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Pattaya Police Arrest Wanted Japanese Tourist for Stealing Cop Car By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Pattaya — A Japanese tourist, wanted in Japan for a fraud case worth over 20 million yen (4.8 million baht), was arrested in Pattaya on Tuesday, September 12th, after stealing a cop car in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306436-pattaya-police-arrest-wanted-japanese-tourist-for-stealing-cop-car/

Chuan Suggests Srettha To Never Follow In Thaksin’s Footsteps By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, left in above photo and former prime minister and MP Chuan Leekpai. Photo: Matichon FORMER PRIME MINISTER Chuan Leekpai yesterday (Sep.12) tacitly advised his current successor Srettha Thavisin to never follow in the footsteps of one of his predecessors who had been given jail sentences for convicted misconduct charges and consequently taken self-exile abroad. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306435-chuan-suggests-srettha-to-never-follow-in-thaksin’s-footsteps/

Chuan to Srettha: Don’t go to jail or go into exile Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai Tuesday offered Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin a valuable piece of advice: “Don’t go to jail or go into exile.” Speaking on the second day of the parliamentary debate on the Srettha government’s policy statement, Chuan also called on the prime minister not to discriminate against the southern region when it comes to development budget. Chuan said he believed that Srettha was as qualified as all the previous prime ministers from Thai Rak Thai and Pheu Thai parties but it was too early to judge whether he would perform his duty honestly. “My advice is that don’t cross the line, don’t go to jail and don’t go into exile,” Chuan said. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/chuan-to-srettha-dont-go-to-jail-or-go-into-exile/ -- 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

FORMER PRIME MINISTER Chuan Leekpai yesterday (Sep.12) tacitly advised his current successor Srettha Thavisin to never follow in the footsteps of one of his predecessors who had been given jail sentences for convicted misconduct charges and consequently taken self-exile abroad. Though Chuan did not name names during the second day of debate on the Pheu Thai-led government’s policy statement at parliament, the former prime minister/former House speaker apparently referred to de facto Pheu Thai boss/former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra whose sister/former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra had successfully pushed for the naming of Srettha for prime minister following the May 14 election. Known for his occasional speeches virtually compared to a ”razor coated with honey”, Chuan gave his unsolicited advice to Srettha that the current prime minister practically never get himself involved in any misconduct in office which, he said, could possibly land him a jail sentence or prompt him to seek self-exile abroad as had been the case of the de facto Pheu Thai boss over the last 17 years. ”My advice for the prime minister is that you should never cross the line or else you might land yourself a jail sentence which might only prompt you to flee to a foreign country for a wrongdoing which may have been perpetrated at any time,” Chuan told Srettha during floor debate. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, left in above photo and former prime minister and MP Chuan Leekpai. Photo: Matichon Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/09/12/chuan-suggests-srettha-to-never-follow-in-thaksins-footsteps/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 13 September 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1306431-thailand-live-wednesday-13-september-2023/

Thai chicken vendors winging it to rip off South Korean YouTubers Photo via YouTube Channel 컬렌 Cullen HateBerry Thai vendors of a renowned deep-fried chicken store in the southern province of Songkhla faced criticism from Thai netizens for overcharging two South Korean YouTubers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306408-thai-chicken-vendors-winging-it-to-rip-off-south-korean-youtubers/

After a discussion with the Thai Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Srettha Thavisin, Thai Airways (THAI) is planning to increase its flights to China from 25 flights to 35 flights a week in response to the free visa policy for Chinese tourists. THAI spreads its wings: More flights to China as visa policy takes off Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306411-thai-spreads-its-wings-more-flights-to-china-as-visa-policy-takes-off/

Ex-Bangkok governor found at fault for contracting BTSC to operate Green line extensions A National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigative panel has voted 3:3 in finding 13 individuals and legal entities, among them former Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra and BTS Group Holding chairman Keeree Kanjanapas, guilty of violating the Public-Private Partnership Act (PPP Act). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306381-ex-bangkok-governor-found-at-fault-for-contracting-btsc-to-operate-green-line-extensions/

Famous Russian fighter and his brother arrested over Phuket abduction By Peter Roche PHOTO: Instagram Khusein Askhabov, a well-known fighter in MMA circles, has been arrested with his twin brother, Khasan, in relation to a violent robbery at a house in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306379-famous-russian-fighter-and-his-brother-arrested-over-phuket-abduction/

Transport Minister promises Bt20 fare on Purple and Red lines by New Year Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has promised to cut train fares on the Purple and Red lines to a maximum of 20 baht for the entire route within three months. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306378-transport-minister-promises-bt20-fare-on-purple-and-red-lines-by-new-year/

Government Cannabis Policy to Focus on Health and Economy by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The government’s cannabis policy aims to promote health and economic development, as clarified by the Minister of Interior, rather than unregulated recreational use. The new interior minister said he was ready to explain in detail his decentralization policy, which has faced skepticism from critics. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306377-government-cannabis-policy-to-focus-on-health-and-economy/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government’s cannabis policy aims to promote health and economic development, as clarified by the Minister of Interior, rather than unregulated recreational use. The new interior minister said he was ready to explain in detail his decentralization policy, which has faced skepticism from critics. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul elaborated on the government’s policy concerning cannabis as a means of promoting health and economic growth, stressing that it was not to encourage unregulated recreational use. Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party who served as public health minister in the previous administration, said his party had in the previous parliamentary session submitted a bill on cannabis regulation that was dismissed. He said the Bhumjaithai Party will resubmit the bill to the current parliament in order to promote cannabis for its medical, health and economic benefits. Minister Anutin said the discourse surrounding cannabis legalization has become muddied with debates over unregulated usage. He has therefore asked all sides to stop spreading this misconception. The government’s policy under the Ministry of Interior is reintroducing the CEO Governor concept for provincial administration. The Interior Minister said this working concept, which positions provincial governors as the CEO of each province, would improve the agility of local administrations and public services. This policy has however received criticism from the Move Forward Party, which views the policy as a move towards centralization rather than decentralization. The interior minister said he was willing to elaborate on the policy to clear up any misunderstandings. by Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230912115614683 -- NNT 2023-09-12 - 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

Srettha hit with plenty of brickbats for “directionless” policy Thai politicians are known for their gesture politics which was in full display during the first day of parliamentary debate on the Srettha government’s policy statement on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306370-srettha-hit-with-plenty-of-brickbats-for-“directionless”-policy/

Thai politicians are known for their gesture politics which was in full display during the first day of parliamentary debate on the Srettha government’s policy statement on Monday. They took turns to cast doubts and pour scorns on the policy statement which they claimed did not match the election promises made by the political parties in the new ruling coalition government. While Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin believed he was introducing a policy that would bring the country out of the economic doldrums and shape a better future for Thailand, his critics in the chamber dismissed it as nothing more than a wish list and a deception. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/srettha-hit-with-plenty-of-brickbats-for-directionless-policy/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-12 - 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

Deputy duo digs in to root out mafia-style gangs, promises ‘crime-busting’ harvest by Mitch Connor Anutin Charnvirakul. Photo courtesy of thainews.prd.go.th. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, yesterday expressed his firm belief in Chada Thaiset, his deputy, to successfully combat mafia-style gangs and diminish their influence on local administrative organisations across Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306368-deputy-duo-digs-in-to-root-out-mafia-style-gangs-promises-‘crime-busting’-harvest/

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, yesterday expressed his firm belief in Chada Thaiset, his deputy, to successfully combat mafia-style gangs and diminish their influence on local administrative organisations across Thailand. The 56 year old deputy PM entrusted Thaiset with a nationwide mission last week to scrutinise all influential local leaders suspected of affiliations with mafia-like gangs and blacklist them if any connections were discovered to eradicate mafia influence in the nation. This assignment was a reaction to a violent incident that occurred at a dinner party at the residence of a prominent local leader in Nakhon Pathom’s Mueang district late last week. The incident involved the shooting of a highway patrol officer, resulting in his death, and injury to another. This event sparked nationwide interest and ignited a fresh discussion about corruption and mafia influence in public services. When questioned about setting a deadline for Thaiset to complete this mission, Anutin stated it would be unnecessary, given that corruption is a persistent issue that demands continuous supervision from all involved parties. by Mitch Connor Anutin Charnvirakul. Photo courtesy of thainews.prd.go.th. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/deputy-pm-entrusts-mission-to-combat-mafia-influence-on-thai-local-administration -- The Thaiger 2023-09-12 - 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

Farmers’ ally: Captain Thamanat vows to sow out smuggling of agricultural goods by Mitch Connor Thamanat Prompow. Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post. Captain Thamanat Prompow, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, yesterday announced a crackdown against the smuggling of agricultural products into Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306367-farmers’-ally-captain-thamanat-vows-to-sow-out-smuggling-of-agricultural-goods/

Captain Thamanat Prompow, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, yesterday announced a crackdown against the smuggling of agricultural products into Thailand. The illicit activity, Thamanat points out, has led to a decrease in the price of locally produced goods, negatively affecting the livelihood of local farmers. The widespread agricultural smuggling of frozen pig carcasses, in particular, has been detrimental to the local pig farmers, as these illegal imports have flooded the local pork market, leading to a significant drop in pork prices. The minister emphasised the urgency of implementing strong measures to combat this issue, which has exacerbated the already dire situation of low farm product prices. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI), in collaboration with the Customs Department, is deliberating over the confiscated smuggled frozen pig carcasses, discovered in 161 cargo containers at Laem Chabang Port. DSI director-general, Police Major Suriya Singhakamol, stated that the seized carcasses are likely to be transported from the port and buried in the Khlong Hat district of Sa Kaeo province between September 25 to 29. The chosen burial site is conveniently located near Sa Kaeo’s animal feed research and development centre and within a short distance from the port. by Mitch Connor Thamanat Prompow. Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-agriculture-minister-announces-crackdown-on-agricultural-smuggling -- The Thaiger 2023-09-12 - 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

Silent film chaos: Man attacks transwomen at mall theater for shushing Photo of Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เอ.อี.ซี นิวส์ พัทยา A Thai man physically assaulted two transwomen at a theatre in a shopping mall in Chon Buri after the two asked him to stop talking while watching a movie. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306366-silent-film-chaos-man-attacks-transwomen-at-mall-theater-for-shushing/

Man survives shocking train collision at notorious Thailand train station By Samantha Rose14 mins ago Photo courtesy of Sanook. A 55 year old man miraculously survived a collision with a train at the deserted Khlong Khwang Klan train station in Chachoengsao province yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306365-man-survives-shocking-train-collision-at-notorious-thailand-train-station/

Deputy finance minister defends digital wallet scheme Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has defended Pheu Thai’s digital wallet scheme, claiming that it is intended to stimulate the grass root economy and develop digital economy infrastructure through the use of a blockchain platform. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306363-deputy-finance-minister-defends-digital-wallet-scheme/

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has defended Pheu Thai’s digital wallet scheme, claiming that it is intended to stimulate the grass root economy and develop digital economy infrastructure through the use of a blockchain platform. Speaking during the debate on government’s policy statement yesterday (Monday), Julapun assured parliament that the government will adhere to fiscal discipline and will not source the funding for the digital wallet scheme from national reserves, the social security fund, the Vayupak mutual fund or by borrowings which would increase public debt, as feared by its critics. Regarding the restriction on the spending of the 10,000 baht for every Thai national who is 16 or older, that it must be spent in stores within a 4km radius of their residence, Julapun said that the government is collecting opinions from all stakeholders as to whether it should be 4km or more and whether the scheme will actually help to stimulate grass root economy. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/deputy-finance-minister-defends-digital-wallet-scheme/ -- The Thaiger 2023-09-12 - 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

Thai worker’s relentless work ethic sparks online humour by Samantha Rose Image via guwanjeabb, Tiktok A video that went viral overnight on TikTok showcased the extraordinary work ethic of a 52 year old employee. Areerat Chatthan, who refused to take a day off, sparked a humorous suggestion among netizens, stating that the Department of Labour might need to intervene to assist the employer. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306361-thai-worker’s-relentless-work-ethic-sparks-online-humour/

Thai Airways local reboot, luring the Chinese pink dollar, and a very lucky python : Tim Newton Today - Sep 12 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306360-thai-airways-local-reboot-luring-the-chinese-pink-dollar-and-a-very-lucky-python-tim-newton-today-sep-12/

Thailand News - Push for more flights to come to Thailand and increasing Thai Airways local network, Phang Nga's new airport gets a push-along as well, LGBTQ+ travellers from China say they love coming to Thailand, who will be Thailand's next top cop? Last week's police shooting has claimed another victim, the new Thai PM announces his government's policy agenda, and a lucky python in Pattaya survives an electrical fire. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.