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A LIST OF NEWLY-FORMED CABINET of ministers under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has already been submitted to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn for formal approval, government officials said today (Sep.1). The Office of the Cabinet Secretary has submitted the list of 35 members of cabinet including the prime minister and it is speculated to be approved by the monarch within the upcoming week whilst varied policies of the Pheu Thai-led coalition government are tentatively scheduled for delivery to parliament and debate by lawmakers without a subsequent vote of confidence on Sep.8. The Srettha I cabinet reportedly includes the prime minister who will concurrently act as finance minister and six deputy prime ministers, three of whom are under the Pheu Thai quota, namely Bhumtham Wechayachai who will concurrently perform as commerce minister, Panpree Pahitthanukorn who will concurrently act as foreign minister and Somsak Thepsuthin whilst three others are attached to three coalition partners each, including Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul who will concurrently perform as interior minister, Palang Pracharath partisan adviser Patcharawat Wongsuwan who will concurrently act as natural resources & environment minister and Ruam Thai Sang Chart leader Pirapan Salirathavipak who will concurrently act as energy minister. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Top photo: Thai Rath Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/09/01/list-of-srettha-cabinet-members-submitted-to-hm-king/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 2023-09-02 - 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

New Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin takes up the reins on Friday as he finalises his cabinet lineup which is expected to be sworn in by Monday, September 11th next. At a meeting on Tuesday, the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Mr Han Zhiqiang, extended an invitation to Mr Srettha to visit China and discuss closer economic collaboration with President Xi Jinping. New Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, is promising to move swiftly to lower energy costs when the new cabinet is sworn in over the coming days with controversies already developing over key Pheu Thai appointments. Mr Srettha is scheduled to visit the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 19th. Thailand’s new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was invited by China’s President Xi Jinping this week to visit Beijing as he prepares to finalise his cabinet which is expected to be sworn in by September 11th. Thursday was the last day at Government House for outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan Ocha with Mr Srettha now taking up the reins ahead of his government being officially sworn in before an audience with His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn. On Friday, Mr Srettha Thavisin begins his tenure at Government House as Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister and is expected to unveil his new cabinet line-up. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/08/31/xi-jinping-invites-srettha-thavisin-to-beijing/ -- Thai Examiner 2023-09-02 - 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

School bus crashes into paddy field in Ubon Ratchathani A school bus skidded off a road and plunged into a flooded paddy field in Warin Chamrap district of Ubon Ratchathani province this morning (Friday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305282-school-bus-crashes-into-paddy-field-in-ubon-ratchathani/

The words “Pang Cha” can be used by anybody The Intellectual Property Department has clarified that anyone can use the wording “Pang Cha”, either in Thai or English, because it is a common name. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305281-the-words-“pang-cha”-can-be-used-by-anybody/

The Intellectual Property Department has clarified that anyone can use the wording “Pang Cha”, either in Thai or English, because it is a common name. The “Pang Cha” logo and the Thai dessert container design registered with the department by Lukkaithong restaurant are, however, protected. The department’s director-general, Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, said yesterday (Thursday) that the restaurant in Bangkok has registered its logo, which features the image of a chick that looks like “g” and the wording “Pang Cha”, as a trademark and a patent for the design of the plate that contains the dessert. He said that other businesses cannot use the same logo, but can use the wording “Pang Cha”, adding that, if they have any problem or have received a notification from the owner of the trademark, they can call the department’s advisory centre for advice. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/the-words-pang-cha-can-be-used-by-anybody/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-01 - 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

Perverted Chiang Mai teacher arrested for producing highly explicit pornographic content featuring students by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post. A perverted high school physical education teacher in the northern province of Chiang Mai stands accused of producing highly explicit pornographic content featuring his male students. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305279-perverted-chiang-mai-teacher-arrested-for-producing-highly-explicit-pornographic-content-featuring-students/

Brewing trouble: Kratom tea shop gets steeped in controversy after midnight raid by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. In a joint operation, Khon Kaen police raided a local establishment, Suppaweed, known for selling kratom tea intermixed with cough medicine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305278-brewing-trouble-kratom-tea-shop-gets-steeped-in-controversy-after-midnight-raid/

Digging for justice: Mother’s anger grows after 8 year old son buried alive by uncle by Petch Petpailin Photo via Nation. A furious Thai mother sought justice for her eight year old son after the boy was buried alive by his uncle. The mother is incandescent with rage at the Royal Thai Police’s procrastination in issuing charges against the suspect despite the overwhelming evidence presented to them. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305274-digging-for-justice-mother’s-anger-grows-after-8-year-old-son-buried-alive-by-uncle/

A furious Thai mother sought justice for her eight year old son after the boy was buried alive by his uncle. The mother is incandescent with rage at the Royal Thai Police’s procrastination in issuing charges against the suspect despite the overwhelming evidence presented to them. The mother, Tanyong, revealed her fury on Facebook. “The incident occurred on August 26, but the person who harmed my innocent son remains at large, despite the possession of concrete evidence and the presence of witnesses. I want the person to face legal punishment. What was in his mind? The child is innocent, and that child is his nephew. I will never give up on the case. He is not a human.” Channel 3 reported an interview with Tonyong yesterday. Tonyong revealed that she and her son lived separately after she divorced her husband. The boy resided with his grandmother in the northeastern province of Loei while she worked in Chon Buri province. She added that her ex-husband’s sister and her husband also helped take care of her son. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Nation. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/digging-for-justice-mothers-anger-grows-after-8-year-old-son-buried-alive-by-uncle -- The Thaiger 2023-09-01 - 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

House fiasco opens early rift between government and opposition The House meeting to debate the falling prices of agricultural products on Thursday was brought to a premature end as a result of, what government legislators described as, a “political game” by Move Forward, the main opposition party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305273-house-fiasco-opens-early-rift-between-government-and-opposition/

The House meeting to debate the falling prices of agricultural products on Thursday was brought to a premature end as a result of, what government legislators described as, a “political game” by Move Forward, the main opposition party. It was the first meeting of Thailand’s current House of Representatives and it had to be adjourned due to a lack of a quorum, which sparked a fierce war of words between legislators on both sides of the aisle. The House meeting was in the process of debating a motion addressing the plights of the agricultural sector, but Move Forward wanted the proposal for a referendum on constitutional amendment to be taken up instead. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/house-fiasco-opens-early-rift-between-government-and-opposition/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-01 - 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 encourages disabled citizens to join ‘Bangkok For All’ initiative by Mitch Connor Photo: Freepik Disabled people in Bangkok are being urged to sign up for the Bangkok For All initiative via the Line app, an effort by City Hall to streamline access to social benefits. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305271-bangkok-encourages-disabled-citizens-to-join-‘bangkok-for-all’-initiative/

Twisted taste: Noodle vendor’s simmering feud ends in chilling murder in northern Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. A 49 year old noodle vendor was arrested for the brutal murder of a 63 year old moneylender in Lampang, northern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305268-twisted-taste-noodle-vendor’s-simmering-feud-ends-in-chilling-murder-in-northern-thailand/

High hopes: Public Health Minister plants seeds for ongoing medical cannabis policy success by Mitch Connor Anutin Charnvirakul. Photo: Rameshe999. CC BY-SA 4.0 Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul strongly advocates for the continuation of the current medical cannabis policy under the incoming health ministership. He asserts that, if used correctly, cannabis provides immense benefits to users. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305265-high-hopes-public-health-minister-plants-seeds-for-ongoing-medical-cannabis-policy-success/

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul strongly advocates for the continuation of the current medical cannabis policy under the incoming health ministership. He asserts that, if used correctly, cannabis provides immense benefits to users. This discussion took place at the Public Health Ministry, where he expressed confidence that the new government would not terminate the ‘cannabis for medical treatments’ policy. He also highlighted that the policy is still on the new government’s agenda, as per the leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Anutin emphasised that any changes to the policy should first be deliberated among government members. “The best thing we can do is have a law to control cannabis use.” Anutin proposed that if the new government plans to re-list cannabis as a narcotic, the decision should involve discussions among related agencies, including the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice, among others. by Mitch Connor Anutin Charnvirakul. Photo: Rameshe999. CC BY-SA 4.0 Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/outgoing-thai-health-minister-supports-continuing-medical-cannabis-policy -- The Thaiger 2023-09-01 - 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

Thaksin applies for royal pardon, Thailand’s top foreign condo buyers : Tim Newton Today - Sep 1 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305262-thaksin-applies-for-royal-pardon-thailand’s-top-foreign-condo-buyers-tim-newton-today-sep-1/

Former PM, and current prison inmate, Thaksin Shinawatra, has applied for a royal pardon, New PM Srettha Thavisin is promising to lower diesel, power and gas prices, Prayut says good bye to the media, Chinese top the sales table for new Thai condos... by a long way. More mystery objects found along the Phang Nga coast, 'blue dragons' also spotted on Phuket beaches, an American student stabbed and murdered in Bangkok, teenagers arrested after firing guns at a Pattaya villa. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Esso exits Thailand market after 129 years by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - Petroleum company Esso Thailand has been acquired by Bangchak, following the completion of a majority stake acquisition by ExxonMobil. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305260-esso-exits-thailand-market-after-129-years/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Petroleum company Esso Thailand has been acquired by Bangchak, following the completion of a majority stake acquisition by ExxonMobil. Esso’s petrol stations across the country will be operating under Bangchak’s brand from tomorrow. The acquisition of Esso Thailand by Bangchak Corporation is now complete, with the Thailand-based petroleum company acquiring a 65.99% majority stake in Esso Thailand from ExxonMobil Asia Holdings. Following the completion of this deal, some 700 Esso’s petrol stations across the country will start operating under Bangchak’s brand. Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group CEO and President of Bangchak, said the company had completed the 22.6 billion baht acquisition of Esso’s ordinary shares. This acquisition marks the end of Esso’s 129-year operations in Thailand, with all Esso’s petrol stations being completely rebranded as Bangchak’s within 2 years. This deal helped Bangchak increase its total petrol refinery capacity to 174,000 barrels per day and expanded its network of petrol stations to some 800 locations across the country. The company now plans to increase its refinery capacity to 294,000 barrels per day, effectively making it the largest oil refinery company in Thailand, and expanding its network of petrol stations to 2,200 locations. Bangchak will be supplying its world-class petroleum products to former Esso stations. The company says all its products are eco-friendly and have received quality certifications from the Department of Energy Business. by Tanakorn Sangiam Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230901091223020 -- NNT 2023-09-01 - 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 healthcare: Nationwide dental department, provincial hospitals planned by Mitch Connor Dr Opas Karnkawinpong. Photo: Department of Disease Control The Thai government is set to establish a dedicated dental health department, a move aimed at promoting oral healthcare across the nation, the Public Health Ministry announced. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305254-thai-healthcare-nationwide-dental-department-provincial-hospitals-planned/

The Thai government is set to establish a dedicated dental health department, a move aimed at promoting oral healthcare across the nation, the Public Health Ministry announced. Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Opas Karnkawinpong, revealed to the press that the government had acknowledged the Senate Public Health Committee’s proposal to form the new department, though the plan is yet to be discussed with the incoming health minister. While the establishment of the department is expected to span over a few years, the Public Health Ministry is determined to push the service to the public as the department gets underway. As part of its oral health care promotion, the ministry has plans to launch a dental hospital in each of the nation’s 77 provinces. This will ensure comprehensive access to oral healthcare, particularly for upcountry inhabitants. On the topic of the proposed establishment of a medical school at the Praboromarajchanok Institute, a public higher education institute that caters to public health workers, Opas stated that the school is set to start recruiting medical students next year. by Mitch Connor Dr Opas Karnkawinpong. Photo: Department of Disease Control Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-government-plans-nationwide-dental-health-department-and-provincial-hospitals -- The Thaiger 2023-09-01 - 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

ATTA doubts efficacy of free visa plan for Chinese tourists by Alex Morgan Photo: Dario Pignatelli/Bloomberg The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) has expressed scepticism about a government proposal to offer free visas to Chinese tourists as a means of stimulating demand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305253-atta-doubts-efficacy-of-free-visa-plan-for-chinese-tourists/

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) has expressed scepticism about a government proposal to offer free visas to Chinese tourists as a means of stimulating demand. Atta cites economic difficulties and a weak currency as challenges that could render this initiative ineffectual, particularly in the face of flight and staff shortages. The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are currently preparing a white paper to present to the premier and cabinet, detailing urgent issues, such as enhancing tourist attraction and reinforcing Thailand’s image as a safe travel destination. Atta’s president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, highlighted the need for solutions to attract more tourists. Meanwhile, Adith Chairattananon, Atta’s honorary secretary-general, outlined two potential strategies for the Chinese visa policy: a visa-free entry for Chinese tourists for a period of 3 to 6 months, or waiving the visa fee but still requiring a visa application. The latter is deemed more appropriate from a security standpoint. Adith believes that either approach could incentivise Chinese tourists who travel via neighbouring countries and use visa-on-arrival, including groups of 100 to 1,000 travellers. However, the visa policy alone may not be sufficient to stimulate the market, given that many Chinese travel companies are still recovering from a lack of workers and increased operating costs. by Alex Morgan Photo: Dario Pignatelli/Bloomberg Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/atta-doubts-efficacy-of-free-visa-plan-for-chinese-tourists -- The Thaiger 2023-09-01 - 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 man’s high-speed chase ends in arrest by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A disturbing incident occurred in the heart of Bangkok yesterday when a man, claiming he was being pursued for murder, fled from the police with his wife and nine month old child. The man, Krishna, 27 years old, led authorities on a high-speed chase before he was cornered at an intersection at 3.30pm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305251-bangkok-man’s-high-speed-chase-ends-in-arrest/

Bangkok building’s canopy collapse narrowly misses caretaker causing power outage by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A commercial building awaiting renovation in Bangkok was the scene of a startling incident yesterday evening when a canopy collapsed, damaging a parked car beneath it and causing a local power outage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305250-bangkok-building’s-canopy-collapse-narrowly-misses-caretaker-causing-power-outage/