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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. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha today said the parliament’s legal team will be meeting tomorrow to make necessary preparations for the next Prime Ministerial vote, during which Pheu Thai Party (PTP) is expected to nominate Mr. Srettha Thavisin for endorsement. The parliamentary sitting to endorse a Prime Minister has been postponed after a failed attempt by Move Forward Party (MFP) to re-nominate its leader, Mr. Pita Limjaroenra. The vote was further delayed pending the Constitutional Court’s review of a petition regarding the legitimacy of the parliament’s resolution to block Mr. Pita’s re-nomination. The petition was today dismissed by the court. MP Rangsiman Rome from Move Forward Party had filed an urgent motion for the parliament to review this resolution, which is expected to be discussed in the same sitting as the next Prime Ministerial vote. The House Speaker noted that preparations are needed by the legal team to ensure an orderly sitting, and to ensure the preparedness of all sides. House and Senate whips will be called into a meeting prior to the next bicameral sitting. Preparations by the legal team would also cover the expected delivery of a vision statement by Pheu Thai’s PM candidate Srettha Thavisin. Move Forward Party yesterday announced it would not give its endorsement vote to Prime Ministerial candidates from Pheu Thai Party. MFP’s party-list MP Parit Wacharasindhu revealed the party’s decision was made together with the party’s MPs and would signify their disapproval of Pheu Thai’s decision to join the other side of the political spectrum. by Tanakorn Sangiam Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230817092425539 -- 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

Again! Young Man Injured After Shoe Gets Stuck In Escalator by TNR Staff The shoe trapped in the escalator at a famous Pathum Thani shopping mall. Photo: Naewna JUST weeks after after a female passenger’s left leg was severed till the knee upon being swallowed by a moving walkway at Don Mueang Airport a young man working for a convenience store located in a popular department store in Pathum Thani injured his right leg after his shoe got stuck in an escalator there, Naewna newspaper said this morning (Aug. 17). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303839-again-young-man-injured-after-shoe-gets-stuck-in-escalator/

Lampang woman wins 100,000 baht lottery, credits six-year faith in revered Kai Kaew by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. A woman from Lampang, northern Thailand, elatedly claimed 100,000 baht in lottery winnings. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303838-lampang-woman-wins-100000-baht-lottery-credits-six-year-faith-in-revered-kai-kaew/

Calamari calamity: Squid vendor cart-wiped on Pattaya street by pickup truck by Top Picture courtesy of Pattaya News sees vendor knocked over on the road next to his food cart. In an unfortunate event spurring questions about road safety, a squid vendor riding her food cart was struck by a speeding pickup truck on a bustling street of Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303837-calamari-calamity-squid-vendor-cart-wiped-on-pattaya-street-by-pickup-truck/

New Thai police chief, Thailand 'Riviera', dodgy amulets and more big snakes : Tim Newton Today - August 17 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303836-new-thai-police-chief-thailand-riviera-dodgy-amulets-and-more-big-snakes-tim-newton-today-august-17/

Thailand News - Thailand will have a new police chief next month. Will it be Surachete Hakparn? More approvals to go ahead with a new 'Thailand Riviera' coastal road from Satun to Ranong, failed franchises in Thailand, new laws to prevent dodgy amulet advertising, new EV company to manufacture cars in Thailand, new date set for an election of new Thai prime minister. And, of course, more big snakes! Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Changan Auto selects Thailand as an EV production base by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Changan Automobile, one of the four biggest automakers in China, has selected Thailand to become a base for electric vehicle production. The company is committing 8.8 billion baht in the first phase of its investment and plans to introduce its EVs in Thailand by year-end. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303835-changan-auto-selects-thailand-as-an-ev-production-base/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Changan Automobile, one of the four biggest automakers in China, has selected Thailand to become a base for electric vehicle production. The company is committing 8.8 billion baht in the first phase of its investment and plans to introduce its EVs in Thailand by year-end. Prime Minister’s Office deputy spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana revealed that the development came about in response to representatives from Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) having met the chairman and executives of Changan Automobile in June this year. The Thai delegation presented the growth projection of the electric vehicles market in Thailand and the government’s measures in support of the EV industry. The BOI representatives also assured Changan Auto executives of continuity in Thailand’s EV promotion policies. According to Tipanan, this visit brought about the Chinese government’s approval for Changan Auto to file for investment incentives from the BOI. The automaker will invest about 8.8 billion baht in the first phase, setting up a production base for right-hand-drive electric cars. The initial production capacity will be 100,000 vehicles per year. These vehicles will be sold in Thailand and exported to ASEAN countries, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and other countries. Changan Auto plans to launch its electric vehicles in Thailand toward the end of this year. The deputy spokesperson added that Changan’s decision to choose Thailand as a production base reflected the confidence investors have in Thailand. In addition to the production base, Changan Auto will be setting up a key research and development center for vehicle parts. Tipanan said this will reinforce the Thai automotive industry’s capacity and relay technological knowledge to Thais. by Namo Vananupong Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230817090638526 -- 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

Thailand’s OTP takes the high road for Andaman tourism boost by of Mitch Connor Koh Mook tropical Island in the Andaman Sea in Thailand, tropical beach with white sand and turqouse colored ocean with coconut palm trees. Picture courtesy of AP. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) in Thailand recently announced a forthcoming impact study concerning a proposed coastal road project linking the provinces of Ranong and Satun to boost Andaman tourism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303834-thailand’s-otp-takes-the-high-road-for-andaman-tourism-boost/

Neighbour murdered in Phetchaburi over claims of infidelity by Neill Fronde A man brutally murdered his neighbour over accusations of infidelity. (via KhaoSod) Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. A small, peaceful community was shocked when a man brutally murdered his neighbour. The attack took place in the victim’s bed, where he was bludgeoned to death with an iron hoe. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303833-neighbour-murdered-in-phetchaburi-over-claims-of-infidelity/

Two insurgents killed in clash with security forces in Pattani Two southern insurgents were shot dead by Thai government forces in a clash in Nong Chik district of the southern province of Pattani on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303831-two-insurgents-killed-in-clash-with-security-forces-in-pattani/

Where Prayut Succeeded — And Fell Short — At Making Thailand More Competitive by Ken Mathis Lohatepanont In May, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha marked nine years in power. In Thai politics, this is a remarkably long tenure, exceeding even Prem Tinsulanonda’s eight-year rule in 1980s; not since Thanom Kittikachorn’s tenure from 1963 to 1973 has any leader been in office for over nine years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303828-where-prayut-succeeded-—-and-fell-short-—-at-making-thailand-more-competitive/

In May, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha marked nine years in power. In Thai politics, this is a remarkably long tenure, exceeding even Prem Tinsulanonda’s eight-year rule in 1980s; not since Thanom Kittikachorn’s tenure from 1963 to 1973 has any leader been in office for over nine years. Given such an extended period of rule — with five years where the prime minister wielded virtually absolute power — the Prayut era should be considered one of Thailand’s best recent opportunities for long-term economic planning and achievement. Thailand is a country in search of new engines for growth, after being bedeviled for so long by the middle income trap. Recognizing this, Prayut’s government set a goal of taking Thailand to developed country status by 2037. The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) recently released a report evaluating the Prayut administration’s second term. Given that this is one of the few reports issued so far holistically evaluating the Prayut government’s policy record, it is worth taking a close look at its conclusions. Has the Prayut era advanced Thailand’s economic competitiveness? We’ll zoom in on three key areas highlighted by the report: industrial strategy, infrastructure, and education. by Ken Mathis Lohatepanont Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50442/where-prayut-succeeded-and-fell-short-at-making-thailand-more-competitive/ -- THAI ENQUIRER 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

Madame Pang lines up biggest challenge yet: Saving Thai football In the tumultuous world of Thai football, one name has emerged as a beacon of change and hope. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303824-madame-pang-lines-up-biggest-challenge-yet-saving-thai-football/

In the tumultuous world of Thai football, one name has emerged as a beacon of change and hope. Nualphan Lamsam can boast a successful career in club management and an unswerving dedication to women’s football. But she now finds herself on the verge of an even greater venture: vying for the presidency of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT). Glittering sports, business career Her journey, adorned with achievements and fervor, has sparked hopes that could reshape the nation’s footballing destiny. Known affectionately as Madame Pang, Nualphan has crafted a legacy that spans from the boardroom to the football field, with her dynamic roles as president and CEO of Muang Thai Insurance, chairwoman of Port Football Club and manager of the Thailand national football teams. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/madame-pang-lines-up-biggest-challenge-yet-saving-thai-football/ -- 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 17 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303818-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-17-august-2023/

The Constitutional Court yesterday dropped a petition seeking a ruling on whether Move Forward leader Pita Lim-jaroen-rat should be given a second chance to be named prime minister, The court's decision denies Pita a second chance of being named and voted prime minister following the May 14 election that his party won. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced the third vote for prime minister is due to be held next Tuesday 22nd August. Two insurgents wanted for a string of violent attacks were killed during clashes with security forces in the southern province of Pattani yesterday. Some 50 rangers were deployed following a tip-off from local residents that suspected insurgents were hiding in a house nearby. Several men jumped from a window to flee, opening fire as they ran as officers surrounded the house, soldiers returned fire killing one man, a second man was found in a basement at the house, he opened fire and was shot dead. A pickup driver who drove into the rear of a 32 million baht Rolls-Royce on a Bangkok expressway claims the Rolls Royce owner let him go after the accident on Sunday. However a Chinese businesswoman, who owns the luxury motor and her lawyer filed a complaint with police asking them to locate the pickup driver and demand he pays compensation. Repairs are estimated to cost around 2 million baht. The Dept of Transport will carry out a study on the impact of a proposed coastal road, The road will run 600 kilometers from Phuket through Krabi up the coast through Ranong. The idea is to boost tourism along the Andaman coastline. Around the Region: Singapore Police rounded up a group of foreign nationals who had amassed about $1 billion dollars worth of assets. Some 400 Officers raided several high end apartments across the island and arrested 10 people who were being charged last night, 12 others were being questioned. Officers found $23 million dollars in cash, more than 250 luxury bags and watches, electronic devices, more than 270 pieces of jewelry and two gold bars. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north:bright, cloudy with thundershowers 32C Bangkok: Bright, thunder showers this afternoon 33C Pattaya, Bright Partly cloudy, 30C Phuket and the south: Bright Partly cloudy, 30C ‘Hua Hin’: Bright, partly cloudy, expect showers 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 2023-08-17 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

Announcement Expected at the End of August Regarding Appointment of New Police Chief Picture: Daily News On August 16th, Pol. Lt. Gen. Damrong Sakdidej Kritpraphas, Chief of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), provided details about the ongoing process of appointing a new Commissioner-General of the RTP during the caretaker period. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303817-announcement-expected-at-the-end-of-august-regarding-appointment-of-new-police-chief/

On August 16th, Pol. Lt. Gen. Damrong Sakdidej Kritpraphas, Chief of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), provided details about the ongoing process of appointing a new Commissioner-General of the RTP during the caretaker period. He affirmed that the decision remains within the framework of a Cabinet meeting scheduled for the end of August, reported Daily News. In response to queries regarding the caretaker government's authority to make this appointment, Pol. Lt. Gen. Damrong clarified that as long as the caretaker government is still in place and within the time frame, it has the power to proceed. When asked if there would be a violation of Section 157 of the Constitution if the appointment is delayed until after the Prime Minister's term ends, Pol. Lt. Gen. Damrong stated that the situation is still in progress and will become clearer within a few days. Picture: Daily News Regarding concerns about a potential delay in the appointment process, Pol. Lt. Gen. Damrong refrained from giving a definitive answer due to the impending Cabinet meeting in August. He expressed confidence in timely proceedings but noted that the Prime Minister's discretion is pivotal. A definitive answer is expected by the end of this month. Top Picture: Daily News -- ASEAN NOW 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 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

Shocking Discovery: Kindergarten Boy's Barbaric Murder Shocks Chiang Mai Community Picture: Thai Rath A grim revelation has surfaced in the heart-wrenching case of a 5-year-old boy's slaying in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303815-shocking-discovery-kindergarten-boys-barbaric-murder-shocks-chiang-mai-community/

Cambodian Couple Injured in Motorcycle Collision with Dog Picture: Siam Rath On August 16th, 2023, a Cambodian couple was injured when their motorcycle collided with a dog in rural Rayong, Thailand. Captain Anupong Phuangpi, the officer on duty, responded to the scene after receiving a distress call from local volunteers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303814-cambodian-couple-injured-in-motorcycle-collision-with-dog/

Thief Allegedly Steals From Foreigner’s House in Rawai By Goongnang Suksawat Rawai – A thief broke into a foreigner’s house in Rawai and local residents said thieves had broken into many houses in the same area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303811-thief-allegedly-steals-from-foreigner’s-house-in-rawai/

UPDATE: Chinese Rolls-Royce Owner Demands Compensation from Pickup Truck Driver BANGKOK, (TNA) – A Chinese woman, owner of a Rolls-Royce that was rear-ended by a pickup truck, has demanded compensation from the pickup truck driver. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303810-chinese-rolls-royce-owner-demands-compensation-from-pickup-truck-driver/

Chinese Rolls-Royce Owner Demands Compensation from Pickup Truck Driver BANGKOK, (TNA) – A Chinese woman, owner of a Rolls-Royce that was rear-ended by a pickup truck, has demanded compensation from the pickup truck driver. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303810-chinese-rolls-royce-owner-demands-compensation-from-pickup-truck-driver/

BANGKOK, (TNA) – A Chinese woman, owner of a Rolls-Royce that was rear-ended by a pickup truck, has demanded compensation from the pickup truck driver. She used a translation application on her mobile phone to communicate with the pickup truck driver on the day of the accident, causing him to misunderstand that she forgave him and would not file a complaint against him. Upon hearing the news that she forgave the pickup driver and did not demand compensation, she quickly sought advice from her lawyer. Sun Yuhan, 38 along with her lawyer, Mr. Anirut Kongsap, met with the highway police to seek compensation from the pickup truck driver for the accident on August 13 on the outbound lane of the Motorway. The collision resulted in damages estimated at 1.3 million baht, involving repairs to the rear lights and bumper. The woman, who runs a restaurant business with branches in both Bangkok and Pattaya, stated that she was driving to have her vehicle checked at a service center. While driving at approximately 80 km/h, she encountered slowed traffic ahead and the pickup truck crashed into the back of her Rolls-Royce. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1224318 -- TNA-MCOT 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 RELATED STORY Rolls of redemption: Chinese woman forgives Thai driver after Rolls-Royce collision https://aseannow.com/topic/1303591-rolls-royce-in-the-spotlight-repair-costs-unveiled-after-rear-end-collision/?do=findComment&comment=18278556