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Thaksin’s return ruffles feathers, BKK Governor defends ‘Little China’ : Tim Newton Today - July 27 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301843-thaksin’s-return-ruffles-feathers-bkk-governor-defends-‘little-china’-tim-newton-today-july-27/

Thailand News - Thaksin's proposed return to Thailand on August 10 is sending shockwaves through the political establishment, findings handed down after the Don Mueang walkway incident, the Bangkok Governor defends what's been nicknamed as 'Little China', the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar is calling for the border online scam centres to be closed down. A complete dinosaur skeleton found in NE province of Kalasin. 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/

Thai state bodies unite to curb money laundering via digital assets by Mitch Connor Photo by John McArthur via Unsplash In an unprecedented act of collaboration, five Thai state bodies are colluding to tackle illicit fiscal operations and money laundering across national frontiers, reveals Traisuree Taisaranakul, the deputy government spokeswoman, yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301840-thai-state-bodies-unite-to-curb-money-laundering-via-digital-assets/

Photo by John McArthur via Unsplash In an unprecedented act of collaboration, five Thai state bodies are colluding to tackle illicit fiscal operations and money laundering across national frontiers, reveals Traisuree Taisaranakul, the deputy government spokeswoman, yesterday. The cooperative pact encompasses the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the Revenue Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), and the Bank of Thailand (BoT). Traisuree disclosed that the RTP has briefed the group on strides achieved in cooperating with its counterparts in the execution of tasks under Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s policy. The policy is directed towards eliminating all forms of scams, inclusive of those propagated by call centre networks, and obstructing transaction routes initiated from border territories. An agreement was reached on the fact that the culprits have been exploiting illegal digital asset platforms for peer-to-peer transactions in the course of business and currency exchanges along national boundaries. This conduit could potentially be used to launder money and transfer illegally earned money to foreign nations. by Mitch Connor Photo by John McArthur via Unsplash Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-state-bodies-unite-to-curb-money-laundering-via-digital-assets -- © 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.

Thailand Hikes Entrance Fees for Foreign Visitors at Historical Attractions UNESCO Bangkok file photo for reference only In a recent move by the Thai government, entrance fees for foreign visitors at historical landmarks have been raised. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301839-thailand-hikes-entrance-fees-for-foreign-visitors-at-historical-attractions/

In a recent move by the Thai government, entrance fees for foreign visitors at historical landmarks have been raised. This amendment affects both registered historical locations and 72 national museums across the country. However, the fees for Thai nationals will remain consistent with the rates set in 2008. A breakdown of the new rates is as follows: Historical Parks: Thai Nationals: 20 baht per person Foreign Visitors: 120-200 baht (up from 100 baht) Archeological Sites: Thai Nationals: 10-20 baht per person Foreign Visitors: 80-120 baht (up from 50-100 baht) Regarding national museums: Small Museums: Thai Nationals: 10 baht per person Foreign Visitors: 80 baht (up from 50 baht) Medium Museums: Thai Nationals: 10-20 baht per person Foreign Visitors: 120 baht (up from 50-100 baht) Large Museums: Thai Nationals: 20-30 baht per person Foreign Visitors: 200 baht (up from 100-150 baht) Furthermore, the government has scrapped the foreign language audio guide fees at four particular sites: Historical Park – Sdok Kok Thanom in Sakaeo, Wat Kudi Dao in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nakhon Nayok National Museum in Nakhon Nayok, and Surin National Museum in Surin. Tipanan Sirichana, the government spokesperson, emphasized that the unchanged fees for Thai nationals aim to support education, preserve cultural heritage, and bolster national identity without adding tourism-related financial pressures on the Thai populace, reported Khaosod. Top picture: UNESCO Bangkok file photo for reference only -- ASEAN NOW 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. 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

What Pheu Thai’s policies mean for the people and the economy The Pheu Thai Party’s economic platform is back in focus now that it has been tasked with the responsibility of forming the next government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301832-what-pheu-thai’s-policies-mean-for-the-people-and-the-economy/

The Pheu Thai Party’s economic platform is back in focus now that it has been tasked with the responsibility of forming the next government. Pheu Thai, which has the second highest number of seats in the House of Representatives, finds itself in the driver’s seat after coalition leader Move Forward failed to get its candidate elected prime minister. Populist leaning In the run-up to the May 14 election, Pheu Thai’s economic policies faced criticism for being populist in order to win votes. Though the party made bold promises to hand out cash and raise the minimum wage substantially, its reform agenda is less attractive compared to the one proposed by Move Forward. The most controversial Pheu Thai promise is to hand out 10,000 baht to everyone aged 16 and above as a digital wallet, which, if implemented, would cost the exchequer about 560 billion baht. The party’s executives justify the scheme, arguing that it is necessary to jump start the economy. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/what-pheu-thais-policies-mean-for-the-people-and-the-economy/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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.

Fake News will become endemic in Thailand Over 7,000 fake news stories were reported in Thailand last year, according to the country’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES). The statistics indicate that most fake news involved misleading information about Thai government policy and healthcare. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301828-fake-news-will-become-endemic-in-thailand/

Over 7,000 fake news stories were reported in Thailand last year, according to the country’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES). The statistics indicate that most fake news involved misleading information about Thai government policy and healthcare. As fake news has been growing Thailand, due to the increasing use of technology, people are now more aware of the problem. The quantity of fake news does not, however, seem to be reducing, said by Dr. Santiphap Phoemmongkhonsap, the Deputy Director of the Anti-Fake News Center of Thailand, at a seminar in Bangkok on ‘Training for the Trainers to Counter Misinformation and Disinformation in Life Sciences and Engineering’. The event was organised by the Thai Young Scientists Academy (TYSA), the National Science Museum (NSM) and The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). They discussed guidelines for clarifying and evaluating inaccurate and misleading information in fake news or misinformation and disinformation through scientific collaboration and communication. This can raise further awareness in preventing and reducing fake news. For fake news, especially in healthcare-related news, it is quite challenging not to become trapped in misinformation and disinformation, and it is almost impossible to stop fake news from certain sources because there are many factors triggering people. The Mechanism of Fake News “Fake news that is related to us, our beliefs, or our emotions, tends to have more ability to convince us to believe. For this reason, some people can easily fall into the trap of fake news, since it plays with our emotions”, said Dr. Soontorn Sirapaisan, a researcher from the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (NECTEC), adding that the fake news mechanism involves lust, anger, love and greed, leading people to make poor decisions and face threat or danger. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/fake-news-will-become-endemic-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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.

Shop owner robbed of over 100,000 THB during his absence by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khao Sod Online Yesterday, at 10pm, a man returned to his shop in Udon Thani City to discover his property had been robbed while he was away. The intruder had stolen valuable goods totalling over THB 100,000. The local police, led by Officer Nattawat Ladawan, were quickly on the scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301827-shop-owner-robbed-of-over-100000-thb-during-his-absence/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 27 July 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301821-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-27-july-2023/

The head of the pua thai party said they will no longer support Move Forward leader Pita Lim-jaroen-rat even if he is given a chance in another vote. Srettha Thavi-sin is viewed as close to former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and is Pua Thai’s most likely candidate for PM. Airports of Thailand has concluded that a plate collapsed on a moving walkway at Don Muang airport which was the cause of a woman falling and losing a leg last month. an investigation found a metal plate became detached from its frame, creating an opening. The victim was a 57-year-old woman who was about to board a flight to Nakhon Si Thammarat. The director of the Airport was transferred to another post following the incident. There is some speculation as to when Thaksin Shinawatra may return, Immigration say they have no information while Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn – posted on Facebook that Thaksin would arrive at Don Mueang August 10th. A six-year-old Egyptian girl died after falling into water pang nga The girl had been with her parents while they visited a waterfall, she went missing and was found some time later having fallen into the water and rocks. A complete fossil of what is believed to be the world’s newest dinosaur discovery has been found in Kalasin, North East Thailand. University researchers found the 150 million year old fossil in a 1,200 square meter excavation site, “It is one of the most complete dinosaur fossils in Southeast Asia. Around the Region: South-east Asian nations are gearing up to tackle the threat of “haze” as the El Nino climate phenomenon raises the risk of soaring temperatures. Environmentalists are concerned that this haze season could be the worst in years, after the World Meteorological Organisation warned of soaring global temperatures. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north: sunny 36C Bangkok: Bright Partly Cloudy, with thundershowers 35C Pattaya, Bright partly Cloudy, with showers showers 33C Phuket and the south: Partly cloudy, showers 30C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny, partly cloudy, 34C. 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 2023-07-27 - 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.

Deputy PM Anutin Addresses Asset Discrepancies Picture: Thai Rath On July 26th, Dr. Jatesada, a professor from the Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University, pointed out on Facebook discrepancies regarding two vehicles, a 1972 Citron DS 21 and a BMW, associated with Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301819-deputy-pm-anutin-addresses-asset-discrepancies/

On July 26th, Dr. Jatesada, a professor from the Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University, pointed out on Facebook discrepancies regarding two vehicles, a 1972 Citron DS 21 and a BMW, associated with Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health. Picture: Thai Rath These cars were not listed in the declared assets submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, reported Thai Rath. Responding to Dr. Jatesada's post, Mr. Anutin clarified that the Citron belongs to his son, while he recently purchased the BMW, explaining its absence from the asset declaration in March 2566 (2023). Picture: Thai Rath He reassured that it would appear in the upcoming declaration after his recent appointment in early July 2566 (2023). Concluding, Mr. Anutin urged accuracy in news reporting to prevent misunderstandings and thanked Dr. Jatesada for the query. Gratefully, Dr. Jatesada acknowledged the clarification and promised to spread the correct information. Top Picture: Thai Rath -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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. 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

Pitbull Attack in Chonburi Ends Tragically In a tragic incident in Chonburi on July 26th at 6:30 pm, a two-year-old male pitbull broke free from a townhouse and aggressively pursued a 73-year-old man, Wisit Santhayapilas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301818-pitbull-attack-in-chonburi-ends-tragically/

Motorcycle Accident on Footbridge: Long Hours Trapped Between Wall and Vehicle Picture: Siam Rath On July 26, 2023, at 1:00 PM, a distress call reported a motorcycle accident on a footbridge near the canal in Thai Samut Sakhon province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301817-motorcycle-accident-on-footbridge-long-hours-trapped-between-wall-and-vehicle/

NACC Probes Pita's Land Sale and iTV Shareholdings Picture: Siam Rath On July 26, 2023, Nivatichai Kesammongkol, the secretary of Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), addressed inquiries regarding Pita Limcharoenrat, an MP by party-list (currently suspended by the Constitutional Court) of the Move Forward Party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301815-nacc-probes-pitas-land-sale-and-itv-shareholdings/

On July 26, 2023, Nivatichai Kesammongkol, the secretary of Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), addressed inquiries regarding Pita Limcharoenrat, an MP by party-list (currently suspended by the Constitutional Court) of the Move Forward Party. Pita is under scrutiny for his management of inheritance shares in iTV Co., Ltd., comprising 42,000 shares. Nivatichai pointed out that although some documentation arrived late, the NACC's primary concern is asset verification, not eligibility, which falls under the Election Commission and the Constitutional Court, reported Siam Rath. "Some submit documents later than usual. However, when you compare Pita’s 42,000 iTV shares to his declared assets worth 100 million baht, it doesn’t seem he's hiding anything," commented Nivatichai. Additionally, a land sale involving approximately 14 rai in Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, valued at 18 million baht but sold for merely 6 million baht, is also under the NACC's lens, with Nivatichai suggesting a preliminary probe into the significant price discrepancy. Picture: Siam Rath -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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. 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

UPDATE: Former Prime Minister Thaksin Celebrates 74th Birthday Picture: Siam Rath On July 26th, former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, celebrated his 74th birthday. Taking to Facebook, an affectionate post was shared expressing wishes for his happiness, health, and success. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301758-thaksin-to-return-home-on-august-10-paetongtarn-says/?do=findComment&comment=18230501

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Celebrates 74th Birthday Picture: Siam Rath On July 26th, former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, celebrated his 74th birthday. Taking to Facebook, an affectionate post was shared expressing wishes for his happiness, health, and success. The message highlighted the bond and respect held for Thaksin, suggesting a deep familial relationship between the poster and the former leader, reported Siam Rath. The note emphasized the long-awaited time they've spent apart and the hope of being reunited with family soon. Furthermore, the heartfelt message included gratitude for Thaksin's unwavering support since the author's arrival in Thailand, mentioning how they wouldn't have been as resilient without him. The post concluded with birthday greetings and hashtags that translate to sentiments such as "Prime Minister in our hearts", "Happy Birthday Thaksin", and "74 years young". -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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. 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

Pak Chong tragedy: Nephew murders uncle over insult feud Photo of Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. A horrific family dispute in the Pak Chong district of the northeast Nakhon Ratchasima province ended in tragedy as a 31 year old man fatally shot his 57 year old uncle. Police took several hours to interrogate the suspect under arrest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301814-pak-chong-tragedy-nephew-murders-uncle-over-insult-feud/

Australian ambassador makes a splash on World Drowning Prevention Day in Phuket Photo of Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of rnz.co.nz. The Australian Ambassador to Thailand was in Phuket yesterday to observe the World Drowning Prevention Day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301813-australian-ambassador-makes-a-splash-on-world-drowning-prevention-day-in-phuket/

Jurassic spark: Doctoral student unearths dinosaur fossils at iconic excavation site in Thailand by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ไดโนเสาร์เล่าแบบไทยๆ A Thai doctoral student made a significant discovery of dinosaur fossils at the Phu Noi Excavation Site, known throughout the kingdom as the Jurassic Park of Thailand, in the Isaan province of Kalasin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301812-jurassic-spark-doctoral-student-unearths-dinosaur-fossils-at-iconic-excavation-site-in-thailand/

Don Mueang Airport’s Director Transferred Over Horrific Accident by TNR Staff An image of transferred Don Mueang Airport director Karun Thanakuljeerapat inset on a photo of the moving walkway that severed a woman’s leg last month. Photo: Matichon THE Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) today (July 26) transferred the director of Don Mueang Airport to the head office after a female passenger’s left leg was severed till the knee upon being swallowed by a moving walkway on June 29, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301811-don-mueang-airport’s-director-transferred-over-horrific-accident/