THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 27 September 2023

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Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole in February next year, 2024. The ex-PM will not have to wear the Electronic Monitoring (EM) bracelet and will be able to express his views on Thai politics.

 

by Petch Petpailin

Photo by Sakchai Lalit via AP

 

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra to be eligible for parole next year
Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307602-former-pm-thaksin-shinawatra-to-be-eligible-for-parole-next-year/

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Faulty brakes lead to 14 vehicle pile up on Rama II Road, Bangkok

 

Image screenshot from FM91 Trafficpro, Twitter

 

A bus with faulty brakes caused a massive pile-up involving 14 vehicles on Rama II Road, resulting in numerous injuries. The crash occurred at 8am today.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307625-faulty-brakes-lead-to-14-vehicle-pile-up-on-rama-ii-road-bangkok/

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Thai FDA Confirms Safety of Imported Japanese Seafood
by Paul Rujopakarn

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reassured consumers that seafood imported from Japan remains safe for consumption, following rigorous testing for radioactivity.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307604-thai-fda-confirms-safety-of-imported-japanese-seafood/

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Prominent Thai Activist Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison Due to Royal Defamation
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

PHOTO: Thaipost

National — A pro-democracy activist and lawyer, Arnon Nampa, has been sentenced to 4 years in prison following his remarks about the Thai monarchy in an October 2020 protest.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307645-prominent-thai-activist-sentenced-to-4-years-in-prison-due-to-royal-defamation/

 

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Thai man erects 3 penis statues for good luck in central Thailand
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via MGR Online.

A retired senior police sergeant major, in the central province of Kampaeng Phet, raised a few titters after he completed an unusual erection on his land, three penis statues.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307646-thai-man-erects-3-penis-statues-for-good-luck-in-central-thailand/

 

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Srettha Downsizing Army Of Officials Accompanying Him On Provincial Tour
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in Chaing Rai, above, and Phuket, Front Page, during trips earlier this month. Photo: Thai Rath

 

PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin Tuesday (Sep.26) told all members of his cabinet to no longer manage to have too many government officials accompany him during his official trips to the provinces.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307647-srettha-downsizing-army-of-officials-accompanying-him-on-provincial-tour/

 

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Bangkok Submerged with Record Rainfall in Phra Khanong District

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Bangkok residents faced torrential rain and severe flooding, with the highest recorded rainfall of 142.5 mm in the Phra Khanong district.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307648-bangkok-submerged-with-record-rainfall-in-phra-khanong-district/

 

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"Rome" points out that the police organization is a mess, doing everything possible to gain power

 

Picture: INN

 

In a recent development, "Rangsiman," a prominent political figure, has pointed fingers at the police force, alleging a relentless pursuit of power.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307650-rome-points-out-that-the-police-organization-is-a-mess-doing-everything-possible-to-gain-power/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 27 September 2023
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307652-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-27-september-2023/

 

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Thai government approves 500bn baht investment budget to boost fiscal growth
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo: Freepik

 

Yesterday, the Thai government approved a massive investment budget of 500 billion baht dedicated to 46 state-owned enterprises for the fiscal year 2024, commencing this October. The substantial budget aims to stimulate the national economy and bolster fiscal growth.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307653-thai-government-approves-500bn-baht-investment-budget-to-boost-fiscal-growth/

 

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Thai Airways to boost international flights
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo: Martin Baertges, Flickr

 

Thai Airways International (THAI) has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its international flight offerings in the forthcoming high season. The airline’s primary focus is to draw in a higher number of tourists.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307654-thai-airways-to-boost-international-flights/

 

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Srettha Thavisin to bolster ASEAN ties, attract Saudi investment
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo: traveldailynews.asia

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is preparing to bolster Thailand and Cambodia’s relationship with his upcoming visit tomorrow, as announced by Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307657-srettha-thavisin-to-bolster-asean-ties-attract-saudi-investment/

 

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Cabinet Approves Farmer Debt Moratorium

 

 

BANGKOK, Sept 27 (TNA) – The Cabinet has approved a three-year debt suspension measure for 2.7 million farmers, which will start on Oct 1.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307658-cabinet-approves-farmer-debt-moratorium/

 

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Bus crash injures 18 (VIDEO), recreational ‘broccoli’ to be re-banned : Tim Newton Today - Sep 27

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307666-bus-crash-injures-18-video-recreational-‘broccoli’-to-be-re-banned-tim-newton-today-sep-27/

 

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Rain reigns in Thailand: TMD’s 10th warning as heavy rainfall soaks the nation
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of Tasos Mansour, Unsplash.

 

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its 10th heavy rainfall warning, highlighting many areas across the country at risk.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307667-rain-reigns-in-thailand-tmd’s-10th-warning-as-heavy-rainfall-soaks-the-nation/

 

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Thai govt’s shocking move: Sparks fly as power tariff gets a jolt down
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb/ Bangkok Post.

 

The Thai government, under the leadership of Srettha Thavisin, has swiftly approved a plan to lower the power tariff, with the goal of reducing electricity bills for the public.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307669-thai-govt’s-shocking-move-sparks-fly-as-power-tariff-gets-a-jolt-down/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Tourist surge at Si Thep sparks concerns over sacred site damage
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Thailand Tourism Directory.

 

An unexpected surge in tourists at Si Thep Historical Park, recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19, sparked concerns among locals in Phetchabun.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307629-climbing-restrictions-loom-for-tourists-at-sacred-khao-klang-nok/?do=findComment&comment=18378203

 

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UPDATE:

 

Thai govt dives into action: Plans to flood fields with innovation and debt suspension
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiPost.

 

Plans are underway by the Thai government to accelerate the expansion of water sources and enhance the varieties of rice and other key crops in Thailand. Recommendations have also been made for the proposed debt suspension scheme to operate with conditions.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307658-cabinet-approves-farmer-debt-moratorium/?do=findComment&comment=18378239

 

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New public health minister walks back ‘recreational’ cannabis

By Peter Roche

 

PHOTO: Recreational cannabis will be banned in Thailand

“There is currently no policy in place for recreational use, and such considerations are not on the table.”

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307670-new-public-health-minister-walks-back-‘recreational’-cannabis/

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Police impersonation fraud: Imposter defrauds relatives, demands 7,000 baht each under false pretences
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo: KhaoSod.

 

A 52 year old man yesterday was apprehended by Highway Police for impersonating a deputy warden and conning the relatives of police officers implicated in a case. The suspect involved in the police impersonation fraud had been sought under a Nakhon Pathom Provincial Court warrant dated September 25.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307673-police-impersonation-fraud-imposter-defrauds-relatives-demands-7000-baht-each-under-false-pretences/

 

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Phuket tops list as World’s Most Overcrowded tourist destination

By Peter Roche

 

 

… and there are two other Thai locations in second and third place too.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307675-phuket-tops-list-as-world’s-most-overcrowded-tourist-destination/

 

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Phuket’s golden opportunity: Chinese tourists set to make waves this weekend
by Mitch Connorn

 

Picture courtesy of Phuketindex.

 

The renowned resort island of Phuket is preparing for an influx of Chinese tourists as China gears up for Golden Week starting this weekend and the continuation of the visa-free scheme for Chinese nationals. The surge in tourists is expected to start towards the end of the week.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307676-phuket’s-golden-opportunity-chinese-tourists-set-to-make-waves-this-weekend/

 

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Witch hunt against 'Big Joke' persists: Police probe rental properties linked to top cop
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via ThaiRath.

 

The witch hunt to try and destroy the prestigious career of Surachate “ Big Joke ” Hakparn continues after police summoned the owner of five houses rented by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Deputy Commissioner.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307677-witch-hunt-against-big-joke-persists-police-probe-rental-properties-linked-to-top-cop/

 

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Major Banker Says Most Thais Have Financial Concerns
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

On September 25th, 2023, Mr. Yuthchai Tayaratchakul, Executive Vice President of United Overseas Bank (UOB), gave a statement on a recent report on the ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study (ACSS).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307678-major-banker-says-most-thais-have-financial-concerns/

 

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Thailand’s education minister takes ‘no-conflict’ stance to school corruption
by Mitch Connor

 

Police General Permpoon Chidchob, Thailand's Education Minister, picture courtesy of Education Minister Newsline Facebook.

 

In a bold move against corruption, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, Thailand’s Education Minister, issued directives to all education officials, mandating the avoidance of potential conflicts of interest.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307685-thailand’s-education-minister-takes-‘no-conflict’-stance-to-school-corruption/

 

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PM made some progress in pushing economic agenda at the UN, but achieved little else

 

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s first overseas mission, to the United Nations General Assembly, was regarded at home as a success only in business aspects, but a failure in terms of the environment and human rights, notably the role of his government in solving the crisis in Myanmar.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307694-pm-made-some-progress-in-pushing-economic-agenda-at-the-un-but-achieved-little-else/

 

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Former finance minister doubts anticipated impact of “digital wallet”

 

 

Former Thai finance minister, Thirachai Puvanatnaranubala, has questioned claims by the Srettha government that the much-publicised digital wallet scheme will help Thailand achieve a 5% growth in GDP next year and urged it to focus more on the supply side.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307695-former-finance-minister-doubts-anticipated-impact-of-“digital-wallet”/

 

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Anyone defaming deputy national police chief will be sued – lawyer

 

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn (L) and his lawyer Anantachai Chaidet (R)

 

The lawyer representing Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, has threatened to sue any individual or media outlet which states or implies that his client has any involvement in the illegal online gambling business.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307697-anyone-defaming-deputy-national-police-chief-will-be-sued-–-lawyer/

 

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Thailand Wins First Medal for Esports at Asian Games

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Team Thailand clinched its first medal in an esports competition at the 19th Asian Games on Tuesday (26 Sep) after defeating Vietnam for the bronze in the ‘Arena of Valor’ tournament.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307699-thailand-wins-first-medal-for-esports-at-asian-games/

 

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BoT Raises Key Interest Rate to 2.50%

 

 

BANGKOK, Sept 27 (TNA) – The Bank of Thailand (BoT)’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously to raise the policy rate by 0.25 percentage point from 2.25 to 2.50 percent, effective immediately, announced Mr. Piti Disyatat, MPC’s Secretary.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307702-bot-raises-key-interest-rate-to-250/