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Vietnam's former Communist Party Politburo member and former chairman of PetroVietnam Dinh La Thang (L) is escorted by police to a trial in Hanoi, Vietnam January 8, 2018. Photo by Vietnam News Agency/Doan Tan Chief prosecutor Le Minh Tri has suggested that errant officials should be required to set right the consequences of their corruption rather than face prosecution right away. At a conference held to review 10 years of the anti-corruption campaign in Hanoi on Thursday, the head of the Supreme People's Procuracy of Vietnam said fighting corruption is a complex task. In the fight, retrieving lost and stolen public wealth is also an important mission along with preventing graft and dealing with offenders. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/chief-prosecutor-suggests-letting-officials-fix-corruption-consequences-instead-of-criminal-investigations-4482515.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-07-01

Tropical Storm Domeng (Aere) was last spotted 940 km east of extreme Northern Luzon, heading north at 15 kph. PAGASA MANILA, Philippines — Tropical cyclone Domeng, which remains far from the Philippine landmass, has intensified into a tropical storm, state weather bureau PAGASA said Friday. According to PAGASA, Domeng became a tropical storm at 8 a.m. It was given the international name "Aere." Domeng's peak winds increased to 65 kilometers per hour near the center and its gusts also increased to 80 kph. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/07/01/2192297/domeng-becomes-tropical-storm -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-07-01

Husbands and wives, mothers and sons and father and daughter/siblings (or half-brothers) have been duly elected by their constituents, and are now set to fulfill their mandates in both houses of the incoming 19th Congress. AFP / Ted Aljibe MANILA, Philippines (Updated 2:55 p.m.) — Around three weeks before the start of the 19th Congress, Pampanga Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. (3rd District) filed a resolution calling to amend the Constitution so that the Philippine president can have a longer rule of two five-year terms. Gonzales claimed that having a six-year term, which cannot be renewed, appears to not be enough for the chief executive to implement long-term programs and policies. This comes shortly after Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was sworn in as the 17th president of the Philippines. Gonzales is among the officials in the province who pledged his support for the UniTeam alliance, which Marcos Jr. and his running mate Sara Duterte-Carpio— who were eventually elected — ran under. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/07/01/2192301/solon-files-reso-charter-change-wants-longer-rule-president -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-07-01

A public school teacher records a lesson for her class under DepEd's distance learning this school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The STAR / Michael Varcas MANILA, Philippines — Progressive lawmakers from the House of Representatives' Makabayan bloc refiled a measure on Thursday seeking to raise the salaries of teaching and non-teaching personnel. Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-list), Rep. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women's Party) and Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Party-list) refiled House Bill 203 on the first day of the 19th Congress. A previous version of the bill, House Bill No. 5990, failed to advance from committee review during the 18th Congress. The bill aims to upgrade the salary of entry-level teachers from Salary Grade (SG) 11 to SG 15. It also seeks to raise the basic salary of non-teaching personnel to P16,000, which Castro said was a result of past consultations. Castro added that "discussions are ongoing to further raise this to P25,000 for other government employees." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/07/01/2192307/lawmakers-refile-bill-seeking-pay-hike-teachers-education-personnel -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-07-01

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople prepares for a press briefing after a welcoming ceremony held at the POEA Blas F. Ople Building on July 1, 2022. Philstar.com / Kaycee Valmonte MANILA, Philippines — A day after taking her oath of office, Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople said she plans on going after illegal recruiters through a task force under the department. Ople said she will lead the Department of Migrant Workers Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (TF-AIRTIP). “I have 18 years of experience in the fight against human trafficking. There will be zero tolerance for syndicates, whether online or offline,” Ople said in a speech on Friday. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/07/01/2192324/ople-lead-dmws-task-force-against-illegal-recruitment -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-07-01

Residents splash and spray water over pedestrians as they take part in celebrations of their patron saint, John the Baptist, in San Juan City, Metro Manila, on Thursday, June 24, 2022. AFP / Jam Sta. Rosa MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health said Friday that COVID-19 positivity rates in Metro Manila and three other regions surpassed the threshold set by the World Health Organization. Latest data from the DOH showed that the national positivity rate, or the percentage of infected people out of all tested, increased to 6% from 4.1% the previous week. In Metro Manila, the positivity rate climbed to 8.2% from 5.8%. Other regions with positivity rates exceeding 5% were Calabarzon (7%), Mimaropa (6.6%) and Western Visayas (6.4%). Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/07/01/2192333/doh-positivity-rates-metro-manila-3-other-regions-exceed-who-benchmark -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-07-01

Passengers pictured at Tandang Sora Jeep Terminal in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City on Oct. 19, 2021. The Department of Transportation is pushing for an increase in passenger capacity of public utility vehicles following the downgrading of Metro Manila's COVID-19 alert level from 4 to 3. The STAR / Michael Varcas MANILA, Philippines — Transport and commuter groups are urging the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to look for balanced solutions to the commuter crisis faced by workers in Metro Manila. With more industries shifting back to on-site work and students trooping back to face-to-face classes in schools, transport groups have said that the public utility vehicles going out of business due to skyrocketing oil prices have only exposed the commuter crisis that ultimately went unsolved over the two years of the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement sent to reporters, commuter group The Passenger Forum said that it was "crucial" to look into long-term solutions to the metro's commuter woes for "a better transportation system especially for the underprivileged sectors." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/07/01/2192318/commuters-urge-marcos-govt-provide-immediate-relief-long-term-solutions-transport-crisis -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-07-01

New Covid treatment rules effective from Friday BANGKOK (NNT) - COVID-19 patients will receive free treatments at registered hospitals based on their medical benefits and coverages from Friday, as Thailand presses ahead with the post-pandemic adoption of the disease. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264622-new-covid-treatment-rules-effective-from-friday/

BANGKOK (NNT) - COVID-19 patients will receive free treatments at registered hospitals based on their medical benefits and coverages from Friday, as Thailand presses ahead with the post-pandemic adoption of the disease. This change will effectively end the COVID UCEP Plus program which provides free treatments at private hospitals, and end the Home Isolation and Community Isolation programs. Dr. Atthaporn Limpanyalert, Deputy Secretary-General at the National Health Security Office, said the 1330 hotline will remain in service to provide basic screening and help find hospital beds. Meanwhile, patients with serious conditions and emergency patients will still get free treatments at private hospitals based on the Universal Coverage Emergency for Patient (UCEP) scheme, with the 1669 hotline assessing their eligibility. Testing for COVID-19 will be arranged based on the Department of Disease Control’s guidelines. With concerns about the possible uptick in new cases, Deputy Minister of Public Health Satit Pitutacha said the healthcare system has the capacity to handle future cases, while the bed occupancy rates in Bangkok and other provinces are lower than estimated, meaning a large number of beds are still available. He mentioned that the ministry will need to monitor the spread of the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants to see whether they will drive up daily case numbers. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-01 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Thailand Safe@Work 2022 commences; PM calls for fostering of safety culture BANGKOK (NNT) - The 34th national occupational safety and health fair has commenced at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Nonthaburi. At the fair, the prime minister urged everybody to help reduce accidents and promote a safety culture. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264621-thailand-safework-2022-commences-pm-calls-for-fostering-of-safety-culture/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The 34th national occupational safety and health fair has commenced at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Nonthaburi. At the fair, the prime minister urged everybody to help reduce accidents and promote a safety culture. He also encouraged the creation of positive values at work, saying Thailand’s soft power differs from those of other countries. Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the opening of Thailand Safe@Work 2022 – the 34th national occupational safety and health fair. He handed out plaques to businesses and establishments recognized for occupational safety and health (OSH) achievements. The prime minister congratulated the entities that were awarded, saying success is fostered through the cooperation of everyone within an organization. A prevailing attitude within a said organization is to achieve success based on a standard of safety and everybody’s wellbeing. Gen. Prayut admitted that work accident figures remain high while deaths have lessened. He said accidents must be reduced in order for businesses to accommodate future global changes. He called for people at work to maintain vigilance and always observe safety rules. He noted that a safety culture needs to be fostered, as injuries and deaths cannot be truly compensated. Gen. Prayut added the government has been able to address many labor issues. Collaboration was made with neighboring countries to legally bring in workers that are in shortage. He also asked businesses to only employ legitimate workers and to look after the benefits entitled to them. This is so all 37 million members of the labor force in Thailand may work happily and safely. Gen. Prayut said labor is a most precious resource and is instrumental to country development. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-01 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

House of Representatives Approves Online Sales of Kratom-Based Products The House of Representatives has passed a bill allowing people to sell kratom-based products online. However, strict regulations will be enforced to ensure public safety. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264620-house-of-representatives-approves-online-sales-of-kratom-based-products/

The House of Representatives has passed a bill allowing people to sell kratom-based products online. However, strict regulations will be enforced to ensure public safety. Members of Parliament have voted on a revised bill allowing the sale of kratom-based products, with 205 in favor, 58 against, and 5 abstentions. Kratom was delisted as a Category 5 narcotic in 2021. Consumers can currently purchase kratom plants and leaves, but kratom-based goods such as food and beverages are not permitted. Farmers and producers will be allowed to sell plants, leaves, and kratom-based products to customers directly, including online sales, under this amended bill. Authorities have warned, however, that selling kratom and its products to people under the age of 18, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers is illegal, and distributors must post warning signs in their stores or online shops. The plant and its product are not permitted to be sold in certain locations, including educational institutions, public parks, and venues that will be designated by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Public Health. Officials also strongly warned that these products must not contain any narcotics or other hazardous substances. Those who violate the law will face legal consequences. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-01 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Economic Growth Forecast to Continue Despite Inflation Rise BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) reported optimistic numbers for the Thai economy in May, indicating signs of economic growth despite a sharp increase in inflation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264619-economic-growth-forecast-to-continue-despite-inflation-rise/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) reported optimistic numbers for the Thai economy in May, indicating signs of economic growth despite a sharp increase in inflation. According to BOT senior director Chayawadee Chai-Anant, private consumption in May after seasonal adjustment rose by 0.6% from the previous month in most spending categories. This reflects the decreasing public concerns regarding the Covid-19 infections which resulted in improvements in economic activities. External demand has also performed well due to the gradual recovery in the export and tourism sectors. After seasonal adjustment, the value of merchandise exports excluding gold increased 3.5 percent from the previous month in most categories, reflecting higher demand from trading partners. Meanwhile, the number of foreign tourist arrivals increased to 521,400 in May, up from 293,400 in April. Foreign visitors totaled 1.31 million in the first five months of this year. Moreover, the service production index excluding gold increased by 2.5 percent month on month in May, rising by 20.9 percent year on year. Despite these encouraging figures, consumer confidence remains low due to concerns about increasing expenses. The country’s headline inflation rate increased to 7.1 percent in May from 4.65 percent in April, owing to higher electricity and domestic retail oil prices, as well as rising food prices and a low base effect for water bills last year. The senior director added that the central bank will maintain its outlook that inflation will peak in the third quarter, owing primarily to higher energy and food prices. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-01 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Royal Thai Navy chooses Israeli-made Hermes 900 Kochav drones Israel-based Elbit Systems has won an international bid to supply the Royal Thai Navy with seven Hermes 900 Kochav drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) at a cost of about four billion baht, RTN Spokesman Vice Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin said today (Friday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264617-royal-thai-navy-chooses-israeli-made-hermes-900-kochav-drones/

Israel-based Elbit Systems has won an international bid to supply the Royal Thai Navy with seven Hermes 900 Kochav drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) at a cost of about four billion baht, RTN Spokesman Vice Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin said today (Friday). He said that Defence Permanent Secretary General Warakiat Rattananont signed an approval for the winning bid yesterday and that a formal contract for the acquisition of the drones is expected to be signed within 30 days, between the RTN and Elbit Systems’ representative in Thailand. The procurement has been approved by the Comptroller Department and an official public announcement will be issued after the formal signing of the contract. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/royal-thai-navy-chooses-israeli-made-hermes-900-kochav-drones/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-01 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Art exhibition held on dirt road in Khon Kaen to get authorities’ attention At first glance, a bunch of landscape paintings seem to blend in with the lush fields they are placed next to, but a closer look shows how they are in an unusual place, on a bumpy dirt road full of potholes. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264616-art-exhibition-held-on-dirt-road-in-khon-kaen-to-get-authorities’-attention/

At first glance, a bunch of landscape paintings seem to blend in with the lush fields they are placed next to, but a closer look shows how they are in an unusual place, on a bumpy dirt road full of potholes. Khon Kaen artist Kwanyuen Ketnoo displayed his paintings along the road in his home district of Si Chomphu in an effort to get the authorities to fix decrepit road and highlight road safety issues, as he was injured while riding his motorcycle along it about a month ago. Insisting that he was not speeding, the painter claimed he hurt his hand, forcing him to stop painting for some time. The potholes on the road should be fixed immediately, to prevent loss of life, the artist said, in the hope that related state agencies will do something about it, because it is a major commuter route connecting communities with schools and other facilities. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/art-exhibition-held-on-dirt-road-in-khon-kaen-to-get-authorities-attention/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-01 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Thai air force scrambles fighters after alleged incursion by Myanmar aircraft The Royal Thai Air Force sent two F-16 jet fighters after an aircraft, believed to be a MiG 29 of the Myanmar air force, was found to have intruded into Thai airspace in the western province of Tak, according to RTAF Spokesman Air Vice Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264539-thai-air-force-scrambles-fighters-after-alleged-incursion-by-myanmar-aircraft/

The Royal Thai Air Force sent two F-16 jet fighters after an aircraft, believed to be a MiG 29 of the Myanmar air force, was found to have intruded into Thai airspace in the western province of Tak, according to RTAF Spokesman Air Vice Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee. He said that the RTAF also instructed its attaché, based at the Thai embassy in Myanmar, to warn their Myanmar counterpart about the alleged intrusion and not to repeat the incident. The MiG 29 was sighted about noon today (Thursday), flying above the Ban Valley Tai and Ban Valley Nua in Phop Phra district, as it engaged in an air strike against anti-government rebel positions near the Thai border with Myanmar. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-air-force-scrambles-fighters-after-alleged-incursion-by-myanmar-aircraft/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-30 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Thailand sees rise in severe COVID-19 cases after easing of restrictions Researcher prepare samples of human sweat for a Labrador Retriever, to detect the COVID-19 coronavirus at a mobile canine unit in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) The sub-committee of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has expressed concern over a spike in lung infections among COVID-19 patients and those needing ventilators, said CCSA Assistant Spokesperson Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan, after their meeting today (Thursday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264536-thailand-sees-rise-in-severe-covid-19-cases-after-easing-of-restrictions/

Researcher prepare samples of human sweat for a Labrador Retriever, to detect the COVID-19 coronavirus at a mobile canine unit in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) The sub-committee of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has expressed concern over a spike in lung infections among COVID-19 patients and those needing ventilators, said CCSA Assistant Spokesperson Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan, after their meeting today (Thursday). She said that lung infections increased from 598 on June 17th to 684 cases today and those requiring ventilators rose from 288 last week to 292 today, adding, however, that the increase had been anticipated after the relaxing of face mask wearing requirements in public places and the reopening of pubs and bars. Nevertheless, she noted that the fatality rate remains stable. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-sees-rise-in-severe-covid-19-cases-after-easing-of-restrictions/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-30 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Footage on state TV shows a large cylinder plunging from a crane on a moored vessel, causing a violent explosion of yellow gas in Jordan's Aqaba port, killing 13 people. Still image handed out via AFP A gas explosion at Jordan's Aqaba port on Monday killed 13 people including five Vietnamese. According to the Vietnamese embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Vietnamese victims were crew members aboard the Forest 6 registered in Hong Kong on which a tanker containing toxic chlorine gas accidentally exploded. It also left more than 250 people injured, including seven Vietnamese. Some 100 of them were still in hospital Wednesday, AFP quoted local officials as saying. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/5-vietnamese-killed-in-jordan-gas-blast-4481856.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-06-30

Hundreds of thousands of in- and outbound travelers have descended on Noi Bai International Airport, overwhelming its check-in booths, security gates and parking lots. On Wednesday morning, flyers flocked to Hanoi's Noi Bai airport in Soc Son District. All booths in hall A are open, with employees working at full tilt to deal with requests. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/photo/news/hanoi-s-noi-bai-airport-jam-packed-ahead-of-summer-travels-4481981.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-06-30