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Foreign Affairs Ministry Hosts MFA Muay Thai Flash Mob Dance II by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently hosted the MFA Muay Thai Flash Mob Dance II and Muay Thai Workshop in cooperation with the private sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271573-foreign-affairs-ministry-hosts-mfa-muay-thai-flash-mob-dance-ii/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently hosted the MFA Muay Thai Flash Mob Dance II and Muay Thai Workshop in cooperation with the private sector. On Saturday (10 Sep), the ministry joined hands with ICONSIAM to organize the activities at the River Park of the ICONSIAM mall. The event was held in cooperation with the private sector in response to growing interest in Muay Thai on the international stage and to raise awareness about the martial arts sport, particularly among the media and foreign agencies. The event began with the Wai Khru ceremony and continued with a Muay Thai Flash Mob Dance performance by 4MIX, Dom Petchthamrongchai, Fluke Pongsapat Kankam and dancers from the DANCETOPIA event. The event also hosted a workshop on Muay Thai lessons led by Wittawat Kasom (Khru Din), head coach of the national team and founder of the Lanna Fighting Muay Thai Camp. Ministry officials, BMA representatives, foreign consulates, international agencies, journalists and tourists also attended the event. Additionally, the ministry invited Thais, foreigners and youths from all over the world to join in the "Muay Thai All Around the World" dance and exercise activity. The MFA Muay Thai Flash Mob Dance II video can be viewed on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220911202438370 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-12 - 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 Again Ranks “Very High” on UN Human Development Index by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The United Nations now ranks Thailand 66th out of 191 countries on its 2021/2022 Human Development Index (HDI), up six places from the previous index issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271571-thailand-again-ranks-“very-high”-on-un-human-development-index/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The United Nations now ranks Thailand 66th out of 191 countries on its 2021/2022 Human Development Index (HDI), up six places from the previous index issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). HDI measures three human development criteria, specifically health, knowledge and standard of living. Thailand received a score of 0.8 on the index, with an average life expectancy of 78.7 years, 15.9 years of expected education and per capita income of 619,000 baht (US$17,000). To qualify for the “very high” development group, a nation must receive a score of 0.8 or higher, which Thailand has managed three years in a row since 2019. According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul, the Human Development Report for 2021/2022 describes multiple uncertainties affecting human development worldwide. The last two years have been devastating for people around the world, as crises such as pandemic and armed conflicts compounded social and economic upheaval, drastic planetary shifts and massive polarization. Among ASEAN members, Singapore received a score of 0.939, with Brunei Darussalam scoring 0.829 and Malaysia scoring 0.803, followed by Indonesia with 0.705, Vietnam with 0.703, the Philippines with 0.699, Laos with 0.607, Cambodia with 0.593 and Myanmar with 0.585. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220911180502349 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-12 - 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 Targets Higher Rice Exports by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is aiming for rice exports of 7.5 million tonnes this year, up from a previous target of 7 million tonnes, due to increased output and a weak baht amid global food insecurity. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271570-thailand-targets-higher-rice-exports/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is aiming for rice exports of 7.5 million tonnes this year, up from a previous target of 7 million tonnes, due to increased output and a weak baht amid global food insecurity. Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said in a statement that Thailand, the world’s third-largest rice exporter after India and Vietnam, exported 4.09 million tonnes of rice in the January-July period - up 54% from a year earlier. She noted that the nation’s favorable weather has boosted its rice production while a weak baht has kept Thai rice prices competitive. The Thai currency was hovering near its weakest level in more than 15 years against the dollar. Thailand has seen higher demand for its rice as countries seek to ensure food security and replace wheat and corn in the animal feed industry. The spokesperson added that the Ministry of Commerce expects paddy rice output of 26.92 million tonnes in the 2022/23 crop year, up 2.09% from a year earlier. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220910174309149 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-12 - 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!

Cannabis and Hemp Draft Act to be proposed for urgent consideration at parliament on Monday By Nop Meechukhun The Cannabis and Hemp Draft Act is scheduled to be proposed to the House of the Representatives at the urgent meeting on Monday, September 12th, according to the draft committee on Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271569-cannabis-and-hemp-draft-act-to-be-proposed-for-urgent-consideration-at-parliament-on-monday/

By Nop Meechukhun The Cannabis and Hemp Draft Act is scheduled to be proposed to the House of the Representatives at the urgent meeting on Monday, September 12th, according to the draft committee on Sunday. Commission spokesman Panthep Puapongphan told the Associated Press that the first draft bill of the Cannabis and Hemp Act would be submitted for an urgent consideration at the Parliament meeting. The results are expected to be announced before September 19th. The spokesperson said: “Our duty as the draft committee has ended. From now on, it will up to the the MPs whether they will approve the draft or not.” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/09/11/cannabis-and-hemp-draft-act-to-be-proposed-for-urgent-consideration-at-parliament-on-monday/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-09-12 - 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!

Krabi residents urge General Prawit to crack down on drugs as national poll gives him a thumbs down by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) opinion poll on Sunday shows that more than 63% of people are not satisfied with the acting PM’s performance and comes six days after he was pictured, apparently asleep, at a meeting on Monday in Krabi although he has stoutly refuted the claim. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271568-krabi-residents-urge-general-prawit-to-crack-down-on-drugs-as-national-poll-gives-him-a-thumbs-down/

by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) opinion poll on Sunday shows that more than 63% of people are not satisfied with the acting PM’s performance and comes six days after he was pictured, apparently asleep, at a meeting on Monday in Krabi although he has stoutly refuted the claim. The brutal murder of three high school students in Krabi last Tuesday was on the minds of protest groups who, on Friday, submitted a letter to security authorities in the province which is to be forwarded as a matter of urgency to acting Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan even as a police crackdown and raids on 20 locations in a northern area of Krabi took place hours later resulting in eleven arrests. The submission to General Prawit comes as a national poll on Sunday showed a negative response to his short time at the helm of government with over 80% of the public clamouring for a General Election in Thailand. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/09/12/krabi-urges-prawit-to-crack-down-on-drugs/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-09-12 - 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!

Airline boss pleads with government to delay the Thailand Tourism Fee (TTF) due later this year by James Morris and Son Nguyen Tony Fernandes, acting Chief Executive Officer of Thai Air Asia X Key consideration now according to Tony Fernandes is the momentum of growing numbers which generates income for the economy including taxes for the government. Mr Fernandes felt that the fee, at this time, may hinder efforts to attract more visitors and to establish more flight links with Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271567-airline-boss-pleads-with-government-to-delay-the-thailand-tourism-fee-ttf-due-later-this-year/

Tony Fernandes, acting Chief Executive Officer of Thai Air Asia X by James Morris and Son Nguyen Key consideration now according to Tony Fernandes is the momentum of growing numbers which generates income for the economy including taxes for the government. Mr Fernandes felt that the fee, at this time, may hinder efforts to attract more visitors and to establish more flight links with Thailand. A top airline executive is urging the Thai government to put off further the proposed Thailand Tourism Fee (TTF) which was postponed from August to later in the year. The levy which is to be collected by airlines flying into Thailand from passengers was put on hold after a top Tourism Ministry official said it was not clear yet how it would apply to visitors arriving by sea and by land. The levy was recommended by a special panel in 2019 to provide extra resources for tourism infrastructure and to introduce automatic health and medical insurance for holidaymakers in the case of an emergency in the kingdom. A top Thai airline executive has called on the government not to go ahead with the proposed ฿300 tourism levy in the short term as the kingdom’s foreign tourism industry is beginning to gain momentum and could be sensitive to any changes at this time. Thailand is understood to have welcomed 4.3 million visitors in the opening eight months of the year although the kingdom still posted a substantial $4.1 billion current account deficit for July 2022 as its economy, like others in the world, labours under elevated energy costs and reduced export growth as national economies reel from the disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine, higher interest rates and reduced demand. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/09/10/airline-boss-pleads-for-delay-tourism-fee-levy/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-09-12 - 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!

Rising International Arrivals At Thai Regional Airports; As Hua Hin Waits By Editor Announcements have been made that Thai Vietjet Air has resumed direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Chiang Mai after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic. The flight operates three times a week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271566-rising-international-arrivals-at-thai-regional-airports-as-hua-hin-waits/

By Editor Announcements have been made that Thai Vietjet Air has resumed direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Chiang Mai after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic. The flight operates three times a week. Additionally Phuket has welcomed the inaugural flight by Vietnam Airlines from Ho Chi Minh City to the island’s international airport on September 1st. More than 400,000 foreign tourists have landed in Phuket since May 1st according to Phuket Immigration. On August 30th, Phuket International Airport Immigration reported arrival statistics showing that from 1st May to 30th August, 104,350 Indian nationals had arrived in Phuket. Other top countries of origin were Australia – 44,313, Singapore – 39,257, Britain – 27,683, Malaysia – 22,920, Germany – 16,100, USA – 14,150 and Russia – 13,016. Meanwhile progress towards the arrival of Hua Hin Airport as a real international destination appears to have taken a step forward with an inspection by Member of Parliament Pornthep Visutvattanasak, together with Airport Director Aphisit Ubonkomut and a commissioning team. This has been a safety inspection required before the approval of international flights. It seems that this administrative approval has been the missing piece required before the intent of the many international carriers to fly directly to Hua Hin can be realised. Higher safety and security standards have been required by the Office of Civil Aviation of Thailand (CAAT) for international airports in a post-covid world. Hopes remain high that opening the airport to international travel will coincide with the beginning of this year’s high tourism season, although officials remain tight-lipped on making any announcements. Mr. John Laroche, CEO of Phoenix Aviation and initiator of the Phoenix-plan for the airport’s future, stays that the Memorandums of Understand (MOU), signed by many international airlines, remain intact. This refers to flights from regional flight centres such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, India and southern China to add to this impetus for the airport’s international status. Announcements for the approval and commencement of these flights is now eagerly awaited. The importance of the airport to the future of regional tourism cannot be overstated, particularly with an increased competition forecast from tourism centres both in Thailand and internationally, especially in south east Asia. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/09/rising-international-arrivals-to-thai-regional-hua-hin-waits/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-09-12 - 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!

Pattaya to Samui ferry launched By Editor The first ‘Blue Dolphin’ ferry for a Pattaya – Samui route has been officially launched on Saturday, September 10th, with a test run. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271564-pattaya-to-samui-ferry-launched/

By Editor The first ‘Blue Dolphin’ ferry for a Pattaya – Samui route has been officially launched on Saturday, September 10th, with a test run. ‘The Blue Dolphin’ ferry, operated by the Seahorse Ferry, can accommodate up to 200 private cars and 586 passengers with a total of 15 rooms, with five room types. A one-way trip takes approximately about 13 hours. The ferry is described as being more like a cruise ship than a ferry boat, boasting seating options ranging from an entry level reclining seat, to a capsule bed, all the way to first class private quarters that look practically like a hotel room. Prices for the different seats, beds, and room types but it is believed that rooms will be somewhere around the 3,000 THB mark for the overnight journey. The ferry boat also does not skimp on facilities, with a restaurant, spa and massage services, and a variety of nightlife entertainment options. Like a cruise liner, the boat is fully fitted with a bar, karaoke bar, and a disco. Transporting a car or motorbike is easy as well, as the ship boasts two levels of car parking. The test run departed Pattaya on Friday late afternoon and arrived to fanfare in Koh Samui yesterday, A collection of travel industry professionals were invited to an opening night gala aboard the ferry boat featuring an open bar, impressive food spread and live music to celebrate the launch of the new route. When the regular service is launched, the ferry will run between Chon Buri province from Chuksamed Pier in Sattahip and Nathon Pier, the largest pier in Koh Samui where cruise ships have traditionally landed. Regularly scheduled trips are not yet available as the recent trip was a test run, but are expected by the end of September. Booking details will be via SPcruise.com, but the website is not yet live. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/09/pattaya-to-samui-ferry-launched/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-09-12 - 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!

Thai Netizens Blast Post On Selling Kidney To Get Mobile Phone TNR Staff THAI social media lambasted a Facebook post that emerging from Laos showing three persons with wounds on the their abdomen holding up a mobile phone with the caption saying “Agreed for iPhone14” which they interpreted as meaning selling their kidney to get this newly-released cell phone, TV Channel 7 and Matichon newspaper said today (Sept. 11). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271563-thai-netizens-blast-post-on-selling-kidney-to-get-mobile-phone/

TNR Staff THAI social media lambasted a Facebook post that emerging from Laos showing three persons with wounds on the their abdomen holding up a mobile phone with the caption saying “Agreed for iPhone14” which they interpreted as meaning selling their kidney to get this newly-released cell phone, TV Channel 7 and Matichon newspaper said today (Sept. 11). Mr. Pakphum Dejhassadin, a medical technologist who runs the popular Panda Lab Doctor webpage, too commented on this post saying he did not quite understand whether it was about selling a kidney to buy a mobile phone or not but some people who do not know better could misunderstand. This photo was traced to a beauty clinic in Laos with the writer saying in the caption that iPhone 14 had arrived and workers are selling their kidney to the doctor (just joking). Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/11/thai-netizens-blast-post-on-selling-kidney-to-get-mobile-phone/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-12 - 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!

Bangkok sets up temporary shelters for flood evacuees The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up temporary shelters in the Bang Khen, Lak Si, Don Mueang, Sai Mai and Lat Krabang areas, in case residents there need to be evacuated if their houses are flooded, said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday (Sunday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271562-bangkok-sets-up-temporary-shelters-for-flood-evacuees/

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up temporary shelters in the Bang Khen, Lak Si, Don Mueang, Sai Mai and Lat Krabang areas, in case residents there need to be evacuated if their houses are flooded, said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday (Sunday). He expressed concern over the high water levels in the Prem Prachakon, Lat Phrao, Luang Paeng and Prawet canals, making it difficult for flood water in communities and on roads drain into them, adding that the efforts to drain water into canals will be made even harder if there is more heavy rain, which has exceeded 100mm on each of the past two days. He said that the BMA will have to buy more water pumps and, in the future, shift the emphasis from building huge water tunnels to dredging canals instead, to facilitate the flow of water. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-sets-up-temporary-shelters-for-flood-evacuees/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-12 - 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!

Bangkok’s seasonal floods reveal the problem of short-term thinking With more heavy downpours forecast through the remaining rainy season, there is both good news and bad news for Thailand residents worried about floods. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271561-bangkok’s-seasonal-floods-reveal-the-problem-of-short-term-thinking/

With more heavy downpours forecast through the remaining rainy season, there is both good news and bad news for Thailand residents worried about floods. On the bright side, authorities and experts have promised that the flooding will not be as bad as the 2011 disaster. However, many say that serious floods have returned because no real solutions have been applied since the calamity a decade ago. “Since the big floods of 2011, we have got the National Water Resources Act, the Office of the National Water Resources, the National River Basin Committee and many more such bodies,” Kasetsart University lecturer Sitang Pilailar told Thai PBS World. “There are more than 30 agencies [for water management]. Yet, we have barely made any progress, especially in the face of crises,” the lecturer at the university’s Water Resources Engineering Department said. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkoks-seasonal-floods-reveal-the-problem-of-short-term-thinking/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-12 - 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!

Nipon Boonyamanee among rare breed of Thai politicians who quits to face music It is rare for Thai politicians to voluntarily vacate their seats, not to mention a coveted ministerial post. But that was exactly what Deputy Interior Minister Nipon Boonyamanee did last Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271560-nipon-boonyamanee-among-rare-breed-of-thai-politicians-who-quits-to-face-music/

It is rare for Thai politicians to voluntarily vacate their seats, not to mention a coveted ministerial post. But that was exactly what Deputy Interior Minister Nipon Boonyamanee did last Monday. A senior figure from the coalition Democrat Party, Nipon resigned to face trial in the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on a charge of malfeasance. The case stems from his role as chief executive of Songkhla’s provincial administrative organization. Back in 2013, he refused to pay 52 million baht for the PAO’s purchase of two road-maintenance trucks, arguing that bidding on the contract during his predecessor’s tenure was flawed by collusion. Nipon, 64, said he decided to step down to avoid criticism and to concentrate on the trial. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/nipon-boonyamanee-among-rare-breed-of-thai-politicians-who-quits-to-face-music/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-12 - 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!

New leader of Thailand’s “For the National” party emphasises equality as top priority Members of the For the National Party (Pheu Chart) elected a new 15-member executive committee yesterday (Saturday) with Pawitsarat Tiyapairat as the new party leader. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271558-new-leader-of-thailand’s-“for-the-national”-party-emphasises-equality-as-top-priority/