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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. Compounding the issue is Russia’s recent withdrawal from a vital agreement, which previously ensured the uninterrupted transport of Ukrainian grain goods through the Black Sea region. Causing further complications, the past few weeks have observed the world’s biggest exporter of global rice, India, restricting shipments of non-basmati white rice—a type that makes up almost 25% of its export portfolio. As this type of rice forms the dietary staple for almost half of the world’s population, this decision, undertaken in a bid to stabilise local prices and mitigate the deepening food crisis fears, has sparked worries about the knock-on effects on Thailand’s burgeoning rice industry, with local prices predicted to inflate by about 10%. Playing a crucial role in these forecasts are the changing weather patterns. The Agricultural Economics Department estimates that the overall rice cultivation area in Thailand will shrink by just under 1% to 62.3 million rai during the 2023/24 harvest season. This reduction predicts a 3.27% decrease in production to 25.7 million tonnes of paddy when compared to last year. The blame, as per the Thai Meteorological Department, lies in the delay and a reduction of rainfall, which spells extended dry spells and potential droughts. Inevitably, this can lead to an inadequate water supply for agricultural ventures, especially in areas beyond the reach of irrigation systems. by Alex Morgan Rice field in Northern Thailand, green-trails.com. -- © 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/hot-news/economy/el-nino-politics-and-embargo-shake-global-rice-trade-thai-production-dips-2

Cyberattack: Thai cybercrime suspects arrested for 77 million baht luxury vintage car scam by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of itnewsafrica.com. The suspects thought to be behind the cyberattack on the Department of Land Transport (DLT) were yesterday taken into custody. The breach caused damages estimated at a colossal sum of 77.35 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302537-cyberattack-thai-cybercrime-suspects-arrested-for-77-million-baht-luxury-vintage-car-scam/

The suspects thought to be behind the cyberattack on the Department of Land Transport (DLT) were yesterday taken into custody. The breach caused damages estimated at a colossal sum of 77.35 million baht. The two suspects, 38 year old Satian and 44 year old Sarisorn, are expected to face charges for introducing false information into the computer system and unlawfully gaining access to passwords. The pair is believed to have manipulated the vehicle registration information of 65 luxury vintage cars for other vehicles since last year. The outcome of recent police raids across 35 sites resulted in 16 cars, collectively valued at 77,350,000 baht, being seized, according to Police Colonel Suwatchai Srithongsuk, who heads the Intelligence Analysis and Special Tool Sub-Division of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. Suwatchai revealed that the DLT identified an anomaly within its car registration database system. Suspicious activity suggested that information about 65 luxury vintage cars, which have been off the market in Thailand since 2014, was utilised to issue car registration papers. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of itnewsafrica.com. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/thai-cybercrime-suspects-arrested-for-1-8m-luxury-vintage-car-scam -- © 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.

Heavy rain probable across Thailand due to southwesterly monsoon influence by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Adityan Ramkumar, Unsplash. The latest weather update indicates a 60% chance of heavy rain in the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions, and Bangkok today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302536-heavy-rain-probable-across-thailand-due-to-southwesterly-monsoon-influence/

The latest weather update indicates a 60% chance of heavy rain in the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions, and Bangkok today. The southwesterly monsoon blowing across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is the cause, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast for the next 24 hours. The monsoon, accompanied by a low-pressure area near the coast of northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin, will continue to bring downpours to parts of Thailand, with northern and eastern regions most affected. Some areas in the northeast are also expected to experience severe rainfall. Across the north, there’s a 60 % chance of rain and thunderstorms, with heavy rain in some parts of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, and Tak. Temperatures range from 24-26 degrees Celsius at the lowest to 30-33 degrees Celsius at the peak. The southwest winds are blowing at a speed of 10-20 kilometres per hour. In the northeast, the chances of rain and thunderstorms are 60%, with some areas, including Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani, experiencing heavy to severe rain. Temperatures will hover between 23-26 degrees Celsius to 28-36 degrees Celsius. Southwest winds here have a speed of 10-25 kilometres per hour. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Adityan Ramkumar, Unsplash. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/heavy-rain-probable-across-thailand-due-to-southwesterly-monsoon-influence -- © 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.

Thaksin Shinawatra’s return to Thailand delayed amid prime ministerial vote postponement Photo of Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of NDTV. The return of Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand and reputed de facto head of the Pheu Thai Party, has been delayed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302535-thaksin-shinawatra’s-return-to-thailand-delayed-amid-prime-ministerial-vote-postponement/

The return of Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand and reputed de facto head of the Pheu Thai Party, has been delayed. The strategy appears aimed at facilitating his smooth return, once a government led by his party comes into play, disclosed an unnamed source within Pheu Thai yesterday. The initial return plan for Thaksin was for Thursday, August 10. The announcement made by his daughter, Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra, on Instagram, specified his arrival at the Don Mueang Airport the subsequent Thursday. This return strategy for Thaksin has, however, been altered following the postponement of the prime ministerial vote which was initially scheduled to take place today. The electoral process has been interrupted while the Constitutional Court deliberates on Pita Limjaroenrat’s eligibility. The leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) lost the first vote due to his opinion on altering Section 112 of the Criminal Code, a provision also recognised as the lese majeste law. Meanwhile, the coalition-building attempts of the Pheu Thai, with Thaksin as a proposed leader, are also ongoing. Interactions with the Bhumjaithai, Chartthaipattana, and Democrat parties show promise, whilst there are still negotiations pending with the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party and the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Photo of Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of NDTV. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thaksin-shinawatras-return-to-thailand-delayed-amid-prime-ministerial-vote-postponement -- © 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.

No Thai PM until at least Aug 16, EXACT 'retirement overhaul' quote : Tim Newton Today - August 4 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302534-no-thai-pm-until-at-least-aug-16-exact-retirement-overhaul-quote-tim-newton-today-august-4/

Responding to a viewer's comment about the source material for our Wednesday video about possible retirement visa and annual extension changes, the couple behind the fireworks warehouse have fled to Malaysia, Ashton Asoke have 30 days to find a new access-way to the condo, the vote for a new Thai PM has been postponed as the Constitutional Court ponders Pita's opportunity to stand as PM more than once. Thaksin will still return on August 10... or maybe not, a Nigerian leads police on a merry car chase around Phuket, ANOTHER drowning this week along Phuket's west-coast, and a German man threatens to jump from a condo as police spend 5 hours talking him down. 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/

Thailand’s bid to become smart, eco-friendly logistics hub in ASEAN by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post In the realm of business and industry, a campaign is gaining traction in which the government is being urged to bolster the country’s standing as a prospective eco-friendly hub for logistics within the prominent Southeast East Asian alliance, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302527-thailand’s-bid-to-become-smart-eco-friendly-logistics-hub-in-asean/

In the realm of business and industry, a campaign is gaining traction in which the government is being urged to bolster the country’s standing as a prospective eco-friendly hub for logistics within the prominent Southeast East Asian alliance, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Moreover, there is a strong emphasis on preparing businesses to adapt to the dawn of smart, eco-friendly industries. Suwit Ratanachinda, the individual at the helm of the Thai Logistics Service Provider Federation, has advocated for the impending government to adopt a firm policy stance to boost Thailand as a pivotal eco-friendly logistics centre within Asean. He highlighted that Thailand’s geographical positioning and robust infrastructure, encompassing widespread roads and airports, create ideal connectivity to Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Additionally, the projected high-speed railway facilitating travel between Laos and China will significantly reduce the transit time into Central Asia, from the current expanse of 60 days down to a mere 15 or 16 days. This holds the potential to create an expressway of sorts to Europe. Suwit expressed that the primary obstacle for Thailand’s eco-friendly logistics industry is the need to adapt to evolving global markets, where the momentum is steering towards smart and green logistics. These are essentially driven by advancements in digital platforms, the use of technology to build efficient management systems and the all-important goal of reducing costs. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-bid-to-become-smart-eco-friendly-logistics-hub-in-asean -- © 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.

War and peace: A trip back through time at the former Defence Ministry Neo-classical style architecture. (Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae) At first glance, the rows of cannons on display in front of the former Ministry of Defence Building could be mistaken for decorative toys, but a trip to the Defence Hall Museum quickly makes it clear that they are the real thing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302524-war-and-peace-a-trip-back-through-time-at-the-former-defence-ministry/

Disturbing dream leads to exhumation: Thai man’s grave unearthed 26 years after burial by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Sanook In a shocking turn of events, a body buried in a cemetery 26 years ago within the Nakhon Si Thammarat province was found trapped under concrete, a fact brought to light when the deceased, identified as Noppadol, manifested in his sister’s dream, claiming he was unable to breathe. Dokmai, his 48 year old sister, was forced to face the horrific reality of her brother’s exhumation yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302523-disturbing-dream-leads-to-exhumation-thai-man’s-grave-unearthed-26-years-after-burial/

Thai tourism stays firm amid debt rise, 200 million domestic trips targeted by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of VNA Despite a backdrop of tepid consumption, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains steadfast in its pursuit of 200 million domestic tourism trips within the current year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302521-thai-tourism-stays-firm-amid-debt-rise-200-million-domestic-trips-targeted/

Despite a backdrop of tepid consumption, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains steadfast in its pursuit of 200 million domestic tourism trips within the current year. Data from a survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce paints a rather gloomy picture of increased household debt levels, up by 11.5% this year from last year. It is the highest rise in just over a decade and a half. Retail sentiment also looks set to remain bearish, according to the Thai Retailers Association, indicating potentially weaker purchasing power. Despite this economic landscape, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, deputy governor for domestic tourism marketing at TAT, holds that Thais have set aside a portion of their budget for trips later in the year. While these domestic tourists may not necessarily splurge during these journeys, there’s a noticeable inclination towards frequent travel, with one day road trips being especially popular. In the first seven months of this year, Thai tourists embarked on 135 million trips. A breakdown reveals that the majority contained overnight stays, at 76.5 million, while the remaining 58.6 million were designated as one-day trips. Between them, they generated a staggering 478 billion baht for the economy, boosting domestic tourism. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of VNA Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thai-tourism-stays-firm-amid-debt-rise-200m-domestic-trips-targeted -- © 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.

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UPDATE: Fireworks explosion in Narathiwat linked to local smuggling network by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Border Patrol Police Unit 4414, Bangkok Post Narathiwat witnessed a tragic incident recently as a fireworks storehouse exploded. The owners of the premises, a couple, Sompong Nakul and Piyanuch Peungwirawat, both 42 years old, are believed to have fled to Malaysia, according to the local police following the unfortunate fireworks explosion. There are also reports that their trade has connections with significant figures in the southern Thai province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302387-police-to-seek-arrest-warrant-for-firework-warehouse-owner/?do=findComment&comment=18249913

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 4 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302519-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-4-august-2023/

A parliamentary vote to select Thailand’s new prime minister due today was delayed again after a court put off a decision in a case involving the Move forward party that won May's election. The Constitutional Court said it needs more time to deliberate on whether to accept a petition from the state ombudsman on whether it was constitutional for parliament to bar Move Forward Party leader Pita Lim-jaroen-rat, the surprise election winner, from being nominated as a prime ministerial candidate a second time. pro-democracy groups yesterday urged the Pheu Thai Party to reverse its decision to exclude the Move Forward Party from the formation of a coalition government in the name of democracy. Police say The two owners of a fireworks warehouse that exploded last weekend killing 12 and injuring 121 in Narathiwat have been hiding in Malaysia, The husband and wife both aged 42 have not been in contact with police. It’s believed the two are backed by local politicians whose business involves smuggling fireworks, cigarettes, liquor, narcotics and workers. Prime minister Prayut is due to visit the area later today. Police believe body parts found at a rubbish tip on Koh Phangan, are not those of a Thai national. Garbage collection workers had picked up a sack without realizing it contained body parts, investigations continue. Two national parks and a wildlife reserve have been recognised as Asean heritage sites, the government was informed following the 34th Meeting of Senior Asean Officials on the Environment in Indonesia. Around the Region: S-Korea, Nine people were stabbed and four others hurt by a car driven by the suspected attacker Police say they arrested the attacker, the motive for the attack was not clear. The incident comes just days after another rare stabbing in Seoul in which one person was killed and three others were wounded. North Korea today criticised a US weapons aid package to Taiwan, accusing the United States of driving tensions in the region to "another ignition point of war". The United States unveiled an aid package for Taiwan worth up to US$345 million dollars as Congress authorised up to US$1 billion dollars worth of weapons for the island as a part of the 2023 budget. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north: thundershowers 30C Bangkok: Cloudy, with thundershowers 31C Pattaya, Cloudy thundershowers 31C Phuket and the south: Bright partly cloudy, 31C ‘Hua Hin’ :Bright partly cloudy, 33C. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 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.

Mae Sot vegetable truck found smuggling 52 illegal immigrants by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In a shocking discovery, a usual vegetable transport truck was found to be smuggling 52 illegal immigrants in the Mae Sot district. This startling revelation happened during a joint police and special border task force operation on the Mae Sot-Tak road, at the Huai Hin Fon inspection point, in the Mae Sot district today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302518-mae-sot-vegetable-truck-found-smuggling-52-illegal-immigrants/

Tobacco smuggling: Thai task force apprehends smuggler in 2 million baht contraband case by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of corangamite.vic.gov.au In a determined pursuit, Thailand’s anti-smuggling task force has apprehended a significant fugitive from the south involved in a tobacco smuggling case. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302516-tobacco-smuggling-thai-task-force-apprehends-smuggler-in-2-million-baht-contraband-case/

Chonburi orders strict control over roaming Arab groups in the city The Deputy Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police has implemented strict measures against a group of Arab tourists causing disturbances while driving in the city and preparing to take action against car rental businesses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302515-chonburi-orders-strict-control-over-roaming-arab-groups-in-the-city/

Fatal U-turn on Road: 16-Year-Old Crashes into Car, 1 Dead, 2 Injured Picture: Sanook SAMUT PRAKAN - Sergeant Witthaya Namthong received a report of a motorcycle-car collision at Petch Hueng 38, Samut Prakan. Rescuers found 13-year-old Jak injured and 12-year-old Grai with minor injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302514-fatal-u-turn-on-road-16-year-old-crashes-into-car-1-dead-2-injured/

German Man Threatens to Jump from 8-Storey Condo in Pattaya Picture: Siam Rath On August 3rd at 3:30 am, Pattaya City Police were alerted about a distressed foreigner, threatening to leap from an 8-storey condo situated in Wat Boonkanjanaram Soi, Moo 12, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Rescuers and Pattaya's Sawang Boriboon Foundation rushed to the scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302512-german-man-threatens-to-jump-from-8-storey-condo-in-pattaya/

Srettha Not Involved in Alleged Tax Avoidance: Sansiri BANGKOK (TNA) – Real estate developer Sansiri Plc issued a statement, clarifying that Pheu Thai prime minister candidate, Mr. Srettha Thavisin was not involved in alleged tax avoidance regarding land transactions and the company always complies with the law in doing businesses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302511-srettha-not-involved-in-alleged-tax-avoidance-sansiri/