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On July 19th, 2023, reports highlighted an interview with Parit Wacharasindhu, a list-based representative of the 'Move Forward Party'. After observing a public gathering, Parit pointed out the current deviations from standard democratic processes in Thai politics. The gathering was a reaction to two major parliamentary decisions on July 13th and July 19th. The Move Forward Party has consistently advocated for respecting the voice of all citizens, not just those who supported Pita Limcharoenrat, the party's prime ministerial candidate, reported Siam Rath. Their stance isn't about personal preferences but upholding democratic principles. The party firmly believes that voting for a PM candidate who has gained the majority trust should be a standard democratic practice. This perspective was emphasized during a debate on interpreting a clause in the constitution. Despite the challenges, Parit asserts the need to maintain genuine democratic principles, hoping for a brighter future in Thai politics. Picture: Siam Rath -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-20 - 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

Truck Erupts in Flames on Buriram-Khumeung Road Picture: Siam Rath On the evening of July 19th, a startling incident occurred on the Buriram-Khumeung road. A milk delivery truck was reported on fire near elderly residents' homes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301159-truck-erupts-in-flames-on-buriram-khumueang-road/

Foreign Tourist Allegedly Steals Cannabis Buds from Patong Shop By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – A foreign tourist allegedly stole cannabis buds from a shop in Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301157-foreign-tourist-allegedly-steals-cannabis-buds-from-patong-shop/

Russian Women Arrested in Phuket for Allegedly Providing Salon and Nail Services By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Three Russian women were arrested in Thalang for allegedly providing salon and nail services which is a protected occupation only for Thai people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301156-russian-women-arrested-in-phuket-for-allegedly-providing-salon-and-nail-services/

Jordanian Arrested in Patong for Working Illegally as a Barber By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – A Jordanian man was arrested in Patong after he was found to be providing a barber service to foreign customers which is a protected occupation only for Thai people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301155-jordanian-arrested-in-patong-for-working-illegally-as-a-barber/

Pita’s Ambitions to be the Next Thai Prime Minister End By Adam Judd Bangkok, Thailand-In a day that was bitterly disappointing for Move Forward Party (MFP) supporters and Prime Minister Candidate Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the MFP, was suspended from his duties as a MP and denied the chance for a second vote to become Prime Minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301154-pita’s-ambitions-to-be-the-next-thai-prime-minister-end/

Bangkok, Thailand-In a day that was bitterly disappointing for Move Forward Party (MFP) supporters and Prime Minister Candidate Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the MFP, was suspended from his duties as a MP and denied the chance for a second vote to become Prime Minister. First, you can read more about the suspension here, this article will mostly provide an overview of the day at Thai Parliament. Pita Limjaroenrat, 43, and his party won the most seats in the House of Representatives in the last Thai election and formed a coalition with seven other parties, including Pheu Thai who was a close second in number of MP seats. This coalition was determined to form a government with Pita as the PM but unfortunately multiple factors prevented this. One major factor was ongoing controversy around media shares held by Pita and if Pita ran for PM knowing that these could disqualify him. Under Thai law, PMs cannot hold shares in media companies. Pita states these were inherited and that the company has not been running in about fifteen years. Regardless, the Election Commission sent a request for the Charter Court to rule on this factor which led to Pita’s suspension of his MP duties today, July 19th, 2023. Pita has fifteen days to give a statement to the court. If Pita is ruled against, he could be disqualified from Thai politics for ten years, face prison time, and his party could even be punished or at worst disbanded. By Adam Judd Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/19/pitas-ambitions-to-be-the-next-thai-prime-minister-end/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-07-20 - 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.

Turkish Tourists in Pattaya Stop Cambodian Man from Attacking His Girlfriend By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Two Turkish men helped stop a Cambodian man from attacking his girlfriend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301153-turkish-tourists-in-pattaya-stop-cambodian-man-from-attacking-his-girlfriend/

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 20 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1301152-thailand-live-thursday-20-july-2023/

Pita’s parting shot: Thailand has changed since election Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat said this afternoon Thailand has changed since the general election in May and the people are now “half way to victory”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301111-pita’s-parting-shot-thailand-has-changed-since-election/

After Pita, Pheu Thai gets to run the show Cholnan Srikaew The spotlight has now turned on the Pheu Thai Party, which is likely to take over from the Move Forward party in forming the next government, after they lost their bid to nominate their leader Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister yesterday (Wednesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301140-after-pita-pheu-thai-gets-to-run-the-show/

The Thai Cabinet has approved a proposal to allow nightlife venues in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) area to operate 24 hours a day to meet the growing needs of tourists. Thai Cabinet Approves 24/7 Operation of Entertainment Venues in EEC Areas Including Pattaya Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301119-thai-cabinet-approves-247-operation-of-entertainment-venues-in-eec-areas-including-pattaya/

UPDATE: PITA SUSPENDED By Erich Parpart Move Forward Party Leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, has been suspended from his duties as an MP. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301087-pita-ordered-to-suspend-doing-his-duties-as-an-mp/?do=findComment&comment=18214349

Forward no more: MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat suspended from Parliament duty by Constitutional Court Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Move Forward Party, centre. Picture courtesy of AP. Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and a candidate for the prime ministerial position, has been suspended from his role as an elected member of the House of Representatives by the Constitutional Court. The court’s decision came after accepting a complaint regarding Pita’s ownership of shares in the now-defunct media company, iTV Plc. According to the constitution, Parliamentarians are prohibited from holding stocks in media organizations. The 42 year old MFP leader argued that the 42,000 shares were part of his late father’s estate, which he managed as the executor. He claimed that the ownership had been transferred to relatives since then. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/politics/forward-no-more-mfp-leader-pita-limjaroenrat-suspended-from-parliament-duty-by-constitutional-court-video -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-19 - 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.

Court Suspends Pita from Serving as MP BANGKOK, July 19 (TNA) – The Constitutional Court has decided to proceed with the petition filed by the Election Commission (EC), seeking disqualification of PM hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat over the alleged media shareholding case. The court has temporarily suspended him from serving as an MP from today (July 19) until the court issues the ruling. The court's decision to hear the case has been announced as the parliament is debating whether Pita's renomination for a fresh prime ministerial vote is submitting a repeat motion which is prohibited under the parliament's regulation. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1209535 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-07-19 - 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.

PITA SUSPENDED By Erich Parpart Move Forward Party Leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, has been suspended from his duties as an MP. The Constitutional Court unanimously made this decision in light of an ongoing investigation into his eligibility to hold office. The investigation stems from his ownership of 42,000 iTV shares. The Election Commission (EC) has stated that Pita may not meet the requirements for holding office due to his ownership of media shares, which is prohibited by the charter for political officeholders. As a result, the EC has requested the court to rule on Pita’s eligibility in this matter. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50223/pita-suspended/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2023-07-19 - 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.

PM Expresses Concern Over Potential Protests by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Caretaker Prime Minister has expressed his concerns about potential political protests this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301088-pm-expresses-concern-over-potential-protests/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Caretaker Prime Minister has expressed his concerns about potential political protests this week. The demonstrations, which are expected to draw crowds from both pro and anti-government factions in front of the Parliament Complex, have stirred concerns about possible conflict. According to Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha requested officials to ensure the smooth management of the gatherings. His primary concern is to prevent any faction from breaching the law and to maintain peace, urging everything to proceed according to proper procedures. Addition, Thanakorn stressed that Gen Prayut wished to avoid escalating national tensions. Emphasizing that Thailand has been working hard to achieve stability over the past 8-9 years, the caretaker prime minister called for a peaceful political climate and progressive movement. Concerning the selection of the Prime Minister, which could possibly be extended to a third round, the spokesperson said the premier did not express specific concerns and believes the political processes will unfold as per the parliamentary mechanism. In case the leading party fails, the second or third-ranking parties will form the government. Moreover, Gen Prayut voiced concern over intimidation among some citizens. He said he was apprehensive that such situations could lead to further divisions within the nation and has ordered relevant agencies to monitor and manage the issue closely. Notably, he mentioned the case of a senator who was targeted online, highlighting how these issues often spread further on social media platforms and potentially lead to more disputes and conflicts. The prime minister has tasked the cabinet and related agencies with addressing these concerns promptly. by Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230719115309772 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-19 - 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.

Pita ordered to suspend doing his duties as an MP Pita ordered to suspend doing his duties as an MP temporarily Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301087-pita-ordered-to-suspend-doing-his-duties-as-an-mp/

Pita ordered to suspend doing his duties as an MP temporarily, as Charter Court accepts Election Commission’s petition seeking verification of Pita’s status vis a vis his iTV shareholding. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/breaking-news/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-19 - 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 students bag 30 awards in international mathematics contest Thai students have won 30 awards, including 11 gold medals, seven silvers and three bronzes, at the 2023 international mathematics contest held in Seoul, South Korea. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301085-thai-students-bag-30-awards-in-international-mathematics-contest/

Thai students have won 30 awards, including 11 gold medals, seven silvers and three bronzes, at the 2023 international mathematics contest held in Seoul, South Korea. The Thai students also took seven awards in three special categories, including three Legend Awards, for those who have won gold medals in three consecutive years, the Star of the World award and three Diamond awards. 26 students from 16 schools, representing 11 provinces, participated in the contest against about 3,000 students from 16 other countries. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-students-bag-30-awards-in-international-mathematics-contest/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-19 - 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.

Bhumjaithai party will not join Move Forward coalition: Anutin Anutin Charnvirakul Bhumjaithai party leader There will be no Bhumjaithai party in a coalition with Move Forward, said Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul this morning (Wednesday) when asked about the possibility. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301084-bhumjaithai-party-will-not-join-move-forward-coalition-anutin/

Anutin Charnvirakul Bhumjaithai party leader There will be no Bhumjaithai party in a coalition with Move Forward, said Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul this morning (Wednesday) when asked about the possibility. Anutin said that, during the meeting today, his party members agreed to follow the house rules and the party’s principle against the amendment of the lèse majesté law. As long as the Move Forward party insists on amending that law, Bhumjaithai party members will not vote for Pita Limjaroenrat as the next prime minister. He added that the priority today is to finalise whether Pita’s name can be submitted to parliament a second time. In the case that Moves Forward cannot form a government and Pheu Thai or another party takes over, if the Move Forward party is in that coalition, Bhumjaithai will not join it in any way, according to Anutin. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bhumjaithai-party-will-not-join-move-forward-coalition/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-19 - 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.

Bhumjaithai Party MP found holding iTV shares, investigation called by Petch Petpailin Photo via Wikipedia Thai news agencies and locals were quick to highlight the fact that Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), owned shares in the media company iTV. However, it appears that Pita is not the only politician with such holdings. Bhumjaithai Party MP Jakkrit Thongsi also possesses 40,000 shares in a media company. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301082-bhumjaithai-party-mp-found-holding-itv-shares-investigation-called/