VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (23 May 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya
‘Move Forward’ declares coalition & new mandate for Thailand
As predicted, the Move Forward Party completed discussions with 7 other parties, including Phua Thai and have officially announced the coalition of those parties to form the new government. A new Mandate, which includes a Huge rise in minimum wage within 100 days of office, the revision of the constitution, approval of same sex marriage, change from mandatory to voluntary military conscripting, decentralization of budgets to give regions more financial autonomy, and a search for peace agreement in the south of the nation. A huge issue for the monopolies is the inclusion of a plan to promote fair competition within all industries, specifically the distribution and production of alcoholic drinks, and a review of any trials that are deemed to have been concluded based on political motive. The list is extensive, the plan clear, NOW, it just awaits the vote from MPS and senators to enable them.
What do Thais know that we ignore?
What do Thais know that we ignore? Well, that’s often the question as the vast majority of Local nationals wear masks, and most non Thais don’t. Two reports this week clearly show that they certainly have good reason. Smog levels are high again, despite the obvious, that there aren’t any crops being burned and haven’t been for months. This morning, Pattaya’s smog level was double the safe limit, at 108. BKK lower at 90, Kamphaeng Phet 119 and Chiang Mai 125. Those harmful particles are dangerous, especially to those with health issues. And to THAT, the hidden revival of the C word. Covid. Unreported nowadays as daily news, Chonburi Province alone reports 10648 new covid cases, those actually reported to authorities last week alone with 12 deaths attributed to the virus. Those who have symptoms HAVE been advised to wear masks in an effort to reduce the spread Most DON’T need to be hospitalized and can be treated as outpatients but anyone with breathing difficulties SHOULD seek medical help quickly. For the Naysayers? Well it’s not the law to mask up but when you evaluate the two issues. Locals obviously prefer to err on the side of caution.
7 Thais arrested for smuggling Chinese
Seven Thais, believed to be a gang that imported Chinese call center workers via Laos, have been arrested this week. With minions caught bringing in Chinese, each is thought to have given up pieces of the jigsaw during their interrogations, which, together, have given police a better picture of just how so many are entering the country.
Thai humanitarian aid for cyclone-hit Myanmar
Thailand has given humanitarian aid to the Burmese people in the region of Myanmar where catastrophic damage has been caused by a series of cyclones during storms. Staff have also been allocated to the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management. Currently some 18 townships are slowly attempting to recover with the aid of outside help, combined with that of their state.
Tour boat driver charged with crash injuring 35 tourists
Down in Chalong, Phuket. The tour boat driver who captained a boat when 35 tourists were injured last week, as it crashed into a pillar, has heard that his blood analysis, taken at the tme of the crash DIDN’T contain signs of alcohol but DID contain traces of methamphetamine. As many still remain under medical care, the investigation continues.
Government urged to reconsider minimum wage raise
The response to the new coalition plan to increase minimum wage, from The Thai Chamber of Commerce was a cautious one, warning that a fast increase to 450 baht a day for unskilled workers would damage trade, see higher retail prices and of course also encourage many to bring in foreign and cheaper labour. Tawatchai Setjinda, chair of TCC’s economic development committee for the Central region, said the 450-baht minimum daily wage for unskilled workers would only benefit the migrant workforce. This is because most Thais are employed as skilled labourers. Currently varying by region but hovering around the 350 mark, many employers will be looking at greater automation in production, reducing the NEED for workers. And with this already noticing the huge increase in cost of rice and staple goods, all those goods would see further price increases were the min wage to rise so fast, effectively nixing the benefit to those whose need is greatest.
Vulgar photos posted on Police Facebook page by hacker
And in Chiang Mai province, a hacker is being sought BY police, who want to question him or her about the hacking of the LOCAL POLICE FB PAGES. Seems Mejo’s police station keeps in touch with locals via social media, but someone managed to garner their password, and post photos of unclad women, much to the disgust of the boys in brown. The police had, by Monday, contacted FB to recover their page and remove the startling illustrations. The perpetrator is, however, unlikely to be caught
Storms in Thailand
With storms having hit much of Thailand yesterday but ignoring our fair city, the prediction today is that we could see some of the wet stuff too. Highs of 32, lows of 30, and a real feel of 39.
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