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Pakistani family defends accused in high-profile German businessman murder by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สำนักข่าวกาญจน์ - Kanchanaburi News The family of the Pakistani man, arrested yesterday for his involvement in the murder of the German businessman Hans Peter Mack, say he is innocent. The family of the arrested man, Sahruk Kareem Uddin, pointed the finger of blame towards another suspect, a German woman, Petra Christl Grundgreif. They accused Grundgrief of tricking him into the plot to murder the 62 year old German businessman. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300530-pakistani-family-defends-accused-in-high-profile-german-businessman-murder/

Live Update : Will it be Pita? Not only Thais, but people around world are watching and waiting to see what happens when MPs and senators, in a joint sitting of parliament, consider whether to vote for, vote against or abstain in the selection of Move Forward’s Pita Limjaroenrat as Thailand’s next prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300529-live-update-will-it-be-pita/

Not only Thais, but people around world are watching and waiting to see what happens when MPs and senators, in a joint sitting of parliament, consider whether to vote for, vote against or abstain in the selection of Move Forward’s Pita Limjaroenrat as Thailand’s next prime minister. ThaiPBS World will report this historic event from start to finish. ————————————————————————————- 10.15am – Bhumjaithai MP Chada Thaised says that his party does not support Pita as the next prime minister mainly because he and his party continue to campaign for amendment of the lèse majesté law. “Pita and his Move Forward party have publicly displayed their promotion of amendment and other activities which I consider a violation of the monarchy.” said Chada, adding that several Move Forward MPs are facing charges of violating the lèse majesté law. 10.11am – Speaker asks the chamber if there are any more nominations for PM. There are none, so he announces that Pita is the sole candidate for the premiership. 10.11am – Speaker asks the chamber if there are any more nominations for PM. There are none, so he announces that Pita is the sole candidate for the premiership. 10.09am – House speaker announces that Pita’s nomination as PM is endorsed by 302 MPs. 10am – Cholnan Srikaew, leader of Pheu Thai and MP for Nan province, nominates Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister. 9.51am – The chamber discusses the timeslots assigned to each side, in order to ensure voting starts at 5pm, as previously agreed.The House speaker ensures that the sitting proceeds as discussed and agreed. 9.30am – The joint sitting of MPs and Senators begins. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha provided a briefing on the process for the election of the Prime Minister. Live updates: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/timeline-will-it-be-pita/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-13 - 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.

Police Prepare for Protest as Thai Parliament to Vote on New PM BANGKOK, July 13 (TNA) – Police have mobilized two high-pressure water cannon trucks in the parliament compound in anticipation of the demonstrators who plan to gather there today as the parliament convenes to a joint sitting of the House of Representatives and senators to vote for the new prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300527-police-prepare-for-protest-as-thai-parliament-to-vote-on-new-pm/

BANGKOK, July 13 (TNA) – Police have mobilized two high-pressure water cannon trucks in the parliament compound in anticipation of the demonstrators who plan to gather there today as the parliament convenes to a joint sitting of the House of Representatives and senators to vote for the new prime minister. The vote expected at 5 p.m. will determine whether the Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat can take power after his party won the most seats in the May 14 election. Last night, police deployed two water trucks, two high-pressure water cannon trucks, and a sound amplifier truck on standby. Officers secured metal panels together to form a barrier around the premises. They also placed 40 shipping containers to block access to the parliament. However, residents in a nearby community can still use the route as usual. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1206195 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-07-13 - 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.

Monsoon warning for 46 Thai provinces: Rainfall, thunderstorms, and choppy seas by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Tasos Mansour, Unsplash. The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning today of a southwest monsoon causing thunderstorms throughout the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300523-monsoon-warning-for-46-thai-provinces-rainfall-thunderstorms-and-choppy-seas/

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning today of a southwest monsoon causing thunderstorms throughout the country. The alert specified significant rainfall projected across 46 provinces, both north and south, covering 40% of the country’s north and south. The population should be vigilant due to the inherent danger at this time. The southwest monsoon now covers the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand leading to continuous bouts of thunderstorms, primarily on the side facing the monsoon. For the Andaman Sea, where wave heights may reach around 1 metre, areas affected by thunderstorms could experience waves of 1 to 2 metres. Boat operators are advised to exercise caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm-affected regions. Northern provinces are expecting thunderstorms in 40% of the area, including in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, and Phetchabun. The lowest temperatures would range between 23 to 27 degrees Celsius while the highest would be 33 to 37 degrees Celsius, with southwest winds gusting 10 to 20 kilometres per hour, reported KhaoSod. Meanwhile, the northeast expects thunderstorms in 20% of the area, primarily in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. They should anticipate low temperatures of 23 to 26 degrees Celsius and highs of 35 to 37 degrees Celsius while the southwestern winds might blow at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Tasos Mansour, Unsplash. -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-13 - 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/southwest-monsoon-warning-for-46-thai-provinces-expect-high-rainfall-thunderstorms-and-choppy-seas-2

Pita’s VERY busy 24 hours, 3 arrested in Pattaya murder case : Tim Newton Today - July 13 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300522-pita’s-very-busy-24-hours-3-arrested-in-pattaya-murder-case-tim-newton-today-july-13/

Thailand News - Thailand's Election Commission decides yesterday, 2 months after the May 14 election, to submit its case against Pita Limjareonrat to the Constitutional Court. That kicked off a busy day with yet another submission made against the prospective PM as well. Meanwhile there are now three suspects in custody over the grisly murder case of Hans Peter Mack in Pattaya. Finally a look at the TAT's latest predictions that Thai tourism will almost double in the next 5 years. (Artwork for today's thumbnail from Nation Thailand) 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/

The Old Order’s Last Gasp by Arun Saronchai There is in Thailand a vestige of an epoch that is fast losing its relevance. I speak of Thailand’s conservative establishment, an obdurate machine anchored in antiquated conceptions of power, inept at moving with the currents of democratic evolution, and balefully terrified of a new political dawn. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300520-the-old-order’s-last-gasp/

There is in Thailand a vestige of an epoch that is fast losing its relevance. I speak of Thailand’s conservative establishment, an obdurate machine anchored in antiquated conceptions of power, inept at moving with the currents of democratic evolution, and balefully terrified of a new political dawn. The Constitutional Court and the Electoral Commission form the steely backbone of this historic relic, more adept at conspiring in hushed tones than honoring the clarion call of the ballot box. Consider, if you will, the electoral triumph of the Move Forward Party in the recent polls. The populace spoke, the establishment quaked, and the results were — how shall I put it delicaciously — overlooked. Underneath the veneer of formality, these institutions’ penchant for autocracy unfolds with startling clarity. Past alliances bring this into sharp relief. History, that merciless accountant, records numerous instances where these conservative establishments have clasped hands with dictators over democrats, casting aside the promise of egalitarianism in favor of a draconian status quo. This bitter marriage with authoritarianism is not only a betrayal of the Thai people but a shambolic performance of the democratic process. by Arun Saronchai Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/50176/the-old-orders-last-gasp/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2023-07-13 - 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.

UPDATE: Thai-China pact amplifies crackdown on Chinese fugitives in Thailand by Mitch Connor Most-wanted Chinese officials who have fled overseas, Image courtesy of China Daily A recent agreement between Thai and Chinese law enforcement signals an increased effort to crack down on Chinese criminals who have sought refuge in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300496-thai-china-collaboration-to-address-chinese-criminal-activities-in-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=18201094

Thai-China pact amplifies crackdown on Chinese fugitives in Thailand by Mitch Connor Most-wanted Chinese officials who have fled overseas, Image courtesy of China Daily A recent agreement between Thai and Chinese law enforcement signals an increased effort to crack down on Chinese criminals who have sought refuge in Thailand. Policymakers from both nations are keen on bolstering cooperation in dealing with significant instances of Chinese criminals fleeing from China to Thailand to evade apprehension. High-ranking officials of the Thai Immigration Bureau (IB), directed by Pakpoompipat Sajjapan, visited China with the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to international crimes involving Chinese nationals. This visit followed instructions delivered by the national police chief, Damrongsak Kittiprapas. Sajjapan headed to Kunming to conduct discourse with both China’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and Yunan province’s Public Security Department, in addition to related organizations, spanning from the previous Saturday till yesterday. Phanthana Nutchanart, the IB’s deputy director, commented that the dialogues with Chinese officials were instigated by constant accounts of Chinese criminals fleeing to and committing crimes in Thailand. Reports were exchanged between the IB and Chinese authorities concerning these criminals with the objective of improving collaboration between the two nations. In these discussions, the panels agreed to share information regarding Chinese suspects who could potentially flee to Thailand or have any connection with the nation. The Chinese authorities also pledged to deliver a list of their most wanted suspects to the Thailand IB to monitor their locations and incorporate that data into the IB’s alert system. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-china-pact-amplifies-crackdown-on-chinese-fugitives-in-thailand -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-13 - 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 Airways scandal sees corruption charges dropped against ex-PM Thaksin by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thaiairways. In a turn of events surrounding the Thai Airways corruption saga, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has aborted all charges against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, and three others. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300516-thai-airways-scandal-sees-corruption-charges-dropped-against-ex-pm-thaksin/

Picture courtesy of Thaiairways. In a turn of events surrounding the Thai Airways corruption saga, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has aborted all charges against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, and three others. The case involved allegations of corruption linked to the acquisition of 10 Airbus aircraft by Thai Airways International between 2003 and 2004. This was revealed by former deputy transport minister Pichet Sathirachawal, who was also accused in the case. Yesterday, Pichet disclosed the commission’s ruling. The aforementioned individuals were initially charged with neglect of duty concerning their involvement in the procurement of aircraft. The acquisition process was reportedly marked by corruption and mismanagement, leading to an increased debt burden on Thai Airways, thereby contributing to the financial predicament of the airline, as per the investigation team. During a television interview yesterday, Pichet mentioned that the commission has dismissed charges against himself, Thaksin, former Thai Airways board chairman Thanong Bidaya and former Thai Airways president Kanok Abhiradee. The trail of accusations began in December of last year when the NACC indicted Thaksin, Pichet, Thanong, and Kanok for dereliction of duty. Former industry minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit was also implicated initially but was later dismissed from the list of accused. The NACC mentioned that the removal of Suriya from the probe was due to sufficient evidence suggesting his non-involvement in the procurement of the 10 aircraft, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thaiairways. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/politics/thai-airways-scandal-sees-corruption-charges-dropped-against-ex-pm-thaksin -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-13 - 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 stock market fluctuates amid MFP leader’s shareholding controversy by Alex Morgan Supporters of Move Forward Party hold posters during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, July 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) The Move Forward Party (MFP) leader’s shareholding case prompts fluctuations in the Thai stock market. Yesterday, the Exchange Commission (EC) referred Pita Limjaroenrat’s iTV shareholding case to the Constitutional Court for resolution, sending ripples through the stock market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300512-thai-stock-market-fluctuates-amid-mfp-leader’s-shareholding-controversy/

The Move Forward Party (MFP) leader’s shareholding case prompts fluctuations in the Thai stock market. Yesterday, the Exchange Commission (EC) referred Pita Limjaroenrat’s iTV shareholding case to the Constitutional Court for resolution, sending ripples through the stock market. Suspicions regarding Mr Limjaroenrat’s iTV shareholding led the EC to propose he ceases all MP duties effective immediately, pending court deliberation in the following three days. This proposal fell a day before the appointment of the new prime minister, creating a sense of unease in an already sensitive market. Early fluctuations saw the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index incrementally increase by 10 points to 1,507.91. This shift in the market reflects the public sentiment towards the MFP and their policies, said an anonymous analyst from KTB Securities (Thailand). Market uncertainty finds equity related to the Pheu Thai Party and monopoly-related stocks rising in response to a potential new government headed by the Pheu Thai, should Mr Pita’s appointment fall through. Trade on the uprise included Intouch Holdings, Advanced Info Service, SC Asset, True. However, following the positive clamour of morning trading, the SET index took an afternoon plunge to 1,488.27 points. Market sensitivities to political instability, in this case, rally protests, saw risk reduction sales throughout the afternoon trading period. by Alex Morgan Supporters of Move Forward Party hold posters during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, July 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thai-stock-market-fluctuates-amid-mfp-leaders-shareholding-controversy -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-13 - 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 police intensify crackdown on international crime after German businessman’s murder by Mitch Connor Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Police in the Thai province of Chon Buri are intensifying their efforts against international criminal organisations, an enforcement surge prompted by the grisly murder of a German businessman in Pattaya. Deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, spoke of these measures after an urgent meeting was convened with local police forces late on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300506-thai-police-intensify-crackdown-on-international-crime-after-german-businessman’s-murder/

Pita’s chance of becoming next prime minister shrinks on eve of Parliamentary vote The chance of Move Forward Party chief Pita Limjaroenrat becoming Thailand’s next prime minister shrank on Wednesday as Parliament prepared for Thursday’s vote to select the country’s leader. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300504-pita’s-chance-of-becoming-next-prime-minister-shrinks-on-eve-of-parliamentary-vote/

The chance of Move Forward Party chief Pita Limjaroenrat becoming Thailand’s next prime minister shrank on Wednesday as Parliament prepared for Thursday’s vote to select the country’s leader. The Election Commission asked the Constitutional Court to rule if Pita, who is the top PM candidate by virtue of Move Forward’s election win, had violated election law. The EC also asked the court to suspend Pita as a member of the House of Representatives. This latest move by the election agency certainly will affect the parliamentary vote and Pita’s chance of gaining a majority at the joint meeting of 500 MPs and 250 senators. This case stems from Pita’s holding of 42,000 shares in iTV, Thailand’s first independent broadcaster, which has not operated as a media outlet since 2007 and has fought a long legal battle with the Prime Minister’s Secretariat over the decision to revoke its broadcast concession. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pitas-chance-of-becoming-next-prime-minister-shrinks-on-eve-of-parliamentary-vote/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-13 - 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 tourism hit by weak Chinese market and waning local interest by Alex Morgan Image by DanFLCreativo The sluggish Chinese economy and hesitant local budget travellers have dealt a blow to Thai tourism operators along the Eastern seaboard, casting a gloomy cloud over this year’s revenue prospects. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300503-thai-tourism-hit-by-weak-chinese-market-and-waning-local-interest/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 13 July 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300501-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-13-july-2023/

Thai prime ministerial hopeful Pita Lim-jaroen-rat was dealt a major setback yesterday after two separate complaints with the election commission regarding shares in itv and proposed amendments to the Les majeste laws, threatened to derail his leadership bid just ahead of today's crucial vote by MPs and the senate. Move Forward responded by accusing the Election Commission of “abuse of power” The Election Commission shut down the "comment" function on its Facebook page after it was bombarded with criticism from the public. Most Move Forward Party supporters gathered in protest at Pathumwan bangkok and also in other cities including Chiang Mai. The House of Representatives yesterday met to discuss their response to the deadly collapse of an elevated road under construction near latkrabang in Bangkok. The speaker asked for departments to come up with ideas to find the cause and ways of preventing similar tragedies from recurring. Authorities in Chiang Mai have warned people to be wary of a scam on a Line chat account that falsely claims to be able to issue citizenship ID cards. At least 23 people fell for the scam resulting in losses of almost half a million baht. Almost 60 students at a thai school in northern thailand were sent back to Myanmar yesterday after they had enrolled illegally A further 67 students who have lost contact with their parents due to the ongoing conflict remain at the school while authorities work out how to deal with them, several people falsely claiming to be parents turned away due to lack of documentation. A “Zero Carbon” mobile application has been launched to help tourists and tourism operators monitor their carbon emissions. The apps executive director said this app will help tourists monitor their carbon footprint generated by their activities and help provide travel routes and methods that are considered net zero tourism. About 1,500 zero-carbon routes will be added to the app in the next three years. Around the Region: Malaysia is attempting to find a group of at least 12 Malaysians who have gone missing in northern India, which is heavily affected by torrential rains. Widespread flooding caused at least 31 deaths, thousands to leave their homes and stranded tourists. The weather: Bright with thundershowers Chiang Mai and the north: bright partly cloudy with showers, 32C Bangkok: Bright but Cloudy, 34C Pattaya, Sunny, partly cloudy 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 30C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny becoming cloudy, a chance of rain later in the day 34C. 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 2023-07-13 - 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.

Drug-dealer’s daring escape attempt in Chumphon ends in fatal crash by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of KhaoSod Online A dramatic incident unfolded in Chumphon province, where a 22 year old suspected drug dealer attempted to evade arrest, resulting in a car crash involving two police vehicles. The suspect, who had a previous history of drug-related offences, didn’t survive. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300499-drug-dealer’s-daring-escape-attempt-in-chumphon-ends-in-fatal-crash/

Tourist Police Crack Down on Crime and Drug Trafficking in Northeast Thailand In a bid to curb all forms of crime and drug trafficking, the Tourist Police have announced a massive sweep across Northeast Thailand, promising no exceptions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300498-tourist-police-crack-down-on-crime-and-drug-trafficking-in-northeast-thailand/