THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 8 May 2023

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Ubon Joe who passed away 3 days ago.
Visa Moderator/advisor at ASEAN NOW Forum,

truly a legend and a great friend. ❤️

 

Remembering Joe Reedy: A Dedicated Moderator and Veteran. A life well lived

 

It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of our very good friend and moderator Ubon Joe following a short illness.

 

Obituary: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294073-rip-ubon-joe-asean-now-visa-expert/

 

 

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Thailand: you can leave but you must pay ฿1,000 more. Departures tax hailed as the kiss of death
by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

Over the weekend, the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) has come out strongly against the proposed new departures tax being pushed by the Revenue Department with a public hearing already scheduled for next week. Its chief, Mr Charoen Wangananont, questioned the timing of the tax and the rate being proposed as inappropriate to present market conditions while the Vice President of the body warned of unintended consequences for the country’s flight connection network and the overall tourism industry.

 

The new levy is being proposed by the Revenue Department under a 1983 legal provision with public hearings already scheduled for the coming week.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294163-thailand-you-can-leave-but-you-must-pay-฿1000-more-departures-tax-hailed-as-the-kiss-of-death/

 

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Tourism boss calls for special state body to manage the new foreign tourism levy postponed yet again

by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor

 

The Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced recently that the proposed foreign tourist levy on incoming visitors scheduled from June 23rd next was to be postponed until after the new government comes to power. He did clarify that 17% of the ฿300 would go towards the fund to provide automatic but capped emergency medical coverage for visitors in Thailand for up to 30 days after arrival.

 

Plans this year to have airlines collect the proposed ฿300 levy ran into difficulty while industry leaders are anxious to see the proposal for emergency tourist medical insurance coverage implemented with ongoing horror stories from across the country’s tourist hotspots.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294164-tourism-boss-calls-for-special-state-body-to-manage-the-new-foreign-tourism-levy-postponed-yet-again/

 

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Ukrainian Arrested for Illegally Working on Pha Ngan Island
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

PHOTO: Naew Na

Pha Ngan Island, Surat Thani – A Ukrainian man was arrested for allegedly illegally working for a motorbike rental operator on Pha Ngan Island.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294165-ukrainian-arrested-for-illegally-working-on-pha-ngan-island/

 

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Tyson Fury in Bangkok for One Night Only!

 

 

WBC Heavyweight boxing champion of the world Tyson Fury will be in Bangkok on the 8th June to be the main event for a Gala Dinner at the Millennium Hilton Hotel.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1291199-tyson-fury-in-bangkok-for-one-night-only/

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One dies, four cars damaged as concrete falls from elevated expressway

 

 

A construction worker was crushed to death and four cars were damaged this afternoon (Sunday) when a huge concrete slab fell from the Rama II elevated expressway, which is under construction.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294166-one-dies-four-cars-damaged-as-concrete-falls-from-elevated-expressway/

 

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Big turnout at polling stations for advance voting in Thailand’s general election

 

 

Many voters have turned up at polling stations across the country to cast their ballots in advance voting today (Sunday).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294167-big-turnout-at-polling-stations-for-advance-voting-in-thailand’s-general-election/

 

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DSI seeking two people linked to transnational commercial surrogacy racket

 

 

Officials from Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) have recently rescued a surrogate baby from a house in Samut Prakan province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294168-dsi-seeking-two-people-linked-to-transnational-commercial-surrogacy-racket/

 

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About 100 envelopes containing ballot sheets mistakenly addressed

 

 

Election officials have mistakenly put the wrong constituency code numbers of Nonthaburi province on about 100 envelopes containing ballot sheets, Thailand’s Election Commission Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee said today (Sunday).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294169-about-100-envelopes-containing-ballot-sheets-mistakenly-addressed/

 

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Dark predictions as the opposition parties look set to sweep to power in next weekend’s Election
by Joseph O' Connor

 

The United Thai Nation (Ruam Thai Sang Chart) Party video clip paints a dark portrait of political instability and lack of faith in the kingdom if traditional values and culture are abandoned as the opposition, particularly the Move Forward Party, gains ground in opinion polls. Meanwhile, a revered Abbot in Chiang Mai has predicted a return to turmoil and street protests in the aftermath of the General Election next weekend with a return to power of Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha.

Video clip paints a sombre picture of the country’s future as the PM’s party raises the brooding spectre of political instability as it and other government parties trail in opinion polls behind the key opposition parties which seem to have the momentum to form a new government.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294170-dark-predictions-as-the-opposition-parties-look-set-to-sweep-to-power-in-next-weekend’s-election/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Thai Government Launches Public Opinion Poll on Departure Tax
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

 

National – On the website of the Thai Revenue Department, a public hearing questionnaire has been launched to gather public opinion on a government departure tax of 1,000 baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294163-thailand-you-can-leave-but-you-must-pay-฿1000-more-departures-tax-hailed-as-the-kiss-of-death/?do=findComment&comment=18066834

 

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Violent Incidents Involving Homeless People Rise in Pattaya
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Banglamung – A homeless man has sustained injuries after he was attacked by a younger homeless teen in the Pattaya area.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294171-violent-incidents-involving-homeless-people-rise-in-pattaya/

 

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Pattaya Rescuers Capture Python After it Ate Kitten
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

 

Pattaya — A four-meter-long python was caught red-handed after it devoured what could be a stray kitten at a Pattaya apartment. Sawang Boriboon rescuers took nearly half an hour to capture the giant beast.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294172-pattaya-rescuers-capture-python-after-it-ate-kitten/

 

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Chinese Mother Calls For Justice After Her Son Dies in Phuket Vehicle Accident
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – A Chinese mother is calling for justice after her son died in a motorbike and taxi car collision in Phuket.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294173-chinese-mother-calls-for-justice-after-her-son-dies-in-phuket-vehicle-accident/

 

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Pattaya looks to allocate 30 million baht to Bali Hai Pier repair and upgrade
by Top

 

Bali Hai Pier, photo by Pattaya Mail.

Pattaya is looking to allocate 30 million baht for the repair and upgrade of the popular Bali Hai Pier. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet announced on May 3 that the Bali Hai bridge, which connects the pier to the mainland, was deteriorating and required repair work to its foundations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294174-pattaya-looks-to-allocate-30-million-baht-to-bali-hai-pier-repair-and-upgrade/

 

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Thai actress reports to police to explain her purchase of cyanide

 

 

Actress Preechaya Pongthananikorn reported to the police today (Sunday), to explain that she bought cyanide online to get rid of reptiles, which had attacked her pet dogs in the backyard of her mother’s house.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294175-thai-actress-reports-to-police-to-explain-her-purchase-of-cyanide/

 

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Police to seek additional arrest warrants in cyanide poisoning investigation

 

 

Thai police are to seek warrants for the arrests of one or two additional suspects, thought to have assisted serial murder suspect Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, who is believed to be responsible for the deaths of at least 15 people, allegedly by cyanide poisoning.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294176-police-to-seek-additional-arrest-warrants-in-cyanide-poisoning-investigation/

 

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Footprints, believed to belong to herbivore dinosaur, found in Phetchabun

 

 

Fossilised footprints of what is believed to be a plant-eating dinosaur were found in the rock bed of a dry creek in a forest in the Nam Nao district of Thailand’s northern province of Phetchabun last month.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294177-footprints-believed-to-belong-to-herbivore-dinosaur-found-in-phetchabun/

 

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Reading the story of Thailand’s election in campaign posters

 

 

Despite the rise of social media, campaign posters still seem to be the main channel of communication for political parties and candidates going all out to woo voters as election day approaches.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294179-reading-the-story-of-thailand’s-election-in-campaign-posters/

 

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Move Forward Party Is The Favourite In Both Modes: Thai Rath Poll
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, left, campaigning recently. Photo: Naewna

 

MOVE FORWARD has been found to be the favourite among all parties contesting the May 14 general election in both electoral modes with the rapidly-rising popularity of Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat prevailing over all his rivals for the post-election premiership, according to the latest Thai Rath Poll.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294180-move-forward-party-is-the-favourite-in-both-modes-thai-rath-poll/

 

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Thai villagers complain to Election Commission over alleged vote-buying
by Samantha Rose

 

Photo via Sanook.

Thai Villagers from Non Reuang, in the district of Ban Kho in the northeast Khon Kaen province, stormed the Election Commission (EC) office with their lawyer and village headman, accusing a well-known political party’s candidate of engaging in vote-buying activities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294181-thai-villagers-complain-to-election-commission-over-alleged-vote-buying/

 

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Ubon Ratchathani Immigration Arrests 28-Year-Old Man for Intentional Murder

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

A 28-year-old man has been detained in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand, on suspicion of intentional homicide. The suspect, identified as Mr. Athipong, resides in Na Yia District within the province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294182-ubon-ratchathani-immigration-arrests-28-year-old-man-for-intentional-murder/

 

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Former Prominent Monk Admits to Transferring Temple Funds to Sister's Account but Denies Fraud

 

Picture: INN

 

BANGKOK -- On May 7, 2023, Maj. Gen. Montri Thetkhan, Commander-in-Chief, updated the progress of arresting a renowned former monk and his accomplices, who are accused of embezzling over 180 million baht from a temple.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294185-former-prominent-monk-admits-to-transferring-temple-funds-to-sisters-account-but-denies-fraud/

 

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Renowned Monk Predicts National Turmoil and "Big Tu" Returning as Prime Minister

 

Picture: Thai Rath

The respected "Phra Kru" or "Maha Phut Phan On" of Chiang Mai anticipates challenging times for the country following the elections, with protests emerging and the nation entangled in a continuous cycle of conflict. He envisions "Big Tu" returning as the Prime Minister, leading a government amidst the unrest.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294186-renowned-thai-monk-predicts-national-turmoil-and-big-tu-returning-as-prime-minister/

 

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Phuket Immigration Welcomes Senior Judiciary Executives for Study Visit

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Recently, Phuket Immigration welcomed participants of the 27th Senior Judiciary Executives Training Course (Bor.Yor.Sor.) for an insightful study visit. Under the guidance of Mr. Kanchit Wongthai, Secretary-General of the Institute of Civil Servant Development for the Judicial Branch, the group explored the Phuket Immigration Office to gain a deeper understanding of its mission and responsibilities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294193-phuket-immigration-welcomes-senior-judiciary-executives-for-study-visit/

 

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Chadchart’s CCTVs Watching Ballot Boxes
by TNR Staff

 

A still image from a surveillance video clip taken at Don Mueang voting station. Photo: Matichon

 

BANGKOK Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has installed surveillance cameras at all voting stations in the metropolis to watch the advance vote ballot boxes until election day next Sunday May 14 when the votes will be counted, Matichon newspaper said tonight (May 7).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294194-chadchart’s-cctvs-watching-ballot-boxes/

 

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Army Ranger Nabbed For Taking Picture Of Marked Ballots In Kanchanaburi
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Advance voting at Amnart Charoen province today, May 7, 2023. Photo: Matichon

 

AN ARMY RANGER was arrested for taking a picture of his ballots after marking them during today’s (May 7) advance polling in Kanchanaburi, police said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294196-army-ranger-nabbed-for-taking-picture-of-marked-ballots-in-kanchanaburi/

 

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A new departure tax? Concrete platform falls on Rama II road : Tim Newton Today - May 8

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294200-a-new-departure-tax-concrete-platform-falls-on-rama-ii-road-tim-newton-today-may-8/

 

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Police bust romance scammer turned car thief, uncover trafficking gang
by Petch Petpailin  

 

Photo via Facebook/ ดาวแปดแฉก

A police investigation into a romance scammer who stole cars from women has led to the arrest of a vehicle trafficking gang. Two women and one Thai man who trafficked stolen cars were arrested Friday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294202-police-bust-romance-scammer-turned-car-thief-uncover-trafficking-gang/

 

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Minor Group launches new restaurant brands in Thailand
by Alex Morgan 

 

Image courtesy of Bangkok Post

Minor Group, the Thailand-based conglomerate, aims to expand its business with the launch of two new restaurant brands in the coming months.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1294204-minor-group-launches-new-restaurant-brands-in-thailand/