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Prayut Shrugs Off Pressure To Step Down After Eight Years In Power By Thai Newsroom Reporters PRIME MINISTER PRAYUT Chan-o-cha today (August 8th) shrugged off sustained pressure for him to step down since his eight years in power maximumly provided by law might possibly end later this month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268305-prayut-shrugs-off-pressure-to-step-down-after-eight-years-in-power/

By Thai Newsroom Reporters PRIME MINISTER PRAYUT Chan-o-cha today (August 8th) shrugged off sustained pressure for him to step down since his eight years in power maximumly provided by law might possibly end later this month. Prayut who apparently is not going to step down anytime soon only advised the debatable issue surrounding his eight years in power be finally determined by the Constitutional Court and declined to make comments about it himself. Neither did Prayut respond to his critics’ suggestion that he follow in the footsteps of the late statesman Prem Tinsulanonda who resigned in 1988 after he had assumed his premiership for eight years. According to Prayut’s critics, the embattled premier will have finished his eight-year tenure by August 24, the date on which he orchestrated a coup as army chief and named himself an unelected prime minister in 2014. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/08/08/prayut-shrugs-off-pressure-to-step-down-after-eight-years-in-power/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-08-09 - 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!

Thaksin Wins Case Against Revenue Department Author TNR Staff Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: NDTV FORMER prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra today (August 8th) won a case against the Revenue Department with the Central Tax Court ordering the revocation of assessed collection of 17 billion baht tax over the sale of Shin Corp shares, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268303-thaksin-wins-case-against-revenue-department/

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: NDTV Author TNR Staff FORMER prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra today (August 8th) won a case against the Revenue Department with the Central Tax Court ordering the revocation of assessed collection of 17 billion baht tax over the sale of Shin Corp shares, Matichon newspaper said. Thaksin’s lawsuit was against the Revenue Department, Mr. Pongsak Methapipat, the department’s director-general and its representative, Mr. Prapas Sanansil, a representative of the Office of the Attorney General, and Mr. Pisit Srivaranan, a representative of the Department of Provincial Administration in his capacity as Appeal Committee member. The court ruled that the issuance of summons for Mr. Panthongtae Shinawatra, Thaksin’s son, and Ms. Pintongta Shinawatra, his daughter, as Shin Corp’s representatives was unlawful because the plaintiff had to be directly assessed. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/08/08/thaksin-wins-case-against-revenue-department/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-08-09 - 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!

TAT and Huawei sign MOU to promote smart tourism The “Digital Transformation and Innovation Development for Smart Tourism” agreement highlights Thailand’s innovative tourism through 5G networks. TAT Newsroom The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. today signed a “Digital Transformation and Innovation Development for Smart Tourism” memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at promoting the Thai tourism industry through advanced technologies, including 5G, Cloud, AI and AR/VR to develop a smart digital tourism platform and a new tourism ecosystem. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268302-tat-and-huawei-sign-mou-to-promote-smart-tourism/

The “Digital Transformation and Innovation Development for Smart Tourism” agreement highlights Thailand’s innovative tourism through 5G networks. TAT Newsroom The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. today signed a “Digital Transformation and Innovation Development for Smart Tourism” memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at promoting the Thai tourism industry through advanced technologies, including 5G, Cloud, AI and AR/VR to develop a smart digital tourism platform and a new tourism ecosystem. Presided over by Mr. Napintorn Srisunpang, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, the MOU was signed by Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, and Mr. Abel Deng, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Also present at the signing ceremony were Mr. Jun Zhang, Vice President of Huawei Asia Pacific, and executives from the TAT, Huawei Technology (Thailand), and Huawei Asia Pacific. Mr. Napintorn Srisunpang, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, said that according to Thailand’s 20-year National Strategy (2018-2037), tourism will play a pivotal role for the country’s sustainable development. And as Thailand aims to elevate the tourism industry and increase competitive advantages in the market, it is important to bring in innovative technologies to drive tourism. “I am pleased that Huawei will take this opportunity to help drive Thai tourism through 5G technology support by applying new applications, multimedia, and services that emerge from the future of high-speed networks to promote tourism marketing,” Mr. Napintorn said. The “Digital Transformation and Innovation Development for Smart Tourism” MOU between TAT and Huawei will cover a one-year period from the signing date. The agreement will place emphasis on increasing the capabilities and elevating the tourism industry with innovative technologies and promoting strategic markets – both in the domestic and Chinese tourism markets. The MOU is aimed at creating a digital alliance network that enables skill and expertise exchanges to help elevate technology and innovation for the tourism industry. The cooperation also supports technological developments; such as, 5G, Cloud, AI and AR/VR for tourism, which will drive digital transformation across the tourism industry. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “The MOU with Huawei is in line with the TAT Corporate Plan 2023-2027, which aims to strengthen TAT’s position as the strategic leader in driving Thailand towards experience-based and sustainable tourism. TAT aims to promote capabilities and innovative potential to drive the Thai tourism ecosystem to be able to support tourists in a sustainable way. We are developing the supply chain – or ‘shape supply – and are driving a ‘thrive for excellence’ strategy with the aim of making TAT a data-driven organisation.” TAT and Huawei have made a joint effort to bring 5G innovative technologies to stimulate Thai tourism through live broadcasting by highlighting stunning viewpoints at Thailand’s tourist attractions in real time on HUAWEI’s 5G network via TAT’s online media channels, including the ‘Amazing Thailand’ YouTube channel and ‘Amazing Thailand’ application, as well as through various online channels of strategic partners. TAT and Huawei are also preparing to implement the ‘Amazing THAILAND is just a phone call away’ project. TAT will create a ‘Video Ring back Tone’, a call-waiting video showcasing the beauty of Thai tourist attractions, culture, food, and traditions to promote Thai tourism internationally through Thai 5G users using Huawei’s 5G as well as Huawei’s partner networks. Users will be able to download videos and images free of charge. Mr. Abel Deng, Chief Executive Officer, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said “Digital technologies are reshaping the world, and digital transformation has entered a golden age. Looking into the future, Huawei is committed to leveraging advanced technologies to heighten TAT’s position as the strategic leader driving Thailand towards being a world-class tourism destination.” Also, as part of the cooperation, TAT will host a field trip for young contestants from Huawei’s largest ever regional onsite Seeds for the Future event, to be held on 20 August, 2022, at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkalaram (Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha). TAT aims to deliver a new tourism experience that is more meaningful and memorable during this year’s regional event. Launched in Thailand in 2008, the Seeds for the Future programme has up until 2021 been implemented in 150 countries reaching 12,000 students from over 500 universities. This year, the programme will gather 114 top students from 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific for a nine-day digital camp in Thailand from 19-27 August. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/08/tat-and-huawei-sign-mou-to-promote-smart-tourism/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-08-09 - 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!

UPDATE: Interior Ministry asked to enforce laws to prevent repeat of Mountain B tragedy as 83 bars shuttered in Bangkok By Erich Parpart Senators urged the interior minister to strictly enforce the law against corrupted officials and find ways to improve regulatory measures to prevent another Mountain B tragedy in the future. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268198-chadchart-of-83-problematic-pubs-in-bangkok-49-are-in-chatuchak/?do=findComment&comment=17530036

Interior Ministry asked to enforce laws to prevent repeat of Mountain B tragedy as 83 bars shuttered in Bangkok By Erich Parpart Senators urged the interior minister to strictly enforce the law against corrupted officials and find ways to improve regulatory measures to prevent another Mountain B tragedy in the future. “If the law was strictly enforced since the registration process and there was a proper inspection by officials then such incident could have been prevented,” Senator Wanchai Sornsiri told parliament today. “There is also no denying that the interior minister is not involved at all because civil servants that were in charge were under his supervision,” he said. His comments came after an initial police investigation into the fire at Mountain B club in Sattahip, Chonburi, which killed 15 people on early Friday morning found that the owner did not have a license to operate an entertainment venue. More than 40 others were also injured during the incident. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/42525/interior-ministry-asked-to-enforce-laws-to-prevent-repeat-of-mountain-b-tragedy-as-83-bars-shuttered-in-bangkok/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-08-09 - 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!

UPDATE: Mountain B nightclub owner released on bail with conditions, wife says he is not a sacrificial goat for others By Adam Judd Pattaya Thailand-The owner of a nightclub where a fire last week killed fifteen people and injured dozens was released on bail this afternoon, August 8th, 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268286-mountain-b’s-roof-examination-set-to-begin-in-sattahip-while-owner-awaits-incarceration-in-pattaya/?do=findComment&comment=17530031

Mountain B nightclub owner released on bail with conditions, wife says he is not a sacrificial goat for others By Adam Judd Pattaya Thailand-The owner of a nightclub where a fire last week killed fifteen people and injured dozens was released on bail this afternoon, August 8th, 2022. Pongsiri Panprasong, 27, known by his nickname of Sia B, the owner of the Mountain B nightclub where fifteen people died in a tragic fire last week, was released on 300,00 baht bail this afternoon around 3:00 P.M, August 8th, 2022. As part of the condition of his bail he must wear an electronic monitoring bracelet and not tamper with evidence. He must also make multiple court appearances. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/08/mountain-b-nightclub-owner-released-on-bail-with-conditions-wife-says-he-is-not-a-sacrificial-goat-for-others/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-09 - 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 Liberal Party seeks dissolution of 7 micro parties over bribery allegations Leader of Opposition’s Thai Liberal Party Sereepisuth Temeeyaves submitted a petition to the Election Commission (EC) yesterday (Monday) demanding the dissolution of seven micro parties for allegedly receiving bribes, which is a violation of the law on political parties. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268301-thai-liberal-party-seeks-dissolution-of-7-micro-parties-over-bribery-allegations/

Leader of Opposition’s Thai Liberal Party Sereepisuth Temeeyaves submitted a petition to the Election Commission (EC) yesterday (Monday) demanding the dissolution of seven micro parties for allegedly receiving bribes, which is a violation of the law on political parties. The former national police chief claims that he has obtained evidence, including a leaked audio clip, showing the alleged bribery involving a major party buying support from minor parties in a way which could be deemed to be an act of political domination, which is in violation of Sections 28 and 29 of the Organic Act on Political Parties. Sereepisuth claimed that there was a meeting at the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation between Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, who is also the leader of the core government party Palang Pracharath (PPRP), and MPs of minor parties, regarding monthly payments if they would come under the control of thery larger party. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-liberal-party-seeks-dissolution-of-7-micro-parties-over-bribery-allegations/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-09 - 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!

UPDATE: Five COVID-19 BA.2.75 cases found in Thailand, BA.4 and BA.5 still dominant Data collected from 352 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital from September 2021 show that 82 percent had at least one long-COVID symptom. (Photo by Fusion Medical Animation) Five cases of Omicron BA.2.75 have been found in Thailand, while BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants remain dominant, 91.5% in Bangkok and 79.8% in the rest of the country. This is in line with the global trend, said Director-General of the Medical Sciences Department Dr. Supakit Sirilak yesterday (Monday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268250-more-transmissible-covid-19-sub-variant-ba46-not-yet-detected-in-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=17530024

Five COVID-19 BA.2.75 cases found in Thailand, BA.4 and BA.5 still dominant Data collected from 352 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital from September 2021 show that 82 percent had at least one long-COVID symptom. (Photo by Fusion Medical Animation) Five cases of Omicron BA.2.75 have been found in Thailand, while BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants remain dominant, 91.5% in Bangkok and 79.8% in the rest of the country. This is in line with the global trend, said Director-General of the Medical Sciences Department Dr. Supakit Sirilak yesterday (Monday). Of 382 cases randomly tested between July 30th and August 5th, Dr. Sirilak said that 322 were identified as the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants, one BA.1 case, 58 BA.2 cases and one BA.2.75 case. From genomic sequencing of 411 samples, he said 90 (21.9%) are BA.4, 317 (77.13%) are BA.5 and four are BA.2.75 (0.97%). Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/five-covid-19-ba-2-75-cases-found-in-thailand-ba-4-and-ba-5-still-dominant/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-09 - 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!

COVID-19 to be designated as infectious disease under watch, possibly in October (Photo by Viktor Forgacs) Thailand’s National Communicable Disease Committee decided to change the status of COVID-19 yesterday (Monday), from a “dangerous infectious disease”, which came into effect on March 1st, 2020, to an “infectious disease under watch”, tentatively from October 1st, as Thailand cautiously transitions to a post-pandemic status. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268298-covid-19-to-be-designated-as-infectious-disease-under-watch-possibly-in-october/

(Photo by Viktor Forgacs) Thailand’s National Communicable Disease Committee decided to change the status of COVID-19 yesterday (Monday), from a “dangerous infectious disease”, which came into effect on March 1st, 2020, to an “infectious disease under watch”, tentatively from October 1st, as Thailand cautiously transitions to a post-pandemic status. Chaired by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the committee also approved a policy guideline framework, encompassing several aspects of COVID-19 monitoring and containment efforts, such as controlling the spread of the disease by taking into account the number of patients hospitalised, bed occupancy by severe cases, access to vaccines and anti-viral drugs, adjustment of quarantine measures, publicity campaigns to educate people of the merits of vaccination and a legal review to correspond with the changing situation. For post-pandemic management to remain in line with the changing situation, Anutin said that the committee will allow state hospitals to procure anti-viral drugs independently. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-19-to-be-designated-as-infectious-disease-under-watch-possibly-in-october/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-09 - 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!

Why can’t we watch the Premier League earlier in Asia? File photo Premier League television revenue is to exceed £10bn for the first time, which will drive up prize money and ensure that even the bottom club will pocket more than £100m as of next season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268297-why-can’t-we-watch-the-premier-league-earlier-in-asia/

File photo Premier League television revenue is to exceed £10bn for the first time, which will drive up prize money and ensure that even the bottom club will pocket more than £100m as of next season. According to the website https://www.90min.com/ The 2022/23 champions will be rewarded with £176m in prize money, up from £153m this season. The increase comes after what has been described as ‘bidding wars in America and beyond’ as broadcasters around the globe fight for the right to show live Premier League football. Half of the global fanbase and a quarter of the television audience, the Premier League says, is in Asia-Pacific. And that is despite games often finishing in the middle of the night. The Premier League, has also secured another mega television rights deal in Asia, signing a partnership with ESPN Star Sports that will cover 16 territories. ESS will screen the Premier League in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Laos, the Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and South Korea. The rights are not on the scale of the recent agreements concluded in Singapore and Malaysia, but still represent a significant contribution towards overseas television revenues that the Premier League expects to top US$1 billion per season. True Corp’s chief media officer Ong-Ard Prapakamol said the company has extended the Premier League broadcast contract from next season (2022/23) through to 2024/2025 for viewers in Thailand. TrueVisions said it was the only pay television channel in Thailand that will broadcast all 380 matches of the Premier League season or 1,140 matches in total over three seasons. From next season, the global broadcast market will, for the first time, be worth more than what Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon, and the BBC collectively pay to broadcast the Premier League in the UK. The total value of the international broadcast packages will grow to £5.3bn, up from £4.1bn. Overall, it is said the total fund is worth £10.5bn once other new commercial deals are factored in. Of that money, around £1.6bn is expected to be handed to the football pyramid below. The extra income from overseas broadcasters won’t be split equally among Premier League clubs, however, with those who perform better earning more. That was not previously the case and chief executive Richard Masters is credited with ‘seeing off a big-six rebellion’ over the matter. File photo Asian audience is vast The Premier League is the most-watched sports league in the world, broadcast in 212 territories to 643 million homes and a potential TV audience of 4.7 billion people. Asia accounts for a quarter of their global TV audience. In fact, China has the most Premier League followers, with 300 million followers. Now if you wish to follow your team here in Thailand most of the games don’t kick off until 23.00hrs or later which means if you have to work next day you are likely to miss the second half. Apart from a few early kick offs at 12.30pm GMT shown here at 18,30 or some at 20.00hrs most of us would have to watch highlights or us a catch-up service. If the Asia audience is so vast, maybe the clubs should stagger their kick offs in England at the weekends. So, for example on both Saturdays and Sundays they could have matches kicking off at 12.30, 14.30 and 16.30hrs. The bars across Asia will be packed and advertisers will be spending more too. Surely it would be a solution where everyone benefits all round. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-09 - 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

More transmissible COVID-19 sub-variant BA.4.6 not yet detected in Thailand The Centre for Medical Genomics at Thailand’s Ramathibodi Hospital is closely monitoring a new sub-variant of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, BA.4.6, which spreads faster than others, including BA.4 and BA.5, although it has not been detected in Thailand yet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268250-more-transmissible-covid-19-sub-variant-ba46-not-yet-detected-in-thailand/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 9 August 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1268296-thailand-live-tuesday-9-august-2022/

Army Receives New Armored Vehicles From U.S. BANGKOK (NNT) - 10 Stryker armored infantry carriers produced in the United States recently arrived at Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri province for delivery to the Royal Thai Army. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268264-army-receives-new-armored-vehicles-from-us/

Mountain B’s roof examination set to begin in Sattahip while owner awaits incarceration in Pattaya The examination of the Mountain B’s roof to find the cause of the fire that killed 15 people and injured dozens is set to begin while the owner of the venue “Sia B” is awaiting incarceration from the Pattaya Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268286-mountain-b’s-roof-examination-set-to-begin-in-sattahip-while-owner-awaits-incarceration-in-pattaya/

The charity Samaritans is available around the clock for people who want to talk. If you or anyone you know is in need of mental health services, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand at their 24-hour hotline 02-713-6791 (English), 02713-6793 (Thai) or Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). http://www.samaritansthai.com/news/samaritans-of-thailand-english-hotline/

Frenchman initially tests negative for monkeypox, second test result pending A French citizen, suspected of being infected with monkeypox, has tested negative for the virus, but he is being kept in isolation at a hospital, in Thailand’s eastern province of Trat, pending the result of another test, which is expected today from the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Centre. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268192-french-tourist-cleared-of-monkeypox-in-one-test/?do=findComment&comment=17528931

Frenchman initially tests negative for monkeypox, second test result pending A French citizen, suspected of being infected with monkeypox, has tested negative for the virus, but he is being kept in isolation at a hospital, in Thailand’s eastern province of Trat, pending the result of another test, which is expected today from the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Centre. The 32-year-old Frenchman, who has been living on Koh Chang for about seven months, was hospitalised about a month ago for treatment of herpes. Subsequently, he developed blisters on his genitals and hands and went to a private hospital in Muang district for diagnosis. He was then sent by health officials to a state hospital for isolation with a suspected monkeypox infection and his samples were sent to the Chon Buri office of the Department of Medical Sciences and the Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Centre for tests. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/frenchman-initially-tests-negative-for-monkeypox-second-test-result-pending/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-08 - 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!