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UPDATE: German man reportedly sets fire to house after Thai wife vanishes by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ชมรมข่าวสารกู้ภัย Thailand A German man reportedly set fire to his house in the northern province of Phayao after his Thai wife disappeared for a few days. A team of firefighters managed to rescue the man who suffered burns across his body. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303697-german-mans-drunken-outburst-sets-fire-to-his-house-and-burns-relatives-car/?do=findComment&comment=18278749

UPDATE: Traffic police officers to start wearing new uniforms on September 15 by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - People in Thailand will soon see traffic police officers in new uniforms. The Royal Thai Police has allocated a budget for the updated field uniforms, which are aimed at improving traffic police officers’ agility and safety. The new uniforms will be worn from September 15. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303694-traffic-police-to-receive-new-field-ready-uniforms-for-enhanced-safety-and-performance/?do=findComment&comment=18278729

Traffic police officers to start wearing new uniforms on September 15 by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - People in Thailand will soon see traffic police officers in new uniforms. The Royal Thai Police has allocated a budget for the updated field uniforms, which are aimed at improving traffic police officers’ agility and safety. The new uniforms will be worn from September 15. Royal Thai Police Commissioner Damrongsak Kittipraphat earlier appointed a working committee for adjusting the uniform of traffic police officers, with input having been gathered from police officers nationwide. The Royal Thai Police reached a conclusion to assign traffic police officers the same type of uniform used by crime prevention and suppression officers. However, the backside of the new uniform has a white logo strip with the text “Traffic Police” and a fluorescent armband. The new uniform can also be used by the same police officer if he or she switches to work in crime prevention and suppression. According to Pol. Gen. Damrongsak, traffic police officers play the vital role of facilitating traffic, helping people on the roads, and carrying out measures to reduce or prevent road accidents. The officers also function in other tasks as assigned. According to the police chief, using the same uniform type as crime prevention and suppression officers will make the work of traffic police officers safer and more effective while giving the wearer greater agility. He noted the issuance of the new uniform will be the first time traffic police officers are provided with a field uniform, and this would boost their morale. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230816100518173 -- NNT 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

Shell-shocked: Peculiar red-mouthed turtle shells out lottery luck in Prachin Buri by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. Villagers in the Prachin Buri province dashed to a local temple to seek good fortune for today’s lottery following the appearance of a peculiar red-mouthed turtle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303725-shell-shocked-peculiar-red-mouthed-turtle-shells-out-lottery-luck-in-prachin-buri/

AI being used to translate ancient Thai texts on traditional medicine into modern language by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Artificial intelligence is now being used to translate ancient Thai texts on traditional medicine into modern language to make them more usable by interested parties. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303723-ai-being-used-to-translate-ancient-thai-texts-on-traditional-medicine-into-modern-language/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Artificial intelligence is now being used to translate ancient Thai texts on traditional medicine into modern language to make them more usable by interested parties. This initiative is part of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine’s (DTAM) efforts in developing a platform that would bring various traditional medicine and herb-related innovations onto the market. DTAM Director-General Thongchai Lertwilairatanapong announced the progress of a “Healthcare Platform Utilizing Knowledge on Thai Medicine Knowledge and Smart Herbs”. The platform is being jointly developed by the department and King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB). Dr. Thongchai explained that the platform contains 4 modules. The first module is a collection of texts on traditional Thai medicine gathered from folding-book manuscripts, palm leaf manuscripts, and stone inscriptions. Around 50,000 records are being collected as digital prototypes under the “Smart TTM Library” system. Another module involves the translation of ancient text from no less than 200,000 traditional Thai medicine prescriptions into modern words, to enable faster extraction of information from these texts. The third module has to do with compiling big data on herbal products and Thai traditional and alternative medicine services so information from various sources may be linked and added value may be generated in the future. The final module entails the development of digital innovations to elevate Thai traditional and alternative medicine services and knowledge and to provide smart solutions for matters to do with Thai herbs. This module will enable health questions, evaluation, and treatment in the traditional Thai medicine sphere to be assisted by AI. One of the innovations under this module provides virtual visits to Thailand Herbal Expo, the Traditional Thai Medicine Museum, and a Thai herbs garden. Herbal products may be sold or purchased through this system. The platform is expected to come into service next year. by Namo Vananupong Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230816095716165 -- NNT 2023-08-16

Thai it up: Weather officials forecast downpour throughout Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of vecstock, Freepik The Thai Meteorological Department reveals today that across Thailand, intense rain is anticipated for 60% to 80% of the country, with some regions expected to experience heavy downpours. Particularly for Bangkok’s capital, afternoon to evening rain showers are expected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303721-thai-it-up-weather-officials-forecast-downpour-throughout-thailand/

The Thai Meteorological Department reveals today that across Thailand, intense rain is anticipated for 60% to 80% of the country, with some regions expected to experience heavy downpours. Particularly for Bangkok’s capital, afternoon to evening rain showers are expected. This weather prediction points towards an acute southwesterly monsoon, currently strong over the Andaman Sea and Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand where it’s starting to weaken. As a subtropical ridge weakens while traversing the northern part of Thailand, and the upper Laos region, it allows a low-pressure trough around the upper Vietnam and Tonkin Gulf to influence Thailand’s weather, causing heavy rain in some locations in the northern, northeastern, eastern, and eastern regions by the southern coast. This ongoing condition still leads to very heavy rain in certain areas around the west coast of the southern region. In the northern region, there’s a 60% chance of rain with thunderstorms, and heavy rain is expected in some areas in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Lamphun, Lampang, Uttaradit and Tak. The weather temperature range is between 23-27 degrees Celsius, with the high being between 32-37 degrees Celsius. The wind comes from a southwestern direction, moving at a speed of 10-20 kilometres per hour. In the northeastern region, similar conditions are predicted with a 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall is also forecasted around Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom provinces. Low temperatures in the region are between 23-26 degrees Celsius, with the top temperatures reaching 34-37 degrees Celsius. Winds are blowing from the southwest at speeds of 10-20 kilometres per hour. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of vecstock, Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/heavy-rain-forecasted-across-thailand-due-to-strong-southwest-monsoon -- Thaiger 2023-08-16

Tourists flock to Khao Lom Muak for the most spectacular views in Prachuap Khiri Khan By Online Reporter Hundreds of tourists flocked to Khao Lom Muak, the mountain in Mueang Prachuap that offers some of the most spectacular views in the province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303720-tourists-flock-to-khao-lom-muak-for-the-most-spectacular-views-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

Pita cleared of media share case, abrupt ‘about face’ from Thailand Elite : Tim Newton Today - August 16 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303718-pita-cleared-of-media-share-case-abrupt-‘about-face’-from-thailand-elite-tim-newton-today-august-16/

PM candidate Pita Limjareonrat from Move Forward cleared in in the media shares dispute debate, Spaniard Daniel Sancho will face death penalty in Koh Pha Ngan murder case, HM the King's sons speak before leaving Thailand, back to the US, Family Mart to rebrand after 20 years, Thailand Elite do an abrupt 'about face' allowing members to upgrade their membership before the new packages are announced in the visa program. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

UPDATE: Rolls of redemption: Chinese woman forgives Thai driver after Rolls-Royce collision by Petch Petpailin Photo via Twitter @RedSkullxxx A Chinese woman’s remarkable display of forgiveness illuminated an incident involving a Thai pickup driver colliding with her 32 million baht Rolls-Royce on a motorway bridge near Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303591-rolls-royce-in-the-spotlight-repair-costs-unveiled-after-rear-end-collision/?do=findComment&comment=18278556

Rolls of redemption: Chinese woman forgives Thai driver after Rolls-Royce collision by Petch Petpailin Photo via Twitter @RedSkullxxx A Chinese woman’s remarkable display of forgiveness illuminated an incident involving a Thai pickup driver colliding with her 32 million baht Rolls-Royce on a motorway bridge near Bangkok. The accident, captured by a dashcam from a passing vehicle, was shared on the Twitter account Red Skull. In the video, a bronze pickup forcefully collided with the rear of the black Rolls-Royce. The pickup’s occupants, visibly concerned, were observed conversing on their phones, presumably seeking advice on how to proceed. ไม่เคยปากดีอย่าลำบาก ทรงนี้กูรู้เลยก่อนชนตูดเค้านี่คือดันเค้ามาตลอดทางแล้วเบรกไม่อยู่ ช่วงล่างรถไถ หัวใจเฟอร์รารี่ ???? #วัยรุ่นสร้างตัว pic.twitter.com/ByGP78xLMM The caption on the video said… “Pickup crashes into a Rolls-Royce which is worth 32 million baht. Will the pickup’s car insurance cover the damage cost? The accident occurred at about 3.40pm on the motorway that leads to Bangkok.” Initially, Red Skull’s Twitter account attributed the fault to the pickup driver, accusing them of tailgating and thus causing the collision. However, the Rolls-Royce’s owner, a 21 year old Chinese woman, came forward to clarify the situation. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/rolls-of-redemption-chinese-woman-forgives-thai-driver-after-rolls-royce-collision -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

Map Ta Phut port to see third phase by 2027, IEAT confident by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Reports from Thailand indicate that the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) remains optimistic about presenting the third phase of development of the Map Ta Phut deep-sea port in Rayong by the year 2027. The port, a notable part of ongoing development in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), is seen as an essential addition to Thailand’s infrastructure. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303712-map-ta-phut-port-to-see-third-phase-by-2027-ieat-confident/

Grab Thailand partners with Alipay, Kakao Pay to appeal to Chinese, Korean tourists by Alex Morgan Worachat Luxkanalode, grab.com Grab Thailand is entering a strategic alliance with Alipay and Kakao Pay to expand the payment alternatives available to Chinese and South Korean tourists who visit the country, an announcement from the company relayed. As the Thai tourism sector remains buoyant, Grab has identified Chinese tourists as pivotal to its strategy for this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303704-grab-thailand-partners-with-alipay-kakao-pay-to-appeal-to-chinese-korean-tourists/

Grab Thailand is entering a strategic alliance with Alipay and Kakao Pay to expand the payment alternatives available to Chinese and South Korean tourists who visit the country, an announcement from the company relayed. As the Thai tourism sector remains buoyant, Grab has identified Chinese tourists as pivotal to its strategy for this year. “To better serve the Chinese market, Grab is joining forces with China’s most popular digital wallet and payment system, Alipay, which is used by more than 1 billion Chinese consumers. This collaboration aims to enable seamless payments via Alipay when using Grab services,” expressed Worachat Luxkanalode, Country Head of Grab Thailand. In addition to Alipay, Grab Thailand is also reportedly integrating Kakao Pay, strengthening its payment services for South Korean tourists visiting Thailand. The two payment methodologies are gradually being incorporated for users and are estimated to be fully functional by the third quarter of the fiscal year. by Alex Morgan Worachat Luxkanalode, grab.com Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/grab-thailand-partners-with-alipay-kakao-pay-to-appeal-to-chinese-korean-tourists -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

El Nino lowers Chao Phraya levels, predicted rain in 16 Thai provinces by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Ian, traveltin.net Thailand’s National Water Command Centre (NWCC) has issued warnings regarding severe rainfalls predicted in 16 provinces, even as water levels around the Chao Phraya River are seen to decrease due to the El Nino weather conditions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303700-el-nino-lowers-chao-phraya-levels-predicted-rain-in-16-thai-provinces/

Thailand’s National Water Command Centre (NWCC) has issued warnings regarding severe rainfalls predicted in 16 provinces, even as water levels around the Chao Phraya River are seen to decrease due to the El Nino weather conditions. Surasri Kidtimonton, the deputy of the NWCC and the Secretary-General of the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), warned of the heavy showers expected to affect various regions, with the North, Northeast, East and western regions of the South being particularly impacted through to the end of the week. The most significant warnings have been flagged for 16 provinces: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Nan, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakhon Nakhon, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Satun and Trang. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Ian, traveltin.net Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/predicted-rain-in-16-thai-provinces-as-el-nino-lowers-chao-phraya-levels -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 16 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303698-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-16-august-2023/

Move Forward Party leader Pita Lim-jaroen-rat has questioned why the Election Commission investigated his shareholding in the defunct broadcaster iTV, now that an inquiry panel has recommended the case be dropped. Mr Pita posted the case appeared to be “intentional political persecution”. iTV ceased broadcast operations in 2007 and was delisted from the Stock Exchange in 2014. Move Forward Party that won May’s election yesterday confirmed it will not vote for Pheu Thai’s PM candidate Srettha Thavi-sin, because it does not want to “betray voters”. The investigation into the murder of a 44 year old Colombian plastic surgeon has been closed according to police general Surachate. Edwin Arteaga, was allegedly murdered by his boyfriend, Daniel Bron-chalo, a YouTube chef and son of a well known Spanish actor. Police have arrested Thirteen people who were working as unqualified Pharmacists mostly while the full time pharmacist was away. All were involved in selling a cough syrup used to make a popular drug cocktail known as 4x100 . Police confiscated nearly 25 thousand bottles of the syrup and other pills. A man who stole 4 items of gold from a jewelry shop in hua hin on 1st August has been apprehended. The 25 year old was working as a food delivery motorcyclist and got into debt before deciding to steal the items on impulse worth about 300 thousand baht. He eventually ran out of funds and was apprehended by police in Bangkok. Around the Region: Myanmar; Rescue teams yesterday announced the had recovered 22 bodies following the huge landslide over the weekend near a jade mine, however some 42 people were still reported missing, More than 100 people were involved in the effort to find the victims. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north:bright, cloudy with thundershowers 31C Bangkok: Partly Cloudy, thunder showers this afternoon 32C Pattaya, Partly cloudy, thundershowers 31C Phuket and the south: Cloudy with thundershowers, 29C ‘HuaHin’: Sunny, partly cloudy, expect an isolated shower 32C. 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 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 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.

Traffic police uniform revamp addresses efficiency, nationwide rollout set for mid-September by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Sanook A new uniform for the traffic police is set to be rolled out nationally from September 15, with all 19,662 officers expected to be wearing the revised attire. Netizens queried the changes, claiming they could hardly discern any difference in the new design. Yesterday, Police Lieutenant Colonel Kittipraphat, Commissioner of Police, under the directives of Police Lieutenant General Prachuap Wongsuk formed a task force to revise the uniform for police officers who serve in traffic. The task force, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Prachuap, Assistant Commissioner General of Police, collectively studied, analysed, specified design standards, and conducted a national survey among police officers, culminating in a proposed uniform. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/traffic-police-uniform-revamp-addresses-efficiency-nationwide-rollout-set-for-mid-september -- © Copyright Thaiger 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.

German Man's Drunken Outburst: Sets Fire to His House and Burns Relative's Car Picture: Thai Rath A German man, under the influence, reportedly set his own house ablaze and burned down a car, believed to be that of a relative, in a drunken fit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303697-german-mans-drunken-outburst-sets-fire-to-his-house-and-burns-relatives-car/

Traffic Police to Receive New Field-Ready Uniforms for Enhanced Safety and Performance Picture: Thai Rath In a significant development, the Royal Thai Police are set to equip their traffic officers with brand-new field-ready uniforms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303694-traffic-police-to-receive-new-field-ready-uniforms-for-enhanced-safety-and-performance/

In a significant development, the Royal Thai Police are set to equip their traffic officers with brand-new field-ready uniforms. This move aims to bolster officer safety, agility, and overall performance while they carry out their essential duties on the roads, reported Thai Rath. The decision to allocate funds for these new uniforms reflects the police force's commitment to ensuring the well-being of their personnel and the effectiveness of their operations. According to Pol. Col. Arthayon Kraithong, the spokesperson for the National Police Bureau, this marks a historic moment as it's the first time such a specialized uniform will be provided to traffic officers. The uniforms will be introduced nationwide on September 15, signifying a significant step in modernizing the police force's attire and operational approach. The new uniform design, approved by Pol. Lt. Gen. Dhamrong Sakulkitphaisal, the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, incorporates reflective elements for enhanced visibility, particularly during nighttime operations. Picture: Thai Rath The uniform also retains key features from the existing anti-crime uniforms, such as the white thread sewn onto a uniform color patch, establishing a sense of uniformity within the police force. The spokesperson highlighted that the decision to introduce these field-ready uniforms reflects the force's recognition of the vital role traffic officers play in maintaining public safety and order on the roads. By providing them with specialized attire, the police force aims to improve their comfort, mobility, and visibility, contributing to better service delivery and safer road management. The allocation of funds for these new uniforms demonstrates the Royal Thai Police's dedication to supporting its officers and enhancing their capabilities as they work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the public. TOP Picture: Thai Rath -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

Dog Owner Forgives Youth for Shooting Incident Picture: Siam Rath In an incident that occurred on August 15, 2023, in Udon Thani, a Thai breed dog owner has chosen to extend forgiveness towards a young individual who perpetrated an unfortunate shooting incident involving her beloved pet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303693-dog-owner-forgives-youth-for-shooting-incident/