Chaikasem Nominated for Thai Prime Minister

[Video News]

 

 

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asian countries. These stories range from Chaikasem's nomination as the new Thai Prime Minister to Prabowo's free meals plan to expand Indonesia's dairy consumption.

 

1. Chaikasem Nominated for Thai PM Amid Political Turmoil:

Chaikasem Nitisiri, a senior Pheu Thai Party figure, is set to be nominated as Thailand's new prime minister after Srettha Thavisin's dismissal. A special House meeting will vote on his nomination on Friday. Chaikasem, 76, was chosen over Paetongtarn Shinawatra for political reasons. Pheu Thai's coalition holds a strong majority, making his nomination likely to succeed. Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai will serve as caretaker PM and lead strategy discussions.

 

2. SRT Warns Passengers After Dangerous Incident:

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) warned passengers to follow safety regulations after a 19-year-old was injured while filming content by leaning out of a moving train on August 5. The SRT stressed the dangers of such behaviour and increased safety checks. Passengers are urged to avoid risky actions like riding on train steps or leaning out of windows. The SRT remains committed to passenger safety and enforcing regulations.

 

3. Thai Ministry Urges the Public to Stop Giving Money to Beggars:

The Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is launching a campaign to discourage giving money to beggars, starting Friday at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Social Development Minister Varawut Silpa-archa emphasises that giving money can lead to exploitation. A recent survey showed a 20% increase in beggars, particularly in Bangkok and tourist areas. The government aims to address this issue and protect vulnerable individuals.

 

4. Bangkok Condo Owner Faces 120,000 Baht Renovation Bill After Tenant Trashes Rental:

A Bangkok condo owner, Payungsak, faced a 120,000 baht renovation bill after a tenant left the unit in a deplorable state. The tenant, a PR woman, left the Sukhumvit 103 condo filled with trash, leaking black water, and a foul odour. Despite sporadic rent payments and poor communication, the tenant offered only 15,000 baht towards damages. Payungsak, considering legal action, shared his story on social media to highlight tenant responsibility.

 

5. Chiang Rai Faces Third Major Flood as Mae Sai River Overflows:

Chiang Rai experienced its third major flood of the year as the Mae Sai River overflowed, affecting border communities and the Sa Lom Joy market. Early on August 14, floodwaters surged, prompting shopkeepers to move goods to safety. Local officials responded with sandbags to limit flooding, mostly confined to riverbank areas. Neighboring Tachileik in Myanmar suffered more extensive damage, particularly in the Tha Lo market.

 

6. Rama II Road Inbound Lanes Closed for Construction, August 16-31:

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced the temporary closure of the inbound parallel lanes on Rama II Road near Big C Kheha Thonburi bus stop from August 16 to 31, 10 pm-5 am daily, for the Rama III – Dao Khanong – Western Bangkok Outer Ring Road Expressway project. Traffic will be diverted, with warning signs and traffic lights in place. Motorists are urged to follow guidelines and drive carefully.

 

7. Singapore to Charge Two Ex-Bankers in Major Money-Laundering Case:

Singapore will charge two former Chinese bankers on Thursday in connection with the country's largest money-laundering case, involving S$3 billion (US$2.3 billion) in illicit funds. The bankers allegedly served criminals in the scandal, including illegal gambling operations. Last year, authorities seized significant assets, and ten individuals were jailed. Singapore’s police emphasized strict legal actions against money laundering.

 

8. Woman Survives Brutal Stabbing at Store in Sri Muda:

A young female supervisor at a beverage and ice cream store in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, was stabbed eight times by a suspected robber on August 12. The attack was captured on CCTV. Despite severe injuries, she was discharged from Shah Alam Hospital later that day. The police identified the suspect through footage and are pursuing him. The incident has sparked renewed debate over foreign workers in Malaysia.

 

9. Prabowo's Free Meals Plan to Expand Indonesia's Dairy Consumption:

Indonesia's president-elect, Prabowo Subianto, plans to provide free meals to over 80 million school children, aiming to improve nutrition but likely increasing dairy imports. The $28 billion initiative, including meals for expectant mothers, will require 4.1 million tons of milk annually, with Indonesia currently meeting only 16% of its demand. The plan could boost imports from countries like New Zealand and Australia while developing Indonesia's milk industry.