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File photo courtesy: Wikipedia Phuket has officially been recognised as Thailand's leading province in technological advancements, clinching the top spot among 23 smart provinces in the latest report by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA). The report, part of the Thailand Smart City Competitiveness Index (TSCCI) 2023, evaluates the performance of smart cities across the country, offering insights into the progress and future potential of urban areas embracing technology. The rankings were announced by DEPA’s Smart Cities Office and assessed 30 smart cities across 23 provinces. DEPA President Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin disclosed the results, highlighting the key performers in both city-based and province-based categories. In the city-based category, Wangchan Valley in Rayong scored an impressive 83.55%, securing its place as the top city. Following closely were Bangkok's Samyan Smart City with 79.02% and Khlong Phadung Krungkasem with 74.55%. As for the province-based rankings, Phuket dominated with a score of 83.6%, while Chachoengsao and Khon Kaen followed with scores of 76.78% and 53.81%, respectively. Nuttapon clarified that the scores were determined by evaluating five key factors: the vision and character of smart cities, the development of physical and digital infrastructure, information network and IT security development, smart city services, and strategies for sustainable investments and management. The competitiveness index aims to motivate other provinces to step up their smart city initiatives. DEPA plans to expand these initiatives to 105 towns across 77 provinces by 2027. In related news, Mueang Thong Thani is set to be transformed into a smart city district by Bangkok Land, a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)-listed company. This project will include establishing a new seafood and fruit centre to provide affordable goods to draw more tourists to Nonthaburi. The development coincides with the launch of the Pink Line monorail service, scheduled to begin operations next year. With these advancements, Thailand is on a promising path toward becoming a leading nation in smart city developments, fostering innovation and sustainability across its urban landscapes. TOP: File photo courtesy: Wikipedia -- 2024-06-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Belgian Tourist Dies After Brutal Attack in Hua Hin © RR Jan Valkenborg, a 64-year-old Belgian from Millen, has tragically died after sustaining severe injuries from an assault in Hua Hin, Thailand, in early April. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330301-belgian-tourist-dies-after-brutal-attack-in-hua-hin/

Jan Valkenborg, a 64-year-old Belgian from Millen, has tragically died after sustaining severe injuries from an assault in Hua Hin, Thailand, in early April. Valkenborg suffered a fractured skull with ten broken bones and remained in a coma until he passed away on Monday. His close friend, Danny Lemmens, was by his side during his final hours, reported Nieuwsblad. Valkenborg was attacked while on holiday with his Thai girlfriend in the resort town of Hua Hin. On the night of the incident, he was smoking a cigarette on the pavement when a man struck him from behind, continuing to beat him even after he fell. Later, video footage revealed the attacker to be a German national with a criminal record and ties to a local fight club. Astonishingly, the same assailant had also attacked a British man that night. Lemmens, who met Valkenborg eight years ago through their mutual involvement with the Vlaams Belang political party, remembered him as a helpful individual with a wide circle of friends. “Jan was a man with a heart of gold; he didn’t deserve this,” Lemmens lamented. After the attack, Valkenborg was initially treated at a hospital in Hua Hin. He was later transferred to Bangkok for further operations before being repatriated to Gasthuisberg hospital in Leuven, Belgium. Despite the medical interventions, including a significant operation on his birthday, his condition worsened. His deteriorating state led to epileptic seizures, and doctors concluded he would never fully recover. “The last 48 hours, I stayed with him non-stop; I couldn’t let him die alone,” Lemmens said tearfully. The private funeral for Jan will take place on 22 June. Friends and family will have an opportunity to pay their respects on 21 June at Funerarium Theunissen in Zichen-Zussen-Bolder. Picture: © RR -- 2024-06-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 21 June 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330300-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-21-june-2024/

The family of a four-year-old girl who died after treatment at a hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima has asked the Ministry of Public Health to investigate a potential misdiagnosis. A foundation claims up to ten deaths might be due to human error. The family believes a misdiagnosis delayed treatment, worsening the girl's condition lead to her death. They are dissatisfied with the hospital's explanation and want the ministry to intervene. The Prime Minister has directed government agencies to collaborate in preventing floods during this year's rainy season. This directive followed a briefing on the current rainfall, flood situations nationwide, and the measures taken to mitigate natural disasters. The government was urged to establish emergency response centers in every region, Flooding is most likely to occur during August and September. The elevated Don Muang expressway will increase tolls on the 22nd December. If your traveling from Din Daeng to Don Mueang the toll will rise from 80 to 90 baht for cars and other 4 wheeled vehicles, and 120 baht will be charged for larger vehicles. The Bank of Thailand will issue 10 million commemorative banknotes ahead of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28th. The new 100 baht banknotes will be printed in a portrait layout rather than the usual landscape format.. and will be available at banks from the 23rd of July. Around the region. China Days of torrential rain, flash floods and landslides across the south have forced the authorities to enact emergency plans, as swollen rivers threaten to overflow further, potentially disrupting the lives of millions. Heavy rain and landslides in China’s coastal provinces of Guangdong and Fujian have already killed at least nine people and left others missing. Todays’ WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy with thundershowers 35 C degrees celsius Bangkok: Thundershowers 34 Pattaya: Bright partly cloudy Thundershowers 32 Phuket and the south: Thundershowers 30 Hua Hin: Bright Sunny partly cloudy could perhaps showers later in the day 34 The weekend Much the same AQI: green which is good Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-06-21 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Rises to 25th in Global Competitiveness, Education Rank Remains Unchanged By Kittisak Phalaharn On June 20th, 2024, Mr. Atthaphon Sangkhawasee, the Secretary-General of the Education Council, announced Thailand’s position on the latest global competitiveness rankings by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330296-thailand-rises-to-25th-in-global-competitiveness-education-rank-remains-unchanged/

On June 20th, 2024, Mr. Atthaphon Sangkhawasee, the Secretary-General of the Education Council, announced Thailand’s position on the latest global competitiveness rankings by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). Thailand’s overall competitiveness improved by five places, now ranking 25th out of 67 participating countries. However, in the “education” category, Thailand remained at 54th, the same as last year. For more IMD global competitiveness rankings visit here. The Office of the Education Council (OEC) has been tasked by the Thai Minister of Education to study, analyze, monitor, and develop proposals to enhance Thailand’s educational competitiveness internationally. The OEC is also responsible for providing education data to IMD for ranking calculations. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-06-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Monkey Causes Chaos, Halts Bangkok BTS Traffic Picture courtesy via X/ @RedSkullxxx A monkey sighted at Bangkok's Bang Wa BTS Station today caused significant disruption, as authorities scrambled to ensure safety. The unexpected visitor was spotted by a passenger, who captured the primate's antics on video, prompting swift action from both rail operators and wildlife officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330294- monkey-causes-chaos-halts-bangkok-bts-traffic/

A monkey sighted at Bangkok's Bang Wa BTS Station today caused significant disruption, as authorities scrambled to ensure safety. The unexpected visitor was spotted by a passenger, who captured the primate's antics on video, prompting swift action from both rail operators and wildlife officials. The video, which was widely shared on social media, showed a small monkey strolling along the tracks. The clip sparked immediate concern, particularly as a BTS train approached the scene. Fortunately, there have been no reports of harm to either the monkey or passengers. Phattarapon Manee-on, a veterinarian from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), clarified to Channel 3 that the monkey was not from the well-known Lom Buri province. “Each monkey in Lom Buri has a distinctive identification tattoo, and this one did not,” he explained, dispelling earlier speculation about the animal's origins. The footage that went viral was recorded by a female university student around 8:20 AM today. Contrary to initial reports that cited the Blue Line, the monkey was actually encountered on the Green Line at Bang Wa Station. This correction was later confirmed by the BTS customer service team, aiming to eliminate any confusion. Authorities are now on high alert, with the DNP poised to act as soon as BTS officials confirm another sighting. The urgency stems from ensuring the safety of both the public and the monkey, given the busy nature of the station. Interestingly, Move Forward Party MP Prasit Puttamapadungsak noted on social media that this isn't an isolated incident. Another monkey was recently reported near Lamlukka in Pathum Thani province and remains at large. The MP suggested that the wayward monkey might have escaped from a fire at Chatuchak Weekend Market, although this theory remains unconfirmed. Regardless of its origins, the focus now is on safely capturing the adventurous primate to restore normalcy to the BTS network. Picture courtesy via X/ @RedSkullxxx -- 2024-06-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM Srettha and BoT Chief Clash Over Handout Scheme Picture courtesy: MGR online Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Bank of Thailand (BoT) Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput are at odds over the government’s proposed 500-billion-baht handout scheme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330293-pm-srettha-and-bot-chief-clash-over-handout-scheme/

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Bank of Thailand (BoT) Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput are at odds over the government’s proposed 500-billion-baht handout scheme. The plan, aimed at providing 10,000 baht in digital currency to around 50 million Thai citizens later this year, has led to intense discussions between the two leaders. In a recent Bloomberg interview, Governor Sethaput criticised the broad economic stimulus as unnecessary and excessive. He suggested that the government should limit the handout to the 15 million citizens holding welfare cards, favouring a more targeted approach to aid those in genuine need. Responding to these concerns, PM Srettha has defended the initiative, stating that it will boost regional economies by requiring the money to be spent locally. "When the project launch date is clear, I believe industries and SMEs will accelerate production to meet this surge in purchasing power. This will stimulate the economy," Srettha remarked. However, the proposal has triggered heated debates in Parliament. Critics argue that the scheme could lead to risky borrowing and strain public finances. During discussions on the 2025 budget, opponents highlighted the digital wallet programme as a major fiscal concern. The prime minister reassured that the short-term economic boost from the handout would help lay the foundation for broader, long-term economic policies. These policies aim to attract multinational investments, generate jobs, and drive industrial upgrades, ultimately increasing GDP and enabling the government to meet its financial obligations. Governor Sethaput remains sceptical, advocating for a more cautious approach. “If you want to do the scheme, it is better to do it in a targeted way and also a smaller way… we don’t see the need to try to stimulate consumption across the board,” he said. The BoT warns that making such a large-scale handout could jeopardise economic stability. Sethaput emphasised that the BoT's growth forecasts, at 2.6% for this year and 3% for the next, do not take the handout scheme into account, suggesting confidence in achieving these rates without the stimulus. With ongoing legal and financial challenges, the future of the digital wallet scheme remains uncertain. PM Srettha, however, is pushing forward, committed to delivering the promised funds within the final quarter of this year, despite the swirling debates and fiscal uncertainties. Picture courtesy: MGR online -- 2024-06-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police Chief Torsak Reinstated The Fact-Finding Committee has recommended to the Prime Minister that Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukvimol be reinstated to his position of Police Chief at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters (RTP) following the completion of the investigation. However, the order suspending Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, Deputy Police Chief, must wait for the RTP to resubmit it due to procedural irregularities in the previous process. Wisanu Krea-ngam, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Thursday provided an update on the investigation by the Fact-Finding Committee concerning the conflicts within the Royal Thai Police. Chaired by Chatchai Promlert, the committee's investigation included testimony from over 50 witnesses over four months. The investigation uncovered conflicts at all levels within the Royal Thai Police, involving Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimol, the Police Chief, and Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, the Deputy Police Chief, among others. The conflict has also implicated other police officers, leading to multiple lawsuits, including major and minor cases involving online gambling, illegal debt, narcotics, and the trading of police positions. Full story: TNA-MCOT 2024-06-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Lazada Dismisses Rumours of Divestment in Thailand File photo courtesy: Wikipedia Lazada Group has firmly denied any plans for divestment in Thailand, asserting that there are no ongoing discussions with investors regarding such a move. A company spokesperson addressed the circulating rumours today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330292-lazada-dismisses-rumours-of-divestment-in-thailand/

Lazada Group has firmly denied any plans for divestment in Thailand, asserting that there are no ongoing discussions with investors regarding such a move. A company spokesperson addressed the circulating rumours today. “Lazada Group is not considering any divestment of our business in Thailand and is not in discussion with any investors on this topic. Any rumours stating otherwise are untrue.” The company’s response comes amidst widespread speculation about potential changes in Lazada’s operations within the Thai market. Lazada, a prominent e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, has been a significant player in Thailand’s online shopping sector, and any potential divestment would have substantial implications for the market. Further details were not provided by Lazada, leaving the specific origins of these rumours unclear. The statement, however, aims to reassure stakeholders, customers, and employees of Lazada’s continued commitment to its Thai operations. Lazada, part of the Alibaba Group, has been expanding its influence in Southeast Asia, leveraging Alibaba’s technological and logistical expertise. The company has garnered a substantial user base in Thailand, contributing to the country’s e-commerce growth. Any suggestion of divestment could have sparked concerns among users and partners about the future of their engagements with Lazada. In related news, TikTok Shop has taken a significant step by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thailand’s Department of Business Development to boost the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to 40% of the GDP by 2027, up from the current 35%. TikTok Live data from Thailand shows that in 2023, there were 700,000 Thai creators live streaming on the platform each month. Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang expressed optimism regarding this move. With the explosive growth of social media and e-commerce, the role of influencers has never been more prominent. Recognising the immense economic potential, the National Economic and Social Development Council calls for the Thai government to implement regulations and provide support for this burgeoning career path. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia -- 2024-06-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Government Urged to Increase Import Duty on Cheaper Chinese Products File photo courtesy: Quora The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has called on the government to raise import duties or limit the influx of cheap Chinese goods to safeguard local factories. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330291-government-urged-to-increase-import-duty-on-cheaper-chinese-products/

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has called on the government to raise import duties or limit the influx of cheap Chinese goods to safeguard local factories. The FTI warns that the surge of low-cost Chinese products is causing Thai industries to struggle, leading to a significant number of factory closures. In the first five months of this year, 567 factories in Thailand have shut down, averaging 28 closures per week and resulting in approximately 15,000 job losses. This figure slightly surpasses last year's average of 26 weekly closures. The FTI's vice president, Nava Chantanasurakhon, highlighted that even though new factories opening outnumber those closing, the trend remains alarmingly concerning. One of the primary challenges for Thai manufacturers is the increased import of inexpensive Chinese products. China's focus on exporting to ASEAN countries, including Thailand, has intensified due to stricter import regulations imposed by the US and the European Union on Chinese goods. Consequently, Thai industries such as plastics, metals, wood, and wood processing have been severely impacted. To protect these vulnerable sectors, the FTI recommends the government implement higher tariffs and stricter import restrictions on Chinese products. Additionally, Nava emphasised the need for measures to reduce domestic production costs, which include addressing fuel prices, logistics, and raw material expenses. The FTI also advocates for government assistance in helping Thai industries restructure to enhance their competitiveness in the global market. The call for action from the FTI is an urgent appeal to shield local businesses from the overwhelming pressure of cheaper imports and to ensure the sustainable growth of Thailand's manufacturing sector. File photo courtesy: Quora -- 2024-06-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Tourist Numbers Fall over South Korea Entry Rejections Incheon. File photo courtesy: Wikidata The number of Thais visiting South Korea between January and April this year saw a significant drop by 21% year-on-year, attributed mainly to unexplained entry refusals at the border. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330290-thai-tourist-numbers-fall-over-south-korea-entry-rejections/

The number of Thais visiting South Korea between January and April this year saw a significant drop by 21% year-on-year, attributed mainly to unexplained entry refusals at the border. While the overall number of foreign tourists to South Korea increased by an impressive 87% during the same period, the Thai visitors' figures have slumped, as reported by the Yonhap News Agency. Thailand, which used to be the top Southeast Asian country in terms of tourists to South Korea, has now fallen behind Vietnam and the Philippines. Back in 2019, Thailand saw 572,000 visitors to Seoul, surpassing figures from Vietnam (554,000) and the Philippines (504,000). Industry experts believe that the decline in Thai visitors is due to negative sentiment around unexplained entry refusals. South Korea's recent introduction of the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) system mandates that travellers from 112 countries, including Thailand, obtain approval online before departure. Despite compliance with the K-ETA process, numerous Thai tourists have faced entry rejections upon arrival in Seoul, often without clear explanations. This has led to dissatisfaction and the rapid spread of these stories on Thai social media, deterring potential tourists. The South China Morning Post highlighted that the stricter entry requirements are linked to Thailand being a significant source of illegal immigrants to South Korea. The Korean Justice Ministry has reiterated that the measures aim to curb illegal immigration and are not discriminatory against Thai nationals. The ongoing issue has raised concerns among South Korean tourism authorities who are targeting to attract 20 million foreign tourists annually. "It can only be explained by the K-ETA issue,” a Thai Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism official stated. The Ministry of Justice remains firm on its stance despite a request for a temporary exemption from the system for this year, which has been designated as 'Visit Korea Year'. Incheon. File photo courtesy: Wikidata -- 2024-06-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Police Officer Removed After Allegedly Bribing Japanese Youtuber Picture from Twitter @RedSkullxxx/via Kapook A traffic police officer has been removed from duty after allegations surfaced that he demanded a bribe from a Japanese YouTuber. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Thiti Sangsawang confirmed the officer’s transfer to an "inactive post" following the complaint. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330289-thai-police-officer-removed-after-allegedly-bribing-japanese-youtuber/

A traffic police officer has been removed from duty after allegations surfaced that he demanded a bribe from a Japanese YouTuber. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Thiti Sangsawang confirmed the officer’s transfer to an "inactive post" following the complaint. The incident allegedly took place several years ago but came to light after a video capturing the encounter went viral on Thai social media platforms. The footage shows a Japanese driver being stopped by a Thai traffic officer, who proceeds to issue him a ticket. Unable to read the ticket because it was written in Thai, the driver inquired where he could pay the fine or if it could be settled immediately. The officer responded that the fine could be paid on the spot, prompting the driver to pull out a 500 Baht note. In the video, the officer can be heard instructing the driver in English to "put under, put under," prompting the YouTuber to slide the money under the ticket and hand it back. As the driver drove away, he commented in his video, "This only happens in Thailand, definitely not in Japan." The YouTuber, who was exploring Thailand for his channel, has a significant following and the video quickly gained traction online. Commissioner Thiti stated that the officer involved, now a lieutenant, was a sergeant at the time of the incident, which reportedly happened between 2016 and 2019. Thiti mentioned that he had spoken to the officer, who claimed to have a vague recollection of stopping a vehicle at the Ranong intersection during the stated period. "The officer said he did not remember much about the incident and has requested more time to review the details," Thiti disclosed. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and further scrutiny of police conduct in Thailand, underscoring ongoing concerns about corruption within law enforcement. Picture from Twitter @RedSkullxxx/via Kapook -- 2024-06-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Torsak Sukvimol Reinstated as Police Chief After Investigation File photo. Courtesy: Thai Rath Former police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol is set to be reinstated following a thorough investigation, according to a statement by Wissanu Krea-ngam, special advisor to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330288-torsak-sukvimol-reinstated-as-police-chief-after-investigation/

Former police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol is set to be reinstated following a thorough investigation, according to a statement by Wissanu Krea-ngam, special advisor to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. At a press conference today, Wissanu explained the findings of a fact-finding committee led by Chatchai Promlert, former permanent secretary of the interior. The committee concluded that neither Torsak nor his rival, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, had committed any wrongdoing. The investigation revealed that personal conflicts between Torsak and Surachate, concerning the handling of several high-profile cases, led to significant divisions within the police force. These conflicts were deemed complex enough to take roughly four months to resolve. Both officers were transferred from the Royal Thai Police to the Prime Minister’s Office on March 20, pending the investigation's outcome. On the same day, the acting police chief placed Surachate under investigation and subsequently removed him from the force. However, the Council of State later ruled that Surachate’s removal was illegitimate, as it lacked the necessary recommendation from an investigating panel. Wissanu disclosed that the Council of State found Surachate’s dismissal had wrongly deprived him of his rights, including his salary, use of a car, and the possibility of promotion. Consequently, the secretariat of the PM’s Office is now seeking Royal approval to rectify this mistake. Currently, the former deputy police chief’s petition is under review by the Police Good Governance Protection Committee. Wissanu expressed optimism that the internal conflicts within the Royal Thai Police would ease following the findings of the Chatchai panel, noting that efforts have been ongoing for the past four months to bridge the divides. Assuring the public that the investigation was free of any attempts to whitewash, Wissanu noted that cases pending with the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Criminal Court would be handled by the respective parties themselves. File photo. Courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-06-21 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 21 June https://aseannow.com/topic/1330287-thailand-live-friday-21-june-2024/

Bangkok monk faces backlash for flaunting lavish lifestyle by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Facebook A prominent Facebook page shared a post featuring a well-known Bangkok monk flaunting a luxurious lifestyle, using two high-end mobile phones and purchasing a diamond bracelet worth 185,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330241-bangkok-monk-faces-backlash-for-flaunting-lavish-lifestyle/

The PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2024 is poised to be a highlight on the global motorsport calendar. Taking place from October 25-27 at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, this electrifying event is expected to capture the attention of over 800 million viewers from more than 200 countries. Thailand Grand Prix Set for October Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330242-thailand-grand-prix-set-for-october/ Picture courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand