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Satellite images show widespread flooding in Thailand’s northeast The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has released images, taken on August 24th by the Sentinel-1 satellite, of flooding covering 20,800 hectares of land in the north-eastern region of Thailand. More than 11,200 hectares of rice fields have been affected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269966-satellite-images-show-widespread-flooding-in-thailand’s-northeast/

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has released images, taken on August 24th by the Sentinel-1 satellite, of flooding covering 20,800 hectares of land in the north-eastern region of Thailand. More than 11,200 hectares of rice fields have been affected. The data from the satellite, which is monitoring the flood situation in the northeast, show that the areas affected are mainly located on both sides of the Chi and the Mun River basins, in parts of Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Maha Sarakham, Buri Ram and Roi Et. To support GISTDA’s mission, the images and data from the satellite have been sent to various other agencies and adjustment of the satellite’s sensors will be undertaken by GISTDA, to enable even more accurate analysis and monitoring of areas prone to ongoing flooding. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/satellite-images-show-widespread-flooding-in-thailands-northeast/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-25 - 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!

Constitution drafter scoffs at plans by DPM Wissanu’s call for Prayut to return as ‘caretaker’ PM By Erich Parpart Thailand’s embattled Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha cannot take over as caretaker prime minister if other deputy prime minister refused to accept the position as the move would be against the Constitutional Court’s order, a former adviser to the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Jade Donavanik said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269961-constitution-drafter-scoffs-at-plans-by-dpm-wissanu’s-call-for-prayut-to-return-as-‘caretaker’-pm/

By Erich Parpart Thailand’s embattled Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha cannot take over as caretaker prime minister if other deputy prime minister refused to accept the position as the move would be against the Constitutional Court’s order, a former adviser to the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Jade Donavanik said. “The court ordered to suspend your premiership duty but then you come back as caretaker prime minister? How would that be any different from being a prime minister?” he asked rhetorically while on a television program. “I do not think that it would be possible,” Jade added. Jade was one of the advisors for the 2017 CDC that drafted the charter which has been at the centre of debate over the past few months, especially on Article 158 that forbids anyone from holding office for more than 8 years. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/43348/constitution-drafter-scoffs-at-plans-by-dpm-wissanus-call-for-prayut-to-return-as-caretaker-pm/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-08-25 - 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 tourism continues to recover with 4 million arrivals already this year International visitors await instructions from health officials inside the arrival terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport as Thailand welcomes the first group of vaccinated tourists without quarantine in Bangkok on November 1, 2021./ AFP The number of foreign tourists entering Thailand so far this year has now exceeded 4 million in a positive sign, reflecting the continuing recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269959-thai-tourism-continues-to-recover-with-4-million-arrivals-already-this-year/

International visitors await instructions from health officials inside the arrival terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport as Thailand welcomes the first group of vaccinated tourists without quarantine in Bangkok on November 1, 2021./ AFP The number of foreign tourists entering Thailand so far this year has now exceeded 4 million in a positive sign, reflecting the continuing recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector. It is also a result of the relaxation of tourist entry procedures and proactive tourism promotion, according to Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri. The end-of-year government target for the arrival of foreign tourists is 10 million, with just four months left. Pre-COVID, the numbers of tourists were on the rise each year, from 38.2 million in 2018 to almost 40 million in 2019. Anucha said that, according to statistics from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the cumulative number of foreign tourists entering Thailand between January 1st andAugust 16th was 4,015,504, of which most were from Malaysia, India, the Lao PDR, Singapore and the United Kingdom, in descending order. Full: story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-tourism-continues-to-recover-with-4-million-arrivals-already-this-year/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-25 - 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!

Wendy – a whirlwind of a woman | People of Hua Hin By Felicitee Lawrie In the interests of transparency, I have to admit I have known Wendy Herbert for a while now, and am proud to call her my friend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269958-wendy-–-a-whirlwind-of-a-woman-people-of-hua-hin/

By Felicitee Lawrie In the interests of transparency, I have to admit I have known Wendy Herbert for a while now, and am proud to call her my friend. Wendy is a prominent member of the local Hua Hin community and engages with locals in roles large and small, public and more private. In some ways, her exploits are flying under the radar here in Hua Hin. She is a seasoned professional, yet at the same time incredibly humble, a woman of many passions and accomplishments who makes a real difference to the Hua Hin community. Wendy is a role model to which many aspire, and she does all these things while holding down a full-time job as a communication trainer at a local international health resort. Full story: https://huahin.locality.guide/2022/08/09/wendy-a-whirlwind-of-a-woman-people-of-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Locality Guide 2022-08-25 - 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!

COVID Breath Test Developed BANGKOK, Aug 25 (TNA) – The Department of Medical Services and Mahidol University developed a COVID-19 breath-test technique which is nearly as accurate as the RT-PCR method. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269957-covid-breath-test-developed/

BANGKOK, Aug 25 (TNA) – The Department of Medical Services and Mahidol University developed a COVID-19 breath-test technique which is nearly as accurate as the RT-PCR method. Assoc Prof Dr Sathit Niramitmahapanya, deputy director of Rajavithi Hospital who supervised the innovative development in the project, said the new technique was developed on a conventional technique to measure sugar levels with breath. The development has resulted in ten versions of the new test device since the outbreak of COVID-19 three years ago. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1004679 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-08-25 - 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!

Doubts cast over Thailand’s ability to attract world’s largest IR firms by Ben Blaschke Survey shows more than 80% of Thais in support of legal casinos Industry experts agree that a legalized Thailand casino industry now looks likely to become a reality, but have cast doubts on its ability to implement a regulatory framework strong enough to attract the world’s largest operators. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269954-doubts-cast-over-thailand’s-ability-to-attract-world’s-largest-ir-firms/

by Ben Blaschke Survey shows more than 80% of Thais in support of legal casinos Industry experts agree that a legalized Thailand casino industry now looks likely to become a reality, but have cast doubts on its ability to implement a regulatory framework strong enough to attract the world’s largest operators. Despite the likes of Las Vegas Sands and MGM Resorts having expressed interest in the Thai market, Spectrum Gaming Group’s Senior VP Asia, Paul Bromberg, said Wednesday that recent attempts to legislate for medical marijuana – which instead wound up legalizing marijuana use nationwide – showed that government lacked the will to do the hard yards when it came to developing an internationally respectable regulatory system. “The simple answer is no,” Bromberg told an audience of industry peers at the G2E Asia: Singapore conference when asked whether the Thai government had the will or ability to put in place the sort of regulatory system required for international investment. Full story: https://www.asgam.com/index.php/2022/08/25/doubts-cast-over-thailands-ability-to-attract-worlds-largest-ir-firms/ -- © Copyright IAG 2022-08-25 - 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 FDA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months -5 years A vial labelled “Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine” is seen in this illustration taken January 16, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration COVID-19 vaccine in vials with maroon caps, developed by Pfizer, are now approved for use in children aged 6 months to 5 years, with 3 injections of 3µg per dose. The vaccine is 80.3% effective at preventing COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269948-thai-fda-approves-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-for-children-aged-6-months-5-years/

A vial labelled “Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine” is seen in this illustration taken January 16, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration COVID-19 vaccine in vials with maroon caps, developed by Pfizer, are now approved for use in children aged 6 months to 5 years, with 3 injections of 3µg per dose. The vaccine is 80.3% effective at preventing COVID-19. Secretary-General of Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) Dr. Paisarn Dunkum said yesterday (Wednesday) that, on August 23rd, the TFDA subcommittee considering the registration of modern pharmacopoeia for humans, as a vaccine against the virus which causes COVID-19, approved the expansion of the use of Pfizer’s Comirnaty vaccine to include children aged 6 months to 5 years. The company had previously allowed the use of the vaccine for auto-immune stimulation in people aged 12 years and older. The age range was extended to children between 5 and 11-years-old. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-fda-approves-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-for-children-aged-6-months-5-years/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-25 - 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!

Video: Trash burning leads to major fire at old pallet storage facility in Samut Prakan Picture: 77kaoded A video published by 77kaoded from Samut Prakan showed fire services tackling a blaze at an old wooden pallet store. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269946-video-trash-burning-leads-to-major-fire-at-old-pallet-storage-facility-in-samut-prakan/

Picture: 77kaoded A video published by 77kaoded from Samut Prakan showed fire services tackling a blaze at an old wooden pallet store. The media reported that sparks from the burning of trash nearby whipped up by strong winds led to the fire. Picture: 77kaoded It happened late yesterday afternoon in Moo 5 in the Klong Dan police jurisdiction in Bang Priang sub-district of Bang Bo district. Ten fire engines attended the scene that is an open area of 5 rai. A wall needed to be demolished to gain access and it was an hour before the fire was brought under control. Fortunately many of the pallets in a covered area were saved. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-25 - 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

Huge Ponzi scheme in Chiang Mai - crypto firm advertised returns of 15% before the cash dried up Sanook Thai Caption: Complaints over crypto Ponzi scheme Sanook reported that there are expected to be thousands of victims in the latest Ponzi scheme operated in the north of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269945-huge-ponzi-scheme-in-chiang-mai -crypto-firm-advertised-returns-of-15-before-the-cash-dried-up/

Sanook Thai Caption: Complaints over crypto Ponzi scheme Sanook reported that there are expected to be thousands of victims in the latest Ponzi scheme operated in the north of Thailand. Investors in a crypto currency firm were told they could put down anything from 30,000 baht into the millions and would get 10% - 15% interest a month. One investor said he put in 100,000 baht on the advice of a friend in May and got returns at first before his whole investment went south. Yesterday 20 claimants went to the Department of Special Investigation office in the northern city of Chiang Mai to say they had been defrauded. There are expected to be thousands of people who have lost money in what could be a 1.7 billion baht fraud. The DSI are investigating and urged other people to come forward with evidence of their losses. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-25 - 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 - Aug 25: Shock decision to suspend Thai PM, who is the new guy? More Chinese flights With the Constitutional court sidelining former PM Prayut Chan-o-cha after 8 years in the top job, who is the new guy? Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269944-tim-newton-today-aug-25-shock-decision-to-suspend-thai-pm-who-is-the-new-guy-more-chinese-flights/

With the Constitutional court sidelining former PM Prayut Chan-o-cha after 8 years in the top job, who is the new guy? Chinese increase flights to Thailand, noodle price hike.

Monsoon: Vehicles damaged, power cuts as electric poles come crashing down in Chachoengsao Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that Bang Khla district police in Chachoengsao province, east/central Thailand, responded after 37 electric poles came crashing down in a violent rain and lightning storm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269942-monsoon-vehicles-damaged-power-cuts-as-electric-poles-come-crashing-down-in-chachoengsao/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that Bang Khla district police in Chachoengsao province, east/central Thailand, responded after 37 electric poles came crashing down in a violent rain and lightning storm. The damage was done on a one kilometer stretch of Route 304 in Tha Thong Lang sub-district yesterday late afternoon and resulted in widespread power cuts. A Vigo pickup was damaged and a Hino truck was covered in high voltage cables. The trucker named as Jan Janmongkhol said he jumped from his cab as the cables came crashing down. Dozens of trees in the area were also downed as electrical authorities cut power and started to make repairs. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-25 - 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

Five great Asian dishes you can try across Thailand As expats we are spoilt for choice living in SE Asia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269941-five-great-asian-dishes-you-can-try-across-thailand/

As expats we are spoilt for choice living in SE Asia. You can still get your Western style hamburgers or roast beef dinners however Asian food is hard to resist. If you live in one of the major Asian cities like Bangkok, you can try a variety of Asian dishes whether from a street cart or a fancy air-conditioned restaurant. If you are new in the region here are five favorites that you might like to try when ordering your next Asian meal in Thailand. 1. Som Tam — Green Papaya Salad — Thailand Photo: Takeaway, Creative Commons The Thais are dedicated to exploring all the components of flavor in each dish, and they don’t skimp when it comes to their salads. This salad also isn’t your typical lettuce-based “rabbit food” The base of som tam is shredded unripe papaya. Despite this fruity base, the papaya really acts as a stand-in for lettuce — it’s not packing a load of flavor. What is packing in that flavor? The dressing — what else? Fish sauce and shrimp paste are giving you briny savory flavors, chili brings the heat, lime loads up tartness, and a little palm sugar tempers all of it with some sweetness. In Thailand, you can request a spice level that you’re comfortable with, so go big or go home. 2. Chili Crab — Whole Crab in Chili-Tomato Sauce — Singapore Photo: megawatts86, Creative Commons Despite its name, this Singaporean dish isn’t usually packing intense heat. The base of the sauce is tomato and chili, but just how much fire you’ll be getting depends on the restaurant and how you order. No matter where you go, one thing is certain: It’s going to get messy. Chili crab is whole mud crab (read: uncracked) drenched in a tomato-ginger-garlic-chili concoction so generous it’s almost like soup. You’ll reach in, crack your crab, and end up with fingers covered in the stuff. Fortunately, this sauce is so good that it’s served with loads of steamed Chinese buns to soak it all up. Note: It is perfectly acceptable to lick your fingers when the buns run out. 3. Crispy Pata — Deep-Fried Pork Knuckle — The Philippines If there is one Asian country that really knows how to cook a pig, it’s the Philippines. Another characteristic of Filipino food? They waste nothing. Every part of an animal is used, from its innards to its blood — just Google the street food Betamax. Fortunately, crispy pata is one of the more tantalizing variations of this resourcefulness: a deep-fried pork knuckle. It’s buttery goodness and crackly skin is complemented with an uber-Filipino soy-vinegar dip that sends the whole concoction rocketing into the stratosphere of deliciousness. 4. Bahn Mi — Pork and Paté Sandwich — Vietnam This beautiful mashup of French and Vietnamese cuisines results in nothing but wins for your tastebuds. Start with a pillowy, fresh-baked baguette, cut in half. Slather some rich, buttery paté generously on one side of the bread. Pile on plenty of juicy, smoky barbecued pork. Top this with fresh julienned carrots, daikon, cucumber, and cilantro. Then pop on a healthy amount of diced red chilies, sandwich it together, and get ready to get your mind blown. There are several variations of this throughout Vietnam, with chicken, egg, cheese, and more. But sometimes you just can’t beat the original. The best part? They’re cheap as chips — perfect for a budget traveler! 5. Beef Rendang — Caramelized Dry Beef Curry — Indonesia or Malaysia Photo: su-lin, Creative Commons The ingredients list for Rendang is half a mile long, and it shows in the complex all-star Indonesian curry. The inclusion of exotic spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon really bring a new level of depth to Indonesian all-stars like ginger, garlic, chili, and lemongrass. Ever-present coconut milk is generously heaped in with the spice paste. All these flavors are stewed down until they are completely absorbed by the beef – a process that takes hours. After the liquid evaporates, the exterior of the beef is caramelized, bringing the perfect smoky back note to the dish. You will never be happier to be a carnivore than when you take a bite of this one. OK this is just a brief list, and we are sure many of you will wish to add your personal favourite Asian dish too. Enjoy. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-25 - 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

"Being a young monk at the temple is tough - we needed Ya Ba to get through the day" - 3 defrocked Daily News Thai Caption: Arrested in saffron robes! Daily News reported that Satuek police station chief Pol Col Wachirawit Wanthanee sent in subordinate officers after reports that several monks at a temple in Tha Muang sub-district were dealing drugs to youth in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269940-being-a-young-monk-at-the-temple-is-tough-we-needed-ya-ba-to-get-through-the-day-3-defrocked/