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By Erich Parpart The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) on Friday released “5 Facts on the merger of True Corporation Plc (TRUE) and Total Access Communication Plc (DTAC) to counter “fake news” about the deal. The NBTC was expected to provide its decision on measures to govern the planned merger between the two telecommunication providers this month but deferred it to next month instead. It is also considering whether it has the authority to approve or block the deal or not. TRUE and DTAC said NBTC, the regulator, does not have the power approve or block the deal but competitor Advanced Info Service Plc (ADVANC) and civil groups believe the opposite. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/43412/nbtc-delays-planned-merger-of-dtac-true-for-another-month-clears-the-air-for-fake-news/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thai woman stuck in bathroom for 3 days rescued by police After being reported as a missing person by her sister, a 54-year-old Thai woman has been rescued from her bathroom by Phra Khanong police in Bangkok. She had been stuck in the room for 3 days, due to a faulty door knob. Once free, the woman said she had even written a goodbye note to her friends and family. She is now safe. When police arrived, they found the house locked from the inside and had to force their way in. They heard banging emanating from the third floor and found a female inside the bathroom. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-woman-stuck-in-bathroom-for-3-days-rescued-by-police/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Senior Police Officers Probed for Illegal Casino BANGKOK, Aug 26 (TNA) – Five senior officers at the Din Daeng police station were transferred to an operational center of the Metropolitan Police Division 1 pending an investigation into their roles after a heist at a gambling den in the area of their jurisdiction. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270065-senior-police-officers-probed-for-illegal-casino/

BANGKOK, Aug 26 (TNA) – Five senior officers at the Din Daeng police station were transferred to an operational center of the Metropolitan Police Division 1 pending an investigation into their roles after a heist at a gambling den in the area of their jurisdiction. Pol Maj Gen Jirasan Kaewsaeng-ek, spokesman for the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the transfer and investigation followed a heist at the illegal gambling den on Pracha Songkhro 8 in Din Daeng district. Simultaneously with the investigation, police would also take legal action on the operation of the illegal gambling den and the robbery. However, no one showed up to file a complaint against the heist yet, Pol Maj Gen Jirasan said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1005388 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thailand zookeeper dresses as ostrich in novel approach to training drill Chiang Mai Zoo not keeping its head in the sand, with man captured after fleeing enclosure in bird suit as part of ‘wild animal management plan’ by Samantha Lock Thailand’s Chiang Mai Zoo held training drills for its ‘wild animal management plan’ which saw one man dress as an ostrich. Photograph: Chiang Mai Zoo Facebook page A man dressed as an eight foot tall ostrich with a towering bird neck strapped to his head. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270063-thailand-zookeeper-dresses-as-ostrich-in-novel-approach-to-training-drill/

Thailand’s Chiang Mai Zoo held training drills for its ‘wild animal management plan’ which saw one man dress as an ostrich. Photograph: Chiang Mai Zoo Facebook page Chiang Mai Zoo not keeping its head in the sand, with man captured after fleeing enclosure in bird suit as part of ‘wild animal management plan’ by Samantha Lock A man dressed as an eight foot tall ostrich with a towering bird neck strapped to his head was successfully pinned down with a fishing net after running amok in a Thailand zoo this week. The staff member was taking part in a training drill designed to ensure the animal was unable to escape its enclosure, should the real-world situation ever arise. Although the ostrich is a flightless bird, it is a risk that the popular northern Thailand zoo – home to about 400 animal species – isn’t willing to take. The Chiang Mai Zoo director, Wuttichai Muangman, revealed the “wild animal management plan” which simulated various emergency situations including an ostrich falling out of its nest. Full story: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/26/thailand-zookeeper-dresses-as-ostrich-in-novel-approach-to-training-drill -- © Copyright The Guardian 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thai parliament passes anti-torture and enforced disappearance law The draft Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, with its 34 sections, was finally passed on Wednesday (August 24) and will become effective in 4 months, following several years of delay. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270062-thai-parliament-passes-anti-torture-and-enforced-disappearance-law/

The draft Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, with its 34 sections, was finally passed on Wednesday (August 24) and will become effective in 4 months, following several years of delay. Originally rejected by the post-coup National Legislative Assembly, the bill was again submitted to the House of Representatives in 2021 and has now been passed into law. Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn explained that the main principle of this law is to prevent and suppress torture and the enforced disappearance of suspects during detention. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-parliament-passes-anti-torture-and-enforced-disappearance-law/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Does court ruling signal the end of PM Prayut’s time in power? By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Now that the court has suspended Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from duty after agreeing to rule on his eight-year term limit, an important question arises: What next? Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270060-does-court-ruling-signal-the-end-of-pm-prayut’s-time-in-power/

By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Now that the court has suspended Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from duty after agreeing to rule on his eight-year term limit, an important question arises: What next? The Constitutional Court’s nine judges voted unanimously on Wednesday (August 24) to accept a petition from 171 opposition MPs for judicial review of Prayut’s tenure as PM. The petition was filed with House Speaker Chuan Leekpai last week and forwarded to the court on Monday. The judges also voted 5:4 to suspend Prayut from his PM duties with immediate effect until a final ruling is issued, as requested in the petition. The suspension order, however, came as a surprise to many people since it followed rumors that Prayut would be allowed to stay in office while the court reviewed the case. This is the first time Gen Prayut has been suspended from duty since he began serving as PM on August 24, 2014. At that time, he headed the junta formed following the May 2014 military coup that he led while serving as Army chief. This military putsch ousted the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra. As prime minister, Prayut has faced three previous Constitutional Court cases but won unanimous rulings in his favor each time. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/does-court-ruling-signal-the-end-of-pm-prayuts-time-in-power/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Dogs alert locals to grasscutter's plight after he falls seven meters down disused well Picture: 77kaoded Locals in Chon Noi sub-district of Lopburi, central Thailand, thought the area's dogs were biting each other again as they barked and made a lot of noise. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270058-dogs-alert-locals-to-grasscutters-plight-after-he-falls-seven-meters-down-disused-well/

Picture: 77kaoded Locals in Chon Noi sub-district of Lopburi, central Thailand, thought the area's dogs were biting each other again as they barked and made a lot of noise. They went to chase them away then realised the dogs were trying to alert them to something. They could now hear the screams of a man, reported 77kaoded. A grasscutter had fallen seven meters down a disused groundwater well. Picture: 77kaoded They tried to get 52 year old local man Mongkhol Yortkham out with a rope but failed. They had to continually call out to the injured man to make sure he didn't pass out and drown in the water. Pattana Nikom Ruam Katanyu Rescue were called and with the help of a ten meter ladder they managed to get Mongkhol out. He was taken to hospital. It emerged that the well was just covered by a canvas top and had become overgrown with vegetation. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! 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 AAA.mp4

Tim Newton Today - Aug 26: Is Thailand facing another military coup? Microchip shortage, Gummy Bear surprise With a few changes at the top, is there instability in Thailand's leadership? The main regional stories, a semi-conductor shortage, a short Sultan and the things you find in Gummy Bear bags. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270057-tim-newton-today-aug-26 is-thailand-facing-another-military-coup-microchip-shortage-gummy-bear-surprise/

With a few changes at the top, is there instability in Thailand's leadership? The main regional stories, a semi-conductor shortage, a short Sultan and the things you find in Gummy Bear bags.

Bangkok: Safety checks continue on pubs, clubs and "sathan borikan" to enhance customer confidence Picture: INN INN reported that two high profile teams of inspectors were out checking pubs clubs and "sathan borikan" and places that "appeared to be sathan borikan" in Yannawa and Bang Khor Laem in the Thai capital Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270055-bangkok-safety-checks-continue-on-pubs-clubs-and-sathan-borikan-to-enhance-customer-confidence/

Picture: INN INN reported that two high profile teams of inspectors were out checking pubs clubs and "sathan borikan" and places that "appeared to be sathan borikan" in Yannawa and Bang Khor Laem in the Thai capital Bangkok. Sathan borikan is a Thai euphemism for place of prostitution. The BMA authorities wanted to make sure that customers were safe and inspire confidence. Advisor to the BMA Gen Adit Ngamjitsuksri led the way assisted by local officials, police and military at four establishments in Yannawa. Other officials checked places in Bang Khor Laem. INN mentioned a large number of names but didn't say if anything untoward was found. The checks were clearly follow ups to the Mountain B fire that claimed 20 lives in Sattahip though the media drew no such connection. Fire exits, extinguishers, fire alarms and smoke detectors were all checked as well as observance of Covid protocols. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! 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

Serial bike thief and burglar back in custody - fears he'll escape from police custody again Picture: Siam Rath A serial motorcycle thief and burglar is finally back in custody after a string of thefts across many districts in Udon Thani, NE Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270052-serial-bike-thief-and-burglar-back-in-custody-fears-hell-escape-from-police-custody-again/

Picture: Siam Rath A serial motorcycle thief and burglar is finally back in custody after a string of thefts across many districts in Udon Thani, NE Thailand. Khamtan, 48, from Ban Sanam village previously escaped from police custody at Nong Han police station in 2008, reported Siam Rath. On that occasion it took a year before he was apprehended again and after his release from prison he was back to his old ways. Locals went to see the man responsible for so much trouble and were concerned he would flee again. After being taken into custody in a rice field he needed tratement for injuries at a hospital. He also tested positive for drugs and was charged with taking drugs and theft and detained. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! 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

Court of Appeal upholds former MP's death sentence in murder of construction magnate Picture: Siam Rath The appeal court in Bangkok has upheld the death sentence handed down earlier by the Criminal Court to former deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn for the murder of construction magnate Chuwong Sae-tang in a staged car crash seven years ago. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270051-court-of-appeal-upholds-former-mps-death-sentence-in-murder-of-construction-magnate/

Picture: Siam Rath The appeal court in Bangkok has upheld the death sentence handed down earlier by the Criminal Court to former deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn for the murder of construction magnate Chuwong Sae-tang in a staged car crash seven years ago. After reviewing the evidence the court upheld last year's ruling in Phrakhanong against the former MP for Nakhon Sawan, in northern Thailand, reported Siam Rath. Chuwong died on 26th June 2015 apperently while being driven in a luxury car by Banyin after a golf meet. The car hit a tree in Chalerm Prakian R9 Road between sois 48 and 50; this is in Prawet district of eastern Bangkok near the Rama 9 park. The court upheld previous findings about the length of time taken to drive from the golf course that was only 37 kilometers away (it took two hours) and irregularities about the speed the vehicle was travelling. He said he had avoided an oncoming car while travelling at 80 kmph but the reality was there was no such car and he was only doing 30 kmph. The victim had had his head bashed in, it was not the result of a car accident. The murder resulted after illegal share dealings came to light. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! 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

Investigation into police woman’s maid abuse scandal raising serious questions about corruption by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connorin It has emerged that the 43-year-old policewoman, jailed on Monday after being refused bail, was working within Thailand’s Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the equivalent of the US Department of Homeland security and which reports to the Prime Minister’s Office. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270049-investigation-into-police-woman’s-maid-abuse-scandal-raising-serious-questions-about-corruption/

by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor It has emerged that the 43-year-old policewoman, jailed on Monday after being refused bail, was working within Thailand’s Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the equivalent of the US Department of Homeland security and which reports to the Prime Minister’s Office. The Provincial Police chief in Ratchaburi this week also raised the fact that the woman was 38 years old when she joined the police force in 2017 as one of the many circumstances that are difficult to understand about this case. A high-profile case involving a police officer abusing her maid over a two-year period is turning into a deepening investigation into corruption which is raising disturbing questions about the accused’s possible links with a Thai senator appointed by the previous junta. The accused woman has told investigating officers that she landed her position in the police through her links with a senior influential figure even though she was over age and only possessed a vocational-level certificate in accounting. The 43-year-old was denied bail by Ratchaburi Provincial Court this week after it was told her victim feared for her safety if she was released. Assistant National Police Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Surachate Hakparn has assured the Thai public that police are conducting a transparent and in-depth inquiry into the unusual case and circumstances surrounding the high-profile arrest last Saturday of a police officer serving with the Special Branch Unit of the Royal Thai Police. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/08/25/corruption-issues-loom-over-police-woman-case/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Bangkok: Part of Hua Mark police station/fire service collapses Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reporters went to Hua Mark police station in downtown Bangkok yesterday after part of the building shared with Hua Mark fire services collapsed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270048-bangkok-part-of-hua-mark-police-stationfire-service-collapses/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reporters went to Hua Mark police station in downtown Bangkok yesterday after part of the building shared with Hua Mark fire services collapsed. The floor on the first floor had collapsed by between 20 and 50 centimeters on Wednesday in an area of 50 square meters. It was used by both police and firemen as a traffic and accident reduction center and was attached to an equipment storage area. There were cracks elsewhere in the building too. Station chief Pol Col Setphan Srisakhon said that police civil engineers had been on the scene and said that the basic structural integrity of the building was sound. The part that collapsed was a later addition to the building. The police station was built in 1966. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-26 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! 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

Thailand’s poor continue to suffer as economy fails to deliver while cost of living rises By Thanaphum Charoensombatpanich The data released by the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) yesterday which showed that household debts have surged while as many as 70% of those have missed at least 1-payment, is not surprising because the country’s economy has been on a gradual decline and those around the poverty line has been on a rise. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270046-thailand’s-poor-continue-to-suffer-as-economy-fails-to-deliver-while-cost-of-living-rises/