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We've all been there. Whether it was a rude receptionist, an infestation of bedbugs or the stingy ratio of gin to tonic, sometimes, you've just got to vent. Not to settle some petty score, no. As part of a noble cause to let the Internet know, so future travellers can choose a little better. In case you hadn't already guessed, I'm talking about hotel reviews. From contributing to Google Maps' reviews and ratings to leaving a scorching missive on Tripadvisor, there are many ways you can leave feedback for your host. Before you let your righteous indignation splurge all over your keyboard though, consider this: in some places, leaving a negative review can get you in trouble. Enter: this controversial Reddit thread. In the thread, posted on Monday, a Reddit user made the claim "Thailand not allowing Bad reviews..." instantly sparking discussion among Reddit's r/travel community. Reviews are a great way to help other travellers out. But in some places, you might be better off staying quiet, as there could be serious consequences. by James Booth #news Full story: https://www.escape.com.au/travel-advice/why-you-should-never-leave-a-negative-hotel-review-in-thailand/news-story/c3e4e20af7d200dd54fdc16dec24e5be -- © Copyright Escape 2023-07-06 - 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.

Prediction of persistent heavy rainfall across 41 Thai provinces, with potential flash floods by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Jean-Pierre Brungs, Unsplash The Thai Meteorological Department today reported forecasts of continued rainfall affecting 41 provinces, with 60% of the territories, including Bangkok, expected to experience heavy rainfall. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299894-prediction-of-persistent-heavy-rainfall-across-41-thai-provinces-with-potential-flash-floods/

The Thai Meteorological Department today reported forecasts of continued rainfall affecting 41 provinces, with 60% of the territories, including Bangkok, expected to experience heavy rainfall. The tropical depression in the southwest monsoon is covering the Andaman Sea and Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand as well. This, combined with a considerable low-pressure system based in northern Vietnam, is causing persistent rain in Thailand. As such, locals in these areas should be vigilant and prepared for potential flash floods and forest runoff. Sizeable 1 to 2-metre high waves were reported in the upper Andaman Sea. Areas affected by thunderstorms may result in waves higher than 2 metres. In the lower Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, waves were reported at around 1 metre high. In areas affected by thunderstorms, these waves can rise between 1 and 2 metres. Boat operators in the upper Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are advised to exercise caution and refrain from navigation in thunderstorm-affected areas. According to the weather forecast for Thailand today until 6am tomorrow, the following regional conditions are expected: In the north, 60% of the region will experience thunderstorms, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampoon, Lampang, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Tak. Minimum and maximum temperatures between 24 to 25 and 32 to 35 degrees Celsius respectively are anticipated, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 10-20 kilometres an hour. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Jean-Pierre Brungs, Unsplash #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/prediction-of-persistent-heavy-rainfall-across-41-thai-provinces-be-vigilant-for-potential-flash-floods-and-forest-runoff -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Bank of Thailand considers interest rate cuts to address household debt by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Bangkok Post A senior executive at the Bank of Thailand hinted at the possibility of interest rate slashes, which could provide a lifeline to struggling debtors, desperate to escape from their worsening debt cycles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299891-bank-of-thailand-considers-interest-rate-cuts-to-address-household-debt/

A senior executive at the Bank of Thailand hinted at the possibility of interest rate slashes, which could provide a lifeline to struggling debtors, desperate to escape from their worsening debt cycles. In talks with the Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA) and other related groups, the central bank is exploring various methods to curb the nation’s escalating household debt. According to the central bank’s deputy governor, Ronadol Numnonda, such cuts could provide a reprieve for burdened borrowers who have been shouldering persistent debts for a considerable period. He revealed that this month, the regulator plans to introduce three initiatives focused on responsible lending, risk-based pricing, and macroprudential policy, aimed at resolving the nation’s troublesome household debt situation. Following this, Ronadol announced, the central bank would hold a public hearing on these three proposals. While discussing the proposed rate reductions, TBA chairperson, Payong Srivanich, noted that all stakeholders should consider the potential repercussions, as it could result in a moral hazard. He suggested a thorough examination of responsible lending by financial bodies, the provision of equal and fair access to finances, and an analysis of borrowers’ debt repayment capabilities as possible countermeasures to the household debt issue. by Alex Morgan Image courtesy of Bangkok Post #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/bank-of-thailand-considers-interest-rate-cuts-to-address-household-debt -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Thai mother accuses son-in-law of poisoning her daughter by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ หนังสือพิมพ์ชุมพรนิวส์ A Thai woman accused her son-in-law of fatally poisoning her beloved daughter and turned to the Paveena Foundation for Women and Children to seek justice. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299890-thai-mother-accuses-son-in-law-of-poisoning-her-daughter/

A Thai woman accused her son-in-law of fatally poisoning her beloved daughter and turned to the Paveena Foundation for Women and Children to seek justice. Paveena Foundation for Women and Children founder Paveena Hongsakun accompanied the 50 year old mother, Jee, to Mueang Chum Phon Police Station in the southern province of Chum Phon to request an investigation into the mysterious death of her daughter, 30 year old Erbon Wanichtrakun. Jee revealed to police officers and the media that a hospital in the province phoned her on June 24 to inform her that Erbon entered the hospital to receive treatment on June 12 and was still there. The hospital disclosed that her daughter had experienced a seizure and cardiac arrhythmia. What shocked Jee was the discovery of toxic substances including mercury, excessive zinc, and arsenic in Erbon’s system. The hospital went on the explain that Erbon’s husband, identified as Bee, was taking care of her at the hospital. Bee allegedly informed the medical professionals that his wife had voluntarily consumed the toxic substances due to a misguided belief held by her and her family that the substances had healing properties. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ หนังสือพิมพ์ชุมพรนิวส์ #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-mother-accuses-son-in-law-of-poisoning-her-daughter -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Wan Noor: The New House speaker with Deep South convictions and a party-hopping past By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Veteran politician Wan Muhamad Noor Matha was unanimously voted in as Thailand’s new House speaker on Tuesday in an apparent compromise between the eight-party coalition’s two largest parties. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299889-wan-noor-the-new-house-speaker-with-deep-south-convictions-and-a-party-hopping-past/

Veteran politician Wan Muhamad Noor Matha was unanimously voted in as Thailand’s new House speaker on Tuesday in an apparent compromise between the eight-party coalition’s two largest parties. After weeks of locking horns over the speaker’s post, the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties unexpectedly reached a last-minute deal to back the political veteran as chief of the legislature. Parties view the post of speaker, who is responsible for deciding the debate agenda in the House, as crucial to getting their policies passed into law. Wan Noor is leader of the Prachachat Party, which has vowed to bring peace and economic development to the Deep South, where the Thai state has imposed martial law to quell a decades-long Malay-Muslim separatist movement. Prachachat Party, the third-largest coalition partner with nine MPs, is dwarfed by coalition leaders Move Forward and Pheu Thai, who won 151 and 141 seats respectively in the May 14 election. The House of Representatives speaker also doubles as president of the National Assembly (Parliament). Coalition leader Move Forward settled for the first deputy House speaker’s post after its candidate Padipat Suntiphada beat United Thai Nation Party’s Wittaya Kaewparadai in a vote. The second deputy speaker’s post, meanwhile, went to Pheu Thai’s Pichet Chuamuangphan, who was the sole candidate. By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/wan-noor-the-new-house-speaker-with-deep-south-convictions-and-a-party-hopping-past/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-06 - 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.

Civilian-led solution needed for permanent peace in the deep South By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk In the final of the three-part series, our Political Desk sheds some light on the plans of the eight-party coalition to push for institutional reform to bring permanent peace in the deep South. The peace process to end the conflict in the strife-torn predominantly Muslim deep South would be underpinned by commitments to democratization, demilitarization, and decentralization, as well as reform of institutions and the local administration, according to the coalition parties expected to form the next government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299886-civilian-led-solution-needed-for-permanent-peace-in-the-deep-south/

The peace process to end the conflict in the strife-torn predominantly Muslim deep South would be underpinned by commitments to democratization, demilitarization, and decentralization, as well as reform of institutions and the local administration, according to the coalition parties expected to form the next government. Move Forward and Fair, two of eight political parties in the coalition, had made it clear in public even during their election campaign that they wanted reform and restructuring, which would end the military’s role, to facilitate the return of normalcy in the deep South. However, despite the bold intentions, the ideas for action are still sketchy. Other key parties in the coalition, notably Pheu Thai and Prachachat, have seasoned and charismatic leaders to handle the region, but they have yet to spell out their plans clearly. The two parties are unlikely to compromise on any issues on which they strongly disagree, while it hardly needs mention that the establishment elite and the military, who want to maintain the status quo, will fiercely resist the plan. By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk In the final of the three-part series, our Political Desk sheds some light on the plans of the eight-party coalition to push for institutional reform to bring permanent peace in the deep South. #news Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/civilian-led-solution-needed-for-permanent-peace-in-the-deep-south/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-07-06 - 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.

Bangkok’s Green Line railway debt passed onto incoming government Photo of Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Khaosod English Citing a Government House authority, it was disclosed yesterday that the existing cabinet has chosen to pass the responsibility of resolving the debt affiliated with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) contract with Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) onto the incoming government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299885-bangkok’s-green-line-railway-debt-passed-onto-incoming-government/

Citing a Government House authority, it was disclosed yesterday that the existing cabinet has chosen to pass the responsibility of resolving the debt affiliated with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) contract with Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) onto the incoming government. The obligation arose from assigning BTSC to oversee the operations of the Green Line extension. Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda communicated to the cabinet the debt BMA is obligated to settle with BTS Group Holdings. This is due to the commissioning of BTSC to oversee the operations for the extension of the Green Line and its worth is estimated to be around 78 billion baht. The cabinet recognised the unresolved debt and agreed to transfer it to the succeeding government for resolution, acknowledging that it was beyond the reach of the interim government to rectify. Photo of Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Khaosod English #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bangkoks-green-line-railway-debt-passed-onto-incoming-government -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

Immigration Bureau Begins Crackdown on Foreign Criminal Networks By Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khaosod Online In a significant crackdown on foreign criminal elements operating within Thailand’s borders, the Immigration Bureau arrested 17 suspects involved in an online gambling racket and a luxurious residence takeover. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299882-immigration-bureau-begins-crackdown-on-foreign-criminal-networks/

In a significant crackdown on foreign criminal elements operating within Thailand’s borders, the Immigration Bureau arrested 17 suspects involved in an online gambling racket and a luxurious residence takeover. The law enforcement operation, executed at around 2:30 am on 6th July, targeted international factions operating from Thailand, following an elaborate investigation by the Immigration Bureau. Spurred by intelligence from Samut Prakan province, Immigration Bureau officers executed multiple search warrants targeting three luxurious residences in the Bang Phli district, applying a throng of officers for the operation. Within these residences, they discovered a group of male and female Vietnamese nationals serving as administrators for an online betting platform. The website was secretly backed by a Chinese investor, and 12 computers, among other evidence, were seized during the raids. This led to further arrests in adjoining residences, unveiling a connected operation – counterfeiting passports, immigration stamps of Suvarnabhumi and other foreign countries like Myanmar and Cambodia. More shockingly, they discovered a hoard of duty-free foreign cigarettes confiscated to serve as additional evidence. Officers classified the 17 Vietnamese individuals into respective charges based on their roles. Twelve were directly related to the gambling operation, whilst four were involved in passport forgery, using illegal immigration stamps. One person was charged with the possession of foreign cigarettes without going through customs. By Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khaosod Online #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/immigration-bureau-begins-crackdown-on-foreign-criminal-networks -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 6 July 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299881-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-6-july-2023/

The newly appointed house speaker Wan Noor, has confirmed July 13th as the date the house shall vote for Thailand’s 30th prime minister. He added: he didn’t know how many rounds of balloting would be required if Pita Lim-jaroen-rat fails to win the required 376 votes in the first attempt. TheAnti-Corruption Commission has asked Mr Pita to provide further documents relating to his role as his father's executor, saying he only submitted a record of his shares in iTV after he became an MP The Prayut government will leave a 78-billion baht debt owed by the BMA local authority due to the Green Line train operator, For the next government to deal with..this follows a request by the BMA local authority asking the government to approve a budget to repay its debt to the BTS company. The 29-year-old man who killed a 12-year-old girl last Sunday apparently hit her to death with a baseball bat, according to police, who say they will also arrest the young girls aunt who reported the incident to the police after CCTV showed her assisting her husband placing the girls body in a container. More than 1,200 Karen refugees have recently fled across the border to Mae Hong Son due to continuing heavy fighting against the Myanmar military. A further 400 villagers have taken shelter at 3 temples after junta soldiers raided their village. Karen fighters have re-grouped and captured several Burmese military bases and weapons. Around the Region: Hong Kong national security police arrested four men they accused of supporting overseas dissidents and of advocating independence from China, two days after issuing warrants and bounties against several foreign-based activists. Police claim the four engaged in activities that endanger national security" in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Chinese-American singer Coco Lee died yesterday after attempting suicide and falling into a coma over the weekend, she was 48. Her family says she had been suffering with depression, The weather: Sunny fine and dry to the south with rain in central Thailand Chiang Mai and the north: sunny with thundershowers 34C Bangkok: sunny partly Cloudy, 35C Pattaya, Sunny, partly cloudy 32C Phuket and the south: sunny 31C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny partly cloudy, expect a few thunderstorms 33C Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2023-07-06 - 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.

Illegal Taxi Gang Accused of Misusing Public Space in Khon Kaen by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khaosod Online In an incident which has caused friction, an illegal taxi gang has been discovered allegedly commandeering public space in front of a major shop in Khon Kaen Municipality. The group, around 50 years old, had set up cones to prevent public vehicles from entering, claiming it was solely for taxi use. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299874-illegal-taxi-gang-accused-of-misusing-public-space-in-khon-kaen/

In an incident which has caused friction, an illegal taxi gang has been discovered allegedly commandeering public space in front of a major shop in Khon Kaen Municipality. The group, around 50 years old, had set up cones to prevent public vehicles from entering, claiming it was solely for taxi use. The alarming activity came to light in a popular Facebook group – “Khon Kaen has checkpoints. Notify useful news”. A member posted images and a complaint which showed one man from the group blocking the public and vehicles from the area in the vicinity of a large department store in Khon Kaen Municipality. An accompanying message revealed further details suggesting a local authority, supposedly, had auctioned off this public space to the rogue taxi operators. A contentious claim that people had paid to be looked after by a boss was also mentioned. Further questioning revealed that only certain recognised cabs were permitted to park. In addition, they noted which vehicle number plates were parked nearby and questioned people about their destinations in an attempt to call for a taxi. A registration for cabbies taking care of people was also reported. by Nattapong Westwood Tope Image courtesy of Khaosod Online #news Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/illegal-taxi-gang-accused-of-misusing-public-space-in-khon-kaen-thailand -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-06 - 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.

COVID-19 WHO Thailand Weekly Situation Update No. 266 - 04 July 2023 Report: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299870-covid-19-who-thailand-weekly-situation-update-no-266-04-july-2023/

Download Report (PDF | 1.26 MB) 4,745,536 confirmed cases 34,371 total deaths Daily average numbers reported from 26 June– 02 July 2023 122* new confirmed cases per day *(including hospital admissions only) 6 deaths per day Main messages Continue to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 across Thailand RTG encourages COVID-free settings and booster vaccination Get vaccinated, maintain universal precautions and stay informed Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/thailand/covid-19-who-thailand-weekly-situation-update-no-266-04-july-2023

Police Hunt Down Culprit for Attack on Elderly Dutch Tourist in Chonburi The police in Chonburi are on the hunt for a young local suspect following an assault on a 72-year-old Dutch tourist diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299868-police-hunt-down-culprit-for-attack-on-elderly-dutch-tourist-in-chonburi/

The police in Chonburi are on the hunt for a young local suspect following an assault on a 72-year-old Dutch tourist diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The victim, Alphons, suffered a broken nose, resulting in a profuse nosebleed. The incident has stirred up considerable community outrage due to the vulnerable state of the victim, reported Daily News. Picture: Daily News The assault reportedly occurred on July 5th after a disagreement over rental fees at the victim's accommodation. Mr. Alphons was discovered bloodied and requesting assistance at a nearby checkpoint in Huay Yai. Responding officers promptly transferred him to the closest hospital. Picture: Daily News As initial inquiries continue, the law enforcement remains dedicated to capturing the perpetrator. Local residents, who assisted the injured tourist, strongly criticized the perpetrator's actions, especially considering the victim's elderly age and condition. #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-06 - 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. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Heartwarming Story of Good Samaritan Helping Tourist Find Lost Gold Bracelet Photo: Siam Rath In a captivating Facebook post that has garnered admiration from tourists, the official Pattaya City Mayor's page shared an inspiring story. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1299866-heartwarming-story-of-good-samaritan-helping-tourist-find-lost-gold-bracelet/

In a captivating Facebook post that has garnered admiration from tourists, the official Pattaya City Mayor's page shared an inspiring story. The account applauded a kind-hearted individual for aiding a distressed tourist in the search for a vanished gold bracelet. Weighing one baht (15.16 grams) and valued at a substantial sum, the bracelet had gone missing on the sandy shores of Pattaya City, reported Siam Rath. Photo: Siam Rath During a recent visit to the beach area, a news reporter encountered Mr. Kwanchai Akkharasri, a 64-year-old beachcomber who regularly scours the shoreline for metal treasures. On this particular day, a desperate tourist approached him, initially fabricating a story about a lost silver bracelet. Encouraging honesty, Mr. Kwanchai urged the tourist to come clean, and they eventually confessed that the missing item was, in fact, a gold bracelet. Assuring the tourist that if it was misplaced in the vicinity, he would find it, Mr. Kwanchai embarked on a mission to restore the precious possession. After a mere five minutes of meticulous searching, Mr. Kwanchai triumphantly uncovered the one-baht gold necklace and promptly reunited it with its grateful owner. Photo: Siam Rath The tourist expressed profound gratitude, raising their hands in appreciation of the remarkable deed. Mr. Kwanchai, filled with delight at successfully aiding in the recovery of the lost item, has dedicated over three decades to scouring the beach, typically unearthing five and ten-baht coins. He now wishes to caution beachgoers and tourists about the potential risks of wearing valuable items while indulging in beach activities. Losing such treasures would be truly regrettable, as even a seemingly modest one-baht gold bracelet carries a significant value. Top Photo: Siam Rath #news -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-07-06 - 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. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information