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Pheu Thai’s challenge to reduce electric train fares to 20 baht max The Department of Rail Transport believes that, if the Pheu Thai party’s policy to reduce the fare for electric train services in Bangkok and its suburbs to 20 baht, to travel the entire distance of a route, the government must allocate a special fund to subsidise the operators for their loss of revenues, as specified in the concession contracts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304863-pheu-thai’s-challenge-to-reduce-electric-train-fares-to-20-baht-max/

Unexpected encore: Concert takes a dive as boat sinks at Amphawa Floating Market (video) by Nattapong Westwood Image via Khaosod. A concert held at the Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram province took an unexpected turn when a boat sank mid-show. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304859-unexpected-encore-concert-takes-a-dive-as-boat-sinks-at-amphawa-floating-market-video/

Family tragedy: Father’s triple murder-suicide linked to loan scam by Neill Fronde A tragedy for a family saddled in debt after falling for a fraudulent loan scheme leads to a murder suicide attempt. (via Sanook). Photo courtesy of Sanook A family tragedy occurred when a father, armed with a utility knife, killed his wife and two children in their three-storey townhouse in Bang Phli district of Bangkok Metropolitan Area province Samut Prakan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304852-family-tragedy-father’s-triple-murder-suicide-linked-to-loan-scam/

Cambodian couple arrested for pickpocketing shoppers at Bangkok malls By Peter Roche PHOTO: Facebook/สืบนครบาล IDMB Police in Bangkok have arrested a Cambodian couple, charged with pickpocketing shoppers in the capital and entering the kingdom illegally. Nation Thailand reports that the arrests were announced by Bangkok police at a press conference yesterday, August 27. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304851-cambodian-couple-arrested-for-pickpocketing-shoppers-at-bangkok-malls/

Economy takes centre stage as Pheu Thai-led coalition set to take office Three months of uncertainty and anxiety for Thailand’s economy and the business sector ended last week as Parliament finally elected the country’s 30th prime minister after the May 14 general election. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304850-economy-takes-centre-stage-as-pheu-thai-led-coalition-set-to-take-office/

Three months of uncertainty and anxiety for Thailand’s economy and the business sector ended last week as Parliament finally elected the country’s 30th prime minister after the May 14 general election. The election of Srettha Thavisin, coalition leader Pheu Thai Party’s prime minister candidate, on August 22 has come as a relief to business leaders, injecting optimism into the economy. The election of the PM paves the way for government formation. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thailand Chamber of Commerce, said many concerned parties wanted the new government to be formed quickly so it could start addressing economic issues. He said the government in the first 100 days in office should move fast to address the high cost of living, promote tourism, accelerate government spending and formulate an expenditure plan for fiscal 2024. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/economy-takes-centre-stage-as-pheu-thai-led-coalition-set-to-take-office/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-28 - 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

Foul play: Noxious scent unveils grim discovery of dead Finnish man in Pattaya by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวคนชล An unpleasant odour seeping from a residence in the Bang Lamung district of Pattaya has led to the discovery of the dead body of a Finnish man inside. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304849-foul-play-noxious-scent-unveils-grim-discovery-of-dead-finnish-man-in-pattaya/

Surat Thani governor urges Thai Smile not to quit flights from Bangkok By Peter Roche FILE PHOTO The governor of Surat Thani has urged low-cost carrier Thai Smile to continue its service between BKK Suvarnabhumi and the southern province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304846-surat-thani-governor-urges-thai-smile-not-to-quit-flights-from-bangkok/

UPDATE: A ballyhoo at the Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya By Peter Roche PHOTO: Thai Rath Tourists arriving at Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier at the weekend were greeted by the sight of rival speedboat operators punching each other. It’s not the first time. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304815-pattaya-speedboat-operators-engage-in-wild-viral-brawl-at-bali-hai-pier-arguing-over-tourists/?do=findComment&comment=18307566

Miraculous plunge: Singaporean man survives fifth-floor fall from Krabi hotel by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath. A Singaporean man on Saturday survived a terrifying life-threatening fall from the fifth floor of the Krabi Seabass Hotel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304844-miraculous-plunge-singaporean-man-survives-fifth-floor-fall-from-krabi-hotel/

Opinion: Promised Change Gives Way to Familiar Faces by Erich Parpart The political landscape in Thailand remains mired in complexities and contradictions, as the recently-formed government represents both a reiteration and a perpetuation of existing political realities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304843-opinion-promised-change-gives-way-to-familiar-faces/

The political landscape in Thailand remains mired in complexities and contradictions, as the recently-formed government represents both a reiteration and a perpetuation of existing political realities. Despite the majority of voters casting their ballots for significant political change, the composition of the new cabinet belies these aspirations. Largely, the government retains key players from the previous junta-led administration, due in part to a constitutional framework drafted by the junta itself, as well as the involvement of junta-appointed senators. The caveat being this list is not yet final and things could still change for Pheu Thai. Old faces The Bhumjaithai Party has reemerged with its leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, securing the role of Interior Minister, thereby wielding considerable power over local administrations. This shift is deeply concerning when one examines the potential impact on corruption and decentralization—goals which appear increasingly elusive. by Erich Parpart Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50523/opinion-promised-change-gives-way-to-familiar-faces/ -- THAI ENQUIRER 2023-08-28 - 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

Why Chuan welcomes Srettha’s visit to Phuket Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai welcomed last weekend’s visit to the southern tourist provinces of Phuket and Phang-nga by the new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304841-why-chuan-welcomes-srettha’s-visit-to-phuket/

Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai welcomed last weekend’s visit to the southern tourist provinces of Phuket and Phang-nga by the new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, as an encouraging sign that the incoming government will not ignore the southern region in the way the two previous Shinawatra administrations had done. Chuan recalled that both the Thaksin and Yingluck governments deliberately sidelined provinces in southern Thailand in their development programmes, simply because they were political strongholds of the Democrat party. Speaking at a function organised by the Provincial Press Association of Thailand on Saturday, Chuan said development budgets allocated to the region by the two administrations were negligible, when compared with those for other regions. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/why-chuan-welcomes-sretthas-visit-to-phuket/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-28 - 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 condo owner discovers shocking state after foreign tenants leave by Samantha Rose Illustration: Freepik A landlord issued a warning to others after some foreign tenants trashed a luxury condominium in Thailand. The discovery was made by the owner of the condo when she was contacted by the management of the building due to the tenants’ unpaid electricity bills. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304840-thai-condo-owner-discovers-shocking-state-after-foreign-tenants-leave/

A landlord issued a warning to others after some foreign tenants trashed a luxury condominium in Thailand. The discovery was made by the owner of the condo when she was contacted by the management of the building due to the tenants’ unpaid electricity bills. TikTok user @fang_pacara posted a cautionary tale for landlords after she found her property in a shocking state. Having rented her apartment to foreigners through an agency, she was surprised to learn that her foreign tenants were behind on their electricity bills and were illegally using the common area’s electricity. The condo’s legal entity had reached out to her, prompting her to inspect her property, where she discovered the shocking scene. The owner provided a tour of the apartment, revealing a rubbish-strewn disaster zone. Items were scattered throughout the room, pictures were drilled into the walls, and cats were secretly kept, leading to further damage. The curtains had been shredded by the cats and many items were broken. by Samantha Rose Illustration: Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-condo-owner-discovers-shocking-state-after-foreign-tenants-leave -- The Thaiger 2023-08-28 - 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

Hit and run in Trat leaves 15 year old boy dead by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. A fatal hit-and-run collision involving a car and a motorcycle resulted in the death of a 15 year old boy in Trat, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304838-hit-and-run-in-trat-leaves-15-year-old-boy-dead/

New PM talks up 90 day tourist visas, ballyhoo at Bali Hai pier : Tim Newton Today - August 28 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304837-new-pm-talks-up-90-day-tourist-visas-ballyhoo-at-bali-hai-pier-tim-newton-today-august-28/

New airports, extended tourist visas, waiving tourism visa applications for Chinese and Indian tourists... was a busy first weekend for the new Thai PM Srettha Thavisin visiting the south of Thailand. Extending the tourist visas for 'some countries' seemed to be the main takeaway, indicating the new government trying to turbo charge tourism in Thailand. 24 hour entertainment venue trading also hit the news over the weekend, but it was a 'misunderstanding' and all came to nothing. A ballyhoo at the Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya over the weekend with speedboat crews fighting over tourists, and a drop in Chinese travellers causing concerns for tourism stakeholders. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Thai girl battles rhabdomyolysis after harsh school punishment by Mitch Connor Illustration: School Punishment, leaglesamiksha.com A tale of a young girl in the eighth grade, known only as Lalida, has sparked outrage in the small tambon Klang community of Selaphum district, Roi Et. Lalida is currently battling a severe case of rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous affliction that involves the breakdown of injured skeletal muscle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304836-thai-girl-battles-rhabdomyolysis-after-harsh-school-punishment/

Shock as Thai teen’s lung collapses due to heavy e-cigarettes smoking by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of indiafilings.com The health of a 16 year old child who smoked e-cigarettes raised alarm when an X-ray revealed air leakage in the right lung, causing the lung to collapse. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304834-shock-as-thai-teen’s-lung-collapses-due-to-heavy-e-cigarettes-smoking/

The health of a 16 year old child who smoked e-cigarettes raised alarm when an X-ray revealed air leakage in the right lung, causing the lung to collapse. According to Tevin Chakrayanuyok, a cardiologist states that the dangers of vaping are more serious than many people realise, urging those who can quit to do so. Tevin Chakrayanuyok, a cardiologist, shared a post accompanied by an X-ray image of a patient’s lungs, stating, “Today, I have another story to tell. A 16 year old child is suffering from chest pain.” The nurse reported this news in a clear voice to Tevin, who was shocked at the thought. After taking a history, the young patient, who was thin and smoked e-cigarettes heavily, complained of chest pain while breathing but dismissed any heavy lifting. The X-ray resulted in a diagnosis of air leakage in the right lung, causing the lung to collapse. The edge of the lung is where it collapses and combines into a lump in the middle. The right lung has three lobes, hence they are unequal. The patient experienced fatigue or chest pain and could not breathe fully. This case resulted from the use of Vape, Pod, or e-cigarettes. by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of indiafilings.com Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/shock-as-thai-teens-lung-collapses-due-to-heavy-e-cigarettes-smoking -- The Thaiger 2023-08-28 - 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

Falling tamarind tree kills driver, severely injures wife in Khon Kaen by Nattapong Westwood A tamarind tree being cut down by a man five metres from the road fell and crushed a passing car, killing the driver and severely injuring his passenger wife. (via KhaoSod). Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A 62 year old man cutting a tamarind tree, located just 5 metres from the road, caused it to topple over and crush a passing pickup truck. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304833-falling-tamarind-tree-kills-driver-severely-injures-wife-in-khon-kaen/

Child drowning tragedy: 11 year old boy loses life in Khon Kaen Pond by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Istock An eleven year old boy tragically drowned while playing with friends in a local pond in Nong Hin village, Mueang, Khon Kaen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304828-child-drowning-tragedy-11-year-old-boy-loses-life-in-khon-kaen-pond/

Jewellery store robbery: 65,000 baht worth of gold necklaces stolen in five minute heist by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A jewellery store robbery in Ratchaburi province occurred at approximately 5:20pm yesterday. The Niyomsin Shop, situated on Pracha Niyom Road within the Ban Pong municipality, reported a loss of two gold necklaces, each weighing one baht, amounting to a total loss of 65,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304825-jewellery-store-robbery-65000-baht-worth-of-gold-necklaces-stolen-in-five-minute-heist/