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Minimal fare rise for private bus operators effective from July 4 Thailand’s Central Land Transport Control Board has decided to allow private bus operators, which provide inter-provincial and inter-district services, to increase their fares by 5 satang/km from July 4th, to ease the burden of the rising cost of diesel. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264295-minimal-fare-rise-for-private-bus-operators-effective-from-july-4/

Thailand’s Central Land Transport Control Board has decided to allow private bus operators, which provide inter-provincial and inter-district services, to increase their fares by 5 satang/km from July 4th, to ease the burden of the rising cost of diesel. In the meantime, the Board has ordered the state-run Transport Company to freeze their fares for three more months, to ease the burden on passengers. Deputy Transport Permanent Secretary Sorapong Paitoonphong said that the current fares charged by private and state-run bus operators are based on a diesel price of 27 baht/litre, but the price has now increased to 35 baht/litre, raising the costs for bus operators, many of whom have threatened to cease operations or cut their services substantially. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/minimal-fare-rises-for-private-bus-operators-effective-from-july-4/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-28 - 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!

Two alleged drug smugglers arrested along with 6 million methamphetamine pills The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) announced the arrests of two alleged drug smugglers and the confiscation of 6 million methamphetamine pills and properties in dispute worth more than 21 million baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264290-two-alleged-drug-smugglers-arrested-along-with-6-million-methamphetamine-pills/

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) announced the arrests of two alleged drug smugglers and the confiscation of 6 million methamphetamine pills and properties in dispute worth more than 21 million baht. Police General Roy Ingkapairote, Deputy police chief of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), ordered the ONCB police to conduct an expanding investigation of two drug networks which eventually led to the arrests on Sunday, June 26th. In the first case, suspect Wattana Sriwilai, 48, was captured along with 1,976,000 methamphetamine tablets while reportedly in the process of transferring them onto a 6-wheel vehicle. He told the police that he was hired by a Lao man, whose name was unknown and who he claimed to be unable to contact, for 100,000 baht to drive the truck to transport the drugs from Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen, to Saraburi province. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/06/28/two-alleged-drug-smugglers-arrested-along-with-6-million-methamphetamine-pills-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-06-28 - 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 aims to attract more Chinese tourists after two Thai-China flights initially granted operational approval PHOTO: THAI airways Thailand is planning to attract more foreign tourists, especially Chinese, after the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) had granted permission for airlines to operate Thai-China flights. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264289-thailand-aims-to-attract-more-chinese-tourists-after-two-thai-china-flights-initially-granted-operational-approval/

PHOTO: THAI airways Thailand is planning to attract more foreign tourists, especially Chinese, after the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) had granted permission for airlines to operate Thai-China flights. Deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said Sunday, June 26th, that the CAAC has preliminarily allowed two flights between the countries per week for the first time in several years due to Covid-19 restrictions. Initially, the flights will be limited to business people and students. But, more flights will be available as soon as Beijing gradually reopens more international flights for its general population Traisuree stated. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/06/28/thailand-aims-to-attract-more-chinese-tourists-after-two-thai-china-flights-initially-granted-operational-approval/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-06-28 - 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!

GrabBike riders given two more months to operate without registration Thailand’s Land Transport Department has decided to extend the July 15th deadline for GrabBike (Win) riders to operate, without registering as public transport operators, by two more months, while urging those who wish to continue providing their motorcycle taxi service to register and change their license plates. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264288-grabbike-riders-given-two-more-months-to-operate-without-registration/

Thailand’s Land Transport Department has decided to extend the July 15th deadline for GrabBike (Win) riders to operate, without registering as public transport operators, by two more months, while urging those who wish to continue providing their motorcycle taxi service to register and change their license plates. The move follows a demand made last week by GrabBike riders for and extension to the deadline, to allow time for the authorities to come up with new measures or a new law to recognise app-based motorcycle taxi services. GrabBike riders, estimated at 10,000 nationwide, can self-register until July 26th. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/grabbike-riders-given-two-more-months-to-operate-without-registration/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-28 - 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!

A 12-year-old boy gets Covid-19 vaccine in Hanoi on April 16, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Pham Chieu The Health Ministry says it is not time yet for Vietnam to declare the end of Covid-19 because new virus variants could appear even though the situation has stabilized somewhat. The ministry said it is collecting opinions from other ministries and departments on a draft report on measures to combat Covid-19 in the "new normal" situation for submission to the government. The latest assessment comes more than two months after the PM had asked the health ministry to work on declaring Covid-19 an endemic. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/not-time-yet-to-declare-end-of-covid-19-health-ministry-4480843.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-06-28

Vietnamese fishing boat docks in Phan Thiet Town of central Binh Thuan Province, March 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Viet Quoc The United States said Monday it would step up cooperation with Vietnam among others to combat illegal fishing. As a major U.N. conference opened in Portugal on restoring the planet's ailing oceans, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a memorandum that aimed to step up coordination and enforcement within the U.S. government against illegal fishing and the use of forced labor. The White House said the United States also plans new engagement with Ecuador, Panama, Senegal, Taiwan and Vietnam on fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, dubbed "IUU" in environmental jargon. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/us-to-work-with-vietnam-against-illegal-fishing-4481134.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-06-28

The construction site of a North-South Expressway section in northern Vietnam in February 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Vo Thanh Two North-South Expressway sections through Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa provinces will be built this year at VND23.5 trillion ($1 billion), its investor proposed. In a feasibility study report sent to the Ministry of Transport, the project management unit No. 7 under the ministry said one of the sections, Chi Thanh – Van Phong, will run more than 48 kilometers across Phu Yen Province. Costing more than VND11 trillion, including VND8 trillion in construction, site clearance and consultation, the section will have four lanes spreading 17 meters wide for vehicles to move at 80 kph in its first phase. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/expressway-sections-through-central-provinces-proposed-at-1-bln-4481169.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-06-28

Destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov (L), corvette Gremyashchy and oil products tanker Pechenga docks at Cam Ranh port in Khanh Hoa Province, June 25, 2022. Photo by People's Army Newspaper Three ships of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet have completed their three-day visit to Vietnam's central Khanh Hoa Province on Tuesday. Destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov, corvette Gremyashchy and oil tanker Pechenga led by Colonel Alexey Anciferov had docked at the strategic naval base at Cam Ranh Bay in Khanh Hoa from June 25 to 28. During their stay, the Russian officers and crew members played sports with their Vietnamese counterparts at the High Command of Region 4 of the Vietnam People's Navy, which oversees the waters off the central coast. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/three-russian-navy-ships-complete-vietnam-tour-4481208.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-06-28

Dr. Pham Van Quang checks a dengue fever patient at Ho Chi Minh City Children's Hospital No. 1, June 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Thu Anh Many dengue fever patients did not come to hospital in time to have their early symptoms diagnosed, resulting in more severe conditions, a doctor said. Pham Van Quang, head of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Ho Chi Minh City Children's Hospital No. 1, said in most cases, dengue fever patients and their families had ignored warning signs when contracting the disease, creating the opportunity for it to get serious. When experiencing a high body temperature, the most typical early symptom of dengue fever, most patients had chosen to be treated at home, said Quang. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/dengue-fever-turns-severe-as-patients-miss-early-checkups-doctor-4480790.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-06-28

This is a photo which shows Sen. Francis Tolentino, who chaired the committees on local government and urban planning, housing, and resettlement in the 18th Congress. Senate PRIB / Sen. Francis Tolentino's Facebook page MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Tolentino, who is being eyed as among the next leaders of the chamber's Blue Ribbon Committee, said Tuesday that the committee must hold hearings that are time-bound and efficient. He added there must be an additional stage where lawmakers would pre-determine whether there is enough evidence to hold a hearing or not. "The next Blue Ribbon in terms of committee hearings should be time bound. We should be wary of the resources of the government. We should be wary of the time of the persons being invited, as well as the resources of the Senate as well as the public interest," Tolentino said in an interview with TeleRadyo on Tuesday. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/28/2191501/blue-ribbon-hearings-must-be-time-bound-efficient-tolentino -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-28

Motorists queue as they wait to fill their vehicles in a gas station along Nangka J.P. Rizal in Marikina early Monday afternoon, June 20, 2022. Several petroleum companies announced another oil price increase, effective on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. The STAR / Walter Bollozos MANILA, Philippines — Consumers may have to brace for another round of fuel price hikes in the coming week as prices rise in the global market and the peso weakens against the US dollar. Local oil companies price their products on a daily basis, but announce the adjustments every week. Their advisories sum up the daily changes in fuel prices. "'Yung trend kahapon, Monday [June 27], lumabas na ang global market price sa trading. May bahagyang pagtaas po so kung ganito 'yung tutuluyan nito, magsasama or magcocompound 'yung pagtaas ng presyo at nung pagtaas ng dolyar," Department of Energy Undersecretary Gerardo Erguiza said during the Laging Handa briefing on Tuesday. (The trend yesterday, Monday, showed that there is a slight increase, so if this continues, higher prices and the strengthening of the dollar will compound.") Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/28/2191521/doe-higher-fuel-prices-possible-next-week-peso-weakens -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-28

Passengers from the luxury passenger cruise ship World Dream wear facemasks as they visit a theme park in Manila after the luxury cruise ship with more than 700 passengers, mostly from China and Hong Kong, arrived the day before at the port in Manila on Jan. 29, 2020. T AFP / Ted Aljibe MANILA, Philippines — While relaxed quarantine measures have increased domestic travelers, the country’s tourism industry continues to see a slump in inbound visitors in 2021. In a joint forum with the Philippine Statistics Authority on June 28, the Department of Tourism (DOT) noted a "slow recovery" in local tourism, estimating 37.2 million domestic trips in 2021. This is a 38.16% increase compared to the 26.9 million local trips in 2020. The numbers, however, are still far from the pre-pandemic domestic trip figures of at least 122 million in 2019. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/28/2191526/domestic-trips-grow-international-visits-philippines-slump -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-28

Shoppers wear face masks as protection against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while inside a market in Marikina City. The STAR / Walter Bollozos MANILA, Philippines — President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will begin his term with Metro Manila under the most lenient alert status despite the rising number of COVID-19 infections in the capital region. Metro Manila, the Philippines' economic center, will remain under Alert Level 1 from July 1 to 15, Malacañang announced Tuesday. Majority or 85 of 121 provinces, highly urbanized cities and independent component cities and 166 of 744 other component cities and municipalities will be under the least restrictive status during the first half of July. Business establishments and venues for social gatherings in Alert Level 1 areas may be filled up to their capacities. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/28/2191531/marcos-begin-term-metro-manila-under-most-lenient-alert-status -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-28

Photo shows the viral video of Metro Manila Development Authority personnel being mauled by motorists in Baclaran Screengrab / Supplied video via News5 MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police has identified three potential suspects involved in the viral video of Metro Manila Development Authority personnel being mauled by motorists in Baclaran. Speaking in an interview over DZBB Super Radyo late Monday evening, Police Col. Cesar Gablin Paday-os, chief of Pasay City police said that the suspects have been no-shows after multiple attempts to reach them. "We have already obtained a statement from the victim and witnesses and so far we have identified three personalities there, and for the meantime, our identification continues for those in the viral video," he said in Filipino. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/28/2191481/pnp-identifies-suspects-viral-mauling-video-mmda-enforcers -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-28

In this undated photo shows the office of the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City, Manila. The STAR / File photo MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday called on senators to file charges against officials linked to the smuggling of agricultural products so they can face the allegations against them. A committee report on the Senate's probe into large-scale agricultural smuggling tagged Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief Rey Leonardo Guerrero and 21 other individuals as smugglers or their protectors. Other persons who were mentioned in the Senate committee of the whole's 63-page report were BOC Deputy Commissioner for intelligence Raniel Ramiro; Deputy Commissioner Vener Baquiran; BOC directors Jeoffrey Tacio and Yasser Abbas; Bureau of Plant Industry director George Culaste; Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources director Eduardo Gongona; Laarni Roxas of the plant industry bureau's plant quarantine services division; a certain Toby Tiangco; a certain Mayor Jun Diamante; a certain Gerry Teves; David Tan; Manuel Tan; Jude Logarta; Leah Cruz alias "Luz Cruz" Andy Chua; George Tan; David Bangayan; Paul Teves; Tommy Go and Wilson Chua. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/28/2191536/palace-tells-senate-file-charges-vs-execs-linked-smuggling-agri-goods -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-28

Mother and baby. Image by Public Co from Pixabay MANILA, Philippines — The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which grants more benefits to single parents, has lapsed into law on June 4, 2022. Under the Constitution, the president can veto a bill, sign it or let it lapse into law thirty days from the time he receives the final enrolled form. The law, known as Republic Act (RA) 11861, allows for a P1,000 monthly cash subsidy for solo parents earning minimum wage, and a 10% discount on certain medicines and food supplements purchased by low income solo parents who have children six years and below. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/28/2191532/expanded-solo-parents-welfare-act-lapses-law -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-28

Presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr is mobbed by his supporters as he arrives at the campaign heaquarters in Manila on May 11, 2022. The son of the late Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos on May 11 claimed victory in the presidential election, vowing to be a leader "for all Filipinos", his spokesman said. AFP / Ted Aljibe MANILA, Philippines (Updated 3:09 p.m.) — The Supreme Court has junked petitions challenging the candidacy of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., clearing the path to his oath-taking as the 17th president of the Philippines. The SC en banc voted 13-0 to junk one plea challenging the Commission on Elections's ruling that junked their petition against Marcos' Certificate of Candidacy and another that dismissed their disqualification case. "The Court held that in the exercise of its power to decide the present controversy led them to no other conclusion but that respondent Marcos Jr. is qualified to run for and be elected to public office. Likewise, his COC, being valid and in accord with the pertinent law, was rightfully upheld by the Comelec," the Supreme Court Public Information Office said in a release. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/28/2191478/sc-junks-pleas-vs-marcos-jr-candidacy-clears-path-inauguration -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-28

State Funds to Subsidize Underground Internet Cables BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities are set to subsidize operations by internet service providers to place roadside telecom and broadcast cables underground in Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264270-state-funds-to-subsidize-underground-internet-cables/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities are set to subsidize operations by internet service providers to place roadside telecom and broadcast cables underground in Bangkok. Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn announced that a meeting will be held on July 4 between the ministry, the National Telecom Plc (NT), and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to discuss funding issues related to underground cable projects in the capital. Chaiwut explained that the underground cable project has been carried out by Krungthep Thanakom Co, a state enterprise under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). However, work has ceased due to the estimated 20 billion baht cost of the project. If internet service providers were to fully absorb the cost of laying underground cables, it was feared that this would lead to price hikes for internet services. The minister said the government intends to subsidize the operation using state funds, with the NT supervising the project that is expected to be completed in three to four years. Funds may be allocated from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) or the Digital Economy Fund. Chaiwut noted that underground cables cannot be installed in certain areas of the capital, so some roadside cables will remain. He added, however, that new wiring will be installed to replace bundled cables that pose a safety risk or are an eyesore. The Digital Economy and Society minister also said cooperation from the public, the NBTC, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and the Telecommunications Association of Thailand is also required for the swift and efficient completion of the rewiring projects. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-28 - 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 Seeks Closer Ties With BRICS and BRICS Plus BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand has suggested a closer relationship between the kingdom and both BRICS and BRICS Plus member states to help advance the post-pandemic economic recovery. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264269-thailand-seeks-closer-ties-with-brics-and-brics-plus/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand has suggested a closer relationship between the kingdom and both BRICS and BRICS Plus member states to help advance the post-pandemic economic recovery. According to Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha recently delivered a speech on June 24 via a teleconference at the 14th BRICS Summit chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping. BRICS is a group of major emerging economies whose membership comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Thailand joined the BRICS meeting as a member of the 13 Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs). According to Gen Prayut, all nations should work towards tackling global economic challenges by restoring multilateral systems and approaches in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to achieve greater resilience, balance and equity. He also said Thailand hopes to work with BRICS partners through ASEAN, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other frameworks. He added that Thailand, as one of the world’s biggest food producers, urges the world to work together and avoid imposing food export bans that disrupt global supply chains. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-28 - 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!