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In promising scientific research, experts are exploring the potential of three herbal plants in combatting chronic diseases connected to PM2.5 dust. The focal point of this collaborative project is to address the health challenges arising from prolonged exposure to harmful PM2.5 dust particles, a pressing concern in regions affected by air pollution. The collaborative efforts have seen researchers from Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital in Prachin Buri joining forces with experts from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine at Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute in Samut Prakan. The trio of herbal plants chosen for this ambitious research undertaking include fingerroot (Boesenbergia rotunda), green chiretta (Andrographis paniculata), and blue trumpet vine (Thunbergia laurifolia). Associate Professor Phisit Khemawoot, the deputy dean for research at Mahidol’s Faculty of Medicine at the Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, is optimistic about the potential of these plants to alleviate the health impacts of chronic illnesses associated with PM2.5 dust pollution. by Neill Fronde TOP: Research into herbal remedies aims to help chronic disease caused by PM2,5 air pollution. (via The Guardian) Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/environment/thai-research-probes-herbal-solutions-to-pm2-5-dust-related-chronic-diseases -- The Thaiger 2023-09-04 - 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

Blue Strike-2023: China and Thailand’s joint naval exercise by Neill Fronde Image by Tanes Ngamsom's Images The Gulf of Thailand and the Sattahip district of Chon Buri will serve as the training grounds for the Blue Strike-2023 joint naval exercise, involving China and Thailand. Participation from Chinese warships and submarines has been confirmed for this annual drill. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305453-blue-strike-2023-china-and-thailand’s-joint-naval-exercise/

Thai PM’s new weapons procurement plan to boost national economy by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Prachachat Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is moving forward with plans to overhaul Thailand’s armed forces, beginning with a significant shift in weapons procurement procedures, a military source has confirmed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305452-thai-pm’s-new-weapons-procurement-plan-to-boost-national-economy/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is moving forward with plans to overhaul Thailand’s armed forces, beginning with a significant shift in weapons procurement procedures, a military source has confirmed. The new leader had a meeting with the heads of the armed forces last week, where they discussed the new government’s intended course of action concerning military and security matters. During this meeting, the defence minister’s role was assumed by Sutin Klungsang, a civilian and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai party. Sutin has sought guidance from Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya, the former defence minister, regarding his new role and plans to consult with other previous defence ministers as well. Srettha reassured military leaders that the Pheu Thai-led government harbours no intentions to undermine them, acknowledging their crucial role in national defence. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Prachachat Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/politics/thai-pms-new-weapons-procurement-plan-to-boost-national-economy -- The Thaiger 2023-09-04 - 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

Overstay charge lands international visitor in trouble at Phuket airport by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Phuket Immigration Checkpoint An international visitor was apprehended at Phuket International Airport this week, facing charges of overstaying his visa, according to the Phuket Immigration Checkpoint’s Facebook page managed by the airport division of Phuket Immigration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305451-overstay-charge-lands-international-visitor-in-trouble-at-phuket-airport/

Driver Dies, 14 People Injured After Passenger Bus from Bangkok to Songkhla Crashes in Chumphon By Goongnang Suksawat Chumphon – A bus driver was pronounced dead at the scene while 14 people sustained injuries after a passenger bus from Bangkok to Hat Yai (in Songkhla) crashed in Chumphon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305450-driver-dies-14-people-injured-after-passenger-bus-from-bangkok-to-songkhla-crashes-in-chumphon/

Sixteen Chinese Nationals Arrested in Call Center Scam Raid in Pattaya By Goongnang Suksawat Banglamung – Sixteen Chinese nationals were arrested after police raided a villa in Nongprue conducting what police described as a call center scam. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305449-sixteen-chinese-nationals-arrested-in-call-center-scam-raid-in-pattaya/

Laotian Man Arrested After Stealing Wires Connecting with the Pattaya CCTV System By Goongnang Suksawat Chonburi – A Laotian man was arrested after he stole wires that connected with the CCTV system in Pattaya and Chonburi which has caused almost a million baht in financial damages and disabled portions of the CCTV system in the area temporarily. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305448-laotian-man-arrested-after-stealing-wires-connecting-with-the-pattaya-cctv-system/

Pattaya City Officials to Further Address Issues Between Rival Motorbike Taxi Companies By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand-Pattaya City officials have addressed a number of signs going up around the area warning Bolt and Grab drivers that they cannot pick up passengers within a hundred meters of an Orange Vest motorbike taxi booth. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305447-pattaya-city-officials-to-further-address-issues-between-rival-motorbike-taxi-companies/

Pattaya Officials to Restore City’s Tourism Reputation by Taking Measures Against Speedboat Operators at Bali Hai Pier By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Pattaya authorities are taking proactive action to resolve the conflicts among speedboat operators that recently turned violent, tarnishing the tourism image of the city. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305446-pattaya-officials-to-restore-city’s-tourism-reputation-by-taking-measures-against-speedboat-operators-at-bali-hai-pier/

Chonburi Sees 13 Million Tourists from January to August 2023, Chinese Lead the Way By Tanakorn Panyadee Chonburi — Chonburi received more than 13 million tourists from January to August 2023, and saw spending of over 119 billion baht, the Chonburi Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports reported on Friday, September 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305445-chonburi-sees-13-million-tourists-from-january-to-august-2023-chinese-lead-the-way/

Human trafficking victim rescued from Myanmar ring by Thai officials by Neill Fronde Image courtesy of Chiang Rai Immigration Center Chiang Rai officials have successfully executed a rescue operation, saving a 29 year old Udon Thani woman, known as Nam, from a human trafficking ring in Myanmar. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305444-human-trafficking-victim-rescued-from-myanmar-ring-by-thai-officials/

New start for Thailand: Srettha’s 34-member cabinet endorsed by the King, ready to be sworn in by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Former lawyer to Thaksin Shinawatra, Mr Pichit Chuenban, who was tipped as Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office was eventually not appointed with the role going to Pheu Thai’s Puangpet Chunlaiad. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305443-new-start-for-thailand-srettha’s-34-member-cabinet-endorsed-by-the-king-ready-to-be-sworn-in/

The new cabinet was endorsed by the King on Friday from 6 political parties with 16 Pheu Thai ministers including Mr Srettha Thavisin as both Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. On Saturday, Prime Minister Srettha wished the Shinawatra family well and expressed goodwill towards former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra whose eight-year prison sentence was commuted by King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a Royal pardon on Thursday to one year and later published in the Royal Gazette. Former lawyer to Thaksin Shinawatra, Mr Pichit Chuenban, who was tipped as Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office was eventually not appointed with the role going to Pheu Thai’s Puangpet Chunlaiad. The new government sees ministers from six political parties in the cabinet with sixteen of them coming from the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Thursday was the last day at the office at Government House for General Prayut Chan Ocha when he countersigned the Royal Pardon commuting former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s sentence to one year. On Saturday, the new Prime Minister was meeting sectoral interests as his new 34-member cabinet was endorsed by the King on Friday. The new cabinet is expected to be sworn in over the coming days, possibly on Tuesday, September 5th. The Royal Gazette has endorsed the new cabinet headed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/09/02/srettha-cabinet-endorsed-by-king-sworn-in-september-5th/ -- Thai Examiner 2023-09-04 - 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

Phuket Blood Bank and Thai Red Cross launch donation drive for rare blood type by Neill Fronde The Phuket Regional Blood Center continues to seek donations of Rh negative blood. (via Phuket News) The Phuket Regional Blood Bank (Phuket RBC) in partnership with the local chapter of the Thai Red Cross and 20 local businesses, have initiated a campaign in September to restock their depleting blood reserves. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305442-phuket-blood-bank-and-thai-red-cross-launch-donation-drive-for-rare-blood-type/

Three Israeli-Made UAVs Launched At Wing 3 By Thai Newsroom Reporters Aeronautics Defense Systems Co.’s Dominator XP UAV. Photo: Aeroexpo.online THREE ISRAELI-MADE UNMANNED aerial vehicles were today (Sep.2) launched for deployment by the Thai air force. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305441-three-israeli-made-uavs-launched-at-wing-3/

THREE ISRAELI-MADE UNMANNED aerial vehicles were today (Sep.2) launched for deployment by the Thai air force. Air force chief ACM Alongkorn Wannarot ceremonially launched the three Dominator XP UAVs, manufactured by Israel’s Aeronautics Defense Systems Co., at Wing 3 air base in Nakhon Sawan. The medium-altitude/long-endurance UAVs were primarily designed for intelligence-gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over the country’s borders, either over terrains or coastal areas. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Aeronautics Defense Systems Co.’s Dominator XP UAV. Photo: Aeroexpo.online Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/09/02/three-israeli-made-uavs-launched-at-wing-3/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 2023-09-04 - 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

Shinawatra family’s lawyer Phichit dropped from Cabinet list Controversial former lawyer for the Shinawatra family, Phichit Chuenban, was dropped from the Cabinet line-up of the Srettha government at the last minute. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305440-shinawatra-family’s-lawyer-phichit-dropped-from-cabinet-list/

Controversial former lawyer for the Shinawatra family, Phichit Chuenban, was dropped from the Cabinet line-up of the Srettha government at the last minute. On Friday night, Phichit announced that that he had decided not to take the post of Prime Minister’s Office minister in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, which was granted royal approval today (Saturday). Phichit insisted that, while he is fully qualified for the position, he chose to opt out “so that the country and the government can move forward in addressing problems facing the people. I still have other pressing engagements, so I have decided not to take the post,” he said. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/shinawatra-familys-lawyer-phichit-dropped-from-cabinet-list/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-04 - 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 free visa initiative to boost Chinese tourist influx by 700,000 by Alex Morgan Photo by Renato Marques on Unsplash Thailand‘s government’s initiative to issue free visas to visitors from China is expected to boost visitor figures by 700,000 during the high season, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305439-thailand’s-free-visa-initiative-to-boost-chinese-tourist-influx-by-700000/

Thailand‘s government’s initiative to issue free visas to visitors from China is expected to boost visitor figures by 700,000 during the high season, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that Thailand typically receives between 350,000 and 400,000 Chinese visitors monthly, totalling 2.1 million in the first eight months of this year. Thailand accounted for approximately 3% of all outbound tourists from mainland China, the highest proportion for any overseas destination. This data does not include travellers from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The average spend for Chinese tourists per trip was reported to be 40,000 baht. In the first half of 2023, 40.3 million Chinese tourists ventured abroad, with 93% opting for short-haul destinations. The new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s proposal for offering free visas is predicted to draw more tourists in the fourth quarter as the TAT supports the addition of more flights between the two countries. Chuwit Sirivejkul, TAT’s regional director of marketing for East Asia, suggested the free visa policy should be rolled out within the first two weeks of September to allow operators to market their packages for China’s national holiday in October, which typically sees a surge in travel, often exceeding the New Year holiday period. by Alex Morgan TOP Photo by Renato Marques on Unsplash Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-free-visa-initiative-to-boost-chinese-tourist-influx-by-700000 -- The Thaiger 2023-09-04 - 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

Like other convicts, further clemency for Thaksin possible on important occasions Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, like other inmates, will be eligible for further royal clemency on important occasions, out-going Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam told Thai PBS. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305438-like-other-convicts-further-clemency-for-thaksin-possible-on-important-occasions/

Thaksin Might Probably Be Given Parole: Wissanu By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra upon his arrival at Don Mueang Airport on August 22, 2023. “SICKLY” DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS Thaksin Shinawatra who is reportedly serving a one-year “imprisonment” might probably be granted parole, according to former deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. The former prime minister who currently remains under official custody at Police Hospital where he has been admitted for “illnesses” might probably be paroled after he has served at least one-third of his one-year sentence or four months, Wissanu said over the weekend. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has recently granted royal pardon to curtail the de facto Pheu Thai boss’s earlier-sentenced, eight-year jail term to only one year. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/09/03/thaksin-might-probably-be-given-parole-wissanu/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 2023-09-04 - 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

Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, like other inmates, will be eligible for further royal clemency on important occasions, out-going Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam told Thai PBS. Thaksin’s eight-year prison term on three convictions has already been reduced from eight to one year, by virtue of a commutation granted by HM the King. Wissanu said that, on important occasions, many well-behaved and severely ill prisoners serving only one year are granted Royal pardons and Thaksin could be one of them. He quickly added, however, that he has no idea whether the Thaksin will be among those granted royal pardons. Thaksin is currently being treated at the Police General Hospital, to which he was transferred on the night of his return to Thailand after about 17 years of living in exile abroad. Wissanu said that Thaksin will be returned to the Bangkok remand prison if his condition improves. If not, he will remain at the police hospital, he added. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/like-other-convicts-further-clemency-for-thaksin-possible-on-important-occasions/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-04 - 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

Molotov Cocktail Attack in Pattaya Leaves Teenager with Serious Burns By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Rivals launched a Molotov cocktail attack on a 16-year-old teen in Pattaya in the small hours of Sunday, leaving him with serious burns. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305437-molotov-cocktail-attack-in-pattaya-leaves-teenager-with-serious-burns/