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Permanent Secretary for the Interior Suttipong Juljarern has discussed details related to the recent explosion at a warehouse in Muno sub-district of Narathiwat’s Su-ngai Kolok district. He said the incident could be traced back to the illegal storage of fireworks, which led to numerous casualties due to the resulting explosion. In response to the tragic event, the Ministry of Interior has promptly instructed all provincial governors to manage and inspect those authorized to manufacture, import or sell fireworks. The move aims to ensure smooth operations, regulatory compliance and appropriate law enforcement regarding firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks and firearm replicas. The Department of Provincial Administration also issued an urgent order to the governors of all 878 districts across the country to expedite the inspection of potential warehouse sites or buildings for illegal fireworks storage. They were directed to report their findings swiftly to provincial governors and the department to ensure rigorous control and inspection of fireworks operations in all areas. Following the instructions, Suttipong reported that a local inspection in Kanchanaburi province uncovered an unauthorized fireworks storage facility. The municipal administration of Kanchanaburi province raided an unnamed building adjacent to a residence in Wang Dong sub-district of the capital district. During the raid, evidence of fireworks production was discovered, and a 68-year-old suspect claiming ownership of the property was apprehended. The suspect confessed to producing funeral fireworks without a license from the local registrar. Several items were seized as evidence, including different sizes of fireworks, gunpowder, fuses in various colors, and cut fuses. The Kanchanaburi Muang municipal enforcement team has charged the suspect with manufacturing fireworks without permission from the local registrar. The suspect was handed over to the local investigating officers for further legal proceedings. PRESS RELEASE Source: https://web.facebook.com/photo?fbid=662875669209900&set=a.591685012995633&_rdc=1&_rdr -- © Copyright NBT WORLD 2023-08-07 - 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.

UPDATE: Graft-busting crusader Chuwit sued for defamation by Srettha Thavisin Pheu Thai party’s prime ministerial candidate and former real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin has sued graft-busting crusader Chuwit Kamolvisit for defamation, demanding 500 million baht in compensation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302762-srettha-filing-defamation-lawsuit-against-chuwit/?do=findComment&comment=18256825

Graft-busting crusader Chuwit sued for defamation by Srettha Thavisin Pheu Thai party’s prime ministerial candidate and former real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin has sued graft-busting crusader Chuwit Kamolvisit for defamation, demanding 500 million baht in compensation. The lawsuit has been filed with the Criminal Court by Srettha’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontri. Winyat claimed to the media today (Monday) that Chuwit had defamed Srettha, former chief executive of the Sansiri property company, by accusing the firm of buying a plot of land in Bangkok for a condominium project and avoiding tax. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/graft-busting-crusader-chuwit-sued-for-defamation-by-srettha-thavisin/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-07 - 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.

TAT Leverages Soft Power through Online Game BANGKOK, Aug 7 (TNA) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the campaign “The Hunt for Amazing Cultures” using an online game to connect players worldwide and showcase Thai soft power, culture, and beliefs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302813-tat-leverages-soft-power-through-online-game/

BANGKOK, Aug 7 (TNA) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the campaign “The Hunt for Amazing Cultures” using an online game to connect players worldwide and showcase Thai soft power, culture, and beliefs. The aim is to engage Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Digital Native groups, who represent promising future traveler groups and to transition players from the virtual world of gaming to real travellers to experience Thailand. To achieve this goal, TAT has partnered with Yggdrazil Group, the developer of the popular game series “Home Sweet Home,” and Ogilvy (Thailand) to introduce “The Hunt for Amazing Cultures” campaign, running from June 1 to August 15. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1218866 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-08-07 - 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.

Boozy blood pact backfires: Thai tipplers’ bond attempt leads to bloody rescue by Petch Petpailin Photo via Nation TV Two drunk Thai men turned to a rescue team in Chon Buri province for medical aid after their attempt at cementing an everlasting bond through a blood pact went awry, leaving one of them with an unmanageable bleeding wound. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302812-boozy-blood-pact-backfires-thai-tipplers’-bond-attempt-leads-to-bloody-rescue/

Move Forward warns Pheu Thai that it’s being “conned by conservatives” By Peter Roche PHOTO; Facebook/Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn - วิโรจน์ ลักขณาอดิศร A Move Forward MP has urged Pheu Thai to backtrack on a decision to abandon plans to form a government with MFP. Posting on Facebook, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn says the Pheu Thai Party “is being conned by conservatives”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302811-move-forward-warns-pheu-thai-that-it’s-being-“conned-by-conservatives”/

A Move Forward MP has urged Pheu Thai to backtrack on a decision to abandon plans to form a government with MFP. Posting on Facebook, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn says the Pheu Thai Party “is being conned by conservatives”. “Don’t they ever wonder whether the mountaintop which they are being taken to is actually an execution ground?” The Bangkok Post reports that Wiroj addressed the party as if advising a friend, telling Pheu Thai it was a mistake to believe anything conservative politicians say. By Peter Roche PHOTO; Facebook/Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn - วิโรจน์ ลักขณาอดิศร Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/move-forward-warns-pheu-thai-that-its-being-conned-by-conservatives/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-08-07 - 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.

Spate of drownings on Phuket prompts officials to take action By Peter Roche Officials in Phuket are stepping up beach safety measures in response to 5 drownings in under a week. The Bangkok Post reports that Pairoj Srilamoon, chief of Mueang District, says a total of 12 people have drowned at the island’s beaches since the start of the year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302810-spate-of-drownings-on-phuket-prompts-officials-to-take-action/

Annual Buffalo Race Marks Start of Rice-Planting Season by Paul Rujopakarn CHONBURI (NNT) - Thai farmers marked the beginning of rice cultivation during the monsoon season on Sunday (6 Aug) with their annual water buffaloes race, a tradition dating back to the 1800s. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302808-annual-buffalo-race-marks-start-of-rice-planting-season/

Patong gunfire: Prime suspect in the incident nabbed after intense manhunt by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Patong Police In a recent development in the ongoing investigation into a street shooting that occurred on the morning of August 3 in Patong, Phuket, local authorities have apprehended the prime suspect, 34 year old Nattapong Nachom. Two men were injured during the gunfire incident and are currently receiving medical care at Patong Hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302807-patong-gunfire-prime-suspect-in-the-incident-nabbed-after-intense-manhunt/

Drug addict and repeat offender arrested for attempted rape in Bangkok Photo of Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath. Tha Kharm Police Station officers arrested a drug addict who reportedly attempted to rape a Thai woman at her house in the Jom Thong district of Bangkok. The suspect has a long criminal history and had just been released from jail at the end of last year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302800-drug-addict-and-repeat-offender-arrested-for-attempted-rape-in-bangkok/

Koh Pha Ngan murder suspect arrested, Thaksin delays return : Tim Newton Today - August 7 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302790-koh-pha-ngan-murder-suspect-arrested-thaksin-delays-return-tim-newton-today-august-7/

Another grisly murder unveiled after the body parts found on Koh Pha Ngan are found to be the result of a murder between two lovers. A Spanish man is now in custody. Thaksin Shinawatra delays his return "for a few weeks", more bombs being found an exploding in Thailand's Deep South, the couple who owned the fireworks warehouse in Narathiwat have been arrested, oil spill causes a black mess along Phuket's northern beaches. 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/

Rice prices skyrocket in Thailand due to drought effects and export ban by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of tastythailand.com A meeting is set to be convened today by Jurin Laksanawisit, Commerce Minister, evaluating the repercussions of the drought instigated by the El Niño weather occurrence, and potential courses of action in response to the surge in rice prices. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302787-rice-prices-skyrocket-in-thailand-due-to-drought-effects-and-export-ban/

Photo courtesy of tastythailand.com A meeting is set to be convened today by Jurin Laksanawisit, Commerce Minister, evaluating the repercussions of the drought instigated by the El Niño weather occurrence, and potential courses of action in response to the surge in rice prices. Concurrently, the Commerce Ministry under the watchful eyes of Wattanasak Sur-iam, chief of the Internal Trade Department, is monitoring good prices, with agricultural products of particular interest due to the effects of the drought. “The price of bagged rice remains normal, despite recent news about a rise in rice prices following India’s ban on exporting non-basmati white rice and the drought reducing production,” Wattanasak conveyed. He mentioned that the price of a 5 kilogram bag of Thai hom mali rice averages 210 baht, while 100% white rice is priced at 117 baht per kilogram. Several notable shopping centres are offering promotional discounts which reduce the prices of hom mali rice to around 165 baht in particular districts. Even though Wattanasak noted an increase in domestic prices, his department does not predict a significant impact on bagged rice prices. Upon comparison with prices from the previous year, domestic prices of hom mali paddy are reportedly higher, from 14,499 baht to 15,000 baht per tonne and the price of white rice paddy has increased from 9,217 baht to 11,150 baht per tonne. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of tastythailand.com Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/drought-effects-and-rice-export-ban-fuels-thai-domestic-rice-price-surge -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-07 - 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.

Please continue: Oil Stains Found on Some Phuket Beaches By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Oil stains were found on several beaches in Thalang along with a baby sea turtle that appeared to have been impacted by the oil. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302749-oil-stains-found-on-some-phuket-beaches/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Arun Plus aims for profitability with Thailand’s growing EV demand by Alex Morgan Arun Plus launching an EV car in 2022, autospinn.com National oil and gas conglomerate, PTT Plc, is forecasting that its subsidiary company, Arun Plus Co, is likely to attain profitability in the next 3 to 5 years, fostered by higher demand from Thai drivers for electric vehicles (EVs). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302783-arun-plus-aims-for-profitability-with-thailand’s-growing-ev-demand/

National oil and gas conglomerate, PTT Plc, is forecasting that its subsidiary company, Arun Plus Co, is likely to attain profitability in the next 3 to 5 years, fostered by higher demand from Thai drivers for electric vehicles (EVs). Arun Plus was founded three years prior when PTT ventured into the EV sector as part of its futuristic energy plan. Ever since, the firm has been continually intent on EV assembly, EV rental development and battery production projects. Their underlying goal is to establish a robust EV ecosystem in Thailand. One of the key endeavours in this direction is a joint venture, NV Gotion Co, which was established by Arun Plus in the battery business. Arun Plus has a stake of 51% in this venture with the balance of 49% held by Gotion Singapore Pte. The JV has an ambitious plan to build a cell, module and pack battery manufacturing facility in Rayong by 2025. The projected production capacity is anticipated to equate to two gigawatt-hours per annum. The production is set to commence in H2 of next year. by Alex Morgan Arun Plus launching an EV car in 2022, autospinn.com Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/ptts-arun-plus-aims-for-profitability-with-thailands-growing-ev-demand -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-07 - 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.

Will Srettha become Thailand’s 30th prime minister? Amid the ongoing political impasse in the country, made murkier by highly debatable rules, Srettha Thavisin, a property developer-turned politician, is within sight of becoming the 30th prime minister of Thailand. The spotlight, as of now, shines on this Pheu Thai aspirant for the top job. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302780-will-srettha-become-thailand’s-30th-prime-minister/

Amid the ongoing political impasse in the country, made murkier by highly debatable rules, Srettha Thavisin, a property developer-turned politician, is within sight of becoming the 30th prime minister of Thailand. The spotlight, as of now, shines on this Pheu Thai aspirant for the top job. Who is Srettha? Srettha, 60, is one of Pheu Thai Party’s three candidates for prime minister. A relative newcomer in politics, Srettha is the former president and chief executive of Thailand’s leading real estate developer, Sansiri Plc. Though he is new to the world of politics, he was known even earlier for his outspoken views about government policies, social issues and political matters. Born on February 15, 1963, Srettha received a Master’s in Business Administration from Claremont Graduate University in the US. He began his career as an assistant product manager at consumer goods giant P&G Thailand before shifting to the real estate sector. He is married to Dr Pakpilai Thavisin, a specialist in anti-aging medicine. They have three children. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/will-srettha-become-thailands-30th-prime-minister/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-07 - 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.

Online scams: Thai restaurant reservation fraud nets 140 million baht in July, warns CCIB by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of sf.eater.com Warnings of escalating online fraud rings capitalising on the growing demand for restaurant reservations have been issued by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302774-online-scams-thai-restaurant-reservation-fraud-nets-140-million-baht-in-july-warns-ccib/

Warnings of escalating online fraud rings capitalising on the growing demand for restaurant reservations have been issued by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB). Based on emerging reports, a significant financial hit of over 140 million baht landed on consumers in the month of July due to a proliferation of online scams. According to the latest information detailed by the CCIB spokesperson, Police Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen, the most frequently occurring hoax reported at the CCIB’s online complaint centre was counterfeit reservations for restaurant buffets during special days and public holidays. The modus operandi of these online scams routinely manipulated the use of faux Facebook accounts that falsely carried the label of renowned hotels or restaurants. The convincing masquerade of these pages offered irresistible promotional deals to lure unsuspecting customers. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of sf.eater.com Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/thai-restaurant-reservation-scams-net-140-million-baht-in-july-warns-ccib -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-07 - 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.

Hua Hin airport upgrade to attract tourists and boost Thai economy by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of huahintoday.com In a move poised to encourage tourism, Hua Hin Airport, operated by the Department of Airports (DoA), is set for a vast upgrade that will escalate it to international status, as confirmed by acting director Rattapol Charoenphon recently. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302772-hua-hin-airport-upgrade-to-attract-tourists-and-boost-thai-economy/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 7 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302771-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-7-august-2023/