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A significant rise in monkeypox cases within Thailand was reported by health officials this week, issuing a stern warning for men within the gay community, who seemed to be at an increased risk, to exercise necessary precautions amidst the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, heading the Department of Disease Control, disclosed in today’s press conference that, following the occurrence of the country’s inaugural monkeypox case in July of the previous year, an additional 91 infections have since been logged. He said… “It is alarming that last month alone, we saw a horrifying spike with around 48 new cases. This is approximately 2.3 times the figures recorded in May, which stood at only 21 cases.” The director-general further noted that the 48 recent diagnoses were all within the gay, LBGTQ+ community, and shockingly, nearly half of them, translating into 22 individuals or 45.8%, had a history of HIV infection. by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Freepik #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-sees-shocking-spike-in-monkeypox-cases-in-the-msm-community-2 -- © 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.

Settha Calls Possibility Of Pheu Thai/Palang Pracharath Coalition A ‘Lunatic’ Idea REAL ESTATE TYCOON Settha Taweesin today (July 1) called the possibility of a brand new Pheu Thai-led coalition with the Palang Pracharath and without the Move Forward a “lunatic” notion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299547-settha-calls-possibility-of-pheu-thaipalang-pracharath-coalition-a-‘lunatic’-idea/

REAL ESTATE TYCOON Settha Taweesin today (July 1) called the possibility of a brand new Pheu Thai-led coalition with the Palang Pracharath and without the Move Forward a “lunatic” notion. Though Settha, who contested last month’s election as one of a trio of Pheu Thai partisan candidates for prime minister, did not rule out such a possibility, he bluntly called it so “lunatic” nobody should pay attention to it. The real estate tycoon who was a running mate of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of de facto Pheu Thai boss/deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and former justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri and known as personally close to deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra invariably aired his unwavering support for Move Forward leader/prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat to take the helm of government following the nationwide election in which his progressive camp has become the No.1 largest elected party whilst the Pheu Thai has come out as the second largest one. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Real estate tycoon Settha Taweesin. Photo: Thai Rath #news Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/07/01/settha-calls-possibility-of-pheu-thai-palang-pracharath-coalition-a-lunatic-idea/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 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.

Breakthrough deal could see either Pita or Srettha take job as Thailand’s 30th PM on July 13th by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Observers believe that the pact reportedly brokered between the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties on Thursday evening last may hold the key to avoiding a political stalemate with Move Forward agreeing to support a potential Pheu Thai Party nominee for Prime Minister if Mr Pita cannot command the required number of votes of MPs and Senators. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299546-breakthrough-deal-could-see-either-pita-or-srettha-take-job-as-thailand’s-30th-pm-on-july-13th/

Observers believe that the pact reportedly brokered between the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties on Thursday evening last may hold the key to avoiding a political stalemate with Move Forward agreeing to support a potential Pheu Thai Party nominee for Prime Minister if Mr Pita cannot command the required number of votes of MPs and Senators. A breakthrough deal hatched between the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties should see a Move Forward party nominee elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 4th, the day after parliament is opened by the King. The deal also provides for a Pheu Thai nominee for Prime Minister in the event of Mr Pita Limjaroenrat failing to secure half the votes of the joint session of parliament to be held on Thursday, July 13th next. This should help ensure the best possible chance that a Prime Minister will be elected by the eight-party coalition during the month. The pact could see Pheu Thai’s Srettha Thavisin emerging as the new government leader if Mr Pita does not secure the position first with the deciding factor being the votes of the Thai Senate and the stance taken by the Democrat Party and possibly the Bhumjaithai Party. They agreed on a formula to allow for the election of a Move Forward party candidate to the position of House Speaker on Tuesday, July 4th in return for Move Forward’s support for a Pheu Thai prime ministerial nominee if a stalemate situation arises in parliament after the July 13th vote for prime minister. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor #news Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/07/03/deal-could-see-either-pita-or-srettha-as-pm-july/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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.

Blind ex-Thai embassy employee alleges neglect, seeks compensation by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Countering accusations made by a former member of staff at the Thai embassy in Paris, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has refuted claims of embassy neglect following the irreversible loss of her eyesight. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299545-blind-ex-thai-embassy-employee-alleges-neglect-seeks-compensation/

Countering accusations made by a former member of staff at the Thai embassy in Paris, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has refuted claims of embassy neglect following the irreversible loss of her eyesight. Previously employed as part of the embassy service team from 2009 until 2012, Rattanaporn Saeng-on, aged 45, was found by authorities trying to deliberately endanger herself in moving traffic on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road last Friday. Rattanaporn accuses the embassy of abandoning her after she lost her sight and claims she was never afforded the proper level of compensation fitting her predicament. Heartbreakingly, she confesses she lost her will to live as a result citing embassy neglect. Kanchana Patarachoke, the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson, stated on Saturday that Rattanaporn began ageing from glaucoma, a genetically predisposed condition, that pre-dated her employment at the embassy, further adding that many of Rattanaporn’s relatives are also impacted by the condition. Rattanaporn resigned from her role at the embassy, citing health reasons, in 2012. She appealed to the ministry in 2018 for support with her condition. Once the ministry had consulted the Comptroller General’s Department (CGD), a special monetary package of 196,549 baht was approved. by Mitch Connor Top Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/blind-ex-thai-embassy-employee-alleges-neglect-seeks-increased-compensation-2 -- © 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.

Collision on Pattaya Road Kills One Woman and Seriously Injures Another, Driver Admits to Drinking By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — On the morning of Sunday, July 2nd, a Thai man driving a pickup truck collided with two women who were crossing the road on a motorbike. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299544-collision-on-pattaya-road-kills-one-woman-and-seriously-injures-another-driver-admits-to-drinking/

Pattaya — On the morning of Sunday, July 2nd, a Thai man driving a pickup truck collided with two women who were crossing the road on a motorbike. The collision tragically resulted in the immediate death of one woman, while the other sustained severe injuries. The Thai man confessed to having drunk alcohol prior to the accident. The fatal collision took place at 05:00 AM today at the Thep Prasit Intersection within the Nongprue sub-district of Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Upon receiving the notification, Sawang Boriboon rescuers and Pattaya police rushed to the scene to rescue the injured victims. At the scene of the incident, authorities discovered a bronze Isuzu D-Max pickup truck with significant damage to its front end. Wedged beneath the truck was a black Zoomer-X motorcycle, owned by two unidentified females. One of the females was found severely injured, while the other tragically lost her life as a result of the collision. Police also said the victims’ motorbike had been dragged for over 100 meters. By Tanakorn Panyadee #news Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/02/collision-on-pattaya-road-kills-one-woman-and-seriously-injures-another-driver-admits-to-drinking/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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.

Taking the insurgency by storm: Southern Thailand’s military withdrawal sets off in full swing by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The forthcoming military withdrawal in the southern region of Thailand, which has seen 19 years of insurgent unrest, is currently in its initial phase, according to Fourth Region Army commander, Lt. Gen. Santi Sakuntanak. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299543-taking-the-insurgency-by-storm-southern-thailand’s-military-withdrawal-sets-off-in-full-swing/

The forthcoming military withdrawal in the southern region of Thailand, which has seen 19 years of insurgent unrest, is currently in its initial phase, according to Fourth Region Army commander, Lt. Gen. Santi Sakuntanak. The four-year plan aims to gradually decrease military presence and remove the state of emergency that has been prevalent in the area. Since 2004, Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani, along with certain sections of Songkhla, have been in a state of upheaval due to various kinds of civil unrest. This turmoil has had detrimental impacts on the lives of the people, the economy and the social fabric of the region. A planned military withdrawal from these areas is anticipated to bring some relief and push for normalization. The turmoil first erupted in January 2004 when militants stormed the 4th Development Battalion at the Kromluang Narathiwat Ratchanakarin military camp in Narathiwat’s Cho Airong district, pilfering a significant amount of firearms. This event served as a precursor to a rash of attacks and fuelled a separatist movement seeking autonomy. Despite the various tactics employed by state authorities to stifle the unrest, their efforts proved unsuccessful. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-army-begins-4-year-withdrawal-amid-peace-restoration-in-southern-region-2 -- © 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.

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 3 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1299542-thailand-live-monday-3-july-2023/

Thai philanthropist honoured with Vatican’s highest accolade by Top Photo by Bangkok Post. A remarkably significant occasion unfolded at as Somsak Leeswadtrakul, a Thai philanthropist and entrepreneur, was acknowledged by the Vatican for his unwavering commitment towards promoting peace and unity both nationally and globally. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299541-thai-philanthropist-honoured-with-vatican’s-highest-accolade/

Water crisis grapples Koh Samui as rising tourist demands amplify freshwater shortage by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of digitalnomads.world Koh Samui, a popular tourist resort island in Surat Thani province, is grappling with a significant water crisis as declining rainfall and amplified water demands take their toll. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299540-water-crisis-grapples-koh-samui-as-rising-tourist-demands-amplify-freshwater-shortage/

Motorbike Rider in Thalang Killed by Hit and Run Driver By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – A motorbike rider died after being hit by a car in Thalang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299539-motorbike-rider-in-thalang-killed-by-hit-and-run-driver/

Pickup Truck Crashes Into Home in Thalang, Driver Begs Not to Call Police By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – A pickup truck crashed into a home in the Thalang district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299538-pickup-truck-crashes-into-home-in-thalang-driver-begs-not-to-call-police/

Video of Intoxicated Foreign Tourists in Phuket Brawling Goes Viral On Social Media – VIDEO By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – The Phuket Tourist Police have released a statement after a video of foreign tourists who were seemingly fighting has gone viral on social media. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299537-video-of-intoxicated-foreign-tourists-in-phuket-brawling-goes-viral-on-social-media-–-video/

Navy Officer In Shootout While Helping Woman Being Attacked by TNR Staff A THAI NAVY officer shot a man in self defence after moving in to help his former girlfriend just as he was attacking her upon being shot at first with the latter later dying at a hospital, Naewna newspaper said Saturday (July 1). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299536-navy-officer-in-shootout-while-helping-woman-being-attacked/

Thailand’s Interior Ministry rolls out digital ID app in drive towards Thailand 4.0 by Mitch Connor Photo by Bangkok Post. In an effort to digitise various government-provided services and increase their accessibility, Thailand’s Interior Ministry officially rolled out a novel mobile application as part of its digital ID programme on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299535-thailand’s-interior-ministry-rolls-out-digital-id-app-in-drive-towards-thailand-40/

Banpu eyes free power trade system amidst rising Thai electricity costs by Alex Morgan Photo by The Scientific World. In the face of rising electricity bills, a new opportunity is emerging for a free power trade system in Thailand, as spotted by Banpu Power Plc, the power generation arm of energy conglomerate Banpu Plc. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299534-banpu-eyes-free-power-trade-system-amidst-rising-thai-electricity-costs/

Bangkok food shop exposed as illegal pub, arrests made during surprise raid by Top Photo by Department of Provincial Administration. An unlicensed pub masquerading as a food shop was inconspicuously hiding in plain sight in the Pathum Wan district of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299533-bangkok-food-shop-exposed-as-illegal-pub-arrests-made-during-surprise-raid-by-top/

Airport capacity at Suvarnabhumi to increase with new terminal and tech upgrades by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Arina Sofiah, humanresourcesonline.net Influential airport operator, Airports of Thailand (AoT), is set to inaugurate a new satellite passenger terminal at the famed Suvarnabhumi Airport come this September. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299532-airport-capacity-at-suvarnabhumi-to-increase-with-new-terminal-and-tech-upgrades/

UPDATE: Bangkok Bank Mobile App Continues to Have Widespread Issues Frustrating Customers By Adam Judd Thailand-The Bangkok Bank Mobile application has had a number of issues over this first weekend of July 2023, frustrating clients. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299530-thai-mobile-banking-apps-crash-on-payday-transfers-put-off/?do=findComment&comment=18178634

Thailand’s tourism confidence slides amidst global economy concerns by Alex Morgan The second quarter of this year saw the Tourism Confidence Index remaining subdued, sliding from the previous quarter. The contributor to this drop was a blend of Thailand‘s low season and decreased earnings from tourism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299531-thailand’s-tourism-confidence-slides-amidst-global-economy-concerns/

Thai Mobile Banking Apps Crash On Payday, Transfers Put Off by TNR Staff A customer using a mobile banking app and a list of banks facing problems. Photo: Matichon THERE were loud complaints today (July 1) after mobile banking apps and online service of several Thai banks crashed with customers told that cash transfers made from 2 p.m onwards will reach the destination by 7 p.m. tomorrow, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299530-thai-mobile-banking-apps-crash-on-payday-transfers-put-off/