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Crime Governor Fires Subdistrict Chief Over Corruption
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat has dismissed the head of a subdistrict administrative organisation (SAO) after the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found credible evidence of misconduct in a public renovation project. According to an official order dated 30 July 2025, Mr. Somchai Leelanoi, Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, signed directive No. 4850/2568 ordering Mr. Chalermphop to vacate his position as Mayor of the Na Pho SAO in Thung Song District. The dismissal was made under Section 92 of the Subdistrict Council and Subdistrict Administrative Organisation Act B.E. 2537 (1994), as amended to the 7th version (B.E. 2562), in conjunction with Section 98 of the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption B.E. 2561 (2018). The investigation followed complaints filed with the NACC, which alleged that the SAO head had authorised renovation work at the SAO office building. However, only his personal office was refurbished, with no improvements made to other areas of the facility. The contract, worth 121,400 baht, was found to have been awarded to an associate of the mayor. The project was reportedly initiated prior to formal contracting, in violation of procurement regulations. The NACC concluded that Mr. Chalermphop’s actions were aimed at personal benefit rather than the improvement of services for staff and the general public. It further determined that the conduct amounted to a criminal offence and constituted a serious breach of duty, either through wilful neglect or improper use of authority, in violation of Section 90/1 of the Subdistrict Council Act. Following the dismissal, Ms. Thipamphon Khamsri, the permanent secretary of Na Pho SAO, confirmed that she had assumed acting responsibilities for the mayoral post and had begun coordinating with the Election Commission regarding the process of electing a new mayor. The Election Commission is expected to make an official announcement on 7 August. Candidate registration is scheduled for 11–15 August, with the election date set for 21 September 2025. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-08-03 -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 3 August 2025
Newlywed Painter Dies on First Day Back at Work Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 43-year-old painter who had just married the day before tragically lost his life on his first day back at work when a crane basket cable snapped at a college construction site in Phatthalung province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368589-newlywed-painter-dies-on-first-day-back-at-work/ -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 3 August 2025
Bangkok Council Debates 2026 Budget in Heated Session Picture courtesy of The Standard The Bangkok Metropolitan Council held an intense second day of debate on 1 August, over the draft expenditure budget for the 2026 fiscal year, with discussions spanning more than six hours and covering a wide range of issues, from education and public spaces to emergency services and public relations spending. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368588-bangkok-council-debates-2026-budget-in-heated-session/ -
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Accident Newlywed Painter Dies on First Day Back at Work
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 43-year-old painter who had just married the day before tragically lost his life on his first day back at work when a crane basket cable snapped at a college construction site in Phatthalung province. The fatal incident occurred around 09:00 on 2 August, at a six-storey college building in Mueang District. Police officers from Mueang Phatthalung Police Station, together with medics from Phatthalung Hospital and local rescue volunteers, were dispatched to the scene. On arrival, emergency crews found the crane basket had fallen to the ground. Two workers had been inside the basket, which was being used to paint the upper levels of the building where traditional scaffolding could not reach. The cable supporting the basket had reportedly snapped mid-operation. One of the workers, Mr. Chutidet aged 43, died instantly from the fall. His colleague, Mr. Thawatchai 38, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Phatthalung Hospital for emergency treatment. According to investigators, the college had hired a private contractor to complete construction and painting work on the building. As the painting crew could not access the fifth floor by scaffolding, a crane and suspended basket were used, reportedly for the first time that day. It was during this initial use that the incident occurred. Mr. Kietisak 38, the crane operator, told police that he had instructed the workers to secure their safety harnesses, but suspected they had not done so due to unfamiliarity with the equipment. The deceased man’s wife, Mrs. Natdee 44, was devastated. She revealed through tears that she and her husband had married only the day before, on 1 August and had not even spent 24 hours together as husband and wife before the tragedy struck. “He promised to take care of me for life. Now he’s gone and I don’t know who I’ll rely on anymore,” she said. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine whether safety protocols were properly followed and whether negligence played a role. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-08-03 -
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Politics Bangkok Council Debates 2026 Budget in Heated Session
Picture courtesy of The Standard The Bangkok Metropolitan Council held an intense second day of debate on 1 August, over the draft expenditure budget for the 2026 fiscal year, with discussions spanning more than six hours and covering a wide range of issues, from education and public spaces to emergency services and public relations spending. One of the key concerns raised by councillors was the apparent duplication of projects, along with suspicions that certain budget items were being used for covert political promotion ahead of the next gubernatorial election. Among the topics debated were the deterioration of sports and recreation centres, waste separation initiatives and the lack of training for waste management personnel. Several councillors backed the “No Mixed Waste” project but pointed out that the number of bins was insufficient and lacked proper categorisation. A councillor from Bangkok Noi District questioned the lack of progress on fire station projects in Sai Mai and Thawi Watthana. In particular, the removal of the Thawi Watthana station from the budget without notifying the project sponsor was criticised as procedurally improper. Other councillors debated the suitability of the proposed location. In response, Associate Professor Tavida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, explained that the Thawi Watthana fire station project faced communication issues between the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The original plan was scrapped due to zoning limitations and the proximity to residential areas. Additionally, the proposed access road would have cost 18 million baht. As a result, the project was withdrawn for review and, if revised, could be reintroduced into the 2026 plan. Lat Phrao District councillor Napak Phengsuk criticised the Bangkok Governor’s Office for what she described as fragmented PR spending. She noted that while the individual projects appeared minor, the combined PR budget totalled 106 million baht, not including amounts tucked into other departments. Napak said the spending lacked clarity, impact metrics, and appeared to repeat similar content, such as the “9 Policies, 9 Goods” campaign and 4.5 million baht earmarked for television communication. She questioned whether these initiatives genuinely reflected public engagement or were simply designed to enhance the governor’s image. “Our governor looks more than ready to campaign. Just look at the PR budget. If anyone wonders whether he’ll run again, I’d say this budget confirms it,” she said. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt rejected claims of covert electioneering. He defended the communications budget as essential for inclusive urban development, requiring public cooperation and understanding. He insisted that the content contained no campaigning or mention of his name. “The best campaign is to do our job well,” Chadchart said. “It’s not about promoting myself.” Further scrutiny came from the Taling Chan District councillor, who flagged irregularities in the 992-million-baht budget allocated to the Department of Traffic and Transport. Particular concerns were raised about the 223-million-baht budget for CCTV maintenance and the cost of purchasing just 24 computer units and benches. Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon clarified that the CCTV systems include both traffic and security cameras. He explained that the maintenance cost is influenced by the number of units, associated hardware and personnel expenses. While replacing all cameras could be cost-effective long-term, it would require a significant upfront budget, making a gradual upgrade the only viable option. Following the marathon debate, the session was adjourned. The next round of deliberations is scheduled to continue on Monday, 4 August, at 10:00. Adapted by Asean Now from The Standard 2025-08-03 -
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Expat Discontent in Thailand
It's great to hear people are generally happy in Thailand. Most don't crow about it online, but live their lives. My wife is Thai and we've been visiting Thailand every 2-3 years and 3 weeks and we are ready to go home to Washington State. On the other hand, we really like Thailand, too. Tradeoffs and we plan to make that tradeoff in a few years. A lot of Thai culture has rubbed off on me from marriage and living with some Thai people and find a lot to appreciate about it. We are usually happy to get home probably because we don't have our own place in Thailand and spend it in affordable hotels and such.
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