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More Chinese Automakers Plan EV Investment in Thailand BANGKOK, June 26 (TNA) – More Chinese automakers plan to invest in the electric vehicle (EV) industry in Thailand next year, according to the Thai – Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298963-more-chinese-automakers-plan-ev-investment-in-thailand/

BANGKOK, June 26 (TNA) – More Chinese automakers plan to invest in the electric vehicle (EV) industry in Thailand next year, according to the Thai – Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The chamber is organizing the 16th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Conference in Bangkok from June 24-26. The chamber’s chairman Narongsak Putthapornmongkol said the Chinese businessmen participating in the event are interested in investing in the EV industry as it is believed that the use of EVs will outrun conventional combustion engines in the next five years and the Thai government promotes the EV use and production. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1195881 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-06-26 - 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.

Barriers to transgender people accessing Thailand’s healthcare system “Trans people avoid and do not have a decent access to healthcare because there is a stigma. They were often discriminated against and verbally violated,” said Kittinun Daramadhaj, a lawyer and the President of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand talking about factors that hinder transgender people getting healthcare services in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298961-barriers-to-transgender-people-accessing-thailand’s-healthcare-system/

“Trans people avoid and do not have a decent access to healthcare because there is a stigma. They were often discriminated against and verbally violated,” said Kittinun Daramadhaj, a lawyer and the President of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand talking about factors that hinder transgender people getting healthcare services in Thailand. Several studies have shown that transgender people in Thailand are more likely to face discrimination and barriers in healthcare than their cisgender counterparts. A qualitative report from UNDP suggested that Thai Trans, specifically women, are affected by ingrained prejudice from healthcare staff, which affects their “healthcare-seeking behaviour.” Many more Trans men and Trans women also came forward and shared their experiences of being disrespected and discriminated against in healthcare, including the use of pronouns with which they do not identify, being gossiped about or labelled, being made fun of, being asked questions irrelevant to their health and some people disrespecting their privacy. “There are many issues. For example, on our healthcare card, we do not want to be identified as ‘Miss’. During the history examination, there are also questions like ‘Why would you want to undergo [gender affirming] surgery?’, ‘Have you undergone the surgery yet?’ or ‘Did your parents say anything about it?’ These questions objectify us and invade our privacy,” a Trans man said while sharing his experiences in an interview with BBC Thai. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/barriers-to-transgender-people-accessing-thailands-healthcare-system/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-26 - 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 suggests Pita doesn’t have to be the only PM candidate By Peter Roche A member of the Thai Senate says other names could be put forward for the PM role and that the Move Forward leader doesn’t have to be the sole candidate. His comment is actually reiterating what would actually happen for the nomination and election of a prime minister under Thailand’s 2017 constitution. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298960-senator-suggests-pita-doesn’t-have-to-be-the-only-pm-candidate/

A member of the Thai Senate says other names could be put forward for the PM role and that the Move Forward leader doesn’t have to be the sole candidate. His comment is actually reiterating what would actually happen for the nomination and election of a prime minister under Thailand’s 2017 constitution. According to a Bangkok Post report, Akanit Muensawad says if additional candidates are nominated for the top job, senators are not required to vote for Pita Limjaroenrat. The senator was responding to Move Forward supporters, who are piling pressure on senators not to thwart Pita’s bid for PM. Akanit says if more names are put forward for the role, senators can vote for the person they think is best suited, in terms of both capability and ethics. By Peter Roche Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/senator-suggests-pita-doesnt-have-to-be-the-only-pm-candidate/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-06-26 - 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’s military, police on standby for protests if Pita’s PM bid blocked By Peter Roche PHOTO: Facebook/พรรคก้าวไกล - Move Forward Party Thailand’s military and police are preparing for mass protests if Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat is prevented from becoming prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298958-thailand’s-military-police-on-standby-for-protests-if-pita’s-pm-bid-blocked/

Thailand’s military and police are preparing for mass protests if Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat is prevented from becoming prime minister. The selection of Thailand’s next PM is due to take place mid-July and Nation Thailand reports that there are fears supporters of the Move Forward Party and its coalition partner Pheu Thai, could hold protests, potentially violent protests, if Pita is foiled in his attempt. The Move Forward party won the highest number of seats in the new parliament and has cobbled together an 8-party coalition which would give it a massive majority in the new parliament. The 8-party coalition of 313 MPs needs the support of 63 senators or MPs in order for Pita to be elected as PM. However, a number of senators say they won’t vote for him. By Peter Roche PHOTO: Facebook/พรรคก้าวไกล - Move Forward Party Full story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/thailands-military-police-on-standby-for-protests-if-pitas-pm-bid-blocked/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-06-26 - 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.

14-year-old boy commits suicide after attacking his grandfather with a knife A 14-year-old boy has been found dead in the backyard of his grandfather’s house. He is believed to have committed suicide after attacking the old man with a knife, for refusing to give him money to buy cannabis. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298957-14-year-old-boy-commits-suicide-after-attacking-his-grandfather-with-a-knife/

UPDATE: Koh Tao beach resort faces hefty fines and restoration orders on illegal structures and breaches By Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of กระทรวงทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อม-ประเทศไทย Facebook. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and related agencies has investigated a beach resort following viral social media images, consequently presenting four charges and ordering a restoration to its former state. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298825-koh-tao’s-cape-shark-villas-faces-shutdown-over-illegal-construction-claims/?do=findComment&comment=18165954

Four Thais charged in Malaysian court for human trafficking The four Thai suspects await extradition to Malaysia to face charges of human trafficking. (Picture from the Royal Thai Police) Four Thai nationals were charged in a Malaysian court on Friday with trafficking migrants from Myanmar, in connection with the discovery of mass graves near the Thai-Malaysian border in 2015. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298954-four-thais-charged-in-malaysian-court-for-human-trafficking/

Four Thai nationals were charged in a Malaysian court on Friday with trafficking migrants from Myanmar, in connection with the discovery of mass graves near the Thai-Malaysian border in 2015. They were charged a day after they were extradited by Thai authorities in what Thailand’s deputy national police chief, Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn, described as a demonstration of the country’s commitment to cracking down on human trafficking. The Thais were charged in a case related to the 2015 discovery of more than 100 graves of Rohingya and Bangladeshi human smuggling victims near Malaysia’s border with Thailand. Berna News reported that, if found guilty, the suspects face a maximum of 15 years in jail and a fine, or both. Picture: The four Thai suspects await extradition to Malaysia to face charges of human trafficking. (Picture from the Royal Thai Police) Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/four-thais-charged-in-malaysian-court-for-human-trafficking/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-26 - 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 - Countdown to new Thai PM, where are the Chinese? : Tim Newton Today - June 26 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298950-thailand-news-countdown-to-new-thai-pm-where-are-the-chinese-tim-newton-today-june-26/

The countdown starts to the election of Thailand's next prime minister, police and security forces gather intel about possible protests IF Pit Limjareonrat is not elected as the next PM. Miss International Queen winner for 2023 in Pattaya. Thai retailers blamed for 'Pride' hypocricy and 'rainbow washing', Soi Romanee in Phuket is one of the worlds most beautiful streets, and Singapore is wondering where the Chinese tourists are. 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/

Amnat Charoen man defies death: claims afterlife encounter By Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook An extraordinary incident unfolded in the Amnat Charoen province as a 63 year old man was revived after doctors had conceded defeat to his deteriorating health condition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298946-amnat-charoen-man-defies-death-claims-afterlife-encounter/

Ruangkrai Leekitwattana: The political giant-killer aiming to chop down PM hopeful Pita Known as “Jack the giant slayer” for his role in bringing down then-prime minister Samak Sundaravej in 2008, serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has now set his sights on Pita Limjaroenrat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298945-ruangkrai-leekitwattana-the-political-giant-killer-aiming-to-chop-down-pm-hopeful-pita/

Known as “Jack the giant slayer” for his role in bringing down then-prime minister Samak Sundaravej in 2008, serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has now set his sights on Pita Limjaroenrat. Ruangkrai has triggered legal challenges that threaten to detonate the Move Forward Party leader’s bid to become Thailand’s next prime minister. Pita and his eight-party coalition say that as head of the election-winning party, the top role is rightfully his. Ruangkrai asked the Election Commission (EC) last Tuesday to seek a Constitutional Court ruling on Pita’s eligibility to be an MP. His latest move came after the EC rejected his earlier petition to investigate whether Pita’s shareholding in media company iTV Plc violated constitutional rules on running for political office. The agency dismissed his complaint on grounds that it was filed just four days before the election when the legal deadline had already passed. But the EC did go ahead with an investigation to determine if Pita had contested the poll despite being aware that he was not qualified to run. This would be a violation of electoral law, penalized by a jail term of one to 10 years, a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 baht, and revocation of electoral rights for 20 years. Former boss not exempted Ruangkrai, 61, earned the label “serial petitioner” after years of filing complaints against political and bureaucratic officeholders – including his ex-boss, former auditor general Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ruangkrai-leekitwattana-the-political-giant-killer-aiming-to-chop-down-pm-hopeful-pita/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-26 - 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.

Hospital negligence in Buriram leads to patient’s agonising death: daughter demands accountability By Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Dailynews A case of medical negligence has been brought to light in Buriram province with 39 year old Nunchida Chomchaiyaphum displaying her distress and lament against a local hospital. The hospital’s alleged disregard for her mother’s declining health led to a fatal end after the patient endured agonising pain for over 40 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298944-hospital-negligence-in-buriram-leads-to-patient’s-agonising-death-daughter-demands-accountability/

An ambulance helicopter was filmed above the fairground By Charlene Anne Rodrigues BBC News A rollercoaster accident at an amusement park in Sweden has killed one person and injured at least nine. The ride at the Gröna Lund park in Stockholm came partly off the rails, witnesses said. The Jetline rollercoaster reaches a height of 30m (90ft) and a speed of 90km/h (55mph). The park was evacuated after the accident and police and emergency services were called to the scene. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66014566 -- © Copyright BBC 2023-06-26

Thai CSD captures kidnapping gang demanding 600,000 baht ransom in major sweep By Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of ตำรวจสอบสวนกลาง Facebook In a major operation yesterday, led by the Crime Suppression Division’s (CSD) special weapons and tactics unit, four suspected gang members involved in kidnap cases were taken into custody across southern and northeastern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298941-thai-csd-captures-kidnapping-gang-demanding-600000-baht-ransom-in-major-sweep/

In a major operation yesterday, led by the Crime Suppression Division’s (CSD) special weapons and tactics unit, four suspected gang members involved in kidnap cases were taken into custody across southern and northeastern Thailand. Beginning at 6am, a significant deployment of 80 members from the Hanuman taskforce initiated raids on eight distinct locations. These included three in Yala, four in Narathiwat, and one in Khon Kaen. These arrests come in response to an incident that occurred last year, September 5, which involved a group of heavily armed men kidnapping an individual from a residence situated in the district of Rangae in Narathiwat. The man was taken captive in a building where he was physically assaulted, an attack which left him with a fractured rib. In the aftermath, the culprits proceeded to contact the victim’s family members, making a demand for 500,000 baht (US$ 14,208) in exchange for his release. They issued sharp threats of severing the hostage’s ears or subjecting him to additional cruelty should their demands go unfulfilled, reported Bangkok Post. Family members of the victim agreed on a compromised amount of 300,000 baht (US$ 8,525), promising the remainder would be settled subsequently, to which the kidnappers consented. By Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of ตำรวจสอบสวนกลาง Facebook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/thai-csd-captures-gang-demanding-600000-baht-ransom-in-major-sweep -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - 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.

Severe weather alert: heavy rainfall predicted across Thailand due to monsoon impact By Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Eutah Mizushima, Unsplash In the forecast for the next 24 hours, as of today, weather conditions across Thailand are expected to turn severe with heavy rains predicted in the northern, and northeastern regions, and a significant 60% of Bangkok areas facing heavy downpours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298937-severe-weather-alert-heavy-rainfall-predicted-across-thailand-due-to-monsoon-impact/

In the forecast for the next 24 hours, as of today, weather conditions across Thailand are expected to turn severe with heavy rains predicted in the northern, and northeastern regions, and a significant 60% of Bangkok areas facing heavy downpours. These conditions are following the impact of a monsoon trough passing over the northern region and upper Laos, which is leading into a low-pressure area over upper Vietnam, and the monsoon tides sweeping over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Thai Bay. This situation is causing increasing rainfall across Thailand with intense rains in parts of northern and eastern regions, particularly in the northeastern areas. For the Andaman Sea region, waves are predicted to reach heights of approximately one metre, with 1-2 metre high waves in areas with thundershowers, warranting caution for seafarers within these areas to avoid navigation during thunderstorms, reported Sanook. In the weather forecast for Thailand from this midnight until tomorrow, up to 60% of the northern region will experience thunderstorms, with heavy rains in some areas in the provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Nan and Uttaradit. The temperatures will likely range between 23-27°C at the lowest and 32-36°C at the highest, with southwest winds at speeds of 10-25 kilometres per hour. The northeastern region will also experience thunderstorms in 60% of its areas, along with intense to very intense rainfalls in some areas specifically in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. The temperatures here will range between 24-26°C at the lowest point and 32-36°C the highest, with southwest winds at speeds of 10-20 kilometres per hour. By Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Eutah Mizushima, Unsplash Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/severe-weather-alert-heavy-rainfall-predicted-across-thailand-due-to-monsoon-impact -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - 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.

Woman crashes car into convenience store after alleged assault by boyfriend in Ranong By Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of ระนอง นิวส์ Facebook An unfortunate car accident occurred near a convenience store close to the exit gate of Ranong Provincial Police Station around 8:45pm, yerterday, according to Ranong police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298934-woman-crashes-car-into-convenience-store-after-alleged-assault-by-boyfriend-in-ranong/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 26 June 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298930-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-26-june-2023/