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By Online Reporter Thailand is now welcoming applications for its new 10 year Long-term Resident Visa (LTR Visa), which is aimed at attracting foreigners of “high potential” to live and work in the country. The LTR Visa formally came into effect on September 1, with the government seeing the program as a way to encourage new investment into the country. The 10 year LTR visa will be offered across four categories: Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly-Skilled Professionals. Across each of the four categories, holders will need a personal income of USD 80,000/year. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailands-new-10-year-long-term-resident-visa-ltr-visa-is-now-available/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-09-02 - 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!

Young German Man Displays Anti-Prawit Photo In Rayong TNR Staff Pumpkin with the anti-Prawit photo. The Thai headline says, “I pity Thai people.” Image: TV Channel 7 A YOUNG German man displayed a photo of caretaker Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan with a red cross over it at the central traffic island in Taphong intersection, Mueang district of Rayong province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270689-young-german-man-displays-anti-prawit-photo-in-rayong/

Pumpkin with the anti-Prawit photo. The Thai headline says, “I pity Thai people.” Image: TV Channel 7 TNR Staff A YOUNG German man displayed a photo of caretaker Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan with a red cross over it at the central traffic island in Taphong intersection, Mueang district of Rayong province, yesterday (Sept. 1) and upon being questioned said he did so because he felt sorry for the Thai people, TV Channel 7 said. Identified only as Pumpkin, 35, he had also yesterday displayed the same image at Orchid intersection on Sukhumvit road, Rayong’s Mueang district. Reporters went to interview him and he told them that he lives in Rayong with his Thai wife and the reason he displayed this photo of Gen. Prawit is because he pitied the Thai people who had to cope with a government that did not help. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/01/young-german-man-displays-anti-prayut-photo-in-rayong/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-02 - 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 Friday 2 September 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1270688-thailand-live-friday-2-september-2022/

Three-year-old child suffers severe electric shock after touching metal chain PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya A three-year-old child suffered a severe electric shock after touching a metal chain near Bang saray Beach in Sattahip and was hospitalized. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270682-three-year-old-child-suffers-severe-electric-shock-after-touching-metal-chain/

No major marijuana issues increasing after cannabis decriminalization PHOTO: Prachachat No major marijuana-use disorders or issues increased in the past five years, not even after cannabis and hemp were legalized in Thailand in June, the Thai Public Health Ministry stated on Thursday, September 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270673-no-major-marijuana-issues-increasing-after-cannabis-decriminalization/

PHOTO: MGR Online British man dead, second seriously injured after motorbike collision with a garbage truck A British man died while another British man has sustained serious injuries after their motorbike collided with a garbage truck on Samui Island. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270677-british-man-dead-second-seriously-injured-after-motorbike-collision-with-a-garbage-truck/

Senator and caretaker PM Prawit’s brothers are summoned for signing off on a police appointment who allegedly tortured her maid By Buranond Kijwatanachai A senator and two younger brothers of caretaker Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan were summoned by a parliament committee for questioning regarding their role in the appointment of a female police corporal who allegedly tortured her female servant soldier. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270633-senator-and-caretaker-pm-prawit’s-brothers-are-summoned-for-signing-off-on-a-police-appointment-who-allegedly-tortured-her-maid/

By Buranond Kijwatanachai A senator and two younger brothers of caretaker Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan were summoned by a parliament committee for questioning regarding their role in the appointment of a female police corporal who allegedly tortured her female servant soldier. “We are summoning around 20 people and we will ask the victim, Corporal Pattama Sisirat, to provide her statement on September 8 first and the committee has the power to do so,” said Teerajchai Phunthumas, a spokesman for the House committee on corruption and misconduct prevention and suppression. Teerajchai said Senator Thani Onlahiad, Admiral Sitthawat Wongsuwan and Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan will be questioned for the appointments of Police Corporal Kornsasi Buayaem and Corporal Pattama into the police force and the military. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/43617/senator-and-caretaker-pm-prawits-brothers-are-summoned-for-signing-off-on-a-police-appointment-who-allegedly-tortured-her-maid/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-09-01 - 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!

Meet the three expat ladies in Hua Hin competing in Mrs. National Universe beauty pageant By Jonathan Fairfield From a model who beat leukemia to the mother who is hoping to inspire her daughter, some of the Hua Hin based contestants taking part in an upcoming beauty pageant have stories that are both heartwarming and inspiring. Hua Hin is set to be well represented at the Mrs. National Universe beauty pageant, with three local ladies competing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270632-meet-the-three-expat-ladies-in-hua-hin-competing-in-mrs-national-universe-beauty-pageant/

From a model who beat leukemia to the mother who is hoping to inspire her daughter, some of the Hua Hin based contestants taking part in an upcoming beauty pageant have stories that are both heartwarming and inspiring. By Jonathan Fairfield Hua Hin is set to be well represented at the Mrs. National Universe beauty pageant, with three local ladies competing. The pageant, which will be held at the Amari Watergate in Bangkok between 11-15 September, will see three expats representing their countries of birth at the event. Lenka Dayrit Vomočil, 34, who will represent the Czech Republic, is a model and marketing executive who has lived in Hua Hin for three years. Lenka said she decided to compete in the pageant due to the open nature of the event, which is being organised by Ms Tanya Siri Vijitsomphong of Hua Hin based luxury lifestyle magazine Hot Magazine. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/meet-the-three-expat-ladies-in-hua-hin-competing-in-mrs-national-universe-beauty-pageant/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-09-01 - 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!

UPDATE: Authorities gathering details relevant to death of 7-year-old left inside school van for hours by Namo Vananupong CHONBURI (NNT) - The body of a 7-year-old who died after being left inside a school van for hours in Chonburi has been sent for autopsy. The National Institute for Child and Family Development (NICFD) indicated this incident involved the oldest victim to date. It called for the causes of the most recent tragedy to be examined. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270614-kids-left-on-school-vans-new-rtp-chief-orders-a-crackdown/?do=findComment&comment=17579504

Authorities gathering details relevant to death of 7-year-old left inside school van for hours by Namo Vananupong CHONBURI (NNT) - The body of a 7-year-old who died after being left inside a school van for hours in Chonburi has been sent for autopsy. The National Institute for Child and Family Development (NICFD) indicated this incident involved the oldest victim to date. It called for the causes of the most recent tragedy to be examined. NICFD Director Adisak Plitponkarnpim indicated the incident was, among similar cases, one involving the oldest victim to date. He said it is believed the child experienced acidosis and brain swelling after being stuck in the hot interior of the van. Dr. Adisak said 2-3 children die each year from being stuck in a vehicle, but the children are usually under 5 years old. He said the factors leading to the most recent case must be determined, as it involved a 7-year-old child. He noted a child this age should have been able to respond to the scenario. He added school vans have so far not been regulated enough to prevent these incidents from repeating. He suggested that at the very least, the name list of children who took the school van be checked every time. Royal Thai Police Deputy Commissioner Damrongsak Kittipraphat said police in Chonburi have been told to thoroughly check on the details of the case. He noted the case affects parents’ sentiment nationwide, saying legal action will be taken if the death resulted from negligence. Police forces nationwide have been asked to coordinate with school management to prevent the incident from repeating. Pol. Gen. Damrongsak said the Royal Thai Police had previously worked with schools to address this issue. He said school vans should not have dark films or curtains and children should be taught to honk the car horn in emergencies. He added school children should be trained to respond to similar scenarios. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220901101951040 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-01 - 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-Chinese Chamber of Commerce believes 2022 GDP will grow by 3.3% by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (Thai CC) expressed its view that Thailand’s economy will be able to grow by 3.3% this year. This would be due to exports and an improved tourism scene. Meanwhile, it cautioned that the global economy and conflicts between superpowers need to be monitored. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270631-thai-chinese-chamber-of-commerce-believes-2022-gdp-will-grow-by-33/

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (Thai CC) expressed its view that Thailand’s economy will be able to grow by 3.3% this year. This would be due to exports and an improved tourism scene. Meanwhile, it cautioned that the global economy and conflicts between superpowers need to be monitored. Thai CC President Narongsak Putthapornmongkol revealed the results of a confidence survey by his organization. The survey of 305 business leaders’ confidence for the 4th quarter of 2022 found that respondents believe the economy will expand by 3.3% this year. Factors cited as hindrances to the Thai economy’s revival include the global economic slowdown, inflation, and domestic political stability. Other factors cited include household debt, economic crises faced by some trading partners, and conflicts between global superpowers. Mr. Narongsak noted survey respondents deem China to still be a reliable export market for Thailand. Thailand-China trade expanded by 7.34% in the first 7 months of this year. However, Thai exports to China declined by 2.62%. Prominent exports to China include computers and parts, plastics, rubber products, cassava, para rubber as well as fresh, chilled, and frozen fruit. The chamber president expressed his view that Thai exports to China, especially farm exports and agriculture industry products, can grow much further. He said freight costs are on the decline, the baht has weakened and China’s relaxation of Covid curbs is resulting in more demand for food. He said, however, that the private sector needs to monitor the global economic situation and the Chinese economy, as well as the conflicts between superpowers. Mr. Narongsak also expressed concern over the domestic political situation. He said interruptions that cause any delays to the APEC summit or make it unviable for APEC leaders to participate would impact Thailand’s credibility. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220901113408081 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-01 - 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!

Cooking Gas, Power Prices Rise on Sept 1 BANGKOK, Sept 1(TNA) – Energy prices rose on Sept 1 in accordance with a resolution of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270630-cooking-gas-power-prices-rise-on-sept-1/

BANGKOK, Sept 1(TNA) – Energy prices rose on Sept 1 in accordance with a resolution of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow. The cooking gas price increased by 1 baht per kilogram, resulting in the price of cooking gas in a 15kg cylinder going up by 15 baht from 393 to 408 baht. The government hands out 100 baht as a cooking gas subsidy to holders of government welfare cards. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news/line-today-english-news-1009149 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-09-01 - 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!

Does Homegrown Vaccine Still Matter An Article by Silada Rojratanakiat Inequity in vaccine distribution and protectionism drive Thailand to develop a homegrown vaccine. Producing homemade vaccines aims to achieve self-sufficiency, increase collaboration among research and development organizations, and boost national competency in COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270624-does-homegrown-vaccine-still-matter/

An Article by Silada Rojratanakiat Inequity in vaccine distribution and protectionism drive Thailand to develop a homegrown vaccine. Producing homemade vaccines aims to achieve self-sufficiency, increase collaboration among research and development organizations, and boost national competency in COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing. Private enterprises, investors, and public health authorities have avoided domestic vaccine development for decades. Despite the apparent advantages, cost concerns, irregular access to financing, uncertainty about demand, and other difficulties have hindered most nations and businesses from entering the vaccine production business. Thailand, like many other countries, is mainly reliant on vaccine imports. As a result, Thailand failed to get the appropriate vaccine supply on schedule in the first phase of this pandemic. Thus, COVID-19 has reignited a long-dormant concern and highlighted the critical necessity of indigenous manufacturing competence for Thailand’s security and health. Strong sovereign capability is essential. Homegrown vaccines will save lives, generate employment, and help Thailand maintain its position as Asia’s medical hub. A homegrown vaccine has several advantages, including increased public-health resilience in times like these; increased ability to respond quickly to Thailand-specific diseases; improved preparedness for the next epidemic or pandemic; and, on the economic side, less strain on trade balances, an increased in the skilled labor pool and a reduction in foreign-exchange requirements. Other emerging economies, particularly those with large domestic populations, such as India and Indonesia, have built substantial domestic vaccine enterprises. Due to a desire not to be reliant on the vagaries of global supply, imports, and donations, as well as uncertainty about the duration of the pandemic, Thailand decides to develop its own vaccine against COVID-19 apart from negotiating with pharmaceutical behemoths and joining the Covax vaccine sharing initiative. Beginning in early 2020, corporate and public organizations in the country began creating their own COVID-19 vaccines in the hopes that at least one would be successful. These Thai indigenous vaccine candidates result from cross-sector collaboration, with commercial pharmaceutical businesses collaborating with public health authorities or university labs. Thai vaccine candidates that have advanced to clinical trials include the Government Pharmaceutical Organization’s inactivated vaccine "HXP-GPOVac," Chulalongkorn University’s mRNA vaccine "Chulacov19," Bionet’s DNA vaccine "COVIGEN," and Baiya Phytopharm’s protein subunit vaccine "Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 1 Vaccine". Thailand also has an additional 20 vaccine candidates, which leverage multiple technologies and platforms in the earlier stages. These different tools in the toolbox are expected to ultimately function nicely. Nevertheless, none of the Thai-made COVID-19 vaccine candidates is yet approved. Some challenges to advancement include a lack of cooperation among academics, restricted access to money, insufficient regulatory frameworks, complicated market dynamics, and a scarcity of local talent. Furthermore, these vaccine candidates must undergo rigorous safety and effectiveness testing before they are approved for public use. Some worry that these vaccine candidates may be too slow to fill the gap in the market. Moreover, it needs to be seen whether Thailand’s indigenous vaccines can compete with existing vaccines, mainly if faith in homegrown vaccines is poor or if homegrown vaccines can effectively prevent new variants. Many believe using homemade vaccines is unnecessary, primarily because existing vaccines perform well. There are still unanswered questions about homemade vaccines. In any case, the knowledge and technologies gained can help Thailand prepare for future pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic is a once-in-a-generation challenge that provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come back stronger and better than before. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220901095032024 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-01 - 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!

Coyote dancers strut their stuff in back of pick-up at Thai lady's funeral - it was her dying wish! Sanook Thai Caption: Coyotes in a pick-up at funeral - what do you think of the chassis? Sanook reported from the funeral of a popular civil servant attached to the agricultural offices of the Nakhon Sri Thammarat provincial administration in southern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270621-coyote-dancers-strut-their-stuff-in-back-of-pick-up-at-thai-ladys-funeral-it-was-her-dying-wish/

Sanook Thai Caption: Coyotes in a pick-up (at funeral) - what do you think of the chassis? Sanook reported from the funeral of a popular civil servant attached to the agricultural offices of the Nakhon Sri Thammarat provincial administration in southern Thailand. Kamonwan or "Aunty Lai", died aged 67. Her dying dish was to have coyote dancers at her funeral. On Tuesday evening in the funeral at her home in Tha Reua, Muang district she got her wish. The music was blaring in the tent housing the coffin as two coyote dancers strutted their stuff in the back of a pick-up. The sad atmosphere immediately changed to one of joy for a life well lived. Loads of adults and children started boogying along with the coyotes. Young and older men in the throng gave cash gifts to the dancers. Relatives said that "Pa Lai" was a grand lady who was kind to all and loved by everyone. She had said she wanted coyotes at her funeral so that was arranged for her for one night. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-01 - 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

Bangkok taxi-meters: Fares set to rise - taxi drivers jubilant after 8 year wait Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that taxi drivers are jubilant that the authorities will be raising rates for rides in taxi-meter cabs in the Thai capital Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270617-bangkok-taxi-meters-fares-set-to-rise-taxi-drivers-jubilant-after-8-year-wait/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that taxi drivers are jubilant that the authorities will be raising rates for rides in taxi-meter cabs in the Thai capital Bangkok. Exactly how much remains to be seen but an official said that the increase would be in line with the increased cost of living and fair to both taxi drivers and the public. While the head of the Department of Land Transport has said that taxi drivers will need to play ball - and stop refusing fares. The media reported that taxi fares have not increased from 2014 to this year despite many pleas from drivers to raise charges. Flag fall in Bangkok remains at 35 baht. They have been concerned by the increased cost of living and fuel in particular. Sorapong Phaitoonpong from the Transport Ministry heads a committee that has comprised organisations such as the DLT, firms representing the drivers, various associations for consumer groups and the Thailand Development Reasearch Institute (TDRI). A TDRI survey suggested that people were taking shorter and fewer taxi trips and the number of vehicles on the roads had dropped from 80,000 to 60,000. Drivers were facing hardship as they had less custom and the rent of vehicles made up a larger proportion than previously. They concurred that there had not been increases for 8 years and that the cost of living had risen by 7%. The DLT had been using the TDRI data, looking at cabbies' demands and taking into account the opinions of the public after comments made on the DLT site on Facebook. Most agreed that the fares need to go up. The taxi drivers want too much and the public too little - some middle ground that is fair to all needs to be found. But the fares are definitely set to increase in a just capacity. Jirut Wisanjit, chief of the DLT, said that when the fares do increase the drivers must stop refusing fares. Or they will face points that could lead to their licences being suspended. Comments on the issue can be made to the DLT on Facebook on PR.DL.News. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-01 - 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

Tim Newton Today - Sep 1: 'Nutty' gets away with US$55 million! Bikes on pavements in Bangkok, Taiwan tensions Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270616-tim-newton-today-sep-1-nutty-gets-away-with-us55-million-bikes-on-pavements-in-bangkok-taiwan-tensions/

A pretty Thai YouTuber has ripped off Thai investors to the tune of US$55 million, probably more. Where is she? Rounds fired in anger by Taiwan at a Chinese drone, APEC worries as Thailand has a PM problem, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority gets tough on motorbikes on pavements.