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In economics and diplomacy, decisions can’t be made lightly—especially when they have far-reaching implications for a country’s economic and geopolitical stability. Yet, Thailand’s new government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin appears to be taking an ill-advised gamble by tying the nation’s economic future primarily to China. This strategic move is especially concerning given the precarious state of China’s economy and its increasingly ideological governance under Xi Jinping. The litany of economic issues facing China is staggering: an unstable real estate sector, rampant youth unemployment, and an overall shaky economic foundation. Furthermore, Xi Jinping’s determination to roll back liberal economic reforms and instill a stronger communist ideology could make China an even more volatile partner for Thailand. Against this backdrop, Thailand’s courting of Chinese money seems not just misguided but perilously naïve, lacking in comprehensive economic analysis and macroeconomic understanding. Srettha’s government plans to boost tourism by increasing direct flights to secondary cities in China and transforming local festivals like Loy Krathong and Songkran into global events, primarily targeting Chinese tourists. On paper, these initiatives might look promising for quick economic gains, but they fail to account for China’s economic vulnerabilities and what that could mean for Thailand. by Arun Saronchai Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50721/governments-plans-to-court-china-ignores-economic-realities-puts-thailand-at-geopolitical-risk/ -- THAI ENQUIRER 2023-09-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Wanted Chinese Suspect Arrested in Phuket for Billions of Baht in Alleged Fraud in China By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket - A wanted Chinese suspect who allegedly created fake documents to borrow money resulting in 5.6 billon Baht in damages was arrested in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306562-wanted-chinese-suspect-arrested-in-phuket-for-billions-of-baht-in-alleged-fraud-in-china/

Crane Falls on Trailer Truck at Under Construction Mall in Chalong, Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Chalong – A crane fell down and hit a trailer truck inside an under-construction area of a mall in Chalong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306561-crane-falls-on-trailer-truck-at-under-construction-mall-in-chalong-phuket/

Horrific Motorcycle Head-On Collision with Truck in Rayong Province Picture: Thai Rath In a spine-chilling incident on September 13th, 2023, a young motorcyclist racing on his high-powered bike met with a catastrophic accident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306559-horrific-motorcycle-head-on-collision-with-truck-in-rayong-province/

Newly Promoted Manager's Life Tragically Cut Short as Car Plunges into Canal In a deeply sorrowful turn of events, a recently promoted manager's life was abruptly taken when his vehicle swerved off the road and submerged into a canal. This incident occurred just days after he had celebrated his hard-earned promotion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306558-newly-promoted-managers-life-tragically-cut-short-as-car-plunges-into-canal/

Foreign Tourists Marvel as 52 Baby Turtles Emerge on Koh Tao Picture: Siam Rath On September 13, in Surat Thani province, members of the Turtle Conservation Association on Koh Pha Ngan received a report from staff at the Koh Tao Resort, Nai Thon Beach, Group 2, Koh Tao, that the first baby turtles from Mother Thongdee's second nest had emerged from their eggs since the morning of September 11, 2023, from a total of 3 nests. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306557-foreign-tourists-marvel-as-52-baby-turtles-emerge-on-koh-tao/

Phuket Immigration Investigate Illegal Russian Worker Allegations By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Phuket Immigration inspected a company in Phuket after they were notified that there was allegedly a Russian person working there illegally. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306554-phuket-immigration-investigate-illegal-russian-worker-allegations/

Overstaying Algerian Arrested in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – An Algerian man was arrested near Chalong Police Station for 193 days of overstay. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306553-overstaying-algerian-arrested-in-phuket/

Again! Tourist’s Shoe Gets Stuck At Airport Moving Walkway by TNR Staff Screengrab image showing the tourist’s shoe stuck in a Suvarnabhumi Airport moving walkway. Photos: Sanook.com TAKING place again just two and half months after a woman’s left leg was severed till the knee by a moving walkway at Don Mueang Airport was a scary moment for a tourist when his shoe got jammed in a travelator at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Sanook.com said yesterday (Sep. 13). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306552-again-tourist’s-shoe-gets-stuck-at-airport-moving-walkway/

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 14 September 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1306551-thailand-live-thursday-14-september-2023/

Thailand welcomes nearly 18.5 million tourists in 2023 Flickr/Rui Nearly 18.5 million foreign tourists have visited Thailand so far this year, with the Malaysians leading the way. Of the total number of foreign tourists to visit the kingdom this year, 3 million were Malaysian. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306513-thailand-welcomes-nearly-185-million-tourists-in-2023/

Petition submitted to PM to have Thaksin returned to prison Convicted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra A political network filed a petition with the prime minister on Wednesday, calling for convicted Thaksin Shinawatra to be returned to prison from the hospital where he has been since the night of his first day of incarceration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306489-petition-submitted-to-pm-to-have-thaksin-returned-to-prison/

An American man asked netizens for advice on what to do after his Thai girlfriend’s family demanded a million baht dowry, known as sinsod in Thailand. He said he loved her very much but was not a foolish farang. American man faces dilemma as Thai girlfriend’s parents demand 1 million baht dowry Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306541-american-man-faces-dilemma-as-thai-girlfriend’s-parents-demand-1-million-baht-dowry/

Cabinet cuts electricity and diesel prices The Cabinet decided today (Wednesday) to cut the price of electricity from Bt4.45 to Bt4.10 per unit, effective from September’s billing cycled, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told the media after his first cabinet meeting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306491-cabinet-cuts-electricity-and-diesel-prices/

The Cabinet decided today (Wednesday) to cut the price of electricity from Bt4.45 to Bt4.10 per unit, effective from September’s billing cycled, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told the media after his first cabinet meeting. The cabinet also decided to cut the pump price of diesel to under Bt30 per litre, effective from September 20, he added. No details were given about how the government will subsidise these price reductions or how long the reductions will last. Electricity and fuel price cuts are among the highest priority policies detailed by the Pheu Thai party in its election manifesto. The cabinet also decided to change salary payments for government officials from once to twice a month, to ease their financial burden. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/cabinet-cuts-electricity-and-diesel-prices/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Petition submitted to PM to have Thaksin returned to prison Convicted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra A political network filed a petition with the prime minister on Wednesday, calling for convicted Thaksin Shinawatra to be returned to prison from the hospital where he has been since the night of his first day of incarceration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306489-petition-submitted-to-pm-to-have-thaksin-returned-to-prison/

A political network filed a petition with the prime minister on Wednesday, calling for convicted Thaksin Shinawatra to be returned to prison from the hospital where he has been since the night of his first day of incarceration. Pichit Chaimongkol, leader of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand said that Thaksin, who claimed to be gravely ill, has been in hospital for 23 days already. “We and many Thai people do not believe that Thaksin was or is genuinely sick. The illness is just an excuse for him to stay outside the prison, where he should have stayed. We demand that he is returned to prison immediately,” Pichit said. TOP: Convicted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/petition-submitted-to-pm-to-have-thaksin-returned-to-prison/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Power play exposed: Thai electricity sold to Myanmar drug lord in shocking corruption scandal by Samantha Rose Rangsiman Rome (left side) image via Rangsiman Rome - รังสิมันต์ โรม and Srettha Thavisin (Right) image via Srettha Thavisin. Move Forward Party spokesperson Rangsiman Rome slammed corruption within the Thai government system. after he discovered the selling of Thai electricity to a Myanmar drug lord. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306487-power-play-exposed-thai-electricity-sold-to-myanmar-drug-lord-in-shocking-corruption-scandal/

Move Forward Party spokesperson Rangsiman Rome slammed corruption within the Thai government system. after he discovered the selling of Thai electricity to a Myanmar drug lord. Rangsiman exposed a super deal has been struck involving two former police chiefs and a police aviation unit. The 31 year old politician also questioned whether Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin would dare to take legal action against former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Rangsiman took to Twitter to voice his concerns. He stated that after listening to the policy statement by the incoming prime minister, he found the solutions he proposed to be very vague. He is worried that these policies seemed designed to appease coalition partners rather than to tackle serious issues head-on. Rangsiman highlighted several examples of corruption within the government system. He mentioned the police ticketing system, which forces police to engage in corrupt practices such as setting up extortion checkpoints and threatening business operators to pay a protection fee. This system also promotes a culture where police are under the thumb of those in power, and where positions can be bought. by Samantha Rose TOP: Rangsiman Rome (left side) image via Rangsiman Rome - รังสิมันต์ โรม and Srettha Thavisin (Right) image via Srettha Thavisin. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/rangsiman-rome-exposes-government-corruption-and-challenges-pms-policy-in-thailand -- The Thaiger 2023-09-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s government proposes swift minimum wage increase to 400 baht by Neill Fronde Picture courtesy of ThaiPost Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced that the government will be pushing for a swift increase in the minimum daily wage to 400 baht, in a bid to assist workers grappling with rising living costs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306485-thailand’s-government-proposes-swift-minimum-wage-increase-to-400-baht/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced that the government will be pushing for a swift increase in the minimum daily wage to 400 baht, in a bid to assist workers grappling with rising living costs. The decision will be reached through negotiations between the government, employers, and workers to agree upon a reasonable amount. The prime minister shared the plans during a parliament debate on the government’s policy statement. The wage increase is part of the government’s economic stimulus measures, designed to bolster the financial well-being of Thailand’s workforce. During the election campaign, the promise to increase the daily minimum wage to 600 baht by 2027 was a key pledge by the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The prime minister, who also holds the position of Minister of Finance, highlighted the country’s low unemployment rate, which stands at a mere 1%. Despite this, the prime minister acknowledged that the demand for labour remains high, necessitating a reliance on migrant workers. He emphasised the need to protect the rights and dignity of these workers and to provide them with welfare and safety. To this end, the government plans to establish a one-stop service centre to streamline their documentation process. by Neill Fronde Picture courtesy of ThaiPost Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thailands-government-proposes-swift-minimum-wage-increase-to-400-baht -- The Thaiger 2023-09-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Kamnan Nok’s places of business and network raided A joint forces of police and officials from the Revenue Department, National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) raided several residences and business premises in Nakhon Pathom province today (Wednesday), which are linked to murder suspect, Praween Chanklai, aka “Kamnan Nok”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306483-kamnan-nok’s-places-of-business-and-network-raided/

Chuan explains why he voted against Srettha for PM Former PM Chuan Leekpai Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai said that he did not endorse premiers PM Srettha Thavisin’s premiership because he comes from a party which discriminated against southern people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306481-chuan-explains-why-he-voted-against-srettha-for-pm/

Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai said that he did not endorse premiers PM Srettha Thavisin’s premiership because he comes from a party which discriminated against southern people. Speaking in parliament during the debate on the government’s police statement on Tuesday, Chuan explained that, as a long-time southern MP, he shared the grievance of the southern people when the Thai Rak Thai party, a predecessor of the Palang Prachachon and Pheu Thai parties, adopted a selective policy by which it would only develop provinces whose people voted for them. Because of this biased policy of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai party, Chuan said that they did not win a single seat in the southern region as the people there boycotted them. TOP: Former PM Chuan Leekpai Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/chuan-explains-why-he-voted-against-srettha-for-pm/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chaiyaphum auto shop suffers 10m baht fire damage, electrical fault suspected by Neill Fronde Picture courtesy of คนล่าข่าวชัยภูมิ Facebook A devastating fire engulfed an auto accessories store in the heart of the northeastern Issan province of Chaiyaphum, causing over 10 million baht in damages. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306480-chaiyaphum-auto-shop-suffers-10m-baht-fire-damage-electrical-fault-suspected/