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Kuwaiti Man Crashes into Thai Riders in Motorcycle Accident Photo via Facebook: หนังสือพิมพ์รายวัน.สยามประชา In the early hours of yesterday morning, a Kuwaiti man riding a motorcycle against the traffic flow in Pattaya collided with another motorcycle carrying four Thai individuals, resulting in serious injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334857-kuwaiti-man-crashes-into-thai-riders-in-motorcycle-mishap/

In the early hours of yesterday morning, a Kuwaiti man riding a motorcycle against the traffic flow in Pattaya collided with another motorcycle carrying four Thai individuals, resulting in serious injuries. The incident, which jolted the typically bustling streets of Pattaya, was reported to Mueang Pattaya Police Station at 5.46am on August 6. The collision took place on Pattaya Sai Sarm Road, commonly referred to as Chalermprakiat Road, in the Nongprue district. When the authorities arrived, they discovered two severely damaged motorcycles — one orange and black and the other black and green. The orange and black motorcycle, carrying four Thai women, resulted in multiple injuries, with three women suffering critical wounds. The Kuwaiti man, identified as 19-year-old Abdelaziz, was the rider of the black and green motorcycle. He also sustained serious injuries. A photo circulated on social media depicted Abdelaziz lying in his blood on the road, illustrating the severity of the crash. Emergency responders administered first aid to all injured parties before transporting them to a nearby hospital. Details about their current condition have not yet been released by medical officials. Pranee, a 27-year-old Thai woman who sustained only minor injuries, recounted the incident to the police. She explained that she and three friends were waiting at a traffic light when Abdelaziz, riding at high speed and against the flow of traffic, struck their stationary motorcycle. The police have yet to finalise their investigation, as Abdelaziz remains unfit for questioning. Authorities plan to review security footage and gather additional evidence to understand fully the circumstances leading to the accident. This incident follows growing concerns about reckless Kuwaiti motorcycle riders in Pattaya. Three weeks prior, locals in Soi Yen Sabai had urged police to take action against noisy Kuwaiti racers after an altercation disrupted traffic. More recently, another troubling incident in the same area saw Kuwaiti men involved in a brawl with Thai riders, prompting police to begin deportation proceedings against those involved. TOP: Photo via Facebook: หนังสือพิมพ์รายวัน.สยามประชา -- 2024-08-07 - 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

Wild elephant found dead from electrocution in Ranong sanctuary by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A wild elephant was found dead from electrocution at the radar hill in the Thungraya-Nasak Wildlife Sanctuary in Ranong province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334856-wild-elephant-found-dead-from-electrocution-in-ranong-sanctuary/

A wild elephant was found dead from electrocution at the radar hill in the Thungraya-Nasak Wildlife Sanctuary in Ranong province. The elephant, believed to have pulled down a tree that fell on high-voltage power lines, was discovered by local government officials who are now working to protect the remaining five elephants in the area. Chawakun Sithisak, deputy inspector of Muang Chumphon Police Station, and Thana Thongsamui, head of the wild elephant surveillance team at Namtok Ngao National Park, along with officials from the Thung Raya-Nasak Wildlife Sanctuary and veterinarian Piya Serirak from the Office of Conservation Area Management 4, inspected the site at 11.30am yesterday, August 5. The investigation revealed that the elephant, about 30 to 35 years old, had burn marks on its trunk and mouth, indicating that it had been electrocuted. Pornsak Piman, mayor of Wang Mai subdistrict, and Chaichumphon Phonphai, village head of Moo 7, joined the inspection. The female elephant’s body was found lying on the ground near the road at the radar hill, with its head resting on a pile of dirt at the base of a tree. The tree, identified as a Talipot palm, was broken and lying across the road, with its top still entangled in high-voltage power lines. The elephant had been dead for approximately two days when discovered. The veterinarian confirmed that the cause of death was electrocution. Local government officials then invited Phra Preecha Suchivo, abbot of Wat Tha Mapring, to perform a religious ceremony before using a backhoe to dig a grave 30 metres away from the site to bury the elephant. Thana disclosed that the herd of six elephants had migrated from Namtok Ngao National Park and had been foraging in Ban Na subdistrict for eight months. Recently, they had moved to Wang Mai subdistrict and stayed around the radar hill for about four months. Power outage The wild elephant surveillance team had been monitoring the elephants continuously. It was during the night two days ago that a power outage occurred, prompting electricity officials to investigate. They found the elephant dead with the tree entangled in the high-voltage power lines at the forest edge. Moving forward, relevant agencies will coordinate with the electricity officials to find ways to prevent such incidents, as five elephants from the herd are still foraging around the radar hill. “The herd had been in the area for several months, and we have been keeping a close watch on them. We need to ensure the safety of the remaining elephants and prevent any future incidents.” Local officials and conservationists are now focused on implementing protective measures and raising awareness among the community to prevent similar tragedies. The safety of the remaining elephants is a priority, and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure their protection while preserving the delicate balance of the ecosystem, reported KhaoSod. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-07 - 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

PM Lauds Digital Wallet Registration Accomplishment Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. File photo courtesy: NNT Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin commended the collaborative efforts of both government and private sector entities on Sunday, 4th August, for efficiently managing the registration process for the 10,000-baht digital wallet initiative. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334855-pm-lauds-digital-wallet-registration-accomplishment/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. File photo courtesy: NNT Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin commended the collaborative efforts of both government and private sector entities on Sunday, 4th August, for efficiently managing the registration process for the 10,000-baht digital wallet initiative. The programme, aiming to bolster the economy, saw a significant turnout, with approximately 23.7 million individuals registered by Sunday morning, demonstrating robust public engagement and support. Srettha stated during an interview that the enthusiastic public participation reaffirms confidence in the government's policies, despite facing political obstacles and critiques aimed at undermining the campaign. He expressed gratitude for the widespread public endorsement, viewing it as a critical motivator for the government's continued progress and development efforts. To accommodate the surge in demand, the government has added 900 new service points at Krungthai Bank branches, increasing the total number of service locations to over 6,000 across the country. These service points' primary focus is to assist recipients who use smartphones, facilitating a more accessible and efficient registration process for the digital wallet handout. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of teamwork in addressing the challenges posed by the extensive registration process. He praised the prompt responses and resource allocation by both public and private sectors, which enabled a smooth and successful registration experience for millions of citizens. The digital wallet initiative, which deposits a sum of 10,000 baht into registered digital wallets, aims to stimulate economic activity by encouraging spending in local businesses. This approach seeks to revitalise local economies, especially after the financial strains experienced in recent years. Critics had raised concerns regarding the potential misuse and inefficiencies of the programme. However, the high registration numbers and positive reactions from a significant part of the population suggest a general approval and optimism towards the scheme's potential benefits. Srettha underscored that the government remains committed to monitoring the programme’s impact and making necessary adjustments to ensure it meets its economic goals. The coming weeks will be crucial in observing how the funds are utilised and the programme's longer-term effects on the local economy. -- 2024-08-07 - 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

Phuket Airport Power Outage Sparks Investigation Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Phuket International Airport suffered a temporary power outage yesterday, causing minor disruptions for passengers. The incident was attributed to a fault in the Provincial Electricity Authority’s (PEA) transmission system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334854-phuket-airport-power-outage-sparks-investigation/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Phuket International Airport suffered a temporary power outage yesterday, causing minor disruptions for passengers. The incident was attributed to a fault in the Provincial Electricity Authority’s (PEA) transmission system. On August 6, 2018, around 6:24 p.m., Phuket International Airport experienced a sudden blackout. Social media buzzed with short clips showing both Thai and foreign travellers moving about in the dark, though the scene remained orderly with no signs of panic. Emergency lighting was promptly activated, allowing airport operations to continue at a basic level. Phuket International Airport's official Facebook page later issued a statement explaining the situation. The power failure originated from a 115kV power distribution system controlled by the PEA. The fault in the transmission line caused a widespread outage throughout Thalang District, affecting the airport as well, reported Thai Rath. In response to the blackout, the airport's standby generators immediately kicked in, ensuring that critical systems, including those related to flight operations, remained functional. As a result, there were no significant delays or cancellations impacting aircraft services. By 6:40 p.m., PEA technicians managed to rectify the issue, and normal power supply was restored to the airport by 6:50 p.m. Passengers were able to proceed with their plans without significant delay. The airport authority has assured passengers that further investigations will be carried out to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. It's a reminder that even in the digital age, infrastructure hiccups can still disrupt daily life, but quick responses can mitigate their impact. For now, flights and operations at Phuket International Airport have returned to their regular schedules, much to the relief of travellers and staff alike. The incident underlines the importance of robust backup systems and swift communication in maintaining airport operations amid unforeseen challenges. -- 2024-08-07 - 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 construction contract mismanagement leads to big loss by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of @StateauditThai on X Inefficient management of construction contracts in Thailand during the 2023 fiscal year led to financial losses exceeding 30 billion baht, according to a spokesperson from the State Audit Office (SAO). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334853-thailand-construction-contract-mismanagement-leads-to-big-loss/

Inefficient management of construction contracts in Thailand during the 2023 fiscal year led to financial losses exceeding 30 billion baht, according to a spokesperson from the State Audit Office (SAO). SAO spokesperson Sutthipong Boonnithi revealed that these figures emerged from the SAO’s annual audit, which examined over 14,148 projects and contracts across 9,426 public agencies nationwide. The audit identified budget management flaws in 1,795 agencies, accounting for 19% of those reviewed. The SAO detected abnormal spending totalling at least 30.83 billion baht. In response, the SAO issued conditional recommendations to improve 629 out of 8,575 financial reports under audit for accuracy. Sutthipong noted that most of these discrepancies involved major expenditures with incomplete bookkeeping or errors in record-keeping, often related to cash, land, and real estate properties. The audit also found that 2,638 out of 5,318 contracts, or nearly 50% of the total cases, failed to comply with legal requirements or contractual obligations, resulting in damages amounting to around 666 million baht. Sutthipong highlighted several abnormalities, including violations of middle market price estimation, unclear contract statements, tax collection issues, and breaches of contract terms. Flaws were identified in 151 out of 157 cases, or around 96%, of government agencies, including both central and provincial offices, examined for efficient use of state funds. “The inefficiencies included proposals that were incomplete or poorly prepared for project operations, as well as delayed timelines.” Sutthipong noted that the total damage was at least 30.16 billion baht. Sutthipong also pointed out potential issues with the construction contract for the Rama II elevated road project, suggesting that the project may not yield satisfactory results. He recommended that all related sectors cooperate to reduce the construction timeline from eight to five months to improve budget management efficiency. The 10.5-billion-baht project, which has gained notoriety for its delays, is expected to be completed in November, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, two construction workers were critically injured after one was electrocuted by a high-voltage wire, causing him to fall from a two-story building. The incident occurred on July 31 at a construction site near Wat Phlapphla in Chanthaburi province. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of @StateauditThai on X Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-07 - 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

Minister clarifies tax concerns for digital wallet programme by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Deputy Minister of Finance Julapun Amornvivat insists that sales data from stores participating in the digital wallet programme will not be submitted to the Revenue Department, but stores must file taxes if their sales increase significantly. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334852-minister-clarifies-tax-concerns-for-digital-wallet-programme/

Thailand's Deputy Minister of Finance Julapun Amornvivat insists that sales data from stores participating in the digital wallet programme will not be submitted to the Revenue Department, but stores must file taxes if their sales increase significantly. Julapun addressed concerns yesterday from merchants about joining the digital wallet programme due to tax issues. He assured that the Ministry of Finance would not send sales data from participating stores to the Revenue Department. However, if a store’s sales increase to a certain threshold, they are obligated to file taxes as usual. For instance, if a store’s annual sales increase from 100,000 to 200,000 baht to 1.8 to 1.9 million baht, they must correctly file value-added tax (VAT), said Julapun. “We cannot force anyone to participate, but no one should miss this opportunity. The programme will circulate over 1 trillion baht within the system, providing a chance for all stores to increase their sales. Meanwhile, the government will educate merchants about the tax system, which is not as daunting as it seems. Once they join, they can deduct various expenses.” Julapun highlighted that preparations are underway but some merchants are not ready. For example, certain enterprises have not fully registered with the relevant supervisory agencies. Efforts are being made to complete their registrations so they can join the programme without issues. Overall, the response has been positive. Initially, 40,000 to 50,000 small business representatives were expected to show interest, but hundreds of thousands have already expressed their willingness to join. The postponement of the digital wallet registration announcement for merchants was merely to avoid confusion, as the registration for citizens is currently ongoing. Julapun also mentioned that the proposal for the digital wallet programme will not be presented at the Cabinet meeting today. There is still time to submit the proposal for Cabinet approval before the budget is utilised. The overlapping budget can be established, and this has been clarified several times. Civil servants have confirmed that it is feasible, reported KhaoSod. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-07 - 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

Tesla Cancels Plan for EV Factory in Thailand Tesla factory. File photo courtesy: The Nation Electric vehicle giant Tesla has scrapped its plans to establish a manufacturing plant in Thailand. This development comes as part of a broader strategic shift impacting their global expansion plans outside of key hubs in China, the U.S., and Germany. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334850-tesla-cancels-plan-for-ev-factory-in-thailand/

Electric vehicle giant Tesla has scrapped its plans to establish a manufacturing plant in Thailand. This development comes as part of a broader strategic shift impacting their global expansion plans outside of key hubs in China, the U.S., and Germany. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had announced Tesla's intended investment of over $5 billion to make Thailand a hub for its EV manufacturing. The announcement followed several high-level meetings between Tesla executives and Thai officials, both in Thailand and the United States. Notably, the PM and senior officials toured Tesla's Fremont Factory in California during the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November of the previous year. During these meetings, Tesla executives, including Rohan Patel, surveyed potential factory sites in Thailand. With much optimism, the investment was expected to be formalised in the first quarter of this year. However, the Prime Minister’s Office has now confirmed that Tesla will instead focus solely on developing charging infrastructure in the region. “Tesla is currently only discussing charging stations, with the factory plans suspended not just in Thailand but worldwide. They are not proceeding in Malaysia, Indonesia, or anywhere else except for China, America, and Germany,” said a Government House source, reported Nation Thailand. The decision comes amid broader uncertainties in Tesla's international projects. Previously, Tesla announced the halting of its Gigafactory plans in Mexico, citing economic concerns and political uncertainties related to U.S. trade policies. This Gigafactory, meant to be constructed near Monterrey, was first revealed in March last year but has faced multiple delays and is now paused until further notice. The shift away from a factory in Thailand mirrors Tesla's reevaluation of investment strategies in several regions. The layoffs of a team of Tesla executives who had visited Thailand late last year add more weight to this strategic pivot. While this move represents a significant shift for Tesla’s plans in Southeast Asia, it underscores the company’s adaptability and focus on consolidating its resources where they are likely to have the most substantial impact. Tesla factory. File photo courtesy: The Nation -- 2024-08-07 - 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 - Wednesday 7 August 2024 Thailand’s Constitutional Court will rule today on whether the Move Forward Party should be dissolved after it proposed to amend the les Majeste law.. A petition to the court requested the party’s dissolution and a 10-year ban on political activity by its executives, including former chief Pita Lim-jaroenrat. Move Forward won the most seats in last years election, but was blocked from taking power and now heads the opposition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334849-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-7-august-2024/

Thailand’s Constitutional Court will rule today on whether the Move Forward Party should be dissolved after it proposed to amend the les Majeste law.. A petition to the court requested the party’s dissolution and a 10-year ban on political activity by its executives, including former chief Pita Lim-jaroenrat. Move Forward won the most seats in last years election, but was blocked from taking power and now heads the opposition. Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan was sentenced to five years in prison yesterday for breaching national security by exposing a confidential government report. The charge stated he released a report marked "top secret," which detailed the Foreign Ministry’s strategy and guidelines for dealing with Cambodia. Jatuporn was released on 250,000 baht bail pending appeal. Tesla has scrapped plans to set up an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Thailand and will focus solely on charging stations, The decision follows the layoffs of a team of Tesla executives who visited Thailand last year. The company had plans to expand into Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, but will now focus on car production in China, America, and Germany," The Transport Ministry has confirmed it will introduce a flat fare of 20 baht for all Skytrain lines by September next year, The Department of Rail Transport revealed that passengers numbers on the Red and Purple line had increased by around 26% since a 20 baht flat fare was introduced to both lines. Around the region Bangladesh's Nobel-winning microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus has been tipped to lead an interim government after mass protests forced longtime ruler Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. Todays Weather Chiang Mai and the north: Thundershowers 32C degrees celsius Bangkok: Cloudy with some Thundershowers 33 Pattaya: Thundershowers 32 Phuket and the south: Thundershowers 29 HuaHin: Bright start becoming cloudy with showers this afternoon 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 2024-08-07 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreign Envoys Criticised for 'Undiplomatic Meeting' with Thai Opposition' Foreign envoys. Photo courtesy: Thai Rath Former Democratic MPs have criticised a recent meeting between core members of Thailand's Move Forward party and foreign envoys as diplomatically inappropriate and an attempt to interfere in Thailand’s internal affairs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334843-foreign-envoys-criticised-for-undiplomatic-meeting-with-thai-opposition/

Former Democratic MPs have criticised a recent meeting between core members of Thailand's Move Forward party and foreign envoys as diplomatically inappropriate and an attempt to interfere in Thailand’s internal affairs. Rachada Dhnadirek, a former Bangkok MP, urged the government, particularly the Foreign Ministry, to react immediately to protect Thailand’s dignity and interests. “How can the Foreign Ministry allow the foreign envoys to receive only one-sided information? The ministry should respond to the matter,” she said. Pita Limjaroenrat, the former leader of the Move Forward party, met with senior foreign diplomats, mostly from European countries, on August 2 at the residence of the German Ambassador to Thailand, reported THai PBS. Pita expressed gratitude for the invitation and acknowledged the presence of envoys from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden. The meeting took place as the Move Forward party awaited the Constitutional Court’s ruling on a petition filed by the Election Commission to disband the party over its proposal to amend the lèse majesté law. Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon also attended the meeting. Rachada warned that foreign envoys should be careful, as their actions could be seen as interference in Thailand’s judicial process. She criticised their supportive gestures as undiplomatic and detrimental to diplomatic relations. “Thailand has never acted in a way that disrespects other countries’ justice systems. Other countries should adhere to the same norm,” she said. Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee party, similarly described the meeting as an attempt to pressure the Constitutional Court and interfere in Thai politics. “Please don’t forget that Thailand is a sovereign country with its own laws,” he said. Thai netizens were divided in their reactions. Some supported the foreign diplomats and agreed with the meeting, while others echoed Warong’s view, criticising the envoys’ actions as undiplomatic and controversial. Foreign envoys. Photo courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-08-07 - 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

Ex-Red-Shirt Leader Jatuporn Jailed for Security Breach Jatuporn Prompan. File photo courtesy: Bright TV Former leader of the Red-Shirt movement, Jatuporn Prompan, has been sentenced to five years in prison for compromising national security. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334842-ex-red-shirt-leader-jatuporn-jailed-for-security-breach/

Jatuporn Prompan. File photo courtesy: Bright TV Former leader of the Red-Shirt movement, Jatuporn Prompan, has been sentenced to five years in prison for compromising national security. The Criminal Court found Jatuporn guilty of disclosing a top-secret report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs back in 2009, during a time of heightened tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. On December 17th, 2009, Jatuporn shared the confidential report, which contained sensitive information regarding Thailand’s diplomatic strategies towards Cambodia, on the People’s Channel, a media platform linked to the Red-Shirt movement. The Red-Shirts, officially known as the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), have been a vocal critic of the Thai government, particularly under then-Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. The prosecution argued that the leak put Thailand at a distinct disadvantage diplomatically and caused significant damage to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moreover, the disclosure was said to have the potential to sow discord between Thailand and Cambodia. In his defence, Jatuporn maintained that he did not intend to harm national security. He asserted that his actions were a defensive response to accusations from Prime Minister Abhisit’s government, which alleged that the Red-Shirt movement aimed to overthrow the administration. Despite his defence, the court deemed Jatuporn’s actions a serious breach of national security and handed down the five-year sentence without suspension. Following the verdict, Jatuporn was released on bail set at 250,000 baht pending an appeal. The court noted his clean record of not attempting to flee as a factor in granting bail. This case has amplified ongoing political tensions in Thailand, highlighting the delicate balance between political activism and national security. As the appeal process unfolds, the nation remains on edge, anticipating further developments. -- 2024-08-07 - 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 Wednesday 7 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1334840-thailand-live-wednesday-7-august-2024/

Thai Police Commission Validates Decision to Dismiss Police General Surachate Hakparn Photo: The Pattaya News On August 6, 2024, Thawatchai Thaikhiew, a deputy spokesperson of the Police Civil Service Commission (PCSC), shared on Facebook that the dismissal of Police General Surachate Hakparn, also known as "Big Joke," was upheld. Hakparn was earlier suspended from his duties. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334823-thai-police-commission-validates-decision-to-dismiss-police-general-surachate-hakpar/

On August 7, 2024, Thailand's Constitutional Court is set to give a definitive judgement on the request of the Election Commission to disband the Move Forward Party (MFP). This follows a complaint made by Thirayuth Suwankaesoorn against the MFP's campaigning to change Section 112 of the Penal Code. Thailand's Constitutional Court to Decide on Move Forward Party's Dissolution on August Photo: The Pattaya News Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334824-thailands-constitutional-court-to-decide-on-move-forward-partys-dissolution-on-august-7/

Brutal assault on Canadian raises serious questions about tourist safety in Pattaya By Pattaya Mail A brutal assault on Canadian national Mr Mark Robert Westendorf in Pattaya’s Soi 6 casts a shadow over the city’s tourist reputation. Mr Westendorf is in critical condition, while his wife, Mrs Nongyao Panraksa, pleads for justice. PATTAYA, Thailand – A brutal assault on a Canadian national in Pattaya’s infamous Soi 6 has cast a dark shadow over the city’s reputation as a tourist destination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334767-brutal-assault-on-canadian-raises-serious-questions-about-tourist-safety-in-pattaya/

A brutal assault on Canadian national Mr Mark Robert Westendorf in Pattaya’s Soi 6 casts a shadow over the city’s tourist reputation. Mr Westendorf is in critical condition, while his wife, Mrs Nongyao Panraksa, pleads for justice. PATTAYA, Thailand – A brutal assault on a Canadian national in Pattaya’s infamous Soi 6 has cast a dark shadow over the city’s reputation as a tourist destination. On the night of July 31, Mr Mark Robert Westendorf, a 65-year-old former oil company manager, was viciously attacked by men dressed as bouncers. Now, he lies in critical condition in a private hospital’s ICU, while his wife, Mrs Nongyao Panraksa, pleads for justice. This incident is not just a random act of violence but a glaring indictment of the safety conditions in Pattaya’s entertainment zones. According to Mrs Panraksa, her husband had gone out to socialize, only to end up fighting for his life after being brutally assaulted. Witnesses reported that Mr Westendorf was attacked after leaning against a vehicle, with an argument escalating to violence when one of the so-called bouncers struck him, causing him to fall and sustain a severe head injury. By Pattaya Mail Full story: The Pattaya Mail 2024-08-06 - 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