snoop1130

Officers and soldiers remove a bomb found at a school in Dien Bien Province, northern Vietnam, February 25, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Kien Thao The army safely removed an unexploded bomb left from the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in the 1950s from a boarding school in the northern Dien Bien Province. It was found at the Ethnic Boarding High School in Dien Bien Phu Town last Saturday by workers building an anti-erosion embankment for the school. The rusted 350 kg bomb lay two meters under the ground. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/350-kg-bomb-from-indochina-war-found-in-northern-school-4575298.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-27

People pose for photos by the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. Photo by Vu Ngoc Thien Northern Vietnam will enjoy sunny days starting March thanks to the cold air weakening, although nighttime temperatures will still be around 11-17 degrees Celsius. The region has been experiencing cold nights and early mornings over the past few days due to the impact of cold fronts. Temperatures in mountainous regions dropped below 6 degrees in high-altitude locations, while the plains saw temperatures at 12-14 degrees. But starting Wednesday, the cold air would weaken, pushing northern Vietnam's temperature up by 2-3 degrees every day, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/sunny-days-ahead-for-northern-vietnam-4575337.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-27

Dong Nai River, the natural border between Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province. Photo by VnExpress/Phuoc Tuan An 11.2-kilometer section of Ho Chi Minh City's Ring Road No.3 that will run through Dong Nai Province will cost VND2.6 trillion (US$109.8 million). The authorities of Dong Nai Province, which borders HCMC, last Sunday approved building the section beginning in June. Linking Vinh Thanh Commune with Thu Duc City of HCMC, the section will comprise a five-kilometer section of expressway with eight lanes for vehicles to move at 100kph. It is expected that the section will be completed in 2026. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/hcmc-ring-road-section-running-through-dong-nai-will-cost-110m-4575332.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-27

Photos shows of senators in opening of the 19th congress at the Senate on July 25, 2022. STAR / Mong Pintolo MANILA, Philippines — Bills that seek to create the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund have moved forward in the Senate as Sen. Mark Villar ended public hearings by his committee and referred the measures to a technical working group. Villar adjourned Monday the public hearings on the Maharlika fund and sent the bills that want to establish it to a TWG which will meet virtually on Wednesday at 10 a.m. “There are still many details that have to be threshed out on the bill,” Villar said during Monday’s hearing. “I propose that we refer the bill to a technical working group so that we can harmonize the various concerns that have been brought up during our hearings.” Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/business/2023/02/27/2248040/maharlika-fund-moves-forward-senate-committee-hearings-end -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-27

Eight Filipinos who were trafficked into Cambodia to work as cryptocurrency scammers meets with Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Monday, February 27, 2023, at her office in the Senate in Pasay City. Release / Office of Sen. Risa Hontiveros MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros reported Monday that eight Filipinos who were trafficked into Cambodia to work as cryptocurrency scammers are back home weeks after they were extracted by local police there from their Chinese employer. Hontiveros thanked officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Cambodian police and civil society organizations and individuals who helped in the rescue and repatriation of the eight Filipinos. "Weeks passed and a lot of negotiations happened because there are processes of the Cambodian government which need to be followed before the human trafficking victims are allowed back to the Philippines," Hontiveros said in a statement in Filipino. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/27/2248015/eight-filipinos-trafficked-cambodia-fake-job-offers-back-home -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-27

This file photo shows a passenger lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Philstar.com MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation – Office for Transportation Security said Monday that it has relieved and suspended personnel involved in a viral video which supposedly showed them stealing from a Thai tourist who was passing through security screening. The OTS said its investigators are now preparing to file criminal complaints against the security personnel and will seek the cooperation of the foreign national. "These illegal acts will not be tolerated and we will apply the full force of the law to penalize the perpetrators," it said in a statement. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/27/2248044/dotr-suspends-naia-security-staff-alleged-have-stolen-thai-tourist -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-27

The 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution gathered millions of Filipinos from all walks of life to march along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), the main artery of Metro Manila, to end the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos. Official Gazette MANILA, Philippines — A framer of the 1987 Constitution sounded a rallying cry over the weekend to protect the Charter from attempts to rewrite its provisions, saying that the fundamental law codified the hard-fought liberation that Filipinos won during the 1986 People Power revolt. In the face of moves in Congress to liberalize economic provisions in the Charter, lawyer Christian Monsod reminded Filipinos of the historical movement that led to the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship – an event that inspired constitutional framers to weave in strong provisions against an excess of power and major foreign intervention. "EDSA was the inspiration of the 1987 Constitution, which was the first time that we spoke to the world as a truly independent and democratic Filipino nation. It is a document that had not been imposed on us by any colonial power or by a dictatorship," Monsod said at an event held by the Movement Against Disinformation at the University of the Philippines Law Center on February 25 to commemorate the 37th anniversary of People Power. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/27/2248043/dont-give-social-justice-protections-written-1987-constitution-framer-says -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-27

Phuket officials urge airlines not to price gauge on fares Flickr/Ferry Octavian Officials in Phuket are calling on airlines to be fair, not greedy, in their pricing, lest they discourage would-be tourists from holidaying on the island. The Bangkok Post reports that the call was made by Phuket’s Provincial Public-Private Joint Economic Development Committee. The committee says it’s had to intervene after complaints from tourists who feel they’re being overcharged for flights. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287744-phuket-officials-urge-airlines-not-to-price-gauge-on-fares/

Flickr/Ferry Octavian Officials in Phuket are calling on airlines to be fair, not greedy, in their pricing, lest they discourage would-be tourists from holidaying on the island. The Bangkok Post reports that the call was made by Phuket’s Provincial Public-Private Joint Economic Development Committee. The committee says it’s had to intervene after complaints from tourists who feel they’re being overcharged for flights. The Committee doesn’t actually have any authority to do anything about the increase in airfares, other than raise awareness and make official complaints to the airlines. Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan, who jointly chairs the committee, says airfare control measures devised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand divide flight routes into 2 types due to benchmark fares. Phuket is categorised as having a rate limitation for full-service charging and low-cost carrier charging, according to the report. The notice issued by the CAAT mandates that full-service operators cannot charge passengers more than 13 baht per kilometre for fares that include a baggage allowance of 20 kilogrammes or less. The fare must also include in-flight food and drinks. Low-cost carriers cannot charge passengers more than 9.40 baht per kilometre. Amnuay points out that the CAAT measures mean that flights to Phuket cannot be charged at more than 9,074 baht per flight in the case of a full-service carrier and 6,561 on flights operated by low-cost airlines. Phuket to Bangkok is an approximate 700 kilometre journey by air. Some of these current airfares have breached these ceilings imposed by the CAAT, but usually include a lot of taxes, which raises the cost of the tickets. He says overpriced fares over the New Year holiday and Valentine’s Day were due to high demand and prices are expected to rise again for Makha Bucha Day and Songkran. All airlines are required to publish a fare rates report every month and every trimester, according to the CAAT, who have issued a notice on pricing to carriers. Amnuay warns that the bosses of any airline indulging in price gouging could face a jail term of at least 6 months and/or a fine of up to 20,000 baht. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/phuket-officials-urge-airlines-not-to-price-gauge-on-fares/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-27 - 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 Ranks 30th in World’s Best Cities BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok has been ranked as the 30th best city in the world and the second-best in ASEAN by Resonance Consultancy, a prominent tourism consulting company. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287743-bangkok-ranks-30th-in-world’s-best-cities/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok has been ranked as the 30th best city in the world and the second-best in ASEAN by Resonance Consultancy, a prominent tourism consulting company. The rankings evaluate the most desirable places to visit, live, work and invest in based on categories such as attractions, infrastructure, culture and environment. The list of "100 Best Cities in the World 2023" evaluates the six ‘P’ categories of Place, Product, People, Prosperity, Programming and Promotion. The Place category evaluates factors such as the local climate, safety, tourist attractions and livability, while the Product category considers factors such as airport connectivity, museums, university rankings and event venues. The People category takes into account the labor force participation rate and educational attainment of the local population. The Prosperity category meanwhile evaluates factors such as the presence of global leading companies, GDP, employment rates and income equality. Next, the Programming category considers cultural events, nightlife experiences, quality restaurants,and shopping destinations. Finally, the Promotion category takes into account online search volumes and social media reviews. According to Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, Bangkok was ranked the second-best city among the 10 member countries of ASEAN. The Thai capital has also ranked highly on several other lists, including the Top 10 Cities in the World for expats in 2022, as reported by InterNations in December, as well as "Best Leisure City in the Asia-Pacific." by Business Traveller Asia-Pacific. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230227110755904 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-27 - 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.

BOI Seeks Private Businesses to Promote LTR Visa Program BANGKOK (NNT) - The Board of Investment (BoI) is looking to enlist private firms to promote the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program aimed at wealthy pensioners and skilled foreign workers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287742-boi-seeks-private-businesses-to-promote-ltr-visa-program/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Board of Investment (BoI) is looking to enlist private firms to promote the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program aimed at wealthy pensioners and skilled foreign workers. BoI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi said these companies will work with government authorities to promote the initiative both locally and internationally to attract more prospective participants. He added that the move is part of efforts to draw more applications for the 10-year visas introduced in 2022. The LTR visa program, which provides tax breaks and other financial incentives, is aimed at helping to attract one million applicants over the next five years. As of September 2022, about 2,800 foreigners have applied for visas. Pensioners accounted for 35% of applicants, followed by experienced professionals wishing to work remotely from Thailand and wealthy global individuals. Collaborating with private firms to promote the program locally and globally also presents an opportunity for Thailand to increase its foreign investment and attract skilled professionals, along with high-net-worth individuals. The effectiveness of this campaign could represent a potential step towards strengthening the economy and making Thailand a more appealing destination for foreign investment. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230227103516870 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-27 - 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.

PRD Chief Marks National Radio Day BANGKOK (NNT) - Public Relations Department (PRD) Director-General Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on National Radio Day on Saturday (25 Feb) that radio media remains important and is a mainstream and accessible communications channel for the public. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287741-prd-chief-marks-national-radio-day/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Public Relations Department (PRD) Director-General Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on National Radio Day on Saturday (25 Feb) that radio media remains important and is a mainstream and accessible communications channel for the public. He highlighted the usefulness of radio media during emergencies, citing the tsunami disaster of 2004 when people in impacted areas were unable to access most media outlets aside from AM radio media. AM radio signals also have wide coverage and can be transmitted over long distances. Radio broadcasts enabled information about assistance for victims and people in impacted areas to be relayed during the tsunami disaster. Lt Gen Sansern said the floods during 2022 and 2023 prompted Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to emphasize the importance of radio, which is crucial in times of crisis or disaster. He also said Thailand’s radio broadcasting service is now in its 93rd year. The medium has undergone continual development in line with changes in Thai society and remains a credible and traceable source of information. The director-general noted that the PRD has a role of delivering information through its Radio Thailand services in news reading and storytelling formats, which are tailored to specific broadcast times and target groups. He added that Radio Thailand has been adjusting and developing in light of global advances and has been at work to make its content interesting to the audience. The humble start of radio broadcasting began in 1928 when an experimental station was initiated in Bangkok. This station, under the Post and Telegraph Department, was located at the mouth of the Ong Ang Canal, one of the canal rings around the old city. The experimental radio station was later moved to Sala Daeng. Thailand’s first radio station - “Radio Bangkok of Phaya Thai” - commenced its services in 1930. In 1939, the function of radio broadcasting was transferred from the Post and Telegraph Department to the PRD. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230227105028885 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-27 - 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.

Finance Minister Projects 3.8% Growth This Year BANGKOK (NNT) - Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has projected that Thailand’s economy will grow by 3.8% in 2023, with the rebound of the vital tourism sector contributing to the growth. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287740-finance-minister-projects-38-growth-this-year/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has projected that Thailand’s economy will grow by 3.8% in 2023, with the rebound of the vital tourism sector contributing to the growth. Speaking on a Radio Thailand program, Minister Arkhom said the increase in domestic spending and an acceleration in investment in large projects would further boost growth. According to the finance minister, tourism in particular is expected to play a crucial role in the country’s economic recovery. The country is now projected to receive 27.5 million foreign visitors this year, following the arrival of 11.15 million visitors last year. This figure, while promising, is still below the nearly 40 million foreign visitors the country had in 2019 before the pandemic. The minister earlier said the nation’s economic growth could exceed the current forecast with the expected return of Chinese tourists. However, he cautioned against aggressive interest rate hikes, which could lead to increased business costs and household debt. The country’s headline inflation is further expected to fall within the central bank’s target range of 1% to 3% this year, owing to government measures and lower food prices. He noted, however, that despite the fall in export volumes, an exchange rate of 34 to 35 Thai baht per US dollar, as recorded last week, would be beneficial for export prices. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230227104315875 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-27 - 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.

Industry Ministry seeks help to curb sugarcane burning Thailand’s Ministry of Industry is seeking cooperation from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to tackle the problem of sugarcane burning, as many sugarcane farmers are defying the ban on burning, while millers continue to buy burnt cane. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287739-industry-ministry-seeks-help-to-curb-sugarcane-burning/

Thailand’s Ministry of Industry is seeking cooperation from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to tackle the problem of sugarcane burning, as many sugarcane farmers are defying the ban on burning, while millers continue to buy burnt cane. According to the Office of the Sugarcane and Sugar Committee, burnt sugarcane now accounts for 23 million tonnes (31%) of the 75 million tonne total output, since the 2022-23 harvest began on December 1st. The extensive burning of sugarcane also contributes to the increase of PM2.5 in the atmosphere in the cane-growing and other provinces, including Bangkok. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/industry-ministry-seeks-help-to-curb-sugarcane-burning/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-27 - 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-based diplomats show support for Ukraine David Daly, ambassador of the European Union to Thailand,addresses the “12 Moments for Ukraine” event at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center. (Photo courtesy of Delegation of the European Union to Thailand) Diplomats and representatives from 36 countries and civil society joined a public solidarity event in Bangkok today (Friday), to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287545-bangkok-based-diplomats-show-support-for-ukraine/

David Daly, ambassador of the European Union to Thailand,addresses the “12 Moments for Ukraine” event at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center. (Photo courtesy of Delegation of the European Union to Thailand) Diplomats and representatives from 36 countries and civil society joined a public solidarity event in Bangkok today (Friday), to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The event, entitled “12 Moments for Ukraine”, was organised by the delegation of the European Union to Thailand, the Embassy of Sweden, in its capacity as President of the Council of the European Union, together with the Embassy of Ukraine to send a message of unity and international support for Ukraine. It was also intended to raise awareness of the immense humanitarian consequences of the Russian aggression. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-based-diplomats-show-support-for-ukraine/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-24 - 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.

Officials test ditch water after complaints of industrial waste dumping Officials from the Chon Buri Provincial Industrial Works Office collected water samples for tests today (Friday), from a ditch along the 331 Highway in Ko Chan, after they received complaints from villagers of illegal dumping of industrial waste in the ditch. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287544-officials-test-ditch-water-after-complaints-of-industrial-waste-dumping/

Officials from the Chon Buri Provincial Industrial Works Office collected water samples for tests today (Friday), from a ditch along the 331 Highway in Ko Chan, after they received complaints from villagers of illegal dumping of industrial waste in the ditch. A CCTV system, installed in front of a steel dealer’s store in Tha Boonmee sub-district, captured images of a truck in the act of discharging industrial waste into the ditch at about 4.30am Thursday. Chalerm Kamthong, a fish pond owner, told the media today that he saw the truck parked near the ditch for quite some time on Thursday morning and became suspicious. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/officials-test-ditch-water-after-complaints-of-industrial-waste-dumping/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-24 - 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.

Two People Injured in Motorcycle-Pickup Collision in Sri Racha PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Two Thai people were injured when their motorbike rear-ended a pickup on Sukhumvit Road. The motorbike along with its rider and pillion rider plunged into a roadside irrigation ditch. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1287543-two-people-injured-in-motorcycle-pickup-collision-in-sri-racha/

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Two Thai people were injured when their motorbike rear-ended a pickup on Sukhumvit Road. The motorbike along with its rider and pillion rider plunged into a roadside irrigation ditch. Sri Racha rescue services rushed to an accident scene near a gas station in Sri Racha district, Chonburi to aid two road traffic victims yesterday, February 23rd. The rescuers found a grey GPX motorbike and two Thai victims lying in a dry irrigation ditch. The two Thais (a man and a woman) refused to provide their names although they suffered injuries. The man’s ring finger was severely injured while the woman suffered a broken right leg. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/02/24/two-people-injured-in-motorcycle-pickup-collision-in-sri-racha/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-02-24 - 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.