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In a tragic event that unfolded last Friday at a school in Bangkok, an 18 year old student lost his life due to a fire extinguisher explosion during a fire drill activity for school safety. In the wake of the tragedy, financial support was extended to the victim’s family by the Education Ministry. During a meeting yesterday, Atthapol Sangkhawasi, the permanent secretary for education, along with Niyom Phaisopha, director-general of Bangkok Secondary Educational Service Area Office 1, and Theprit Yodsai, the school’s director, offered financial assistance to the bereaved family. The financial aid provided to the family of the deceased boy, identified as Khumthong “Benz” Premmanee, totalled 235,000 baht. In accordance with their commitment to school safety, a sum of 200,000 baht as life insurance was provided through the school, combined with an additional 30,000 baht from the Education Ministry following the student’s demise. A further amount of 5,000 baht was given to his family members by the permanent secretary’s office, reported Bangkok Post. Additionally, in an effort to support school safety, the ministry provided financial aid of 5,000 baht each to the families of the injured pupils. A team of psychiatrists is due to be invited to the school, aiming to offer support and assistance when the institution reopens. By Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of alamy.com Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/education-ministry-aids-bangkok-school-tragedy-victims-family-with-235000-baht -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-27 - 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.

Fitch ratings reveal Thailand’s economic recovery to boost corporate earnings in 2023 By Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Freepik Recovery of the domestic economy and alleviation of inflationary pressures are set to bolster the performance of corporations in Thailand this year, suggest analysts from Fitch Ratings during the 2023 Thailand Corporate Credit Outlook & Asean ESG conference, held recently in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299042-fitch-ratings-reveal-thailand’s-economic-recovery-to-boost-corporate-earnings-in-2023/

Recovery of the domestic economy and alleviation of inflationary pressures are set to bolster the performance of corporations in Thailand this year, suggest analysts from Fitch Ratings during the 2023 Thailand Corporate Credit Outlook & Asean ESG conference, held recently in Bangkok. Corporates at Fitch Ratings (Thailand)’s Lertchai Kochareonrattanakul, a senior director, indicated in his talk that a boost in local consumer demand coupled with a resurgence in activities related to tourism should foster continuous earnings growth for Fitch-rated firms in food and beverage, telecom, aviation, and hospitality verticals. While earnings are pegged to enhance for the power and utility sectors, which previously felt the burn of high fuel expenses in 2022, expectations predict an ease in cost pressures. The recovery journey for petrochemical businesses may face hurdles due to softening international demand, escalated cost of raw materials and energy, and new supply that could potentially shrink petrochemical profit margins. A prediction by Fitch anticipates oil and gas firms to experience a plateau in earnings from a previous peak but should still remain comparatively elevated. By Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/fitch-predicts-thailands-economic-recovery-to-boost-corporate-earnings-in-2023 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-27 - 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.

The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has shown to the media a system to release treated and diluted water from the facility into the ocean. Tokyo Electric Power Company completed the construction of the system on Monday. It has been building it since last August. A gigantic pipe for diluting treated water with a massive amount of seawater has been installed in front of the No.5 and the No.6 reactors. It is about seven meters long and around two meters in diameter. The diameter of the seawater pipe is nine times that for a pipe for treated water. An emergency shut-off valve on the system automatically stops the flow of the liquid if the flow rate does not match prescribed rates or concentrations of radioactive materials are above-permitted levels. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/facility-for-releasing-treated-water-into-sea-from-fukushima-daiichi-unveiled/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-27 - 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 Traffic: New automatic system launched to ease city congestion By Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of tastythailand.com As a strategic initiative aimed at improving vehicle movement, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recently initiated an automatic traffic-management system. This pilot project focuses on optimising Bangkok traffic across four significant roads within the city. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299038-bangkok-traffic-new-automatic-system-launched-to-ease-city-congestion/

As a strategic initiative aimed at improving vehicle movement, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recently initiated an automatic traffic-management system. This pilot project focuses on optimising Bangkok traffic across four significant roads within the city. Over the commencement of this project, Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, divulged that the modern system is duly installed at 13 intersections on key city routes, counting Rama VI Road, Ratchawithi Road, Phahon Yothin Road, and Praditpat Road. He mentioned the challenge of deploying close to a thousand officers across the city to handle Bangkok traffic lights, half of whom are traffic light controllers. Due to inadequate information-sharing measures between units, efficiency is often undermined. Providing a solution to this encumbrance, the newly installed Bangkok Area Traffic Control Project (BATCP) promises to rectify such inefficiencies. BATCP is programmed to collate valuable data including vehicle density, waiting periods at traffic intersections, and locations experiencing extended tailbacks. These elements of data will then be utilised to manage Bangkok traffic effectively and inhibit the exacerbation of jams. Additionally, the new system is pegged to provide relief to the existing workforce of traffic officers. By Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of tastythailand.com Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bangkok-launches-automatic-traffic-system-to-ease-city-congestion -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-27 - 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.

Italy’s culture minister is calling for a man to be “identified and sanctioned” after he was filmed allegedly carving his and his fiancée’s names into the Colosseum in Rome. Gennaro Sangiuliano tweeted on Monday: “I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage (site) such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancée.” “I hope that whoever carried out this act will be identified and sanctioned according to our laws,” he continued. By Amarachi Orie, CNN File photo source: Wikipedia Full story: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/tourist-inscribes-name-colosseum-rome-intl-scli/index.html -- © Copyright CNN 2023-06-27

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 27 June 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299030-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-27-june-2023/

Thai armed forces and Police are discussing security measures to implement if turmoil and violence erupt should Move Forward Party leader Pita Lim-jaroen-rat fail to be elected prime minister. The coalition needs 63 more votes from either senators or MPs, or a combination of both, when the House and Senate convene for a joint session to elect Thailand’s 30th prime minister expected in the middle of next month. Mr Pita has been asked by an mp from another party to disclose details involving the sale of a 14-rai plot of land he owned in Pran Buri, A media report suggested he sold the land for 6.5 million baht although the plot was listed to be worth 18 million baht. Nearly 5,000 refugees from Myanmar are taking shelter in Mae Hong Son as fighting between the burmese military and ethnic groups continues. Humanitarian assistance and supplies were being provided by the Red Cross and local residents. The Thai government has destroyed 600 million dollars worth of drugs seized from illegal traffickers including 27 tonnes of amphetamines, 275 kg of heroin, 43kg of cocaine and various others. The drugs were burnt in accordance with the guidelines of the US Environmental Protection Agency to ensure no harmful substances or by-products were released into the environment. The Education Ministry has paid out life insurance funding and other financial assistance to the family of an 18 year old student who was killed when a fire extinguisher exploded during a fire drill at a school in bangkok last Friday... the payout totalled around 230 thousand baht. Schools across the city have been instructed to check their fire safety equipment. The BMA local authority in bangkok has installed an automatic traffic-management system on four roads in a pilot project aimed at boosting vehicle flow. The system will affect traffic at intersections on the Rama 6, Ratchawithi, and Phahon Yothin roads. The city employs almost 1,000 police officers to control traffic, with around 500 that operate traffic lights across the capital. Around the Region: Myanmar junta authorities said they torched more than half a billion dollars worth of illegal drugs yesterday, adding they were failing to stop a surge in the production of drugs and trafficking. China will construct the world’s largest hybrid solar-hydro plant close to Tibet that will provide renewable energy to some 100 million households. The weather: Sunny Chiang Mai and the north: cloudy with rain 32C Bangkok: bright.. Cloudy thundershowers 34C Pattaya, bright, cloudy 33 Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy, showers 30C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny partly cloudy, isolated shower 32 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 2023-06-27 - 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 economy booms as government’s fiscal income beats projections with 122bn baht surplus By Alex Morgan Photo: Thai Revenue Department, Freepik The Thai economy demonstrates strong recovery and active imports as the Thai government’s net income during the first two-thirds of fiscal 2023 has surpassed projections by 122 billion baht, revealed Fiscal Policy Office Director-General, Pornchai Thiraveja, 42 years old. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299029-thai-economy-booms-as-government’s-fiscal-income-beats-projections-with-122bn-baht-surplus/

The Thai economy demonstrates strong recovery and active imports as the Thai government’s net income during the first two-thirds of fiscal 2023 has surpassed projections by 122 billion baht, revealed Fiscal Policy Office Director-General, Pornchai Thiraveja, 42 years old. Between October 2022 and May 2023, the Thai government raked in a total of 1.64 trillion baht, which is an 8% surge from the previous year’s growth rate of 4.9%. This leap also exceeded the target set by them by 122 billion baht, boosting the Thai economy. The revenue surge in the Thai economy can be traced to multiple sources, as explained by the tech and marketing whizz. The largest contributor was the Revenue Department of the country, amassing 1.3 trillion baht – this was 134 billion baht more than the original target, marking an 11.5% rise, and a 4.4% increment in relation to the same timeframe in the previous fiscal year. The director-general pointed out that the thriving Thai economy triggered an increase in individual tax, corporate tax and value-added tax. Additionally, the Customs Department reported a collection of 87 billion baht, which was 16.5 billion baht more than its target. This sparks a 23.5% hike and is a 22.4% rise when compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. The department’s accomplishment was mainly due to an increase in the value of imports, delayed customs duties and imports’ turnover tax based on legal proceedings. By Alex Morgan Photo: Thai Revenue Department, Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thai-governments-fiscal-income-beats-projections-with-122bn-baht-surplus-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-27 - 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.

Plea for Help: Two Thai Women Deceived and Trapped by Traffickers in India File photo for reference only In a deeply distressing incident, two young women from northeastern Thailand, originally from Udon Thani and Yasothon provinces, are reaching out for assistance after falling victim to a deceitful trap while seeking employment as domestic workers in India. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299028-plea-for-help-two-thai-women-deceived-and-trapped-by-traffickers-in-india/

In a deeply distressing incident, two young women from northeastern Thailand, originally from Udon Thani and Yasothon provinces, are reaching out for assistance after falling victim to a deceitful trap while seeking employment as domestic workers in India. Their shocking revelation exposes a grim reality of physical abuse, passport confiscation, and forced involvement in prostitution. Fortunately, news reporters swiftly alerted the relevant authorities to expedite the rescue efforts for these two Thai women, reported Thai Rath. Late in the evening on June 26, 2023, a journalist received a coordination request from Nopporn Awamnuson, a local lawyer based in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. The lawyer shared the story of two Thai women, using the pseudonyms "May" and "Da," who had urgently reached out for help via an international phone call from India. Distressed, the victims explained, "We were deceived and coerced into prostitution. If we resist, we endure physical assaults, beatings with belts, and they withhold our passports, effectively trapping us away from our homeland." The journalist subsequently conducted an interview with the victims. They unveiled their journey, disclosing that they had traveled to India to work as hotel maids in Mumbai, enticed by a woman named "Apple" who promised them a monthly income of 100,000-150,000 Thai Baht (equivalent to approximately $3,000-$4,500). Agreeing to a three-month employment contract, they purchased plane tickets to New Delhi on June 4, 2023. On arrival "Apple's" husband strictly ordered them to stay in their rooms, restricting their access to the outside world. Their passports were seized, and they received meals from unidentified individuals. As time passed, the victims gradually realized the severe danger they were in. Finally, on June 8, 2023, after enduring weeks of physical and emotional abuse, they managed to contact a compassionate Thai man who responded to their online chat messages. Indian police officers arrived, taking them to a hospital for a thorough medical examination. However, despite the ongoing efforts, they remain unable to return to Thailand. The journalist has shared all gathered information with the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, the Immigration Bureau, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Division at National Police Headquarters, ensuring swift assistance for the two young women. The progress of the case will be diligently monitored and reported in due course. Top File photo for reference only -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-27 - 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

Heatwave Ignites Pile of Old Tires by the Roadside in Samut Prakan Picture: 77kaoded In the soaring summer heat, a pile of old tires and plastics by the roadside mysteriously caught fire in Soi Kupara, Moo 3, Bang Pla Subdistrict, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299027-heatwave-ignites-pile-of-old-tires-by-the-roadside-in-samut-prakan/

In the soaring summer heat, a pile of old tires and plastics by the roadside mysteriously caught fire in Soi Kupara, Moo 3, Bang Pla Subdistrict, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. The local residents reported that the pile of tires has been there for quite some time, but no one knows its origin, reported 77kaoded. At 14:30 on June 26, 2023, the officers from Bang Phli Police Station, Samut Prakan, were notified of the incident. After receiving the notification, they coordinated with over 10 nearby fire trucks from Bang Pla Subdistrict Municipality and neighboring areas to inspect the scene. Picture: 77kaoded On arrival, the officers found the fire fiercely blazing, with large plumes of black smoke soaring into the sky, visible from a distance. Multiple units worked together, spraying water to contain the fire to prevent it from spreading to adjacent areas, which were industrial plants. However, the strong wind made controlling the fire difficult, and the tires and plastics provided excellent fuel for the fire. It took them over an hour to finally put out the fire. Top Picture: 77kaoded -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-27 - 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

Fire engulfs a tanker truck carrying 40,000 liters of aviation fuel Picture: Siam Rath A major incident took place on June 26, 2023, involving a tanker truck transporting 40,000 liters of aviation fuel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299026-fire-engulfs-a-tanker-truck-carrying-40000-liters-of-aviation-fuel/

A major incident took place on June 26, 2023, involving a tanker truck transporting 40,000 liters of aviation fuel. The truck had left a refinery in Bangna and was en route to U-Tapao Airport when a fire erupted at the left rear wheel along Bangna-Trat Expressway, approximately at kilometer 10, heading towards Chonburi. Picture: Siam Rath With quick reflexes, the driver grabbed a fire extinguisher from the vehicle and bravely attempted to put out the flames, reported Siam Rath. Firefighters from the Bangplee Yai, Bangkaew, Rachateva, and volunteer rescue teams rushed to the scene with water tanks to control the fire and reduce the heat, ensuring everyone's safety. Picture: Siam Rath The volunteer rescue team expressed immense gratitude that the driver had quick reflexes and promptly alerted the authorities. They emphasized the importance of such actions, as just imagine the consequences if the 40,000 liters of aviation fuel had ignited otherwise. Picture: Siam Rath Top Picture: Siam Rath -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-27 - 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

32 tonnes of narcotics incinerated on UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Thailand incinerated about 32 tonnes of various narcotics Monday, worth an estimated 21.4 billion baht on the street, to mark the UN’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299024-32-tonnes-of-narcotics-incinerated-on-un-international-day-against-drug-abuse-and-illicit-trafficking/

Thailand incinerated about 32 tonnes of various narcotics Monday, worth an estimated 21.4 billion baht on the street, to mark the UN’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Dr. Withid Sariddeechaikool, deputy secretary-general of Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration, said that the drugs destroyed included - 20,680kg of methamphetamine, 5,942kg of crystal meth (Ice), 5,006kg of Cathine (D-norpseudoephedrine), 364kg of ketamine, 275kg of heroin, 85kg of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 43kg of cocaine, 22kg of Nimetazepam and about 6kg of opium. He said that the drugs are incinerated at a facility in Bang Pu Industrial Park at more than 1,200oC, assuring that no emissions from the process will affect the environment. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/32-tonnes-of-narcotics-incinerated-on-un-international-day-against-drug-abuse-and-illicit-trafficking/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-27 - 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.

Suspect Allegedly Steals a Million Baht from a Foreigner’s House in Thalang By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – Suspect(s) allegedly stole a million baht in cash from a foreigner’s house in Thalang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299023-suspect-allegedly-steals-a-million-baht-from-a-foreigner’s-house-in-thalang/

Thalang – Suspect(s) allegedly stole a million baht in cash from a foreigner’s house in Thalang. The Thalang Police told the Phuket Express that they were notified of the incident over the past weekend. The thief broke into an unidentified foreigner’s house at a housing estate in Sakoo. The suspect allegedly stole a brand name watch and cash worth about 25,000 Euros. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/06/26/suspect-allegedly-steals-million-baht-from-foreigners-house-in-thalang/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-06-27 - 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.

Woman Survives Fall off Parking Building in Pattaya During Quarrel with Girlfriend By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A woman fell off a parking building in Naklua while quarrelling with her girlfriend, and survived. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299022-woman-survives-fall-off-parking-building-in-pattaya-during-quarrel-with-girlfriend/

Pattaya — A woman fell off a parking building in Naklua while quarrelling with her girlfriend, and survived. The victim, a 23-year-old Thai woman whose name was withheld, was found resting on the 3rd floor of a parking building in the Naklua area within the Nongprue sub-district of Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Still being conscious, the victim told the Sawang Boriboon rescue team that she had fallen from the 4th floor of the building while arguing with her girlfriend. She said during the argument, she lost her balance and fell off the parking lot, but luckily, she managed to grab onto the balcony of the third-floor parking lot in time and then fell back inside the building. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/26/woman-survives-fall-off-parking-building-in-pattaya-during-quarrel-with-girlfriend/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-27 - 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 Youths Urge Pheu Thai to Rid the Country of Illegal Drugs and Recriminalize Marijuana By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Matichon A group of Thai youths on Monday, June 26th, proposed 9 proposals to the Pheu Thai Party in a bid to combat drug problems across the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299021-thai-youths-urge-pheu-thai-to-rid-the-country-of-illegal-drugs-and-recriminalize-marijuana/

A group of Thai youths on Monday, June 26th, proposed 9 proposals to the Pheu Thai Party in a bid to combat drug problems across the country. A group of young Thai people visited the Pheu Thai Party’s headquarters on Monday to submit their petition regarding the country’s raging drug issues. Today, June 26th, is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day. Accepting the petition on behalf of the Pheu Thai Party were Mr. Julapan Amornwiwat, an MP for Chiang Mai province, and Ms. Linthiporn Warinwatchararoj, a party-list MP and deputy secretary-general of the party. The petitioners said they want to see Pheu Thai urgently follow their 9 proposals which roughly include: 1. Change the laws to allow the use of seized assets from drug trafficking to build educational spaces for combating drug addiction. 2. Reform the education system and curriculum both inside and outside classrooms to provide youth with up-to-date knowledge against drugs. By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Matichon Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/26/thai-youths-urge-pheu-thai-to-rid-the-country-of-illegal-drugs-and-recriminalize-marijuana/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-27 - 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.