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A police officer reads a decision to arrest Phan Cong Quoc (R) in Soc Trang Province, November 29, 2022. Photo courtesy of Soc Trang police Police in southern Vietnam arrested a local man after an investigation showed he had sent Vietnamese people to Russia and forced them to work illegally there. Phan Cong Quoc, 36, a resident in Soc Trang Province, is under investigation for "forcing others to illegally stay abroad" in accordance with the Penal Code. According to police, Quoc came to Russia in 2007 as a visitor and stayed back to work for a garment factory. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/man-arrested-for-forcing-57-to-work-in-illegal-factory-in-russia-4542472.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-01

Security camera footage shows a robber attacking a woman in Dong Nai Province, November 27, 2022. Security footage shows a five-year-old girl fighting a mugger who attacked her mother with a knife in southern Dong Nai Province. As seen in the camera footage, a woman was walking with her daughter in Thong Nhat Ward of Bien Hoa Town in Dong Nai, neighboring Ho Chi Minh City, last Sunday night when a man approached them on a motorbike. He stopped the bike but kept the engine running and chased after the mother, who was using a smartphone while walking. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/girl-fights-back-as-mugger-attacks-mother-4542312.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-01

Boxes of Covid-19 test kit by Viet A Technology Corporation in a photo taken in 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung Nguyen Van Trinh, assistant to a deputy prime minister, was detained Wednesday for alleged power abuse as Vietnam continued investigation into a massive Covid test kit scam. Trinh has been put under criminal investigation for "abuse of power or position in performance of official duties" as police expanded their investigation into the Covid test kit scandal involving Viet A Technology Corporation, the Ministry of Public Security said. Authorities said Trinh had illegally abused his position to make officials in the Ministry of Health grant Vietnam registration number of its Covid-19 test kit without following application protocols. This helped Viet A easily sell test kits across the country, causing serious damage to the state budget. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/deputy-pm-s-assistant-arrested-in-covid-test-kit-scandal-4542632.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-01

A married couple. Illustration photo by Pixabay Many young couples want to get divorced due to "materialistic" lifestyles and avoid having children due to financial pressures, experts said at a conference on cultural and family values. Speaking at the event Tuesday, Nguyen Thi Minh Huong, deputy head of the Women’s Union, said "fidelity" and "harmony" in marriage are in decline. Divorce rates are rising as young people are influenced by "open, materialistic lifestyles," she said, pointing to the fact the divorce rate almost doubled from 1% in 2009 to 1.8% in 2019. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/more-young-couples-want-to-get-divorced-be-childless-4542593.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-01

Cao Bo - Mai Son Expressway in the northern Ninh Binh Province, a part of the North-South Expressway. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh The Ministry of Transport is completing procedures so that construction of 12 segments to extend the North-South Expressway can start this month. The construction will be done in 12 cities and provinces at a cost of VND146.99 trillion (US$6 billion) by a public-private partnership. The segments are part a 267-km section between Ha Tinh and Quang Tri provinces, 353-km section between Quang Ngai Province and Nha Trang Town and 109-km section between Can Tho City and Ca Mau Province, the first two in the central region and the other in the deep south. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/work-to-start-on-north-south-expressway-extension-this-month-4542763.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-01

Salmon and pampano are laid out in a market stall during an inspection by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Release / Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture is considering holding off on banning the sale of imported fish like salmon and pompano in wet markets after considerable backlash from lawmakers on the restriction that was first set in policy in 1999 but was only implemented recently. Agriculture deputy spokesperson Rex Estoperez said Thursday that while nothing is set in stone yet, they are “considering” imposing a moratorium on the imported fish ban. “We don’t have a confirmation yet, but we are considering,” Estoperez told reporters. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/01/2227811/da-mulls-holding-salmon-pompano-ban -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-01

In this Oct. 3, 2019 photo, rights groups call for the dismissal of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.’s perjury case. Karapatan / Released MANILA, Philippines — The House appropriations committee said it intended to push for the restoration of the 2023 budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict which was slashed by the Senate and House of Representatives. In a statement, appropriations committee chair and Rep. Zaldy Co (Ako Bicol Party-list) said the House bicameral panel will work with its Senate counterparts to restore the agency’s reduced budget as instructed by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Deputy Senior Majority Leader Ferdinand Sandro Marcos. But he also admitted the NTF-ELCAC has only completed less than half of its projects under its Support for Barangay Development Program for 2021. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/01/2227777/house-bicam-panel-wants-restoration-ntf-elcac-budget -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-01

This satellite image shows Polomolok, a first class suburban municipality of South Cotabato, Philippines. Google Earth COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Two alleged bomb-makers of the Dawlah Islamiya terror group, long wanted for multiple murder, were arrested Wednesday in Polomolok, South Cotabato. Jerry Pandian, 44, and Yeb Salila, 18, reportedly belong to the Khatiba group in the Dawlah Islamiya, tagged in deadly bombings in central Mindanao in recent years. The duo was nabbed before dawn Wednesday in Purok 2 in Barangay Glamang in Polomolok, South Cotabato by combined personnel of units under the Army's 6th Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office-12. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/01/2227832/2-dawlah-islamiya-bomb-makers-arrested-south-cotabato -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-01

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., joined by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and other national and local officials, lead the launching of the Kadiwa ng Pasko at Quezon City Hall on Dec. 1, 2022. Office of the President MANILA, Philippines — Just three months after saying that “it’s a long road” towards his goal of bringing the price of rice down to P20 per kilo, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. now reiterates the Philippines is “getting closer and closer” to this dream panned by critics as implausible. Marcos repeated the claim Thursday during his visit in Quezon City to one of the 12 "Kadiwa ng Pasko" stores in the country, which aims to provide communities with agricultural commodities like rice and onions at significantly lower prices than the prevailing retail prices. “We are getting closer and closer to my dream price for rice, especially, because we are able to sell this for P25 [per kilo,]” Marcos said. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/01/2227795/marcos-repeats-promise-philippines-getting-closer-p20kilo-rice -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-01

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines can expect up to two tropical cyclones to enter the Philippine area of responsibility in December, state weather bureau PAGASA said Thursday. The cyclones will be called “Rosal” and “Samuel” once inside the monitoring area. Weather specialist Benison Estareja said that cyclones that form in December have a higher chance of making landfall. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/01/2227780/pagasa-two-cyclones-expected-december -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-01

In an interview with “The Chiefs” on Friday night, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said that he directed the managements of LRT and MRT-3 to study the possibility of giving discounts to passengers using the Beep card. bworldonline.com MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation should explain the scarcity of stored value Beep cards along Metro Manila's rail lines despite the sale of more expensive cards in online shopping platforms, a senator said Thursday. This comes after AF Payments Inc., a consortium between the Ayala Group and the First Pacific Group, informed the DOTr in August that it would not be able to deliver the 75,000 stored-value cards needed by the Metro Rail Transit-Line 3 for its July demand, saying it placed multiple orders with card makers abroad, only to be denied delivery due to a global supply crunch for chips. In a statement, Sen. Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, urged the department to issue a statement because the shortage of cards "burdens our people using trains." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/01/2227806/dotr-told-explain-shortage-beep-cards-rail-lines -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-01

PM Harvests Rice From BCG Campaign In Chiang Rai Province BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Prime Minister paid a visit to Chiang Rai province, where he harvested rice from the BCG eco-friendly farming campaign and gave a speech on sustainable farming revolution. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279422-pm-harvests-rice-from-bcg-campaign-in-chiang-rai-province/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Prime Minister paid a visit to Chiang Rai province, where he harvested rice from the BCG eco-friendly farming campaign and gave a speech on sustainable farming revolution. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha today led government officials to a rice field in Chiang Khong district of Chiang Rai, which is used to demonstrate the farming of Hom Mali 105 rice under the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Model. The BCG farming campaign is intended to promote a more environmentally friendly way of rice farming and reduce farming costs by encouraging the use of organic fertilizers. This campaign was established by several organizations including the Rice Department, the National Village, and Urban Community Fund, and the Save Planet Agro-Economy Development Association. The Prime Minister later delivered his remarks at a sustainable farming seminar, where he emphasized the BCG economic model as the future of Thailand’s economy, with the Circular economy concept promoting nature conservation. He said the BCG model would allow farmers to grow quality produce in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, and help improve the competitiveness of Thai rice on the global stage more sustainably. The Prime Minister urged farmers at this seminar to adopt the market-led approach to address the low pricing issue, while adding that Chiang Rai province is being positioned as a key location for organic rice production. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221201125726114 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-01 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Authorities Forecast Increase in Tourist Numbers to the South BANGKOK (NNT) - Tourism authorities expect a significant increase in tourist numbers visiting the islands of the southern region this year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279421-authorities-forecast-increase-in-tourist-numbers-to-the-south/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Tourism authorities expect a significant increase in tourist numbers visiting the islands of the southern region this year. According to Suphakhan Yodchun, director of the Tourism Authority Office of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan, the islands in Surat Thani province welcomed 2.3 million guests between January and October 2022, generating more than 40 billion baht in revenue. Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park also reported a rise in tourists to Maya Bay in Krabi province, with an average of 4,100 people per day. Authorities consider the figure to be a positive indicator since the bay was briefly closed from August to September for habitat restoration operations. Officials have, meanwhile, advised all visitors to follow the national park’s regulations to minimize environmental impact, which include no swimming in the sea, no collecting sea critters, and only using reef-safe sunscreen. Prior to the two-month closure, the bay had been closed for three years for habitat restoration, with authorities stressing that they want to preserve as much of the area’s natural resources as possible. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221201142258165 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-01 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

U-tapoa Airport Expansion Project Faces Delays BANGKOK (NNT) - Due to the impact of the pandemic, U-Tapao International Aviation Company Ltd (UTA) has revealed that the first phase of the new U-tapao international airport expansion could be delayed for up to two years. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279419-u-tapoa-airport-expansion-project-faces-delays/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Due to the impact of the pandemic, U-Tapao International Aviation Company Ltd (UTA) has revealed that the first phase of the new U-tapao international airport expansion could be delayed for up to two years. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, president of Bangkok Airways and a representative of UTA, stated that the first phase of the airport’s expansion could be completed in 2026, as the company will have to adjust its construction schedule due to the pandemic’s impact on passenger growth. He added that the initial four phases of the project could also be expanded to six. The first phase of the renovation was anticipated to be completed in 2024, with a passenger capacity of 15.9 million per year, a 157,000-square-meter terminal, 60 aircraft parking lots, commercial space, and a ground transportation hub. Under a 50-year concession, the redesigned U-tapao airport is a joint venture between the BBS consortium, which includes Bangkok Airways, and the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee. The project intends to accommodate more than sixty million passengers annually. Puttipong stated that the company is still awaiting the resolution of several issues, including approval of the environmental impact assessment, construction of the second runway, and a contract for a high-speed train. Puttipong, however, affirmed that the outcome of the EEC’s search for a new secretary would not affect the project’s construction, as he believes the EEC will continue as planned. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221201130654119 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-01 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Officials inspect Khao San Road cannabis shops BANGKOK (NNT) - Health and administrative officials today inspected cannabis shops in Khao San Road areas, following controversial reports of some establishments explicitly advertising recreational cannabis use. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279418-officials-inspect-khao-san-road-cannabis-shops/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Health and administrative officials today inspected cannabis shops in Khao San Road areas, following controversial reports of some establishments explicitly advertising recreational cannabis use. Officials from the Ministry of Public Health, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Metropolitan Police today paid a visit to the tourist hotspot Khao San Road area in Bangkok, to inspect establishments offering cannabis to customers. The legalization of cannabis and hemp in Thailand has faced criticism including whether or not the current regulations are sufficient to discourage inappropriate use, as the government insists on promoting cannabis and hemp mainly for medical purposes. Recent announcements by the Ministry of Public Health have introduced more control on the use of cannabis, declaring cannabis buds and flowers controlled items, and prohibiting cannabis sales for in-shop smoking. This in-shop cannabis smoking room setting, which is being offered by some shops on Khao San Road, is however not punishable by ministerial regulations albeit a violation. Officials are looking into other laws that can impose punishment on shop owners. All cannabis shops at Khao San Road are found operating with corresponding licenses as required by law, except for a shop operating on a license registered in Lopburi province. Shops advertising recreational cannabis use were asked to remove those signposts. Officials are also inspecting whether an establishment with a traditional Thai medicine clinic signpost operates on a correct license. The clinic and the relevant practitioners could face legal prosecution if they do not have a permit required to operate this type of clinic. Dr. Thongchai Lertwilairatanapong, Director General of the Department of Thai Traditional And Alternative Medicine, has asked business owners to comply with all the regulations surrounding cannabis to ensure long-term cannabis legalization for medicine and economy, otherwise, such regulations would only grow more stringent. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221201140122144 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-01 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Strongest Baht in 5 Months, Less Than B35/US Dollar BANGKOK, Dec 1 (TNA) – This morning the bath value appreciated to 34.97 baht against a US dollar, its strongest level in five months, compared to its close yesterday at 35.26 baht per dollar. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279417-strongest-baht-in-5-months-less-than-b35us-dollar/

BANGKOK, Dec 1 (TNA) – This morning the bath value appreciated to 34.97 baht against a US dollar, its strongest level in five months, compared to its close yesterday at 35.26 baht per dollar. Kanchana Chokpaisarnsilp, a research executive at Kasikorn Research Center, said Asian currencies including baht appreciated as US dollar weakened after Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell said interest rate increase could slow down in December. Poon Panichpibool, markets strategist at Krungthai Global Markets of Krungthai Bank, said players in the monetary market of the United States were less concerned about the interest rate increase by the Fed and fully exposed themselves to risks as Mr Powell agreed with other Fed officials to slow down the Fed’s rate hike. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1068296 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-12-01 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Point Deduction on Bad Drivers to Start on Jan 9 BANGKOK, Dec 1 (TNA) – Point deduction will start on Jan 9 next year on the drivers who violate traffic rules, said the national police chief. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279416-point-deduction-on-bad-drivers-to-start-on-jan-9/

BANGKOK, Dec 1 (TNA) – Point deduction will start on Jan 9 next year on the drivers who violate traffic rules, said the national police chief. Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas, the national police chief, said each licensed driver would have 12 points. Point deduction will happen in two forms. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1068433 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-12-01 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Motor Expo 2022 Expected To Result In 37,000 Buy Orders For Cars BANGKOK (NNT) - Automobile enthusiasts now have a destination they can add to their itinerary for December. Motor Expo 2022 has commenced, with this year’s highlight being EV offers from many firms. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279414-motor-expo-2022-expected-to-result-in-37000-buy-orders-for-cars/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Automobile enthusiasts now have a destination they can add to their itinerary for December. Motor Expo 2022 has commenced, with this year’s highlight being EV offers from many firms. The electric vehicles unveiling and offers are in line with this year’s Motor Expo theme of "It’s TIME…Come Touch the FUTURE". 35 automakers from 10 countries and 17 motorcycle producers from 8 countries are participating in the expo. Electric vehicles (EVs) on offer this year have had their range improved. As many as 15 new models are being launched at the expo. One of the highlights at the expo is Audi’s “e-Rickshaw”, resembling the familiar Tuk Tuk taxi found in Thailand. The vehicle is powered by batteries that have seen prior use in Audi e-tron EVs. The chassis and frame were taken from a Tuk Tuk that has seen 30 years of service in Thailand. Organizers expect the expo will result in about 37,000 buy orders for cars and 5,000 orders for motorcycles. This would be a 15-20% growth from last year’s sales figure. 45 to 50 billion baht of circulation is expected at the expo. This would further rejuvenate the Thai automotive industry, which is already experiencing a substantial rise in manufacturing output due to the availability of microchips. Motor Expo 2022 is open to the public from December 1 to 12. It is being held at Challenger Hall in Impact exhibition and convention center, Mueang Thong Thani. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221201092643045 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-01 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!