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The Move Forward party has been advised to focus on addressing “bread-and-butter” issues, instead of advocating for a change of Thailand’s national day, from December 5th to June 24th, which is likely to create more friction among Thai people. The advice was given by Srettha Thavisin, one of the Pheu Thai party’s three prime ministerial candidates and chief advisor to Paetongtarn Shinawatra, head of the Pheu Thai “Family”. Move Forward MP Rangsiman Rome said recently that the party will push to change the Thai national day to June 24th. June 24th, 1932 was the day when a group of mostly foreign-educated bureaucrats, military personnel and civilians, called Khana Ratsadon (People’s Party), staged a bloodless revolution to transform Thailand from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy, during the reign of King Prajadhipok. Top picture: Rangsiman Rome #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-party-advised-to-stay-away-from-changing-thai-national-day/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-28 - 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 and seek: Deputy PM shuts down Thaksin meeting rumours in UK by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of NNT In response to recent speculation, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon denied meeting with exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a visit to England. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299161-prawit-and-seek-deputy-pm-shuts-down-thaksin-meeting-rumours-in-uk/

In response to recent speculation, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon denied meeting with exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a visit to England. The deputy PM, a list MP and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), stated that he hadn’t been in contact with the fugitive politician in almost two decades. The 77 year old’s recent journey to the UK was solely for medical treatment, with no political undertones, adding he has not met or spoken to the former Thai PM in about 20 years. However, whispers of a clandestine agreement between Prawit and Thaksin were instigated, suggesting the PPRP intended to form a partnership with the Pheu Thai Party. Currently, the Pheu Thai Party is an affiliate of the Move Forward Party (MFP) alliance. If the MFP fails to create a coalition line-up, the rumoured deal could see the PPRP and Pheu Thai Party unite in their efforts. Despite the 73 year old Thaksin’s exile, he remains a popular figure among Pheu Thai political members. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of NNT #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-deputy-pm-denies-secret-meetings-with-exiled-ex-pm-on-uk-trip -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-28 - 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.

Two young girls rescued from an illegal karaoke bar in Bangkok Officials from the Provincial Administration Department (PAD) rescued two underage girls from an illegal karaoke bar in Bangkok’s Muang Thong district, during an early morning raid on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299160-two-young-girls-rescued-from-an-illegal-karaoke-bar-in-bangkok/

Officials from the Provincial Administration Department (PAD) rescued two underage girls from an illegal karaoke bar in Bangkok’s Muang Thong district, during an early morning raid on Wednesday. The raid, which took place shortly after midnight, was ordered by Manrat Ratanasukon, director-general of the department, after they received a complaint from an international anti-human trafficking organisation that a karaoke bar, “Tukta Karaoke”, located on Putta Bucha Road in Bang Mod sub-district, had hired underage females and some of them might have been forced into the sex trade. The officials from the department’s special action force found 14 female workers, two of whom were aged 16 and 17. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/two-young-girls-rescued-from-an-illegal-karaoke-bar-in-bangkok/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-28 - 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.

Unhinged Thai son attacks mother in dog discipline dispute By Nattapong Westwood Photo via Khaosod. A 68 year old Thai woman, after trying to discipline a dog, was allegedly attacked by her son and was critically injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299156-unhinged-thai-son-attacks-mother-in-dog-discipline-dispute/

A 68 year old Thai woman, after trying to discipline a dog, was allegedly attacked by her son and was critically injured. The son is known for his peculiar behaviour with pit bulls, even at one point parading them around in his car until they died. Three days ago, a legal entity reported that a domestic dispute occurred between the mother and her son over her consumption of alcohol. The disagreement escalated when the mother attempted to discipline one of the dogs by hitting it, causing the dog to bite her in reaction. This drew the son into the chaos, who then reportedly attacked his mother, Khaosod reported. The victim’s son is known in the neighbourhood for his odd behaviour and incident of mistreating his pit bulls on various occasions. This time around, he was alleged to have assaulted his mother using a 20-inch Buddha statue, leading to her sustaining critical head injuries. #news By Nattapong Westwood Photo via Khaosod. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/unhinged-son-attacks-mother-in-animal-discipline-dispute-fresh-alarm-in-thai-community -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-28 - 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.

Divine intervention: Buddha statue transport turns fatal, spirits stir unrest By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 8 A Thai man was killed and another injured when a Buddha statue they were transporting from Baan None Kate Temple in the northeastern province of Si Saket toppled over them. Residents believe the fatal accident occurred because the Buddha spirits did not want the statue to be moved. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299155-divine-intervention-buddha-statue-transport-turns-fatal-spirits-stir-unrest/

A Thai man was killed and another injured when a Buddha statue they were transporting from Baan None Kate Temple in the northeastern province of Si Saket toppled over them. Residents believe the fatal accident occurred because the Buddha spirits did not want the statue to be moved. Baan None Kate Temple was preparing to hold a royal cremation ceremony for a respected monk named Kliang Teachadhammo so, the temple hired workers and encouraged locals in the area to help clean the area in preparation for the ceremony. Two locals, Saranyou Kanyamai and Adisak Chartsai, yesterday were helping monks move the 200 kilogrammes Buddha statue when the statue topped over them while they tried to put it on a six-wheel truck. Witnesses rushed to rescue the two victims from beneath the weighty statue but Saranyu was pronounced dead at the scene while Adisak sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 8 #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/divine-intervention-buddha-statue-transport-turns-fatal-spirits-stir-unrest -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-28 - 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.

Move Forward-Pheu Thai meeting to discuss House speaker postponed The Move Forward party has postponed a meeting, scheduled for today (Wednesday), for negotiating teams to discuss the House speakership with the Pheu Thai party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299145-move-forward-pheu-thai-meeting-to-discuss-house-speaker-postponed/

The Move Forward party has postponed a meeting, scheduled for today (Wednesday), for negotiating teams to discuss the House speakership with the Pheu Thai party. Pukkamon Noonanant, deputy spokeswoman for the Move Forward party, said in a Line message to reporters late Tuesday night that the party has decided to postpone the meeting and will notify the media once it has been rescheduled. No reason was given for the meeting’s sudden cancellation, but it is believed to stem from the Pheu Thai party’s decision yesterday that it wants the House speakership and 14 cabinet seats, as part of the power sharing formula in the new administration. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-pheu-thai-meeting-to-discuss-house-speaker-postponed/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-28 - 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 - Move Forward threaten to walk from coalition, Vale Jason Wilder : Tim Newton Today - June 28 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299140-thailand-news-move-forward-threaten-to-walk-from-coalition-vale-jason-wilder-tim-newton-today-june-28/

Thailand loses its best expat radio DJ, Jason Wilder, US Ambassador to Thailand denies 'interference' in Thai election, Japan's investment accounts for 70% of all foreign investment, the coalition in a mess as it tries to woe support for the next government, new regional airline flies to Bangkok, tourism picking up in Myanmar. Channel News Asia opinion piece... https://www.channelnewsasia.com/comme... 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/

Bank of Thailand to loosen foreign exchange regulations to stabilise long-term exchange rates By Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock An announcement has emerged from the Bank of Thailand revealing plans to loosen foreign exchange regulations to stabilise the exchange rate long-term. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299139-bank-of-thailand-to-loosen-foreign-exchange-regulations-to-stabilise-long-term-exchange-rates/

An announcement has emerged from the Bank of Thailand revealing plans to loosen foreign exchange regulations to stabilise the exchange rate long-term. The move, which shows a clear focus on balancing capital inflows and managing volatility, comes as Thailand’s economy globally integrates further. Under the foreign exchange initiative, Thai individuals will now be able to pour as much as US$10 million into offshore markets, doubling the existing limit of US$5 million. According to Alisara Mahasandana, Assistant Governor and head of the Financial Markets Operations Group at the Bank of Thailand, this is part and parcel of the bank’s efforts to balance capital flows and manage the Thai currency’s volatility against the dollar. In addition to this, there will also be an increment in the permissible volume for cross-border money transfers, which is set to rise from $50,000 to $200,000. In the same stroke, Thai business entities will have permission to forward funds to overseas parent firms in a move referred to as “notional pooling.” As part of the action plan, these foreign exchange easing measures should reach implementation by the third quarter of the current year, Bangkok Post reported. Alisara further highlighted the central bank’s drive to boost the use of the local currency in transactions between Thailand and its four Asian neighbours: China, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. By Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/bank-of-thailand-loosens-forex-regulations-to-stabilise-long-term-exchange-rates -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-28 - 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 to Finalize Deal to Buy 30 New Aircraft by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai Airways (THAI) aims to finalize a deal to buy at least 30 new aircraft by the end of the year and could double its fleet of narrow-body jets over the next decade, according to its chief executive. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299138-thai-to-finalize-deal-to-buy-30-new-aircraft/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai Airways (THAI) aims to finalize a deal to buy at least 30 new aircraft by the end of the year and could double its fleet of narrow-body jets over the next decade, according to its chief executive. THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri said in an interview with Reuters at the airline’s headquarters in Bangkok that the airline will issue a ’request for proposal’ to Airbus and Boeing to buy 30 wide-body and an undisclosed number of narrow-body aircraft next week. The carrier is looking to cash in on a post-pandemic travel boom by bolstering regional routes, but there have been concerns over whether planemakers Airbus and Boeing will be able to ramp up output to meet delivery targets. Chai said THAI, which began bankruptcy protected restructuring of debt worth 400 billion baht (US$11.17 billion) in 2021, currently has a fleet of 20 Airbus A320 aircraft and has secured a dozen new A321neo on lease for delivery in 2025 and 2026. These aircraft would be deployed to serve destinations in Southeast Asia, India, southern China and southern Japan - key medium-haul routes that THAI wants to reinforce. Chai noted that the carrier’s wide-body fleet will also increase from 45 currently to 56 aircraft by the first quarter of next year, with the additional jets coming on dry lease contracts, which typically do not include crew. "That’s for the short term," according to Chai, who added that the aircraft will be used on long-distance intercontinental routes to Australia and Europe that have seen a strong recovery since the pandemic. THAI’s cabin factor - the percentage of seats sold - was at about 84% in the last quarter and the CEO said advance bookings from markets like Europe were looking "promising". Chai, a former Thai Airways chief financial officer who took over as CEO last November, said the airline’s pandemic-driven restructuring plan was on track and it would relist on the stock market by the first quarter of 2025. by Paul Rujopakarn #news Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230628092004833 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-06-28 - 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 Restaurants Listed Among World’s 50 Best by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed gratitude to Thailand’s food and beverage industry as two Thai restaurants secured spots on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299137-thai-restaurants-listed-among-world’s-50-best/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed gratitude to Thailand’s food and beverage industry as two Thai restaurants secured spots on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Compiled by UK-based William Reed Business Media, the list featured Bangkok’s Le Du (No.15) and Gaggan Anand (No.17), owned by renowned chefs Thitid "Ton" Tassanakajohn and Gaggan Anand, respectively. Peru’s Central Restaurant claimed the title of “World’s Best Restaurant.” Additionally, four more Thai establishments made it to the Top 100, namely Sorn (No.56), S?hring (No.72), Nusara (No.74), and Potong (No.88). Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri highlighted the premier’s admiration for the determination of Thai restaurateurs, acknowledging that Thai cuisine greatly promotes the nation’s soft power. The global recognition of Chef Thitid and Chef Gaggan Anand, showcased by the inclusion of Le Du and Gaggan Anand on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, highlights their exceptional culinary skills, innovative approaches and unwavering dedication. As Thailand’s culinary scene continues to thrive, its restaurateurs and chefs also serve as ambassadors, showcasing the country’s gastronomic excellence and solidifying its reputation as a world-renowned culinary destination. by Paul Rujopakarn #news Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230628090014826 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-06-28 - 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.

Prachinburi locals discover monk-like termites, place bets on lucky lottery numbers by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: KhaoSod In a rather unusual discovery, residents of Prachinburi province have witnessed the appearance of strange monk-like termites and long-haired young women termites. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299136-prachinburi-locals-discover-monk-like-termites-place-bets-on-lucky-lottery-numbers/

In a rather unusual discovery, residents of Prachinburi province have witnessed the appearance of strange monk-like termites and long-haired young women termites. Found on the road to the eucalyptus forest near the ancient woods in the Ya Naree district, these peculiar termites have stirred up the curiosity of the locals. The sighting took place during yesterday evening. The substantial termites, producing an uncanny similarity to the figures of Buddhist monks and young women sitting in a knees-up position, were observed towering when the villagers arrived at the scene. As per the elder of the area, the forest is ancient and was supposedly haunted, filled with muffled cries of children at night. It was a customary practice for quite a few of the locals to venture out in the night for hunting frogs and pick mushrooms, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: KhaoSod Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/prachin-buri-locals-discover-monk-like-termites-place-bets-on-lucky-lottery-numbers -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-28 - 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.

German and French firms eye Thailand’s booming electric vehicle sector By Alex Morgan PHOTO: Charging EV car via Freepik A surge of interest in Thailand’s budding electric vehicle (EV) industry has been noted among businesses from France and Germany. The Thailand Board of Investment (BoI) revealed this interest following an investment promotion roadshow in these European nations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299132-german-and-french-firms-eye-thailand’s-booming-electric-vehicle-sector/

A surge of interest in Thailand’s budding electric vehicle (EV) industry has been noted among businesses from France and Germany. The Thailand Board of Investment (BoI) revealed this interest following an investment promotion roadshow in these European nations. The BoI’s Deputy Secretary-General, Wirat Tatsaringkansakul, suggested a particularly keen receptiveness from French and German investors. These potential investors are reportedly looking into expanding their production bases and outsourcing companies to satisfy the surging demand of the Asian market. It’s not just an interest in the pure EV industry. Investment prospects in the components of EVs, electronics, as well as the medical and healthcare sectors are also being eagerly explored by these investors. France and Germany were the venues for an investment encouragement roadshow, designed to lure in foreign businesses to Thailand. The event was held from June 18 to 23. The roadshow created an opportunity for executives of the BoI to engage Business France, a state-owned agency providing guidance to French companies intending to invest overseas, as well as foreign firms intending to set up businesses in France. By Alex Morgan PHOTO: Charging EV car via Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/german-and-french-firms-eye-thailands-booming-ev-sector -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-28 - 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.

Teen enlists friend for fatal shooting of ex-girlfriend in Phatthalung By Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: iStock In an unsettling incident, a 16 year old from Phatthalung lured his friend to fatally shoot his 17 year old ex-girlfriend from Nakhon, who had moved on several months after their breakup. The incident occurred yesterday at 9pm when the police station in Phatthalung received reports from the local hospital about the unfortunate incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299126-teen-enlists-friend-for-fatal-shooting-of-ex-girlfriend-in-phatthalung/

In an unsettling incident, a 16 year old from Phatthalung lured his friend to fatally shoot his 17 year old ex-girlfriend from Nakhon, who had moved on several months after their breakup. The incident occurred yesterday at 9pm when the police station in Phatthalung received reports from the local hospital about the unfortunate incident. The victim, identified as Thanapimol Kaewrat, a 17 year old from Cha Uat district in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, was reported to have been shot by a small gun, ten times in the stomach area. Local authorities quickly documented the evidence before proceeding to the Phatthalung hospital for further examination. From the investigation, it was revealed that Thanapimol was walking down the street with a male friend in the evening prior to the incident. The ex-boyfriend, also a 16 year old from Pa Phayom district, Phatthalung Province, was reported to have driven a motorcycle with his male friend sitting in the back. The duo circled around the village and unexpectedly crossed paths with Thanapimol, who was walking with her male friend. By Nattapong Westwood TOP PHOTO: iStock Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/teen-enlists-friend-for-fatal-shooting-of-ex-girlfriend-in-phatthalung -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-28 - 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.