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BANGKOK, Aug 23 (TNA) – His Majesty King Mahavajiralongkorn has endorsed Srettha Thavisin as Thailand's 30th prime minister, according to a spokesman for the House Speaker. Srettha won the parliamentary vote to become the new prime minister on Tuesday. He is scheduled to receive the royal endorsement at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters at 6 pm today, said the spokesman Kampee Distakorn. (TNA) Source: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news/line-today-english-news-1227204 -- TNA-MCOT 2023-08-23 - 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

Srettha Thavisin urged to address economic challenges swiftly by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post. Thailand’s political stalemate came to a close yesterday as property tycoon Srettha Thavisin was elected as the country’s 30th prime minister following a majority vote in both houses of Parliament. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304406-srettha-thavisin-urged-to-address-economic-challenges-swiftly/

Thailand’s political stalemate came to a close yesterday as property tycoon Srettha Thavisin was elected as the country’s 30th prime minister following a majority vote in both houses of Parliament. Now, the nation’s business community is urging the newly appointed leader to hasten the process of organising his government. The aim is to promptly address a sequence of pressing challenges such as fragile exports, an impending drought crisis, and the ongoing economic recovery. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), expressed the need for the newly elected Srettha’s Cabinet to begin work immediately. The goal is to rejuvenate and expand the Thai economy which has been under the limited power of the outgoing PM Prayut Chan-o-cha Cabinet since the announcement of House dissolution in March. Referring to the Move Forward Party’s failure to secure approval for a prime minister within the coalition government during parliamentary sessions in July, Kriengkrai, highlighted the necessity of a new government to stimulate the country’s economy. “We hope any political problems will end now.” by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/newly-elected-thai-pm-urged-to-address-economic-challenges-swiftly -- Thaiger 2023-08-23 - 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 MP urges residents to report taxi apps that overcharge By Peter Roche FILE PHOTO The MP for Phuket District 1 is calling on passengers who are overcharged by taxi apps to report them. Somchart Techathavorncharoen, a Move Forward MP, says any taxi driver who doesn’t adhere to the rates laid down by the government should be reported. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304405-phuket-mp-urges-residents-to-report-taxi-apps-that-overcharge/

UPDATE: Thaksin taken to Police Hospital for heart treatment The Corrections Department confirmed today (Wednesday) that it had to send former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to the Police Hospital in the middle last night, because the department’s hospital does not have adequate equipment to cope with his ailments, particularly his heart disease. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304391-thaksin-helicoptered-to-police-hospital-at-3am-after-feeling-ill-says-department-of-corrections/?do=findComment&comment=18295702

Thaksin taken to Police Hospital for heart treatment The Corrections Department confirmed today (Wednesday) that it had to send former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to the Police Hospital in the middle last night, because the department’s hospital does not have adequate equipment to cope with his ailments, particularly his heart disease. The department said, in a statement issued Wednesday morning, that at 11.59pm, a nurse in Zone 7 of the Bangkok Remand Prison reported that Thaksin experienced tightness in his chest and could not sleep well. He was also suffering hypoxemia and hypertension. The nurse then consulted a doctor, who checked the medical records in files from hospitals in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, where Thaksin had been treated before his return to Thailand yesterday. The files show that Thaksin has several ailments under treatment, including high blood pressure (hypertension), myocardial ischemia, a degenerative spine, pulmonary fibrosis and heart disease, which requires special monitoring. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thaksin-taken-to-police-hospital-for-heart-treatment/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-23 - 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

Thaksin languishes in jail and two new prime ministers : Tim Newton Today - August 23 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304404-thaksin-languishes-in-jail-and-two-new-prime-ministers-tim-newton-today-august-23/

Thaksin is now in jail, diagnosed with four health issues, after being handed down an eight year sentence. Meanwhile Thailand has a new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, after he was able to attract more than enough support to become the 30th Thai PM. Meanwhile, a neighbour also had the blessing of a new prime minister but a quite different method of selecting a new parliamentary leader! El Niño is causing havoc for Thai farmers with rainfall dropping and drought predicted, and the TAT says domestic tourism is on the rebound and helping tourism operators keep hotel doors open. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

UPDATE: Thaksin Moved to Police Hospital Due to Illness BANGKOK, Aug 23 (TNA) – Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was transferred to hospital as he had high blood pressure on the first night in jail after his return from exile. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304391-thaksin-helicoptered-to-police-hospital-at-3am-after-feeling-ill-says-department-of-corrections/?do=findComment&comment=18295663

Thaksin Moved to Police Hospital Due to Illness BANGKOK, Aug 23 (TNA) – Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was transferred to hospital as he had high blood pressure on the first night in jail after his return from exile. Mr. Ayuth Sintoppant, Director-General of the Corrections Department confirmed Mr. Thaksin had insomnia and a recurring illness with high blood pressure and was sent to be treated at Police General Hospital last night. He needed to be treated under close medical supervision at hospital where correctional officers were dispatched to provide security. The Corrections Department later issued a statement, saying Thaksin also had chest tightness and low blood oxygen level. Due to a lack of advanced medical equipment at the Corrections Department Hospital, doctors agreed to refer Mr. Thaksin who has a heart disease to Police General Hospital. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1227172 -- TNA-MCOT 2023-08-23 - 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

Srettha crossed the line in being elected as Prime Minister and now moves to form a cabinet by Joseph O' Connor Newly elected Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as Pheu Thai Party headquarters on Tuesday evening after being elected Prime Minister by parliament by 482 votes to 165 with 81 abstentions. The election of Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister on Tuesday confirms the prospect of a new government that crosses the old political divide. It is a step forward for stability in the short term but a side step from the May 14th General Election and the public’s call for reform in the longer term. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304402-srettha-crossed-the-line-in-being-elected-as-prime-minister-and-now-moves-to-form-a-cabinet/

The election of Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister on Tuesday confirms the prospect of a new government that crosses the old political divide. It is a step forward for stability in the short term but a side step from the May 14th General Election and the public’s call for reform in the longer term. Thailand’s newly elected Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was endorsed by Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Wednesday and finds himself leading what is, in practical terms, a reconciliation government. The 60-year-old former property tycoon now begins the task of forming his cabinet with expectations that the new government will be in power for some time following a historic day both inside and outside parliament when Mr Srettha’s nomination easily passed the threshold of 374 votes ending up with 482. Former property tycoon Mr Srettha Thavisin became Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister on Tuesday afternoon in an eventful and historic day in the kingdom which saw the return of former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra who was imprisoned by order of the Supreme Court just after hours after touching down at Don Mueang Airport from Singapore on a private jet. by Joseph O' Connor TOP: Newly elected Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as Pheu Thai Party headquarters on Tuesday evening after being elected Prime Minister by parliament by 482 votes to 165 with 81 abstentions. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/08/23/srettha-endorsed-as-30th-prime-minister-by-king/ -- Thai Examiner 2023-08-23 - 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

El Nino triggers drought risk for 16.5 million rai of Thai agricultural land by Mitch Connor Thai farmer walking on parched land at a rice field. Picture courtesy of EPA/Rungroj Yongrit. Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry confirmed yesterday that an estimated 16.5 million rai of agricultural land nationwide will be impacted by reduced rainfall due to the El Nino phenomenon this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304401-el-nino-triggers-drought-risk-for-165-million-rai-of-thai-agricultural-land/

Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry confirmed yesterday that an estimated 16.5 million rai of agricultural land nationwide will be impacted by reduced rainfall due to the El Nino phenomenon this year. The ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Apai Sutthisang, expressed concern over the impending dry season, particularly as the effects of El Nino are predicted to intensify in November. The Royal Irrigation Department anticipates that by the close of this year’s rainy season in November, the country’s 35 primary reservoirs will contain approximately 22.8 billion cubic metres (m³) of water. This is a decrease of around 13 billion m³ compared to the previous year due to the unprecedented impacts of El Nino. If current rainfall patterns persist, by November, the four largest dams in the country – Bhumibol Dam situated in Tak, Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit, Kwai Noi Bamrung Daen Dam in Phitsanulok and Pasak Jolasid Dam in Lop Buri – will collectively contain 6.8 billion m³ of water. This is a reduction of 7.7 billion m³ compared to last year. by Mitch Connor TOP: Thai farmer walking on parched land at a rice field. Picture courtesy of EPA/Rungroj Yongrit. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/el-nino-triggers-drought-risk-for-16-5m-rai-of-thai-agricultural-land -- Thaiger 2023-08-23 - 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 braces for heavy rainfail and potential flash floods by Samantha Rose Electricity crackles through the dark, stormy night generated by artificial intelligence. Picture courtesy of vecstock, Freepik The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts heavy rainfall across various regions of Thailand due to monsoons and low atmospheric pressure. People living in the northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and eastern southern regions of the country have been advised to stay cautious of heavy rainfall and potential flash floods. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304400-thailand-braces-for-heavy-rainfail-and-potential-flash-floods/

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts heavy rainfall across various regions of Thailand due to monsoons and low atmospheric pressure. People living in the northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and eastern southern regions of the country have been advised to stay cautious of heavy rainfall and potential flash floods. The monsoon trough is moving across the upper part of northern Thailand and upper Laos, heading towards the low atmospheric pressure area in upper Vietnam. This pattern, coupled with the southwest monsoon blowing across the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, will likely result in thundershowers and heavy rain in some areas. The weather forecast for the northern region predicts a 60% chance of thundershowers and heavy rainfall in certain areas, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. The temperature is expected to be between 23-26 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 32-36 degrees Celsius at the highest. The wind is blowing from the southwest at a speed of 10-20 kilometres per hour. The northeastern region is also likely to experience a 60% chance of thundershowers with heavy rainfall in some parts of Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. The temperature is predicted to be between 24-26 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 32-36 degrees Celsius at the highest. The wind is blowing from the southwest at a speed of 10-20 kilometres per hour. by Samantha Rose TOP: Electricity crackles through the dark, stormy night generated by artificial intelligence. Picture courtesy of vecstock, Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/thailand-braces-for-heavy-monsoon-rains-and-potential-flash-floods -- Thaiger 2023-08-23 - 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 PM, Srettha, vows to elevate Thai well-being, royal PM appointment postponed by Petch Petpailin Photo by Wason Wanichakorn via AP The newly elected Prime Minister of Thailand promised to elevate the well-being of the Thai people after yesterday’s Parliament meeting to select a new PM. However, the scheduled royal ceremony for the installation of the new PM at 8pm encountered a delay. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304399-new-thai-pm-srettha-vows-to-elevate-thai-well-being-royal-pm-appointment-postponed/

The newly elected Prime Minister of Thailand promised to elevate the well-being of the Thai people after yesterday’s Parliament meeting to select a new PM. However, the scheduled royal ceremony for the installation of the new PM at 8pm encountered a delay. During the Parliament meeting to select a new PM, the Pheu Thai Party’s candidate, Srettha Tavisin, managed to secure the position with an impressive 482 votes out of a total of 747 from Members of Parliament and senators. Among 165 members who voted no, 147 were members of the Move Forward Party (MFP). Srettha, the 30th PM of Thailand, gave a short speech to the media after his victory. “Thank you to every Thai person, every government coalition party, every honoured MP, and every senator who attended Parliament to select a new PM today. I will do my best. I will work tirelessly for the better lives of every Thai person. Thank you.” by Petch Petpailin Photo by Wason Wanichakorn via AP Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/new-thai-pm-srettha-vows-to-elevate-thai-well-being-royal-pm-appointment-postponed -- Thaiger 2023-08-23 - 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

Move Forward becomes main opposition party Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Move Forward Party / AFP Despite being the largest single party in Thailand’s House of Representatives, the Move Forward party has announced that it will work in opposition, after parliament overwhelmingly endorsed the Pheu Thai party’s prime ministerial candidate, Srettha Thavisin, yesterday (Tuesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304398-move-forward-becomes-main-opposition-party/

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Move Forward Party / AFP Despite being the largest single party in Thailand’s House of Representatives, the Move Forward party has announced that it will work in opposition, after parliament overwhelmingly endorsed the Pheu Thai party’s prime ministerial candidate, Srettha Thavisin, yesterday (Tuesday). Srettha received 482 votes of approval, against 165 of disapproval and 81 abstentions. Move Forward’s secretary-general, Chaithawat Tulathon, told the media that the partnership between Pheu Thai and the junta-linked parties, among others, to form the coalition government does not end the political divide, characterized by the red and yellow groups, but is collusion to extend the junta’s political system. He said that the party will do its utmost to check the performance of the government for the benefit of the people and will coordinate with those outside parliament to effect change in Thai society. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-party-becomes-main-opposition-party/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-23 - 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

Thaksin helicoptered to Police Hospital at 3am after feeling ill says Department of Corrections by James Morris and Son Nguyen Former Thai Prime Minister, from 2001 to 2006, Thaksin Shinawatra, was seen at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok on Tuesday morning after his arrest on the tarmac when his private jet touched down. He was greeted by well-wishers who came out to cheer him on. Later in the morning, after being whisked off to appear before the Supreme Court in the Sanam Luang area of the capital, he was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison, where he was admitted to a medical ward before lunchtime as he began an eight-year prison sentence for abuse of power, fraud and corruption. Tuesday marked the end of an era in Thailand as the former premier ended his extended period in exile since 2008 and even before that, from 2006 on the same day as his political party saw its nominee elected as Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304391-thaksin-helicoptered-to-police-hospital-at-3am-after-feeling-ill-says-department-of-corrections/

Former Thai Prime Minister, from 2001 to 2006, Thaksin Shinawatra, was seen at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok on Tuesday morning after his arrest on the tarmac when his private jet touched down. He was greeted by well-wishers who came out to cheer him on. Later in the morning, after being whisked off to appear before the Supreme Court in the Sanam Luang area of the capital, he was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison, where he was admitted to a medical ward before lunchtime as he began an eight-year prison sentence for abuse of power, fraud and corruption. Tuesday marked the end of an era in Thailand as the former premier ended his extended period in exile since 2008 and even before that, from 2006 on the same day as his political party saw its nominee elected as Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister. The kingdom’s most famous inmate, now housed at Bangkok Remand Prison, ended the day in a private room at a medical ward under 24-hour medical care as he began an eight-year prison sentence which many expect will be a lot shorter than that but, as the last 100 days since the May 14th General Election show, nothing is ever as predictable in Thailand as it is in other countries. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was airlifted from prison early on Wednesday morning to Police General Hospital in Bangkok after becoming ill just 12 hours after being admitted to the medical wing of Bangkok’s Remand Prison on Tuesday. Mr Thaksin was sent to prison on Tuesday morning by order of the Supreme Court to serve 8 years in respect of three finalised convictions and was later admitted to Bangkok Remand Prison where on Tuesday night he was reported to be staying in a monitored room at the medical wing of the establishment without air conditioning but with limited online connectivity to keep in touch with family and friends. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/08/23/thaksin-flies-in-is-whisked-away-to-prison/ -- Thai Examiner 2023-08-23 - 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

Domestic tourism in Thailand hits 93% recovery by Alex Morgan Suladda Sarutilavan, courtesy of traveltalkmag.com.au Thailand’s domestic tourism sector has seen a significant recovery, reaching 93% of its pre Covid-19 levels, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304383-domestic-tourism-in-thailand-hits-93-recovery/

Thailand’s domestic tourism sector has seen a significant recovery, reaching 93% of its pre Covid-19 levels, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TAT expects to record approximately 160 million domestic trips in the country this year, a sharp contrast to the dismal figures witnessed at the onset of the pandemic in 2019. At a press conference, Suladda Sarutilavan, director of the TAT’s Chiang Mai office, provided an upbeat assessment of the current tourism landscape in both Thailand and Chiang Mai. She highlighted the considerable strides made in the domestic tourism sector, which now stands at 93% of its pre-pandemic levels. The projected tourism-related revenue is also expected to reach 808.2 billion baht by the end of this year, marking a 75% increase from 2019. Suladda attributed the robust recovery to several key factors. These include the World Health Organisation’s announcement signalling the end of the Covid pandemic as a global health emergency, and various government incentives designed to stimulate domestic tourism. Extra public holidays and campaigns offering discounts or organising events for tourists have played a pivotal role in reviving the industry. by Alex Morgan Suladda Sarutilavan, courtesy of traveltalkmag.com.au Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thailands-domestic-tourism-nears-pre-pandemic-levels-hits-93-recovery -- Thaiger 2023-08-23 - 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 Chamber President awaits PM’s swift action on 3000 million baht projects by Nattapong Westwood Srettha Thavisin, courtesy of Somchai Poomlard/Bangkok Post Phuket’s Chamber of Commerce President, Kongsak Khupongsakorn, is keenly awaiting the immediate action of Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. There are a myriad of pressing issues regarding Phuket projects waiting to be addressed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304381-phuket-chamber-president-awaits-pm’s-swift-action-on-3000-million-baht-projects/