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On Wednesday evening, the Move Forward Party proposed a meeting on July 2nd between itself and the Pheu Thai Party to discuss outstanding issues between the two main partners of the proposed eight-party coalition government expected to support the Move Forward Party leader Mr Pita Limjaroenrat as Thailand’s next Prime Minister. However, a rift over the position of House Speaker and dogged opposition from conservative forces, not least within the junta-appointed Thai Senate, threaten to derail a smooth transition to a new government when parliament in a joint session meets on July 13th to elect a prime minister. The financial markets are watching. On Wednesday, the baht hit a seven-month low against the US dollar. Financial markets begin to strike a sour note as political squabbling threatens the prospect of a smooth transition to a new government next month with a rift opened between Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties over the House Speaker position and dogged opposition from conservatives to the election of Mr Pita Limjaroenrat as Prime Minister on July 13th next. The Thai baht fell to a seven month low against the US dollar on Wednesday as a rift began to appear within the proposed eight-party coalition between the Move Forward Party and the Pheu Thai Party while political forces hostile to the elevation of 43-year-old Pita Limjaroenrat appeared to quicken in recent days with calls for the prospective prime minister to face scrutiny by the Constitutional Court ahead of an expected vote to elect a new government leader due to come before a joint session of parliament on July 13th next. On Wednesday, the Move Forward Party announced that it would meet with the Pheu Thai Party on July 2nd next, the day before parliament opens to address the key issue of who should be the next House Speaker. by Joseph O' Connor #news Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/06/28/baht-falls-as-political-uncertainty-grows-election-pita-limjaroenrat-pm/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-06-29 - 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.

Health officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan step up fight against dengue fever after the death of two children By Online Reporter Mosquito Close up Sucking blood Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office has intensified its efforts to implement disease control measures in order to curb the spread of dengue fever following the tragic deaths of two young children. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299211-health-officials-in-prachuap-khiri-khan-step-up-fight-against-dengue-fever-after-the-death-of-two-children/

Pattaya City to Stop Street Vendors on Walking Street from Monday, July 3rd By Adam Judd Pattaya City officials sent out a letter to Walking Street business owners earlier this week informing them of an upcoming change to current policies and procedures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299210-pattaya-city-to-stop-street-vendors-on-walking-street-from-monday-july-3rd/

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 29 June 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1299209-thailand-live-thursday-29-june-2023/

Billing brawl: Furious Thai man triggers chaos over Lotus’s overcharge Photo via TikTok/ yodekthep An angry Thai man caused chaos after being overcharged at a Lotus’s supermarket in Chon Buri province. The out-of-control customer is seen in a viral video pouring fizzy drinks and throwing bottles on the floor inside the store. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299188-billing-brawl-furious-thai-man-triggers-chaos-over-lotus’s-overcharge/

In an unprecedented move, following increasing calls for freedom and liberties in schools, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to allow students in the 437 schools under its supervision to choose their own hair styles and to wear casual dress at least one day a week. Bangkok municipal pupils can wear hair styles and clothes of their choice Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299172-bangkok-municipal-pupils-can-wear-hair-styles-and-clothes-of-their-choice/

Bangkok municipal pupils can wear hair styles and clothes of their choice In an unprecedented move, following increasing calls for freedom and liberties in schools, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to allow students in the 437 schools under its supervision to choose their own hair styles and to wear casual dress at least one day a week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299172-bangkok-municipal-pupils-can-wear-hair-styles-and-clothes-of-their-choice/

Court acquits five protesters of blocking Queen’s Royal motorcade in 2020 Anti-junta activist Aekachai Hongkangwan and four other defendants were acquitted by the Criminal Court today (Wednesday) of resorting to violence to block the motorcade of Her Majesty the Queen during an anti-government protest in 2020. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299169-court-acquits-five-protesters-of-blocking-queen’s-royal-motorcade-in-2020/

Anti-junta activist Aekachai Hongkangwan and four other defendants were acquitted by the Criminal Court today (Wednesday) of resorting to violence to block the motorcade of Her Majesty the Queen during an anti-government protest in 2020. Based on the evidence presented during the trial, the court ruled that they did not commit the offence, as charged by the police, and that the police had not notified the protesters in advance that a Royal motorcade would pass along the road, on which the protesters were marching towards Government House from the Democracy monument. The incident took place on October 14th, 2020, the first day of anti-government protests organised by the “Khana Ratsadon 2563” group. #news Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/court-acquits-five-protesters-of-blocking-queens-royal-motorcade-in-2020/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-28 - 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.

Thaipocrisy: United States deny meddling in Thailand political affairs by Bob Scott Picture of Robert F Godec and Tanee Sangrat courtesy of US Ambassador's Twitter account. Unsurprisingly, and not for the first time, the United States has been accused of meddling in another country’s political affairs, surprisingly, this time it’s Thailand’s turn. The US has a long history of interfering in foreign affairs, as Cuba, China, Russia, Iran, Vietnam, and most South American nations can testify. It appears to be endemic in US politics. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299167-thaipocrisy-united-states-deny-meddling-in-thailand-political-affairs/

Unsurprisingly, and not for the first time, the United States has been accused of meddling in another country’s political affairs, surprisingly, this time it’s Thailand’s turn. The US has a long history of interfering in foreign affairs, as Cuba, China, Russia, Iran, Vietnam, and most South American nations can testify. It appears to be endemic in US politics. US Ambassador Robert F Godec was on the defensive at a press conference yesterday when questioned about American interference and meddling claims in Thai politics. The US Ambassador stressed that his home country had no intention of interfering in internal Thai political matters. Godec quashed rumours suggesting the US government took sides in the recent Thai General Election, stating that their sole interest lies in fostering democratic processes. The 67 year old said… “Confronting the relentless and malicious conspiracy theories, I wish to put it on record that we dismiss all fabricated allegations about the United States meddling in the Thai election. “Our stance is never to favour any corner or party. Our only interest and support are for the democratic process. It is solely up to the Thai populace to select their government.” by Bob Scott Top Picture of Robert F Godec and Tanee Sangrat courtesy of US Ambassador's Twitter account. #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/us-ambassador-denies-interfering-in-thai-politics-amid-election-rumours -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-28 - 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.

Move Forward party advised to stay away from changing Thai national day Rangsiman Rome The Move Forward party has been advised to focus on addressing “bread-and-butter” issues, instead of advocating for a change of Thailand’s national day, from December 5th to June 24th, which is likely to create more friction among Thai people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299164-move-forward-party-advised-to-stay-away-from-changing-thai-national-day/

The Move Forward party has been advised to focus on addressing “bread-and-butter” issues, instead of advocating for a change of Thailand’s national day, from December 5th to June 24th, which is likely to create more friction among Thai people. The advice was given by Srettha Thavisin, one of the Pheu Thai party’s three prime ministerial candidates and chief advisor to Paetongtarn Shinawatra, head of the Pheu Thai “Family”. Move Forward MP Rangsiman Rome said recently that the party will push to change the Thai national day to June 24th. June 24th, 1932 was the day when a group of mostly foreign-educated bureaucrats, military personnel and civilians, called Khana Ratsadon (People’s Party), staged a bloodless revolution to transform Thailand from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy, during the reign of King Prajadhipok. Top picture: Rangsiman Rome #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-party-advised-to-stay-away-from-changing-thai-national-day/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-28 - 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.

Prawit and seek: Deputy PM shuts down Thaksin meeting rumours in UK by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of NNT In response to recent speculation, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon denied meeting with exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a visit to England. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299161-prawit-and-seek-deputy-pm-shuts-down-thaksin-meeting-rumours-in-uk/

In response to recent speculation, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon denied meeting with exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a visit to England. The deputy PM, a list MP and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), stated that he hadn’t been in contact with the fugitive politician in almost two decades. The 77 year old’s recent journey to the UK was solely for medical treatment, with no political undertones, adding he has not met or spoken to the former Thai PM in about 20 years. However, whispers of a clandestine agreement between Prawit and Thaksin were instigated, suggesting the PPRP intended to form a partnership with the Pheu Thai Party. Currently, the Pheu Thai Party is an affiliate of the Move Forward Party (MFP) alliance. If the MFP fails to create a coalition line-up, the rumoured deal could see the PPRP and Pheu Thai Party unite in their efforts. Despite the 73 year old Thaksin’s exile, he remains a popular figure among Pheu Thai political members. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of NNT #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-deputy-pm-denies-secret-meetings-with-exiled-ex-pm-on-uk-trip -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-28 - 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.

Two young girls rescued from an illegal karaoke bar in Bangkok Officials from the Provincial Administration Department (PAD) rescued two underage girls from an illegal karaoke bar in Bangkok’s Muang Thong district, during an early morning raid on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299160-two-young-girls-rescued-from-an-illegal-karaoke-bar-in-bangkok/

Unhinged Thai son attacks mother in dog discipline dispute By Nattapong Westwood Photo via Khaosod. A 68 year old Thai woman, after trying to discipline a dog, was allegedly attacked by her son and was critically injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299156-unhinged-thai-son-attacks-mother-in-dog-discipline-dispute/

A 68 year old Thai woman, after trying to discipline a dog, was allegedly attacked by her son and was critically injured. The son is known for his peculiar behaviour with pit bulls, even at one point parading them around in his car until they died. Three days ago, a legal entity reported that a domestic dispute occurred between the mother and her son over her consumption of alcohol. The disagreement escalated when the mother attempted to discipline one of the dogs by hitting it, causing the dog to bite her in reaction. This drew the son into the chaos, who then reportedly attacked his mother, Khaosod reported. The victim’s son is known in the neighbourhood for his odd behaviour and incident of mistreating his pit bulls on various occasions. This time around, he was alleged to have assaulted his mother using a 20-inch Buddha statue, leading to her sustaining critical head injuries. #news By Nattapong Westwood Photo via Khaosod. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/unhinged-son-attacks-mother-in-animal-discipline-dispute-fresh-alarm-in-thai-community -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-28 - 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.

Divine intervention: Buddha statue transport turns fatal, spirits stir unrest By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 8 A Thai man was killed and another injured when a Buddha statue they were transporting from Baan None Kate Temple in the northeastern province of Si Saket toppled over them. Residents believe the fatal accident occurred because the Buddha spirits did not want the statue to be moved. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299155-divine-intervention-buddha-statue-transport-turns-fatal-spirits-stir-unrest/

Move Forward-Pheu Thai meeting to discuss House speaker postponed The Move Forward party has postponed a meeting, scheduled for today (Wednesday), for negotiating teams to discuss the House speakership with the Pheu Thai party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299145-move-forward-pheu-thai-meeting-to-discuss-house-speaker-postponed/

The Move Forward party has postponed a meeting, scheduled for today (Wednesday), for negotiating teams to discuss the House speakership with the Pheu Thai party. Pukkamon Noonanant, deputy spokeswoman for the Move Forward party, said in a Line message to reporters late Tuesday night that the party has decided to postpone the meeting and will notify the media once it has been rescheduled. No reason was given for the meeting’s sudden cancellation, but it is believed to stem from the Pheu Thai party’s decision yesterday that it wants the House speakership and 14 cabinet seats, as part of the power sharing formula in the new administration. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-pheu-thai-meeting-to-discuss-house-speaker-postponed/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-28 - 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.

Thailand News - Move Forward threaten to walk from coalition, Vale Jason Wilder : Tim Newton Today - June 28 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299140-thailand-news-move-forward-threaten-to-walk-from-coalition-vale-jason-wilder-tim-newton-today-june-28/

Thailand loses its best expat radio DJ, Jason Wilder, US Ambassador to Thailand denies 'interference' in Thai election, Japan's investment accounts for 70% of all foreign investment, the coalition in a mess as it tries to woe support for the next government, new regional airline flies to Bangkok, tourism picking up in Myanmar. Channel News Asia opinion piece... https://www.channelnewsasia.com/comme... 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/

Bank of Thailand to loosen foreign exchange regulations to stabilise long-term exchange rates By Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock An announcement has emerged from the Bank of Thailand revealing plans to loosen foreign exchange regulations to stabilise the exchange rate long-term. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299139-bank-of-thailand-to-loosen-foreign-exchange-regulations-to-stabilise-long-term-exchange-rates/

An announcement has emerged from the Bank of Thailand revealing plans to loosen foreign exchange regulations to stabilise the exchange rate long-term. The move, which shows a clear focus on balancing capital inflows and managing volatility, comes as Thailand’s economy globally integrates further. Under the foreign exchange initiative, Thai individuals will now be able to pour as much as US$10 million into offshore markets, doubling the existing limit of US$5 million. According to Alisara Mahasandana, Assistant Governor and head of the Financial Markets Operations Group at the Bank of Thailand, this is part and parcel of the bank’s efforts to balance capital flows and manage the Thai currency’s volatility against the dollar. In addition to this, there will also be an increment in the permissible volume for cross-border money transfers, which is set to rise from $50,000 to $200,000. In the same stroke, Thai business entities will have permission to forward funds to overseas parent firms in a move referred to as “notional pooling.” As part of the action plan, these foreign exchange easing measures should reach implementation by the third quarter of the current year, Bangkok Post reported. Alisara further highlighted the central bank’s drive to boost the use of the local currency in transactions between Thailand and its four Asian neighbours: China, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. By Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/bank-of-thailand-loosens-forex-regulations-to-stabilise-long-term-exchange-rates -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-28 - 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.