THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 21 August 2023

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Thailand is projected to emerge as a principal destination for international Muslim tourists within the next half-decade. The Deputy Government Spokesperson, Rachada Dhnadirek, put forth this intent to lure more Muslim travellers, citing their rising numbers and increased spending capacity.

 

Thailand aims to be top Muslim tourism destination within 5 years
Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304128-thailand-aims-to-be-top-muslim-tourism-destination-within-5-years/

 

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Officials Inspect Cannabis Shops on Bangla Road in Patong After Viral Video
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Patong – Relevant officials inspected cannabis shops on Bangla Road in Patong to check for licenses and rule infringements after a video clip of foreigners using a machine to blow cannabis smoke across the street went viral on social media.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304129-officials-inspect-cannabis-shops-on-bangla-road-in-patong-after-viral-video/

 

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Prachinburi print shop overcharges customer, shocking Internet
by Neill Fronde

 

Image courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A disheartening incident unfolded when a woman was charged 500 baht for scanning four documents, at a print shop in the area of Ban Rabao Phai, Sri Maha Pho District, Prachinburi.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304131-prachinburi-print-shop-overcharges-customer-shocking-internet/

 

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12-year-old girl duped into sending explicit photos by school fraudster
by Neill Fronde

 

A 12 year old girl was tricked into sending explicit photos to an alleged teacher as a health check. (via FBI)

 

Soliciting explicit images under the guise of a teacher, a person online commanded a 12-year-old girl to capture and send revealing photos of herself.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304132-12-year-old-girl-duped-into-sending-explicit-photos-by-school-fraudster/

 

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Online fraud declines as Thais embraces digital safety measures
by Neill Fronde

 

Chaiwuti Thanakamanusornis, Image via Wikipedia

 

Chaiwuti Thanakamanusorn is confident that online crime measures are effective, as statistics of online scams show a decline.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304133-online-fraud-declines-as-thais-embraces-digital-safety-measures/

 

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Easyrice transforms Thai rice industry with AI-powered inspection solutions
by Neill Fronde 

 

EASYRICE Vietnam team attends Vietnam Rice Market Annual Conference 2023 event, Image via Easy Rice Digital Technology. (via อีซีไรช์ ดิจิทัล เทคโนโลยี, Facebook)

 

Emerging from academic research projects, Easyrice Digital Technology Co Ltd has grown into a cutting-edge tech startup focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) within the agricultural sector, specifically tailored towards bettering the rice industry in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304134-easyrice-transforms-thai-rice-industry-with-ai-powered-inspection-solutions/

 

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Monk goes viral for auto rubbish-collecting cart to clean temple
by Neill Fronde 

 

A monk went viral for invented an automatic rubbish-cleaning machine. (via Culture Trip)

 

A monk came up with an ingenious idea borne out of necessity, giving birth to a functional, automatic rubbish collection cart. The monk, who lives in the Ayutthaya province, created a cart that can gather and collect discarded items and fallen leaves from a 14-acre temple area without the need for manual labour.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304135-monk-goes-viral-for-auto-rubbish-collecting-cart-to-clean-temple/

 

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Thailand’s transport ministry pauses proposed toll hike on key expressways
by Mitch Connor 

 

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

 

The Progressive Ministry of Transport has issued a directive to the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) to maintain the current toll charges for Chalong Rat and Bang Na expressways for another six-month period, leading into February of the upcoming year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304136-thailand’s-transport-ministry-pauses-proposed-toll-hike-on-key-expressways/

 

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Chinese resurgence transforms Bangkok’s Huai Khwang into new Chinatown
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Prachachat

 

Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district, home to a rising number of Chinese expatriates, is reinforcing its repute as the city’s second Yaowarat or New Chinatown.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304137-chinese-resurgence-transforms-bangkok’s-huai-khwang-into-new-chinatown/

 

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Poll respondents disagree with Pheu Thai’s “government of reconciliation”

 

 

Most respondents to a Nida Poll disagree with the Pheu Thai party partnering with the two junta-linked parties, Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, to form a “government of reconciliation”, and most would prefer Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s next prime minister.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304138-poll-respondents-disagree-with-pheu-thai’s-“government-of-reconciliation”/

 

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Most Senators Await ‘Uncles’ Advice’ Over PM Vote
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Pheu Thai prime-ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin, right, and Palang Pracharath boss Prawit Wongsuwan, left. Photos: Matichon

 

MOST SENATORS ARE impatiently awaiting some “advice” from a couple of powerful “uncles” as to whether they should vote Pheu Thai candidate Srettha Thavisin for prime minister or not, partisan sources said over the weekend.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304139-most-senators-await-‘uncles’-advice’-over-pm-vote/

 

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Chonlanan’s Wife Says He’s Ready To Resign After Govt Is Set Up
by TNR Staff 

 

Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanan Srikaew with his wife Nuansakul Bamrungpong. Both photos: Matichon

 

IN RESPONSE to social media clamour questioning when Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanan Srikaew is going to resign as he said he would if the “uncles’ camps” join his party, his wife Nuansakul Bamrungpong said Aug. 19 he is ready to do after a coalition government has been set up, Matichon newspaper said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304141-chonlanan’s-wife-says-he’s-ready-to-resign-after-govt-is-set-up/

 

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Fears of political betrayal abound as Thaksin plans to touchdown at Don Mueang Airport on Tuesday 
by Joseph O' Connor

 

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (centre) is understood to be in Singapore as he prepares to return to Thailand at 9 am on Tuesday morning. His return and probable imprisonment come on the same day as Pheu Thai Party nominee Srettha Thavisin (below left) will be put forward for Prime Minister in parliament, with his candidacy facing strong opposition from senators, including Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha (above left) in a turn of events that has left the 65% of Thai voters who voted for pro-democracy and reform parties in the May 14th General Election, agape.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304142-fears-of-political-betrayal-abound-as-thaksin-plans-to-touchdown-at-don-mueang-airport-on-tuesday/

 

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Hostess and Karaoke Bars in Pattaya Inspected to Prevent Underage Staff and Patrons
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Pattaya – Hostess Bars and Karaokes in Pattaya were randomly inspected to prevent underage users and staff.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304143-hostess-and-karaoke-bars-in-pattaya-inspected-to-prevent-underage-staff-and-patrons/

 

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Intoxicated Chinese Woman Taken to Police Station After Car Crash in Pattaya Area
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Pattaya – An intoxicated female Chinese driver was taken to the Pattaya City Police Station after a car crash in the Pattaya area.

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304144-intoxicated-chinese-woman-taken-to-police-station-after-car-crash-in-pattaya-area/

 

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Thaksin to get extra security and “adequate conveniences” while in prison
 

This picture taken on March 25, 2019, shows exiled former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra posing for a portrait after being interviewed by Agence France-presse in Hong Kong. Thaksin said Thai the election was ‘rigged’ and marred by ‘irregularities’. (Photo by ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP)

Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be given additional security and appropriate “conveniences” while he is detained at Bangkok remand prison, following his return to Thailand this Tuesday, according to Aryut Sinthoppan, director-general of the Corrections Department.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304145-thaksin-to-get-extra-security-and-“adequate-conveniences”-while-in-prison/

 

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Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed train expected to enter service in 2027

 

Photo on the website of bangkokbiznews.com

 

Construction of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train between Bangkok and the north-eastern border province of Nong Khai is progressing satisfactorily, with the construction of the 250.77km section between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima province already almost 40% complete.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304146-bangkok-nong-khai-high-speed-train-expected-to-enter-service-in-2027/

 

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Consumer council members want Bt3,000 per month for all retirees
 

 

Thailand’s Consumer Council (TCC) have voiced their opposition to the Interior Ministry’s recent change to rules on old age pensions and wants them to reinstate the old rules, under which all elderly people aged 60 and over who are not government officials or state enterprise employees are eligible to monthly cost of living allowance from 600 to 1,000 baht, depending on their age.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304147-consumer-council-members-want-bt3000-per-month-for-all-retirees/

 

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Rider Dies In Collision With Train In Ayutthaya
by TNR Staff

 

The smashed motorcycle lying on the rail track. Photo: Matichon

 

A YOUNG WOMAN riding a motorcycle died after colliding with a train at Chiang Rak Noi railway station in Bang Pa-in district, Ayutthaya province today (Aug. 20), Matichon newspaper said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304148-rider-dies-in-collision-with-train-in-ayutthaya/

 

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Teenage motorcycle courier fatally shot intervening in gang dispute
by Neill Fronde

 

A boy was shot after accidentally getting involved in a motorcycle gang dispite. (Picture courtesy of KhaoSod)
 

In the early hours of today, a 19 year old motorcycle rider, who was waiting for work at a city junction, intervened in a quarrel amongst a group of teenagers and was tragically shot. Two of his friends also suffered injuries in the horrific incident.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304149-teenage-motorcycle-courier-fatally-shot-intervening-in-gang-dispute/

 

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Berlin Police seek to track down a brutal attacker who used a glass bottle to kill a Thai woman
by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor

 

Rescue workers remove the body of 61-year-old Siliya Rothert (inset) from the murder scene on Friday morning last in the Schoneberg area of Berlin. The alarm was raised by workers at a nearby hotel at 12.45 am. Police found the body of the Thai woman in a lane off Fuggerstrasse alongside her bloodied bag (inset) and a broken glass bottle, which is understood to have been the murder weapon. Ms Siliya was a well-loved member of the Thai German community in the city.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304150-berlin-police-seek-to-track-down-a-brutal-attacker-who-used-a-glass-bottle-to-kill-a-thai-woman/

 

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Papers On Srettha’s Alleged Property Wheeling-Dealing Scams Sent To All Lawmakers
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Pheu Thai prime-ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin, left, and political activist Chuwit Kamolvisit, right.  Photo: Thai Rath

 

OFFICIAL PAPERS EVIDENCING certain property dealings and allegedly signifying dishonesty and lack of good governance on the part of real estate mogul-turned-prime-ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin have been sent to all lawmakers before they cast either a yea vote for him or a nay vote against him on the upcoming Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304151-papers-on-srettha’s-alleged-property-wheeling-dealing-scams-sent-to-all-lawmakers/

 

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Child seat vehicle laws go into effect in Phuket: 2,000 baht fine
by Neill Fronde

 

Child seats are now required in Phuket for children under six, with a 2,000 baht penalty. (via Motherhood). Picture courtesy of Motherhood

 

Buckle up kids! The public – particularly parents – have once again been reminded about the new safety regulations regarding child seats in vehicles within Phuket. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304152-child-seat-vehicle-laws-go-into-effect-in-phuket-2000-baht-fine/

 

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Another Huge Statue Unveiled In Nonthaburi
by TNR Staff

 

 

EVEN as Bangkokians are still agog over a huge black statue of an emaciated, winged figure with golden fangs and scarlet talons outside a hotel, a bigger statue of Sihuhata deity has been unveiled at adjacent Nonthaburi province, TV Channel 7 said yesterday (Aug. 20).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304154-another-huge-statue-unveiled-in-nonthaburi/

 

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Deputy House speaker in hot water for entertaining parliament’s maids
 

Padipat Suntiphada

Deputy House speaker Padipat Suntiphada said today (Sunday) that he is prepared to be investigated for allegedly misusing parliamentary funds, by hosting Thai barbecue buffet for about 300 maids working at the parliament complex.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304155-deputy-house-speaker-in-hot-water-for-entertaining-parliament’s-maids/

 

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Fire Engulfs Utility Wires, Scorches Parked Vehicles

 

 

In a startling incident at 01:30 AM on August 21, 2023, a fire erupted in utility wires along Pattaya Beach Road, causing a blaze that consumed six parked vehicles.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304156-fire-engulfs-utility-wires-scorches-parked-vehicles/

 

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Fatal Taxi Accident in Samut Prakan: Dark Road and Construction Site Blamed

 

 

In a tragic incident on August 20, 2566, at around 9:30 PM, a taxi plunged off the road, crashing into a construction post of an under-construction bridge over a canal in Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304157-fatal-taxi-accident-in-samut-prakan-dark-road-and-construction-site-blamed/

 

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Tourists continue to travel to Koh Kood - Koh Mak even in the low season

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Trat Province: Despite the low season, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) continues to witness tourists traveling to explore the popular attractions of Koh Kood and Koh Mak.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304159-tourists-continue-to-travel-to-koh-kood-koh-mak-even-in-the-low-season/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 21 August 2023
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304162-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-21-august-2023/

 

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Influenza infection cases triple in a year, topping 970,000 with one fatality reported

by Mitch Connor

Photo courtesy of Freepik

 

In an alarming public health update, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) has noted that the annual influenza infection figures have exceeded 970,000 this year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1304163-influenza-infection-cases-triple-in-a-year-topping-970000-with-one-fatality-reported/