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In mid-air drama on a Bangkok-Frankfurt Thai Airways flight, a brawling passenger on board resulted in German police intervention upon landing. The swift and professional handling of the situation by the airline staff received applause from passengers. One of the flight passengers, Kitiphong Santiwatr, relived the tense flight experience on the Facebook group ‘Travel to Europe by Yourself.’ He shed light on how a disruptive passenger, described as a large man, caused a stir on board flight TG920 on July 18. According to Kitiphong, the chaos unravelled when the said passenger unauthorisedly occupied a special seat without having paid for it. When the passenger was asked by the flight crew to return to his assigned seat, he became disgruntled and started raising his voice. The situation on board started escalating soon, drawing attention from a visibly alarmed Kitiphong, sitting eight rows behind. by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of My Pride My THAI Facebook. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/mid-air-drama-unruly-passenger-instigates-chaos-on-thai-airways-flight-to-frankfurt -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-25 - 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.

5 injured as heavy rain obscures vision, school-bound motorcycles collide in Trat, Thailand by Nattapong Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a recent incident, two motorcycles collided head-on amid heavy rain near a school in Thailand, resulting in injuries to five individuals. The accident was reported at 7.10am today and police are investigating the cause. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301650-5-injured-as-heavy-rain-obscures-vision-school-bound-motorcycles-collide-in-trat-thailand/

Thailand’s household-debt storm taking deadly toll on guarantors Thailand’s household debt has ballooned to almost 16 trillion baht, with more and more Thais at risk of defaulting on their loan repayments. The pressure then falls on guarantors, who are often family members or friends of the debtors. And that pressure is taking a deadly toll. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301648-thailand’s-household-debt-storm-taking-deadly-toll-on-guarantors/

Thailand’s household debt has ballooned to almost 16 trillion baht, with more and more Thais at risk of defaulting on their loan repayments. The pressure then falls on guarantors, who are often family members or friends of the debtors. And that pressure is taking a deadly toll. Earlier this month a police captain killed himself after a bank pressed him to take responsibility for repayment of his friend’s 800,000-baht loan. This was not the first time that a pressured loan guarantor has committed suicide. Late last year, another woman lost her husband in similar circumstances. The 69-year-old retired official of the Royal Irrigation Department fatally shot himself after being told he had to pay his friend’s debt as the guarantor. “He was under so much stress and had been complaining about his friend and his status as guarantor,” his wife lamented. In other cases, the stress fell on the guarantor’s family members. In December 2021, a 32-year-old woman tied her hands and those of her nine-year-old daughter together and was getting ready to jump off a Bangkok bridge. The mother was distressed because her partner had fallen into serious financial trouble after his friend defaulted on a house loan. As a guarantor, the woman’s husband was forced to pay the loan. Fortunately, a passing motorcyclist noticed the mother and daughter, and several good Samaritans gathered to persuade them to abandon their suicide plan. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-household-debt-storm-taking-deadly-toll-on-guarantors/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-25 - 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: Graft watchdog to charge former police chief over biometrics procurement project Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to charge former national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda and two senior police officers over their approval of a 2.1 billion baht project to procure a biometric system, to scan faces and fingerprints of passengers at major airports in the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301618-rtp-charges-chakthip-sompong-and-associates-in-21b-baht-biometric-case/?do=findComment&comment=18226462

Graft watchdog to charge former police chief over biometrics procurement project Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to charge former national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda and two senior police officers over their approval of a 2.1 billion baht project to procure a biometric system, to scan faces and fingerprints of passengers at major airports in the country. The two other officers named in the case are Pol Lt-Gen Tinnapat Phummarin, then commissioner of the Office of Logistics, and Pol Maj-Gen Surapong Chaijan, then deputy commissioner of Region 7 Provincial Police Bureau. According to the NACC, the charges concern the decision by the three officers to extend the delivery of the biometrics equipment to the Immigration Bureau in a way which was of benefit to the supplier. According to the contract, the supplier was to deliver the equipment to the Immigration Bureau by May 2nd, 2019, but the delivery deadline was later extended to June 30th of the same year. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/graft-watchdog-to-charge-former-police-chief-over-biometrics-procurement-project/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-25 - 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: BLACKPINK’s Lisa triggers skyrocketing sales of freshly squeezed orange juice in Buriram by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook Showing immense influence, Lisa Manoban, also known as Lisa of the famed South Korean girl group BLACKPINK, has sparked a rush to purchase freshly squeezed orange juice. This followed a post by the talented Thai singer on her Instagram, where she was seen enjoying a drink of the citrus delight, which led to a boost in juice sales, particularly in her northeast home province, Buriram. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301619-lisa-effect-orange-juice-demand-soars-in-buriram-province-almost-sold-out/?do=findComment&comment=18226303

Heroic police and cadets awarded for bravery in fire rescue and cyber skills victory by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khao Sod Online Yesterday at the Thai National Police Office, Police Lieutenant General Dhamrongsak Kittipraphat, the police chief, awarded six police officers and three police cadet students for bravery in two incidents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301641-heroic-police-and-cadets-awarded-for-bravery-in-fire-rescue-and-cyber-skills-victory/

Vote for Thai PM in doubt, Chiang Mai fireworks factory explodes : Tim Newton Today - July 25 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301640-vote-for-thai-pm-in-doubt-chiang-mai-fireworks-factory-explodes-tim-newton-today-july-25/

Just when we thought we'd get another vote for Thai PM this Thursday, maybe not. All has been thrown into doubt after a call by the Ombudsman to suspend this week's vote. A fireworks factory has exploded in Chiang Mai injuring 11, a 'super typhoon' is coming out of the western Pacific Ocean and heading towards Philippines, another warning of the rising number of Dengue Fever cases in Thailand. Tips to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes... https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phu... 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/ TIMESTAMPS 0:45 - Fireworks factory explosion in Chiang Mai 2:37 - Dengue Fever cases on the rise again, some areas may be declared 'epidemic' 5:05 - Thursday's next vote for a Thai PM may be suspended 9:24 - Outgoing Thai PM Prayut says 'everything is OK' 11:37 - Bangkok protests at the Asoke intersection 13:04 - Thailand should look elsewhere for trade and tourism beyond China 14:43 - Typhoon Doksuri coming out the western Pacific heading towards Philippines

Psychic’s Thai-drama prediction: Alarm bells ring for August anarchy and lockdown woes by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. Renowned Thai psychic raised alarm bells warning that Thailand could experience severe unforeseen circumstances from August onwards, hinting at the possibility of another lockdown situation and anarchy on the streets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301633-psychic’s-thai-drama-prediction-alarm-bells-ring-for-august-anarchy-and-lockdown-woes/

Renowned Thai psychic raised alarm bells warning that Thailand could experience severe unforeseen circumstances from August onwards, hinting at the possibility of another lockdown situation and anarchy on the streets. Dr Plai predicts a surge in disruptive events involving young women in Thailand. The international community’s scrutiny of Thailand’s affairs and rescue pleas were among the other issues highlighted by the psychic. Recently on Khui Laek Daed Deuk, a talk show hosted by Mod Dam Kachapa Pha, Plai was questioned about the postulations for the future. The Thai psychic reckons that from August onwards, international organisations’ involvement in the country could cause significant unrest amongst the public. Confusion arose regarding the basis of these foreign body inspections. Plai seemed to believe they would be assessing the situation or responding to pleas for help. Plai also pointed out a substantial increase in rebellious activities among teenage girls, with emotions ruling their actions rather than reasoning. Despite intense questioning on the methods of their rebelliousness, the soothsayer maintained that the aggressive behaviour would be disseminated in every way and could be much more volatile than in previous instances. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-psychic-plai-forecasts-local-disruption-and-international-scrutiny-from-august-hints-at-pseudo-lockdown -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-25 - 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.

Chaiyaphum hospital under scrutiny after sudden death of a discharged patient by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A man has sought justice for his mother’s death following a sudden cardiac arrest just after she was discharged from the emergency room of a hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301630-chaiyaphum-hospital-under-scrutiny-after-sudden-death-of-a-discharged-patient/

Flash floods and high sea waves predicted for Thailand’s weather by Samantha Rose Despite optimistic weather forecasts for hotter, drier days, Thailand continues to experience unrelenting rainfall with areas in Eastern, Central, and the Western side of the South hit heavily. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301627-flash-floods-and-high-sea-waves-predicted-for-thailand’s-weather/

Despite optimistic weather forecasts for hotter, drier days, Thailand continues to experience unrelenting rainfall with areas in Eastern, Central, and the Western side of the South hit heavily. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy rain and accumulated rainfall, which raises the risk of flash floods and wild watercourses, particularly in areas near mountains and rivers. The prevalent weather conditions are due to the monsoon trough coupled with an active South West monsoon, causing significant wind in the upper Andaman Sea, South and the upper Gulf of Thailand. Consequently, reports warn of relatively high sea waves in the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, potentially reaching two to three metres high. In areas with thunderstorms, waves could exceed three metres. Given this situation, mariners sailing in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are advised to proceed with caution and refrain from sailing in thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand should also refrain from leaving shore during this period. by Samantha Rose Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/flash-floods-and-high-sea-waves-predicted-for-thailands-weather -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-25 - 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 to host influential IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025 by Mitch Connor In a breakthrough for the medical fraternity of Southeast Asia, Thailand has won the privilege to play host to the preeminent “IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025”. This will be the first time a nation from this region has been chosen as the venue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301625-thailand-to-host-influential-idf-world-diabetes-congress-2025/

In a breakthrough for the medical fraternity of Southeast Asia, Thailand has won the privilege to play host to the preeminent “IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025”. This will be the first time a nation from this region has been chosen as the venue. The event is projected to draw in approximately 10,000 international participants, generating an economic windfall surpassing 420 million baht. This significant announcement not only elevates Thailand’s global standing but re-emphasises its ambition of emerging as an international medical hub. Yesterday, Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, the President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), elaborated on how TCEB collaborated with the Diabetes Association of Thailand under the royal patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, to secure the hosting rights for this prestigious conference on diabetes. He stated, “This is a great opportunity for Thailand to host a world-class medical conference on diabetes”. by Mitch Connor Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-gearing-up-to-host-influential-idf-world-diabetes-congress-2025 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-25 - 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.

Chiang Mai targets Saudi tourism boom with ‘THAILAND MEGA FAIR 2023’ by Alex Morgan File photo A wave of visitors hailing from Saudi Arabia is anticipated by several agencies in Chiang Mai, as plans are set in motion to execute a roadshow this year, within the Middle Eastern nation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301624-chiang-mai-targets-saudi-tourism-boom-with-‘thailand-mega-fair-2023’/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 25 July 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301623-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-25-july-2023/

The Ombudsman yesterday asked the Constitutional Court to order parliament to postpone the next vote for prime minister, after 17 complaints were filed objecting to parliament's rejection of Mr Pita and declaring it a violation of their constitutional rights. The next prime ministerial vote due on Thursday is expected to be postponed until the court rules on the constitution-ality of the vote to block Mr Pita’s nomination for prime minister for a second time. A former member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly, K Sawet handed a letter to the Anti-Corruption Commission seeking legal action against MPs and senators who did not allow Move Forward leader Pita to stand for the Prime ministerial election. He said those parliamentarians who blocked Mr Pita in the second round had failed to perform their duties. Eleven children and adults were injured following an explosion at a fireworks factory near Chiang Mai yesterday. The blast was felt over a radius of around 500 meters, It’s believed the incident was caused by an electrical fault that ignited fireworks. Thailands royal irrigation department plans to protect the nation's water reserves ahead of the anticipated long dry period from November brought on by the El-Nino weather pattern. A public awareness campaign will be launched aimed at saving water resources in the coming weeks. Thailand will host the World Diabetes Congress 2025" for the first time in Southeast Asia. The world’s largest international conferences on diabetes is likely to attract around 10,000 visitors to Bitec in Bangkok in April 2025. Public health says The number of Covid-19 cases continues to fall with fatalities either the elderly, people with a chronic condition or unvaccinated. On average there was about one fatality per day, the advice is to continue taking a vaccine and boosters. Around the Region: North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast late last night, just hours after a US nuclear-powered submarine arrived in a naval base in the South. North Korea and the United Nations command have begun discussing the case of Travis King, the U.S. soldier who crossed into the North last week. Talks were initiated and conducted through a mechanism established under the Korean War armistice, no details were available on the substance of the talks. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north: sunny partly cloudy 35C Bangkok: Cloudy, with thundershowers 31C Pattaya, Cloudy, with showers 30C Phuket and the south: Bright partly cloudy 30C ‘Hua Hin’ :Bright cloudy, 31C. 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 2023-07-25 - 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.

Swiss tourist rescued in Pattaya after being trapped in a "chastity device" On July 24, 2023, at 9:00 PM, Pattaya's Rescue and Emergency Services came to the aid of a 52-year-old Swiss tourist who found himself in a precarious situation. The man was trapped in a chastity device, causing severe swelling and pain. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301620-swiss-tourist-rescued-in-pattaya-after-being-trapped-in-a-chastity-device/

LISA Effect: Orange Juice Demand Soars in Buriram Province, Almost Sold Out Picture: Thai Rath Following the trend set by "LISA" of BLACKPINK, numerous stores in Buriram are experiencing a booming demand for freshly squeezed orange juice, with supplies almost running dry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301619-lisa-effect-orange-juice-demand-soars-in-buriram-province-almost-sold-out/

RTP Charges Chakthip, Sompong, and Associates in 2.1B Baht Biometric Case The Royal Thai Police Commission's major committee has decided to file formal charges against Pol. Lt. Gen. Chakthip Chaichinda, former National Police Chief, and three others. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301618-rtp-charges-chakthip-sompong-and-associates-in-21b-baht-biometric-case/

The Royal Thai Police Commission's major committee has decided to file formal charges against Pol. Lt. Gen. Chakthip Chaichinda, former National Police Chief, and three others: Pol. Lt. Col. Tinnapat Phumarin, former Head of Logistics Support Bureau; Pol. Lt. Col. Sompong Chingdang, former Immigration Bureau Commissioner; and Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapong Chaijan, former Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 7. The accusations stem from an inquiry into the purchase of biometric devices worth 2.1 billion baht for the Immigration Bureau's Identity Verification Bureau (IVB), reported INN. Upcoming actions involve providing the charged individuals with official documents. After this, they will be called in for additional inquiries. The panel will then gather to evaluate the evidence and determine the appropriate disciplinary measures. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-25 - 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

Tragic Brake Failure: Truck Crash Claims One Life, Injures Two In a shocking incident at the Khao Brooke Side hill in Mueang district, Rayong, a modified pickup truck used for transporting wood careened off the road due to brake malfunction. Local residents immediately alerted emergency services at 1669 upon witnessing the event. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301617-tragic-brake-failure-truck-crash-claims-one-life-injures-two/