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Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed the suggestion that the party take the lead in forming an alternative administration, in case the eight coalition parties led by the Move Forward party fail to form a government. As the third largest party, after Move Forward and Pheu Thai, in terms of House seats, he said that it is the right of the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties to form the government with their six partners. The Bhumjaithai party, said Anutin, is ready to perform its role in opposition or in government and, more importantly, in parliament. He dismissed as completely groundless any speculation that representatives of the Move Forward party had approached Newin Chidchob, reputed to be the de facto leader of the Bhumjaithai party, asking for the party’s support for Pita Limjaroenrat’s prime ministerial candidacy. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-charter-must-protect-democracy-and-prevent-coups/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-26 - 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.

BMA suspends all fire drills, recalls demonstration fire extinguishers for safety checks Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered the suspension of all fire drills at schools, private and government offices until all equipment is checked to ensure safety and all demonstration fire extinguishers are recalled for safety checks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298911-bma-suspends-all-fire-drills-recalls-demonstration-fire-extinguishers-for-safety-checks/

Bangkok freezes fire drills after fatal school mishap, calls for rigorous reform By Mitch Connor An ambulance car carrying the injured student leaves a high school for a hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, June 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) The Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, has appealed for extensive reform of disaster prevention and mitigation systems in the wake of a lethal explosion that occurred during a fire drill at a local school. Fire evacuation exercises throughout the city will remain suspended while safety checks on fire-fighting apparatus are carried out. This update in policy comes in the aftermath, the day after to be precise, of a tragic event that saw a carbon dioxide extinguisher detonation at Rajavinit Mathayom School in the Dusit district. This unfortunate occurrence resulted in the loss of a student’s life and left several others wounded. To avoid further similar mishaps, a trio involved in the execution of the drill have been charged with negligence. Initial investigations indicate that extreme outdoor heat could have been a contributing factor to the blast. Yesterday, the Deputy Governor, Thawida Kamolvej announce the suspension of all fire drills until safety reviews of all equipment are carried out. According to her, all carbon dioxide extinguishers from fire centres across the city have been withdrawn. She highlighted that local fire stations and district offices have been tasked with collaborating with community leaders to conduct thorough inspections of all city extinguishers. This directive focuses on identifying any damage, leaks or other potential issues. A significant move, as iterated by Kamolvej, is the development of guidelines to ensure that inspections are carried out adequately. Furthermore, district offices will replace any faulty extinguishers, and residents are encouraged to report defective equipment through the Traffy Fondue website. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bangkok-freezes-fire-drills-after-fatal-school-mishap-calls-for-rigorous-reform -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - 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.

BMA Removes All Co2 Fire Extinguishers, Temporarily Halts Fire Drills by TNR Staff Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Deputy Governor Tawida Kamolvej, right, and the school yard where the 12th grader died during a fire drill. Photo: Matichon FOLLOWING the explosion of a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher during a drill at a secondary school in Bangkok killing a student Friday (June 23), the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) today ordered the removal of these tanks that are mostly only kept at fire stations and differ from the dry chemical red fire extinguishers placed in various locations across the city, Matichon newspaper said. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Deputy Governor Ms. Tawida Kamolvej also halted all fire drills until the equipment had been checked for safety. Next week district chiefs and community leaders will be checking the red fire extinguishers in every neighbourhood with old ones being removed and those up to standard topped up with the required chemicals. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/06/24/bma-removes-all-co2-fire-extinguishers-temporarily-halts-fire-drills/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-06-26 - 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 Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered the suspension of all fire drills at schools, private and government offices until all equipment is checked to ensure safety and all demonstration fire extinguishers are recalled for safety checks. The governor has also ordered a revamp of fire drill protocols. For example, only empty fire extinguishers will be used, no CO2 will be used during the demonstrations and, if the drill is taking place in a school compound, students will watch it from school buildings on the second or third floor for their safety. Instead, a video presentation will be provided so students and the public in general can learn what to do in case of a fire. Governor Chadchart said today (Saturday) that he has instructed all fire stations in Bangkok, district offices and community leaders to check their chemical fire extinguishers for expiry dates and whether they need to be replaced. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bma-suspends-all-fire-drills-recalls-demonstration-fire-extinguishers-for-safety-checks/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-26 - 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.

Abuse scandal puts Thailand’s treatment of children under spotlight A recent scandal at the Saraburi Welfare Home for Children has raised questions as to whether vulnerable kids are safe in the hands of state institutions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298910-abuse-scandal-puts-thailand’s-treatment-of-children-under-spotlight/

A recent scandal at the Saraburi Welfare Home for Children has raised questions as to whether vulnerable kids are safe in the hands of state institutions. Evidence shows that young girls at the institution were confined in a toilet with their hands and legs bound as punishment for wetting the bed and minor misdemeanors such as stealing. A psychologist at the welfare home eventually decided to blow the whistle because she could no longer tolerate such inhumane treatment of vulnerable children. In response to her complaint, an investigation was launched and the welfare home’s director along with some of her team members were transferred. “This welfare home is operated by the state. Such practices should have never happened in the first place,” said Chettha Mankhong, director of the Foundation for Child Development. Authoritarian care Chettha blamed authoritarian attitudes for the maltreatment of children at state-run homes, which are tasked with protecting and nurturing the youngsters in their care. Such attitudes, he said, are deep-seated and longstanding in Thailand, where parents and guardians often think that they can treat children under their care however they like. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/abuse-scandal-puts-thailands-treatment-of-children-under-spotlight/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-26 - 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.

Shop owner duped by counterfeit 1000 baht scammer By Samantha Rose Image by Background concept for money and economy from bookzv's Images A cautionary tale has emerged from a local community involving a scammer using counterfeit money for purchases. The perpetrator paid with a fake one thousand baht banknote, receiving a genuine 903 baht in change. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298909-shop-owner-duped-by-counterfeit-1000-baht-scammer/

A cautionary tale has emerged from a local community involving a scammer using counterfeit money for purchases. The perpetrator paid with a fake one thousand baht banknote, receiving a genuine 903 baht in change. On June 24, 2023, around 1pm, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chedchai Chaisaeng, an acting inquiry officer of Police Station Chai Wan, Udon Thani, was visited by local retailer Prapaphon or Pa Srikloy, a resident of Ban Na Poo. Accompanied by her son, she arrived at the police station with the counterfeit banknote. She stated that an unfamiliar man came to her store and made purchases totalling 97 baht. These purchases included one pack of cigarettes, one energy drink, and one box of milk. What made this individual stand out was his refusal to remove his helmet while shopping, promptly leaving the store immediately after receiving his change. His departure was swift, quickly mounting a Yamaha Fino pink motorcycle and leaving without revealing his license plate and direction. By Samantha Rose Image by Background concept for money and economy from bookzv's Images Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/shop-owner-duped-by-counterfeit-1000-baht-scammer -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - 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.

Police arrest woman over Japanese job recruitment scam By Mitch Connor Image by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels In a crackdown on fraudulent recruitment agencies, Udon Thani law enforcement agencies have arrested a woman believed to have deceived individuals into seeking employment in Japan. Identified as Sukanya Buasri, alias Ruen, she was apprehended amidst a flurry of complaints concerning her activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298908-police-arrest-woman-over-japanese-job-recruitment-scam/

In a crackdown on fraudulent recruitment agencies, Udon Thani law enforcement agencies have arrested a woman believed to have deceived individuals into seeking employment in Japan. Identified as Sukanya Buasri, alias Ruen, she was apprehended amidst a flurry of complaints concerning her activities. Homing in on alleged unscrupulousness, Bang Dung and Thungfon police jointly detained Buasri. She was subsequently transported to the Bang Dung precinct, ready to confront a litany of charges. These include fraud, unauthorised recruitment for foreign work, and the infringement of employment agency registration regulations. Following the arrest, she was detained at the local court to await legal proceedings. Among the complainants was Wassana Suwannakram who claimed that her spouse was beguiled by Buasri’s false projection of an enticing farming career in the southern Japanese province of Ibaraki. However, the reality was rather an enforced role within a questionable agency headed by an individual known as Jae Kai. By Mitch Connor Image by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/police-arrest-woman-over-japanese-job-recruitment-scam -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - 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.

Phuket authorities clamp down on illegal taxi practices, impose hefty fines By Mitch Connor Over the past five months, the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) has conducted an operation targeting individuals involved in illegal taxi practices. Their recent crackdown at Phuket International Airport resulted in the apprehension of two additional drivers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298907-phuket-authorities-clamp-down-on-illegal-taxi-practices-impose-hefty-fines/

Over the past five months, the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) has conducted an operation targeting individuals involved in illegal taxi practices. Their recent crackdown at Phuket International Airport resulted in the apprehension of two additional drivers. Led by Kornpitak Assuwan, head of the academic group at PLTO, also referred to as the policy division, officers initiated another phase of their operation on Thursday (June 22). This involved the establishment of a checkpoint from 3.30pm to 6.30pm in front of the Phuket Air Traffic Control Centre on the main road leading to the airport’s entrance. Officers from the Phuket Tourist Police and Sakhu Police were also present to render support. In a report released by PLTO, it was stated that the officials’ primary focus was the probe into illicit usage of private cars for the pickup of passengers, essentially functioning as taxis. This, as well as other potential infractions of provincial taxi regulations, were explored. Following the inspection, it was discovered that two private cars, distinguishable by their white and black license plates, were utilised for passenger pickups. By Mitch Connor PHOTO: iStock Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-authorities-clamp-down-on-illegal-taxi-practices-impose-hefty-fines -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - 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.

Chinese tour group apologised after causing harm to Thai marine life by Mitch Connor Mitch Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The serene waters of Ao La on Koh Racha Yai, situated south of Phuket, were recently embroiled in controversy when tourists from a Chinese tour company, Jinyang Holiday Group, engaged in activities harmful to marine life and environment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298906-chinese-tour-group-apologised-after-causing-harm-to-thai-marine-life/

The serene waters of Ao La on Koh Racha Yai, situated south of Phuket, were recently embroiled in controversy when tourists from a Chinese tour company, Jinyang Holiday Group, engaged in activities harmful to marine life and environment. They posed for photos with seemingly innocent starfish in hand and ventured onto delicate coral reefs, drawing the ire of local marine officials. Yesterday, the top brass of Jinyang Holiday Group made a formal apology for the unsettling incident. Sirikwan Saengravee, the company’s manager, admitted the actions of the tourists were inexcusable considering the fragile status of marine life within the area. Saroch Ubonsuwan, the director of the Phuket Marine Resources Conservation Center, and Suthep Chualong, head of the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, had promptly reported the incident to the Suthep Police. Law enforcement is currently contemplating pressing charges against the culprits. Officials were first alerted to the incident through a post on the Monsoon Garbage Facebook page, sparking an immediate investigation. Sirikwan mentioned that it now became imperative for the company to instruct all their dive instructors not to permit tourists to interact physically with corals and marine wildlife. She referred to past instances where Chinese tourists, enticed by the cute creatures, picked them up for photo sessions to share with friends. “This incident serves as a harsh lesson to us. Jinyang Holiday Group has only been operational for the past two months… Yesterday marked our inaugural trip,” Sirikwan explained. by Mitch Connor Mitch Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/chinese-tour-group-apologised-after-causing-harm-to-thai-marine-life -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - 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.

Go easy on the growing cannabis industry says Anutin who concedes that Pita will be the next PM by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul suggested that it is unlikely that Pita Limjaroenrat will not become Thailand’s next Prime Minister in July. Earlier this week, he called on the new incoming government to study all the available information and not to derail the rise of a beneficial cannabis industry in Thailand alongside the easier availability of the drug to those with medical needs. Constructive noises from the Bhumjaithai Party and Mr Anutin’s plea to the new government to protect the nascent cannabis industry Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298905-go-easy-on-the-growing-cannabis-industry-says-anutin-who-concedes-that-pita-will-be-the-next-pm/

On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul suggested that it is unlikely that Pita Limjaroenrat will not become Thailand’s next Prime Minister in July. Earlier this week, he called on the new incoming government to study all the available information and not to derail the rise of a beneficial cannabis industry in Thailand alongside the easier availability of the drug to those with medical needs. Constructive noises from the Bhumjaithai Party and Mr Anutin’s plea to the new government to protect the nascent cannabis industry comes in a week which has seen a shift in attitude by the establishment towards the election results with increased optimism that a new government will be formed in July rather than in August as was originally envisaged. The incoming government must act cautiously concerning calls to relist cannabis as a scheduled narcotic, warned Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul this week. He told reporters, on Sunday, that he believed there will be a new government in July led by Pita Limjaroenrat while denying reports of an approach by the Move Forward Party to the Bhumjaithai Party to support the new ministry in parliament. Outgoing Minister of Public Health, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has told reporters that he thinks it unlikely that the Move Forward Party and Mr Pita Limjaroenrat will fail to forge a new government in July despite ongoing questions being raised about Mr Pita’s status and a possible contretemps with the Pheu Thai Party over the House Speaker position which may come to the boil on Tuesday. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/06/25/go-easy-on-rising-cannabis-boom-says-anutin-bhumjaithai-move-forward-support/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-06-26 - 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.

Most Thai People Still Want Students to Wear School Uniforms, According to Nida Poll By Tanakorn Panyadee According to a National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) survey, 80.53% of the survey respondents say they still want Thai students to stick to wearing standardized school uniforms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298904-most-thai-people-still-want-students-to-wear-school-uniforms-according-to-nida-poll/

According to a National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) survey, 80.53% of the survey respondents say they still want Thai students to stick to wearing standardized school uniforms. The poll, conducted from June 21st to 23rd with 1,310 respondents aged over 15 years old, saw that 59.47% of the respondents stating they support the continuation of the school dress code enforcement. A significantly lower percentage, 20.69%, suggested that students should be allowed to wear alternative attire (such as casual wear) during special casual days. Meanwhile, only 4.73% advocate for the entire cancellation of the school dress code. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/25/most-thai-people-still-want-students-to-wear-school-uniforms-according-to-nida-poll/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-26 - 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.

36-Year-Old Spanish Man with Interpol Red Notice Arrested at Phuket Airport By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A 36-year-old Spanish man with an Interpol Red Notice flagged against his name was arrested at Phuket International Airport after arriving from Singapore. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298903-36-year-old-spanish-man-with-interpol-red-notice-arrested-at-phuket-airport/

Phuket – A 36-year-old Spanish man with an Interpol Red Notice flagged against his name was arrested at Phuket International Airport after arriving from Singapore. Phuket Immigration told the Phuket Express that on Thursday (June 22nd) they and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested the 36-year-old Spanish man who arrived at Phuket International Airport from Singapore. He was arrested at the International Arrival Terminal. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/06/25/36-year-old-spanish-man-with-interpol-red-notice-arrested-at-phuket-airport/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-06-26 - 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 26 June 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1298902-thailand-live-monday-26-june-2023/

Pattaya — A naked British man was arrested after destroying hotel room property in Pattaya. Police are attempting to uncover the cause of his rampage. Naked British Man Goes Berserk in Pattaya Hotel By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298883-naked-british-man-goes-berserk-in-pattaya-hotel/

Pattaya — A naked British man was arrested after destroying hotel room property in Pattaya. Police are attempting to uncover the cause of his rampage. Pol. Capt. Kittisuk Suthinitaswong from the Pattaya Police Station was notified of the incident at 04:30 AM this morning, June 25th, and rushed to the scene at the Centara Nova Hotel & Spa within Soi Pattaya Klang 12 in the Nongprue sub-district of Banglamung district, Chonburi province. At the incident scene on the hotel’s 6th floor, police officers found a British man, 26-year-old Mr. Mccluskey Kailund Taylor, in a disoriented state. He was naked and was behaving erratically, having vandalized items inside his hotel room and then sprayed a fire extinguisher around until the room was covered in smog and foam. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/25/naked-british-man-goes-berserk-in-pattaya-hotel/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-25 - 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.

Koh Tao’s Cape Shark Villas faces shutdown over illegal construction claims By Mitch Connor PHOTO: Facebook/Cape Shark Villas In a recent controversial development on Koh Tao Island, a villa constructed without necessary permissions in a resort named Cape Shark Villas, has been instructed to cease operations by local authorities. An investigation is underway to check if other villas within the resort have conformed to obligatory construction permits. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298825-koh-tao’s-cape-shark-villas-faces-shutdown-over-illegal-construction-claims/