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The student debt forgiveness campaign believes the budget Thailand has set to reduce inequality – 700 billion baht – should be more than enough to ensure education is “really free”. “It’s not about whether our country has enough money but more about our country’s money management and allocation,” said Prim Maneechote, a member of the #SLFdebtforgiveness campaign said on during an interview with Inskru. This platform normally brings teachers together to share ideas and experiences Prim said the money that millions of Thais owe to the Student Loan Fund (SLF) should, in fact, not be considered loans. “They would not have had to borrow money if the government offered free education,” Prim said. “Why do young people have to take loans just because they want to study?” Assoc Prof Dr Sustarum Thammaboosadee, who teaches at Thammasat University’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies, expressed a similar view in an interview with BBC Thai. “In the upcoming fiscal year [starting October 1], the government has allocated 700 billion baht to reduce inequality. This budget is separate from basic welfare such as subsidies for the universal healthcare coverage scheme or monthly payments for the elderly,” he said. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/free-university-education-would-boost-equality-but-can-thailand-afford-it/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-05 - 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!

1,280 hectares of rice fields in Nakhon Ratchasima flooded and damaged More than 1,280 hectares of rice fields in Thailand’s north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima have been damaged after being under water for more than a week, and more rice farmland will be damaged if heavy rain continues. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270918-1280-hectares-of-rice-fields-in-nakhon-ratchasima-flooded-and-damaged/

More than 1,280 hectares of rice fields in Thailand’s north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima have been damaged after being under water for more than a week, and more rice farmland will be damaged if heavy rain continues. The affected rice fields are scattered across 25 villages along the Mun River. They flooded after irrigation officials in Ubon Ratchathani opened five sluice gates, to discharge water through a dam into the Mun River, in preparation for heavy rain forecast from tomorrow (Monday) through Friday. Troops from a barracks in Ubon Ratchathani province have set up a hotline service for villagers living along the Mun River, so they can seek help in case of flooding. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/1280-hectares-of-rice-fields-in-nakhon-ratchasima-flooded-and-damaged/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-05 - 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!

Charter Court ruling on PM’s term will be a “breaking point” – UDD leader Jatuporn Photo from สำนักข่าวราษฎร – Ratsadon News A ruling from the Constitutional Court on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s 8-year term in office, whether it is in his favour or not, will be the “breaking point” for the Thai society, claimed United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leader Jatuporn Prompan yesterday (Sunday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270917-charter-court-ruling-on-pm’s-term-will-be-a-“breaking-point”-–-udd-leader-jatuporn/

Photo from สำนักข่าวราษฎร – Ratsadon News A ruling from the Constitutional Court on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s 8-year term in office, whether it is in his favour or not, will be the “breaking point” for the Thai society, claimed United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leader Jatuporn Prompan yesterday (Sunday). Jatuporn and Nititorn Lamlua led a small group of protesters, who gathered at Ratchaprasong intersection in the heart of Bangkok today, to demand the ouster of the so-called “3-Ps”, who include Prime Minister Prayut, Acting Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda. The UDD leader said that the number of protesters is not the issue, adding that they will be able to mobilise more people at the right time “which is not necessary yet.” He did, however, hint that the right time for mass protests will be when the Constitutional Court issues its ruling on Prayut’s term in office, expected sometime in the next 4-5 weeks. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/charter-court-ruling-on-pms-term-will-be-a-breaking-point-udd-leader-jatuporn/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-05 - 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 urged to promote bicycle communities The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is being urged to promote the creation of bicycle “communities” in the capital, to encourage more people to turn to the bicycle as an alternative means of transport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270916-bangkok-urged-to-promote-bicycle-communities/

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is being urged to promote the creation of bicycle “communities” in the capital, to encourage more people to turn to the bicycle as an alternative means of transport. Professor Dr. Thongchai Panswad, an advisor to the Thailand Walking and Cycling Institute (TWCI) and a pioneer in the use of bicycles in Bangkok, said that it is difficult, in practice, to use bicycles to travel across Bangkok, because it covers such a large area. He said that it is, however, possible to travel by bicycle in a limited area, for instance of not more than three kilometres, and suggests the concept bicycle communities. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-urged-to-promote-bicycle-communities/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-05 - 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!

Police chief in Chiang Rai removed following raid on Par Club The police superintendent of Muang district police, in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai, Pol Colonel Kittipong Sukwattanapun, has been transferred to an “inactive” post. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270915-police-chief-in-chiang-rai-removed-following-raid-on-par-club/

The police superintendent of Muang district police, in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai, Pol Colonel Kittipong Sukwattanapun, has been transferred to an “inactive” post in the operations centre of the provincial police headquarters as punishment for his alleged failure to control the operations of a pub in the district. Officials from the Provincial Administration and Juvenile Observation and Protection departments raided the Par Club on Friday night and found 325 people who were underage inside, some of whom were as young as 16. The venue allegedly had been operating up to 4am, instead of 2am as required by law. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/police-chief-in-chiang-rai-removed-following-raid-on-par-club/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-05 - 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 FDA insists public safety the priority if kratom is to be used in food and cosmetics The Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) will not compromise on public safety when allowing kratom (Mitragyna speciose) to be processed into food and cosmetics commercially, according to Varavoot Sermsinsiri, head of the Strategy and Planning Division, adding that information about the safety of such products is necessary. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270914-thai-fda-insists-public-safety-the-priority-if-kratom-is-to-be-used-in-food-and-cosmetics/

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) will not compromise on public safety when allowing kratom (Mitragyna speciose) to be processed into food and cosmetics commercially, according to Varavoot Sermsinsiri, head of the Strategy and Planning Division, adding that information about the safety of such products is necessary. His comment was in response to Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin’s instruction to the TFDA to address complaints from many potential investors that they are confused as to why kratom cannot be processed into food or cosmetics, while the same restriction is not applied to cannabis or hemp, despite the fact that all three have been decriminalised in the country. According to the justice minister, kratom is classified in the food category, while cannabis and hemp are not. Hence, more studies and documentation, regarding the safety of food and cosmetics containing kratom, are required. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-fda-insists-public-safety-the-priority-if-kratom-is-to-be-used-in-food-and-cosmetics/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-05 - 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 taekwondo fighter wins gold at Paris World Taekwondo Grand Prix 2020 Olympic gold medallist Panipak Wongpattanakit won the Paris 2022 World Taekwondo Grand Prix championship on Friday, in the women’s 49kg category, at the Parc des sports Marcel-Cerdan in Paris. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270913-thai-taekwondo-fighter-wins-gold-at-paris-world-taekwondo-grand-prix/

2020 Olympic gold medallist Panipak Wongpattanakit won the Paris 2022 World Taekwondo Grand Prix championship on Friday, in the women’s 49kg category, at the Parc des sports Marcel-Cerdan in Paris. She beat her opponent from Turkey, Merve Dincel, in the final in two rounds, scoring 6-0 and 11-6 respectively. She beat South Korea’s Bora Kang in the semi-finals, after defeating Morocco’s two-time African champion Olumama El Bouchti in the quarter finals. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-taekwondo-fighter-wins-gold-at-paris-world-taekwondo-grand-prix/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-05 - 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!

Former DPM Somkid quits Saha Pathana to prepare for political comeback One of Thailand’s former Finance Ministers, Somkid Jatusripitak, has quit as chairman and director of Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Plc (SPI), effective August 31st, apparently with the intention to join the Sarng Anakot Thai Party as its candidate for the premiership in the next general election. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270912-former-dpm-somkid-quits-saha-pathana-to-prepare-for-political-comeback/

One of Thailand’s former Finance Ministers, Somkid Jatusripitak, has quit as chairman and director of Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Plc (SPI), effective August 31st, apparently with the intention to join the Sarng Anakot Thai Party as its candidate for the premiership in the next general election. Deputy leader of the Sarng Anakot Thai Party, Suranand Vejjajiva, said in a short message on Facebook today (Saturday) that Somkid has resigned from SPI, Thailand’s largest consumer product conglomerate, and to watch for his next step. On August 20th, the party said that it will formally unveil Dr.Somkid as the party’s candidate for the prime minister’s post in September. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/former-dpm-somkid-quits-saha-pathana-to-prepare-for-political-comeback/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-05 - 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!

325 underage people found in a pub in Chiang Rai 325 people aged between 16 and 20 were found inside a pub in Muang district of the northern province of Chiang Rai early morning Saturday when it was raided by police and officials from the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270911-325-underage-people-found-in-a-pub-in-chiang-rai/

325 people aged between 16 and 20 were found inside a pub in Muang district of the northern province of Chiang Rai early morning Saturday when it was raided by police and officials from the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection. Several other youths fled on their motorcycles when they saw the officials arrive at the Par Club, a spacious night spot in downtown Chiang Rai. The raid was carried out at about 2am after the Damrongtham Centre had received complaints from parents that their children had visited the pub, which stays open until 4am. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/325-underage-people-found-in-a-pub-in-chiang-rai/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-05 - 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!

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 5 September 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1270909-thailand-live-monday-5-september-2022/ Thailand Live Monday 5 September 2022

Sanook Thai Caption: Not wrong but inappropriate Netizens irate after photos of monks working out goes viral - Top monk says "don't show off" Sanook reported on widespread comment and some outrage after pictures of a group of monks working out went viral on Thai social media. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270908-netizens-irate-after-photos-of-monks-working-out-goes-viral-top-monk-says-dont-show-off/

Sanook Thai Caption: Not wrong but inappropriate Sanook reported on widespread comment and some outrage after pictures of a group of monks working out went viral on Thai social media. A monk had posted the snaps on "Buddhist News" on Facebook saying that he recognized that some clergy were a bit porky under their saffron robes. And they stood a chance of developing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes. So he consulted some fitness gurus in an effort to get them in shape and staff from the local health authority stepped in to show them how to use the various machines. Picture: Sanook It emerged after the initial post that the monks were pumping iron at Wat Huay Pla Kang in Chiang Rai in the far north of Thailand and that the equipment had been donated by the Buddhist flock. But online condemnation was swift with many netizens saying it was not appropriate for monks to be doing this as it was not part of their duties. Others thought what was the problem - monks sit down a lot of the time and need exercise like the rest of the population. Picture: Sanook Respected monk Phra Phayom Kanlayano of Wat Suan Kaew in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi - a go-to abbot for the press when comments are needed who commented on a recent outburst from Prayuth Chan-ocha when he referenced the Buddhist religion over electricity prices - gave his comments to Sanook. He said that while it was not wrong it was inappropriate for the monks to be sharing pictures like this. He admonished the clergy and said that they shouldn't be showing off. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-05 - 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

An Important Political Alliance With Hua Hin Connections By Editor The Chart Pattana and Kla parties have formally announced the formation of a political alliance to compete in the next general election and in the hope of becoming a major party in the future. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270816-an-important-political-alliance-with-hua-hin-connections/

By Editor The Chart Pattana and Kla parties have formally announced the formation of a political alliance to compete in the next general election and in the hope of becoming a major party in the future. Korn Chatikavanij, leader of the Kla Party said, however, that the political alliance is not a “merger” of the two parties and that Kla remains a political party. Korn and Suwat Liptapanlop, chairman of Chart Pattana Party, were present at the event held to announce their alliance to the media. Both political identities have a strong connection to Hua Hin and Cha-Am. Korn has a residence in Cha-Am and a small plot of land in Pranburi. He says ‘’it is a privilege to take time out from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok” and “I can safely say Hua Hin/Cha-Am is my favourite destination of choice, I’m a beach man.” He recently addressed the Royal Coast Riviera Club on the subject of ‘Thailand’s future in the wake of Covid-19’. He said the concept of a joint development area between Pranburi and Cha-Am (the Royal Coast) makes ‘’sense as a great joint development area’’, he also advocated for more local autonomy. A recorded press Q & A from that event may be heard at: https://www.facebook.com/Surf102.5/videos/1492039944568038 Suwat is a very significant figure in the development of Hua Hin, often appearing to open events or new developments, especially at the Blúport Resort Mall or True Arena Sports Club. His daughter Proudputh Liptapanlop, as Executive Director of the Proud Group, is in charge of her family’s portfolio of leisure and hospitality investments which include Hua Hin properties such as the InterContinental Resort, Holiday Inn and Vana Nava Water Park. Stressing the importance of economic issues, as Thailand faces its worst economic crisis, due partly to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, Suwat said that the alliance can capitalise on the extensive economic expertise of Korn, formerly finance minister in the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. He said that he hopes the cooperation will give them the strengths needed to guide the country through the crisis. Suwat said that the two parties have not yet decided whom they will nominate as the candidate for premiership in the next election, as he stressed the party’s policy guidelines, which emphasise creativity, compromise, no conflict with other parties and the upholding of national interests as paramount. He said he does not want to try to predict how many House seats the alliance will win in the next election, but said that he hopes they will, one day, become a major party. Korn, meanwhile, said that it didn’t take him much time to decide to form an alliance with the Chart Pattana Party, as both parties share a common interest in economic issues and in the need to improve the livelihoods of the people as priority. The Kla Party was established in February 2020, after Korn was defeated by Jurin Laksanawisit in the race for the Democrat Party’s leadership after the resignation of Abhisit Vejjajiva. Chart Pattana is a long established party, with its main stronghold in the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima. Its popularity has declined in recent years and it won just four constituency seats in the 2019 general election. -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-09-03 - 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!

Thammasat University Hospital to conduct second autopsy on schoolgirl who died in school van The body of the 7-year-old school girl, who died inside a locked school van at a school in Chon Buri province on Tuesday, was moved to the Central Institute of Forensic Science at Thammasat University Hospital yesterday (Friday)for a second autopsy, as sought by the victim’s parents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270815-thammasat-university-hospital-to-conduct-second-autopsy-on-schoolgirl-who-died-in-school-van/

The body of the 7-year-old school girl, who died inside a locked school van at a school in Chon Buri province on Tuesday, was moved to the Central Institute of Forensic Science at Thammasat University Hospital yesterday (Friday)for a second autopsy, as sought by the victim’s parents. The full second autopsy report is expected in two weeks, according to Methika, the mother of the victim. The parents sought a second autopsy because they still have questions over the exact cause of their child’s death followingthe first autopsy, conducted by the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital, which found bruises on the little girl’s arms and legs. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thammasat-university-hospital-to-conduct-second-autopsy-on-schoolgirl-who-died-in-school-van/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-03 - 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!

Heavy rain forecast for all of Thailand from September 5th to 9th The whole of Thailand faces heavy to very heavy rainfall from Monday to Friday next week, due to the intensifying monsoon trough over the northern, central and north-eastern regions, according to the Meteorological Department today (Saturday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270814-heavy-rain-forecast-for-all-of-thailand-from-september-5th-to-9th/