NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 22 December 2023

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Civic groups that represent the elderly have submitted a detailed petition to the government  seeking a rise of 3,000 baht in the monthly living allowance, 

Just over 43,800 people signed the document  saying the current 600 baht allowance is insufficient given the rise in the cost of living

The group urged the prime minister to follow through with an increase in pensions which was part of their election promise. 

 

The minimum wage for workers will see a minimal rise of between 2 and 16 baht per hour set by the independent Wage committee, despite objections from the government saying the rise was too low. The minimum daily wage of 300 baht set 10 years ago has risen by just 20 percent in that period.

 

The National Anti-Corruption Commission will charge a former head of the Office of Buddhism and two others with embezzling 30 million baht from temple budgets, NACC, in 2013 the group demanded that  temples pay at least 90% of their annual funds to them, claiming the money would be used to support other temples.

 

The House of Representatives voted to accept in principle four drafts of the Marriage Equality Acts, allowing members of the LGBTQ+ community to get married, with 369 votes for and, 10 votes against.

The Prime minister sent his congratulations stating: The first step towards change has begun.  

 

Around The Region

 

 Malaysia: A multi-million-dollar, prime commercial building owned by the family of the former finance minister, has been seized by Malaysia’s anti-graft agency,

The seizure follows the former politician’s refusal to submit his and his family’s financial holdings to Malaysia’s anti-corruption commission. The former minister was in office during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s two terms as premier.

Chiang Mai and the north: sunny  27C

Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 29

Pattaya:  Sunny, 29

Phuket and the south:  Bright, partly Cloudy, showers this afternoon 31C

Hua Hin: Sunny,   cooler at 28C
Staying fine and cooler over the weekend 

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

 

 

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