The trial of Swiss expat Urs Fehr, often referred to as ‘Swiss David,’ is scheduled to conclude on September 3rd. Fehr, the founder of the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Cherng Talay, faces an assault charge stemming from a February incident in which he allegedly kicked Dr. Thandao Chandam, a Dibuk Hospital doctor, outside his rented luxury villa in Pa Khlok.

 

Swiss Expat Sentencing in Phuket Set for September 3rd

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335852-swiss-expat-sentencing-in-phuket-set-for-september-3rd/

 

Immigration and the New Government
By Pattaya Mai

 

The resignation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to have wide-ranging impacts, while the incoming Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration may find the more liberal immigration and visa policies quite challenging to implement.

EDITORIAL

 

The shock resignation of prime minister Srettha Thavisin is bound to reverberate in all sorts of directions. But it’s virtually certain that the new Pheu Thai-led administration will get round to immigration and visas sooner rather than later.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335854-immigration-and-the-new-government/

 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Officially Endorsed as Thailand's Prime Minister

 

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and his daughter and newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrive before the royal endorsement ceremony appointing Paetongtarn as Thailand's new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit).

 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was officially endorsed as Thailand's 31st Prime Minister on August 18 by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335855-paetongtarn-shinawatra-officially-endorsed-as-thailands-prime-minister/

 

Thaksin Shinawatra Rejects Need for Official Advisor Role with New PM

 

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, hugs his daughter and newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra before the royal endorsement ceremony appointing Paetongtarn as Thailand's new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has stated that he does not need to assume a formal advisory role for the new Prime Minister, his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra. According to Thaksin, his daughter can seek his counsel whenever necessary, given their familial relationship.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335856-thaksin-shinawatra-rejects-need-for-official-advisor-role-with-new-pm/

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Faces Digital Wallet Integrity Test

 

Thailand newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives before the royal endorsement ceremony appointing Paetongtarn as Thailand's new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Newly-appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stands at a crucial juncture, facing intense scrutiny over Pheu Thai Party’s flagship policy: the Digital Wallet scheme.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335857-paetongtarn-shinawatra-faces-digital-wallet-integrity-test/

 

Thai Government Enforces Strict Measures on Illegal Employment Practices
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

On August 17th, 2024, Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, the Director-General of the Department of Employment, announced the “Locate, Arrest, Fine, and Deport” operation targeting illegal migrant workers. This nationwide effort involves collaboration between all relevant agencies.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335858-thai-government-enforces-strict-measures-on-illegal-employment-practices/

 

Man Arrested after Trying to Sexually Assault Woman at Dental Clinic in Phuket
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

Phuket: A man has been arrested after he was trying to sexually assault a female customer who was waiting inside a dental clinic in Rassada.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335859-man-arrested-after-trying-to-sexually-assault-woman-at-dental-clinic-in-phuket/

 

Lone robber escapes with 200,000 baht in gold from Bangkok shop

 

Police have launched a manhunt for a lone male suspect who robbed a gold shop in a Ratchadapisek shopping mall in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district. He took a five-baht weight (75.8g) solid gold bracelet, worth about 200,000 baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335860-lone-robber-escapes-with-200000-baht-in-gold-from-bangkok-shop/

 

Songthaew Crashes into Truck, Leaving 4 Dead and 5 Injured, Saraburi

 

 

A songthaew driver lost control on a curve and crashed into the rear of a truck in Saraburi. The crash resulted in four fatalities and five injuries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335862-songthaew-crashes-into-truck-leaving-4-dead-and-5-injured-saraburi/

 

Jealous Man Kills Trans Woman in Mall on Koh Samui

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

At 4:35 p.m. on August 18, the 191 Emergency Call Center received a report of a stabbing incident at a well-known mall on Koh Samui, with one person severely injured.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335863-jealous-man-kills-trans-woman-in-mall-on-koh-samui/

 

Police Advisory Board Member Shoots and Kills Sergeant in Hua Hin Pub

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

In a shocking incident last night, a drunken brawl at a popular Hua Hin pub led to the fatal shooting of Sergeant Major Rojchanaphon Rojchanaphanit, an intelligence officer at Thanarat Camp. The commotion at Tiny Club saw police commissioner Jakkrit Worawongphanitkul allegedly pulling a 9 mm. pistol, fatally shooting Sergeant Punch and injuring two other patrons.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335864-police-advisory-board-member-shoots-and-kills-sergeant-in-hua-hin-pub/

 

People's Party Gains Nearly 60,000 Members, Donations Exceed 25 Million Baht in 7 Days

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

The People's Party has shown rapid growth with nearly 60,000 members and over £600,000 (25.4 million baht) in donations just seven days after its launch on 9th August 2024. The remarkable support highlights the public's confidence in the new political movement.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335866-peoples-party-gains-nearly-60000-members-donations-exceed-25-million-baht-in-7-days/

 

Thai Workers Advised to Delay Travel to Israel and Lebanon Amid Escalating Tensions

 

Picture courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand

 

The Ministry of Labor has issued a critical advisory urging Thai workers to delay their travel plans to Israel and Lebanon due to rising regional tensions. This comes in the wake of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Iran, which has stoked fears of increasing violence in the area.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335867-thai-workers-advised-to-delay-travel-to-israel-and-lebanon-amid-escalating-tensions/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 19 August 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335869-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-19-august-2024/

 

Nonthaburi university hazing incident leads to severe injuries
by Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A brutal hazing incident at a prominent university in Nonthaburi has come to light, revealing the shocking abuse suffered by a freshman student. The victim’s parents have filed complaints against senior students involved in the violent initiation rituals.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335872-nonthaburi-university-hazing-incident-leads-to-severe-injuries/

 

Horror: 68-Year-Old Saxophonist Found With Only Skull Remaining After Dog Attack

 

Picture courtesy: Amarin TV

 

In a macabre scene that shook a tranquil village, 68-year-old saxophonist Mr. Charoen was discovered dead at his home, with his dogs gnawing at his body. This harrowing discovery took place on the afternoon of 18 August 2024, in Village 4, Tambon Chaman, Amphoe Makham.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335874-horror-68-year-old-saxophonist-found-with-only-skull-remaining-after-dog-attack/

 

Tourist Falls from 31st Floor of Pattaya Hotel 

 

 

At around 05:00 on August 19, an incident involving a person falling from a height and dying. The incident occurred at a five-star hotel in North Pattaya,

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335875-icelandic-tourist-falls-from-31st-floor-of-pattaya-hotel/

 

Thaksin Ready to Fight in Criminal Court Over Section 112 Case

 

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

Thaksin Shinawatra appeared in criminal court for an evidence examination in the Section 112 case filed by the Attorney General. Thaksin expressed no concerns and is prepared to fight the charges.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335878-thaksin-ready-to-fight-in-criminal-court-over-section-112-case/

 

30-baht scheme in hot water: is Thailand’s gold card running out of cash?
by Bob Scott 

 

Picture courtesy of Healthcare Asia

Thailand’s universal healthcare policy, known as the 30-baht gold card scheme, faces scrutiny over its financial sustainability and adequacy in providing security to all citizens. Health experts call for a reform to ensure the scheme’s long-term viability.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335880-30-baht-scheme-in-hot-water-is-thailand’s-gold-card-running-out-of-cash/

 

New Leader Natthaphong Vows Big Win for People’s Party

 

Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the newly appointed leader of the People’s Party (PP), has called on his party to make significant gains in the next General Election. At just 37, Natthaphong steps into the role amidst political upheaval, following the Constitutional Court's decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) and ban 11 of its top leaders for their views on the monarchy.

 

The surprise appointment has stirred the political scene, previously anticipating MFP's Sirikanya Tansakul to helm the party.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335882-new-leader-natthaphong-vows-big-win-for-people’s-party/

 

Top Japanese AV Stars Announced for 2024 Expo in Thailand

 

Picture: Courtesy Sanook

 

The much-anticipated Asia Entertainment Expo 2024 is set to take place at Impact Forum Hall 4 in Thailand from 22-24 November 2024. This event has ignited online discussions, particularly among adult film enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the arrival of top Japanese Adult Video (AV) actresses.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335883-top-japanese-av-stars-announced-for-2024-expo-in-thailand/

 

Paetongtarn’s pledge: No more Shinawatra slip-ups
by Bob Scott 

 

Picture courtesy of France 24

Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged to avoid the political disasters plaguing her father and aunt.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335885-paetongtarn’s-pledge-no-more-shinawatra-slip-ups/

 

PPP scandal: Prawit defends reporter assault as a joke (video)
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Matichon

Palang Pracharath Party (PPP) leader Prawit Wongsuwan responded to critics demanding the politician be held accountable for assaulting a female reporter on Friday, August 16, saying he was only joking and teasing the reporter, with whom he was familiar.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335893-ppp-scandal-prawit-defends-reporter-assault-as-a-joke-video/

 

Banglamung District and Pattaya City Collaborate to Address Traffic Congestion
By Adam Judd

 

 

Pattaya-In a concerted effort to tackle the persistent traffic congestion during rush hours and public holidays, Banglamung District Chief, Mr. Wikit Manarojkit, chaired a crucial meeting with key stakeholders just before the past weekend.

 

Full story:  https://aseannow.com/topic/1335899-banglamung-district-and-pattaya-city-collaborate-to-address-traffic-congestion/

 

Thai baht rally faces threats amid political drama and bank policy
by Bob Scott 

 

Picture courtesy of the Thai Embassy

Thailand’s recent baht rally faces a rocky road as the country dives into political chaos just before the central bank’s policy meeting this week.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335900-thai-baht-rally-faces-threats-amid-political-drama-and-bank-policy/

 

Rescue Operation From Well in Chai Nat Province

 

 

Emergency responders recover two individuals who had fallen into a groundwater well in a paddy field located in Chai Nat Province.

 

Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1335916-rescue-operation-from-well-in-chai-nat-province/

Swiss man paws for thought after dog bites on Thai beach (video)
by Petch Petpailin 

Photo via Naewna

A Swiss man sought a sustainable solution after he and more than 10 other Thais and foreign beach dwellers, were bitten by dogs belonging to an unidentified foreign man on Ban Suan Luang Beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335928-swiss-man-paws-for-thought-after-dog-bites-on-thai-beach-video/

 

Phuket or leave it: Flooded roads sink travel plans to island airport
by Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

Flooding across Phuket is wreaking havoc on travellers bound for the island’s international airport, as waterlogged roads spark major disruptions. Local officials are urging passengers to rethink their travel plans, advising them to allow an extra three to four hours to reach the airport in these treacherous conditions.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1335929-phuket-or-leave-it-flooded-roads-sink-travel-plans-to-island-airport/

 

Thaksin Shinawatra Faces Legal Trouble for Political Interference

 

Thailand's for mer Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, hugs his daughter and newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra before the royal endorsement ceremony appointing Paetongtarn as Thailand's new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Legal action appears imminent for former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra following allegations of his unlawful involvement in recent political activities while on parole.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335930-thaksin-shinawatra-faces-legal-trouble-for-political-interference/

 

Thaksin's Lese-Majeste Trial Set for July Next Year

 

The court has allocated three sessions for prosecution witnesses and four for defense witnesses. Thaksin, charged under Section 112 of the criminal code, which prohibits insulting the monarchy, appeared at the Criminal Court on Monday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335931-thaksins-lese-majeste-trial-set-for-july-next-year/