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High school girls arrested for stealing iPhones worth 17,800 baht in closed mall by Samantha Rose PHOTO: Sanook Two high school girls arrested for stealing mobile phones after hiding in a closed shopping mall. Yesterday, police in Buri Ram arrested two female high school students from a school in Mueang Buri Ram district as they were suspected of breaking into a mobile phone store in a well-known shopping mall. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298615-high-school-girls-arrested-for-stealing-iphones-worth-17800-baht-in-closed-mall/

Thailand to reduce visa approval time for Chinese tourists By Hoang Phong File photo Thailand has said it will halve the visa approval time for Chinese visitors to less than a week to ease travel from the world's largest outbound tourism market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298614-thailand-to-reduce-visa-approval-time-for-chinese-tourists/

Thailand has said it will halve the visa approval time for Chinese visitors to less than a week to ease travel from the world's largest outbound tourism market. The tourism industry had been complaining that the approval time was currently too long since it had taken only 3-5 working days to issue visas in pre-Covid times. China was Thai tourism's biggest overseas market in 2019 as 11 million visited the country, accounting for 28% of arrivals. By Hoang Phong Full story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/thailand-to-reduce-visa-approval-time-for-chinese-tourists-4620058.html -- © VN Express 2023-06-22 - 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.

Trang pub denies assault allegations, blames intoxicated employee’s behaviour and files legal case by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: Khaosod A popular pub in Trang province is refuting allegations that its security guards assaulted a 27 year old female staff member after she caused a scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298612-trang-pub-denies-assault-allegations-blames-intoxicated-employee’s-behaviour-and-files-legal-case/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 22 June 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298607-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-22-june-2023/

Prime Minister Prayut was preparing to leave his office at Government House yesterday. following the Election Commission's official certification of all 500 Members of Parliament. Gen Prayut will continue to fulfill his responsibilities as prime minister until the new government assumes office. Local press report a new government may be in place by July 21st. The husband of a well known actress, along with nine others, has been formally charged by prosecutors for their alleged involvement in online gambling and money laundering. The 10 defendants are accused of collaborating to operate a gambling website and enticing people to join the site. These offenses are reported to have taken place since February last year. Authorities in Mae Hong Son say they have assisted almost 4,000 Myanmar refugees who fled into Thailand to avoid fighting between ethnic groups and the Myanmar military. two districts of Mae Hong Son have been set up to provide shelter for the refugees.. Police will ask The Anti-Money Laundering Office to impound the assets of the chairman of Lamphun Football Club, known as ‘Boss Tan ‘ who is accused of running an illegal online gambling website. Boss Tan was questioned by police who wanted to know what the suspect does for a living. Investigation into the activities of the club chairman have been underway for 6 years. 4 monorail services will be constructed in Pattaya to ease traffic congestion. The first Green line will run 9.9-kilometres to connect the future high-speed train station to Bali Hai pier. Construction is likely to start once a feasibility and environmental study has been carried out. Phuket has lost its bid to host the Specialised Expo 2027-28, After four rounds of voting the Paris-based Bureau International of Expositions awarded the expo to Belgrade in Serbia. Around the Region: Singapore, climate experts issued a haze outlook report which says: There is a high risk of severe transboundary haze in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the surrounding region with hotter and drier weather predicted during the rest of this year, especially as the warmer El Nino is expected to return. The weather: Sunny Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny with isolated showers 34C Bangkok: Sunny partly Cloudy 37 Pattaya, Sunny 33 Phuket and the south: Sunny 31C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny 33 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 2023-06-22 - 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.

Pick-up truck crash on expressway kills two Cambodian workers and injures others by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: iStock A pick-up truck crashed and flipped on the expressway, leading to the tragic deaths of two men and multiple injuries at around 11.30pm yesterday. Pol.Lt. Worachai Sukying of the Klong Luang Police Station in Pathum Thani province was alerted to the accident site, where victims were Cambodian migrant workers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298606-pick-up-truck-crash-on-expressway-kills-two-cambodian-workers-and-injures-others/

Invasion of the City! Countless Insects Raid Homes, Spreading Unbearable Stench Picture: Sanook In a small house in Nakhon Ratchasima province, the inhabitants were besieged by a massive swarm of insects, numbering in the thousands. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298605-invasion-of-the-city-countless-insects-raid-homes-spreading-unbearable-stench/

Elderly Man in Monk-like Attire Found Intoxicated Outside Temple Picture: Siam Rath On June 21, 2023, an elderly man dressed similarly to a Buddhist monk, around 70 years of age, was found drunk and disoriented outside Itthapajayataram Temple in Phu Khae, Chaloem Phra Kiat district, Saraburi province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298603-elderly-man-in-monk-like-attire-found-intoxicated-outside-temple/

American Man Arrested for Overstaying Visa in Thailand's Satun Province Picture: Siam Rath The Immigration Bureau in Satun Province apprehended an American man for staying illegally in Thailand, overstaying his visa by 81 days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298602-american-man-arrested-for-overstaying-visa-in-thailands-satun-province/

"Big Den" Counters Chuvit's Claims Linking Embezzlement Case to the Battle for New National Police Chief Position Picture: Siam Rath At the National Police Office, Police General Damrong Sakditiparpas, the National Police Commissioner, addressed the case where Mr. Chuvit Kamonvisit, a former politician, alleged that the THB 140 million embezzlement case was a battle for the new National Police Chief position. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298601-big-den-counters-chuvits-claims-linking-embezzlement case-to-the-battle-for-new-national-police-chief-position/

Picture: Siam Rath At the National Police Office, Police General Damrong Sakditiparpas, the National Police Commissioner, addressed the case where Mr. Chuvit Kamonvisit, a former politician, alleged that the THB 140 million embezzlement case was a battle for the new National Police Chief position. He stated that he was unaware of the details of this matter, and the case was already assigned to Police General Sura Sakda Palang, the Deputy National Police Commissioner, to be managed in the most transparent manner, reported Siam Rath. When asked about the news featuring a tussle for the new National Police Chief position, Police General Damrong Sakditiparpas said he would need to inquire with those who had this idea. He claimed to be unaware of the details and had not considered the matter that far. He encouraged checking the facts of various cases because there had been complaints and reports at the Khu Khot Police Station in Pathum Thani province, leading to investigations. He said there were no procedures to pick on anyone, it could be individual beliefs. When asked why cases like this, where the accused reports to the police, could happen, the Police Commissioner said, "Everything is possible, everyone is under the law. Those who are wronged or affected can come forward as accusers." -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-22 - 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

Congratulations to Serbia on winning the bid to host Specialised Expo 2027 By Goongnang Suksawat It brings us great delight to announce that Serbia Belgrade has been selected as the host nation for the Specialised Expo under the theme “ Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298600-congratulations-to-serbia-on-winning-the-bid-to-host-specialised-expo-2027/

Tour Bus Hits Mentally Ill Homeless Man in Pattaya By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Pattaya — A homeless man, who has a history of mental illness, was crashed into by a tour bus in Pattaya after he appeared to deliberately walked in front of the vehicle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298599-tour-bus-hits-mentally-ill-homeless-man-in-pattaya/

Pattaya Residents Fed Up With Pushy Migrant Beggars By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Pattaya — Pattaya residents have had enough with migrant beggars, mostly Vietnamese, after they forcefully push flowers and candies to tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298598-pattaya-residents-fed-up-with-pushy-migrant-beggars/

Move Forward Party Wants to Restructure Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society By Adam Judd The Move Forward Party (MFP) has announced its intention to disband the Anti-Fake News Center and initiate a comprehensive restructuring of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society if it forms the next government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298597-move-forward-party-wants-to-restructure-thai-ministry-of-digital-economy-and-society/

The Move Forward Party (MFP) has announced its intention to disband the Anti-Fake News Center and initiate a comprehensive restructuring of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society if it forms the next government. In a recent online post, MFP outlined its proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of upholding rights, freedoms, and open access to information. The party also reaffirmed its belief that it is not the role of the state to dictate the truth but rather to facilitate a society where diverse perspectives can be examined, debated, and presented. Under the party’s proposed government, the ministry would no longer be tasked with blocking websites, instead focusing on safeguarding rights and freedoms. The party has stated its intention to introduce a computer bill aimed at removing state powers that suppress freedom of expression. By Adam Judd Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/21/move-forward-party-wants-to-restructure-thai-ministry-of-digital-economy-and-society/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-22 - 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.

Pheu Thai Party PM Candidate Paetongtarn Infected With Covid-19 By Goongnang Suksawat Thailand – Pheu Thai Party PM candidate Paetongtarn ‘Ung Ing’ Shinawatra, the daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, has been infected with COVID-19 for the second time. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298596-pheu-thai-party-pm-candidate-paetongtarn-infected-with-covid-19/

Thailand – Pheu Thai Party PM candidate Paetongtarn ‘Ung Ing’ Shinawatra, the daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, has been infected with COVID-19 for the second time. Ung Ing posted on her personal Instagram on Wednesday (June 21st). She states, “I have had a sore throat since Sunday (June 18th). I conducted an ATK test every day since then but tested positive today. I hope my two kids are not infected.” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/06/21/pheu-thai-party-pm-candidate-paetongtarn-infected-with-covid-19/ By Goongnang Suksawat -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-06-22 - 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.

New PM in July a turning point for the Thai economy in 2023 which could still see 4% growth by Joseph O' Connor Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam (right) has outlined a revised schedule which will see a new cabinet sworn in by July 21st. A Move Forward-led coalition aims to have Pita Limjaroenrat (centre) elected as the new Prime Minister at a joint sitting of parliament due on July 13th. Mr Pita’s election would boost the economy, according to Siam Commercial Bank economist Ms Thitima Chucherd (left), Director of the Economic Research Department and financial markets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298595-new-pm-in-july-a-turning-point-for-the-thai-economy-in-2023-which-could-still-see-4-growth/

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam (right) has outlined a revised schedule which will see a new cabinet sworn in by July 21st. A Move Forward-led coalition aims to have Pita Limjaroenrat (centre) elected as the new Prime Minister at a joint sitting of parliament due on July 13th. Mr Pita’s election would boost the economy, according to Siam Commercial Bank economist Ms Thitima Chucherd (left), Director of the Economic Research Department and financial markets. The prospects of a speedier formation of a new government with parliament now convening on July 3rd holds out hope to the business sector that a disastrous political crisis may be avoided with a new government formed and in place by July 21st. It follows a week in which there appears to be a new impetus coming from authorities to speed up the process. As news emerged on Wednesday that a new government could be in place in July and not August as previously envisaged, a senior economist at Siam Commercial Bank has singled out the formation of a new government with a new Prime Minister without a political accident or stalemate developing as critical to the country’s economy this year which could grow by up to 4% driven by a rebounding foreign tourism industry and younger Asian travellers with stronger consumer confidence as a result. On Wednesday, the caretaker government’s legal expert Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam outlined a speeded-up schedule which will see parliament meet earlier than anticipated in July and a new government put in place within the month. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/06/21/pm-in-july-a-turning-point-for-the-economy-4-per-cent-growth/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-06-22 - 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.

Formal opening of new Phetchaburi Immigration office in Cha Am By Online Reporter The formal opening ceremony of the new Phetchaburi Immigration office in Cha Am took place on June 16. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298594-formal-opening-of-new-phetchaburi-immigration-office-in-cha-am/

Thai economy stimulus: Government plans 1.9 trillion baht boost during government transition by Nattapong Westwood Photo Courtesy of KhaoSod Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) unveiled plans to inject 1.9 trillion baht into the Thai economy to bridge the gap before the new government can budget for the year 2024, emphasising fiscal reforms and monitoring household debt. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298593-thai-economy-stimulus-government-plans-19-trillion-baht-boost-during-government-transition/

Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) unveiled plans to inject 1.9 trillion baht into the Thai economy to bridge the gap before the new government can budget for the year 2024, emphasising fiscal reforms and monitoring household debt. Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan highlighted the need for industry restructuring and government action in response to shrinking exports, which is affecting the whole region including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. With an expected increase in foreign tourists and strong private consumption, the Thai economy is expected to remain healthy. During the transitional phase awaiting the new government, the NESDC will focus on approving the annual budget bill for the year 2024, which should be completed by the first quarter of 2023 at the latest. Consultations with the Bureau of Budget and state enterprises have outlined around 1.05 trillion baht for public sector investment entering the system in the fourth quarter of 2022, with another 50 billion baht in the first quarter of 2023. Together, these investments would provide approximately 1.8-1.9 trillion baht to support the Thai economy. by Nattapong Westwood Photo Courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-plans-1-9-trillion-baht-boost-to-support-economy-amid-new-government-transition -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-22 - 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.

Laughing chickens bring joy and profit to Thai farm with their quirky crowing by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod. Unique laughing chickens in Trang are gaining popularity among farmers who are speedily breeding the novel birds for sale, creating an extra source of income. With a sound that resembles human laughter, the amusing birds are brightening people’s days and attracting eager customers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298592-laughing-chickens-bring-joy-and-profit-to-thai-farm-with-their-quirky-crowing/