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Staff of Dagat Dagatan Elementary School in Navotas City prepare the classroom and other materials needed on Sept. 16, 2021 once the government allows the resumption of face-to-face classes. The STAR / Geremy Pintolo MANILA, Philippines — In his last days in office, President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order which creates five new positions for public school teachers, and provides for an expanded career progression system. Educators can now be promoted to the following posts: Teacher IV, Teacher V, Teacher VI, Teacher VII, and Master Teacher V. Executive Order No. 174, signed on June 23, requires the Budget department to create these new posts and include them in the salary grades index. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/24/2190620/duterte-approves-new-teacher-positions-higher-ranks -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-24

Commuters, who are heading to their workplaces, line up at the Nepa Q-Mart station of the EDSA Bus Carousel in Quezon City early Tuesday morning, June 21, 2022, to beat the influx of passengers. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority estimated last week that there will be a possible increase in passenger volume as fewer private cars may ply EDSA due to the continuing hike in oil prices. The STAR / Miguel de Guzman MANILA, Philippines (Updated 12:04 p.m.) — A transport advocacy network welcomed the appointment of former Philippine Airlines president Jaime Bautista to the Department of Transportation but urged him to “clean up the mess" it said was made by incumbent transportation chief Arthur Tugade. Bautista, whose appointment was announced by president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s camp Thursday, is inheriting a transport situation that commuters and transport workers say is in crisis, with insufficient transport capacity only worsened by skyrocketing gas prices. In a statement, commuter group The Passenger Forum said that among the missteps of the DOTR are the haphazard and unjust implementation of the jeepney modernization program, their unresponsiveness to the gradual breakdown of the public transport system since the COVID-19 pandemic, the delay in the opening of the MRT-7, and the failure to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/24/2190618/commuter-group-welcomes-bautista-challenges-new-dotr-clean-tugade-mess -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-24

This handout photo taken on April 27, 2021 and received from the Philippine Coastguard on May 5, 2021 shows Philippine coastguard personnel aboard their ship BRP Cabra monitoring Chinese vessels (R) at Sabina Shoal, a South China Sea outcrop claimed by Manila located about 135 kilometres (73 nautical miles) west of the Philippine island of Palawan. Handout / Philippine Coast Guard / AFP MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines said on Thursday it has terminated talks with China for a joint energy project in the South China Sea after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered an end to negotiations. Manila signed an agreement with Beijing in 2018 to cooperate on oil and gas development as a way to benefit from the resources in the waterway while setting aside the territorial dispute. Duterte, who has taken a softer approach to Beijing's claims over most of the sea, allowed Philippine companies to resume drilling off the country in October 2020. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/24/2190611/philippines-ends-china-talks-joint-exploration-disputed-sea -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-24

Incoming National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos spoke during a roundtable talk in Ortigas, Pasig on Thursday. The STAR / Michael Varcas MANILA, Philippines — Incoming National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos voiced her disapproval Friday of the practice of red-tagging, or conflating progressive critics and activists as armed insurgents, calling it "unproductive." This comes after incumbent National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, a retired Philippine Army general, launched an offensive against progressive groups and alternative media outfits with just two weeks left in his term. Advocates called this an attack on press freedom and civil liberties. Speaking over The Mangahas Interviews, Carlos questioned the practice of red-tagging — popularized as of late under the Duterte administration's anti-insurgency campaign — calling it lazy thinking. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/24/2190635/incoming-nsa-chief-unproductive-practice-red-tagging-lets-stop-doing-that -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-24

The barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls were moved to December 2022, from May 2020, according to Republic Act 11462, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte. STAR / File MANILA, Philippines — The team of president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is studying a proposal to lengthen the service of barangay officials to five years per term, instead of the current three, Executive Secretary-designate Vic Rodriguez said Friday. "We are open to all options that are being presented to us including the possibility of passing a law and making the term of barangay captains to five years, still subject to three terms," he said in a statement. Rodriguez, who was formerly a barangay captain, said he believes additional years to a barangay official's term will improve governance instead of the "current practice of constant extension" through postponing the elections. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/24/2190648/marcos-jr-studying-longer-five-year-term-barangay-officials -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-24

Seven venues designated as protest sites by Bangkok’s administration Pro-democracy protesters confront riot police whilst marching to Government House to call for the resignation of Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha in Bangkok on July 18, 2021. Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has designated seven locations in the capital at which protesters can hold their rallies in an orderly manner, which will not cause public inconvenience or disturbance or infringe on other people’s rights. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263867-seven-venues-designated-as-protest-sites-by-bangkok’s-administration/

Pro-democracy protesters confront riot police whilst marching to Government House to call for the resignation of Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha in Bangkok on July 18, 2021. Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has designated seven locations in the capital at which protesters can hold their rallies in an orderly manner, which will not cause public inconvenience or disturbance or infringe on other people’s rights. The seven areas are the Lan Khon Mueang town square, in front of the first City Hall in Phra Nakhon district, the Bangkok (Thai-Japanese) youth centre in Din Daeng district, the open space beneath the Ratchavipha Bridge in Chatuchak district, the car park in front of Phra Khanong district office, the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Min Buri district, the Chalermprakiat sports centre in Thung Khru district and the Monthon Pirom Park in Taling Chan district. Protest organisers wanting to use any of the venues are required to comply with rules and conditions set by the BMA, which include: Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/seven-venues-designated-as-protest-sites-by-bangkoks-administration/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-24 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

How Chadchart’s team is lifting lid on Bangkok’s murky multibillion-baht budget Although Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has vowed to revolutionize the city’s budgeting process, significant change is on hold as the budget plan for next year has already been prepared under his predecessor. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263866-how-chadchart’s-team-is-lifting-lid-on-bangkok’s-murky-multibillion-baht-budget/

Although Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has vowed to revolutionize the city’s budgeting process, significant change is on hold as the budget plan for next year has already been prepared under his predecessor. The 79-billion-baht draft budget plan for Bangkok was drawn up before Chadchart took the helm of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) late last month following a landslide election victory. The 79 billion baht in the budget plan is due to be spent in fiscal year 2023, which begins on October 1 this year. The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) – which functions as the capital’s parliament, scrutinizing and voting on draft legislation – will hear the first reading of the budget draft on July 6 and 7. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/how-chadcharts-team-is-lifting-lid-on-bangkoks-murky-multibillion-baht-budget/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-24 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

KBank Forecasts Benchmark Rate Increases In 2022 BANGKOK (NNT) - Kasikornbank (KBank) has said it is anticipating the Thai currency to bottom out within the next two months, primarily on the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate increase. The agency also expects the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to increase its benchmark rates at least twice for 2022 in response to the monetary fluctuation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263865-kbank-forecasts-benchmark-rate-increases-in-2022/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Kasikornbank (KBank) has said it is anticipating the Thai currency to bottom out within the next two months, primarily on the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate increase. The agency also expects the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to increase its benchmark rates at least twice for 2022 in response to the monetary fluctuation. According to Kobsidthi Silpachai, head of the market and economic research unit at Kasikornbank (KBank), two policy rate hikes of 50 basis points this year could be enough to keep inflation in check and the foreign exchange rate under control. He predicted that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) would raise the policy rate by a quarter-point at its meeting in August. The MPC is expected to raise the policy rate by 25 basis points again in November, at its final meeting of the year. The MPC voted 4-3 in June to maintain the policy rate at 0.5 percent, where it has been since May 2020. The three members who voted to raise the policy rate have urged for a 0.25 percentage point increase. KBank forecasts a 2.5% economic growth for Thailand in 2022. However, this forecast may be revised due to the baht movement caused by the US Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate hike. The research unit also believes that the US might increase its benchmark rate by 200 basis points throughout this year which will strengthen the dollar against other currencies. Under this scenario, the baht will continue to weaken over the next few months, necessitating adjustments by the BOT to ensure that the economy is not adversely affected. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-24 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Nationwide COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted Effective Immediately The Thai Government has resolved to lift nationwide COVID-19 restrictions in accordance with the country’s plan to downgrade COVID-19 to endemic status in July. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263863-nationwide-covid-19-restrictions-lifted-effective-immediately/

The Thai Government has resolved to lift nationwide COVID-19 restrictions in accordance with the country’s plan to downgrade COVID-19 to endemic status in July. The announcement, published in the Royal Gazette on June 23, 2022, and effective immediately, removed the color-coded zoning, reclassifying Bangkok and the other 76 provinces as green zones. The public is advised to wear a face mask in crowded places, such as public transportation, markets, and concert venues, as well as for individuals with certain health conditions. Restaurants and eateries may serve alcoholic beverages to dine-in customers in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and communicable disease control guidelines. Pubs, bars, and karaoke lounges that have been certified with the Thai Stop COVID 2 Plus by the Ministry of Public Health are also permitted to operate in accordance with the applicable laws, regulations, and communicable disease control guidelines. In densely populated areas, group gatherings are permitted, but those with more than 2,000 participants must obtain permission in advance from respective authorities in Bangkok or the other 76 provinces. Please visit https://www.tatnews.org/thailand-reopening/ for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements for international travelers planning to visit Thailand during this time. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-24 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Thailand Pass REMOVED BANGKOK (NNT) - With a $10,000 health insurance requirement also being removed, Thailand, starting July 1st, 2022, will welcome all travelers with proof of vaccination, a negative pre-arrival RT-PCR or professional ATK test result, or a negative pre-arrival RT-PCR or professional ATK test result. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263862-thailand-pass-removed/

BANGKOK (NNT) - With a $10,000 health insurance requirement also being removed, Thailand, starting July 1st, 2022, will welcome all travelers with proof of vaccination, a negative pre-arrival RT-PCR or professional ATK test result, or a negative pre-arrival RT-PCR or professional ATK test result. Specific requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travelers from all countries/territories with scheduled arrivals beginning on 1 July 2022 are outlined below. Entry into Thailand requires the following documents from vaccinated travelers: -A valid passport or border crossing pass is required for entry via land borders. -A Certificate of Vaccination Against COVID-19 -Adults must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 using an approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to traveling to Thailand. -Unaccompanied travelers between the ages of 5 and 17 must receive at least 1 dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Thailand. Individuals traveling with their parents are exempt from this requirement. Non-immunized or incompletely immunized travelers must present the following documents to enter Thailand: -A valid passport or border crossing pass for entry via checkpoints. On Arrival Requirements: All travelers must undergo entry screening, including a body temperature check, and present the necessary documents to the Immigration/Health Control officer conducting the checks upon arrival in Thailand. The travelers who have been immunized will then be permitted entry and are free to travel anywhere in the kingdom. For land arrivals using a border pass, a maximum three-day stay is permitted only within the specified areas. Similarly, unvaccinated/incompletely vaccinated travelers with proof of a negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test result within 72 hours of travel will be permitted entry and are free to travel anywhere in the kingdom. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers without a negative test result within 72 hours of travel are required to adhere to the public health instructions and guidelines as determined by the Health Control officer at the point of arrival. The travelers will be responsible for all expenses incurred. Throughout the Stay: Both vaccinated and unvaccinated/incompletely vaccinated travelers should strictly adhere to Thailand’s health and safety standards. Those who exhibit COVID-like symptoms should undergo testing. Those who test positive must receive the appropriate medical treatment. This information has been updated on 24 June 2022. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-24 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Thailand Pledges to Promote Gender Equality BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is moving forward with plans to promote gender equality and assist women in reaching their full leadership potential, recognizing that women play a crucial role in economic and social development. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263861-thailand-pledges-to-promote-gender-equality/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is moving forward with plans to promote gender equality and assist women in reaching their full leadership potential, recognizing that women play a crucial role in economic and social development. During the opening ceremony of the three-day Global Summit of Women (GSW) 2022 in Bangkok this week, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha pledged to prioritize the matter. GSW is promoted as a major economic forum for women leaders on a global scale. There were approximately 650 delegates from 52 countries in attendance. During his speech, Gen Prayut stated that the event provides Thailand with an excellent opportunity to learn from women leaders from around the world and supports efforts to foster an environment in which women can realize their full potential. According to the prime minister, budgets have been allocated to promote careers, knowledge development, and the identification of markets for women’s products. The prime minister also mentioned the administration’s efforts to promote the role of women, particularly those living in the deep South, as economic drivers and peacemakers in their communities. In conclusion, Gen Prayut stated that the government is also considering a number of projects to promote the empowerment of women in the business and economic sectors, regionally and internationally, and to ensure their rights to have equal access to services and digital age skill development. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-24 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Government Considering Setting Up New Ministry to Handle Water Issues BANGKOK (NNT) - The government is planning to set up a new ministry to oversee water management affairs to improve efficiency and unity in addressing the country’s water problems. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263860-government-considering-setting-up-new-ministry-to-handle-water-issues/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government is planning to set up a new ministry to oversee water management affairs to improve efficiency and unity in addressing the country’s water problems. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan emphasized the importance of improving the country’s water management system, stating that many problems still remain unsolved despite having many state agencies and several laws involved to address these issues. He believes that establishing a new ministry that prioritizes water-related issues would improve efficiency and reduce overlapping responsibilities among various agencies. The statement was made during a recent videoconference meeting of the national committee on water resource management policies, for which the deputy prime minister serves as the chairman. Gen Prawit instructed the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), and other departments to draft a bill to establish the new ministry. These agencies have been tasked with developing a blueprint to improve the existing mechanism for managing the country’s water resources while also tackling structural issues involving the law and the budget. The meeting also agreed in principle to strengthen the ONWR and elevate it to the status of a ministry in the future. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-24 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Thailand’s Theos-2 Satellite Set to Launch in 2023 BANGKOK (NNT)?- Theos-2, Thailand’s first earth exploration satellite, has arrived in Thailand after being assembled in the United Kingdom and will be launched in early 2023. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263859-thailand’s-theos-2-satellite-set-to-launch-in-2023/

BANGKOK (NNT)?- Theos-2, Thailand’s first earth exploration satellite, has arrived in Thailand after being assembled in the United Kingdom and will be launched in early 2023. According to Government deputy spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek, Theos-2 was jointly developed by British satellite specialists and a team of twenty Thai engineers from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). The 100-kilogram satellite is equipped with GPS, solar light intensity and magnetic field sensors, and cameras capable of capturing high-resolution images of the earth at a resolution of one square meter per pixel. Rachada said Theos-2 is undergoing testing at the Satellite Testing Center at Space Inspirium in the Chonburi province. Once in orbit, the satellite is expected to provide crucial data and images to Thailand’s space programs. The spokesperson stated that the satellite is part of a joint effort by four organizations to develop the nation’s aviation and space industries and enhance its competitive edge in the global aviation, logistics, and defense industries. Rachada also reaffirmed the government’s support for the production of aircraft, spacecraft, ground service, and maintenance equipment by both the public and private sectors in order to promote Thailand as a regional hub for the aviation and space industries. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-24 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Exporters Advised to Shift Focus to Regional Markets BANGKOK (NNT) - As global tensions continue, Thai exporters have been advised to shift their focus to regional markets instead of the world market in the second half of this year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263858-exporters-advised-to-shift-focus-to-regional-markets/

BANGKOK (NNT) - As global tensions continue, Thai exporters have been advised to shift their focus to regional markets instead of the world market in the second half of this year. Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) chairman Chaichan Chareonsuk stated that exporters should shift their focus to regional markets such as ASEAN, China, the Middle East, and India since the Russia-Ukraine conflict is still ongoing while tensions between the United States and China are expected to increase. He noted that the current energy crisis and raw agricultural product price hikes are expected to last for some time, raising manufacturing costs and causing product prices to rise in response. Chaichan urged exporters to use the privileges from trade agreements and trade partnerships between Thailand and other countries. He encouraged businesses to explore bio-, circular-, and green product options, which is currently a new global trend. The TNSC chairman also believes that the public and private sectors should capitalize on the recovering tourism industry, as the number of foreign arrivals will rise following the ease of travel regulations and Covid-19 prevention measures. The TNSC now forecasts that foreign arrivals to reach nearly 6 million people in 2022. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-24 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Digital lottery tickets for Aug 1 draw increased to 7.1m as demand surges The Government Lottery Office (GLO) will increase digital lottery ticket availability by 2 million, to 7.1 million, for the August 1st draw and may periodically increase them by 2 million a time, up to a maximum of 20 million tickets this year, according to Director-General of the Revenue Department and Chairman of the GLO board Lawaron Saengsanit, as the online option has been proven very popular, with over 2.8 million tickets sold in just six hours last week. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263857-digital-lottery-tickets-for-aug-1-draw-increased-to-71m-as-demand-surges/

The Government Lottery Office (GLO) will increase digital lottery ticket availability by 2 million, to 7.1 million, for the August 1st draw and may periodically increase them by 2 million a time, up to a maximum of 20 million tickets this year, according to Director-General of the Revenue Department and Chairman of the GLO board Lawaron Saengsanit, as the online option has been proven very popular, with over 2.8 million tickets sold in just six hours last week. Citing the positive public response to digital ticket sales, through the “Pao Tang” platform for the last two draws, which saw the 5.1 million tickets for each draw sell out in a couple of days, Lawaron said that the GLO has decided to increase digital lottery ticket availability for the August 1st, tickets for which will be available online from July 17th. He also said, however, that the increases will be done on step-by-step basis, to maintain a balance between digital and conventional ticket sales. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/digital-lottery-tickets-for-aug-1-draw-increased-to-7-1m-as-demand-surges/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-24 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!