webfact

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. Adith Chairattananon, the honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, voiced optimism over this potential change. He believes that if the Pheu Thai party assumes control, it would lead to positive outcomes for the industry, particularly in terms of budget allocation and policy integration with other economic ministries. He also expressed hope for innovative ideas to invigorate the industry. Pheu Thai’s commitment to resolving visa application issues for Chinese tour groups and the introduction of visa fee waivers for foreign tourists were highlighted by Adith. He suggested that the implementation of these measures would be more likely if Pheu Thai also headed the Foreign Affairs Ministry, as predicted. by Alex Morgan Top Photo courtesy of Apichart Jinakul, Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/tourism-operators-welcome-potential-pheu-thai-leadership-in-thai-ministry -- 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

Thailand Sentences 7 to Jail for Protesting Myanmar Coup By The Irrawaddy Thai and Myanmar nationals protest against the coup in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok on February 1, 2021. / Prachatai Seven Thai citizens including a student from Thammasat University have been sentenced to jail, some for more than two years, for taking part in a Bangkok protest against the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304600-thailand-sentences-7-to-jail-for-protesting-myanmar-coup/

Thai and Myanmar nationals protest against the coup in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok on February 1, 2021. / Prachatai Seven Thai citizens including a student from Thammasat University have been sentenced to jail, some for more than two years, for taking part in a Bangkok protest against the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021. The Thai Criminal Court on Monday ruled that the defendants violated the Emergency Decree and interfered with the operations of authorities. All seven were sentenced to jail and fined, according to Thai news outlet Prachatai, citing Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). On the day of the coup, Thais and Myanmar nationals protested the military takeover in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok. The protest was dispersed by Royal Thai Police, who used shields and batons and made arrests. By The Irrawaddy TOP: Thai and Myanmar nationals protest against the coup in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok on February 1, 2021. / Prachatai Full story: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/thailand-sentences-7-to-jail-for-protesting-myanmar-coup.html -- The Irrawaddy 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

Monkey free certification launched in Thailand for coconut products amid Peta allegations by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of livekindly.com Striving to counter allegations of animal cruelty, the Department of Agriculture in Thailand has announced the launch of a new certification system, Monkey Free Plus (MFP), for coconut products not harvested by monkeys. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304598-monkey-free-certification-launched-in-thailand-for-coconut-products-amid-peta-allegations/

Striving to counter allegations of animal cruelty, the Department of Agriculture in Thailand has announced the launch of a new certification system, Monkey Free Plus (MFP), for coconut products not harvested by monkeys. This move comes in response to claims put forward by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), which has negatively impacted the export of Thai coconuts and related products to the United States, Canada, Europe, and other markets. These revelations were shared by the department’s director-general, Rapibhat Chandarasrivongs. In July, a consortium of coconut milk producers implored the government to respond to these allegations and hire a lobbyist to protect the industry’s interests. These appeals were triggered by accusations claiming the mistreatment of monkeys used in Thailand’s coconut harvesting process. Peta had posted a tweet stating, “Reminder that if you see ‘Thai’ or ‘Thailand’ on a can of coconut milk, leave it on the shelf. The Thai coconut industry kidnaps countless monkeys as babies & later forces them to pick coconuts.” by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of livekindly.com Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-launches-monkey-free-certification-for-coconut-products-amid-peta-allegations -- 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 25 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304595-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-25-august-2023/

The former deputy of the democrat party Prinn Panitch-pakdi will face further charges of sexual assault, this follows being sentenced to 2 years and 8 months in jail for an assault on an 18 year old girl earlier this month. Prinn faces 13 charges with the latest to be heard on 25th September. PROGRESSIVE Movement chairman, Thanathorn yesterday urged the public to sign on paper that they support the writing of a new constitution after the Election Commission refused to accept an e-petition supported by more than 53,000 people. The campaign was organized by human rights watchdog iLaw. A 34 year old woman from Nakon Ratchasima has been arrested for allegedly operating a pyramid scheme, more than 100 people were persuaded to invest and lost over 9 million baht. Police confiscated several mobile phones and bankbooks, the woman faces several charges including: fraud, advertising to entice people into investing and offering higher interest rates than legally permitted. Health authorities say Free screening of newborn baby’s will be offered as the national birth rate continues to decline. 24 rare medical conditions will be checked in an effort to improve the health of children nationwide. Locally, The partially decomposed body of a new zealand national was found yesterday hanging in a bedroom at his home close to soi 94 in Hua Hin. The 52 year old man was identified as Simon Fraser, doctors say he had been dead for 5 or 6 days. There was no sign of a struggle. Neighbours said the man had lived at the house for several years, but had not been seen recently. Around the Region: Taiwan’s main presidential candidate for the opposition party will visit Washington, New York and Sanfransisco next month, Hou Yu-ih’s visit aims to lay the groundwork for “deeper relations” and promote ongoing “substantive exchanges” between Taiwan and the US. There was no immediate response from Beijing. Taiwan’s government said from this month it will allow Chinese tourists and business people to visit again, As travel resumes following the Covid-19 pandemic. China has been resuming permission for its nationals to visit popular destinations but has yet to add Taiwan back on its approved list. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north:bright, cloudy with thundershowers 32C Bangkok: Bright, cloudy… thunderstorms 33C Pattaya, Bright, Cloudy thundershowers 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny Partly cloudy, DRY 30C ‘HuaHin’: Bright, cloudy, expect a heavy rain 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 2023-08-25 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

Stabbing incident: Meth user fatally attacks friend over drug theft in Phatthalung by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A 21 year old man, high on eight methamphetamine pills, committed a brutal stabbing attack on his friend, inflicting 13 wounds that led to his death. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304593-stabbing-incident-meth-user-fatally-attacks-friend-over-drug-theft-in-phatthalung/

30-Year Sentence for "Boy Unity": False Pricing of Imported Lamborghini Cars Revealed In a corruption court case, "Boy Unity" and his associates were sentenced to 30 years for importing Lamborghini cars from Liberia with falsely declared prices, evading taxes, and incurring hefty fines. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304589-30-year-sentence-for-boy-unity-false-pricing-of-imported-lamborghini-cars-revealed/

In a corruption court case, "Boy Unity" and his associates were sentenced to 30 years for importing Lamborghini cars from Liberia with falsely declared prices, evading taxes, and incurring hefty fines. On August 24, 2023, the corruption court delivered its verdict, finding "Boy Unity," real name Ittarasak Techathiti, along with Yung Sri Anan and Bunthakorn Techathiti (currently in hiding), guilty of importing luxury cars, reported Thai Rath. They had evaded taxes by declaring lower prices than actual, leading to substantial tax discrepancies. Customs officials responsible for inspecting goods and assessing taxes were also implicated. The court convicted them under penal code sections 157 and 162, among others. Prosecutors revealed that in 2021, Boy Unity's group imported high-end Lamborghini vehicles through Auto Car Import Co. and Gallery Auto Import Co., declaring lower values to avoid taxes. Boy Unity and Yung Sri Anan were sentenced to 6 years imprisonment each, while the customs officers were given 4 years each for certifying falsified documents. The importing companies faced fines ranging from 32 to 63 million baht. -- ASEAN NOW 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 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

Pravit, Wissanu, Don Assign Officers to Gradually Collect Belongings from their Offices On August 24, 2023, Deputy Prime Ministers Prawit, Wissanu, Don instructed officers to gradually retrieve personal belongings from their offices in Government House 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304587-prawit-wissanu-don-assign-officers-to-gradually-collect-belongings-from-their-offices/

On August 24, 2023, Deputy Prime Ministers Prawit, Wissanu, Don instructed officers to gradually retrieve personal belongings from their offices in Government House 1. These actions followed the recent royal appointment of Mr. Srettha Thaweesin as the 30th Prime Minister and the ongoing formation of the new cabinet, reported Thai Rath. Notably, activity was observed at Government House 1, the workplace of deputy prime ministers and the prime minister's office staff, as some deputy prime ministers began collecting items from their offices. Earlier in the afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister Don Pramudwinai, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, authorized officials to gather personal belongings on the first floor of Government House 1. Various items, including foldable chairs, picture frames, and smaller objects packed in boxes, were gradually collected and loaded onto vehicles, except for the Minister of Foreign Affairs' office. Furthermore, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, had also begun collecting documents. Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krua-ngam had his team gradually remove personal items, furniture, and even several Buddha statues from his third-floor office. -- ASEAN NOW 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 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

Korat restaurant’s unique billing system in Laotian kip amuses diners by Neill Fronde A Korat restaurant is shocking guests by presenting their bill in Laotian Kip. (via Indochina Tours) Imagine enjoying a fine meal and, when the bill comes, it costs hundreds of thousands. A Laotian restaurant in Korat has been giving a shock that turns into amusement amongst diners with its unusual billing system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304585-korat-restaurant’s-unique-billing-system-in-laotian-kip-amuses-diners/

Thief Strikes Pattaya Business Twice in August After Making Off with One Million Baht Worth of Valuables By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A bar & restaurant venue on Pattaya Third Road fell victim to the same thief twice in August after losing over one million baht worth of valuables in the first break-in. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304584-thief-strikes-pattaya-business-twice-in-august-after-making-off-with-one-million-baht-worth-of-valuables/

Four Cars Involved in Accident at Thepprasit Intersection in Pattaya, Driver Blames Brake Failure By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Pattaya — Four cars were involved in a crash on Thepprasit Road inbound to Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304583-four-cars-involved-in-accident-at-thepprasit-intersection-in-pattaya-driver-blames-brake-failure/

Fire Hits Bangkok Community Behind Prawet Police Station Picture: Siam Rath On August 24th, 2023, at 8:44 PM, Lieutenant Colonel Yutthakarn Suwannapong, Deputy Chief of Prawet Police Station, was alerted to a fire incident that occurred in a densely populated community located adjacent to the rear of the investigation room in Prawet area, Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304582-fire-hits-bangkok-community-behind-prawet-police-station/

Thanathorn Urges Public To Sign Petition To Draft New Charter by TNR Staff Progressive Movement chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit’s image next to a petition form and some of this campaign’s volunteers at rear. Photo: Matichon PROGRESSIVE Movement chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, urging the public to sign on paper that they support the writing of a new constitution after the Election Commission refused to accept an e-petition supported by 53,500 people, Matichon newspaper said today (Aug. 24). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304580-thanathorn-urges-public-to-sign-petition-to-draft-new-charter/

PROGRESSIVE Movement chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, urging the public to sign on paper that they support the writing of a new constitution after the Election Commission refused to accept an e-petition supported by 53,500 people, Matichon newspaper said today (Aug. 24). Thanathorn said human rights watchdog iLaw and other agencies that had mounted this campaign to write a new charter on Aug. 13 had only till 8 p.m. tomorrow evening to get supporters to sign on paper that they do so. “Please come and sign up at the Future Forward Building, just two minutes as the first step towards a people’s constitution,” he wrote. Top: Progressive Movement chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit’s image next to a petition form and some of this campaign’s volunteers at rear. Photo: Matichon Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/24/thanathorn-urges-public-to-sign-petition-to-draft-new-charter/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 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

“Digital Wallet” scheme expected to be launched by mid-2024 Deputy spokesperson for the Pheu Thai party, Treechada Srithada Pheu Thai party’s Digital Wallet scheme is expected to be launched during the first half of next year, but before the Songkran festival in April. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304579-“digital-wallet”-scheme-expected-to-be-launched-by-mid-2024/

Pheu Thai party’s Digital Wallet scheme is expected to be launched during the first half of next year, but before the Songkran festival in April. Deputy spokesperson for the Pheu Thai party, Treechada Srithada, said today (Thursday) that viral social media claims that they have cancelled the scheme, amidst the spread of a fake application asking people to register to receive the 10,000 baht subsidy, was fake news. Treechada said that the Pheu Thai-led government is determined to launch the scheme, which is currently being set up, adding that some ill-intentioned elements have spread fake news that the party has decided to scrap the scheme. Deputy spokesperson for the Pheu Thai party, Treechada Srithada Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/digital-wallet-scheme-expected-to-be-launched-by-mid-2024/ -- 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

Phuket Landlord Shocked At Damage Caused By Foreign Tenant by TNR Staff Photos show the house when it was rented out and the state it is in now. Credit: Sanook.com A YOUNG THAI man who had rented his house in Phuket to a Ukrainian man was shocked to discover today (Aug. 24) that the tenant had removed all the built-in furniture with the leaky roof almost collapsing and mould growing on the walls, Sanook.com said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304578-phuket-landlord-shocked-at-damage-caused-by-foreign-tenant/

Justice Ministry Accused Of Granting Undue Privileges To Thaksin By Thai Newsroom Reporters Pheu Thai de facto boss Thaksin Shinawatra giving a “wai” upon reaching Thailand on Tuesday Aug. 22, 2023. Photo: Thai Rath THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE was today (Aug.24) taken to task for allegedly granting undue privileges for de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra as a convicted inmate who was physically put behind bars for barely a half day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304577-justice-ministry-accused-of-granting-undue-privileges-to-thaksin/

Probe sought into alleged double standard treatment of prisoner Thaksin A group of people gathered at the Ministry of Justice today (Thursday), demanding an investigation into the conduct of the director-general of Corrections Department for alleged double standards in the treatment of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, claiming that he is being treated as a “VIP guest.” After his arrival in Thailand from his self-imposed exile on August 22, Thaksin was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison, to serve his 8-years in prison. Due to claimed health issues, he was placed in the prison’s hospital. In the middle of that night, he was transferred to the Police General Hospital by the Corrections Department, when he developed chest tightness and could not sleep. In a statement, the department said its hospital is not adequately equipped to cope with Thaksin’s ailments, such as heart disease, and decided to admit him to the Police General Hospital. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/probe-sought-into-alleged-double-standard-treatment-of-prisoner-thaksin/ -- 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

THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE was today (Aug.24) taken to task for allegedly granting undue privileges for de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra as a convicted inmate who was physically put behind bars for barely a half day. A group of street activists led by the so-called Students and People’s Network for Thailand’s Reform peacefully demonstrated outside the headquarters of the Ministry of Justice in protest of the agency whom they accused of practising double standards by providing undue privileges for the deposed prime minister who returned on Tuesday from 17 years in self-exile abroad after he had been deposed in the 2006 coup and sentenced in absentia by court to eight years in jail for a few separate cases of misconduct perpetrated during his premiership nearly two decades ago. An activist holding a placard that says, “In jail for only a day.” Photo: Thai Rath The alleged double standards practised by the Corrections Department under care of the Ministry of Justice to satisfy the desires of the de facto Pheu Thai boss regardless of the law under which he should have been treated like other inmates were unduly compromising the country’s judicial integrity, the anti-Thaksin activists said. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Pheu Thai de facto boss Thaksin Shinawatra giving a “wai” upon reaching Thailand on Tuesday Aug. 22, 2023. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/24/justice-ministry-accused-of-granting-undue-privileges-to-thaksin/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 25 August 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1304576-thailand-live-friday-25-august-2023/