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BANGKOK:— Businesses and others are experiencing difficulties when accessing Facebook and Facebook Messenger within Thailand this afternoon May 2, 2023. The problems started around 5.30 pm. The Philippines, Australia other countries are also affected by the outage. Facebook has not yet commented on the outage. This topic will be updated with status reports from us. Feel free to report if you are affected and where you are posting from. — ASEAN NOW 2023-05-02

EDITORIAL by Kitty Chopaka Hi, I'm Kitty, as seen in many news media (just Google it ????). I don't usually post things in English for the last few years not because I'm not fluent in the language but I feel that what I have to say are addressed to Thais and concerned Thai laws/regulations. I would like to take this time to address what's going on in Thailand regarding cannabis right now, where I stand, what I stand for and what I'm going to do about. A little rundown on me so people don't embarrass themselves with DMs that's inappropriate. I am a 37 years old married mother of two, "Chopaka" (Licensed cannabis shop and ThaiFDA approved terpene flavoured gummy) founder, owner and gummy pusher, advocate and activists for fair cannabis access. Where I would like to believe I have some influence in the legalisation of cannabis in Thailand, at least some of the protests made for some great photos. Back to the point. Cannabis (plant and flowers, extract with THC above 0.2% are still considered as Narcotic) had been delisted from the Narcotic List since the 9th of June 2022, instead of having the Cannabis Act. ready, it was delayed and was not in the drafting process at parliament for a few more months. Which cause the Health Department to re-categorise cannabis as "control herb" where they then put in place the No sale to minor, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, as well as making edible illegal. When the drafting process eventually started I was involved as one of the "Committee Advisor" where for many weeks we had grueling all day meetings, sometime twice a week to draft the Act. It was then used as political weapon and was shot down just before parliament dissolved. Now it's election time, where some political parties want cannabis to go back into the Narcotic List, and with no active government no law can we made or pass so we're stuck here without the Cannabis Act. to lay the foundation to cannabis control, consumer protection, products and industry regulations and more, while the Narcotic status loom overhead. While the chaos regarding the law was happening we are drowned in illegal imports from the US and Canada as well as over the borders from our neighbours. Cannabis Brands from over the world eyed Thailand and came to stake thier claim to the new Asian market, spilling garbage about supporting the local industry while acting through nominees, and shipping our heritage strains back home to then sell back illegal imports to Thais that are paid minimum wage as farmhands. Many brands have the word Thai in their name but not a single Thai flower or owner can be seen. With the promotion of use, of the highest THC, of illegal products (edibles, tinctures, extracts, oils and hash) by brands and shops in a matter that's not different to promoting Alcohol, opening illegal consumption room in a way that is no different than a bar. Which made many Thais who are not involved with cannabis annoyed and feel that cannabis are out of control, hence should be made illegal again. So what can a Kitty do about it? I am currently working on "The people's Cannabis Act." with other cannabis groups, activists and advocates, as well as the general public to be submitted to parliament when it comes back in session. We are also hunting for 10,000+ signatures (Thais with Thai ID only) to then submit to the next Health Minister demanding that Cannabis are not place back on the Narcotic List. Last but not least, tackling the problem of illegal imports that's hurting our local grower, and bad actors from afar that does not care for the local industry. Love me or hate me, I do not care, as where I stand, here in Thai land, fighting for what is right, for fairness, for rights as well as changing perception regarding misrepresentation of a simple plant and I will continue to fight for what is right knowing that there's many others that will benefit from what I've done. Call out to all those foreign owned cannabis stores who didn't contribution to the fight, and are just free-loading on the backs of those who are, those who are bad actors importing in illegal cannabis, buy and sell illegal imports. I hope that you live a long life to see that money doesn't always brings happiness and greed will only bring pains. Kitty Chopaka: https://www.facebook.com/chokwankittychopaka #NoFilter #IWokeUpLikeThis #kittychopaka

Storm warning for Isaan: Source: TMD, Thailand

Weather Advisory Subject: Summer Storms in upper Thailand No. 2 (112/2023) ---------------------------- From 23 to 26 April, another moderate high pressure system from China will cover the Northeast of Thailand and the South China Sea. Meanwhile hot to very hot weather cover the upper country where the southwesterly and the southeasterly winds prevail across. Summer storms will be possible with thunderstorms, gusty winds, isolated hail and lightning strikes, affecting first the Northeast and the eastern East, then the rest. People should beware of the severe weather by keeping off outdoor places, big trees, unsecured buildings and billboards. Farmers should prevent for crops damage. In addition, the easterly and the southeasterly winds prevail across the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, leading more rain in the South. People should beware of the severe conditions. The waves in the Gulf are about 1 meter high and in the thundershowers more than 2 meters high. All ships should proceed with caution and keep off thundershowers. Affected areas are as followings: On 23 April 2023 Northeast: Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani. On 24 April 2023 North: Nan and Uttaradit. Northeast: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Chaiyaphum, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani. East: Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. On 25 - 26 April 2023 North: Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. Northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani. Central: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, including Bangkok and its vicinity. East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. The advisory is in effect on 22 April 2023, at 5.00 p.m. This next issue will be at 22 March 2023, at 5.00 a.m. (Signed) Chomparee Chompurat (Miss Chomparee Chompurat) Director-General Thai Meteorological Department

News from a month ago told us that the high speed train will be operational in about 8 or 9 years. Will check and do an updated news topic about it. The dual track should we ready within a year or two, and we will update on the situation as well asap.

NOTICE: Please be extremely careful if mention the Royal Family, or rather avoid it altogether‼️ Risky posts will be removed and member Will be immediately BANNED. Be aware of the legal risks. Thanks! ????

HUA HIN: -- The long struggle for Hua Hin Airport to get permission for international and domestic airlines to start flying to the beach resort of Hua Hin is not going to happen until later this year, says the airport operator. This news came today during a speech by John LaRoche, CEO of Phoenix Aviation, the operator of Hua Hin Airport Here is a full transcript of the speech at the Royal Coast Riviera Club this afternoon: John LaRoche: "Allow me to take you back around 18 months, although I could go back 30 years. The airport has accommodated both international and domestic flights during the last 30 years; and more specifically during the last 10 to 15 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our airport underwent a review by the Civil Aviation Authority. They identified a number of shortcomings, which I agree with. On April 7th, 2021, we secured a 5-year agreement to manage the airport, with the intention of converting it into a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP). During the administrative handover, several issues were highlighted. For instance, one could walk along the beach near the airport when the tide was low and easily access the runway. While this has been acceptable for 29 years, we used the COVID period to review and rectify this situation. Over the past 18 months, we have implemented several changes, such as installing a fence to prevent beach access to the runway and widening the runway from 35 meters to 45 meters. The runway expansion now meets international safety requirements, eliminating the need for additional pilot training and removing a barrier for new airlines. In total, these projects have cost around 250 million baht. We have addressed most of the safety and security issues that could have prevented international flights from landing. However, I cannot provide a definitive answer as to why an A320 or 737 can land at Hua hin Airport from Chiang Mai, but not from Singapore or Hong Kong. We have taken care of the majority of the issues preventing international flights from landing at Hua Hin. My personal opinion is that we will see the first international flight land just after the election, although I won't speculate on the significance of that date. On a positive note, the government has allocated 750 million baht for airport improvements beginning in 2024. The approved design includes an extension of the terminal to accommodate both domestic and international flights, and two gates instead of one. Currently, the single-gate system prevents simultaneous domestic and international flights. We aim to develop Hua Hin Airport as an international destination and are not actively pursuing domestic routes unless they are connected to an international route. We have secured Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for international flights, which we plan to convert into contracts once approved. These include flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and India. Our goal is to achieve one flight per day in the first year and gradually increase to 20 flights per day. The current MOUs represent about five flights per day by the end of the first year. In conclusion, we are investing in the airport, and the government is contributing as well. Whilst I cannot provide an exact timeline, I expect significant progress in the coming weeks or months at the latest, says John LaRoche." -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-04-21 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

This test flight was a small step in a grand project. Before Starship can complete its first grand mission or host astronauts, SpaceX has significant technological questions to hash out. NASA tapped SpaceX's Starship to serve as a lunar lander, ferrying astronauts from a separate spacecraft down to the lunar surface for the Artemis III mission, which is currently scheduled for as early as 2025. Before that mission can take off, however, SpaceX has to prove that Starship can make it to the moon. The sheer mass of the vehicle will force the company to refuel the spacecraft while it's still in Earth's orbit. More than a dozen launches — carrying nothing but propellant — may be required to give a single Starship lunar lander enough fuel to traverse the 238,900-mile (384,500-kilometer) void between the Earth and the moon. Before SpaceX can even hash out that process, it'll also need to learn to put Starship into orbit in the first place. Today's test flight only sought to get to near orbital speeds and make a partial lap of the planet. — CNN 2023-04-20

UPDATE (Source: Channel 3 TV) Translated by ChatGPT, (expect some grammar errors) ASOK, BANGKOK: — The father of Gigi knows that the daughter and the perpetrator used to be in a relationship and broke up 2 months ago. 'Gigi' told her sister that she was attacked by a man. Therefore moving to the condo to escape And the father wondered how the perpetrator could possess a firearm at just 18 years old. Nong Gigi's father asked why the perpetrator 'Nat Phumiphat' is why he has a violent firearm to use with him. On April 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Makkasan Police Station, the father of 'Gigi', a famous net idol. traveling to follow up on the case before telling reporters that know that the daughter and the perpetrator They had been in a relationship and had broken up. When there was a fight, until 2 months ago, 'Gigi' told her sister that abused by male Therefore moving the condo to escape come to rent at the said condo, 20,000 baht per month. Most recently, I talked on the phone with my child on the evening of April 17, 2023. They made an appointment to pay for the room for the child and came to see the child, but later could not contact the child. In the past, you never told me about your problems. What's the problem with this guy? Most of the children will talk to their mother. because he and his mother had separated In which he had doubts that Why did he have such a violent firearm on him? And another thing is why this man can go up to his daughter's room. Even after moving away and boarding room must have password. A close friend of Gigi said after no one could contact Gigi. normally never like this or disappeared for a long time like this therefore took the mother to see the crime scene room Because I know the room code because I go to see each other regularly The last time we met before Songkran, we were still chatting. In which Gigi once told me that Last year, he had been attacked. There are bruises on the body. Later, men have better habits than before. But no one expected that this would happen. For the perpetrator, Nat Phumiphat Chaiwanichaya, 18 years old, Army Corps, the second year military prep president, is the son of Gen. Somchai Chaiwanichaya, a former electoral commissioner. from an outsider who was convened by the SEC meeting to remove from office due to lack of qualifications — from Sorayut FB page 2023-04-19

ChatGPT AI translate from Thai: Source: Twitter BANGKOK: --People close to 'Gigi', a celebrity net idol who died along with her boyfriend In a condo room in the Asoke-Petch area Giving information to the news team this morning that "Gigi" was regularly attacked until they broke up, then beaten and used to use a gun to the head, threaten and get back together again In which the man told Nong Gigi that will change yourself and Nong Gigi trusts On Songkran day, they went to play Songkran water together. There was no arguing. Until I learned that Gigi was shot and killed. “I want to ask, why do you have to do Gigi?”

Pic source: Twitter

Thai net idol and air force student found dead in Bangkok condo The bodies of a Thai net idol known as “Gie” and a Thai airforce student were found inside a condo room in Bangkok, Thailand, this afternoon. Both were shot in the head, according to the police. Lt. Gen. Thiti Saeng said that a friend of the deceased called officers from Makkasan Police Station to Gie’s condo room at the Asoke – Petchaburi intersection in Bangkok this afternoon, reports Sorayuth Suthassanachinda (Channel 3 TV) — The Thaiger 2023-04-19

Update: ASOKE BANGKOK: -- The police report stated that two people were found dead, namely: 1. Major General Somchai Chaiwanichaya, son of Major General Somchai Chaiwanichaya, former army chief. 2. Ms. Supitcha Pridacharoen, net idol, the initial cause is likely to be caused by jealousy. Between the gunpowder check and the closed circuit. Source: Twitter

7.0 magnitude earthquake shakes Indonesia's main island UPDATE: JAKARTA, Indonesia — A strong earthquake shook parts of Indonesia’s main island of Java and tourist island of Bali on Friday, causing panic but there were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties. The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 7.0 quake was centered 96.5 kilometers (59.8 miles) north of Tuban, a coastal city in East Java province, at a depth of 594 kilometers (369 miles). Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency said there was no danger of a tsunami but warned of possible aftershocks. The agency put a preliminary magnitude at 6.6. Variations in early measurements are common. Videos circulating on social media showed local residents and tourists in the neighboring provinces of Central Java, Yogyakarta and Bali panicking as houses and buildings swayed for several seconds. Some places ordered evacuations, sending streams of people into the streets. The country of more than 270 million people is frequently struck by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis because of its location on the arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin known as the “Ring of Fire.” In 2004, an extremely powerful Indian Ocean quake set off a tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people in a dozen countries, most of them in Indonesia’s Aceh province. — Washington Post 2023-04-14

Luckily you are right, but I’m no expert… ‘Lots of activity in the area for the moment though. cheers

7.0-magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia By HT News Desk Apr 14, 2023 04:09 PM IST Indonesia's geological agency has ruled out a tsunami after the epicentre was detected to be at a depth of 594 km. An earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck the north coast of Java in Indonesia Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The earthquake was recorded in the sea 96 km north of Tuban around 3:25pm IST. The earthquake tremors were felt around 2.19am on Wednesday. (Representative Image) The earthquake tremors were felt around 2.19am on Wednesday. (Representative Image) Indonesia's geological agency has ruled out a tsunami after the epicentre was detected to be at a depth of 594 km. — Hindustan Times 2023-04-14

An earthquake of magnitude 6.6 struck Java, Indonesia on Friday, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) said.The quake was at a depth of 592 km (368 miles), EMSC said. https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/04/14/Earthquake-of-magnitude-6-6-strikes-Java-in-Indonesia

View map Alert summary An earthquake has occurred with magnitude: 6.6 SR, 68 km NorthWest TUBAN-JATIM, at: 14-Apr-23 09:55:44 UTC, No TSUNAMI threat (This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.)

Here you go Tyson Fury is coming to Bangkok on 8th June 2023 - and you can get your tickets here: https://th.tixtaq.com/event/tyson-fury-bangkok-drdih0

See above, new quake 35 mins ago.