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Thanks to fervent support from millions of people, the reformist Move Forward Party (MFP) pulled off a stunning victory in the May 14 election, defeating a Shinawatra-backed electoral machine that had won every national vote since 2001. However, a strong sense of loyalty and possession among supporters – rare in any Thai political party and more akin to that of K-pop fans – has placed high expectations and pressure on the progressive party, observers say. And this could be a double-edged sword for Move Forward if it allows “fandom power” to influence its moves and actions, they add. A clear example came last month as Move Forward was gathering parties to form a government coalition. The party was forced to backtrack on its plan to include the Chart Pattana Kla Party after furious opposition from social media users identifying themselves as MFP supporters. They pointed out that its leader Korn Chatikavanij was involved in mass rallies against Yingluck Shinawatra’s government that culminated in the May 2014 military coup. He had also voted for coup-leader General Prayut Chan-o-cha to become prime minister after the 2019 general election, they added. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-and-the-double-edged-sword-of-orange-fandom/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-20 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thai peace: Coalition advances plans for security in Thailand’s deep South by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post The working group on building Thai peace in the deep South, comprised of the eight-party coalition, recently convened for its second meeting at the Prachachat Party headquarters. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298438-thai-peace-coalition-advances-plans-for-security-in-thailand’s-deep-south/

The working group on building Thai peace in the deep South, comprised of the eight-party coalition, recently convened for its second meeting at the Prachachat Party headquarters. The coalition alliance, led by the Move Forward Party (MFP), formed six groups to address major problems in Thailand during the transition of power for the new government. The meeting focused on the development work and policies for Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and four districts in Songkhla, which the coalition aims to implement within the first 100 days of Pita Limjaroenrat’s government. The group also discussed the security measures and special laws that are enforced in the South, with the goal of restoring safety and Thai peace for residents. “We agreed that it is time to return safety to people. We will ask the new government to see whether the enforcement of martial law and the emergency decree is still necessary for the region,” said Romadon Panjor, a representative of the MFP. by Mitch Connor Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/coalition-advances-peace-security-plans-for-thailands-deep-south -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-20 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Foreign Woman Falls from Second Floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Sustains Severe Injuries Picture: Sanook In a distressing event at Suvarnabhumi Airport, an Austrian woman fell from the second floor of the passenger terminal, sustaining serious injuries upon impact with the floor. Eyewitnesses saw her climbing over the railing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298436-foreign-woman-falls-from-second-floor-of-suvarnabhumi-airport-sustains-severe-injuries/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 20 June 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298434-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-20-june-2023/

ALL 500 MPs candidates were ratified by the Election Commission yesterday, After investigations were conducted into allegations of vote-buying and other breaches of election law by 71 winning contestants. Lawmakers are due to meet in two weeks to select a House speaker and 2 deputy House speakers, Followed a week later by a joint House/Senate sitting that is expected to vote Move Forward leader Pita Lim-jaroen-rat for prime minister. Deputy police chief surachate Hakparn says Ten police officers, including the former chief of Chon Buri police, have been charged with involvement in the alleged extortion of 140 million baht from six suspects in an online gambling case, Charges varied between demanding and taking bribes to abuse of power and being a threat to life. The eight coalition parties met for the second time yesterday to discuss their 100-day roadmap plan for peace in three southern border provinces. The group will ask the government whether martial law is still necessary in the south. The conflict in the region has raged constantly since 2004. Four South Korean nationals who evaded arrest in their country by fleeing to Thailand have been arrested for overstaying their visas. The three face multiple charges in their own country including Fraud, drugs, and online gambling, at least one individual is wanted under an interpol red notice. A major 6.Zero earthquake shook the southern coast of Myanmar yesterday morning, causing high rise apartments to sway as far away as Bangkok. Several aftershocks were felt during the day with a larger quake in northern Myanmar felt last night, north west of Chiang Mai. Around the Region: Indonesia said: Asean must adhere to its five-point consensus on resolving the Myanmar crisis, and engagements with just one stakeholder are not conducive to peace. The comments came as Thailand hosted a meeting with the Myanmar military in Pattaya yesterday attended by foreign ministers from Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Asean countries Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines and Vietnam, attended, while China and Indonesia also sent representatives. The weather: Cloudy with thundershowers Chiang Mai and the north: Bright Cloudy with thundershowers 34C Bangkok: Sunny partly Cloudy isolated thundershowers 32 Pattaya, Sunny light cloud 32 Phuket and the south: Sunny light cloud DRY 31C ‘Hua Hin’ :Bright Partly Cloudy, some rain 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 2023-06-20 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Truck Plunges from Bridge onto Railway; Services Continue Unaffected Picture: Siam Rath On June 20, 2023, at 3:15 AM, a ten-wheeler truck laden with paper rolls plunged from an overpass onto the Eastern Line railway tracks near Chachoengsao station, reported Siam Rath. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298433-truck-plunges-from-bridge-onto-railway-services-continue-unaffected/

Chinese tourism boost: TAT aims for 5 million visitors despite real estate woes by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of John Chu, Flickr Despite concerns surrounding China’s current real estate market downturn, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains optimistic about its prospects of attracting 5 million tourists from the Asian country in 2021. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298432-chinese-tourism-boost-tat-aims-for-5-million-visitors-despite-real-estate-woes/

Despite concerns surrounding China’s current real estate market downturn, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains optimistic about its prospects of attracting 5 million tourists from the Asian country in 2021. As travellers continue to save for overseas trips during the ongoing pandemic, TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn anticipates Chinese tourism will see a surge, with Chinese tourists will be eager to explore international destinations. The agency’s target of 5 million visitors from China represents 50% of the 2019 figure, which recorded approximately 10 million arrivals. Given China’s vast population of over 1.4 billion, this goal appears achievable. In fact, from January to May, more than 1.1 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand. To further support inbound Chinese tourism, TAT has initiated discussions with the Consular Affairs Department to facilitate visa applications and document verification for Chinese travellers. In an innovative move aimed at boosting domestic tourism, TAT also plans to introduce “superstition” tourism as part of its offerings – a concept designed to pique the interest of short-haul tourists, including Chinese visitors. by Alex Morgan Photo Courtesy of John Chu, Flickr Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/tat-aims-for-5-million-chinese-tourists-despite-real-estate-woes -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-20 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Post-Election Probe Into Allegations Against 82 MPs Going On By Thai Newsroom Reporters POST-ELECTION INVESTIGATION into allegations filed against 82 elected MPs is still going on to the extent that any of them might possibly be deprived of their MP status at a later date, said Election Commission secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee today (June 19). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298431-post-election-probe-into-allegations-against-82-mps-going-on/

POST-ELECTION INVESTIGATION into allegations filed against 82 elected MPs is still going on to the extent that any of them might possibly be deprived of their MP status at a later date, said Election Commission secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee today (June 19). Though the 82 MPs-designate were among a total of 500 elected last month and ratified by the polling agency yesterday (June 19), any of them might possibly lose their MP status at a later date if finally found to have bought votes or violated the election law as earlier charged, Sawaeng commented. Those who are among the total 400 MPs-designate running in constituency-based mode include 30-plus attached to the Move Forward-led, eight coalition partners. The commissioners had concluded that the ongoing probe into the allegations against those elected lawmakers will likely not be finished within a 60-day time as of May 14 as provided by law for the polling agency to ratify a minimum of 95% of the total 500, thus prompting them to ratify them all for the time being, according to the agency’s secretary-general. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/06/20/post-election-probe-into-allegations-against-82-mps-going-on/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-06-20 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Fatal Truck Accident: Two Dead as Brake Failure Causes Collision in Phuket Picture: Siam Rath On the afternoon of June 19, 2023, a horrifying truck accident took place in the Patong region of Phuket, Thailand, leaving two dead and a truck driver injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298430-fatal-truck-accident-two-dead-as-brake-failure-causes-collision-in-phuket/

South Korean Drug Traffickers Detained in Thailand for Visa Violations Picture: Siam Rath On June 19, 2023, Lieutenant Colonel Thanit Thaiwatcharamas, of the Immigration Bureau at Suvarnabhumi Airport, disclosed the apprehension of two South Korean men, Mr. Nam, aged 37, and Mr. Jang, aged 44. The individuals were implicated in narcotics trafficking and immigration violations within Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298429-south-korean-drug-traffickers-detained-in-thailand-for-visa-violations/

Police Arrest Turkish Man with 148-Day Overstay in Pathum Thani Picture: Siam Rath On June 19, 2023, Police Lieutenant General Charoenpong Kandhilo, Commissioner of Pathum Thani Provincial Police, held a press conference to announce the arrest of a foreign national in accordance with the policy set by Police General Suwat Jangyodsuk, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298428-police-arrest-turkish-man-with-148-day-overstay-in-pathum-thani/

Officers warned of a thin line between crime and policing as the force confronts extortion case by James Morris and Son Nguyen Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn, also known as ‘Big Joke’ briefed the media, on Sunday, at the Police Club in Bangkok as a task force met with senior police officers by appointment for questioning over a complaint filed by the owner of an illegal gambling website in Pathum Thani over a week ago alleging extortion and corruption. On Sunday also, whistleblower Chuwit Kamolvisit issued a bulletin to his followers suggesting that the case may be a prelude to further fallout within the Royal Thai Police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298427-officers-warned-of-a-thin-line-between-crime-and-policing-as-the-force-confronts-extortion-case/

Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn, also known as ‘Big Joke’ briefed the media, on Sunday, at the Police Club in Bangkok as a task force met with senior police officers by appointment for questioning over a complaint filed by the owner of an illegal gambling website in Pathum Thani over a week ago alleging extortion and corruption. On Sunday also, whistleblower Chuwit Kamolvisit issued a bulletin to his followers suggesting that the case may be a prelude to further fallout within the Royal Thai Police. The latest corruption scandal related to allegations made by the owners of a gambling website known as ‘Foxbet 168’ who say they already paid ฿85 million to the go-betweens acting for senior police officers connected with raids on three locations on May 23rd last in Bangkok and Nonthaburi. The complaint was lodged with Khu Khot Police Station in Pathum Thani over a week ago. All the officers involved have denied any wrongdoing and on Sunday, spoke confidently with the press as they arrived to be interviewed by a police task force in Bangkok. Deputy National Police Commissioner General Surachate Hakparn or ‘Big Joke’ on Sunday warned that there is a thin line between breaking the law and police work as he vowed to prosecute all officers found to be culpable in a new corruption scandal engulfing the force and involving police officers in Chonburi, Rayong and on a national level, within the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) after the operators of an illegal gambling website ‘Foxbet 168’, which was raided on May 23rd last, claimed that an attempt was made to extort ฿140 million while paying over ฿85 million to avoid legal prosecution. The case is said to have implicated up to 12 police officers including the Provincial Police Chief in Chonburi, Police Major General Kamphon Leelaprapaporn, who was called to explain himself on Sunday. The top Chonburi officer, his subordinates and other officers in the force who were called in for questioning, adamantly protested their innocence in the matter saying they were simply doing their duty. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2023/06/19/officers-charged-policing-scandal-gambling-website-firefox-168-140-million-baht-extortion/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2023-06-20 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Tourists Mistakenly Believed They Had Been Robbed after Smoking Cannabis with Beach Vendors in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Two Thai tourists who visited a famous beach in Phuket later admitted to police that they agreed to smoke cannabis given to them by beach vendors and then when they were intoxicated they suspected wrongly that they were robbed by the same vendors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298426-tourists-mistakenly-believed-they-had-been-robbed-after-smoking-cannabis-with-beach-vendors-in-phuket/

Russian Tourist Injured After Arguing with a Bar Staffer on Bangla Road in Patong, Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Patong-A Female Russian tourist has sustained minor injuries after she reportedly got involved in an argument with a staffer at an entertainment venue on the Bangla Road in Patong. Details, however, are limited. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298425-russian-tourist-injured-after-arguing-with-a-bar-staffer-on-bangla-road-in-patong-phuket/

Election Commission confirms all 500 elected MPs Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) announced they are confirming all 400 constituency MPs and 100 party-list MPs this afternoon (Monday), and that they can collect their certificates from tomorrow until June 24th. Speaking at the press conference, however, EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee said that the commission still has the authority to investigate if there is any evidence that an MP was elected in bad faith. The EC can file a petition with the Supreme Court to revoke result and order a new election, which has to be completed within one year of the May 14th original election. The EC has certified the results because any ongoing investigations cannot be completed within 60 days and they have to be fair to all sides and go through all the submitted documents, Sawaeng added. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/election-commission-confirms-all-500-elected-mps/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-20 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 20 June 2023 https://aseannow.com/topic/1298424-thailand-live-tuesday-20-june-2023/

MFP to Seek Closure of Anti-Fake News Center BANGKOK (NNT) - 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/1298388-mfp-to-seek-closure-of-anti-fake-news-center/

South Koreans arrested in Thailand for overstay, linked to gambling and fraud Picture courtesy of Khaosod Thai authorities have arrested four South Korean suspects, including one with alleged ties to illegal online gambling worth over 163 million baht (US$4,686,603). The suspects were apprehended on overstaying charges before being brought to trial today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298415-south-koreans-arrested-in-thailand-for-overstay-linked-to-gambling-and-fraud/

American YouTuber critisised for hiring 50 Thai police to play game with him Photo via YouTube/ My Mate Nate Thai netizens criticised an American YouTuber, Nathan Bartling, popularly known among Thai people as My Mate Nate, after he hired 50 Thai police officers to participate in a game featured in one of his new videos. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298406-american-youtuber-critisised-for-hiring-50-thai-police-to-play-game-with-him/

ALL 500 MPs-DESIGNATE were ratified by the Election Commission, capping a five-week period of the nationwide electoral process. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298391-ec-endorses-all-mps-elect/?do=findComment&comment=18154667

UPDATE: All 500 MPs-Designate Ratified Now By Thai Newsroom Reporters ALL 500 MPs-DESIGNATE were today (June 19) ratified by the Election Commission, capping a five-week period of the nationwide electoral process. Election Commission secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee announced today’s ratification of all 400 MPs-designate running in constituency-based mode and all 100 MPs-designate vying in party-listed mode after investigation had been earlier conducted into allegations of vote-buying and other breaches to the election law involving a total of 71 winning contestants vying in the former mode. It has taken the polling agency a five-week time to hold the nationwide race to parliament and ratify the winners following the May 14 election. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/06/19/all-500-mps-designate-ratified-now/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-06-20 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.