VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (4 September 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya

VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (4 September 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya

– Former PM Thaksin receives Royal pardon
From 8 years, to just one – clemency was afforded to ex PM Thaksin by HM the King following a request TO him from Thaksin via the various offices.  Chances are that he will receive further clemency and Thai media is predicting his release in just a few months, all based on his medical condition which has seen him remain in a police hospital section, away from the prison to which he was sent following his conviction last month.  The police general hospital is said to be quite comfortable and with AC,  Mr. Shinowat is in a sealed off section and has received numerous visitors but isn’t able to leave.

– HM the King approves new cabinet
With the new cabinet endorsed by HM the King, THIS week will see all moving into their various offices and departments and sworn in as minister, deputy minister and of course, deputy PM.  For some it’s a new challenge, for others, it’s a side move as many are from the previous regime but appointed as their parties supported Pheu Thai’s leadership bid in parliament.  K Sretta  has taken on the ministry of finance, in addition to the Prime ministership, a move seen by many as a step toward holding the reins ready for a possible downturn in the economy, aritally predicted to occur due to a slump in chin that will undoubtedly lead to lower exports.

Of the 34 ministerial appointments,  we see K Anutin remain as a deputy PM, and moving from ministry of health, where he oversaw the covid era, to become the minister of the interior, essentially home secretary.  He will sit along others , such as Gen Prayuts former justice minister,  the brother of Former Deputy PM Prawit, who now becomes  the minister of environment and natural resources and  the welcome remaining of K Silpa Archa , also a former Minister under Prayut but renown for his support for Thailand’s wildlife and nature.   The list is long and the spread across the various parties in the coalition is, in some cases thin but several New ministers are being given support in their new careers, in that their deputies are often previous ministers or allies of the previous government – perhaps to give them guidance.  Either way the transition, which should be completed by weeks end, is expected to be smooth and quick.

– Sleeping bus driver causes fatal accident 
15 people are reported as injured and the driver of a public bus DEAD following an accident between BKK and Hat yai at the weekend.  Despite having a second driver and another team member on board, police believe that the man behind the wheel fell asleep as they passed through Chumphon, seeing the bus overturn.  The injured were ferried to a local hospital.

– Sino-Thai joint naval exercises launched in Sattahip
Sunday saw the official opening of the  annual Sino-Thai joint naval exercises in Sattahip.  Blue Strike 2023 involves military from several  Asian nations and runs through to the 10th.   Close to a 1000 chinese navy men have joined with 1600 thai counterparts in a program of mutual training for  humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

– Flash floods in Thailand 
Flooding through many regions of Thailand continued thru the weekend, seeing Satun Province reporting waist deep water in places after flash floods.  With prediction of storm continuance in the north, central, east and southern provinces along with high waves in the bay, reports from Chantaburi, a short drive from Pattaya and Mae Hong son tell us of extreme flooding there too seeing, in many cases, road closures.

Photo Credit: Manager Online

– Ambulance stolen by junkie to ‘visit family’
Amid the serious news, the tale of an Udon thani junkie who, high on whatever, decided that he wanted to visit his family in Chonburi province.  As he DIDN’T have transportation, he stole it.  First a pickup but then an ambulance as, in his stupor, he believed he had a better chance of not being stopped.  Tracker devices led to his quick arrest as he was caught racing along, with lights and siren on.

– Water shortage worries for Pattaya as storms dodge the region 
Meanwhile at home and as the region around our city saw storms and huge deluges in places, here nothing over the weekend again.  Of concern is the water level in the reservoirs which is currently not seeing anything coming in to replenish it.  Water levels now should be rising, not falling and this then is feeding the prediction that by early next year a water shortage could be in effect.

– Drunken Brit attacked in Pattaya 
In a South Pattaya side soi, medics were called to assist a drunken 35 year old British man who took a beating after harassing several Thai men just before dawn at the end of last week.  When the medics tried to help, he threatened them with violence and had to be calmed down before his cuts and bruises could be swabbed.  Word is, he will also need the services of a dentist.

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