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to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 25 July 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1333770-thailand-live-thursday-25-july-2024/

Srettha Thavisin. File photo courtesy: NNT The Constitutional Court has announced a verdict date of August 14 for an impeachment lawsuit against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The case could determine whether the Pheu Thai-affiliated leader remains in office. Thai PM Faces Judgment Day Over Minister Nomination on Aug. 14 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333769-thai-pm-faces-judgment-day-over-minister-nomination-on-aug-14/

Srettha Thavisin. File photo courtesy: NNT The Constitutional Court has announced a verdict date of August 14 for an impeachment lawsuit against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The case could determine whether the Pheu Thai-affiliated leader remains in office. The charges stem from the appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. Forty former senators allege that Srettha violated the constitution and ethical codes by appointing Pichit despite his controversial and criminal past. Should the court find Srettha guilty, he could be impeached, resulting in his immediate removal from office. The former lawmakers argue that Srettha must have been aware of Pichit's shady history. Pichit was previously Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyer in a high-profile Bangkok land case. Notably, he was jailed for six months in 2008 for contempt of court after bribing Supreme Court officials with two million baht hidden in food bags. Srettha claimed he had consulted the Council of State regarding the legal implications of appointing Pichit. Despite this, Pichit stepped down from his ministerial role amid public pressure. However, the plaintiffs argue that Srettha's decision to appoint Pichit in the first place constitutes an irreversible mistake warranting impeachment. Critics assert that Thaksin, the influential and controversial former prime minister, orchestrated the appointment of his former lawyer. Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, another former prime minister now living in exile, has also been implicated in exerting influence over Srettha. Despite these allegations, Srettha maintains he operates independently and denies being manipulated by the Shinawatra family. As the court date looms, many Thai citizens are watching closely, aware that the ruling could have significant implications for Srettha’s political future and Pheu Thai’s grip on power. The upcoming judgment will surely add another chapter to Thailand’s tumultuous political landscape. -- 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

A Saurya Airlines aircraft carrying 19 people crashed during takeoff at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, leaving 18 dead. Only the pilot has survived. The ill-fated flight, bound for Pokhara, met with disaster around 11am today, according to news agency PTI. Premnath Thakur, spokesperson for the airport, confirmed the crash and reported the tragic loss of lives. Police and firefighters immediately launched rescue operations at the scene. A security official revealed that the pilot was rushed to hospital but refrained from providing further details. Eyewitness accounts described the harrowing moments as the plane caught fire, releasing a significant plume of smoke, reported news portal Khabarhub. Emergency services swiftly extinguished the blaze, but the damage had already been done. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ 200 jet, was part of Saurya Airlines’ fleet, primarily used to connect hard-to-reach areas and tourist destinations across Nepal. Despite the country’s burgeoning air industry, safety concerns remain prevalent due to inadequate training and maintenance. Consequently, the European Union has banned all Nepali carriers from its airspace. Nepal has a troubling history of aviation disasters, averaging one flight catastrophe per year. Since 2010, there have been at least 12 fatal crashes. In January 2023, a Yeti Airlines flight tragically crashed near Pokhara, killing all 72 people on board. Similarly, in May 2022, a Tara Air plane went down in the Mustang district, resulting in 22 fatalities. Another notable disaster occurred in 2018, when a US-Bangla Airlines flight crash-landed near Kathmandu, claiming 51 lives and seriously injuring 20 others, reported Hindustan Times. In related news, Taliban officials confirmed that a plane, en route from Pattaya, Thailand, to Russia, crashed in Afghanistan on January 21, resulting in the loss of two lives, while four passengers managed to survive. The chartered Dassault Aviation AM.PA Falcon 10 aircraft took off from the U-Tapao International Airport in Pattaya on January 20 with six passengers bound for Moscow, Russia. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of BBC Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket canal blackened by boat engine soot, not oil spill by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of PR Phuket Black water in Klong Tha Jeen, located on the east side of Phuket Town, was traced back to soot from a boat engine, according to the Phuket Marine Office. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333714-phuket-canal-blackened-by-boat-engine-soot-not-oil-spill/

Black water in Klong Tha Jeen, located on the east side of Phuket Town, was traced back to soot from a boat engine, according to the Phuket Marine Office. The incident occurred yesterday when soot from the engine of a boat named Jovana caused black water to appear on the canal’s surface. A tip-off was received around 11am, yesterday, July 23, reporting the presence of black water near the Sikit boatyard. Initial concerns suggested a serious oil spill had contaminated the water. Upon arrival at the boatyard on Srisuthat Road in Ratsada, officers spoke with the boatyard’s owner. The owner explained that the issue began around 10am when the Jovana was brought in for repair and maintenance. The boat was undergoing preparations for painting and other improvements said the owner. “While bringing the Jovana into the boatyard, complications arose due to the high tide.” This situation forced the boat operator to rev the engine to prevent the vessel from slipping and potentially damaging other nearby moored boats. The manoeuvre led to a significant amount of soot dispersing into the water, resulting in the observed black stains. Despite the efforts, the attempt to bring the Jovana into the boatyard was ultimately unsuccessful, reported The Phuket News. Officers reported plans to summon the boat owner and operator for further questioning. In the meantime, they issued an order to cease the use of the boat until necessary repairs are completed to prevent a recurrence of the incident. In related news, the Thai police investigated the appearance of black water at a beach in Rayong, finding a foul odour but no dead marine life. It is suspected that wastewater flowed into the sea following heavy rain over the past week. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, along with the Eastern Gulf of Thailand Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center and the Rayong Marine and Coastal Resources Office, conducted an environmental quality inspection at the site. by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of PR Phuket Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-24 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Motorcycle sales fall 10% as Thai Honda faces sluggish market by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Pattarapong Chatpattarasill Motorcycle sales dipped by 10% year-on-year during the first half of the year, affecting major players like Thai Honda Co, a leading motorcycle manufacturer and distributor, which is grappling with a sluggish market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333709-motorcycle-sales-fall-10-as-thai-honda-faces-sluggish-market/

Motorcycle sales dipped by 10% year-on-year during the first half of the year, affecting major players like Thai Honda Co, a leading motorcycle manufacturer and distributor, which is grappling with a sluggish market. The downturn is attributed to slow economic growth of 1.5% in the first quarter, more stringent bank criteria for auto loans, and a weakened export sector, according to Yuichi Shimizu, President of Thai Honda. “High household debt that stands at 91% of GDP and weak consumer purchasing power caused people to be more cautious about spending. They are worried about the current economic situation.” Between January and June, Thai Honda’s sales declined by 7% year-on-year, reaching 800,000 units. Shimizu expressed concerns that the economic landscape in the second half of the year would not see a significant improvement, potentially keeping the automotive industry, including motorcycle sales, in a continued state of sluggishness. The firm anticipates local motorcycle sales in 2024 to be around 1.65 to 1.70 million units. For Thai Honda specifically, the company projects its sales to be between 1.36 to 1.40 million units. Despite the downturn, Honda motorcycles in the family segment retain popularity among Thai consumers, holding a market share of 45%, while the automatic transmission (AT) segment commands a market share of 51 to 55%. Shimizu highlighted that Chinese electric motorcycle manufacturers pose a growing challenge to traditional motorcycle makers, especially those accustomed to internal combustion engine technology, as they must adapt to increasingly tough market competition. Thai Honda’s electric motorcycle sales are projected to rise to 30,000 units in 2024, up from 21,000 units in 2023. During the first half of this year, the company sold 13,600 electric motorcycles, Shimizu added. “The company plans to increase battery swapping stations to serve electric motorcycles. We are conducting a feasibility study on this plan.” Currently, Thai Honda aims to establish a total of 44 battery-swapping stations. In the electric motorcycle rental sector, the company plans to expand its fleet to 800 units, up from the current 600 units, reported Bangkok Post. by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Pattarapong Chatpattarasill Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-24 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Myanmar chef murder suspect arrested in Bangkok by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A young man has been arrested for the murder of a 46 year old Myanmar chef, whose body was discovered after two days in a rented room in Samut Prakan’s Bang Phli district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333707-myanmar-chef-murder-suspect-arrested-in-bangkok/

A young man has been arrested for the murder of a 46 year old Myanmar chef, whose body was discovered after two days in a rented room in Samut Prakan’s Bang Phli district. The incident has taken a disturbing turn as the suspect revealed his motives and the sequence of events leading up to the crime. Police apprehended 24 year old Ye Lin Lin from Myanmar, outside a shopping mall in Bangkok’s Rama II area. This arrest was made yesterday, July 23, at 4pm, following the discovery of the victim’s mobile phone and ATM card in Ye’s possession. The suspect had attempted to sell the phone near the mall, which ultimately led to his capture. Through an interpreter, Ye recounted his arrival in Thailand through Mae Sot with intentions to find work. Initially, he sought employment in Chon Buri but was unsuccessful, leading him to Bang Phli where he met the victim. The victim invited him to stay in his room while he looked for work, and for nine days, Ye lived with the victim, who provided him with food and shelter. Trouble began when the victim started a relationship with a younger Thai man and began bringing the new partner into the room. This sparked jealousy and led to frequent arguments. According to Ye, during one such altercation, the victim pushed him, causing him to hit his head against a wall. The situation escalated when both parties armed themselves with knives, resulting in Ye slashing the victim’s throat. As the victim fell, the suspect used the victim’s knife to stab him repeatedly. “I tried to cover his mouth, but it wasn’t enough, so I stuffed a cloth in his mouth.” Aftermath and confession After ensuring the victim was dead, Ye washed up, changed clothes, and bandaged his head to avoid suspicion. He then disposed of the blood-stained clothes and the murder weapon by throwing them into a canal near a HomePro store, leaving another knife in the room. Following the crime, Ye travelled to the Mo Chit area but struggled due to his inability to speak or understand Thai. He ended up sleeping in public areas, including bus stops near Big C Rama II. He used the victim’s ATM card to withdraw money and sold the mobile phone for 700 baht. Ye explained that he did not return to Myanmar to avoid military conscription and battlefield duties. He expressed regret, bowing and apologising to the Thai people, urging others not to follow in his footsteps. Police Colonel Pairoj Phetploy of Bang Phli Police Station stated that the victim and the suspect had known each other for nine days and had quickly become romantically involved. The investigation will continue with further questioning and legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-24 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Marijuana U-Turn Stirs Debate on Leadership in Thailand Thepthai Senapong. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia In a surprising turn of events, Thailand's Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader, Anutin Charnvirakil, stated yesterday (23rd July) that the government would pivot towards legislating marijuana for medical use, retracting its earlier intention to re-criminalise the plant by the year's end. This sudden shift has prompted former MP Thepthai Senapong to question the actual influence behind the nation's leadership. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333704-marijuana-u-turn-stirs-debate-on-leadership-in-thailand/

Thepthai Senapong. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia In a surprising turn of events, Thailand's Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader, Anutin Charnvirakil, stated yesterday (23rd July) that the government would pivot towards legislating marijuana for medical use, retracting its earlier intention to re-criminalise the plant by the year's end. This sudden shift has prompted former MP Thepthai Senapong to question the actual influence behind the nation's leadership. Thepthai, a former Democrat lawmaker, took to Facebook to express his concerns, pointing out that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had initially campaigned on a promise to relist marijuana as a narcotic. After assuming office, Srettha reiterated his commitment to this policy, aiming to re-criminalise marijuana by the end of the year. However, Anutin, whose decriminalisation efforts began on June 9, 2022, when he was the public health minister, strongly opposed the move. This policy shift was his initiative under the previous administration led by Prayut Chan-o-cha, now de facto head of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and a privy councillor. The plan to relist marijuana as a narcotic was shelved after Srettha’s meeting with Anutin and Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin. The consensus reached was to proceed with a legislative approach. A draft law had been submitted under the prior administration but was not voted on due to the parliament's dissolution ahead of last year's election. “It will be a matter of law and debated in parliament where there is already a draft law,” Prommin Lertsuridej, the prime minister's secretary-general, said in an interview. "Whether it is a narcotic or not is up to parliament." Thepthai argued that this retreat from re-criminalisation demonstrates a significant defeat of another key policy from Srettha. This policy shift is thought to have been influenced by a weekend gathering in Khao Yai, where high-profile figures like de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra were seen with Anutin in a convivial setting. As the government quickly addresses the marijuana issue, Thepthai's query remains: Who truly holds the reins of power in Thailand? -- 2024-07-24 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Teen Killed and Father Injured in Saraburi Home Attack Picture courtesy: Khaosod online A tragic incident in Saraburi has resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy with his throat slashed and severe injuries to his 40-year-old father. Police are intensifying their investigation into the case and have summoned family members for questioning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333703-teen-killed-and-father-injured-in-saraburi-home-attack/

A tragic incident in Saraburi has resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy with his throat slashed and severe injuries to his 40-year-old father. Police are intensifying their investigation into the case and have summoned family members for questioning. The brutal killing of 14-year-old Boonsin Kusri and the serious injury of his father, Boonrit Kusri, at their home is under close scrutiny by the police. The incident was reported by Sombat Phonsing, a deputy inspector at Ban Mo Police Station. Officers were dispatched to the scene at house number 134, Moo 4, Nong Bua Sub-district, Ban Mo District, along with rescue workers from Sawang Rattanatrai Dhammasathan Saraburi and forensic experts. The crime scene was a single-storey house elevated about one metre from the ground, with zinc walls. Inside, Boonsin was found lying on his back in his bedroom, shirtless and wearing black sports shorts, with a deep cut on his throat, which had caused extensive bleeding. His father, Boonrit, was also found with a severe neck wound and was rushed to Ban Mo Hospital for treatment. A 20-centimetre kitchen knife, stained with blood, was discovered under the stairs. A piece of paper with the number 1169 written in blood was also found in front of the room. Forensic officers collected these items as evidence. Manasvet Thong-im, the chief of Ban Mo Police Station, mentioned that the perpetrator is currently unknown. The police are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby cameras and awaiting autopsy results from the forensic team in Saraburi Province. All potential motives, including external threats, internal family issues, and close relations, are being considered. The police called in 75-year-old Bangonrat Kusri and 66-year-old Lerdchai Kusri, the grandparents of Boonsin, for questioning, which lasted over two hours. They are also interviewing three additional witnesses to gather more information. It was revealed that Bangonrat had moved the knife under the stairs, initially found near a fan in the bedroom, to prevent it from obstructing the investigation. Surveillance footage also captured Lerdchai riding a motorcycle back from the market, passing by the house about one kilometre away from the crime scene, reported KhaoSod. The police continue to piece together the timeline and circumstances of the incident, but the exact cause of death and the motive behind the attack remain unclear. Boonsin's body has been sent for a detailed autopsy at Srinakharinwirot University Hospital in Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province. Picture courtesy: Khaosod online -- 2024-07-24 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Missing Australian man found in Bangkok by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Sonny Rhyl on Facebook via Daily Mail UK An Australian man who had been missing for two weeks in Thailand has been found but he refuses to speak. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333687-australian-father-seeks-help-to-find-missing-son-in-phuket/?do=findComment&comment=19088625

Missing Australian man found in Bangkok by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Sonny Rhyl on Facebook via Daily Mail UK An Australian man who had been missing for two weeks in Thailand has been found but he refuses to speak. The missing Aussie’s father had sought help in finding his 28 year old son, Kieran James Cramer, who had been missing for 15 days. Cramer, a nursing student, vanished shortly after arriving in Thailand on July 1. He last contacted his family on July 7 from Bangkok, just before he was due to travel to Phuket. For 15 agonising days, his worried family had no idea where he was or if he was safe. Kieran’s father, 55 year old Darren Stephen Cramer, flew from Australia to Thailand to join the frantic search for his son, who has not been heard from since arriving in the country. Fearing for his son’s safety, Cramer filed reports with the Chalong Police, the Australian embassy, and even Interpol. This morning, Cramer shared a bittersweet update with Daily Mail Australia. “We found him in Bangkok but he won’t talk to us. We are very worried about his safety at the moment.” Despite locating Kieran, the mystery surrounding his disappearance has only deepened. He had not registered in any hotels, complicating efforts to track his movements. The reasons for his silence and the details of his two-week ordeal remain unknown, leaving his family in a state of anxious uncertainty. Rungnapa Phutkaew, President of the Phuket Lawyers Council, confirmed that the older Cramer approached the volunteer lawyers and police for help. Cramer stated that his son’s last known location was in Bangkok but he was scheduled to be in Phuket by yesterday. Despite efforts to contact him, there has been no communication for over two weeks, raising concerns about his safety, reported Daily Mail UK. “We are deeply worried about Kieran’s well-being and are appealing to the public for any information that might help us locate him.” Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-24 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Thai woman visits 2 jailed ex-boyfriends who stab her over jealousy by Petch Petpailin Photo via DailyNewssth A Thai woman stabbed in the chest by two of her ex-boyfriends visited Phetchaburi Provincial Court to visit them after their arrest, admitting she still loved them. Her current boyfriend, who was cut on his ear, was not aware of the visit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333698- knife-attack-in-phetchaburi-leaves-three-injured/?do=findComment&comment=19088598

Thai woman visits 2 jailed ex-boyfriends who stab her over jealousy by Petch Petpailin Photo via DailyNewssth A Thai woman stabbed in the chest by two of her ex-boyfriends visited Phetchaburi Provincial Court to visit them after their arrest, admitting she still loved them. Her current boyfriend, who was cut on his ear, was not aware of the visit. Three injured victims, a Thai woman named Wassana, her boyfriend Dream, and her older sister Salaiporn, were admitted to hospital on the night of July 21 with stab and cut wounds. Wassana suffered the most serious injury, with a knife embedded in her chest. The attackers were Wassana’s ex-boyfriends, 32 year old Nueng and 30 year old Mui. The two fled the scene but were arrested the following day at their homes in the southern province of Phetchaburi. The pair face three charges, including: Section 288 of the Criminal Laws: whoever murders another shall be punished with life imprisonment or imprisonment from 15 to 20 years. For attempted murder, they would be punished with half the sentence of Section 288. Section 295 of the Criminal Law: assaulting another person, causing both physical and mental harm. The penalty is imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. Section 235 of the Criminal Law: trespassing at night using violent force. The penalty is imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. They were temporarily imprisoned at Phetchaburi Provincial Court awaiting trial. Their bail requests had not yet been considered. After being discharged from the hospital, Wassana visited the two imprisoned ex-boyfriends at the court at about 2pm yesterday, July 23. Wassana also gave a media interview after visiting her exes. She revealed more details about the stabbing, saying she arrived home from work and found the two ex-boyfriends drinking alcohol outside her home. Wassana did not greet them. She ignored them and rushed to her bedroom where her current boyfriend, Dream, was waiting. She had a sweet conversation with Dream, making the two attackers, who overheard the conversation, feel jealous and angry. Wassana admitted that she still loved and worried about the two men, so she came to visit them without her boyfriend’s knowledge. She added that she just wanted to encourage them and hoped they could get bail. ORIGINAL STORY: 2 Thai men attack ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend with knives Two unhinged jealous ex-boyfriends managed to evade arrest following a vicious knife attack on their ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend at her home in the southern province of Phetchaburi. A medical team at Cha-am Hospital reported the stabbing to Cha-am Police Station after three victims were admitted to surgery on Sunday night, July 21. The Thai man, Dream, was cut on his left ear, his 25 year old girlfriend Wassana was stabbed in the chest and Wassana’s older sister, Salaiporn, suffered a cut to her left arm. Wassana was initially in critical condition but Cha-am Hospital later confirmed to the police that she was safe. Salaiporn told the police that the attackers were Wassana’s ex-boyfriends, 29 year old Nueang and 31 year old Mui. Salaiporn said Nueang and Mui came to her home, where she lived with Wassana and her boyfriend Dream, to drink alcohol. Unexpectedly, Nueang and Mui grabbed two knives and rushed to a bedroom where Dream was resting. A heated argument ensued and the two attackers cut Dream’s left ear. According to Salaiporn, the electricity then went out, intensifying the chaos. Wassana intervened to protect her boyfriend and suddenly screamed out in the darkness. Salaiporn used her mobile phone’s torch to check on her sister and found a knife embedded in her chest. She called the hospital while the two attackers fled the scene. Both Thai men have yet to be apprehended and remain at large. A similar story was reported in May when a Thai man was attacked by his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend after they accidentally stayed next door to each other at a hotel in the Isaan province of Buriram. In June, another Thai woman was physically assaulted by her ex-boyfriend who lived near her in the eastern province of Rayong. The ex-boyfriend came to her workplace and repeatedly beat her up and hit her with a keyboard, leaving her with serious injuries. Another related case was reported last week when a 17 year old Thai woman was brutally assaulted by her ex-boyfriend. She had requested to break up with him due to his abusive behaviour, but he refused and repeatedly attacked her with a knife. Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-24 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Digital Wallet Scheme: Over 1 Million Vendors Join Reference picture courtesy: Thai PBS Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to provide further details on the government’s flagship digital wallet scheme today. According to a government statement issued yesterday, over 1 million shops and vendors have registered to participate in the initiative. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333701-digital-wallet-scheme-over-1-million-vendors-join/

Reference picture courtesy: Thai PBS Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to provide further details on the government’s flagship digital wallet scheme today. According to a government statement issued yesterday, over 1 million shops and vendors have registered to participate in the initiative. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the announcement will focus on the requirements for eligible recipients to obtain and use the digital money, with more details to be released next week. The participating vendors include over 500,000 stores under the Thai Retailers Association, 150,000 government-certified Blue Flag low-cost shops and food stalls, and approximately 500,000 street food vendors, according to Phumtham, who also serves as the commerce minister. Both sellers and eligible recipients are expected to complete registration before the distribution of funds begins in October. Addressing questions about the inclusion of 7-Eleven stores in the program, Phumtham indicated that the convenience store chain, with around 15,000 branches nationwide, is anticipated to be part of the digital wallet scheme. The digital wallet scheme, estimated to cost up to 500 billion baht, is the flagship stimulus policy of the Pheu Thai-led coalition. Funding concerns have delayed its introduction twice this year. Additionally, the plan has faced criticism from economists and two former central bank governors, who have labeled it fiscally irresponsible. The Thai premier and the Ministry of Finance announced that the registration period for the 10,000-baht handout will begin on August 1 and conclude 45 days later. Eligible individuals must be Thai nationals and at least 16 years old by September 30, meaning they must have been born before October 1, 2008. To qualify, applicants must have no more than 500,000 baht in their bank accounts, according to their 2023 tax year filing records, and their annual income must be under 840,000 baht. The distribution of funds will begin on October 1 and continue for six months, as confirmed by Phumtham and the ministry. The money must be spent within the district where recipients are registered; however, officials are still finalizing the list of permissible and prohibited purchases. Phumtham shared an updated list of 18 goods and services excluded from the handout, including government lotteries, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, jewelry, electrical appliances, electronic devices, communication devices, and petrol. -- 2024-07-24 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Thai teen attacked by neighbour after unfriending on Facebook by Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Pixabay from pexels.com A 14 year old girl was attacked by a neighbour at her home after unfriending them on Facebook. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the minors involved. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333690-hot-tempered-neighbour-slaps-teenager-for-unfriending-him-on-facebook/?do=findComment&comment=19088419

Thai teen attacked by neighbour after unfriending on Facebook by Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Pixabay from pexels.com A 14 year old girl was attacked by a neighbour at her home after unfriending them on Facebook. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the minors involved. The attack occurred after the girl’s aunt requested help from activist Kan Chom Phalang. The neighbour, angered by the girl unfriending them on Facebook, stormed into the house and assaulted her. This neighbour had previously sent threatening messages to the girl’s sister through her and even attacked the sister twice for not helping sell kratom juice. Kan Chom Phalang expressed his disbelief at the situation. “This is absurd. The neighbour has no right to assault her for unfriending them on Facebook.” On the latest development, Kan Chom Phalang accompanied the victim to meet with the superintendent of Bang Phli Police Station. The family reported the matter on July 18, and the police assured full cooperation in the case. Physical assaults However, the girl’s family revealed that they had faced threats and harassment from the neighbour before. The girl’s aunt explained that the neighbour had been aggressive towards her sister for not selling kratom juice, leading to physical assaults within the house. The attack on the 14 year old girl happened while she was still in her school uniform. The neighbour, after committing the act, threatened the entire family and had a companion film the incident, later sharing the footage publicly. Bang Phli Police Station superintendent confirmed that they are investigating the case and have identified the perpetrator. The police are also coordinating with professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of the girl during this process. The girl’s father initially decided not to pursue the case further but her mother, who works in Chon Buri, insisted on seeking justice upon learning about the assault. The police have considered the legal implications of the assault. The attack, which occurred at 7am, constitutes trespassing and physical assault. The severity of the assault charge depends on the medical assessment of the injury, which the girl has not undergone yet. Police are relying on the video evidence to proceed with the case. Drug-related offences The police assured the family that they would protect the victim and have increased patrols in the area. They also noted that the perpetrator has no outstanding warrants but has a history of drug-related offences, the superintendent mentioned. “We will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the victim and bring the perpetrator to justice.” The issue of kratom juice sales has also been highlighted. The police have been working to eliminate the sale of kratom juice in the area, which has affected students negatively. The family of the victim hopes that the authorities will take strict action against the neighbour to prevent further incidents. The girl’s mother is expected to provide additional statements to the police, which will help clarify the situation further. The police are determined to proceed with the case, ensuring that the legal process is followed thoroughly, reported Khaosod. -- 2024-07-24 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese woman arrested over illegal passport ad in Thailand Picture courtesy: Matichon A Chinese woman has been detained by Royal Thai Police (RTP) for her involvement in placing a controversial advertisement promoting passport services for relocating to another country in the Huai Khwang district of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333699-chinese-woman-arrested-over-illegal-passport-ad-in-thailand/

Picture courtesy: Matichon A Chinese woman has been detained by Royal Thai Police (RTP) for her involvement in placing a controversial advertisement promoting passport services for relocating to another country in the Huai Khwang district of Bangkok. The suspect, known as Nasu, stood accused of acting as an intermediary for a Hong Kong company. The operation, spearheaded by senior RTP officials Thiti Sangsawang and Itthiphon Itthisarnronchai, sought to apprehend Nasu at her condominium. Upon her arrest, she was taken to the Investigation Division of the Immigration Bureau, where she disclosed her role. According to Nasu, she received instructions via a Chinese application and coordinated through LINE, a popular messaging app in Thailand. Nasu organized the rental and installation of the advertisement for a monthly payment of 150,000 baht for rental and 60,000 baht for creating the sign. For her efforts, she earned US$500, approximately 17,000 baht, per advertisement. Despite her central role, Nasu claimed she did not know the contractor's identity, identifying them solely through a picture on LINE. The authorities have charged Nasu with working without the necessary permits and are investigating further to identify those responsible for commissioning the advertisement. Huai Khwang District Director has clarified that the building where the controversial sign was placed lacked the proper permits. “There is no corruption among our officials,” he asserted. The Immigration Bureau added that the advertisement had no connections with obtaining Thai nationality, calling it purely another country’s government’s prerogative. The billboard, which promoted passport services in Chinese for relocating abroad, has now been removed from its spot at Huai Khwang intersection. As the investigation continues, Thai authorities are determined to uncover the masterminds behind this operation to clamp down on such illegal activities. RELATED TOPIC Bangkok Billboard Offering Foreign Passports for Sale Raises Concerns https://aseannow.com/topic/1333590-bangkok-billboard-offering-foreign-passports-for-sale-raises-concerns/ ELAT -- 2024-07-24 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Knife Attack in Phetchaburi Leaves Three Injured Knife attack in Phetchaburi. Picture courtesy: MGR Two men are on the run after a brutal knife attack in Phetchaburi that left a woman and two others injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333698- knife-attack-in-phetchaburi-leaves-three-injured/