Asia’s leading automotive production hub, Thailand also serves as a significant export base for prominent global car manufacturers. The government is keenly promoting investments in electric vehicles (EVs), offering incentives to attract major corporations to the sector. Eligible for these incentives are both new projects and existing parts manufacturers transitioning into a JV. These entities can receive an additional two years of tax exemption, with a maximum period of eight years, provided they apply by the end of 2025, according to the BOI. To meet the criteria, a new JV must invest a minimum of 100 million baht (US$2.82 million) in auto parts manufacturing. The JV must consist of both a Thai and a foreign company, with the local firm being at least 60% Thai-owned and contributing a minimum of 30% of the JV’s registered capital, said a BOI spokesperson. “These incentives are aimed at boosting Thailand’s automotive industry, particularly in the EV sector.” Additionally, on Wednesday, the BOI approved an investment by Hyundai Motor Company, a South Korean automaker, valued at 1 billion baht (US$28 million). Hyundai plans to establish a facility for assembling EVs and batteries in Thailand, the spokesperson added. New incentives “The investment by Hyundai signifies a significant step towards positioning Thailand as a key player in the global EV market.” The new incentives align with Thailand’s broader strategy to enhance its automotive sector’s competitiveness and sustainability. The government’s focus on EVs reflects a global shift towards greener technologies and reduced carbon footprints. “We are committed to transforming Thailand into a regional hub for electric vehicle production,” the BOI representative emphasized. These measures are part of a broader effort to attract foreign direct investment and foster technology transfer, which is expected to benefit the local automotive industry. “By encouraging joint ventures, we aim to leverage the strengths of both Thai and foreign companies, fostering innovation and growth,” the spokesperson noted. The initiative also underscores Thailand’s ambition to become a leader in the next generation of automotive manufacturing, embracing advancements in EV technology and sustainable practices. “This is an exciting time for Thailand’s automotive industry, and we are optimistic about the future,” the BOI official concluded. With these incentives, Thailand hopes to attract more global players to invest in the country’s automotive sector, driving economic growth and technological advancement. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Bangkok Motor Show 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

Activist Urges Quick Legal Action Against Move Forward MPs Former leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat talks to reporter with lawmakers from Move Forward Party during press conference at Move Forward Party headquarter in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has urgently called upon the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to hasten the prosecution of 44 former Move Forward Party MPs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335049-activist-urges-quick-legal-action-against-move-forward-mps/

Former leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat talks to reporter with lawmakers from Move Forward Party during press conference at Move Forward Party headquarter in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has urgently called upon the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to hasten the prosecution of 44 former Move Forward Party MPs. These MPs had endorsed amendments to the country's lèse majesté law (Section 112), which is considered a grave offence in Thailand. In a press conference today, Ruangkrai revealed he had sent a pressing letter to the NACC. This letter requested access to the Constitutional Court's recent ruling against the Move Forward Party, aiming to use it as critical evidence against the accused MPs. The allegation against them is gross ethical misconduct. The dissolved Move Forward Party had introduced five draft bills to amend the lèse majesté law. The most contentious of these sought to relocate the lèse majesté provisions from the defamation section to a new chapter, specifically aimed at protecting the honour of the King, Queen, Heir Apparent, and Regent. Ruangkrai highlighted that the Constitutional Court had already determined that the party’s actions aimed to overthrow democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The court also ruled that their continuous push for these amendments sought to diminish the monarchy's status. "According to the ruling, the actions of these 44 MPs violate Section 234 (1) of the Constitution," Ruangkrai stated. Thirayuth Suwankesorn, a lawyer, had previously requested the NACC to examine these MPs' conduct. He had also petitioned the Election Commission, accusing the Move Forward Party and its former leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, of attempting to destabilise democracy under a constitutional monarchy. Earlier this year, on January 31st, the Constitutional Court found both Pita and the party guilty and ordered them to halt all activities related to amending the lèse majesté law. This ruling has paved the way for Ruangkrai and others to push for rapid legal proceedings against the former MPs. This situation remains highly sensitive and continues to stir significant public and political discourse in Thailand. -- 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

Government to Crack Down on Low-Quality Chinese Imports File photo for reference only. Courtesy: ThaiSMEeCenter In a bid to protect local businesses, the Thai Ministry of Commerce is considering stringent measures against the influx of cheap and substandard products from China. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335048-government-to-crack-down-on-low-quality-chinese-imports/

In a bid to protect local businesses, the Thai Ministry of Commerce is considering stringent measures against the influx of cheap and substandard products from China. Local enterprises have been clamouring for action, citing the overwhelming presence of these products both online and in physical stores, which is threatening their survival. Recently, a significant meeting was convened, attended by representatives from the Commerce Ministry, the Ministries of Public Health, Digital Economy and Society, Finance, and various regulatory bodies. The focal point of the discussion was the negative impact of low-quality Chinese imports on local markets. A surge in possibly illegal Chinese establishments in tourist areas has also raised eyebrows, further aggravating the issue. Adding to these concerns is the impending launch of a major Chinese online platform, Temu, which promises to deliver goods at staggeringly low prices within five days. Commerce Permanent Secretary Vuttikrai Leewiraphan addressed the media today, shedding light on the planned approach. The crackdown will target both physical and online trade models. Officials will scrutinise whether the products entering the Thai market are imported legally and have undergone necessary quality checks. In physical stores, particularly those in Chinese-dominated areas, officials will verify whether the workforce includes non-Thai employees without proper work permits, as well as whether these establishments are legally registered and compliant with intellectual property laws. For the online market, collaboration with the Customs Department will be crucial. By monitoring the top ten most popular online products, authorities can ensure they meet Thailand's quality standards and are legally permissible. This decisive action by the government aims to stem the flood of inferior goods, thereby levelling the playing field for local businesses and ensuring consumer safety. As Thai officials gear up for this crackdown, it remains to be seen how swiftly and effectively these measures will be implemented. TOP File photo for reference only. Courtesy: ThaiSMEeCenter -- 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 9 August 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335047-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-9-august-2024/

The Move Forward Party's core team yesterday announced plans after the Constitutional Court ordered its dissolution. Khun Nattapong Ruang-pan-yawut, former deputy secretary-general, was elected as the new leader for his coordination skills and strong relationship with Khun Thanathorn, chairman of the Progressive Movement. The new party will be called "Pracha-chon" or The People's Party. The operators of the Yellow and Pink monorail systems will reinforce the guide wheels on every train to improve the systems' safety, The chief of BTS group said the move is meant to assure the public that both monorail lines are safe both for commuters and motorists below. Extensive checks have been carried out on the lines and carriages following an incident in January when a train guide wheel fell from the monorail and, hit a taxi below. The Royal Thai Embassy in London has warned it’s nationals traveling to the United Kingdom and those living there to stay away from anti-racism rallies. Their warning comes after more than a week of -nighttime riots, which have resulted in damage to communities and hundreds of arrests. Around the region China: At least two people have died from heatstroke in one city and many more have fallen ill, as temperatures hovered around 40 degrees for the eighth day on the eastern seaboard. And in Malaysia extreme heat has prompted thousands to cool down in rivers and cooler waters which has resulted in a spike in drownings, fire authorities say there have been some 10 thousand fire incidents a month so far this year. Todays Weather Chiang Mai and the north: sunny with showers 32C degrees celsius Bangkok: sunny partly cloudy 34 Pattaya: cloudy showers 31 Phuket and the south: thundershowers 30 Hua Hin: Fine and Sunny, becoming cloudy later in the day 32 Much the same over the weekend. AQI: green which is good Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Wunderground.com The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Windy.com. -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-08-09 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

100,000 Small Retailers Sign Up For Digital Wallet Scheme Reference image courtesy: Thai Rath Money Today, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that approximately 100,000 small-sized merchants have offered to join the new digital wallet project. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335045-100000-small-retailers-sign-up-for-digital-wallet-scheme/

Reference image courtesy: Thai Rath Money Today, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that approximately 100,000 small-sized merchants have offered to join the new digital wallet project. This scheme, initiated by the government, aims to modernise transactions and promote cashless payments among vendors and consumers. Julapun expressed optimism that more retailers, food vendors, and restaurant owners would come on board by registering with the Ministry of Commerce from October 1. He addressed concerns from small vendors about the potential retroactive collection of personal income tax, ensuring that the Revenue Department would not access any database related to the project. The project is designed to reach 45 million Thai nationals aged 16 and over, spread across the country. The government plans to allocate 450 billion baht to fund this initiative. So far, around 27 million eligible recipients have signed up via the Stateway App, with more expected to register before the September 15 deadline. Julapun noted that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed all relevant authorities to ensure the project becomes effective by November. While there were initial hopes of starting the project in October, marking the beginning of Q4, the timeline has been adjusted to ensure complete readiness, reported Thai Newsroom. This digital wallet initiative is part of a broader effort to increase financial inclusion and reduce reliance on cash. By encouraging digital payments, the government aims to streamline economic transactions, improve transparency, and enhance the overall efficiency of the market. As the registration deadline approaches, both merchants and consumers are expected to participate in large numbers, propelling Thailand towards a more digitally integrated economy. The success of this project could set a benchmark for similar initiatives in the future, fostering a more modern financial 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

Thailand's Schengen-Style Visa Proposal Faces Hurdles Picture courtesy: Facebook/Phi Phi World Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has proposed a unified visa system, similar to Europe's Schengen Area, to boost tourism in Southeast Asia. Despite the economic benefits of increased tourist numbers, concerns about feasibility, overtourism and potential inflationary pressure persist. The success of the visa proposal will hinge on the adoption of sustainable tourism practices and effective regional cooperation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335038-thailands-schengen-style-visa-proposal-faces-hurdles/

Picture courtesy: Facebook/Phi Phi World Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has proposed a unified visa system, similar to Europe's Schengen Area, to boost tourism in Southeast Asia. Despite the economic benefits of increased tourist numbers, concerns about feasibility, overtourism and potential inflationary pressure persist. The success of the visa proposal will hinge on the adoption of sustainable tourism practices and effective regional cooperation. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has recently proposed a novel approach to reinvigorate tourism in Southeast Asia — a Schengen-style visa scheme. Modelled after Europe’s Schengen Area, this unified visa system would allow travel to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos. This initiative is a key component of Thailand’s efforts to boost tourism, aiming to attract 80 million tourists annually by 2027. The Schengen-style visa proposal has potential to significantly enhance Thailand’s economy. Tourism is a vital sector for Thailand, contributing approximately 12 per cent to the country’s GDP annual and providing around 20 per cent of its jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted this sector and its recovery has been slow, which has left Thailand unable to buffer a concurrent decline in manufacturing and exports. In this proposed visa scheme, tourists must first pass through Thailand as a central hub, enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a travel destination. It promises to attract more tourists, especially high-spending visitors who stay for extended periods. Increased tourist arrivals are expected to boost tourist spending, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, retail and transportation. A surge in tourism could also create further job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in regions heavily reliant on tourism. Thailand’s well-developed tourism infrastructure positions it to benefit greatly from the consequential influx of tourists. Its burgeoning wellness industry, including traditional Thai massages, spa treatments and holistic healing practices, are particularly appealing to tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The visa initiative could enhance accessibility for tourists interested in wellness experiences and help Thailand capitalise on the thriving global wellness tourism industry. This Schengen-style proposal could also diversify Thailand’s tourism markets. Thailand is traditionally dependent on tourists from the Southeast and East Asia regions, such as Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea, India and Singapore. But Thailand now seeks to attract tourists from markets farther afield like Europe, the Americas and Africa. This strategy could enhance the Thai tourism sector’s resilience against global economic fluctuations. Despite the initiative’s potential economic benefits, there are widespread concerns about its feasibility, the risks associated with overtourism and inflation. Southeast Asia’s political landscape is remarkably diverse and intricate. Achieving consensus among the member states of ASEAN on visa policies is no small feat. Each country maintains its own immigration laws, security concerns and economic interests. Harmonising these disparate elements into a cohesive visa policy requires extensive negotiation and compromise. Efforts to create a unified visa system in Southeast Asia are not new. In the 2000s, a joint visa proposal under Ayeyawady–Chao Phraya–Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy — an organisation of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar — only saw Cambodia coordinating with Thailand, reported East Asia Forum. In 2019, an ‘ASEAN Visa’ plan also failed to materialise. Other attempts at regional integration, such as the ASEAN Economic Community, have shown that while progress is possible, it is often slow and fraught with challenges. Infrastructure and technological readiness vary significantly across Southeast Asian countries. Implementing a unified visa system necessitates significant investments in border control infrastructure, data sharing mechanisms and security protocols. Countries with less-developed infrastructure may struggle to meet these requirements, potentially delaying the implementation of the scheme. Additionally, this initiative raises broader questions about regional integration and mobility. One important consideration is whether this visa scheme could pave the way for ASEAN citizens to freely work, study or reside across national boundaries, including in Thailand. This potential development carries significant implications for logistics, infrastructure and immigration policies within the Southeast Asian region. While this Schengen-style visa scheme will undoubtedly enhance travel convenience for international tourists, it stirs apprehension regarding overtourism. Thailand has already experienced the negative impacts of overtourism in popular destinations such as Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Implementing such a visa scheme without addressing existing overtourism challenges might exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to environmental degradation, strained infrastructure and diminished quality of life for permanent residents. Overtourism may also dilute the tourist experience, making popular sites overcrowded, more expensive and less enjoyable. This could ultimately harm Thailand’s reputation as a travel destination and reduce the long-term sustainability of its tourism sector. Another potentially detrimental consequence is the inflationary pressure emanating from a unsustainable influx of wealthy visitors. This would drive up demand for food, daily necessities and housing, which in turn raises prices and increases living costs for residents. To mitigate these risks, Thailand needs to adopt sustainable tourism practices. This includes implementing measures to manage tourist flows, promoting lesser-known destinations and investing in infrastructure that can accommodate increased tourist numbers without compromising the environment or local communities. Regional cooperation is also crucial to ensure the benefits and burdens of increased tourism are equitably distributed among participating countries. Srettha’s proposal for a Schengen-style visa scheme in Southeast Asia is an ambitious and innovative idea with the potential to boost tourism and economic growth in the region. But its successful implementation requires overcoming substantial political, logistical and infrastructural challenges. While Thailand stands to gain economically, there is also a significant risk of exacerbating the overtourism crisis. To maximise the potential benefits and minimise the risks, a balanced approach is necessary. Addressing these challenges could make this Schengen-style visa scheme a transformative initiative for Southeast Asian tourism, benefiting both Thailand and the broader region. -- 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 Vendors with Sidecars Fined for Obstructing Traffic By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — Pattaya municipal officers fined many vendors on the Pattaya-Naklua Road for obstructing traffic following complaints from residents and tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335037-pattaya-vendors-with-sidecars-fined-for-obstructing-traffic/

Pattaya — Pattaya municipal officers fined many vendors on the Pattaya-Naklua Road for obstructing traffic following complaints from residents and tourists. The operation, carried out on August 8th, 2024, was ordered by Pattaya Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngampiches. Previously, residents and tourists traversing along Pattaya-Naklua Road have complained to the city about these vendors creating traffic congestion with their sidecars while selling goods and food on the roadside. 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

Online Fraud Losses Surge to 3.47 Billion Baht in July File photo courtesy: NBT World In a startling revelation, online fraud in Thailand has surged exponentially, recording total damages of 3.47 billion baht for the month of July alone. Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang has shared these grim statistics, highlighting the relentless advance of cybercrime. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335035-online-fraud-losses-surge-to-347-billion-baht-in-july/

File photo courtesy: NBT World In a startling revelation, online fraud in Thailand has surged exponentially, recording total damages of 3.47 billion baht for the month of July alone. Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang has shared these grim statistics, highlighting the relentless advance of cybercrime. The colossal figure sits as an alarming average loss of 111.98 million baht per day. Despite diligent efforts to tackle the issue, a staggering 13.54 billion baht in requests for account freezes had poured in. Of this, authorities managed to successfully freeze 1.49 billion baht – a notable but insufficient amount amidst the growing menace. Diving deeper into the types of scams, Karom identified the top five most prevalent fraudulent activities that have plagued Thai citizens. Fraudulent sales of goods or services emerged as the leading cause, accounting for 149.78 million baht in damages. Scammers employing deceitful job offers swindled innocent job seekers out of 689.42 million baht. Loan scams followed closely, resulting in 142.21 million baht in losses. Computer system investment frauds have now become a sophisticated trap, raking in 1.29 billion baht in stolen funds. Lastly, fraudulent prize or purpose transfers added another 257.67 million baht to the tally of losses. This wave of online fraud signifies that vigilance is more crucial than ever. Karom urged the public to stay alert to the various schemes employed by cybercriminals. He encouraged individuals to report any suspicious activities or incidents promptly through thaipoliceonline.com, or by reaching out via the hotline 1441 or the telephone number 081-866-3000. -- 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

British Airways flights to Bangkok to resume end of October by Puntid Tantivangphaisal British Airways is ramping up its flights from London to Bangkok and expanding its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, giving travellers even more options to explore Thailand and Cambodia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335034-british-airways-flights-to-bangkok-to-resume-end-of-october/

British Airways is ramping up its flights from London to Bangkok and expanding its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, giving travellers even more options to explore Thailand and Cambodia. British Airways’ direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok is back on October 28, after a four-year hiatus. Initially operating three times a week, the service will increase to five weekly flights between January and March 2025, making it easier than ever to reach Thailand’s vibrant capital. In addition, thanks to an enhanced codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways, British Airways customers can now seamlessly connect to five new dream destinations across Thailand and Cambodia—all on one ticket. Whether you’re dreaming of the beaches of Phuket, the tranquillity of Koh Samui, the cultural riches of Chiang Mai, or the historic sites of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, your Southeast Asian adventure just got a whole lot easier. “In October, we will be operating our first direct flight to Thailand in more than four years, so it’s a highly anticipated return to our global network. Knowing that this route will be particularly popular with our leisure customers, we’re pleased to be working with Bangkok Airways to offer more choices and make these sought-after holiday destinations more accessible.” Travellers who are members of the British Airways Executive Club can collect Avios and Tier Points when flying on Bangkok Airways, unlocking perks like lounge access and free seat selection, reported Travel Daily Media. In related news, Bangkok Airways and luxury resort SO/ Maldives are optimistic about expanding their business in the Maldives, a popular destination among Thai tourists. The Maldives achieved a significant milestone in tourism last year, welcoming over 1.8 million visitors, the highest number in a year, according to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corp. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal 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

Thai PM Dismisses US Criticism of Move Forward Party Dissolution Srettha Thavisin. Photo courtesy: Srettha Thavisin via TNN The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, has brushed off criticism from the United States regarding the Constitutional Court’s decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party, stating it is “meaningless” and emphasising Thailand’s sovereignty. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335031-thai-pm-dismisses-us-criticism-of-move-forward-party-dissolution/

The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, has brushed off criticism from the United States regarding the Constitutional Court’s decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party, stating it is “meaningless” and emphasising Thailand’s sovereignty. In a statement today, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin offered reassurance to the Thai public by asserting that Thailand’s sovereignty ensures the country manages its own political affairs and democratic processes. He remarked, “We, as a sovereign nation, have our own way of developing our politics and democracy. So, what the US says about us is meaningless.” Thavisin expressed confidence that the Thai populace understands and supports this stance, emphasising that no external entity will dictate Thailand's internal matters. However, Thavisin nuanced his response by suggesting that perhaps the term "interference" was too strong, and that the United States might merely be extending advice. His comments come on the heels of a statement from the US Department of State, which criticised the Thai court’s decision. The US expressed concern that dissolving the Move Forward Party undermines Thailand’s democratic progress and conflicts with the aspirations of the Thai people for a robust democratic future. The US statement urged Thailand to make efforts to ensure inclusive political participation and to safeguard democracy and freedoms of association and expression. In addition, Prime Minister Srettha addressed concerns over the potential for unrest in response to the court’s ruling. He indicated he had been in discussions with Deputy National Police Commissioner Pol Gen Kittiratt Phanphet. Srettha noted, “He told me that there were some symbolic gatherings, which were peaceful.” As Thailand navigates its political path amid international scrutiny, Thavisin’s stance underscores a commitment to sovereignty and internal decision-making, while potentially acknowledging the international community's interest in the country's democratic health. Srettha Thavisin. Photo courtesy: Srettha Thavisin via TNN -- 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 9 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1335030-thailand-live-friday-9-august-2024/

x-Move Forward MPs to appoint executive committee of a new party Photo: Thai PBS Former MPs of the now defunct Move Forward party will meet on Friday to discuss the formation of a new executive committee for a new party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335004-ex-move-forward-mps-to-appoint-executive-committee-of-a-new-party/

There was a raid on three herbal shops in Pattaya yesterday. The police uncovered illegal employment, false health claims, and deceit upon investigation. Crackdown on Illegal Herbal Shops in Pattaya: Foreign Employees Apprehended Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335019-crackdown-on-illegal-herbal-shops-in-pattaya-foreign-employees-apprehended/

UPDATE: Fuel for thought: Bangkok-bound uncle abandons girl in Buriram by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A young girl was abandoned at a petrol station in Buriram by her uncle who journeyed more than 400 kilometres to Bangkok. The six year old was found in a distressed state and was initially too scared to cooperate with rescuers. Her mother, working in Bangkok, has been contacted and is on her way to reunite with her. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334967-girl-forgotten-at-gas-station-travels-400-km-before-rescue/?do=findComment&comment=19130674

Fuel for thought: Bangkok-bound uncle abandons girl in Buriram by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A young girl was abandoned at a petrol station in Buriram by her uncle who journeyed more than 400 kilometres to Bangkok. The six year old was found in a distressed state and was initially too scared to cooperate with rescuers. Her mother, working in Bangkok, has been contacted and is on her way to reunite with her. At 2am today, August 8, Siam Ruam Jai Pu In Rescue Unit received a report of a lost child at a petrol station in Nang Rong district, Buriram province. Responding promptly, the rescue unit found two women comforting a young girl, approximately six years old, who had a backpack on. The women explained that they had seen the girl crying for a long time but no one came to claim her, prompting them to call the rescue team. The rescue team attempted to take the girl to Nang Rong Police Station but she was too frightened to go with them. The two women who initially looked after her managed to calm her down enough to get her into the rescue vehicle. Despite this, she cried throughout the journey and refused to respond to any questions from the rescuers. The police then directed the rescue unit to take the child to their office, which provided a more comfortable environment. Once there, the girl’s condition improved significantly as a female rescue worker engaged her in conversation. It was soon evident that the girl spoke in a dialect resembling that of people from Laos. The Siam Ruam Jai Pu In Rescue Unit subsequently posted an announcement to locate the girl’s family, which was widely shared. A woman soon contacted them, claiming to be the girl’s mother, a worker in Bangkok. Kampon Wongsa-nguan, the head of Nang Rong Police Station, along with the rescue unit, confirmed the identity of the mother, who is from Laos and works in Bangkok. The mother explained that her daughter had been travelling with her uncle from Laos to Bangkok on a bus from Pakse. The bus, carrying around 30 passengers, made a stop at the petrol station in Nang Rong at approximately 11.55pm for a routine break. Lost girl CCTV footage showed the girl and her uncle entering the restroom together. However, when the bus resumed its journey, the girl was not on board. The uncle, upon returning to the bus, asked the driver if he had seen the girl. The driver mistakenly informed him that she was sleeping at the back of the bus. The confusion went unnoticed until the bus arrived at Mo Chit Station in Bangkok, where the girl’s mother and another uncle were waiting. Upon realising the girl was missing, they alerted the transport office, leading to the discovery that she was under the care of the Siam Ruam Jai Pu In Rescue Unit. The mother is now en route to Nang Rong to collect her daughter, reported KhaoSod. Vorabodin Rungrojchaikul, the head of Siam Ruam Jai Pu In Rescue Unit, gave a statement on the incident. “After receiving the report, we immediately went to check on the child. She was traumatised and did not speak to anyone. From our initial understanding, it was clear she was not Thai. We then posted her picture to find her guardians. Fortunately, the child was unharmed.” Source: The Thaiger] 2024-08-08 - 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

Dissolution of Move Forward disenfranchises 14 million Thais – US The Constitutional Court’s decision yesterday to dissolve the opposition Move Forward party has disenfranchised the over 14 million Thais who voted for the party in the May general election last year and raises questions about their representation in Thailand’s electoral system, the US Department of State said in a statement yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334978-dissolution-of-move-forward-disenfranchises-14-million-thais-–-us/