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Elephant Sak Surin due to leave quarantine next weekend On Friday, the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang collected a final set of specimens from Sak Surin, a Thai elephant repatriated from Sri Lanka early last month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302647-elephant-sak-surin-due-to-leave-quarantine-next-weekend/

UPDATE Spaniard held for questioning over decapitated body on Pha-ngan Island Police on Pha-ngan Island are holding a Spaniard for questioning, suspecting that he may be involved in the murder and decapitation of a foreigner whose remains were found in a plastic bag at a garbage dump in Ban Thong Sala on the island. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302616-koh-phangan-murder-knife-blood-stains-found-in-spanish-suspect’s-room/?do=findComment&comment=18252769

Former Sansiri president ensnared in tax-minimising controversy by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin, Facebook A tax-minimising strategy, alleged by Chuvit Kamolvisit to involve Srettha Thavisin, the former President of Sansiri, a development firm listed on the SET, appears to be a common practice amongst landlords seeking to reduce tax liabilities on land sales. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302646-former-sansiri-president-ensnared-in-tax-minimising-controversy/

A tax-minimising strategy, alleged by Chuvit Kamolvisit to involve Srettha Thavisin, the former President of Sansiri, a development firm listed on the SET, appears to be a common practice amongst landlords seeking to reduce tax liabilities on land sales. Property DNA’s Managing Director, Surachet Kongcheep, observed that it is typical for landowners to aim to lessen tax payments attached to land transactions. ” If two or more individuals collectively own a piece of land, the Department of Lands will consider them as a group. When the group sells the land, they must pay tax at a progressive rate. But the progressive rate will not be collected if the land has a single owner,” he explained. Typically, tax law stipulates payment of specific business tax and property transfer tax by both single and group landowners during land sales or transfers. According to Surachet, to dodge the group-based tax, multiple landowners regularly transfer ownership in a one-day-at-a-time manner, hence appearing as single owners. ” It is a common practice by landlords and this action is not illegal. In general, during land negotiations, unless it’s a forced sale, the sellers usually have more bargaining power than the buyers,” he included. by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin, Facebook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/former-sansiri-president-ensnared-in-tax-minimising-controversy -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-05 - 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 Chuvit Kamolvisit continues crusade despite liver cancer by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Thai PBS World Chuvit Kamolvisit has publicly disclosed the severity of his ongoing battle against stage 3 liver cancer. Despite the prognosis, he pledged to utilise his time remaining to illuminate wide-ranging societal quandaries courageously. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302629-chuwit-unveils-only-8-months-to-live-choosing-joy-over-fear/?do=findComment&comment=18252696

Chuvit Kamolvisit continues crusade despite liver cancer by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Thai PBS World Chuvit Kamolvisit has publicly disclosed the severity of his ongoing battle against stage 3 liver cancer. Despite the prognosis, he pledged to utilise his time remaining to illuminate wide-ranging societal quandaries courageously. Chuvit, a former magnate in the massage parlour industry, unveiled his grave health condition ahead of a press conference he hosted on Thursday. The conference was organised to elaborate on the alleged governance issues pertaining to the real estate giant Sansiri, under the earlier stewardship of his one-time CEO, Srettha Thavisin. Srettha is currently vying for the position of prime minister under the Pheu Thai Party‘s banner. The disclosure regarding Chuvit’s serious health struggle surfaced on a programme hosted via Youtube and Facebook channels, presented by the acclaimed broadcaster Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda. ” I probably do not have much time to live because I have stage 3 liver cancer that has nearly developed to stage 4, which is the final stage,” he stated. This advanced stage signifies the cancerous spread to other organs or parts of the body. In spite of this, he revealed that he’s currently under a regimen of chemotherapy treatments. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/chuvit-kamolvisit-continues-crusade-despite-liver-cancer -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-05 - 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.

Pita highlights global democracy’s decline, urges youth involvement by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Pita Limjaroenrat - พิธา ลิ้มเจริญรัตน์, Facebook Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP), highlighted the worrying decline in global democracy during a recent talk at a Thammasat University orientation event, encouraging young learners to take a hand in shaping their country’s fate. An influential figure at the frontline of political transformation, Pita confronted the issue of democratic regression emphatically. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302643-pita-highlights-global-democracy’s-decline-urges-youth-involvement/

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP), highlighted the worrying decline in global democracy during a recent talk at a Thammasat University orientation event, encouraging young learners to take a hand in shaping their country’s fate. An influential figure at the frontline of political transformation, Pita confronted the issue of democratic regression emphatically. Pita was a keynote speaker at the freshmen orientation, where he discussed democracy, liberty, and fairness. He emphasised these three elements as the indispensable pillars forming a creative society’s building blocks, which can flourish only under their stable presence. During his exposé, Pita depicted the current state of global democracy as dire, stating that it is declining rapidly despite over half the world’s countries attempting to uphold its principles. Meanwhile, the issue of wealth disparity was also featured during the discussion. Pita highlighted that the world’s economic inequality had seen a shocking 16-fold increase. As per his analysis, the richest 1% in the world had previously held the majority of the world’s riches. However, as wealth disparity is exacerbated, this elite group now controls 50% of global assets, leaving the remaining populace with a mere 2% to their name. by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Pita Limjaroenrat - พิธา ลิ้มเจริญรัตน์, Facebook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/pita-highlights-global-democracys-decline-urges-youth-involvement -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-05 - 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.

Prime minister fast-tracks aid for firework warehouse blast victims by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, along with Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, toured the site of a devastating fireworks warehouse explosion in Narathiwat yesterday. The visit aimed to expedite the rehabilitation process for victims and address housing issues caused by the unfortunate incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302633-prime-minister-fast-tracks-aid-for-firework-warehouse-blast-victims/

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, along with Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, toured the site of a devastating fireworks warehouse explosion in Narathiwat yesterday. The visit aimed to expedite the rehabilitation process for victims and address housing issues caused by the unfortunate incident. Chan-o-cha journeyed to Muno, a village in Sungai Kolok district, to evaluate first-hand the circumstances of those affected by the blast and subsequent fires. The Prime Minister assured the victims that financial support from the government, supplemented by private contributions, would be forthcoming. The Office of the Prime Minister is in the process of evaluating whether additional funds should be allocated to support the recovery effort. In a push to restore some semblance of normalcy for the victims, Prayut instructed local authorities to expedite the processes with the utmost urgency, to resolve the housing issues that have emerged in the wake of the explosion. by Mitch Connor Top Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/prime-minister-fast-tracks-aid-for-firework-warehouse-blast-victims -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-05 - 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.

American National Arrested in Phayao for Alleged Child Abuse Picture: Naew Na Police have taken a 65-year-old US citizen into custody on suspicion of sexually assaulting a minor. He was arrested because the grandmother of the 8-year-old girl claiming to be the victim, accused him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302631-american-national-arrested-in-phayao-for-alleged-child-abuse/

Chuwit Unveils: Only 8 Months to Live, Choosing Joy Over Fear In an interview yesterday (August 4, 2023), Chuwit Kamolvisit reveals his terminal cancer diagnosis, stating he has a life expectancy of eight months. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302629-chuwit-unveils-only-8-months-to-live-choosing-joy-over-fear/

In an interview yesterday (August 4, 2023), Chuwit Kamolvisit reveals his terminal cancer diagnosis, stating he has a life expectancy of eight months. Choosing to live his remaining days as he pleases, Chuwit divulges his intentions of enjoying alcohol and cigarettes, continuing to work hard, and speaking openly about his condition, defying conventional expectations. Questioning the doctors' advice to quit these habits, Chuwit declares his decision to pursue what brings him joy, as giving them up wouldn't cure him. He humorously advises others to enjoy their favorite wines today, as tomorrow is uncertain, reported INN. Emphasizing his decision to choose happiness in his final journey, he shares this philosophy: "Each one's life is their own." Despite the inevitable, Chuwit demonstrates fearlessness and uses his situation to provoke societal contemplation. In conclusion, Chuwit affirms, "Death is natural. I am not afraid. Don't worry about me, consider this as a lesson." -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-08-05 - 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

Opinion Editorial: No, It Isn’t Time to Worry About Retirement Visa Changes….Yet By Adam Judd File photo for reference only Of all our stories in the past week, one particular story, indeed basically just a small portion of the overall story, sent shockwaves through the retired ex-pat community and the rumour mill was set on fire. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302628-opinion-editorial-no-it-isn’t-time-to-worry-about-retirement-visa-changes…yet/

Of all our stories in the past week, one particular story, indeed basically just a small portion of the overall story, sent shockwaves through the retired ex-pat community and the rumour mill was set on fire. We are referring to this article about Thai police cracking down on foreign criminal motorbike clubs following it being discovered that the prime suspect in the brutal murder and dismemberment of a German businessman in Pattaya was allegedly a prominent member of one of these clubs. It isn’t the crackdown on motorbike clubs that upset and disturbed many of our readers, leading to various E-mails and messages, but a statement in the article attributed to deputy national police chief General Surachate Hakparn, arguably the most well-known police officer in Thailand and former Chief of Thai Immigration. The statement and excerpt that shook up many readers is below: Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn stated that the gang members tend to favor Thailand due to the lack of strict law enforcement and corrupt officials. He cited the outdated 1979 Immigration Act, which allows foreigners aged above 50 to easily live in Thailand only if they have 800,000 baht in their bank account or an income certificate with a monthly salary not less than 65,000 baht. This also tended to be the case of the suspects in Mack’s murder. Due to the existence of these dangerous gangs, aware foreign tourists feel discouraged to visit Pattaya or invest in the Eastern Seaboard, causing huge damage to the country, Pol Gen Surachate said. Thus, the RTP needs to regain trust from tourists by not only eradicating these gangs but also some Thai officials who clandestinely aid them. As part of the efforts, Pol Gen Surachate promised that he would propose an amendment to the immigration law, especially concerning retirement visa extensions, through the police chief once a new government takes office. This aims to filter out bad people and make the law truly helpful for investors or someone who innocently want to live in Thailand. We here at TPN media wanted to take a closer look at these statements after trying to answer many individual comments and messages over the past week or so. First, as an individual of great influence with both the Royal Thai Immigration and Royal Thai Police, when Mr. Hakparn speaks it is best to listen. He is well known for many reforms and changes, many admittedly unpopular to foreigners, when in charge of Thai Immigration. By Adam Judd TOP: File photo for reference only Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/08/05/opinion-editorial-no-it-isnt-time-to-worry-about-retirement-visa-changes-yet/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-08-05 - 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.

Prachuap Khiri Khan shines at the 41st Thai Tourism Festival in Bangkok By Online Reporter Some of the best products produced in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been showcased at a major travel and tourism event held in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302627-prachuap-khiri-khan-shines-at-the-41st-thai-tourism-festival-in-bangkok/

Sattahip Marks Sad One Year Anniversary of Mountain B Nightclub Fire That Killed 26 People By Adam Judd Sattahip, Thailand-One year ago today, August 5th, 2023, a disaster of major proportions took place at the Mountain B nightclub in Sattahip when a fire broke out around 1:00 A.M. and quickly spread through the venue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302626-sattahip-marks-sad-one-year-anniversary-of-mountain-b-nightclub-fire-that-killed-26-people/

Exposed woman lewdly molested, jailed, charged, extorted for money and then sexually exploited by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor The woman at the centre of the complaint was brought to the Royal Thai Police Club in Bangkok on Monday to meet Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn. She met the Commander-in-chief of Saraburi Police on Wednesday and the man who initially sexually abused her has been the subject of charges and an arrest warrant while the senior police officer at the rank of Police Lieutenant Colonel faces questioning next week when the allegations will be put to him. He already has two prior complaints alleging similar abuses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302625-exposed-woman-lewdly-molested-jailed-charged-extorted-for-money-and-then-sexually-exploited/

The woman at the centre of the complaint was brought to the Royal Thai Police Club in Bangkok on Monday to meet Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn. She met the Commander-in-chief of Saraburi Police on Wednesday and the man who initially sexually abused her has been the subject of charges and an arrest warrant while the senior police officer at the rank of Police Lieutenant Colonel faces questioning next week when the allegations will be put to him. He already has two prior complaints alleging similar abuses. Allegations made by the woman about what happened to her, when her car broke down on a road in Saraburi province in October 2022, are a dark reflection not only on the endemic corruption now seen almost daily within the Royal Thai Police but also on the dangers that women in Thailand may be exposed to for simply seeking help from fellow Thais when in need. Another shocking case of police corruption emerged this week which also raises questions about the Kingdom’s attitudes towards women after a young female car driver found herself stranded on a road in Saraburi in October 2022. Instead of a helping hand from a passer-by, the young woman found herself sexually attacked, arrested, charged with a serious criminal offence, extorted and then subjected to degrading sexual exploitation by a senior police officer. The nightmare ordeal suffered by a young woman on a night in October 2022, came to light this week when she was presented to Deputy Chief of Police General Surachate Hakparn at the Police Club in Bangkok, seeking justice. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/08/05/helpless-woman-abusive-night-in-saraburi-police-extortion-sex-attack/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-08-05 - 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.

Corruption and border smuggling linked to the Muno blast in Narathiwat. Call for top-level probe by James Morris and Son Nguyen Anti-corruption activist Atchariya Ruangrattanapong outlined his concerns to reporters on Thursday. He has called for a top-level police task force to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the Muno blast last Saturday in which 12 people died with 300 properties destroyed, together with people’s livelihoods in the Muno district of Narathiwat which he has linked with corruption and illegality. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302624-corruption-and-border-smuggling-linked-to-the-muno-blast-in-narathiwat-call-for-top-level-probe/

Thai villagers abandon motorcycles, travel on foot through flash floods by Nattapong Westwood Flash floods force villagers to abandon their motorbikes and travel home on foot. (via KhaoSod) Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. In a daring trek, local teachers and villagers were forced to abandon their motorcycles and traverse overflowing forest streams to return home from a funeral on foot. The incident took place due to flash floods in the central province of Kanchanaburi last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302623-thai-villagers-abandon-motorcycles-travel-on-foot-through-flash-floods/

Jomtien Business Operators Voice Concerns About Food Cart Vendors Reportedly Encroaching on Beach Area By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Jomtien business operators have complained about over 100 food cart vendors reportedly taking up all the beach area to themselves. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302622-jomtien-business-operators-voice-concerns-about-food-cart-vendors-reportedly-encroaching-on-beach-area/

Pattaya City in Legal Fight with Restaurant at Laem Bali Hai By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Pattaya city is currently engaged in a legal dispute with a local restaurant located at Laem Bali Hai, following allegations of unauthorized construction of the establishment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302621-pattaya-city-in-legal-fight-with-restaurant-at-laem-bali-hai/

House speaker suspends joint sitting on Friday The joint sitting of parliament today (Friday) did not consider a motion, proposed by the Move Forward party, to revoke Article 272 of the Constitution, which allows senators to vote for a prime minister. Move Forward proposed the revocation after its leader Pita failed to win enough parliamentary support for his premiership candidacy. Senators abstained or disapproved of his candidacy, citing his party’s campaign pledge to amend the lèse majesté law. Instead, Move Forward MPs on Friday kept parliament busy with their request to reconsider the decision, made on July 19, to reject the renomination of their party’s leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/house-speaker-suspends-joint-sitting-on-friday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-05 - 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.

Wan Noor Slammed For Being Too Wishy-Washy During House/Senate Sessions By Thai Newsroom Reporters House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha at Parliament, August 4, 2023. Photo Thai Rath HOUSE SPEAKER WAN MUHAMAD Noor Matha today (Aug.4) was considerably taken to task on social media for being allegedly too incompetent and indecisive to chair significant, joint House/Senate meetings. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302620-wan-noor-slammed-for-being-too-wishy-washy-during-housesenate-sessions/