webfact

Breakthrough deal could see either Pita or Srettha take job as Thailand’s 30th PM on July 13th by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Observers believe that the pact reportedly brokered between the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties on Thursday evening last may hold the key to avoiding a political stalemate with Move Forward agreeing to support a potential Pheu Thai Party nominee for Prime Minister if Mr Pita cannot command the required number of votes of MPs and Senators. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299546-breakthrough-deal-could-see-either-pita-or-srettha-take-job-as-thailand’s-30th-pm-on-july-13th/

Observers believe that the pact reportedly brokered between the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties on Thursday evening last may hold the key to avoiding a political stalemate with Move Forward agreeing to support a potential Pheu Thai Party nominee for Prime Minister if Mr Pita cannot command the required number of votes of MPs and Senators. A breakthrough deal hatched between the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties should see a Move Forward party nominee elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 4th, the day after parliament is opened by the King. The deal also provides for a Pheu Thai nominee for Prime Minister in the event of Mr Pita Limjaroenrat failing to secure half the votes of the joint session of parliament to be held on Thursday, July 13th next. This should help ensure the best possible chance that a Prime Minister will be elected by the eight-party coalition during the month. The pact could see Pheu Thai’s Srettha Thavisin emerging as the new government leader if Mr Pita does not secure the position first with the deciding factor being the votes of the Thai Senate and the stance taken by the Democrat Party and possibly the Bhumjaithai Party. They agreed on a formula to allow for the election of a Move Forward party candidate to the position of House Speaker on Tuesday, July 4th in return for Move Forward’s support for a Pheu Thai prime ministerial nominee if a stalemate situation arises in parliament after the July 13th vote for prime minister. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor #news Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/07/03/deal-could-see-either-pita-or-srettha-as-pm-july/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-07-03 - 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.

Blind ex-Thai embassy employee alleges neglect, seeks compensation by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Countering accusations made by a former member of staff at the Thai embassy in Paris, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has refuted claims of embassy neglect following the irreversible loss of her eyesight. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299545-blind-ex-thai-embassy-employee-alleges-neglect-seeks-compensation/

Countering accusations made by a former member of staff at the Thai embassy in Paris, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has refuted claims of embassy neglect following the irreversible loss of her eyesight. Previously employed as part of the embassy service team from 2009 until 2012, Rattanaporn Saeng-on, aged 45, was found by authorities trying to deliberately endanger herself in moving traffic on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road last Friday. Rattanaporn accuses the embassy of abandoning her after she lost her sight and claims she was never afforded the proper level of compensation fitting her predicament. Heartbreakingly, she confesses she lost her will to live as a result citing embassy neglect. Kanchana Patarachoke, the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson, stated on Saturday that Rattanaporn began ageing from glaucoma, a genetically predisposed condition, that pre-dated her employment at the embassy, further adding that many of Rattanaporn’s relatives are also impacted by the condition. Rattanaporn resigned from her role at the embassy, citing health reasons, in 2012. She appealed to the ministry in 2018 for support with her condition. Once the ministry had consulted the Comptroller General’s Department (CGD), a special monetary package of 196,549 baht was approved. by Mitch Connor Top Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/blind-ex-thai-embassy-employee-alleges-neglect-seeks-increased-compensation-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-03 - 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.

Collision on Pattaya Road Kills One Woman and Seriously Injures Another, Driver Admits to Drinking By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — On the morning of Sunday, July 2nd, a Thai man driving a pickup truck collided with two women who were crossing the road on a motorbike. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299544-collision-on-pattaya-road-kills-one-woman-and-seriously-injures-another-driver-admits-to-drinking/

Taking the insurgency by storm: Southern Thailand’s military withdrawal sets off in full swing by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The forthcoming military withdrawal in the southern region of Thailand, which has seen 19 years of insurgent unrest, is currently in its initial phase, according to Fourth Region Army commander, Lt. Gen. Santi Sakuntanak. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299543-taking-the-insurgency-by-storm-southern-thailand’s-military-withdrawal-sets-off-in-full-swing/

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 3 July 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1299542-thailand-live-monday-3-july-2023/

Thai philanthropist honoured with Vatican’s highest accolade by Top Photo by Bangkok Post. A remarkably significant occasion unfolded at as Somsak Leeswadtrakul, a Thai philanthropist and entrepreneur, was acknowledged by the Vatican for his unwavering commitment towards promoting peace and unity both nationally and globally. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299541-thai-philanthropist-honoured-with-vatican’s-highest-accolade/

Water crisis grapples Koh Samui as rising tourist demands amplify freshwater shortage by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of digitalnomads.world Koh Samui, a popular tourist resort island in Surat Thani province, is grappling with a significant water crisis as declining rainfall and amplified water demands take their toll. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299540-water-crisis-grapples-koh-samui-as-rising-tourist-demands-amplify-freshwater-shortage/

Motorbike Rider in Thalang Killed by Hit and Run Driver By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – A motorbike rider died after being hit by a car in Thalang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299539-motorbike-rider-in-thalang-killed-by-hit-and-run-driver/

Pickup Truck Crashes Into Home in Thalang, Driver Begs Not to Call Police By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – A pickup truck crashed into a home in the Thalang district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299538-pickup-truck-crashes-into-home-in-thalang-driver-begs-not-to-call-police/

Video of Intoxicated Foreign Tourists in Phuket Brawling Goes Viral On Social Media – VIDEO By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – The Phuket Tourist Police have released a statement after a video of foreign tourists who were seemingly fighting has gone viral on social media. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299537-video-of-intoxicated-foreign-tourists-in-phuket-brawling-goes-viral-on-social-media-–-video/

Navy Officer In Shootout While Helping Woman Being Attacked by TNR Staff A THAI NAVY officer shot a man in self defence after moving in to help his former girlfriend just as he was attacking her upon being shot at first with the latter later dying at a hospital, Naewna newspaper said Saturday (July 1). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299536-navy-officer-in-shootout-while-helping-woman-being-attacked/

Thailand’s Interior Ministry rolls out digital ID app in drive towards Thailand 4.0 by Mitch Connor Photo by Bangkok Post. In an effort to digitise various government-provided services and increase their accessibility, Thailand’s Interior Ministry officially rolled out a novel mobile application as part of its digital ID programme on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299535-thailand’s-interior-ministry-rolls-out-digital-id-app-in-drive-towards-thailand-40/

Banpu eyes free power trade system amidst rising Thai electricity costs by Alex Morgan Photo by The Scientific World. In the face of rising electricity bills, a new opportunity is emerging for a free power trade system in Thailand, as spotted by Banpu Power Plc, the power generation arm of energy conglomerate Banpu Plc. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299534-banpu-eyes-free-power-trade-system-amidst-rising-thai-electricity-costs/

Bangkok food shop exposed as illegal pub, arrests made during surprise raid by Top Photo by Department of Provincial Administration. An unlicensed pub masquerading as a food shop was inconspicuously hiding in plain sight in the Pathum Wan district of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299533-bangkok-food-shop-exposed-as-illegal-pub-arrests-made-during-surprise-raid-by-top/

Airport capacity at Suvarnabhumi to increase with new terminal and tech upgrades by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Arina Sofiah, humanresourcesonline.net Influential airport operator, Airports of Thailand (AoT), is set to inaugurate a new satellite passenger terminal at the famed Suvarnabhumi Airport come this September. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299532-airport-capacity-at-suvarnabhumi-to-increase-with-new-terminal-and-tech-upgrades/

UPDATE: Bangkok Bank Mobile App Continues to Have Widespread Issues Frustrating Customers By Adam Judd Thailand-The Bangkok Bank Mobile application has had a number of issues over this first weekend of July 2023, frustrating clients. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299530-thai-mobile-banking-apps-crash-on-payday-transfers-put-off/?do=findComment&comment=18178634

Thailand’s tourism confidence slides amidst global economy concerns by Alex Morgan The second quarter of this year saw the Tourism Confidence Index remaining subdued, sliding from the previous quarter. The contributor to this drop was a blend of Thailand‘s low season and decreased earnings from tourism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299531-thailand’s-tourism-confidence-slides-amidst-global-economy-concerns/

Thai Mobile Banking Apps Crash On Payday, Transfers Put Off by TNR Staff A customer using a mobile banking app and a list of banks facing problems. Photo: Matichon THERE were loud complaints today (July 1) after mobile banking apps and online service of several Thai banks crashed with customers told that cash transfers made from 2 p.m onwards will reach the destination by 7 p.m. tomorrow, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299530-thai-mobile-banking-apps-crash-on-payday-transfers-put-off/

This week, American Ambassador to Thailand, Robert Godec, rejected claims by conservative activists that the United States had interfered or swayed the May 14th General Election. He said the US stood ready to support any new incoming government, whatever its political background. The envoy restated his country’s respect for the Thai Monarchy. He also firmly rejected any suggestion that Washington has its sights on an American military base in the kingdom. It comes as polls show that already there is opposition to the new government as nearly 49.16% of people are convinced Thailand will see more political conflict on the street while 29.06% fear another coup is likely. NIDA poll shows that political conflict is still on the horizon as US envoy denies interference by Joseph O' Connor Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299529-nida-poll-shows-that-political-conflict-is-still-on-the-horizon-as-us-envoy-denies-interference/

Photo by Bangkok Post. A remarkably significant occasion unfolded at as Somsak Leeswadtrakul, a Thai philanthropist and entrepreneur, was acknowledged by the Vatican for his unwavering commitment towards promoting peace and unity both nationally and globally. In recognition of his selfless support to socially disadvantaged communities, Leeswadtrakul was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order, the paramount accolade of the Order of St Gregory the Great. Acknowledging this momentous event, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Holy See Embassy, Msgr. Daniel Tumiel divulged that the Order of St Gregory the Great, instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1831, remains among the highest honour the Vatican can confer upon laypersons. It is an accolade appreciated for its significance in endorsing the Catholic Church’s mission amongst the common populace. The honour was formally awarded at a ceremony in Bangkok during the Pope’s Day Celebration yesterday, Bangkok Post reported. by Top Top Photo by Bangkok Post. #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-philanthropist-somsak-leeswadtrakul-honoured-with-vaticans-highest-accolade -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-03 - 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.

In an effort to digitise various government-provided services and increase their accessibility, Thailand’s Interior Ministry officially rolled out a novel mobile application as part of its digital ID programme on Friday. The launch event was graced by none other than caretaker Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, who wholeheartedly endorsed the newly unveiled ‘ThaID’ mobile application. Prayut outlined the primary motive behind introducing this innovative app – to streamline the way citizens utilise an array of state services. He went on to elucidate that this advancement is a seminal part of the ambitious Thailand 4.0 strategy. The successful creation and introduction of ‘ThaID’ marks a significant stepping stone in the government’s campaign to enrich the country’s digital ecosystem. Prayut put forth his earnest aspiration that the digital ID system would soon be widely adopted by various state and private agencies to enhance the efficiency of their respective services. He used the platform to encourage media channels to aggrandise its use amongst the public. Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda shed some light on the chronology of the digital ID programme’s development. by Mitch Connor Photo by Bangkok Post. #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailands-interior-ministry-rolls-out-digital-id-app-in-drive-towards-thailand-4-0 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-03 - 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.

In the face of rising electricity bills, a new opportunity is emerging for a free power trade system in Thailand, as spotted by Banpu Power Plc, the power generation arm of energy conglomerate Banpu Plc. Expecting a worldwide shift in electricity markets, the company, under Kirana Limpaphayom, its CEO, is poised to take advantage of this imminent change. The combined effect of advancing digital technology, mounting climate change concerns, and declining costs for developing renewable power plants fuel this progression. Additionally, the hike in energy prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict is facilitating this transition. The Thai population, both households and entrepreneurs, is showing an increased preference towards energy derived from rooftop solar panels as a counteraction to expensive electricity costs. Banpu is planning to pivot more towards the power trade business while further pushing its branches into energy solutions and electric vehicle sectors, Bangkok Post reported. A potential market is visualised by Kirana where electricity sellers and energy types are chosen freely by customers based on their individual needs and financial situations. Similar to the retail oil market, the aim is for businesses to be able to freely trade electricity generated from sources like solar panels without intervention from the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand or the government’s power distribution divisions, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and the Provincial Electricity Authority. by Alex Morgan Photo by The Scientific World. #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/banpu-eyes-free-power-trade-system-amidst-rising-thai-electricity-costs -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-03 - 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.

The second quarter of this year saw the Tourism Confidence Index remaining subdued, sliding from the previous quarter. The contributor to this drop was a blend of Thailand‘s low season and decreased earnings from tourism. The president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), Chamnan Srisawat, announced that the second quarter’s score was two points lower than the prior quarter at 72. This noticeably fell short of the identical period in 2019, which recorded 100, inferring weakened optimism. The findings came from a survey conducted from April 20 to May 30, comprising 740 operators. A pressing concern was the cost of electricity, scoring 3.94 out of 5, yet only a meagre 14% of surveyed participants decided to transfer this expense onto their patrons. The shortage of labour had a mild score of 3.11 as the employment rate climbed to 90% of the rate in 2019. In relation to revenue earned from tourism operations, 68% of companies are still earning less than in 2019, with most of them only acquiring 60% of earnings made prior to the pandemic, Bangkok Post reported. by Alex Morgan #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/thailands-tourism-confidence-slides-amidst-global-economy-concerns -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-03 - 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.