webfact

Commerce Ministry following global rice situation after India banned exports by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Effects from the El Nino phenomenon, notably crop damage, are starting to be had in various countries. In India, damage in the agriculture sector has prompted the government to ban rice exports since July 20. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302442-commerce-ministry-following-global-rice-situation-after-india-banned-exports/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Effects from the El Nino phenomenon, notably crop damage, are starting to be had in various countries. In India, damage in the agriculture sector has prompted the government to ban rice exports since July 20. Because of this development, Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce is closely monitoring the global rice situation. In the meantime, ministry officials are confident Thailand will be able to export more than 8 million tonnes of rice this year. Ministry of Commerce Permanent Secretary Keerati Rushchano has ordered all relevant commerce ministry agencies to closely follow up on the rice situation. These agencies include the Department of Foreign Trade, the Department of Internal Trade, Thai Trade Promotion offices abroad, and commercial attaches. This is especially true for agencies whose work is relevant to countries that produce, export, or import rice. The agencies will assess information and tendencies pertaining to rice exports by major producers and various countries’ demand for rice. The situation of rice prices in Thailand and other countries and the stockpile of rice in Thailand will also be assessed. The permanent secretary expects a clearer picture of the global rice market’s tendencies to emerge within 1-2 weeks. Keerati asserted Thailand will certainly not encounter a rice shortage, as it is a rice-producing country that has excess amounts of rice that are exported. He noted India’s ban on rice exports will likely benefit Thai rice exports, which are now expected to exceed the 2023 target of 8 million tonnes. This would allow domestic prices to improve, to the benefit of paddy farmers. Keerati said the El Nino phenomenon is expected to occur for 1-3 years and will likely impact Thailand’s rice production amount. The commerce ministry has discussed the matter with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to make plans to mitigate the expected drop in production. by Namo Vananupong Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230803091339363 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-08-03 - 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.

Move Forward dumped from coalition, reforming elephant tourism : Tim Newton Today - August 3 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302441-move-forward-dumped-from-coalition-reforming-elephant-tourism-tim-newton-today-august-3/

Thailand News - The Move Forward Party have been dumped by Pheu Thai who have gone on to form a new coalition with some of their former political foes. We'll announce the new coalition partners. There's been a cordon placed around the Thai parliament in the lead up to tomorrow's joint sitting and probable vote for a new Thai PM. The Pheu Thai Party announce their legislative priorities. Bangkok Post features an editorial about reforming Thailand's controversial elephant tourism. Here's a link to that story... https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/... Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai 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/

Nitric acid leak prompts emergency response in Prawet district: investigation underway by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Sanook A chemical emergency has struck Prawet district, following a leak of nitric acid. Authorities, including a specialized team from the Lat Yao Fire Station, swiftly arrived at the scene to prevent further spread. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302437-nitric-acid-leak-prompts-emergency-response-in-prawet-district-investigation-underway/

Krabi Airport Expansion Set for 2024 Completion The Department of Airports has announced that Krabi Airport's expansion is progressing steadily, having already achieved 87.52% completion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302433-krabi-airport-expansion-set-for-2024-completion/

The US Congress sets up US-Thai Alliance Caucus Key Congressional members have set up the US-Thai Alliance Caucus, which will serve as a bipartisan hub to promote relations between the two countries, according to an informed source. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302431-the-us-congress-sets-up-us-thai-alliance-caucus/

Key Congressional members have set up the US-Thai Alliance Caucus, which will serve as a bipartisan hub to promote relations between the two countries, according to an informed source. The source said that US Representatives Michelle Steel and Scott Peters recently wrote to the US Congress’s chairman of the House Administration Committee, Bryan Steil, stating their desire to register the US-Thai Alliance Caucus at the US Congress. Both Steel, Republican, and Peters, Democrat, representing California, will co-chair the new caucus. The caucus will also seek to address issues impacting the Thai-American community on a broad range of issues. In addition, the caucus will serve as a platform for the promotion of awareness and better understanding of Thailand. Other objectives include promoting cooperation between the US-Thai legislative branches, people-to-people connectivity andcivil society exchanges, Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/the-us-congress-sets-up-us-thai-alliance-caucus/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-03 - 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.

Highway Police Intercepts Chinese Human Trafficking Operation On August 3, 2023, highway police led by Lieutenant Colonel Charoon Kiarti Pankaeo apprehended a human trafficking operation sneaking Chinese nationals into the city. The arrest occurred at the Bang Bua Thong elevated intersection in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302427-highway-police-intercepts-chinese-human-trafficking-operation/

Policies to increase income critical to tackle high household debt Economic experts are not happy with the policies pursued by the outgoing administration to increase the income of Thai households, as well as the proposals of the parties who could form the next government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302425-policies-to-increase-income-critical-to-tackle-high-household-debt/

Economic experts are not happy with the policies pursued by the outgoing administration to increase the income of Thai households, as well as the proposals of the parties who could form the next government. “The income guarantee scheme for farmers implemented by the outgoing government did not work, while the debt moratorium policies proposed by many political parties in contention to form the new government make no sense,” said Somporn Isvilanonda, a senior fellow at the Knowledge Network Institute of Thailand. The income guarantee scheme for farmers costs the exchequer over 100 billion baht a year. “This subsidy without attached conditions is a waste of taxpayers’ money,” he said. “There should have been conditions set on increasing productivity and reskilling of farmers,” he said. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/policies-to-increase-income-critical-to-tackle-high-household-debt/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-03 - 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 military seize 1.2 million cannabis-tinged meth pills worth 100 million baht Photo of Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook A major drug bust occurred yesterday, when a joint task force of Thai military and law enforcement officials seized over 1.2 million methamphetamine pills, with a new formula containing cannabis, from a transit point along the Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302424-thai-military-seize-12-million-cannabis-tinged-meth-pills-worth-100-million-baht/

Notorious bike theft gang behind 10 million baht of stolen Honda motorcycles nabbed by Thai police by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a relentless pursuit, the law enforcement authorities of Region 4 Crime Suppression Division apprehended the key suspect of a notorious motorcycle theft syndicate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302423-notorious-bike-theft-gang-behind-10-million-baht-of-stolen-honda-motorcycles-nabbed-by-thai-police/

Thai couple arrested for child abuse leading to blindness: Mother confesses to be the sole perpetrator by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Yesterday, police arrested a 30 year old woman, and her husband, 36 years old, in connection with the continued inflicted abuse on a five year old girl leading to her near blindness. Relatives of the girl had appealed for help after realising that her blindness was due to prolonged cruelty. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302422-thai-couple-arrested-for-child-abuse-leading-to-blindness-mother-confesses-to-be-the-sole-perpetrator/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 3 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302421-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-3-august-2023/

The Pheu Thai Party pulled out of the eight-partner coalition and dropped the Move Forward Party as it attempted to set up a brand-new coalition. The Bhum-jai-thai party will very likely join the new coalition now that Thaksin’s group appears to be going ahead without Move Forward. The chair of the Federation of Thai Industries, told political parties to form a government by the end of this month adding there are many political hurdles to overcome in order to deal with Thailand’s “very fragile” economy. Both Asian and Western investors are delaying new investments in Thailand because they are waiting for clear and concise policies from a new government, Police issued arrest warrants for the owners of the fireworks warehouse in Narathiwat, The two owners were previously arrested but not charged at the Police Station in 2016, for selling fireworks without a license. Police seize several warehouses of smuggled pirated and fake items worth tens of millions of baht. The Chinese owners were allegedly selling items that had by-passed customs and were unable to produce any documentation. Items included: skateboards, gas stoves, clippers, camera bags, table fans and other items. Virologist at Chulalongkorn University says More than 120 people have contracted monkeypox, now known as MPox, Thailand now has the highest number of cases in Southeast Asia. After 2 days of searching the deputy governor of hua hin announced they had been unable to find the body of a 9 year old boy who was swept out to sea on Monday. Around the Region: Taiwan's foreign Minister Joseph Wu said A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would have "disastrous results" for the world, His warning come as Taiwan heads towards a presidential election next year, while facing increased military and political pressure from China. Still in Taiwan: Schools, markets and many other business are closed today in the capital Taipei and the north as slow-moving Typhoon Khanun sweeps just no=rth of the island amid warnings of floods and high winds. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north: thundershowers 30C Bangkok: Cloudy, with thundershowers 31C Pattaya, Cloudy thundershowers 31C Phuket and the south: Thundershowers, 31C ‘Hua Hin’: Bright partly cloudy, 32C. 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 2023-08-03 - 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.

Thief caught stealing to finance motorcycle payments in Ratchaburi housing scheme by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Residents of a housing development have caught a thief who had been stealing electrical cables and water pumps to fund payments for his newly purchased motorcycle. The man was detained yesterday around 4pm at the Thungpo housing project in Mueang Ratchaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302420-thief-caught-stealing-to-finance-motorcycle-payments-in-ratchaburi-housing-scheme/

Shocking ink-ident: Famous tattoo artist’s alleged misconduct rattles Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Lucas Lenzi, Unsplash. The tale of a famous tattoo artist allegedly crossing the line with female customers has shocked the city of Nakhon Sawan in central Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302419-shocking-ink-ident-famous-tattoo-artist’s-alleged-misconduct-rattles-thailand/

Fire sale with a twist: Man sells ex girlfriend’s clothes for 100 baht each by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. A young man‘s hilarious viral post offering his ex-girlfriend’s clothes for sale set social media on fire. Selling each garment for just 100 baht (US$3), the man confirmed that he has personally tried on all the items for comfort and found them to be of high quality. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302418-fire-sale-with-a-twist-man-sells-ex-girlfriend’s-clothes-for-100-baht-each/

A young man‘s hilarious viral post offering his ex-girlfriend’s clothes for sale set social media on fire. Selling each garment for just 100 baht (US$3), the man confirmed that he has personally tried on all the items for comfort and found them to be of high quality. He revealed he felt no regret in selling them as he hopes to recoup some of his investment in the garments. Insisting on the excellent condition and superb material quality of the clothing, the man, known as Natthawut, embarked on the light-hearted venture approximately three to four months after the end of his relationship. “I bought all the clothes, so rather than discard them, I thought I could give them to others.” However, he admitted he eventually decided that selling them could be more beneficial to salvage some of his original expenditure. Natthawut decided to sell the items for a playful yet genuine 100 baht each – a bargain that has attracted significant attention. Among the roughly 200 items he has in total, three have already been sold, despite him only advertising five so far, reported KhaoSod. “I never thought I would attract this kind of interest.” by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/ex-boyfriend-sells-exs-clothes-for-100-baht-each-tries-them-on-first-for-a-laugh-and-to-verify-quality -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-03 - 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: Burmese Men Arrested for Extorting Money from Kuwaiti Tourists in Chonburi Picture: Thai Rath Chonburi police arrested two Myanmar nationals for shooting a staged video where they pointed a fake gun at a group of Kuwaiti tourists to extort money. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302413-gunman-on-the-loose-police-scramble-to-find-foreign-suspect-intimidating-sightseers-in-pattaya-video/?do=findComment&comment=18247138

Drunken Neighbor's Rampage: Smashing Cars and Windows to Vent Anger In a shocking event, a 38-year-old man, notorious for excessive drinking, unleashed havoc in a serene neighborhood. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302416-drunken-neighbors-rampage-smashing-cars-and-windows-to-vent-anger/

Peeping Soldier Shocks Couple During Their Shower Picture: Siam Rath On August 2, two residents, Mr. Jakrathorn (nicknamed Pai), 35, and Ms. Muay (a pseudonym), 36, living at Phichai Street, in the town of Saraburi, reported a shocking incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302415-peeping-soldier-shocks-couple-during-their-shower/

MFP MP blames corrupt cops for firework warehouse explosion in southern Thailand by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สวท.นราธิวาส and Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn - วิโรจน์ ลักขณาอดิศร Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn accused corrupt cops for the explosion of a firework warehouse in the southern province of Narathiwas. As a result of the ongoing investigation, four police officers have been transferred. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302414-mfp-mp-blames-corrupt-cops-for-firework-warehouse-explosion-in-southern-thailand/

Gunman on the loose: Police scramble to find foreign suspect intimidating sightseers in Pattaya (video) by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of สยามชล นิวส์ Facebook Police officers are frantically searching for an unidentified foreign gunman caught on tape intimidating a group of international sightseers with a pistol at a popular scenic viewpoint in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302413-gunman-on-the-loose-police-scramble-to-find-foreign-suspect-intimidating-sightseers-in-pattaya-video/