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Pita’s renomination for PM hangs in balance, party hopes to remove senators from PM selection Senator Prapanth Koonmee has insisted that Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s prime ministerial candidacy cannot be resubmitted to parliament, after he failed to get the minimum 375 votes needed to approve his candidacy in the first ballot. Meanwhile, the Move Forward party plans to submit a bill to the House, seeking to amend Section 272 of the Constitution to strip senators of the power to select the prime minister. Move Forward secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon said the party will meet with Pheu Thai today (Friday) to discuss their next move, which may include the submission of an urgent bill to amend Section 272. Citing parliamentary regulation 41, he claimed that a motion, which was dropped in parliament, cannot be resubmitted in the same parliamentary session, unless parliament has not adopted a resolution on the motion. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pitas-renomination-for-pm-hangs-in-balance-party-hopes-to-remove-senators-from-pm-selection/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-14 - 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.

Pattaya locals cry out for relief from disruptive foreign youth on loud motorcycles by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. A neighbourhood in South Pattaya has been troubled by disruptive night-long antics from a group of predominantly Arab youth on loud motorcycles. Residents have called on police to take action. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300632-pattaya-locals-cry-out-for-relief-from-disruptive-foreign-youth-on-loud-motorcycles/

Dazed son found in Uthai Thani after bizarre dragon fruit incident by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook. Reports emerged of bewildering vanishment and an unforeseen rescue from Uthai Thani province yesterday. A 58 year old man made contact with local rescue authorities to inform them that his 29 year old son had gone missing in their village in Thong Luang, Huay Khot district, Uthai Thani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300631-dazed-son-found-in-uthai-thani-after-bizarre-dragon-fruit-incident/

Student killed in unprovoked attack in Bangkok motorbike run by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic incident has resulted in the loss of a 15 year old student after his motorbike collided with a metal road barrier. A 13 year old friend accompanying him at the time sustained injuries. The incident happened after a gang of bikers attacked the victim with a knife. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300630-student-killed-in-unprovoked-attack-in-bangkok-motorbike-run/

Chon Buri woman rescued after falling from popular Ban Suan bridge by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of ที่นี่ชลบุรี Facebook A woman was rescued after falling from a new bridge in the seaside town of Ban Suan in Chon Buri province. The incident occurred yesterday evening when local municipal officers were notified that a woman had fallen off the new bridge in the main city district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300629-chon-buri-woman-rescued-after-falling-from-popular-ban-suan-bridge/

Crushing tragedy: Cement truck crash claims life of Swedish motorcyclist in Pathum Thani by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สมยศ โสภณวิมลรัตน์ A cement truck collided with a motorcycle carrying two Swedish men in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok, resulting in one death and one severe injury. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300628-crushing-tragedy-cement-truck-crash-claims-life-of-swedish-motorcyclist-in-pathum-thani/

UPDATE: Pita fails to secure required support to become PM by Krajangwit Johjit Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat has said he remains determined to pursue his bid for the prime minister’s position despite losing in a parliamentary vote. Although Pita fell short of the required threshold by 51 votes, he expressed his party’s intention to re-strategize and gather the necessary support for the next vote, scheduled for next week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300602-thailand-pita’s-loss-is-thaksin’s-gain/?do=findComment&comment=18203539

Pita fails to secure required support to become PM by Krajangwit Johjit Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat has said he remains determined to pursue his bid for the prime minister’s position despite losing in a parliamentary vote. Although Pita fell short of the required threshold by 51 votes, he expressed his party’s intention to re-strategize and gather the necessary support for the next vote, scheduled for next week. Pita, who was unopposed, failed to secure the required support from the 749-member bicameral legislature. Numerous abstentions and votes against him resulted in his falling short of the necessary 375 votes to form a government. Pita’s eight-party alliance currently controls 312 seats in the lower house. Pita won 323 votes in the parliamentary vote, including support from 13 senators out of the 249-member conservative-leaning upper house. 182 legislators voted against him, while 198 abstained. Many senators hold opposition to Move Forward’s anti-establishment agenda, which includes plans to amend a law prohibiting insults against the monarchy and to diminish the military’s role in politics. Despite the setback, Pita expressed his determination and refusal to give up, emphasizing his commitment to gathering more support during this time. The reconvening of legislators next week presents the possibility of a new vote, with indications suggesting that Pita’s name may be resubmitted unless he is disqualified. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230714095151526 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-14 - 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.

Gambler arrested over 140 million baht web case denies all charges by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A wanted figure connected with a high-profile web gambling case involving a staggering 140 million baht was apprehended at Don Mueang Airport after arriving from Singapore. The 38 year old man, firm in his denial of all charges, has been detained for further investigation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300622-gambler-arrested-over-140-million-baht-web-case-denies-all-charges/

UPDATE: Pita loses PM bid, second round of voting to take place next week By Peter Roche The leader of the political party that won the most votes in Thailand’s May 14 general election has failed in his bid to become prime minister after a full day of debate in the Thai parliament yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300602-thailand-pita’s-loss-is-thaksin’s-gain/?do=findComment&comment=18203487

Pita loses PM bid, second round of voting to take place next week By Peter Roche The leader of the political party that won the most votes in Thailand’s May 14 general election has failed in his bid to become prime minister after a full day of debate in the Thai parliament yesterday. Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to secure the necessary number of votes from opposition parties or senators appointed by the junta after the 2017 Charter was promulgated. Voting for the country’s next PM kicked off around 4pm yesterday, July 13, with Pita the sole candidate. Nation Thailand reports that voting was carried out openly and the results tallied by a committee of 6 MPs. Voting continued for 2 hours, at which point Parliament conclude that Pita had not secured enough votes to become PM. Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/pita-loses-pm-bid-second-round-of-voting-to-take-place-next-week/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-07-14 - 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.

Heavy rain alert: Monsoon threat prompts flood and runoff warnings across Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Ian Talmacs, Unsplash. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy to very heavy rain, as a strong monsoon poses risks of sudden flooding and forest runoff across southern regions. Waves in the seas are predicted to reach heights of 2 to 3 metres today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300620-heavy-rain-alert-monsoon-threat-prompts-flood-and-runoff-warnings-across-thailand/

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy to very heavy rain, as a strong monsoon poses risks of sudden flooding and forest runoff across southern regions. Waves in the seas are predicted to reach heights of 2 to 3 metres today. The alert was raised due to a strong monsoon trough that will pass through the northern, northeastern, and upper central parts of Thailand, moving into an area of severe low pressure over the upper South China Sea. This will combine with the strong southwestern monsoon that envelopes the Andaman Sea, the southern region, and the Gulf of Thailand. This situation will lead to an increase in rainfall over Thailand, with some places experiencing heavy to very heavy rain across the north, northeast, and central, including Bangkok and its vicinity, east, and southern regions. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Ian Talmacs, Unsplash. -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-14 - 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. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/heavy-rain-alert-monsoon-threat-prompts-flood-and-runoff-warnings-across-thailand

“Not giving up” - Pita, “Peter Mack had a heart attack”, huh?! : Tim Newton Today - July 14 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300619-“not-giving-up”-pita-“peter-mack-had-a-heart-attack”-huh-tim-newton-today-july-14/

Thailand News - Breakdown of the failed vote for a new Thai PM yesterday and Pita's prospects from here, lawyers for suspects in the murder of Hans Peter Mack in Pattaya suggest he may have "had a heart attack", El Niño is already causing issues for Thailand and SE Asia's rice crops this year, along with other climate changes in the region. 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/

Road collapse investigation scrutinises construction firms and contract process in Bangkok by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Narong Sangnak/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock A concerted effort has been launched in Thailand to unearth the cause behind the devastating collapse of an elevated road currently under construction on Luang Pang Road in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300618-road-collapse-investigation-scrutinises-construction-firms-and-contract-process-in-bangkok/

ASEAN FMs view Thailand’s role in Myanmar as “positive” File photo Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), winding up their meeting in Jakarta on Thursday, reiterated condemnation of the ongoing violence in Myanmar and welcomed Thailand’s role in trying to resolve the crisis as being “a positive development.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300617-asean-fms-view-thailand’s-role-in-myanmar-as-“positive”/

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), winding up their meeting in Jakarta on Thursday, reiterated condemnation of the ongoing violence in Myanmar and welcomed Thailand’s role in trying to resolve the crisis as being “a positive development.” Amid reports of divergent views among ASEAN members on the crisis, the foreign ministers reaffirmed their unity and reiterated their adherence to the so-called five-point consensus in dealing with the situation in Myanmar. The foreign ministers said in the joint communique, issued at the end of the meeting, that they were briefed by Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai on “Thailand’s recent activities in Myanmar, which a number of ASEAN Member States viewed as a positive development.” Don told his ASEAN counterparts on Wednesday that he recently visited Myanmar, during which he met Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi who called for a dialogue among the parties in conflict. Don was the first foreign dignitary allowed to see Myanmar’s democracy icon after she was arrested following the military coup in early 2021. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/asean-fms-view-thailands-role-in-myanmar-as-positive/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-14 - 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.

Glue-sniffing man stirs local havoc at Surin Market, demanding money from traders by Nattapong Westwood Surin Market via renegadetravels.com In an alarming series of local havoc events, a man, known only by the alias ‘Jay’, has reportedly been terrorising a local market in Surin, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300614-glue-sniffing-man-stirs-local-havoc-at-surin-market-demanding-money-from-traders/

Police Prepare For Nationwide Protests, Parliament Heavily Guarded by TNR Staff NATIONAL Police Chief Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittipraphat early this morning (July 14) ordered police nationwide to prepare for possible protests with Parliament strongly guarded following prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat failing to get enough votes to take the helm of the government at a joint House/senate meeting yesterday, Naewna newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300610-police-prepare-for-nationwide-protests-parliament-heavily-guarded/

NATIONAL Police Chief Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittipraphat early this morning (July 14) ordered police nationwide to prepare for possible protests with Parliament strongly guarded following prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat failing to get enough votes to take the helm of the government at a joint House/senate meeting yesterday, Naewna newspaper said. The pro-Pita votes cast by the lawmakers yesterday only accounted for 324 votes, 13 of which came from senators, but it was 51 votes short of a minimum of 375 accounting for more than half the combined total of MPs and senators as required by law. Tight security was mounted around the Parliament building with approximately 40 containers covered with vinyl sheets placed around the entrance. High-pressure water cannon trucks and paddy wagons were being brought in. by TNR Staff Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/07/14/police-prepare-for-nationwide-protests-parliament-heavily-guarded/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-07-14 - 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 councillor urges BMA to overhaul special needs education system by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Freepik In a recent development yesterday, Surajit Pongsingwittaya, a councillor for the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok, put forward a proposal for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) council to enhance the education system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300609-bangkok-councillor-urges-bma-to-overhaul-special-needs-education-system/

Thailand: Pita’s loss is Thaksin’s gain Move Forward leader loses first vote to become prime minister, opening the way for Peua Thai to take the helm on its own terms By SHAWN W. CRISPIN BANGKOK – In a largely preordained vote against the popular will, Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to win enough parliamentary votes to become Thailand’s next and arguably first progressive prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300602-thailand-pita’s-loss-is-thaksin’s-gain/

Move Forward leader loses first vote to become prime minister, opening the way for Peua Thai to take the helm on its own terms BANGKOK – In a largely preordained vote against the popular will, Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to win enough parliamentary votes to become Thailand’s next and arguably first progressive prime minister. The military-appointed, 249-member Senate and lower house parliamentarians aligned with the outgoing conservative coalition led by coup-maker General Prayut Chan-ocha either abstained or voted down Pita’s bid, which needed to secure at least 375 of 749 votes. The tally saw 324 votes in favor of Pita, 182 against and 199 abstentions. A second vote is scheduled for July 19, at which the second-ranked Peua Thai could, and some insiders say, will likely put forward its top candidate, property tycoon Srettha Thavisin. A third and final vote could take place the following day. The political jockeying is expected to intensify in the days ahead as Pita will need to explain to coalition partners why he believes he can win a second vote after losing today. Many believe the Senate and other conservative MPs would be more willing to vote for the non-confrontational Srettha, who Peua Thai insiders have cast as their “compromise” candidate. By SHAWN W. CRISPIN Full story: https://asiatimes.com/2023/07/thailand-pitas-loss-is-thaksins-gain/ -- © Copyright ASIA TIMES 2023-07-14 - 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.

Sri Racha Thief Tries to Sell Stolen Item Online and Ends Up in Handcuffs By Tanakorn Panyadee Sri Racha — A daring thief in Sri Racha attempted to sell a coffee grinder that he had stolen from a coffee shop and was subsequently arrested. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300597-sri-racha-thief-tries-to-sell-stolen-item-online-and-ends-up-in-handcuffs/