webfact

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/

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). The southwestern monsoon over the Andaman Sea, the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region is forecast to gain strength during the same period. The heavy rain may result in river overflows and possible flash floods at the feet of mountains and areas close to waterways, said the department. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/heavy-rain-forecast-for-all-of-thailand-from-august-5th-to-9th/ -- © 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!

Mountain B fire claims 23rd victim Police tape is pictured around the Mountain B nightclub after a deadly fire in Sattahip district in Thailand’s Chonburi province on August 5, 2022. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP) An army officer has become the 23rd fatality resulting from the Mountain B pub fire in Sattahip district of Chon Buri province on August 5th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270813-mountain-b-fire-claims-23rd-victim/

Police tape is pictured around the Mountain B nightclub after a deadly fire in Sattahip district in Thailand’s Chonburi province on August 5, 2022. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP) An army officer has become the 23rd fatality resulting from the Mountain B pub fire in Sattahip district of Chon Buri province on August 5th. The 27-year-old officer, Lt Panupong Wongpakpaiboon, suffered 60% burns on his body and succumbed to his injuries yesterday (Friday) at a hospital in Rayong province, where he had been since admission on August 5th. Thirteen people, mostly customers, died at the pub on the night of the deadly inferno and 44 others were injured. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/mountain-b-fire-claims-23rd-victim/ -- © 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!

Opinion – Gen. Prayut’s promise of ‘reform’ fall flat on its face with revelation of promotion in armed forces By Erich Parpart Thailand’s media has been gung-ho about the ongoing case of a female police corporal who claimed to be the wife of a senator and managed to break every possible rule she could by just using the senator’s name. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270811-opinion-–-gen-prayut’s-promise-of-‘reform’-fall-flat-on-its-face-with-revelation-of-promotion-in-armed-forces/

By Erich Parpart Thailand’s media has been gung-ho about the ongoing case of a female police corporal who claimed to be the wife of a senator and managed to break every possible rule she could by just using the senator’s name. The case against a female police corporal, who has been accused of torturing a female soldier who served as her maid, is another example of how corrupt the Thai police’s and military’s promotion systems are. It is a common knowledge that a police officer or a soldier will be able to climb the ranks and file at a much faster pace than others if they know someone in power. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/43706/opinion-gen-prayuts-promise-of-reform-fall-flat-on-his-face-with-revelation-of-promotion-in-armed-froces/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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!

Long COVID: what to expect, what to eat and what to avoid By Veena Thoopkrajae Probiotics and prebiotic foods are recommended to help support the immune system. (Photo by Nirzar Pangarkar) Life in Thailand may seem to have returned to normal, but the coronavirus that has plagued the world for the best part of three years is still making its presence felt with more than 30,000 confirmed cases reported each day. The real figure is, however, likely to be much higher, with the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) estimating that the daily figure is probably between 60,000 and 70,000, as not everyone reports a positive test to the authorities, especially if their symptoms are mild. Deaths too remain elevated, with 236 fatalities recorded between August 7th and 13th, mostly among the elderly, those with underlying diseases, and pregnant women. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270806-long-covid-what-to-expect-what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid/

Probiotics and prebiotic foods are recommended to help support the immune system. (Photo by Nirzar Pangarkar) By Veena Thoopkrajae Life in Thailand may seem to have returned to normal, but the coronavirus that has plagued the world for the best part of three years is still making its presence felt with more than 30,000 confirmed cases reported each day. The real figure is, however, likely to be much higher, with the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) estimating that the daily figure is probably between 60,000 and 70,000, as not everyone reports a positive test to the authorities, especially if their symptoms are mild. Deaths too remain elevated, with 236 fatalities recorded between August 7th and 13th, mostly among the elderly, those with underlying diseases, and pregnant women. While most do go on to make a full recovery within 10 days or so, the Public Health Department says as many as 30-50% of people who had been infected with the coronavirus continue to experience symptoms after the virus has already cleared in what has become known as long COVID. Signs and symptoms of long COVID Dr Rapeepan Rattanawongnara Mord, professor of Department of Infectious Disease of Internal Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine, is the author of a paper on long COVID symptoms that was published on the RAMA Channel website. Managed by Ramathibodi Hospital’s Faculty of Medicine, the website provides articles and videos about health issues. The doctor describes long COVID as a wide range of new or ongoing health problems that may be experienced more than four weeks after first becoming infected with the coronavirus. The most commonly reported symptoms are fatigue (58%), headache (44%), attention disorder (27%), hair loss (25%) and shortness of breath (24%), studies find. Less common are fever, dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, chest pain, coughing, stomach pain, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/long-covid-what-to-expect-what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid/ -- © 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!

4 million reasons to believe Thailand has a problem with illegal guns Recent incidents of gun violence and police crackdowns on illegal guns have proved how easy it is to acquire this kind of weapon in Thailand despite tough firearm laws. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270803-4-million-reasons-to-believe-thailand-has-a-problem-with-illegal-guns/

Recent incidents of gun violence and police crackdowns on illegal guns have proved how easy it is to acquire this kind of weapon in Thailand despite tough firearm laws. A 40-year-old woman who recently shot and killed her boyfriend, whom she accused of assaulting her, told police that she bought the pistol on the Internet. In early August, a gunfight between two rival gangs of youths in Ubon Ratchathani province left three people dead and six others injured. Police said the shootout involved smuggled rifles from the Cold War era. In July, more than 2,300 modified guns and several thousand bullets destined for an online marketplace were seized during a police raid in Bangkok. Last week, a 52-year-old Bangkok man was arrested in possession of an unregistered shotgun, pistol, and 34 bullets that police said were purchased online. Readily available online People appear to have easy access to unregistered firearms in Thailand, as online marketplaces make it cheap and easy for civilians to obtain guns without having to go through complicated background checks. Several Thai social media accounts offer guns for sale with a home delivery service. A Twitter account with the hashtag “#puenthuan” (illegal guns) lists pistols ranging in price from 2,500 to 15,000 baht – far lower than their legitimate counterparts. Unlicensed firearms remain prevalent in the country despite occasional police crackdowns on illegal gun vendors. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/4-million-reasons-to-believe-thailand-has-a-problem-with-illegal-guns/ -- © 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!

UPDATE: Girl suffering severe hair loss allegedly after receiving Covid-19 vaccine gets government help By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A nine-year-old girl in Thalang who has allegedly sustained severe hair loss after receiving a second Covid-19 vaccine two months ago is receiving support from relevant Phuket offices after her story had gone viral. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270802-update-girl-suffering-severe-hair-loss-allegedly-after-receiving-covid-19-vaccine-gets-government-help/

By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A nine-year-old girl in Thalang who has allegedly sustained severe hair loss after receiving a second Covid-19 vaccine two months ago is receiving support from relevant Phuket offices after her story had gone viral. The Thalang District Chief Mr. Bancha Tanooin and the Thalang District Public Health Chief Mr. Sataphon Wajasat visited the girl and her family at her home in Thalang. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/09/02/update-girl-suffering-severe-hair-loss-allegedly-after-receiving-covid-19-vaccine-gets-government-help/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 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!

Anyone for Venice? It’s that time when Thailand - Bangkok in particular - might disappear altogether OPINION | by Rooster An English idiom from the last century is “Anyone for tennis?” - a phrase used to invoke the stereotypical laziness of shallow upper class toffs who only had time for games on their immaculate lawns. It was also the title of a song by the British rock band Cream. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270799-anyone-for-venice-it’s-that-time-when-thailand-bangkok-in-particular-might-disappear-altogether/

OPINION | by Rooster An English idiom from the last century is “Anyone for tennis?” - a phrase used to invoke the stereotypical laziness of shallow upper class toffs who only had time for games on their immaculate lawns. It was also the title of a song by the British rock band Cream. However, this week in Bangkok as the heavens opened morning, noon and night Rooster was a million miles from getting out his battered rackets and having a rubber. It felt more like ”Anyone for Venice?” Krung Thep was famous for being called the Venice of the East - less for its charm and more for its propensity to slip below filthy floodwaters. Pictures from the middle of the last century recall a bygone era. But this week it was the future of the Thai capital that came into sharp focus. A well known scientist and climate change expert from Kaset - whose daily reports from the “2011 Great Flood” were called a “Horror Show” by The Nation - told us to expect the worst. Prof Seri Supharathit said that 11 years on there was a very real possibility of a 2022 repeat with heavy rain and many storms expected from September to November. He warned, citing international studies, that by 2100 the city will disappear unless the Thai government does something. Something except bicker among themselves about their future ignoring the plight of the capital’s residents and millions of others who depend on Bangkok’s GDP generation. He warned of much of the central region going under water for ever unless drastic action is taken. This includes building sea defences from Pattaya to Cha-Am creating a Gulf Lake of fresh water that will radically alter tourism and industry. Will the Thai government heed his warnings and start planning like Japan, South Korea and the Netherlands. Dream on. The chance of Thais listening to foreign expertise - something they ignored from the Dutch in 2011 - is close to zero. They are more likely to wait until Bangkok disappears before blaming foreign over-consumption for global warming while praising their own “sethakit phor phiang” (the economy of enough). Forward planning and listening to foreigners are generally not Thai traits. Scurrying after disaster and blaming Johnny Westerner are preferred ’sports’. They’ll probably have to relocate Bangkok in boatloads - then carry the bricks of Government House up to the top of Khao Yai on mules. Bangkok and its surrounding areas have suffered floods since the year dot. In more modern history and just before Rooster took up residence came the floods of 1983 when 55 died and 200,000 homes in the eastern suburbs were damaged. In 1995 from October to November came the worst flood in downtown areas in history. The water was 2.27 meters deep in places. Some 420 lives were lost across 73 of the then 76 provinces. At this time of the year Rooster always remembers two events - a deluge in 1986 and the events of 2011. On May 6th 1986 the most rain in recorded history was dumped on the capital in seven hours overnight. The next morning myself and a pal and a girlfriend had been due to go to Koh Samet. We resolutely stuck to our plan wading through waist deep waters to Ekkamai bus station. Forget a taxi. We saw one cab disgorge its passengers only for the water from a passing bus to fill it almost to the brim! People were eating noodles with waves lapping their knees. The Bangkok Post had pictures of people fishing in Rama IV after fish got out of Lumpini Park! We made it to Ban Phe where we had to persuade a fisherman to take us across. We so nearly capsized, but were “buoyed” by consuming a neat bottle of Mekong. Ten students died between the mainland and the island in two separate drowning incidents that day. The floods in Bangkok that time soon subsided but the same could not be said of 2011. The floodwaters that hit Bangkok on that occasion were runoff from dams, klong and fields further north. Like a reminder of Doctor Who episodes from my youth about foam seeping through the London Underground, the rain water came not from the sky but gurgled up via the drains. On site teachers at my school in Don Muang - closed for three months until January 2012 - needed kayaks to get about the campus. Within a day in October from a trickle to a torrent the whole area was submerged. My area in Ratchayothin followed in November. Off work and with lovely blue skies above the soi filled up one day and for five weeks we were marooned - thankfully 12 floors up. Maybe in 2100 we’ll still be ok…maybe. On school jobs I made it to Sukhumvit after wading down the soi and boarding the #39 bus that was still running. The flood only went as far as the first tunnel on Ratchadapisek inbound. The authorities had saved the central business area at the expense of the suburbs and places like Pathum Thani where my first wife had been living for two months already on the top floor of her house. Myself and the second Mrs Rooster decided to pay her a visit. There had always been acrimony to go with the alimony since our break-up and I persuaded the new Mrs Rooster that it was time to bury the hatchet, not in our heads. After a long roundabout journey by car in December we arrived at the housing estate in Sam Khok appropriate called The Lagoon. There we switched to rowboat and rowed ourselves two kilometers to the house where Mrs R1 was living on the top floor with newborn cats and a dog. What followed was one of the most memorable days of our lives. The wives ate together and found common interests - food, not me. I rowed them about the tree tops with both complaining about my lack of skills with an oar. There have been ups and downs since but I credit the flood with marking a watershed, pun intended, in our amicable lives and that of our children. Sometimes good comes out of a disaster. The January/February cleanup was a big operation and the 6,000 baht government handout got me a new fridge - whoopy do! You can still see some marks ten feet up - a reminder that it’ll probably happen again. 2022? We’ll see. A story the next day on ASEAN NOW suggested that satellite data from GISTDA (the Thai space agency) showed that flooding in 2011 was three times worse than now. But much depends on what happens up to November, according to the experts. Another major story this week came from Daily News who remembered that today, September 3rd marks the anniversary of the death of sergeant Wichian Klanpraset of the Thong Lo police. Red Bull Boss - who gallivants the globe smirking about the effectiveness of Thai justice - ended his life in a gray Ferrari, dragging him all around Sukhumvit Road while high on coke. The Boss story guarantees clicks for ASEAN NOW. It even guarantees clicks on other crime stories when poorer miscreants are arrested along the lines of “If you can get them, why not the Red Bull guy?” Boss is a click-a-thon that keeps giving. The fugitive was allowed to pay off the cop’s family and escape. A face-saving and pointless Red Notice sits gathering dust on some Interpol shelf. The RTP are waiting until the last statute of limitations on reckless driving causing death runs out in 5 years. A few low hanging fruit might be convicted in the cover ups and corruption mess that is the whole case but no one of serious rank will do time. The RTP has no appetite and politicians are too scared of the police. Pathetic really. It all means a guilty rich guy goes free, and the stereotypical poor mushroom pickers of Thailand do 20 years. That - despite the towering edifice of the Ministry of Justice building on Chaeng Wattana - is Thai justice. Pretending to get tough with the RTP this week was Prawit, Big Pom (who is not an Englishman living in Oz but admittedly is as fat as many Australians). Rooster went to town on the story about him “wagging his finger” getting away with “other orders on Prawit’s watch” and being well known for a “penchant for overindulgence in a culinary capacity”. (Thanks folks for the 60+ laughing emojis - it helps one get through the translation day!). Echoing pal Prayut’s belligerent style, he barked “no more corruption, no more back handers, no more favors, no more bribes…or else.” Or else the RTP would investigate their own men and decide there was no case to answer and everyone could go back to the station for some tea (money). The RTP are more like the MIB (Mafia in Brown) and Prawit has no chance in reining them in. None. Also in Bangkok (sorry to the country bumpkins that this week’s column is almost completely about the land of the living) it was announced that taxi drivers are jubilant that fares will soon be allowed to rise for the first time in 8 years. I happen to agree, but hopefully the fines for refusing passengers will increase too. In international news former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev died aged 91. Mr Gorbachev had a great press in the West for his “glasnost and perestroika” policies but was widely vilified at home. But he will go down in history as a man who helped end the Cold War peacefully and was the winner of a Nobel Peace Prize. Climate change also featured in a story on the BBC about English people growing exotic plants outdoors. They listed “watermelon, figs and avocados”. Now to hunt for some water from the standpipes. In lighter news a statistician suggested that it could cost around 833 quid to fill in the latest Panini sticker book if you wanted to collect all 670 shiny cards for this year’s World Cup. This was based on the cost of a packet of five being 90 pence rather than the 20p of some years ago…. and the odds of the time it will likely take. Rooster still has the 1970 “Soccer Stars” album that is full with names like Bobby Moore and Martin Peters…and Pele. I wonder how much the cards cost then - certainly not four shillings! Back in Thailand the weather theme had got the week off to a very menacing start. On Monday just after daybreak the Bangkok sky turned an extraordinary and menacing black that startled many residents. The storm lacked bite when push came to shove and soon dissipated but respected Marine Biologist Dr Thon said on Facebook that this was a clear sign of “extreme weather” and was a result of more vapor coming off warming seas. The moderators had a busy morning clearing out the assorted climate change deniers who really need to go and find a large rock to crawl under. Take a wetsuit and an umbrella just in case. While there is still some debate about the extent of climate change, the effect that mankind has had on the planet is undeniable as much as the moon landing, roundness of earth or the Holocaust. Holocaust deniers are rightfully jailed in many societies. Climate deniers need to be hounded, banned and where that is not possible, ignored. The science is overwhelming; every one of us must mend our overconsumption ways and press our elected representatives to act and rein in the corporations who continue to destroy our planet for their own profits. In my view it is probably almost too late but every little helps. Localized climate related conflicts have already begun. Before my young children are in their dotage world wars will be fought over the issue as land for the poorer nations is gobbled up, migration become worse than today and rich nations head for the cooler hills. I’m almost completely pessimistic for the future and am trying to make up for the bad choices I’ve made in the past. I’m now an unofficial member of Sweden’s “flygskam” (flight shame), refuse all manner of plastic and boycott products that use it, recycle everything I can and pedal or walk to places. It’s not much but it’s a start. Bangkok’s governor Chadchart - who generally is not doing a bad job since his landslide victory - appeared in Saudi garb as the rapprochement from the Blue Diamond Affair gathered pace. I remember when I stole the bedsheet from the residencia in Bilbao and went to the England vs Kuwait group match at the 1982 World Cup dressed as an Arab. Yes, sir, I looked like a stupid idiot too. A grim story was brewing in Chonburi that may prove even worse than leaving a child to bake all day in a locked school van. The mother of the dead 7 year old - her only daughter - thought that the child was killed then left in the van to cover the crime. I chastised my editor for sending me such horror to translate, I have six and nine year old daughters who I cherish far more than my own life. There should be twenty year sentences for negligence if that proves to be the case. If worse, then life without parole. And by the way parents, don’t think that leaving a child in a car is something that couldn't happen to you. It happens all around the world with parents leaving their own kids in car seats being distracted by this and that. Be vigilant with your kids at all times. I nearly lost one in a pool accident last year and the memory of that will haunt me to my dying day. Finally the new RTP chief has been confirmed. Police General Damrongsak Kittipraphat will replace the retiring Pol Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk on September 30th. Still in charge of traffic, Damrongsak ordered a crackdown after the school van death. He’ll be the 13th National Police Chief. Predictable crackdowns and the number 13. Methinks, that does not bode well. Rooster -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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! 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

Thai authorities have issued an arrest warrant against a popular YouTuber accused of scamming followers out of $55 million, reports say by Mara Leighton YouTube/Nuttys -- Thai authorities issued an arrest warrant for YouTube star "Nutty" for a $55 million scam. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270793-thai-authorities-have-issued-an-arrest-warrant-against-a-popular-youtuber-accused-of-scamming-followers-out-of-55-million-reports-say/

YouTube/Nuttys by Mara Leighton -- Thai authorities issued an arrest warrant for YouTube star "Nutty" for a $55 million scam. -- Nutty advertised forex trader courses and flaunted images of her purported profits to Instagram. -- In her account's last post in May, Nutty said she owed 1 billion baht ($27.5 million) to investors. Thai authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Natthamon "Nutty" Khongchak, an influencer and YouTuber they say scammed followers out of 2 billion baht (about $55 million) in a foreign exchange trading scam, before fleeing the country. Nutty, who frequently posted dancing and singing videos to her 847,000 YouTube followers, also claimed to be a successful forex trader in her Instagram bio and posted advertisements for private forex trading courses to the platform. She also claimed to be able to deliver major returns to her investors -- promising 25% returns on 3-month contracts and 30% returns on 6-month contracts, according to Asian trading site NextShark. Full story: https://www.insider.com/thai-influencer-youtuber-nutty-arrest-warrant-multimillion-dollar-forex-scam-2002-8 -- © Copyright INSIDER 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!