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Pattaya Police Chief Teams Up with Kuwaiti Ambassador to Tackle Kuwaiti Motorbike Racers By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — The captain of the Pattaya police met with the Kuwaiti ambassador on Monday, July 17th, to find solutions to troublesome Kuwaiti motorbike racers in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301041-pattaya-police-chief-teams-up-with-kuwaiti-ambassador-to-tackle-kuwaiti-motorbike-racers/

Prawit's Enigmatic Response to Possible PM Race Picture: Thai Rath Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prawit Wongsuwan, elicited interest on July 18th, 2023, when he remained uncommunicative yet cheery amidst speculation about a possible bid for the prime minister's post against contender Pita. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301040-prawits-enigmatic-response-to-possible-pm-race/

Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prawit Wongsuwan, elicited interest on July 18th, 2023, when he remained uncommunicative yet cheery amidst speculation about a possible bid for the prime minister's post against contender Pita. Post-cabinet meeting, Prawit exited the government building, smiling enigmatically, reported Thai Rath. When asked about the likelihood of him competing with Pita in the forthcoming electoral race, he merely smiled, offering no comment. Similarly, when questioned about his feelings on the potential nomination, Prawit's response was an echoing smile and a hasty departure in his private vehicle, his persistent grin being noteworthy. This silent, smiling reaction has incited conjecture and anticipation within political circles and beyond. Picture: Thai Rath -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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. 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

Thai cave survivor reunites with British rescuer at high school graduation 5 years later "I never thought I would come this far," Adul Samon told "World News Tonight." By Joanne Rosa and Eric Noll Thai cave survivor Adul Samon hold his high school diploma from The Masters School, standing next to rescuer Rick Stanton. Isaac Cass/The Masters School Five years ago, Adul Samon was rescued from a cave along with his 11 Thai soccer teammates and their coach. Now, he's graduating from an American high school -- and has reunited with one of his rescuers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301039-thai-cave-survivor-reunites-with-british-rescuer-at-high-school-graduation-5-years-later/

Thai cave survivor Adul Samon hold his high school diploma from The Masters School, standing next to rescuer Rick Stanton. Isaac Cass/The Masters School Five years ago, Adul Samon was rescued from a cave along with his 11 Thai soccer teammates and their coach. Now, he's graduating from an American high school -- and has reunited with one of his rescuers. On June 23, 2018, the Wild Boars soccer team set out for an excursion to the Tham Luang Nang Non cave in northern Thailand after a practice session. Only expecting to be gone for an hour, they didn't pack food or water. Their adventure was during monsoon season, and heavy rainfall began shortly after they entered the cave. As they went to exit the cave, the path they took was blocked by floodwaters. There were no other options to make an escape. Hours became days, and the team was surviving on trickles of freshwater and the hope of making it out of the cave alive. Adul, then 14, had taken charge in the depths of the flooding cave and happened to be one of the few boys on the team who spoke English. The group believed they might make it out of the cave by digging a tunnel. With the little energy they had, the boys and coach took shifts digging with their bare hands. "I never thought I would come this far," Adul Samon told "World News Tonight." By Joanne Rosa and Eric Noll Full story: https://abcnews.go.com/International/thai-cave-survivor-reunites-rescuer-high-school-graduation/story?id=101294342 -- © Copyright ABC NEWS 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 baht’s unexpected surge makes a splash, takes the lead in Asian currency gains by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of vecstock, Freepik In an unexpected buoy of currency today, the Thai baht took the lead in Asian currency gains, reaching a two-month apex. This surge, of 0.9%, comes in the wake of strong hopes for the resolution of Thailand‘s political deadlock and a waning US dollar, factors that buoyed the sentiments of investors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301038-thai-baht’s-unexpected-surge-makes-a-splash-takes-the-lead-in-asian-currency-gains/

In an unexpected buoy of currency today, the Thai baht took the lead in Asian currency gains, reaching a two-month apex. This surge, of 0.9%, comes in the wake of strong hopes for the resolution of Thailand‘s political deadlock and a waning US dollar, factors that buoyed the sentiments of investors. Meanwhile, share market traders adopted a cautious stance; local shares saw a slight uptick of 0.2%. Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and candidate for prime minister, emerged as an unforeseen victor in the General Election held on May 14. Pita yesterday announced that the eight-party alliance, which aims to form the impending government, reasserted their support for his prime ministerial candidacy. Poon Panichpibool, a markets specialist at Krungthai Bank, offered insights. “Hopes for a political resolution are positively influencing foreign investor sentiment, which is driving the value of the baht. Mild gains are anticipated for the currency in future.” The US dollar index demonstrated a drop of 0.15% in the Asian trade, settling at 99.753. This index gauges the greenback against six other currencies, and this decline sees it hovering near the historic low it hit last Friday. Despite this, analysts at OCBC, in their briefing, expressed a semblance of optimism. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of vecstock, Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thai-baht-leads-asian-currency-gains-amid-political-resolution-hopes -- © 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.

Thailand Aims to Attract 25.8 Million Asian Tourists in 2024 By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Thansettakij National — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning to attract 25.8 million tourists from short-haul countries next year, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301037-thailand-aims-to-attract-258-million-asian-tourists-in-2024/

National — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning to attract 25.8 million tourists from short-haul countries next year, 2024. TAT deputy governor Thanet Petchsuwan said TAT is targeting tourists from the Asian and South Pacific markets aka the short-haul markets. The goal of attracting 25.8 million tourists from these markets was set during the recent meeting of TAT. This number represents 74% of the overall next year target of 35 million international tourists. The objective is to generate revenue of 1.2 trillion baht, which accounts for 63% of the total foreign market revenue target of 1.92 trillion baht. The target is divided among tourists from Eastern Asia (12.48 million), ASEAN countries (10.51 million), South Asia (2.1 million), and Oceania (787,000). Thanet stated that the hardest challenge is the Chinese market. Although there has been some relief in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand in 2023, it is still not certain that the number will reach the expected target of 5 million tourists as in the first six months of this year, Thailand saw only 1.44 million arrivals from China. Meanwhile, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, stated that TAT has set a target of attracting 9.2 million tourists from long-haul markets such as Europe and the United States. By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Thansettakij Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/18/thailand-aims-to-attract-25-8-million-asian-tourists-in-2024/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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.

Overstaying American Arrested at Phuket Airport By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – An overstaying American man was arrested at the Phuket International Airport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301036-overstaying-american-arrested-at-phuket-airport/

Fake NATO military doctor arrested for romance scam by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กองบังคับการตำรวจสืบสวนสอบสวนอาชญากรรมทางเทคโนโลยี 3 - CCID3 Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers arrested a Thai man involved in a romance scam. The swindler deceived victims by claiming he was a military doctor for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) looking to relocate to Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301035-fake-nato-military-doctor-arrested-for-romance-scam/

UPDATE: US expresses concern about the democratic ‘will of the people’ as tension mounts over legal case by James Morris and Son Nguyen Top spokesman at the US State Department, Matthew Miller, told reporters at a regular press conference that the United States was concerned about the possible outcome of several legal cases in the kingdom and that the ‘will of the people’ in the aftermath of the May 14th General Election, is not stifled as fears mount over a case taken up by the Constitutional Court last Wednesday alleging that the Move Forward Party has breached Section 49 of the 2017 Constitution in campaigning for reform of Article 112 of the Criminal Code on lèse-majesté. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301019-us-‘concerned’-about-developments-in-legal-system-after-thailand’s-election/?do=findComment&comment=18213284

US expresses concern about the democratic ‘will of the people’ as tension mounts over legal case by James Morris and Son Nguyen Top spokesman at the US State Department, Matthew Miller, told reporters at a regular press conference that the United States was concerned about the possible outcome of several legal cases in the kingdom and that the ‘will of the people’ in the aftermath of the May 14th General Election, is not stifled as fears mount over a case taken up by the Constitutional Court last Wednesday alleging that the Move Forward Party has breached Section 49 of the 2017 Constitution in campaigning for reform of Article 112 of the Criminal Code on lèse-majesté. A decisive 48 hours in Thai politics in which anything may happen with fears of a Constitutional Court intervention removing the Move Forward Party and the candidacy of Pita Limjaroenrat for Prime Minister or the nomination of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan for the job in parliament attracting more support than anticipated while on Thursday Pheu Thai, if there is not a decisive outcome on Wednesday, will probably nominate property tycoon turned businessman Srettha Thavisin. As Thailand faces the second round of decisive votes to elect the kingdom’s next Prime Minister, there is growing concern about a Constitutional Court petition which could see the Move Forward Party dissolved. This was referenced on Monday night by the US State Department in Washington DC where a spokesman said the United States was concerned about the situation in the kingdom and respect for the democratic will of the people. The US State Department in Washington has gone on record expressing concern at the situation in the aftermath of the May 14th General Election in Thailand. A top spokesman for the State Department, Mr Matthew Miller referred to the pending legal cases being reviewed since last Wednesday by the Constitutional Court. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/07/18/us-state-department-concern-about-will-of-the-people-legal-cases-court/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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.

Tragic twist: Aussie teen’s suspicious death in Thailand fuels family’s heartfelt repatriation quest by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Facebook. The heartbroken family of a loving, larger-than-life Australian teenager is currently engaged in a poignant mission to repatriate his body after his suspicious death in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301034-tragic-twist-aussie-teen’s-suspicious-death-in-thailand-fuels-family’s-heartfelt-repatriation-quest/

The heartbroken family of a loving, larger-than-life Australian teenager is currently engaged in a poignant mission to repatriate his body after his suspicious death in Thailand. Daniel Talbot tragically passed away on Sunday while allegedly on Koh Tao, an island located on the eastern side of the Surat Thani coastline. The details surrounding the 19 year old’s death in Thailand remain elusive, leaving his devastated family grappling with grief and working to bring their beloved son back to Australia. Dean Harawira, a former teacher of the teenager, revealed that the family is still seeking more information about the events leading to Talbot’s death. “At this stage, the specifics of his untimely departure are rather vague, and the family is ardently liaising with coroners, insurance providers, and airline companies in their fervent efforts to expedite Daniel’s repatriation to Online tributes have flooded in for the Gold Coast teenager, reflecting the impact he had on those around him. Harlem Williams, a close friend, expressed his disbelief, confessing that the reality of Daniel’s death in Thailand has not fully sunk in. “We love you, brother, and it’s unfathomable to accept that you won’t be here to brighten our days. You were boisterous, funny, incredibly intelligent, and a true friend. I’ve always admired your unwavering commitment and determination. Rest easy, my friend.” by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Facebook. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/tragic-twist-aussie-teens-suspicious-death-in-thailand-fuels-familys-heartfelt-repatriation-quest -- © 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.

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 19 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1301033-thailand-live-wednesday-19-july-2023/

US ‘concerned’ about developments in legal system after Thailand’s election WASHINGTON – The United States is concerned about developments in Thailand’s legal system, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday, after two separate complaints against the leader of the party that won the most seats in a May 14 election. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301019-us-‘concerned’-about-developments-in-legal-system-after-thailand’s-election/

BANGKOK (NNT) - An eight-party alliance seeking to form Thailand’s next government reaffirmed its backing for Pita Limjaroenrat to become prime minister, Pita said on Monday, despite his defeat last week in a parliamentary vote. Eight-Party Alliance Reaffirms Pita Ahead of Second Parliamentary Vote Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300993-eight-party-alliance-reaffirms-pita-ahead-of-second-parliamentary-vote/

Two herds of elephants forage for food in fruit orchards in Trat province Wildlife officials in Thailand’s eastern province of Trat have been trying to push two herds of wild elephants back into the forest, after they emerged to search for food on farmland and in fruit orchards on Monday night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300982-two-herds-of-elephants-forage-for-food-in-fruit-orchards-in-trat-province/

Wave of relief: RTN rides to the rescue, ferrying stranded passengers to safety near Koh Chang by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) successfully rescued a ferry and its 30 passengers after it became stranded for over six hours near Koh Chang, an island situated in the eastern province of Trat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300980-wave-of-relief-rtn-rides-to-the-rescue-ferrying-stranded-passengers-to-safety-near-koh-chang/

Phuket dog shelter in joint effort to combat rabies By Peter Roche PHOTO: Facebook/Soi Dog Foundation The director-general of Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has paid a visit to Phuket’s Soi Dog Foundation as part of a joint effort to combat rabies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300979-phuket-dog-shelter-in-joint-effort-to-combat-rabies/

UPDATE: American man arrested in Phuket for sexually abusing his own daughter by Petch Petpailin Photo via Siamrath Thai police officers arrested an American man in the Rawai district of Phuket after he fled the US and charges of allegedly sexually abusing his nine year old daughter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300939-dsi-cracks-down-us-national-among-several-arrested-in-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=18211781

UPDATE: American man arrested in Phuket for sexually abusing his own daughter by Petch Petpailin Photo via Siamrath Thai police officers arrested an American man in the Rawai district of Phuket after he fled the US and charges of allegedly sexually abusing his nine year old daughter. The Immigration Bureau yesterday held a press conference to report the successful arrest of the 30 year old American man, known only by his surname Mayes. The suspect escaped arrest in the US and fled to hide in Thailand. Fortunately, the Thai police were hot on his heels and he was apprehended. According to the police, Mayes committed multiple acts of sexual assault against his daughter. His action was exposed causing him to flee the country and entered Thailand on June 29 with a Non-Immigrant Visa for Education, also known as NON-ED. Upon receiving a report from the US Embassy in Bangkok, the Immigration Bureau swiftly initiated an investigation to track down Mayes. Their efforts paid off when they discovered his whereabouts at a rental house in Phuket’s Rawai district. On Sunday, July 16, Thai officers visited the property to verify Mayes’s identity and placed him under arrest. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/american-man-arrested-in-phuket-for-sexually-abusing-his-own-daughter -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-18 - 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 elephant sanctuary faces closure amid family inheritance dispute by Mitch Connor Elephants at the Mae Sa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai. Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post. The renowned family-managed elephant sanctuary, Mae Sa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, might be confronted with closure amidst an ongoing legal battle over inheritance between the late owner’s eldest child and his spouse (her stepmother). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300975-chiang-mai-elephant-sanctuary-faces-closure-amid-family-inheritance-dispute/

Bangkok governor’s son apologises for his harsh criticism of the Move Forward party Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s son Sanpiti has offered a public apology after his harsh criticism of the Move Forward party and its supporters backfired. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300970-bangkok-governor’s-son-apologises-for-his-harsh-criticism-of-the-move-forward-party/