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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. Many viewers of today’s joint House/Senate session which only lasted a few hours almost immediately accused Wan Noor of performing in wishy-washy fashion as he adjourned it after a few hours of debate over the Move Forward’s latest motion to have the lawmakers reconsider whether they may give Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat a second chance of being named prime minister. Instead of awaiting the Constitutional Court’s delayed ruling on the case, the legislative branch was strongly advised to perform independently and practically decide for themselves on it, according to Move Forward MPs. Much to the legislators’ surprise, the House speaker who concurrently performs as parliament president, today ended the joint House/Senate session after a few hours of debate on the refreshed Move Forward motion. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha at Parliament, August 4, 2023. Photo Thai Rath Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/04/wan-noor-slammed-for-being-too-wishy-washy-during-house-senate-sessions/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 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.

Pattaya to Re-open Bunkanchanaram Intersection on August 15th By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — The Bunkanchanaram Intersection will be open for traffic once again on August 15th after being closed to facilitate roadwork on Sukhumvit Road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302619-pattaya-to-re-open-bunkanchanaram-intersection-on-august-15th/

Pattaya Remains Top Choice for Thais for Upcoming Long Mother’s Day Holiday, According to Agoda By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya’s reputation as a family-friendly destination never recedes as online travel agent Agoda recently revealed that the resort city is still the most popular choice for domestic tourists who plan to enjoy their upcoming extended holiday during Mother’s Day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302617-pattaya-remains-top-choice-for-thais-for-upcoming-long-mother’s-day-holiday-according-to-agoda/

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 5 August 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1302614-thailand-live-saturday-5-august-2023/

Koh Phangan Murder: Knife, Blood Stains Found In Spanish Suspect’s Room by TNR Staff Blurred images of the two men inset over Koh Phangan garbage dump. Photo: Naewna POLICE have found a knife and blood stains in the Koh Phangan hotel room of a Spanish man who is a suspect in the murder and dismemberment of a Colombian anesthesiologist whose body parts were found at a garbage dump on the island, Naewna newspaper said this evening (Aug. 4). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302616-koh-phangan-murder-knife-blood-stains-found-in-spanish-suspect’s-room/

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is the most visited city in the world so far this year, with around 22 million international arrivals, according to a survey by the Travelness travel blog. Bangkok is the world’s most visited city this year Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302557-bangkok-is-the-world’s-most-visited-city-this-year/

Thai democracy at risk following Pheu Thai’s exclusion of MFP in coalition by Mitch Connor Metha Matkhao leads a coalition warning that Thai democracy is at risk. (via matichon.co.th) A collective of democratic organisations has appealed to the Pheu Thai Party to reconsider its choice to exclude the Move Forward Party (MFP) from a coalition government, declaring the move as a setback for Thai democracy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302565-thai-democracy-at-risk-following-pheu-thai’s-exclusion-of-mfp-in-coalition/

A collective of democratic organisations has appealed to the Pheu Thai Party to reconsider its choice to exclude the Move Forward Party (MFP) from a coalition government, declaring the move as a setback for Thai democracy. Yesterday, a joint statement from 32 unit network cautioned that sidelining of MFP, the party with the most parliamentary seats following the May 14 election, would prove detrimental to Thai democracy and could spark a severe political crisis. The declaration, largely participated in by several pro-democracy groups, insinuated this move against MFP would backfire on the Pheu Thai Party. It could also dishearten their supporters, endangering the support base of what is currently the second-largest political party in Thailand. The network, spearheaded by Metha Matkhao, the general secretary of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, appealed to the MPs and Senators to advocate for the democratic goal. They should endorse a PM candidate who could ensure a coalition government comprised of Pheu Thai and MFP. by Mitch Connor TOP: Metha Matkhao leads a coalition warning that Thai democracy is at risk. (via matichon.co.th) -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-04 - 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.

ASEAN immigration authorities to address transborder crimes at Phuket by Mitch Connor ASEAN Immigration authorities meet in Phuket to discuss transborder crime. (via bucketlistly.blog) Phuket via bucketlistly.blog In the coming week, top ASEAN immigration authorities are preparing to convene in Phuket to tackle the ongoing issues of transborder crimes across the region. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302563-asean-immigration-authorities-to-address-transborder-crimes-at-phuket/

PM Visits Firework Explosion Site in Narathiwat BANGKOK, Aug 4 (TNA) – Caretaker Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha has visited the firework explosion site in Munoh, Sungai Kolok district, Narathiwat province to give moral support to affected victims of the incident which took place. on July 29. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302559-pm-visits-firework-explosion-site-in-narathiwat/

All mega-projects now require strategic environment assessment The government has recently issued a new ministerial regulation, requiring all mega projects to undergo a strategic environmental assessment (SEA), on top of the existing environmental impact assessment (EIA) and health impact assessment (HIA), to avoid friction developing between the state or private investors and the people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302558-all-mega-projects-now-require-strategic-environment-assessment/

The government has recently issued a new ministerial regulation, requiring all mega projects to undergo a strategic environmental assessment (SEA), on top of the existing environmental impact assessment (EIA) and health impact assessment (HIA), to avoid friction developing between the state or private investors and the people. Under a PM Office ministerial regulation, a 13-member SEA committee will be set up, comprising permanent secretaries from the finance, agriculture, natural resources and environment, energy, interior, public health, industry and social development and human security ministries, with the prime minister as the chair. The main tasks of the committee are to set out policies and guidelines for strategic environmental assessments and the projects that require them and to support and promote the development of SEAs. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/all-mega-projects-now-require-strategic-environment-assessment/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-04 - 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 is the world’s most visited city this year Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is the most visited city in the world so far this year, with around 22 million international arrivals, according to a survey by the Travelness travel blog. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302557-bangkok-is-the-world’s-most-visited-city-this-year/

Juicy bust: Thai police squeeze illicit kratom factory by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A substantial operation by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) yesterday, culminated in the seizure of an illicit factory manufacturing kratom leaf juice. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302556-juicy-bust-thai-police-squeeze-illicit-kratom-factory/

Almaty fire rescue: Thai woman throws child from fifth floor of burning flat by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. A heart-stopping moment was captured in the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan when a woman decided to throw her child out of a window from the fifth floor of a residential building engulfed in flames. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302551-almaty-fire-rescue-thai-woman-throws-child-from-fifth-floor-of-burning-flat/

A heart-stopping moment was captured in the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan when a woman decided to throw her child out of a window from the fifth floor of a residential building engulfed in flames. Bystanders, ready with mattresses, managed to catch the child and later the woman as well, when they both escaped from the relentless fire. Local media reported the incident last night. A video clip captured the terrifying scene of a 16-storey apartment house enveloped in black smoke gushing out of a flat on the fifth floor. It also showed the distressed woman clutching a youngster standing dangerously on the brink of a window. Amidst the tumult, people quickly spread out a mattress below the window in anticipation of the woman dropping the young child down. Amidst horrified screams, the swift rescue operation was successful as emergency services personnel stationed near the scene swiftly picked up the child in an ambulance. Not long after the first breath-stopping event, gasps erupted again when the woman climbed onto the window ledge herself. Once again, the mattress was quickly positioned to cushion her harsh descent, with a rather loud thud marking her fall. Miraculously, she survived the dangerous fall as well. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-04 - 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. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/world/terrifying-fire-rescue-thai-woman-throws-child-from-fifth-floor-of-burning-flat-in-almaty-2

Thai woman with golden face tickles taxi driver’s funny bone on TikTok by Petch Petpailin Photo via TikTok/ @maekaijae195. In a humorous incident that amused Thai netizens, a woman from Thailand, took to TikTok to apologise to a taxi driver whom she had inadvertently startled with her golden face. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302550-thai-woman-with-golden-face-tickles-taxi-driver’s-funny-bone-on-tiktok/

In a humorous incident that amused Thai netizens, a woman from Thailand, took to TikTok to apologise to a taxi driver whom she had inadvertently startled with her golden face. The woman, Nitcha Punnapon, had her face covered in gold leaves after undergoing the Na Na Thong ceremony, and it had quite a surprising effect on the unsuspecting cabbie. Sharing the tale on her TikTok account, Maekaijae195, Nitcha posted a video featuring her golden face, along with a caption expressing an apology to the taxi driver. She explained that she had been waiting for a taxi in front of a temple at 1 am, adorned with golden leaves. Her intention behind going through the Na Na Thong ceremony was to enhance her charm and prosperity. In the video, Nitcha disclosed the cabbie’s reaction, which turned out to be rather flattering. “You are beautiful already. I am sure that the ceremony will make you more beautiful and charming as you wish. Your beauty is gonna torture men. They will be obsessed with you!” His kind words, however, did not alleviate the initial shock caused by her golden appearance. In a subsequent video, Nitcha urged her followers not to laugh at her, emphasising that the ceremony held deep personal significance for her. She then proceeded to explain the process of the Na Na Thong ritual, revealing that she had covered her face with 108 pieces of gold leaves and chanted for an astonishing five hours. by Petch Petpailin Photo via TikTok/ @maekaijae195. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-woman-with-golden-face-tickles-taxi-drivers-funny-bone-on-tiktok -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-04 - 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.

ASEAN Heritage Parks status granted to three Thai nature reserves by Mitch Connor Phu Kradueng Park, thainationalparks.com. Three Thailand nature reserves have been recognised by the prestigious ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs). Government representative Rachada Dhnadirek yesterday announced the good news that Phu Kradueng National Park, Phu Khieo Wildlife Forest Reserve, and Nam Nao National Park all made the distinguished list. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302542-asean-heritage-parks-status-granted-to-three-thai-nature-reserves/

Three Thailand nature reserves have been recognised by the prestigious ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs). Government representative Rachada Dhnadirek yesterday announced the good news that Phu Kradueng National Park, Phu Khieo Wildlife Forest Reserve, and Nam Nao National Park all made the distinguished list. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment received the information during their recent attendance at the 34th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment, which was held in Indonesia. Phu Kradueng National Park’s recognition as an ASEAN Heritage Parks was largely due to its unique flora, which includes rare botanical species such as bloomrapes or orobanchaceae, along with white and red rose varieties. The park also offers refuge to threatened and protected species like the serow, the Java pangolin, the enigmatic elongated tortoise, and the enchanting lar gibbon. Additionally, key reasons for the recognition of Phu Khieo Wildlife Forest Reserve and Nam Nao National Park lie in their unique geological topography. Their distinction is further heightened due to the presence of limestone caves that house elusive creatures like marbled cats, Indian hog deer, and clouded leopards. More so, these parks have deep roots in the surrounding community’s culture and traditions, hosting ceremonies like the Bun Bang Fai rocket festival and Buddha image bathings, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Phu Kradueng Park, thainationalparks.com. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/three-thai-nature-reserves-gain-prestigious-asean-heritage-parks-status -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-04 - 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.

Young Thai woman tragically killed after violent assault by jealous boyfriend in Chon Buri by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of นักข่าว เมืองชล Facebook. A 23 year old woman fell victim to a brutal assault by her jealous boyfriend, culminating in her death. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302541-young-thai-woman-tragically-killed-after-violent-assault-by-jealous-boyfriend-in-chon-buri/

8 killed and 3 injured after pickup collides with train near Bangkok by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Nititham Cheevatham A pickup truck collided with a train in the early hours of this morning killing eight Thai people and injuring three others near Klong Udon Chonlajon in Chachoengsao province near Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302540-8-killed-and-3-injured-after-pickup-collides-with-train-near-bangkok/

OPINION: Brief history of two frenemies By Tulsathit Taptim How fast the situation is changing. A few months ago, the Pheu Thai-Move Forward bond looked unbreakable, and just a few days ago, their smiling leaders were still posing together for selfies and reporters’ cameras, with heart hand gestures purportedly giving a public assurance that the alliance remained intact. Now Move Forward supporters are burning effigies at the Pheu Thai headquarters. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302539-opinion-brief-history-of-two-frenemies/

How fast the situation is changing. A few months ago, the Pheu Thai-Move Forward bond looked unbreakable, and just a few days ago, their smiling leaders were still posing together for selfies and reporters’ cameras, with heart hand gestures purportedly giving a public assurance that the alliance remained intact. Now Move Forward supporters are burning effigies at the Pheu Thai headquarters. But how slow it has been if you want a new government. The next vote to select the new prime minister will take place after three months will have passed since the general election. Prayut Chan-o-cha’s “eight-year” fuss seems absurd now, even if the next joint sitting of Parliament can produce a prime minister right away. Drifting apart they may have seemed, don’t rule out the possibility of Move Forward and Pheu Thai reuniting very soon. A theory has surfaced on a conspiracy of a deceptive split to get past the senatorial blockade and allow the two parties to become government friends later. Yet the formerly-unthinkable scenario that Move Forward may have to settle alongside people it hates is looking increasingly possible at least for now. If it comes to that, the “We won’t be where the uncles are” election promise will need to be fine-tuned. Adaptation will be needed all across the entire political landscape no matter how things pan out, though. Basically everyone, not just Move Forward, will have to be prepared to meet new friends, confront new enemies, and get used to the fast and furious nature of today’s politics. Anyone making a long-term plan without taking the extreme fluidity of things around them into account will end up a big loser. By Tulsathit Taptim Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/brief-history-of-two-frenemies/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-04 - 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.

Global rice trade shook by El Nino, politics, and embargo in Thailand by Alex Morgan Rice field in Northern Thailand, green-trails.com. In the face of mounting global food security concerns, the impact of El Niño weather patterns and international political disruptions are causing serious upheavals in the farming landscape, particularly in major global rice-producing countries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302538-global-rice-trade-shook-by-el-nino-politics-and-embargo-in-thailand/