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What power does Prawit have as acting PM? Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan The decision by the Constitutional Court to suspend Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from active duty might have fallen short of the expectations of the opposition bloc and anti-government demonstrators, but should help lower the political temperature — at least for the time being, according to political analysts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269991-what-power-does-prawit-have-as-acting-pm/

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan The decision by the Constitutional Court to suspend Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from active duty might have fallen short of the expectations of the opposition bloc and anti-government demonstrators, but should help lower the political temperature — at least for the time being, according to political analysts. Businessmen and industrialists, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the current political uncertainty should not have serious effect on the economy as the country begins to recover from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic. The Constitutional Court on Wednesday voted unanimously to accept a petition submitted by the opposition bloc for it to rule on Gen Prayut’s term of office as prime minister. The court also issued an injunction that prohibits Prayut from performing his prime ministerial duty, pending its final ruling. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/what-power-does-prawit-have-as-acting-pm/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-25 - 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: "Thanks to everyone from the bottom of this little girl's heart" - HIV girl overwhelmed by generosity Picture: Thai Rath The 17 year old girl in Chainat who has had HIV since she was in her mother's womb, been bullied and faced stigma has been overwhelmed by the generosity of Thais and foreigners alike. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269988-thanks-to-everyone-from-the-bottom-of-this-little-girls-heart-hiv-girl-overwhelmed-by-generosity/

"Thanks to everyone from the bottom of this little girl's heart" - HIV girl overwhelmed by generosity Picture: Thai Rath The 17 year old girl in Chainat who has had HIV since she was in her mother's womb, been bullied and faced stigma has been overwhelmed by the generosity of Thais and foreigners alike. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269988-thanks-to-everyone-from-the-bottom-of-this-little-girls-heart-hiv-girl-overwhelmed-by-generosity/

Picture: Thai Rath The 17 year old girl in Chainat who has had HIV since she was in her mother's womb, been bullied and faced stigma has been overwhelmed by the generosity of Thais and foreigners alike. Nong Jaa's mum died, her father was sent to prison and her and her grandfather barely had 3,000 baht a month to make ends meet. Now she just wanted to finish school and get to university and make a life for herself and her grandfather. Thai Rath and local officials recognised her plight and an appeal was started with donations being sent to Jaa's GSB bank account. Within just one day the donations had reached 948,248 baht, reported Thai Rath who were at the school in Sankhaburi, Chainat, central Thailand where Jaa studies and is a competent and dilligent student. "Wow" said an amazed Jaa after two teachers who are managing her account came back with the good news while she was doing her homework. ""I never thought people would be so kind, I've never seen so much money in my whole life". Jaa thanked Thailand's reporters, news organisations, her teachers, provincial reps and most of all the huge number of people who had donated. She promised that all the money would be spent wisely and appropriately. ASEAN NOW readers joined in with the donations sending tens of thousands of baht according to posts. And that was just the people who reported sending money and the amounts. Jaa added: "Thanks from this little girl from the bottom of my heart". Picture: Thai Rath One of the teacher's who has helped set up the account, Naowarat Sricham said that it would not be linked to an ATM card. She said that the school director had set up a committee of trustees who will make sure that the money is spent properly. Apart from the cost of university it will be used to make Jaa and her grandfather's living conditions better as well as pay daily, monthly and yearly expenses as appropriate. Another of the teacher advisors, Chuleekorn Pinkaew, said that teachers had addressed the problem of Jaa being bullied. "There are no bullies now," she said. "It was explained to the children that this virus is not something that can be passed on easily and that everyone should live together in a spirit of harmony and not cause stress to others". ASEAN NOW would like to thank all our expatriate readers who responded positively to the story and of course those who made donations. The news team is thrilled that our members have played their part in making Jaa's life better and giving her a future that she can look forward to with renewed hope for herself and her grandfather. Well done to everybody! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-25 - 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

Satellite images show widespread flooding in Thailand’s northeast The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has released images, taken on August 24th by the Sentinel-1 satellite, of flooding covering 20,800 hectares of land in the north-eastern region of Thailand. More than 11,200 hectares of rice fields have been affected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269966-satellite-images-show-widespread-flooding-in-thailand’s-northeast/

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has released images, taken on August 24th by the Sentinel-1 satellite, of flooding covering 20,800 hectares of land in the north-eastern region of Thailand. More than 11,200 hectares of rice fields have been affected. The data from the satellite, which is monitoring the flood situation in the northeast, show that the areas affected are mainly located on both sides of the Chi and the Mun River basins, in parts of Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Maha Sarakham, Buri Ram and Roi Et. To support GISTDA’s mission, the images and data from the satellite have been sent to various other agencies and adjustment of the satellite’s sensors will be undertaken by GISTDA, to enable even more accurate analysis and monitoring of areas prone to ongoing flooding. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/satellite-images-show-widespread-flooding-in-thailands-northeast/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-25 - 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!

Constitution drafter scoffs at plans by DPM Wissanu’s call for Prayut to return as ‘caretaker’ PM By Erich Parpart Thailand’s embattled Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha cannot take over as caretaker prime minister if other deputy prime minister refused to accept the position as the move would be against the Constitutional Court’s order, a former adviser to the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Jade Donavanik said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269961-constitution-drafter-scoffs-at-plans-by-dpm-wissanu’s-call-for-prayut-to-return-as-‘caretaker’-pm/

By Erich Parpart Thailand’s embattled Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha cannot take over as caretaker prime minister if other deputy prime minister refused to accept the position as the move would be against the Constitutional Court’s order, a former adviser to the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Jade Donavanik said. “The court ordered to suspend your premiership duty but then you come back as caretaker prime minister? How would that be any different from being a prime minister?” he asked rhetorically while on a television program. “I do not think that it would be possible,” Jade added. Jade was one of the advisors for the 2017 CDC that drafted the charter which has been at the centre of debate over the past few months, especially on Article 158 that forbids anyone from holding office for more than 8 years. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/43348/constitution-drafter-scoffs-at-plans-by-dpm-wissanus-call-for-prayut-to-return-as-caretaker-pm/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-08-25 - 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 tourism continues to recover with 4 million arrivals already this year International visitors await instructions from health officials inside the arrival terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport as Thailand welcomes the first group of vaccinated tourists without quarantine in Bangkok on November 1, 2021./ AFP The number of foreign tourists entering Thailand so far this year has now exceeded 4 million in a positive sign, reflecting the continuing recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269959-thai-tourism-continues-to-recover-with-4-million-arrivals-already-this-year/

International visitors await instructions from health officials inside the arrival terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport as Thailand welcomes the first group of vaccinated tourists without quarantine in Bangkok on November 1, 2021./ AFP The number of foreign tourists entering Thailand so far this year has now exceeded 4 million in a positive sign, reflecting the continuing recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector. It is also a result of the relaxation of tourist entry procedures and proactive tourism promotion, according to Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri. The end-of-year government target for the arrival of foreign tourists is 10 million, with just four months left. Pre-COVID, the numbers of tourists were on the rise each year, from 38.2 million in 2018 to almost 40 million in 2019. Anucha said that, according to statistics from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the cumulative number of foreign tourists entering Thailand between January 1st andAugust 16th was 4,015,504, of which most were from Malaysia, India, the Lao PDR, Singapore and the United Kingdom, in descending order. Full: story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-tourism-continues-to-recover-with-4-million-arrivals-already-this-year/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-25 - 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!

Wendy – a whirlwind of a woman | People of Hua Hin By Felicitee Lawrie In the interests of transparency, I have to admit I have known Wendy Herbert for a while now, and am proud to call her my friend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269958-wendy-–-a-whirlwind-of-a-woman-people-of-hua-hin/

By Felicitee Lawrie In the interests of transparency, I have to admit I have known Wendy Herbert for a while now, and am proud to call her my friend. Wendy is a prominent member of the local Hua Hin community and engages with locals in roles large and small, public and more private. In some ways, her exploits are flying under the radar here in Hua Hin. She is a seasoned professional, yet at the same time incredibly humble, a woman of many passions and accomplishments who makes a real difference to the Hua Hin community. Wendy is a role model to which many aspire, and she does all these things while holding down a full-time job as a communication trainer at a local international health resort. Full story: https://huahin.locality.guide/2022/08/09/wendy-a-whirlwind-of-a-woman-people-of-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Locality Guide 2022-08-25 - 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 Breath Test Developed BANGKOK, Aug 25 (TNA) – The Department of Medical Services and Mahidol University developed a COVID-19 breath-test technique which is nearly as accurate as the RT-PCR method. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269957-covid-breath-test-developed/

BANGKOK, Aug 25 (TNA) – The Department of Medical Services and Mahidol University developed a COVID-19 breath-test technique which is nearly as accurate as the RT-PCR method. Assoc Prof Dr Sathit Niramitmahapanya, deputy director of Rajavithi Hospital who supervised the innovative development in the project, said the new technique was developed on a conventional technique to measure sugar levels with breath. The development has resulted in ten versions of the new test device since the outbreak of COVID-19 three years ago. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1004679 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-08-25 - 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!

Doubts cast over Thailand’s ability to attract world’s largest IR firms by Ben Blaschke Survey shows more than 80% of Thais in support of legal casinos Industry experts agree that a legalized Thailand casino industry now looks likely to become a reality, but have cast doubts on its ability to implement a regulatory framework strong enough to attract the world’s largest operators. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269954-doubts-cast-over-thailand’s-ability-to-attract-world’s-largest-ir-firms/

by Ben Blaschke Survey shows more than 80% of Thais in support of legal casinos Industry experts agree that a legalized Thailand casino industry now looks likely to become a reality, but have cast doubts on its ability to implement a regulatory framework strong enough to attract the world’s largest operators. Despite the likes of Las Vegas Sands and MGM Resorts having expressed interest in the Thai market, Spectrum Gaming Group’s Senior VP Asia, Paul Bromberg, said Wednesday that recent attempts to legislate for medical marijuana – which instead wound up legalizing marijuana use nationwide – showed that government lacked the will to do the hard yards when it came to developing an internationally respectable regulatory system. “The simple answer is no,” Bromberg told an audience of industry peers at the G2E Asia: Singapore conference when asked whether the Thai government had the will or ability to put in place the sort of regulatory system required for international investment. Full story: https://www.asgam.com/index.php/2022/08/25/doubts-cast-over-thailands-ability-to-attract-worlds-largest-ir-firms/ -- © Copyright IAG 2022-08-25 - 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 approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months -5 years A vial labelled “Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine” is seen in this illustration taken January 16, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration COVID-19 vaccine in vials with maroon caps, developed by Pfizer, are now approved for use in children aged 6 months to 5 years, with 3 injections of 3µg per dose. The vaccine is 80.3% effective at preventing COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269948-thai-fda-approves-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-for-children-aged-6-months-5-years/

A vial labelled “Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine” is seen in this illustration taken January 16, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration COVID-19 vaccine in vials with maroon caps, developed by Pfizer, are now approved for use in children aged 6 months to 5 years, with 3 injections of 3µg per dose. The vaccine is 80.3% effective at preventing COVID-19. Secretary-General of Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) Dr. Paisarn Dunkum said yesterday (Wednesday) that, on August 23rd, the TFDA subcommittee considering the registration of modern pharmacopoeia for humans, as a vaccine against the virus which causes COVID-19, approved the expansion of the use of Pfizer’s Comirnaty vaccine to include children aged 6 months to 5 years. The company had previously allowed the use of the vaccine for auto-immune stimulation in people aged 12 years and older. The age range was extended to children between 5 and 11-years-old. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-fda-approves-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-for-children-aged-6-months-5-years/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-25 - 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!

Video: Trash burning leads to major fire at old pallet storage facility in Samut Prakan Picture: 77kaoded A video published by 77kaoded from Samut Prakan showed fire services tackling a blaze at an old wooden pallet store. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269946-video-trash-burning-leads-to-major-fire-at-old-pallet-storage-facility-in-samut-prakan/

Picture: 77kaoded A video published by 77kaoded from Samut Prakan showed fire services tackling a blaze at an old wooden pallet store. The media reported that sparks from the burning of trash nearby whipped up by strong winds led to the fire. Picture: 77kaoded It happened late yesterday afternoon in Moo 5 in the Klong Dan police jurisdiction in Bang Priang sub-district of Bang Bo district. Ten fire engines attended the scene that is an open area of 5 rai. A wall needed to be demolished to gain access and it was an hour before the fire was brought under control. Fortunately many of the pallets in a covered area were saved. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-25 - 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

Huge Ponzi scheme in Chiang Mai - crypto firm advertised returns of 15% before the cash dried up Sanook Thai Caption: Complaints over crypto Ponzi scheme Sanook reported that there are expected to be thousands of victims in the latest Ponzi scheme operated in the north of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269945-huge-ponzi-scheme-in-chiang-mai -crypto-firm-advertised-returns-of-15-before-the-cash-dried-up/

Sanook Thai Caption: Complaints over crypto Ponzi scheme Sanook reported that there are expected to be thousands of victims in the latest Ponzi scheme operated in the north of Thailand. Investors in a crypto currency firm were told they could put down anything from 30,000 baht into the millions and would get 10% - 15% interest a month. One investor said he put in 100,000 baht on the advice of a friend in May and got returns at first before his whole investment went south. Yesterday 20 claimants went to the Department of Special Investigation office in the northern city of Chiang Mai to say they had been defrauded. There are expected to be thousands of people who have lost money in what could be a 1.7 billion baht fraud. The DSI are investigating and urged other people to come forward with evidence of their losses. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-25 - 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

Tim Newton Today - Aug 25: Shock decision to suspend Thai PM, who is the new guy? More Chinese flights With the Constitutional court sidelining former PM Prayut Chan-o-cha after 8 years in the top job, who is the new guy? Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269944-tim-newton-today-aug-25-shock-decision-to-suspend-thai-pm-who-is-the-new-guy-more-chinese-flights/

With the Constitutional court sidelining former PM Prayut Chan-o-cha after 8 years in the top job, who is the new guy? Chinese increase flights to Thailand, noodle price hike.