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Migrant amnesty program extended for half a million foreign labourers amid shortage in Thailand by Mitch Connor Photo: Traisuree Taisaranakul, Nation Thailand In a bid to alleviate Thailand’s labour shortage and lay the groundwork for post-pandemic economic recovery, the country’s cabinet has decided to lengthen its foreign migrants’ amnesty programme until the close of the month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299967-migrant-amnesty-program-extended-for-half-a-million-foreign-labourers-amid-shortage-in-thailand/

In a bid to alleviate Thailand’s labour shortage and lay the groundwork for post-pandemic economic recovery, the country’s cabinet has decided to lengthen its foreign migrants’ amnesty programme until the close of the month. This initiative allows close to half a million workers from neighbouring nations namely, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, to effectively organise the permits necessary for legal residence and employment within Thailand. The extension of the migrant amnesty programme was presented to the public yesterday by the government’s deputy spokesperson, Traisuree Taisaranakul, who detailed that the decision had been solidified two days prior. Initially introduced on February 7, this amnesty programme was designed as a solution to Thailand’s labour deficit. It provided an opportunity for immigrants from the aforementioned countries residing illegally in Thailand to surface and legally register without facing punitive measures. The migrant amnesty programme was slated to conclude on May 15, however, it was discovered that approximately 500,000 workers were still to complete their registration with the labour authorities, reported Bangkok Post. The reasons behind this were primarily associated with administrative obstacles and financial constraints. by Mitch Connor Top Photo: Traisuree Taisaranakul, Nation Thailand #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thailand-extends-amnesty-for-half-a-million-foreign-labourers-amid-shortage -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-07 - 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 intersection project expedited for August completion amid pedestrian safety concerns by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Bangkok City Administration, led by Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, has instructed the contracting company of the Na Ranong Bangkok intersection flyover project to expedite the delayed construction and ensure its completion by the end of this month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299966-bangkok-intersection-project-expedited-for-august-completion-amid-pedestrian-safety-concerns/

The Bangkok City Administration, led by Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, has instructed the contracting company of the Na Ranong Bangkok intersection flyover project to expedite the delayed construction and ensure its completion by the end of this month. Pedestrians have been faced with risk by an unfinished footbridge under the flyover. The previous infrastructure was removed, leading pedestrians to risk their safety by crossing the roads whilst waiting on the new footbridge. Sahakarn Wisavakorn Company, the contracting firm responsible for the 1.34 billion baht project, has assured that the pending tasks would be finished by August 15 at the latest. Despite the flyover being operational from June 1, some aspects of the Bangkok intersection project were left incomplete. The contractor and the footbridge builder incurred daily fines of 3.3 million baht, with the fines to remain in place till the project’s completion by August 15, reported Bangkok Post. A deadline extension for the completion of the Bangkok intersection project was given to the contractor by the cabinet to alleviate the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the company’s operations, reveals Anurak Rattanachotpanit, the chief engineer overseeing the flyover construction project. He acknowledged that the company was financially affected by the pandemic, causing a delay due to labour shortage. by Mitch Connor Top Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bangkok-intersection-project-expedited-for-august-completion-amid-pedestrian-safety-concerns -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-07 - 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.

Japanese Tourist Questions Structural Integrity of Thai Bridges; Sparks Online Debate A Japanese tourist visiting Thailand has sparked a debate on social media after questioning the structural integrity of Thai bridges. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299965-japanese-tourist-questions-structural-integrity-of-thai-bridges-sparks-online-debate/

A Japanese tourist visiting Thailand has sparked a debate on social media after questioning the structural integrity of Thai bridges, reported Daily News. On July 6, the tourist posted a photograph on Twitter of a slender bridge support, questioning if it was too thin for safety. The post, which has attracted over 7,800 tweets, 1,000 comments and over 12.2 million views, has stirred a vigorous online discussion among locals and foreigners alike. Picture: Daily News While some netizens believe that the thinness of the bridge support presents a risk, particularly with Thailand's frequent seismic activities, others argue that it complies with engineering standards. Amid the controversy, many are calling on related agencies to clarify the situation before it potentially damages Thailand's image among tourists. The incident highlights the need for clear communication about safety standards to maintain public confidence in the country's infrastructure. #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-07 - 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

Thai Police Prepare for PM Election Day Protests Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Acharn Kraithong revealed Thursday (July 6) that the Royal Thai Police have ordered preparations for the care and security of the Parliament building during the upcoming PM election day on July 13. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299963-thai-police-prepare-for-pm-election-day-protests/

Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Acharn Kraithong revealed Thursday (July 6) that the Royal Thai Police have ordered preparations for the care and security of the Parliament building during the upcoming PM election day on July 13. Lt. Gen. Damrong Sakdiprasert, the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, has instructed Lt. Gen. Roi Ingparoj, the Deputy Commissioner-General, to oversee overall management and has tasked the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) with facilitating traffic and maintaining order around the vicinity of the Parliament building. Additionally, they have been directed to mobilize personnel, equipment, and vehicles to support the duties of the security forces on that day. The National Police Office will enforce the Public Assembly Act and related laws, prohibiting gatherings within a radius of 50 meters around the Parliament building, according to Section 7 of the Act. Lt. Gen. Acharn underscored the significance of organizers providing a notification of at least 24 hours in advance to the pertinent local authorities, reported INN. He placed significant emphasis on the imperative that, despite the constitutional protection of the right to assemble, such activities must be conducted strictly within the confines of the established legal parameters. #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-07 - 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

Soi Cowboy: Crackdown on Drugs, Guns, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse Picture: Siam Rath On July 6, the Thonglor Police Station and the Metropolitan Police Bureau, in collaboration with the Provincial Police Region 5, embarked on the operation "Close The Box: Soi Cowboy", an initiative designed to crack down on various criminal activities including drug and human trafficking, as well as illegal possession of firearms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299962-soi-cowboy-crackdown-on-drugs-guns-human-trafficking-child-abuse/

On July 6, the Thonglor Police Station and the Metropolitan Police Bureau, in collaboration with the Provincial Police Region 5, embarked on the operation "Close The Box: Soi Cowboy", an initiative designed to crack down on various criminal activities including drug and human trafficking, as well as illegal possession of firearms. Two service establishments, Rainbow and Spice Girl, located on Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, were raided. Out of 85 individuals inspected in Rainbow, 19 were foreigners and 66 were employees, with one testing positive for methamphetamine, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath Similarly, in Spice Girl, 38 people were inspected, including 10 foreigners and 28 employees, with one employee found positive for methamphetamine. This operation aligns with the directive from the National Police Chief to intensify checks on local service establishments for potential illegal activities, including covert prostitution, human trafficking, drug use, and gun violence. Top Picture: Siam Rath #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-07 - 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

Tourists Helped after Getting Lost at Krating Cape in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Rawai, Phuket – Two tourists needed to be helped after they got lost at Krating Cape, southwest of Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299960-tourists-helped-after-getting-lost-at-krating-cape-in-phuket/

Rawai, Phuket – Two tourists needed to be helped after they got lost at Krating Cape, southwest of Phuket. Staff from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) of the Rawai Municipality reported they were notified of the incident on Wednesday night (July 5th). The unidentified tourists said they got lost and were unable to find the way back from Krating Cape at night time. By Goongnang Suksawat #news Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/07/06/tourists-helped-after-getting-lost-at-krating-cape-in-phuket/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-07-07 - 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.

Patong Police Investigate Complaints about Foreign Barbers By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – The Patong Police have investigated after they received complaints that foreigners were doing forbidden jobs as barbers and salon workers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299959-patong-police-investigate-complaints-about-foreign-barbers/

Patong – The Patong Police have investigated after they received complaints that foreigners were doing forbidden jobs as barbers and salon workers. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that on Wednesday (July 5th), they inspected a barber shop in Soi Saen Sabai. The owner and all the staff were Thai. Another five barber shops in Soi Ban San were inspected. Two of them were closed. Three other shops were found with Thai owners and Thai barber staff. However, three migrant workers were found with no work permits. By Goongnang Suksawat #news Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/07/06/patong-police-investigate-complaints-about-foreign-barbers/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-07-07 - 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.

UPDATE: Five People Arrested After Fifteen Gun Shots Fired in Public Area in Kathu By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu – Five suspects were arrested after fifteen-gun shots were fired in broad daylight in Kathu in a residential area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299958-update-five-people-arrested-after-fifteen-gun-shots-fired-in-public-area-in-kathu/

Kathu – Five suspects were arrested after fifteen-gun shots were fired in broad daylight in Kathu in a residential area. The Kathu Police told the Phuket Express on Thursday (July 6th) that they arrested five suspects including three teenagers under 18. Those arrested were identified only as Mr. Nopphon ‘Gor’ Saen Kla, 30, Mr. Pakorn ‘Han’ Noinit, 29, Mr. Eak, 17, Mr. San, 16 and Mr. Chai, 17. Seized from Mr. Nopphon was a Glock 19 handgun and 37 bullets. Seized from Pakorn were a Revolver, a .38 Special Undercover handgun and five bullets. By Goongnang Suksawat #news Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/07/06/update-five-people-arrested-after-fifteen-gun-shots-fired-in-public-area-in-kathu/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-07-07 - 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.

Siam Piwat and Pivot Digital Forge a New Path in Digital Innovation with the Launch of Joint Venture, Xponential Siam Piwat, a leading real estate and retail developer behind iconic landmarks such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint venture partner of ICONSIAM, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, is charting a new course in digital innovation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299957-siam-piwat-and-pivot-digital-forge-a-new-path-in-digital-innovation with-the-launch-of-joint-venture-xponential/

Siam Piwat, a leading real estate and retail developer behind iconic landmarks such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint venture partner of ICONSIAM, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, is charting a new course in digital innovation. In partnership with Pivot Digital Pte Ltd., an elite boutique consulting firm known for its expertise in digital transformation and cutting-edge technology solutions, Siam Piwat has established a groundbreaking joint venture named Xponential Co. Ltd. Xponential is primed to propel digital innovation beyond conventional limits and enhance the ONESIAM SuperApp to better serve the rapidly evolving needs of customers, business partners, and alliances. The goal is to deliver a seamless and extraordinary digital experience. Axel Winter, Chief Executive Officer of Pivot Digital Pte Ltd., explains that this new venture exemplifies Siam Piwat's commitment to expanding its digital capacities and adapting to an ever-evolving digital world. Xponential represents a unique fusion of Siam Piwat's luxury mall operations – world-renowned for their excellence – and the unparalleled expertise of Pivot Digital in RetailTech and FinTech. #news Full story: https://www.siampiwat.com/en/news/250?_07/06/2023 -- © Copyright Siam Piwat 2023-07-07 - 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.

Pattaya Police Launch Major Anti-crime Operation Specifically Targeting Foreign Criminals and Fugitives By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Foreigners of various nationalities were arrested in a major anti-crime operation specifically targeting foreigners in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299956-pattaya-police-launch-major-anti-crime-operation-specifically-targeting-foreign-criminals-and-fugitives/

Pattaya — Foreigners of various nationalities were arrested in a major anti-crime operation specifically targeting foreigners in Pattaya. Pattaya police on Thursday, July 6th, held a press conference to address the arrests of foreign suspects in five high-profile criminal cases in Thailand. In the first case, the Swiss suspect only identified as Mr. Jonothan, 31, was apprehended as per warrant B-18-2612 issued on September 28th, 2018, by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). He was arrested at the immigration checkpoint within Suvarnabhumi Airport, Samut Prakan province, Thailand, while attempting to flee to Vietnam. Jonothan is considered a high-profile cross-border criminal as he was reportedly involved in several drug trafficking cases. In late 2016, he allegedly clandestinely imported over 2,000 tablets of narcotics purchased from an African man residing in Thailand and subsequently sold them to customers in Zurich, Switzerland. Following this, the Swiss Federal Police and INTERPOL issued a red notice on Jonothan before forwarding the case to the Royal Thai Police Office, leading to his apprehension at the airport. He is undergoing extradition proceedings to Switzerland. In the second case, Mr. Stefan, 45, a Swedish national, was apprehended at his residence located in Pattaya. This followed a cooperation between the Royal Thai Police and the International Liaison Office of the Nordic Police, who requested assistance in investigating, tracking, and apprehending Mr. Stefan. He was wanted on arrest warrants issued by the Swedish courts and the European Union on charges related to copyright infringement. Mr. Stefan had fled the case in Sweden and had taken refuge in Thailand. His involvement in the commission of offenses included participating in the unauthorized broadcasting of copyrighted television signals in Sweden, according to Swedish Courts. The acts caused significant financial damage to three companies. Furthermore, the illegally obtained broadcasts were disseminated to the public through various channels such as YouTube and Facebook without authorization from the affected companies, resulting in infringements of the rights of the affected parties. The arrest and apprehension of Mr. Stefan were successfully carried out by the immigration officers. By Tanakorn Panyadee #news Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/06/pattaya-police-launch-major-anti-crime-operation-specifically-targeting-foreign-criminals-and-fugitives/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-07-07 - 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.

Pheu Thai may face a terrible dilemma as outgoing government parties still aim for power in PM vote by Joseph O' Connor Former Pheu Thai MP and political activist Jatuporn Prompan spoke on Wednesday on ThaiRath TV, where he gave a telling analysis of just what might unfold in Thailand from Thursday, July 13th next, when an eight-party coalition nominates the Move Forward Party’s Pita Limjaroenrat to be Thailand’s next Prime Minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299955-pheu-thai-may-face-a-terrible-dilemma-as-outgoing-government-parties-still-aim-for-power-in-pm-vote/

Former Pheu Thai MP and political activist Jatuporn Prompan spoke on Wednesday on ThaiRath TV, where he gave a telling analysis of just what might unfold in Thailand from Thursday, July 13th next, when an eight-party coalition nominates the Move Forward Party’s Pita Limjaroenrat to be Thailand’s next Prime Minister. One discounted option that may emerge as the political stakes grow and the danger of instability becomes apparent is the inclusion of the Bhumjaithai Party in the proposed coalition if the country finds itself at perilous political crossroads where compromises are unavoidable. Veteran political activist and pro-democracy campaigner Jatuporn Prompan predicts that the Pheu Thai Party will ultimately face a fateful decision in the coming weeks between adhering to democratic principles or reaching a compromise with parties of the outgoing government if the Thai Senate continues to block a government with the Move Forward Party at its head. His disturbing assessment was made on Thai TV on Wednesday night just hours after House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha confirmed that a joint parliamentary session will go ahead on Thursday, July 13th to try to elect Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister. Newly elected House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, confirmed on Wednesday, that July 13th will be the day that the joint sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate will be held. by Joseph O' Connor #news Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/07/06/pheu-thai-in-a-terrible-dilemma-says-jatuporn-pm-election-political-power/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-07-07 - 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.

Facebook to copy Twitter with its own paid-for blue check and verification service in Thailand by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Mark Zuckerberg’s Instagram is competing with Twitter with its new Threads app, available in Thailand for Instagram users through Android and Apple apps. However, he is also copying Twitter with Facebook’s blue tick and premium monthly verification service coming soon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299954-facebook-to-copy-twitter-with-its-own-paid-for-blue-check-and-verification-service-in-thailand/

Mark Zuckerberg’s Instagram is competing with Twitter with its new Threads app, available in Thailand for Instagram users through Android and Apple apps. However, he is also copying Twitter with Facebook’s blue tick and premium monthly verification service coming soon. New Facebook verification service and blue tick will be quite similar to Twitter’s but Mark Zuckerberg is promising personal support at the end of the line for a new cadre of elite customers. Facebook, as well as its new Threads micro-blogging app, is preparing to mimic Elon Musk’s Twitter with its blue tick and paid-for verification service worldwide with it being rolled out for its legion Thai user base in the coming weeks. As Facebook launches its new app Threads Worldwide with the new app available in Google Stores for Android and the Apple App stores, users should note that it is only available with an Instagram account at this point. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor #news Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/07/06/facebook-to-copy-twitter-verified-service-in-thailand-threads-launch/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-07-07 - 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.

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 7 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1299953-thailand-live-friday-7-july-2023/