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Bangkok fire outbreak traps ‘Mother of the Year’ by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. A horrifying fire outbreak occurred at a renowned townhouse in the Lat Phrao district in Bangkok mobilising emergency services to rescue an 80 year old woman. The fire services were summoned to Amornphan Village 9, Soi Chokchai 4, Soi 84, Lat Phrao district at approximately 4am today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303951-bangkok-fire-outbreak-traps-‘mother-of-the-year’/

Suspect arrested in Chiang Mai after 5 year old boy murdered By Peter Roche PHOTO: Sanook Police in Chiang Mai have arrested a 30 year old man who allegedly picked up a 5 year old boy at his school and then killed him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303948-suspect-arrested-in-chiang-mai-after-5-year-old-boy-murdered/

Thailand and nearby countries to set up a center to assist human trafficking victims and suppress call center gangs by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and a number of nearby countries are working together to combat the menace of call center gangs that have caused billions of baht in losses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303946-thailand-and-nearby-countries-to-set-up-a-center-to-assist-human-trafficking-victims-and-suppress-call-center-gangs/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and a number of nearby countries are working together to combat the menace of call center gangs that have caused billions of baht in losses. The nations are also looking to establish a coordination center in aid of human trafficking victims, as a means of contributing to the suppression of call center gangs. Royal Thai Police Deputy Commissioner Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn participated in a meeting held to discuss setting up a trilateral coordination center to assist victims of human trafficking in Myawaddy township in Myanmar. The meeting was held in Thailand’s Chiang Mai province and was attended by representatives from China’s Ministry of Public Security and the Myanmar Police Force. A number of attendees hailed from other law enforcement agencies in Thailand, Myanmar, and China. Representatives from Lao PDR’s Ministry of Public Security were also in attendance. Pol. Gen. Surachate was participating in his capacity as the director of the police’s Child-Woman Protection, Anti-human Trafficking, and Fishery Center. Meeting attendees discussed the location that will be used to set up the coordination center, which will contribute to the suppression of transnational crime. The center is now expected to be set up in Thailand’s Chiang Mai province. The meeting discussed producing a joint operations plan and the appointment of coordination personnel representing each nation playing a role in the center. The parties to the meeting also discussed expanding the cooperation to include Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as international organizations such as Interpol and the United Nations. The parties to the meeting pledged to bring about joint operations against call center gangs that have caused billions of baht in losses. Chinese authorities will provide training support for law enforcement officials, as well as budgets and technology enabling joint operations. The hope was to rapidly respond to crimes and address them in a timely manner. by Namo Vananupong Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230818102243910 -- NNT 2023-08-18 - 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 violence in Lopburi turns deadly with wife fatally shooting gout-afflicted husband by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod An incident of domestic violence turned fatal after a quarrel turned into a violent brawl in Chaibadan district of Lopburi province, yesterday. A 45 year old man identified as Wasan was fatally shot during a heated exchange with his wife. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303945-domestic-violence-in-lopburi-turns-deadly-with-wife-fatally-shooting-gout-afflicted-husband/

Aging Thailand agonises over welfare state as elderly subsidy cut Grey clouds gather over Thailand’s welfare state as elderly subsidy cut Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303943-aging-thailand-agonises-over-welfare-state-as-elderly-subsidy-cut/

Grey clouds gather over Thailand’s welfare state as elderly subsidy cut Thailand’s universal welfare has taken a backward step with the caretaker government’s recent decision to limit monthly subsidies of 600 to 1,000 baht per head to just poor, elderly Thais. Previously, all elderly Thais were eligible. But those who register themselves as elderly from now on will not receive monthly state subsidies unless they can prove that they do not have enough income or resources to live on. “I am worried that millions of elderly Thais will not get state support despite being poor,” 67-year-old Saiyud said. She explained that it is not easy to prove one’s poverty given the various criteria that must be met. For example, she was refused a welfare card just because, with her children, her household income exceeds 100,000 baht a year. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/aging-thailand-agonises-over-welfare-state-as-elderly-subsidy-cut/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-18 - 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

British TikToker praises Thai gas man’s effort to master the English language by Petch Petpailin Photo via TikTok @scootinthailand A British Tiktoker shared a video of a Thai gas attendant and applauded his dedication to improving his English communication skills. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303942-british-tiktoker-praises-thai-gas-man’s-effort-to-master-the-english-language/

Photo via TikTok @scootinthailand A British Tiktoker shared a video of a Thai gas attendant and applauded his dedication to improving his English communication skills. The British teacher, Dan Thomas, took to TikTok under the handle scootinthailand last week, to share a video of the gas station attendant with a caption in Thai saying… “Greatly appreciated! I would like to encourage everyone to practice communication like him. P.S. Am I speaking Thai correctly? Feel free to drop your comments.” Thomas explained that the petrol station is in the northern province of Chaing Mai where he lived and worked as a teacher. In the video, the young petrol attendant, identified as Suthat, can be observed putting fuel into Thomas’s motorcycle while engaging in a conversation with the foreigner, and the words on his vest revealed that Suthat was an intern. by Petch Petpailin Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/british-tiktoker-praises-thai-gas-mans-effort-to-master-the-english-language -- Thaiger 2023-08-18 - 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

Thalang Residents Ask for Action Against Intoxicated Man Regularly Trespassing Into Other People’s Homes By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – An intoxicated father holding his two-year-old daughter climbed into another person’s home in Thalang to take a shower and according to local residents this isn’t the first time this man has trespassed into another’s property. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303940-thalang-residents-ask-for-action-against-intoxicated-man-regularly-trespassing-into-other-people’s-homes/

5 year old Chiang Mai boy murdered, 1.5B baht Chinese scam busted : Tim Newton Today - August 18 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303937-5-year-old-chiang-mai-boy-murdered-15b-baht-chinese-scam-busted-tim-newton-today-august-18/

Thailand News - Disturbing story of the cold-blooded murder of a 5 year old schoolboy in Chiang Mai, 1.5 billion baht seized during a raid on 29 locations in Thailand, more motorbike deaths focussing on one middle eastern nationality, the Mekong river flooding, causing damage to rice paddies in Thai north east, and other 'shoe-in-escalator incident, this time at a shopping centre in Pathum Thaini, UTN party has joined Pheu Thai co-alition leading up to next Tuesday's vote for a new Thai PM. Australian drug suspect arrested in Phuket, Malaysian private jet plunges into highway, killing 10. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

OPINION: A long road ahead for Thailand by Juwee Vorawandthanachai We all should have been celebrating. The celebration should have started the night of the election when the Democratic Alliance, led by the Move Forward Party, claimed victory. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303935-opinion-a-long-road-ahead-for-thailand/

We all should have been celebrating. The celebration should have started the night of the election when the Democratic Alliance, led by the Move Forward Party, claimed victory. I still vividly remember that night’s energy—people thronging the streets, social media posts celebrating progress’s triumph over fear and intimidation, and even my friends marveling at how the Move Forward Party had achieved the impossible. However, in post-junta Thailand, where barriers to progress have been strategically erected, we all held our breath. We were acutely aware that those in power weren’t keen on letting go. Subsequently, we were hit with setbacks: the Move Forward Party losing the Speaker of the House, Pita Limjaroenrat’s lawsuit and subsequent suspension from parliament, and now, despite winning the popular vote, the democratically-elected party won’t be forming the government. by Juwee Vorawandthanachai Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50451/a-long-road-ahead-for-thailand/ -- THAI ENQUIRER 2023-08-18 - 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: Employee treatment: Hotel manager suspended for cruelty to grieving worker by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of labourman.co.za Following a social media uproar about an employee being denied leave during her mother’s final days, a renowned hotel has suspended the manager involved, known as “Kob”, pending an internal investigation into employee treatment within the workforce. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303888-heartless-boss-denies-leave-to-woman-grieving-mother’s-death-in-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=18283686

UPDATE: Employee treatment: Hotel manager suspended for cruelty to grieving worker by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of labourman.co.za Following a social media uproar about an employee being denied leave during her mother’s final days, a renowned hotel has suspended the manager involved, known as “Kob”, pending an internal investigation into employee treatment within the workforce. The management also expressed condolences to the grieving employee. A Facebook post showing chat messages between the worker and her supervisor sparked outrage online. When the employee requested time off to care for her dying mother, her supervisor “Kob” refused, asserting that regardless of the situation, the employee must come back to work. Tragically, her mother passed away, prompting the supervisor not only to display indifference but also to ask whether she planned to resign. If settled, she could write her letter of resignation. This harsh employee treatment incident has sparked conversations about the shocking treatment of staff in the wake of her mother’s death, and what the law offers in the protection of workers’ rights, reported Sanook. The hotel in question, the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, responded via a Facebook post addressing the situation. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/hotel-suspends-manager-following-cruel-treatment-of-bereaved-employee -- Thaiger 2023-08-18 - 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

Assistant Thai Police Commissioner discusses Thaksin's Return to Thailand Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Lieutenant General Prachuap Wongsuk, has called for an urgent meeting with relevant officials, including immigration police, border patrol police, local police, and others. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303928-assistant-thai-police-commissioner-discusses-thaksins-return-to-thailand/

Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Lieutenant General Prachuap Wongsuk, has called for an urgent meeting with relevant officials, including immigration police, border patrol police, local police, and others. The purpose is to discuss preparations for ensuring security measures, particularly in the event of the return of Thaksin Shinawatra to Thailand, reported Daily News. Reported on August 18, it is stated that Lt. Gen. Prachuap Wongsuk is coordinating a meeting to strategize security arrangements at various locations, from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport, local police stations, and court premises. This coordination involves security deployment, traffic management, and facilitating smooth proceedings, with an estimated time of around 2.5 hours for the entire process. The meeting is expected to prepare for the potential return of Thaksin Shinawatra between August 20-24, after his announcement of returning on August 10 was postponed. The process involves police contingents and immigration authorities handling the situation based on legal protocols, ensuring a fair and efficient course of action without detention. -- ASEAN NOW 2023-08-18 - 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

Foreign investments bolster Thai economy with 58.9 billion baht boost by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Freepik From January through July of this year, Thailand welcomed a foreign investment sum of 58.9 billion baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303925-foreign-investments-bolster-thai-economy-with-589-billion-baht-boost/

From January through July of this year, Thailand welcomed a foreign investment sum of 58.9 billion baht. A notable chunk of this influx originated from Japan, whose companies lavished the largest amount of capital on developing their businesses within Thai borders. Estimates suggest that the Japanese investors led the pack with a total outlay of 19.9 billion baht. They were closely tailed by Singaporean enterprises who injected 12.9 billion baht into the Thai business sector. Additionally, Chinese and US firms put in 11.7 billion and 3.04 billion respectively, catalyzing foreign investments within the nation. During this period, according to Thosapone Dansuputra, the director-general of the Business Development Department, the Foreign Business Committee has approved 377 investment applications. These approvals were given under the umbrella of the Foreign Business Act. This foreign investments figure denotes a striking 17% rise when compared to the same timeframe last year. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/foreign-investments-give-thai-economy-58-9bn-baht-boost-amid-job-creation-surge -- Thaiger 2023-08-18 - 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

Elephant brutality: Wild Thai Park shooting sparks probe by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post In Loei, law enforcement services are currently being solicited by park authorities to uncover the culprit behind a recent act of elephant brutality in Phu Luang wildlife sanctuary in this northeastern region. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303922-elephant-brutality-wild-thai-park-shooting-sparks-probe/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 18 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303921-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-18-august-2023/

Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party on Thursday gained support from a rival military-backed party, potentially boosting its bid to form a government ahead of a prime ministerial vote in Parliament next week. A major operation to bust fraudulent mainly Chinese scammers resulted in several arrests including a Chinese woman yesterday, and the seizure of 1.5 billion baht in assets during raids 29 locations, This was a follow-up of a previous bust in which two Chinese males were arrested in May. victims from around the world had been persuaded to invest in a fake digital-currency platform. The total damage was estimated at over 10 billion baht. The government has vowed to protect welfare benefits for the elderly following the introduction of a new regulation that has restricted access of funds for many senior citizens. The new regulation states , only elderly people with either no or insufficient income to cover the cost of living are entitled to a monthly allowance from the state. Those that were already receiving benefits before 12th August shall continue to receive support. An Australian man wanted in his home country on drugs and weapons charges, has been arrested in Phuket, Robert Wainwright had been staying on a student visa. Mr Wainright is suspected of being part of a drugs syndicate. Park authorities in Loei north east Thailand are looking for the person who shot and killed a wild elephant. The dead animal was found with 7 bullet wounds at the edge of a forest yesterday and was about 30 years old. An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.3 was felt in parts of Chaing Mai yesterday. There were no reports of damage. Around the Region: Malaysia: At least 10 people, were killed when a light private business jet crashed onto a road, hitting two vehicles, in the state of Selan-gor. The 10 who died included the driver of a car and a motorcyclist – who were hit by the crashing plane. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north:bright, cloudy with thundershowers 33C Bangkok: Bright, isolated thunder showers this afternoon 35C Pattaya, Sunny Partly cloudy, 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny Partly cloudy, 30C ‘HuaHin’: Bright, partly cloudy, expect further showers this afternoon 34C. 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 2023-08-18 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

Deadly road incident: Teenager dead and friends injured in Nakhon Pathom by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A horrific accident occurred during the early hours of the day as a teenager fell victim to a deadly road incident. Three young boys were returning home after celebrating a friend’s birthday when their journey turned fatal. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303920-deadly-road-incident-teenager-dead-and-friends-injured-in-nakhon-pathom/

Hong Kong men arrested with 4kg of Heroin in Bangkok condo The Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) apprehended two Hong Kong men hiding 4kg of heroin inside a lion statue-shaped cement figure in a condominium near Bangkok's Rama 9 district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303918-hong-kong-men-arrested-with-4kg-of-heroin-in-bangkok-condo/