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Thailand’s newly elected parliament will meet in the first week of July, setting in motion the process of the reformation of the new government followed by the vote to elect a prime minister. The royal gazette published that parliament will convene on July 3rd. Members of parliament will cast votes for selection of the speaker of the house and two deputies on the 4th of July. A panel of the military-appointed senate is looking into Pita Lim-jaroen-rat’s assets and debts declaration. This scrutiny presents another challenge for Pita’s qualification and may persuade more senators not to vote for him as leader. The Thai military has raised suspicions regarding several politicians' involvement in potential legal violations related to the recent call for a separate state in the southern district of Pattani. A complaint will be filed, naming a number of politicians, who are allegedly involved as evidence is being gathered as part of the ongoing investigation according to southern army commander general Santi. Former finance minister Korn Chati-kava-nid has announced he has resigned as the leader of the Chart-pattana-kla Party, while the party deputy leader also resigned, the departures are thought to be as a result of a poor performance in the general election. Mr Korn, a local resident of Cha Am posted he was honoured to have worked in politics for the last 18 years and thanked his supporters. Mr Korn and his family were due to take a holiday. A ceremony was held in front of the Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai on Saturday to mark the fifth anniversary of the global mission to save 12 young footballers and their coach who were stranded in the flooded cave. Photos of former Thai Navy Seal diver Saman Kunan, who died during the mission, former Chiang Rai governor Naron-gsak - who died last week, and football player Duang-petch , who died last year in Britain, were set up to commemorate their passing. Around the Region: The weather: Sunny Chiang Mai and the north: cloudy with rain 30C Bangkok: Sunny partly Cloudy isolated showers 35C Pattaya, Sunny 33 Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 31C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny partly cloudy, isolated shower 33C 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 2023-06-26 - 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.

Intoxicated Youth's False Robbery Report Lands Him in Jail Picture: Thai Rath Oh Father! The police apprehended the young man who falsely reported being robbed while he was actually drinking and eating with friends. When he realized he couldn't pay the bill, he abandoned his friends without a trace, making up a story about being robbed, hoping the police would escort him back home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298928-intoxicated-youths-false-robbery-report-lands-him-in-jail/

Mischievous Feline Duo Startles Owner with Unusual 'Catch of the Day' Picture: 77kaoded Krabi, Thailand – In an unexpected and slightly alarming event, two playful cats, aptly named "Gold Pillow" and "Has Money," gave their owner a real scare by bringing a snake into their home. The incident necessitated a swift reptile extraction, adding yet another intriguing tale to the duo's collection of brought-home "toys." Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298927-mischievous-feline-duo-startles-owner-with-unusual-catch-of-the-day/

Young Woman Threatened by Mysterious Letters Containing Explicit Content A department store employee in Nakhon Sawan province received disturbing letters containing explicit content and threats at her home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298925-young-woman-threatened-by-mysterious-letters-containing-explicit-content/

Safety concerns prompt people to dump their fire extinguishers Dry chemical fire extinguishers are being found at garbage dumps or near fire stations in Bangkok, after their owners became concerned over their safety Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298923-safety-concerns-prompt-people-to-dump-their-fire-extinguishers/

Complaint filed seeking probe into mock referendum on self-rule in Pattani The Fourth Army Region lodged a complaint with the Muang district police of Pattani province on Sunday, seeking the investigation of a group of people, including students, lecturers, politicians and members of civic groups, who participated in a recent public forum, during which a mock referendum on self-determination was held. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298922-complaint-filed-seeking-probe-into-mock-referendum-on-self-rule-in-pattani/

Korat City’s cherished paramedic ‘Doctor Toon’ bids a tearful adieu By Samantha Rose Image courtesy of Sanook A pall of grief swept across Korat city as it mourns the tragic death of its leading paramedic, known locally as “Doctor Toon.” The tragedy left the 38 year old emergency medical personnel’s life abruptly cut short following a shocking road accident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298921-korat-city’s-cherished-paramedic-‘doctor-toon’-bids-a-tearful-adieu/

Korn quits Chart Pattana Kla party Korn Chatikavanij has resigned as leader of the Chart Pattana Kla party to spend more time with his family. In his Facebook post today (Sunday), Korn said he met with party chairman Suwat Liptapallop last week to submit his resignation letter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298920-korn-quits-chart-pattana-kla-party/

Korn Chatikavanij has resigned as leader of the Chart Pattana Kla party to spend more time with his family. In his Facebook post today (Sunday), Korn said he met with party chairman Suwat Liptapallop last week to submit his resignation letter. As former leader of the Chart Pattana Kla party, Korn thanked the people who voted for them in the May 14th general election and vowed to support the policies in their election manifesto. Throughout his 18 years in politics, he said he felt honoured to have served the people and the country. While pointing out that Thailand still has many problems waiting to be addressed, he offered moral support to all politicians, especially to new MPs, with advice to keep their egos in check and to be more discreet in the performance of their duties. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/korn-quits-chart-pattana-kla-party/ -- © 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.

Pattaya Baht Bus Reportedly Hits Foreign Motorcyclist and Flees By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A vehicle, which an eyewitness said was a baht bus, hit a foreign motorcyclist on Pattaya Beach Road and then fled. The accident happened at 03:30 AM today, June 25th, in front of the Hard Rock Hotel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298919-pattaya-baht-bus-reportedly-hits-foreign-motorcyclist-and-flees/

Hotel Rooftop Sauna in Pattaya Bursts into Flames, No Injuries By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A hotel’s rooftop sauna in Pattaya suddenly went up in flames at 10 PM yesterday, June 24th. The hotel staff alleged the sauna room in question was under renovation with a sign prohibiting entry; however, some guests secretly used the room, leading to the sudden blaze. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298918-hotel-rooftop-sauna-in-pattaya-bursts-into-flames-no-injuries/

Thailand leaps to 43rd position in UN’s 2023 Sustainable Development ranking By Samantha Rose Image courtesy of Sanook Thailand‘s development has seen an elevation as reflected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Report for 2023. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298917-thailand-leaps-to-43rd-position-in-un’s-2023-sustainable-development-ranking/

Thailand‘s development has seen an elevation as reflected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Report for 2023. In a statement relayed by Trisulee Trisoranakul, the Deputy Government Spokesman, it is reported that Thailand’s Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, known as Prayuth Chan-Ocha, are pleased. Thailand has now improved its standing to the 43rd position among 166 countries from the 44th last year. The Sustainable Development Report outlines that Thailand has, for the fifth consecutive year, held the number one spot for sustainable development within the ASEAN region. This successful development, represented through an SDG Index score of 74.7 in 2023, underlines the government’s tireless efforts to foster sustainable progress. The accomplishments are seen as an affirmation of the nation’s strategic goals and developmental plans across all levels, such as the 12th and 13th National Economic and Social Development plans. By Samantha Rose Image courtesy of Sanook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-leaps-to-43rd-position-in-uns-2023-sustainable-development-ranking -- © 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.

Late-night motorbike accident claims young man’s life By Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of KhaoSod Online A fatal accident occurred in the early hours of the day, with a young man crashing his motorbike into a tree near the National Research Office. The victim, Kamphol, 25 years old, was said to be en route to meet a friend in the Bang Khen area for an outing at Khaosan Road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298916-late-night-motorbike-accident-claims-young-man’s-life/

Six People Injured in Major Bangkok Bus Accident By Goongnang Suksawat PHOTO: Bangkok Bus Club Bangkok – At least six people have been injured after a bus crashed into a pole in Bangkok before a pickup truck overturned and a motorbike got stuck under the wreckage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298915-six-people-injured-in-major-bangkok-bus-accident/

Thailand’s BL series have increased Thailand’s soft power Earth and Mix’s 1st Fan Meeting in Taipei in May 2023 (photo provided by Enfinity Entertainment) Thailand’s Boy Love (BL) TV series, also known as Series Y, have grown in popularity and profitability across Asia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298914-thailand’s-bl-series-have-increased-thailand’s-soft-power/

Earth and Mix’s 1st Fan Meeting in Taipei in May 2023 (photo provided by Enfinity Entertainment) Thailand’s Boy Love (BL) TV series, also known as Series Y, have grown in popularity and profitability across Asia. A veteran in the production of these drama series told Thai PBS World that more than 20 BL series are produced in Thailand per year. Thailand’s BL series are not only hugely popular, but they also effectively promote an inclusive society. Thanks to the growing region-wide interest in these series, Thailand’s soft power has been enhanced and international streaming revenue is rapidly increasing. According to Department of International Trade Promotion, the streaming rights of Thailand’s BL series, purchased by other Asian countries, were worth 360 million baht in 2021. According to Dylan Hung, CEO of Enfinity Entertainment, Thailand has already been producing BL series for more than 5 years and the openness and inclusion in Thai society are key to their popularity. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-bl-series-have-increased-thailands-soft-power/ -- © 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.

Global gender gap index reports rise in Thailand’s educational attainment AFP PHOTO / Nicolas ASFOURI Thailand has significantly improved on gender parity in the category of educational attainment, ranked 61st, up from 92nd last year, as reported in Global Gender Gap Report 2023. With this improvement, the country’s overall position is now 74th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298913-global-gender-gap-index-reports-rise-in-thailand’s-educational-attainment/ Full story:

Thailand has significantly improved on gender parity in the category of educational attainment, ranked 61st, up from 92nd last year, as reported in Global Gender Gap Report 2023. With this improvement, the country’s overall position is now 74th. The Global Gender Gap Index, by the World Economic Forum, annually evaluates the current state and benchmarks of evolution in gender parity across four key areas, economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival and political empowerment, with long-term tracking of countries’ efforts towards closing gender gaps over time since 2006. In this latest edition, assessment of 146 economies indicates that no one fully achieved gender parity. The overall scores globally, however, rose to 68.4% from 68.1% compared to last year. Despite of the improvement in global scores, the overall rate of change is slowing down. AFP PHOTO / Nicolas ASFOURI Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/global-gender-gap-index-reports-rise-in-thailands-educational-attainment/ -- © 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.

Not the time to form an alternative government says Bhumjaithai leader Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed the suggestion that the party take the lead in forming an alternative administration, in case the eight coalition parties led by the Move Forward party fail to form a government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298912-not-the-time-to-form-an-alternative-government-says-bhumjaithai-leader/

Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed the suggestion that the party take the lead in forming an alternative administration, in case the eight coalition parties led by the Move Forward party fail to form a government. As the third largest party, after Move Forward and Pheu Thai, in terms of House seats, he said that it is the right of the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties to form the government with their six partners. The Bhumjaithai party, said Anutin, is ready to perform its role in opposition or in government and, more importantly, in parliament. He dismissed as completely groundless any speculation that representatives of the Move Forward party had approached Newin Chidchob, reputed to be the de facto leader of the Bhumjaithai party, asking for the party’s support for Pita Limjaroenrat’s prime ministerial candidacy. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-charter-must-protect-democracy-and-prevent-coups/ -- © 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.

BMA suspends all fire drills, recalls demonstration fire extinguishers for safety checks Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered the suspension of all fire drills at schools, private and government offices until all equipment is checked to ensure safety and all demonstration fire extinguishers are recalled for safety checks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298911-bma-suspends-all-fire-drills-recalls-demonstration-fire-extinguishers-for-safety-checks/

Abuse scandal puts Thailand’s treatment of children under spotlight A recent scandal at the Saraburi Welfare Home for Children has raised questions as to whether vulnerable kids are safe in the hands of state institutions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298910-abuse-scandal-puts-thailand’s-treatment-of-children-under-spotlight/

A recent scandal at the Saraburi Welfare Home for Children has raised questions as to whether vulnerable kids are safe in the hands of state institutions. Evidence shows that young girls at the institution were confined in a toilet with their hands and legs bound as punishment for wetting the bed and minor misdemeanors such as stealing. A psychologist at the welfare home eventually decided to blow the whistle because she could no longer tolerate such inhumane treatment of vulnerable children. In response to her complaint, an investigation was launched and the welfare home’s director along with some of her team members were transferred. “This welfare home is operated by the state. Such practices should have never happened in the first place,” said Chettha Mankhong, director of the Foundation for Child Development. Authoritarian care Chettha blamed authoritarian attitudes for the maltreatment of children at state-run homes, which are tasked with protecting and nurturing the youngsters in their care. Such attitudes, he said, are deep-seated and longstanding in Thailand, where parents and guardians often think that they can treat children under their care however they like. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/abuse-scandal-puts-thailands-treatment-of-children-under-spotlight/ -- © 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.

Shop owner duped by counterfeit 1000 baht scammer By Samantha Rose Image by Background concept for money and economy from bookzv's Images A cautionary tale has emerged from a local community involving a scammer using counterfeit money for purchases. The perpetrator paid with a fake one thousand baht banknote, receiving a genuine 903 baht in change. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298909-shop-owner-duped-by-counterfeit-1000-baht-scammer/