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Teenage gang violence: Perpetrators accused of fatal schoolboy killing in Nakhon Phanom road chase by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. A gang of six teenagers have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in the death of a 14 year old boy, who was attacked with weapons on August 19. The teenage gang violence incident took place by the roadside of a dual carriageway in Nakhon Phanom province of northeast Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304183-teenage-gang-violence-perpetrators-accused-of-fatal-schoolboy-killing-in-nakhon-phanom-road-chase/

BOT Says Key Rate Near Balanced Level by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) recently said Thailand’s current level of the benchmark interest rate was nearly balanced, adding that monetary policy would not be affected by a delay in the formation of a new government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304182-bot-says-key-rate-near-balanced-level/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) recently said Thailand’s current level of the benchmark interest rate was nearly balanced, adding that monetary policy would not be affected by a delay in the formation of a new government. The BOT has raised its key rate seven times to 2.25% since last August to tame inflation and help foster a smooth economic recovery. Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput told a central bank seminar that as the recovery remained intact, the BOT would ensure its monetary policy was suitable for the longer term, with inflation sustainably in the target range of 1% to 3%. He said, "It’s near a balanced point, where the key rate allows the economy to grow as its potential and inflation is within the target range without creating vulnerability to the economic system." According to the governor, a delay in the formation of a government following the elections in May would not impact the central bank’s policy implementation, but capital movement and the baht. Sethaput said, "Political factors have weakened the baht lately as they created uncertainty." The baht has lost 2.5% against the dollar so far this year. Thailand has been under a caretaker administration for five months as deadlock prolongs after the election-winning Move Forward party’s failure to form a government. Commenting on inflation, Sethaput said the headline rate was lower than expected but would later return to the target. Earlier this month, the governor said the BOT might hold or hike the key rate at its next policy meeting on September 27. Minutes from the monetary policy meeting on August 2 also said policy rates were approaching stability levels. The BOT governor said Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy has been driven by consumption and tourism, with foreign tourist arrivals predicted at 29-30 million this year. He added, however, that second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) data might not be "that good" because of softer exports. The economy expanded 2.7% year-on-year in the first quarter, helped by tourism. by Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230821094822447 -- NNT 2023-08-21 - 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

Awaiting arrest, ex-Prime Minister Thaksin returns to Thailand amidst political unrest by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of watchesbysjx.com As Thailand anticipates the arrival of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, fresh from a self-imposed exile, arrest warrants are ready for viewing and inevitable jail time awaits him. His expected return is scheduled for tomorrow, incidentally, coinciding with parliamentary proceedings to elect the country’s 30th leader. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304180-awaiting-arrest-ex-prime-minister-thaksin-returns-to-thailand-amidst-political-unrest/

As Thailand anticipates the arrival of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, fresh from a self-imposed exile, arrest warrants are ready for viewing and inevitable jail time awaits him. His expected return is scheduled for tomorrow, incidentally, coinciding with parliamentary proceedings to elect the country’s 30th leader. His daughter, Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra, a former prime ministerial candidate for the Pheu Thai Party, aired the news of her father’s forthcoming arrival. She conveyed via social media that Thaksin’s private plane is due to make its descent at Don Mueang airport tomorrow at 9am. Reportedly, Thaksin and his sister, Yingluck, made their way from Dubai to Singapore prior to the final leg of the journey. An insider disclosed that officials are set to await Thaksin’s landing in the VIP segment of the airport. As soon as he sets foot in Thailand, senior police officers will promptly enlighten him about multiple arrest warrants and other documentation relevant to his case. Following this, Thaksin will be ushered to immigration before being transported to the Police Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. His journey concludes at the Supreme Court—where he will report. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of watchesbysjx.com Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/politics/awaiting-arrest-ex-prime-minister-thaksin-returns-to-thailand-amidst-political-unrest -- Thaiger 2023-08-21 - 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

Thai beauties and a few beasts, the return of Thaksin : Tim Newton Today - August 21 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304177-thai-beauties-and-a-few-beasts-the-return-of-thaksin-tim-newton-today-august-21/

Whilst Thais decide a new Miss Universe Thailand, they seem less able to decide on a new prime minister. That may change tomorrow with the next joint sitting of the Thai parliament and a vote for, possibly, Srettha Thavisin, the Pheu Thai candidate. But there may be an arrival at Don Mueang Airport by former PM and fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra Tuesday morning. SO... a busy day for the Thai media. Meanwhile, a novel way to promote your 'Broccoli' shop in Bangla Road, Patong, a controversial (and terrifying) state in Bangkok is getting attention from officials and a skeleton washed up on a Phang Nga beach. And West Side Story comes to Bangkok in October as part of the Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Family dispute sparks deadly manhunt in Chachoengsao over dog conflict by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of thelawyermag.com. In an escalating family dispute, a man stormed into his relatives’ residence shooting dead one and injuring another yesterday, before fleeing the scene. Police have since launched an investigation to find the suspect, who had left with his partner and child. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304175-family-dispute-sparks-deadly-manhunt-in-chachoengsao-over-dog-conflict/

EV sales in Thailand to hit 50,000 despite auto loan regulations by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Freepik The Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) anticipates a surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales to 50,000 units this year. This comes despite challenges such as diminishing purchasing power, rampant household debt, and the implementation of stricter auto loan regulations by banks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304166-ev-sales-in-thailand-to-hit-50000-despite-auto-loan-regulations/

The Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) anticipates a surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales to 50,000 units this year. This comes despite challenges such as diminishing purchasing power, rampant household debt, and the implementation of stricter auto loan regulations by banks. In the previous year, local EV sales in Thailand saw approximately 20,000 units sold. The popularity of EVs in the country can be traced back to a series of incentive packages by the government, in a bid to turn Thailand into a regional EV focal point. Last year witnessed the cabinet approval of incentive packages comprising tax breaks and subsidies to boost both EV production and consumption between 2022 and 2023. Kriengsak Wongpromrat, TAI’s president, expressed optimism for the Thai automotive industry in the current year. In particular, he emphasized the EV sector, where he anticipates steady sales. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-ev-sales-to-hit-50000-despite-auto-loan-regulations-2 -- Thaiger 2023-08-21 - 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

Food delivery driver apologizes after refusing overweight customer due to bike damage by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Maligned for rejecting an overweight customer due to breaking suspension, a food delivery driver has issued a heartfelt apology. Initially voicing his frustration by sharing images of a broken motorcycle shock absorber, attributing its damage to heavy passengers, his comments now sit at the heart of a heated online debate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304164-food-delivery-driver-apologizes-after-refusing-overweight-customer-due-to-bike-damage/

Maligned for rejecting an overweight customer due to breaking suspension, a food delivery driver has issued a heartfelt apology. Initially voicing his frustration by sharing images of a broken motorcycle shock absorber, attributing its damage to heavy passengers, his comments now sit at the heart of a heated online debate. As reported, images appeared on the Red Skull Facebook page, taken from one of their drivers’ groups. The controversial post showed a woman customer alongside the broken motorcycle shock absorber. The delivery driver wrote, “This shock absorber has lasted three months. I paid 37 baht for it. Now, I’m left shaking. I get 37 baht for the ride, but I have to pay over a thousand to replace the shock absorber. If I see a heavy person, I am no longer accepting. Absolutely not!” These remarks violated the sensibilities of many online, with netizens perceiving them as bullying and disrespectful of the overweight customer. The shared comment and photos increasingly painted the driver negatively, attacking his professionalism and empathy reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Top Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/food-delivery-driver-says-sorry-after-refusing-overweight-customer-due-to-bike-damage -- Thaiger 2023-08-21 - 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

Influenza infection cases triple in a year, topping 970,000 with one fatality reported by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Freepik In an alarming public health update, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) has noted that the annual influenza infection figures have exceeded 970,000 this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304163-influenza-infection-cases-triple-in-a-year-topping-970000-with-one-fatality-reported/

In an alarming public health update, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) has noted that the annual influenza infection figures have exceeded 970,000 this year. A stark increase from last year’s number at this point, this figure is triple the magnitude, conveying the highly contagious nature of seasonal flu. A fatality has been reported among the infected individuals. The unfortunate case is a 39 year old male beset with complications stemming from both alcoholism and chronic liver disease, stated Deputy Director-General of the DDC, Dr Sopon Iamsirithaworn. Dr Sopon emphasised that vaccination is pivotal for those classed under the at-risk population, including anyone crossing the age of 65 and those grappling with chronic ailments. Meanwhile, he urged others to exercise isolation and use face masks if they find themselves with influenza infection symptoms. by Mitch Connor Top Photo courtesy of Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/influenza-infection-cases-triple-in-a-year-topping-970000-with-one-fatality-reported -- Thaiger 2023-08-21 - 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 - Monday 21 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304162-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-21-august-2023/

Bangkok Police issued an order prohibiting public gatherings within 50 meters from parliament, from 8am this morning until midnight on Thursday, the ban is ahead of tomorrow's session when MPs and senators are due to.. vote-in Thailands 30th prime minister. A poll by the National Institute of Development Administration, showed respondents disagreed with the idea of the Pheu Thai party forming a “special government” with military-backed rivals. The winner of the May election, Move Forward, was blocked from forming a government. So called Red-shirt supporters say they will travel from Nakhon Ratchasima to greet former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra at don Muang airport on his return, scheduled for tomorrow morning. Groups from other parts of the country are also expected to join them. Police in German say the death of a Thai woman was probably homicide, The woman's body was found on Friday night, local media report she may have been stabbed to death. she was the owner of an art restaurant in Berlin. Health authorities say the number of cases of influenza is three times higher this year compared with last year with just under one million cases reported so far. People over 60 and those with other illnesses are advised to get a flu jab, frequent hand washing and wearing a facemask is also advised for those that are infected. Around the Region: Indonesia The 55th Asean Economic Ministers’ meeting was held in Semarang, Indonesia, over the weekend. The group said it would intensify economic integration to improve cross-border trade and investment flows, this would unlock a potential US$2 trillion dollars in its digital economy by 2030. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north:bright, cloudy with thundershowers 31C Bangkok: Bright, cloudy… thunder showers this afternoon 32C Pattaya, Cloudy with thunderstorms, 30C Phuket and the south: Sunny Partly cloudy, 30C ‘Hua Hin’: Bright, partly cloudy, expect heavy showers this afternoon 31C. 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 2023-08-21 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

Tourists continue to travel to Koh Kood - Koh Mak even in the low season Picture: Siam Rath Trat Province: Despite the low season, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) continues to witness tourists traveling to explore the popular attractions of Koh Kood and Koh Mak. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304159-tourists-continue-to-travel-to-koh-kood-koh-mak-even-in-the-low-season/

Fatal Taxi Accident in Samut Prakan: Dark Road and Construction Site Blamed In a tragic incident on August 20, 2566, at around 9:30 PM, a taxi plunged off the road, crashing into a construction post of an under-construction bridge over a canal in Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304157-fatal-taxi-accident-in-samut-prakan-dark-road-and-construction-site-blamed/

Fire Engulfs Utility Wires, Scorches Parked Vehicles In a startling incident at 01:30 AM on August 21, 2023, a fire erupted in utility wires along Pattaya Beach Road, causing a blaze that consumed six parked vehicles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304156-fire-engulfs-utility-wires-scorches-parked-vehicles/

Deputy House speaker in hot water for entertaining parliament’s maids Padipat Suntiphada Deputy House speaker Padipat Suntiphada said today (Sunday) that he is prepared to be investigated for allegedly misusing parliamentary funds, by hosting Thai barbecue buffet for about 300 maids working at the parliament complex. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304155-deputy-house-speaker-in-hot-water-for-entertaining-parliament’s-maids/

Another Huge Statue Unveiled In Nonthaburi by TNR Staff EVEN as Bangkokians are still agog over a huge black statue of an emaciated, winged figure with golden fangs and scarlet talons outside a hotel, a bigger statue of Sihuhata deity has been unveiled at adjacent Nonthaburi province, TV Channel 7 said yesterday (Aug. 20). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304154-another-huge-statue-unveiled-in-nonthaburi/

Child seat vehicle laws go into effect in Phuket: 2,000 baht fine by Neill Fronde Child seats are now required in Phuket for children under six, with a 2,000 baht penalty. (via Motherhood). Picture courtesy of Motherhood Buckle up kids! The public – particularly parents – have once again been reminded about the new safety regulations regarding child seats in vehicles within Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304152-child-seat-vehicle-laws-go-into-effect-in-phuket-2000-baht-fine/

Papers On Srettha’s Alleged Property Wheeling-Dealing Scams Sent To All Lawmakers By Thai Newsroom Reporters Pheu Thai prime-ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin, left, and political activist Chuwit Kamolvisit, right. Photo: Thai Rath OFFICIAL PAPERS EVIDENCING certain property dealings and allegedly signifying dishonesty and lack of good governance on the part of real estate mogul-turned-prime-ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin have been sent to all lawmakers before they cast either a yea vote for him or a nay vote against him on the upcoming Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304151-papers-on-srettha’s-alleged-property-wheeling-dealing-scams-sent-to-all-lawmakers/

OFFICIAL PAPERS EVIDENCING certain property dealings and allegedly signifying dishonesty and lack of good governance on the part of real estate mogul-turned-prime-ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin have been sent to all lawmakers before they cast either a yea vote for him or a nay vote against him on the upcoming Tuesday. Political activist Chuwit Kamolvisit today (Aug.20) told reporters that he has already sent varied official documents allegedly involving the surreptitious wheeling-dealing businesses done in part by the Pheu Thai prime-ministerial candidate whilst performing as president of a giant property company, namely Sansiri Plc., which had allegedly used business nominees to juggle up real estate dealings on legal loophole-taking, price-spurring and tax-evading purposes. For instance, Chuwit alleged, the ex-Sansiri president had used a security guard and a housewife as his business nominees handling mega-million-baht property projects in Bangkok. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Pheu Thai prime-ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin, left, and political activist Chuwit Kamolvisit, right. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/20/papers-on-sretthas-alleged-property-wheeling-dealing-scams-sent-to-all-lawmakers/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 2023-08-21 - 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

Berlin Police seek to track down a brutal attacker who used a glass bottle to kill a Thai woman by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Rescue workers remove the body of 61-year-old Siliya Rothert (inset) from the murder scene on Friday morning last in the Schoneberg area of Berlin. The alarm was raised by workers at a nearby hotel at 12.45 am. Police found the body of the Thai woman in a lane off Fuggerstrasse alongside her bloodied bag (inset) and a broken glass bottle, which is understood to have been the murder weapon. Ms Siliya was a well-loved member of the Thai German community in the city. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304150-berlin-police-seek-to-track-down-a-brutal-attacker-who-used-a-glass-bottle-to-kill-a-thai-woman/