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A RUSHED campaign launched by Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw) and other activist groups to get the public to sign on paper petitioning the new government to introduce a referendum on whether a completely new constitution should be written managed to get more that 50,000 signatures before 8 p.m. deadline today (Aug. 25), Matichon newspaper said. The campaign, entitled “Completely write a new one, vote 100%” and hashtagged #conforall, was quickly kicked off after the Election Commission earlier this week said an e-petition backed by 53,500 people was not acceptable with supporters having to sign on paper that they want a referendum on this issue. Volunteers had set up tables at various locations since yesterday morning to get enough signatures for the petition including Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Chulalongkorn University’s political science faculty, cafes, restaurants and BTS stations. by TNR Staff TOP: Mr. Yingcheep Atchanon, iLaw’s director, giving the thumbs up after over 52,900 people signed the petition. Photo: Matichon Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/25/new-constitution-campaign-gets-over-50000-signatures-before-deadline/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 2023-08-26 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 26 August 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1304670-thailand-live-saturday-26-august-2023/

Wissanu to quit politics for good Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, chief legal advisor to several governments, including eight years in the Prayut administration, said today (Friday) that he has decided to quit politics for good, to take a rest, look after his health and to write books. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304664-wissanu-to-quit-politics-for-good/

Royal Thai Police yesterday arrested a Nigerian man and 13 Thais for operating a covert romance scam. The scam operation managed to deceive hundreds of victims across Thailand out of over 800 million baht in the past four years. Nigerian and 13 Thais arrested for operating romance scam Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304652-nigerian-and-13-thais-arrested-for-operating-romance-scam/

Songkhla shooting: 67 year old man fatally shot, motorcycle and gun stolen by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In a brutal act of violence, a 67 year old man was shot and killed last night in his home in Songkhla, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304630-songkhla-shooting-67-year-old-man-fatally-shot-motorcycle-and-gun-stolen/

UPDATE: German Hells Angels suspect detained in Thailand, extradition underway by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post. A German man suspected of being a Hells Angels member has been detained by immigration officials in Chiang Rai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304621-german-hells-angels-gang-member-apprehended-in-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=18301445

Thai PBS role as public broadcaster praised, but urged to do more Thai PBS Director General Wilasinee Phiphitkul delivering the annual report of the public broadcaster to the House of Representatives on Thursday. Law-makers commended the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) on Thursday for its independent news coverage and educational programming, but called on Thailand’s leading public broadcaster to find ways to improve its audience ratings. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304628-thai-pbs-role-as-public-broadcaster-praised-but-urged-to-do-more/

Law-makers commended the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) on Thursday for its independent news coverage and educational programming, but called on Thailand’s leading public broadcaster to find ways to improve its audience ratings. They also want to see Thai PBS produce more content promoting media literacy, in the wake of a proliferation of misinformation and fake news. The suggestions came during a House meeting to hear the annual report from the management of Thai PBS, Thailand’s first public service broadcaster. Addressing the chamber, Thai PBS Director General Wilasinee Phiphitkul pointed out how the public broadcaster has covered major events in the past year in a way which distinguished it from other media outlets, including the Bangkok gubernatorial elections in May last year, the recent general election and the flooding that hit the country last year. TOP Picture: Thai PBS Director General Wilasinee Phiphitkul delivering the annual report of the public broadcaster to the House of Representatives on Thursday. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pbs-role-as-public-broadcaster-praised-but-urged-to-do-more/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-25 - 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

PM-elect visits Phuket and Phang-nga to meet tourism operators Before formally taking office, Thailand’s next prime minister Srettha Thavisin flew to Phuket province today (Friday), accompanied by Pheu Thai party staff in charge of tourism promotion, to meet with business people and residents of the province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304627-pm-elect-visits-phuket-and-phang-nga-to-meet-tourism-operators/

Srettha Thavisin: Connections, career, and criticism of Thailand’s new prime minister Srettha Thavisin has become Thailand’s 30th prime minister after being endorsed by royal command. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304626-srettha-thavisin-connections-career-and-criticism-of-thailand’s-new-prime-minister/

Srettha Thavisin has become Thailand’s 30th prime minister after being endorsed by royal command. The property tycoon turned politician – one of coalition leader Pheu Thai’s three prime ministerial candidates – managed to secure the required parliamentary majority on Tuesday despite being hit by a barrage of criticism. Srettha won 482 votes (of 330 MPs and 152 senators) with 165 votes against (152 MPs and 13 senators), and 81 abstentions (13 MPs and 68 senators). Critics have questioned Srettha’s integrity and his qualifications to lead the next government. Among them is political whistleblower Chuwit Kamolvisit, who accused the incoming prime minister of facilitating tax evasion, an allegation that Srettha denied while accusing Chuwit of blackmail. Many of the senators who voted for Srettha are close to outgoing PM Prayut Chan-o-cha – including his younger brother General Preecha Chan-o-cha and his former classmate General Chatchai Sarikulya. The two men are among the 250 senators appointed by the post-coup junta led by General Prayut. Srettha, 61, showed little sign of emotion during Wednesday’s ceremony at Pheu Thai headquarters for his royal endorsement as PM. The solemn event was attended by other key Pheu Thai figures, including party leader Cholnan Srikaew and fellow PM candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra, along with leaders of other coalition partners. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/srettha-thavisin-connections-career-and-criticism-of-thailands-new-prime-minister/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-25 - 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

Fugitive murder suspect nabbed after 15 years hiding as grilled meatball vendor in northeast Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. A fugitive murder suspect, who had been on the run for 15 years, was arrested in Surin province for a murder case dating back to 2008. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304625-fugitive-murder-suspect-nabbed-after-15-years-hiding-as-grilled-meatball-vendor-in-northeast-thailand/

German Hells Angels Gang Member Apprehended in Thailand BANGKOK, Aug 25 (TNA) – Immigration police arrested a German national who is believed to be a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang and is wanted for assault by the authorities in his country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304621-german-hells-angels-gang-member-apprehended-in-thailand/

Lights out: Dispute over leaving light on ends in tragic shooting in Trang by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A heated dispute over leaving a light on resulted in a fatal shooting incident in Trang, Thailand. A 61 year old man named Udom was reportedly shot by his 24 year old adopted son, Kritsada Chunglok, after a confrontation in their home yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304620-lights-out-dispute-over-leaving-light-on-ends-in-tragic-shooting-in-trang/

Brewing a social media storm: Thai woman discovers clear teeth brace in tea by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Ploy Chutinan A Thai woman took to Facebook to share that she found a clear teeth brace in a beverage she had bought from a well-known Thai beverage brand. From the picture, it is believed to be the popular Thai tea brand ChaTraMue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304619-brewing-a-social-media-storm-thai-woman-discovers-clear-teeth-brace-in-tea/

A Thai woman took to Facebook to share that she found a clear teeth brace in a beverage she had bought from a well-known Thai beverage brand. From the picture, it is believed to be the popular Thai tea brand ChaTraMue. The woman shared the picture of the clear teeth brace last night on her Facebook account, Ploy Chutinan. The picture showed plastic glass with the brace at the bottom. Ploy accompanied the picture with a caption saying… “Tea from a reputable brand. I had already finished it. Never did I anticipate something like this happening to me. Could this pose an infection risk? A clear brace in my cup? #FamousTeaBrand #ThrowUpThreeTimes #Disappointed #Shock!!!” The post garnered over 2,400 reactions, 1,700 comments, and 1,400 shares. Most netizens tagged their friends in the comment session to warn them to check their cups before drinking. Some blamed Ploy for creating a fake situation to gain attention because the brace was big enough to be noticed. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Ploy Chutinan Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/brewing-a-social-media-storm-thai-woman-discovers-clear-teeth-brace-in-tea -- Thaiger 2023-08-25 - 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 government… what about expats and tourism? : Tim Newton Today - August 25 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304617-new-thai-government…-what-about-expats-and-tourism-tim-newton-today-august-25/

Thailand News - Thailand's new PM meets with outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as the transition of government takes place, predictions of some policies from the new government on expats and tourism from Pattaya Mail, warnings about scams surrounding the 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme from Pheu Thai, new airports recommended for Chiang Mai and Phuket, Chiang Mai immigration police nab a German wanted for serious crimes back in his home country. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Former PM Thaksin still under care of Police General Hospital by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - Police officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau are now providing security protection at the Police General Hospital, where former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is receiving medical treatment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304613-former-pm-thaksin-still-under-care-of-police-general-hospital/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Police officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau are now providing security protection at the Police General Hospital, where former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is receiving medical treatment. An urgent memo signed by the commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 6 Pol Maj Gen Nakarin Sukontawit instructed officers to form a special team at Pathumwan Police Station to respond to any potential incident at the Police General Hospital. The memo called for a rapid response team composed of a police inspector, a sub-inspector, and 4 non-commissioned police officers to be on standby at Pathumwan Police Station. The officers must be able to respond to an order within 15 minutes. This rapid response team is being commissioned from 24 August to 31 August, or until the mission is complete. There have been suspicions about the possibility of Mr. Thaksin being transferred from the Police General Hospital toa private facility. In response, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Justice Sahakarn Petchnarin said saving an inmate’s life is necessary, which would justify if a sick patient is transferred to another hospital if his condition is beyond the treatment capabilities available at the Police General Hospital. The transfer will however be considered based on medical necessity. Mr. Sahakarn said however that there is currently no need for Mr. Thaksin to be transferred to a private hospital, adding that the hospital to which Mr. Thaksin could be transferred to would be decided by the doctors and the Department of Corrections. by Tanakorn Sangiam Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230825084500677 -- NNT 2023-08-25 - 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

This is the official mugshot of Donald Trump released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office Source: BBC

Opinion: Dear Pheu Thai, please stop your pantomime by Arun Saronchai Politics has shown itself to be a charade, perpetuated by the corrupt. If you need evidence, look no further than the past week’s developments. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304609-opinion-dear-pheu-thai-please-stop-your-pantomime/

Politics has shown itself to be a charade, perpetuated by the corrupt. If you need evidence, look no further than the past week’s developments. How else can we explain the Pheu Thai Party, after fighting their arch-enemies for nearly two decades, now suddenly joining hands with them on the grand stage of political theater? Do they think the public is naive? The excuses being made by our new Prime Minister Srettha, as well as party leaders Phoomtham and Cholanan, appear to be more for their own benefit than for the people they purportedly serve. We should brace ourselves to hear an onslaught of hollow phrases in the coming days and weeks: “necessary sacrifice,” “reconciliation government,” “need to move the country forward.” For the last three years, Pheu Thai leaders have confided in me, disparaging the very individuals they’re now cozying up to. From accusations like “Thammanat Prompan is a crooked, drug-dealing thug” to “Anutin Charnvirakul is killing the country with his ill-conceived vaccine policy,” these were LITERAL phrases uttered by Pheu Thai leadership. And yet, here they are, arm in arm, dancing in the repugnant waltz of politics. by Arun Saronchai Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50506/opinion-dear-pheu-thai-please-stop-your-pantomime/ -- THAI ENQUIRER 2023-08-25 - 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

Temple rampage: Knife-wielding man threatens novices, injures officer by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A 39 year old man, identified as Nathee Meebun, went on a temple rampage wielding a knife and threatening to attack three novices. Upon receiving the report, a team of voluntary police officers rushed to the scene, with one officer sustaining injuries in the process. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304607-temple-rampage-knife-wielding-man-threatens-novices-injures-officer/

Pheu Thai leadership welcomed by tourism operators by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Apichart Jinakul, Bangkok Post The Pheu Thai political party’s potential leadership of the Tourism and Sports Ministry has been warmly welcomed by tourism operators. This development arises from growing speculation around the formation of the new cabinet. Numerous news outlets suggest that the ministry might transition from the Bhumjaithai Party to Pheu Thai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304604-pheu-thai-leadership-welcomed-by-tourism-operators/