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to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 4 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1299653-thailand-live-tuesday-4-july-2023/

Self-proclaimed philanthropic tycoon Prasit Jeawkok sentenced to 1,155 years Thai tycoon Prasit Jeawkok was sentenced to 1,155 years in prison today (Monday), after he was found guilty of 321 counts of fraud by the Criminal Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299640-self-proclaimed-philanthropic-tycoon-prasit-jeawkok-sentenced-to-1155-years/

A video has gone viral of a Thai minibus driver threatening to strike a foreigner with an iron bar in Phuket. The case is under investigation by the police. Mini bus driver caught on viral video threatening to hit foreigner with iron bar in Phuket Photo via Facebook/ Thaicrime Online #news Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299631-mini-bus-driver-caught-on-viral-video-threatening-to-hit-foreigner-with-iron-bar-in-phuket/

Broken suitcase wheel may have caused Don Mueang moving walkway incident By Peter Roche FILE PHOTO: TravelPro A broken suitcase wheel may have been behind last week’s shocking incident at Don Mueang Airport, with a woman losing part of her leg after it became stuck in a moving walkway. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299598-broken-suitcase-wheel-may-have-caused-don-mueang-moving-walkway-incident/

A broken suitcase wheel may have been behind last week’s shocking incident at Don Mueang Airport, with a woman losing part of her leg after it became stuck in a moving walkway. However, the Engineering Institute of Thailand says inspections are ongoing, with no formal conclusion reached yet. According to a Bangkok Post report, EIT adviser Boonpong Kijwatanachai says if a suitcase wheel got stuck, it could have broken the walkway’s comb, which would have created a wide enough gap in the moving walkway for the woman’s leg to fall in. The blame game has already started with the AoT director already trying to shift the blame on the manufacturers of the walkway (which was installed 27 years ago). By Peter Roche FILE PHOTO: TravelPro #news Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/broken-suitcase-wheel-may-have-caused-don-mueang-moving-walkway-incident/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-07-03 - 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 proceed, MFP must show more political maturity By Arun Saronchai The political machinations within the landscape of Thailand are akin to the rolling of dice in an unpredictable and often treacherous game of chance. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299595-to-proceed-mfp-must-show-more-political-maturity/

The political machinations within the landscape of Thailand are akin to the rolling of dice in an unpredictable and often treacherous game of chance. One mustn’t be precipitous nor naive, particularly when the scepter of power is at stake. The Move Forward Party (MFP), a relatively new political force, finds itself maneuvering in these complex waters. Their recent setbacks underscore the necessity for a measured political coming-of-age, one underpinned by careful judgment and prudence. As Pheu Thai introduces Wan Muhamad Noor Matha into the consideration for house speaker, it’s an instructive moment for MFP. The party’s overzealous public statements, their premature announcements, and a cavalier attitude have exposed a lack of political maturity. It’s as if they’ve willingly handed Pheu Thai a strategic advantage, thus underlining their inability to keep their own counsel. The MFP’s strategic missteps reflect an adolescent sense of invulnerability. When Rangsiman Rome proposed to change the National Day, they further strained the already taut threads of public sentiment – an unnecessary challenge ahead of delicate political negotiations. High-profile figures within the party firing broadsides on social media have been counterproductive. By Arun Saronchai #news Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50104/to-proceed-mfp-must-show-more-political-maturity/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2023-07-03 - 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 past school uniforms, reframe the purpose of education The conversation over whether school uniform and hair rules in Thailand should be repealed has come and gone many times. As the arguments and counterarguments are explained, we seem to forget to discuss the purpose and real goals of education. A teacher activist invites us to ask what kind of education we want for our children. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299590-get-past-school-uniforms-reframe-the-purpose-of-education/

The conversation over whether school uniform and hair rules in Thailand should be repealed has come and gone many times. As the arguments and counterarguments are explained, we seem to forget to discuss the purpose and real goals of education. A teacher activist invites us to ask what kind of education we want for our children. The rules vs the purpose of education School rules have always been an integral part of formative education, but we should ask whether some of the controls they exert actually make children focus more on study. Classic examples, and perhaps the easiest to enforce, are the rules covering hair and the attire. “But, are there any other choices? For example, instead of using authority to control or command children to be silent, the Humanist approach suggests that, if teachers see children’s worth, learn to listen to them, care about their feelings, trust them and give them space to think. This will motivate [children] to learn…” says Autthapon Prapasanobol, an education activist who has been involved in the Thai education system for almost 9 years. He is a former teacher in a public school, a member of the “Teachers Want to Teach” group and is now an MA student in Education in Taiwan himself. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/get-past-school-uniforms-reframe-the-purpose-of-education/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-03 - 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.

TAGTHAi launches new ‘Chiang Mai Pass’ for tourists Designed to be the all-in-one card for dining and sightseeing, with over 60 participating partners including attractions, restaurants, and spas. by TAT Newsroom The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that TAGTHAi, the all-in-one Thailand travel app, has introduced the new ‘Chiang Mai Pass’, the first-ever multi-attraction city pass for tourists visiting Chiang Mai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299588-tagthai-launches-new-‘chiang-mai-pass’-for-tourists/

Designed to be the all-in-one card for dining and sightseeing, with over 60 participating partners including attractions, restaurants, and spas. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that TAGTHAi, the all-in-one Thailand travel app, has introduced the new ‘Chiang Mai Pass’, the first-ever multi-attraction city pass for tourists visiting Chiang Mai. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “The Chiang Mai Pass is a very much welcome addition to the TAGTHAi application, and is sure to prove a success with tourists visiting this northern Thai city, which is renowned for its abundant natural resources as well as a long history and the unique Lanna culture.” The Chiang Mai Pass is designed to cater to tourists’ needs, maximise convenience, and guide travellers to new and wonderful experiences when visiting Chiang Mai. The all-in-one travel application for dining and sightseeing features a network of over 60 partners across the city, including popular tourist attractions, workshops, restaurants, and spas. Along with meeting the needs of tourists, TAGTHAi hopes locals and SME businesses will use the Chiang Mai Pass as a distribution channel and expand their customer base of international tourists. Positioning itself as Thailand’s national travel platform that makes travel in the country simple, convenient, and responsive to the needs of various types of travellers including in terms of lifestyle, preferences, and languages, TAGTHAi has already launched the City Pass for Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Ayutthaya, as well as travel experience passes including the Massage Pass, ONESIAM Pass, Golf Pass, and Elephant Lover Pass. Tourists can download the TAGTHAi app via the App Store or Play Store, the application to-date boasts over 700,000 downloads by both Thais and foreign tourists. Source : www.tagthai.com Visit https://tagthai.com for more information, or follow the tagthai.official Facebook and Instagram accounts. #news Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2023/07/tagthai-launches-new-chiang-mai-pass-for-tourists/ by TAT Newsroom

Decriminalisation of sex work to provide legal protection Thailand’s sex industry has employed thousands of people for decades, even though soliciting, procuring or operating brothels are all prohibited under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1996. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299587-decriminalisation-of-sex-work-to-provide-legal-protection/

Thailand’s sex industry has employed thousands of people for decades, even though soliciting, procuring or operating brothels are all prohibited under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1996. These workers have, to date, been without any legal protection. Now, however, they are eagerly looking forward to the passage of the Sex Workers Protection Bill, which aims to address issues related to exploitation, human trafficking and the protection of workers’ rights. The experiences of sex workers in Thailand vary greatly. While some may be coerced, trafficked or forced into the industry, some people actively choose sex work as a means of making a living. To provide support to these workers, many agencies have been trying to address the challenges they face. Service Worker in Group Established in 2004, the Service Worker in Group, or ‘SWING’ Foundation, is one such organisation, which has been supporting and protecting the health, human rights and dignity of sex workers in Thailand for nearly twenty years. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/decriminalisation-of-sex-work-to-provide-legal-protection/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-03 - 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.

Prawit claims there is no secret deal to form alternative government Palang Pracharath party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwan has categorically denied that his party is in a secret deal with the Pheu Thai party to form an alternative government, which he described as “pure speculation”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299586-prawit-claims-there-is-no-secret-deal-to-form-alternative-government/

Palang Pracharath party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwan has categorically denied that his party is in a secret deal with the Pheu Thai party to form an alternative government, which he described as “pure speculation”. He said that the possibility was floated by the media, adding that the party which won the most seats in the House should have the right to form a government. He declined to give an answer, however, when asked whether his and other parties, which are not part of the Move Forward coalition, will still stick together. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/prawit-claims-there-is-no-secret-deal-to-form-alternative-government/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-03 - 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.

Viral harvest: Durian’s captivating dance on TikTok leaves viewers in awe by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of sutthipat_09 TikTok A captivating TikTok video boasting over 13.9 million views within a mere day showcases impressive skill and accuracy in the harrowing task of durian harvesting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299585-viral-harvest-durian’s-captivating-dance-on-tiktok-leaves-viewers-in-awe/

A captivating TikTok video boasting over 13.9 million views within a mere day showcases impressive skill and accuracy in the harrowing task of durian harvesting. The durian trees, found in a farm in Chumphon province, tower as high as 5 to 9 metres, setting an imposing stage for the intriguing footage. Captured from the vantage point of a brave individual scaling these lofty heights, the video offers an adrenaline-pumping window into the complex process of durian cultivation. The person aloft uses one hand to exact a clean cut from the durian stem, afterwards launching the fruit towards the ground. Descending at high speed, the durians are adroitly caught by another individual on the ground. Accuracy is crucial in this undertaking, as a mishandled throw or catch could leave the precious fruit damaged or, worse, injure the person at the receiving end. Besides, just looking at the climbing individual, several storeys high with no safety equipment, is enough to induce vertigo in many viewers, reported Sanook. by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of sutthipat_09 TikTok #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/south/viral-tiktok-video-offers-riveting-insight-into-thailands-durian-harvest-process -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-03 - 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.

LGBTQ+ tourism revenue boom fuels drive for legalised same-sex marriage in Thailand by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of businessdestinations.com Thailand is witnessing a surge in the burgeoning LGBTQ+ community, as diversity takes centre stage worldwide, boosting LGBTQ+ tourism in the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299582-lgbtq-tourism-revenue-boom-fuels-drive-for-legalised-same-sex-marriage-in-thailand/

Thailand is witnessing a surge in the burgeoning LGBTQ+ community, as diversity takes centre stage worldwide, boosting LGBTQ+ tourism in the country. As per estimates by LGBT Capital, an asset management company serving the LGBTQ community, 5 to 10% of the world’s population identifies as LGBTQ+. This demographic represented around 3.6 million residents in Thailand in 2019. During Pride Month this past June, massive crowds were seen participating in parades across Bangkok. This growing demographic has been a key contributing factor in nudging corporations to advocate for gender equality. Consequently, this shift is positioning Thailand’s tourism sector to capitalize on LGBTQ+ tourism, aiming to establish the country as a preferred travel destination that embraces diversity for both locals and international visitors. LGBT Capital’s data point out that Thailand’s international LGBTQ+ tourism revenue accounted for a significant US$6.5 billion in 2019, making up 1.23% of the country’s GDP, drastically surpassing the regional average. Thailand’s neighbours have either failed to tap into or even deterred this segment by enforcing anti- LGBTQ+ policies, revealed the study. Noticing the business opportunities of LGBTQ+-friendly countries like Thailand, Paul Thompson, founder of LGBT Capital, predicts a boom in this segment, once the global Covid-19 pandemic subsides. This potential boom in the LGBTQ+ tourism market is primarily driven by China’s reopening and various local changes in Thailand, such as the call for legalised same-sex marriage. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of businessdestinations.com #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-lgbtq-tourism-revenue-boom-fuels-drive-for-legalised-same-sex-marriage -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-03 - 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.

Thai dentist saves patient’s life discovering lethal blood condition pre-tooth extraction by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Yossapol Chenwithaya Facebook A Thai dentist recently shared a patient’s near-fatal experience on Facebook after spotting abnormal blood spots on the patient’s arm before a scheduled tooth extraction. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299580-thai-dentist-saves-patient’s-life-discovering-lethal-blood-condition-pre-tooth-extraction/

A Thai dentist recently shared a patient’s near-fatal experience on Facebook after spotting abnormal blood spots on the patient’s arm before a scheduled tooth extraction. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, a disruption in blood coagulation that can lead to uncontrolled bleeding that could potentially be lethal if not promptly treated. Shared on the Facebook page of Doctor Kluay, the patient’s unusual case served as a grave warning for potential hazards related to underlying medical conditions. The dentist noticed several unordinary blood spots on the patient’s arm before extracting a tooth, compelling the patient to take a blood test. The results confirmed a condition known as thrombocytopenia, commonly known as low platelet count, which can cause excessive bleeding, posing severe risks to life, reported Sanook. Doctor Kluay said… “Abnormal blood spots are potentially life-threatening. Consider this case as an example. The patient came to have a tooth extracted. But the dentist observing abnormal blood spots over the patient’s arm and body ordered a blood test. The results showed thrombocytopenia (medical term), which can be perilous. “If a dentist or surgeon doesn’t notice this condition before conducting a procedure that involves significant blood loss, such as tooth extraction, tooth surgery, or plaque removal, it can lead to a fatal situation. A low platelet count creates a situation where the blood cannot effectively clot, potentially leading to unstoppable bleeding. This could be due to underlying blood diseases, particular cancer types, immunity disorders in the patient, or certain anticoagulant medications.” by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Yossapol Chenwithaya Facebook #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-dentist-saves-patients-life-discovering-lethal-blood-condition-pre-tooth-extraction -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-03 - 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.

Thai industries adjust strategies amid export downturn, eyes new markets by Alex Morgan Aerial view of cargo ship and cargo container in harbor. Picture courtesy of tawatchai07, Freepik A recent downturn in exports has provoked 25 industry sectors to rethink their production strategies, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has revealed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299579-thai-industries-adjust-strategies-amid-export-downturn-eyes-new-markets/

A recent downturn in exports has provoked 25 industry sectors to rethink their production strategies, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has revealed. Key industries affected and readjusting include steel, machinery, construction materials and furniture, all of which significantly cater to the markets in Asia, the European Union and the United States. The FTI recently unveiled the results of a survey involving 201 company executives and FTI members. The findings showed that of total exports, more than a third (36.2%) were dispatched to Asian markets outside of ASEAN. This was followed by ASEAN (27.6%), the EU (12.4%), and the US (11.4%). Kriengkrai Thiennukul, the FTI Chairman, said… “The companies are shifting gears in response; some are limiting production while others are reducing work shifts and overtime.” This strategic shift is linked to a decline in production capacity across these 25 sectors, prompted by reduced demand for overseas goods. by Alex Morgan Aerial view of cargo ship and cargo container in harbor. Picture courtesy of tawatchai07, Freepik #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thai-industries-adjust-strategies-amid-export-downturn-eyes-new-markets -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-03 - 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.

Blame game begins over walkway failure, Monkeypox surge in June : Tim Newton Today - July 3 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299577-blame-game-begins-over-walkway-failure-monkeypox-surge-in-june-tim-newton-today-july-3/

Thailand News - Investigations underway but the blame game has begun between the airport operators and the manufacturers and service contractors of the Don Mueang Airport travelator / walkway that caused a woman's leg to be amputated last Thursday. Banking services interrupted over the weekend with a failure of Promt Pay services, Monkeypox cases surged in June but still a small number of cases in total, chocolate sauce on Chicken? Would you try it? Samui has critical water shortage. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists. 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/