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Residents of several villages near a landfill in Chiang Mai's Choeng Doi sub-district have raised alarms over a persistent foul odour emanating from the site. These locals, living within a kilometre radius of the landfill, report that the smell is so overpowering they are compelled to wear face masks nearly all day and keep their homes tightly shut to block the stench. Moreover, the area is plagued by swarms of flies drawn to the dump. The landfill in Village 11 currently holds about 30,000 tonnes of waste, sourced from ten districts, and continues to receive an additional 400 tonnes daily. However, the garbage management facility operated by the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) can only manage a maximum disposal rate of 250 tonnes per day, reported Thai PBS. In response to mounting complaints, Somchart Wattanakla, Vice Mayor of the Chiang Mai PAO, mentioned efforts to limit waste intake. "We have asked the garbage collection companies to restrict the daily trash dumped at the landfill to 300 tonnes," he stated. Additionally, fire trucks and drones have been deployed to spray Effective Microorganisms (EM) onto the waste. This technique aims to increase beneficial soil microorganisms and suppress harmful ones. To further tackle the issue, the Chiang Mai PAO plans to construct a high barrier to prevent the wind from spreading the odour to nearby villages. Recently, the Ministry of Interior approved a significant initiative: a garbage-fuelled power plant capable of processing around 650 tonnes of waste daily. The project will separate recyclable and non-degradable trash uses. Recyclable waste will be turned into compost, while non-degradable trash will be burnt as fuel for the power plant. This new infrastructure aims not only to mitigate the odour and fly problem but also to provide a more sustainable waste management solution for the region's growing garbage woes. Picture courtesy: Thai PBS -- 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

Pattaya Police Round Up Bolt Drivers Involved in Clash with Kuwaiti Tourists By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: 77kaoded Pattaya — Pattaya Police finally managed to round up a group of Thai Bolt drivers who were involved in a massive fight with Kuwaiti tourists on Soi Yensabai earlier this weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334734-pattaya-police-round-up-bolt-drivers-involved-in-clash-with-kuwaiti-tourists/

Pattaya — Pattaya Police finally managed to round up a group of Thai Bolt drivers who were involved in a massive fight with Kuwaiti tourists on Soi Yensabai earlier this weekend. On August 5th, 2024, Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, along with other officers, apprehended nine Bolt drivers, aged 20-30 years old. They were taken to the Pattaya police station for questioning before being formally charged with assault and property damage. The arrests followed a clash between Thai men, many of whom were Bolt drivers, and Kuwaiti tourists after an unresolved traffic accident dispute. Reports indicate that over 50 Kuwaiti men attacked a single Thai man, prompting the Thai men to retaliate, which led to the viral confrontation. The nine suspects, whose names were not disclosed by the police, admitted their involvement in the fight. They claimed that their actions were motivated by a Facebook post, which urged Pattaya locals to reclaim their honor after the alleged attack on the Thai man. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: 77kaoded Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Motorbike Delivery Rider Attacked After Refusing to Buy Illegal Drugs in Rawai By Goongnang Suksawat Chalong, Thailand – A mobile delivery application rider was brutally attacked in Rawai after declining an offer to purchase illegal drugs. The incident occurred near a seafood restaurant at Rawai Pier on Sunday, August 4th, at 5:07 A.M. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334733-motorbike-delivery-rider-attacked-after-refusing-to-buy-illegal-drugs-in-rawai/

Chalong, Thailand – A mobile delivery application rider was brutally attacked in Rawai after declining an offer to purchase illegal drugs. The incident occurred near a seafood restaurant at Rawai Pier on Sunday, August 4th, at 5:07 A.M. Victim: Mr. Teeradet Damthip, 22, sustained head injuries from slashed wounds during the assault. According to Mr. Teeradet’s statement to the Chalong Police, he did not know the suspect. After finishing work, he was on his way home when the suspect approached him. The suspect offered him methamphetamine, which Mr. Teeradet declined, stating that he did not use drugs. In response, the suspect allegedly became aggressive, and his gang attacked Mr. Teeradet with a knife, causing the head injuries. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE OHUKET EXPRESS 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

Croc on the run finally in the net after a week of gator-aid in Phuket by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A saltwater crocodile, which had been eluding capture for six days, was finally apprehended by local officials in Phuket. The reptile, discovered in an old mining pond, will undergo health and species checks at a coastal fisheries research centre. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334732-croc-on-the-run-finally-in-the-net-after-a-week-of-gator-aid-in-phuket/

A saltwater crocodile, which had been eluding capture for six days, was finally apprehended by local officials in Phuket. The reptile, discovered in an old mining pond, will undergo health and species checks at a coastal fisheries research centre. Security guards at a golf course in Pa Khlok, Thalang District, Phuket, first spotted the crocodile on July 31. The sighting prompted an immediate response from Thertsak Mittrawong, the district fisheries officer, along with local officials and the village headman from Moo 4, Pa Khlok. Concerned for public safety, they coordinated with experts from Panya Farm in Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, known for their crocodile conservation and capture training. Upon confirming that the creature was a saltwater crocodile, the team altered their strategy to encircle and capture it. Despite their best efforts, several challenges hindered the operation, and five days passed without success. Today, August 5, the pursuit team, led by Nikhom Suksawat from Panya Farm’s crack team, successfully captured the elusive crocodile. After six arduous days and nights, the reptile was finally secured. Local Phuket officials transported the crocodile to the Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre in either Phang Nga’s Thai Mueang or Phuket’s Ban Para in Pa Khlok, Thalang District. Initially, the crocodile will be placed in a cement pond for health and species verification. Following these checks, it will be moved to a larger pond to acclimatise. Croc on the run finally in the net after a week of gator-aid in Phuket | News by Thaiger Picture courtesy of KhaoSod The community’s response was a mix of relief and curiosity. Many locals had been on edge since the initial sighting, with some expressing concerns about the potential danger posed by the animal. “It was quite a scare for everyone here. We’re glad the authorities took swift action and finally captured it.” The capture operation involved multiple agencies and highlighted the complexities of handling wildlife in populated areas. The crocodile’s presence in a private pond within a golf course added an unusual twist to the situation, raising questions about how it ended up there in the first place. Saltwater crocodiles are known for their aggressive behaviour and ability to travel long distances in search of suitable habitats. While they are not native to Phuket, sightings have been reported occasionally, often attributed to illegal wildlife trade or escape from captivity. Authorities plan to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the crocodile’s origin. The health checks and species verification at the research centre will provide crucial information that could aid in understanding how the animal came to be in the old mining pond, said a local official. “We need to ensure that such incidents do not recur. It’s essential to understand the source and prevent future occurrences.” The incident underscores the importance of wildlife management and the challenges faced by local officials in ensuring public safety while preserving natural habitats. The collaborative effort between local officials, conservation experts, and the community played a pivotal role in resolving the situation. Picture courtesy of KhaoSod by Bob Scott TOP Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 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

Indonesian Police Seize Thai Cannabis En Route to UK Marijuana-Cannabis-Weed-Bud-Gram. Representative image. Source courtesy: Wikipedia Jakarta – Indonesian police have apprehended two individuals suspected of being part of a marijuana smuggling ring, thwarting an elaborate scheme to export the drug from Southeast Asia to the United Kingdom. The suspects reportedly attempted to ship cannabis camouflaged within packages of bed linen and cat toys. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334730-indonesian-police-seize-thai-cannabis-en-route-to-uk/

Marijuana-Cannabis-Weed-Bud-Gram. Representative image. Source courtesy: Wikipedia Jakarta – Indonesian police have apprehended two individuals suspected of being part of a marijuana smuggling ring, thwarting an elaborate scheme to export the drug from Southeast Asia to the United Kingdom. The suspects reportedly attempted to ship cannabis camouflaged within packages of bed linen and cat toys. While Indonesia witnesses marijuana confiscations from time to time, the cross-border element in this case stands out. Marthinus Hukom, the head of Indonesia’s narcotics agency, mentioned, "This is a new phenomenon as the marijuana from Thailand was sent first to Indonesia then [was destined for] Europe.” He further disclosed that the culprits, both Indonesian nationals, had plans to dispatch over 100kg of cannabis from Jakarta to Liverpool. During a raid at Soekarno Hatta Airport on July 25, authorities discovered more than 30kg of marijuana concealed within bed linen and cat toys. A follow-up raid led to the unearthing of an additional 80kg of marijuana housed within a shophouse associated with the suspects. Hukom estimated the total street value of the seized cannabis at 25 billion rupiah. The detained suspects face charges under Indonesia’s stringent narcotics law, which imposes the death penalty as its maximum punishment. In a noteworthy backdrop to this incident, Thailand, a leading source of the intercepted cannabis, decriminalised marijuana in 2022, marking it as one of the first nations in Asia to do so. This shift sparked a surge in recreational use and the proliferation of cannabis cafes and retailers across the country. However, the Thai government recently announced plans to re-regulate cannabis, aiming to confine its legality strictly to medical purposes. This legislative push follows concerns over widespread recreational consumption. This case highlights the ongoing complexities and challenges in regional drug enforcement, particularly as nations adapt their drug policies. -- 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

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 6 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1334729-thailand-live-tuesday-6-august-2024/

Thai woman loses 50,000 baht to boyfriend after 2 days of dating Photo via MGR Online A Thai woman in Bangkok lost 50,000 baht in cash to her boyfriend after only two days of dating and not even knowing his full name. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334695-thai-woman-loses-50000-baht-to-boyfriend-after-2-days-of-dating/

Thailand’s major overhaul of visas and entry rules has sparked a variety of reactions, ranging from joy and excitement to confusion and some resentment. Thailand unveils new visa rules, sparks mixed reactions Picture courtesy of ET Travel world official website Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334685-thailand-unveils-new-visa-rules-sparks-mixed-reactions/

Pattaya rebranding as family-friendly destination to boost tourism by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of tripadvisor Pattaya’s tourism operators have put forth a proposal to the tourism minister, aiming to transform the city’s image into a family-friendly destination, distancing it from associations with sex tourism and illegal gambling. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334646-pattaya-rebranding-as-family-friendly-destination-to-boost-tourism/

Pattaya’s tourism operators have put forth a proposal to the tourism minister, aiming to transform the city’s image into a family-friendly destination, distancing it from associations with sex tourism and illegal gambling. The Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation (ACTF) recently convened with Tourism Minister Sermsak Pongpanit to discuss the initiative. The meeting also included insights from a workshop that engaged foreign tour agencies from five key markets: Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Germany, South Korea, China, and India. The ACTF and the minister discussed plans to collaborate on boosting Pattaya tourism and rebranding the city. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, President of the ACTF, highlighted that Pattaya has evolved from being a nightlife hotspot to a more family-friendly city with a diverse range of activities. “Pattaya has the potential to become a city of various attractions and a hub for investment as well as world-class events.” The city offers diverse attractions such as beaches, high-standard golf courses, cultural sites, meeting facilities, and shopping malls. Its proximity to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport and U-Tapao Airport in Chon Buri, along with nearby provinces like Rayong and Bang Saen, further enhances its appeal by helping to absorb the tourist inflow. Last month, locals and operators in Pattaya protested against the Thai media’s portrayal of their city as a “Sin City.” Sex tourism Thanet noted that only those who have not visited Pattaya in over two decades still hold an outdated perception of nightlife and sex tourism. Frequent visitors and foreign travel agents recognize the city’s broader range of tourism offerings. Morrakot Kuldilok, President of the Eastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association and an executive of the federation, acknowledged that prostitution still exists. She suggested that local government officials should regulate the industry and provide welfare measures to protect sex workers. Given recent reports of illegal gambling near Pattaya Soi 6, Morrakot proposed establishing a legal casino operation to address the issue in Pattaya and other areas with similar activities. The ACTF also suggested that Pattaya could become Thailand’s first casino city as part of their proposal. Other areas requiring improvement include safety, cleanliness, public infrastructure, sustainability, and city zoning regulations, which need government support. Thanet pointed out that Pattaya’s zoning regulations have not been properly updated, leading to nightlife venues being mixed with hotels and residences. This mix can make some family tourists feel unsafe, reported Bangkok Post. For the upcoming high season, Thanet estimated that tourism revenue in Pattaya should recover to over 80% of the 2019 level. However, challenges remain due to Thai tourists flocking to overseas destinations and rising competition from places like Vietnam and Hainan Island in China. Picture of Pattaya Walking Street courtesy of p-thailand.co.il by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of tripadvisor Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-05 - 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 transwoman nabbed in 26 million baht scam targeting Japanese nationals by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod Metropolitan Police Bureau officers arrested a Thai transwoman yesterday after she scammed 73 Japanese nationals over a ten-year period. The total losses amounted to nearly 26 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334644-thai-transwoman-nabbed-in-26-million-baht-scam-targeting-japanese-nationals/

Metropolitan Police Bureau officers arrested a Thai transwoman yesterday after she scammed 73 Japanese nationals over a ten-year period. The total losses amounted to nearly 26 million baht. The 49 year old Thai transwoman, Uthai “Amy” Nantakhan, was arrested yesterday, August 4, at her condominium in the Bangkapi district of Bangkok. Her arrest followed a report from the latest Japanese victim who lost 15 million baht to Amy. The 36 year old Japanese man told Thonglor Police Station officers that he met Amy in January. Amy claimed to be from Hong Kong and asked him to support her hotel stay. The two stayed in touch and later began a relationship. Amy then tricked him into buying gold for her, which she exchanged for cash before disappearing. Further investigation revealed the Japanese man was not Amy’s only victim. She had swindled money from many Japanese victims using a similar plot. Amy pretended to be a Hong Kong resident and gained sympathy with various lies. For example, she would claim to have lost her wallet and need money for passport renewal, or feign a Covid-19 infection to solicit funds for treatment. Amy also scammed victims by luring them into investing in a fake business, later claiming the project failed and her bank account was frozen. Police reported that Amy had scammed 73 Japanese victims between 2011 and 2024, with total losses of 26 million baht: 25 victims with 942,000 baht reported in 2011 9 victims with 2.2 million baht reported in 2012 16 victims with 1.6 million baht reported in 2014 2 victims with 330,000 baht reported in 2015 8 victims with 307,000 baht reported in 2018 6 victims with 293,000 baht reported in 2020 3 victims with 90,000 baht reported in 2022 1 victim with 16 million baht reported in 2023 3 victims with 4.1 million baht reported in 2024 Amy was charged under Section 341 of the Criminal Law: committing fraud. The penalty is imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. In a related report, a Japanese man was arrested on July 30 after he attempted to sexually assault a drunk Thai woman. The Japanese man approached the woman while she was sitting in the Royal City Avenue (RCA) car park and attempted to take her to his hotel room, but the woman managed to escape from him and reported the matter to the police. by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-05 - 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

Rayong residents call for construction permit verification by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Bangkok Builder Residents of Ban Khai district in Rayong are urging government officials to verify whether the owner of a local construction project possesses the necessary permits. Concerns were sparked after a Chinese language poster was seen at a construction site for a factory within their community. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334627-villagers-raise-alarm-over-unauthorised-chinese-signs-and-materials/?do=findComment&comment=19120671

Rayong residents call for construction permit verification by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Bangkok Builder Residents of Ban Khai district in Rayong are urging government officials to verify whether the owner of a local construction project possesses the necessary permits. Concerns were sparked after a Chinese language poster was seen at a construction site for a factory within their community. Adul Akkaraphetpaisarn, an assistant village head, expressed that the village had not been informed of any construction activities. He emphasised that project owners are required to notify officials before starting work to ensure a community hearing and compliance with other regulations. Reports indicate that vehicles and construction materials have been spotted at the site, along with a poster depicting a factory in Chinese. This has raised suspicions among the locals about the legitimacy of the project, reported Bangkok Post. Sujin Sukkerd, chair of the Nong Wua TAO, stated that erecting buildings without the appropriate permit is illegal. He warned that legal action would be taken against the owner if they failed to adhere to the rules. “I’ve heard the poster was removed, but we’ll still examine the site.” In related news, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led a delegation to Rayong and Chon Buri in June, to inspect pivotal projects within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). At Rayong’s U-Tapao International Airport, PM Srettha scrutinised the progress of an ambitious project aimed at linking the airport with a high-speed rail network that will connect three major airports. “This network is set to revolutionise transportation from Bangkok’s eastern outskirts to the city centre, turbocharging economic growth, trade, and tourism across the EEC.” The Bangkok-born PM pressed the Ministry of Transport and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) to hasten construction, pledging to provide detailed updates on the rail project by the end of July. The next stop was Chon Buri, where the prime minister, alongside Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, evaluated plans for a Formula 1 racing route at Jomtien Beach. The government aims to lure international tourists by hosting F1 races starting in 2028, with the potential for Formula E events as well. Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-05 - 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

Ministry serves up a vote: Help ‘dish’ out Thailand’s best local eats by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand The Ministry of Culture has called upon the public to vote for Thailand’s best local food in a new initiative aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous cuisine while boosting its economic value. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334643-ministry-serves-up-a-vote-help-‘dish’-out-thailand’s-best-local-eats/

The Ministry of Culture has called upon the public to vote for Thailand’s best local food in a new initiative aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous cuisine while boosting its economic value. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced yesterday, August 4, that the nation’s culinary heritage is a significant cultural asset that embodies Thai identity. The ministry launched the Thailand Best Local Food: The Lost Taste project for the 2024 fiscal year to align with the government’s policy of enhancing Thailand’s soft power. The initiative seeks to showcase local dishes from all 77 provinces, under the theme: One Province, One Menu, Celebrating Local Recipes. Each province has already submitted its signature dishes for consideration. Selected by provincial food committees, these dishes—whether savoury, sweet, or snacks—are distinguished by their uniqueness and are at risk of vanishing. They have been chosen for their need for protection and restoration, said Sudawan. “Many dishes today are available only in local communities and are at risk of being forgotten. They reflect a valuable connection between people and local ingredients under cultural diversity and biodiversity.” Each dish must meet six criteria: historical wisdom and unique culinary value, conservation value, indigenous ingredients, potential for dissemination and economic development, nutritious value, and environmental value. The public is encouraged to vote for the provincial dish they believe deserves recognition as the best local dish. Voting is accessible via the provincial cultural office’s Facebook page. Residents in Bangkok can cast their votes through the Department of Cultural Promotion’s Facebook page or by visiting forms.gle/gJkno9mpJMEBTYAWA until 4.30pm on Friday, August 9, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, the Culture Ministry voiced its intentions of capitalising on the increased popularity of Thai locations, brought on by their appearance in the latest Korean television series, King the Land. Recognising this upswing in interest, the ministry plans to attract more Korean tourists and fans of the drama to these specific sites, boosting Thai tourism. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-05 - 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 10,000-Baht Digital Scheme to Proceed Amid PM Legal Challenge Srettha Thavisin. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia The Government of Thailand confirmed that the 10,000-baht digital handout scheme will continue regardless of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s political future. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334642-thailand-10000-baht-digital-scheme-to-proceed-amid-pm-legal-challenge/

The Government of Thailand confirmed that the 10,000-baht digital handout scheme will continue regardless of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s political future. This assurance follows concerns over the PM’s potential dismissal due to a legal challenge. Prime Minister Srettha, aged 62, is under scrutiny because 40 senators submitted a motion against him. They argue that his appointment of Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, as a PM’s Office Minister violates the constitution. Pichit was convicted of contempt of court in 2008 while representing former PM Thaksin Shinawatra in a contentious land case. Despite the possibility of his dismissal, Srettha and PM’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai reassured the public that the digital handout scheme would proceed as planned. The Constitutional Court’s decision on the PM’s tenure is expected tomorrow. Bangkok-born Srettha urged the public not to be swayed by rumours, emphasising the continuity of the digital handout scheme. “Those still harbouring doubts about this stimulus programme should seek information through the 1111 hotline, rather than believe circulating online rumours,” he stated. Srettha also requested the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to tackle the spread of false information related to the scheme. Jiraporn, also a Deputy Leader of the Pheu Thai Party, expressed confidence in the PM’s position and reiterated that the policy would proceed regardless of the court’s decision. She highlighted the House’s recent approval of an additional 122 billion baht in the current fiscal year’s budget to partially fund the handout scheme. “Pheu Thai isn’t preparing to replace Srettha. The party is focusing on implementing policies, particularly the digital handout scheme, to help people with their current problems,” Jiraporn stated. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai postponed the registration of shops interested in participating in the digital handout scheme, initially scheduled to begin today. He stated the government needs to prioritise registering other eligible recipients. The 10,000-baht digital money handout aims to provide financial relief to citizens facing economic challenges. It is part of the government’s broader efforts to stimulate the economy and support those in need. Despite the political turmoil, officials remain committed to rolling out the scheme as planned. Srettha Thavisin. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia -- 2024-08-05 - 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

UPDATE: Pattaya Police Seek to Expel Kuwaiti Nationals Involved in Recent Violence with Locals By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — Pattaya Police launched an investigation following a violent, massive clash between Thai and Kuwaiti nationals on Soi Yensabai this weekend. The Kuwaiti suspects will potentially be deported from Thailand after facing legal charges, police said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334639-pattaya-police-seek-to-expel-kuwaiti-nationals-involved-in-recent-violence-with-locals/

Pattaya — Pattaya Police launched an investigation following a violent, massive clash between Thai and Kuwaiti nationals on Soi Yensabai this weekend. The Kuwaiti suspects will potentially be deported from Thailand after facing legal charges, police said. The investigation was spearheaded by Pol. Lt. Col. Sirach Nuethes, Deputy Commander of Pattaya Police Station, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 4. The officers led a team of over 50 officers to inspect Soi Yensabai around the late afternoon of August 3rd, 2024. They also discussed with representatives of the Kuwaiti students involved in the incident to inform them of the Thai laws, regulations during their stay, and the incident’s legal consequences. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-05 - 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 Takes Bold Steps Against Illegal Migrant Workers Picture courtesy: NNT In a decisive move, the government has ramped up its efforts to curb illegal immigration, targeting migrant workers and their employers across the nation. Over the past two months, authorities have detained 1,179 individuals who were found working without proper documentation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334635-government-takes-bold-steps-against-illegal-migrant-workers/