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Travellers are advised to seize the opportunity to witness the extraordinary beauty of a natural site known as Thailand‘s “Grand Canyon,” locally known as Sam Phan Bok, before the end of May, when it will start to rain more. This leaves only a week left for exploration. Located in the Ban Pho Sai district of Ubon Ratchathani province in Thailand’s northeastern region, the Grand Canyon is the largest sandstone reef along the Mekong River. This destination has gained fame for its exceptional geological phenomenon: numerous peculiarly shaped holes formed by the gradual erosion of the river water over time. However, during the rainy season, these distinct features become concealed as the holes transform into receptacles for rainwater. The grandeur of this location has led some travellers to draw comparisons to the renowned Grand Canyon Valley in the United States. The local name of the site is derived from the Thai and Laotian languages. “Sam Phan” translates to three thousand in Thai, while “Bok” in Laotian means holes. By Tara Abhasakun Top photo caption: Photo via Daily News. Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/only-a-week-left-to-experience-grand-canyon-of-thailand-before-rain -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-24 - 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.

First flight from Russia’s Red Wings Airlines makes its way to Phuket Photo by Phuket International Airport. Russian tourists are continuing to flock to Thailand’s holiday paradise of Phuket. Yesterday morning, officials and staff at Phuket International Airport welcomed the first Red Wings Airlines flight from Zhukovsky, Russia, to Phuket. The flight carried 400 passengers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295783-first-flight-from-russia’s-red-wings-airlines-makes-its-way-to-phuket/

Russian tourists are continuing to flock to Thailand’s holiday paradise of Phuket. Yesterday morning, officials and staff at Phuket International Airport welcomed the first Red Wings Airlines flight from Zhukovsky, Russia, to Phuket. The flight carried 400 passengers. Earlier this month, it was reported that Russians were Thailand’s fourth largest tourist group this year, with a total of 115,743 tourists so far. In March, it was reported that over 7,000 Russians in Phuket were applying for visa extensions in a bid to stay in Thailand. Local immigration chief, Thanet Sukchai, said the great weather was one factor in their attempts to stay. Thanet said there were 7,596 Russian nationals seeking to extend their stays, mostly in Muang, Thalang, and Kathu districts. The countries with the most tourists in Thailand, as reported earlier this month, were: Malaysia (367,530) China (328,375) India (131,230) Russia (115,743) South Korea (95,229) Vietnam (84,221) United States (70,977) United Kingdom (70,089) Laos (68,204) Hong Kong (67,771) By Tara Abhasakun Top photo caption: Photo by Phuket International Airport. Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/first-flight-from-russias-red-wings-airlines-makes-its-way-to-phuket -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-24 - 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.

Speeding pickup truck flips on Si Rat expressway – driver dies in collision PHOTO via Sanook A high-speed collision involving a pickup truck on the Si Rat Expressway in Bangkok resulted in the vehicle flipping over and the driver tragically losing his life. The incident occurred at the expressway’s entrance near Ngamwongwan Road, where the pickup truck was found completely wrecked. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295782-speeding-pickup-truck-flips-on-si-rat-expressway-–-driver-dies-in-collision/

A high-speed collision involving a pickup truck on the Si Rat Expressway in Bangkok resulted in the vehicle flipping over and the driver tragically losing his life. The incident occurred at the expressway’s entrance near Ngamwongwan Road, where the pickup truck was found completely wrecked. The accident involved an Isuzu D-Max, which collided with a cement barrier due to excessive speed, as indicated by the 150 kilometres per hour reading on the broken speedometer. Following the collision, the vehicle overturned and landed below the elevated expressway. The 30 year old driver, identified as Jakraphong, sustained fatal injuries after being thrown from the vehicle. On the ground beneath the elevated road, police found his body with broken arms and legs. Jakraphong was carrying an employee identification card at the time of the accident. By Samantha Rose Top photo caption: PHOTO via Sanook Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/pickup-truck-flips-at-150-km-h-on-sri-rat-expressway-driver-dies-in-collision-2 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-24 - 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.

Bangkok to expand Google Classroom project to all 437 schools by 2026 Photo Courtesy of Flickr The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has unveiled its plans to implement the Google Classroom project across all 437 schools under its jurisdiction within the next three years. The announcement follows a successful pilot project in collaboration with Google at Thainiyomsongkroa School in the Bang Khen district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295779-bangkok-to-expand-google-classroom-project-to-all-437-schools-by-2026/

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has unveiled its plans to implement the Google Classroom project across all 437 schools under its jurisdiction within the next three years. The announcement follows a successful pilot project in collaboration with Google at Thainiyomsongkroa School in the Bang Khen district. The Google Classroom project emphasises “learning connectivity and data accessibility,” providing each student with a reconditioned laptop for use both at home and in class. The laptops come equipped with the Google Classroom application, which is available for free to schools and enables teachers and students to access and collaborate on documents and projects online. Google has been testing the system for years, with 9 million students already enrolled in Japan. The application has also been adopted in Indonesia, and now Thailand has been invited to participate. The BMA has accepted donations of old notebooks, which are reconditioned and allocated to students. The notebooks are installed with a new operating system that runs primarily from the cloud, allowing old computers to perform a wider variety of tasks while also reducing hardware costs. The project also includes training for teachers. By Mitch Connor Top photo caption: Photo Courtesy of Flickr Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bangkok-to-expand-google-classroom-project-to-all-437-schools-by-2026 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-24 - 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.

Bangkok Governor Inspects Fire Scene BANGKOK, May 24 (TNA) – Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected the fire scene in Soi Wutthakat 18 after the blaze destroyed about 44 houses early Wednesday morning. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295721-bangkok-blaze-devastates-44-homes-in-rapid-inferno/?do=findComment&comment=18102088

Bangkok Governor Inspects Fire Scene BANGKOK, May 24 (TNA) – Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected the fire scene in Soi Wutthakat 18 after the blaze destroyed about 44 houses early Wednesday morning. The fire raging wooden row houses was reported at 5.45 am in Talat Phlu area, Thonburi district. Firefighters rushed to the scene and spent about 45 minutes to put the blaze under control. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1177793 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-05-24 - 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.

Malaysian Ringgit Depreciation Impacts Songkhla Tourism Scene BANGKOK (NNT) - The tourism industry in Songkhla is feeling the effects of a volatile Malaysian ringgit, as the exchange rate between the Thai and Malaysian currencies reaches 7.59 baht to the ringgit. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295775-malaysian-ringgit-depreciation-impacts-songkhla-tourism-scene/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The tourism industry in Songkhla is feeling the effects of a volatile Malaysian ringgit, as the exchange rate between the Thai and Malaysian currencies reaches 7.59 baht to the ringgit. This development has discouraged some Malaysians from crossing the border into Thailand for their holidays. Over the past decade, the ringgit has gradually depreciated against the baht, impacting border trade in southern Thai provinces such as Satun and Narathiwat. Thais living or operating businesses near the Malaysian border have also been negatively affected by the depreciated ringgit. Local store owners in Songkhla, such as Nichamon Chumanut, have noticed a decline in Malaysian tourists visiting the province due to the volatility of the ringgit. Additionally, the recent start of the new school term in Malaysia has contributed to a quieter tourism scene in Songkhla during this period. Nichamon nevertheless acknowledged the possibility of more Malaysian visitors if the ringgit strengthens and tour groups are formed. In response to the currency fluctuation, some stores at Samila Beach in Songkhla have opted to only accept Thai baht. The conversion rate of one ringgit to 7.59 baht on certain days has made it less favorable for Malaysian tourists to make purchases. With the cost of an item priced at 100 baht equivalent to 14 Malaysian ringgit, tourists from Malaysia have been buying fewer items from clothing and souvenir stores at Samila Beach. By Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230524144626230 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-05-24 - 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.

Thailand’s state grid to ink 5.2GW renewable deals in Q3 Gulf Energy Development's solar farms in Vietnam, Image via Facebook The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) anticipates that power purchase agreements (PPAs) will be signed with companies chosen to participate in the 5.2-gigawatt renewable energy scheme during this year’s third quarter. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295774-thailand’s-state-grid-to-ink-52gw-renewable-deals-in-q3/

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) anticipates that power purchase agreements (PPAs) will be signed with companies chosen to participate in the 5.2-gigawatt renewable energy scheme during this year’s third quarter. The Office of the Attorney General is currently reviewing the legal aspects of the scheme, which includes power plant construction projects proposed by 175 selected companies. Following the completion of this scrutiny process, the state grid is expected to sign PPAs with these companies. The state grid consists of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and two state electricity distribution arms: the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and the Provincial Electricity Authority. The renewable energy scheme’s 5.2GW capacity includes bio-gas (335 megawatts), wind power (1,500MW), ground-based solar farms (2,368MW), and ground-based solar farms with energy storage systems (1,000MW). By Alex Morgan Top photo caption: Gulf Energy Development's solar farms in Vietnam, Image via Facebook Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-state-grid-to-ink-5-2gw-renewable-deals-in-q3 -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-24 - 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.

31% of Thais eye battery electric vehicles as next car choice Electric vehicle on display at IMPACT Challenger, Muang Thong Thani, Image via Facebook, Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. A recent survey by Deloitte Thailand revealed that 31% of Thai consumers are likely to opt for a battery electric vehicle (BEV) as their next car, the highest percentage in Southeast Asia. Despite this, internal combustion engine vehicles continue to be the preferred choice in the region. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295773-31-of-thais-eye-battery-electric-vehicles-as-next-car-choice/

A recent survey by Deloitte Thailand revealed that 31% of Thai consumers are likely to opt for a battery electric vehicle (BEV) as their next car, the highest percentage in Southeast Asia. Despite this, internal combustion engine vehicles continue to be the preferred choice in the region. The survey, conducted between September and October last year, focused on consumer behaviour in the automotive industry, particularly in relation to the growing electric vehicle (EV) trend. Over 6,000 consumers from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore participated in the study, including around 1,000 Thai respondents. Chodok Panyavaranant, Deloitte Thailand’s clients and market manager, stated that Thais are expected to base their next vehicle purchase on product quality, vehicle features, and brand image. He also noted that demand for EVs is increasing across the region as consumers seek to reduce fuel expenses. By Alex Morgan Top photo caption: Electric vehicle on display at IMPACT Challenger, Muang Thong Thani, Image via Facebook, Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/31-of-thais-eye-battery-electric-vehicles-as-next-car-choice -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-24 - 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.

Thailand to ease yuan rules for trade amid rising US dollar volatility Image via Unsplash As US dollar volatility continues to rise compared to other global currencies, regulators are planning to ease restrictions on using yuan for yuan-baht trade transactions. The Bank of Thailand has been working with Asian and ASEAN central banks to establish local currency settlement frameworks, promoting the use of local currencies in bilateral trade settlement and direct investment. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295772-thailand-to-ease-yuan-rules-for-trade-amid-rising-us-dollar-volatility/

As US dollar volatility continues to rise compared to other global currencies, regulators are planning to ease restrictions on using yuan for yuan-baht trade transactions. The Bank of Thailand has been working with Asian and ASEAN central banks to establish local currency settlement frameworks, promoting the use of local currencies in bilateral trade settlement and direct investment. Bank of Thailand governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput stated that the bank encourages the use of four currencies under local currency settlements, including the Chinese yuan, Japanese yen, Malaysian ringgit, and Indonesian rupiah, to drive trade, investment, and tourism between Thailand and these nations. The Bank of Thailand and the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) signed the yuan-baht Bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement (BSA) in December 2011, aiming to support trade and investment in local currencies, strengthen bilateral financial cooperation, and boost confidence among the private sector in using local currencies for cross-border operations. The BSA was renewed in 2020, allowing for the exchange of local currencies of up to 70 billion yuan or 370 billion baht for a period of five years, starting from December 2020. Central bank deputy governor for monetary stability Mathee Supapongse said that the Thai central bank is in talks with the PBOC on how to promote the use of the yuan, with the Bank of Thailand expected to relax rules on yuan usage for trade, investment, and tourism activity this year to help reduce the impact of currency volatility. By Alex Morgan Top photo caption: Image via Unsplash Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailand-to-ease-yuan-rules-for-trade-amid-rising-us-dollar-volatility -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-24 - 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.

Future Thailand PM at odds with cannabis sellers and government over drug law reform Photo via Facebook/ เขียนอนาคตกัญชาไทย Cannabis sellers and several governmental departments have clashed with future Prime Minister, Pita Limcharoenrat, and his Move Forward Party (MFP) over the reclassification of cannabis and the reversal of the drug laws. The sellers are demanding clear clarification from the concerned departments on this issue. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295770-future-thailand-pm-at-odds-with-cannabis-sellers-and-government-over-drug-law-reform/

Cannabis sellers and several governmental departments have clashed with future Prime Minister, Pita Limcharoenrat, and his Move Forward Party (MFP) over the reclassification of cannabis and the reversal of the drug laws. The sellers are demanding clear clarification from the concerned departments on this issue. On Monday, May 22, the MFP, led by Pita, and leaders of the coalition parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlined their collective goals in preparation for a government. The MOU includes 23 missions, and one of them is to reclassify cannabis as a controlled substance. This mission drew significant criticism from cannabis sellers and relevant government departments. Yesterday, the spokesperson from the Parliamentary Commission that created the Hemp and Cannabis Act, Panthep Puapongphan, expressed his complete disagreement with the MFP’s stance. Panthep said… “By immediately reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic, many patients who use it for medicinal purposes will potentially face legal repercussions. Some patients rely on cannabis without a doctor’s prescription. Perhaps Pita fails to understand this point. Addiction to cannabis is harder than addiction to alcohol and cigarettes. MFP supports a progressive alcohol bill instead of cannabis that has more benefits.” By Petch Petpailin Top photo caption: Photo via Facebook/ เขียนอนาคตกัญชาไทย Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/legal-cannabis-sellers-demand-clarity-amidst-potential-drug-law-comeback -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-24 - 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.

Blue Whale to Be Listed as Conserved Wild Animal BANGKOK, May 24 – The cabinet has approved in principle the draft Royal Decree on additional kind of conserved wild animals which prescribes balaenptera musculus (blue whale) as additional kind of conserved wild animals. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295769-blue-whale-to-be-listed-as-conserved-wild-animal/

BANGKOK, May 24 – The cabinet has approved in principle the draft Royal Decree on additional kind of conserved wild animals which prescribes balaenptera musculus (blue whale) as additional kind of conserved wild animals. The draft Royal Decree shall be merged into one law with another draft Royal Decree, approved earlier by the cabinet on September 6, 2022, which prescribes buceros vigil or rhinoplax vigil (helmeted hornbill) as conserved wild animal, said Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul. Balaenptera musculus was earlier listed as protected wild animal. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news/line-today-english-news-1177895 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-05-24 - 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.

MFP Leader Attends FTI Meeting to Elaborate on Economic Policies BANGKOK (NNT) - In a bid to avoid traffic congestion, Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat recently traveled to a meeting of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) on a motorcycle taxi. This marked the second time that Pita had chosen this mode of transportation since his party emerged from the general election with the most house seats. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295768-mfp-leader-attends-fti-meeting-to-elaborate-on-economic-policies/

BANGKOK (NNT) - In a bid to avoid traffic congestion, Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat recently traveled to a meeting of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) on a motorcycle taxi. This marked the second time that Pita had chosen this mode of transportation since his party emerged from the general election with the most house seats. On May 18, Pita opted for a motorcycle taxi to reach a hotel where he held his inaugural post-election meeting, announcing the formation of his coalition government. His decision to avoid traffic was cited as the reason behind his choice of transportation. Before entering the FTI meeting, Pita expressed his intention to seek further details about the six proposals put forth by the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking. He also aimed to elaborate on his party’s economic policies in light of a sluggish global economy so that business leaders would gain a clearer understanding of his party’s platforms. One of MFP’s key election promises was an immediate increase in the minimum wage to 450 baht if they emerged victorious. Pita revealed that he would gather information from the private sector and SME labor regarding the minimum wage, initiating discussions with his party’s transition panel and coalition partners later in the week. He emphasized that the Pheu Thai Party, the second-largest party in the coalition, supported the idea of raising the minimum wage. Meanwhile, FTI Vice Chairman Isares Rattanadilok na Phuket expressed optimism about the meeting, expecting it to foster understanding and build confidence concerning daily wages, electricity and water costs, as well as potential reforms of laws hindering economic growth. He also commended the level of cooperation taking place between the core party of the new government and the private sector. By Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230524160200290 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-05-24 - 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.

MFP Affirms Push for Policies via Administrative Mechanisms BANGKOK (NNT) - Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), has discussed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the formation of the government, stating that crafting an agreement amongst coalition parties was the bare minimum for a joint mandate. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1295767-mfp-affirms-push-for-policies-via-administrative-mechanisms/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), has discussed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the formation of the government, stating that crafting an agreement amongst coalition parties was the bare minimum for a joint mandate. He clarified that MFP has more than 300 policies, from the 23 points of shared mandates to several unique agendas, that will be driven through administrative mechanisms. Pita - if endorsed as Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister - is responsible for managing these agendas, with ministers from his party working to implement them across various ministries. Even if a particular policy falls outside their direct control, they will work with the coalition government to bring about necessary changes. Pita noted that with 152 representatives in the legislature, MFP can bring laws to the table for discussion and use legislative mechanisms to push important issues such as those related to clean water and gender prefixes and suffixes. He added that his government would continue to meet with the public and invite other coalition partners to attend in the interest of implementing shared policies. The appointment of key positions such as the speaker of the house and cabinet members will also be carefully considered. The MFP leader insisted that the current state of economic instability is linked to political uncertainty and the ability of election winners to form a government as a consequence of the 2017 Constitution. In addition to these points, Pita cited the transition team’s talks with the Thai Chamber of Commerce. He said multiple key issues were discussed, such as improving Thailand’s competitiveness, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), aligning the workforce with national needs and increasing the minimum wage to match inflation or GDP growth. To help ease the burden of rising costs and low wages, Pita affirmed the Move Forward Party’s commitment to raising the minimum wage to 450 baht per day. However, he also acknowledged the considerations of employers and business owners, including those related to social security contributions and the possibility of making a double increase in the minimum wage tax-deductible over two years, or implementing tax cuts for SMEs. By Paul Rujopakarn Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230524155017282 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-05-24 - 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.