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Picture credit Sretthas' X Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to embark on a diplomatic journey to France and Italy from May 15 to 21, followed by a visit to Japan from May 22 to 24. The main aims encompass boosting investment in Thailand, utilizing the nation’s influence, and fostering collaboration across various sectors like trade, industry, and energy. In France, conversations are underway for the assembly of the Thailand-France Business Forum to cultivate partnerships between both countries' private enterprises. Srettha aims to strengthen ties in Italy across strategic domains in alignment with the "Ignite Thailand 2025" initiative. During the Japan leg of the trip, the Thai PM will engage in the Nikkei Forum and engage in dialogues with Japanese business leaders, particularly in the realms of food, logistics, and finance. "The journey presents a golden chance to bolster investment within Thailand," declared the prime minister enthusiastically. -- 2024-05-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 10 May 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1326924-thailand-live-friday-10-may-2024/

UK Ambassador and Phuket Governor Discuss Safety Measures for Tourists Photo courtesy of The Thaiger Tourist safety took the forefront in a recent dialogue held between Mark Gooding, the British Ambassador to Thailand, and Sophon Suwannarat, Governor of Phuket. The pivotal discussion held on May 7 at the Phuket Provincial Hall, dealt with measures to escalate the safety of tourists in the well-known Thai province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326907-uk-ambassador-and-phuket-governor-discuss-safety-measures-for-tourists/

News broke into the public domain yesterday, May 8, as a foreign family sparked national outrage after allowing their daughter to urinate publicly at Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Wat Phra Kaew is not just a major tourist attraction but also a site deeply revered by Thais. Public Indecency at Wat Phra Kaew Spurs National Outrage and Debate Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326906-public-indecency-at-wat-phra-kaew-spurs-national-outrage-and-debate/ Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

British Army Veteran Dies Unexpectedly during Thailand Holiday Picture courtesy of Liverpool Echo In a sudden tragic incident, Roy Mitchell, a 69-year-old man from Liverpool and Army veteran, met an untimely end during his holiday in Thailand. He was participating in the Songkran festival in Pattaya when the unfortunate event occurred. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326878-british-army-veteran-dies-unexpectedly-during-thailand-holiday/

In a sudden tragic incident, Roy Mitchell, a 69-year-old man from Liverpool and Army veteran, met an untimely end during his holiday in Thailand. He was participating in the Songkran festival in Pattaya when the unfortunate event occurred. Rooted from Belfast, Mitchell was a known personality in Liverpool's Chinatown, L1, where he had created a second home. Annually visiting Thailand, Mitchell had developed a strong bond with the country after attending a friend’s wedding there a decade ago. Friend Paul Walsh, aged 49, shared Mitchell being fond of Thai culture. Mitchell’s death has shaken up his dear ones, causing an outpour of grief and tributes from friends, family, and frequented places like the Soul Train bar, where he was a regular. A Gofundme page is now active to take care of Mitchell's funeral costs and arrange his return to the UK, according to the Liverpool Echo. Additionally, donations are being made to the charity KIND, which dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and families across Merseyside and close to Mitchell’s heart. In an unrelated incident, another British citizen lost her life in a traffic accident in Kamala, Phuket. The 65-year-old woman was killed on the spot when a white passenger van ran a red light at the main intersection and hit her on May 5. Picture courtesy of Liverpool Echo -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Prosecution Looms Over Deceased French Woman's Fortune Maid "Aunty Tim". Picture YouTube video screenshot Local officials in Koh Samui, Thailand are scrutinising the firm of the late French woman, Catherine DeLacote, who died on April 29th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326876-prosecution-looms-over-deceased-french-womans-fortune/

Local officials in Koh Samui, Thailand are scrutinising the firm of the late French woman, Catherine DeLacote, who died on April 29th. DeLacote, reportedly, left ฿100 million in her will to her devoted maid, nicknamed ‘Aunty Tim’. Amidst investigations into the legality of the structure of the firm and the potential use of unlawful proxy shareholders, the Ministry of the Interior may seize the assets of DeLacote's firm as per Thailand's rigorous business laws. The ฿30 million villa, central to this saga, has been declared legally built. However, the company might have violated the law by employing proxy Thai shareholders. As per the law, DeLacote's assets could be seized and processed according to Thailand's business regulations if this is proven true. Initially, news about a windfall for ‘Aunty Tim’ led to a media frenzy. However, this was curtailed when lawyers connected with DeLacote's estate admonished the maid, Nutwalai Phuponta, and requested her not to engage with the press anymore. She then paid homage to her late employer and discussed their close-knit bond. DeLacote also reportedly left her maid a will which involved her as the executor and her ex-husband as a beneficiary. All the happenings have drawn attention to the company’s ownership, particularly its 51% Thai shareholders. Thus, this might serve as a lesson for prospective foreign investors or expats. Establishing a firm in Thailand can prove lucrative, although it requires strict adherence to legal requirements and substantial investments. The situation continues to unfold as local authorities delve into the matter, further complicated by contrasting estimates of the total estate value and potential concealed funds. Maid "Aunty Tim". Picture YouTube video screenshot -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand-China Submarine Deal Discussions to Resume File photo courtesy or FM91bkk Dependent on discussions scheduled for next Wednesday, Thailand and China may finally reach a consensus on issues surrounding a submarine purchase agreement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326874-thailand-china-submarine-deal-discussions-to-resume/

File photo courtesy or FM91bkk Dependent on discussions scheduled for next Wednesday, Thailand and China may finally reach a consensus on issues surrounding a submarine purchase agreement. A 13-member Chinese delegation, including military officials and representatives from the S26T Yuan-class submarine manufacturers, will deliberate with Thai officials on the matter. The submarine was part of a procurement deal made by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and China in 2017. Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang, has said the talks will focus on two potential scenarios. One could involve Thailand cancelling the submarine deal, instead opting for a frigate and a compensation agreement. The other could see China offering a substitute for the German-made submarine engine initially agreed to, accompanied by a favorable compensation package. Although Klungsang reassures that the final choice will prioritize Thailand's interests, he admits uncertainty over whether the upcoming meeting will yield a conclusive decision. The need to maintain good relations with China will potentially influence the decision-making process. Germany's refusal to sell its engine to China had initially complicated the deal. China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), the submarine's manufacturer, therefore proposed installing Chinese engines instead. Despite initial resistance, the RTN accepted the change, indicating a desire to move forward with the procurement. Klungsang's adviser, General Somsak Roongsita, will represent him in the discussions, which also involve representatives from the Ministry of Commerce. They seek to incorporate the Thai government’s offset policy, which mandates reciprocal trade benefits, into the submarine deal. If the Chinese-made engine gets approved for the first submarine, it could open the door for the RTN to procure two more submarines from China. In 2017, the RTN signed the first 36 billion baht (US$ 973.5 million) deal for one submarine, as part of a broader plan to purchase three new submarines from China. While the initial delivery was expected last year, securing the necessary funding for the remaining two submarines has been an obstacle. -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Decade-Old Thai Rice Sale Concerns Amid Contamination Fears File photo courtesy Facebook สรยุทธ สุทัศนะจินดา Growing apprehensions are emerging over the Thai Commerce Ministry's proposal to sell ten-year-old rice from a previous government scheme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326873-decade-old-thai-rice-sale-concerns-amid-contamination-fears/

Growing apprehensions are emerging over the Thai Commerce Ministry's proposal to sell ten-year-old rice from a previous government scheme. Consumer safety bodies like the Office of the Consumer Protection Board and the Food and Drug Administration are implored to check potential toxin and chemical taints in the grain. The move comes after Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai publicised his eating of the rice, stored in Surin province warehouses during the Yingluck Shinawatra tenure, aiming to build consumer trust. He plans to auction the rice, expecting to earn between 200 to 400 million baht (US$ 5.4 and 10.8 million). However, Wirangrong Dabbaransi, Head of the Network of Universities for Reform, voiced her concerns on social media, stating that the minister's tactic doesn't ensure grain quality or safety. She stressed that multiple washing doesn't completely get rid of chemicals or potential toxins. Moreover, the improper storage and brownish colour on cooking the rice indicate possible fungal infection, according to Assoc Prof Pantipa Pongpiachan, a faculty member at Chiang Mai University. Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom doubted the rice quality and questioned the minister's delay in the fourth bidding round. On the other hand, Phumtham stood firm on selling the rice, maintaining his transparent management of old rice stock. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin promised a Department of Medical Sciences investigation into the rice's quality within one week. File photo courtesy Facebook สรยุทธ สุทัศนะจินดา -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Microsoft Plans First Data Centre Investment in Thailand Picture courtesy of Thai Rath Software giant Microsoft has unveiled plans to make its first investment in a data centre region in Thailand, promising to significantly enhance the country’s digital ecosystem. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326872-microsoft-plans-first-data-centre-investment-in-thailand/

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath Software giant Microsoft has unveiled plans to make its first investment in a data centre region in Thailand, promising to significantly enhance the country’s digital ecosystem. The announcement, made by CEO Satya Nadella, includes the creation of a data centre region and providing AI training for over 100,000 Thais to support the local developer community. Although the exact value of the investment remains undisclosed, Microsoft aims to expand the Thai developer community through initiatives like AI Odyssey, which aims to train 6,000 developers as AI experts. K-Research predicts the country's data centre service business will grow by 31.2% annually. Microsoft identifies Thailand as a burgeoning market, with around 900,000 local developers using GitHub, Microsoft's development and innovation platform, in 2023. Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director of Microsoft Thailand, reports consistent growth in demand for cloud services and AI over a range of organisations in Thailand. The new data centre region is expected to boost the availability of Microsoft’s hyperscale cloud services, enhancing performance and ensuring compliance with data privacy standards. Research by Kearney indicates that AI could add nearly US$1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030, with Thailand potentially accounting for US$117 billion. Analysts predict the entry of major foreign cloud providers, underpinned by local data centres, will have a positive impact on the Thai digital ecosystem. Adam Simmons, an analyst at Dgtl Infra, forecasts the total value of data centre investments in Thailand to reach around 110 billion baht ($US 3 billion) by 2024, growing to 225 billion by 2027. -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Minister Seeks Revision in Amphetamine Possession Law Picture courtesy of Bangkokbiz news Thailand's Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, plans to decrease the number of amphetamine tablets that constitute illegal possession. In his first executive board meeting since assuming office, he shared his commitment to combating the narcotics issue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326871-thai-minister-seeks-revision-in-amphetamine-possession-law/

Thailand's Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, plans to decrease the number of amphetamine tablets that constitute illegal possession. In his first executive board meeting since assuming office, he shared his commitment to combating the narcotics issue. His proposal seeks to align the drug possession law with the National Narcotics Act, which classifies small amounts for personal use as non-criminal. The current law treats possession of less than five tablets as a medical issue rather than a criminal one, allowing users the opportunity for rehabilitation. This approach has helped prevent prisons from becoming overcrowded. Even with the proposed reduction, the law will retain its emphasis on rehabilitation and medical treatment, and law enforcement will continue to work closely with drug control agencies. Additionally, any patient escaping rehab will face legal action. This addresses the problem of one in five patients in drug-related cases absconding before completing state-issued treatment. Regarding the legality of cannabis, Somsak felt more public opinion is needed before deciding on reclassifying it as a narcotic, although exceptions for medical use would be considered. Future requirements for a doctor's prescription for cannabis use were not confirmed but will be discussed further. Picture courtesy of Bangkokbiz news -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chaos Erupts on Kuwait Airways Flight from Bangkok as Passengers Clash Picture for reference only courtesy of onemileatatime. A Kuwait Airways flight from Bangkok to Kuwait was forced to return after a violent confrontation erupted among a group of female passengers from Kuwait. The situation intensified to such an extent that even the plane's security officer was assaulted. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326869-chaos-erupts-on-kuwait-airways-flight-from-bangkok-as-passengers-clash/

Chaos Erupts on Kuwait Airways Flight from Bangkok as Passengers Clash Picture for reference only courtesy of onemileatatime. A Kuwait Airways flight from Bangkok to Kuwait was forced to return after a violent confrontation erupted among a group of female passengers from Kuwait. The situation intensified to such an extent that even the plane's security officer was assaulted. With safety being the utmost priority, the pilot made the critical decision to reroute the aircraft back to Bangkok International Airport to restore order. In the aftermath of the incident, the Public Prosecution in Kuwait swiftly acted, detaining those involved on charges of violence committed on the aircraft. However, the legal repercussions didn't end there. Further charges were added against two passengers who verbally assaulted the aircraft's protection officer. As the investigation continues, the accused face stringent interrogations, with two already handed over to the General Department of Criminal Evidence for more detailed examination. -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 9 May 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326868-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-9-may-2024/

Prime minister issued a post to say that Cannabis would be relisted as a narcotic by the end of the year. The government's department of Health has produced a draft bill that would see cannabis used for only medicinal and health. In 2022 Thailand became one of the first countries in the region to decriminalize cannabis for medical purposes, however recreational use exploded in the absence of clear legal regulation. Four squatters who had occupied a townhouse in Bangkok for more than six years were each given a nine months suspended jail sentence yesterday. They were also each fined 11,000 baht, reduced from 20, thousand after they pleaded guilty. The Thai Cabinet yesterday approved a proposal to extend visa exemptions for passport holders from India and Taiwan …they will be allowed to enter Thailand and stay for up to 30 days. Locally, Residents in central parts of Hua hin suffered several nights of severe air pollution recently caused by a fire at a landfill site near Tan-tai. Local authorities were called to extinguish the fire using water trucks, however, their efforts were hampered by the hot weather. Around the region The Malaysian government has been accused of hypocrisy in its pro-Palestinian stance after several defence companies that supplied arms to Israel were allowed to take part in a military exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. Several demonstrators gathered to protest outside the exhibition center. Todays’ WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy with thundershowers, 33C, Bangkok: Cloudy, with Thundershowers, 32C, Pattaya: Cloudy with thundershowers 32C, Phuket and the south: Cloudy, with thundershowers 31C, Hua Hin: Bright but cloudy with isolated rain showers, 31C AQIYellow to Orange, moderate to high Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, 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 2024-05-09 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Toddler Murdered: Drug Addict Throws Child into Pond Picture courtesy of MGR A tragic incident unfolded in Rayong, Thailand, where a 36-year-old drug addict, Nattaphon, murdered his employer's one-year-old son by tossing him into a pond. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326865-thai-toddler-murdered-drug-addict-throws-child-into-pond/

Picture courtesy of MGR A tragic incident unfolded in Rayong, Thailand, where a 36-year-old drug addict, Nattaphon, murdered his employer's one-year-old son by tossing him into a pond. After committing the horrific act, Nattaphon swam in the pond, indifferent to his actions. The Klaeng Police Station officers arrived at the scene at 8am on May 7 after receiving a murder report. They found a distressed 26-year-old Phiphat clutching his lifeless son outside his home in the Neunkho subdistrict. Phiphat had left his son in Nattaphon's care while he used the bathroom. Hearing a splash, Phiphat assumed it was Nattaphon fishing. Picture courtesy of MGR To his horror, he later discovered it was his son who had been thrown in the pond. Recovering the body of his son, Phiphat watched as Nattaphon nonchalantly swam in the same pond. It was revealed that Nattaphon had a history of drug abuse, which worsened after a recent breakup with his wife. Phiphat, who had employed Nattaphon out of sympathy, was also friends with Nattaphon's brother. Nattaphon has been apprehended by the police, with charges pending after questioning and drug testing. The devastating incident occurred just three days into Nattaphon's employment with Phiphat. -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Authorities Arrest Bar Owner for Alleged Minor Trafficking Picture courtesy of MGR Police have arrested a karaoke bar owner in Pranburi district for suspected minor trafficking focussed on sex trade. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326863-authorities-arrest-bar-owner-for-alleged-minor-trafficking/

Picture courtesy of MGR Police have arrested a karaoke bar owner in Pranburi district for suspected minor trafficking focussed on sex trade. The arrest followed a tip-off from an anti-trafficking group about probable unlawful operations in the bar including the involvement of individuals below 18. An undercover investigation by the Crime Suppression Division revealed the allegations to be true. This led to the arrest of the 46-year-old bar owner, Anong, who ran the establishment, on charges of trafficking minors for sexual exploitation. In a police setup, officers were offered sexual services from two girls, one aged 15, for 2,5000 baht ($68), while older girls wer priced at 2,000baht ($54). On the girls' arrival, the officers identified themselves and nabbed Anong. Following her arrest, the proprietor confessed to running a sex trade involving minors, charging clients between 2,000 to 2,500 baht (US$54 to US$68) per service, with a 500 baht ($14) commission for herself. The victims were later taken in for psychological support, having unknowingly become a part of the sex trade under the guise of making extra money. Anong's case has been handed over to the Crime Suppression Division for further action. In relevant news, local authorities unearthed similar operations in Phuket where a 13-year-old was amongst those being exploited for prostitution. This discovery led to the arrest of the bar owner who admitted to knowingly participating in the illegal trade. -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cannabis Shops to Close by April 1, 2025: Thai PM Orders Drug Rescheduling File photo for reference only courtesy of Wikipedia In a pivotal meeting attended by the Prime Minister and three senior ministers, PM Srettha Thavisin announced that cannabis shops in Thailand are to be shut down by April 1, 2025. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326860-cannabis-shops-to-close-by-april-1-2025-thai-pm-orders-drug-rescheduling/