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MANILA, Philippines — The US Marine Corps and Philippine Marine Corps concluded two weeks of bilateral training as part of Marine Aviation Support Activity 22.1, the US Embassy in the Philippines said Friday morning. The bilateral exercise was held from June 6 to 17 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, at the Antonio Batista Air Base in Palawan with the end goal of increasing the PMC and USMC’s interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of US-Philippine mutual defense. “Training side by side increases our combined military capability, but also our friendship, which directly contributes to the strength of our alliance. This exercise builds on decades of cooperation, friendship, and shared experience,” said U.S. Marine Forces Pacific Commanding General Lt. Gen. Steven Rudder in a statement of the US Embassy. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/17/2189079/us-philippines-marine-corps-conclude-bilateral-training-exercise -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-17

Photo from Pixabay shows medicine tablets. Pixabay via jarmoluk MANILA, Philippines — Bangladesh is looking forward to helping the Philippines strengthen its pharmaceutical industry, its envoy said Friday after a meeting with President-elect Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Borhan Uddin, Bangladesh ambassador to the Philippines, said he and Marcos talked about enhancing Manila and Dhaka’s cooperation on the pharmaceutical sector. “We have a very booming pharmaceutical sector in Bangladesh,” Uddin said, adding that the South Asian country exports medicines to over 140 nations. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/17/2189094/bangladesh-looking-forward-boosting-philippine-pharmaceutical-industry -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-17

PM, Bangkok Governor Promise to Cooperate BANGKOK, June 17 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and key administrators including Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt had a press conference after attending a meeting of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263133-pm-bangkok-governor-promise-to-cooperate/

BANGKOK, June 17 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and key administrators including Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt had a press conference after attending a meeting of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration. Gen Prayut said that the CCSA had an important meeting today because it reached resolutions on changing regulations related to the present COVID-19 situation which improved in terms of declining new cases and fatalities. The prime minister said the meeting was a good opportunity because he met the Bangkok governor and Pattaya mayor Poramet Ngampichet. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-962276 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-06-17 - 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!

Yellow and Pink Line Monorails to Begin Partial Operations Next Year BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Transport expects the Yellow and Pink line monorails to begin partial operations at the start of next year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263130-yellow-and-pink-line-monorails-to-begin-partial-operations-next-year/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Transport expects the Yellow and Pink line monorails to begin partial operations at the start of next year. On Thursday, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob convened a meeting with transportation officials to discuss the schedule for the partial operations for both monorail lines. According to reports, the Yellow Line, which connects Lat Phrao and Samrong, is currently 92 percent complete. Meanwhile, the Pink Line, which connects Min Buri and Khae Rai, is 88.5 percent complete. Following these updates, partial operations on the Yellow Line are expected to begin in January 2023, and partial operations on the Pink Line will begin in February. The Yellow Line System is scheduled to fully open in June, followed by the Pink Line in July. Both Lines will be managed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). Panels have been formed to assess and ensure safety, as well as to determine an affordable fare limit for consumers. Following a thorough evaluation, the monorails will be open for a limited trial in order to identify problems and fix them before full operations begin. To offer more convenience to commuters, the introduction of the payment method using Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) will be used on both lines. A moderate fare is being considered so that people can travel to other line systems without paying additional fees. The Transport Minister advised officials to use the lessons learned from the launch of the State Railway of Thailand’s Red Line electric train system to create a clear action plan with clear responsibility to ensure effective and systematic management. He also encourages related authorities to engage in proactive public relations in order to present facts and clarify any issues to the general public. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-17 - 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!

Parliament Approves Changes to Police Commission Bill BANGKOK (NNT) - Revisions to the Royal Thai Police Bill have been approved in a vote by members of parliament (MPs) and senators. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263129-parliament-approves-changes-to-police-commission-bill/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Revisions to the Royal Thai Police Bill have been approved in a vote by members of parliament (MPs) and senators. A joint sitting has voted to pass changes to Sections 14 and 15 of the Royal Thai Police bill at its second hearing on June 16. One of the notable changes in these revisions was a structural change to the Police Commission in Section 14, in which the Prime Minister will be the chairman of the commission and other officials such as the interior permanent secretary, justice permanent secretary, attorney general, and secretary-general of the Court of Justice will be excluded. Several MPs, however, have objected to this structure, claiming that it could create opportunities for future political interference in police appointments. Some have proposed adding public sectors and the chairman of the Lawyers Council of Thailand to the commission to ensure transparency. The joint sitting also approved Section 15 of the bill, which defines the Police Commission’s responsibilities and powers, allowing them to issue rules and set policy standards for police officers. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-17 - 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!

Govt Urged to Further Relax Rules to Aid Tourism Firms BANGKOK (NNT) - Tourism businesses have urged the government to further relax restrictions to stimulate the economy. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263128-govt-urged-to-further-relax-rules-to-aid-tourism-firms/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Tourism businesses have urged the government to further relax restrictions to stimulate the economy. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said at the recent "Thailand Moving Together" seminar that the greatest concern following the reopening of the country is a lack of workers, as many former employees are hesitant to return due to the instability of tourism demand. Marisa observed that many nations have already eliminated mask requirements, and Thailand should adopt the same policy, allowing businesses and individuals to decide for themselves whether to don a mask. Phuket Tourist Association’s vice president of international marketing, Nantida Atiset, stated that Thailand’s air connectivity must also be improved to increase capacity and provide support for chartered flights, particularly from India and major international destinations. Echoing Nantida’s sentiments, Somsong Sachaphimukh, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, noted that as many as 300-400 Indian couples are currently planning wedding ceremonies in Thailand for 2022. He added that the Diwali festival in October, as well as the 75th anniversary of India-Thailand diplomatic relations, will also drive this market. Meanwhile, Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Business Association, proposed extending the closing time for nightlife businesses in Bangkok and major tourist destinations like Phuket and Pattaya beyond closing time before the Covid-19 pandemic to help operators increase their revenue. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-17 - 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!

Health Ministry Launches One-Stop Shop for Cannabis BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has opened a one-stop service center at Kasetsart University to educate people about cannabis, hemp, and kratom plants. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263127-health-ministry-launches-one-stop-shop-for-cannabis/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has opened a one-stop service center at Kasetsart University to educate people about cannabis, hemp, and kratom plants. Deputy Agriculture Minister Mananya Thaiset, who presided over the opening ceremony, stated that the new center supports the Department of Agriculture’s (DoA) medical research on cannabis, hemp, and kratom. Mananya stated that the research ensures the quality cultivation of formerly narcotic plants to meet rising public demand, as well as technological advancements and plant selection in accordance with the government’s policy of promoting the plants as cash crops and for medical use. The DoA is responsible for regulating the legal use of cannabis, hemp, and kratom, as well as controlling their import and export. DoA Director-general Raphabhat Chandarasrivongs said the center complies with the policy of the deputy agriculture minister to disseminate information about plants. He added that inquiries can be directed to the center via its 1174 hotline. The DoA has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Public Health Ministry regarding the use of cannabis for medical benefits and research, which is essential to its efforts to promote cannabis for household use. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-17 - 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!

Non-Thais arriving in Thailand will no longer be required to apply for the “Thailand Pass” before their departure, nor will they be required to have insurance coverage of US$10,000 from July 1, according to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today (Friday). They will, however, need to show their vaccination or a COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival and will have to complete a health declaration form, to prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as yellow fever. Body temperature screening, and the “Tor Mor 6” (TM6) immigration form for air arrivals will also be scrapped, to reduce congestion at airports. While not compulsory, the wearing of face masks is still recommended by the CCSA while in a closed area or where there are a lot of people. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-pass-for-non-thais-scrapped-new-guidelines-issued-for-masks/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-17 - 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!

Lottery vendors complain of unsold tickets after the launch of digital sales Digital lottery ticket sales for the June 16th draw, by the Government Lottery Office, apparently adversely affected many lottery vendors, who found they had many unsold tickets yesterday, forcing some to sell them at a discount to clear their stocks before the draw. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263125-lottery-vendors-complain-of-unsold-tickets-after-the-launch-of-digital-sales/

Digital lottery ticket sales for the June 16th draw, by the Government Lottery Office, apparently adversely affected many lottery vendors, who found they had many unsold tickets yesterday, forcing some to sell them at a discount to clear their stocks before the draw. A set of two tickets, which are usually sold at 200 baht, which is above the 160-baht set price, were sold for 180 baht yesterday, while a set of five tickets, which can normally fetch a price between 700 and 800 baht, were sold for 500 baht by a number of vendors, according to a field survey by Thai PBS. One vendor, at a market behind the Finance Ministry, said that she thought many had bought online lottery tickets in early June and could not afford to buy more from the vendors, adding that the rain yesterday morning (Thursday) might have discouraged customers from venturing out. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/lottery-vendors-complain-of-unsold-tickets-after-the-launch-of-digital-sales/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-17 - 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!

Nong Prue administrative authorities inspect wire disentangling operations around Soi Boonsampan Nong Prue administrative authorities inspected wire disentangling operations on Soi Boonsampan in Banglamung, today, June 16th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263042-nong-prue-administrative-authorities-inspect-wire-disentangling-operations-around-soi-boonsampan/

Nong Prue administrative authorities inspected wire disentangling operations on Soi Boonsampan in Banglamung, today, June 16th. Nong Prue Mayor Winai Inpitak appointed the deputy mayor, Somchoke Yindeesuk, to inspect the wire disentangling operations on Soi Boonsampan to keep the wires orderly and secure. Somchoke stated on the mayor’s behalf that today’s operation was made possible by the Nong Prue subdistrict and the Electric Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). There were two other disentangling projects at Khao Noi and Khao Talo communities. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/06/16/nong-prue-administrative-authorities-inspect-wire-disentangling-operations-around-soi-boonsampan/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-06-16 - 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 Health Ministry to reportedly propose nationwide green zones The Thai Health Ministry will reportedly propose reclassifying the entire nation into relaxed zone designations and restore normal nightlife operating closing hours to the Center for Covid-19 Situation (CCSA) in the upcoming meeting on June 17th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263041-thai-health-ministry-to-reportedly-propose-nationwide-green-zones/

The Thai Health Ministry will reportedly propose reclassifying the entire nation into relaxed zone designations and restore normal nightlife operating closing hours to the Center for Covid-19 Situation (CCSA) in the upcoming meeting on June 17th. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed today, June 16th, that the Ministry of Public Health would propose a nationwide color-rezoning into the green zone or the surveillance zone to the CCSA in the upcoming meeting tomorrow June 17th. The proposal, according to the minister, was already put into the meeting agenda. When questioned about petitions from nightlife operators to revert the legal closing hours to pre Covid-19 hours, the minister answered that he had consulted this issue with Dr. Kiattipoom Wongrachit, Health Ministry Permanent-Secretary, and Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Director-General of the Disease Control Department. Both agreed to extend the closing hours by another 1-2 hours, which meant nightlife places could open until around 2 a.m. based on their current closing hours at midnight, as long as the remainder of the CCSA agreed. “The extension is fine as long as the nightlife places follow the rules and do not open overnight until dawn,” Minister Anutin said “However, it still depends on the CCSA.” Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/06/16/thai-health-ministry-to-reportedly-propose-nationwide-green-zones-restore-regular-nightlife-closing-hours/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-06-16 - 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!

Trains for the HCMC's metro line No.1 are placed on tracks at Long Binh depot in Thu Duc City in May 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran The company building HCMC's metro line No.1 has reported a theft of 13,000 rail clamps and several cables to the police. The HCMC Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) said Wednesday that in May the contractor, a consortium of Japanese Sumitomo Corporation and Vietnam's Civil Engineering Construction Corporation No 6 (Cienco 6), had discovered the loss of the clamps out of the 20,200 to be used at an elevated section in Binh Thanh District. Clamps are used to keep rails in position. The area from where the theft occurred restricts entry to authorized personnel. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/police-to-look-into-theft-at-hcmc-s-1st-metro-construction-site-4476686.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-06-16

A man high on meth drove an ambulance and caused a series of damage in Can Tho, June 15,2022. A man high on drugs broke into a hospital, stole an ambulance and caused mayhem in Ninh Kieu District of Mekong Delta’s Can Tho. Lam Hoang Nhu, 37, on Wednesday picked up a brick and broke into the emergency area of Can Tho General Hospital. He then invaded the cafeteria to look for food, before stealing three knives. Security guard Ho Thanh Son, 56, said the man was "very aggressive when holding the knives, so I and my colleagues didn't dare to get close." Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/man-high-on-drugs-steals-ambulance-for-wild-ride-4476719.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-06-16

International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Director-General and Chief Executive John Chipman (R) gestures to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on June 11, 2022. AFP / Roslan Rahman MANILA, Philippines — The United States is investing $130 billion for its defense budget for research and development of emerging technologies. Based on a transcript of United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s interview at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue dated June 11, he said that Washington continues “to invest a sustantial amount” to ensure that the country can respond to any potential conflict. “We believe that in order to remain relevant, we have to make sure that we're investing in the right kinds of things to support the operational concepts that we think are important in any conflict — that we'll employ in any conflict going forward.” Austin said. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/16/2188835/us-invest-130-billion-develop-emerging-defense-technologies -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-16

Taxis line up at a gasoline station along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City before heading to their respective garages on the night of March 8. LTFRB reported today that it has already given P1.17B worth of fuel fuel subsidy to beneficiaries. The STAR / Miguel de Guzman MANILA, Philippines — With oil prices continuing to skyrocket, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said that it was aiming for an early July payout for the second payout of fuel subsidies for drivers and operators of public utility vehicles struggling with the rising prices. This comes days after the LTFRB also approved the provisional P1 peso fare hike petitioned by groups representing jeepney drivers, which means the fare on jeepneys now stands at a minimum of P10. "We're targeting early July. However, it would also depend on how fast [Department of Budget and Management] can download the funds to us," LTFRB executive director Tina Cassion told reporters in a Viber message. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/16/2188792/ltfrb-says-second-tranche-fuel-subsidy-set-begin-july -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-16

PUJs ply their route along EDSA-Aurora Boulevard intersection in Quezon City on Thursday, June 9, 2022. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has recently approved the P1 provisional fare hike for jeepneys in Metro Manila, Regions 3 and 4. THE STAR / Miguel Antonio De Guzman MANILA, Philippines — The Inter-Agency Council on Traffic on Thursday urged jeepney drivers and operators halting their operations amid rising oil prices to avoid driving at a loss to reconsider this plan and "provide public service" to commuters. Speaking over the Laging Handa briefing, I-ACT chief Charlie del Rosario said that the LTFRB is trying to "balance" the economy with the needs of the drivers and commuters by approving the provisional increase in minimum fare by P1. Transport groups representing jeepney drivers have said that with the most recent six-peso increase in fuel costs, almost P100 has been added to the daily cost of the 20 liters of fuel that jeepney drivers consume per day. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/16/2188812/traffic-council-urges-jeepney-drivers-stay-road-public-service -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-16

Mall-goers enjoy the nightlife as they dine at restaurants in Quezon City on Friday, June 11, 2022. The STAR / Miguel de Guzman MANILA, Philippines — Three out of every 10 Filipino adults believed that their quality of life was worse during the last 12 months, a poll conducted by Social Weather Stations suggested. The survey conducted from April 19 to 27 asked 1,440 respondents: “Comparing your quality of life these days to how it was 12 months ago, would you say that your life is better now than before, same as before, or worse now than before?” Thirty-four percent of the respondents said their quality of life became worse (classified by SWS as “losers”) compared to a year ago, while 32% said it got better (classified as “gainers”). Another 34% said their lives remained unchanged. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/16/2188832/34-filipino-adults-say-their-quality-life-worsened-sws -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-06-16