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Craft brewers and distillers call for easing of production curbs BANGKOK -- It took only a word from Thailand's prime minister hopeful to trigger a run on local liquor brands Sangvein Spirits and Issan Rum. Appearing on a morning TV show in early June, Pita Limjaroenrat named his favorite spirits and reminded audiences of his Move Forward Party's policy to promote Thai liquors abroad. But as supporters -- who carried the party to a surprise win in the May 14 general election -- rushed to order bottles, they were confronted by the supply issue at the heart of Move Forward's policy. Small distilleries are limited to five-horsepower stills, which means they can make only 100 bottles per day. "We're actually almost sold out this year. It's going to be rough for us to try to keep up with demand," said Niks Anumanrajadhon, a partner in Issan Rum. FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer Top picture+ Customers enjoy cold beers at a restaurant in Bangkok on June 28. Thailand’s overall beverage market was worth $20 billion in 2020, with alcoholic tipples accounting for 64% of that. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi) #news Full story: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Food-Beverage/Thailand-braces-for-liquor-industry-disruption-under-Move-Forward -- © Copyright Nikkei Asian Review 2023-06-29 - 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 - Royal protesters acquitted, Thai baht on decline : Tim Newton Today - June 29 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299248-thailand-news-royal-protesters-acquitted-thai-baht-on-decline-tim-newton-today-june-29/

Protesters acquitted of all charges after Royal motorcade incident in 2020, Chinese tourist numbers expected to flatline in second half of this year, a 200 kilogram Buddha statue kills a man in Sisaket, the Thai baht is falling against many currencies, Thai schools in Bangkok are allowing students relaxed dress and hairstyle rules, a Karaoke bar in Bangkok raided and minors found working there, latest in the battle for the house speaker position and a Senator says that the prospective PM, Pita, "will be lucky to get even 5 votes". 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/

Move Forward may agree to a “trade-off” for House speakership Move Forward party has unveiled its candidate for the House speakership, Phitsanuloke MP Padipat Suntiphada. The Move Forward party may consider sacrificing some cabinet seats as a “trade-off” for the House speakership, which has become a bone of contention between it and its political ally the Pheu Thai party, according to party sources. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299247-move-forward-may-agree-to-a-“trade-off”-for-house-speakership/

The Move Forward party may consider sacrificing some cabinet seats as a “trade-off” for the House speakership, which has become a bone of contention between it and its political ally the Pheu Thai party, according to party sources. The sources insist that, as the party commands the highest number of MPs in the House, Move Forward is entitled to the House speakership. The fight for this top legislative post has exposed a serious schism between the two major political parties, which are in the process of forming a post-election coalition with six smaller parties. Top photo: Move Forward party has unveiled its candidate for the House speakership, Phitsanuloke MP Padipat Suntiphada. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-may-agree-to-a-trade-off-for-house-speakership/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-29 - 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.

Stolen lorry in wild Thai car chase causes havoc, damaging 20 cars By Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of ศร บ้านสร้าง Facebook A wild car chase saw a 31 year old man steal a ten-wheel lorry in Rayong province, Thailand, resulting in an encounter with the police and causing damage to nearly 20 parked cars. The incident began at a local truck service company Sannan Wai Tract Service’s compound last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299246-stolen-lorry-in-wild-thai-car-chase-causes-havoc-damaging-20-cars/

A wild car chase saw a 31 year old man steal a ten-wheel lorry in Rayong province, Thailand, resulting in an encounter with the police and causing damage to nearly 20 parked cars. The incident began at a local truck service company Sannan Wai Tract Service’s compound last night. Officer Somhai Sadee at Map Ta Phut Police Station responded to the report of a stolen white Isuzu lorry from Sannan Wai Tract Service in Nong Nam Yen Soi 2. Police then coordinated with officers from Nikom Pattana Police Station and Rayong City Police to follow the suspect. The stolen lorry was later spotted in downtown Rayong on Chanthudom Road when officers attempted to stop the vehicle. Ignoring police signals to stop, Atithep Polpitak aggressively rammed into the police patrol car before fleeing downtown towards Sukhumvit Road. Upon reaching a traffic stop, Atithep slammed into approximately 20 cars waiting at the red light. He continued his escape despite police officers firing at the lorry’s tyres, eight of which burst but did not stop the flight. Multiple police cars kept the pursuit tight before finally cornering the stolen lorry, which had lost control and skidded onto a central road divider approximately 30 kilometres from the original theft site, reported KhaoSod, As police surrounded the lorry, Atithep remained inside before officers could apprehend him. Despite refusing to cooperate, he was taken into custody at Map Ta Phut Police Station in Rayong. By Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of ศร บ้านสร้าง Facebook #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/stolen-lorry-in-wild-thai-car-chase-causes-havoc-damaging-20-cars -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-29 - 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.

Bedridden man dies after forced ID renewal trip By Nattapong Westwood Image by Prangtong Jaiboon via Facebook In an incident eliciting nationwide outrage, a chronically ill man from Pathum Thani province was required by local authorities to physically appear for the renewal of his expired national ID, despite being bedridden. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299245-bedridden-man-dies-after-forced-id-renewal-trip/

In an incident eliciting nationwide outrage, a chronically ill man from Pathum Thani province was required by local authorities to physically appear for the renewal of his expired national ID, despite being bedridden. The man tragically passed away a day after the ID was renewed, putting Thai bureaucratic systems under scrutiny. Facebook user Prangtong Jaiboon recently posted about the unfortunate incident involving her ailing father, whose national ID had expired. Prangtong stated that the district authorities insisted her father should be physically present for the ID renewal procedure despite her explanations that he was bedridden and cannot fend for himself due to declining health. Prangtong queried if there was an alternative method that would spare her father the distress of the trip, such as presenting a power of attorney or the officials visiting the home to verify her father’s condition. By Nattapong Westwood Image by Prangtong Jaiboon via Facebook #news https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bedridden-pathumthani-man-dies-after-forced-id-renewal-trip -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-29 - 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 braces for severe storms and heavy rainfall by Samantha Rose Photo by Muhammad Farooq via flickr The Meteorological Department today warns that Thailand continues to experience thunderstorms and heavy rains in the upper northern, eastern, and southern regions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299244-thailand-braces-for-severe-storms-and-heavy-rainfall/

The Meteorological Department today warns that Thailand continues to experience thunderstorms and heavy rains in the upper northern, eastern, and southern regions. A vortex advances into the Gulf inducing the southwest monsoon to prevail over the Andaman Sea, the southern portion, and the Gulf of Thailand, causing ongoing heavy rain in the upper northern, eastern, and southern regions of Thailand. Starting from 6am today, for the next 24 hours, an upper northern region, 60% of the area will experience thunderstorms and a few areas will have heavy rainfall. Provinces affected are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Phitsanulok, and Phetchaboon with the highest temperature poised to hit a high of 37 degrees Celsius. Moving to the northeastern region, 40% of the area will also observe these weather conditions primarily in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, and Nakhon Ratchasima. by Samantha Rose Photo by Muhammad Farooq via flickr #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-braces-for-severe-storms-and-heavy-rainfall -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-29 - 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.

Furore over mock referendum could derail deep South peace moves By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Thai military personnel guards convenience stores damaged after an attack, in Cho-airong district in southern Thailand’s Narathiwat province, on August 17, 2022. (Photo by Madaree Tohlala / AFP) The first of a three-part series by Thai PBS World’s Political Desk analyses the latest disputes among political forces over the right to self-determination and the peace process in Thailand’s predominantly Muslim region. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299243-furore-over-mock-referendum-could-derail-deep-south-peace-moves/

The first of a three-part series by Thai PBS World’s Political Desk analyses the latest disputes among political forces over the right to self-determination and the peace process in Thailand’s predominantly Muslim region. The knee-jerk reaction of security agencies and ultra-right-wing groups against student activists and politicians who dabbled with the idea of holding a referendum on self-determination for the historic Patani state could threaten a peace initiative being prepared for the deep South by the government-in-waiting. The Fourth Army Region and Forward Command of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) filed a lawsuit against a dozen students, activists, and politicians, accusing them of committing unconstitutional and criminal acts after a mock referendum on the right to self-determination in early June. A group of student activists conducted the mock referendum during an event to launch their newly set up Patanian Student Movement on June 7 at Prince of Songkla University’s Pattani campus. They distributed a questionnaire asking the participants whether they agree with the right to self-determination and allow local residents in the restive South to hold a referendum on independence. By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Top picture: Thai military personnel guards convenience stores damaged after an attack, in Cho-airong district in southern Thailand’s Narathiwat province, on August 17, 2022. (Photo by Madaree Tohlala / AFP) #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/furore-over-mock-referendum-could-derail-deep-south-peace-moves/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-29 - 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.

Deadly hit and run in Kampaeng Phet: cyclist found dead at roadside By Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of KhaoSod Online In what appears to be a case of a hit and run, a cyclist‘s body was found abandoned alongside a road in Kampaeng Phet province, Thailand. The victim’s body found 5km away from his shattered bicycle, bore the worrying signs of a collision and hastily discarded. Local residents heard the loud crash while the culprit’s identity remains unknown. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299239-deadly-hit-and-run-in-kampaeng-phet-cyclist-found-dead-at-roadside/

In what appears to be a case of a hit and run, a cyclist‘s body was found abandoned alongside a road in Kampaeng Phet province, Thailand. The victim’s body found 5km away from his shattered bicycle, bore the worrying signs of a collision and hastily discarded. Local residents heard the loud crash while the culprit’s identity remains unknown. Upon examination of the site of the fatal incident, the body of Sao Phuangnil, commonly known as Kai, 47 years old, was found. He was found dressed in his cycling gear; however, no traces of a struggle or of a braking vehicle were found. There was only a coin lying on the road, blood on the victim’s face, and injuries on his forehead and shoulder. An eyewitness shared that before the incident, they heard a sound like a knife falling on the road and rushed to the site with their mother who was there at the time. They found the victim lying on the roadside with a coin beside him and promptly reported the incident to the police thereafter. By Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of KhaoSod Online #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/deadly-hit-and-run-in-kampaeng-phet-cyclist-found-dead-at-roadside -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-29 - 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 community demands expulsion of disrespectful teacher By Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of KhaoSod Online Tensions erupted in a close-knit neighbourhood located in Wat Suttharam school surrounding Bangkok yesterday as residents sought to oust a school teacher and his wife accused of disrespectful and aggressive behaviour. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299236-bangkok-community-demands-expulsion-of-disrespectful-teacher/

Tensions erupted in a close-knit neighbourhood located in Wat Suttharam school surrounding Bangkok yesterday as residents sought to oust a school teacher and his wife accused of disrespectful and aggressive behaviour. The resentment harboured towards the teacher by the community, which comprises over 200 residents, reached a fever pitch following his controversial behaviour on social media, wherein he insulted and slandered the abbot of Wat Suttharam. His inflammatory statements mainly accused the abbot of employing students for tasks and neglecting health standards in their food provision. “Tanongchai Klongchareon”, community leader of Wat Suttharam, explained that the residents’ act unites them in demanding the teacher’s immediate departure. Back in 2019, the teacher had allegedly physically abused a student, even though local officials had prohibited discussing the incident. Recent accusations from the teacher involve interference in the matter of school lunch provision, a purview of the local food teacher and the school district chief, unjustly involving the abbot in the dispute. On May 25, during a meeting at the school, the teacher’s wife criticised the abbot, a moment which was filmed or live-streamed. This created a highly uncomfortable and improper circumstance. By Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of KhaoSod Online #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bangkok-community-demands-expulsion-of-disrespectful-teacher -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-29 - 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.

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 29 June 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299232-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-29-june-2023/

The Move Forward Party and the Pheu Thai Party have agreed to hold a meeting on Sunday to discuss and find a resolution regarding the allocation of the House Speaker. Parliament is set to reconvene on Monday, with the selection of the new House Speaker likely to take place on Tuesday. A Taiwanese couple, wanted for a 4 billion-baht fraud in their home country, was arrested in Bangkok's Bang Na district after evading capture for over 20 years. The suspects, known as Golden (aged 64) and Miuki (aged 57), were apprehended by immigration police in a condominium car park while attempting to flee to Singapore. The arrests followed a request from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand. The couple was subsequently sent back to Taiwan. The State Railway of Thailand plans to change the purchase of 184 diesel trains in order to prioritize electric trains. the allocated budget of 1.5 billion baht remains unchanged. The SRT also plans to acquire 182 carriages, where it will consider a new form of procurement including operating a financial lease plan that has not yet been adopted by the SRT but is widely used by the aviation industry. Bangkok’s City Hall announced yesterday that schools under its supervision must grant students the option not to wear uniforms to school at least once a week. The aim is to reduce the financial burden on parents and provide students with a voice in the matter. Around the Region: Asean nations are to produce a set of guidelines on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the region, their guide on AI governance and ethics will be released early next year. China; Visitors will soon be able to pay for just about anything by using the superapp WeChat, visitor will be able to link their international credit or debit card to their WeChat account, which will give access tens of millions of merchants. The weather: Sunny Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy thundershowers 34C Bangkok: Sunny..partly Cloudy 35C Pattaya, bright, cloudy thundershowers 33 Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy,thunderstorms 29C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny partly cloudy this afternoon, isolated shower 33C 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 2023-06-29 - 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.

Fatal Crash: Sedan and Six-Wheeler Collide in Chachoengsao Province Picture: Thai Rath An accident unfolded when a sedan, driven by a 34-year-old male, collided with the rear of a six-wheeler, causing the car to somersault. Sadly, the sedan driver met an untimely demise in the catastrophic collision. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299223-fatal-crash-sedan-and-six-wheeler-collide-in-chachoengsao-province/

An accident unfolded when a sedan, driven by a 34-year-old male, collided with the rear of a six-wheeler, causing the car to somersault. Sadly, the sedan driver met an untimely demise in the catastrophic collision. In the early hours of June 29, 2023, authorities including Pol. Lt. Col. Nophadol Tawichat from the Bang Pakong Police Station in Chachoengsao Province and the Chachoengsao Rescue Unit rushed to the scene of the accident. The collision occurred on the Lad Pla Duk Bridge along Theparat Road (Bang Na - Trad), specifically at Kilometer 36, heading towards Chonburi, in the Moo 1 of the Horm Sil sub-district, Bang Pakong district, reported Thai Rath. Upon arrival, they discovered a badly damaged white Mazda 2 sedan bearing the license plate 8กษ 4275 from Bangkok. The sedan had overturned on the bridge, and inside, they found the lifeless body of the driver, Mr. Chakkraphong, a 34-year-old man who had sustained fatal injuries and lost consciousness. Despite medical personnel's efforts to revive him, Mr. Chakkraphong sadly passed away shortly thereafter. In close proximity, the authorities also came across a heavily damaged bright orange Hino six-wheeler with the license plate 71-1513 from Phetchaburi. The driver, Mr. Anupol, aged 29, reported that while he was delivering goods to Chonburi, the sedan driven by Mr. Chakkraphong abruptly crashed forcefully into the rear of his truck, causing both vehicles to collide with the road. Fortunately, Mr. Chatan managed to stabilize his truck and immediately called for assistance upon witnessing the overturned sedan. Meanwhile, as the rescue team worked on uprighting the overturned sedan, an unexpected fire broke out, prompting the officers to swiftly extinguish the flames using water and fire extinguishers. Top Picture: Thai Rath #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-29 - 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

20-year Taiwanese fraud case resurfaces in Thailand as suspect couple arrested by Nattapong Westwood Photo by Khaosod. A high-profile fraud case from Taiwan was reignited in Thailand after the main culprits were arrested. The couple, alleged to have escaped from Taiwan over 20 years ago, were found operating fraudulent activities under new identities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299219-20-year-taiwanese-fraud-case-resurfaces-in-thailand-as-suspect-couple-arrested/

A high-profile fraud case from Taiwan was reignited in Thailand after the main culprits were arrested. The couple, alleged to have escaped from Taiwan over 20 years ago, were found operating fraudulent activities under new identities. The scandal originally unfolded in early 2000, resulting in a loss of approximately 4 billion baht for over 4,000 investors. The investigation into the infamous Taiwanese couple began with operational orders from high-ranking officials in the National Police Office. Led by General Damarongsak Kittiprapas and Roy Ingkhirojanakam, international criminals residing in Thailand and conducting illegal businesses became the predominant focus. This also extended to foreigners exhibiting suspicious behaviour while residing in Thailand. These illegal operations harm the peace, security, lives, and property of people, deteriorating the country’s reputation. International criminal gangs hiding in Thailand often use the country as a base for committing crimes. Under the guidance of officers General Pakapong Ghijapan, Lieutenant General Phanthana Nuchnarod, and Lieutenant General Piyathat Totosakulwong, the fraudsters were arrested. Lieutenant Colonel Pasuk Rattanapornada noticed the couple’s unusual activities. The husband, 64 year old ‘Golden,’ and his wife, 57 year old Muiky, with their gang of more than 10 people, had been indulging in fraud and escaping overseas for over 20 years. by Nattapong Westwood Top Photo by Khaosod. #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/20-year-taiwanese-fraud-case-resurfaces-in-thailand-as-suspect-couple-are-apprehended-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-29 - 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.

Near Tragedy Averted: Vendors Rescued from Electric Shock A TikTok video shared by user "foremost02" served as a chilling reminder of the swift and dangerous nature of electrical accidents. The incident unfolded at a noodle shop along Sukhumvit Road in Chonburi Province, involving two vendors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299218-near-tragedy-averted-vendors-rescued-from-electric-shock/

A TikTok video shared by user "foremost02" served as a chilling reminder of the swift and dangerous nature of electrical accidents. The incident unfolded at a noodle shop along Sukhumvit Road in Chonburi Province, involving two vendors, reported Siam Rath. While attending to their cleaning and food preparations, they encountered a waterlogged walkway. Suddenly, one of them collapsed, followed closely by the other, both losing consciousness. A frantic plea to unplug the power echoed in the background, capturing the urgency of the situation. Picture: Siam Rath The video rapidly gained traction, spreading awareness and prompting a wave of safety advice. This harrowing event took place on June 25, 2023, around 5:00 a.m. Picture: Siam Rath News reporters swiftly arrived at the scene, discovering Sangwian, a courageous 61-year-old woman, and Boonsamrit, a vigilant 43-year-old woman. Sangwian suffered an electric shock while Boonsamrit urgently called for the power to be disconnected. The incident was traced back to an aluminum tray used for displaying items. Prompt actions were taken to replace the power plug and wiring. Both vendors emerged from the incident with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to caution others about the perils of electrical shocks. Their inspiring story serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize safety in all electrical endeavors. Top Picture: Siam Rath #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-29 - 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