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The political party registrar has rejected three petitions demanding the dissolutions of the Pheu Thai, Move Forward and Palang Pracharath parties. Petitions demanding dissolution of Pheu Thai, Move Forward and Palang Pracharath rejected Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303100-petitions-demanding-dissolution-of-pheu-thai-move-forward-and-palang-pracharath-rejected/

Kuwaiti Tourist Injured in Motorbike Accident, Friends Obstruct Pattaya Rescuers from Doing Their Job for No Reason By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Over 100 Kuwaiti men obstructed Pattaya rescue services from rushing their injured friend to a hospital for no apparent reason. The men insisted on lifting their friend onto an ambulance themselves. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303042-kuwaiti-tourist-injured-in-motorbike-accident-friends-obstruct-pattaya-rescuers-from-doing-their-job-for-no-reason/

Public hearings underway for Koh Samui’s bridge-to-the-mainland By Peter Roche PHOTO: Facebook/โครงการทางพิเศษเชื่อมเกาะสมุย The first public hearing in relation to a bridge linking Koh Samui to the Surat Thani mainland was held in Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday, August 8. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303040-public-hearings-underway-for-koh-samui’s-bridge-to-the-mainland/

Move Forward haven’t decided if they will back Srettha for PM By Peter Roche The deputy leader of the Move Forward Party says no decision has been made yet on whether or not MFP will back Srettha Thavisin for PM. The Pheu Thai Party has decided to enter into a coalition with the Bhumjaithai Party, with both parties agreeing to nominate Srettha, a former real estate tycoon, for the top job. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303038-move-forward-haven’t-decided-if-they-will-back-srettha-for-pm/

The deputy leader of the Move Forward Party says no decision has been made yet on whether or not MFP will back Srettha Thavisin for PM. The Pheu Thai Party has decided to enter into a coalition with the Bhumjaithai Party, with both parties agreeing to nominate Srettha, a former real estate tycoon, for the top job. Pheu Thai is also courting additional parties from the former coalition in a move that will bolster its majority in the lower house whilst, at the same time, infuriating its supporters. Pheu Thai said after the election it would never be in a coalition with the “uncle parties”, referring to the military-backed conservative parties with Gen Prawit Wongsuwan and Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in charge. If MFP were to back the election of Srettha as the new Thai PM it would be seen as “in good faith” but, in reality, the new Pheu Thai coalition and Senators would have enough votes without Move Forward’s support. By Peter Roche Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/move-forward-not-yet-decided-if-it-will-back-pheu-thais-srettha-in-pm-vote/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-08-09 - 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.

Plung Sungkom Mai to join Pheu Thai-Bhumjaithai coalition Plung Sungkom Mai leader Chaowarit Kajornpongkirati said today (Wednesday) that his party will join a government with Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai at the core. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303037-plung-sungkom-mai-to-join-pheu-thai-bhumjaithai-coalition/

Plung Sungkom Mai leader Chaowarit Kajornpongkirati said today (Wednesday) that his party will join a government with Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai at the core. He confirmed that he has already accepted the invitation from both parties. His party has no objection to the new government including parties from the outgoing government, so that the setting up of the new government can be achieved as soon as possible. He is confident that the new government will be able to command about 260-270 House seats, Chaowarit said. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/plung-sungkom-mai-to-join-pheu-thai-bhumjaithai-coalition/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-09 - 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.

Temple scam: Thai abbot & Chinese nationals caught in 273 million baht fake amulet scheme Photo of Petch Petpailin Photo via Nong Nooch Resort Pattaya The Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) made public that the RTP seized 273 million baht from a Thai abbot and a group of Chinese nationals for selling fake amulets to Chinese tourists at the Buddhist monastery called Kaho Chi Chan or Big Buddha Mountain in Chon Buri province. More than 20 Thai and Chinese people are under arrest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303036-temple-scam-thai-abbot-chinese-nationals-caught-in-273-million-baht-fake-amulet-scheme/

PM Takes Field Visit to Rayong BANGKOK, Aug 9 (TNA) – Caretaker Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha has traveled to the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) in Rayong province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303035-pm-takes-field-visit-to-rayong/

Road collision: Two motorcyclists dead in suspected hit and run involving luxury car in Bangkok by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A high-speed road collision on a Bangkok road in the early hours of this morning left two motorcyclists dead. The police are looking into the role of a luxury car seen speeding from the scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303028-road-collision-two-motorcyclists-dead-in-suspected-hit-and-run-involving-luxury-car-in-bangkok/

Forest refuge: Thai locals lend hand to Vietnamese man’s escape from scam gang by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ หนังสือพิมพ์รายวัน.สยามประชา Kindhearted locals helped a Vietnamese man after he escaped from a scam call centre gang in Cambodia and hid in a forest in the Isaan province of Surin in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303026-forest-refuge-thai-locals-lend-hand-to-vietnamese-man’s-escape-from-scam-gang/

Rains pummel Thailand’s north, Phuket mops up oil spill : Tim Newton Today - August 9 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303023-rains-pummel-thailand’s-north-phuket-mops-up-oil-spill-tim-newton-today-august-9/

Heavy rain is destroying roads and causing mayhem in northern and western Thailand, Phuket's oil spill extends to other southern Andaman island coastlines and up into Phang Nga beaches, officials tracking down the culprit ship. HM the King's second son returns to Thailand causing a flurry of interest and speculation about his return after 27 years, taxi driver burn their old red shirts and Pheu Thai membership cards. Improvements to Hua Hin Airport on the way in expansion program. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists. With thanks to our sponsor 5 Star Marine in Phuket for premium, private charters. Click on this link for a special offer for TNT viewers... https://5starmarinephuket.com/tim/

Pheu Thai to Add 5 More Parties in Its Coalition BANGKOK, Aug 9 (TNA) – The Pheu Thai party is preparing to announce its alliance with five more political parties to form a coalition government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303020-pheu-thai-to-add-5-more-parties-in-its-coalition/

BANGKOK, Aug 9 (TNA) – The Pheu Thai party is preparing to announce its alliance with five more political parties to form a coalition government. This move is expected to increase its coalition's strength by 14 seats. The party is ready to announce its collaboration with 5 political parties to form a government at the Parliament building, scheduled for 12:00 PM today. Five political parties include the Prachachart Party with 9 seats, the Seri Ruam Thai Party with 1 seat, the Peu Thai Ruamphalang with 2 seats, the Plung Sungkom Mai, and the Party of Thai Counties, each with 1 seat. This sums up to a total of 14 seats. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1220206 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-08-09 - 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.

Cabinet approves increased medical coverage for serious head injuries Employees who suffer serious head injury in the course of their work, requiring surgery or not, will soon be entitled to medical coverage of 65,000 baht, up from 50,000 baht, from their employers under a ministerial regulation approved by the cabinet on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303019-cabinet-approves-increased-medical-coverage-for-serious-head-injuries /

Employees who suffer serious head injury in the course of their work, requiring surgery or not, will soon be entitled to medical coverage of 65,000 baht, up from 50,000 baht, from their employers under a ministerial regulation approved by the cabinet on Tuesday. Deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said that, under the new ministerial regulation, employees who suffer a serious head injury, which does not require cranial surgery, will be entitled to increased medical coverage, in line with the changing economic and social circumstances. The new ministerial regulation also covers: Serious head injury that renders a victim unable to work as normal for more than 20 days. Serious injury that may not require surgery or cannot be treated by surgery, such as fractured skull that leads to a brain haemorrhage. Fall from height which results in cerebral haemorrhage that does not require surgery, but requires admission to ICU for three nights Stomach bleed which does not need surgery Broken rib(s) with internal bleeding and breathing difficulties, which does not require surgery. Rachada said that the increased medical coverage will cost the state’s Compensation Fund an additional 2.27 billion baht for the 2023-24 fiscal years. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/cabinet-approves-increased-medical-coverage-for-serious-head-injuries/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-09 - 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.

Thai rains trigger landslides and floods disrupting northern tourism by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Karl Grenet/Flickr A slew of torrential Thai rains has instigated landslides and flash floods causing demolition to the roads in the northern regions of Nan and Mae Hong Son, as well as the western regions of Tak and Kanchanaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303017-thai-rains-trigger-landslides-and-floods-disrupting-northern-tourism/

Are you qualified to get the new 4 year SMART Visa in Thailand? by Cita Catellya PHOTO: Freepik If setting up a new home in Thailand’s tropical setting has crossed your mind, the SMART Visa might already be on your radar. Introduced by the Board of Investment, this visa has been on the scene since 2018, providing lots of benefits for many expats and their families. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303016-are-you-qualified-to-get-the-new-4-year-smart-visa-in-thailand/

If setting up a new home in Thailand’s tropical setting has crossed your mind, the SMART Visa might already be on your radar. Introduced by the Board of Investment, this visa has been on the scene since 2018, providing lots of benefits for many expats and their families. One of the main benefits is reducing the need for the usual tiresome paperwork. In essence, it’s designed to make life in Thailand much simpler and incredibly convenient. by Cita Catellya TOP PHOTO: Freepik For global experts and investors, this SMART Visa is a big win. It allows you to stay in Thailand for four years. And guess what? You only need to check in once a year, bidding goodbye to the old 90-day reporting rule. With the buzz surrounding this SMART Visa, you’re probably bubbling with questions. Who can apply for it? What are the steps involved in getting one? Don’t worry. We’re here to explain everything. We’ll answer all your questions and guide you through the entire process, making it as easy as, well, it should be. What is the SMART Visa? Thailand introduced a new visa type for foreign experts, executives, startup entrepreneurs, and investors on 1 February 2018, known as the SMART Visa. Recognising the potential of international talent to bolster Thailand’s targeted industries, the government introduced this specially designed visa. Furthermore, this initiative offers advantages that far outstrip those associated with regular Thai visas, assuming the eligibility criteria are met. Created under the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), the SMART Visa is designed to attract professionals with extensive expertise and investors who can inject funds into Thai companies. It’s worth noting, however, that the SMART Visa is not tailored for digital nomads or freelancers. Eligibility for this visa requires a level of commitment to the local economy, either through working in a Thai company or investing in one. With the SMART Visa, Thailand is strategically positioning itself to attract a broader range of global talent and financial investment. This aligns with its overall goal of developing its priority industries, creating a mutually beneficial environment for both Thai companies and international workers or investors. What are the targeted industries? As mentioned above, the SMART Visa is designed to attract highly skilled experts, executives, startup entrepreneurs, and investors who want to work or invest in the targeted industries in Thailand. The industries are as follows: Next-Generation Automotive Affluent, Medical and Wellness Tourism Smart Electronics Agriculture and Biotechnology Automation and Robotics Food for the Future Aviation and Logistics Digital Medical Hub Biofuels and Biochemicals Alternative Dispute Resolution Environmental Management and Renewable Energy Human Resource Development in Science and Technology What are the benefits of the SMART Visa? PHOTO: Freepik The SMART Visa of Thailand, just as the name suggests, does bring a bundle of ‘smart’ benefits with it. Being eligible for this type of visa places you in a position to enjoy its rather appealing advantages, ones that clearly supersede those offered by regular Thai visas. One of the highlighted benefits is the long-term validity of the visa. Unlike typical Thai visas that offer one to two years, the SMART Visa generously extends your stay in the country to a maximum of four years. Of course, this is contingent on your work or service contract’s duration. The bureaucratic red tape is considerably simpler, too. There’s no longer a need to engage in the time-consuming process of applying for a Thai Work Permit if you’re associated with any of the eligible companies under this scheme. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/guides/visa-information/are-you-qualified-to-get-the-new-4-year-smart-visa-in-thailand -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-09 - 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.

Bangkok waterways: 9.32 billion baht expansion plan unveiled by Mitch Connor Mitch Photo courtesy of hotels.com. In a proactive move to alleviate traffic congestion in Bangkok, Thailand’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) is set to submit plans for the development of existing and potential canal routes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303015-bangkok-waterways-932-billion-baht-expansion-plan-unveiled/

Opinion: It is time for some youth protesters to show more maturity by Arun Saronchai Civil disobedience has been at the heart of many successful socio-political movements throughout history. At its core, this tactic seeks not only to challenge oppressive systems but to garner public sympathy and support. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303013-opinion-it-is-time-for-some-youth-protesters-to-show-more-maturity/

Civil disobedience has been at the heart of many successful socio-political movements throughout history. At its core, this tactic seeks not only to challenge oppressive systems but to garner public sympathy and support. The recent protest by Thaluwang in front of Bhumjai Thai Party shows that the optics and perception of a movement can be as critical as its message. Acts of violence or aggression, even if unintentional, can taint an entire movement, costing it its moral high ground. One only has to look at the most successful instances of civil disobedience campaigns to see how messaging was as important as the message. by Arun Saronchai Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50405/opinion-it-is-time-for-some-youth-protesters-to-show-more-maturity/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2023-08-09 - 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.

Shocking moment British father and son are brutally beaten by bouncers as they are kicked out of a bar in Thailand's 'Sin City' Holidaymaker Ian Thomas, 60, and his son Gregory, 37, got into the brawl They had been asked to leave a bar in Pattaya, leading to the confrontation Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303011-shocking-moment-british-father-and-son-are-brutally-beaten-by-bouncers-as-they-are-kicked-out-of-a-bar-in-thailands-sin-city/

Child neglect: Third-grader left locked in classroom after falling ill by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of jcomp/freepik A 30 year old named Padungsilp shared a distressing child neglect situation from yesterday involving his sick son who studies in third grade in a school located in Pakham District, Buriram Province. The boy fell ill at school and after consuming medication, dozed off on his classroom desk. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303008-child-neglect-third-grader-left-locked-in-classroom-after-falling-ill/