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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). Pol. Maj. Gen. Montree Thetkhan, chief of Crime Suppression Division police, said the heroin was found after a tip-off that a large amount of drugs is heading overseas. Investigation led to the discovery of 831 packets of heroin, weighing over 32 kilogrammes, hidden in hollowed-out crates in which jade stone statues and other auspicious items were packed. It is worth approximately 10 million baht in Thailand but the value would rise to 100 million baht if it had reached Australia. by TNR Staff Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/07/27/3-held-in-seizure-of-32kg-heroin-heading-for-australia/ -- © 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. RELATED TOPIC: Heroin bound for Australia seized at Bangkok airport https://aseannow.com/topic/1300879-heroin-bound-for-australia-seized-at-bangkok-airport/

Happy Birthday to His Royal Majesty the Thai King By Adam Judd This Friday, July 28th, marks the 71st royal birthday of King Vajiralongkorn, who is Thailand’s current monarch. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301913-happy-birthday-to-his-royal-majesty-the-thai-king/

This Friday, July 28th, marks the 71st royal birthday of King Vajiralongkorn, who is Thailand’s current monarch. Additionally, King Vajiralongkorn’s birthday is a national holiday in Thailand, celebrated with major religious and royal ceremonies across the country. The king was born on July 28th, 1952, at Ambara Villa in the Dusit Palace, Bangkok. He is the only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, and the second of four children. At the age of 20, he was made crown prince by his father. He has been ruling as the King of Thailand since 2016, following the death of his father. By Adam Judd Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/07/28/happy-birthday-to-his-royal-majesty-the-thai-king/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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.

TAT Adopts Cautious Approach to Visa Fee Waiver Scheme by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand is taking a cautious approach toward implementing a visa fee waiver scheme to attract more foreign tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301912-tat-adopts-cautious-approach-to-visa-fee-waiver-scheme/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand is taking a cautious approach toward implementing a visa fee waiver scheme to attract more foreign tourists. In response to tourism operators urging the government to offer a visa fee waiver scheme to stimulate the market, TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn stated that it may not be the best strategy, given that the main issue is currently the lengthy waiting period during the visa application process. He noted that this strategy previously faced problems regarding how tour package prices would be cut to benefit tourists since the TAT offered this scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it was denied by the relevant authorities in charge of the issue. Tourism has been gradually picking up, but experts predict that the market will only achieve less than 50% of the level seen in 2019, which reached a peak of around 10 million visitors. The TAT governor said that in addition to the slow recovery of the Chinese economy, flight shortages due to airlines facing shortages on the supply side such as aircraft and maintenance play an important factor in slowing its recovery. There is, however, hope for a boost in visitor numbers in October during China’s "Golden Week" holiday, as airlines are scheduled to increase their services to handle the increase in passengers during that period. Meanwhile, In an effort to revitalize tourism, Thai Lion Air is set to open six new routes to Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xi’an from August 15. These new routes will utilize Boeing 737–800 and Boeing 737-900ER aircraft. Currently, Thai Lion Air operates 15 aircraft in its fleet, consisting of 13 B737-800s and two B737-900ERs. Thai AirAsia has also shown promising signs with an average load factor of 80% on Chinese routes during the first half of the year, with 13 operational routes to 12 destinations in China. The airline said that it will gradually resume its routes to southern China and hopes to fully recover by the end of this year, both in terms of destinations and frequencies. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230728010709671 -- © Copyright NNT 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.

Prime Minister, business leaders oppose strategy to countdown the clock on the Senate’s power by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Prime Minister Prayut Chan Ocha this week described the strategy being advocated by some on the democratic side of the political divide of waiting out the 10 months until May 2024 to elect Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister, when the voting power of the upper house or Senate expires under Section 272 of the Constitution as ‘inappropriate’ for the country. He said he did not want to extend his period in office as caretaker PM. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301911-prime-minister-business-leaders-oppose-strategy-to-countdown-the-clock-on-the-senate’s-power/

Prime Minister Prayut Chan Ocha this week described the strategy being advocated by some on the democratic side of the political divide of waiting out the 10 months until May 2024 to elect Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister, when the voting power of the upper house or Senate expires under Section 272 of the Constitution as ‘inappropriate’ for the country. He said he did not want to extend his period in office as caretaker PM. The strategy was first mooted publicly by former United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leader Jatuporn Prompan as the best course of action as opinion polls strongly suggest that the public is behind the original eight party coalition of democratic parties which will be broken up if Pheu Thai proceeds to opt for forming a government while jettisoning its initial commitments to democratic principles and ideals under the Memorandum of Understanding towards a ‘Government of Hope’ which it signed up for with the Move Forward Party and others on the 22nd May 2023. It will be seen by the electorate as a betrayal. Thai Prime Minister, Prayut Chan Ocha, on Tuesday, said the strategy of counting down the clock to May 2024 being proposed by elements of the democratic eight-party coalition was an ‘inappropriate’ one for the kingdom currently facing political deadlock. On Saturday last, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also warned against such an approach saying that a government with limited powers for such a duration would not be beneficial for the economy, the people or investor confidence. At Government House on Tuesday, Thai Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan Ocha was asked about speculation that has been doing the rounds and is now openly pushed by key members of the eight-party democratic coalition, that the pact should opt-out of the current political tussle between itself and the Upper House or Senate as well as outgoing government parties after the failure to elect Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat in the July 13th vote of Parliament and the subsequent vote on July 19th which this week has led to a suspension of the process after the matter was referred to the Constitutional Court by the Office of the Ombudsman, by counting down the clock until May 2024. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/07/27/prayut-opposes-10-month-wait-for-pm-election-countdown-power-senate-section-272/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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.

Homeless Man in Rayong Allegedly Beaten to Death After Flashing His Genitals to Beach Goers By Tanakorn Panyadee Rayong — A homeless man was beaten to death in Rayong province, South of Pattaya, allegedly by a group of unidentified men, after he reportedly flashed his genitals and masturbated in front of female beach-goers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301910-homeless-man-in-rayong-allegedly-beaten-to-death-after-flashing-his-genitals-to-beach-goers/

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 28 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1301908-thailand-live-friday-28-july-2023/

Super Deal Worked Out In Hong Kong: Chuwit by TNR Staff Former MP and graft-buster Chuwit Kamolvisit at today’s press conference. Photo: Thai Rath FORMER MP and graft-buster Chuwit Kamolvisit said today (July 27) that a super deal was stuck in Hong Kong on Tuesday between former prime minister/de facto Pheu Thai Party boss Thaksin Shinawatra and some politicians who had gone there to meet him, Sanook.com said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301909-super-deal-worked-out-in-hong-kong-chuwit/

FORMER MP and graft-buster Chuwit Kamolvisit said today (July 27) that a super deal was stuck in Hong Kong on Tuesday between former prime minister/de facto Pheu Thai Party boss Thaksin Shinawatra and some politicians who had gone there to meet him, Sanook.com said. At a press conference entitled “Why is Thaksin returning home?” Chuwit alleged that the meeting took place at Peninsular Hotel, Kowloon, Hong Kong, during which it was agreed that the third House/senate meeting to vote for a prime minister would be just to show the people that Pheu Thai and Move Forward parties can no longer go any further in forming a majority government. Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed in a Facebook post yesterday, which was his 74th birthday, that her father will be returning home after 17 years of self-exile overseas on August 10. Chuwit is certain that Thailand will get its new prime minister at the fourth House/senate meeting with this to take place before August 15. by TNR Staff Top Photo: Thai Rath: Former MP and graft-buster Chuwit Kamolvisit at today’s press conference. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/07/27/super-deal-worked-out-in-hong-kong-chuwit/ -- © 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.

BANGKOK, July 27 (TNA) – Deputy Pime Minister and Acting Justice Minister Wissanu Krue-ngam ordered the Corrections Department to provide security and appropriate convenience to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as he is set to return to Thailand on Aug 10 after 15 years in self-imposed exile. Appropriate Security, Convenience to Be Provide to Thaksin: Wissanu Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301888-appropriate-security-convenience-to-be-provide-to-thaksin-wissanu/

Tolls on Bang Phli-Suk Sawat expressway frozen for six months The board of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has decided to freeze the tolls on the Bang Phli-Suk Sawat (Kanchanapisek) expressway for six months, from September 1st to February 29th next year, to ease the financial burden on motorists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301866-tolls-on-bang-phli-suk-sawat-expressway-frozen-for-six-months/

UPDATE: Tragic paws: Pit bull restraint effort ends in pawful outcome for Chon Buri locals by Petch Petpailin Photo via Sanook Chon Buri province residents’ attempt to stop a violent pit bull from attacking people by tying its mouth and legs resulted in its death. The distressing incident occurred when the pit bull, belonging to a family in the community, was left at home with a boy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301818-pitbull-attack-in-chonburi-ends-tragically/?do=findComment&comment=18231587

Woman’s body found in Bangkok canal, believed to be abandoned for days by Nattapong Westwood Photo by KhaoSod. A shocking discovery occurred yesterday evening as police were summoned to a grisly scene in the Bang Khun Thian district of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301857-woman’s-body-found-in-bangkok-canal-believed-to-be-abandoned-for-days/

Israeli Muay Thai student taken into care following incident in Phuket By Peter Roche PHOTO: The Phuket News A 19 year old Israeli man has been taken into protective care after he was found naked and bleeding in Cherng Ttalay on Wednesday night, July 25. The Phuket News reports that the man was found with a large, bleeding wound on his hand at the Caltex petrol station in Baan Pasak at around 10.30pm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301855-israeli-muay-thai-student-taken-into-care-following-incident-in-phuket/

Pedophile arrested in central Thailand after luring victims on Facebook by Samantha Rose Image courtesy of Sanook In a horrifying series of events, a serial pedophile targeted and sexually assaulted young girls aged between 9-13 years old in central Thailand. The pedophile’s latest victim was a 10 year old girl. Fortunately, this attempt was unsuccessful but it did not stop him from trying again. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301852-pedophile-arrested-in-central-thailand-after-luring-victims-on-facebook/

Opinion: Tony Woodsome and the (not so) secret deal By Voranai Vanijaka If my two years of sojourn into politics confirm one thing, all deals start off as a secret. Anything public is just for show, to keep up a “good face.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301850-opinion-tony-woodsome-and-the-not-so-secret-deal/

If my two years of sojourn into politics confirm one thing, all deals start off as a secret. Anything public is just for show, to keep up a “good face.” If a secret deal doesn’t prove true, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t a deal, only that somebody backed out of the deal. The date is set, August 10 shall see the return of Tony Woodsome. This confirms a deal that’s “not much of a secret,” Move Forward will not be part of the government. Who will be the prime minister? Well, that depends on the deal. By Voranai Vanijaka Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50307/opinion-tony-woodsome-and-the-not-so-secret-deal/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2023-07-27 - 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.

Leaders’ Meeting in Hong Kong Sparks Speculation on Government Formation and Thaksin’s Return to Thailand by Erich Parpart News reports that Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul met with former PM Thaksin Shinawatra in Hong Kong before Thaksin’s latest announcement of his return to Thailand on August 10 have dominated the airwaves. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301849-leaders’-meeting-in-hong-kong-sparks-speculation-on-government-formation-and-thaksin’s-return-to-thailand/

News reports that Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul met with former PM Thaksin Shinawatra in Hong Kong before Thaksin’s latest announcement of his return to Thailand on August 10 have dominated the airwaves. Following the alleged meeting, the Pheu Thai’s meeting with coalition partners on Tuesday was canceled, and the prime minister voting that was set for Thursday has been postponed. This has fueled speculation that a deal has been struck for the Pheu Thai Party to form a government with the Bhumjaithai Party, while the Move Forward Party (MFP) will go into the opposition for now. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50301/leaders-meeting-in-hong-kong-sparks-speculation-on-government-formation-and-thaksins-return-to-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2023-07-27 - 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.

PRESS RELEASE: End Frozen Pensions For British Ex-Pats In Thailand By Adam Judd Thailand-A new page and associated group has been created to assist and support the campaign to ‘End Frozen Pensions’ – ours focuses on and is a focus for those affected British ex-pats who live in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301846-press-release-end-frozen-pensions-for-british-ex-pats-in-thailand/

Thailand-A new page and associated group has been created to assist and support the campaign to ‘End Frozen Pensions’ – ours focuses on and is a focus for those affected British ex-pats who live in Thailand. Frozen state pensions is the practice of the British Government of “freezing” UK State Pensions (that is, not uprating the amount in line with “Triple Lock” on an annual basis, as is done for residents in the UK), for pensioners who live in the majority of other countries, apart from the European Community countries and a few other countries with reciprocal agreements with the UK. Thailand is not one of those countries with reciprocal agreements with the UK. We hope as many affected British expats in Thailand will get involved. WHAT CAN YOU DO? ???? CONNECT with other British ex-pats in Thailand. Your network is your strength, and together, we are stronger. ???? COMMUNICATE with friends and family in the UK. Encourage them to engage in our campaign, raise awareness, and drive action. Their voice matters! ???? JOIN and interact with other FB pages and groups fighting the same cause. It’s time we unite our efforts and fight as one! ✅ REGISTER to vote in the UK elections if you’re eligible. Your vote can make a difference! The Elections Act 2022 ensures your right to vote, regardless of how long you’ve been living abroad, by abolishing the 15-year rule. ???? ENGAGE with decision-makers. Reach out to your last registered MP, use your voice, and call for an end to frozen pensions. Every action counts, and every voice matters. Together, we can make a difference. It starts with you – what can YOU do today to make a difference? Remember, concise and compelling communication is key. By Adam Judd Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/26/press-release-end-frozen-pensions-for-british-ex-pats-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-07-27 - 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.

Flash flood warning issued for 37 provinces as heavy rain continues across Thailand by Nattapong Westwood The Thai Meteorological Department issued a heavy rain warning for areas across Thailand today, with 37 provinces experiencing flooding. The northeast regions are being hit hardest. Residents are being urged to remain cautious of flash floods and forest waterline aftermaths, particularly in hilly terrain areas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301844-flash-flood-warning-issued-for-37-provinces-as-heavy-rain-continues-across-thailand/

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a heavy rain warning for areas across Thailand today, with 37 provinces experiencing flooding. The northeast regions are being hit hardest. Residents are being urged to remain cautious of flash floods and forest waterline aftermaths, particularly in hilly terrain areas. As of 5am today, July 27, the Department of Meteorological Science forecast heavy rain lashing the country for the next 24 hours. A moderately vigorous southwest monsoon covers the upper Andaman Sea, the upper parts of Thailand, and the upper Gulf of Thailand, which together with a low atmospheric pressure over the northern part of Vietnam, continues to cause heavy rain in the northeast, east, and the eastern and western parts of the south. Residents residing in the aforementioned areas are being asked to be on guard against heavy rain and accumulated rainfall that may lead to flash floods and slope runs, especially in hillside areas near watercourse routes and low-lying areas. As for the northern Andaman Sea and parts of the Gulf of Thailand, the conditions are of moderate strength with waves about 2 metres high. In the area of thunderstorms, the waves can exceed 2 metres. In the lower Andaman Sea and the lower Gulf of Thailand, the sea is having 1-2 metre waves, and away from shore, waves can be higher than 2 metres. by Nattapong Westwood Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-weather-update-flash-flood-warning-issued-for-37-provinces-as-heavy-rain-continues-across-the-country -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-27 - 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.