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By Goongnang Suksawat A foreign motorbike rider was caught on camera while he was doing wheelies on a main road in Phuket. A video of the incident was posted in a local Facebook group over the weekend (September 16th). A group of foreign motorbike riders were driving on the Thep Kasattri road in the Rassada sub-district, Mueang Phuket district. One of them was caught on camera while he was doing wheelies. Social media netizens were concerned about the dangerous behavior and wanted law enforcement to take further action. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/09/18/foreign-motorbike-rider-caught-on-camera-doing-wheelies-on-a-main-road-in-phuket/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-09-19 - 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!

Authorities Warn Public to Brace for Heavy Rainfall by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has warned the public to brace for heavy rain nationwide until September 21. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272221-authorities-warn-public-to-brace-for-heavy-rainfall/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has warned the public to brace for heavy rain nationwide until September 21. According to Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rain in most regions of the country until September 21. People are advised to prepare for the possibility of flash floods and overflow, which could threaten their safety and well-being. Fishermen are meanwhile urged to exercise caution due to strong winds expected across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The spokesperson added that the government has ordered relevant departments to monitor flood-prone areas, clear any water obstacles and ensure that drainage systems and hydraulic structures remain operational. The government also emphasized the importance of communication and public relations in preventing unexpected accidents and serious damage. The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has meanwhile been tasked with developing and implementing a water management strategy for this year’s rainy season. The ONWR reported that it evaluated and updated water management regulations, prepared machinery and equipment for 5,382 water management nationwide, and repaired and improved 649 water banks with a total length of 6,440 km for flood prevention in high-risk areas. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220917171920533 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-17 - 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!

High-Risk Groups Urged to Get Flu Shots by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities are urging people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza to lower the risk of contracting serious illness and death, while also advising the public to maintain COVID prevention measures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272220-high-risk-groups-urged-to-get-flu-shots/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities are urging people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza to lower the risk of contracting serious illness and death, while also advising the public to maintain COVID prevention measures. According to Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, the government is concerned about the spread of flu during the rainy season. The flu, coupled with the relaxation of COVID regulations that allow people to lower their guard when engaging in outdoor activities, could increase the chance of spreading respiratory diseases. This has prompted government concerns, especially for people in vulnerable groups. The spokesperson urged people in seven high-risk groups to get vaccinated at public health facilities insured under the National Health Security plan. These groups include pregnant women, children aged 6 months to 2 years, people with chronic diseases, elderly aged 65 years old and over, people with thalassemia and immune deficiency (including HIV patients), those with obesity, and people with intellectual disabilities that need assistance. The spokesperson added that the Department of Disease Control (DDC) and the National Security Health Office (NHSO) have extended the free vaccination period for members of high-risk groups until September 30 to reduce the chance of critical conditions and to prevent fatalities. He also advised the general public to maintain prevention measures when going outside or engaging in activities in order to avoid contracting COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. Full story: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220918160041765 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-17 - 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!

Businesses to Help Develop Thailand as Asia’s Hub for Hemp Industries by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Private businesses in Thailand are looking to network with hemp suppliers in order to capitalize on the plant’s industrial and medical potential. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272219-businesses-to-help-develop-thailand-as-asia’s-hub-for-hemp-industries/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Private businesses in Thailand are looking to network with hemp suppliers in order to capitalize on the plant’s industrial and medical potential. The Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TIHTA) recently signed a cooperation agreement with 12 manufacturing industries to showcase innovations and technology related to the hemp industry later this year. TIHTA President Pornchai Patthaminthara said this development will promote networking and allow for better access to quality raw materials. The agreement will also contribute to product research and development, knowledge sharing, improved production standards and planning, and forward management of prices. Additionally, the signatories will seek to promote accurate information about the benefits of hemp and its relevance to each industry as part of efforts to develop Thailand into Asia’s hub for hemp industries. The Asia International Hemp Expo will be held from November 30 to December 3 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. It is expected to showcase Thailand’s capacity in the hemp and cannabis industries, as well as the full spectrum of cultivation technology and innovations. The expo will be Asia’s first business to business (B2B) hemp industry expo, geared toward 12 relevant industries. These include automobile and aircraft parts, food and drinks, nutritional supplements, medicine, spa and herbs, cosmetics, fashion and garments, wellness tourism, furniture and animal feed. About 300 exhibitors from Thailand and abroad are expected to participate in the event. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220918154836757 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-17 - 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 International Events Planned to Promote Thai Products Abroad by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Total exports in 2022 now appear likely to exceed the government’s original target of 9 trillion baht. Acknowledging this, the Ministry of Commerce is looking to substantially increase the number of export promotion events outside Thailand. It is also looking to penetrate markets in second-tier cities around the world in order to boost the nation’s export value by another 20 billion baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272218-more-international-events-planned-to-promote-thai-products-abroad/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Total exports in 2022 now appear likely to exceed the government’s original target of 9 trillion baht. Acknowledging this, the Ministry of Commerce is looking to substantially increase the number of export promotion events outside Thailand. It is also looking to penetrate markets in second-tier cities around the world in order to boost the nation’s export value by another 20 billion baht. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit recently discussed talks he held with Thai commercial attaches stationed at 58 offices in 42 countries. Private sector representatives also participated in the discussion. Minister Jurin said the meeting resolved to adjust the export target for the second half of 2022 up by 20 billion baht, while proactive as well as in-depth plans are to be implemented in support of the revised target. The number of export promotion events held outside Thailand in 2022 will be raised to 530, from the 185 events originally intended. Efforts will also be made to accelerate the implementation of mini-free trade agreements, online trade promotion, business matching and the utilization of soft power in the sale of goods and services. Additionally, an existing policy to retain Thailand’s shares of existing markets while finding new markets and reviving previously prominent markets will be accelerated. Jurin further noted that markets in 105 “secondary cities” across 36 countries will be penetrated, with the ministry to conduct market penetration for newer products in additional markets. For example, the ministry aims to focus on construction-related goods and services in the Saudi Arabian market. Jurin said the commerce ministry’s original export target for 2022 was 9 trillion baht, or at least a 4% increase from the previous year. However, 5.7 trillion baht in export value has already been achieved within the first 7 months of 2022. Therefore, it is believed that total exports in 2022 will exceed the initial target. Minister Jurin also noted risk factors that needed to be followed up on, including trade tensions and geopolitical conflicts, as these issues have caused slowdowns in the economies of Thailand’s trade partners. He also acknowledged policy rate hikes, inflation and logistics as potential risks. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220917171311528 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-17 - 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 and Malaysia Building Bridges to Boost Bilateral Trade and Tourism by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and Malaysia are in talks to discuss the construction of bridges across the Golok River in order to boost bilateral trade. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272217-thailand-and-malaysia-building-bridges-to-boost-bilateral-trade-and-tourism/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and Malaysia are in talks to discuss the construction of bridges across the Golok River in order to boost bilateral trade. According to deputy Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek, both countries are discussing the construction of two new bridges across the Golok River, connecting the districts of Sungai Kolok and Takbai in Narathiwat province with Kelantan state in Malaysia. The projects are a part of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) development initiative. Under the initiative, a six-lane bridge will be constructed parallel to the existing bridge in the Sungai Kolok district to alleviate traffic congestion. The second bridge will connect Takbai with Pengkalan Kubor in Malaysia as part of an 11-kilometer road with 4-6 traffic lanes. The deputy spokesperson said both countries are also planning to construct a road connecting the Sadao Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in Songkhla province and Bukit Kayu Hitam Integrated Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Malaysia’s Kedah state. The deputy spokesperson said both governments hope these projects will lead to increased trade and tourism, which will support sustainable economic growth between the two special economic zones of both nations. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220917170553521 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-17 - 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!

Interior Ministry Orders Nationwide Electrical Leakage Check TNR Staff AS FLOODING in many parts of the country has led to people being exposed to various hazards particularly electric shock as happened to some students on Friday, Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda today (Sept. 18) ordered local administrative organisations nationwide to quickly get all installations checked for electrical leakage, Naewna newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272216-interior-ministry-orders-nationwide-electrical-leakage-check/

TNR Staff AS FLOODING in many parts of the country has led to people being exposed to various hazards particularly electric shock as happened to some students on Friday, Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda today (Sept. 18) ordered local administrative organisations nationwide to quickly get all installations checked for electrical leakage, Naewna newspaper said. Altogether five students suffered electric shock in Udon Thani on Friday with one of them having been saved by Mr. Atthachai Artudom, or Bass, 19, a vocational student who also works as a rider who himself got a shock from doing so. Gen. Anupong told Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and provincial administrative organisations to coordinate with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) or Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to quickly check all installations, particularly in flooded areas, for electrical leaks. This includes electric meters and large billboards and trees near power poles. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/18/interior-ministry-orders-nationwide-electrical-leakage-check/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-19 - 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!

Drugs to be an election issue as Anutin digs in insisting that attitudes must change on cannabis by Joseph O' Connor Clash of outlook and culture over Cannabis will now define the Bhumjaithai Party in the months running up to a General Election in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272215-drugs-to-be-an-election-issue-as-anutin-digs-in-insisting-that-attitudes-must-change-on-cannabis/

by Joseph O' Connor Clash of outlook and culture over Cannabis will now define the Bhumjaithai Party in the months running up to a General Election in Thailand. Aside from the handling of the country’s pandemic emergency by Deputy Prime Minister Anutin, seen by the public as having a devastating impact on the economy, this signature policy achievement of Mr Anutin is also now in the crosshairs of not only opposition parties in parliament but also Minister Anutin’s key coalition partner, the Democrat Party, other MPs on the government benches and indeed some within his own Bhumjaithai Party who also do not support the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use by the public. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insisted on Saturday that to even suggest that Thailand should again criminalise marijuana or cannabis was wrong. He said the new cannabis law defeated in parliament last week was an attempt to change the public’s perception of the drug which he insisted had a bad image and was treated unfairly. His comments were directly contradictory to the opposition Pheu Thai Party which criticised the government’s handling of the issue by proposing a law to outlaw the recreational use of the drug but then failing to deliver. Deputy Pheu Thai Party leader and MP for Maha Sarakham, Sutin Klangsang, said that the drug should never have been decriminalised in June this year after the regulation decriminalising cannabis was signed by Minister Anutin. As it stood last week, he said the new law had no provision making the recreational use of marijuana illegal and that failure to make it illegal, with the current free for all use of the substance, will see even more people jailed as they become addicted to drugs in Thailand. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/09/18/drugs-an-election-issue-as-anutin-digs-in/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-09-19 - 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!

Investors shun Thai government plan for development zones in north-eastern provinces The Thai government’s ambitious plan, announced about seven years ago, to transform some north-eastern provinces bordering the Lao PDR, into economic development zones has not been realised. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272214-investors-shun-thai-government-plan-for-development-zones-in-north-eastern-provinces/

The Thai government’s ambitious plan, announced about seven years ago, to transform some north-eastern provinces bordering the Lao PDR, into economic development zones has not been realised. So far, not a single investor has shown keen interest in the projects in Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom or Bueng Kan provinces. For the project in Nong Khai, for example, the Treasury Department has substantially cut the original rental fee for land, from 24,000 baht per 0.16 hectares to 2,100 baht, andstill no potential investors have shown interest. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/investors-shun-thai-government-plan-for-development-zones-in-north-eastern-provinces/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-19 - 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!

Man sought by police over abduction of a 16-year-old boy in Nonthaburi Police in Thailand’s Nonthaburi province have issued a warrant for the arrest of a man, believed to be a member of a gang which allegedly abducted a 16-year-old boy from a motorcycle repair shop in broad daylight on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272213-man-sought-by-police-over-abduction-of-a-16-year-old-boy-in-nonthaburi/

Police in Thailand’s Nonthaburi province have issued a warrant for the arrest of a man, believed to be a member of a gang which allegedly abducted a 16-year-old boy from a motorcycle repair shop in broad daylight on Friday. The victim was found unconscious and badly beaten later the same day, dumped on the motorway in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district. He was rushed to hospital, where he remains on a ventilator. According to an eyewitness, 6 or 7 men arrived at the repair shop on Tiwanon Road in Pak Kret district in two cars on Friday. Some of them approached the 16-year-old boy before they forced him, at gunpoint, into one of the cars. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/man-sought-by-police-over-abduction-of-a-16-year-old-boy-in-nonthaburi/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-19 - 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 teachers accumulate combined debts of ฿1.4 trillion Over 900,000 teachers, or 80% of all teachers in Thailand, owe a combined total of about 1.4 trillion baht, with teacher savings cooperatives being the biggest creditors, accounting for 890 billion baht. The second largest creditor is the Government Savings Bank (GSB), accounting for 349 billion baht of the amount owed by the teachers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272212-thailand’s-teachers-accumulate-combined-debts-of-฿14-trillion/

Over 900,000 teachers, or 80% of all teachers in Thailand, owe a combined total of about 1.4 trillion baht, with teacher savings cooperatives being the biggest creditors, accounting for 890 billion baht. The second largest creditor is the Government Savings Bank (GSB), accounting for 349 billion baht of the amount owed by the teachers. Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said today (Saturday) that the government acknowledges the debt problem of the teachers and has been trying to solve it through the Ministry of Education and other agencies. She said that the efforts have been successful, to a certain extent, using debt refinancing, reduction of interest rates and the use of the teachers’ welfare funds as surety for loans extended. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-teachers-accumulate-combined-debts-of-1-4-trillion/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-19 - 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!

Miss Hooters Thailand Beauty Pageant to reach final round on September 30th, Pattaya round recap By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Hooters Asia Pattaya — Miss Hooters Thailand Beauty Pageant 2022 is set for the final round on September 30th, with three elegant remaining competitors from Pattaya joining the final field along with finalists from Phuket and Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272211-miss-hooters-thailand-beauty-pageant-to-reach-final-round-on-september-30th-pattaya-round-recap/

PHOTO: Hooters Asia By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Miss Hooters Thailand Beauty Pageant 2022 is set for the final round on September 30th, with three elegant remaining competitors from Pattaya joining the final field along with finalists from Phuket and Bangkok. First, congratulations to all three remaining winners of the Pattaya Hooters competition. They will be back on the stage again on September 30th at Hooters Nana Soi 4, Bangkok. The last one standing will win up to 100,000 THB (25,000 THB, 3 Days, 2 nights luxurious trip to Bali, Job support from Hooters, and a chance to compete in Miss Hooters Worldwide USA). Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/09/17/miss-hooters-thailand-beauty-pageant-to-reach-final-round-on-september-30th-pattaya-round-recap/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-09-19 - 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!

Biggest Names In World Golf Set For Thailand Test As Liv Golf Prepares To Make Its Asian Debut In Bangkok Revolutionary format to bring electric entertainment on and off the course for Asian golf supporters as series gets set for regional debut at brand new Stonehill Bangkok, Thailand: The eyes of the golfing world are turning to Thailand as the land of smiles gears up to host the biggest tournament ever to be held on Asian soil: the $25million LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272210-biggest-names-in-world-golf-set-for-thailand-test-as-liv-golf-prepares-to-make-its-asian-debut-in-bangkok/

Burmese construction worker plunges to his death at Chonburi Grand Canyon By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: Chonburinews Mueang district, Chonburi — A 41-year-old Burmese construction worker reportedly descended Chonburi Grand Canyon to retrieve his meal and plunged to his death. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272209-burmese-construction-worker-plunges-to-his-death-at-chonburi-grand-canyon/