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Explosion at Ratchaburi’s Canal Hotel causes collapse, injures 2 by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Nat Nongphai Facebook An explosion at a renowned hotel in Ratchaburi province caused the building to collapse, injuring two individuals who were promptly hospitalised. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298506-explosion-at-ratchaburi’s-canal-hotel-causes-collapse-injures-2/

An explosion at a renowned hotel in Ratchaburi province caused the building to collapse, injuring two individuals who were promptly hospitalised. The incident occurred at The Canal Hotel in Hua Phai sub-district and was reported at 9.30am today. Officials immediately arrived at the scene, accompanied by representatives from relevant authorities, reported KhaoSod. The gas explosion is reported to have caused the building to give way, with initial reports stating that two people sustained injuries. Both injured individuals were swiftly transported to the hospital for treatment. In the meantime, Pathomboromrachanusorn Foundation and the Hua Phai Sub-district Administrative Organisation are in the process of assessing the damage on-site, with further updates to be provided as the situation progresses. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Nat Nongphai Facebook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/explosion-at-ratchaburis-canal-hotel-causes-collapse-injures-two -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-21 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Phuket Tourism Sees Rebound Amid Influx of Foreign Visitors by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Phuket province is witnessing a surge in international tourists, with Chinese travelers leading the way, followed by those from Russia and Australia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298505-phuket-tourism-sees-rebound-amid-influx-of-foreign-visitors/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Phuket province is witnessing a surge in international tourists, with Chinese travelers leading the way, followed by those from Russia and Australia. Thanawat Oncharoen, Vice President of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), noted that most Chinese tourists are independent travelers, while the number of tour groups from the country remains relatively low. Despite international arrivals standing at 70% of pre-pandemic levels, this figure represents a significant improvement from last year. Phuket authorities are actively seeking to welcome tourists from Kazakhstan and Israel this year to diversify their visitor base. Additionally, the Middle East is expected to contribute to an influx of tourists during this time of the year, as many travelers from the region look forward to enjoying Phuket’s rainy season. Officials said figures for Indian and Australian visitors have already returned to pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the resilience of Phuket’s tourism sector. Meanwhile, Sueksit Suwannaditsakul, President of the Southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, disclosed that hotel occupancy in Phuket held steady at a promising 70% between January and May. The island boasts some 3,000 hotels offering around 200,000 rooms, providing ample accommodation options for travelers. Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Phuket office, reported that Phuket has already welcomed over 6 million domestic and international tourists in the first five months of this year, resulting in a staggering 196 billion baht boost to the local economy. The TAT now expects to welcome a total of 12 million tourists to Phuket this year. by Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230620133653348 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-06-21 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

More doctor and nurse positions to be created in state hospitals Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) have agreed that about 35,000 positions for doctors and 140,000 positions for nurses will be created in the next three years, to address the shortage of medical staff and the brain drain from the state sector, especially among interns. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298504-more-doctor-and-nurse-positions-to-be-created-in-state-hospitals/

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) have agreed that about 35,000 positions for doctors and 140,000 positions for nurses will be created in the next three years, to address the shortage of medical staff and the brain drain from the state sector, especially among interns. Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, deputy permanent secretary of public health, said today (Tuesday) that, in the long-term, about 2,000 additional medical students will be admitted to medical schools each year, resulting in more doctors graduating in the future. Regarding career paths for doctors in state hospitals, the CSC and the Public Health Ministry agreed that certain regulations will be reviewed to upgrade the status of doctors to specialists, as an incentive to prevent them from leaving to join private hospitals, where the pay is higher and the workload is lower, said Dr Taweesin. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/more-doctor-and-nurse-positions-to-be-created-in-state-hospitals/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-21 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Palang Pracharath MPs Poised To ‘Play By The Rules’ In Picking PM By Thai Newsroom Reporters Palang Pracharath MP Thammanat Prompao. Photo: Matichon PALANG PRACHARATH MPs will definitely choose to “play by the rules” in dealing with next month’s voting for prime minister named by the Move Forward which may have mustered endorsement from a majority of elected lawmakers, according to Palang Pracharath MP Thammanat Prompao. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298503-palang-pracharath-mps-poised-to-‘play-by-the-rules’-in-picking-pm/

PALANG PRACHARATH MPs will definitely choose to “play by the rules” in dealing with next month’s voting for prime minister named by the Move Forward which may have mustered endorsement from a majority of elected lawmakers, according to Palang Pracharath MP Thammanat Prompao. Without naming names, the former Palang Pracharath secretary-general today (June 20) made his comments in reference to the Move Forward which has already garnered support from a total of 312 MPs attached to eight coalition partners and been poised to name Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister following the May 14 election. Looking for at least 64 more yea votes from among non-coalition MPs and senators, Pita could probably be endorsed by the Palang Pracharath MPs, among others, to make it legally adequate to assume the top post of the executive branch. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Palang Pracharath MP Thammanat Prompao. Photo: Matichon Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/06/20/palang-pracharath-mps-poised-to-play-by-the-rules-in-picking-pm/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-06-21 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Rumours Over Bhumjaithai Being Brought Into Coalition Govt Dismissed By Thai Newsroom Reporters Bhumjaithai de facto party boss Newin Chidchod. Top photo: Thai Rath FLASH HEARSAY THAT the Bhumjaithai under de facto party boss Newin Chidchob might probably be brought into a Move Forward-led coalition government was categorically dismissed by a deputy Move Forward leader today (June 20). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298502-rumours-over-bhumjaithai-being-brought-into-coalition-govt-dismissed/

FLASH HEARSAY THAT the Bhumjaithai under de facto party boss Newin Chidchob might probably be brought into a Move Forward-led coalition government was categorically dismissed by a deputy Move Forward leader today (June 20). Sirikanya Tansakul denied that some Move Forward MPs had recently held informal talk with Newin over the possibility of having the Bhumjaithai join the eight coalition partners as a ninth partner so that there will be enough yea votes for Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat to become prime minister. The Move Forward-led coalition partners have a combined force of 312 MPs, yet needing at least 64 more to make it adequate for Pita to assume the top post of the executive branch for which the 71 MPs of Newin’s camp might possibly be helpful. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Bhumjaithai de facto party boss Newin Chidchod. Top photo: Thai Rath Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/06/20/rumours-over-bhumjaithai-being-brought-into-coalition-govt-dismissed/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-06-21 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 21 June 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1298501-thailand-live-wednesday-21-june-2023/

Ruangkrai launches new bid to prevent Pita from becoming prime minister Serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has urged the Election Commission (EC) to ask the Constitutional Court to rule on whether Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat is qualified to be an MP, in his latest solo crusade to prevent the party’s candidate from becoming prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298500-ruangkrai-launches-new-bid-to-prevent-pita-from-becoming-prime-minister/

MOVE FORWARD leader and prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat has caught Covid-19 for the third time and as he is now self-isolating a meeting of the eight-partner coalition government scheduled for Thursday June 22 has been put off to next week, Matichon newspaper said this evening (June 20). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298499-pita-catches-covid-for-the-third-time-coalition-talks-put-off/

Serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has urged the Election Commission (EC) to ask the Constitutional Court to rule on whether Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat is qualified to be an MP, in his latest solo crusade to prevent the party’s candidate from becoming prime minister. Now that the EC has confirmed all 500 MPs in the House of Representatives, Ruangkrai cited Section 98 of the Constitution, saying that, if there is doubt about the qualification of an electoral candidate, because he or she may hold stakes in a media company, the EC can ask the Constitutional Court to consider the case. The activist also said that, according to Section 82 of the Constitution, one-tenth of the MPs or senators can ask the House or the Senate speaker to send their motion to consider the qualification of Pita to the Constitutional Court. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ruangkrai-launches-new-bid-to-prevent-pita-from-becoming-prime-minister/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-21 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Pita gets COVID-19, quarantines and suspends activities for a while Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be able to attend a meeting of leaders of the eight coalition parties scheduled for this Thursday, said Chaithawat Tulathon, the party secretary-general, today (Tuesday). He also said that Pita will miss a seminar with all the party’s MPs, which starts tomorrow, but is expected to recover and be able to join the MPs in reporting to parliament on June 27th. In his Facebook post today, Pita warned people who were close to him in the past week to monitor themselves for any symptoms. He said that he started to develop symptoms on Sunday, after his return from a visit to Chiang Mai to thank supporters, adding that he then confined himself to home and did not venture outdoors. He conducted a rapid antigen test today, which showed a positive result. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pita-gets-covid-19-quarantines-and-suspends-activities-for-a-while/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-21 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

MOVE FORWARD leader and prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat has caught Covid-19 for the third time and as he is now self-isolating a meeting of the eight-partner coalition government scheduled for Thursday June 22 has been put off to next week, Matichon newspaper said this evening (June 20). Mr. Chaitawat Tulathon, Move Forward’s secretary-general, said while this key meeting has been postponed a seminar to be attended by Move Forward’s new MPs scheduled for June 21-23 will continue with him standing in on Pita’s behalf. After returning from a visit to the North to thank people for supporting Move Forward on June 16 Pita has not visited his party’s head office and held online conferences instead. by TNR Staff Move Forward leader/prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/06/20/pita-catches-covid-for-the-third-time-coalition-talks-put-off/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-06-21 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

A baht bus operator in Chiang Mai has recently implemented stricter measures in response to viral TikTok videos featuring a provocative Chinese woman on one of their buses in the province. On Friday, June 16, a Chinese woman, under the TikTok handle @huanxi59, posted a video that quickly gained attention. The video showcased her seated on the baht bus floor, gradually removing her shirt until only her bra remained. She then proceeded to lower her pants, exposing her revealing underwear. Several other videos on her account suggest a focus on explicit content. The Thai location is evident from the Thai registration plate on the vehicle following her car. Additionally, one video displayed her dining at a renowned restaurant in Chiang Mai, dressed provocatively, further confirming the location. Nattawut Chotthaweepoon, the President of Sahakorn Lanna Company, responsible for operating baht buses in Chiang Mai, informed the media that he had viewed the videos following their rapid circulation on Thai social media. by Petch Petpailin Photo via TikTok @huanxi59 Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/tik-shock-baht-bus-operator-gets-tough-on-risque-ride-with-chinese-viral-vixen -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-20 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Police questioned four witnesses last night (Monday), who delivered 28 million baht in cash in four suitcases to police officers implicated in the online gambling extortion controversy at a temple in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai. According to an informed police source, the four people were captured on CCTV with the four cases. The source said that the 28 million baht, just a portion of the 140 million baht reportedly extorted by the police gang, was raised by an individual only identified as “Pe”, one of the operators of the illegal online gambling platform, from his associates in a neighbouring country. The money was transferred into several “mule” accounts in Thailand, then withdrawn and sent to Pe to be delivered to the police gang in Chiang Rai by the four couriers. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/couriers-who-delivered-฿28m-cash-to-the-police-extortion-gang-questioned/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-20 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

A prominent Thai lawyer, known for providing free legal advice via his popular Facebook page, has called for the probe into Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat to be dropped. In a letter submitted to the Election Commission yesterday, June 19, Ratchapol Sirisakhon described the investigation into Pita’s alleged shareholdings in a media firm as “unfair” and suggested the activist who filed the complaint should be sued instead. Political activist and serial moaner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana had filed a complaint with the Election Commission, asking for Pita to be disqualified as an election candidate. He accuses the PM candidate of holding 42,000 shares in a media company, which he says is still operating, despite evidence to the contrary. By Peter Roche PHOTO: Facebook/ทนายรัชพล ศิริสาคร Fanpage Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/prominent-thai-lawyer-calls-for-pita-investigation-to-be-dropped/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-06-20 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

On Jun 10, Channel 3 aired an episode of Take Me Out Thailand that featured the 22 years old American guy who goes by the nickname, Tangmo. He got blacked out (all the women turned off the lights for him, meaning, no one chose him). He said admittedly that he believes in the conservative rules, that men are the leaders and providers and women are the followers. Women have to stay home and be “แม่ศรีเรือน” mae sri ruen (a Thai term for women who stay at home, cook, and worship their husband). DJ Tonhorm (Sakuntala Thianphairot), the woman host on the show then asked, what if a woman can make more money than he can, would she have to give up her better-paying career so she could just be mae sri ruen for him? He said that would never happen because there would be a screening process first and he wouldn’t pick the ones who are like that, and usually a working, successful woman can’t find a husband anyways. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50009/take-me-out-thailand-tangmos-disgraceful-mindset-towards-women-is-unwelcome-in-our-society/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2023-06-20 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

A grieving mother is reeling after her eldest son was shot dead at a restaurant-pub during the ordination ceremony of her middle child. The tragedy unfolded in Thailand’s Chachoengsao province and resulted in two fatalities. In an incident that has left a family devastated, the fatal shooting took place at a restaurant-pub in the Plaeng Yao district. The mother sadly lost her 27 year old son while celebrating the Buddhist ordination of her middle child. Two people lost their lives in the attack. According to the mother, the emotional day began with the ordination ceremony of her middle son at 3pm, followed by a lively Chinese-style banquet with family and friends. At around midnight, her eldest son took relatives and friends to the restaurant where the tragedy occurred. At around 2am, the mother learnt of her son’s death. The girlfriend of the second victim, a 28 year old man, expressed her shock and grief at the sudden loss, stating she felt deeply let down by the restaurant’s management. She revealed that they were prohibited from taking photos during the ceremony to invite the spirit of the deceased and that she was threatened with a lawsuit if any pictures were taken, reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Thairath Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/grief-stricken-mother-loses-son-in-chachoengsao-restaurant-shooting-during-ordination-ceremony -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-20 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

A tragic incident occurred in a hut in the middle of a paddy field in Chaiyaphum province, where a 73 year old father killed his 46 year old son. The son had just been released from prison three days earlier and had threatened the lives of his parents. The father confessed to the crime after presenting himself to the police. At the crime scene, the lifeless body of the 46 year old son was found near a bamboo hut. The main suspect was identified as the victim’s 73 year old father, who had fled the scene after the incident. He later surrendered at a police station in Khon Kaen province before giving a statement. The father revealed that his son had just been released from prison after serving time for drug offences and had returned home three days ago. Throughout the three days, the son neither helped with chores nor stopped involving himself with drugs. Instead, he frequently argued with his father and even threatened to kill him, reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of ข่าวภูเขียว เพื่อคนชัยภูมิ Facebook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/elderly-father-kills-recently-released-son-amid-threats-in-chaiyaphum-province -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-20 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Authorities have issued a statement addressing a viral video of an intense confrontation at a petrol station, in which a hot-headed young man and his father were apprehended. The incident occurred on Sunday in Prachinburi province, Thailand, and involved the father of the young man attempting to obstruct police during the arrest. The youth was charged with two offences, while the father was charged with obstructing law enforcement and property damage. The video, shared on the ‘Jae Moy V+’ page, depicts several police officers arresting a motorcyclist at a petrol station in Si Maha Phot district. The incident took place on Sunday at around 9.15am. The police, led by Sub Lt. Samhak Boonprakrong, Deputy Chief of Si Maha Phot Police Station, had been informed about an unregistered motorcycle with loud exhaust and modifications resembling racing vehicles being driven on public roads. When officers tried to stop the vehicle for inspection at the Kok Khwang intersection, the motorcyclist refused to stop and instead entered the PTT petrol station in Kok Khwang. The police then followed and requested the biker, identified as Suwit, to stop for inspection. Suwit was driving a white and red Yamaha motorcycle without a registration plate. It was revealed that Suwit was using his father’s bike to refuel before going on a trip. by Nattapong Westwood Top Picture courtesy of Khaosod Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/heated-petrol-station-confrontation-leads-to-father-and-sons-arrest-in-prachinburi-province -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-20 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Five criminals and a kidnapping victim were apprehended by police late last night in Rom Klao, Bangkok. The authorities discovered six firearms and 61 rounds of ammunition in two suspicious vehicles during an alcohol checkpoint inspection near a shopping mall in Min Buri district. After stopping two suspicious vehicles passing through their alcohol checkpoint, police officers found a man shouting for help from inside a white Chevrolet Sonic. The authorities then searched both the Chevrolet and a red Toyota Yaris, finding five people and various weapons in both cars, including six firearms and 61 rounds of ammunition. The victim, 40 year old Uten, revealed that he had been dining at a restaurant in the Rom Klao area when he heard someone shouting, and two armed men approached him. Despite his confusion, his friends tried to intervene, but the assailants forced Uten into a car. One in five kidnappers was a known acquaintance of the victim, although they had no prior quarrels. During the ordeal, the group informed Uten that they intended to kill him, leaving him no doubt about his fate. His life was saved, however, when he encountered the police checkpoint and cried for help. by Nattapong Westwood TOP PHOTO: Khaosod Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bangkok-police-foil-kidnapping-attempt-5-arrested-and-weapons-seized-at-alcohol-checkpoint -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-20 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been called upon to investigate the alleged misconduct of the former acting head of the Public Warehouse Organization (PWO) in Thailand, which has led to losses of over a billion baht. The cassava scandal case revolves around the disappearance of approximately 30,000 tonnes of cassava, originally valued at 210 million baht, during a 2008 government pledging project. The lost cassava stock, which has since reportedly increased in value to over a billion baht, vanished from twelve privately owned warehouses that had been contracted by the government to store the produce. The missing stock of the cassava scandal was initially uncovered by a 2020 ad hoc inspection committee, which included representatives from PWO, the Internal Trade Department, the Department of Foreign Trade, and the warehouse owners themselves. by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/ex-pwo-chief-probed-over-billion-baht-cassava-loss-from-thai-warehouses -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-20 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.