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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. Police in Berlin are actively tracking the murderer of a Thai woman whose body was found in the Schoneberg area of the city in the early hours of Friday morning. She had been fatally attacked with a glass bottle and left in a pool of her own blood. The attack on Ms Siliya Rothert is being treated by police as a murder, probably with a personal motive given its vicious and frenzied nature. Officers have ruled out a botched robbery. They are trying to track down the killer who fled the scene before the alarm was raised by workers at a nearby hotel in the Schoneberg area of Berlin after passers-by stumbled on the body. A 61-year-old Thai woman who had made a life for herself in Germany was cut down in the early hours of Friday morning in a brutally violent murder which is being investigated by a Berlin Police murder squad who are pursuing her attacker, seen taking flight from the scene. Ms Siliya Rothert is understood to have died after being ‘glassed’ with a bottle by her crazed attacker in a particularly brutal and violent assault. The incident has left the vibrant Thai community in the German capital in a state of shock and fear. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/08/20/berlin-police-hunt-thai-woman-brutal-killer-siliya-rothert-saiwongpanya/ -- Thai Examiner 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

Teenage motorcycle courier fatally shot intervening in gang dispute by Neill Fronde A boy was shot after accidentally getting involved in a motorcycle gang dispite. (Picture courtesy of KhaoSod) In the early hours of today, a 19 year old motorcycle rider, who was waiting for work at a city junction, intervened in a quarrel amongst a group of teenagers and was tragically shot. Two of his friends also suffered injuries in the horrific incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304149-teenage-motorcycle-courier-fatally-shot-intervening-in-gang-dispute/

Rider Dies In Collision With Train In Ayutthaya by TNR Staff The smashed motorcycle lying on the rail track. Photo: Matichon A YOUNG WOMAN riding a motorcycle died after colliding with a train at Chiang Rak Noi railway station in Bang Pa-in district, Ayutthaya province today (Aug. 20), Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304148-rider-dies-in-collision-with-train-in-ayutthaya/

Consumer council members want Bt3,000 per month for all retirees Thailand’s Consumer Council (TCC) have voiced their opposition to the Interior Ministry’s recent change to rules on old age pensions and wants them to reinstate the old rules, under which all elderly people aged 60 and over who are not government officials or state enterprise employees are eligible to monthly cost of living allowance from 600 to 1,000 baht, depending on their age. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304147-consumer-council-members-want-bt3000-per-month-for-all-retirees/

Thailand’s Consumer Council (TCC) have voiced their opposition to the Interior Ministry’s recent change to rules on old age pensions and wants them to reinstate the old rules, under which all elderly people aged 60 and over who are not government officials or state enterprise employees are eligible to monthly cost of living allowance from 600 to 1,000 baht, depending on their age. The TCC recently held a hearing for its members to express their opinions, all of whom disagreed with the Interior Ministry’s change of the rules, under which only elderly people who do not have an income or sufficient income to livewill be eligible for the pension. The council said it will summarise the opinions and recommendations made by its members for submission to the cabinet, through its policy committee. During the hearing, Assistant Professor Weerasak Putthasri, deputy secretary-general of the National Health Committee, said that they attach importance to employment and many elderly people are still capable of working and should be allowed to work and the pension should be universally accessible by all elderly people, aged 60 or older, no matter whether they have other income. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/consumer-council-members-want-3000-baht-per-month-for-all-retirees/ -- Thai PBS 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

Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed train expected to enter service in 2027 Photo on the website of bangkokbiznews.com Construction of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train between Bangkok and the north-eastern border province of Nong Khai is progressing satisfactorily, with the construction of the 250.77km section between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima province already almost 40% complete. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304146-bangkok-nong-khai-high-speed-train-expected-to-enter-service-in-2027/

Construction of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train between Bangkok and the north-eastern border province of Nong Khai is progressing satisfactorily, with the construction of the 250.77km section between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima province already almost 40% complete. For the second section, between Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai, State Railways of Thailand (SRT) has recently completed the study and design of the project and it is ready to be submitted to the cabinet for approval, according to Sorapong Paitoonphong, deputy permanent secretary of Transport Ministry, in his briefing to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday during his field inspection of the project. The Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section comprises 181.9km of elevated rail track, 64km of ground-level track and a 6.4km tunnel. There will be six stations on this section, which are Bang Sue main terminal, Don Mueang, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Pak Chong and Nakhon Ratchasima. The cost of this section is estimated at about 179.4 billion baht. Photo on the website of bangkokbiznews.com Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-nong-khai-high-speed-train-expected-to-enter-service-in-2027/ -- Thai PBS 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

Thaksin to get extra security and “adequate conveniences” while in prison This picture taken on March 25, 2019, shows exiled former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra posing for a portrait after being interviewed by Agence France-presse in Hong Kong. Thaksin said Thai the election was ‘rigged’ and marred by ‘irregularities’. (Photo by ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP) Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be given additional security and appropriate “conveniences” while he is detained at Bangkok remand prison, following his return to Thailand this Tuesday, according to Aryut Sinthoppan, director-general of the Corrections Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304145-thaksin-to-get-extra-security-and-“adequate-conveniences”-while-in-prison/

This picture taken on March 25, 2019, shows exiled former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra posing for a portrait after being interviewed by Agence France-presse in Hong Kong. Thaksin said Thai the election was ‘rigged’ and marred by ‘irregularities’. (Photo by ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP) Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be given additional security and appropriate “conveniences” while he is detained at Bangkok remand prison, following his return to Thailand this Tuesday, according to Aryut Sinthoppan, director-general of the Corrections Department. He said that he has received instructions from Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, also acting justice minister, on Thaksin’s security, convenience and comfort while inBangkok remand prison. According to Wissanu, the former prime minister should be provided with extra security, because he is at more risk than other inmates, and be provided with appropriate conveniences“but not to the extent that they could be seen as a privilege”,because he is expected to be visited by representatives of international organisations, human rights groups, his supporters and members of the media. Regarding the issue of comfort, Wissanu wants Thaksin to be provided with appropriate comfort for someone who is over 70 years of age and ailing, said Aryut. For security reasons, he said Thaksin may not be incarcerated with the other inmates, because prison officials will have to take care of his food and ensure that his visitations will not affect the rights of other inmates. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thaksin-to-get-extra-security-and-adequate-conveniences-while-in-prison/ -- Thai PBS 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

Intoxicated Chinese Woman Taken to Police Station After Car Crash in Pattaya Area By Goongnang Suksawat Pattaya – An intoxicated female Chinese driver was taken to the Pattaya City Police Station after a car crash in the Pattaya area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304144-intoxicated-chinese-woman-taken-to-police-station-after-car-crash-in-pattaya-area/

Hostess and Karaoke Bars in Pattaya Inspected to Prevent Underage Staff and Patrons By Goongnang Suksawat Pattaya – Hostess Bars and Karaokes in Pattaya were randomly inspected to prevent underage users and staff. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304143-hostess-and-karaoke-bars-in-pattaya-inspected-to-prevent-underage-staff-and-patrons/

Fears of political betrayal abound as Thaksin plans to touchdown at Don Mueang Airport on Tuesday by Joseph O' Connor Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (centre) is understood to be in Singapore as he prepares to return to Thailand at 9 am on Tuesday morning. His return and probable imprisonment come on the same day as Pheu Thai Party nominee Srettha Thavisin (below left) will be put forward for Prime Minister in parliament, with his candidacy facing strong opposition from senators, including Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha (above left) in a turn of events that has left the 65% of Thai voters who voted for pro-democracy and reform parties in the May 14th General Election, agape. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304142-fears-of-political-betrayal-abound-as-thaksin-plans-to-touchdown-at-don-mueang-airport-on-tuesday/

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (centre) is understood to be in Singapore as he prepares to return to Thailand at 9 am on Tuesday morning. His return and probable imprisonment come on the same day as Pheu Thai Party nominee Srettha Thavisin (below left) will be put forward for Prime Minister in parliament, with his candidacy facing strong opposition from senators, including Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha (above left) in a turn of events that has left the 65% of Thai voters who voted for pro-democracy and reform parties in the May 14th General Election, agape. Dramatic moments are ahead in Thai politics with the public currently frozen in shock at the developments since the May 14th General Election. This may soon give way to anger and street protests if matters go as some senior and established analysts suggest they will from Tuesday and the days after that, as the Old Guard reasserts itself in power. Next Tuesday may be a decisive day in Thai politics if former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra lands at Don Mueang Airport and is imprisoned while later, in the evening, the Pheu Thai Party’s nominee for Prime Minister runs the gauntlet of an increasingly activist Senate when his nomination to be Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister comes before Parliament. Inside sources suggest strongly that it will be defeated and that the Pheu Thai Party and its longtime figurehead face betrayal and demise as a result of a conservative plot fashioned to install Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan in the top job at the head of a government favouring the old guard in Thai politics. Next Tuesday, August 22nd promises to be a historic day for Thailand as it is reported that ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra will finally return to the country after over 15 years in exile. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/08/19/political-betrayal-fears-rise-as-thaksin-returns-don-mueang-airport-tuesday/ -- Thai Examiner 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

Chonlanan’s Wife Says He’s Ready To Resign After Govt Is Set Up by TNR Staff Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanan Srikaew with his wife Nuansakul Bamrungpong. Both photos: Matichon IN RESPONSE to social media clamour questioning when Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanan Srikaew is going to resign as he said he would if the “uncles’ camps” join his party, his wife Nuansakul Bamrungpong said Aug. 19 he is ready to do after a coalition government has been set up, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304141-chonlanan’s-wife-says-he’s-ready-to-resign-after-govt-is-set-up/

IN RESPONSE to social media clamour questioning when Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanan Srikaew is going to resign as he said he would if the “uncles’ camps” join his party, his wife Nuansakul Bamrungpong said Aug. 19 he is ready to do after a coalition government has been set up, Matichon newspaper said. In a Facebook post she wrote, “Not clinging, sufficiency, and ready is Chonlanan’s answer to the hashtag ‘At what hour of the day is Chonlanan resigning?'” This hashtag soared to the top of the list for Thailand yesterday. Nuansakul added that life without attachment, self-sufficiency and keeping one’s word is not difficult and not a big deal if the condition Chonlanan stated materialises. by TNR Staff TOP: Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanan Srikaew with his wife Nuansakul Bamrungpong. Both photos: Matichon Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/19/chonlanans-wife-says-hes-ready-to-resign-after-govt-is-set-up/ -- 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

Most Senators Await ‘Uncles’ Advice’ Over PM Vote By Thai Newsroom Reporters Pheu Thai prime-ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin, right, and Palang Pracharath boss Prawit Wongsuwan, left. Photos: Matichon MOST SENATORS ARE impatiently awaiting some “advice” from a couple of powerful “uncles” as to whether they should vote Pheu Thai candidate Srettha Thavisin for prime minister or not, partisan sources said over the weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304139-most-senators-await-‘uncles’-advice’-over-pm-vote/

MOST SENATORS ARE impatiently awaiting some “advice” from a couple of powerful “uncles” as to whether they should vote Pheu Thai candidate Srettha Thavisin for prime minister or not, partisan sources said over the weekend. Whilst most of the senior lawmakers are more or less anticipating some sort of power play on the part of both “uncles” to give them some “advice”, albeit in tacit fashion, a relatively few others may already have been prepared to either cast yea votes for or nay votes against the real estate mogul-turned-prime-ministerial candidate in next Tuesday’s joint House/Senate meeting to pick head of a post-election government. The sought-after “advice” may be given through senatorial whips who will almost certainly take turns for floor debate prior to the time-consuming vote on a roll call for head of a post-election government. Given speeches to be delivered by those whips either in support or censure of the Pheu Thai-nominated candidate, their colleagues will effortlessly know if they will cast a yea or nay vote. All 249 senators had been handpicked by de facto Ruam Thai Sang Chart boss/caretaker prime minister Prayut “Uncle Tu” Chan-o-cha and Palang Pracharath leader Prawit “Uncle Pom” Wongsuwan, following the 2014 coup which the former had orchestrated as army chief. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Pheu Thai prime-ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin, right, and Palang Pracharath boss Prawit Wongsuwan, left. Photos: Matichon Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/19/most-senators-await-uncles-advice-over-pm-vote/ -- 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

Poll respondents disagree with Pheu Thai’s “government of reconciliation” Most respondents to a Nida Poll disagree with the Pheu Thai party partnering with the two junta-linked parties, Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, to form a “government of reconciliation”, and most would prefer Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s next prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304138-poll-respondents-disagree-with-pheu-thai’s-“government-of-reconciliation”/

Most respondents to a Nida Poll disagree with the Pheu Thai party partnering with the two junta-linked parties, Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, to form a “government of reconciliation”, and most would prefer Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s next prime minister. The National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) conducted an opinion poll of 1,310 people aged over 18 andof various occupations and educational backgrounds across the country. Asked about the “government of reconciliation”, to end the decades-old political colour polarization, the poll shows 47.71% of the respondents strongly disagree with such a government; 16.79% disagree, while 19.47% said that they strongly support such a government and 15.11% said they agree. Asked who is most appropriate to be Thailand’s next prime minister, 38.63% of the respondents favour Paetongtarn, while 36.56% want Srettha Thavisin and 8.47% support Chaikasem Nitisiri, also of the Pheu Thai party. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/poll-respondents-disagree-with-pheu-thais-government-of-reconciliation/ -- Thai PBS 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

Chinese resurgence transforms Bangkok’s Huai Khwang into new Chinatown by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Prachachat Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district, home to a rising number of Chinese expatriates, is reinforcing its repute as the city’s second Yaowarat or New Chinatown. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304137-chinese-resurgence-transforms-bangkok’s-huai-khwang-into-new-chinatown/

Thailand’s transport ministry pauses proposed toll hike on key expressways by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of MGR Online The Progressive Ministry of Transport has issued a directive to the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) to maintain the current toll charges for Chalong Rat and Bang Na expressways for another six-month period, leading into February of the upcoming year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304136-thailand’s-transport-ministry-pauses-proposed-toll-hike-on-key-expressways/

The Progressive Ministry of Transport has issued a directive to the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) to maintain the current toll charges for Chalong Rat and Bang Na expressways for another six-month period, leading into February of the upcoming year. This development follows the proposal by Exat to implement a 10% increase in tolls on both routes, amounting to a minimum of five baht (US$ 0.14) per vehicular category, which has since been postponed. The source unveiled that the Deputy Minister of Transport, Athirat Rattanaseth, made the decision to suspend the rate increase proposal in a bid to alleviate the financial burden on citizens. This verdict was rendered subsequent to an Exat board council presided over by Soraphong Phaitoonpong, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Transport. The board had given consent to the proposed toll increase, alluding to the revenue transfer agreement (RTA) with the Thailand Future Fund (TFFIF), linked to the Chalong Rat and Bang Na expressways, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of MGR Online Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailands-transport-ministry-pauses-proposed-toll-hike-on-key-expressways -- 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

Monk goes viral for auto rubbish-collecting cart to clean temple by Neill Fronde A monk went viral for invented an automatic rubbish-cleaning machine. (via Culture Trip) A monk came up with an ingenious idea borne out of necessity, giving birth to a functional, automatic rubbish collection cart. The monk, who lives in the Ayutthaya province, created a cart that can gather and collect discarded items and fallen leaves from a 14-acre temple area without the need for manual labour. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304135-monk-goes-viral-for-auto-rubbish-collecting-cart-to-clean-temple/

Easyrice transforms Thai rice industry with AI-powered inspection solutions by Neill Fronde EASYRICE Vietnam team attends Vietnam Rice Market Annual Conference 2023 event, Image via Easy Rice Digital Technology. (via อีซีไรช์ ดิจิทัล เทคโนโลยี, Facebook) Emerging from academic research projects, Easyrice Digital Technology Co Ltd has grown into a cutting-edge tech startup focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) within the agricultural sector, specifically tailored towards bettering the rice industry in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304134-easyrice-transforms-thai-rice-industry-with-ai-powered-inspection-solutions/

Emerging from academic research projects, Easyrice Digital Technology Co Ltd has grown into a cutting-edge tech startup focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) within the agricultural sector, specifically tailored towards bettering the rice industry in Thailand. Easyrice provides AI-powered solutions designed to simplify and enhance the systems of rice quality inspections and data management, offering faster, more precise processes. As a result, this innovative technology significantly reduces errors, time, and financial costs typically associated with traditional inspection procedures. Established in 2019 by a team of tech researchers, Easyrice has been the recipient of numerous awards in 2022, including three accolades at the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance Awards for industrial application, AI, and as first runner-up in the startup category. Phuvin Kongsawat, the CEO and co-founder of Easyrice, explained that during his university research projects on rice, he found various problems significantly impeding the productivity of the rice supply chain. This included the adulteration of paddy varieties and costly inefficiencies in the standard rice quality inspection process. by Neill Fronde Top: EASYRICE Vietnam team attends Vietnam Rice Market Annual Conference 2023 event, Image via Easy Rice Digital Technology. (via อีซีไรช์ ดิจิทัล เทคโนโลยี, Facebook) Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/technology/easyrice-transforms-thai-rice-industry-with-ai-powered-inspection-solutions -- 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