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By Adam Judd Bangkok ranks 6th out of 50 cities in the Expat City Ranking 2022, performing best for personal finance and worst for working abroad and quality of life. – In 2022, Valencia (1st), Dubai, Mexico City, Lisbon, Madrid, Bangkok, Basel, Melbourne, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore (10th) are the top 10 cities for ex-pats to live in. – On the other hand, ex-pats consider Johannesburg (50th), Frankfurt, Paris, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Hamburg, Milan, Vancouver, Tokyo, and Rome (41st) the world’s worst cities to live in. Bangkok ranks 6th out of 50 in the Expat City Ranking 2022 by InterNations, the world’s largest ex-pat community with over 4.5 million members. The city excels when it comes to both Personal Finance and the Ease of Settling In, ranking among the top 5 in both indices. While it gets somewhat mixed results in the Expat Essentials Index (22nd) — ex-pats find it easy to find housing but are unhappy with the digitization and local bureaucracy — Bangkok performs worst for both the Quality of Life and Working Abroad. The Expat City Ranking is based on the annual Expat Insider survey by InterNations. It is one of the most extensive surveys about living and working abroad, with 11,970 respondents in 2022. A total of 50 cities around the globe are featured this year, offering in-depth information about five areas of ex-pat life: Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance, and the new Expat Essentials Index, which covers digital life, admin topics, housing, and language. Expats Enjoy Life without Monetary Concerns Bangkok ranks 6th out of 50 cities in the Expat City Ranking 2022 and 2nd worldwide in the Personal Finance Index. Expats are not only happy with the general cost of living (69% vs. 45% globally), but affordability is also a highlight in the Expat Essentials Index (22nd). Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/11/29/bangkok-ranks-6th-out-of-50-cities-worldwide-in-expat-city-ranking-2022-friendly-atmosphere-a-highlight/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-11-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Agency Taking Action After 1,000 Rai Of Corals Found To Be Diseased by TNR Staff THE DEPARTMENT of Marine and Coastal Resources is moving to declare a protected area and recruiting volunteers to help tackle the spread of yellow-band disease among corals spread across a thousand rai, or around 20 kilometres, off five upper and central Gulf of Thailand provinces, Matichon newspaper said. Fill story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279241-agency-taking-action-after-1000-rai-of-corals-found-to-be-diseased/

by TNR Staff THE DEPARTMENT of Marine and Coastal Resources is moving to declare a protected area and recruiting volunteers to help tackle the spread of yellow-band disease among corals spread across a thousand rai, or around 20 kilometres, off five upper and central Gulf of Thailand provinces, Matichon newspaper said. Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the department’s head, speaking after diving to monitor this outbreak at Koh Kham island, off Sattahip district, Chonburi province, together with divers from AGC Vinythai, Burapha University and Samae San Volunteer Divers Club, revealed that the yellow-band disease had infected corals in Chonburi for the first time. It was already spreading among corals off Trat, Chanthaburi, Rayong and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/11/29/agency-taking-action-after-1000-rai-of-corals-found-to-be-diseased/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-11-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Netizens Blast Building A Drain Higher Than The Road by TNR Staff The drain which is higher than a road in Pattaya. Photo: Matichon GOING viral on Thai social media is this puzzling photo of a drain built in Pattaya that is higher than the road with questions being raised as to where the water will go, Matichon newspaper said Tuesday (Nov. 29). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279240-netizens-blast-building-a-drain-higher-than-the-road/

The drain which is higher than a road in Pattaya. Photo: Matichon by TNR Staff GOING viral on Thai social media is this puzzling photo of a drain built in Pattaya that is higher than the road with questions being raised as to where the water will go, Matichon newspaper said Tuesday (Nov. 29). This photo was posted on PattayaWatchdog webpage which shares interesting information about this seaside city and it attracted a lot of comments. Among the comments are the following: “Drain!! Where should the water first flow?” Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/11/29/netizens-blast-building-a-drain-higher-than-the-road/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-11-30 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 30 November 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1279239-thailand-live-wednesday-30-november-2022/

Meteorological Dept Forecasts Strong Cold Winds from Dec 2 BANGKOK, (TNA) – The director-general of the Meteorological Department said that from Dec 2 cold winds would be strong and temperatures will drop by 1-5 degrees Celsius. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279206-meteorological-dept-forecasts-strong-cold-winds-from-dec-2/

Pattaya loan sharks reportedly kidnap and attack 21-year-old female debtor A 21-year-old victim alleged she was kidnapped by four loan sharks and physically assaulted for not being able to repay her debt. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279211-pattaya-loan-sharks-reportedly-kidnap-and-attack-21-year-old-female-debtor/

please continue here: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279176-thai-pm-says-cabinet-reshuffle-before-new-year/ //CLOSED//

please continue here: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279162-pm-discusses-investment-opportunities-with-asean-us-businesspersons/ //CLOSED//

SPONSORED BY by Rooster | ASEAN NOW Exciting matches and goals galore as World Cup 2022 takes off Media were calling it "Manic Monday" as goals galore and exciting matches finally got the 2022 World Cup going after many 0-0 draws. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279178-exciting-matches-and-goals-galore-as-world-cup-2022-takes-off/

SPONSORED BY by Rooster | ASEAN NOW Media were calling it "Manic Monday" as goals galore and exciting matches finally got the 2022 World Cup going after many 0-0 draws. The first match was probably the best so far in which Cameroon led 1-0 only for Serbia to hit back and lead 3-1. However, Cameroon then found their form and recovered with two goals themsleves to force a 3-3 draw. In one of the goals the attacker clearly thought he was offside before nonchalantly lifting the ball over the Serbian keeper. He seemed as surprised as anyone when VAR confirmed he was in fact onside! The second game was no less exciting with Ghana beating South Korea 3-2. Korea were utterly dominant in the early stages but Serbia led 2-0 before being pegged back to 2-2. The Serbians then found the winner with a low strike through players in the box. The tension was incredible as Koreans in the passionate crowd prayed for an equalizer that ultimately never came despite ten minutes of added time. One feature of the World Cup has been the amount of added time. I hope this innovation will continue into the English Premiership when it resumes. We are often shot-changed by time wasting and other stoppages and it is high time that 90 minutes play meant precisely that. In the third game imperious Brazil won 1-0 against Switzerland. In both their games so far their excellent defence has not allowed a single shot on target. Vinicius Jr thought he had scored late on but his goal was ruled out for an offside, seemingly against Richarlison who was then substituted. With the game looking like a 0-0 draw Man Utd defender Casemiro scored a beautiful goal that deflected in off the bottom of a Swiss defender sending the Brazil fans wild and guaranteeing that their team will be in the last 16 no matter what happens in the final match vs Cameroon. In the late game that kicked off at 2 am Thai time Portugal beat Uruguay in a more dire encounter 2-0 thanks to a brace from Utd's Fernandes. They too made the last 16. Today's action is from Groups A and B. These are the final games meaning that kick-offs are synchronized and times in Thailand now change to 10 pm and 2 am. At 10pm in Group A Ecuador meet Senegal and the Netherlands come up against hosts Qatar who have already been eliminated. Qualification amongst the other three teams is up for grabs with the winners taking on the runners-up in Group B and the second taking on the Group B winners. Group B matches are at 2 am with Iran meeting the USA and Wales against England. England would need to lose 0-4 to not make the second round after they beat Iran 6-2 and drew 0-0 with the USA. Wales need to beat England and hope USA and Iran draw to progress to the last 16. Media reports suggest that Welsh supporters have already accepted their fate but they'd still love to take England down at the World Cup. Despite meeting more than 100 times over the years the neighbours have never faced each other at the world showpiece. There is likely to be far more tension at the Iran - USA match where it is anyone's guess as to who might progress, if either do. Rooster is expecting England to meet Senegal in the last 16 and the Netherlands to face Iran. That would mean England playing at 2am in the early hours of next Monday morning (Thai time). Should the Netherlands win their group they will play at 10pm next Saturday, Thai time. So with 32 games completed and 16 more group games to come before the knockout stages who looks likely winners? I predicted the Netherlands before the tournament began and will stick with them though hope is fading for the men in orange. Brazil look awesome especially in defence. If their strike force clicks they will merit the 5-2 price they are currently trading at on the Betfair exchange. France are just under 6-1, Spain 7-1, Argentina 9-1, England at 10.5 - 1, Portugal at 13-1 and Germany at 14-1. The tournament is still wide open and with many shocks already many will be prdicting further surprises in the days to come before the final on Sunday 18th December (10pm Thai time). -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-11-29

Thai PM says cabinet reshuffle before New Year Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha chairs the opening of “BCG Economy for APEC Exhibition” at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, in Bangkok on November 14, 2022. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has indicated that he might order a minor cabinet reshuffle before the New Year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279176-thai-pm-says-cabinet-reshuffle-before-new-year/

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha chairs the opening of “BCG Economy for APEC Exhibition” at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, in Bangkok on November 14, 2022. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has indicated that he might order a minor cabinet reshuffle before the New Year. The prime minister was challenged by a group of reporters at Impact Muang Thong Thani yesterday (Monday) who asked him when he will respond to the Democrat Party’s nomination, about 7 weeks ago, of Naris Khamnurak, MP forPhatthalung Province, as deputy interior minister, to succeed Nipon Boonyamanee. Nipon left the cabinet in September to face trial on a charge of malfeasance, for allegedly refusing to pay 51 million baht for the purchase of two multi-purpose trucks by the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation back in 2013. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pm-says-cabinet-reshuffle-before-new-year/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

More than 50,000 Russian tourists have visited Phuket this month, number one tourist market By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Russian tourists have hit the top of Phuket visitors with more than 50,000 visiting this month, November. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279173-more-than-50000-russian-tourists-have-visited-phuket-this-month-number-one-tourist-market/

By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Russian tourists have hit the top of Phuket visitors with more than 50,000 visiting this month, November. The Phuket Immigration Chief Colonel Thanet Sukchai told the Phuket Express that Russian nationals are leading tourists in Phuket this month with more than 55,097 followed by Indians with 26,525, Australians with 13,868, British with 12,340, and Germans with 11,097.” The Director of the Tourism of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office, Nanthasiri Ronnasiri told the Phuket Express. “From January to October this year Phuket generated more than 119 billion baht. This number shows Phuket tourism has been increased 80 percent even if we don’t have Chinese tourists.” Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/11/29/more-than-50000-russian-tourists-have-visited-phuket-this-month-number-one-tourist-market/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Video: Shots fired as man who refused to pay for gas is taken down - drugs found in vehicle 77kaoded Thai Caption: Nearly a judicial killing A video published by 77kaoded showed police action against a man driving an Isuzu vehicle who refused to give himself up. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279171-video-shots-fired-as-man-who-refused-to-pay-for-gas-is-taken-down-drugs-found-in-vehicle/

77kaoded Thai Caption: Nearly a judicial killing A video published by 77kaoded showed police action against a man driving an Isuzu vehicle who refused to give himself up. One police officer was injured and the suspect was shot in the arm. Drugs were found in his vehicle. Police in Hua Sai, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, southern Thailand were alerted by staff at a gas station. A man had arrived and refused to pay 1,800 for his gas. He had threatened a pump attendant with a gun then fled. Police set up a roadblock. The man - named as Thatchaphol, 40, fired at police hitting Sen Sgt Maj Suthee Phahukan in the right index finger. Picture: 77kaoded He was taken to hospital. Provincial police chief Pol Maj-Gen Somchai Seutortrakoon arrived on the scene with special teams and a three hour standoff ensued. When the suspect refused to surrender and pointed the gun at himself the decision was taken to shoot him in the arm. After he was shot he too was taken to Hua Sai hospital. A quantity of yaba and "ice" (crystal meth) were found in his vehicle along with a 9mm gun. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! 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

Samui welcomes first luxury cruise liner since Covid - three island tourists spend 40 billion this year, 60% of pre-pandemic levels Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported from the holiday island of Koh Samui in the south of Thailand where the first luxury cruise liner since the pandemic arrived. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279167-samui-welcomes-first-luxury-cruise-liner-since-covid-three-island-tourists-spend-40-billion-this-year-60-of-pre-pandemic-levels/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported from the holiday island of Koh Samui in the south of Thailand where the first luxury cruise liner since the pandemic arrived. The MV Viking Mars had 636 Europeans on board, the first such vessel to dock in three years. The media said that on December 17th the Mein Schiff 5 operated by Tui Cruise would bring 2,000 foreigners. Picture: Siam Rath Then on December 31st another ship was arriving for New Year celebrations. Surat Thani governor Wichawut Jinto said that next year there would be 31 liners arriving at Samui, sometimes as many as one a week. Then 32 were expected in 2024 and 16 have confirmed they are coming in 2025. It all pointed to continued improvement in tourism to the island. Picture: Siam Rath TAT rep Suphakan Yortchun said that in the first 10 months of this year 1.4 million tourists had visited Samui, 600,000 to Koh Phangan and 300,000 to Koh Tao making 2.3 million in total. They have spent 40 billion baht. Picture: Siam Rath The prediction was that by the end of this year tourism recovery would be up to 60% of pre-pandemic levels (based on 2019 figures). Similar improvements were noted by an official from Koh Tao. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! 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

Chiang Mai abbot fell in love - transfers 100,000 baht from temple funds but can't find her Sanook Thai Caption: Love sick monk Sanook reported on the case of an abbot at a temple in Sanpathong district of Chiang Mai who fell in love. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279166-chiang-mai-abbot-fell-in-love-transfers-100000-baht-from-temple-funds-but-cant-find-her/

Sanook Thai Caption: Love sick monk Sanook reported on the case of an abbot at a temple in Sanpathong district of Chiang Mai who fell in love. Then he transferred 100,000 baht from temple funds to the woman. The abbot, aged 33, went to Suphanburi in central Thailand but failed to find the woman. Locals reported him and the Buddhist affairs office in Chiang Mai have launched an investigation. The monk has been stood down for now. Monthian Khukhammee said that the abbot has offered to repay the money but as it is a criminal offence it must be properly dealt with. The truth of the matter is being investigated. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more! 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

Thailand needs a more proactive foreign policy The Ukraine-Russia conflict, China-Taiwan tensions or even the situation in Myanmar may seem far away and irrelevant to us in Thailand. Most Thais wouldn’t imagine that Thailand foreign policy has an effect on our lives, to certain extent, or that quiet Thai diplomacy on those issues matters. Some may wonder why we should care about Thai foreign policy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279164-thailand-needs-a-more-proactive-foreign-policy/

The Ukraine-Russia conflict, China-Taiwan tensions or even the situation in Myanmar may seem far away and irrelevant to us in Thailand. Most Thais wouldn’t imagine that Thailand foreign policy has an effect on our lives, to certain extent, or that quiet Thai diplomacy on those issues matters. Some may wonder why we should care about Thai foreign policy. To find the answer, Thai PBS World, working with Asia News Network, hosted a forum, called ‘Thai Foreign Policy, Regional Politics and the Media’ at the Sukosol Hotel Bangkok on November 24th. The topic for the first session focused on Thai foreign policy challenges in 2023 and beyond. The participants were Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, the Security Advisor to the Thai Government, Dr. Panitan Wattanayagorn, and Director of the Centre for International Trade Studies at the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Aat Pisanwanich. The session was moderated by Senior Director for News, Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) Thepchai Yong. Lost pivotal role in ASEAN Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed his view of Thailand’s foreign policy which, he said, is still based on the same assumptions, which focus on continuity and are rather conservative. Our international policy must take into account the interests of the nation, whether it be security or economics. It pays special attention, however, to immediate benefits. This passive approach attempts to avoid any impact, thus our expression needs to be extra cautious, he said. As far as ASEAN is concerned, Sihasak said, Thailand was a leader in this region, but now we have lost that prestigious position. The countries that outperformed Thailand on the international stage are Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam. Obviously, Thailand is fourth. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-needs-a-more-proactive-foreign-policy/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Husband forbids wife to go out - she calls friend who arrives with mates - husband is stabbed to death Picture; Sanook Sanook reported on a murder of a man at a block of flats in Muang Mai, Bang Plee, Samut Prakan in the Bang Sao Thong police jurisdiction at 1 am on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1279163-husband-forbids-wife-to-go-out-she-calls-friend-who-arrives-with-mates-husband-is-stabbed-to-death/