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Voting for next PM to go ahead with growing turmoil likely to end with General Prawit as PM by Joseph O' Connor Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke with reporters on Tuesday when he touched on a potential dispute between the Bhumjaithai Party and Pheu Thai Party over his desire to retain his party’s current ministries in any new government. On Wednesday, following the Constitutional Court’s decision to dismiss petitions relating to the renomination of Move Forward’s Pita Limjaroenrat as Prime Minister on July 19th, the way was cleared for the nomination of Srettha Thavisin this week. The failure of his nomination to gain 375 votes would lead to the Bhumjaithai Party being given the initiative and the eventual election of the Palang Pracharat Party’s leader General Prawit Wongsuwan as the kingdom’s next Prime Minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303809-voting-for-next-pm-to-go-ahead-with-growing-turmoil-likely-to-end-with-general-prawit-as-pm/

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke with reporters on Tuesday when he touched on a potential dispute between the Bhumjaithai Party and Pheu Thai Party over his desire to retain his party’s current ministries in any new government. On Wednesday, following the Constitutional Court’s decision to dismiss petitions relating to the renomination of Move Forward’s Pita Limjaroenrat as Prime Minister on July 19th, the way was cleared for the nomination of Srettha Thavisin this week. The failure of his nomination to gain 375 votes would lead to the Bhumjaithai Party being given the initiative and the eventual election of the Palang Pracharat Party’s leader General Prawit Wongsuwan as the kingdom’s next Prime Minister. Already this week, the Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has a problem with a proposal from Pheu Thai and Mr Srettha Thavisin to vary ministries in any incoming government. The potential rejection of Mr Srettha Thavisin in the coming vote on his nomination in parliament will hand the initiative over to Mr Anutin and ultimately the Prime Minister’s chair to General Prawit Wongsuwan. The Constitutional Court, on Wednesday, cleared the way for the parliamentary process to elect Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister to continue when it rejected petitions made against the blocking of Mr Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination on July 19th last. A new vote on the nomination of Pheu Thai’s Mr Srettha Thavisin is likely within the week but there are doubts as to whether it will succeed, opening up the possibility of a Bhumjaithai Party-led effort to form a government and the eventual election of General Prawit Wongsuwan as Thailand’s next PM. On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court in Bangkok threw out petitions submitted to it via the Office of the Ombudsman questioning the legality of the decision in Parliament on July 19th not to debate the renomination of Mr Pita Limjaroenrat for the office of Prime Minister. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/08/16/voting-for-next-prime-minister-to-go-ahead-general-prawit-wongsuwan-expected/ -- Thai Examiner 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

Thai Private Sector Seeks Help As Chinese Products Flood Market by TNR Staff Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri. Photo: NNT THE Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) today (Aug. 16) called for help as Chinese products are now flooding in from every direction with Thai entrepreneurs unable to compete anymore, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303808-thai-private-sector-seeks-help-as-chinese-products-flood-market/

Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri. Photo: NNT THE Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) today (Aug. 16) called for help as Chinese products are now flooding in from every direction with Thai entrepreneurs unable to compete anymore, Matichon newspaper said. Mr. Kriangkrai Thiennukul, FTI’s president, said 20 industrial groups out of a total of 45 have been severely impacted by the heavy flow of Chinese products into Thailand from only five to six groups previously hit. “We can’t fight them anymore. It happened so fast, like a disaster – a flood or forest fire – even though everyone had prepared but there was no time to deal with it, Chinese products are coming in like a typhoon,” he said. by TNR Staff Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri. Photo: Photo: NNT Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/16/thai-private-sector-seeks-help-as-chinese-products-flood-market/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 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

Pita Not Petitioning Charter Court On Second PM Nomination by TNR Staff Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat next to the Constitutional Court logo. Photo: Matichon MOVE Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat said this afternoon (Aug. 16) he is not going to petition the Constitutional Court to rule whether he is legally allowed a second chance to be nominated prime minister pointing out this is a problem for Parliament to resolve, Matichon newspaper said. The Ombudsman had sought a ruling on a House/Senate vote last month to deny him a second chance to be named and voted prime minister on grounds it violated Article 42 of House regulations. However this court ruled today that the Ombudsman is not a person or entity directly involved or affected in this matter. -- THAI NEWSROOM 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 Pita said Move Forward MP and party spokesman Rangsiman Rome had already submitted a motion to discuss this issue at the House/Senate meeting. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/16/pita-not-petitioning-charter-court-on-second-pm-nomination/

Court Denies Pita A Second Chance Of Being Named PM By Thai Newsroom Reporters Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Photo: Matichon. THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT today (Aug.16) dropped a petition seeking a court judgement as to whether Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat may be legally given a second chance of being named prime minister, thus automatically denying it. The Constitutional Court judges reached an unanimous decision to waive up the case earlier filed by the Office of the Ombudsman, practically denying Pita the second chance of being named and voted prime minister following the May 14 election which has turned his Move Forward into the country’s No.1 largest elected party. For the first time last month, Pita had been named head of a post-election government but failed to get adequate support from among MPs and senators. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/16/court-denies-pita-a-second-chance-of-being-named-pm/ -- THAI NEWSROOM 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

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 17 August 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1303807-thailand-live-thursday-17-august-2023/

Charter Court refuses to consider rejection of Pita’s renomination as PM The Constitutional Court has unanimously refused to consider the Ombudsman’s petition seeking a ruling on the constitutionality of parliament’s decision to reject the renomination of Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303771-charter-court-refuses-to-consider-rejection-of-pita’s-renomination-as-pm/

Down undercover: Aussie fugitive caught in Phuket hideaway over drug charge Photo via Kom Chad Luek Police arrested an Aussie man at a luxury accommodation in Phuket on August 10 after the foreigner fled a drug charge from his homeland to hide in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303778-down-undercover-aussie-fugitive-caught-in-phuket-hideaway-over-drug-charge/

House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has set August 22nd as the date for the next joint sitting of the Thai parliament to select a new prime minister. August 22nd set for next vote on a new prime minister Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303792-august-22nd-set-for-next-vote-on-a-new-prime-minister/

Paetongtarn in Dubai to meet Thaksin Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra travelled to Dubai to meet her father Thaksin on Tuesday, to take him to an eye doctor, according to her Instagram account; Ingshin21. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303747-paetongtarn-in-dubai-to-meet-thaksin/

Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra travelled to Dubai to meet her father Thaksin on Tuesday, to take him to an eye doctor, according to her Instagram account; Ingshin21. She posted photos of Thaksin, now 74, undergoing an eye test, apparently at a hospital. Together with her to Dubai is her eldest daughter; Titarn. Paetongtarn also shared a TikTok clip, which narrates the life of her father since childhood, before and after marriage, as well as his political history. The music used in the clip is “Que Sera, Sera” (Whatever Will Be, Will Be), made famous by Doris Day in the 1956 Alfred Hitchcock film “The Man Who Knew Too Much”. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/paetongtarn-in-dubai-to-meet-thaksin/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-16 - 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

Price of packed rice to go up by ฿3/kg in September The Thai Rice Packers Association has announced a 3 baht/kg price increase for packed rice, to 20 baht/kg, effective in September, citing increased production costs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303746-price-of-packed-rice-to-go-up-by-฿3kg-in-september/

The Thai Rice Packers Association has announced a 3 baht/kg price increase for packed rice, to 20 baht/kg, effective in September, citing increased production costs. The association’s president, Yongyut Phurkmahadamrong, admitted that the price increase of packed rice will affect most consumers, but said that the adjustment is necessary. He said the Internal Trade Department may, however, consider producing Blue Flag packed rice, for sale at a lower price to help the consumers. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/price-of-packed-rice-to-go-up-by-฿3-kg-in-september/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-16 - 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

Missing man’s skeletal remains found in submerged pickup truck in Buriram pond by Neill Fronde A pickup truck was found in a Buriram pond containing the skeleton of a missing man. (via Sanook). Picture courtesy of Sanook Villagers in Buriram irrigating their paddy fields were shocked when they came across the tail end of a pickup truck submerged in a large pond. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303745-missing-man’s-skeletal-remains-found-in-submerged-pickup-truck-in-buriram-pond/

Aussie mum’s brave battle ends in poignant farewell by Bob Scott Pictures courtesy of 7News. An Aussie mum who showed tremendous courage to emerge from a coma and fight against a brain injury yesterday finally succumbed to her injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303737-aussie-mum’s-brave-battle-ends-in-poignant-farewell/

Alcohol advertising: Tightened restrictions urged amidst youth risk concerns by Neill Fronde Photo courtesy of Siamionau Pavel/Shutterstock Further restrictions against alcohol advertising are being urged by the Alcohol Watch Network. Concerns centre around young people and new drinkers who are at risk due to various impacts on health, economy and society. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303733-alcohol-advertising-tightened-restrictions-urged-amidst-youth-risk-concerns/

Further restrictions against alcohol advertising are being urged by the Alcohol Watch Network. Concerns centre around young people and new drinkers who are at risk due to various impacts on health, economy and society. Teera Watcharapranee, director of the office of the Alcohol Watch Network, stated yesterday, that despite the responsibility of enforcing the law falling on the Ministry of Public Health under the Alcohol Control Act of 2008, the network and its allied sectors have publicly supported the cause, closely monitoring any acts of defiance related to alcohol advertising. The network submits complaints about violations to the law enforcement officials responsible for enforcing the Act. It also highlights the regulation controlling sales and points of distribution, including prohibiting sales and consumption in civil service and religious places, restricting sales to individuals under the age of 20 according to Section 30, and forbidding promotion of sales such as discounted prices or promotions. by Neill Fronde Photo courtesy of Siamionau Pavel/Shutterstock Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/alcohol-watch-network-reinforces-call-for-tightened-advertising-restrictions-amidst-youth-risk-concerns -- Thai PBS 2023-08-16 - 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

Patcharawat Wongsuwan: The link for Prawit and Thaksin to forge a new govt? Patcharawat Wongsuwan: Photo by MThai Former national police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan has been dragged from obscurity into the media spotlight with his recent appointment as chief adviser to the outgoing ruling party, Palang Pracharath. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303730-patcharawat-wongsuwan-the-link-for-prawit-and-thaksin-to-forge-a-new-govt /

Patcharawat Wongsuwan: Photo by MThai Former national police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan has been dragged from obscurity into the media spotlight with his recent appointment as chief adviser to the outgoing ruling party, Palang Pracharath. The appointment was made by his elder brother, General Prawit Wongsuwan, shortly after Prawit’s re-election as party leader late last month. Appointing Patcharawat to the post, which was previously held by Prawit, is widely seen as a move to pave the way for Palang Pracharath to enter a Pheu Thai-led coalition government in the making. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/patcharawat-wongsuwan-the-link-for-prawit-and-thaksin-to-forge-a-new-govt/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-16 - 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.

Thailand-Vietnam bilateral trade expected reach US$25Bn next year The Thai Chamber of Commerce has set a target to increase bilateral trade between Thailand and Vietnam to US$25 billion next year, with the expectation that young entrepreneurs and start-ups in the two countries will play an increasing role in achieving this, according to Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Board of Trade. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303729-thailand-vietnam-bilateral-trade-expected-reach-us25bn-next-year/

The Thai Chamber of Commerce has set a target to increase bilateral trade between Thailand and Vietnam to US$25 billion next year, with the expectation that young entrepreneurs and start-ups in the two countries will play an increasing role in achieving this, according to Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Board of Trade. Speaking at the Thailand-Vietnam business forum 2023, Sanan said that, this year, the TCC has emphasised cooperation and relationships between young entrepreneurs and start-ups, the exchange of information and ideas on technology and innovations, as well as investment in start-ups between the two countries. Sanan said that young entrepreneurs and start-ups will not just be the “heart and soul” of the economy in the future, but a vehicle which will carry the two countries towards change and new innovations, noting that the investment atmosphere is healthy with political stability. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-vietnam-bilateral-trade-expected-reach-us25bn-next-year/ -- Thai PBS 2023-08-16

New MOU addresses health issues among monks by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Culture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with related agencies to keep Buddhist monks nutritionally healthy. The ministry is encouraging faithful Buddhists to offer healthy diets to monks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303728-new-mou-addresses-health-issues-among-monks/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Culture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with related agencies to keep Buddhist monks nutritionally healthy. The ministry is encouraging faithful Buddhists to offer healthy diets to monks. Minister of Culture Itthiphol Khunpluem led the MOU signing ceremony. This agreement was reached between the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Public Health, Mahitala Dhibesra Institute, the Medical Council of Thailand, and the Department of Religious Affairs. The signing was co-chaired by Somdet Phramahathirachan, a member of the Sangha Supreme Council, and the abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram. A large number of Buddhist monks in Thailand are infected with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which include diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. The Ministry of Culture recommends that people offer healthy foods to monks, according to the nutritional recommendations. Healthy foods should have less sugar, less oil, and less sodium. by Tanakorn Sangiam Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230816101354182 -- NNT 2023-08-16

Phuket sea gypsies call for return of land leased to Mai Khao hotel By Peter Roche PHOTO: Flickr/Brian Jeffery Beggerly The Chao Ley, or sea gypsy community, in northern Phuket is petitioning officials to return ancestral land that has been leased to a hotel on Mai Khao Beach. They have been joined by a group of local activists, with representative Orawan Hanthaleh expressing concern about the alleged encroachment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303727-phuket-sea-gypsies-call-for-return-of-land-leased-to-mai-khao-hotel/