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A single-seat aircraft crashed into an empty house in a golf resort in Samut Sakhon’s Muang district this morning. The pilot died in the accident and the house caught fire. Firefighters found the wrecked plane stuck in the roof of the empty house, which eventually burned to the ground. The pilot has been identified as Pudit Supawatanakul, 30, a flight instructor. An initial investigation has found that Pudit was taking the plane for a test flight, following engine repairs, when he encountered problems. Full story: Thai PBS 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

Defence Minister Calls Urgent Meeting with Army Chief Over Abuse Allegations Picture courtesy: Naew Na DEFENCE Minister Suthin Khlangsang has summoned Army Chief Gen. Charoenchai Hinthao for an urgent meeting tomorrow (Aug. 5). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334615-defence-minister-calls-urgent-meeting-with-army-chief-over-abuse-allegations/

DEFENCE Minister Suthin Khlangsang has summoned Army Chief Gen. Charoenchai Hinthao for an urgent meeting tomorrow (Aug. 5). This move comes in the wake of a disturbing photograph circulating online, depicting roughly ten privates allegedly stripped and abused by two non-commissioned officers during training at a camp in Chiang Mai. Suthin underscored that such abuse has occurred repeatedly, blaming it either on excessively harsh punishment by instructors or on senior soldiers targeting their juniors. He stressed that if any soldiers are found guilty of misconduct, they must face legal consequences. Furthermore, Suthin insisted that the victims receive full justice and that stringent warnings be issued to prevent future incidents. Colonel Richa Suksuwanon, an Army deputy spokesman, stated that an investigative committee has been established to examine the allegations. The privates involved are reportedly from the 25th Cavalry Battalion of the 4th Cavalry Regiment, King’s Guard. For those with additional information or similar complaints, Col. Richa encouraged contact with the Office of the Secretary of the Army at 113 Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, Bang Khun Phrom subdistrict, Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok 10200. Alternatively, people can call 02-297-7836 or 02-297-8307, or use the S.M.A.R.T Soldier app to file complaints. The allegations gained traction when a community Facebook page, Sai Mai Tong Rod (Sai Mai District Must Survive), highlighted the case. According to the page, the sister of one of the abused privates claimed that a corporal and a sergeant, allegedly drunk, ordered the privates to strip naked and stand in the rain and cold for six hours in the middle of the night. During this ordeal, they were slapped, kicked, and stomped. She also mentioned that other privates had been assaulted in ways that left no external marks but caused internal pain. TOP: Picture courtesy: Naew Na -- 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

Ceiling collapse at Chiang Mai Airport injures two foreign children by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News A ceiling collapse at Chiang Mai Airport‘s security checkpoint injured two foreign children yesterday at 7.55am. Medical staff at the airport quickly administered first aid to the injured children. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334552-ceiling-panels-collapse-at-chiang-mai-airport-injures-two-passengers/

Ceiling collapse at Chiang Mai Airport injures two foreign children by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News A ceiling collapse at Chiang Mai Airport‘s security checkpoint injured two foreign children yesterday at 7.55am. Medical staff at the airport quickly administered first aid to the injured children. The first child, from the Netherlands, sustained minor injuries to the back of his hand, while the second, from China, suffered a head injury. The Dutch child and his family decided to continue their journey to Don Mueang International Airport, with assistance from Chiang Mai Airport staff to ensure their travel was safe and comfortable. The Chinese child was taken to a private hospital in Chiang Mai, where he received stitches for a 5-centimetre head wound. After the treatment, the child’s family returned to the airport to prepare for their flight to Hat Yai Airport. Airport officials provided extensive support to both families, including new clothes, tickets, lunch, and access to a VIP lounge. They also offered initial compensation and will work with insurance companies for further assistance. “We deeply regret this incident and are taking all necessary steps to ensure it does not happen again,” said Wing Commander Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn, the general manager of Chiang Mai International Airport. The ceiling collapse was attributed to weakened panels caused by moisture from the air conditioning ducts, aggravated by recent continuous rainfall. The airport has begun replacing the insulation and removing damaged panels as part of an accelerated maintenance plan to prevent future issues, reported The Pattaya News. “Feedback and suggestions from this incident will be used to improve our facilities and ensure the safety of our passengers,” added Ronnakorn. The local media in Chiang Mai reported that the airport will expedite the maintenance work to replace the insulation and remove the damaged panels. In related news, a tragic incident occurred on June 8 at a temple in Nonthaburi’s Sai Noi district, where a monk was fatally injured by a collapsing mobile roof frame. The accident happened around 6.30pm when three monks were moving the large structure. 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

Disbanding Move Forward Could Endanger Thailand’s Bid for UNHRC Membership File photo courtesy: Thai PBS The Constitutional Court has been warned that Thailand’s third bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for 2025-27, slated for October, could be in jeopardy if it decides to dissolve the opposition Move Forward party on August 7th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334614-disbanding-move-forward-could-endanger-thailand’s-bid-for-unhrc-membership/

The Constitutional Court has been warned that Thailand’s third bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for 2025-27, slated for October, could be in jeopardy if it decides to dissolve the opposition Move Forward party on August 7th. This warning comes from Chamnan Chanruang, a core member of the Progressive movement, led by former Future Forward party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. Chamnan pointed out that Thailand is also set to host the 6th symposium of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions (AACC) in Bangkok from September 17th to 21st. The event will see presidents of charter courts and equivalent institutions from 19 countries participating, raising questions over how the Thai Constitutional Court president would justify such a decision to his counterparts, reported Thai PBS. Thailand’s previous attempt to secure a UNHRC seat failed due to the diplomatic fallout from the 2014 coup and subsequent increases in human rights violations, including the misuse of the lèse majesté law to target political opponents. Chamnan suggested that dissolving the Move Forward party could hinder Thailand's current bid. He mentioned a possibility that the Constitutional Court may spare Move Forward by rejecting the Election Commission’s (EC) petition demanding the party’s dissolution on procedural grounds. The EC’s failure to follow proper submission protocols could lead the court to drop the petition. However, Chamnan pointed out that, even if dismissed, the petition could be resubmitted after correcting the procedural faults. Notably, the Move Forward party and its former leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, have already been ordered to cease all activities related to amending the lèse majesté law in a January ruling. If the court opts to dissolve the party, Chamnan asserted that its members and MPs would join a new party, which would not be bound by the court’s earlier ruling. This new entity would continue the campaign for amendments to the controversial law. Thailand’s international standing and its bid for a UNHRC seat thus hang in the balance as the Constitutional Court's decision looms. File photo courtesy: Thai PBS -- 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

Srettha, Anutin laugh off speculation of “substitute PM” Thai media have been rife with speculation that Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is only a few steps away from taking over the country’s top executive post from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334613-srettha-anutin-laugh-off-speculation-of-“substitute-pm”/

Thai media have been rife with speculation that Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is only a few steps away from taking over the country’s top executive post from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. “Substitute prime minister” is the term they have been using in recent weeks when referring to the leader of Bhumjaithai, the second largest partner in the Srettha coalition government. The speculation has become more intense as Thailand's Constitutional Court is set to rule on Srettha’s political fate on August 14. Srettha is accused of a serious breach of political ethics by appointing a lawyer with conviction record to join his Cabinet in late April this year. If found guilty, Srettha will be disqualified as prime minister along with his government. The House of Representatives will need to vote for a new prime minister. That’s why all eyes have been on Anutin as Srettha’s potential successor. Many analysts have concurred that Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, supposedly the first in line to succeed Srettha if something is to happen to him, is not yet ready for the job. Full story: Thai PBS 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

US Senator Warns Over Move Forward Party Dissolution Senator Ben Cardin. File photo courtesy: Middle East Observer Senator Ben Cardin, head of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has raised alarm over the potential dissolution of Thailand's Move Forward Party, which faces allegations of trying to subvert the nation's democratic system. This move, he warns, could harm Thailand's democratic principles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334612-us-senator-warns-over-move-forward-party-dissolution/

Senator Ben Cardin, head of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has raised alarm over the potential dissolution of Thailand's Move Forward Party, which faces allegations of trying to subvert the nation's democratic system. This move, he warns, could harm Thailand's democratic principles. Sen. Cardin wrote to Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, stressing the recent election saw a historic turnout with over 39 million voters. The Move Forward Party, which received support from more than 14 million citizens, emerged victorious. Despite this clear mandate, the Election Commission has moved to dissolve the party, citing charges of subversive activities. The Constitutional Court is set to rule on the party's fate on August 7. A verdict against the party could lead to its dissolution and bar its key officials from politics for a decade. Senator Cardin emphasized that such a decision would disenfranchise millions who voted for progressive change, threatening Thailand's democratic commitment. “If the Move Forward Party is dissolved, this decision will effectively disenfranchise millions of voters who called for progressive change and democratic reform,” stated Cardin. He underscored the need for Thailand to uphold democratic values that underpin its long-term relationship with the US. Cardin also called on the Srettha government to respect the will of the people and maintain a commitment to democracy and the rule of law. “I sincerely hope that Thailand will navigate this period with a steadfast commitment to democracy, ensuring that the voices of its people are heard and respected,” he said. The international community is closely watching the situation. Diplomatic interest has been evident, with European diplomats meeting recently with Pita Limjaroenrat, Move Forward's chief advisor, to discuss the legal and political environment. Additionally, Pita and his team met with ambassadors from Asia and the West at the German ambassador's residence to discuss Thailand's democratic crisis. As the court date approaches, the world is keenly observing how Thailand will address these challenges to its democracy. TOP: Senator Ben Cardin. File photo courtesy: Middle East Observer -- 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

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 5 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1334610-thailand-live-monday-5-august-2024/

Pattaya City police intervened to halt a confrontation involving Middle Eastern tourists, primarily from Kuwait, and young Thai men, many of whom were Bolt motorbike taxi app riders, in the early hours of yesterday. Pattaya cops stop brawl between Kuwaiti tourists & Thai bikers by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of ข่าวพัทยา Pattayanews Facebook Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334609-pattaya-cops-stop-brawl-between-kuwaiti-tourists-thai-bikers/

Pattaya City police intervened to halt a confrontation involving Middle Eastern tourists, primarily from Kuwait, and young Thai men, many of whom were Bolt motorbike taxi app riders, in the early hours of yesterday. Captain Pansan Krongsit received the report at 5am, Saturday, August 3, leading officers to Soi Yen Sabai in Nongprue, where they discovered evidence of a conflict, including broken glass scattered on the ground. Witnesses and locals recounted that over a dozen young Thai motorbike riders had been engaged in a heated dispute and physical altercation with dozens of Middle Eastern men, mainly Kuwaiti nationals. The altercation escalated, with rocks being thrown, resulting in damage to nearby businesses. The precise cause of the conflict remains unclear, though tensions have been high due to complaints about the foreign tourists, who are reportedly students on school leave. These students have allegedly disrespected locals and caused disturbances by racing motorbikes without proper licences, registration, or documentation. Several Kuwaiti nationals sustained injuries during the conflict. CCTV footage captured scenes of foreign tourists, mostly Kuwaiti students, fleeing and taking refuge in nearby shops as groups of irate young Thai men hurled rocks and shouted at them. The police instructed business owners and injured parties to file official reports to facilitate a formal investigation. In the meantime, police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify both Thai and foreign individuals involved in the disturbances, reported The Pattaya News. Complaints from locals about the foreign tourists have been mounting, with accusations of the tourists disrupting the peace and quiet of the area. These grievances have contributed to rising tensions between the different groups, leading to incidents such as the recent confrontation. In related news, residents in Soi Yen Sabai, Pattaya, urged police officers to take action against Kuwaiti motorcycle racers following a noise pollution disturbance and a recent physical altercation on July 13. by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of ข่าวพัทยา Pattayanews Facebook Full story: 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

Nostalgia for Prayut Grows as "We Miss Loong Tu" Goes Viral When former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was in office, he faced significant criticism from the Thai online community, largely due to his rise to power through a coup. His actions and policies were often met with hostility, with some even criticising trivial things like his mannerisms and speech. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334541-nostalgia-for-prayut-grows-as-we-miss-loong-tu-goes-viral/

When former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was in office, he faced significant criticism from the Thai online community, largely due to his rise to power through a coup. His actions and policies were often met with hostility, with some even criticising trivial things like his mannerisms and speech. Despite this history, a surprising change has recently taken place on Thai social media. A catchy tune titled “We Miss Loong Tu” has gone viral, sparking a wave of nostalgia for the former leader. The song, which blends pop and dance elements, praises Prayut’s contributions and dedication to the Thai monarchy. Lyrics include, “Loong Tu is the one who stands up for us and does a lot of work. He makes us smile and would sacrifice his life for the monarchy. We miss Loong Tu, aha, aha.” Accompanying the music are engaging videos created by netizens, many featuring lip-syncing and dance routines. One TikToker, @apple28954, shared a clip with the caption, “I miss you, Loong Tu, very much. When you were in office, I criticised you a lot. I’m sorry.” Another user, @tip-time48, showcased her entire family expressing their fondness for Prayut, despite previous criticisms. Political analysts suggest this trend may be partly due to dissatisfaction with the current government. The new leadership, headed by the Pheu Thai party, has been criticised for failing to address urgent national issues. Their focus on the “digital wallet” scheme, a major campaign promise, has overshadowed other pressing concerns. Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai party, echoed public sentiment in a recent interview, questioning whether the current administration’s shortcomings have led to the growing nostalgia, reported Thai PBS. When asked about the trend, current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin acknowledged Prayut’s long tenure and his accomplishments. However, the true identity of the TikTok user “Celestial Sound,” who produced the viral song, remains a mystery. They stated their independence from political affiliations and clarified that artificial intelligence was only used for musical composition, not as a stance. Interestingly, Celestial Sound hinted at more politically charged content to come, with a song about Thaksin Shinawatra, another influential figure in Thai politics, on the horizon. As this nostalgic wave continues to ripple across social media, it remains to be seen how it will shape public opinion and political discourse in Thailand. -- 2024-08-03 - 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

Toddler found 3km from Udon Thani home after wandering off by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A three year old toddler wandered 3 kilometres from home in Udon Thani on Wednesday, July 31, while following a dog after their mother fell asleep from taking allergy medication. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334540-toddler-found-3km-from-udon-thani-home-after-wandering-off/

A three year old toddler wandered 3 kilometres from home in Udon Thani on Wednesday, July 31, while following a dog after their mother fell asleep from taking allergy medication. The child was found playing in a rice field, narrowly avoiding a fall into a nearby water pit. This incident took place in the Khuea Nam subdistrict, Ban Phue district, Udon Thani province. A 23 year old single mother, shared her ordeal with reporters. She explained that she had taken painkillers and allergy medicine due to a toothache and potential flu symptoms, which made her sleepy. The woman inadvertently fell asleep in her rubber plantation hut. Upon waking around 4pm, she realised her three year old son had gone missing. She questioned her parents, who were working nearby, but they hadn’t seen him either. The family, alongside community members, began a frantic search, checking nearby plantation huts but to no avail. They even alerted the local community leader, who organised a motorbike search party. After about three hours, they received news that the boy had been found, playing in a rice field at the village’s edge, approximately 3 kilometres from where he had disappeared. He had traversed through cassava fields, forests, and rice paddies. It was incredibly fortunate that the child emerged unscathed from the ordeal. A 55 year old woman named Ae discovered the child. She recounted that she was herding her buffaloes into their pen when she heard a child’s laughter around 7.30pm. Initially, she thought it might be a ghost, as it seemed unlikely that a child would be playing in the water with a dog at that hour. Concealed by the rice plants, she couldn’t see the child at first. Upon closer inspection, she found the boy playing in chest-deep water. She asked where he came from, but he couldn’t articulate much due to his age. Ae brought him to her field hut, bathed him, fed him, and then contacted the community leader. The community leader informed the boy’s family, who had been tirelessly searching for him. Ae expressed disbelief that such a young child could wander so far without harm, given the treacherous route that included water bodies and dense vegetation. She noted that if the boy had walked another 50 metres, he would have undoubtedly fallen into a water pit. She urged all parents to keep a close watch on their children to prevent similar incidents, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-08-03 - 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

Bangkok waste disposal crisis: Garbage trucks queue for kilometres (video) by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A long line of garbage trucks has formed across Bangkok, with drivers waiting from morning until afternoon yesterday, August 2, to dispose of waste. Authorities are being urged to address the issue promptly. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334539-bangkok-waste-disposal-crisis-garbage-trucks-queue-for-kilometres-video/

A long line of garbage trucks has formed across Bangkok, with drivers waiting from morning until afternoon yesterday, August 2, to dispose of waste. Authorities are being urged to address the issue promptly. A video clip shared on social media yesterday shows a queue of numerous garbage trucks waiting to offload their waste. The social media page “อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 7” posted the video along with a plea for responsible agencies to resolve the problem. “Please help, admin Kim. I feel for the workers. Can anyone fix this? Has the Bangkok Governor been informed? What’s happening? Garbage trucks across Bangkok are lining up for kilometres, waiting from morning until afternoon and still unable to dispose of the waste. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials reported this issue. They’re queuing at a single disposal point, having started since the morning and still unable to offload by the afternoon because every district’s garbage trucks have converged at this one spot. Typically, there are three disposal sites spread out to manage the city’s waste.” The unusual situation has left garbage truck drivers in a difficult position, unable to eat or use the restroom as they had to stay with their vehicles. The social media post calls on the relevant agencies or the Bangkok governor to intervene and address the situation. “This is a tough situation for the workers right now, as you can see in the video. The queue stretches for kilometres. What’s going on with the waste disposal point? Why can’t they accept the waste, causing all the trucks to gather here?” The video has sparked a significant response on social media, with many users expressing concern for the workers and frustration with the situation. Calls for a quick resolution have been amplified, as the prolonged waiting and inability to dispose of waste could lead to broader sanitation issues in the city, Efforts to reach the Bangkok Governor’s office for a comment have so far been unsuccessful. However, the pressure from the public and social media might prompt a quicker response from the authorities to restore normal operations, reported KhaoSod. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-03 - 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

Monk wins 12 million baht lottery, plans to help community by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Sanook The abbot of Wat Si Chumphon in Khon Kaen received a warm celebration from devotees after winning 12 million baht in the national lottery. The 69 year old monk shared his journey of finding the winning numbers and his plans for the prize money. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334538-monk-wins-12-million-baht-lottery-plans-to-help-community/

The abbot of Wat Si Chumphon in Khon Kaen received a warm celebration from devotees after winning 12 million baht in the national lottery. The 69 year old monk shared his journey of finding the winning numbers and his plans for the prize money. Wat Si Chumphon in Ban Nong Kiao, Khon Kaen, was buzzing with excitement as locals and followers gathered to congratulate Phra Nopporn Khemako, who recently won the first prize in the lottery. The 69 year old abbot purchased two winning tickets, netting him a total of 12 million baht. Phra Nopporn bought the tickets in Ban Phai district after attending a religious ceremony. He explained that he did not receive the numbers in a dream or from any supernatural means but simply decided to buy the numbers 77, 46, and 41 after feeling a strong urge. “I just felt like buying those numbers, so I went around looking for them and bought them without any special reason.” The abbot added that he enjoys making merit and has no special talismans or amulets. The monk plans to use the winnings for charitable purposes, including temple renovations and personal health care. He mentioned that he frequently donates money for various causes, sometimes in amounts ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of baht. “I intend to discuss the prize with my relatives before cashing it in. The money will be used solely for making merit, such as celebrating the temple hall and constructing a new chapel, and for my healthcare.” Despite his significant win, this is not the first time the abbot has had luck with the lottery. He has won smaller amounts in the past, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of baht. His consistent wins have often been used to fund various temple projects and help those in need. For security reasons, Phra Nopporn entrusted his sister in Maha Sarakham Province to file a police report documenting the winning tickets. This step ensures that the tickets are safely recorded while he waits to cash them in, reported Sanook. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Sanook Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-03 - 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 Seeks Smoother Entry to South Korea for Its Travellers Picture courtesy: The Soul Guide Thailand's top diplomat requested South Korea make it more convenient for Thai travellers to visit, according to the foreign ministry, amid reports of negative sentiment due to Thai citizens being denied entry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334533-thailand-seeks-smoother-entry-to-south-korea-for-its-travellers/

Thailand's top diplomat requested South Korea make it more convenient for Thai travellers to visit, according to the foreign ministry, amid reports of negative sentiment due to Thai citizens being denied entry. The request came during bilateral talks between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa, in Seoul. Stricter screening under the new Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system introduced last year has led to increased instances of Thai travellers being refused entry to South Korea. Maris emphasized the importance of easing entry restrictions, highlighting that active exchanges between the two nations are crucial for their friendly and cooperative relationship. “We need to make travel smoother to maintain the robust ties between our countries,” he stated. In response, Cho detailed the South Korean government's efforts to broaden both personal and labour exchanges. He suggested that both nations collaborate to forge stronger, forward-looking relations. “We are focused on enhancing our bilateral cooperation for the future,” Cho said. Earlier this year, Thailand’s Culture Ministry requested the Justice Ministry to include Thailand in temporary K-ETA exemptions, but the request was denied. The Justice Ministry maintains that the stricter entry rules for Thai nationals are necessary to curb illegal immigration. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Thailand was the top Southeast Asian source market for South Korean tourism. Now, it ranks second, trailing Vietnam. Both countries hope to see a resurgence in tourism and economic exchanges. The ministers also agreed to establish a “two plus two” director-level consultative body aimed at contributing to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Furthermore, they agreed to expedite ongoing negotiations for an economic partnership agreement. Cho also welcomed Thailand’s recent role as South Korea-ASEAN coordinator starting this month. “We look forward to stronger cooperation within the ASEAN framework,” he noted. Picture courtesy: The Soul Guide -- 2024-08-03 - 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

TikTok user lists Thailand’s top five rare coins by Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of youtube A TikTok user known as xnakhonprathom, commonly referred to as X Nakhon Pathom, shared a clip ranking five of Thailand’s most legendary and rare coins, valued from hundreds of thousands to a million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334528-tiktok-user-lists-thailand’s-top-five-rare-coins/