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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. He branded the party’s supporters as “bratty teenagers and disobedient children” and criticised the party of lacking feasible economic policies and more. Sandee launched his tirade on his IG account in English from abroad. Some of his criticisms included: - The Move Forward party will never succeed in amending Section 272 of the Constitution, the lèse majesté law or in getting its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, elected as prime minister. - The Move Forward party did not win a landslide in the May 14th general election. - The Senate and the people in general don’t care about the party’s protests or complaints. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-governors-son-apologises-for-his-harsh-criticism-of-the-move-forward-party/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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.

Fatal vehicle collision in central Thailand claims foreigner’s life by Nattapong Westwood Nattapong Photo by KhaoSod. In an unfortunate incident, a foreign national lost their life in a vehicle collision at 5.30am this morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300969-fatal-vehicle-collision-in-central-thailand-claims-foreigner’s-life/

Thai organisations challenge Senate’s prime ministerial authority by Mitch Connor Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Move Forward Party, center. and Leader of Pheu Thai party Chonlanan Srikaew, left , wave to supporters after meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, July 17. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Amidst ongoing political turmoil in Thailand, a collective of forty organisations including pro-democracy bodies, non-governmental agencies, and civil society factions made a united call. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300966-thai-organisations-challenge-senate’s-prime-ministerial-authority/

Amidst ongoing political turmoil in Thailand, a collective of forty organisations including pro-democracy bodies, non-governmental agencies, and civil society factions made a united call. The appeal, presented to the media yesterday, demanded governmental respect for the general election held on May 14th. It emphasised recognition of the Move Forward Party due to its public support and backed its leader for the role of prime minister. The joint appeal also challenged Section 272, intending to revoke the Senate’s right to co-elect the prime minister. It sought to counteract adjustments made to the electoral system by the Constitution Drafting Assembly of Thailand. Following the victory of the Move Forward Party (MFP) in the May 14th polls, the party’s leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, was chosen unanimously by the eight coalition parties on July 13th as the single candidate for the prime minister role. by Mitch Connor Photo caption: Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Move Forward Party, center. and Leader of Pheu Thai party Chonlanan Srikaew, left , wave to supporters after meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, July 17. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-organisations-challenge-senates-prime-ministerial-authority -- © 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.

Bangkok to start using AI in management of traffic flow Bangkok is to start using AI (Artificial Intelligence) to manage traffic flow on Ratchadapisek, Prasertmanukit and Ratchapruek roads. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300965-bangkok-to-start-using-ai-in-management-of-traffic-flow/

Thai school’s mystical ‘fog swallowing people’ TikTok video stirs netizens’ interest by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of thanwaball TikTok A TikTok video posted by a Thai teacher portraying a phenomenon dubbed as “Fog swallowing people,” elicited widespread interest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300964-thai-school’s-mystical-‘fog-swallowing-people’-tiktok-video-stirs-netizens’-interest/

Ayutthaya paper recycling factory suffers 30 million baht fire damage by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook. A devastating fire engulfed a large paper recycling factory in Bang Pa-In, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, causing damage estimated to be above 30 million baht (US$871,421). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300963-ayutthaya-paper-recycling-factory-suffers-30-million-baht-fire-damage/

Senate clarifies absence of 33 senators during last Thursday’s prime ministerial vote by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The Senate held an assembly today, with its president detailing the reasons why 33 senators were absent during July 13’s bicameral session when the first attempt at selecting a new prime minister transpired. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300962-senate-clarifies-absence-of-33-senators-during-last-thursday’s-prime-ministerial-vote/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Senate held an assembly today, with its president detailing the reasons why 33 senators were absent during July 13’s bicameral session when the first attempt at selecting a new prime minister transpired. He also asked senators to refrain from voicing their views on a potential amendment of Article 272 of the Constitution before the matter officially becomes a Senate agenda. President of the Senate Pornpetch Wichitcholchai presided over today’s (17 July) Senate meeting. Before tackling the meeting agendas, he reported to senators the reasons for certain senators having missed out on last Thursday’s bicameral meeting in parliament. That joint session was held so members of the upper and lower houses could vote for the new prime minister. Pornpetch said there were three reasons given for senators having been absent on July 13. Two senators had been absent as they were performing their duty as senators by attending an ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) conference in China. 6 senators who were senior armed forces figures were absent because of other important duties. 9 other senators were absent because of necessary duties abroad which have been scheduled before the date for the bicameral meeting was finalized. Another 16 senators were on sick leave, meaning a total of 33 senators were absent on July 13. Pornpetch said there were 43 senators who abstained from voting last Thursday, meaning there were 10 senators who attended the prime ministerial selection meeting but did not make a choice. Addressing reports of senators being intimidated or having their privacy compromised, the president of the Senate said he has asked the police to provide protection for senate members and their families. He added he hoped those who perpetrated the intimidation or violation of the right to privacy would realize these are criminal acts. Pornpetch revealed he has told senators to refrain from voicing their opinions on a potential amendment to Article 272 of the Constitution before the matter becomes an active agenda of the Senate. by Namo Vananupong Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230718092634355 -- © Copyright NNT 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.

Srettha ready to become next Thai PM, best place to retire in the world : Tim Newton Today - July 18 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300961-srettha-ready-to-become-next-thai-pm-best-place-to-retire-in-the-world-tim-newton-today-july-18/

Thailand News - A respected publication publishes its 2023 list of the best places in the world to retire - Thailand is in the top 10. Srettha Thavisin is now publicly courting the possibility of him becoming the next Thai PM if Pita fails to win parliamentary support in a repeat vote tomorrow. Tropical Storm Talim crosses onto land, will it affect Thailand? Another rubber shoe gets stuck in a Thai escalator, protest badges appear on a police uniform over weekend. Link to International Living story... https://internationalliving.com/the-b... 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/

Widespread rainstorms expected in 45 Thai provinces, sailors urged to be cautious by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Maksym Ivashchenko, Unsplash The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a report on today’s weather. About 45 provinces across the country have been warned to prepare for intense rainstorms, with the possibility of rainfall covering 60% to 80% of certain areas. These include areas in western Thailand, the northeast and eastern provinces, and the capital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300960-widespread-rainstorms-expected-in-45-thai-provinces-sailors-urged-to-be-cautious/

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a report on today’s weather. About 45 provinces across the country have been warned to prepare for intense rainstorms, with the possibility of rainfall covering 60% to 80% of certain areas. These include areas in western Thailand, the northeast and eastern provinces, and the capital. With the southwesterly monsoon traversing the upper northern region and upper northeastern region and combining with the western monsoon that is currently covering the Andaman Sea, Southern Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, the weather conditions have changed. Not only has the amount of rainfall increased, but there are also reports of heavy downpours in some areas, with even heavier rainfall in certain places. For the northern region, it has been reported that there will be thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with the possibility of heavy rain in some parts. The affected provinces include Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Nan, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun. The minimum temperature lies between 24 to 27 degrees Celsius, with the maximum temperature reaching 35 to 37 degrees Celsius. The northeastern region is expected to have thunderstorms covering 80% of its area and is bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall in some places. This region includes Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani. The minimum temperature here will be 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, with the maximum being 31 to 35 degrees Celsius. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Maksym Ivashchenko, Unsplash Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/widespread-rainstorms-expected-in-45-thai-provinces-sailors-urged-to-exercise-caution -- © 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.

Officials in Hua Hin brief market traders against selling counterfeit goods By Online Reporter Officials have briefed traders at Hua Hin Night Market about selling counterfeit goods to locals and tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300959-officials-in-hua-hin-brief-market-traders-against-selling-counterfeit-goods/

SEC raises crowdfunding cap for retail investors to 50 million baht by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Bangkok Post In an effort to foster growth among startups and small to medium-sized enterprises, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is extending the ceiling on security-based crowdfunding offers to 50 million baht for retail investors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300958-sec-raises-crowdfunding-cap-for-retail-investors-to-50-million-baht/

In an effort to foster growth among startups and small to medium-sized enterprises, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is extending the ceiling on security-based crowdfunding offers to 50 million baht for retail investors. Previously, the limit was 40 million baht. However, institutional, high-net-worth, and ultra-high-net-worth investors are not subjected to any caps. The financial regulator put forth in a statement yesterday that the newly revised rules pertaining to the engagement of securities through the crowdfunding system were crafted to consistently encourage the financing of early-stage businesses and SMEs. The regulations, implemented on July 16, also serve to enhance the monitoring of securities offerings channelled through the crowdfunding systems and related funding portals. This path is projected to simplify, optimise and escalate the process, according to the SEC. Retail investors now have the opportunity to partake in crowdfunding offers amounting to 50 million baht, a significant increase from the prior limit of 40 million baht, for all securities. by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/sec-raises-crowdfunding-cap-for-retail-investors-to-50-million-baht -- © 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.

Chon Buri resident’s lucky escape from giant lizard lurking in toilet by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook In a surprising experience, a resident of the Bang Nang community in Chon Buri’s Phan Thong district encountered an outsized lizard in his toilet. He was fortunate enough to evade a potential bite after doing his business as usual and alerted others of the lurking danger with detailed posts on social media. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300957-chon-buri-resident’s-lucky-escape-from-giant-lizard-lurking-in-toilet/

Hua Hin to showcase Thailand’s soft power with major Muay Thai tournament By Online Reporter On Sunday, July 23, Hua Hin, will play host to a thrilling Muay Thai tournament, aimed at promoting Thailand’s cultural prowess and boosting its economy and tourism sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300952-hua-hin-to-showcase-thailand’s-soft-power-with-major-muay-thai-tournament/

What Pita can learn from economic-crisis management to weather the political storm By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk Political and economic systems are vulnerable to corruption and abuse to favor a few influential persons at the expense of the public at large. The challenge is how to correct and manage it. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300951-what-pita-can-learn-from-economic-crisis-management-to-weather-the-political-storm/

Political and economic systems are vulnerable to corruption and abuse to favor a few influential persons at the expense of the public at large. The challenge is how to correct and manage it. First breakthrough Almost a decade after the 2014 coup, the reins of power in Thailand are still held by a military general, as Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the coup leader, continues to head a caretaker government. Fortunately for the country, the first breakthrough arrived when the great majority of voters rejected military-allied parties in the May 14 general election, giving Move Forward Party and Pheu Thai Party the majority of seats. In alliance with six other parties, the coalition has a combined 312 MPs, a clear majority of the 500 seats in the House of Representatives. The result of the election came as a surprise to political observers, as the pro-reform Move Forward emerged the single largest party, winning 151 seats. Their performance opens a window of hope for Thailand to regain the full spirit of democracy and revitalize the justice economy that is suffering from the monopolies enjoyed by a few dominant business tycoons. Considering the numerical strength of the Move Forward-led coalition, the formation of a new government should have been an easy process. But undemocratic insertions in the Constitution sponsored by the coup masterminds have placed a huge barrier. The election of a prime minister needs a total of 375 votes in Parliament, which includes 249 unelected senators, one senator having quit just a day before the vote for prime minister on July 13. By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/what-pita-can-learn-from-economic-crisis-management-to-weather-the-political-storm/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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.

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 18 July 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300942-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-18-july-2023/

Eight coalition parties agreed last night to renominate Pita Lim-jaroen-rat as prime minister in the next vote of the elected House and military-appointed Senate, due tomorrow. Mr Pita said "If votes do not go in our favour significantly, the Move Forward Party’ will retreat, giving an opportunity to the Pheu Thai party," He insisted that Move Forward would continue to push for the amendment of the lese majeste law as it was a principal promise in its election campaign. The Constitution Court is due to meet tomorrow to consider the parliamentary status of Mr Pita, regarding his iTV shareholding controversy. Thailand and China are holding joint military exercises involving their air forces, armies and navies, the drills began on 9th July and will run until September, the idea is to strengthen cooperation between the Thai and Chinese air forces to uphold regional peace and stability. Police will review a complaint regarding the bidding for rights to operate its 191 emergency hotline. A group called “United Hearts for the Nation’ alleged the process had been rigged to favour one particular firm, which has now been cancelled twice on suspicion of corruption. The hotline service is worth some 7 billion baht funded by the communications regulator the NBTC. Air passengers were warned against bringing a Chinese-branded sausage known as ‘Lion’ into the country due to a risk of spreading African Swine Fever. The alert over the safety of the meat, came after a sniffer dog found 100 illegal sausages in the luggage hold of a Hainan Airlines flight last Thursday. Importers could face jail fines of up to 200,000 baht. Around the Region: North Korea's Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said yesterday that the United States should avoid any "foolish act" that could put its security at risk and rejected offers of talks as a ploy, She criticised US plans for a nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine to visit South Korea and said this would only push Pyongyang further from the negotiating table. The weather: rain coming in from Myanmar also from the north east Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy, with rain 36C Bangkok: Cloudy, with thundershowers 31C Pattaya, Cloudy with thundershowers 31C Phuket and the south: Cloudy with Isolated thundershowers 30C ‘Hua Hin’ :Bright but cloudy, 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 2023-07-18 - 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.

Bangkok locals act swiftly in late-night Samphraya Temple community fire by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khao Sod Online Panic ensued following a sudden fire that broke out in the Samphraya Temple community. The blaze quickly spread across three houses; however, thanks to the swift reaction of the locals, all residents, including the elderly and bedridden, were safely evacuated. Preliminary reports indicated no injuries or fatalities resulted from the incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300941-bangkok-locals-act-swiftly-in-late-night-samphraya-temple-community-fire/

UPDATE: Thai Police Crack Down on Cross-Border Human Trafficking Ring Picture: Siam Rath Thai authorities, following national police policy, have intensified efforts to combat illegal activities involving foreign individuals within Thailand. They have launched operations to apprehend individuals engaged in illegal activities that pose threats to public safety, tranquility, and the nation's image. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300939-dsi-cracks-down-us-national-among-several-arrested-in-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=18210937

Thai Police Crack Down on Cross-Border Human Trafficking Ring Picture: Siam Rath Thai authorities, following national police policy, have intensified efforts to combat illegal activities involving foreign individuals within Thailand. They have launched operations to apprehend individuals engaged in illegal activities that pose threats to public safety, tranquility, and the nation's image. In collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, the Thai National Police Bureau led by Pol.Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas and Pol.Lt.Gen. Roi Ingkhapirom has implemented measures to investigate and apprehend foreign nationals involved in unlawful business activities in Thailand. Additionally, Thai and foreign residents displaying inappropriate behavior within the country are being monitored and investigated. The joint efforts of the Thai and US authorities led to the arrest of Mr. Mayes, a 30-year-old American citizen, who had repeatedly committed heinous crimes involving a 9-year-old child. Mayes had previously escaped US authorities and sought refuge in Thailand, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath Moreover, police in Phuket, under the command of Pol.Maj.Gen. Phakkapop Satchapan, apprehended a 9-year-old trafficking victim who had evaded Thai authorities. Further investigation and legal action will be pursued. In a separate operation, authorities in Kanchanaburi, together with the Region 7 Provincial Police and Thong Pha Phum Police, successfully apprehended two individuals who were wanted by the provincial court on charges related to human trafficking and harboring foreign fugitives. The suspects, named Mr. Sukha and Miss Nitavee (aliases), were involved in smuggling foreign individuals into Thailand and providing them shelter. Their arrest will contribute to curbing these illegal activities. These recent operations demonstrate Thailand's commitment to combating transnational crimes and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and residents. Picture: Siam Rath Following an investigation, it has been revealed that Mr. Suka and Ms. Nitavee have continued their illicit activities involving smuggling of foreign nationals in the Thong Pha Phum district. In early May '66, a joint operation by the police resulted in the apprehension of 115 undocumented Myanmar nationals, charging them with "illegally entering the kingdom without permission." Additionally, two vehicles were seized. Further investigations were conducted, and the Thong Pha Phum Provincial Court approved arrest warrants for Mr. Suka and Ms. Nitavee on charges of aiding and abetting foreign nationals in evading capture. In a separate operation, Task Force 4 of the Immigration Bureau, along with local police units, captured six suspects involved in clandestine transportation of Chinese nationals across borders. Among the apprehended were one Thai national, Mr. Thawatchai, charged with aiding and abetting the escape of foreign nationals, and five Chinese nationals. Picture: Siam Rath The Chinese suspects had entered the country without authorization and were planning to cross the border to work in a human trafficking operation in Myanmar. The investigation also revealed connections to a previous case involving Chinese nationals. The suspects were arrested on July 15, '66, and the case will proceed according to the law. The Immigration Bureau would like to inform the public about its ongoing efforts to combat various offenses, including vigilant monitoring of both Thai and foreign individuals with outstanding arrest warrants, as well as monitoring the entry and exit of people in and out of Thailand. If any citizen witnesses suspicious activities, please report them to the Immigration Bureau's Office of Immigration Control and Coordination, located at Chalerm Phra Kiat Building, Siam Makutrajakuman, Siam Square, Bangkok 11120, or call 1178, or visit www.immigration.go.th. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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. 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