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Chinese Man Arrested in Thailand After 14 Years on the Run Picture courtesy: Daily News Thai immigration police have apprehended a 59-year-old Chinese man, Mr. Yu, in connection with a fraud case worth over 50 million baht. Mr. Yu had been on the run for 14 years, using a fake Thai ID card to evade authorities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337555-chinese-man-arrested-in-thailand-after-14-years-on-the-run/

Picture courtesy: Daily News Thai immigration police have apprehended a 59-year-old Chinese man, Mr. Yu, in connection with a fraud case worth over 50 million baht. Mr. Yu had been on the run for 14 years, using a fake Thai ID card to evade authorities. The arrest was announced by Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchnarat, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau. The operation involved coordinated efforts from various divisions, including the Immigration Bureau’s Crime Suppression Division and the Department of Provincial Administration. Mr. Yu had entered Thailand through natural channels and assumed the identity of "Mr. Yongyuth" using a counterfeit ID card. He managed to maintain this false identity and stay hidden for over a decade. Detection of the fraudulent ID led authorities to contact the Chinese Embassy in Thailand. The embassy confirmed Mr. Yu's identity and detailed his criminal history. In China, Mr. Yu had opened a hotel business and deceived investors into pouring money into his enterprise, resulting in financial damages exceeding 50 million baht before he fled to avoid prosecution. The thorough investigation by the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division 4 uncovered Mr. Yu's long-term residence in Thailand under the fake identity. Authorities collected compelling evidence, which prompted the Phra Nakhon Nuea District Court to issue a search warrant. The arrest took place at Mr. Yu's residence in the Huai Khwang area of Bangkok. During questioning, Mr. Yu admitted to entering Thailand illegally and fabricating his Thai ID card in 2010. He had remained in the country ever since. He now faces charges of being an alien residing in the Kingdom without permission and will be subject to legal action by the Immigration Bureau. Additionally, the Department of Provincial Administration is contemplating further charges related to the use of fraudulent identification cards and documents obtained through illegal means. This arrest underscores the efficacy of Thai immigration authorities in identifying and apprehending individuals attempting to exploit the system and evade justice, reported Daily News. -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

American 'Life Coach' Arrested for Selling Psychedelic Mushroom Therapy Picture courtesy: Siam Rath On September 6, at the Immigration Bureau, police officials held a press conference to announce the arrest of an American man who claimed to be a Life Coach. He was accused of selling courses to treat depression using psychedelic mushrooms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337553-american-life-coach-arrested-for-selling-psychedelic-mushroom-therapy/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath On September 6, at the Immigration Bureau, police officials held a press conference to announce the arrest of an American man who claimed to be a Life Coach. He was accused of selling courses to treat depression using psychedelic mushrooms. Police Major General Panthana Nuchanarot, along with other senior officers, revealed the details. The arrested man, a 62-year-old American named Darius (surname withheld), was found in possession of 1,360 grams of dried mushrooms. He was charged with working without a permit and possessing a Category 5 narcotic substance (psychedelic mushrooms) without authorization. The arrest took place at his residence located in Soi Ladprao 108, Jompol Subdistrict, Chatuchak District, Bangkok. The investigation began when the Immigration Bureau found online ads selling depression treatment courses using psychedelic mushrooms. Claiming to have a Master's degree in Psychology and over 20 years of experience, Darius marketed himself as a Life Coach. Undercover agents were able to track him to his home by pretending to be interested in buying a course for 2,000 baht per session. After the undercover agent made the payment, the officials conducted a legal search. Darius was unable to provide a work permit. During the search, the officers found 13 bags of dried mushrooms in the freezer, totaling 1,360 grams, and the marked money used for the undercover purchase. Darius admitted that he knew the mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, had properties that could combat depression. He claimed ignorance of their illegal status in Thailand. He had been running these treatment courses for about a month, using methods like smoking the mushrooms or mixing them into chocolate while playing soothing music to relax his clients. The officials have since charged Darius and are proceeding with legal actions against him, reported Siam Rath. -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Illegal Austrian Tour Guide Arrested on Pha Ngan Island By Goongnang Suksawat Surat Thani – An illegal Austrian tour guide was arrested on the Pha Ngan district in Surat Thani after two years of working. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337551-illegal-austrian-tour-guide-arrested-on-pha-ngan-island/

Surat Thani – An illegal Austrian tour guide was arrested on the Pha Ngan district in Surat Thani after two years of working. The Koh Pha Ngan Police told the Phuket Express that on Thursday (September 5th) they arrested Mr. Guenter, 44, an Austrian national, at a restaurant in the Koh Pha Ngan sub-district. He was arrested while he was with two foreign customers. The customers told police that they were recommended a tour guide from their German friend via the Facebook account ‘Guenter’. They contacted him for a tour guide service on the Pha Ngan Island. They paid 2,000 Baht per trip per person which did not include meals. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

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Pattaya Tops Agoda’s List for Quick Weekend Escapes from Bangkok Photo: The Pattaya News Pattaya has emerged as the number one most-searched destination for a quick weekend getaway from Bangkok this August, according to Agoda. The travel site unveiled its list of top five nearby destinations, lauding Pattaya for its diverse attractions and convenience. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337532-pattaya-tops-agoda’s-list-for-quick-weekend-escapes-from-bangkok/

FILE photo for reference only. Courtesy of: Jakarta Post The new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) has rapidly become a popular choice among expat communities both in Thailand and abroad. Designed to cater to remote workers, individuals seeking skills-based education or medical treatment, and families, the innovative visa option is attracting significant interest. While exact statistics are still unavailable, estimates from Thai embassies in neighbouring countries suggest that over 1,000 applications have been submitted worldwide in just under two months. Most of these applications appear to come from digital nomads looking to take advantage of the visa's flexible terms, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail. The DTV offers several key advantages over traditional visas. It provides a long validity period of five years with multiple entries, a substantial improvement over the typical one-year extensions for retirement or marriage visas. The initial enrolment fee is 10,000 baht (approximately $300 USD) for an initial period of 180 days, with the option to extend for another 180 days for a fee of 1,900 baht. However, applicants must leave and re-enter Thailand to reset their visa status for another cycle. One notable feature of the DTV is its financial guarantee requirement of 500,000 baht (around $16,000 USD), which is more affordable than the sums required for traditional visas or the five-year Elite visa, the latter of which necessitates a non-returnable fee of 900,000 baht (approximately $26,000 USD). This has prompted many retirees to consider the DTV as a cost-effective alternative, especially since they only need to justify their application. Some agencies in Thailand are already partnering with Muay Thai academies or cookery schools to help applicants meet the visa's enrollment requirements. Despite the ease of online application, DTV requests are referred to respective Thai embassies for consideration and cannot be submitted from within Thailand. Some ambiguities remain, such as differing financial guarantee requirements between embassies. For instance, the Thai embassy in Washington DC requires a checking or savings account in the applicant's name, while the embassy in Laos accepts payslips or other financial guarantees and does not impose an additional service charge beyond the 10,000 baht fee. In contrast, Washington DC charges a service fee of $400 USD (approximately 13,600 baht). As the DTV continues to gain traction, it is poised to become a viable long-term solution for expats looking to live and work in Thailand under flexible and financially feasible conditions. -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Lawsuit Challenges Paetongtarn’s PM Status Over Thavi Appointment Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives for a group photo at the government house before taking oath in front of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Another legal bid has been launched to remove Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. The lawsuit accuses her of appointing Thavi Sodsong, deemed dishonest and unethical, to a cabinet position. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337541-lawsuit-challenges-paetongtarn’s-pm-status-over-thavi-appointment/

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives for a group photo at the government house before taking oath in front of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Another legal bid has been launched to remove Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. The lawsuit accuses her of appointing Thavi Sodsong, deemed dishonest and unethical, to a cabinet position. The Khana Nitichon Cherdchutham legal activist group submitted the case to the Thailand Constitutional Court through the Election Commission, targeting Paetongtarn, the daughter of influential figure Thaksin Shinawatra. The lawsuit alleges that Thavi, concurrently serving as Prachachart leader and justice minister, abused his power by granting unlawful privileges to Thaksin. Specifically, it claims that Thavi enabled Thaksin to stay in a private ward at Police Hospital for six months instead of being confined to Bangkok Remand prison. This alleged favouritism is said to stem from Thaksin’s "critical illnesses," which some believe were feigned to avoid jail time. Thaksin, after returning from 17 years of self-imposed exile, was convicted in absentia and sentenced to eight years in prison for multiple counts of power abuse and misconduct during his premiership. This sentence was later reduced to one year by royal pardon. Despite his prison sentence, Thaksin was "detained outside of the prison" at Police Hospital for half a year and was released on parole earlier this year. The activist group's lawsuit criticises the justice minister and officials of the Corrections Department, Bangkok Remand prison, and Police Hospital for showing undue favouritism. This, they argue, undermines the principle of equal treatment and basic human rights for other convicts, who would not receive such privileges. The lawsuit highlights a recent Constitutional Court ruling which removed former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for violating political ethics by naming Pichit Chuenban, a former lawyer and convict, to his cabinet. The activist group not only seeks to remove Paetongtarn but also Thavi from their positions on allegations of dishonesty, unethical conduct, and power abuse. The lawsuit refers to findings from the Medical Council of Thailand and the National Human Rights Commission, which support claims of double standards and unethical acts in favour of Thaksin. It remains uncertain when and if the Election Commission will forward the case to the Constitutional Court, alongside other pending cases against Paetongtarn and her party. Paetongtarn, along with the executive board of the Pheu Thai Party, faces multiple lawsuits accusing them of being influenced by Thaksin to integrate his associates into the government, which contributed to Srettha’s removal from office. -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 7 September 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1337540-thailand-live-saturday-7-september-2024/

New customs centre at Suvarnabhumi aims to boost Thai logistics By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Airports of Thailand Ground Aviation Services (AOTGA) has inaugurated a new Customs Service Centre at Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s Free Zone 3, designed to boost Thailand’s logistics industry. Covering over 4,872 square metres and costing 150 million baht, this centre aims to streamline various transport and warehousing services. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337512-new-customs-centre-at-suvarnabhumi-aims-to-boost-thai-logistics/

Indian tourists arrested in Pattaya for stealing camera battery Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Pattaya Tourist Police apprehended two Photo courtesy of Pattaya NewsIndian tourists on their first day in Thailand for allegedly stealing a camera battery and then strolling along Walking Street. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337504-indian-tourists-arrested-in-pattaya-for-stealing-camera-battery/

The new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) has rapidly become a popular choice among expat communities both in Thailand and abroad. Designed to cater to remote workers, individuals seeking skills-based education or medical treatment, and families, the innovative visa option is attracting significant interest. Destination Thailand Visa Gains Popularity Among Expats FILE photo for reference only. Courtesy of: Jakarta Post Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337542-destination-thailand-visa-gains-popularity-among-expats/

New travel rules: Thailand’s ETA to shake up visa-free visitors by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Thailand is tightening its borders with a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, set to launch between December this year and June 2025. This system will be mandatory for all visa-exempt foreigners entering the country by air, land, or sea. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337466-new-travel-rules-thailand’s-eta-to-shake-up-visa-free-visitors/

Thailand is tightening its borders with a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, set to launch between December this year and June 2025. This system will be mandatory for all visa-exempt foreigners entering the country by air, land, or sea. Though not technically a visa, the ETA will act as a computerised security check, similar to the ETIAS programme for Schengen countries. It’s designed to enhance security, curb illegal migration, and monitor health risks. Foreign visitors will receive email confirmation of their ETA approval, usually within 24 hours. However, the fine print is still a mystery. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to reveal exactly what documents will be required, though it’s likely travellers will need to show proof of accommodation and outbound travel, much like systems in Malaysia and Cambodia. Currently, Thailand offers a 60-day visa-exempt entry for citizens of 93 countries. This can be extended to 90 days at a local immigration office, and foreigners can use a border run to reset the clock – a loophole many use indefinitely. But with the new ETA system, it’s unclear if restrictions will be introduced to limit these back-to-back entries. The ETA is expected to be free and will be issued via the government’s e-portal, www.thaievisa.go.th. Once approved, travellers can pass through electronic immigration gates using a QR code. The system will also run checks on criminal records and passport authenticity, potentially avoiding confrontations at immigration desks, reported Pattaya Mail. ORIGINAL STORY: Aussies now need an ETA to enter Thailand Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel. This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country. “The ETA will be an important tool for screening and tracking the movement of foreigners entering Thailand.” The Thai ETA is required for travellers from nearly 100 visa-waiver countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and most European nations. It’s a system similar to the USA’s ESTA and the upcoming travel authorisation systems in Europe, the UK, and Japan. Scheduled for a pilot launch by December this year, with a full roll-out by June 2025, ETA applications will be processed online via the official Thai e-Visa website. Unlike other countries’ ETAs, which may allow multiple entries over several years, the Thai ETA must be applied for each time a visitor plans to enter Thailand. However, it’s expected to be free of charge. Once approved, ETA holders will benefit from the convenience of automated passport gates at immigration checkpoints. This comes alongside the recent extension of stay for tourists and business travellers from visa-free countries, who can now enjoy up to 60 days in Thailand, with the possibility to extend for another 30 days upon arrival. In addition, Thailand introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), tailored for remote workers, digital nomads, and visitors attending approved activities. Priced at 10,000 baht (430 Aussie dollars), this visa allows a stay of up to five years, provided applicants can prove they have at least 500,000 baht for the duration of their stay. The DTV also covers the holder’s spouse and dependent children, offering them a five-year stay with multiple entries, extendable by another 180 days, reported Executive Traveller. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-06 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Canadian Arrested in Koh Pha Ngan for Illegal Work and Ecstasy Possession Picture courtesy: MGR Online A Canadian man has been arrested in Koh Pha Ngan, Surat Thani, for working illegally as a masseur and possessing ecstasy for sale. The arrest occurred on September 5 by Tourist Police and Immigration Police authorities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337465-canadian-arrested-in-koh-pha-ngan-for-illegal-work-and-ecstasy-possession/

Picture courtesy: MGR Online A Canadian man has been arrested in Koh Pha Ngan, Surat Thani, for working illegally as a masseur and possessing ecstasy for sale. The arrest occurred on September 5 by Tourist Police and Immigration Police authorities. The man, identified as 48-year-old Ky Uwe Jablonowski, was found working at a Thai traditional massage shop without a required work permit, which is a prohibited activity for foreigners in Thailand. During the search, officers discovered three ziplock bags containing a total of 0.15 grammes of ecstasy in his trousers. While Jablonowski admitted to possessing and using the drug, he denied any intent to sell it. However, police found conversations on his mobile phone suggesting he had been in contact with clients regarding the drug, casting doubt on his claims. As a result, Jablonowski is facing multiple charges: 1. Working Without a Work Permit: Under Section 8(1) of the Emergency Decree on Foreigners' Working Management, working without a permit or outside the scope of authorised work is illegal. Penalties range from a fine of 5,000 to 50,000 baht, deportation, and a two-year ban on reapplying for a work permit. Picture courtesy: MGR Online 2. Possession of a Category 1 Drug for Sale: Under Section 145 of the Narcotics Control Act, possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell carries severe penalties, including imprisonment for two to 20 years and a fine between 200,000 to 2 million baht. This incident follows other recent high-profile arrests involving foreign nationals and drug activities in Thailand. For instance, last month, an Israeli woman named Libby Rosenfeld Cohen was arrested on Koh Pha Ngan for offering ecstasy to tourists. Additionally, in Phuket, police apprehended a British drug dealer after receiving an alert from UK authorities that the suspect had fled life imprisonment and was hiding in Thailand. -- 2024-09-06 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand's Driver’s Licences Now Show Organ Donor Status Image courtesy: Facebook/สำนักงานขนส่งจังหวัดชลบุรี สาขาอำเภอหนองใหญ่ Driver’s licences in Thailand will now clearly display whether the holder is an organ donor, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) has announced. Effective from August 7, the updated design aims to raise awareness and streamline the identification of organ donors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337463-thailands-driver’s-licences-now-show-organ-donor-status/

Image courtesy: Facebook/สำนักงานขนส่งจังหวัดชลบุรี สาขาอำเภอหนองใหญ่ Driver’s licences in Thailand will now clearly display whether the holder is an organ donor, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) has announced. Effective from August 7, the updated design aims to raise awareness and streamline the identification of organ donors. The new licence design features a more prominent Red Cross emblem with the words “organ donor” visibly placed at the top right, provided the holder is a registered donor. This marks a substantial change from the previous version, which was introduced on January 29, 2021, and only included a smaller emblem without any descriptive text. Importantly, all driver’s licences issued before August 7 will remain valid until their expiration, as confirmed by the DLT. Jirut Wisanjit, the department’s director-general, explained that the change follows a memorandum of understanding signed with the Red Cross Organisation on August 9. This collaboration facilitates the process for drivers who wish to register as organ donors and ensures their donor status is indicated on their licences. Drivers who wish to become organ donors can submit their donation forms at local DLT offices to have the Red Cross emblem added to their licences. In related developments, the DLT dismissed media reports suggesting that Chinese companies are increasingly taking over struggling Thai transport businesses. They clarified that licences issued to one business cannot be transferred in the event of a takeover, addressing concerns that Thai citizens might be paid to hold shares to bypass this rule. Separately, the DLT, through its Road Safety Fund, held an auction for special vehicle registration numbers. The event, themed "Special Numbers for Special People," took place on August 31 at the DLT's Building 6, Floor 7. A total of 100 unique registration numbers were auctioned, categorized into super-premium, premium, and gold, each with different starting bid prices and patterns. This series of updates and initiatives reflects the DLT's ongoing efforts to enhance road safety, streamline administrative processes, and support the Thai transport sector. -- 2024-09-06 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Rainfall hits 33 provinces: Southern Thailand in deep water by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Maksym Ivashchenko, Unsplash Heavy rainfall is expected in 33 provinces today, with the eastern and Andaman coast regions of southern Thailand experiencing particularly intense downpours. Other regions will continue to see rain, while Typhoon Yagi has made landfall in Vietnam and is expected to weaken. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337461-rainfall-hits-33-provinces-southern-thailand-in-deep-water/

Heavy rainfall is expected in 33 provinces today, with the eastern and Andaman coast regions of southern Thailand experiencing particularly intense downpours. Other regions will continue to see rain, while Typhoon Yagi has made landfall in Vietnam and is expected to weaken. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasted severe weather conditions over the next 24 hours and heavy rain is predicted for the eastern and southern western coastal regions. Additionally, the northeastern, eastern, and southern eastern coastal regions will see significant rainfall in some areas. Residents in these regions should be cautious of potential hazards such as flash floods and overflowing streams from accumulated rainfall. Low-lying areas and slopes near watercourses are at particular risk, and there is also a warning for potential strong winds. This weather pattern is attributed to a relatively strong southwesterly monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand will experience strong waves, with heights reaching 2 to 3 metres, and over 3 metres during thunderstorms. In the lower Gulf of Thailand, wave heights will range from 1 to 2 metres, exceeding 2 metres during storms. Mariners in these areas should exercise caution and avoid sailing in stormy conditions, while small boats in the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are advised to stay ashore until tomorrow. Heavy rain Typhoon Yagi is currently affecting the upper South China Sea. It is expected to move across Hainan, China, and make landfall in northern Vietnam today, September 6. Following that, it will weaken to a tropical storm and then to a tropical depression. This situation will bring heavy rain and some strong winds to the northern and upper northeastern regions of Thailand from today until tomorrow. The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today until 6am tomorrow indicates thunderstorms in 40% of the northern region, mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Tak, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 24 to 27°C at the lowest and 33 to 36°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. In the northeastern region, thunderstorms are expected in 40% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts, particularly in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26°C at the lowest and 33 to 36°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. The central region will experience thunderstorms in 60% of the area, mainly in Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Temperatures will be between 24 to 26°C at the lowest and 34 to 35°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour. In the eastern region, thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in some locations, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 24 to 27°C at the lowest and 32 to 35°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds at 20 to 40 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves of 2 to 3 meters and over 3 metres during thunderstorms. The southern region (eastern coast) will have thunderstorms in 40% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts, particularly in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26°C at the lowest and 31 to 36°C at the highest. In areas from Surat Thani upwards, southwesterly winds will blow at 20 to 35 kilometres per hour, and the sea will have waves around 2 metres, exceeding 2 metres during thunderstorms. In areas from Nakhon Si Thammarat downwards, southwesterly winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, with wave heights of 1 to 2 kilometres per hour, exceeding 2 metres during thunderstorms. The southern region (western coast) will see thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in some locations, especially in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26°C at the lowest and 30 to 32°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds at 20 to 40 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves of 2 to 3 metres and over 3 metres during thunderstorms, reported KhaoSod. Bangkok and its surrounding areas will experience thunderstorms in 60% of the area. Temperatures will range from 26 to 27°C at the lowest and 33 to 35°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Maksym Ivashchenko, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-06 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

PM Paetongtarn Vows Policy Continuity, Tackles Digital Wallet Changes Picture courtesy: Thai Rath THAILAND - Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has committed to maintaining the policy direction set by her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, with minor adjustments, particularly concerning the digital wallet handout programme. This news comes amidst criticisms and speculations regarding her leadership and cabinet appointments. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337459-pm-paetongtarn-vows-policy-continuity-tackles-digital-wallet-changes/

THAILAND - Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has committed to maintaining the policy direction set by her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, with minor adjustments, particularly concerning the digital wallet handout programme. This news comes amidst criticisms and speculations regarding her leadership and cabinet appointments. Spending Thursday at the temporary headquarters of the Pheu Thai Party, Ms. Paetongtarn worked on finalising her inaugural policy statement, set to be announced next week. Her father, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, made a discreet visit to the building, avoiding the press. Echoing the prior government's initiatives, Ms. Paetongtarn highlighted that most policies would remain unchanged, save for tweaks to the digital wallet scheme. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat disclosed that modifications might include distributing cash instead of digital money to some recipients. Pledging to continue investment and international trade policies, Ms. Paetongtarn assured that the core spirit of the Pheu Thai Party would lead the coalition government despite the leadership change. She also indicated willingness to incorporate suggestions from other coalition partners into the policy framework. Addressing criticisms about her new cabinet, which includes relatives of veteran politicians, Ms. Paetongtarn took a positive stance, noting that familial ties might provide additional support to her ministers. She called for public patience as she navigates her new role. “Give the prime minister some sympathy. Don’t lodge too many complaints. Sometimes, one should not attach too much importance to minor issues,” she remarked. This response came after Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a regular petitioner, questioned her autonomy and her resignation from multiple directorships before taking office. The public's first glimpse of the new PM in action will be during her policy statement in Parliament next week, with Thursday and Friday set aside for the event, according to Government Chief Whip Wisut Chainarun. Simultaneously, Deputy Interior Minister Sabeeda Thaised dismissed allegations of nepotism following her appointment. She emphasised her readiness to take on the role, succeeding her father, Chada Thaised, who stepped down to avoid ethical scrutiny. Amid the criticisms, Sirikanya Tansakun from the opposition People's Party acknowledged the merit of some ministers, especially PM’s Office Minister Chusak Sirinil, recognising his legal expertise as well-suited for his role. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-09-06 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe