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Taxi Ignites in Midst of Chao Phraya River Ferry Crossing, Engulfed in Flames News outlets reported that Lt. Col. Teerasak Chaimanee, Deputy Inspector of Phra Pradaeng Police Station, received information about a taxi catching fire while parked on the pedestrian bridge crossing the Chao Phraya River in front of Phra Pradaeng Police Station on Srinakarin Dam Road, Samut Prakan Province. Upon notification, the local fire department rushed to the scene to control the flames. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303916-taxi-ignites-in-midst-of-chao-phraya-river-ferry-crossing-engulfed-in-flames/

Phuket Provincial Office Exposes Counterfeit Monk Amulet Sales Disguised as Tourist Attractions Picture: Siam Rath In response to the recent online media buzz, several temples in popular tourist destinations were found to be renting space to foreigners for the sale of counterfeit monk amulets and sacred objects, resembling coin exchange centers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303914-phuket-provincial-office-exposes-counterfeit-monk-amulet-sales-disguised-as-tourist-attractions/

Family of six survives crash in brand new pickup on first day of ownership in northern Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of @nayrescue TikTok. In a surprising twist of events, a newly acquired pickup truck with a red license plate, indicating its fresh out-of-showroom status, was involved in a significant collision on the same day in northern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303912-family-of-six-survives-crash-in-brand-new-pickup-on-first-day-of-ownership-in-northern-thailand/

Pheu Thai-Led Coalition Govt Now Has 314 MPs By Thai Newsroom Reporters Pheu Thai wheeler-dealer Bhumtham Wechayachai. Top photo: Thai Rath THE PHEU THA-LED coalition government now has mustered a combined force of 314 MPs including those of the “uncles’ camps” on their side, confirmed Pheu Thai wheeler-dealer Bhumtham Wechayachai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303911-pheu-thai-led-coalition-govt-now-has-314-mps/

THE PHEU THA-LED coalition government now has mustered a combined force of 314 MPs including those of the “uncles’ camps” on their side, confirmed Pheu Thai wheeler-dealer Bhumtham Wechayachai. The 314-MPs-strong coalition partners include the Pheu Thai under de facto party boss Thaksin Shinawatra with 141 MPs, the Bhumjaithai under de facto party boss Newin Chidchob with 71 MPs, the Palang Pracharath led by Prawit “Uncle Pom” Wongsuwan with 40 MPs, the Ruam Thai Sang Chart under de facto party boss/caretaker prime minister Prayut “Uncle Tu” Chan-o-cha with 36 MPs, the Chart Thai Pattana led by Varawut Silpa-archa with 10 MPs and the Prachachart led by House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha with nine MPs plus those of six splinter parties with only one MP or two each. Bhumtham, known as Thaksin’s right-hand man, said Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew, Pheu Thai secretary-general Prasert Chanthararuangthong and himself have reached an initial agreement with their Ruam Thai Sang Chart counterparts to the extent that Prayut’s camp be jumping onto the Pheu Thai bandwagon as the last coalition partner. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Pheu Thai wheeler-dealer Bhumtham Wechayachai. Top photo: Thai Rath Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/17/pheu-thai-led-coalition-govt-now-has-314-mps/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 18 August https://aseannow.com/topic/1303909-thailand-live-friday-18-august-2023/

Thai baht instability rises due to political unrest Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Political unrest is heightening baht oscillations against the US dollar, as Thailand finds itself without a stable government, the head of the Bank Thailand asserts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303886-thai-baht-instability-rises-due-to-political-unrest/

The Immigration Police arrested a Swedish man for overstaying his visa by over three years in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon. Swede dreams turned sour: Swedish man arrested for overstaying visa in northern Thailand Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303855-swede-dreams-turned-sour-swedish-man-arrested-for-overstaying-visa-in-northern-thailand/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Vietnamese Government has introduced a significant change to its visa policy by granting e-visas to all foreign arrivals at 52 designated ports of entry, starting August 15. The decision is outlined in the latest Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP. Previously, Vietnam had been issuing 30-day single-entry e-visas to citizens from 80 specific countries. Under the new regulation, the Vietnam Immigration Department, a division of the Ministry of Public Security, will issue e-visas to foreign arrivals through an electronic payment system. These e-visas will allow multiple entries within a span of 90 days, offering travelers greater flexibility and convenience. The list of entry points includes 13 airports, such as Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang Airport, and others. Additionally, 16 land border gates and 13 seaports have been included in this new policy. In tandem with this change, the Government also issued Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP, which modifies the visa exemption duration for citizens of specific countries. Nationals of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus are now allowed to stay in Vietnam for 45 days upon entry, as opposed to the previous 15-day limit. This extension applies regardless of passport type or the purpose of their visit, as long as they meet entry requirements in accordance with Vietnamese law. Officials said both resolutions are expected to greatly enhance Vietnam’s visa policies and facilitate travel to Vietnam for visitors from around the world. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230817131307613 -- NNT 2023-08-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket to Host Spartan APAC Championship 2023 Race by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Blue Tree Phuket and RUNRIO Thailand have announced a strategic collaboration to host the Spartan APAC Championship 2023, marking the second consecutive year for Spartans from around the world to take on the TRIFECTA Weekend challenge. The partnership further solidifies Thailand’s reputation as a world-class sports hub. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303858-phuket-to-host-spartan-apac-championship-2023-race/

Pink Line monorail victim of fake news The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has denied, as a fake news report, that it conducted a trial run for the Pink Line monorail system on August 15 and will open it for public trials between September and October. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303857-pink-line-monorail-victim-of-fake-news/

40 people implicated in illegal import, distribution or use of cyanide Actress Preechaya Pongthananikorn, aka “Ice”, is among a group of about 40 people implicated by the Industrial Works Department in a complaint filed with the police for alleged involvement in the illegal importation, distribution or use of potassium cyanide, in violation of the Hazardous Substance Act. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303856-40-people-implicated-in-illegal-import-distribution-or-use-of-cyanide/

Actress Preechaya Pongthananikorn, aka “Ice”, is among a group of about 40 people implicated by the Industrial Works Department in a complaint filed with the police for alleged involvement in the illegal importation, distribution or use of potassium cyanide, in violation of the Hazardous Substance Act. The complaint follows a police investigation into the serial murders, allegedly committed by Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, who is charged with the poisoning of 15 people with cyanide, 14 of whom died. Suphakit Boonsiri, deputy director-general of the Industrial Works Department, and the department’s legal advisors lodged the complaint with Pol Col Anek Taosuparb, deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), accusing one cyanide importer, four distributors and 31 individuals, including Preechaya, of illegally importing, distributing or using the dangerous substance. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/40-people-implicated-in-illegal-import-distribution-or-use-of-cyanide/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-17 - 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 Study to be carried out on new ‘Thailand Riviera’ road By Peter Roche The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning says an impact study will be carried out on the proposed Andaman coastal road that would link the southern provinces of Ranong and Satun. The project has been on the table as part of a broader Thailand Riviera project to provide a regional focus on coastal living and tourism for the Andaman coast. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303834-thailand’s-otp-takes-the-high-road-for-andaman-tourism-boost/?do=findComment&comment=18281828

Swede dreams turned sour: Swedish man arrested for overstaying visa in northern Thailand by Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon The Immigration Police arrested a Swedish man for overstaying his visa by over three years in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303855-swede-dreams-turned-sour-swedish-man-arrested-for-overstaying-visa-in-northern-thailand/

Arabian Tourist Killed, Two Others Injured in Pattaya Motorbike Accident By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — An Arabian tourist was killed when his high-powered motorbike collided with another on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya around midnight on Thursday, August 17th. Two other people were seriously injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303854-arabian-tourist-killed-two-others-injured-in-pattaya-motorbike-accident/

Cutting ties: Hunt ongoing for Thai man accused of murdering ex-girlfriend at beauty salon by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ มานิตย์ สนับบุญ Rabophai Police Station officers are hunting for a Thai man who allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend yesterday in her beauty salon in Prachin Buri, central Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303850-cutting-ties-hunt-ongoing-for-thai-man-accused-of-murdering-ex-girlfriend-at-beauty-salon/

Brutal assault on Udon Thani schoolgirl triggers national outrage and cries for justice by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of SiamRath. A 13 year old schoolgirl was subjected to a brutal assault at a school in Udon Thani, instigated by jealous animosities over a schoolboy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303847-brutal-assault-on-udon-thani-schoolgirl-triggers-national-outrage-and-cries-for-justice/

Monsoon madness: Bangkok braces for a rainfall check by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Tasos Mansour, Unsplash The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a strong warning regarding the southwest monsoon, anticipating heavy rainfall in 41 provinces, including Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303846-monsoon-madness-bangkok-braces-for-a-rainfall-check/

Man arrested for brutally assaulting victim, leading to blindness and skull injury by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ น้าหนวดนิวส์ Police arrested one of two suspects who brutally assaulted a victim, which left him blind and with a severe skull injury. The second suspect, reported to be a youth, is on the run. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303845-man-arrested-for-brutally-assaulting-victim-leading-to-blindness-and-skull-injury/

Thai Industries Sentiment Index drop to lowest level in 10 months by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK(NNT) - The delay to the formation of the new government amid high levels of household debt, living costs, and interests as well as a slowdown in exports have resulted in the Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) dropping to its lowest level in 10 months. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303843-thai-industries-sentiment-index-drop-to-lowest-level-in-10-months/

BANGKOK(NNT) - The delay to the formation of the new government amid high levels of household debt, living costs, and interests as well as a slowdown in exports have resulted in the Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) dropping to its lowest level in 10 months. The index stood at 92.3, having declined from the prior month due to a slowdown in demand for goods and in the manufacturing sector. Domestic factors such as high levels of household debt and high living costs have weakened the purchasing power of households, resulting in diminished demand for various goods. Interest rates, meanwhile, remain in an upward direction and are pushing up the costs of borrowing. The unclear political situation was now having impacts on private sector confidence. According to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), risk factors outside of Thailand include the still-fragile global economy that has now caused Thailand’s exports to slow down for 9 consecutive months. Another foreign risk factor was the lower-than-expected growth of the Chinese economy. The FTI’s forward confidence index for the next 3 months stood at 100.2 – also a decline from the previous month’s figure. The drop was attributed to businesses being worried about delays to the formation of the new government, which may adversely affect state sector budget planning. The delay in government formation was also expected to result in a lack of continuity in implementing economic policies. The private sector was also concerned about the tendency for production costs such as those for fuel, electricity, and labor to rise. Such a rise in costs would be an obstacle to business operations amid the high uncertainty in the global economy at present. FTI Chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul said the private sector wanted a new government to be quickly formed and economic rehabilitation and stimulation policies to be rapidly issued. He said the private sector wanted investors’ confidence to be fostered and measures to be issued to mitigate the impacts of heightened borrowing costs. This would improve small and medium enterprises’ liquidity and reduce their risk of developing non-performing loans. by Namo Vananupong Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230817092040532 -- NNT 2023-08-17 - 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

Gang violence escalates in Samut Prakan: Three teens stabbed and shot on Canal Road by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of ก๊วก สมุทรปราการ Facebook Gang violence once again rocked the Bangkok community last night after a large group of teenagers used firearms and knives to launch an attack on rivals causing three individuals injury. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303842-gang-violence-escalates-in-samut-prakan-three-teens-stabbed-and-shot-on-canal-road/

UPDATE Man kidnaps and murders 5 year old boy in Chiang Mai by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เชียงใหม่นิวส์ Chiang Mai News ข่าวเชียงใหม่ Police arrested a man who kidnapped a five year old boy from a school in the northern province of Chiang Mai and murdered him. The claimed motive behind the murder was revenge after a romantic relationship ended. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303815-shocking-discovery-kindergarten-boys-barbaric-murder-shocks-chiang-mai-community/?do=findComment&comment=18281528

House Speaker calls legal team meeting ahead of next PM vote by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai House Speaker will meet with a legal team ahead of the next Prime Ministerial endorsement vote, following the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of a petition related to the previous candidate’s nomination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303840-house-speaker-calls-legal-team-meeting-ahead-of-next-pm-vote/