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BANGKOK (NNT) - The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is taking action to safeguard the nation’s water reserves by implementing a comprehensive plan. The initiative comes amid forecasts of an extended dry spell, as well as reduced rainfall, further exacerbated by the El Ni?o weather phenomenon affecting the region. RID Director-General Praphit Chanma revealed that the plan, in collaboration with the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), includes a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the importance of conserving water resources. Experts predict that this year’s El-Nino could significantly impact the region’s average rainfall well into 2025, potentially leading to a severe drought when the monsoon season ends in November. A report by the RID’s Smart Water Operation Centre (SWOC) also highlighted the concerning trend, indicating that by November 1, the 35 major reservoirs in the country may contain just 44.166 billion cubic meters of water, or approximately 62% of their total capacity. Currently, the four major reservoirs along the Chao Phraya River basin hold around 14.194 billion cubic meters of water, equivalent to 57% of their total capacity. To address the expected scarcity, the RID is calling for improved water resource management across all sectors. The agency is urging farmers to utilize rainwater runoff to irrigate their fields in preparation for the dry season and planting season. Given the possibility of crop failure due to the anticipated dry conditions, the RID pledges to support affected farmers, particularly those cultivating perennial crops such as durian and rubber, which incur higher maintenance costs. The RID plans to collaborate with local administrative offices and the Joint Management Committee (JMC) to transport water from the major dams to areas severely affected by water shortages. It also aims to expedite the construction of water management projects to enhance water distribution and availability throughout the country. by Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230726102131859 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-26 - 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.

Expect weather changes as strong southwest monsoon engulfs Thailand, says TMD by Nattapong Westwoo Picture courtesy of Tasos Mansour, Unsplash Temperatures are expected to dip, and significant rain is forecast across various parts of Thailand today, the The Meteorological Department (TMD) warns. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301742-expect-weather-changes-as-strong-southwest-monsoon-engulfs-thailand-says-tmd/

Temperatures are expected to dip, and significant rain is forecast across various parts of Thailand today, the The Meteorological Department (TMD) warns. Regions, including central Thailand, the east, and parts of the south are expecting a 60% chance of thunderstorms. Various factors, such as the intense southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, upper Thailand, and the upper Gulf of Thailand, coupled with the low-pressure cell covering upper Vietnam, are contributing to the weather changes. The southwest monsoon is becoming stronger over the Andaman Sea, the upper part of Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. In the northern region, approximately 40% of the area, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun province, prepare for thunderstorms. The minimum temperature is expected between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature could range from 34 to 36 degrees Celsius. For the northeast, the TMD predicts thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with some heavy downpours in Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen, Amnat Charoen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. The temperature will likely tank between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, and reach a maximum between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in central Thailand, approximately 40% of the area is predicted to experience thunderstorms. Heavy rain in some central provinces and provinces near the central region, primarily Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Lopburi and Saraburi. Recorded figures show that the minimum temperature will lie between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius, with the maximum between 35 and 36 degrees Celsius. by Nattapong Westwoo Picture courtesy of Tasos Mansour, Unsplash Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/expect-major-weather-changes-as-strong-southwest-monsoon-engulfs-thailand-predicts-the-meteorological-department -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-26 - 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.

UPDATE: Jealous boyfriend’s brutal assault leads to girlfriend’s death in Saraburi rental room by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. The capture of a violently jealous boyfriend who allegedly killed his 24 year old girlfriend before wrapping her body and leaving it in a rental room in Saraburi hit headlines yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301723-young-man-arrested-for-allegedly-beating-wife-to-death-in-a-rented-room/?do=findComment&comment=18228768

Thai PM vote ‘postponed’ indefinitely? Nationwide crackdown on guns : Tim Newton Today - July 26 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301738-thai-pm-vote-‘postponed’-indefinitely-nationwide-crackdown-on-guns-tim-newton-today-july-26/

Thailand News - A vote for Thailand's next prime minister has been postponed. Meanwhile the Constitutional Court meet today as MPs try and figure out how to find a workable solution. A few editorials with their ideas (below). Rescue workers have been called to cut a metal ring off a Swiss man's penis, Thai police report the success of a guns and weapons crackdown this month, Thai travel agents calling for waiving the fee for visas-on-arrival for Chinese travellers to Thailand, car production increasing but sales in Thailand down last month, UK sex offender jailed for 30 years. 'The prime minister of Neverland'... https://www.nationthailand.com/more/c... 'Pheu Thai Under Pressure'... https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2... 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 parliamentary roadblock paves way for return of outgoing coalition govt Ongoing efforts to form a new government after the May 14 general election have hit a roadblock – an impasse that may pave the way for the return of the outgoing coalition, analysts say. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301737-thai-parliamentary-roadblock-paves-way-for-return-of-outgoing-coalition-govt/

Ongoing efforts to form a new government after the May 14 general election have hit a roadblock – an impasse that may pave the way for the return of the outgoing coalition, analysts say. The eight-party coalition has failed to gather enough parliamentary votes for its prime ministerial candidate even after the election-winning Move Forward with 151 MPs stepped aside to allow runner-up Pheu Thai (141 MPs) to take the lead. Parties outside the coalition have refused to work with Move Forward due to ideological differences. Pheu Thai leaders met with counterparts from five parties in the outgoing coalition government over the past weekend to “seek their advice on a way out for the country”. But leaders of Bhumjaithai (71 MPs), Palang Pracharath (40), United Thai Nation (36), and Chartthaipattana (10) stated after their separate meetings with Pheu Thai that they would not join a government coalition that included Move Forward as they opposed its policy for reform of Article 112 of the Penal Code or the lese majeste law. Chart Pattana Kla (two MPs) said it would work with Move Forward on condition that Article 112 was left unchanged. Meanwhile, Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew unexpectedly suggested on Monday that the election’s third-placed party Bhumjaithai should be allowed to try forming a new government. “Now that Pheu Thai has failed and run out of options, the baton should be passed to the third largest party,” he said. Cholnan noted that Bhumjaithai’s rival 10-party alliance commands 188 MPs, more than either Move Forward or Pheu Thai alone. Political stalemate Observers say that while Pheu Thai seems to be hinting that Move Forward is the problem and should leave, the latter has opted to insist on its place in the eight-party coalition. This stalemate may leave Pheu Thai with no choice but to leave the alliance and form a new government with the 188 MPs from the outgoing coalition, they add. The analysts reckon that in this scenario, Palang Pracharath leader General Prawit Wongsuwan or Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul has a strong chance of becoming the next prime minister. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-parliamentary-roadblock-paves-way-for-return-of-outgoing-coalition-govt/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-26 - 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.

2 fake cops taser and rob victim in western Thailand by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ โจโฉ Two fake police cops remain at large after they tasered a Thai man, stole his pickup, mobile phone, and 3,000 in stolen cash from the victim in western Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301735-2-fake-cops-taser-and-rob-victim-in-western-thailand/

Thailand eyes record 2 million Russian tourists despite geopolitical tensions by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Achadthaya Chuenniran, Bangkok Post With an increase in flights and a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) is poised to welcome a record-breaking 2 million Russian tourists next year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301731-thailand-eyes-record-2-million-russian-tourists-despite-geopolitical-tensions/

With an increase in flights and a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) is poised to welcome a record-breaking 2 million Russian tourists next year. Khanittha Phanworawat, the Moscow office director, emphasises the urgent need to preserve Thailand’s image as a friend to Russian travellers, as a measure to achieve this ambitious goal, especially if other countries persist in imposing sanctions on Russia. Previously, Russian tourists commonly travelled to European destinations for the summer. But, counterintuitively, the war with Ukraine has seen them extend their excursions throughout the year, turning Thailand into a premier year-round destination. Khanittha acknowledges Thailand’s shifting status as the primary choice for most Russians, particularly those who spend generously and stay longer. Since this year began, Thailand has received upwards of 840,000 visitors from Russia, placing the nation within the top five tourist-generating countries. The Moscow office director projected an increase in this number, hinting at a potential match or surpass of the 1.48 million Russian tourists welcomed in 2019. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, conveyed his optimism about the return of flights between Thailand and Europe, including Russia. According to him, around 70% of the flight capacity noted in 2019 has been restored this year. This figure is expected to rise further during the forthcoming hot season. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Achadthaya Chuenniran, Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailand-eyes-record-2m-russian-tourists-despite-geopolitical-tensions -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-26 - 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.

Ladchado’s spectacular candle festival Locals in Ladchado anticipate the annual Candle Festival, marking the arrival of the Buddhist Lent. (Photo by Phoowadon Duangmee) In the quaint backwater community of Ladchado, nestled in the tranquil embrace of Ayutthaya’s Phak Hai district, a humble yet awe-inspiring celebration is set to unfold on Tuesday, August 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301729-ladchado’s-spectacular-candle-festival/

Young Man Arrested for Allegedly Beating Wife to Death in a Rented Room Picture: Thai Rath SARABURI: Following a gruesome incident where a young woman was found dead in a rented room, local police swiftly apprehended the suspect. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301723-young-man-arrested-for-allegedly-beating-wife-to-death-in-a-rented-room/

Thai man Arrested for Attacking Market Vendor with a Dagger Picture: Siam Rath At 07:00 am on July 25, 2023, Police Major Pramote Chanboonkaew, Chief of Phetchakasem Station, commanded Police Lieutenant Yuttitham Mahanil and Police Lieutenant Thawatchai Tipvong, along with their investigating team, to apprehend Mr. Tony (surname withheld), 38, who was wanted for attempted murder and carrying a dagger in public without justification. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301722-thai-man-arrested-for-attacking-market-vendor-with-a-dagger/

Human Remains Unearthed at Nakhon Si Thammarat Stadium Picture: Siam Rath In a startling discovery, three human skeletons were uncovered in concrete blocks at the central stadium in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301720-human-remains-unearthed-at-nakhon-si-thammarat-stadium/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 26 July 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301719-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-26-july-2023/

The speaker of parliament has postponed a vote to name the next prime minister by the two houses of the legislature as political deadlock continued. The vote was due tomorrow following two unsuccessful attempts by Pita Lim-jaroen-rat, to become prime minister. The Pheu Thai party, which is backed by Thaksin Shinawatra, had been expected to nominate its candidate for premier as part of an eight-party alliance that includes Move Forward. The postponement was due to a petition to review a decision that blocked the re-nomination of Pita as a prime ministerial candidate on July 19. Move Forward Party says it will submit a motion to parliament to reconsider the july 19th vote, Move forward MPs cited over a hundred lecturers in law who expressed their opposition to parliaments decision to forbid a renomination of their Prime Ministerial candidate. A former children’s entertainer who was extradited from Thailand to the United Kingdom was jailed for 30 years for multiple sex offences involving children. Paul Mc Kee was arrested last September and was detained while extradition was being arranged. Police investigations began in 2017 after McKee left the U.K, authorities there worked closely with Thai police in arresting and securing McKee’s extradition. Authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan received reports of a body floating in the sea off ‘Ko Leum Island’ near Bang Saphan, It was believed to be the body of a 19 year old fisherman who went missing on Sunday. Doctors say the cause of death appeared to be suffocation, possibly occurring about three days earlier, The body was sent to Prachuap Hospital for further examination. Around the Region: Philippines: Typhoon Doksuri barrelled across the north of the country with windspeeds of 185 kilometers per hour, forcing thousands of evacuations, meanwhile Hong Kong issued storm warnings while China urged fishing boats to seek shelter and farmers to speed up their harvest while Taiwan suspended annual military drills, Super Typhoon Doksuri headed North west south of Taiwan towards the Chinese mainland. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north: sunny partly cloudy 36C Bangkok: Cloudy, with thundershowers 34C Pattaya, Cloudy, with thundershowers showers 31C Phuket and the south: Partly cloudy thunder showers 30C ‘Hu aHin’ :Bright cloudy, 32C. 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 2023-07-26 - 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.

Pedo children’s entertainer sentenced to 30 years for sex crimes against kids in UK, Thailand by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Merseyside Police. A children’s entertainer has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his sickening sex crimes against young and underage girls sending shockwaves through those who came into contact with him in Thailand and the UK. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301718-pedo-children’s-entertainer-sentenced-to-30-years-for-sex-crimes-against-kids-in-uk-thailand/

A children’s entertainer has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his sickening sex crimes against young and underage girls sending shockwaves through those who came into contact with him in Thailand and the UK. Paul McKee, known professionally as Professor Paulos, performed for well known British soap stars and at private parties for legendary Liverpool footballers, reported the Liverpool Echo. But behind his amiable façade lay an evil sexual predator, subjecting his victims to a catalogue of sexual abuse over nearly 25 years. The distressing details emerged during the trial, revealing that the 57 year old degenerate from Wallasey, Wirral, near Liverpool, was working in a school in Thailand when he was arrested. The pedophile was extradited to the UK, where he faced the damning allegations of his sex crimes against seven girls over a chilling 25 year period. The gravity of his actions was undeniable, with some victims being “barely out of nappies” when subjected to his depravity. His victims described him in court as “a monster” and during sentencing Judge David Swinnerton said it is hard to disagree. “Your behaviour was predatory and persistent over many years. You created an environment in the house where children wanted to come. You had animals – a pig, monkeys. You held discos.” His first wife had left him and a visitor to his Wirral home in Wallasey said it was hard to discern an adult in charge. Judge Swinnerton added… “You worked as a children’s entertainer, on the Wirral and in holiday parks, known as Professor Paulos. It is notable though that you chose to work in a sphere that would put you in contact with children. You also spent some time in a school after your move to Thailand, although you were very evasive about that in evidence. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Merseyside Police. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/pedo-childrens-entertainers-sentenced-to-30-years-for-sex-crimes-against-kids-in-uk-thailand Royal Thai Police arrest Paul McKee in Thailand. -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-26 - 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 roadworks south of Hua Hin set to cause delays for motorists during 6 day long weekend By Online Reporter For motorists planning to travel south out of Hua Hin this upcoming long weekend (July 28 – August 2), be aware of the roadworks taking place in Pranburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301717-major-roadworks-south-of-hua-hin-set-to-cause-delays-for-motorists-during-6-day-long-weekend/

Thailand and Australia Sign MOU to Combat International Drug Trafficking On July 25, 2023, a high-profile gathering was held at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, overseen by Mr. Thanakorn Kainan, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Narcotics Control Board. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301716-thailand-and-australia-sign-mou-to-combat-international-drug-trafficking/

On July 25, 2023, a high-profile gathering was held at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, overseen by Mr. Thanakorn Kainan, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Narcotics Control Board. This assembly convened Thai and Australian authorities jointly operating under a specialized collaborative endeavor. Their core focus revolved around concerted efforts aimed at countering drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational crimes, reported INN. A consequential outcome of their joint efforts resulted in the formalization of an elongated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to elevate the efficacy of their actions against far-reaching international drug networks. Notably, Mr. Thanakorn emphasized that the MOU traces its origins back to a foundational agreement inked on May 30, 2559, during the tenure of Mr. Piboon Kumchaya, the Minister of Justice at that time. This pivotal accord sought to stimulate cohesive partnerships between the authorities of Thailand and Australia to combat drug-related issues, notably targeting cross-border drug networks with widespread global impacts intertwined with diverse transnational criminal activities encompassing cybercrime, human trafficking, arms trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering. Under this joint operation with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), out of the 20 completed operations, 6 have resulted in the arrest of 55 suspects and 13 wanted individuals. Authorities have seized over 13 tons of narcotics and assets worth more than 51 million Baht. The successful apprehensions of key suspects and the exchange of information have strengthened cooperation in apprehending and seizing fugitives both in Thailand and Australia. This effective collaboration has led the five regional countries to approve a two-year extension of the joint operation, effective until July 18, 2028. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-26 - 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

Local Success: Turning Cricket Farming into a Primary Income Source In Tambon Rang Ka Yai, Amphoe Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Boonchuay, a 63-year-old trader, transformed the unused space behind his house into a successful edible insect farm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301715-local-success-turning-cricket-farming-into-a-primary-income-source/

Motorbike Mysteriously Catches Fire at Fishing Spot Picture: Sanook On July 25th at 2:00 PM, local police in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi were alerted to a motorcycle fire near the Bang Phlu canal bank. Firefighters from both Bang Bua Thong Municipality and Bang Rak Yai Subdistrict Administration quickly arrived to tackle the blaze. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301714-motorbike-mysteriously-catches-fire-at-fishing-spot/

Pregnant Woman Injured After Getting Partially Stuck in a Drain in Phuket Town By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A pregnant woman was injured after her leg got stuck in a water drain in Phuket Town. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301712-pregnant-woman-injured-after-getting-partially-stuck-in-a-drain-in-phuket-town/