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Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, a member of the Move Forward Party, expressed concern over the Pheu Thai-led government's intention to finance part of their new digital wallet project using the Central Fund. This, he claims, could threaten the country's treasury and financial discipline. Ruangpanyawut argued that the Central Fund, primarily meant for emergency, necessity-based expenditure, should not be contributing to this controversial project, estimated to cost 500 billion baht. He stressed that this could potentially violate laws regarding state treasury and financial discipline. The digital wallet project funding reportedly comes from three sources - 175 billion baht from this year's government budget, 152.7 billion baht from next year's budget, and 172.3 billion baht borrowed from the Bank for Agriculture & Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). Critics, including Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput and Move Forward lawmakers, disagree with the use of BAAC's borrowed money for this cause. Besides, Ruangpanyawut noted that spending such a substantial portion of the Central Fund on the digital wallet project could stress the government's finances and potentially breach legal spending limits. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister, however consented to his Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavajira's offer to negotiate with the central bank governor on this matter. Sethaput, had suggested that the number of people qualified for the 10,000-baht digital wallet be cut down and limited to welfare cardholders and fragile groups. Thavisin denied any plan to remove Sethaput for his opposition to the project, due to start in Q4 this year. Picture courtesy of Thairath -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday May 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326791-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-may-2024/

The Newly appointed Health Minister says he needs to listen to people’s opinions before making a final decision on whether to recriminalise cannabis under a new law,. His predecessor had been pushing for tough legislation to reduce the recreational use of cannabis, while several groups: said such a move could put thousands of cannabis shops and farms out of business. A 36 year old suspected drug addict was arrested after he threw a one-year-old baby into a shrimp pond in Rayong. The incident resulted in the child's death. The suspect was arrested at the scene and looked intoxicated and tried to resist being arrested. Police say he had recently begun working at the farm. Health authorities day: The number of new Covid-19 infections is on the increase as the new school term draws near. There has been a spike in hospital admissions and deaths among at-risk groups since the Songkran holiday. 12 covid hospital patients have died between 28th April and May 4th. Around the region. China said that its military took steps to warn and alert an Australian aircraft after Canberra blamed a Chinese fighter jet for endangering one of its military helicopters during an “unsafe” confrontation over the Yellow Sea. Australia’s defence minister said the Chinese air force jet dropped flares above and several hundred metres ahead of an Australian helicopter on a routine flight on May 4. No one was hurt in the incident, WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy with thundershowers, 33C, Bangkok: Cloud, Thundershowers, 34C, Pattaya: Bright with thundershowers 32C, Phuket and the south:sunny, partly cloudy, with showers 34C, Hua Hin: Bright but cloudy,. 33C 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 2024-05-08 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Court Sentences Bangkok Squatters For Illegal Occupation Picture courtesy of Khaosod Four individuals were sentenced by the Min Buri Criminal Court for illegal occupation and trespassing on private property in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326790-court-sentences-bangkok-squatters-for-illegal-occupation/

Four individuals were sentenced by the Min Buri Criminal Court for illegal occupation and trespassing on private property in Bangkok. The four defendants, identified as Sriprapha, Nittaya, Polkrit, and Mali, also faced charges of property damage and theft, leading to a total fine of 22,000 baht coupled with a compensation payment totaling 1 million baht to be made to the homeowner. The group illicitly claimed ownership of a house owned by an individual identified as Agoo and only vacated it by the end of last year. The case was brought to the Khok Kram Police Station after the defendants' unlawful return to the property to reassert their claim. Despite their advanced age, the individuals were asked to pay damages to the victim in three installments, which has been agreed to amicably. Meanwhile, the court granted the defendants bail for 50,000 baht each. The court found the defendants guilty of intruding the property twice between 2017 and 2023, during which they made structural additions to the dwelling while they resided there. However, due to lack of evidence of night time trespassing, the court regarded the trespassing as a daytime offence. The court used sections 335 and 365, along with section 83 of the Criminal Code to sentence the group to a total of 18 months in prison and a 22,000 baht fine collectively. However, upon admitting guilt, these sentences were reduced to 9 months in jail and an 11,000 baht fine, with the imprisonment sentence being suspended for two years. This leniency was due to the defendant's advanced age and the agreed payment of 1 million baht in damages to the victim. Additional charges of property damage were later withdrawn, closing the case at trial. A representative of the victim stated this case should serve as a reminder that illegal actions have consequences and should not be considered acceptable. Picture courtesy of Khaosod -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Boosts Health Tourism to Attract Middle Eastern Visitors Picture courtesy of Facebook PR Pattaya In a bid to attract more Middle East tourists, Pattaya City in Thailand is promoting health and wellness tourism. The Pattaya City administration, headed by Mayor Poramase Ngampiches, is participating in the Arabian Travel Mart (ATM 2024) from May 5-11 in Dubai, UAE. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326788-pattaya-boosts-health-tourism-to-attract-middle-eastern-visitors/

Picture courtesy of Facebook PR Pattaya In a bid to attract more Middle East tourists, Pattaya City in Thailand is promoting health and wellness tourism. The Pattaya City administration, headed by Mayor Poramase Ngampiches, is participating in the Arabian Travel Mart (ATM 2024) from May 5-11 in Dubai, UAE. ATM is globally recognized as the third-largest tourism promotion event. This year's theme is 'Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship'. Pattaya City's highlights at the event include Ang Sila stone massage and Mind and Soul therapy. These unique health tourism services garnered notable attention from Middle Eastern participants. At the event's Pattaya Variety booth, 12 entrepreneurs representing various sectors like hospitality, medical, attractions, and travel met with potential Middle Eastern business partners. To inaugurate the Thailand Pavilion, the mayor's delegation was joined by Thailand's Consul General in Dubai, Nipa Nirannut, and Tourism Authority of Thailand's Governor, Thapanee Kiatpaiboon. -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Govt Spokesman Chai Evaluates New Political Role File photo courtesy of Thairath Government spokesman for Thailand, Chai Wacharonke, confirmed that he was approached to consider a new political position. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326786-thai-govt-spokesman-chai-evaluates-new-political-role/

File photo courtesy of Thairath Government spokesman for Thailand, Chai Wacharonke, confirmed that he was approached to consider a new political position. However, he kept the specifics confidential. Contradicting widespread rumors, he denied any discussions with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin regarding his removal from the current position. Chai didn't disclose who approached him with the fresh proposition. He emphasized his continual role as government spokesperson by mentioning his regular attendance at work. -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM Srettha Unaware of Thaksin’s Myanmar Meetings File photo courtesy of Thairath Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has denied possessing any knowledge of recent meetings between former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Myanmar opposition groups. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326785-pm-srettha-unaware-of-thaksin’s-myanmar-meetings/

File photo courtesy of Thairath Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has denied possessing any knowledge of recent meetings between former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Myanmar opposition groups. He emphasized that Thailand, being a close neighbour of Myanmar, is within its rights to initiate discussions within ASEAN's "five-point consensus" and remains open to dialogues with all parties involved in Myanmar's ongoing conflict. When questioned on the rumours of Thaksin’s talks with representatives from Myanmar’s armed groups opposing the military government, Srettha said he was unaware of such interactions. He reassured that all discussions his government’s Foreign Ministry and security agencies have with groups in Myanmar are meant to be confidential. Srettha reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to ASEAN’s consensus to assist in resolving Myanmar’s crisis. Earlier today, the newly-appointed Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stated that he is not concerned over Thaksin's meetings with Myanmar’s opposition groups. He confirmed that Thaksin was acting in an individual capacity during these discussions. -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Russian Arrested in Phuket for Alleged Illegal Online Work Picture courtesy of Facebook Phuket Info Center A Russian man was arrested in Phuket on Monday, May 6th, for allegedly working illegally online. Phuket Immigration informed that the arrest was made following a tip by a concerned citizen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326784-russian-arrested-in-phuket-for-alleged-illegal-online-work/

A Russian man was arrested in Phuket on Monday, May 6th, for allegedly working illegally online. Phuket Immigration informed that the arrest was made following a tip by a concerned citizen who reported a foreigner offering massage services unlawfully via Instagram and WhatsApp. An immigration officer, pretending to be a potential customer, contacted the man through one of the mentioned online platforms arranging to buy the massage services in Russian. The services were agreed upon for 200 US dollars or around 7,000 baht. The officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, then met the suspected individual, identified as Mr. Aleksandr, a 37-year-old Russian national, at a residence in Wichit, pretending to be a customer. Mr. Aleksandr was busy offering massage therapy to other customers at the time and was subsequently arrested. He was taken to the Wichit Police Station to face charges of unauthorized work. The suspect has not issued any statement to the press regarding the incident at this time. Picture courtesy of Facebook Phuket Info Center -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Polish Man Arrested for Allegedly Working Illegally Picture courtesy of thuethainews A Polish man was taken into police custody on the Pha Ngan Island of Thailand. He was allegedly conducting mental health workshops without the required legal permission. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326782-polish-man-arrested-for-allegedly-working-illegally/

Picture courtesy of thuethainews A Polish man was taken into police custody on the Pha Ngan Island of Thailand. He was allegedly conducting mental health workshops without the required legal permission. The Tourist Police and Pha Ngan Immigration authorities arrested the 46-year-old Mr. Subhadeep. The arrest was reported by District Chief Mr. Noppadon Khaomali to the Phuket Express. Authorities were tipped off about a 'Healing Self-Sabotaging Patterns to Manifest Your Heart’s Desires + Transformational Breathwork’ program run by Mr. Subhadeep. He charged participants between 900 to 1,200 Baht for each session. During questioning, Mr. Subhadeep disclosed that he held a work permit for an accommodation company where he served as a manager. Additionally, he revealed that another company had contracted him to administer the mental health course. He claimed to receive 70% of the revenues earned through this. Mr. Subhadeep was detained at the Koh Pha Ngan Police Station. The charges against him included having a work permit but failing to inform officials about his change in employment and job description within the legally stipulated 15-day period. -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 8 May 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1326781-thailand-live-wednesday-8-may-2024/

American man, wanted in the US for sexual offenses, arrested in Bangkok Photo courtesy of The Thaiger An American man named Selva Delano Mudaliar was taken into custody by Thai police in Bangkok's Bang Phlat district yesterday. The man was previously on the run after being charged with multiple sex offenses in the United States. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326756-an-american-man-wanted-in-the-us-for-sexual-offenses-has-been-arrested-in-bangkok/

On a Nok Air flight from Bangkok to Songkhla province, passengers found themselves gasping for air due to an engine failure. The experience was shared by a Thai woman on her TikTok account. Gasping For Air: Thai Passengers React to Engine Mishap Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326780-mid-air-panic-thai-passengers-react-to-engine-mishap/ videoscreenshot via TikTok/ @milkyway.mkw

On a Nok Air flight from Bangkok to Songkhla province, passengers found themselves gasping for air due to an engine failure. The experience was shared by a Thai woman on her TikTok account, Milkyway.mkw. The incident on May 4 saw passengers using airline brochures as fans amidst the heat while waiting on the runway. The plane's engine failed during takeoff. Despite the pilot's effort to restart it, it wasn't successful. Adding to the discomfort, the plane's air conditioning system was also not working. However, attempts to provide relief by serving cold water proved to be insufficient. After being towed back to its original parking spot after an hour, passengers waited in the terminal. When they reboarded the same plane, another engine failure further agitated them. Passengers expressed frustration and safety concerns. Nok Air offered to change planes and provided a donut and a bottle of water as compensation. The flight, which was scheduled for departure at 1.20pm, finally took off at 6.05pm. Numerous passengers expressing their ordeal on social media criticized the airline's mishandling of the situation. They have demanded an explanation and proper compensation from Nok Air, which is yet to respond officially. videoscreenshot via TikTok/ @milkyway.mkw -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Woman vs British Man Altercation in Buriram Photo courtesy via KhaoSod, ThaiRath A dispute between a Thai restaurateur and a British man has led to serious accusations in Buriram province’s Isaan district. Komkhai, 38, operator of Madam Chickan Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326720-thai-woman-vs-british-man-altercation-in-buriram/

Photo courtesy via KhaoSod, ThaiRath A dispute between a Thai restaurateur and a British man has led to serious accusations in Buriram province’s Isaan district. Komkhai, 38, operator of Madam Chickan, alleges that Stephen Anthony Cleverley, 55, threatened her with physical violence and brandished a firearm. CCTV footage showed a tense altercation at her eatery and Cleverley confronting a seated patron with his motorbike. Komkhai and Cleverley have known each other for a while, as she used to supply construction materials for his cannabis farm. Komkhai, however, distanced herself due to Cleverley's volatile behavior. On April 12, after a row with a customer, Cleverley allegedly attempted to crash his motorbike into them, which led to Komkhai banning him. Komkhai states that Cleverley returned on May 3, posing a threat to her and her customers. The police questioned Cleverley on May 6 following these allegations. Cleverley then claimed that Komkhai, using her connections in the foreign community as a result of her relations with multiple foreign men, had defrauded him of over 10,000 baht. He says she promised passport services for the money but failed to deliver, even retaining crucial documents. In fact, a complaint had been filed by Cleverley against Komkhai for passport fraud previously and is currently under investigation. The Police have pledged to maintain justice for both parties as their investigations continue. -- 2024-05-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Family appeal for missing British man in Thailand Picture courtesy of Edinburgh Live. The family of David Goldthorpe, a retired man from Edinburgh, are frantically searching for him after he mysteriously disappeared while on a holiday in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326717-family-appeal-for-missing-british-man-in-thailand/

Picture courtesy of Edinburgh Live. The family of David Goldthorpe, a retired man from Edinburgh, are frantically searching for him after he mysteriously disappeared while on a holiday in Thailand. The 65-year-old was supposed to return home from Phuket to Doha on 5th May, before catching a connecting flight to Scotland. However, Thai police confirmed he did not board the plane. Goldthorpe travelled to Thailand on 12th April and was in contact with his family up until 1st May. His sudden silence and disappearance have incited worry and fear among his family, who described the situation as out of character. His daughter, Hayley, has been actively reaching out via Facebook expat groups in an effort to locate him. Kate Goldthorpe, David's daughter-in-law, told the Daily Record about their concerns and desperation to find him. The family is urging anyone with information or sightings to contact either Police Scotland or the British embassy in Thailand. UK Government officials confirmed they are in touch with Goldthorpe’s family and a Police Scotland spokesperson stated that officers are making enquiries. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also verified that they are in contact with his family regarding his disappearance. -- 2024-05-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin Shinawatra meets with Myanmar's Exiled Govt Picture courtesy of Thairath Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai Prime Minister, recently held discussions with representatives from ethnic armed groups and the National Unity Government (NUG), the exiled government of Myanmar. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326716-thaksin-shinawatra-meets-with-myanmars-exiled-govt/

Picture courtesy of Thairath Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai Prime Minister, recently held discussions with representatives from ethnic armed groups and the National Unity Government (NUG), the exiled government of Myanmar. The aim was to aid in ending the nationwide conflict that has been ongoing since February 2021. Following the coup by the military that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, an armed struggle rapidly spread across the country. The conflict has displaced millions and severely impacted the economy. Throughout March and April, Shinawatra met with different ethnic groups, including Karen National Union (KNU), Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and Kachin National Organization (KNO). These groups united in their opposition against the ruling junta. The Myanmar military has suffered numerous losses since last October, with the Arakan Army recently stating they have taken hundreds of military personnel prisoner. This latest setback only further strengthens the anti-junta resolve. Shinawatra is thought to be in a position to intervene due to his political and economic knowledge, alongside good relations with some junta leaders. He has previously suggested that foreign workers are vital for Thailand's economy and proposed allowing refugees on the Thai border to work legally within the country. -- 2024-05-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe