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Closing the 'world's best beach': Balancing tourism and sustainability on Thailand's Koh Kradan Koh Kradan was chosen as the best beach in the world in 2023. (Photo: Jack Board/CNA) Tourism activities among domestic Thai travellers exploded after the island was selected as the “world’s best beach” by a UK travel website earlier this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301384-closing-the-worlds-best-beach-balancing-tourism-and-sustainability-on-thailands-koh-kradan/

Suspect Arrested with 7,000 Methamphetamine Pills in Thalang By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – A suspect was arrested with 7,000 methamphetamine pills in Thalang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301383-suspect-arrested-with-7000-methamphetamine-pills-in-thalang/

Phuket Driver Claims Religious Amulet Saved His Life in Truck Accident By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A pickup truck driver who escaped serious injuries after he slammed into another truck in Rassada believes he has been helped by his special religious amulet and also blamed the wet road for causing the accident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301382-phuket-driver-claims-religious-amulet-saved-his-life-in-truck-accident/

UPDATE: Pattaya Police Arrest Several Outlaws Motorcycle Gang Members, Including the Alleged Leader, in Pattaya after Murder of Hans Peter Mack By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — The Pattaya police arrested the leader of the so-called “Outlaws” gang, along with several other foreign members in connection with the alleged murderer of Hans Peter Mack. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301379-big-joke-targets-outlaws-gang-leaders-in-pattaya/?do=findComment&comment=18220322

Chonburi Police Seize Arsenal of Firearms from Thai Man After the Man Flaunted his Weapons on Facebook By Tanakorn Panyadee Chonburi — In another successful crackdown on weapons story, the Chonburi police seized a large sachet of firearms and ammunition from a Thai man who liked to show off his guns on social media. The man, however, managed to escape by darting into a nearby forest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301381-chonburi-police-seize-arsenal-of-firearms-from-thai-man-after-the-man-flaunted-his-weapons-on-facebook/

Alert: Structural Issues on Rama 2 U-turn Bridge Yesterday, July 21, a popular Facebook page named "Drama-addict" posted alarming pictures of visible cracks on the boundary wall of the U-turn bridge at Rama 2 zone. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301380-alert-structural-issues-on-rama-2-u-turn-bridge/

UPDATE: "Big Joke" Launches Operation to Hunt Down Notorious Pattaya Biker Gang After Shocking Murder Case Picture: Siam Rath On July 21, 66, Pol. Lt. Col. Surachet Hakpal, the Deputy Commander of the Region 2 Police, led a team of officers from various units, including the Tourist Police and Immigration Police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301379-big-joke-targets-outlaws-gang-leaders-in-pattaya/?do=findComment&comment=18220289

'Big Joke' Targets 'Outlaws' Gang Leaders in Pattaya Picture: Siam Rath On July 21, 2023, Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachet "Big Joke" Hakkapal, Deputy Police Commissioner, revealed a significant breakthrough in the case involving the disappearance and murder of 62-year-old German real estate businessman, Hans Peter Mack, on July 4. Four suspects were apprehended in connection with the shocking crime that had garnered immense attention from the public and media in Nong Prue, Chonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301379-big-joke-targets-outlaws-gang-leaders-in-pattaya/

Former police chief and political leader says Move Forward must sacrifice itself for the country by Joseph O' Connor General Sereepisuth Temeeyaves indicated that a complaint should be made to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Ombudsman concerning last Thursday’s parliamentary vote as eminent legal experts suggest it was mistaken and a clear breach of the 2017 Constitution actionable under Section 234 of the charter but the complainant should be Mr Pita Limjaroenrat of the Move Forward Party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301377-former-police-chief-and-political-leader-says-move-forward-must-sacrifice-itself-for-the-country/

Seri Ruam Thai Party leader and member of the eight-party coalition said on Friday that Move Forward must sacrifice for the nation and democracy by withdrawing from the bloc to pave the way for a new government. General Sereepisuth Temeeyaves (centre), a former National Police Chief, said he was speaking only the truth and ‘with love’ as he also suggested that Mr Pita Limjaroenrat (left) who spent the last few days at home with his little daughter Pipim (inset), should file complaints over last Thursday’s procedural vote in parliament blocking a vote on his nomination as Prime Minister to both the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Ombudsman as it may have contravened the Constitution according to legal experts. General Sereepisuth Temeeyaves indicated that a complaint should be made to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Ombudsman concerning last Thursday’s parliamentary vote as eminent legal experts suggest it was mistaken and a clear breach of the 2017 Constitution actionable under Section 234 of the charter but the complainant should be Mr Pita Limjaroenrat of the Move Forward Party. One of the leaders to the eight-party coalition has called on the Move Forward Party to sacrifice its political ambitions in the interests of the ship of state and democracy because of the current political deadlock which he compared to a ship stricken at sea. General Sereepisuth Temeeyaves of the Seri Ruam Thai Party or Thai Liberal Party told reporters that he was simply speaking the truth ‘with love’ on Friday as he explained the position to them. It comes with increasing signs that the political dance now being directed by the Pheu Thai Party will eventually involve both the Palang Pracharat Party and the Bhumjaithai Party in advance of the next parliamentary vote on July 27th next when Pheu Thai’s Srettha Thavisin is set to be nominated. However, nothing can be taken for granted at this time as the stakes are high on all sides and it becomes quite clear that a conservative-led plot is unfolding that leverages Section 272 of the Charter, Constitutional Court petitions and the power of the Senate together with widespread sensitivities relating to Article 112 of the Criminal Code dealing with defamation of the monarchy, to dictate the makeup if not the leadership of Thailand’s next government. On Friday afternoon, after a meeting of the eight parties to the coalition formed in the aftermath of the May 14th General Election involving the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties and six other political groups, the veteran leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party or Thai Liberal Party, Police General Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, a former National Police Chief in 2007/2008 and a respected MP in the last Parliament whose contributions follow a theme of upholding the rule of law and constitutional propriety, suggested that the time had come for the Move Forward Party to sacrifice itself in the long-term interests of the state and democracy. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/07/21/move-forward-must-sacrifice-ambition-for-the-country-democracy-general-sereepisuth/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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.

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 22 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1301376-thailand-live-saturday-22-july-2023/

Pheu Thai will try to get its candidate selected as PM next Thursday The Pheu Thai party will try to have its prime ministerial candidate approved by parliament at a joint sitting of the House and Senate on July 27th, Phumtham Wechayachai, a deputy party leader, said today (Friday), after the Move Forward party decided to step aside and let Pheu Thai take the lead in forming the government of eight coalition parties. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301355-pheu-thai-will-try-to-get-its-candidate-selected-as-pm-next-thursday/

Thailand Welcomes 15 Million Foreign Visitors in 7 Months BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has announced that Thailand has welcomed 15 million foreign visitors within the first seven months of 2023, citing successful campaigns by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the government’s attractive policy to international filmmakers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301336-thailand-welcomes-15-million-foreign-visitors-in-7-months/

Phuket – An intoxicated Russian man was stopped by Phuket police with a taser (electric gun) after he was found to be damaging multiple cars in Wichit. Intoxicated Russian Man Damaging Multiple Cars Stopped by Phuket Police Using Tasers https://aseannow.com/topic/1301375-intoxicated-russian-man-damaging-multiple-cars-stopped-by-phuket-police-using-tasers/

Tyre-rifying mishap: Pickup truck reverses over 5 year old, leaves tyre marks on his back by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ มูลนิธิแสงธรรมสาธารณกุศลเชียงราย สำนักงานใหญ่ In a distressing incident in the northern province of Chaing Rai, a pickup truck reversed over a five year old boy, leaving tyre marks on the young victim’s back. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301318-tyre-rifying-mishap-pickup-truck-reverses-over-5-year-old-leaves-tyre-marks-on-his-back/

BOT Approves Virtual Bank Licenses to Promote Financial Inclusivity by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has granted preliminary approval for three virtual bank licenses, in a bid to foster financial inclusivity for underserved customer segments. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301315-bot-approves-virtual-bank-licenses-to-promote-financial-inclusivity/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has granted preliminary approval for three virtual bank licenses, in a bid to foster financial inclusivity for underserved customer segments. According to BOT Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, the limited number of licenses aims to maintain stability in the local financial market and safeguard depositors from risks associated with new ventures. The finalization of licensing regulations is expected to be completed this month, with submission to the Finance Ministry for approval to follow. The application process for licenses is slated to open in 2024, and official operations for the virtual banks are projected to commence in 2025. While these virtual banks will not be classified as domestic systemically important banks, the central bank recognizes that any risk or issue with these entities could still impact public confidence and the overall financial system. The BOT aims to closely monitor the business operations of the virtual banks to ensure their sustainability and align with the central bank’s objective of nurturing the virtual banking industry. The requirements set for applicants are relatively high, with a minimum registered capital of 5 billion baht, ensuring that only robust and substantial entities apply for the licenses. During the initial phase, prospective virtual banks may face significant expenses, particularly for customer acquisition and IT investments, making business survival a top concern. Sethaput highlighted the importance of promoting reasonable pricing under open competition for virtual banks. He pointed out that an increased number of players does not necessarily guarantee low-interest rates, as rates also depend on credit risk. At present, Thailand has 17 conventional banks with full-branch services and three virtual banks in the pipeline. In comparison, South Korea has 52 conventional banks and three virtual banks, Singapore has 34 conventional banks and four virtual banks, and Malaysia has 42 conventional banks and three virtual banks. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230721111852521 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-21 - 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.

Phuket launches free bus rides for tourists flying in from Bangkok by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of PR Phuket A new initiative aimed at promoting local transportation in Phuket got into gear yesterday, offering 1,500 free passes to qualifying travellers who choose to take the Phuket Smart Bus, on the airport to Rawai route. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301314-phuket-launches-free-bus-rides-for-tourists-flying-in-from-bangkok/

UPDATE: Jackson Wang-demonium’ shakes Bangkok airport: Nine IB officers transferred for causing chaos by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เจาะลึกทั่วไทย Inside Thailand and Twitter/ @JacksonWang852 The Immigration Bureau (IB) announced the transfer of nine IB police officers after the hapless officers caused chaos at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok while fans lined up to see Hong Kong rapper, Jackson Wang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301306-immigration-officers-transferred-after-providing-vip-escort-to-chinese-star/?do=findComment&comment=18218887

Bangkok roads to be avoided from 4pm to 7pm on Friday [File Image] Bangkok motorists are being advised to avoid two roads in the vicinity of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre and Pathumwan intersection, as protesters plan to hold a rally there from 4pm until 7pm this evening (Friday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301307-bangkok-roads-to-be-avoided-from-4pm-to-7pm-on-friday/

Chiang Mai, Thailand – July 20, 2023 — PrikPot, a pioneering name in the cannabis industry, is delighted to unveil its latest product – the Buddy Bar. A transformative approach to the traditional cannabis brick, the Buddy Bar melds cutting-edge technology with high-quality Killer A5 Haze strain buds, promising an unprecedented cannabis experience starting at just 70 baht per gram. Click here to check out our Buddy Bar. The Buddy Bar revolutionizes the cannabis industry with a special heat compression technique, ensuring a chemical-free, all-organic product. With an impressive THC content of 25%, it provides a clean, potent, and mess-free cannabis experience. This novel approach offers a myriad of benefits, including: ● Improved Storage and Portability: Compressed cannabis bars occupy less space and are less prone to damage during handling. ● Enhanced Longevity: Heat compression preserves the potency and flavor of the cannabis, reducing degradation from exposure to air, light, and moisture. ● Increased Efficiency: High cannabinoid concentration delivers desired effects using less product, ensuring cost-effectiveness. ● Uniform Consistency: The compression process creates a more consistent concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. ● Reduced Mess: Compressed bars minimize waste from loose bud crumbles. Beyond its recreational appeal, the Buddy Bar signifies a commitment to health and wellbeing. Rich in the terpenes of the Killer A5 Haze strain, it offers potential benefits for stress relief, pain management, mood enhancement, and more. PrikPot is dedicated to driving cannabis innovation, with plans to expand the Buddy Bar range in the future. Discover the Buddy Bar today and immerse yourself in a superior, all-organic cannabis experience that is as potent as it is beneficial. About PrikPot PrikPot is a forward-thinking company committed to pushing the boundaries in the cannabis industry. We prioritize quality, innovation, and customer wellbeing to deliver groundbreaking products that transform the cannabis experience.

Immigration officers transferred after providing VIP escort to Chinese star The Immigration Police Bureau has ordered the transfers of nine immigration officers from Suvarnabhumi Airport, after they were seen in viral video clips escorting Chinese superstar Jackson Wang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301306-immigration-officers-transferred-after-providing-vip-escort-to-chinese-star/

Thai Smile Airways’ turbulent tiff: Passenger’s ‘left-behind’ fiasco halts takeoff in Chiang Mai (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via TikTok/ bandzlam A Thai Smile Airways flight had to make an emergency stop as it taxied down the runway after a foreign passenger demanded the plane returned to the terminal gate so he could pick up his left behind valuables at Chiang Mai International Airport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301305-thai-smile-airways’-turbulent-tiff-passenger’s-‘left-behind’-fiasco-halts-takeoff-in-chiang-mai-video/

OPINON: Fireball in Pheu Thai’s court By Tulsathit Taptim Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Move Forward Party, shakes hands with Puea Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew after holding a meeting with the eight-party coalition in Bangkok on July 17, 2023. (Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) If the tightrope stretching before the second biggest political party had been very narrow before, it’s also fragile now. A clear picture of what lies ahead has two main features: the May 14 election results and what happened in Parliament on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301304-opinion-fireball-in-pheu-thai’s-court/

If the tightrope stretching before the second biggest political party had been very narrow before, it’s also fragile now. A clear picture of what lies ahead has two main features: the May 14 election results and what happened in Parliament on Wednesday. Voters liked Move Forward. This is a dilemma everyone knows. Pheu Thai can abandon the biggest party at its own risk. If Move Forward remain popular in the next election, the desertion can face heavy electoral punishment. Yet voters penalising Pheu Thai next time can be the least of everyone’s concern. “The match remains wet only because the majority (of Thais who voted on May 14) still has hope in Pheu Thai, which clearly stated its ideological stance during the election campaign,” said political analyst and academic Sukhum Nualsakul. “The match is still wet” refers to the situation on the streets which looked manageable over the past few days despite what happened to Pita Limjaroenrat. “The match, however, can become absolutely dry and ready to ignite if Pheu Thai made a U-turn on its election promises,” he said. But on Wednesday, Parliament showed that Pheu Thai prime ministerial nominees will likely get just one shot each. The Senate, wielding its special power to join the House of Representatives in selecting the new prime minister, has sent a strong message that even a Pheu Thai candidate will be rejected just like Pita if Move Forward is in the nominated person’s coalition. Simply put, Pheu Thai risks losing the premiership entirely if it wants to play a good, loyal friend. There is still hope, though. A significant realignment with a previously rejected nominee can be perceived as a “new motion”. The Pita proposal was doomed on Wednesday because its opponents insisted that it was basically the “same” as the proposal put forward a week earlier. Submitting the same motion without substantial change in its context is prohibited in the same parliamentary semester. Is Pheu Thai ready to risk it? That’s the main question. By Tulsathit Taptim Picture: Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Move Forward Party, shakes hands with Puea Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew after holding a meeting with the eight-party coalition in Bangkok on July 17, 2023. (Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP) Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/fireball-in-pheu-thais-court/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-21 - 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.