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Despite the ongoing political uncertainty, Thailand’s major hotel chains remain optimistic, as long as the situation stays peaceful and avoids any violent unrest. Centara Hotels and Resorts (CHR) and Minor International Plc voiced their confidence in their ability to weather any potential political storms, providing the environment remains stable. Gun Srisompong, the chief financial officer of CHR, stated that any form of violence could spark negative perceptions of Thailand, thereby affecting the confidence of foreign travellers. These sentiments are often further fuelled by warnings issued overseas to their citizens, he said. However, so far, CHR’s properties have not experienced any cancellations or slower bookings due to the political climate. The company foresees its revenue this year to surpass that recorded in 2019, estimating a total income of 10.8 billion baht, driven by an upward trend in travel demand. Hotels in prime locations, including Thailand, reported occupancy rates of 78% and 60% for the first and second quarters of this year, respectively. However, Dubai triumphed with an 80% occupancy rate across both quarters. Gun expressed hopes for the swift inauguration of a new government, which may roll out measures to bolster the industry, such as subsidising energy costs. by Alex Morgan Supporters of the Move Forward Party gather at Democracy Monument during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, July 19. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thai-hotel-chains-unfazed-by-political-uncertainty-anticipate-revenue-growth -- © 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.

India’s rice export halt stirs concerns of 10% surge in Thai rice prices by Alex Morgan A farmer walks in a paddy field on the outskirts of Guwahati, India, Tuesday, June 6. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) Potential tremors in the global rice markets may soon be felt in Thailand as India calls a halt on non-basmati white rice exports, according to high-ranking industry insiders. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301501-india’s-rice-export-halt-stirs-concerns-of-10-surge-in-thai-rice-prices/

Potential tremors in the global rice markets may soon be felt in Thailand as India calls a halt on non-basmati white rice exports, according to high-ranking industry insiders. The abrupt decision, communicated by Indian authorities this week, immediately ignited concerns among Thai rice traders and industry power players, with predictions of an imminent 10% surge in local rice prices. The honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, Chookiat Ophaswongse is one such expert who has voiced his concerns about the impending ripple effects of India’s decision on Thailand’s economy. Ophaswongse has indicated that the export ban could lead to Thai rice mills and exporters holding off on purchase orders until they can fully assess the extent of the impact. This caution is not unfounded given that India amounts to a staggering 40% of global rice exports and is recognised as the largest rice exporter worldwide. It is reported that the motive behind India’s sudden halt on rice exports is to counteract the internal inflationary pressures, which have seen domestic rice prices hurtle towards multi-year highs. This is also coupled with a threat to production due to volatile weather conditions witnessed in recent weeks. It is crucial to note that global rice markets are already under tension with global wheat prices exhibiting dramatic leaps. This is attributed to Russia’s aggressive stance against Ukraine and subsequent attacks on Ukrainian ports causing severe disruptions in global supply chains. Wheat prices have reportedly surged by more than 10% within mere seven days, marking the most significant hike in over a year. by Alex Morgan A farmer walks in a paddy field on the outskirts of Guwahati, India, Tuesday, June 6. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/indias-rice-export-halt-stirs-concerns-of-10-surge-in-thai-rice-prices -- © 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.

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 24 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1301500-thailand-live-monday-24-july-2023/

Pheu Thai meets Anutin as Move Forward’s Pita turns up the pressure on its conflicted leaders by Joseph O' Connor (Inset) Scenes from Saturday’s meeting at Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok where Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told the Pheu Thai leader that the Bhumjaithai Party would not participate in a new government if the Move Forward Party is part of it. On Saturday, Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat (centre) was in Chonburi where he told supporters that the Move Forward Party will continue its efforts to form a ‘Government of the People’ and not ‘the succession of the dictatorship’ in the aftermath of the May 14th General Election. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301499-pheu-thai-meets-anutin-as-move-forward’s-pita-turns-up-the-pressure-on-its-conflicted-leaders/

Thai Officials Clarify Approval of 24/7 Entertainment Venues in the Pattaya Area: U-Tapao Airport Area Only By Goongnang Suksawat Rayong – The Thai Cabinet has approved a proposal to allow entertainment venues to operate 24-hours a day only in the U-Tapao International Airport area to boost tourism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301496-thai-officials-clarify-approval-of-247-entertainment-venues-in-the-pattaya-area-u-tapao-airport-area-only/

Defiant Pita tells supporters in Pattaya his party to stay put in 8-party coalition Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat told supporters in Pattaya today (Saturday) that he will not allow his party to be ejected from the coalition of eight parties, currently engaged in attempting to form a government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301498-defiant-pita-tells-supporters-in-pattaya-his-party-to-stay-put-in-8-party-coalition/

Bangkok, Thailand-With events earlier this week firmly removing charismatic and popular Prime Minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat from the Move Forward Party from the running as the next Thai PM, we wanted to profile the most likely candidate to be put forward for a vote between the joint Thai Parliament. In-Depth: Who is Srettha Thavisin, Thai Prime Minister Candidate By Adam Judd Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301497-in-depth-who-is-srettha-thavisin-thai-prime-minister-candidate/

(Inset) Scenes from Saturday’s meeting at Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok where Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told the Pheu Thai leader that the Bhumjaithai Party would not participate in a new government if the Move Forward Party is part of it. On Saturday, Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat (centre) was in Chonburi where he told supporters that the Move Forward Party will continue its efforts to form a ‘Government of the People’ and not ‘the succession of the dictatorship’ in the aftermath of the May 14th General Election. An attempt by Pheu Thai to elbow Move Forward out of the coalition may prove more difficult politically than thought but it must be done in the coming days or an alternative strategy devised where the eight-party coalition holds tight. That then leaves the decision of the Constitutional Court on the future of the Move Forward Party when it decides on the complaint filed against the party under Section 49 of the 2017 Constitution by lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn. The next deadline is Thursday, July 27th in parliament when Mr Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party is expected to be nominated for Prime Minister. As the Pheu Thai Party held a short exploratory meeting with the Bhumjaithai Party and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok on Saturday and prepares to meet the Palang Pracharat Party on Sunday led by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, it is still facing a nightmarish political dilemma. On Saturday, Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, speaking to enthusiastic supporters in Chonburi called on the eight-party coalition to stick together and hold out for a ‘people’s government’ by counting down the clock until May 2024 as sources indicate that Pheu Thai may be poised to jettison its more radical partner to elect former property tycoon Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister on July 27th, a move which will also see the closely aligned Thai Sang Thai Party of Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan resign from the original pact. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/07/23/pheu-thai-meets-anutin-as-pita-campaigns-chonburi-dilemma/ by Joseph O' Connor -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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.

Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat told supporters in Pattaya Saturday that he will not allow his party to be ejected from the coalition of eight parties, currently engaged in attempting to form a government. Speaking before hundreds of supporters in front of the Jom Thien hotel in Pattaya, Pita said “I don’t know who wants me to be thrown overboard, but I will not allow it. If a boat leaks, we all must help to plug the hole, not throw people from the boat.” This was his first public address since the Constitutional Court suspended him from performing duties as an MP last Wednesday. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/defiant-pita-tells-supporters-in-pattaya-his-party-to-stay-put-in-8-party-coalition/ -- © 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.

Bangkok, Thailand-With events earlier this week firmly removing charismatic and popular Prime Minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat from the Move Forward Party from the running as the next Thai PM, we wanted to profile the most likely candidate to be put forward for a vote between the joint Thai Parliament. That individual is almost certain to be Srettha Thavisin, a successful and well-regarded Thai businessman from the Pheu Thai party. He is also, however, a relative newcomer to politics. Move Forward Party confirmed earlier this week that Pheu Thai would be taking the lead in forming a new Thai government after the bid from Pita failed. We know many of our readers have heard of the other possible PM candidates like Pita, Anutin, and Prawit for some time but Srettha is unfamiliar to many of our readers at TPN Media so here is a profile on him and a bit about his views. Srettha Thavisin is a Thai politician and real estate developer who is one of the prime ministerial candidates of the Pheu Thai Party in the 2023 Thai general election. He was born on the 15th of February, 1963 in Bangkok, Thailand, and has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Chulalongkorn University and a Masters of Business Administration from Claremont Graduate University, United States. Srettha co-founded Sansiri in 1988, which became one of the largest real estate developers in Thailand, and served as its chief executive and president until he resigned in April of 2023 to pursue his political career. He is a known confidant of both Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra, former and now exiled prime ministers of Thailand, and is seen as a pro-democracy and pro-reform candidate. He is married to Pakpilai Thavisin, a specialist in anti-aging medicine, with whom he has three children. He is also a collector of classic travel trunks, such as those made by Louis Vuitton. By Adam Judd Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/22/in-depth-who-is-srettha-thavisin-thai-prime-minister-candidate/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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.

Three-way crash on Phuket’s main road leaves one hospitalised by Mitch Connor Image courtesy of The Phuket News A road mishap involving three vehicles on Phuket‘s principal thoroughfare, Thepkrasattri Rd, ended with one individual hospitalised and two others escaping serious injuries. The unfortunate incident occurred yesterday morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301412-three-way-crash-on-phuket’s-main-road-leaves-one-hospitalised/

Pheu Thai to Spearhead the Formation of New Thai Government instead of Move Forward By Goongnang Suksawat National — The Pheu Thai Party, the second largest government coalition partner attempting to form a new government, is now taking the lead in forming Thailand’s new government instead of the Move Forward Party (MFP), the election winner, according to MFP secretary-general Chaitawat Tulathon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301410-pheu-thai-to-spearhead-the-formation-of-new-thai-government-instead-of-move-forward/

National — The Pheu Thai Party, the second largest government coalition partner attempting to form a new government, is now taking the lead in forming Thailand’s new government instead of the Move Forward Party (MFP), the election winner, according to MFP secretary-general Chaitawat Tulathon. “It became evident that all institutions supporting the conservative side are attempting to prevent the Move Forward Party (Which is progressive) from forming a government.” Chitawat said in yesterday’s press conference at 11:00 AM, July 21st, 2023. Chitawat continued, “The main issue of the Move Forward Party supporting ameding the lèse-majesté law is being used to suppress the people’s choice. The Senate is using it as a reason not to vote for the candidate that won the majority of votes. The Parliament also used a parliamentary regulation in a way that contradicted the charter.” By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/07/22/pheu-thai-to-spearhead-the-formation-of-new-thai-government-instead-of-move-forward/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2023-07-22 - 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.

Suspected illegal Line platform firearm traders arrested Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau arrested three suspected unlicensed traders. Picture on Komchadluek.net. Police from Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) have arrested three suspected unlicensed gun traders and seized two handguns, along with more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, in raids on three locations in Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301407-suspected-illegal-line-platform-firearm-traders-arrested/

Bangkok police shut illegal beauty clinic attracting foreign clients by Mitch Connor Photo by Pei LuLu via Google Maps In a decisive move against illegal medical practices in Thailand, police have shut down an illicit beauty clinic operating without authorisation in the Ekamai region of Bangkok. The unapproved facility, CCoco Beauty Clinic, was found operating on Thursday and immediately closed based on reports from the Department of Health Service Support. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301402-bangkok-police-shut-illegal-beauty-clinic-attracting-foreign-clients/

UPDATE: Pattaya police crack down on motorbike gang linked to murder case by Photo of Top Image courtesy of Bangkok Post In a significant crackdown on international crime, Pattaya law enforcement carried out a successful operation against the notorious ‘Outlaws’ motorbike gang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301379-big-joke-targets-outlaws-gang-leaders-in-pattaya/?do=findComment&comment=18220685

Pheu Thai launches charm offensive for support for PM candidate Pheu Thai Party, entrusted with forming the post-election coalition by its political allies, will today meet with two political parties in the outgoing Prayut administration to seek their support for its prime minister candidate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301398-pheu-thai-launches-charm-offensive-for-support-for-pm-candidate/

Pheu Thai Party, entrusted with forming the post-election coalition by its political allies, will today meet with two political parties in the outgoing Prayut administration to seek their support for its prime minister candidate. An endorsement by Bhumjaithai and Chat Thai Pattana, which have 70 MPs and 10 MPs respectively would ensure that Pheu Thai clinches the country’s top executive post. Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew is scheduled to meet leaders of the two parties this afternoon but in a press conference yesterday refused to discuss what offer he was prepared to make. “It would be ideal if they agree to support us without demanding to be part of the coalition we are forming,” he said. It’s still unclear which of its three prime minister candidates will be nominated for the joint sitting of Parliament to vote on this coming Thursday. Cholnan said the party’s executive committee will make a decision a day before the vote. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pheu-thai-launches-charm-offensive-for-support-for-pm-candidate/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-22 - 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 political parties resist joining Pheu Thai-led coalition by Mitch Connor Supporters of the Move Forward Party gather at Democracy Monument during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, July 19. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) The political landscape in Thailand recently witnessed a dramatic event as Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), and Chartthaipattana took a united stance against joining a Pheu Thai-led coalition. Their refusal hinged on one critical determinant – the participation of the Move Forward Party (MFP) in the coalition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301397-thai-political-parties-resist-joining-pheu-thai-led-coalition/

The political landscape in Thailand recently witnessed a dramatic event as Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), and Chartthaipattana took a united stance against joining a Pheu Thai-led coalition. Their refusal hinged on one critical determinant – the participation of the Move Forward Party (MFP) in the coalition. Bhumjaithai’s leading figure, Anutin Charnvirakul, revealed the party’s solid resistance to any attempts to revise Section 112, which pertains to the lese majeste law. He explicitly stated that his party is unable to join forces with any political group that champions alterations to this particular law. Crucially, while there hasn’t been any invitation from Pheu Thai to be a part of the coalition, Anutin mentioned that including MFP in the alliance would indeed be a deal-breaker. ” The MFP is the only party that seeks to amend the law and doesn’t appear to be backing down. The party heavyweights, the Progressive Movement and their supporters are adamant on pushing this policy through despite objections, although it is causing divisiveness,” he elaborated. United Thai Nation’s chief, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, took to social media to share his party’s perspective. Via a Facebook post, he stated that the party would neither support the coalition nor vote favourably for a prime ministerial candidate associated with a potential MFP-inclusive alliance. by Mitch Connor Top photo: Supporters of the Move Forward Party gather at Democracy Monument during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, July 19. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-political-parties-resist-joining-pheu-thai-led-coalition -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-22 - 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.

Mosquito mayhem: Dengue fever cases surge in Loei province, Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Faced with a significant surge in dengue Fever cases, health officials from Thailand’s northeastern province of Loei have issued an urgent appeal for residents to exercise caution and intensify efforts to eradicate mosquito breeding sites. The province has reported 462 cases of the disease, with several patients requiring hospitalisation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301395-mosquito-mayhem-dengue-fever-cases-surge-in-loei-province-thailand/

Pita says the aim must be to stop “old power” succession Being prime minister is not as important as stopping the continued succession of “old power”, said Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat in his social media post Friday night. It was followed by a video clip reiterating the same message. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301394-pita-says-the-aim-must-be-to-stop-“old-power”-succession/

Being prime minister is not as important as stopping the continued succession of “old power”, said Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat in his social media post Friday night. It was followed by a video clip reiterating the same message. In his statement, Pita said that it is clear that the conservatives will not allow Move Forward to lead the government coalition, using the party’s campaign pledge to amend the lèse majesté law as an excuse. “…but being unable to be the prime minister does not mean our hope of changing this country ends there,” said Pita, adding that the most important thing is to form the government according to the people’s will, which is change and the ending of “the succession” of the current administration. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pita-says-the-aim-must-be-to-stop-old-power-succession/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-22 - 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.

THREADS: We are now on Threads as @aseannowthailand THREADS: We are now on Threads as @aseannowthailand. Info: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301340-threads-we-are-now-on-threads-as-aseannowthailand/