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Low spending tourists and slowing export growth but ‘intact’ economic recovery stays on track say officials by Joseph O' Connor A volatile currency market, a slowing world economy amid war in Europe and raised geopolitical tensions as well as a brush this week with political uncertainty means that Thai policymakers must be constantly on guard even to achieve the paltry 3% to 3.5% growth that is being pursued this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270240-low-spending-tourists-and-slowing-export-growth-but-‘intact’-economic-recovery-stays-on-track-say-officials/

by Joseph O' Connor A volatile currency market, a slowing world economy amid war in Europe and raised geopolitical tensions as well as a brush this week with political uncertainty means that Thai policymakers must be constantly on guard even to achieve the paltry 3% to 3.5% growth that is being pursued this year. A very comfortable foreign exchange reserve level has, so far, protected the kingdom but even this has been falling since March. Amid turmoil at Government House in Thailand this week with the suspension of Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan taking the reins as caretaker PM, officials were anxious to underscore that the kingdom’s economic recovery remains intact and on course for growth of between 3% and 3.5% for 2022. However, there are causes for concern such as a slowdown in export growth and significantly, lower expenditure per capita among incoming tourists as the country still appears to be running a current account deficit. Figures released on Friday show that the rate of growth of Thai exports slowed dramatically in July from the month before from 11.9% in June to 4.3%. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/08/27/low-tourist-spend-slowing-export-growth-economic-recovery-intact/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-08-29 - 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!

4 Myanmar nationals die, 9 injured in road accident in Kanchanaburi province Four undocumented migrant workers from Myanmar were killed and nine others injured when a pickup truck in which they were travelling ploughed into a roadside ditch and overturned near the Thai-Myanmar border in Sangkhla Buri district, of the western province of Kanchanaburi, early this morning (Sunday). The car’s driver fled the scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270239-4-myanmar-nationals-die-9-injured-in-road-accident-in-kanchanaburi-province/

Four undocumented migrant workers from Myanmar were killed and nine others injured when a pickup truck in which they were travelling ploughed into a roadside ditch and overturned near the Thai-Myanmar border in Sangkhla Buri district, of the western province of Kanchanaburi, early this morning (Sunday). The car’s driver fled the scene. Thai emergency services, dispatched to the scene near Highway 323, between Sangkhla Buri and the Three Pagoda Pass, said they pulled the dead bodies of three men and one woman from the wreckage. Nine others were injured and were taken to Sangkhla Buri district hospital. Witnesses claim they saw two men run away from the scene of the accident, one of them is believed to have been the driver of the ill-fated vehicle. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/4-myanmar-nationals-die-9-injured-in-road-accident-in-kanchanaburi-province/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - 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!

Kratom laws published, cannabis and hemp next By Editor The law on kratom trees (Mitragyna speciosa), which seeks to decriminalise kratom leaves and remove them from the list of narcotics in Category 5, has come into force following its publication in the Royal Gazette on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270238-kratom-laws-published-cannabis-and-hemp-next/

By Editor The law on kratom trees (Mitragyna speciosa), which seeks to decriminalise kratom leaves and remove them from the list of narcotics in Category 5, has come into force following its publication in the Royal Gazette on Friday. Two other plants, cannabis and hemp, were decriminalised on June 9th, but the bill on cannabis and hemp, which passed its first reading in the House on June 9th, is still pending with the House scrutiny committee. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told a meeting in Chiang Rai province on August 20th that he expects the bill to be returned to the House for its second and final readings this month (August). Kratom plants are now considered to be a potential cash crop, worthy of being promoted and developed to boost the grass roots economy. Only the leaves are consumed. People can now possess, consume and use kratom leaves with impunity, but there are restrictions on the sale, marketing and advertising of the leaves and on leaves blended with other psychotropic substances. Import and export of the leaves both require permission. According to the law, overuse of kratom leaves may be harmful to the consumer. For the protection of pregnant women, breast-feeding women and those under 18, kratom leaves cannot be sold to these people as leaves or as ingredients in food. Violation is subject to a maximum fine of 30,000 baht on conviction. Sale of kratom leaves is forbidden at educational institutions, hostels, in public parks, zoos and amusement parks, or in certain areas designated as being “off-limits” by the ministers of justice or public health. Sale of kratom leaves from vending machines is prohibited. Violations are subject to a maximum fine of 50,000 baht on conviction. Advertising to encourage people to use kratom leaves or leaves mixed with psychotropic substances for recreational purpose is prohibited. Violation is subject to up to two years in prison and/or a maximum fine of 200,000 baht on conviction. Import or export of kratom leaves without permission is subject to up to one year in prison and/or a maximum fine of 100,000 baht on conviction. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/08/kratom-laws-published-cannabis-and-hemp-next/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-08-29 - 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!

Suvarnabhumi Airport about to implement a faster passenger departure system By Editor Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport will implement a passenger validation system (PVS) for departing local and foreign passengers at Terminal 4 from September 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270237-suvarnabhumi-airport-about-to-implement-a-faster-passenger-departure-system/

By Editor Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport will implement a passenger validation system (PVS) for departing local and foreign passengers at Terminal 4 from September 1. In an announcement on Saturday, the airport said PVS will make the screening of passengers more efficient and boost the airport’s security level to meet international standards. The system has been installed in: • Eight counters in rows C-D for outgoing Thai passport holders. • Two counters in Zone 2 rows J-K for outgoing foreign passport holders. • Two check-in counters in rows L-M • Three counters in Zone 3 rows S-T for foreign passport holders. To use the PVS, passengers must place their boarding pass or e-boarding pass on the reader, and the system will automatically check their travel information. “The PVS will ensure that passenger screening process is fast and accurate, and will prevent unauthorised persons from entering restricted or flight-controlled areas,” the airport said. “This system will also prevent the reuse of boarding passes that have already been scanned.” Officials will be deployed at counters to provide instructions and assistance to passengers. For more information, contact call centre 1722 Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/08/suvarnabhumi-airport-about-to-implement-a-faster-passenger-departure-system/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-08-29 - 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 reports 7th confirmed monkeypox case Thailand’s Disease Control Department reported the country’s seventh confirmed monkeypox case today (Sunday), in a Thai woman living in Bangkok, who has had a sexual relationship with a foreigner, but has not travelled abroad during the current spread of the disease. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270236-thailand-reports-7th-confirmed-monkeypox-case/

Thailand’s Disease Control Department reported the country’s seventh confirmed monkeypox case today (Sunday), in a Thai woman living in Bangkok, who has had a sexual relationship with a foreigner, but has not travelled abroad during the current spread of the disease. Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, the department’s director-general, said that, about three weeks before falling the ill, the 37-year-old single woman visited a night spot in Bangkok, which is popular among foreigners. On August 20th she developed a low fever. The following day, a blister appeared on her anus, followed by more blisters appearing on other parts of her body the next day. She then went to Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute to seek medical treatment. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-reports-7th-confirmed-monkeypox-case/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - 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!

22nd Mountain B fire victim dies A seriously-burned victim of the Mountain B pub inferno died today (Sunday) in a hospital in Chon Buri province, bringing the death toll since the August 5th blaze to 22. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270235-22nd-mountain-b-fire-victim-dies/

A seriously-burned victim of the Mountain B pub inferno died today (Sunday) in a hospital in Chon Buri province, bringing the death toll since the August 5th blaze to 22. Ronnarong Kaewpetch, an activist lawyer, identified the latest victim as 30-year-old Laddawan Katekorn, who leaves behind two children. On August 23rd, a campaign was launched on social media seeking blood donations for the victims. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/22nd-mountain-b-fire-victim-dies/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - 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!

Are consumers paying price for electricity mismanagement in Thailand? Over the next four months, electricity in Thailand will soar from 4 baht per unit to a record high of 4.72 baht. Authorities blame the hike on rising global fuel prices, but critics argue that the government has a duty to cap utility bills, especially as many people are suffering COVID-related hardship. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270232-are-consumers-paying-price-for-electricity-mismanagement-in-thailand/

Over the next four months, electricity in Thailand will soar from 4 baht per unit to a record high of 4.72 baht. Authorities blame the hike on rising global fuel prices, but critics argue that the government has a duty to cap utility bills, especially as many people are suffering COVID-related hardship. The upcoming hike is a result of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approving an increase in the fuel tariff (FT) from September to December. Monthly power bills list FT as one of the four charges alongside the base amount – which covers the cost of the power plant, infrastructure, power transmission – service charge, and value-added tax (VAT). So when the FT rises, so does the overall power bill. The ERC decision means the FT will jump by 0.6866 baht to 0.9348 baht per unit from September to December. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/are-consumers-paying-price-for-electricity-mismanagement-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - 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!

Can Thailand manage rising energy costs? OPINION Covid has taken a back seat, as concerns over global energy bills are now making the headlines. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270231-can-thailand-manage-rising-energy-costs/

OPINION Covid has taken a back seat, as concerns over global energy bills are now making the headlines. Last week in the UK, Ofgem announced the energy price cap will increase to £3,549 per year for dual fuel for an average household from 1 October 2022. In Britain, where gas accounts for roughly 40 percent of electricity generation but has a disproportionate effect on its cost, the price jump announced last Friday follows a 54 percent rise in April. It will affect about 24 million households. Germany's Federal Network Agency has also estimated that consumers could see their monthly heating bills triple next year due to dwindling Russian gas imports. Russia's war on Ukraine is drastically impacting energy prices everywhere. Thailand’s rising costs Meanwhile, many of us here in Thailand are expecting a rise in our electricity bills next month as Thailand copes with its own energy issues. Our electricity bills could become more expensive than ever by this September, according to a source at the Office of Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). In the last four months of 2022, the cost of electricity in the country could break the five baht per unit barrier for the first time, rising by 90 to 100 satang per unit. The ERC said the rising cost of imported gas used to generate electricity is the cause behind the steep rise in prices. Thailand is importing expensive Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) in replacement for low-cost natural gas from the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand's energy resources are modest and are being depleted. The nation now imports most of its oil and significant quantities of natural gas and coal. Facts and Figures Thailand’s energy consumption has grown at an average rate of 3.3% from 2007 to 2017. Thailand produces 531,328.59 barrels per day of oil (as of 2016) ranking 29th in the world. Thailand produces every year an amount equivalent to 47.9% of its total proven reserves (as of 2016). Thailand has no nuclear power stations. The Thai Energy Ministry periodically considers plans for nuclear power. 57% of its crude oil imports came from the Middle East (28,480 million liters), 15% from Fast East countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei (7,337 million liters), and 28% from other regions such as Russia and Australia (13,870 million liters). Crude Petroleum was the 1st most imported product in Thailand. Thailand imports Crude Petroleum primarily from: United Arab Emirates ($3.84B), Saudi Arabia ($2.65B), United States ($1.37B), Angola ($1.09B), and Nigeria ($984M). Does Thailand import oil from Russia? Russia-Thailand in 2020, Russia exported $1.4B to Thailand. The main products that Russia exported to Thailand are Crude Petroleum ($911M), Coal Briquettes ($89.7M), and Wheat ($66.2M). Why is gas cheap in Thailand? Thailand's government has cut excise taxes on fuels to make them cheaper to import. However, Thailand is curbing imports of liquefied natural gas due to surging prices, potentially putting the country at risk of fuel shortages. State-run importers cut purchases of LNG from the spot market because of skyrocketing prices and limited availability, according to traders. And while they plan to boost purchases of cheaper alternatives, like diesel and fuel oil, the deficit left by cutting LNG may be too large to be filled by other sources, said some traders who didn’t want to be named as they’re not authorized to speak to the media. “We won’t let a fuel shortage happen,” Thai deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said in response to a Bloomberg News inquiry on the prospect of a deficit. Thailand isn’t struggling to get supplies, she said. Some of Thailand’s poorer Asian neighbors -- including Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- are in the midst of severe energy crises due to surging oil and gas costs. North Asian spot prices for LNG have jumped around 50% this month, taking them to more than triple what they were a year ago, as Russia’s move to curb exports to Europe boosted global competition for the super-chilled fuel. Almost two-thirds of the nation’s electricity was generated from natural gas in the first four months of the year, government data show. The risk is also exacerbated by rising demand due to Thai industry and tourism recovering after the virus. Thailand's LNG imports so far in June are down from record levels, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Imported LNG accounted for a fifth of gas used for power generation in 2020, according to figures from state-run energy company PTT Plc. There was a rise in inward shipments in the first five months of this year to replace pipeline deliveries from Myanmar and less domestic output. However, overseas purchases are down by 35% so far in June from the same period in May, shipping data showed, as the plan started to take effect. What is the Government and private sectors doing? Curbing LNG imports due to soaring prices “is being considered,” said a PTT representative. The Thai government will postpone the planned shutdown of coal-fired power units at a state-owned utility’s power complex due to the surging LNG costs. Four units at a plant in Lampang province will remain online until 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister said. Using more coal and oil will push up global greenhouse gas emissions. The government has cut excise taxes on fuels to make them cheaper to import. The amount of electricity produced from dirtier fuels has already been increasing this year. Diesel’s use in power generation in the first four months of 2022 was 14 times higher than in the same period last year, according to the country’s energy ministry. Thailand isn’t in a crisis yet, but the prevalence of gas in its power mix does raise the threat of rationing or blackouts. Meanwhile, during the cooler weather open the windows and turn off the A/C otherwise you may have a shock when the next bill arrives. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-29 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 29 August 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1270230-thailand-live-monday-29-august-2022/

Verdict on Prayut’s tenure in 30 days soonest The nature of the decision by the constitutional court last Wednesday might have been unexpected for many people, as it ordered Prayut Chan-o-cha to cease performing his duties as prime minister while the matter of his 8-years tenure is considered by the court. https://aseannow.com/topic/1270229-verdict-on-prayut’s-tenure-in-30-days-soonest/

The nature of the decision by the constitutional court last Wednesday might have been unexpected for many people, as it ordered Prayut Chan-o-cha to cease performing his duties as prime minister while the matter of his 8-years tenure is considered by the court. A legal expert says that, although people may want the answer now, the earliest the country will get it from the court is in 30 days. There is a 15-day window of opportunity for Prayut to submit evidence and documentation to support his case and another 15 days or more for the court’s deliberations. “The constitutional court allows General Prayut 15 days to present whatever he has as,” said Associate Professor Dr.Jade Donavanik of the Faculty of Law at the College of Asian Scholars, adding “So within 15 days, they might be taking on the legal issues relating to this particular aspect of General Prayut staying for 8 years, whether it is counted from 2014, 2017, or 2019. So, they can prepare. Once General Prayut submits the facts that he sees fit, then I think, in another 15 days, the Constitutional Court should be able to come up with the wording or the decision”. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/verdict-on-prayuts-tenure-in-30-days-soonest/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - 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!

Walk-A-Tif: The ‘Thai-Saudi Bridge’ Exhibition This year seems to be a golden year for Thailand and Saudi Arabia relations, after the 2 countries agreed to restore full diplomatic ties. But what are the elements that will connect people of the two countries? We might be able to find out at the “Thai-Saudi Bridge Exhibition”exhibition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270149-walk-a-tif-the-‘thai-saudi-bridge’-exhibition/

This year seems to be a golden year for Thailand and Saudi Arabia relations, after the 2 countries agreed to restore full diplomatic ties. But what are the elements that will connect people of the two countries? We might be able to find out at the “Thai-Saudi Bridge Exhibition”exhibition. The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Bangkok has held an exhibition, marking one of the first major events held by the embassy in Thailand following the restoration of Thai-Saudi diplomatic relations. The “Thai-Saudi Bridge Exhibition” explains the roles that Saudi Arabia has played in offering assistance to Muslims around the world, as well as its ties with Thailand. H.E. Mr. Essam Saleh H. Algetale, Chargé d’Affaires, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia said that “After 7 months of the relationship restoration, both countries have exchanged visits. Especially, the people of the two countries can see the many advantages of restoring diplomatic ties.” Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/walk-a-tif-the-thai-saudi-bridge-exhibition/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-27 - 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!

Incendiary device found in 7-Eleven in Narathiwat province neutralised Staff at a convenience store in the southern border province of Narathiwat narrowly escaped injury from an improvised incendiary device, left inside the store by a suspected insurgent who possibly forget to activate the timer. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270148-incendiary-device-found-in-7-eleven-in-narathiwat-province-neutralised/

Staff at a convenience store in the southern border province of Narathiwat narrowly escaped injury from an improvised incendiary device, left inside the store by a suspected insurgent who possibly forget to activate the timer. During a routine check of goods at a 7-Eleven store in Yee Ngor district last night (Friday), a staff member found a bag with a protruding wire in a shelf of sanitary napkins and immediately alerted the police. A team of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) officers soon arrived at the store. One of them activated a signal jamming system, to interrupt communication signals in the area, before the rest of them went inside to dispose of the suspicious object. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/incendiary-device-found-in-7-11-in-narathiwat-province-neutralised/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-27 - 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!

The rise to power of ‘big brother’ Prawit Wongsuwan, new caretaker PM Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan is generally considered a weak link in Prayut Chan-o-cha’s administration, tainted by the scandal over a multimillion-baht wristwatch collection, despite his repeated denials of corruption. But in a twist of fate, he finally finds himself in the top post of prime minister, thanks to a legal dispute over the tenure of his junior Army classmate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270144-the-rise-to-power-of-‘big-brother’-prawit-wongsuwan-new-caretaker-pm/

Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan is generally considered a weak link in Prayut Chan-o-cha’s administration, tainted by the scandal over a multimillion-baht wristwatch collection, despite his repeated denials of corruption. But in a twist of fate, he finally finds himself in the top post of prime minister, thanks to a legal dispute over the tenure of his junior Army classmate. The Constitutional Court on Wednesday voted 5:4 to suspend PM Prayut from duty after it decided to accept a petition filed by the opposition asking for a ruling on his eight-year term as prime minister. Prayut will be suspended as PM until the ruling is delivered, though he can continue to serve as defense minister in the Cabinet. Prawit, who is leader of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, tops the hierarchy of the six deputy prime ministers, so he automatically became caretaker prime minister following Prayut’s suspension. Prawit will remain as caretaker PM until the Constitutional Court issues its ruling on Prayut’s tenure. The caretaker PM has full authority to reshuffle the Cabinet or dissolve the House of Representatives, according to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, the government’s legal expert. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/the-rise-to-power-of-big-brother-prawit-wongsuwan-new-caretaker-pm/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-27 - 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!