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UPDATE: Red Bull heir’s hit-and-run case mishandled by 15 top Thai officials, says NACC by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) declared 15 high-ranking police officials and prosecutors culpable for mismanaging the infamous 2012 hit-and-run case connected to the Red Bull heir. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305762-chiang-mai-governor-denies-involvement-in-boss-case-accusations/?do=findComment&comment=18331364

Red Bull heir’s hit-and-run case mishandled by 15 top Thai officials, says NACC by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) declared 15 high-ranking police officials and prosecutors culpable for mismanaging the infamous 2012 hit-and-run case connected to the Red Bull heir. Among the implicated are prominent figures including Somyot Poompanmoung, the former national police chief, and Nate Naksuk, the previous deputy attorney-general who had dismissed the residual charges against him, according to NACC spokesperson Niwatchai Kasemmongkol. Newly appointed education minister and former assistant national police chief Permpoon Chidchob, who officially sanctioned Nate’s decision in June 2020, was also named in the NACC’s Red Bull heir report. Niwatchai described Permpoon’s endorsement as a disciplinary violation, albeit not a grave one. The incident in question occurred on September 3, 2012, when Vorayuth Boss Yoovidhya, who was 27 years old at the time, hit a motorcycle ridden by Wichian Klanprasert, a senior sergeant major from the Thonglor Police Station, with his Ferrari. Vorayuth then fled the scene, dragging the victim’s body approximately 200 metres without notifying the police. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/red-bull-heirs-hit-and-run-case-mishandled-by-15-top-thai-officials-says-nacc -- 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

Teenager fatally shot in central Thailand crossroads crime, ignites police chase by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of MGR Online. A teenager was fatally shot while crossing a road in a cross-regional community incident, sparking a swift police hunt for the perpetrator. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305786-teenager-fatally-shot-in-central-thailand-crossroads-crime-ignites-police-chase/

Taiwanese electronics firms spark 30 billion baht boom in Thailand by Alex Morgan Image by sasirin pamai's Images. The electronics industry of Thailand is set to experience significant growth as 20 new investments, amounting to 30 billion baht, have been approved by the Board of Investment (BoI). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305784-taiwanese-electronics-firms-spark-30-billion-baht-boom-in-thailand/

The electronics industry of Thailand is set to experience significant growth as 20 new investments, amounting to 30 billion baht, have been approved by the Board of Investment (BoI). These investments are from Taiwan-based electronics firms that have shown intent to establish Thailand as their new export base. The BoI indicated that this move is particularly noteworthy for manufacturers of printed circuit boards (PCBs), as they seek new investment locations to circumvent the effects of geopolitical conflicts, including the tensions between China and Taiwan. Additionally, operating costs in Thailand are considerably lower than in the US and Europe, making it a very attractive investment destination. The incentives for investment were offered to the Taiwanese firms between January and August. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the secretary-general of the BoI, said some firms will produce PCBs, while others will produce notebooks for HP, in reference to the US-based information technology firm, Hewlett-Packard. by Alex Morgan Image by sasirin pamai's Images. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/taiwanese-firms-30-billion-baht-investment-boosts-thailands-electronics-industry -- 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

One Family, One Soft Power policy introduced to promote Thailand’s soft power by Petch Petpailin Photo by Egor Myznik via Unsplash. The new government of Thailand, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has introduced a policy known as One Family, One Soft Power (OFOS). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305783-one-family-one-soft-power-policy-introduced-to-promote-thailand’s-soft-power/

The new government of Thailand, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has introduced a policy known as One Family, One Soft Power (OFOS). This policy aims to promote Thailand’s soft power, starting by improving the skills of Thai people with free training programmes and workshops. The political campaigns of the Pheu Thai Party gained a lot of interest from the people. For example, the 20 baht train fare, 10,000 baht digital currency, constitution revision, and same-sex marriage all caught the electorate’s imagination. Aside from those policies which gained huge attention from the people, the Culture Minister, Sermsak Phonpanich, highlighted the OFOS policy during an interview on September 5, aiming to draw attention to its significance. According to a report on Sanook, the OFOS initiative is designed to elevate Thailand’s soft power on the global stage, with an initial focus on the Thai population itself. The Pheu Thai Party’s vision is to elevate 20 million Thai citizens into highly skilled workers, each earning an annual income of at least 200,000 baht. by Petch Petpailin Photo by Egor Myznik via Unsplash. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/one-family-one-soft-power-policy-introduced-to-promote-thailands-soft-power -- 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

29 state officials accused of involvement in precious wood trafficking Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn A formal complaint has been lodged with Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) by the director of the National Parks Office, Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, accusing 29 state officials at various agencies of involvement in the trafficking of precious wood out of the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305782-29-state-officials-accused-of-involvement-in-precious-wood-trafficking/

Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn A formal complaint has been lodged with Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) by the director of the National Parks Office, Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, accusing 29 state officials at various agencies of involvement in the trafficking of precious wood out of the country. Chaiwat told a news conference on Wednesday that they include 17 forest and national park officials, 8 police officers, 2 local administrative officials, a public prosecutor and an army officer attached to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). He claims that his officials have checked the money trail and found unusual transactions in seven suspected “mule” bank accounts, involving about 40 million baht. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/29-state-officials-accused-of-involvement-in-precious-wood-trafficking/ -- 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

Severe weather warning for 56 Thai provinces as heavy rain and flash floods loom by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Luka Vovk, Unsplash. A severe weather warning has been issued by the Thai Meteorological Department today, warning 56 provinces against heavy thunderstorms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305781-severe-weather-warning-for-56-thai-provinces-as-heavy-rain-and-flash-floods-loom/

A severe weather warning has been issued by the Thai Meteorological Department today, warning 56 provinces against heavy thunderstorms. The northeast region, accounting for 80% of the area, is expected to face the brunt of the downpour. Bangkok, too, is under a warning to prepare for potential flash floods and runoff. This alert comes in response to a strong monsoon trough passing through the northern and northeastern upper parts, moving into a low-pressure depression in the Gulf of Tonkin. This, combined with the medium-strength southwest monsoon, covers the Andaman Sea, central, eastern, and southern regions, including the Gulf of Thailand. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are expected to be approximately 2 metres high, while the lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand may see waves between 1 to 2 metres high. Areas with thunderstorms could face waves higher than 2 metres. Boat operators are advised to navigate with caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms. Meanwhile, tropical storm YUN-YEUNG is in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to approach the eastern coast of Japan from tomorrow through to Saturday, September 9. This storm will not affect Thailand’s weather, but travellers to the region should monitor the weather closely, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Luka Vovk, Unsplash. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/severe-weather-warning-for-56-thai-provinces-as-heavy-rain-and-flash-floods-loom -- 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

Special warfare officer shot dead, deputy commander injured in Nakhon Pathom dispute by Samantha Rose Image courtesy of Sanook. A fatal shooting occurred in Nakhon Pathom province, where one man lost his life while another sustained injuries. The incident took place in a spacious yard fronting a house located in Ta Kong Subdistrict, Mueang District. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305779-special-warfare-officer-shot-dead-deputy-commander-injured-in-nakhon-pathom-dispute/

Pattaya Hospitality Challenge 2023 taking place September 12-13 by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Elevating the skills of workers in tourism-related services is expected to help generate more income for the tourism sector and the overall Thai economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305775-pattaya-hospitality-challenge-2023-taking-place-september-12-13/

"Russians stealing Thai jobs", R2D2 found in Phuket : Tim Newton Today - Sep 7 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305773-russians-stealing-thai-jobs-r2d2-found-in-phuket-tim-newton-today-sep-7/

An article from Aljazeera is sparking a lot of comment in Thai social media about Russians setting up illegal businesses and Russian-only 'eco systems' in Phuket, a cabinet minister implicated in a new report about obstruction of justice in the 'Boss' Yoovidya hit-and-run case. More reaction to the 'free Chinese visa' story, an elderly Australian man found dead at Suvarabhumi Airport, fake luxury goods destroyed in a media showpiece, the promise for a 20 baht flat fee for the BTS in the next two years, and R2D@ might have been found in Phuket, along with C3PO.... a shocking discovery along the Andaman Coast. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Pang Cha apologises for copyright infringement over logo design by Samantha Rose Image courtesy of Sanook Pang Cha, a popular Thai tea brand, has publicly apologized for allegedly infringing on copyrighted material used as inspiration for their logo. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305766-pang-cha-apologises-for-copyright-infringement-over-logo-design/

Pang Cha, a popular Thai tea brand, has publicly apologized for allegedly infringing on copyrighted material used as inspiration for their logo. The controversy began when Peeramon Chomdhavat, an expert in traditional Thai clothing, compared the logo of Pang Cha to an image of a Thai woman on a Regency calendar on his Facebook page, questioning the originality of the design. The online world was abuzz with the trending drama around Pang Cha, which had previously been in hot water for suing small businesses using the name “Pang Cha”, demanding up to 102 million baht. The most recent controversy has led to a significant backlash, with critics suggesting the company look at its own logo before pursuing others for copyright infringement. In response, the “Lukkaithong – Thai Royal Restaurant” Facebook page, which is associated with Pang Cha, issued an apology. by Samantha Rose Image courtesy of Sanook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/pang-cha-apologises-for-copyright-infringement-over-logo-design -- 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 7 September 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305765-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-7-september-2023/

FORMER culture minister and Pattaya mayor wanted under arrest warrant issued over charges stemming from unauthorized approval of a condominium project in Pattaya in 2008 has fled the country, It’s believed Mt Ittipon flew to Phnom Penh on 30th August. Three Kenyan women were arrested at Phuket airport with almost 3 kilogrammes of cocaine, worth about 10 million baht, found hidden in their body. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board tipped off police who recovered over 2,8 kilos of cocaine. The women were being detained pending drugs charges. A 25-year-old construction worker from Udon Thani died yesterday after he was trapped in a landslide while working below ground level at a cable tunnel in Don Mueang Rescuers and were unable to reach him in time. A professor at Chulalongkorn University says the rupture of an offshore pipeline in Chon Buri could have a devastating impact on coral and trigger other long-term effects. The professor added…research found oil pollution can stop the coral from generating new reproductive cells, the university is carrying out a study to determine the effect on marine animals. The Energy Policy and Planning office says energy consumption is expected to grow by 2.5 percent, equivalent to around 2 million barrels of oil per day this year, driven by projected economic growth of 2.5 to 3 percent. International oil prices and exchange rates will also have an impact on consumption and growth. Womens Volleyball: Thailand won their first Asian senior women’s volleyball championship since 2013 last night in an exciting close match against China with the final scores: 25-21, 25-27, 25-19, 20-25, 16-14. Both Thailand and China had gone through the tournament undefeated before last night's final. Around The Region: Myanmar’s junta yesterday criticised an Asean statement condemning military violence and the targeting of civilians as “one-sided”, a day after it said it would not take up its upcoming chairmanship of the bloc. Asean has led fruitless attempts to defuse the crisis, with a five-point peace plan agreed with the generals but to no avail. China announced it wants to work with Indonesia to expand cooperation in various areas including green energy, the digital economy, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence, The weather: Cloud and thunderstorms in central and northern thailand Clearer in the south. Chiang Mai and the north: thunderstorms 32C Bangkok:, thunderstorms, 33C Pattaya, thunderstorms 32C Phuket and the south: DRY partly cloudy,: 30C Hua Hin: Bright, partly cloudy, rain, heavy at times this afternoon: 33C. 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 2023-09-07 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 - 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

Bangkok warehouse fire causes chaos in the Vibhavadi area by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khaosod Online A four-storey warehouse, adjacent to a luxury car showroom in Vibhavadi area was engulfed in a rapid fire yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305764-bangkok-warehouse-fire-causes-chaos-in-the-vibhavadi-area/

Impunity for the rich and powerful undermines Thailand’s democracy By Friedrich Artur Blair Thailand is a country where the harmonious façade is deeply cherished yet the grim reality of unequal justice frequently breaks through. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305763-impunity-for-the-rich-and-powerful-undermines-thailand’s-democracy/

Thailand is a country where the harmonious façade is deeply cherished yet the grim reality of unequal justice frequently breaks through. The saga of Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, the Red Bull heir accused in a fatal 2012 hit-and-run incident, paints a vivid portrait of an entrenched system that seems to favor the wealthy elite at the expense of everyday citizens. The National Anti-Corruption Commission’s recent accusation of 15 officials for alleged misconduct in dropping charges against Vorayuth adds another layer to an already complex tapestry of injustice and corruption. The charges against Vorayuth, initially dropped in July 2020 but later reinstated following public outrage, exemplify a pattern of authority figures turning a blind eye to the crimes committed by the privileged. High-ranking officers such as former national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung and former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk, among others, stand accused of bending the rules to favor the scion of one of Thailand’s wealthiest families. Although not all were accused of grave offenses, the message is clear: if you have the right connections, the law may not apply to you in the same way it does to others. By Friedrich Artur Blair Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50663/impunity-for-the-rich-and-powerful-undermines-thailands-democracy/ -- THAI ENQUIRER 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

Involvement in "Boss" Case Accusations denied Picture: Thai Rath "Senator Krong" confirms that there's no involvement in any wrongdoing after the NACC committee passed a resolution indicating suspicion of tampering with primary evidence in the case of the speeding car incident involving "Boss Yoovidhya," resulting in the order not to prosecute. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305762-chiang-mai-governor-denies-involvement-in-boss-case-accusations/

"Senator Krong" confirms that there's no involvement in any wrongdoing after the NACC committee passed a resolution indicating suspicion of tampering with primary evidence in the case of the speeding car incident involving "Boss Yoovidhya," resulting in the order not to prosecute. He's ready to explain if called to testify, making it clear that it will not affect his current duties, reported Thai Rath. The committee implicated various individuals in the alteration of witness evidence regarding the speed of the car in the infamous case involving "Boss Yoovidhya." Yesterday, on September 5th, the NACC pinpointed individuals allegedly involved in overturning a decision not to prosecute Mr. Vorayuth Yoovidhya, also known as "Boss", in a vehicular collision that resulted in the death of a Thong Lor police officer in 2012. The alleged interference involves the manipulation of evidence about the car's speed. file photo However, he emphasized his lack of involvement in any wrongdoings as indicated by the NACC. He has previously clarified that he neither assisted nor endorsed any unlawful actions in this case. "Senator Krong" expressed readiness to provide explanations should he be summoned by the prosecutor. It was also stressed that the recent allegations would not impact his current position, noting that at the time of the said allegations, he held no official position. Top picture: Thai Rath -- ASEAN NOW 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 your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Operation "Lanna Force Check" Targets Foreign Nationals Picture: Siam Rath On September 6th, Major General Suphanat Charoenruangsakul, the head of the 5th Tactical Division, presided over the launch of the second operation titled “Lanna Force Check”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305761-operation-lanna-force-check-targets-foreign-nationals/