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Traffy fondue: Phuket launches English app to assist foreigners by Mitch Connor Foreign tourists in Thailand, freepik An English language-enabled version of the Traffy Fondue application has been launched by the provincial office of Phuket, Thailand. This platform has been developed to assist foreign visitors in airing their grievances about local environmental conditions and public services. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304380-traffy-fondue-phuket-launches-english-app-to-assist-foreigners/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 23 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304374-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-23-august-2023/

Thailand’s 30th new prime minister Sretha Tavisin said he was committed to fulfilling his responsibilities to the best of his abilities and striving to elevate the quality of life of all Thai citizens., However he declined to answer questions from the press, adding it would not be appropriate until his election officially received royal endorsement. MPs and Senators voted Sretha in as PM last night with 482 votes in favour, 165 against and 81 abstentions. Move Forward Party sec-gen said last night, his party will play a "proactive and creative" role as the main opposition party. Thaksin Shinawat spent his first night in a private medical room at Bangkok remand prison, doctors say he was suffering from several medical conditions and his condition would be monitored. A 35 year old woman has asked the Office of Consumer Protection to obtain compensation from a nursery responsible for the death of her three-month-old daughter. She had taken her daughter into a nursery to be looked after while she was at work, The nursery called her later to say the toddler had choked to death while being fed. Doctors were unable to revive the girl. The woman says she has not received any compensation or a clear explanation of what happened The consumer protection board said it will take up her case. An app introduced in Phuket last December known as the Traffy Fondue Manager has shown to be popular with overseas visitors. The English language app allows users to register complaints with authorities such as poor road conditions, power outages and other problems. The Traffy Fondue Manager app has now been rolled out in Bangkok and several other cities. The department of transport says owners of 5.5 million vehicles paid 7.64 billion baht between October last year and July. This is an increase over previous years which is believed to be due to easier tax payment methods such as over the counter at convenience stores and online transfers. Around the Region: Singapore: More than 2.7 million Singaporeans will head to the polls on Sept 1st to elect one of three candidates standing for president. The elected candidate will replace President, Halimah Yacob and will be inaugurated on 14 September. The role of President in Singapore is largely symbolic, while the government is run with Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong as its head. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north:bright, cloudy with thundershowers 33C Bangkok: Bright, cloudy… thunder showers 33C Pattaya, Cloudy with thunderstorms, 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny Partly cloudy, 31C ‘HuaHin’: Bright, Sunny becoming partly cloudy, expect a heavy shower 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 2023-08-23 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

Elderly Man, 86, Crashes Car Into Funeral Hall in Ratchaburi Province Picture: 77kaoded Ratchaburi - At 9:00 PM on August 22, Mr. Boon-Ek Sarnwat, the Deputy Superintendent of Paktho Police Station, Ratchaburi Province, was informed of an incident involving a sedan crashing into a funeral hall at Wat Wimolam Rakkharam. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304371-elderly-man-86-crashes-car-into-funeral-hall-in ratchaburi-province/

Anutin Congratulates Srettha on Becoming Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, who also serves as the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, expressed his delight for Srettha Thavisin, who was elected as the Prime Minister in the parliamentary session. Anutin congratulated Srettha on his election as the Prime Minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304369-anutin-congratulates-srettha-on-becoming-prime-minister/

Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, who also serves as the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, expressed his delight for Srettha Thavisin, who was elected as the Prime Minister in the parliamentary session. Anutin congratulated Srettha on his election as the Prime Minister. Regarding the question of whether he will retain his position in the Ministry of Public Health, Anutin mentioned that the current cabinet will remain in place until the new cabinet is formed, and he will continue to serve until the transition takes place, reported INN. Discussing the quota within the Bhumjaithai Party, Anutin mentioned that talks have taken place, and the new Prime Minister will decide through consultations among the party's leadership. He stressed the importance of mutual respect and consideration. As for the speculation about the composition of the new cabinet, Anutin indicated that it's necessary to wait for official announcements. The voting results that led to Srettha Thavisin's election as Prime Minister are seen as a positive sign for addressing conflicts and fostering collaboration. The Bhumjaithai Party is committed to working diligently and continuously. Anutin emphasized that unity is essential and reiterated the need for understanding and adjusting perspectives. He noted that discussions about ministerial quotas have occurred within the coalition government, but the final decision rests with the new Prime Minister. Anutin concluded by urging patience for upcoming announcements. -- ASEAN NOW 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 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

Phuket Man Faces Defamation Charge After Posting Clip of Police Stop on TikTok By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A social media user has faced a defamation charge after he posted on social media when he saw police stopped foreign riders and fining them for allegedly breaking traffic rules on a road in Chalong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304368-phuket-man-faces-defamation-charge-after-posting-clip-of-police-stop-on-tiktok/

UK and Thailand Hold Joint AI Week By Adam Judd A guest article by Thomas Sinclair. Thomas is the editor of the Pembrokeshire Herald. The British Embassy in Bangkok has just concluded its inaugural UK AI Week, a riveting four-day event from the 15th to the 18th of August 2023 that showcased the United Kingdom’s global leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The goal? To deepen the ties between the UK and Thailand, and explore the untapped potential of AI in the region. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304367-uk-and-thailand-hold-joint-ai-week/

The British Embassy in Bangkok has just concluded its inaugural UK AI Week, a riveting four-day event from the 15th to the 18th of August 2023 that showcased the United Kingdom’s global leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The goal? To deepen the ties between the UK and Thailand, and explore the untapped potential of AI in the region. The week was bursting with activities, from high-level policy discussions to commercial exhibitions. At the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, key stakeholders from both countries inaugurated the week with a policy roundtable. UK representatives included experts from renowned institutions such as the Alan Turing Institute and the Institute of Analytics. The gathering revolved around the potential of AI, its implications across various sectors, governance, investment opportunities, and AI as a catalyst for positive change. As the sun set on the 15th of August, the British Embassy held a reception at the Ambassador’s residence. Dignitaries, experts from the UK, Thai government officials, and multilateral organisations, including UNESCO, came together to celebrate the synergy between the two nations. Perhaps the highlight of the week was the UK’s first-ever participation at the Techsauce Global Summit, where the GREAT Pavilion featured nine pioneering British AI and data businesses. Over 15,000 tech aficionados, investors, and businesses saw the UK’s commercial capabilities in sectors like agriculture, finance, climate, and more. By Adam Judd A guest article by Thomas Sinclair. Thomas is the editor of the Pembrokeshire Herald. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/08/23/uk-and-thailand-hold-joint-ai-week/ -- THE PHUKET EXPRESS 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

UPDATE: Legal Action Taken Against 31 Cannabis Shops in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Legal action is being taken against 13 unlicensed cannabis shops in Phuket and 18 cannabis shop licenses were paused. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304338-cannabis-shop-inspections-urged-by-phuket-health-officials/?do=findComment&comment=18294831

Prinn Get 2 Years, 8 Months In Indecency Case by TNR Staff Former Democrat Party deputy leader Prinn Panichphakdi. Photo: Matichon THE Bangkok South Criminal Court has sentenced former Democrat Party deputy leader Prinn Panichphakdi to two years and eight months in jail without parole on charges of subjecting an 18-year-old student to indecent exposure at a restaurant in 2021, Matichon newspaper said late last night (Aug. 22). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304366-prinn-get-2-years-8-months-in-indecency-case/

THE Bangkok South Criminal Court has sentenced former Democrat Party deputy leader Prinn Panichphakdi to two years and eight months in jail without parole on charges of subjecting an 18-year-old student to indecent exposure at a restaurant in 2021, Matichon newspaper said late last night (Aug. 22). Mr. Kosolwat Intuchanyong, deputy spokesman for the Office of the Attorney General, said he was informed by Ms. Patchara Issaraporn, the prosecutor at Southern Bangkok Criminal Case 3, that this verdict on two counts of indecent acts was passed on Aug. 10. The plaintiff had told the court that Prinn had tricked her into joining him at a rooftop restaurant in Sukhumvit Soi 11 to talk about work and teach her how to invest in stocks where the indecent acts occurred. by TNR Staff Former Democrat Party deputy leader Prinn Panichphakdi. Photo: Matichon Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/23/prinn-get-2-years-8-months-in-indecency-case/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 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

CardX braces for regulatory change raising customer debt repayment 3% by Neill Fronde SCB X Group's CardX is preparing for minimum debt repayment rules to increase from 5% to 8%. (via Bangkok Post). Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post CardX, a credit card service provider operating under SCB X Group, anticipates a potential issue with customer compliance linked to an upcoming regulatory change from the Bank of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304365-cardx-braces-for-regulatory-change-raising-customer-debt-repayment-3/

CardX, a credit card service provider operating under SCB X Group, anticipates a potential issue with customer compliance linked to an upcoming regulatory change from the Bank of Thailand. The central bank presently permits credit card users to repay their debt at a minimum rate of 5% of the overall credit balance each month, a measure introduced to aid consumers impacted by the economic fallout from the pandemic, reported Bangkok Post. Sarut Ruttanaporn, the Chief Executive of CardX, shared that this rate is due to increase to 8% in 2024, before reverting to the standard rate of 10% the following year. Of CardX’s two million credit cardholders, 8%, or 160,000 accounts, currently repay their debt at the 5% minimum rate. by Neill Fronde Top: SCB X Group's CardX is preparing for minimum debt repayment rules to increase from 5% to 8%. (via Bangkok Post). Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/cardx-braces-for-regulatory-change-impact-on-customer-debt-repayment -- 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

Scam alert: Runaway contractor defrauds 100+ Thai victims with 16 million baht loss by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เอกภพ สายไหม Over 100 Thai people have fallen prey to a construction scam orchestrated by a contractor who is currently on the run. The resulting financial toll of this fraudulent scheme is projected to surpass 16 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304364-scam-alert-runaway-contractor-defrauds-100-thai-victims-with-16-million-baht-loss/

Over 100 Thai people have fallen prey to a construction scam orchestrated by a contractor who is currently on the run. The resulting financial toll of this fraudulent scheme is projected to surpass 16 million baht. A contingent of 50 victims formally filed a complaint with Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn. They detailed how a construction contractor named Khachain “Man” Kuntian duped them out of their funds. The cumulative losses endured by this group alone have reached a staggering 16 million baht. Saimai Survive founder Ekkaphop Lueangprasert yesterday accompanied the victims to see Big Joke. He revealed to the media that there could be more than 100 victims and the loss could be double of the original estimate. After talking with the victims, Ekkaphop made known that Man’s extensive knowledge of the law helped him to evade arrest. Ekkaphop explained that Man orchestrated a scheme to exploit gaps within the legal system which made the victims unable to file a complaint to the police. Ekkaphob did not clarify in detail how Man subverted the laws to trick the victims. One victim, 33 year old Rattanaporn Raksayot, revealed to Big Joke and the media that she sought a contractor for a house renovation and met Man’s contractor on Facebook. Man visited her at the house to talk about the project and gave her impressive fares that undercut rival contractors. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เอกภพ สายไหม -- 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 Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/contractor-defrauds-over-100-victims-over-16-million-baht-swindled

Jealous husband’s tragic twist: Foiled murder-suicide bid by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Loso Por. A jealous Thai husband’s murder-suicide plan was foiled when police and rescuers intervened just in time after he attacked his wife with a knife and then sought to end his own life. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304363-jealous-husband’s-tragic-twist-foiled-murder-suicide-bid/

Bangkok Cabbie Returns Wallet with 370K Baht to Bangladeshi Tourist By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: FM91 Bangkok — A taxi driver in Bangkok has returned a wallet with over 373,490 baht in foreign currencies to a Bangladeshi tourist. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304362-bangkok-cabbie-returns-wallet-with-370k-baht-to-bangladeshi-tourist/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 23 August 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1304361-thailand-live-wednesday-23-august-2023/

Thai man kills 1 injures another in deadly dog dispute Photo via Channel 3 A Thai man surrendered to the police after he shot two victims following a row over their pet dogs fighting. One victim was murdered and the other is injured and in intensive care. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304341-thai-man-kills-1-injures-another-in-deadly-dog-dispute/

Many Thai netizens were glued to coverage of the return to Thailand and surrender of now former fugitive ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been in self-imposed exile for the best part of 17 years. Eagle-eyed netizens study Thaksin’s watches Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304344-eagle-eyed-netizens-study-thaksin’s-watches/

Thailand just chose a prime minister. He’s not the one people voted for By Wilawan Watcharasakwej and Rebecca Tan The Washington Post Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate, Srettha Thavisin, greets party members during a meeting at its headquarters in Bangkok on Monday, ahead of his nomination as premier in a parliamentary vote on Tuesday. (Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters) BANGKOK — Thailand has selected a new prime minister. He’s not from the party people voted for in May. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304330-thailand-just-chose-a-prime-minister-he’s-not-the-one-people-voted-for/

Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate, Srettha Thavisin, greets party members during a meeting at its headquarters in Bangkok on Monday, ahead of his nomination as premier in a parliamentary vote on Tuesday. (Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters) BANGKOK — Thailand has selected a new prime minister. He’s not from the party people voted for in May. Led by an 11-party coalition, lawmakers agreed Tuesday afternoon to appoint Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai party as Thailand’s next prime minister, ending months of turbulent negotiations that have alienated the reformist, youth-oriented party, Move Forward, which was blocked from forming a government despite clinching a stunning victory at the polls. Srettha, 60, a real estate tycoon turned political newcomer, received the support of more than 400 legislators, and has said he will focus on stimulating Thailand’s lagging economy. On Monday, he told reporters it was “necessary," given the country’s protracted political deadlock, for people to move past the party’s earlier promises not to cooperate with military leaders. While the election was widely regarded as a rebuke of the conservative military establishment that has governed Southeast Asia’s second largest economy for the past decade, the new ruling coalition includes pro-military leaders, including generals from the outgoing government who have violently quashed criticism in the name of maintaining stability. Thai voters could oust military from power — barring election fraud The vote formalized a remarkable about-face for Pheu Thai, which vowed — until recently — not to share power with members of the conservative elite who have repeatedly ousted it from government through judicial or military coups. Hours before the vote, Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to the country after 17 years in self-exile, a decision that analysts say was probably made in anticipation of Pheu Thai’s shaky ascent back into power. Thaksin, 74, helped establish an earlier incarnation of Pheu Thai and his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was earlier put forward as one of the party’s presidential candidates. A billionaire who built his wealth running a telecommunications conglomerate, Thaksin led Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown by the military. Faced with a raft of corruption charges, he has avoided returning to his home country with the exception of a brief visit in 2008, even as the populist movement he founded continued to play a major role in Thai politics. But on Tuesday morning, hours before Pheu Thai’s Srettha garnered enough votes to assume the top role, Thaksin disembarked from a private jet at Don Mueang International Airport. After meeting briefly with family, he was escorted to the Supreme Court and then to the Bangkok Remand Prison, where authorities said he is being held in isolation. It is not immediately clear whether Thaksin will serve his full sentence of eight years in prison under the new government led by Srettha, a close ally of the Shinawatra family. Many expect Thaksin to try to seek a royal pardon or parole based on medical reasons. “We’ve missed him,” said Boom Faidang, 66, one of thousands of Thaksin supporters in red shirts who gathered at the airport to welcome home the renowned fugitive. “He has done so many good things for Thai people and for the country.” Deposed by the military in 2014, Pheu Thai earned fewer votes than expected at the election this May, losing ground to Move Forward, a youth-oriented party that has sought — more explicitly and consistently than Pheu Thai — to curb the sweeping powers of the Thai monarchy and military. Pheu Thai initially allied itself with Move Forward against the military parties. But after the country’s military-appointed, 250-member Senate voted twice to reject the prime ministerial bid of Move Forward’s candidate Pita Limjaroenrat, Pheu Thai abandoned that coalition and reneged on campaign promises not to ally with its former political foes, including the parties of outgoing Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. Move Forward, which voted against the ruling coalition on Tuesday, will again serve in the opposition. “I didn’t fail” to become prime minister, Pita, a lawmaker from Bangkok with degrees from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has emphasized to reporters in recent months, “I was blocked.” Move Forward supporters as well as a segment of Pheu Thai adherents say the new coalition ignores what people demanded at the polls, which is an end to military rule. In a news conference Monday, Pheu Thai said it had promised cabinet positions to pro-military parties Palang Pracharath and Ruam Thai Sang Chart, which have governed with rising authoritarianism over the past decade, arresting hundreds of young people at student-led protests in 2020 and changing the constitution to preserve their power. Nattawut Saikua, a prominent leader of Thaksin’s red shirt movement, announced this week that he would leave Pheu Thai because of its decision to share power with the military. “I can’t go along with it,” said Nattawut. While the new government is not “fully democratic,” it is expected to be more effective than the outgoing junta in addressing the challenges plaguing Thailand, from increasing household debt and a rapidly aging population to rising crime and insecurity along the Thai-Myanmar border, said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor of political science at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. Srettha, a Bangkok native, holds a master’s of business administration from Claremont University in the United States, and is known to be popular among business leaders. “Thailand is in desperate need of a better performing government, a more competent government,” Thitinan said. Pheu Thai’s compromise may have also paved the way for Thaksin’s return, though in the long term it could cause lasting damage to the party’s reputation as well as to Thaksin’s political legacy. This is “a short term, shortsighted investment,” said Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a professor of Thai politics at Kyoto University, and a critic of the Thai monarchy. “It is not for the benefit of the voters or supporters of the party,” Pavin said, “but for Thaksin’s own interest.” Pheu Thai’s dealmaking, analysts say, could end up driving support for Move Forward, which has called for Thailand to amend its controversial lèse-majesté law that mandates severe punishments for anyone who criticizes the royal family. In 2020, when Thailand’s Constitutional Court disbanded an earlier version of the party, called Future Forward, thousands of young people took to the streets of Bangkok, braving the military’s water cannons and tear gas. At the recent election, it nearly doubled its number of seats in the House of Representatives, showing that it can capture a broad base of support, said Aaron Connelly, a senior fellow for Southeast Asian Politics at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore. Conservatives may have stopped Move Forward from assuming power now, Connelly said, but “they can’t keep doing this without forcing a reckoning.” By Wilawan Watcharasakwej and Rebecca Tan The Washington Post Tan reported from Singapore. Regine Cabato in Manila contributed to this report. Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/08/21/thailand-thaksin-pheu-thai-election-srettha/# -- The Washington Post 2023-08-22 - 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 Appeal Court found Suthep not guilty of corruption Ex-deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban talks to reporters after the Appeal Court found him not guilty of corruption on August 22. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304327-the-appeal-court-found-suthep-not-guilty-of-corruption/

Ex-deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban talks to reporters after the Appeal Court found him not guilty of corruption on August 22. Former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban and five co-defendants have been found not guilty of corruption, in the construction of 396 police stations and apartments around the country, by the appeals panel of the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders. The ruling today (Tuesday) upheld that of the Supreme Court given on September 10 last year. The case dates back to 2009-2013, during the Democrat-led administration led by Abhisit Vejjajiva. Suthep was accused by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), along with three other senior police officers, PCC Development and Construction Company and one of its executives, of malfeasance in office for changing the contracts for the construction of police stations and apartments, from separate contracts into a single one, without checking the bid prices, which were unrealistically low. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/the-appeal-court-found-suthep-not-guilty-of-corruption/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-22 - 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