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Climate change threatens Thailand’s tiger conservation efforts, reveals study by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Wikipedia The future conservation of tigers within Thailand’s natural habitats confronts a formidable adversary in the form of climate change, according to Jatuporn Buruspat, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302754-climate-change-threatens-thailand’s-tiger-conservation-efforts-reveals-study/

The future conservation of tigers within Thailand’s natural habitats confronts a formidable adversary in the form of climate change, according to Jatuporn Buruspat, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Something that is significantly augmenting his concern is the forest fires that relentlessly gnaw away at the territory of these apex predators. In his remarks offered at the occasion of “Move Forward to Sustainable Tiger Conservation,” conducted to acknowledge Global Tiger Day on July 29, located in the Nakhon Sawan province, Jatuporn expressed approval regarding the country’s efforts in conserving and nurturing its wild tiger populations. Originating from the St Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation, presented at the International Tiger Forum 2010 in Russia, a worldwide consensus was established amongst 13 countries, one being Thailand, to safeguard and even double the tiger numbers by 2022. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Wikipedia Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/climate-change-threatens-thailands-tiger-conservation-efforts-reveals-study -- © 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.

Thai health ministry plans dental hospital in each province to boost care access by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of University of Phayao. In a bid to tackle the absence of adequate oral health facilities, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has unveiled a plan to establish a dental hospital in each of the country’s 77 provinces. Dr Opas Kankawinpong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, underscored the urgent need for increased dental care coverage during a seminar, highlighting that with the current number of dentists, adequate provision of dental care to the country’s 70 million strong population remains a distant goal. “We need to ensure our citizens have access to dental services at least 140 million times per year, considering that everyone should consult a dentist twice annually. Unfortunately, right now our existing dental infrastructure can only cater to 10 million annual visits — a mere 7.1% of the total need.” Dr Kankawinpong expressed the ministry’s determination towards achieving comprehensive healthcare for Thai citizens, which includes robust oral health. He stressed the need for a significant increase in the number of both practising dentists and dental facilities to improve the citizens’ access to much-needed treatment, reported Bangkok Post. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-health-ministry-plans-dental-hospital-in-each-province-to-boost-care-access -- © 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.

Pheu Thai Party confides challenges in forming new Thai coalition government by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of ThaiPost In an evolving political landscape where the constitution, power structures and group conflicts have become major challenges, the Pheu Thai Party acknowledged that manoeuvring the formation of a new coalition government is far from simple. According to Pheu Thai’s Deputy Leader, Phumtham Wechayachai, the party has to remain committed and steadfast in its approach to lead the nation out of this crisis. “A range of internal and external factors have transformed Thailand and its politics over the past eight to nine years. The orchestrating of a government is certainly no child’s play. We have to stand firm in our resolve and our leadership, else navigating the coalition partners’ disparities and guiding the country out of this crisis will be an uphill battle.” Pheu Thai now bears the responsibility of implementing the policies promised to the voters in the May 14 General Election, in a bid to enhance the country’s situation while pioneering the new government. Phumtham said… “We are going to ensure that our challenges do not become national problems and we certainly are not prioritising our personal interests over public benefits.” In their quest to mitigate the political crisis, Pheu Thai is inviting increased cooperation from all concerned parties and is hopeful for the best. These remarks came even as the initial vote for the second prime minister, scheduled for Friday, was deferred. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/politics/pheu-thai-party-confides-challenges-in-forming-new-thai-coalition-government -- © 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.

Thai fireworks depot owners surrender following fatal explosion investigation by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of กู้ภัยเมตตาธรรมนราธิวาส Facebook The owners of a recently annihilated fireworks depo in Narathiwat yesterday handed themselves over to the police. This revelation was announced by an on-scene informant who wished to remain unnamed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302753-thai-fireworks-depot-owners-surrender-following-fatal-explosion-investigation/

Whistleblower calls for inquiry into Ashton Asoke permit scandal by Neill Fronde PHOTO: The Ashton Asoke's permit fiasco leads to a whistleblower to call for corruption investigations into the BMA. (via Bangkok Property Agency) Srisuwan Janya, a prominent whistleblower, recently addressed a letter to the governor of Bangkok, seeking a comprehensive inquiry into the officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) who were entangled in the sanctioning of permits for the troubled Ashton Asoke condominium project. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302752-whistleblower-calls-for-inquiry-into-ashton-asoke-permit-scandal/

Phuket lucky license plate auction raises 25 million for disabled road accident victims by Neill Fronde PHOTO: Phuket lucky license plate auction raises 25 million and aids disabled victims of road accidents. (via Phuket News) Funds raised from an online auction of “lucky” vehicle registration plates by the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) were generously donated to aid nine individuals left disabled by tragic road accidents. The auction that took place on July 22 accrued over 25 million baht in proceeds. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302751-phuket-lucky-license-plate-auction-raises-25-million-for-disabled-road-accident-victims/

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/

Cannabis Shop in Rawai Ordered to Close for 30 Days By Goongnang Suksawat Rawai-A cannabis shop in Rawai has been ordered to close for 30 days after they received complaints. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302748-cannabis-shop-in-rawai-ordered-to-close-for-30-days/

EGAT Rejects Cheaper Electricity Bills Amid Losses PRESS RELEASE The Electricity Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has announced that it cannot entertain any further requests for cheaper electricity bills in the upcoming four-month cycle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302747-egat-rejects-cheaper-electricity-bills-amid-losses/

The Electricity Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has announced that it cannot entertain any further requests for cheaper electricity bills in the upcoming four-month cycle. The decision comes as EGAT faces financial strain due to its accumulated loss, which resulted from subsidizing power bills between September 2021 and May 2023. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) estimates the accumulated loss to decrease to 135 billion baht by the end of the current month. To address the financial situation, EGAT has agreed to implement a new power tariff rate of 4.45 baht per kilowatt-hour from September to December this year. This tariff will help the authority clear its losses by April 2025, with part of the money reimbursing EGAT. However, the agency has expressed concerns that further cuts in electricity prices would hinder its ability to repay debts and impact its future investment in power infrastructure. The past high electricity prices were criticized for causing businesses to increase product prices, ultimately raising the cost of living. The Federation of Thai Industries suggested that reducing electricity prices would help businesses manage operating costs and make Thailand a more attractive investment destination. Nonetheless, Egat believes that the approved 4.45-baht rate strikes a balance between addressing consumer concerns and protecting the authority's financial stability for future energy infrastructure investments. EGAT Governor Boonyanit Wongrukmit made clear the importance of timely debt repayment to avoid potential negative effects on the authority's cash flow and credit rating, which could result in higher loan rates. He also highlighted the significance of maintaining investment in power transmission expansion to ensure long-term energy security for the country. PRESS RELEASE Source: https://web.facebook.com/photo?fbid=661943422636458&set=a.591685012995633 -- © 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.

Health ministry considers dentistry courses at state hospitals Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong has proposed the use of state hospitals to produce more dentists, to address the current shortage at state hospitals. More than half of the some 800 graduates in dentistry in Thailand choose to join private hospitals or to work independently for greater financial gain. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302746-health-ministry-considers-dentistry-courses-at-state-hospitals/

Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong has proposed the use of state hospitals to produce more dentists, to address the current shortage at state hospitals. More than half of the some 800 graduates in dentistry in Thailand choose to join private hospitals or to work independently for greater financial gain. He said today (Saturday) that, since state medical schools are capable of producing hundreds of doctors each year, state hospitals should be able to accommodate students in dentistry and to produce graduates to meet the demand. He said there is no need to invest in new buildings for dental colleges, as the existing facilities at numerous state hospitals have the capacity to train dental students. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-health-ministry-considers-dentistry-courses-at-state-hospitals/ -- © 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.

Pheu Thai seeks cooperation to solve current political impasse Pheu Thai deputy party leader Phumtham Wechayachai has urged all those concerned to work together in the attempt to form a government, in order that pressing problems can be addressed and resolved “so the country and the people will survive.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302745-pheu-thai-seeks-cooperation-to-solve-current-political-impasse/

Pheu Thai deputy party leader Phumtham Wechayachai has urged all those concerned to work together in the attempt to form a government, in order that pressing problems can be addressed and resolved “so the country and the people will survive.” After breaking from the eight-party coalition, led by the Move Forward party, Pheu Thai has been lobbying senators and MPs hard for support of Srettha Thavisin, the party’s prime ministerial candidate. They are also asking several parties in the current government to join its coalition, before the haggling starts over cabinet portfolios. Phumtham admitted that it is a challenge to form a government due to the abnormal political situation, which he described as rather critical, but he insists that the party has been trying hard to achieve its goal, based on political realities. Due to the country’s structural problems, pertaining to the Construction, relevant laws and political division, he said that having a prime minister who is acceptable to all parties will help build confidence. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pheu-thai-party-seeks-cooperation-to-solve-current-political-impasse/ -- © 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.

Angry Chiang Mai Activists Burn Their Red Shirts by TNR Staff Chiang Mai activists angry at Pheu Thai Party linking up with military-installed parties burn their red shirts. Photo: Matichon SOME activists in Chiang Mai gathered at Tha Phae Gate this evening (Aug. 5) and set fire to their red shirts that symbolise their struggle and support of Pheu Thai Party after this party tore up an eight-party MOU signed with Move Forward and other partners to now forging a new coalition government with military-installed parties that aim to cling on to power, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302744-angry-chiang-mai-activists-burn-their-red-shirts/

Next vote on new Thai PM could be on August 18th or 19th A joint sitting of parliament is expected to convene on either August 18th or 19th, after the Constitutional Court rules on whether it will consider a petition regarding the renomination of Move Forward leader for prime minister and whether to order the suspension of the process to select a prime minister. House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said that, as the Court has delayed its consideration to August 16th, parliament plans, subject to that ruling, to reconvene within the following three days, with the intention to select a prime minister. The Ombudsman has submitted a petition to the Court regarding the constitutionality of parliament’s decision on July 19th to vote down the renomination of Pita Limjaroenrat for the premiership. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/next-vote-on-new-thai-pm-could-be-on-august-18th-or-19th/ -- © 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.

Chuwit says General Prawit Wongsuwan will be Thailand’s Prime Minister at the end of August by Joseph O' Connor On Thai TV, this Sunday, Mr Chuwit Kamolvisit predicted that after last week’s Pheu Thai Party move to split from its alliance with the Move Forward Party, the next Thai Prime Minister will be 78-year-old Palang Pracharat Party leader and current Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan (right), who will be elected by parliament at the end of August by a resounding vote with majorities in both chambers. This week sees the Pheu Thai Party beginning the week as a diminished force in Thai politics despite its mission to form a government which insiders say is doomed to fail. So too with its de facto leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, who attended birthday celebrations over the weekend as the guest of Cambodia’s authoritarian strongman and ruler Hun Sen who has openly mocked political groupings pursuing full democracy in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302743-chuwit-says-general-prawit-wongsuwan-will-be-thailand’s-prime-minister-at-the-end-of-august/

On Thai TV, this Sunday, Mr Chuwit Kamolvisit predicted that after last week’s Pheu Thai Party move to split from its alliance with the Move Forward Party, the next Thai Prime Minister will be 78-year-old Palang Pracharat Party leader and current Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan (right), who will be elected by parliament at the end of August by a resounding vote with majorities in both chambers. This week sees the Pheu Thai Party beginning the week as a diminished force in Thai politics despite its mission to form a government which insiders say is doomed to fail. So too with its de facto leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, who attended birthday celebrations over the weekend as the guest of Cambodia’s authoritarian strongman and ruler Hun Sen who has openly mocked political groupings pursuing full democracy in Thailand. The country is facing a deepening crisis as efforts by the conservative establishment to use the unelected Thai Senate to dictate the makeup and formation of the next government after the May 14th General Election grow stronger and more distorted. Prescient political activist and anti-corruption campaigner Chuwit Kamolvisit who this week announced that he may have only eight months to live, is predicting that Thailand’s next Prime Minister will be 78-year-old General Prawit Wongsuwan who will be elected at the end of August after several further votes in parliament and the failure of the Pheu Thai Party to form a government. On Sunday, whistleblower and truth activist Chuwit Kamolvisit predicted that there will be at least two rounds of voting to elect Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister saying that the final vote will come sometime at the end of August. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/08/06/chuwit-general-prawit-wongsuwan-elected-pm-end-of-august/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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.

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 7 August 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1302741-thailand-live-monday-7-august-2023/

Believe It Or Not, Thaksin Will Return In No More Than Couple Of Weeks By Thai Newsroom Reporters Pheu Thai de facto boss/former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath BELIEVE IT OR NOT, DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS Thaksin Shinawatra today (Aug.5) tweeted to say he will return home in no more than a couple of weeks from now. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302742-believe-it-or-not-thaksin-will-return-in-no-more-than-couple-of-weeks/

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra seen in video at Cambodian leader’s birthday party Photo Courtesy: Fresh News Cambodia Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra attended a birthday party for outgoing Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh, according to video posted online Sunday, a day after Thaksin said he would delay plans to return to Thailand following years of self-imposed exile. Thaksin’s appearance in Cambodia came at a politically sensitive time in neighboring Thailand, as Pheu Thai, the latest in a string of parties affiliated with Thaksin, is seeking to win enough support in Parliament for one of its members to become the next prime minister almost three months after a general election in May. Thaksin said on Saturday on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that he would delay a planned return to Thailand next Thursday for “no longer than two weeks,” citing a doctor’s appointment. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/former-thai-pm-thaksin-shinawatra-seen-in-video-at-cambodian-leaders-birthday-party/ -- © 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.

Thaksin Shinawatra delays Thailand return sourcing health check as deciding factor by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of MGR Online Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, announced yesterday that he would be delaying his return to his homeland from his current location of self-exile. Shinawatra, whose background lies in telecommunications, took to the popular social media platform Twitter to inform followers of his upcoming health checkup, which resulted in the need for him to reschedule his original plan to return to Thailand on August 10. “Confirming the shifting of my return to Thailand from the previously planned August 10 to a date not more than two weeks later. A medical appointment necessitates this delay. The new date and time will be communicated.” The news of Thaksin’s delayed homecoming, due to health reasons, caught the attention of political commentator and ex-politician, Chuwit Kamolvisit. Taking to Facebook, Chuwit urged Thaksin to present a plausible excuse for his deferment. According to Chuwit, Thaksin’s decision was more likely orchestrated around the assumption of a more sympathetic Pheu Thai-led coalition government, reported Bangkok Post. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/politics/thaksin-shinawatra-delays-thailand-return-sourcing-health-check-as-deciding-factor -- © 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.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS Thaksin Shinawatra today (Aug.5) tweeted to say he will return home in no more than a couple of weeks from now. The deposed prime minister who has earlier claimed to come back on Aug.10 after 17 years in self-exile overseas confirmed on his Twitter page, newly rebranded as X, that he will return in no more than a couple of weeks from today and that he will have to go through a medical checkup somewhere in the meantime before flying a private jet home as earlier planned. The de facto Pheu Thai boss has recently met with prominent political figures at a Hong Kong hotel at the height of a dilemma in which his party was scrambling to set up a government of its own. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Pheu Thai de facto boss/former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/05/believe-it-or-not-thaksin-will-return-in-no-more-than-couple-of-weeks/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 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.

POLICE on Koh Phangan said Saturday afternoon (Aug. 5) that a Spanish chef has confessed to the murder and dismemberment of a Colombian surgeon with most body parts packed in a suitcase and dumped into the sea but some parts that did not fit in were discarded at a garbage dump, TV Channel 7 said. Spanish Chef Confesses To Murdering Colombian Surgeon https://aseannow.com/topic/1302740-spanish-chef-confesses-to-murdering-colombian-surgeon/