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Cash crackdown: Thai government’s e-payment pledge to curb corruption Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed yesterday that the Thai government is set to implement e-payments across the state sector as a pivotal strategy to tackle the rampant issue of corruption. The announcement was made at an Anti-Corruption Day event organised by the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT), which the prime minister chaired. This event marked Srettha’s first public forum since assuming the role of prime minister. The forum was held at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station’s fourth floor, and attended by approximately 500 individuals, including public officials and representatives from the private sector. The 61 year old PM expressed his concern over Thailand’s rank on the Corruption Perceptions Index last year, where it held the fourth position among ASEAN countries, trailing behind Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The prime minister noted that these countries are direct competitors of Thailand, making it imperative for the nation to improve its standing since corruption can significantly impact the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and investor confidence, reported Bangkok Post. “Corruption dampens investors’ confidence and undermines the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).” By Mitch Connor Top Picture courtesy of Thairath Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-government-to-tackle-corruption-with-e-payments-and-digitalisation -- The Thaiger 2023-09-08 - 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

Patong Tuk Tuk Taxi Driver Fined 500 Baht for Assaulting Indian Passengers By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – A Tuk Tuk taxi driver has been charged and fined 500 baht for attacking his Indian passengers in Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305861-patong-tuk-tuk-taxi-driver-fined-500-baht-for-assaulting-indian-passengers/

Thailand To Urge Germany To Provide Engine For Chinese Sub Purchased By Thai Navy By Thai Newsroom Reporters THAILAND PLANS to call on Germany to provide a German-made engine for a Chinese-built submarine already purchased by the Thai navy, Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsaeng confirmed today (Sep.7). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305860-thailand-to-urge-germany-to-provide-engine-for-chinese-sub-purchased-by-thai-navy/

THAILAND PLANS to call on Germany to provide a German-made engine for a Chinese-built submarine already purchased by the Thai navy, Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsaeng confirmed today (Sep.7). Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Foreign Minister Panpree Pahitthanukorn will likely call on the German government to allow the sale of the German-made MTU396 engine for the Yuan-class S26T submarine being built by China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. in a planned meeting with their German counterparts during the United Nations General Assembly session in New York later this month, Suthin said. Relationships between Thailand and Germany and with China would remain intact if the Germans eventually agreed to sell the sought-after engine for use with the Chinese sub by the Thai navy, according to the civilian defence minister. Nevertheless, Thailand’s first Chinese-built S26T sub is not expected for delivery until after next year, given snags in the procurement of the MTU396 engine which was among German military hardware and equipment on which a sustained embargo is imposed for sale to Asia’s superpower. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Top: Chinese-built S26T submarine. Photo/en.people.cn and published by China Daily Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/09/07/thailand-to-urge-germany-to-provide-engine-for-chinese-sub-purchased-by-thai-navy/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 2023-09-08 - 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

Fire Causes Severe Damage to Pattaya Floating Market, Estimated 50 Million Baht of Damages By Goongnang Suksawat Pattaya – A severe fire has damaged the Four Regions Floating Market in which the total cost of damages is initially being estimated of at least 50 million baht. The fire is believed to have started at a wooden restroom building. There are no significant injuries or deaths reported as of press time Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305859-fire-causes-severe-damage-to-pattaya-floating-market-estimated-50-million-baht-of-damages/

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 8 September 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1305858-thailand-live-friday-8-september-2023/

Move Forward MP falsely accused of stealing food from parliament Parliament has, for a long time, provided free meals for parliamentary officials, MPs and senators, but public attention has been drawn to alleged irregularities by an MP, from the Bhumjaithai party, who took a photo of Move Forward MP Sirilapas Kongtrakarn taking home some food from the canteen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305827-move-forward-mp-falsely-accused-of-stealing-food-from-parliament/

Bang Saen Sea Dyed Green by Plankton Bloom, Many Dead Fish Found PHOTO: Khaosod Bang Saen Beach in Chonburi is once again experiencing the plankton bloom phenomenon that has turned the water green and caused a foul odor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305833-bang-saen-sea-dyed-green-by-plankton-bloom-many-dead-fish-found/

Before going to take oath of office at Dusit Royal Palace on September 5, Prime Minister Srettha arrived at Government House in his new Lexus LM 350h Executive saloon, causing many to wonder whether he will use it as his official vehicle. PM Srettha agrees to use bullet-proof Mecedes-Benz Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305810-pm-srettha-agrees-to-use-bullet-proof-mecedes-benz/

Suspect Arrested in Phuket After Allegedly Raping a 12-Year-Old Girl By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A wanted suspect was arrested in Thalang after he allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl in Phatthalung. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305796-suspect-arrested-in-phuket-after-allegedly-raping-a-12-year-old-girl/

Thailand and Cambodia Strengthen Cooperation Against Transnational Crime by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and Cambodia have reaffirmed their commitment to improving cooperation in combating transnational crime. The commitment seeks to strengthen stability and security in both countries by encouraging closer cooperation. Full stroy: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305794-thailand-and-cambodia-strengthen-cooperation-against-transnational-crime/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and Cambodia have reaffirmed their commitment to improving cooperation in combating transnational crime. The commitment seeks to strengthen stability and security in both countries by encouraging closer cooperation. Royal Thai Police Deputy Commissioner Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn has recently met with Cambodia’s National Police Chief Sar Thet to discuss strengthening relations between both sides, especially on the issue of combating cross-border crime. Pol Gen Surachate said that both sides expressed their intention to work together on this important issue, while the Cambodian police chief shared a similar resolve to strengthen coordination to tackle illegal activities in the region. Am Sam Ath, deputy director for monitoring at the rights group LICADHO, stressed the importance of international cooperation to effectively resolve issues such as drug offenses, human trafficking, and money laundering. He stated that it is critical to solve these issues by enhancing the application of laws, particularly the safe village-commune policy. He added that stronger communication with all sides is critical to tackling these problems. The Thai-Cambodian collaboration is also supported by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who has called for sustained and increased coordination in counterterrorism operations and combating illegal cross-jurisdictional activity during a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the 43rd ASEAN by Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230907125540510 -- NNT 2023-09-07 - 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

UPDATE: Ex-police chief among those allegedly tampered with evidence in Red Bull heir case Photo : Vorayuth Yoovidhya //Thai Daily News via AP) National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has found 15 individuals, including former national police chief Somyot Poompanmuang and former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk, guilty of involvement in changing the speed of the car driven by Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya, to help him avoid speeding charges in the infamous hit-and-run incident in 2012. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305762-chiang-mai-governor-denies-involvement-in-boss-case-accusations/?do=findComment&comment=18331870

Ex-police chief among those allegedly tampered with evidence in Red Bull heir case Photo : Vorayuth Yoovidhya //Thai Daily News via AP) National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has found 15 individuals, including former national police chief Somyot Poompanmuang and former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk, guilty of involvement in changing the speed of the car driven by Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya, to help him avoid speeding charges in the infamous hit-and-run incident in 2012. NACC Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol told the media on Wednesday that they had reached a ruling, adding that the anti-graft watchdog’s ruling is not final and all the accused have the right to prove their innocence in court. Vorayuth was originally accused of driving his Ferrari at over 100kph when he crashed into a motorcycle, being ridden by a police officer, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert, on Sukhumvit Road in September 2012, killing him at the scene. Vorayuth was initially charged with speeding, but the car’s speed was eventually altered to under 80kph, so the speeding charge, which carries a higher penalty, was dropped. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ex-police-chief-among-those-allegedly-tampered-with-evidence-in-red-bull-heir-case/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-07 - 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

Shipyard Owner Crushed to Death on Jomtien Beach by His Own Tractor By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A shipyard owner of Thai nationality was crushed to death when his tractor overturned on Jomtien Beach this morning, September 7th. The man was trying to haul a speedboat out of the sea with his tractor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305793-shipyard-owner-crushed-to-death-on-jomtien-beach-by-his-own-tractor/

PM Vows to Crackdown on Corruption BANGKOK, Sept 7 (TNA) — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced during his keynote address at the Anti-Corruption Day 2023 to eradicate unethical practices including the buying and selling of state officials’ positions and his government will bring in technology to help us achieve transparency of the public sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305791-pm-vows-to-crackdown-on-corruption/

BANGKOK, Sept 7 (TNA) — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced during his keynote address at the Anti-Corruption Day 2023 to eradicate unethical practices including the buying and selling of state officials’ positions and his government will bring in technology to help us achieve transparency of the public sector. Speaking at a forum to mark Thailand’s Anti-Corruption Day on Wednesday, Mr Srettha, who is also the Finance Minister, said Thailand is ranked 101 globally in the Corruption Perceptions Index, and fourth in ASEAN. The event was hosted by the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok. In addition to create direct damage to the public sector, he said, corruption problems also caused distrust among investors which could lead to the economic recession and continuous impact against the GDP growth as well. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1234446 -- TNA-MCOT 2023-09-07 - 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

“86% of Thai police stations failed transparency test” By Peter Roche PHOTO: Flickr/the foreign photographer - ฝรั่งถ่ Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission says 86% of police stations around the country have failed to pass transparency and integrity tests. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305790-“86-of-thai-police-stations-failed-transparency-test”/

Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission says 86% of police stations around the country have failed to pass transparency and integrity tests. According to a Bangkok Post report, nearly 1,500 police stations underwent transparency assessments, with 86% found lacking. The tests are conducted yearly, with the NACC releasing the results to the public. Government services for the public, including police stations and district offices, undergo integrity and transparency assessments (ITAs). Each agency assessed must receive a minimum score of 85 to pass, with 95 or above considered excellent. According to the NACC’s chairman, the country’s police stations give cause for concern as their average score is too low. Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/86-of-thai-police-stations-failed-transparency-test/ -- PhuketGO 2023-09-07 - 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

Fatal family feud over missing cat ends in son’s shooting in Phetchabun by Samantha Rose Images courtesy of Sanook A 70 year old man fatally shot his 43 year old son on Monday, September 5, following a heated dispute over a missing pet cat. The incident occurred outside their two-storey wooden house in the Nong Phai district of Phetchabun province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305789-fatal-family-feud-over-missing-cat-ends-in-son’s-shooting-in-phetchabun/

UPDATE: 15 people helped Red Bull heir evade justice – Thailand’s NACC By Peter Roche PHOTO: Matt Dunham/AP The secretary-general of Thailand’s National Counter-Corruption Commission says a total of 15 people helped Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya evade justice after a fatal hit-and-run incident in 2012. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305762-chiang-mai-governor-denies-involvement-in-boss-case-accusations/?do=findComment&comment=18331451

15 people helped Red Bull heir evade justice – Thailand’s NACC By Peter Roche PHOTO: Matt Dunham/AP The secretary-general of Thailand’s National Counter-Corruption Commission says a total of 15 people helped Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya evade justice after a fatal hit-and-run incident in 2012. According to a Nation Thailand report, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol says the anti-graft body has identified 15 people, including senior officials and policemen, who helped Boss avoid justice. Senior police officer Wichian Klanprasert was killed in 2012 after the motorbike he was riding was struck by Vorayuth’s speeding Ferrari in Bangkok. Boss then kept driving at high speed, dragging the policeman’s body another 200 metres along Sukhumvit Road. Niwatchai says that at a meeting held on Tuesday, September 5, a commission committee agreed to accuse the unnamed 15 people, saying evidence had been tampered with in relation to the speed at which Boss was driving at the time his vehicle collided with Wichian’s bike. No details have been provided as to who the 15 accused are, with Niwatchai saying he needs to wait for the official report before commenting further. Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/15-people-helped-red-bull-heir-evade-justice-thailands-nacc/ -- PhuketGO 2023-09-07 - 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 Thai deputy speaker implicated in corruption scandal over educational project by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Bangkok Post. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) declared yesterday that Charoen Jankomol, the previous first deputy House speaker, engaged in corrupt practices related to a parliamentary project’s misappropriation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305788-former-thai-deputy-speaker-implicated-in-corruption-scandal-over-educational-project/

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) declared yesterday that Charoen Jankomol, the previous first deputy House speaker, engaged in corrupt practices related to a parliamentary project’s misappropriation. The former Pheu Thai Party MP served from August 2, 2011, to December 9, 2013. The NACC’s investigation revealed that Charoen, along with six parliamentary officials, were indicted for corruption in the administration of a parliamentary project to bolster education in national administrative affairs. The information was disclosed by Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the NACC secretary-general. Charoen is charged with exploiting his MP status to interfere in state officials’ duties for his personal gain or his party’s vested interest. As the deputy House speaker, he ordered the formation of a committee to oversee the project’s financial aspects. The committee had complete authority to define, examine, and vet the financial matters related to the project, a directive from Charoen himself, according to the NACC. by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Bangkok Post. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/former-thai-deputy-speaker-implicated-in-corruption-scandal-over-educational-project -- The Thaiger 2023-09-07 - 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

Motorcyclist Killed in Traffic Accident in Chonburi By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Chonburi — A 63-year-old man was killed and another motorcyclist was injured in a traffic accident in the Phanat Nikhom district of Chonburi province on September 5th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305787-motorcyclist-killed-in-traffic-accident-in-chonburi/