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UPDATE: Traffic accident: Horrific crash in torrential rain claims lives of two Burmese workers in Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. Two Burmese workers died when a heavy downpour led to a horrific traffic accident in Thailand. The accident, involving a car and a motorcycle, occurred near Chonprathan Road, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province, resulting in two fatalities at the scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301520-horrifying-accident-speeding-sedan-collides-with-migrant-workers-motorcycle-two-dead-in-heavy-rain/?do=findComment&comment=18223978

District official accused of workplace affair and misconduct by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ปฏิบัติการหมาเฝ้าบ้าน The permanent secretary of the Art Samart District Office in the Isaan province of Roiet has been accused of having a scandalous affair within the workplace and granted special leave days to his alleged lover. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301549-district-official-accused-of-workplace-affair-and-misconduct/

Chumphon durian farmer fatally shot: Locals feared regular gunfire by Nattapong Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. Police are on the hunt for a gunman who shot dead a 63 year old durian farm owner in his own backyard. Locals reported frequent gunfire from the victim’s farm, causing anxiety amidst fears of stray shots. The incident occurred at around 4.30pm today when the police received a report of a fatal shooting in a durian orchard in southern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301548-chumphon-durian-farmer-fatally-shot-locals-feared-regular-gunfire/

Pheu Thai to ditch Move Forward, Teflon Thai Baht up again : Tim Newton Today - July 24 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301547-pheu-thai-to-ditch-move-forward-teflon-thai-baht-up-again-tim-newton-today-july-24/

Thailand News - More voting for the position of Thai PM and a new government this Thursday - it's unlikely that Move Forward Party will be part of those discussions. Against all odds, the Teflon Thai Baht is surging again against other currencies - we have a few currency charts, a Russian man has been nabbed defacing cars in Phuket, PM Hun Sen has won the Cambodian election - surprise!! And a SIX day long weekend coming up this week for Thailand. Editorial from Phuket-GO.com about the possible two political scenarios... https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/nat... Khaosod English editorial about the 'soft coup' last week... https://www.khaosodenglish.com/opinio... 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/

Pheu Thai “knows” there will be strong backlash should it align with former government parties By Thai Enquirer The Pheu Thai Party leadership knows that the party would face significant backlash and possibly lose votes should it align itself with former government parties including Palang Pracharat and Bhumjai Thai, a PT parliamentarian told Thai Enquirer on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301540-pheu-thai-“knows”-there-will-be-strong-backlash-should-it-align-with-former-government-parties/

The Pheu Thai Party leadership knows that the party would face significant backlash and possibly lose votes should it align itself with former government parties including Palang Pracharat and Bhumjai Thai, a PT parliamentarian told Thai Enquirer on Monday. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Thai Enquirer that no decision has yet been made and that the party would “give every opportunity” to move forward with the current pro-democracy coalition of parties. “But we cannot be in this deadlock forever and eventually someone will have to sacrifice or compromise to move the country forward,” the MP said by phone. By Thai Enquirer Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50275/pheu-thai-knows-there-will-be-strong-backlash-should-it-align-with-former-government-parties/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2023-07-24 - 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 smartphone market holds promise despite economic strain by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Isriya Paireepairit, Flickr In these difficult financial times, Thailand’s smartphone market still carries incredible potential for device makers, particularly in high-end models, despite reduced support of handset subsidies by mobile operators, according to Oppo, a leading Chinese smartphone maker. With a market value exceeding 100 billion baht, Thailand’s smartphone market is regarded as a gem within Southeast Asia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301536-thailand’s-smartphone-market-holds-promise-despite-economic-strain/

In these difficult financial times, Thailand’s smartphone market still carries incredible potential for device makers, particularly in high-end models, despite reduced support of handset subsidies by mobile operators, according to Oppo, a leading Chinese smartphone maker. With a market value exceeding 100 billion baht, Thailand’s smartphone market is regarded as a gem within Southeast Asia. The Senior Executive Vice-President at Thai Oppo Co, Chanon Jirayukul, noted that Thailand continually attracts severe competition due to its lucrative smartphone market within the Southeast Asian region. Although the economy is strained, the country still has above-average mobile phone selling prices, driven by consumers’ strong financial power towards flagship models. Compared to the entry-price smartphones that have been battered by falling sales, models in the premium range have been least affected. Chanon added, “You can see that the market has new players coming in all the time, and they come and go and even re-enter the market. All competition brings benefit to consumers.” Thus, while unit sales of smartphones may decline, the overall market value remains extremely promising, he stated. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Isriya Paireepairit, Flickr Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-high-end-smartphone-market-holds-promise-despite-economic-strain-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-24 - 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.

Thai Android users lose money in ThaID app scam orchestrated via SMS In an emerging threat to privacy and finances, Android smartphone users in Thailand are being entangled in a sophisticated cyber scam. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301527-thai-android-users-lose-money-in-thaid-app-scam-orchestrated-via-sms/

In an emerging threat to privacy and finances, Android smartphone users in Thailand are being entangled in a sophisticated cyber scam. Orchestrated through the pretence of updating the mobile app ThaID, the scammers acquire remote control of the victim’s phones, enabling them to steal funds. The Department of Provincial Administration (DPA) notified the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) of this alarming situation as numerous individuals have reportedly fallen prey to this ThaID app scam deception. ThaID is a mobile app, supervised by the DPA, that permits Thai citizens to replace their physical ID with a digital version. This facilitates access to government services and lets them prove their identity during specific scenarios, such as air travel. The CCIB spokesperson, Police Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen, offered an insight into the deception tactics. According to Kissana, all victims received an SMS prompting them to access a contrived ThaID official Line account. The victims were duped into thinking that they were conversing with authorised DPA personnel. It was during these interactions that they were tricked into divulging personal data and their six-digit phone codes for their Internet banking applications. The victims were further instructed to install an APK file, allowing the fraudsters to gain remote control over their phones. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of prachachat.net Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/thai-android-users-lose-money-in-thaid-app-scam-orchestrated-via-sms -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-24 - 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 economy eyes rebound in 2023 buoyed by China’s booming influence by Top Photo courtesy of ddproperty.com A light of hope has started to shine on the future of Thailand’s economy as we look forward to this year, and China’s influence as a significant driving force cannot be ignored, so suggests a leading Thai economist. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301526-thailand’s-economy-eyes-rebound-in-2023-buoyed-by-china’s-booming-influence/

A light of hope has started to shine on the future of Thailand’s economy as we look forward to this year, and China’s influence as a significant driving force cannot be ignored, so suggests a leading Thai economist. The said economist, Kirida Bhaopichitr, who honours the position of Director for the Economic Intelligence Service at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), highlighted this perspective in a recent interchange with the State news agency of China, Xinhua. Kirida and her expertise noted how the compounded factors of China’s economic growth and the strengthening cooperation established between China and Thailand in various industries are taking centre stage in reaffirming Thailand’s road to recovery. Interestingly, China’s influence is also alleged to help buffer against the potential risks that accompany aspects such as sluggish global economic growth. As she further delved into the specifics, Kirida warned of the multitude of factors that precisely induce stress on Thailand’s exports. These disruptions include fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Thai baht, unexpected natural disasters, an increase in unpredictability of the U.S. economy and geopolitical risks. With such factors in play, a continuation of contraction in Thai exports can be anticipated in the near future. by Top Photo courtesy of ddproperty.com Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thailands-economy-eyes-rebound-in-2023-buoyed-by-chinas-booming-influence -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-24 - 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.

Thais are sinking deeply into debt By Thai PBS World Feature Desk File photo for reference only Thai people are burdened with high household debt. For many of them, the burden starts early and can last a lifetime. Some young adults, in particular, have racked up massive credit card debt and do not have the ability to pay it off. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301525-thais-are-sinking-deeply-into-debt/

File photo for reference only Thai people are burdened with high household debt. For many of them, the burden starts early and can last a lifetime. Some young adults, in particular, have racked up massive credit card debt and do not have the ability to pay it off. The Thai workforce is also struggling with rising debt, with their debt levels this year the highest in the past 14 years. Worse still, many older adults are retiring buried in debt and carrying a great amount of it. Thailand has among the highest household debt to gross domestic product (GDP) ratios in Asia, behind only South Korea and Hong Kong, according to a Bank for International Settlements ranking. Levels of Thai household debt escalated between 2010 and 2020, with the household debt to GDP ratiojumping from 60% in 2010 to 90% in 2020, according to the Bank of Thailand (BoT). In the first quarter of 2023, Thai household debt hit 16 trillion baht, accounting for 90.6% of the country’s GDP, compared to 86.9% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The surge was due to both increases in debt and a redefinition of national household debt by the Thai central bank to include student loans, agricultural cooperative loans, housing loans and microfinance offered by both existing banks and non-banks. By Thai PBS World Feature Desk Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thais-are-sinking-deeply-into-debt/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-24 - 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.

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 24 July 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301524-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-24-july-2023/

A Former military backed party said yesterday that it would not work in a coalition that includes the Move Forward party. Several protesters barged into the Pheu Thai headquarters yesterday afternoon and threw powder over Pheu Thai and Palang Pracha-rath Party members disrupting a press conference. The protesters asked whether party leaders remembered their promises to the public, and reminded Pheu Thai leader Chonla-nan of his vow to resign if his party ever joins ranks with former deputy prime minister Prawit Wong-suwan. Chola-nan and several others left via a back exit. Move forward supporters demonstrated at Asoke intersection yesterday and into the evening. Two celebrities have been summoned for questioning in connection with the Forex-3D Ponzi scheme; they are among eight people believed to be connected with the scheme And it’s alleged mastermind. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau issued a warning about a new cyber scam that affects Android smartphones. Users maybe duped into believing they were updating their app in a way that allows the fraudsters to remotely control their phones and potentially steal their money. The ThaID app, allows citizens to substitute their ID card with a digital version which they can use to receive government services or to identify themselves. An investigation is underway into an accident where a car fell into a ditch while turning off the Vibhavadi Rangsit highway in Bangkok on Friday. Contractors were told to take safety measures by putting up warning, traffic signs and barriers. However the driver said there were no warning signs, and he also posted a video on TikTok after the accident. The driver is being offered compensation. Around the Region: Japan: Three people were hurt in a knife attack on a train in western Japan yesterday. Police arrested the attacker who admitted his actions. The victims, 2 in their 20s and one in his 70s, are expected to make a full recovery. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy, with thundershowers 35C Bangkok: Cloudy, with thunderstorms 32C Pattaya, Cloudy, with thunderstorms 30C Phuket and the south: Cloudy, thundershowers 30C ‘Hua Hin’ :cloudy ,with rain 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 2023-07-24 - 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.

Chinese Man Arrested Smuggling Ice at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Preparing to Leave the Country On July 23, 2023, under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Phakphum Pipit, Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), a joint operation successfully apprehended a Chinese man attempting to smuggle methamphetamine (ice) at Suvarnabhumi Airport while preparing to leave the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301523-chinese-man-arrested-smuggling-ice-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-preparing-to-leave-the-country/

Car fire: Luxury vehicle bursts into flames on Bhumibol Bridge, family escapes unharmed by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A prestigious factory owner and his family barely escaped when their luxury vehicle spontaneously caught fire on the Bhumibol Bridge. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301522-car-fire-luxury-vehicle-bursts-into-flames-on-bhumibol-bridge-family-escapes-unharmed/

Young Motorcyclist Hits Migrant Workers' Trailer in Heavy Rain, Two Dead Ratchaburi - At 20:10 on July 23, 2023, Pol. Lt. Sairat Lakkaphatchara of Damnoen Saduak Police Station, Ratchaburi, received a report of a car colliding with a migrant workers' motorcycle resulting in two fatalities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301520-horrifying-accident-speeding-sedan-collides-with-migrant-workers-motorcycle-two-dead-in-heavy-rain/

Controversial Monk's Tearful Outburst and Candle Wax Incident Raise Concerns over His Ordination In a recent incident, Phra K Roi Lan, known as the controversial monk with a history of political involvement and legal issues, shed tears while vehemently dismissing any aspirations of forming a government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301519-controversial-monks-tearful-outburst-and-candle-wax-incident-raise-concerns-over-his-ordination/

Fire Erupts at Phra Mongkut Hospital in Bangkok Picture: Thai Rath A blaze ignited within the Pacharagit Building of Phra Mongkut Hospital, necessitating the immediate intervention of emergency teams to transfer patients in severe condition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301518-fire-erupts-at-phra-mongkut-hospital-in-bangkok/

Protesters Disrupt Press Conference At Pheu Thai HQ by TNR Staff Photo: Thai Rath SOME protesters barged into Pheu Thai headquarters late afternoon today (July 23) and threw powder around thus disrupting a press conference by Pheu Thai and Palang Prachararth parties after they concluded their talks, Thai Rath newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301517-protesters-disrupt-press-conference-at-pheu-thai-hq/

SOME protesters barged into Pheu Thai headquarters late afternoon today (July 23) and threw powder around thus disrupting a press conference by Pheu Thai and Palang Prachararth parties after they concluded their talks, Thai Rath newspaper said. The protesters loudly asked why Pheu Thai is holding talks with military-installed parties and whether party leaders remember their promises to the public. They also reminded Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew of his vow to resign if his party ever joins ranks with Prawit “Uncle Pom” Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath. by TNR Staff Photo: Thai Rath Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/07/23/protesters-disrupt-press-conference-at-pheu-thai-hq/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-07-24 - 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.

Sri Racha Electrician Suffers Severe Electric Shock By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Sri Racha — A Thai electrician was accidentally zapped with electricity while installing a light in Sri Racha. He then fell down a ladder that he was working on and sustained further serious injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301516-sri-racha-electrician-suffers-severe-electric-shock/