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OPINION: New Thaksin chapter about to begin By Tulsathit Taptim The last time Thaksin Shinawatra was in Thailand, Pita Limjaroenrat was still a high-flying student cementing international recognition and was never heard of by his own political fans of today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301947-opinion-new-thaksin-chapter-about-to-begin/

The last time Thaksin Shinawatra was in Thailand, Pita Limjaroenrat was still a high-flying student cementing international recognition and was never heard of by his own political fans of today as the majority of them were playing and studying in school; only privileged few owned flat-screen TVs which were even “thick” by today’s standard; smartphones belonged exclusively to the rich and had real buttons, not “touch” capability; Angelina Jolie was Hollywood’s most bankable actress; Twitter, YouTube and Facebook had just been conceived; and Manchester City were nothing but the “noisy neighbours” of football superpower Manchester United. King Rama IX reigned over Thailand at the time. In England, Queen Elizabeth ruled. George W. Bush was the American president grappling with the subprime mortgage crisis. Nobody in the Philippines would have thought then that they would live to see the son of Ferdinand Marcos becoming their president. It’s been a long time. But is Thaksin, who is widely tipped to re-enter Thailand next month, the same Thaksin who departed it in 2008? Is Thailand that is about to take him back the same Thailand that saw him leave 15 years ago? Some may say a lot of things have changed. They believe that the emergence of Move Forward is a whole new ball game leading to a softened conservative perception of Thaksin, who must also have also diluted his own extremism while getting older. By Tulsathit Taptim Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-thaksin-chapter-about-to-begin/ -- © 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.

Soft coup scuppers Move Forward, Russians ‘flocking’ to Phuket : Tim Newton Today - July 28 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301943-soft-coup-scuppers-move-forward-russians-‘flocking’-to-phuket-tim-newton-today-july-28/

Thailand News - A 'soft coup'? Betrayal? Or just Thai politics? The return to Thailand of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, a visit to meet him in Hong Kong by an ally of the Move Forward Party... wheels are in motion to form a new government in Thailand, but it's probably not what the voters wanted, or voted for. Today is HM The King's Birthday and kicks off a six day long-weekend. 32 kilograms of heroin intercepted in Thailand, on its way to Australia, average Thai debt up 11% compared to last year, the latest with Typhoon Doksuri and Russians 'flocking to Phuket'. The Live TNT will be tonight (Friday) at 8pm Thai time. Anyone is welcome to join in. 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/

Protesters Urge 8 Coalition Partners To Not Switch Sides by TNR Staff Scenes for last evening demonstration at Ratchaprasong intersection. Photo: TV Channel 7 DEMONSTRATORS joining a rally called by the Labour Network for People’s Rights at Ratchaprasong intersection last evening (July 27) urged the eight parties in the Pheu Thai-led coalition to clarify if there are any conflicts and not switch sides, TV Channel 7 said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301939-protesters-urge-8-coalition-partners-to-not-switch-sides/

DEMONSTRATORS joining a rally called by the Labour Network for People’s Rights at Ratchaprasong intersection last evening (July 27) urged the eight parties in the Pheu Thai-led coalition to clarify if there are any conflicts and not switch sides, TV Channel 7 said. The demonstrators also urged senators to listen to the people’s voice as they had to endure over nine years of rule by the current government. By 6.30 p.m. the protesters had completed setting up a stage at this intersection with the leaders taking turns in giving speeches. by TNR Staff Scenes for last evening demonstration at Ratchaprasong intersection. Photo: TV Channel 7 Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/07/28/protesters-urge-8-coalition-partners-to-not-switch-sides/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 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.

El Nino: Thailand combats dry spell with robust water management for EEC by Mitch Connor Prapit Chanma, RID Director, Bangkok Post As Thailand grapples with the El Nino weather phenomenon, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) assures unwavering water supply for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Despite the current weather conditions likely to persist from October to April of next year, the RID is poised to mitigate the impacts with diligent water management. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301938-el-nino-thailand-combats-dry-spell-with-robust-water-management-for-eec/

Russian Elites Are Transforming Thailand’s Biggest Island as They Become More Unwelcome in the West An influx of Russian expats is buying up property in Phuket. By TORI LATHAM Unsplash Thailand has long been a top destination for tourists. But one group in particular is now flocking to Phuket, the country’s largest island: Russian elites. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301935-russian-elites-are-transforming-thailand’s-biggest-island-as-they-become-more-unwelcome-in-the-west/

Mint-Choc: Thailand’s bitter post-election conflict in a cup A green mint-chocolate drink has taken on a distinctly political flavor in Thailand as bitter division threatens to engulf the country again. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301930-mint-choc-thailand’s-bitter-post-election-conflict-in-a-cup/

A green mint-chocolate drink has taken on a distinctly political flavor in Thailand as bitter division threatens to engulf the country again. “If Pheu Thai joins hands with [outgoing coalition leader] Palang Pracharath, then Mint Choc will never be the same,” a Thalu Wang protester shouted at Pheu Thai headquarters on Sunday. News that Pheu Thai may ditch election-winner Move Forward and join Palang Pracharath (PPRP) to form the next government has prompted cafes like Svnslowbar and Bann Pu Kan to drop the mint chocolate drink from their menu. “Over the past few days, we have been feeling nauseous when drinking Choc Mint,” announce Svnslowbar’s Facebook page. “So, it will be taken off the menu.” The distinctive green beverage became a symbol of Pheu Thai after Paetongtarn Shinawatra, one of the party’s three prime ministerial candidates, revealed she was partial to the drink. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/mint-choc-thailands-bitter-post-election-conflict-in-a-cup/ -- © 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.

Thailand’s environment ministry orders removal of illegal resorts in Phu Thap Boek by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Royal Forest Department, Bangkok Post A mandate for the deconstruction of three illegal resorts in the favoured hillside tourist destination, Phu Thap Boek, has been decreed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The said resorts, located in the Phetchabun province, were brought to the notice of the authorities due to tourist complaints about obtrusive constructions blocking views. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301928-thailand’s-environment-ministry-orders-removal-of-illegal-resorts-in-phu-thap-boek/

Saudi-Phuket direct flights set to launch as Thai diplomacy thaws by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of theprivateworld.com Direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Phuket International Airport are slated to commence in October, as announced by Monchai Tanode, the director of the airport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301927-saudi-phuket-direct-flights-set-to-launch-as-thai-diplomacy-thaws/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 28 July 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301924-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-28-july-2023/

Thailand national police chief stated that if Taksin Shinawat arrives as planned on 10th of August , officers would meet him and serve arrest warrants, he would be escorted to a police station for questioning. Meanwhile FORMER MP Chuwit Kamon-visit claimed a meeting between several MPs and Taksin took place in Hong Kong this week, This included a meeting with Move forward’s Khun Thanatorn Its understood "They discussed the possibility of the the Move Forward Party being excluded from the new government," Thaksin returns he would be entitled to request a pardon. Parliament is due to conduct a 3rd vote on 4th August, And to debate a motion filed by Move Forward seeking to amend the constitution to eliminate the Senate’s ability to veto a prime ministerial candidate. However Chewit added a new prime minister would likely be confirmed at a 4th session vote before 15th August. A former police officer arrested in Lampang on charges of stealing a pickup truck in Kanchanaburi was found to have been the subject of a double murder investigation that led to his dismissal from the force 9 years ago. He and his accomplice, also a former police officer, now face charges of theft. Household debt the has reached a 15-year high due to a slower-than-expected economic recovery and high living costs, during a time of political uncertainty. A survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce says Average debt stood at 559,thousand baht in 2023, up 11.5% from the previous year. The government has ordered the demolition of three resorts built illegally on, a popular hillside attraction, in Phetchabun. The order came following complaints by tourists that the buildings were blocking views and were an eyesore.. Around the Region: Malaysia announced a radical plan to lease rooftops to install solar power, as the government seeks to raise the nation’s share of renewable energy to 70 per cent of total power generation by 2050. The concept is to pay households for their roof space to generate solar energy. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north: Partly Cloudy, with thundershowers 35C Bangkok: Bright Partly Cloudy, with thundershowers 35C Pattaya, Bright partly Cloudy, with showers showers 33C Phuket and the south: Cloudy, 30C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny, 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 2023-07-28 - 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.

Red Shirts in Korat Gather to Welcome Thaksin at Don Mueang Airport Nakhon Ratchasima's Red Shirts are uniting to welcome Thaksin at Don Mueang Airport, expressing their desire for Pheu Thai to form the government successfully. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301922-red-shirts-in-korat-gather-to-welcome-thaksin-at-don-mueang-airport/

Nakhon Ratchasima's Red Shirts are uniting to welcome Thaksin at Don Mueang Airport, expressing their desire for Pheu Thai to form the government successfully. Somphong Prasatthai, the leader of Korat's Red Shirts, spoke about Thaksin's scheduled return to Thailand, stating he is personally delighted, reported INN. Thaksin is considered an idol for the Red Shirts, who have fought tirelessly for democracy, enduring oppression under past regimes. His presence is a continuous source of inspiration for them. Consequently, Thaksin's return would bring immense joy to Red Shirts nationwide. Somphong himself plans to join the welcoming party at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport on August 10. Many Red Shirt supporters in Korat are also preparing to attend. The mode of transport is not fixed, but they are determined to show their support. Thaksin's return during Pheu Thai's leadership is seen as a positive omen, assuring their party's ability to form a government successfully. However, the prospect of Future Forward Party's potential exclusion from the government worries them. The Red Shirts consider Future Forward as a fellow pro-democracy party, having won a significant number of votes. If they are not included, it may alienate democracy-loving citizens, causing them to lose votes in the next election. Personally, they wish for Pheu Thai to embrace Future Forward in the government, avoiding any divisions. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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. 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

Young Monk Caught in Possession of Narcotics Picture: Daily News On July 27, in Lam Plai Mat District, Buriram Province, the Royal Thai Police apprehended a novice monk who had recently taken his vows but was found with a stash of 2,389 methamphetamine pills. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301921-young-monk-caught-in-possession-of-narcotics/

41st Thailand Tourism Festival on in Bangkok from 2-6 August 2023 Much-anticipated travel show will showcase travel and tourism offerings across Thailand with a focus on innovation and meaningful travel towards sustainability. by TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has scheduled to organise the 41st Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF 2023) from 2-6 August 2023, at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) under the concept of ‘Inno-Cultural for Sustainable Tourism’ representing a combination of innovative technology and culture, unseen travel experiences, and sustainability. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301920-41st-thailand-tourism-festival-on-in-bangkok-from-2-6-august-2023/

Grisly find: Kratom vendor stumbles upon naked body of homeless man in Rayong by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ครอบครัวข่าว 3 ระยอง A kratom vendor discovered the dead body of a homeless man lying naked and covered in faeces on PMY Beach in the eastern province of Rayong. The murderers were suspected to be a group of men hanging out on the beach before the discovery. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301919-grisly-find-kratom-vendor-stumbles-upon-naked-body-of-homeless-man-in-rayong/

Thai cinemas offer Chinese subtitles for the first time by Petch Petpail Photo via Facebook/ SF Cinema One of Thailand’s largest cinema operators, SF Cinema, has introduced Chinese subtitles for its screenings. This marks the first time that Thai cinemas have offered Chinese subtitles, which will be welcomed by a significant number of Chinese nationals who visit and reside in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301918-thai-cinemas-offer-chinese-subtitles-for-the-first-time/

Ingenious Solution! No More Hassle Parking, Just Use the 'Auto-Turn' Car Platform A brilliant idea has gone viral online, as TikTok user @pimmyrich shared a clip showcasing a fascinating innovation - a turntable that helps with parking even in tight spaces, making parking troubles a thing of the past. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301917-ingenious-solution-no-more-hassle-parking-just-use-the-auto-turn-car-platform/

A brilliant idea has gone viral online, as TikTok user @pimmyrich shared a clip showcasing a fascinating innovation - a turntable that helps with parking even in tight spaces, making parking troubles a thing of the past. In the video, a young woman can be seen driving her car into a parking spot with the car platform. Once parked, she turns the car towards the wall, and then a man activates the platform, smoothly turning the car to face outward effortlessly. This innovation promises to be a game-changer for those struggling with parking challenges. It not only saves space but also makes parking more convenient and efficient. With creative solutions like this, navigating busy city streets and parking lots could soon become a breeze. Kudos to the brilliant minds behind this 'auto-turn' car platform! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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. 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

Young Man's Pickup Truck Accident: Tank Truck Rear-Ended, Engine Pierces Cabin Picture: Daily News A tragic accident occurred at Mae Nam Khu intersection, Pluak Daeng, Rayong, when a pickup truck collided forcefully with the rear of a tank truck. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301916-young-mans-pickup-truck-accident-tank-truck-rear-ended-engine-pierces-cabin/

Bridge Expansion Due to Temperature Still Safe, Department Confirms Picture: Thai Rath The Department of Highways clarifies concerns regarding the expansion and contraction of bridge joints due to temperature fluctuations at the intersection near Wat Pichit, Khlong 13, Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road in Pathum Thani Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301915-bridge-expansion-due-to-temperature-still-safe-department-confirms/

3 Held In Seizure Of 32kg Heroin Heading For Australia by TNR Staff THREE suspects were arrested after police found over 32 kilogrammes of heroin hidden in hollowed out wooden crates in which jade stone statues and other auspicious objects were packed for shipment to Australia, Amarin TV said today (July 27). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301914-3-held-in-seizure-of-32kg-heroin-heading-for-australia/