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Marine officials close Maya Bay for a 2 months ‘rest’ from tourists By Peter Roche Krabi’s Maya Bay, on Koh Phi Phi Leh, has been closed for 2 months, to give the ecosystem time to recover before the return of the tourist high season. The Bangkok Post reports that the closure has been confirmed by Ratchanok Phaenoi, chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302346-marine-officials-close-maya-bay-for-a-2-months-‘rest’-from-tourists/

Dramatic speedboat manoeuvres issue stern warning to operators and tourists (video) by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket Facebook. Dramatic documentation of three speedboats manoeuvring massive 5-metre waves in the Krabi Sea issued a stern warning to the boat operators and tourists to remain cautious. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302343-dramatic-speedboat-manoeuvres-issue-stern-warning-to-operators-and-tourists-video/

UPDATE: Japanese netizen whose photo prompts clean-up in Bangkok thanks SRT A Japanese tourist, who shared photos of a Kiha-183 series train, donated to Thailand by Japan, passing through piles of garbage in the Phaya Thai area, thanked the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) for their “quick response” in cleaning the site. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302318-japanese-drama-donated-train-runs-through-garbage-in-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=18244763

Thai NHSO launches homegrown rubber prosthetic fistula, expects 540 million baht savings by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post. Moving towards medical self-sustainability while concurrently conserving expenses, Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) has come up with an innovative solution. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302342-thai-nhso-launches-homegrown-rubber-prosthetic-fistula-expects-540-million-baht-savings/

Moving towards medical self-sustainability while concurrently conserving expenses, Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) has come up with an innovative solution. The NHSO has launched a new, locally made prosthetic fistula prepared from natural rubber for those participating in the Universal Healthcare (UHC) programme, also commonly referred to as the “gold card” scheme. This new initiative aims at reducing the medical budget, potentially saving over 540 million baht. A visit was made by Athaporn Limpanylers, the deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, to inspect these fistulas that would be provided to UHC participants in Yala and Songkhla. The inspection took place over two days, from July 18 to 19. This prosthetic fistula’s creation was spearheaded by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and was brought to Athaporn’s attention by Worawit Wanichsuwan, the leading research expert at the Medical Institute of Prince of Songkla University (PSU). The process, which used natural rubber sourced from the country’s southern region, took approximately six years to complete. Worawit points out that the decision to use the south’s natural rubber was a direct consequence of the compatibility of the regional environment and climate. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-nhso-launches-homegrown-rubber-prosthetic-fistula-expects-540m-baht-savings -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-02 - 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.

Major landslide warning for 45 provinces as Thailand braces for heavy rainfall due to tropical storm by Nattapong Westwood Spooky forest at dusk, ominous storm clouds gather generated by artificial intelligence Picture courtesy of vecstock, Freepik Continual rainfall appears to be holding Thailand under its reign. The Thai Meteorology Department (TMD) warned of potential landslides in 45 provinces, including Bangkok. The precipitation accumulation could lead to sudden flooding and running forest water in the northern, eastern, and western southern provinces. Residents in these locations are advised to be cautious, especially around mountainous areas, or near river paths. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302341-major-landslide-warning-for-45-provinces-as-thailand-braces-for-heavy-rainfall-due-to-tropical-storm/

Continual rainfall appears to be holding Thailand under its reign. The Thai Meteorology Department (TMD) warned of potential landslides in 45 provinces, including Bangkok. The precipitation accumulation could lead to sudden flooding and running forest water in the northern, eastern, and western southern provinces. Residents in these locations are advised to be cautious, especially around mountainous areas, or near river paths. According to the TMD, the southwesterly monsoons prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a monsoon trough are primarily responsible for inclement weather. As the intensity of winds has increased, it has resulted in fairly rough sea conditions over the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf, with wave heights estimated to be 2 to 3 metres. In stormy areas, waves may rise above 3 metres. Boats are cautioned to proceed with caution and to avoid traversing through stormy areas. Small boats in particular have been asked to remain ashore for the coming two days. The combination of weather patterns is predominantly due to the tropical storm Khanun existing over the Pacific Ocean. It is anticipated to gradually approach southern Okinawa of Japan and Taiwan’s upper region around today and tomorrow. Travellers to these regions are being advised to monitor weather conditions in advance of embarking on their journey, reported KhaoSod. The weather forecast for Thailand, starting at 6am today and until the same time tomorrow, indicates that the northern region will experience thunderstorms with 70% of the area seeing rainfall, and heavy downpours in certain parts. The weather pattern seems to be covering the provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, and Phitsanulok. by Nattapong Westwood TOP: Spooky forest at dusk, ominous storm clouds gather generated by artificial intelligence Picture courtesy of vecstock, Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/major-landslide-warning-for-45-provinces-as-thailand-braces-for-heavy-rainfall-due-to-tropical-storm -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-02 - 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.

Family feud over dinner turns fatal as man in northern Thailand kills father by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a tragic act of family violence, a 32 year old man fatally slashed his father after a dispute over eating rice in the family farm hut, in Ban Tat, Non Sung District, Udon Thani province in northeastern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302340-family-feud-over-dinner-turns-fatal-as-man-in-northern-thailand-kills-father/

Thaksin’s imminent return stirs hope, anxiety in Thailand by Nontarat Phaicharoen Pheu Thai Party supporter holds a placard with photographs of former Thai Prime Ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra, during a party election campaign rally in Bangkok, April 28, 2023. Manan Vatsyayana/AFP Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s planned homecoming after 15 years of self-imposed exile is generating a mix of excitement and concern in the Southeast Asian country stuck in a political deadlock for the past two months. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302336-thaksin’s-imminent-return-stirs-hope-anxiety-in-thailand/

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s planned homecoming after 15 years of self-imposed exile is generating a mix of excitement and concern in the Southeast Asian country stuck in a political deadlock for the past two months. Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn, announced last week that her father was expected to return to Thailand on Aug. 10, as the Pheu Thai Party, the main political vehicle of the Shinawatra dynasty, seeks to form a new government after a general election in May. The announcement has provoked frenzied discussion about the fate awaiting the billionaire businessman, who fled Thailand in 2008 to escape a prison term for several different charges, including corruption and tax evasion. Many Thais are also speculating about what Thaksin’s arrival could mean for the country’s new government. “He is not a murderer – he should come back. Thaksin was only morally guilty and was at risk from dictatorial threats,” said Somsak Jatukam, 61, a taxi driver in Bangkok. by Nontarat Phaicharoen TOP: Pheu Thai Party supporter holds a placard with photographs of former Thai Prime Ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra, during a party election campaign rally in Bangkok, April 28, 2023. Manan Vatsyayana/AFP Full story: https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/thai/thais-react-to-thaksin-shinawatra-imminent-return-from-exile-07312023132527.html -- © Copyright Benar News 2023-08-02 - 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.

Retirement visa overhaul in the wind, gangs run out of town : Tim Newton Today - August 2 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302335-retirement-visa-overhaul-in-the-wind-gangs-run-out-of-town-tim-newton-today-august-2/

Changes in the wind for at least the Thailand Elite visas and, it appears, O or OA visas (retirement visas) in the future, motorcycle gangs being kicked out of Thailand, the BMA blames the Ashton Asoke developers for the problems with access to the property, Srettha Thavisin - Pheu Thai candidate for PM this Friday - says he's backed down on his previous support for amendments to Thailand's Lese Majeste laws, a Move Forward MP is asking questions about how the stored fireworks in Narathiwat was able to sneak past authorities in the area, and some background about today's start of the Buddhis Lent in Thailand. 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/

Tourism revival in Thailand risks airport slot overcrowding, suggests alternative options by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post In anticipation of the upcoming high season, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) has expressed concerns over the slot capacity at international airports. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302334-tourism-revival-in-thailand-risks-airport-slot-overcrowding-suggests-alternative-options/

In anticipation of the upcoming high season, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) has expressed concerns over the slot capacity at international airports. As more flights are set to resume, it is predicted that the country will receive around 8 million tourists this year, primarily derived from long-haul markets anticipating a significant tourism revival. The deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas of the TAT, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, 42 years old, remains hopeful about the revival of international tourism. This optimism arises from the resumption of flights, which are currently at over 70% of the scale observed in 2019, he conveyed. The TAT’s expectations for overall foreign visitors this year include at least six million individuals from Europe, one million from the Americas, and an estimated half a million from the Middle East. Despite gradual improvements in ground handling matters, the main concerns now lie with the potential overcrowding of flight slots during the cool, or high season. The resumption is predicted to reach 85% of the 2019 level, due to a rising number of airlines applying for new slots at popular airports such as Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok and Phuket’s International Airport. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailand-tourism-revival-risks-airport-slot-overcrowding-suggests-alternative-options -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-02 - 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.

Hidden electrical fault causes boiling ground and shocks Thai district by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod On a recent weekday, a mysterious plume of smoke erupting from the ground left locals in the Bang Chakreng district perplexed. Residents were especially alarmed when a frog leapt into a nearby boil, only to be cooked alive. Importantly, it wasn’t until staff at the Electricity Authority switched off the power that the reason for this unusual happening was discovered. Officials warn that this electrical fault situation was dangerously unstable. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302326-hidden-electrical-fault-causes-boiling-ground-and-shocks-thai-district/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 2 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302322-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-2-august-2023/

The Pheu Thai party candidate for prime minister Srettha Thavi-sin stated he would not seek to amend the lese majeste law, if the parliament approves his nomination as prime minister on Friday. Mr Srettha said the first priority is to ensure people have enough to eat and that the economy improves, The government is considering a suspension of rice farming in order to save water in Central Thailand This years rainfall is well below the median range, now forecasters predict a drier rainy season which could see a 40% drop in accumulated rainfall this season, possibly triggering water shortages. Meanwhile flooding affected over 1000 rai of farmland in Nakhon Phanom during the last 24 hours. While much of the water was able to drain into the Mekong and other rivers, much farmland could remain swamped with ruined crops in the coming days. A frantic search was underway yesterday afternoon when a 9-year-old boy went missing after swimming in the sea at Suan Son Beach just south of Hua Hin. The boy had visited the beach with his parents from Samut Sakhon. The youngster was last seen at lunchtime before rescue teams were called, they searched an 800 meter stretch of beach using rubber boats and drones. Taiwan company foxconn is considering setting up a manufacturing plant for a small Electric vehicle in either Thailand or India, the three wheeled car would be priced at under 20 thousand dollars. Foxconn has held a joint venture with Thailand's PTT company since 2021 centred on EVs, which has attracted a number of major EV players to invest in the sector here.. Around the Region: North Korea has offered a very brief response to the United Nations Command about a US soldier who dashed over the heavily-guarded border with South Korea on Jul 18 and was immediately taken into custody, the North simply acknowledged the soldiers detention with no further details. Cambodia's election commission said that nearly half a million ballot papers were spoiled in the national election last month, which critics have called a sham as all opposition parties were barred from contesting. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north: thundershowers 30C Bangkok: Cloudy, with thundershowers 32C Pattaya, Cloudy thundershowers 31C Phuket and the south: Thundershowers, 30C ‘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 2023-08-02 - 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.

Brazen robbery at Hua Hin gold shop: Thief dressed as FoodPanda rider flees with necklaces worth 300,000 THB By Online Reporter A thief dressed as a FoodPanda delivery rider struck a well-known gold shop in Hua Hin on Tuesday, brazenly escaping with a haul of gold necklaces worth nearly 300,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302319-brazen-robbery-at-hua-hin-gold-shop-thief-dressed-as-foodpanda-rider-flees-with-necklaces-worth-300000-thb/

Japanese Drama: Donated Train Runs through Garbage in Thailand A heartwarming gesture from Japan turned sour as a donated train, the KIHA 183, runs amidst piles of garbage in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302318-japanese-drama-donated-train-runs-through-garbage-in-thailand/

Chinese businessman driving a Fortuner hit and killed a pedestrian while crossing Rama 2 Road Picture: Thai Rath On August 1, 2023, at 18:00, a Chinese businessman driving a Ferrari with a red license plate collided with a pedestrian in Samut Songkhram, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302317-chinese-businessman-drives-ferrari-and-hits-pedestrian/

Local Residents Capture Video of Foreign Mafia Intimidating Tourists at Pattaya Viewpoint Concerned citizens have shared a 1-minute 39-second video revealing a group of foreign men, aged around 20-30 years, dressed in black shirts and long black pants, brandishing guns and threatening a group of international tourists at a viewpoint in Pattaya, Chonburi province, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302316-local-residents-capture-video-of-foreign-mafia-intimidating-tourists-at-pattaya-viewpoint/

Thai Police Arrest Gambling Debtor Fleeing with Gold Jewelry Worth Thousands On August 1, 2023, at 8:00 am, an operation led by Pol. Lt. Col. Phong-anan Klai-klung, Deputy Commander of Division 9, and Pol. Lt. Col. Teerachai Dedkad, Chief of Staff of Division 9, along with officers from the Investigation Division and Special Operations Division of Division 9, resulted in the arrest of Mr. Tes, 25, who was fleeing after stealing gold jewelry worth 163,250 Baht from a gold shop at Lotus Bangkhunthian, Rama 2 Road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302315-thai-police-arrest-gambling-debtor-fleeing-with-gold-jewelry-worth-thousands-of-baht/

UPDATE: Revving up for justice: RTP launches covert crackdown on rogue motorcycle clubs by Top Picture courtesy of Pattaya News. A countdown is underway for five prominent foreign motorcycle clubs that have been operating covertly within Thailand‘s borders. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302295-thai-police-pledge-to-eradicate-foreign-motorcycle-clubs-involved-in-alleged-criminal-activities/?do=findComment&comment=18244121

Shocking surprise: Power interruption leaves Phuket residents in the dark by Mitch Connor Residents of Srisoonthorn, in particular those living in the Sri-Suphalak Orchid Villas housing estate, Moo 6, Phuket, should brace for a power interruption this week, as announced by the Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302313-shocking-surprise-power-interruption-leaves-phuket-residents-in-the-dark/

Hua Hin's local radio station Surf FM has re-branded to SURF Radio The radio station started life 20 years ago by Mr. Pongsawatch Charoennithithat with a vision to provide English radio for expat residents and visitors to the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302307-hua-hins-local-radio-station-surf-fm-has-re-branded-to-surf-radio/