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Deputy PM Prawit denies nap claims, insists he was just grounded by Bob Scott Lt. Gen. Patchasak Patirupanon, assistant spokesperson to the Deputy Prime Minister, denied General Prawit Wongsuwan was asleep during the House of Representatives meeting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299860-deputy-pm-prawit-denies-nap-claims-insists-he-was-just-grounded/

Lt. Gen. Patchasak Patirupanon, assistant spokesperson to the Deputy Prime Minister, denied General Prawit Wongsuwan was asleep during the House of Representatives meeting yesterday. Lt. Gen. Patchasak reckons the 77 year old was looking down at the ground and looking up, not sleeping. The picture of the deputy PM allegedly snoozing caused much mirth and merriment on Thai social media as “Uncle Pom” has been caught on several occasions napping at inappropriate times. Indeed, the picture raised health concerns for the deputy PM. Dr Rungsrit Kanjanavanit, from the Department of Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, alerted to the possible signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). He advised a sleep test and, if severe, the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. by Bob Scott #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/deputy-prime-ministers-frequent-dozing-prompts-health-concerns-and-calls-for-sleep-test -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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: Selection procedure for the next prime minister of Thailand Parliament The procedure for the selection of the prime minister at the joint meeting of members of the House and the Senate on July 13th is as follows: Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299832-parliament-to-select-new-prime-minister-on-july-13/?do=findComment&comment=18185015

Selection procedure for the next prime minister of Thailand Parliament The procedure for the selection of the prime minister at the joint meeting of members of the House and the Senate on July 13th is as follows: ▶︎ The names of the prime ministerial candidates must be submitted to the Election Commission by their parties. Currently, there are eight, namely Move Forward party’s Pita Limjaroenrat, Pheu Thai party’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Srettha Thavisin and Chaikasem Nitisiri, United Thai Nation party’s General Prayut Chan-o-cha and Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Bhumjaithai party’s Anutin Charnvirakul and Democrat party’s Jurin Laksanawisit. ▶︎ A prime ministerial candidate nominated by a party must be seconded by at least one-tenth of the members of the parliament, to be approved by members of the two houses. ▶︎ Voting by MPs and senators is done by roll call in alphabetical order, with each stating “approve”, “disapprove” or “abstain”. ▶︎ The “approval” votes must be more than half the combined number of MPs and senators, or at least 376 votes out of a total of 749, to become the prime minister. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/selection-procedure-for-the-next-prime-minister-of-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-06 - 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 Thursday 6 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1299859-thailand-live-thursday-6-july-2023/

Verbal abuse of Singaporean tourist leads to Phuket van driver being fined 1,000 baht Photo courtesy of The Phuket News In a show of justice for tourists in Phuket, a 47 year old van driver who verbally abused a tourist last Sunday has been legally reprimanded. The driver was imposed with a fine of 1,000 baht by the local court for frightening others with the use of threat (intimidation). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299847-verbal-abuse-of-singaporean-tourist-leads-to-phuket-van-driver-being-fined-1000-baht/

British student’s harrowing balcony plunge leaves him fighting for life in a Thailand hospital A British student is fighting for his life in hospital after a harrowing fall from a hotel balcony in Thailand. Picture courtesy of the Heathcock family #news Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299848-british-student’s-harrowing-balcony-plunge-leaves-him-fighting-for-life-in-a-thailand-hospital/

EC Extends Probe Into Pita’s Eligibility by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Election Commission (EC) has extended its investigation into Pita Limjaroenrat, the prime ministerial candidate and leader of the Move Forward Party, concerning his eligibility to run in elections. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299816-ec-extends-probe-into-pita’s-eligibility/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Election Commission (EC) has extended its investigation into Pita Limjaroenrat, the prime ministerial candidate and leader of the Move Forward Party, concerning his eligibility to run in elections. The move follows accusations that Pita knowingly registered to run for a parliamentary seat despite being ineligible under Article 151 of the MP Election Act due to his holdings of shares in the now-defunct iTV media company. According to EC secretary-general Sawang Boonmee, the probe has been extended for an additional 15 days from July 4. The EC has also forwarded information regarding Move Forward’s policy advocating for the possibility of amending and abolishing the criminal code of Section 112 to the Attorney General. The EC is requesting clarity on whether the policy, which has been a point of contention, is in violation of any legal regulations or norms. However, the registrar of political parties did not previously accept a petition filed against Move Forward over this issue, stating that there was insufficient evidence or information to suggest any actions which would constitute a threat to the monarchy - a fundamental institution under the democratic system. Despite this, the EC has ordered further investigation into whether the accused actions may infringe upon any other legal provisions. The EC’s decision was in response to the Constitutional Court’s order for the Attorney General to clarify its position on this matter, in line with Article 49 of the Constitution, which deals with threats to the royal institution. Information and Source by Paul Rujopakarn #news Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230705112414049 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-05 - 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.

Eight parties united in upcoming PM vote by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - With the vote for House Speaker and deputies completed today, the parliament is heading to the next crucial meeting to vote for Prime Minister. Eight parties holding the majority seats in the lower house said they were united in their decision to vote for Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299814-eight-parties-united-in-upcoming-pm-vote/

BANGKOK (NNT) - With the vote for House Speaker and deputies completed today, the parliament is heading to the next crucial meeting to vote for Prime Minister. Eight parties holding the majority seats in the lower house said they were united in their decision to vote for Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat. The journey for the next Prime Minister and the new government coalition is approaching its critical point, with the parliament now expected to hold a vote for Prime Minister soon, following today’s vote for House Speaker. According to Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam, Deputy Prime Minister of the caretaker government, the parliament will now submit the names of persons nominated as House Speaker and two corresponding deputies to His Majesty the King for official proclamation. Following the proclamation, the House Speaker, whose official title is President of the National Assembly, will then confer with the President of the Senate, to schedule an appropriate date for a National Assembly session, in which members of both the upper and lower houses will vote for Prime Minister. The caretaker government will remain in power until the day on which the new Prime Minister and Cabinet swear in. The eight parties led by Move Forward party (MFP), who secured the highest number of seats in the House of Representatives, have expressed their unity in the forming of the MFP-led government coalition, with MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat serving as Prime Minister. Mr. Pita yesterday, as part of the press conference on the nomination of Mr. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha as House Speaker, said the parties still maintain their position to nominate him as Prime Minister, according to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by leaders of the eight parties. Pheu Thai party leader Dr. Chonlanan Srikaew today said the eight parties will mutually nominate Mr. Pita for the Prime Ministerial vote, and will try to secure the most votes possible to reach the minimum 376 votes required. Dr Chonlanan stressed that his party does not have a backup plan in place, in case Mr Pita faces major political obstacles. He said the only plan right now is to secure enough votes. #news Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230705111525038 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-07-05 - 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.

Stairway to suspicion: Police investigate mysterious death of toddler in Buriram by Nattapong Westwood Photo Courtesy of iStock. Police are currently investigating the mysterious death of a one year old boy in Thailand’s Buriram province, following his mother’s claim that he tragically tumbled down the stairs and died. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299811-stairway-to-suspicion-police-investigate-mysterious-death-of-toddler-in-buriram/

Cyber Police nab scammer accused of defrauding doctor of 101 Million Baht by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A 29 year old woman alleged to be a part of a scamming ring was apprehended by the Cyber Police in a residence in Chon Buri yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299810-cyber-police-nab-scammer-accused-of-defrauding-doctor-of-101-million-baht/

A discomforting event unfolded during Ryanair’s recent flight, when a passenger tried to open the aircraft door as the plane cruised along the runway, preparing to depart from Zadar, a city in southwestern Croatia. The flight was bound for London Stansted, England. The incident, which occurred last Friday, June 30, was caught on a video clip recorded by a fellow passenger. The clip revealed startling behaviour from a 27 year old British professional boxer, who suddenly sprang from his seat, became agitated, and stormed to the front of the aircraft. Even more disturbingly, the man demanded the flight attendants to open the aircraft door. The same man then raised his fist, yelling as he bypassed the crew member in the aisle, The Sun reported. Promptly, two heroic passengers, who were sitting, stood up and tackled the havoc-causing young man. by Nattapong Westwood Photo Courtesy of taxideiver1, Tiktok Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/world/aviation/british-boxers-chaos-as-he-attempts-to-open-ryanair-plane-door-mid-flight -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-05 - 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.

Tragedy strikes in Thailand: Teen athlete brutally gunned down in southern Thailand by Samantha Rose Photo Courtesy of Sanook In a shocking incident yesterday, a 15 year old boy was brutally gunned down on a road in the Lungsuan district in the southern Thailand province of Chumphon. The tenth-grade student-athlete, identified as P, was shot eight times by three men in a pick-up truck. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299806-tragedy-strikes-in-thailand-teen-athlete-brutally-gunned-down-in-southern-thailand/

Thailand drought coming, battle to be next Thai PM : Tim Newton Today - July 5 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299800-thailand-drought-coming-battle-to-be-next-thai-pm-tim-newton-today-july-5/

Thailand looks like it's heading for a drought as rain remains sketchy so far during the wet season, El Niño is the culprit but how much will it affect Thailand's economy and agricultural sector? In the next two weeks the new Thai parliament will vote for a new PM, we make our prediction. Small hotels can now apply for registration, but what difference will this make? 5 Star Marines wins TripAdvisor accolades, the Sex Worker Protection Bill will profoundly change the lives of Thai sex workers. 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/

Dozy deputy: Prawit, once again, caught napping on the job in Parliament by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ท่านผู้นำฮาเฮ Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has been caught at it again, snoozing on the job, during a Parliament meeting. It’s not the first time Prawit, affectionately known as “Uncle Pom,” has been caught nodding off at work. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299788-dozy-deputy-prawit-once-again-caught-napping-on-the-job-in-parliament/

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has been caught at it again, snoozing on the job, during a Parliament meeting. It’s not the first time Prawit, affectionately known as “Uncle Pom,” has been caught nodding off at work. The 77 year old politician has always defended himself against the accusations saying he was only “resting his eyes,” just like Sleeping Beauty. The picture, showing the back of Prawit slumped forward asleep, went viral across Thai social media platforms. According to Sanook’s report, the picture was taken during the final two hours of the meeting where Padiphat Santiphada, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Move Forward Party (MFP), was addressing the Deputy President of the Thailand Parliament. The reactions from netizens varied. Some netizen expressed their worries about Prawit’s health and offered their good wishes, hoping that he would continue his work in the Parliament without any health complications. Many netizens disagreed with all of the negative comments and defended Prawit saying that it was normal for an old person to take a nap, while others believed it was time for Prawit to step back and allow a new generation of politicians to take the lead. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ท่านผู้นำฮาเฮ #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/dozy-deputy-prawit-once-again-caught-napping-on-the-job-in-parliament -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-05 - 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 unaffected by political unrest unless airports shut, says ex-minister by Alex Morgan Wikipedia File photo for reference only In times of political upheaval, Thailand’s foreign tourists would not be significantly impacted, unless there was an incident akin to 2008’s airport disruption, according to former tourism and sports minister, Weerasak Kowsurat. Back in 2008, protesters had shut down Bangkok’s airports leading to a drop in tourist visits, impacting Thai tourism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299780-thai-tourism-unaffected-by-political-unrest-unless-airports-shut-says-ex-minister/

In times of political upheaval, Thailand’s foreign tourists would not be significantly impacted, unless there was an incident akin to 2008’s airport disruption, according to former tourism and sports minister, Weerasak Kowsurat. Back in 2008, protesters had shut down Bangkok’s airports leading to a drop in tourist visits, impacting Thai tourism. Weerasak, now serving as a senator, insists that tourists are diligent in keeping up with their travel commitments, provided that the political demonstrations do not intervene with their plans. The democratic process, and any ensuing peaceful protests that come with it, are, by and large, viewed as domestic issues by tourists that can impact Thai tourism. During his time as tourism minister, Weerasak witnessed tourists unperturbed by nearby street protests while still on their holidays in Ratchadamnoen Avenue, where the ministry’s headquarters is located. Nonetheless, he stressed that an extensive disruption such as an airport seizure could lead to a drastic downturn in the inflow of tourists, just as it had in 2008. To this extent, any potential political unrest should warrant a contingency plan, particularly for managing possible violence, proposed Weerasak. by Alex Morgan Wikipedia File photo for reference only #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/political-unrest-wont-deter-thailands-tourists-unless-airports-shut-says-ex-minister -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-05 - 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.

Naree Tantasathien: Thailand’s top lawyer weighing Move Forward, Pita’s future By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Thailand’s Attorney-General Naree Tantasathien has another important decision to make in a case with serious political ramifications. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299779-naree-tantasathien-thailand’s-top-lawyer-weighing-move-forward-pita’s-future/

Thailand’s Attorney-General Naree Tantasathien has another important decision to make in a case with serious political ramifications. On her agenda is a petition lodged against the liberal Move Forward Party and its leader and PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat over their policy to amend the lese majeste law. The petitioner, lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn, believes this policy violates Article 49 of the Constitution, which prohibits the public from exercising its rights and liberties to overthrow the country’s constitutional monarchy. The clause also states that any person who learns of such an act can call on the attorney-general to request a Constitutional Court order for an end to such acts. If the attorney-general rejects or fails to act on the petition within 15 days, the petitioner can take the complaint directly to the Constitutional Court. Theerayut took the matter to court after there was no action from the attorney-general for more than 15 days. He had filed his petition on May 30. The Constitutional Court had earlier this week asked the attorney-general for an update on the petition. A spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) later denied the agency was sitting on the petition, saying the office was waiting for documents from relevant organizations and agencies. These documents could have a considerable bearing on the attorney-general’s final decision, he added. By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/naree-tantasathien-thailands-top-lawyer-weighing-move-forward-pitas-future/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-05 - 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.

Export growth remains uncertain amid high global interest rates in Thailand by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of blogs.cfainstitute.org In a recent development, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has adjusted its export growth outlook to fall between a negative 0.5% and a positive 1%. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299778-export-growth-remains-uncertain-amid-high-global-interest-rates-in-thailand/

In a recent development, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has adjusted its export growth outlook to fall between a negative 0.5% and a positive 1%. This stark revision from the previously projected 0 to 1% growth range primarily attributes to looming global uncertainties, particularly concerning key trading counterparts in the US, the EU, and China. High international interest rates have significantly contributed to this economic unpredictability as well. Chaichan Chareonsuk, who holds the chairman’s position at TNSC, highlighted the potential challenges exporters are likely to face during the second half, including a sluggish economic revival from essential trade partners such as the US, Europe, and China. Adding further stress to the state of affairs are the continually soaring international interest rates, resulting in the deceleration of economies worldwide and causing borrowing costs for entrepreneurs to climb, thereby escalating exporters’ production costs and severely impacting export growth. “The upswing in costs such as electricity bills and raw materials is drastically impacting Thailand’s competitive stature in the global market,” observed Chairman Chaichan. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of blogs.cfainstitute.org #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-export-growth-uncertain-amid-high-global-interest-rates -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-05 - 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.