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by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is preparing to announce a set of “Bangkok Goals” at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November. The “Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy will become a “landmark” for APEC 2022, reflecting Thailand’s drive for Bio-Circular-Green Economy. Department of International Economic Affairs Director-General Choetchai Chaiwaiwit said the declaration will consist of 4 main agendas. It will call for targets to be met, including in the aspects of carbon neutrality, net zero emissions, natural resources management, and biodiversity management. The declaration will also contain an agenda on the management of waste generated from trade and investment. Mr. Choetchai said that once the Bangkok Goals are declared, the business sector will need to apply ethics to trade and investment. This effort must be measurable and regulated. For example, the APEC finance ministers’ meeting will discuss “Green Bonds” which will only be issued to businesses that operate with the environment in mind. The director-general added that APEC’s concrete work results are not limited to establishing agencies or centers. APEC must be a point that fosters the driving of the various agendas present. This is especially true for the climate change issue, which Thailand previously only had 3 laws that enabled relevant efforts to be taken. Mr. Choetchai said achieving the Bangkok Goals require a dedicated master law on climate change. Singapore, Japan, the Philippines and the United States already have this law but Thailand does not. He said Thailand would also need an “environmental care measures” bill. Mr. Choetchai added he hoped the APEC meetings will promote an explosion of ideas in Thailand, as the state sector alone cannot handle all problems. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221016101119241 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Consumer confidence index rises for 4th consecutive month despite widespread floods by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) -The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has produced an economic damage estimate for the widespread flooding in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1274954-consumer-confidence-index-rises-for-4th-consecutive-month-despite-widespread-floods/

by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) -The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has produced an economic damage estimate for the widespread flooding in Thailand. The university expects 12-20 billion baht in damages, which it said will impact GDP by 1-1.5%. Meanwhile, the consumer confidence index (CCI) has risen for the 4th consecutive month in September. UTCC President Thanavath Phonvichai reported September’s CCI stood at 44.6 and has now risen for the 4th consecutive month. The index is at its highest level in 8 months. Dr. Thanavath said the primary reason for the improvement was consumers’ sentiment about the economy improving, due to the lifting of the Covid situation. At the same time, foreign tourists have been able to enter Thailand more conveniently due to the lifting of Covid restrictions. The benzene price has also fallen significantly from its peak in the first half of the year. Nonetheless, Dr. Thanavath said consumers remain worried about the high cost of living and the Russia-Ukraine war. The upward adjustment of policy interest rates in many economies also poses a concern for consumers. He said these factors may cause the Thai economy to grow less than the target range of 3.0-3.5%. The UTCC president said economic recovery signals are still fragile. Thus, the state sector needs to step in to handle damages from floods, subsidize energy prices and regulate interests. The state would also need to keep the cost of production at businesses from rising to an extent that jeopardizes business recovery. The UTCC indicated recent widespread floodings in Thailand will create 12 to 20 billion baht of economic losses. This will impact GDP by 1 to 1.5%. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221016094947234 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Pheu Thai looking at property developer tycoon Srettha for PM role after next General Election by Joseph O' Connor The Head of the Sansiri property development empire Srettha Thavisin is tipped by political sources to be one of three Pheu Thai Party nominees for Prime Minister in the next General Election. (Inset) Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his 35-year-old daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The speculation about who may lead a Pheu Thai government comes with the party doing well in opinion polls and after it unveiled a radical and comprehensive economic strategy last week in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1274953-pheu-thai-looking-at-property-developer-tycoon-srettha-for-pm-role-after-next-general-election/

The Head of the Sansiri property development empire Srettha Thavisin is tipped by political sources to be one of three Pheu Thai Party nominees for Prime Minister in the next General Election. (Inset) Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his 35-year-old daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. by Joseph O' Connor The speculation about who may lead a Pheu Thai government comes with the party doing well in opinion polls and after it unveiled a radical and comprehensive economic strategy last week in Bangkok. Positive opinion poll figures are being driven by the possible candidacy of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra and the latest flag bearer for the Shinawatra political dynasty which, while generating enthusiasm among the party’s grassroots, also runs the risk of precipitating another army coup despite denials by military leaders this week. Supporters of the move to nominate Sansiri chief Srettha Thavisin as one of the party’s nominees for prime minister say it is important that Thailand’s largest political grouping is seen as looking beyond the Shinawatra family with a disturbing increase in speculation about the possibility of another coup d’état if the 35-year-old daughter of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is installed in the role without having sufficient prior experience in government or the day to day running of a large business organisation. The party is expected to make a formal announcement shortly, a move that will be integral to its election strategy and its ability to take up the reins of power after the next General Election. It is being reported in circles linked with the leading opposition Pheu Thai Party that property developer and real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin is seriously being considered by the party as one of its three nominees for prime minister for the upcoming General Election. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/10/16/pheu-thai-looking-at-tycoon-srettha-for-pm/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Gov’t urges public to verify offer makers before making investments by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The popularity of social media and online banking has seen an increase in investment scams targeting unsuspecting people. The government has warned the general public to always verify the profiles of offer makers before investing to avoid being tricked or scammed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1274951-gov’t-urges-public-to-verify-offer-makers-before-making-investments/

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The popularity of social media and online banking has seen an increase in investment scams targeting unsuspecting people. The government has warned the general public to always verify the profiles of offer makers before investing to avoid being tricked or scammed. Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, together with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has been suppressing investment scams on social media. Both agencies launched a new SEC Check First service that enables the general public to fact-check before making a decision. This web-based service allows users to search for names of persons and companies offering investment services, as well as investment products including digital assets under the SEC’s supervision. The service also allows users to look up the names of persons and companies listed among unapproved investors. The government is also encouraging the public to report evidence of Ponzi scheme offers either to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society’s online monitoring Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/DESMonitor, the 1212 Online Complaint Center, or to the police at the https://thaipoliceonline.com website. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221016095928237 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Google Maps update makes it easier to find EV charging stations in Thailand By Online Reporter File photo A new feature has been added to Google Maps that enables drivers of electric vehicles to easily find EV charging stations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1274950-google-maps-update-makes-it-easier-to-find-ev-charging-stations-in-thailand/

File photo By Online Reporter A new feature has been added to Google Maps that enables drivers of electric vehicles to easily find EV charging stations. Motorists simply need to launch the app and search for EV charging stations which will bring up a list and map of nearby chargers. Alternatively, they can go to More > Services > Electric vehicle charging It will then display the location of the charging station, the number of charging stations available at the location and the different types of charging stations. The power rating is also displayed which allows drivers to pick a fast or slow charging option. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/google-maps-update-makes-it-easier-to-find-ev-charging-stations-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Korn Named Top Leader Of Chart Pattana Kla Party By Thai Newsroom Reporters KORN CHATIKAVANIJ has become top leader of the Chart Pattana Kla Party following a merger between a couple of small-sized political camps. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1274949-korn-named-top-leader-of-chart-pattana-kla-party/

By Thai Newsroom Reporters KORN CHATIKAVANIJ has become top leader of the Chart Pattana Kla Party following a merger between a couple of small-sized political camps. During today’s (Oct. 16) general caucus of the Chart Pattana Kla Party following the recent partisan merger between the Chart Pattana and Kla, Korn was unanimously named top leader in place of Tewan Liptapanlop who has resigned from the top post and was finally named secretary-general of the united party. Suwat Liptapanlop, brother of Tewan’s and a former top leader of the Chart Pattana Party, was named chairman of the merged party. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/10/16/korn-named-top-leader-of-chart-pattana-kla-party/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Drug Parcels Heading For Taiwan, Australia Seized At Airport TNR Staff THREE international parcels containing 7,880 grammes of heroin and 4,440 grammes of liquid Ice (liquid crystal methamphetamine) with the former heading for Taiwan and the latter Australia were seized at Don Mueang Airport over the past two days, TV Channel 7 said Saturday (Oct. 15). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1274948-drug-parcels-heading-for-taiwan-australia-seized-at-airport/

TNR Staff THREE international parcels containing 7,880 grammes of heroin and 4,440 grammes of liquid Ice (liquid crystal methamphetamine) with the former heading for Taiwan and the latter Australia were seized at Don Mueang Airport over the past two days, TV Channel 7 said Saturday (Oct. 15). Mr. Wichai Chaimongkol, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, said the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) spotted two suspicious boxes heading for Taiwan at this airport’s warehouse on Wednesday Oct. 12. Upon opening them the officials found heroin, a category one drug, hidden in 30 hilltribe waistbands weighing altogether 3,940 grammes per box for a total of 7,880 grammes. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/10/15/drug-parcels-heading-for-taiwan-australia-seized-at-airport/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thailand’s gun control remains problematic The recent mass shooting in Nong Bua Lam Phu province was the deadliest in Thailand’s history. The tragedy revealed even more shocking statistics, particularly the country’s high ranking for gun violence and possession. It also restarted the conversation on gun laws. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1274947-thailand’s-gun-control-remains-problematic/

The recent mass shooting in Nong Bua Lam Phu province was the deadliest in Thailand’s history. The tragedy revealed even more shocking statistics, particularly the country’s high ranking for gun violence and possession. It also restarted the conversation on gun laws. Gun violence trend Thailand is currently ranked 15th among countries with the highest number of gun-related deaths, and ranked 2nd in Southeast Asia, according to the World Population Review website. Countries with the highest number of gun-related deaths are Brazil, the United States, Mexico, India and Columbia, while the Philippines has the highest number of deaths in the ASEAN region. While it seems like gun violence and mass shootings are becoming more frequent, Southeast Asia, in fact, has less gun violence than other continents. Gun violence is much higher in the Americas. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-gun-control-remains-problematic/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

25th victim of Chon Buri’s Mountain B pub fire dies Saturday Police tape is pictured around the Mountain B nightclub after a deadly fire in Sattahip district in Thailand’s Chonburi province on August 5, 2022. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP) The Mountain B pub fire in Sattahip District of Chon Buri Province on August 5th claimed its 25th victim yesterday (Saturday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1274946-25th-victim-of-chon-buri’s-mountain-b-pub-fire-dies-saturday/

Police tape is pictured around the Mountain B nightclub after a deadly fire in Sattahip district in Thailand’s Chonburi province on August 5, 2022. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP) The Mountain B pub fire in Sattahip District of Chon Buri Province on August 5th claimed its 25th victim yesterday (Saturday). 26-year-old Parichart Kwanyoengyong was admitted to the Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital in Sattahip for treatment of burns on the night of the fire. She was there for a day before being transferred to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok for treatment. Yesterday, it was decided not to continue her treatment, because her body was not respondingto it. The victim’s sister, Darawadi Katekaew, told the media that Parichart suffered a blood infection, as well as lung and kidney problems, requiring dialysis around the clock. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/25th-victim-of-chon-buris-mountain-b-pub-fire-dies-saturday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

More information sought on Omicron XBB cases among passengers arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand Thailand’s Disease Control Department is seeking more information, through International Health Regulations (IHR), about three passengers who arrived in Hong Kong from Thailand infected with a new Omicron sub-variant, known as XBB, according to Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, acting director-general of Thailand’s Disease Control Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1274945-more-information-sought-on-omicron-xbb-cases-among-passengers-arriving-in-hong-kong-from-thailand/

Thailand’s Disease Control Department is seeking more information, through International Health Regulations (IHR), about three passengers who arrived in Hong Kong from Thailand infected with a new Omicron sub-variant, known as XBB, according to Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, acting director-general of Thailand’s Disease Control Department. He said that 29 XBB cases have been found in Hong Kong, including 24 cases which were detected upon arrival at Hong Kong’s main airport and five who were found two days after their arrival. Most were passengers arriving from Singapore, but three were from Thailand. Dr. Tares said that the department would like to know whether the passengers are residents of Thailand or transit passengers, among other details. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/more-information-sought-on-omicron-xbb-cases-among-passengers-arriving-in-hong-kong-from-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

For many, Thailand’s UN vote on Russia still a puzzle Thailand’s abstention on a UN vote last week to condemn Russia for its annexation of eastern regions of Ukraine is still a puzzle and has prompted criticisms from leading foreign policy experts who question the reason behind the decision. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1274944-for-many-thailand’s-un-vote-on-russia-still-a-puzzle/

Thailand’s abstention on a UN vote last week to condemn Russia for its annexation of eastern regions of Ukraine is still a puzzle and has prompted criticisms from leading foreign policy experts who question the reason behind the decision. But the move was also praised by many social media users who believe Thailand has taken a right stand “in not choosing sides”, echoing a split in opinions toward the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the Thai society. This is not the first time that Thailand abstains in a vote related to the war in Ukraine. In April this year, Thailand also abstained from a vote to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council. It was among 58 nations that did so. Thailand back then said it abstained because of the overriding importance it attaches to a “transparent, impartial and inclusive approach in the multilateral regime.” In explaining Thailand’s stand on the latest vote, Suriya Chindawongse, Thailand’s Permanent Representative to UN, said in a statement that Thailand chose to abstain because the vote “takes place during an extremely volatile and emotionally charged atmosphere and situation, and thus marginalizes the chance for crisis diplomacy to bring about a peaceful and practical negotiated resolution to the conflict that may push the world towards the brink of nuclear war and global economic collapse.” Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/for-many-thailands-un-vote-on-russia-still-a-puzzle/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Widespread flooding in Phuket on Sunday following heavy rainfall Many areas of Phuket, including the old commercial centre and some beach roads, are flooded this morning (Sunday), following heavy downpours throughout last night. The Klang Road in the old commercial area, which includes the clock tower, Thao Thep Kasattri and the Thao Si Sunthon Monument, is under up to a metre of water this morning, making it impassable to small vehicles. The Patong beach road is also flooded by rain water. In the Kamala beach area, flash floods, caused by runoff from the mountain, have left the road submerged, forcing to abandontheir vehicles on roadsides. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/widespread-flooding-in-phuket-on-sunday-following-heavy-rainfall/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-17 - 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. 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 17 October 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1274943-thailand-live-monday-17-october-2022/

Thep Kasattri Road in Baan Tha Rue in Thalang Phuket paralyzed after heavy rains and flooding – PHOTO TOUR By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Heavy rain across Phuket all night and until this morning caused flooding in many areas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1274942-phuket-paralyzed-after-heavy-rains-and-flooding-–-photo-tour/

Thep Kasattri Road in Baan Tha Rue in Thalang By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Heavy rain across Phuket all night and until this morning caused flooding in many areas. Rassada The rain hit since last night and continued until this morning (October 16th). Many areas flooded which are usually flooding after heavy rain in Phuket such as: Patong on Bangla Road and many parts in Patong, Samkong, Rassada, Phuket Old Town, Kamala, Kathu, Koh Kaew, Baan Pasak, Baan Tha Rue in Thalang and on Thep Kasattri Road in Thalang and Chalong. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/10/16/phuket-paralyzed-after-heavy-rains-and-flooding-photo-tour/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-10-17 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!