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Italy’s culture minister is calling for a man to be “identified and sanctioned” after he was filmed allegedly carving his and his fiancée’s names into the Colosseum in Rome. Gennaro Sangiuliano tweeted on Monday: “I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage (site) such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancée.” “I hope that whoever carried out this act will be identified and sanctioned according to our laws,” he continued. By Amarachi Orie, CNN File photo source: Wikipedia Full story: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/tourist-inscribes-name-colosseum-rome-intl-scli/index.html -- © Copyright CNN 2023-06-27

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 27 June 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299030-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-27-june-2023/

Thai armed forces and Police are discussing security measures to implement if turmoil and violence erupt should Move Forward Party leader Pita Lim-jaroen-rat fail to be elected prime minister. The coalition needs 63 more votes from either senators or MPs, or a combination of both, when the House and Senate convene for a joint session to elect Thailand’s 30th prime minister expected in the middle of next month. Mr Pita has been asked by an mp from another party to disclose details involving the sale of a 14-rai plot of land he owned in Pran Buri, A media report suggested he sold the land for 6.5 million baht although the plot was listed to be worth 18 million baht. Nearly 5,000 refugees from Myanmar are taking shelter in Mae Hong Son as fighting between the burmese military and ethnic groups continues. Humanitarian assistance and supplies were being provided by the Red Cross and local residents. The Thai government has destroyed 600 million dollars worth of drugs seized from illegal traffickers including 27 tonnes of amphetamines, 275 kg of heroin, 43kg of cocaine and various others. The drugs were burnt in accordance with the guidelines of the US Environmental Protection Agency to ensure no harmful substances or by-products were released into the environment. The Education Ministry has paid out life insurance funding and other financial assistance to the family of an 18 year old student who was killed when a fire extinguisher exploded during a fire drill at a school in bangkok last Friday... the payout totalled around 230 thousand baht. Schools across the city have been instructed to check their fire safety equipment. The BMA local authority in bangkok has installed an automatic traffic-management system on four roads in a pilot project aimed at boosting vehicle flow. The system will affect traffic at intersections on the Rama 6, Ratchawithi, and Phahon Yothin roads. The city employs almost 1,000 police officers to control traffic, with around 500 that operate traffic lights across the capital. Around the Region: Myanmar junta authorities said they torched more than half a billion dollars worth of illegal drugs yesterday, adding they were failing to stop a surge in the production of drugs and trafficking. China will construct the world’s largest hybrid solar-hydro plant close to Tibet that will provide renewable energy to some 100 million households. The weather: Sunny Chiang Mai and the north: cloudy with rain 32C Bangkok: bright.. Cloudy thundershowers 34C Pattaya, bright, cloudy 33 Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy, showers 30C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny partly cloudy, isolated shower 32 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 2023-06-27 - 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 economy booms as government’s fiscal income beats projections with 122bn baht surplus By Alex Morgan Photo: Thai Revenue Department, Freepik The Thai economy demonstrates strong recovery and active imports as the Thai government’s net income during the first two-thirds of fiscal 2023 has surpassed projections by 122 billion baht, revealed Fiscal Policy Office Director-General, Pornchai Thiraveja, 42 years old. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299029-thai-economy-booms-as-government’s-fiscal-income-beats-projections-with-122bn-baht-surplus/

The Thai economy demonstrates strong recovery and active imports as the Thai government’s net income during the first two-thirds of fiscal 2023 has surpassed projections by 122 billion baht, revealed Fiscal Policy Office Director-General, Pornchai Thiraveja, 42 years old. Between October 2022 and May 2023, the Thai government raked in a total of 1.64 trillion baht, which is an 8% surge from the previous year’s growth rate of 4.9%. This leap also exceeded the target set by them by 122 billion baht, boosting the Thai economy. The revenue surge in the Thai economy can be traced to multiple sources, as explained by the tech and marketing whizz. The largest contributor was the Revenue Department of the country, amassing 1.3 trillion baht – this was 134 billion baht more than the original target, marking an 11.5% rise, and a 4.4% increment in relation to the same timeframe in the previous fiscal year. The director-general pointed out that the thriving Thai economy triggered an increase in individual tax, corporate tax and value-added tax. Additionally, the Customs Department reported a collection of 87 billion baht, which was 16.5 billion baht more than its target. This sparks a 23.5% hike and is a 22.4% rise when compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. The department’s accomplishment was mainly due to an increase in the value of imports, delayed customs duties and imports’ turnover tax based on legal proceedings. By Alex Morgan Photo: Thai Revenue Department, Freepik Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/economy/thai-governments-fiscal-income-beats-projections-with-122bn-baht-surplus-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-27 - 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.

Plea for Help: Two Thai Women Deceived and Trapped by Traffickers in India File photo for reference only In a deeply distressing incident, two young women from northeastern Thailand, originally from Udon Thani and Yasothon provinces, are reaching out for assistance after falling victim to a deceitful trap while seeking employment as domestic workers in India. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299028-plea-for-help-two-thai-women-deceived-and-trapped-by-traffickers-in-india/

In a deeply distressing incident, two young women from northeastern Thailand, originally from Udon Thani and Yasothon provinces, are reaching out for assistance after falling victim to a deceitful trap while seeking employment as domestic workers in India. Their shocking revelation exposes a grim reality of physical abuse, passport confiscation, and forced involvement in prostitution. Fortunately, news reporters swiftly alerted the relevant authorities to expedite the rescue efforts for these two Thai women, reported Thai Rath. Late in the evening on June 26, 2023, a journalist received a coordination request from Nopporn Awamnuson, a local lawyer based in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. The lawyer shared the story of two Thai women, using the pseudonyms "May" and "Da," who had urgently reached out for help via an international phone call from India. Distressed, the victims explained, "We were deceived and coerced into prostitution. If we resist, we endure physical assaults, beatings with belts, and they withhold our passports, effectively trapping us away from our homeland." The journalist subsequently conducted an interview with the victims. They unveiled their journey, disclosing that they had traveled to India to work as hotel maids in Mumbai, enticed by a woman named "Apple" who promised them a monthly income of 100,000-150,000 Thai Baht (equivalent to approximately $3,000-$4,500). Agreeing to a three-month employment contract, they purchased plane tickets to New Delhi on June 4, 2023. On arrival "Apple's" husband strictly ordered them to stay in their rooms, restricting their access to the outside world. Their passports were seized, and they received meals from unidentified individuals. As time passed, the victims gradually realized the severe danger they were in. Finally, on June 8, 2023, after enduring weeks of physical and emotional abuse, they managed to contact a compassionate Thai man who responded to their online chat messages. Indian police officers arrived, taking them to a hospital for a thorough medical examination. However, despite the ongoing efforts, they remain unable to return to Thailand. The journalist has shared all gathered information with the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, the Immigration Bureau, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Division at National Police Headquarters, ensuring swift assistance for the two young women. The progress of the case will be diligently monitored and reported in due course. Top File photo for reference only -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-27 - 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. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Heatwave Ignites Pile of Old Tires by the Roadside in Samut Prakan Picture: 77kaoded In the soaring summer heat, a pile of old tires and plastics by the roadside mysteriously caught fire in Soi Kupara, Moo 3, Bang Pla Subdistrict, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299027-heatwave-ignites-pile-of-old-tires-by-the-roadside-in-samut-prakan/

Fire engulfs a tanker truck carrying 40,000 liters of aviation fuel Picture: Siam Rath A major incident took place on June 26, 2023, involving a tanker truck transporting 40,000 liters of aviation fuel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299026-fire-engulfs-a-tanker-truck-carrying-40000-liters-of-aviation-fuel/

32 tonnes of narcotics incinerated on UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Thailand incinerated about 32 tonnes of various narcotics Monday, worth an estimated 21.4 billion baht on the street, to mark the UN’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299024-32-tonnes-of-narcotics-incinerated-on-un-international-day-against-drug-abuse-and-illicit-trafficking/

Thailand incinerated about 32 tonnes of various narcotics Monday, worth an estimated 21.4 billion baht on the street, to mark the UN’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Dr. Withid Sariddeechaikool, deputy secretary-general of Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration, said that the drugs destroyed included - 20,680kg of methamphetamine, 5,942kg of crystal meth (Ice), 5,006kg of Cathine (D-norpseudoephedrine), 364kg of ketamine, 275kg of heroin, 85kg of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 43kg of cocaine, 22kg of Nimetazepam and about 6kg of opium. He said that the drugs are incinerated at a facility in Bang Pu Industrial Park at more than 1,200oC, assuring that no emissions from the process will affect the environment. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/32-tonnes-of-narcotics-incinerated-on-un-international-day-against-drug-abuse-and-illicit-trafficking/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-27 - 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.

Suspect Allegedly Steals a Million Baht from a Foreigner’s House in Thalang By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – Suspect(s) allegedly stole a million baht in cash from a foreigner’s house in Thalang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299023-suspect-allegedly-steals-a-million-baht-from-a-foreigner’s-house-in-thalang/

Woman Survives Fall off Parking Building in Pattaya During Quarrel with Girlfriend By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A woman fell off a parking building in Naklua while quarrelling with her girlfriend, and survived. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299022-woman-survives-fall-off-parking-building-in-pattaya-during-quarrel-with-girlfriend/

Thai Youths Urge Pheu Thai to Rid the Country of Illegal Drugs and Recriminalize Marijuana By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Matichon A group of Thai youths on Monday, June 26th, proposed 9 proposals to the Pheu Thai Party in a bid to combat drug problems across the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299021-thai-youths-urge-pheu-thai-to-rid-the-country-of-illegal-drugs-and-recriminalize-marijuana/

A group of Thai youths on Monday, June 26th, proposed 9 proposals to the Pheu Thai Party in a bid to combat drug problems across the country. A group of young Thai people visited the Pheu Thai Party’s headquarters on Monday to submit their petition regarding the country’s raging drug issues. Today, June 26th, is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day. Accepting the petition on behalf of the Pheu Thai Party were Mr. Julapan Amornwiwat, an MP for Chiang Mai province, and Ms. Linthiporn Warinwatchararoj, a party-list MP and deputy secretary-general of the party. The petitioners said they want to see Pheu Thai urgently follow their 9 proposals which roughly include: 1. Change the laws to allow the use of seized assets from drug trafficking to build educational spaces for combating drug addiction. 2. Reform the education system and curriculum both inside and outside classrooms to provide youth with up-to-date knowledge against drugs. By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Matichon Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/26/thai-youths-urge-pheu-thai-to-rid-the-country-of-illegal-drugs-and-recriminalize-marijuana/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-27 - 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.

Chadchart Oversees Tidying Of Cables On Charoen Krung Road by TNR Staff BANGKOK Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and his team Monday (June 26) followed up on the progress of tidying messy overhead communication cables on Charoen Krung road with it to take about a month to finish the task across the four-kilometre stretch of this road, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299020-chadchart-oversees-tidying-of-cables-on-charoen-krung-road/

Bullman nearly captured by Interpol in Paris at the end of May and then extradited back to Thailand by James Morris and Son Nguyen A shrunken Roger Bullman photographed in recent days after his shocking return to Norway. The former psychiatric nurse has been detailing his story at length with a Norwegian true story podcast called Avhort. He reveals how he survived on the run living a hellish existence in Vietnam, which may not have been possible without the Covid pandemic crisis. He also disclosed that he was on the verge of being arrested by police at Orly Airport in Paris, a turn of events which would have seen him handed over to Interpol and deported back to Thailand on foot of an international arrest warrant for the fugitive still in force. It happened just hours before he landed back at Gardermoen Airport in Oslo on Saturday morning, the 27th of May. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299019-bullman-nearly-captured-by-interpol-in-paris-at-the-end-of-may-and-then-extradited-back-to-thailand/

A shrunken Roger Bullman photographed in recent days after his shocking return to Norway. The former psychiatric nurse has been detailing his story at length with a Norwegian true story podcast called Avhort. He reveals how he survived on the run living a hellish existence in Vietnam, which may not have been possible without the Covid pandemic crisis. He also disclosed that he was on the verge of being arrested by police at Orly Airport in Paris, a turn of events which would have seen him handed over to Interpol and deported back to Thailand on foot of an international arrest warrant for the fugitive still in force. It happened just hours before he landed back at Gardermoen Airport in Oslo on Saturday morning, the 27th of May. Bullman is now living in Oslo and will not be deported back to Thailand but is expected to be charged concerning the death of UK IT engineer Amitpal Bajaj on August 17th 2019, by Norwegian authorities in due course. Speaking to a True Crime Norwegian podcast, Bullman who is only beginning to recover from serious ill health linked with his ordeal, appears to be coming clean about what happened at the luxury hotel in Phuket that night and has made it clear that the violent disturbance and fracas which left a 34-year-old father of an infant boy dead was entirely his fault. Norwegian fugitive from Thai justice Roger Bullman who evaded a Red Notice Interpol alert and landed back in Oslo on May 27th last has been telling Norwegian listeners how he successfully evaded capture by lying low in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam aided by the Covid pandemic and how his return to Norway was nearly torpedoed at the last leg when a passport scanner at Orly Airport in Paris detected the problem with his false passport supplied by a Vietnamese kidnapping gang who he paid to execute his escape from his hell hole existence in Southeast Asia. Bullman has also expressed deep remorse and shame for his actions which led to the violent death of a UK tourist in Phuket in August 2019. Roger Bullman, the 57-year-old Norwegian wanted for murder in Thailand, was assisted by a Vietnamese criminal gang to evade detection as he defied an Interpol Red Notice issued against him in December 2019. He arrived back in Oslo at the end of May. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/06/26/norwegian-fugitive-roger-bullman-nearly-nabbed-by-interpol-in-paris-may-27th/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-06-27 - 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.

Anutin Rules Out Possibility Of Minority Govt By Thai Newsroom Reporters Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, right in above photo and left on Front Page photo, accompanied by Saksayam Chidchon, the party’s secretary-general. Photo: Matichon BHUMJAITHAI LEADER ANUTIN Charnvirakul Monday (June 26) categorically ruled out the possibility of a minority government with dozens of MPs to be bought out at a later date from the current coalition partners. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299018-anutin-rules-out-possibility-of-minority-govt/

BHUMJAITHAI LEADER ANUTIN Charnvirakul Monday (June 26) categorically ruled out the possibility of a minority government with dozens of MPs to be bought out at a later date from the current coalition partners. Anutin reconfirmed that the Bhumjaithai as the third largest elected party with 71 MPs will definitely not try to conduct such unbecoming ploys to form a minority government and steal power from the coalition partners led by the Move Forward with 151 MPs and the Pheu Thai with 141 MPs. Only “a buffalo” would ever offer to hand out as much as 100 million baht in kickback to each of an estimated 60 coalition MPs in bid to turn a minority government into a majority one at a later date, according to the Bhumjaithai leader who said there will be no more “cobras” at parliament as had been the case in several past years. In Thai jargon, “buffalo” refers to a very stupid person whilst “cobra” means an unreliable, bribe-taking MP who could possibly sway votes or switch parties in exchange for a huge payoff. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Picture: Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, right in above photo and left on Front Page photo, accompanied by Saksayam Chidchon, the party’s secretary-general. Photo: Matichon Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/06/26/anutin-rules-out-possibility-of-minority-govt/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-06-27 - 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.

COVID infections falling steadily, fewer fatalities over past month New COVID-19 infections in Thailand and other countries were steadily falling over the past month, with fewer fatalities, according to Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, public health permanent secretary. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299017-covid-infections-falling-steadily-fewer-fatalities-over-past-month/

New COVID-19 infections in Thailand and other countries were steadily falling over the past month, with fewer fatalities, according to Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, public health permanent secretary. He expressed concern, however, for people over 60 and those suffering from underlying diseases, pointing out that most of the fatalities were people over 70 and those who were not vaccinated. According to the Department of Disease Control, there were 1,653 hospital admissions between June 18th and 24th. Of these, 265 suffered from lung infections, 164 need ventilators and 36 died. Dr. Opas appealed to relatives of those over 60 or with underlying conditions to bring them to hospitals or clinics for COVID-19 vaccination, along with the anti-flu vaccine. They are also advised to bring children, aged from six months to five years, for COVID inoculation, to reduce the risk of death or severe symptoms. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-infections-falling-steadily-fewer-fatalities-over-past-month/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-27 - 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 Tuesday 27 June 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1299016-thailand-live-tuesday-27-june-2023/

Taiwan’s representative in Thailand resigns over sexual harassment allegation Former Taiwan’s Representative to Thailand, Chuang Sho-hang, attended Bangkok Design Week in February 2023. (Photo on the official website of The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand) Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has confirmed that former Taiwan’s Representative to Thailand, who took up the post of Taiwan’s Representative in Thailand in July 2022, was asked to leave Thailand, after less than a year in the job, following allegations of sexual harassment of his secretary during a trip to Northern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298980-taiwan’s-representative-in-thailand-resigns-over-sexual-harassment-allegation/

With an eye on boosting the economy, real estate developers and consultants are urging Thailand‘s new government to implement policies that promote foreign investment. They believe such measures will stimulate a more positive environment for overseas buyers in the property market, suggesting promotional efforts to increase awareness among foreign investors. Picture courtesy of Leohoho, Unsplash Thailand’s real estate sector eyes foreign investment boost Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298993-thailand’s-real-estate-sector-eyes-foreign-investment-boost/