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UPDATE: Officials investigate unidentified beach debris washed up along Phuket coast By Peter Roche PHOTO: Siam Rath Officials are investigating after some mysterious debris washed ashore at Karon Beach in Phuket and in the Takua Pa district in Phang Nga. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305134-mystery-on-phuket-beach-as-strange-debris-washes-ashore/?do=findComment&comment=18315368

Why performance of Srettha’s Cabinet will be most crucial ever by By Tulsathit Taptim Past governments were judged largely along ideological lines. By that, controversial figures in Cabinets were noted, but eventually they would be accepted as virtual necessities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305168-why-performance-of-srettha’s-cabinet-will-be-most-crucial-ever/

Past governments were judged largely along ideological lines. By that, controversial figures in Cabinets were noted, but eventually they would be accepted as virtual necessities. When something bad about them emerged later, they would be booked, but not actually red-carded or booed off the park. When bridges crumbled or local officials received bribes from pubs full of drugs and underage customers, supporters tended to say “Horrible things happen to everyone and everywhere” but their opposite numbers would say “See? This is what we get from rulers like this.” The upcoming government will have that privilege pulled away from under its feet. Worst still, some judgement has already been made. One latest poll which showed an alarming plunge in Pheu Thai’s popularity and big jump in Move Forward’s only confirmed that Srettha Thavisin is not inspiring confidence, and that criticism against any administrative mistake, major or trivial, will come from left, right and centre. The only protection is a good Cabinet doing a good job. Bad news is it’s an extremely tall order, given the numbers of partners and their factions, in addition to the certainty that intense scrutiny will come from every direction and the fact that some “qualified” appointees in somebody’s eyes can be poor choices in others’. Clashing public policies of the allies are making the mission even more daunting. by By Tulsathit Taptim Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/why-performance-of-sretthas-cabinet-will-be-most-crucial-ever/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-31 - 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: PM discusses energy price issue with UTNP team Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The Prime Minister has discussed energy price and economic issues with the United Thai Nation Party ahead of his meeting with other stakeholders on ways to lower energy prices in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305116-srettha-1st-cabinet-meeting-to-discuss-oil-prices/?do=findComment&comment=18315301

PM discusses energy price issue with UTNP team Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The Prime Minister has discussed energy price and economic issues with the United Thai Nation Party ahead of his meeting with other stakeholders on ways to lower energy prices in Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today held talks with an economic team from the United Thai Nation Party (UNTP), led by Mr Supattanapong Punmeechaow who served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy in the previous administration. The talk was focused on the making of government policies including the path towards reducing energy and fuel prices. The PM said he would inform the general public at a later date whether his initiative to lower electricity prices can commence immediately after the first Cabinet meeting, saying he needed to assess all procedures involved. Mr. Supattanapong Punmeechaow from the United Thai Nation Party was previously expected to continue serving his role as the Minister of Energy in the new Cabinet, pending an official announcement. Mr Supattanapong revealed after the discussion with the Prime Minister that the meeting was more of an exchange of thoughts between both sides. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230831103111264 -- NNT 2023-08-31 - 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

Gen. Prawit to Resign as MP BANGKOK, Aug 31 (TNA) – Palang Pracharath party (PPRP) leader Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon says he will resign as an MP soon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305166-gen-prawit-to-resign-as-mp/

BANGKOK, Aug 31 (TNA) – Palang Pracharath party (PPRP) leader Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon says he will resign as an MP soon. He will continue to serve as the head of the party and will hand over his parliamentary responsibilities to others, he said while extending good luck wishes to all. Gen. Prawit, a key figure in Thai politics has announced his intention to resign as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the near future. He currently serves as the caretaker deputy prime minister and has played a prominent role within the PPRP. He expressed his desire to relinquish his parliamentary duties and focus solely on leading the party. (TNA) Source: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1231163 -- TNA-MCOT 2023-08-31 - 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 'privilege' visa packages announced, Australian jumps off Phuket car park : Tim Newton Today - August 31 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305161-new-privilege-visa-packages-announced-australian-jumps-off-phuket-car-park-tim-newton-today-august-31/

The upgrade to the old Thailand Elite program has been announced.... here are the four new packages. An Australian man has jumped to his death in Phuket, details of the upcoming Charity Birthday Bash raising money for Living Waters Phuket. Transformer blows up in Bangkok, injuring four, space junk lands on the beach in Phuket and Phang Nga, update on Pattaya roadworks, and Cambodian political 'refugees' attacked in Thailand. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Own an electric car? Here’s how to find EV charging stations in Hua Hin and throughout Thailand By Online Reporter file photo The future of motoring in Thailand is electric. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305160-own-an-electric-car-here’s-how-to-find-ev-charging-stations-in-hua-hin-and-throughout-thailand/

WBC Asia honors Thailand’s first boxing world champion, Hua Hin native, Pone Kingpetch By Online Reporter The World Boxing Council’s Asian branch (WBC Asia) formally recognises the legacy of Thailand’s first world boxing champion, Pone Kingpetch. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305159-wbc-asia-honors-thailand’s-first-boxing-world-champion-hua-hin-native-pone-kingpetch/

Barking debate: Viral video of pet dog in hot car ignites social media furor by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Sanook. A recent incident involving a pet dog left in a car by its owner has sparked a debate on social media. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305158-barking-debate-viral-video-of-pet-dog-in-hot-car-ignites-social-media-furor/

Flaming tribute: Woman’s candlelit car respect turns into fiery fiasco by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A woman’s act of lighting candles and joss sticks to pay respect to her car on Chinese Sart Day went up in flames. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305157-flaming-tribute-woman’s-candlelit-car-respect-turns-into-fiery-fiasco/

Rising Thai folk singer Ann Naphaphon tragically killed in car crash by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khao Sod Online A tragedy has struck the entertainment industry as rising folk singer, 18 years old Ann Naphaphon, lost her life in a car accident yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305155-rising-thai-folk-singer-ann-naphaphon-tragically-killed-in-car-crash/

Poh Teck Tung Foundation aids impoverished families in northeastern Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. The Poh Teck Tung Foundation has actively taken steps towards creating sustainable livelihoods in Udon Thani province in northeastern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305149-poh-teck-tung-foundation-aids-impoverished-families-in-northeastern-thailand/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 31 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305143-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-31-august-2023/

A group of political activists called "ConForAll" submitted a petition with more than 200,000 signatures to the Election Commission on Wednesday, calling on the new government to rewrite the entire constitution to ensure that it will be fully democratic. Human rights lawyers say A 30 year old woman convicted of royal defamation has been admitted to Hospital after being on hunger strike for 10 days. The woman named Warunee has been taking only water since 21st of August.The court sentenced her to 3 years in prison for posting a picture on Facebook In 2021 in violation of the lese majeste law. Her sentence was reduced to 18 months after she made a confession. Another inmate went on hunger strike last week in sympathy with Ms Warunees protest. A group of delivery motorcycle riders have asked the Ministry of Labour to provide legal protection and financial compensation if they are involved in a road accident. riders who work with various apps and e-commerce platforms say they are exposed to constant danger during their delivery rounds. They would like to see accident insurance and cover of medical costs of up to 10,000 baht for each rider injured in a traffic accident. The Department of Medical Sciences says a new variant of Covid known as Omicron HK.3 has been found in Thailand for the first time, Doctors say they are unsure how severe this variant may be, Usual precautions of regular hand washing and wearing a face mask are advised Experts who attended the Asean sustainable energy week in Bangkok say Electric vehicles and renewable energy are essential to help deal with climate change, and the crisis will help bring people together. Thailand aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The sustainable energy week runs today and tomorrow at the queen Sirikit center in Bangkok. The Thailand's women's national volleyball team beat Australia yesterday at the Asian Women's Volleyball Championship in three sets, 25-14, 25-16, and 25-22, The tournament is being held in Nakhon Ratchasima, until September 6th. Around the Region: Malaysia has rejected a new Chinese map that claims waters off Malaysia’s coast in the South China Sea, China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, despite an international court ruling that there was no legal basis. Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei also have overlapping claims in parts of the sea. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north:bright, cloudy with thundershowers 31C Bangkok: Partly cloudy, thunder showers, 33C Pattaya, Cloudy, with rain 31C Phuket and the south: Sunny Partly cloudy, showers 30C ‘Hua Hin’: Sunny, partly cloudy, perhaps a shower 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 2023-08-31 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

Economic peril poses a greater threat to Srettha’s government than politics by Thai Enquirer Even though there are plenty of political challenges facing the Pheu Thai party, not the least being in a weak coalition, the economic challenges are far greater and could spell potential doom for the government if not handled correctly. Experts say that 2024 will likely be a down year for the global economy and several macroeconomic issues will likely present themselves to the incoming government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305141-economic-peril-poses-a-greater-threat-to-srettha’s-government-than-politics/

Even though there are plenty of political challenges facing the Pheu Thai party, not the least being in a weak coalition, the economic challenges are far greater and could spell potential doom for the government if not handled correctly. Experts say that 2024 will likely be a down year for the global economy and several macroeconomic issues will likely present themselves to the incoming government. One pressing concern is Thailand’s positioning as a manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia. In recent years, countries like Vietnam and the Philippines have emerged as strong competitors. Manufacturing accounts for a significant portion of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the total value of all goods and services produced over a specific time period within a nation’s borders. When other countries like Vietnam and the Philippines become more attractive for manufacturing, foreign investments could divert away from Thailand. This shift impacts not just factory jobs but also the broader economy, from the truck drivers who move goods to the workers in ancillary industries. To counter this, Thailand needs to invest in innovation and advanced technologies. By moving into higher-value sectors, the country can offer something that low-cost manufacturing destinations may not be able to match easily. by Thai Enquirer Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50572/economic-peril-poses-a-greater-threat-to-sretthas-government-than-politics/ -- THAI ENQUIRER 2023-08-31 - 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 Soldier's Son, Imprisoned for Card Game Shooting, Escapes Jail and Commits Murder Picture: Thai Rath In a shocking turn of events, a former soldier's son who had been imprisoned for six years for a fatal shooting at an entertainment venue, has been released only to be arrested again for committing another murder shortly after. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305140-former-soldiers-son-imprisoned-for-card-game-shooting-escapes-jail-and-commits-murder/

Bangkok Health Office Launches Operation to Combat Rats: Day Two Picture: Siam Rath On August 30th, 66, at Prachar Akarakh Building, Central Investigation Bureau, Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, officials from the Disease Control Division, Bangkok Health Office, joined a rat eradication mission. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305138-bangkok-health-office-launches-operation-to-combat-rats-day-two/

Jatuporn Highlights Thaksin's "Stress and Vulnerability" as a New Prisoner - Expects Return to Jail in a Few Days Picture: Siam Rath Mr. Jatuporn Promphan, the head of the United People's Fusion Group, shared his insights on the program "Thailand Must Come First" on August 29. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305137-jatuporn-highlights-thaksins-stress-and-vulnerability-as-a-new-prisoner-expects-return-to-jail-in-a-few-days/

Mr. Jatuporn Promphan, the head of the United People's Fusion Group, shared his insights on the program "Thailand Must Come First" on August 29. He mentioned that Thaksin's stay at the police hospital pointed to his inability to withstand pressure, speculating that he might be sent back to prison within a matter of days, reported Siam Rath. He raised doubts about Thaksin's stated illnesses, suggesting that his transfer from prison to the police hospital was met with skepticism. "In the current social climate, things have become much more intricate. If the truth were revealed, it seems that the situation differs from merely sending him for treatment at the police hospital. This could have a more potent impact than the original legal sentencing, as suspicions have lingered from the time he entered prison until his recent relocation to the police hospital. All of this seems to be part of a meticulously orchestrated process," stated Jatuporn. He further explained that new inmates, such as Thaksin, usually experience stress and difficulty sleeping when entering prison, as they must adapt to the new environment. Nonetheless, Jatuporn noted that both Ratchaburi Hospital and the Nakhon 7 Prison Medical Facility are equipped to handle such stress. Regarding the application for royal clemency, Jatuporn clarified that while it is the right of the inmate, it could face opposition. Moreover, adhering to the standard regulations of the Corrections Department, the request must be made by August 22, 2024, as serving one-third of the sentence is a prerequisite. Furthermore, it is also indicated that the newly revised clemency regulations will offer two options: either serving one-third of the sentence or having completed a minimum of 8 years of the sentence. Depending on which criteria the inmate meets first, they must adhere to that specific regulation. Regarding Thaksin, since he hasn't previously served any sentences, he must complete one-third of the sentence before being considered eligible for clemency. Top Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2023-08-31 - 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

Four Injured In Wireless Road Transformer Fire by TNR Staff Motorcycles damaged in this fire. Photo: Matichon FOUR PEOPLE were injured after a transformer near Vanit building on Wireless road, close to the turning to New Phetchaburi road Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305135-four-injured-in-wireless-road-transformer-fire/

Mystery on Phuket Beach as Strange Debris Washes Ashore By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket-Mysterious debris was found on Karon Beach and an investigation is underway to identify what exactly it is. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1305134-mystery-on-phuket-beach-as-strange-debris-washes-ashore/