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UPDATE: Acid attack on Thai teenager sparks manhunt in Buriram by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Sanook A brutal acid attack on a young woman, Nattikarn, 18 years old, and two others at a roadside food stall resulted in serious injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304818-acid-attack-young-womans-face-disfigured-sight-at-risk/?do=findComment&comment=18307200

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 28 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304823-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-28-august-2023/

The governor of Bangkok Remand Prison, yesterday stated that Thaksin Shinawat has the right to seek a royal pardon as do all other prisoners, Prison authorities have been criticized for giving Taskin preferential treatment and questioned whether he was really ill. After he was moved to a care unit in a police hospital. However a doctor said Taksin’s health conditions needed to be kept under observation. A male elephant belonging to a Karen tribe fatally stabbed his owner with his tusk in Tak province.. The elephant was due to be sold but had refused to get into a truck and turned around and attacked his 57 year old owner. The elephant then refused to allow people to approach the owners body, The Chiang Mai Elephant Conservation Foundation eventually used tranquilizers to calm the Elephant. The value of import and export across land borders dropped in July by 15.5 percent year on year due to a slowdown in the Thai economy and that of neighbouring countries. Most economists are confident that the new government will be able to tackle Thailand’s financial challenges. Around the Region: Myanmar's junta yesterday expelled Timor-Leste's top diplomat in the country after he held a meeting with the shadow administration known as the National Unity Government. Jose Ramos-Horta has been given until 1st September to leave . Burma’s military regard the NUG - as a terror organisation. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north:bright, cloudy with thundershowers 32C Bangkok: Sunny Partly cloudy, 35C Pattaya, Sunny Partly cloudy, 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny Partly cloudy, 30C ‘HuaHin’: Sunny partly cloudy 35C. 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 2023-08-28 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

"Why Isn't Pita the Prime Minister?" Chiang Mai Residents Protest with Spray-Painted Sign Picture: Thai Rath The residents of Chiang Mai continue to voice their discontent by spray painting a message on a roadside sign, questioning "Why Isn't Pita the Prime Minister?" Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304820-why-isnt-pita-the-prime-minister-chiang-mai-residents-protest-with-spray-painted-sign/

Scam Gang Targets Burmese Store, Posing as Cops and Extorting Monthly Payments A Burmese store in Pattaya has raised concerns after being targeted by a gang of men posing as police officers, alleging affiliation with the Royal Thai Police's economic crime division and demanding money to avoid arrests. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304819-scam-gang-targets-burmese-store-posing-as-cops-and-extorting-monthly-payments/

Acid Attack: Young Woman's Face Disfigured, Sight at Risk Two young men in a mysterious sedan pulled up in front of a custom food shop in Nang Rong District, Buri Ram Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304818-acid-attack-young-womans-face-disfigured-sight-at-risk/

Pattaya Speedboat Operators Engage in Wild Viral Brawl at Bali Hai Pier Arguing Over Tourists By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Two groups of rival speedboat operators in Pattaya engaged in a widely filmed and shared viral fistfight over who would transport a group of tourists on Saturday evening, August 26th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304815-pattaya-speedboat-operators-engage-in-wild-viral-brawl-at-bali-hai-pier-arguing-over-tourists/

Nightspots in U-Tapao Airport Receive Green Light to Operate 24 Hours a Day, Pattaya Not Included By Tanakorn Panyadee National — The Thai government has clarified that the recent permission granted for entertainment venues to operate around the clock in the U-Tapao International Airport & Eastern Airport City Project does not extend to nearby areas such as Pattaya and Rayong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304813-nightspots-in-u-tapao-airport-receive-green-light-to-operate-24-hours-a-day-pattaya-not-included/

Thai finance ministry has no immediate plan to increase VAT to 10% The Ministry of Finance has no policy to increase value-added tax from 7% to 10%, to generate more revenue to fund old age pensions, according to Pornchai Theeravet, director of the Fiscal Policy Office and spokesman for the ministry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304812-thai-finance-ministry-has-no-immediate-plan-to-increase-vat-to-10/

The Ministry of Finance has no policy to increase value-added tax from 7% to 10%, to generate more revenue to fund old age pensions, according to Pornchai Theeravet, director of the Fiscal Policy Office and spokesman for the ministry. His remark is in response to a report that the National Economic and Social Development Council has proposed several measures to increase support for pensioners, including a proposed increase in the rate of VAT. Pornchai explained that, if VAT is to be increased, a law must be promulgated but, for the time being, the finance ministry has no plan to increase the tax. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-finance-ministry-has-no-immediate-plan-to-increase-vat-to-10/ -- 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

Mother seeks justice for son’s alleged police abuse, forced confession by Neill Fronde A phone photo of the man accused of suffering police abuse, forcing an allegedly false confession. (via KhaoSod). Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A distraught mother is seeking justice, claiming that local police in Ayutthaya abused her adult son. She explains that police arrested her son on theft charges, and then physically abused him while he was in custody. She alleges that they even forced him to admit to a rape charge. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304811-mother-seeks-justice-for-son’s-alleged-police-abuse-forced-confession/

Thai opposition in disarray as Move Forward Party rejects leadership role by Neill Fronde Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party says they don't want the role of opposition leader. Chaos has engulfed the Democrat Party, as the top opposition role remains unclear. This comes after the Move Forward Party (MFP), the largest opposing party, expressed disinterest in the role, likely to keep their Deputy House Speaker seat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304810-thai-opposition-in-disarray-as-move-forward-party-rejects-leadership-role/

Chaos has engulfed the Democrat Party, as the top opposition role remains unclear. This comes after the Move Forward Party (MFP), the largest opposing party, expressed disinterest in the role, likely to keep their Deputy House Speaker seat. The Democrat Party spokesperson, Ramet Rattanachaweng, stated that technically, the right to assume the opposition leader role falls to Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the largest minority party. However, the MFP retains the freedom to accept or reject the prestigious opposition seat. Furthermore, the party can choose to maintain or relinquish its current Deputy House Speaker post in return for the opposition leader role. Pita, in a media interview, made known that neither he nor his party is interested in leading the opposition. He maintained that the MFP was not elected to be the opposition leader, but pledged that his party would actively work to oppose the new leadership, preparing for a strong victory in the next election, four years from now. by Neill Fronde TOP: Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party says they don't want the role of opposition leader. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/politics/thai-opposition-in-disarray-as-move-forward-party-rejects-leadership-role -- 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

Latest cabinet line-up at a glance The new cabinet line-up is about almost complete, with the core party, Pheu Thai, taking most of the economic portfolios, including finance, commerce and transport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304809-latest-cabinet-line-up-at-a-glance/

Pheu Thai finalises Cabinet line-up, veteran politician as FM Image Courtesy: Matichon Pheu Thai Party’s proposed Cabinet line-up has undergone a last-minute change, which sees former trade representative and seasoned politician Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara tipped as foreign minister in the Srettha government, according to party sources. The sources say that Parnpree will double as deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs. Parnpree, an advisor on economic affairs for Pheu Thai, had been a favourite for the foreign affairs portfolio from the beginning, until the name of Chiang Mai MP Julapun Amornvivat was suggested. The sources say, however, that the party finally chose Parnpree as a result of last-minute horse-trading. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pheu-thai-finalises-cabinet-line-up-veteran-politician-as-fm/ -- 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

The new cabinet line-up is about almost complete, with the core party, Pheu Thai, taking most of the economic portfolios, including finance, commerce and transport. The latest cabinet line-up of the 11-party coalition government is as follows: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also doubles as finance minister. There will be 6 deputy ministers, including Phumtham Wechayachai, who will also be commerce minister. Anutin Charnvirakul will also be interior minister, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga will also be energy minister, Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan will also be natural resources and environment minister. The other two DPMs will be Chousak Sirinil and Somsak Thepsuthin. Additionally: • Puangpetch Chunla-iad will be minister of the Prime Minister’s Office. • Pol Col Thawee Sodsong will be justice minister. • Pai Leeke and Supamas Isarabhakdi will be deputy commerce ministers. • Gen Natthaphon Narkpanich will be defence minister. • Cholnan Srikaew will be public health minister • Santi Promphat will be deputy public health minister. • Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara will be foreign minister. • Julapun Amornvivat and Kritsada Jinavijarana will bedeputy finance ministers. • Sudaophan Wangsuphakitkosol will be minister of sports and tourism. • Varawut Silpa-archa will be minister of social development and human security. • Songsak Thongsri will be minster of higher education, science, research and innovations. • Thamanat Prompao will be agriculture and agricultural cooperatives minister. • Anucha Nakasai and Napinthorn Srisappang will bedeputy agriculture ministers. • Suriya Juangroongruangkit will be transport minister. • Suraphong Piyachote and Monporn Charoensri will bedeputy transport ministers. • Prasert Chanthararuangthong will be minister of digital economy and society. • Chada Chaiseth and Sermsak Pongpanich will be deputy interior ministers. • Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn will be labour minister. • Sutin Klungsang will be culture minister. • Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob will be education minister. • Surasak Phancharoenworakul and Nahathai Thewphaingarm will be deputy education ministers. • M.L. Chayotid Kridakorn will be industry minister. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/latest-cabinet-line-up-at-a-glance/ -- 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

Chinese Tourist Shortfall Takes Toll on Pattaya’s Tourism Sector By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Bangkok Post Pattaya — The tourism sector in Pattaya is grappling with a waning number of Chinese tourists due to current strict visa regulations and a shortage of flight options. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304808-chinese-tourist-shortfall-takes-toll-on-pattaya’s-tourism-sector/

Fatal crash: Thai motorcyclist collides with Chinese Porsche driver by Neill Fronde A fatal accident saw the death of a motorbike driver who collided with a Porsche. (via Sanook). Picture courtesy of Sanook A tragic accident has claimed the life of a 25 year old man who was involved in a collision with a Porsche Cayenne driven by a Chinese national. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304807-fatal-crash-thai-motorcyclist-collides-with-chinese-porsche-driver/

Two jobless teens nabbed for armed robbery to buy booze by Neill Fronde Two teens were arrested for armed robbery, claiming they were unemployed and needed booze money. (via KhaoSod), Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Two Thai men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested by the police for their involvement in an armed robbery at a Bangkok convenience store. The suspects confessed to committing the crime due to unemployment and their desire to buy alcohol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304806-two-jobless-teens-nabbed-for-armed-robbery-to-buy-booze/

Thailand’s FDA ramps up seafood inspection following Fukushima wastewater discharge by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Eugene Hoshiko, AP The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is holding back on any immediate action following the discharge of wastewater from Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304805-thailand’s-fda-ramps-up-seafood-inspection-following-fukushima-wastewater-discharge/

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is holding back on any immediate action following the discharge of wastewater from Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24. This detail was shared by Lertchai Lertvut, the FDA’s deputy secretary-general. Lertchai stated that the FDA has been in conversation with the Department of Fisheries, the Office of Atoms for Peace, and the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology over concerns regarding potential contamination of seafood due to the wastewater. He further clarified that Fisheries Department officials and the FDA will scrutinize all incoming food for signs of radioactive materials exceeding Thailand’s safety standards. Any shipments failing these safety inspections will be sent back, and additional imports will be halted. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Eugene Hoshiko, AP Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailands-fda-ramps-up-seafood-inspection-following-fukushima-wastewater-discharge -- 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

Pattaya Beach Brawl Leaves Two Teens Seriously Injured By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A brawl broke out on Pattaya Beach on Saturday night, August 26th, leaving two teenagers seriously injured, one with gunshot wounds to the leg. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304804-pattaya-beach-brawl-leaves-two-teens-seriously-injured/

Calls for CCTV footage to verify Thaksin Shinawatra’s health claims by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Political activist Jatuporn Prompan has called on the Department of Corrections (DoC) and the Police General Hospital to disclose CCTV footage to address public concerns surrounding the health condition of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304803-calls-for-cctv-footage-to-verify-thaksin-shinawatra’s-health-claims/

Political activist Jatuporn Prompan has called on the Department of Corrections (DoC) and the Police General Hospital to disclose CCTV footage to address public concerns surrounding the health condition of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Jatuporn, who has been imprisoned five times, pointed out that all inmates’ actions, including their medical treatments and transfers, are documented through CCTV. He stated on the Thailand First programme on Peace TV that the footage could reveal whether Thaksin’s illness is genuine or politically motivated. “There are suspicions over whether Thaksin is politically ill or truly sick. Upon his return to Thailand at Don Mueang airport, key members of the Pheu Thai Party asserted that he was in healthy condition. However, he suddenly fell ill after being taken to prison,” Jatuporn said. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/calls-for-cctv-footage-to-verify-thaksin-shinawatras-health-claims by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post -- 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

Local restaurants warned of sophisticated wine scam circulating in Hua Hin By Online Reporter File Photo An elaborate wine scam, which previously made headlines in Bangkok, has made its way to Hua Hin, with restauranteurs urged to remain vigilant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304802-local-restaurants-warned-of-sophisticated-wine-scam-circulating-in-hua-hin/