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US Senator Warns Over Move Forward Party Dissolution Senator Ben Cardin. File photo courtesy: Middle East Observer Senator Ben Cardin, head of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has raised alarm over the potential dissolution of Thailand's Move Forward Party, which faces allegations of trying to subvert the nation's democratic system. This move, he warns, could harm Thailand's democratic principles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334612-us-senator-warns-over-move-forward-party-dissolution/

Senator Ben Cardin, head of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has raised alarm over the potential dissolution of Thailand's Move Forward Party, which faces allegations of trying to subvert the nation's democratic system. This move, he warns, could harm Thailand's democratic principles. Sen. Cardin wrote to Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, stressing the recent election saw a historic turnout with over 39 million voters. The Move Forward Party, which received support from more than 14 million citizens, emerged victorious. Despite this clear mandate, the Election Commission has moved to dissolve the party, citing charges of subversive activities. The Constitutional Court is set to rule on the party's fate on August 7. A verdict against the party could lead to its dissolution and bar its key officials from politics for a decade. Senator Cardin emphasized that such a decision would disenfranchise millions who voted for progressive change, threatening Thailand's democratic commitment. “If the Move Forward Party is dissolved, this decision will effectively disenfranchise millions of voters who called for progressive change and democratic reform,” stated Cardin. He underscored the need for Thailand to uphold democratic values that underpin its long-term relationship with the US. Cardin also called on the Srettha government to respect the will of the people and maintain a commitment to democracy and the rule of law. “I sincerely hope that Thailand will navigate this period with a steadfast commitment to democracy, ensuring that the voices of its people are heard and respected,” he said. The international community is closely watching the situation. Diplomatic interest has been evident, with European diplomats meeting recently with Pita Limjaroenrat, Move Forward's chief advisor, to discuss the legal and political environment. Additionally, Pita and his team met with ambassadors from Asia and the West at the German ambassador's residence to discuss Thailand's democratic crisis. As the court date approaches, the world is keenly observing how Thailand will address these challenges to its democracy. TOP: Senator Ben Cardin. File photo courtesy: Middle East Observer -- 2024-08-05 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 5 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1334610-thailand-live-monday-5-august-2024/

Pattaya City police intervened to halt a confrontation involving Middle Eastern tourists, primarily from Kuwait, and young Thai men, many of whom were Bolt motorbike taxi app riders, in the early hours of yesterday. Pattaya cops stop brawl between Kuwaiti tourists & Thai bikers by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of ข่าวพัทยา Pattayanews Facebook Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334609-pattaya-cops-stop-brawl-between-kuwaiti-tourists-thai-bikers/

Pattaya City police intervened to halt a confrontation involving Middle Eastern tourists, primarily from Kuwait, and young Thai men, many of whom were Bolt motorbike taxi app riders, in the early hours of yesterday. Captain Pansan Krongsit received the report at 5am, Saturday, August 3, leading officers to Soi Yen Sabai in Nongprue, where they discovered evidence of a conflict, including broken glass scattered on the ground. Witnesses and locals recounted that over a dozen young Thai motorbike riders had been engaged in a heated dispute and physical altercation with dozens of Middle Eastern men, mainly Kuwaiti nationals. The altercation escalated, with rocks being thrown, resulting in damage to nearby businesses. The precise cause of the conflict remains unclear, though tensions have been high due to complaints about the foreign tourists, who are reportedly students on school leave. These students have allegedly disrespected locals and caused disturbances by racing motorbikes without proper licences, registration, or documentation. Several Kuwaiti nationals sustained injuries during the conflict. CCTV footage captured scenes of foreign tourists, mostly Kuwaiti students, fleeing and taking refuge in nearby shops as groups of irate young Thai men hurled rocks and shouted at them. The police instructed business owners and injured parties to file official reports to facilitate a formal investigation. In the meantime, police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify both Thai and foreign individuals involved in the disturbances, reported The Pattaya News. Complaints from locals about the foreign tourists have been mounting, with accusations of the tourists disrupting the peace and quiet of the area. These grievances have contributed to rising tensions between the different groups, leading to incidents such as the recent confrontation. In related news, residents in Soi Yen Sabai, Pattaya, urged police officers to take action against Kuwaiti motorcycle racers following a noise pollution disturbance and a recent physical altercation on July 13. by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of ข่าวพัทยา Pattayanews Facebook Full story: The Thaiger 2024-08-05 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Nostalgia for Prayut Grows as "We Miss Loong Tu" Goes Viral When former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was in office, he faced significant criticism from the Thai online community, largely due to his rise to power through a coup. His actions and policies were often met with hostility, with some even criticising trivial things like his mannerisms and speech. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334541-nostalgia-for-prayut-grows-as-we-miss-loong-tu-goes-viral/

When former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was in office, he faced significant criticism from the Thai online community, largely due to his rise to power through a coup. His actions and policies were often met with hostility, with some even criticising trivial things like his mannerisms and speech. Despite this history, a surprising change has recently taken place on Thai social media. A catchy tune titled “We Miss Loong Tu” has gone viral, sparking a wave of nostalgia for the former leader. The song, which blends pop and dance elements, praises Prayut’s contributions and dedication to the Thai monarchy. Lyrics include, “Loong Tu is the one who stands up for us and does a lot of work. He makes us smile and would sacrifice his life for the monarchy. We miss Loong Tu, aha, aha.” Accompanying the music are engaging videos created by netizens, many featuring lip-syncing and dance routines. One TikToker, @apple28954, shared a clip with the caption, “I miss you, Loong Tu, very much. When you were in office, I criticised you a lot. I’m sorry.” Another user, @tip-time48, showcased her entire family expressing their fondness for Prayut, despite previous criticisms. Political analysts suggest this trend may be partly due to dissatisfaction with the current government. The new leadership, headed by the Pheu Thai party, has been criticised for failing to address urgent national issues. Their focus on the “digital wallet” scheme, a major campaign promise, has overshadowed other pressing concerns. Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai party, echoed public sentiment in a recent interview, questioning whether the current administration’s shortcomings have led to the growing nostalgia, reported Thai PBS. When asked about the trend, current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin acknowledged Prayut’s long tenure and his accomplishments. However, the true identity of the TikTok user “Celestial Sound,” who produced the viral song, remains a mystery. They stated their independence from political affiliations and clarified that artificial intelligence was only used for musical composition, not as a stance. Interestingly, Celestial Sound hinted at more politically charged content to come, with a song about Thaksin Shinawatra, another influential figure in Thai politics, on the horizon. As this nostalgic wave continues to ripple across social media, it remains to be seen how it will shape public opinion and political discourse in Thailand. -- 2024-08-03 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Toddler found 3km from Udon Thani home after wandering off by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A three year old toddler wandered 3 kilometres from home in Udon Thani on Wednesday, July 31, while following a dog after their mother fell asleep from taking allergy medication. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334540-toddler-found-3km-from-udon-thani-home-after-wandering-off/

A three year old toddler wandered 3 kilometres from home in Udon Thani on Wednesday, July 31, while following a dog after their mother fell asleep from taking allergy medication. The child was found playing in a rice field, narrowly avoiding a fall into a nearby water pit. This incident took place in the Khuea Nam subdistrict, Ban Phue district, Udon Thani province. A 23 year old single mother, shared her ordeal with reporters. She explained that she had taken painkillers and allergy medicine due to a toothache and potential flu symptoms, which made her sleepy. The woman inadvertently fell asleep in her rubber plantation hut. Upon waking around 4pm, she realised her three year old son had gone missing. She questioned her parents, who were working nearby, but they hadn’t seen him either. The family, alongside community members, began a frantic search, checking nearby plantation huts but to no avail. They even alerted the local community leader, who organised a motorbike search party. After about three hours, they received news that the boy had been found, playing in a rice field at the village’s edge, approximately 3 kilometres from where he had disappeared. He had traversed through cassava fields, forests, and rice paddies. It was incredibly fortunate that the child emerged unscathed from the ordeal. A 55 year old woman named Ae discovered the child. She recounted that she was herding her buffaloes into their pen when she heard a child’s laughter around 7.30pm. Initially, she thought it might be a ghost, as it seemed unlikely that a child would be playing in the water with a dog at that hour. Concealed by the rice plants, she couldn’t see the child at first. Upon closer inspection, she found the boy playing in chest-deep water. She asked where he came from, but he couldn’t articulate much due to his age. Ae brought him to her field hut, bathed him, fed him, and then contacted the community leader. The community leader informed the boy’s family, who had been tirelessly searching for him. Ae expressed disbelief that such a young child could wander so far without harm, given the treacherous route that included water bodies and dense vegetation. She noted that if the boy had walked another 50 metres, he would have undoubtedly fallen into a water pit. She urged all parents to keep a close watch on their children to prevent similar incidents, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-08-03 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok waste disposal crisis: Garbage trucks queue for kilometres (video) by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A long line of garbage trucks has formed across Bangkok, with drivers waiting from morning until afternoon yesterday, August 2, to dispose of waste. Authorities are being urged to address the issue promptly. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334539-bangkok-waste-disposal-crisis-garbage-trucks-queue-for-kilometres-video/

A long line of garbage trucks has formed across Bangkok, with drivers waiting from morning until afternoon yesterday, August 2, to dispose of waste. Authorities are being urged to address the issue promptly. A video clip shared on social media yesterday shows a queue of numerous garbage trucks waiting to offload their waste. The social media page “อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 7” posted the video along with a plea for responsible agencies to resolve the problem. “Please help, admin Kim. I feel for the workers. Can anyone fix this? Has the Bangkok Governor been informed? What’s happening? Garbage trucks across Bangkok are lining up for kilometres, waiting from morning until afternoon and still unable to dispose of the waste. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials reported this issue. They’re queuing at a single disposal point, having started since the morning and still unable to offload by the afternoon because every district’s garbage trucks have converged at this one spot. Typically, there are three disposal sites spread out to manage the city’s waste.” The unusual situation has left garbage truck drivers in a difficult position, unable to eat or use the restroom as they had to stay with their vehicles. The social media post calls on the relevant agencies or the Bangkok governor to intervene and address the situation. “This is a tough situation for the workers right now, as you can see in the video. The queue stretches for kilometres. What’s going on with the waste disposal point? Why can’t they accept the waste, causing all the trucks to gather here?” The video has sparked a significant response on social media, with many users expressing concern for the workers and frustration with the situation. Calls for a quick resolution have been amplified, as the prolonged waiting and inability to dispose of waste could lead to broader sanitation issues in the city, Efforts to reach the Bangkok Governor’s office for a comment have so far been unsuccessful. However, the pressure from the public and social media might prompt a quicker response from the authorities to restore normal operations, reported KhaoSod. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-03 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Monk wins 12 million baht lottery, plans to help community by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Sanook The abbot of Wat Si Chumphon in Khon Kaen received a warm celebration from devotees after winning 12 million baht in the national lottery. The 69 year old monk shared his journey of finding the winning numbers and his plans for the prize money. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334538-monk-wins-12-million-baht-lottery-plans-to-help-community/

The abbot of Wat Si Chumphon in Khon Kaen received a warm celebration from devotees after winning 12 million baht in the national lottery. The 69 year old monk shared his journey of finding the winning numbers and his plans for the prize money. Wat Si Chumphon in Ban Nong Kiao, Khon Kaen, was buzzing with excitement as locals and followers gathered to congratulate Phra Nopporn Khemako, who recently won the first prize in the lottery. The 69 year old abbot purchased two winning tickets, netting him a total of 12 million baht. Phra Nopporn bought the tickets in Ban Phai district after attending a religious ceremony. He explained that he did not receive the numbers in a dream or from any supernatural means but simply decided to buy the numbers 77, 46, and 41 after feeling a strong urge. “I just felt like buying those numbers, so I went around looking for them and bought them without any special reason.” The abbot added that he enjoys making merit and has no special talismans or amulets. The monk plans to use the winnings for charitable purposes, including temple renovations and personal health care. He mentioned that he frequently donates money for various causes, sometimes in amounts ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of baht. “I intend to discuss the prize with my relatives before cashing it in. The money will be used solely for making merit, such as celebrating the temple hall and constructing a new chapel, and for my healthcare.” Despite his significant win, this is not the first time the abbot has had luck with the lottery. He has won smaller amounts in the past, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of baht. His consistent wins have often been used to fund various temple projects and help those in need. For security reasons, Phra Nopporn entrusted his sister in Maha Sarakham Province to file a police report documenting the winning tickets. This step ensures that the tickets are safely recorded while he waits to cash them in, reported Sanook. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Sanook Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-03 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Seeks Smoother Entry to South Korea for Its Travellers Picture courtesy: The Soul Guide Thailand's top diplomat requested South Korea make it more convenient for Thai travellers to visit, according to the foreign ministry, amid reports of negative sentiment due to Thai citizens being denied entry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334533-thailand-seeks-smoother-entry-to-south-korea-for-its-travellers/

Thailand's top diplomat requested South Korea make it more convenient for Thai travellers to visit, according to the foreign ministry, amid reports of negative sentiment due to Thai citizens being denied entry. The request came during bilateral talks between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa, in Seoul. Stricter screening under the new Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system introduced last year has led to increased instances of Thai travellers being refused entry to South Korea. Maris emphasized the importance of easing entry restrictions, highlighting that active exchanges between the two nations are crucial for their friendly and cooperative relationship. “We need to make travel smoother to maintain the robust ties between our countries,” he stated. In response, Cho detailed the South Korean government's efforts to broaden both personal and labour exchanges. He suggested that both nations collaborate to forge stronger, forward-looking relations. “We are focused on enhancing our bilateral cooperation for the future,” Cho said. Earlier this year, Thailand’s Culture Ministry requested the Justice Ministry to include Thailand in temporary K-ETA exemptions, but the request was denied. The Justice Ministry maintains that the stricter entry rules for Thai nationals are necessary to curb illegal immigration. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Thailand was the top Southeast Asian source market for South Korean tourism. Now, it ranks second, trailing Vietnam. Both countries hope to see a resurgence in tourism and economic exchanges. The ministers also agreed to establish a “two plus two” director-level consultative body aimed at contributing to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Furthermore, they agreed to expedite ongoing negotiations for an economic partnership agreement. Cho also welcomed Thailand’s recent role as South Korea-ASEAN coordinator starting this month. “We look forward to stronger cooperation within the ASEAN framework,” he noted. Picture courtesy: The Soul Guide -- 2024-08-03 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

TikTok user lists Thailand’s top five rare coins by Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of youtube A TikTok user known as xnakhonprathom, commonly referred to as X Nakhon Pathom, shared a clip ranking five of Thailand’s most legendary and rare coins, valued from hundreds of thousands to a million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334528-tiktok-user-lists-thailand’s-top-five-rare-coins/

A TikTok user known as xnakhonprathom, commonly referred to as X Nakhon Pathom, shared a clip ranking five of Thailand’s most legendary and rare coins, valued from hundreds of thousands to a million baht. The video categorises the five rare coins into one type of 1 baht coin, three types of 5 baht coins, and one type of 10 baht coin. This detailed ranking has sparked numerous comments and discussions after its release. Here are the specifics of each coin: The 1 baht coin from 1950 is currently valued between 300,000 and 500,000 baht. This coin has garnered significant attention due to its historical significance and limited availability. The 5 baht coin featuring a Garuda in a tilted position from 1981 is also valued between 300,000 and 500,000 baht. This coin is particularly notable for its design and rarity. Another 5 baht coin, this time featuring the Garuda in an upright position from 1982, is priced similarly between 300,000 and 500,000 baht. A distinct feature to look out for on this coin is the character ด (Dor Dek). The third type of 5 baht coin, known as the Royal Barge coin from 1986, also carries a value between 300,000 and 500,000 baht. Its unique design and limited production make it a prized possession for collectors. The 10 baht coin from 1990 stands out with a production number of only 100 coins, making it extremely rare. This coin is valued between 500,000 and 1,000,000 baht. Specific characteristics Each coin has specific characteristics that make them valuable and sought-after by collectors. The rarity, historical value, and unique designs are key factors that contribute to their high market prices. Collectors and enthusiasts often use these distinguishing features to authenticate and appraise the coins. The clip shared by xnakhonprathom has not only highlighted these rare coins but also provided valuable insights into identifying and appraising them. The significant interest and engagement from viewers demonstrate the growing fascination with rare and valuable coins in Thailand. The interest in coin collecting has seen a resurgence, with many people delving into the hobby to uncover hidden treasures and learn more about the country’s rich history through its currency. The video serves as an educational piece for both seasoned collectors and those new to the hobby, providing them with the knowledge needed to identify and value these rare coins. As the popularity of coin collecting continues to rise, so does the value of these legendary coins. Collectors are always on the lookout for rare finds, and the information provided by xnakhonprathom offers a valuable resource for those looking to expand their collections, reported Khaosod. by Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of youtube Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-03 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Thai Tourism Committee to Summon Apple Over Controversial Ad Naark Rojanasuvan The Tourism Committee is set to summon Apple for a hearing next week following the release of a controversial advertisement that has sparked backlash in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334522-apple-withdraws-ad-amid-thai-backlash-extends-apology/?do=findComment&comment=19114988

Thai Tourism Committee to Summon Apple Over Controversial Ad Naark Rojanasuvan The Tourism Committee is set to summon Apple for a hearing next week following the release of a controversial advertisement that has sparked backlash in Thailand. The advertisement, part of Apple's "Underdogs" series, has been widely criticized on social media for its portrayal of Thailand's infrastructure and safety standards, which many feel damages Thailand's reputation, particularly in the tourism sector. Sastra Sripan, MP for Songkhla and spokesperson for the committee, expressed concerns over the ad's negative portrayal of Thailand, depicting it as outdated and unsafe. This portrayal contradicts the government's efforts to promote the country's image through Soft Power initiatives. The committee plans to invite officials from relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Apple Thailand's managing director, to address these concerns. The MP also mentioned that continued dissatisfaction could lead to a call for boycotting Apple products in favor of other brands. The move aims to address public grievances and ensure that Thailand's image is accurately represented to support the tourism industry's growth and development. The committee will seek to understand Apple's perspective and work towards a resolution that aligns with Thailand's promotional efforts and national interests. The hearing will also serve as a platform for discussing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and to reinforce positive portrayals of Thailand in international media. Source: NNT 2024-08-03 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Half-Half resurfaces in yet another month when no one can blink It takes something special to make people miss Loong Tu, said a YouTube comment posted by someone who obviously is not Prayut Chan-o-cha’s biggest fan. That “something special” might be something called “Digital Wallet”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334527-half-half-resurfaces-in-yet-another-month-when-no-one-can-blink/

It takes something special to make people miss Loong Tu, said a YouTube comment posted by someone who obviously is not Prayut Chan-o-cha’s biggest fan. That “something special” might be something called “Digital Wallet”. The comparison between the Half-Half programme and the Digital Wallet agenda has often been made ever since the Pheu Thai Party unveiled the latter. But debates on the pros and cons of both economic rescue plans are intensifying thanks partly to the start of Digital Wallet registration, and partly to the song “We miss Loong Tu”. The song became a hit at a peculiar moment, coinciding with Thailand’s entry into yet another period of high political drama. The Constitutional Court is set to rule on the futures of the main opposition party, Move Forward, and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pheu Thai’s de facto patriarch, Thaksin Shinawatra, is also approaching the virtual end of restrictions on his political activities. Most analysts think Move Forward’s legal existence is hanging by a thread, meaning they believe a dissolution verdict is highly possible. But they are divided on what happens next. By Tulsathit Taptim Full story: THai PBS 2024-08-03 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Constitutional Court Cannot Dissolve Move Forward Party, Says Leader Move Forward Party. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The upcoming Constitutional Court ruling on dissolving the Move Forward Party has stirred political debate in the country. Slated for Wednesday, 7th August, the lawsuit brought forward by the Election Commission claims the party sought to undermine national rule with proposed amendments to the stringent lese majeste law, section 112 of the Criminal Code. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334526-constitutional-court-cannot-dissolve-move-forward-party-says-leader/

The upcoming Constitutional Court ruling on dissolving the Move Forward Party has stirred political debate in the country. Slated for Wednesday, 7th August, the lawsuit brought forward by the Election Commission claims the party sought to undermine national rule with proposed amendments to the stringent lese majeste law, section 112 of the Criminal Code. In preparation, the Move Forward Party held a conference on the evening of 2nd August. Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon and former leader Pita Limjaroenrat argued that the Constitutional Court does not legally have the authority to dissolve political parties. They emphasised that their party's actions were not intended to destabilise the country but to ignite necessary discussions on reforming draconian laws. Addressing followers, they invited supporters to join a nationwide event titled “Own Party, Own Country” on the day of the court's decision. This event will feature multiple gatherings across 16 locations, focusing on educating the public about the Constitutional Court's powers and political party rights. Piyabut Sangkanokkul, secretary-general of the Progressive Movement, will deliver a crucial speech on the topic. The duo expressed confidence that their defence, grounded in facts and international legal standards, would withstand scrutiny. This case marks a critical juncture in the political landscape, potentially setting a precedent for how legal reforms and party activities are interpreted and adjudicated. In related news, Sahakarn Petchnarin, director-general of the Corrections Department, clarified that the one-year sentence of Thaksin Shinawatra, de facto leader of Pheu Thai, will end on 31st August. Despite being sentenced for misconduct during his term nearly two decades ago, Thaksin has not spent time in standard incarceration. Instead, he has been at Police Hospital for six months under the pretext of health issues, before being released on parole last February. This aspect continues to draw significant public scrutiny regarding the application of justice. The unfolding events related to these two political figures underscore the complex interplay between law, politics, and public opinion. The Constitutional Court's decision will undoubtedly have wide-reaching implications for the future of political party operations and judicial reach in the nation. Move Forward Party. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-08-03 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Anutin Pledges Not to Run for Prime Minister If Srettha Is Impeached Anutin Charnvirakul. File photo courtesy: Thai Rath BHUMJAITHAI LEADER Anutin Charnvirakul stated today that he will not seek the premiership if Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is impeached. Anutin, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, clarified his position in response to speculation surrounding his potential rise to power. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1334525-anutin-pledges-not-to-run-for-prime-minister-if-srettha-is-impeached/

Anutin Charnvirakul. File photo courtesy: Thai Rath BHUMJAITHAI LEADER Anutin Charnvirakul stated today that he will not seek the premiership if Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is impeached. Anutin, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, clarified his position in response to speculation surrounding his potential rise to power. This speculation stems from an ongoing impeachment lawsuit against Srettha. The Constitutional Court will deliver a verdict on 14th August regarding accusations that Srettha severely breached the constitution and political ethics by appointing Pichit Chuenban, a former lawyer for Pheu Thai's de facto boss Thaksin Shinawatra and a former convict, as a minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. In light of these developments, Anutin stressed that he has no intention of assuming the premiership. He pointed out that Pheu Thai, as the core of the current coalition government, commands the largest number of coalition MPs. Consequently, it should be within their prerogative to nominate a replacement if Srettha is impeached. Anutin suggested that Phumtham Wechayachai, a key figure within Pheu Thai and an influential player in coalition negotiations, would likely be tasked with finding a suitable candidate. Phumtham played a pivotal role in the formation of the Pheu Thai-led coalition government and the allocation of cabinet posts. Potential candidates for the premiership, should Srettha be removed, include Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter and Pheu Thai leader, Pheu Thai MP Chaikasem Nitisiri, Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan, and Anutin himself. However, Anutin's explicit refusal to contend for the role narrows the field. This political intrigue adds another layer of complexity to Thailand's already dynamic political landscape, with eyes now set on the upcoming court ruling and its potential repercussions. -- 2024-08-03 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe