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Serial Burglars Arrested in Sattahip Following Numerous Break-ins By Tanakorn Panyadee Sattahip — A Thai couple were arrested on Saturday, July 8th, after they were suspected of breaking into several houses in Na Jomtien within the Sattahip district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300193-serial-burglars-arrested-in-sattahip-following-numerous-break-ins/

Four Illegal Taxi Drivers Arrested in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – Four illegal taxi drivers were arrested in Patong this weekend, July 9th, 2023 for using a personal vehicle to transfer tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300192-four-illegal-taxi-drivers-arrested-in-patong/

Officials Inspect Entertainment Venues in Phuket Town By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Phuket officials inspected ten entertainment venues in Phuket Town over the past weekend. One of them was found to be selling alcohol past the legal closing times. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300191-officials-inspect-entertainment-venues-in-phuket-town/

UPDATE: Police have identified two young women who may have parked the car of missing German in Pattaya by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Case of the missing German took a sinister turn on Sunday morning with a senior Thai police officer confirming that someone had used a cleaning agent to wipe away fingerprints throughout the interior of the vehicle and even on the outside. This suggests that a serious crime has been committed, raising fears for the German man’s fate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300144-three-million-baht-reward-offered-for-finding-missing-german-businessman/?do=findComment&comment=18193208

Democrats fail to elect a new leader due to lack of a quorum The extraordinary general meeting of the Democrat party, called to elect a new party leader and executive board today (Sunday), was abruptly adjourned after the meeting was found to lack a quorum. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300190-democrats-fail-to-elect-a-new-leader-due-to-lack-of-a-quorum/

The extraordinary general meeting of the Democrat party, called to elect a new party leader and executive board today (Sunday), was abruptly adjourned after the meeting was found to lack a quorum. The meeting, at the grand ballroom of the Miracle Hotel, started at about 2.30 pm. Several former leaders, including Chuan Leekpai, Banyat Bantadtan and Jurin Laksanawisit, attended the meeting along with numerous party members. The only agendum of the meeting was to elect a new party leader to replace Jurin, who resigned after the announcement of the May 14th election result, which saw the party routed in Bangkok and losing significant ground in its southern stronghold. Party secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on also quit. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/democrats-fail-to-elect-a-new-leader-due-to-lack-of-a-quorum/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-10 - 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.

Supporters turn out in droves in Bangkok to offer moral support to Pita A large number of supporters of the Move Forward party gathered in front of the Central World shopping mall at the Ratchaprasong intersection today (Sunday), to offer moral support to party leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Many wore orange, the party’s colour. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300189-supporters-turn-out-in-droves-in-bangkok-to-offer-moral-support-to-pita/

300,000 Baht Robbery at Chalong Motorbike Rental Shop By Goongnang Suksawat Chalong – A thief broke into a motorbike shop in Chalong and reportedly stole a motorbike and more than 300,000 baht in cash. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300187-300000-baht-robbery-at-chalong-motorbike-rental-shop/

Fitness Center Raided in Bangkok, Allegedly Secretly Used For Gay Sexual Activities By Goongnang Suksawat Bangkok – A fitness center in Bangkok was raided where officers discovered many used condoms and said the center was allegedly being used secretly as a meetup location for gay sexual activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300186-fitness-center-raided-in-bangkok-allegedly-secretly-used-for-gay-sexual-activities/

Thailand’s potential as international events hub questioned amidst Taylor Swift tour snub by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Taylor Swift, via Facebook The exclusion of Thailand from the itinerary of Taylor Swift‘s world tour has prompted the denizens to reconsider the nation’s global standing as a viable hub for international exhibitions and events. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300185-thailand’s-potential-as-international-events-hub-questioned-amidst-taylor-swift-tour-snub/

The exclusion of Thailand from the itinerary of Taylor Swift‘s world tour has prompted the denizens to reconsider the nation’s global standing as a viable hub for international exhibitions and events. Bringing the country’s potential into question, it was revealed that the total revenue from meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry for the final quarter of last year was 28.5 billion baht, of which exhibitions contributed over twice as much as corporate meetings at 6.88 billion baht, compared to 3.24 billion, as cited by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). As business normalises and traffic increases, accommodating larger events or concerts in the capital’s convention centres becomes a daunting task. Two simultaneous international shows can attract over 10,000 visitors, leading to traffic congestion. INRIX Research’s 2022 Global Traffic Scorecard identified Bangkok as the second most congested city in Asia with 67 lost hours. Contrastingly, Singapore National Stadium, with a 55,000 seat capacity and hosting Taylor Swift’s forthcoming concerts, benefits from direct MRT station connectivity. On the other hand, the Rajamangala Stadium, Thailand’s biggest with 51,000 seats, is a 3 kilometre walk away from the closest Yellow Line railway station. Loy Joon How, general manager at Impact Exhibition Management, said success also hinges on delivering high-quality international events consistently and a proactive marketing and branding strategy. “Critical to positioning Thailand as an international event and entertainment hub is efficient urban planning and infrastructure.” by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Taylor Swift, via Facebook #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-potential-as-international-events-hub-questioned-amidst-taylor-swift-tour-snub -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-10 - 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.

World Bank Raises Outlook for Thai Economic Recovery by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The World Bank’s Thailand Economic Monitor for June 2023 has indicated the Thai economic recovery is projected to accelerate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300184-world-bank-raises-outlook-for-thai-economic-recovery/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The World Bank’s Thailand Economic Monitor for June 2023 has indicated the Thai economic recovery is projected to accelerate. The bank’s forecast for Thai GDP growth in 2023 has also been revised up to 3.9% due to stronger than expected external demand. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri made known that in acknowledgment of this development, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed his appreciation for all relevant parties working to ensure the nation’s economic recovery. He added that the premier was confident in his administration’s stimulus policies, which were based on continuous assessments of economic conditions. The policies were intended to help strengthen the Thai economy, with the World Bank’s revised projections reflecting the results. The World Bank noted that Thailand’s economic growth rebounded by 4.5% in the first quarter of 2023 amid high domestic demand and tourism revenue. The World Bank report said the current account balance is expected to reverse from the deficit of the past two years and return to positive territory in 2023 at 2.5% of GDP, due to improving trade in both goods and services. Meanwhile, it said labor market conditions are showing improvement as recovery continues across sectors related to tourism, trade and hospitality. The report further noted that the unemployment rate stood at 1.1%, down from 1.5% in the same quarter of last year. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, more than 12.4 million foreign visitors have visited Thailand since the beginning of the year, generating about 500 billion baht in revenue for the kingdom. Spokesperson Anucha said the World Bank report projected that the Thai economy will expand by 3.6% and 3.4% in 2024 and 2025, respectively. It nevertheless warned of risks that must be navigated, such as weaker-than-expected growth of the global economy and various other challenges such as climate change. It also mentioned that Thailand frequently suffers from droughts and floods, although it acknowledged that progress has been made to better cope with these problems. by Natthaphon Sangpolsit #news Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230708160532067 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-10 - 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.

Chuan defends Move Forward MP Sirikanya Sirikanya Tansakul Former parliament president and House speaker Chuan Leekpai has defended Move Forward party-list MP Sirikanya Tansakul, following an accusation, by serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya, that the new MP did not take the oath properly when the House convened for the first time on July 4. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300183-chuan-defends-move-forward-mp-sirikanya/

Former parliament president and House speaker Chuan Leekpai has defended Move Forward party-list MP Sirikanya Tansakul, following an accusation, by serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya, that the new MP did not take the oath properly when the House convened for the first time on July 4. Srisuwan filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission on Friday, seeking an investigation into Sirikanya for allegedly not taking the oath properly, as constitutionally required from all MPs before they can start to perform their duties in parliament. Srisuwan claims that the Move Forward MP did not say her name after the House speaker spoke the lines of the oath, to be repeated by all the MPs present. Top photo: Sirikanya Tansakul #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/chuan-defends-move-forward-mp-sirikanya/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-10 - 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.

Ex-DSI chief Tarit resorts to Charter Court to delay reading of verdict In a last-minute attempt to delay the reading of the Supreme Court’s verdict, scheduled on Monday, former director-general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Tarit Pengdit, submitted a petition Friday, through the Supreme Court to the Constitutional Court, seeking a ruling on the constitutionality of Sections 157 and 200 of the Criminal Code. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300182-ex-dsi-chief-tarit-resorts-to-charter-court-to-delay-reading-of-verdict/

In a last-minute attempt to delay the reading of the Supreme Court’s verdict, scheduled on Monday, former director-general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Tarit Pengdit, submitted a petition Friday, through the Supreme Court to the Constitutional Court, seeking a ruling on the constitutionality of Sections 157 and 200 of the Criminal Code. Citing Section 212 of the Constitution, Tarit claimed that the court must forward his petition to the Charter Court for consideration, as he warned that, if the Supreme Court upholds the Appeals Court’s guilty verdict, it will effectively “whitewash” the 2010 bloody crackdown against red-shirt protesters, ordered by former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban. Tarit spoke at length about the case against Abhisit and Suthep at a meeting today with relatives of 99 red-shirt protesters killed and relatives of about 2,000 protesters injured during the crackdown. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ex-dsi-chief-tarit-resorts-to-charter-court-to-delay-reading-of-verdict/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-10 - 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.

Policeman Dies After Drug-Crazed Man Slashes His Throat by TNR Staff The house where Pol. Sub. Lt. Boontham Kaewrat’s throat was slashed by a drug-crazed man. Photo: Naewna A POLICEMAN at Ron Phibun station in Nakhon Si Thammarat died after a drug-crazed man slashed his throat just as he was talking to him to calm down at around 11 p.m. last night, Naewna newspaper and Sanook.com said Saturday (July 8). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300181-policeman-dies-after-drug-crazed-man-slashes-his-throat/

Pita Sees Non-Coalition MPs, Senators Being Swayed By Voters’ Consensus By Thai Newsroom Reporters MOVE FORWARD LEADER/PRIME minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat said today (July 8th) certain non-coalition MPs and some senators might probably pick him for head of government not because of him as an individual politician or anything about his progressive party as a whole but because they may only mean to observe the voters’ consensus. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300180-pita-sees-non-coalition-mps-senators-being-swayed-by-voters’-consensus/

Photo: Thai Rath MOVE FORWARD LEADER/PRIME minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat said today (July 8th) certain non-coalition MPs and some senators might probably pick him for head of government not because of him as an individual politician or anything about his progressive party as a whole but because they may only mean to observe the voters’ consensus. Pita said those non-coalition MPs and senators who might probably vote for him to take the helm of government might as well resolve to pay an ultimate respect for the principles of democratic rule under which a consensus of a majority of voters in last May’s general election be seriously taken into account. Pita said those lawmakers who might jump onto the bandwagon of a majority of MPs to pick him for prime minister during the upcoming Thursday’s joint House/Senate meeting would probably mean to put such democratic principles above unresolved concerns over himself as leader of the Move Forward or any of their political ideologies manifested during nationwide electoral campaigns. By Thai Newsroom Reporters #news Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/07/08/pita-sees-non-coalition-mps-senators-being-swayed-by-voters-consensus/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-07-10 - 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.

Coalition Partners Get Ready For PM Vote THE MOVE FORWARD-LED, eight coalition partners are scheduled to meet again on Tuesday as part of joint preparations for the upcoming Thursday’s historic vote for Move Forward leader/prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300179-coalition-partners-get-ready-for-pm-vote/

THE MOVE FORWARD-LED, eight coalition partners are scheduled to meet again on Tuesday as part of joint preparations for the upcoming Thursday’s historic vote for Move Forward leader/prime minister-designate Pita Limjaroenrat. Move Forward secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon confirmed today (July 8th) the leaderships of the eight coalition partners led by the Move Forward will discuss and make preparations for the naming and voting of Pita for the country’s 30th prime minister during Thursday’s joint House/Senate session. Apart from the Move Forward, most of the coalition partners were curious to know how many of the total 250 senators may have been so far lobbied by Pita and his partisan colleagues to cast yea votes for him, according to the Move Forward secretary-general. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Move Forward leader/prime minister-candidate Pita Limjaroenrat. Photo: Matichon #news Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/07/08/coalition-partners-get-ready-for-pm-vote/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-07-10 - 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.

Senator asks his peers to support Pita for PM File photo A senator issued an open letter on Saturday asking his fellow senators to vote for Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat as the next prime minister during the joint sitting on Thursday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300178-senator-asks-his-peers-to-support-pita-for-pm/

File photo A senator issued an open letter on Saturday asking his fellow senators to vote for Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat as the next prime minister during the joint sitting on Thursday. Vudhibhandhu Vichairatana wrote, in what he called his second open letter, that he would follow the instructions of HM the King, given at the inauguration ceremony of the lower House last week, to carry out his duties for the benefit of the country’s stability and of the people. He said there may be strong and wide criticism concerning the suitability of an individual, that is just a part of freedom of expression. There have, however, been opinions expressed which are not appropriate and based on bias. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/senator-asks-his-peers-to-support-pita-for-pm/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-10 - 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.

Massage Shop in Patong Open Without Permit By Goongnang Suksawat Patong, Phuket – A massage shop in Patong was allegedly open without permission. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1300177-massage-shop-in-patong-open-without-permit/