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Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that with the ever declining pandemic more and more Thais are travelling be it for tourism, study, business or work abroad. This means they need passports and a visit to a passport office. The media said that service at Thai passport offices has won awards for its speed and efficiency after orders from Foreign Affairs minister Don Pramudwinai to improve matters. Chatchai Wiriyawechkul is now in charge and presiding over one of the success stories of Thai bureaucracy. Thai passports have modern features and the service is fast and available nationwide with no need for people to travel to Bangkok. Picture: Thai Rath The number of passport offices has been expanded from 19 to 27. And two were even open on Saturday this past weekend in the Bangkok area. This might be expanded to the up-country provinces if there is sufficient demand. At the Pathumwan office on the fifth floor of MBK Center in downtown Bangkok a total of 1,718 passports were processed on Saturday. Picture: Thai Rath That was 1,339 at regular booths and 379 via electronic terminals. Normally between 700-900 are processed in a day. Meanwhile at the Bangyai office in Central Westgate, Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of the metro area 788 passports were processed on Saturday with 629 at booths and 159 at the self-service terminals. The media noted that documents for foreigners are also certified by the passport office. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-24 - 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

Thailand and foreign embassies prepare for influx of foreign criminals in 22/23 High Season The Thai police are concerned that more tourists coming into the country in the October to February High Season will mean one thing for sure. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269790-thailand-and-foreign-embassies-prepare-for-influx-of-foreign-criminals-in-2223-high-season/

The Thai police are concerned that more tourists coming into the country in the October to February High Season will mean one thing for sure. More criminals coming into the country under the guise of tourism. They don't want foreign criminals, they want quality tourists, said a spokesman. With this in mind the Tourist Police in cooperation with 18 mostly European embassies and the Immigration Bureau have been working on measures to cope. They want to be able to swiftly deport undesirable elements back to where they came from. The no messing approach was announced yesterday by tourism police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Aphichart Suribunya after orders from tourism police chief Pol Lt-Gen Sukhun Phrommayon. On board are 18 embassies namely Austria, Belgium, the UK, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia and Switzerland. (Siam Rath seemed to have omitted one in their report but said that 15 were European embassies). Apichart said that discussions would take place to determine what action would be taken if criminals slipped through the net and managed to get into the country. The cooperation between the Thai police and the embassies is also to promote quality and sustainable tourism and show that Thailand has a safe and sustainable environment for foreign tourists. This is in line with tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan and RTP Chief Pol Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk's policies. Following meetings among 40 reps at tourism police HQ yesterday the reps were taken to see what arrangements are in place at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-24 - 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday August 24 2022 Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269786-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-august-24-2022/

Listen to the news: Demonstrators staged rallies to protest against Prime Minister Prayut after his 8 years in office was due to expire yesterday. Campaigner Jatuporn Prom-pan said his group would demonstrate until midnight along with several others. Last night's protests were peaceful and are likely to continue for the next few days. Meanwhile the PM and his cabinet will stay on while the court decides whether to accept the opposition's petition to end his term. Police have arrested Fourteen out of 19 suspects involved in a deadly shootout between two gangs in Ubon Ratchathani earlier this month. Two gang members died in hospital while six others were treated for bullet wounds. Police said those involved had no fear of or respect for the law. Efforts are being made to trace the remaining 5 gangsters. An amendment to the copyright act came into effect yesterday, Thailand deputy minister of commerce said work found to be infringing copyright will immediately be removed from online platforms such as social media and YouTube. Once a request has been made for copyrighted material to be removed, the work will legally need to be taken down, previously the copyright holder would need a court order. The Labour department set out on a campaign in Samut Prakan to encourage businesses there to treat workers from neighboring countries legally and provide good working conditions. The department inspected a company employing almost 200 workers, the department says regular visits are likely to reduce the possibility of human trafficking. The cabinet has approved a proposal to loan Cambodia 983 million baht to fund 50 percent of a new road construction project, the remaining budget will come from overseas The new road will run from Siem Reap to Thailand through Si Sa Ket. Region: China has reopened it’s doors to some foreign students after more than 2 years of Covid lockouts overseas nationals with valid residence permits for study can enter the country from today, this marks a major step towards reopening the country. Chiang Mai: Fine becoming Cloudy with some rain 34C Bangkok: Bright becoming Cloudy, thundershowers 35C Considerable rain today north east of the capital. Pattaya and SE: A fine day Sunny 32C Phuket and the South: Sunny partly Cloudy with thundershowers 29C Hua Hin: Bright partly cloudy with rain likely this afternoon 33C Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com. Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2022-08-24 - 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!

Hua Hin starts campaign to remove unused overhead cables By Online Reporter Officials have formally launched a campaign that will see the removal of the unsightly and unused overhead cables from multiple locations across Hua Hin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269783-hua-hin-starts-campaign-to-remove-unused-overhead-cables/

By Online Reporter Officials have formally launched a campaign that will see the removal of the unsightly and unused overhead cables from multiple locations across Hua Hin. On Tuesday (Aug 23), officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority Hua Hin (PEA), Hua Hin Municipality, the Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission Office (NBTC), and local telecommunications operators took part in the opening ceremony of the Communication Cable Organization Project. The ceremony took place at the entrance to Chom Dong Palace Khao Hin Lek Fai in the Bonkai-Khao Phithak community area, which will be one of the first areas where unused cables will be removed. Over the next three months, the PEA will remove unused cables from power poles and tidy up other cables in order to make them more sightly and boost safety for people in the Bonkai – Khao Phithak community. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/hua-hin-starts-campaign-to-remove-unused-overhead-cables/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-08-24 - 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!

World Sports News - Wednesday 24 August by Chili Radio Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269779-world-sports-news-wednesday-24-august-by-chili-radio/

Listen to the news: Football - In the second leg UEFA Champions League qualifying matches played last night Benfica went through as well as Viktoria Plzen and Maccabi Haifa. In the English Carabao Cup second round the major shock of the night was English Premier League side Fulham being knocked out by League Two side Crawley Town. 2-0 was the score. Stockport County nearly produced another upset after drawing 0-0 with Leicester City in normal time, but were defeated 3-1 on penalties. West Ham have signed left-back Emerson Palmieri from Chelsea in a deal understood to be worth £15m. The 28-year-old Italy international has joined the Hammers on a four-year contract, with a one-year option. Tennis - A fan who Nick Kyrgios said was "drunk out of her mind" during the Wimbledon final is taking legal action against the Australian tennis player. Kyrgios, who lost the final to Novak Djokovic in July, said the woman looked "like she has had about 700 drinks" as he complained to the umpire about her. Anna Palus has now instructed solicitors to bring defamation proceedings against Kyrgios as she accuses him of a "reckless and entirely baseless allegation". Download the Chili Radio app : https://chiliradio.app for Chili Pop and Chili Classics. -- © Copyright Chili RADIO 2022-08-24 Chili Radio: https://chiliradiothailand.com Listen Live: https://chiliradio.asia - 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!

Latest Anamai Poll suggests increased cooperation in Covid measures among Thais by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The latest survey from the Department of Health shows better adoption of COVID-19 preventative measures among Thai people. The department asks everyone to continue practicing these measures to help protect the most vulnerable. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269778-latest-anamai-poll-suggests-increased-cooperation-in-covid-measures-among-thais/

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The latest survey from the Department of Health shows better adoption of COVID-19 preventative measures among Thai people. The department asks everyone to continue practicing these measures to help protect the most vulnerable. The Department of Health has released the results from its latest edition of Anamai Poll, which shows increased cooperation among the general public regarding their personal protective measures against COVID-19. The poll shows that the number of people wearing face masks increased from 94.2% to 95.5%. The practice of hand hygiene, including hand washing before eating, increased from 86.9% to 88.4%. Social distancing was more commonly practiced, raising from 86.3% to 87.2%. Most of the respondents, at 93.3%, said they witnessed more students wearing masks around their peers, 92.7% witnessed more people wearing masks around the elderly and sick people, and 92.2% witnessed people wearing masks when around other people. Department of Health Director General Dr. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai asked the general public to continue practicing personal protective measures, despite the improved situation and more disease control measures being relaxed. He said people should properly wear a mask whenever they feel sick, whenever they are around sick people, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, and whenever they cannot observe adequate physical distancing. The general public is encouraged to frequently wash their hands and avoid visiting crowded areas. The Department of Health advises the general public to immediately take an antigen test after exhibiting suspicious symptoms or take a test 3-5 days after being exposed to a COVID-19 patient. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220824002522378 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-24 - 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!

Prominant politician visits entertainment venues on Bangla Road with suggestion to open untill 6:00 A.M. By Goongnang Suksawat A prominent politician visited entertainment venues on Bangla Road with a suggestion to open until 6:00 A.M. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269777-prominant-politician-visits-entertainment-venues-on-bangla-road-with-suggestion-to-open-untill-600-am/

By Goongnang Suksawat A prominent politician visited entertainment venues on Bangla Road with a suggestion to open until 6:00 A.M. Thai Civilized Party leader Mongkolkit Suksintharanon and his team visited the Bangla Road in Patong yesterday (August 22nd). Mr. Mongkolkit told The Phuket Express, “Entertainment venues must be ready to prevent any fire. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/08/23/prominant-politician-visits-entertainment-venues-on-bangla-road-with-suggestion-to-open-untill-600-a-m/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-08-24 - 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!

Most Thais use internet to find medical advice, medical services by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - A recent survey shows that most Thai people use the internet to seek medical advice and medical services, and that the majority of internet users are government officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269776-most-thais-use-internet-to-find-medical-advice-medical-services/

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - A recent survey shows that most Thai people use the internet to seek medical advice and medical services, and that the majority of internet users are government officials. The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) has disclosed the results of a survey on internet usage among Thai people, saying each person uses the internet at an average of 7 hours and 4 minutes daily. The survey found that Bangkokians use internet 10 hours and 5 minutes per day, while government officials use it 11 hours and 37 minutes per day on average. ETDA Executive Director Chaichana Mitrpant said the high internet usage among government officials reflects their readiness to work electronically. The survey also found that medical consultation and medical services are the biggest use case among the Thai population, followed by day-to-day communications, video and music streaming, live commercial streaming, and financial transactions. Live commercial streaming made the top 5 list despite being part of the survey for the first time this year. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220824011310388 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-24 - 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!

Former charter court judge says court may take up to 2-months to decide on Prayut’s term limit case By Buranond Kijwatanachai Thailand’s Constitutional Court could take up to 2-months to make a call on the petition that was filed by the opposition parties on the 8-year term limit of the 2014 coup leader and current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269775-former-charter-court-judge-says-court-may-take-up-to-2-months-to-decide-on-prayut’s-term-limit-case/

By Buranond Kijwatanachai Thailand’s Constitutional Court could take up to 2-months to make a call on the petition that was filed by the opposition parties on the 8-year term limit of the 2014 coup leader and current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Charan Pakdeethanakul, a former constitutional court judge, says that he believes the Constitutional Court will take at least 2 months to ensure that the court has thoroughly considered all the facts, perspectives, and most importantly, the intent of the constitutional drafters. Charan also says that he does not believe the Constitutional Court can dismiss the petition because legal experts have unanimously agreed that there should be a ruling from the Constitutional Court. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/43214/former-charter-court-judge-says-court-may-take-up-to-2-months-to-decide-on-prayuts-term-limit-case/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-08-24 - 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!

Drug kingpin linked with South African woman’s drug conviction ‘fighting for love’ in Ukraine by James Morris and Son Nguyenin Family of Ashley Oosthuizen remains convinced of her innocence and upbeat about her prospects despite a Ko Samui court, on August 17th last, confirming a prison term of 33.4 years. One key hope is the possibility of a Royal Pardon while the 23-year-old is reported to be in high spirits despite her ordeal. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269774-drug-kingpin-linked-with-south-african-woman’s-drug-conviction-‘fighting-for-love’-in-ukraine/

by James Morris and Son Nguyenin Family of Ashley Oosthuizen remains convinced of her innocence and upbeat about her prospects despite a Ko Samui court, on August 17th last, confirming a prison term of 33.4 years. One key hope is the possibility of a Royal Pardon while the 23-year-old is reported to be in high spirits despite her ordeal. The former boyfriend of a South African woman given the death sentence in Thailand for drug trafficking is fighting for Ukrainian forces in the International Legion while simultaneously campaigning against what he terms a ‘monstrous injustice’ in Thailand which he helped engineer due to his double life on the party island of Ko Samui as an international school science teacher while also acting as a drug kingpin supplying foreigners and elite customers with an array of illegal narcotics. 34-year-old Tristan N. says he is ‘Fighting for Love in Ukraine’ while admitting his past life as an ‘international dark web drug dealer’ when working as an international school teacher on the holiday island of Ko Samui in Surat Thani province for several years. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/08/23/ashley-oosthuizen-drug-kingpin-in-ukraine-tristan-nettles/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-08-24 - 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!

Tourists complain of overcharging for trips to South Korea’s Jeju Island A group of 50 Thai tourists lodged a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), yesterday (Tuesday), demanding that they investigate a tour company which they accuse of overcharging for trips to South Korean Island of Jeju. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269773-thai-tourists-complain-of-overcharging-for-trips-to-south-korea’s-jeju-island/

A group of 50 Thai tourists lodged a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), yesterday (Tuesday), demanding that they investigate a tour company which they accuse of overcharging for trips to South Korean Island of Jeju. They claim that they paid 13,999 baht each for a package tour to the island between August 8th and 11th but, upon arrival at the airport there, they were each charged an additional 10,000 baht plus 1,000-1,500 baht for a guide’s service and another 10,000 baht as a guarantee that they will not abscond. They said they reluctantly agreed to pay the extra charges, otherwise the tour agent would not give them their return tickets, adding that many of them were later detained at the airport by immigration officials because their guide had deserted them, leaving them stranded at the airport. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tourists-complain-of-overcharging-for-trips-to-south-koreas-jeju-island/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-24 - 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’t we the public now cope with a Covid outbreak in Thailand? OPINION Last week we reported that COVID-19 infections in 44 of Thailand’s provinces, which include Bangkok, have been increasing, with an average rate of 31,148 cases a day between August 7th and 13th, according to Spokesman for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269771-can’t-we-the-public-now-cope-with-a-covid-outbreak-in-thailand/

OPINION Last week we reported that COVID-19 infections in 44 of Thailand’s provinces, which include Bangkok, have been increasing, with an average rate of 31,148 cases a day between August 7th and 13th, according to Spokesman for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin. During the same period, the death toll was 236, most of whom were people over 60, those with underlying diseases, and pregnant women. There were also 853 serious cases, including 436 on ventilators. Many neighbouring Asean countries are also still getting high numbers, in fact in the Philippines Metro Manila will remain under Alert Level 1 from August 16 to 31, according to the Department of Health (DOH). There, Senate President Jose Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also announced on Friday, August 19, that the Manila Senate building will be on “total lockdown” to facilitate the full disinfection of the facility after several senators and Senate personnel tested positive for COVID-19. It is therefore surprising that here in Thailand the government is seen to be intent on shutting up shop on their various Covid departments. Even though Asian experts and WHO are predicting continued waves of various viruses for the next few months. Can’t we cope? That said I think the general public has perhaps become Covid savvy and have the attitude that life must continue, and if you do catch a virus, it can be handled by staying at home for a few days. With many viruses being announced every month, whether it is B4, Monkeypox, or Omicron, manufacturers are struggling just to catch up with a viable new vaccine. And it seems the days of free vaccines are gone as several Thai private hospitals are advertising vaccines for over THB1,000 plus. The bottom line is we have all probably had enough of following government health ministers’ rules and regulations. People are now back traveling; corporations are again holding group seminars and sports events like football and motor racing have never been busier. Just wait and see how many fans pack the Buriram circuit when the Moto GP comes to Thailand in October. So, it is now up to us as global citizens to take responsibility for our own health and our families too. It is no big deal to always carry a face mask, and it makes sense to take those precautions when required. Most Thais in the big cities like Bangkok were wearing masks on public transport before Covid anyway. However, now that should be our personal decision and not a government policy. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-24 - 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 Wednesday 24 August 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1269769-thailand-live-wednesday-24-august-2022/

Wife allegedly axed to death by husband after refusing to reconcile PHOTO: ประชาชาตินิวส์ ทีวี ภูมิภาค A 40-year-old wife was allegedly axed to death by her husband after she refused to reconcile with him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269753-wife-allegedly-axed-to-death-by-husband-after-refusing-to-reconcile/