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Thailand’s foreign direct investment skyrockets with focus on EV industry by Alex Morgan Image by grafismedia from grafis media Investment attraction to Thailand has seen a remarkable surge in the first half of this year. The nation registered a 70% year-on-year increase to an impressive 364 billion baht, according to the Board of Investment (BoI). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300311-thailand’s-foreign-direct-investment-skyrockets-with-focus-on-ev-industry/

Investment attraction to Thailand has seen a remarkable surge in the first half of this year. The nation registered a 70% year-on-year increase to an impressive 364 billion baht, according to the Board of Investment (BoI). This boost, particularly contributed by an astonishing 141% soar in foreign direct investment, serves as a testament to Thailand’s status as a preferred manufacturing hub for international firms. The investment escalation was marked by a rise in project applications totalling 891, marking an 18% rise compared to the equivalent period in 2022. The majority of these applications, 464 to be precise, fall under the prioritized industrial categories which account for a cumulative value of 287 billion baht, making up 79% of the total value of applications. These industries majorly include electronics, food processing, and automotive sectors with a special focus on the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the BoI, said… “Investment applications in the first half show a positive trend and foreign investment in particular continued to increase at a very high rate, especially in electronics and EVs, which are among our priority sectors. by Alex Morgan Image by grafismedia from grafis media Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-foreign-direct-investment-skyrockets-with-focus-on-ev-industry -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Thailand News - a missing 62 year old German has been found in a freezer at a Pattaya rental home (cut into 13 parts), but he already has a sordid past in human trafficking in Pattaya, dramatic video from another road construction collapse, this time in Lat Krabang, east of Bangkok... two people killed. The outgoing PM and other officials have been named by a Chiang Mai administrative court for "neglecting their duties" during the height of this year's smoke and smog problems, but what happens next? A protest area is being set up outside the Thai parliament as Thursday's vote for a new Thai PM looms. Chinese EV car makers dominating the Thai car manufacturing investment landscape. Tim Newton Today, or TNT, is a daily review of the main news stories around Thailand and the region. CNA article about Thai economic and political landscape... https://www.channelnewsasia.com/comme... With thanks to our sponsor 5 Star Marine in Phuket for premium, private charters. Click on this link for a special offer for TNT viewers... https://5starmarinephuket.com/tim/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - German businessman found dead, and cut up 'in pieces', in a freezer in Pattaya 2:11 - We've seen Mr Mack in the media before, over human trafficking charges 4:18 - Former PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has been found 'negligent' over Chiang Mai air pollution 7:15 - Road overpass construction collapses, killing 2, in Lat Krabang 9:49 - Bangkok officials prepare protest area ahead of Thursday's vote for new Thai PM 13:25 - Chinese EV car investment overtaking Japanese car-maker investment in Thailand

German man found ‘in pieces’, road construction collapse kills two : Tim Newton Today - July 11 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300310-german-man-found-‘in-pieces’-road-construction-collapse-kills-two-tim-newton-today-july-11/

Although the rainy season has begun in Thailand, the threat of prolonged drought and water shortages is hovering on the horizon because of El Nino. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which monitors sea temperatures at over 200 locations, forecasts that El Nino – a change in the weather system that increases global temperatures – will drag on from now until at least February next year. Coupled with global warming, El Nino means Thailand must prepare for a longer dry season, more frequent hot days, and drought. Hardest hit will be Thailand’s East and South. Worst scenario: Double El Nino Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, deputy dean of Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Fisheries, confirms that El Nino has already arrived. On Facebook he explained that the rainy season in Thailand’s North, Northeast and Central regions usually has two phases. “This year, the first phase has already ended and rainfall was 20% lower than normal,” he said. With the latter phase due to start around the middle of August, it remains unclear how much water the country will be able to store for the coming dry season. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/el-nino-will-expose-thailands-lack-of-defense-against-climate-change-experts/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

El Nino will expose Thailand’s lack of defense against climate change: experts Although the rainy season has begun in Thailand, the threat of prolonged drought and water shortages is hovering on the horizon because of El Nino. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300309-el-nino-will-expose-thailand’s-lack-of-defense-against-climate-change-experts/

DES ministry set to combat cybercrime with new AI registry by Alex Morgan The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) in Thailand is gearing up to introduce the Central Fraud Registry, a technological solution designed to combat scams and tackle illegal transactions. This innovation stems from the National Interbank Transaction Management and Exchange, a collaboration between the Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA) and the Bank of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300305-des-ministry-set-to-combat-cybercrime-with-new-ai-registry/

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) in Thailand is gearing up to introduce the Central Fraud Registry, a technological solution designed to combat scams and tackle illegal transactions. This innovation stems from the National Interbank Transaction Management and Exchange, a collaboration between the Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA) and the Bank of Thailand. As stated by notable DES figures, Wisit Wisitsora-at, the Central Fraud Registry is an expansion of recent efforts to prevent and suppress cybercrime activity. This platform, he believes, presents victims, banks, and authorities with an enhanced ability to combat online scams and other unlawful internet actions. TBA’s chairman, Payong Srivanich, indicated in previous remarks that the new system would function as a complementary mechanism to the Thailand Banking Sector Computer Emergency Response Team. It is currently associated with the collection of financial institutions under TBA’s supervision. The innovative platform uses AI technology to aid banks and relevant parties in preventing suspicious accounts from completing possibly fraudulent transactions. The introduction of this system comes at a time when about 600 complaints are lodged every day about scams across complaint centres and online platforms, a slight decrease from 800 daily complaints prior to the implementation of the recent royal decree. by Alex Morgan Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/des-ministry-set-to-combat-cybercrime-with-new-ai-registry -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Phuket locals pushback on navy’s plan for base and airport expansion by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Tensions are brewing in the Thai district of Phuket as around 100 local inhabitants have expressed their opposition to a strategy that would allow the navy to utilise the land for both an operational base and as a provision for the future growth of the neighbouring international airport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300300-phuket-locals-pushback-on-navy’s-plan-for-base-and-airport-expansion/

Tensions are brewing in the Thai district of Phuket as around 100 local inhabitants have expressed their opposition to a strategy that would allow the navy to utilise the land for both an operational base and as a provision for the future growth of the neighbouring international airport. The local populace recently passed a letter of protest to the provincial governor, championing a halt to the Third Naval Area Command (TNAC) efforts in securing an area within the Bang Khanoon forest park in the Thalang district. The locals insist on a public hearing regarding the navy’s intent to establish a fresh space for the 22nd Air Defence Battalion (ADB) and determine a space for the future expansion of Phuket International Airport. On the first day of March, the TNAC was granted permission from the Royal Forest Department (RFD) to make use of approximately 3,700 rai of forest land situated in Tambon Sakhoo. In terms of the 22nd ADB, the navy has suggested repositioning parts of its shore patrol units and Naval Military Police Regiment to the location. by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/phuket-locals-pushback-on-navys-plan-for-base-and-airport-expansion -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Expect heavy rain in 42 provinces including Bangkok by Nattapong Westwood The Thai Department of Meteorology has alerted residents in 42 provinces to expect heavy rainfalls, including in the capital, Bangkok, with 70% of the southern region particularly affected. Citizens are cautioned to take necessary precautions to avoid potential hazards. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300299-expect-heavy-rain-in-42-provinces-including-bangkok/

The Thai Department of Meteorology has alerted residents in 42 provinces to expect heavy rainfalls, including in the capital, Bangkok, with 70% of the southern region particularly affected. Citizens are cautioned to take necessary precautions to avoid potential hazards. This 24-hour forecast, valid from 6am today to 6am tomorrow, is due to a southwest monsoon prevailing across the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. This meteorological phenomenon results in rainfall, thunderstorms, and isolated heavy rain in the northeastern and southern parts of the country. The residents in these areas are advised to stay alert to the risks of heavy and accumulated rainfalls. In the Andaman Sea, waves are anticipated to reach a height of 1 metre, with waves surpassing 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. Mariners in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are requested to navigate with care and avoid thunderstorm areas during this period. As for the regional weather forecast, the northern region will experience 30% thunderstorms mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lam Phun, Lampang, Phrae and Tak provinces – with temperatures dropping to as low as 23-28 degrees Celsius and reaching highs of 34-36 degrees Celsius. by Nattapong Westwood Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/expect-heavy-rain-in-42-provinces-including-bangkok -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Plan is to rally parliament behind the people’s will to elect Pita Limjaroenrat as Prime Minister by Joseph O' Connor 43-year-old Move Forward Party leader Mr Pita Limjaroenrat who is the key contender to become the next Prime Minister when parliament meets on Thursday in joint session held rallies on Sunday with a stirring message directed at politicians and members of both houses of parliament. He urged them to respect the will of 72% of the Thai people represented by the eight-party coalition in parliament that will support his candidacy for the job. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300298-plan-is-to-rally-parliament-behind-the-people’s-will-to-elect-pita-limjaroenrat-as-prime-minister/

43-year-old Move Forward Party leader Mr Pita Limjaroenrat who is the key contender to become the next Prime Minister when parliament meets on Thursday in joint session held rallies on Sunday with a stirring message directed at politicians and members of both houses of parliament. He urged them to respect the will of 72% of the Thai people represented by the eight-party coalition in parliament that will support his candidacy for the job. Even as Mr Pita rallied his audiences on Sunday and addressed a message of unity to all politicians in parliament, there came another challenge against him from his arch critic Mr Ruangkrai Leekitwattana of the Palang Pracharat Party seeking to make a complaint about the political leader’s authorship of four books and asking the Election Commission if this may be construed as the operation of a newspaper under Thailand’s Printing Recordation Act of 2007. It is a week in Thai politics in which anything can happen. However, with a clear campaign coming for conservative elements to foil his bid at being elected Prime Minister on Thursday, 43-year-old Mr Pita Limjaroenrat has been rallying momentum to support the May 14th General Election result and the will of the people. The Move Forward Party leadership insists that the votes are there in parliament from among more responsible members of the Senate to elect Mr Pita. It also looks increasingly like the eight-party coalition will not waiver and will maintain its shape no matter what happens in Thursday’s momentous vote, to bring about a truly democratic government and implement the election result. On Monday, reports emerged that one strategy being considered was to repeatedly put Mr Pita’s name before joint sittings of parliament even if his bid to be elected is rejected on Thursday in a campaign to encourage members of the Senate to rally behind the will of the people or to count down the clock until May 2024 when its say in the matter expires under the Constitution in any event. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/07/11/pita-plan-to-rally-parliament-behind-peoples-vote-elect-as-prime-minter/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-07-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Bangkok launches initiative to improve homeless facilities by Mitch Connor Photo by Mark Chan on Unsplash Striving to enhance the overall aesthetics of Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to consolidate facilities for the homeless residing in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300297-bangkok-launches-initiative-to-improve-homeless-facilities/

Striving to enhance the overall aesthetics of Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to consolidate facilities for the homeless residing in the area. This move follows a recent report from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, which conveys a significant improvement in the homeless situation, predicting a drop in numbers from 1,600 to about 1,400 this year. Nevertheless, a point of concern remains over the state of Ratchadamnoen Avenue, particularly in light of recent viral photographs showcasing homeless individuals making their abode in front of derelict structures on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, in close proximity to Satriwithaya School. The avenue has reputedly become a draw for the homeless due to regular offerings of cash and foodstuffs by night time benefactors. “One of the main solutions is to limit the drop-in locations to one under the Phra Pinklao Bridge and the another in Sake Alley on Assadang Road,” explained Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, adding that this aims to not only make Ratchadamnoen clean but also set the registration procedures for the homeless people in the future. by Mitch Connor Photo by Mark Chan on Unsplash -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bangkok-launches-initiative-to-improve-homeless-facilities

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 11 July 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300296-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-11-july-2023/

The Election Commission yesterday announced it would delay taking Pita Lim jaroen rat’s media shareholding case to court for now. Saying the EC will first check the facts before proceeding further. The Supreme Court sentenced former the chief of the ‘Department of Special Investigations’ to two years in prison for attempting to frame then Prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy Khun Suthep over the deaths of 99 mostly red shirt protesters, back in 2010. A support at the Lat Krabang Tollway in Bangkok which is under Construction collapsed late yesterday and fell onto several passing cars. There were at least two fatalities and several injuries. Court ruled that Prime Minister Prayut and the National Environmental Board had neglected their duty to deal with the annual dense smog in Chiang Mai. The case brought by as local resident found the PM had ignored or delayed his duties. The body of missing German businessman 62 year old Hans Mack, was found in a freezer at a house in Pattaya last night. There was nobody at the property, however police earlier interviewed another German man who had lived at the house. Investigations continue. Several Hundred people gathered to mark the 5th anniversary of the dramatic rescue of 12 young footballers from Tam Luang cave in Chaing Rai. The boys and their coach, Ekkapon, went into the front chambers of the cave complex yesterday to pay tribute to the thousands of people who worked for 18 days to rescue them after the boys had become trapped by rising water in 2018. Around the Region: China: A 25-year-old man was suspected of an attack at a kindergarten in Guangdong yesterday killing six people and injuring one, a teacher, two parents and three pupils were reported to be among the victims, Police have arrested the culprit. Air Asia Boss Tony Fernandes has sold off his entire shareholding in Queens Park Rangers Football Club after more than 10 years. The move will allow Mr Fernandes to concentrate his time and efforts on expanding AirAsia and Capital A's digital businesses, with the intention to drive growth and innovation.. Indonesia: Top diplomats from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are due to gather for a 3 day foreign ministers' meeting in Jakarta today, On The agenda….a code of conduct for the South China Sea, and navigating tensions between the United States and China. As well as the conflict in Myanmar. The weather: Bright with thundershowers Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy thunderstorms, 31C Bangkok: Bright but Cloudy, 34C Pattaya, Sunny, partly cloudy 32C Phuket and the south: Rain clearing up this afternoon 30C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny partly cloudy, expect a few thunderstorms late in the day 32C. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2023-07-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Police Officers Show Kindness to Apprehended Migrant Workers On July 10th at 6:30 PM, Deputy Chief Ekachai Khumpetch apprehended a pickup truck carrying twelve unauthorized Myanmar migrant workers along the Phahonyothin Road, Ayutthaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300293-police-officers-show-kindness-to-apprehended-migrant-workers/

On July 10th at 6:30 PM, Deputy Chief Ekachai Khumpetch apprehended a pickup truck carrying twelve unauthorized Myanmar migrant workers along the Phahonyothin Road, Ayutthaya. The migrants were jammed inside a gray Toyota Vigo truck, arousing police suspicions. The driver, a 37-year-old named Zaw from Tak province, was taken into custody. All passengers were found to be without valid travel documents, reported Sanook. The workers reported sneaking into Thailand early morning on the same day, expecting to work in various locations in and around Bangkok. They had not eaten out of fear of being caught. Photo: Sanook Understanding their plight, the officers fed the migrants with roti, originally intended as a gift for their families, before further food delivery arrived. Zaw revealed that he had been hired by a Thai named "Seng" to transport the workers. The matter is under investigation. Top Photo: Sanook #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

23-Year-Old Claims Assault and Threats by Local Leader's Associates A 23-year-old male has publicly claimed he was assaulted and threatened by associates of a prominent local leader in the Soi Wang Pla district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300292-23-year-old-claims-assault-and-threats-by-local-leaders-associates/

A 23-year-old male has publicly claimed he was assaulted and threatened by associates of a prominent local leader in the Soi Wang Pla district. Fearing for his safety, the young man accuses the local group of an unprovoked attack causing severe injuries. He alleges that the group claims to be untouchable due to their extensive connections, suggesting that even the police are under their influence, reported 77kaoded. The individual asserting to be a revered community elder - who also happens to be the local leader, insisted that the issue be dismissed, implying that noncompliance could lead to hardships in the community. This event has triggered considerable disquiet among the district's inhabitants, undermining their faith in the region's authorities. #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Under Construction Lat Krabang Overpass Bridge in Bangkok Collapses, Multiple Fatalities and Injuries Reported By Adam Judd Bangkok- An under construction overpass bridge located at the On Nut-Lat Krabang Road in Bangkok has collapsed near dusk yesterday evening, July 10th, 2023, killing at least two people and injuring eight more. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300277-overpass-collapses-in-lat-krabang-injuring-many/?do=findComment&comment=18195537

Under Construction Lat Krabang Overpass Bridge in Bangkok Collapses, Multiple Fatalities and Injuries Reported By Adam Judd Bangkok- An under construction overpass bridge located at the On Nut-Lat Krabang Road in Bangkok has collapsed near dusk yesterday evening, July 10th, 2023, killing at least two people and injuring eight more. Mr. Wisanu Subsompol, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, told the associated Thai press that the under construction bridge appeared to have flipped over while significant traffic was in the area under the bridge construction. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, or BMA, officials confirmed at least two deaths and right injuries but cautioned that this was not final as ongoing searches for people possibly trapped under the rubble were ongoing. #news Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/10/under-construction-lat-krabang-overpass-bridge-in-bangkok-collapses-multiple-fatalities-and-injuries-reported/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-07-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Body of Missing German Businessman Hans Peter Mack Found Dismembered in Freezer in Pattaya Rental Home By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand-The body of missing German businessman Hans Peter Mack, 62, was found in a rental home in Pattaya last evening and was confirmed early this morning, July 11th, 2023 around 12:30 AM by Banglamung officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300288-body-of-missing-german-businessman-hans-peter-mack-found-dismembered-in-freezer-in-pattaya-rental-home/