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Bank of Thailand forecasts final interest rate hike amid inflation uncertainty by Alex Morgan Dr. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Photo courtesy of Bank of Thailand The Bank of Thailand (BoT) aims to cap its series of interest rate increases with a final 25-basis-point hike slated for August 2, due to an ongoing high and uncertain inflation outlook. This insight has been gathered from a poll conducted recently. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302010-bank-of-thailand-forecasts-final-interest-rate-hike-amid-inflation-uncertainty/

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) aims to cap its series of interest rate increases with a final 25-basis-point hike slated for August 2, due to an ongoing high and uncertain inflation outlook. This insight has been gathered from a poll conducted recently. After June’s annual headline inflation eased down to 0.23%, falling below the BoT’s target range of 1%-3%, it signalled a rebound in prices later in the year. This indicates that the BoT is not finished with its cycle of fiscal tightening. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, the BoT’s governor, said last week that the current inflation outlook aligns with expectations. Consequently, the monetary policy will pivot more towards future predictions than relying solely on current data. With this slight shift in focus, economists participating in a Reuters poll between July 17-26, who previously anticipated that the 150 basis points of policy tightening would end in May, now predict another rate hike. Out of 22, 18 economists predict that the BoT will proceed with raising its benchmark one-day repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 2.25% on August 2. This would be the loftiest since January 2014. The remaining four economists project no change. by Alex Morgan Dr. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Photo courtesy of Bank of Thailand -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-29 - 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/business/bank-of-thailand-forecasts-final-interest-rate-hike-amid-inflation-uncertainty

Three more Thai provinces join ASEAN Smart Cities Network expanding digital reach by Mitch Connor DES Chief, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Thai PBS World Further broadening its digital reach, Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) recently declared that three additional Thai provinces Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302009-three-more-thai-provinces-join-asean-smart-cities-network-expanding-digital-reach/

Further broadening its digital reach, Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) recently declared that three additional Thai provinces – Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Rayong, now form a part of the seminal ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). This exciting development was announced yesterday, by DES chief, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, during the sixth annual ASCN assembly held in Bali, Indonesia. In his proclamation, Chaiwut touched upon the successful elevation of the network’s count from 26 to 29 cities post this recent induction. The purpose behind the ASEAN Smart Cities Network underscores the collaborative efforts of the member cities in harmony with the private sector. The central aim remains to incorporate modern technology across public infrastructures which entails a firm focus on innovative technological applications, in addition to better urban planning along with management. As per the DES head, the ASCN also delivers a strong platform for cities within the ASEAN block to foster stronger cooperative ties with countries such as Japan, South Korea and Australia. In tandem, the state-owned Smart City Project Management Committee yesterday honed in on six more prospective areas to be developed into ASEAN smart cities across the nation. by Mitch Connor DES Chief, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Thai PBS World Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/three-more-thai-provinces-join-asean-smart-cities-network-expanding-digital-reach -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-29 - 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.

Anutin Pilots Plane to Deliver Heart Transplant Team Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Thai Pride Party, shared a heartwarming moment on his personal Facebook page at 6:00 PM on July 28. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302006-anutin-pilots-plane-to-deliver-heart-transplant-team/

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Thai Pride Party, shared a heartwarming moment on his personal Facebook page at 6:00 PM on July 28. The post featured Anutin with a beaming smile, dressed in a yellow polo shirt, standing in front of a private plane. The caption read, "Overjoyed to have flown to pick up a heart with Dr. Pat Ongcharit in Roi Et today. #BlessedDay #MissionHeartOnWings." Reportedly, Anutin was contacted by a medical team led by Dr. Pat Ongcharit, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon from Chulalongkorn Hospital, reported Daily News. They urgently needed assistance in flying to Roi Et to retrieve organs from a brain-dead donor, which could save the lives of patients waiting for transplants. Anutin has been piloting private planes to support medical teams in transporting organs across the country since 2014, in what he calls the "Operation Heart On Wings." This vital mission has facilitated numerous life-saving organ transplants when commercial flights or other means of transport were not feasible. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-29 - 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

Fatal Collision After Family Gathering in Chonburi Picture: Siam Rath Chonburi's Phanat Nikhom police were notified of a tragic accident on the Thung Hiang-Nong Samet road, headed towards the Phanat Nikhom district in the Chonburi province. Upon arrival, officials discovered an overturned white Toyota Fortuner. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302005-fatal-collision-after-family-gathering-in-chonburi/

Two Female Pickpockets Arrested - Nearly 100,000 Baht Lost by Foreign Tourists Picture: Siam Rath On July 28th, Lt. Col. Terntorn Onnim, Deputy Superintendent of Phaya Thai Police, revealed the apprehension of two suspects involved in pickpocketing foreign tourists, resulting in losses of over 90,000 Baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302004-two-female-pickpockets-arrested-nearly-100000-baht-lost-by-foreign-tourists/

Somsak, Suriya Lobbying Senators To Back Srettha For PM By Thai Newsroom Reporters Phue Thai candidate for prime minister Srettha Thavisin. Photos: Matichon Weekly SAM MIT GROUP LEADERS Somsak Thepsuthin and Suriya Juangroongruangkit have been quietly lobbying senators in support of Pheu Thai candidate for prime minister Srettha Thavisin, partisan sources said yesterday (July 28). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302002-somsak-suriya-lobbying-senators-to-back-srettha-for-pm/

SAM MIT GROUP LEADERS Somsak Thepsuthin and Suriya Juangroongruangkit have been quietly lobbying senators in support of Pheu Thai candidate for prime minister Srettha Thavisin, partisan sources said yesterday (July 28). In addition to solid support from a dozen Palang Pracharath MPs who are practically under their control, Somsak and Suriya who contested the May 14 election in Pheu Thai party-listed mode have been quietly soliciting endorsement from many of the unelected lawmakers for the real estate tycoon-turned-prime-ministerial candidate, known as personally associated with deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of de facto Pheu Thai boss/deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Compared to 13 senators who had earlier cast yea votes for Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat in the first round of vote for prime minister whilst others abstained from voting or cast downright nay votes against him, many more are speculated to endorse Srettha for head of government early next month due in part to the Sam Mit leaders’ hush-hush lobbying, the sources said. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Phue Thai candidate for prime minister Srettha Thavisin. Photos: Matichon Weekly Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/07/28/somsak-suriya-lobbying-senators-to-back-srettha-for-pm/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-07-29 - 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.

Ayutthaya woman falls victim to online sex video leak by Nattapong Westwood A woman complained her sex video was leaked on Twitter (via KhaoSod) Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. In a disgraceful incident, a young man has been accused of blackmailing a woman, identified as A, by releasing a sex video of them having intercourse online. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302001-ayutthaya-woman-falls-victim-to-online-sex-video-leak/

Female teachers required to serve alcohol, dance at religious event by Samantha Rose Female teachers are outraged after being required to dance and serve alcohol at a school religious event. (via edgarsnyder.com). Photo courtesy of edgarsnyder.com An ongoing Thai school controversy has unfolded, involving a large school planning to host a religious “Pa Pha” ceremony, which attracted criticism due to directives issued that required female teachers to perform traditional dance and serve alcohol to guests. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302000-female-teachers-required-to-serve-alcohol-dance-at-religious-event/

An ongoing Thai school controversy has unfolded, involving a large school planning to host a religious “Pa Pha” ceremony, which attracted criticism due to directives issued that required female teachers to perform traditional dance and serve alcohol to guests. The incident has provoked heated discussions online following the incident’s exposure on social media. The Thai school controversy came to light after a female teacher reported the issue through a social media page named “Teacher Indy.” She revealed that a large school yesterday was organising a “Pa Pha” school ceremony during which the female teachers were expected not only to dress up and dance as traditional dancers but also serve alcohol to the guests. The plan fuelled online debates, and the page Teacher Indy responded sharply regarding the affair. “These losers are having female teachers serve beer. If you want to drink… go to a pub. Message from home, want to drink… have your mom spoon-feed you.” Just a short while after the post went live, additional details surfaced revealing excerpts from the official order document. It instructed female teachers to cheer guests, take care of those participating in traditional dances, and collect donations for the school, reported Sanook. by Samantha Rose TOP: Female teachers are outraged after being required to dance and serve alcohol at a school religious event. (via edgarsnyder.com). Photo courtesy of edgarsnyder.com Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-school-sparks-controversy-female-teachers-required-to-serve-alcohol-and-perform-traditional-dance-at-religious-event-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-29 - 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.

Ferry to Koh Samui Malfunctions and Strands Frightened Passengers for Hours By Goongnang Suksawat Samui – Passengers on a ferry from Donsak to Samui Island suffered a major scare after the boat engine malfunctioned for more than two hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301999-ferry-to-koh-samui-malfunctions-and-strands-frightened-passengers-for-hours/

Democrats In Talks With Thaksin But Not Part Of Coalition Yet by TNR Staff Democrat MP Det-It Khawthong, left, and de facto Pheu Thai boss/former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, right. Photo: Matichon AS PHEU Thai Party continues to forge a coalition government, Democrat Party Secretary-General Chalermchai Sri-on was asked to fly to Hong Kong to hold talks with the party’s de facto leader Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301998-democrats-in-talks-with-thaksin-but-not-part-of-coalition-yet/

AS PHEU Thai Party continues to forge a coalition government, Democrat Party Secretary-General Chalermchai Sri-on was asked to fly to Hong Kong to hold talks with the party’s de facto leader Thaksin Shinawatra but he sent a representative with no conclusion reached yet, Manager Online and Naewna newspaper said yesterday (July 28). Instead of personally going to Hong Kong to meet Thaksin, Chalermchai sent Mr. Det-It Khawthong, an MP for Songkhla and acting head of the party in the South, to do so. However it was reported that negotiations failed because this group commands 16 Democrat MPs not all 25 because former party leaders Chuan Leekpai and Aphisit Vejjajiva do not support joining the coalition government Pheu Thai is forming. by TNR Staff Democrat MP Det-It Khawthong, left, and de facto Pheu Thai boss/former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, right. Photo: Matichon Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/07/28/democrats-in-talks-with-thaksin-but-not-part-of-coalition-yet/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-07-29 - 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.

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 29 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1301997-thailand-live-saturday-29-july-2023/

Police will focus on ten traffic safety laws over the upcoming holiday. (via KhaoSod) Royal Thai Police under the leadership of Roy Inkpairoj, Deputy Commander of the Police Force, rolled out a campaign to enforce ten key traffic safety rules during the long public holiday period from July 28 to August 2. The measures taken to protect citizens during their holiday travels aim to prevent and reduce road accidents. Traffic safety: Ten main traffic laws enforced over long public holiday Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301977-traffic-safety-ten-main-traffic-laws-enforced-over-long-public-holiday/

Student safety urged as Bangkok police chase man harassing schoolgirls by Nattapong Westwood Safety concerns raised after a man (pictured) harassed several female students. (via KhaoSod) Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Yesterday, parents of students from a prominent school in Ratchadamnoen warned of a man exhibiting signs of mental illness who has been causing harm to female students in a number of locations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301964-student-safety-urged-as-bangkok-police-chase-man-harassing-schoolgirls/

Bangkok’s 10-year plan to send wiring underground by Mitch Connor Underground Wiring is coming to Bangkok as part of it's 'Go Smart, Go Digital and Go Green' program. (via Somchai Poomlard, Bangkok Post). Photo courtesy of Somchai Poomlard, Bangkok Post A recent announcement from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) suggests dramatic changes are underway for Thailand’s capital city. The notable shift to laying 1,454 kilometres of electrical wires underground is reportedly expected to take place over the coming decade, in an ambitious effort to streamline electricity provision to the three provinces in the Greater Bangkok area: Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301955-bangkok’s-10-year-plan-to-send-wiring-underground/

Court revokes construction permit for Ashton Asoke luxury condominium The Supreme Administrative Court ordered the revocation of the construction permit on Thursday of the 6.4 billion baht Ashton Asoke luxury condominium project in the heart of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301954-court-revokes-construction-permit-for-ashton-asoke-luxury-condominium/

Thaksin’s pending return signals done deal? By Thepchai Yong Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wants his planned return to Thailand to be seen as a family affair. But few are fooled by his latest political act. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301953-thaksin’s-pending-return-signals-done-deal/

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wants his planned return to Thailand to be seen as a family affair. But few are fooled by his latest political act. All of a sudden Thaksin has become a key player in the weeks-long political haggling over the formation of a post-election coalition. His announcement that he will finally end his self-exile and fly back to Bangkok on August 10 is seen by many as a signal that a deal has already been sealed. Despite his years of absence, Thaksin still calls the shots in Pheu Thai Party, which is now entrusted by its allies with the task of forming a coalition. The ongoing attempts by Pheu Thai to get wider support outside its alliance for its prime ministerial nomination has, however, run into a brick wall. By Thepchai Yong Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thaksins-pending-return-signals-done-deal/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-28 - 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.

New Thai PM could be elected on August 4, but… By Peter Roche PHOTO: Thai PBS Fugitive, and former, Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra met with former Future Forward Leader and 2019 PM candidate Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit on Tuesday this week, adding more spice to the messy ingredients already in play for the next meeting of Parliament. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301949-new-thai-pm-could-be-elected-on-august-4-but…/

Fugitive, and former, Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra met with former Future Forward Leader and 2019 PM candidate Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit on Tuesday this week, adding more spice to the messy ingredients already in play for the next meeting of Parliament. House Speaker and parliament president Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has called a meeting for next Friday, August 4, to elect Thailand’s’s next PM. Wan says that if the Constitutional Court rejects the petition challenging lawmakers’ blocking of Pita Limjaroenrat’s re-nomination, the vote can go ahead. However, in the event that the court accepts the petition and issues an injunction, the PM vote will once more be postponed. In that case, Wan says, the Houses of Representatives and the Senate will instead deliberate Move Forward’s bill to remove Article 272 of the Constitution. By Peter Roche PHOTO: Thai PBS Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/new-thai-pm-could-be-elected-on-august-4-but/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-07-28 - 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.