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Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha took to social media on Saturday to herald his government’s gains this year as rumours swirl that a General Election will be called in late November by Joseph O' Connor Political experts and commentators have been talking up the prospects of the Bhumjaithai Party as a ‘neutral’ actor on the receiving end of defections with reports of further in the pipeline before the next General Election. However, the party’s opinion poll support in national terms remains at 2.4%, just behind even newly formed parties and certainly behind the Pheu Thai, Move Forward, the Democrats and even Palang Pracharat. Recent bye-elections and opinion polls point to growing support for both the Pheu Thai Party on one side of the political divide and the Democrat Party on the other despite the long-winded prognostications of experts forecasting Bhumjaithai Party leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, as the next prime minister. On Saturday, General Prayut Chan ocha hailed his government’s economic achievements this year as it is thought a General Election will be called in late November. An opinion poll in Southern provinces, on Sunday, showed the PM, who has been in office since 2014, leading the field among southern voters as the most popular choice for prime minister with 23.94% support. However, the kingdom’s political future is very muddled right now with the legal basis for the next election up in the air while a path back to power for Prayut next summer looks tortuous and hard to see clearly. This is due to strong support for the opposition Pheu Thai Party and on the other side of the political divide, the Democrat Party. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/10/23/pm-hails-economic-progress-as-election-looms-leads-south-poll/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-10-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

“Tono’s Mekong swim” raises over 60 million baht Thai actor Phakin Khamwilaisak, better known as “Tono”, has raised over 60 million baht with his charity swim across the Mekong River off Nakhon Phanom yesterday to raise funds for hospitals in the northeastern province and neighbouring Laos. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275616-“tono’s-mekong-swim”-raises-over-60-million-baht/

Thai actor Phakin Khamwilaisak, better known as “Tono”, has raised over 60 million baht with his charity swim across the Mekong River off Nakhon Phanom yesterday to raise funds for hospitals in the northeastern province and neighbouring Laos. Phakin, swimming under the theme “One Man And The River”, covered a total distance of 15 kms along the Mekong River that took him to Khammouane province on the Laotian side where he was given a rousing welcome. The whole venture took about seven hours. After arriving at That Sikhottabong Temple in Khammouane, Phakin and his team took a ride to Khammouane Hospital to meet its medical staff. Parts of the funds being raised will be donated to the Laotian hospital. Phakin said his charity swim was intended to raise money to buy medical equipment for the main hospitals in Nakhon Phanom and Khammouane. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tonos-mekong-swim-raises-over-60-million-baht/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thailand’s Pata Zoo says it does not intend to sell its only gorilla Pata Zoo has dismissed as groundless media reports that it is going to sell its only remaining gorilla for about 30 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275615-thailand’s-pata-zoo-says-it-does-not-intend-to-sell-its-only-gorilla/

Pata Zoo has dismissed as groundless media reports that it is going to sell its only remaining gorilla for about 30 million baht. The private zoo, which is located on the 6th and 7th floors of Pata Pinklao department store, said in a statement today (Saturday) that the zoo has never held talks with any organisation or individual over the sale of their female gorilla, named Bua Noi, which has been with the zoo since it was brought into Thailand from Germany about 30 years ago, when it was three-years-old. Bua Noi and another male gorilla were imported for exhibition at the zoo in 1992. It has been the only gorilla in the country since Thailand signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-pata-zoo-says-it-does-not-intend-to-sell-its-only-gorilla/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Police say they will retrieve all guns stolen from Pak Kret station next week Police are confident that they will be able to retrieve all 159 guns, stolen from Pak Kret police station over the past five years by a non-commissioned police officer, within the next few days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275614-police-say-they-will-retrieve-all-guns-stolen-from-pak-kret-station-next-week/

Police are confident that they will be able to retrieve all 159 guns, stolen from Pak Kret police station over the past five years by a non-commissioned police officer, within the next few days. Pol Maj-Gen Pananchai Chuenjaitham, deputy commissioner of Region 1 Provincial Police Bureau, said today (Saturday) that 41 weapons have been retrieved so far, as police investigators search for the rest in various provinces, including Chanthaburi and Suphan Buri. He said that some of the stolen guns had been resold to the third parties adding, however, that police know the identities of those who bought the guns from Chaowalit Pumkajorn, who was in charge of supervising the distribution of guns at Pak Kret police station. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/police-say-they-will-retrieve-all-guns-stolen-from-pak-kret-station-next-week/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Street racers warned of incarceration if they gather in a groups of 5 or more Street car racers in Thailand are warned that they may face imprisonment and hefty fines if more than five of them gather together for illegal races, even if they have not started racing, said Pol Col Prasobchoke Iamphinit, superintendent of Prachachuen police station. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275613-street-racers-warned-of-incarceration-if-they-gather-in-a-groups-of-5-or-more/

Street car racers in Thailand are warned that they may face imprisonment and hefty fines if more than five of them gather together for illegal races, even if they have not started racing, said Pol Col Prasobchoke Iamphinit, superintendent of Prachachuen police station. The police officer, accompanied by officials from the Land Transport and Excise departments, went to a gas station near the Prachachuen toll plaza late last night (Saturday), after they received complaints from residents in the neighbourhood of a deafening noise, caused by car engines at the gas station. The officials checked the engines of several cars and found some of them had been modified for racing and a few of them lacked license plates. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/street-racers-warned-of-incarceration-if-they-gather-in-a-groups-of-5-or-more/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Situation following floods to return to normal in mid-November – ONWR The situation following the floods in Thailand’s north-eastern, northern and central regions is expected to return to normal in mid-November, while the level of flooding is steadily falling as the country is approaches the annual cold and dry season, according to a forecast by the Office of National Water Resources. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275612-situation-following-floods-to-return-to-normal-in-mid-november-–-onwr/

The situation following the floods in Thailand’s north-eastern, northern and central regions is expected to return to normal in mid-November, while the level of flooding is steadily falling as the country is approaches the annual cold and dry season, according to a forecast by the Office of National Water Resources. ONWR Secretary-General Surasee Kittimonthon said yesterday (Saturday) that the volumes of water being discharged through the Chao Phraya Dam, in central province of Chai Nat, and the Ubol Ratana Dam, in the north-eastern province of Khon Kaen, have been steadily reduced, which will ease flooding in downstream areas. He said that overflows on the western side of the Chao Phraya River have been flowing through Muang, Pho Thong and Wiset Chai Chan districts of Ang Thong Province, towardsthe Noi River and into water retention areas in Pak Hai and Pa Moke districts of Ayutthaya Province. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/situation-following-floods-to-return-to-normal-in-mid-november-onwr/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Abundance and low price of synthetic drugs pose real challenges in SE Asia A substantial increase in the production of synthetic drugs, methamphetamine in particular, by organised crime syndicates in the Golden Triangle, resulting in a sharp drop in production costs and easy affordability for drug users, are posing a real challenge to Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275611-abundance-and-low-price-of-synthetic-drugs-pose-real-challenges-in-se-asia/

A substantial increase in the production of synthetic drugs, methamphetamine in particular, by organised crime syndicates in the Golden Triangle, resulting in a sharp drop in production costs and easy affordability for drug users, are posing a real challenge to Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, released in May this year, more than one billion methamphetamine tablets, or “meth”, were seized in South and Southeast Asia last year, 88.6% of which were seized in the lower Mekong region. The UNODC report on drug seizures corresponds with the report of Thailand’s Office of Narcotics Control Board, which shows that, from last October to August this year, more than 466 million meth tablets were confiscated in Thailand. In the meantime, 594 million meth tablets, 18,000kgs of crystal meth (Ice) and 1,500 tonnes of precursor chemicals were also seized during the same period in the Mekong riparian countries. According to ONCB Secretary-General Wichai Chaimongkhon, the production cost of methamphetamine has now dropped to about 50 satang, or about 0.013 US$, per tablet and the price increases steadily when it arrives inThailand to 10 baht each (US$0.26) wholesale and 15 baht retail (US$0.39). Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/abundance-and-low-price-of-synthetic-drugs-pose-real-challenges-in-se-asia/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

12-year-old boy praised for administering CPR to child saved from drowning A 12-year-old boy was lauded by the chief of Bangkok’s Min Buri district, Sakchai Saisuk, for administering CPR, which he learned at a rescue foundation, to a 6-year-old boy who had just been saved from drowning in a canal. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275610-12-year-old-boy-praised-for-administering-cpr-to-child-saved-from-drowning/

A 12-year-old boy was lauded by the chief of Bangkok’s Min Buri district, Sakchai Saisuk, for administering CPR, which he learned at a rescue foundation, to a 6-year-old boy who had just been saved from drowning in a canal. On Saturday, the district chief praised the boy, Siraphat Sri-ngarm, a Grade 6 student from Sala Khu School, for his instinctive action in administering CPR to the victim, until he regained consciousness, began to breathe again and could be rushed to a hospital. He also thanked the Rom Sai Foundation for sending a rescue unit to the scene so quickly. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/12-year-old-boy-praised-for-administering-cpr-to-child-saved-from-drowning/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 24 October 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1275609-thailand-live-monday-24-october-2022/

Three edicts issued to tighten controls on use of cannabis in food Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has issued three edicts concerning the use of cannabis and hemp, includingcannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in food and seasonings. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275608-three-edicts-issued-to-tighten-controls-on-use-of-cannabis-in-food/

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has issued three edicts concerning the use of cannabis and hemp, includingcannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in food and seasonings. Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisuree Traisoranakul said today (Sunday) that the edicts, which came into force on October 23rd, are intended to tighten regulations on the use of the plants and their extracts in food and seasonings by food producers and vendors. In seasonings, the amount of THC must not exceed 0.0032%weight and the amount of CBD must not exceed 0.0028% by weight. For other food products, the amount of THC and CBD must not exceed 1.6 milligrams and 1.41mg per unit of the content. The amount of the compounds must be clearly stated on the product label. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/three-edicts-issued-to-tighten-controls-on-use-of-cannabis-in-food/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-24 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

53-year-old Russian tourist missing from her hotel in Thalang, Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang, Phuket – A 53-year-old female Russian tourist has gone missing from a hotel in the Thalang district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275530-53-year-old-russian-tourist-missing-from-her-hotel-in-thalang-phuket/

By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang, Phuket – A 53-year-old female Russian tourist has gone missing from a hotel in the Thalang district. Police were notified yesterday (October 21st) that Ms. Elena Rusradchenko, 53, a Russian national who has known memory issues has gone missing from a hotel near the Nai Thon Beach in the Sakoo sub-district since Thursday night (October 20th). Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/10/22/53-year-old-russian-tourist-missing-from-her-hotel-in-thalang-phuket/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-10-22 - 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!

It's a miracle! King of the Snakes pops his head out of the riverbank - riches aplenty, bad luck gone Daily News Thai Caption: Belief it will bring luck Daily News reported on an astonishing discovery by local workers on the Rayong River while they were cleaning steps by a famous temple ready for Loy Krathong next month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275529-its-a-miracle-king-of-the-snakes-pops-his-head-out-of-the-riverbank-riches-aplenty-bad-luck-gone/

Daily News Thai Caption: Belief it will bring luck Daily News reported on an astonishing discovery by local workers on the Rayong River while they were cleaning steps by a famous temple ready for Loy Krathong next month. Sombat, 52, spraying the riverbank reeled in amazement as the head of a cement Phayanak, King of the Nagas (snakes) emerged. It was topped with gold too. What with their being heavy rain at the time it created a surreal scene that everyone agreed was indeed a miracle. Brought on by the bountiful blessings of Luang Poo Thim who resides in the adjacent temple of Wat Lahan Rai. The naga head is in remarkably good condition and everyone is waiting on a special ceremony to enable its removing and housing in the temple. For now the locals armed with flowers and joss-sticks have started arriving in numbers due to the auspicious find. They will be divining numbers as there is always another state lottery just around the corner. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-22 - 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

King Chulalongkorn Day – About Monday’s Public Holiday By Editor Monday the 24th October is a public holiday in Thailand as Sunday 23rd October marks “King Chulalongkorn Day” or known in Thai as “Wan Piyamaharaj Day”. It is the memorial day of the passing away of King Chulalongkorn 1910 at the age of 57. He had ruled what was then Siam, for 42 years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275528-king-chulalongkorn-day-–-about-monday’s-public-holiday/

By Editor Monday the 24th October is a public holiday in Thailand as Sunday 23rd October marks “King Chulalongkorn Day” or known in Thai as “Wan Piyamaharaj Day”. It is the memorial day of the passing away of King Chulalongkorn 1910 at the age of 57. He had ruled what was then Siam, for 42 years. Otherwise known as King Rama V. King Chulalongkorn led several major reforms in Thailand, for example in the areas of Thai educational system, military affairs, State Railway and Slave Liberation Act without bloodshed in Thailand. King Chulalongkorn the Great was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. He was the son of King Rama IV or King Chomklao and Queen Thepsirinthara, born on September 20th 1953 named as Prince Chulalongkorn. King Chulalongkorn is considered one of the greatest kings of Thailand. His reign from 1868 to 1910 was characterised by extensive social and economic development, including the abolition of slavery and corvee (state labor service). He is also famed for his ardent Thai nationalism, and for his skill in fending off the threat of European colonialism, despite the fact that large tracts of Siam were ceded to the Europeans during the period. King Chulalongkorn managed to prevent Thailand from being colonised by extending friendship and travelling extensively to western countries like America, Great Britain, France and Russia. Because of this, Thailand remains as the only country in Southeast Asia to have never been colonized. Besides that, King Chulalongkorn was the first Thai King to send the Royal Princes to be educated in Europe. Throughout Chulalongkorn’s reign, radical writers had their works published for the first time. Works that were previously banned were allowed to be read by the public once again. The King also modernised government and streamlined the administration of the country by dividing it into provinces and districts. He replaced the traditional lunar calendar with the Western calendar. Siam was a Buddhist country but he made it clear that other religions (including Islam and Christianity) should have the freedom to practise without fear of persecution. Communications in the country were improved greatly with the introduction of postal services, the telegraph and the construction of Thailand’s first railway (from Bangkok to Ayutthaya). King Chulalongkorn reformed administrative system into Ministry, Department, Division and Section respectively. Position classification was also modernized. Many Thais show their respects for the great monarch by placing wreaths at the Equestrian Statue, in the Royal Plaza, Dusit District, on this public holiday. Much of this part of Bangkok was originally built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn and bears the architectural mix of Thai and European styles characteristic of the era. Besides the Royal Plaza, all other statues of King Chulalongkorn all around the Kingdom of Thailand, including at Hua Hin’s Rajabhakti Park, see memorial ceremonies. Most businesses function as usual but Government organisations are closed on this day. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/10/king-chulalongkorn-day-about-mondays-public-holiday/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-10-22 - 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!

You'll face jail if you spend wrongly transferred money, RTP tell Thais Picture: Thai Rath You would face a jail term of one and a half years if you spend money wrongly transferred to your account. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275525-youll-face-jail-if-you-spend-wrongly-transferred-money-rtp-tell-thais/