Bangkok, Thailand-With events earlier this week firmly removing charismatic and popular Prime Minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat from the Move Forward Party from the running as the next Thai PM, we wanted to profile the most likely candidate to be put forward for a vote between the joint Thai Parliament.

 

In-Depth: Who is Srettha Thavisin, Thai Prime Minister Candidate
By Adam Judd

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301497-in-depth-who-is-srettha-thavisin-thai-prime-minister-candidate/

 

Defiant Pita tells supporters in Pattaya his party to stay put in 8-party coalition

 

 

Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat told supporters in Pattaya today (Saturday) that he will not allow his party to be ejected from the coalition of eight parties, currently engaged in attempting to form a government.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301498-defiant-pita-tells-supporters-in-pattaya-his-party-to-stay-put-in-8-party-coalition/

 

Thai Officials Clarify Approval of 24/7 Entertainment Venues in the Pattaya Area: U-Tapao Airport Area Only
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Rayong – The Thai Cabinet has approved a proposal to allow entertainment venues to operate 24-hours a day only in the U-Tapao International Airport area to boost tourism.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301496-thai-officials-clarify-approval-of-247-entertainment-venues-in-the-pattaya-area-u-tapao-airport-area-only/

 

Pheu Thai meets Anutin as Move Forward’s Pita turns up the pressure on its conflicted leaders
by Joseph O' Connor

 

(Inset) Scenes from Saturday’s meeting at Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok where Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told the Pheu Thai leader that the Bhumjaithai Party would not participate in a new government if the Move Forward Party is part of it. On Saturday, Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat (centre) was in Chonburi where he told supporters that the Move Forward Party will continue its efforts to form a ‘Government of the People’ and not ‘the succession of the dictatorship’ in the aftermath of the May 14th General Election.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301499-pheu-thai-meets-anutin-as-move-forward’s-pita-turns-up-the-pressure-on-its-conflicted-leaders/

 

India’s rice export halt stirs concerns of 10% surge in Thai rice prices
by Alex Morgan


A farmer walks in a paddy field on the outskirts of Guwahati, India, Tuesday, June 6. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 

Potential tremors in the global rice markets may soon be felt in Thailand as India calls a halt on non-basmati white rice exports, according to high-ranking industry insiders.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301501-india’s-rice-export-halt-stirs-concerns-of-10-surge-in-thai-rice-prices/

 

Thai hotel chains unfazed by political uncertainty, anticipate revenue growth
by Alex Morgan

 

Supporters of the Move Forward Party gather at Democracy Monument during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, July 19. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

 

Despite the ongoing political uncertainty, Thailand’s major hotel chains remain optimistic, as long as the situation stays peaceful and avoids any violent unrest. Centara Hotels and Resorts (CHR) and Minor International Plc voiced their confidence in their ability to weather any potential political storms, providing the environment remains stable.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301502-thai-hotel-chains-unfazed-by-political-uncertainty-anticipate-revenue-growth/

 

University students’ protest ignites over senators’ role
by Mitch Connor 

 

A supporter of Move Forward Party shouts during a protest outside Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, July 19. (AP Photo/Wason Wanitchakron)

 

Activists comprising mainly students, as well as supporters of the Move Forward Party (MFP), held protests at the Kasetsart University, situated in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301503-university-students’-protest-ignites-over-senators’-role/

 

Thailand’s yearly military reshuffle may be delayed due to coalition government
by Mitch Connor

 

Riot police officers stand guard at Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, July 19. (AP Photo/Wason Wanitchakron)

 

In light of the formation of an impending coalition government, Thailand’s yearly military reshuffle might be subjected to a delay, as revealed by Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is concurrently serving as the Defence Minister and Prime Minister. His announcement was made on Friday, upon the closure of a Defence Council session.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301504-thailand’s-yearly-military-reshuffle-may-be-delayed-due-to-coalition-government/

 

Pheu Thai-led Coalition Firmly Opposes Amending Lese-Majeste Law
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

PRESS RELEASE:

 

In the aftermath of the rejection of Pita Limjaroenrat's nomination for the premiership, Pheu Thai Party remains steadfast in its position concerning the lese-majeste law. Its prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin expressed his disappointment over the failed nomination but emphasized the need to accept the outcome and move forward.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301505-pheu-thai-led-coalition-firmly-opposes-amending-lese-majeste-law/

 

Ban Pong police raid pubs for underage drinking and drug violations
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Sanook

 

A thorough investigation has been instigated by Ratchaburi Provincial Police against five high-ranking officers stationed at Ban Pong police station, in light of a raid at two unauthorised pubs supposed to have allowed entry of teenagers, underage drinking, and drug consumption.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301506-ban-pong-police-raid-pubs-for-underage-drinking-and-drug-violations/

 

Thai Democrat party denies rumors of joining Pheu Thai party
by Mitch Connor Mitch

 

Secretary of the Move Forward Party Chaithawat Tulathon, left, and leader of Pheu Thai party Chonlanan Srikaew, right, at a joint press conference at Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 21. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

The Democrat Party of Thailand vehemently dismissed circulating rumours that more than half of its members of parliament were in the process of joining a coalition led by Pheu Thai.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301507-thai-democrat-party-denies-rumors-of-joining-pheu-thai-party/

 

Police Warn Public Cyberbullying Can Lead To Penalty
by TNR Staff

 

Technology Crime Suppression Division Deputy Chief Pol. Col. Siriwat Deephor. Photo: Sanook.com

 

THE TECHNOLOGY Crime Suppression Division police warned the public there can be consequences for cyberbullying and harassment as both civil and criminal lawsuits could be filed against the perpetrator, Sanook.com said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301508-police-warn-public-cyberbullying-can-lead-to-penalty/

 

UPDATE:

 

Pattaya entertainment venues near U-Tapao airport get 24-hour operations approval
by Top 

 

Photo courtesy of Hanny Naibaho (Unsplash)

 

In an effort to stimulate the tourism sector, the Thai Cabinet has given the nod to a proposal that promotes round-the-clock operations of Pattaya entertainment venues. However, this permit is specifically allocated to the region around U-Tapao International Airport.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301496-thai-officials-clarify-approval-of-247-entertainment-venues-in-the-pattaya-area-u-tapao-airport-area-only/?do=findComment&comment=18223445

 

The no-win solution: Thai government a go-go

by Tim Newton

 

Views expressed in this editorial are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of phuket-GO.com

 

With the Thai election now more than 2 months in the rear-view mirror, there is still no PM, no government and no easy path to the finish line.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301509-the-no-win-solution-thai-government-a-go-go/

 

Article 272: The unmovable constitutional rock that wrecked Pita’s PM bid

 

 

Blame for Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s failed bid to become prime minister has fallen on Article 272 of the Constitution.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301510-article-272-the-unmovable-constitutional-rock-that-wrecked-pita’s-pm-bid/

 

Thai waste segregation campaign saves 127.8 million baht in 5 months
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

 

The recent waste segregation campaign aimed at advocating for the proper segregation of household rubbish seems to be reaping rewards in Thailand, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301511-thai-waste-segregation-campaign-saves-1278-million-baht-in-5-months/

 

Thai anti-corruption watchdog asked to probe 235 senators who rejected Pita’s PM bid

 

A former dean of the Faculty of Law at Thammasat University has asked Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate 235 senators for allegedly defying ethical conduct rules over their rejection of Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s prime ministerial candidacy on July 13th.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301512-thai-anti-corruption-watchdog-asked-to-probe-235-senators-who-rejected-pita’s-pm-bid/

 

Safety fears rise as key Phuket boat tour facility Chalong Pier sinks again
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Phuket News

 

In Thailand, Chalong Pier, a key Phuket boat tour facility is under scrutiny as concerns are being raised about the potential safety hazards it poses. The main pontoon, used by tourists to board tour boats, is reportedly sinking again and is visibly covered in rust.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301513-safety-fears-rise-as-key-phuket-boat-tour-facility-chalong-pier-sinks-again/

 

Pheu Thai to approach senators individually seeking their support

 

The Pheu Thai party has assigned Suriya Juangroongruangkit, a key member, to head a small team to approach senators individually, seeking their support for the party’s bid to form the government and its prime ministerial candidate, to be selected by the parliament on July 27th.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301515-pheu-thai-to-approach-senators-individually-seeking-their-support/

 

Sri Racha Electrician Suffers Severe Electric Shock
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya

Sri Racha — A Thai electrician was accidentally zapped with electricity while installing a light in Sri Racha. He then fell down a ladder that he was working on and sustained further serious injuries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301516-sri-racha-electrician-suffers-severe-electric-shock/

 

Protesters Disrupt Press Conference At Pheu Thai HQ
by TNR Staff

 

Photo: Thai Rath

 

SOME protesters barged into Pheu Thai headquarters late afternoon today (July 23) and threw powder around thus disrupting a press conference by Pheu Thai and Palang Prachararth parties after they concluded their talks, Thai Rath newspaper said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301517-protesters-disrupt-press-conference-at-pheu-thai-hq/

 

Fire Erupts at Phra Mongkut Hospital in Bangkok

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

A blaze ignited within the Pacharagit Building of Phra Mongkut Hospital, necessitating the immediate intervention of emergency teams to transfer patients in severe condition.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301518-fire-erupts-at-phra-mongkut-hospital-in-bangkok/

 

Controversial Monk's Tearful Outburst and Candle Wax Incident Raise Concerns over His Ordination

 

 

In a recent incident, Phra K Roi Lan, known as the controversial monk with a history of political involvement and legal issues, shed tears while vehemently dismissing any aspirations of forming a government.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301519-controversial-monks-tearful-outburst-and-candle-wax-incident-raise-concerns-over-his-ordination/

 

Young Motorcyclist Hits Migrant Workers' Trailer in Heavy Rain, Two Dead

 

 

Ratchaburi - At 20:10 on July 23, 2023, Pol. Lt. Sairat Lakkaphatchara of Damnoen Saduak Police Station, Ratchaburi, received a report of a car colliding with a migrant workers' motorcycle resulting in two fatalities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301520-horrifying-accident-speeding-sedan-collides-with-migrant-workers-motorcycle-two-dead-in-heavy-rain/

 

Car fire: Luxury vehicle bursts into flames on Bhumibol Bridge, family escapes unharmed
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A prestigious factory owner and his family barely escaped when their luxury vehicle spontaneously caught fire on the Bhumibol Bridge.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301522-car-fire-luxury-vehicle-bursts-into-flames-on-bhumibol-bridge-family-escapes-unharmed/

 

Chinese Man Arrested Smuggling Ice at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Preparing to Leave the Country

 

 

On July 23, 2023, under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Phakphum Pipit, Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), a joint operation successfully apprehended a Chinese man attempting to smuggle methamphetamine (ice) at Suvarnabhumi Airport while preparing to leave the country.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301523-chinese-man-arrested-smuggling-ice-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-preparing-to-leave-the-country/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 24 July 2023
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301524-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-24-july-2023/

 

Thais are sinking deeply into debt

By Thai PBS World Feature Desk

 

File photo for reference only

Thai people are burdened with high household debt. For many of them, the burden starts early and can last a lifetime. Some young adults, in particular, have racked up massive credit card debt and do not have the ability to pay it off.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301525-thais-are-sinking-deeply-into-debt/

 

Thailand’s economy eyes rebound in 2023 buoyed by China’s booming influence
by Top 

 

Photo courtesy of ddproperty.com

 

A light of hope has started to shine on the future of Thailand’s economy as we look forward to this year, and China’s influence as a significant driving force cannot be ignored, so suggests a leading Thai economist.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301526-thailand’s-economy-eyes-rebound-in-2023-buoyed-by-china’s-booming-influence/

 

Thai Android users lose money in ThaID app scam orchestrated via SMS

 

 

In an emerging threat to privacy and finances, Android smartphone users in Thailand are being entangled in a sophisticated cyber scam.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1301527-thai-android-users-lose-money-in-thaid-app-scam-orchestrated-via-sms/