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Press conference given by outgoing Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn last week in which he threatened that Facebook faces closure in Thailand with both civil and criminal proceedings to be filed by his ministry and the Royal Thai Police. The minister claimed that 70% of all online fraud in Thailand was linked to sponsored pages advertised by Facebook for which it generated large streams of income but had failed to respond adequately to requests from authorities to regulate the threat posed to online users. In reality, the shuttering of Facebook in Thailand is not a viable option as it would have a catastrophic impact on the country’s online economy and its reputation abroad, immediately damaging confidence. At the same time, the issue is a real one with billions of baht being lost annually by ordinary Thai citizens to online scams which are traumatising families as well as causing huge financial loss and suffering on a grand scale. Facebook is facing legal action from the Digital Economy and Society Ministry and the Royal Thai Police over its sponsored pages service in Thailand which have been linked to over 70% of online fraud cases according to outgoing minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn. The legal moves against Facebook, including civil and criminal proceedings, according to senior officials, could see the site shut down in Thailand if it fails to address rising security concerns. A new government is expected to be sworn in sometime in mid- September. One of the first challenges facing the newly installed communications minister is a crisis over the future of Facebook in Thailand. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/08/28/facebook-threatened-with-closure-linked-to-70-per-cent-online-fraud/ -- Thai Examiner 2023-08-29 - 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 Thai cabinet, 20 baht cap on BTS fares, typhoon Saola : Tim Newton Today - August 29 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304952-new-thai-cabinet-20-baht-cap-on-bts-fares-typhoon-saola-tim-newton-today-august-29/

Thailand news - Thaksin allowed visitors... is he getting special VIP treatment? Thais will have a chance to vote on a new constitution, death of a Finn in Pattaya and a Thai woman in Phuket, Srettha Thavisin, Thailand's new PM, announces his new cabinet members. New typhoon emerges from the northwest Pacific, probably missing Philippines and making its way towards Taiwan and Hong Kong. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists. #nop

Fisheries Dept steps up inspections of seafood imported from Japan to soothe radiation concerns by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Japanese authorities commenced with the release of treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304950-fisheries-dept-steps-up-inspections-of-seafood-imported-from-japan-to-soothe-radiation-concerns/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Japanese authorities commenced with the release of treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24. Despite reassurances from the International Atomic Energy Agency that the release was safe, concerns still prevail among many segments of society in East Asia and beyond. In response to these concerns, Thailand’s Department of Fisheries has raised the frequency of random inspections on seafood imported from Japan. Department of Fisheries Deputy Director-General Taworn Thunjai said his agency has elevated its attention over random inspections of seafood imported from Japan. The focus is on products imported from locations deemed at greater risk of contamination, including Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Nigata, Nakano, and Saitama. The heightened inspection effort is made possible by the department collaborating with the Office of Atoms for Peace and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). Together, the agencies are taking radiation readings on imported seafood products to prevent items contaminated with unsafe levels of radioactive materials from being imported. According to the director-general, no readings exceeding the allowable standard stipulated by the Ministry of Public Health have been found up to date. He added that 4,375 samples of seafood and fishery products inspected by the Japanese health ministry from last year until April 2023 did not detect contamination that exceeded the Thai health ministry’s requirements. Taworn said any contamination by radioactive materials that exceeded the standard would immediately prompt a recall or import halt on the product in question. by Namo Vananupong Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230829085728554 -- NNT 2023-08-29 - 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

Trang boy’s condition worsens after alleged wrongful adrenaline injection by Mitch Connor Image by Zerbor A severe incident of medical negligence occurred in Trang Province, where a four year old boy’s condition worsened after allegedly receiving a wrongful adrenaline injection by a nurse. The Trang Province Public Health Office has initiated an investigation into the case, as stated by Chief Physician Sinchai Rongdech. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304949-trang-boy’s-condition-worsens-after-alleged-wrongful-adrenaline-injection/

Thailand’s household debt soars as auto loans and cooperative debts spike by Alex Morgan Image by 89Stocker The secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Danucha Pichayanan, has issued a warning over the steady increase in Thailand‘s household debt. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304948-thailand’s-household-debt-soars-as-auto-loans-and-cooperative-debts-spike/

The secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Danucha Pichayanan, has issued a warning over the steady increase in Thailand‘s household debt. The critical areas requiring stringent monitoring were identified as auto loans and debt originating from savings cooperatives. During a press conference outlining the nation’s social outlook for the second quarter of 2023, Danucha revealed that household debt in the first quarter had surged to 15.9 trillion baht, marking a 3.6% increase. This uptick shows a slight acceleration from the 3.5% rise seen in the previous quarter. Conversely, the household debt to GDP ratio showed a minor decrease, standing at 90.6%. Danucha attributed the bulk of the first quarter’s household debt growth to real estate purchases and personal loans, which rose by 5% and 5.3% respectively compared to the previous quarter. by Alex Morgan Image by 89Stocker -- The Thaiger 2023-08-29 - 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 Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-household-debt-soars-as-auto-loans-and-cooperative-debts-spike

Elderly man caught stealing from Nonthaburi temple sparks online debate by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khao Sod Online A dramatic video has emerged, showing an elderly man surreptitiously stealing money from a temple donation tree. The clip, shared by a Facebook user, has sparked a fierce debate among netizens, with some sympathising with the thief, suggesting his actions were driven by necessity. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304939-elderly-man-caught-stealing-from-nonthaburi-temple-sparks-online-debate/

Thunderstorm warning for 45 Thai provinces, including 60% of Bangkok: Heavy rain expected by Samantha Rose Photo by Aleksei Sabulevskii on Unsplash The Thai Meteorological Department today issued a thunderstorm warning for 45 provinces, including 60% of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304928-thunderstorm-warning-for-45-thai-provinces-including-60-of-bangkok-heavy-rain-expected/

The Thai Meteorological Department today issued a thunderstorm warning for 45 provinces, including 60% of Bangkok. The weather system is sweeping across the northern and northeastern regions, heading towards a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, while a moderately strong southwestern monsoon is blowing across the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. This is causing thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in some parts of the northern, northeastern, eastern, and western southern regions. Residents in the affected areas are warned of potential dangers from heavy to very heavy rainfall and accumulated rainfall, which could lead to sudden flooding and flash floods. This is particularly true for mountainous areas near waterways and low-lying areas. Extra caution is advised when travelling through areas with thunderstorms. In the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, the wind is moderately strong, causing sea waves to reach two to three metres high. In thunderstorm areas, the waves can exceed three metres. In the lower Andaman Sea, wave height is between one to two metres. In thunderstorm areas, waves can exceed two metres. Boaters in the affected areas are advised to navigate with caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand should also remain ashore. Typhoon ‘Saola’ is currently in the Pacific Ocean, or northeast of the Philippines, and is expected to move into the upper South China Sea between August 30 to September 1. It will then move up to the southeastern coast of China from September 2 to 4. This typhoon will not directly affect Thailand’s weather, but those planning to travel to the affected areas should check the weather forecast before their journey. by Samantha Rose Photo by Aleksei Sabulevskii on Unsplash #nop Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thunderstorm-warning-for-45-thai-provinces-including-60-of-bangkok-heavy-rain-expected -- The Thaiger 2023-08-29 - 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

KBank announces major restructuring and new president appointment by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of MGR Online Kasikornbank (KBank), Thailand’s second-largest lender by total assets, has revealed a significant restructuring of its business operations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304925-kbank-announces-major-restructuring-and-new-president-appointment/

Kasikornbank (KBank), Thailand’s second-largest lender by total assets, has revealed a significant restructuring of its business operations. This includes the introduction of a new president, co-president, and a spin-off strategy. KBank notified the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) yesterday about the appointment of Chongrak Rattanapian to the position of president and executive director, effective from August 29. Chongrak, with over 20 years of experience at KBank, previously held the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO). He is expected to oversee risk management and the bank’s environmental, social, and governance strategy. Simultaneously, Rungruang Sukkirdkijpiboon’s appointment as co-president is under process and awaits the Bank of Thailand’s approval, according to an anonymous banking industry source. Rungruang brings a wealth of experience from the retail banking sector, having served as an adviser to the president and acting retail banking product and strategy group head of Krungthai Bank. His previous roles include a leading executive position at Central JD Money Co, a former fintech joint venture between Central Group and JD.com of China, and a stint at Siam Commercial Bank overseeing its credit card business. by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of MGR Online Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/kbank-announces-major-restructuring-and-new-president-appointment -- The Thaiger 2023-08-29 - 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 - Tuesday 29 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304924-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-29-august-2023/

The Pheu Thai Party said it will discuss holding a public referendum on writing a new Constitution in its first Cabinet meeting, The party was responding to a demand by a group from Law Reform NGO ‘iLaw’ The group had gathered more than 205, thousand names of eligible voters to submit to the Election Commission to demand a referendum on whether a new charter should be written to replace the 2017 Constitution. A TV news personality was impersonated by someone who then persuaded a retired water works governor to part with 20 million baht through a crypto currency scam. The retiree thought he had been approached by the real news anchor on Facebook and developed a level of trust before investing. Meanwhile the real news anchor Ms Orakan told authorities that her pictures were used to deceive others without her knowledge. Well known Activist Sri-suwan Janya is pressing Bangkok's local authority the BMA to take action against the Ashton Asoke condominium one month after its building permit was revoked by a court order, due to the building's main entrance not being the correct width. Without the permit the building is regarded by some as being unlawfully built, However the property developer may re-apply for a new permit after 30 days. Owners and tenants were considering taking legal action against the developer. A 41-year-old father who became overwhelmed with his family in debt is believed to have killed his 44 year old wife and two sons aged 9 and 13, he then cut his own throat. Rescuers found the man still alive, he was taken to hospital. His wife had been taken in by a call scam and is believed to have lost 1.7 million baht that she had borrowed. Around the Region: Indonesia A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Bali early this morning, the quake was centered some 200 kilometers north of the mainland and at a depth of more than 500 kilometers. The quake was felt on land but there was no tsunami or reports of damage. Finally if you are due to fly to the U.K. A technical problem caused flight delays and cancellations at all U.K airports. Check before you fly over the next few days. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north:bright, cloudy with thundershowers 33C Bangkok: Partly cloudy, isolated thunder showers, 33C Pattaya, Sunny Partly cloudy, isolated thunder showers, 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny Partly cloudy, isolated thunder 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 #nop -- SURF 102.5 FM 2023-08-29 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

Chinese Tourists Remain Key Visitors to Pattaya, Says Chamber of Commerce Boonanan Patanasin, president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, highlighted that Chinese tourists are still the primary travelers to the city of Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304922-chinese-tourists-remain-key-visitors-to-pattaya-says-chamber-of-commerce/

Deadly Altercation Erupts Among Friends Over 'Hitler' Drawing In a tragic incident at Ladprao 122 Soi 10, Wang Thonglang, Bangkok, a university student of mixed Filipino and American heritage lost his life after a dispute escalated into a fatal stabbing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304920-deadly-altercation-erupts-among-friends-over-hitler-drawing/

Factory Accident Claims Life of Skilled Machinery Technician in Udon Thani Picture: Siam Rath On August 28, 2023, a distressing incident unfolded at a factory in Udon Thani, as a 48-year-old machinery technician, Mr. Narong, lost his life. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304919-factory-accident-claims-life-of-skilled-machinery-technician-in-udon-thani/

Man Stabs Ex-girlfriend to Death in Broad Daylight in Kathu By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu – A man stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death in Kathu. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304918-man-stabs-ex-girlfriend-to-death-in-broad-daylight-in-kathu/

HOT Magazine, Issue 8, Volume 11 August View File PDF download click HERE Hot Magazine: Read the online issue 8, Volume 11, August 2023 by clicking on the green button or read the online version click here HOT Magazine is the ultimate luxury lifestyle publication in Thailand that caters to the discerning tastes of Asia's elite high net worth individuals. Our readers are brand-savvy and enjoy indulging in the finer things in life, from exhilarating extreme sports and luxurious yachting to relaxing spa retreats and exclusive polo events. We cover all aspects of the luxury lifestyle, including fashion, travel, art and design, food and wine, shopping, real estate, and spirits. Our readers also enjoy exclusive interviews with prominent figures, such as the legendary Billionaire Bill Heinecke and the renowned hair care guru Philip B, whose products are favored by A-list celebrities like Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Sir Richard Branson. HOT Magazine is your go-to source for the latest trends and insights in the luxury lifestyle world, providing you with a front-row seat to the most coveted events and experiences. Submitter webfact Submitted 08/29/23 Category ASEAN NOW Member Files  

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 29 August 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1304914-thailand-live-tuesday-29-august-2023/

Thai Taxi Association’s controversial tips for satisfactory rides spark debate Thai taxis tender tips to tolerable travel The Thai Taxi Association stirred debate by posting six tips to ensure a satisfactory taxi ride. The recommendations include asking before getting in, not forgetting to tip, and calling for a Grab taxi during peak hours or if the location is difficult for a regular taxi to reach. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304899-thai-taxi-association’s-controversial-tips-for-satisfactory-rides-spark-debate/

Mercedes-Benz driver’s taxi riders gun threat and drug use lead to charges Photo via Facebook/ เพื่อนตํารวจ แฟนเพจ Police charged a Thai Mercedes-Benz driver after he threatened motorcycle taxi riders in the Thong Lor area of Bangkok with a gun and used crystal methamphetamine. His five friends were charged with using the drug. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304897-mercedes-benz-driver’s-taxi-riders-gun-threat-and-drug-use-lead-to-charges/

The Thai Pakdee party submitted a petition to Corrections Department director general on Monday, opposing any attempt by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to seek a Royal pardon. Petition submitted against Thaksin seeking Royal pardon Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304887-petition-submitted-against-thaksin-seeking-royal-pardon/ #nop