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By Nop Meechukhun Banglamung, Chonburi – A Thai-American tourist was rushed to a local hospital after reportedly being bitten on his ear by a Thai intoxicated woman at the intersection of the Second Road, South Pattaya, in Banglamung district on Saturday evening, August 20th. Pattaya City police arrived at the scene after receiving a report of a Thai woman who reportedly jumped on a Songthaew and attacked a male tourist by punching his mouth, giving him a headlock, and biting off a portion of his ear before swallowing it. At the scene, an alleged female attacker, who was later identified as Kannika Khamthon, was found in a heavy state of intoxication. The 55-year-old injured man, Charoen Sae-Lim, was also found nearby with clear signs of a bite on his right ear. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/21/intoxicated-woman-bites-off-part-of-a-tourists-ear-on-a-baht-bus-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-22 - 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!

Accident at Skytrain Station not caused by escalator malfunction, but by overcrowding, according to BTS Skytrain’s statement By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – BTS Skytrain released a statement regarding a reported malfunctioned escalator at BTS Surasak station on Saturday evening, August 20th, which injured nearly 30 people, stating that the accident was not caused by the malfunction but by overcrowding at the escalator. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269508-accident-at-skytrain-station-not-caused-by-escalator-malfunction-but-by-overcrowding-according-to-bts-skytrain’s-statement/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – BTS Skytrain released a statement regarding a reported malfunctioned escalator at BTS Surasak station on Saturday evening, August 20th, which injured nearly 30 people, stating that the accident was not caused by the malfunction but by overcrowding at the escalator. Online footage that was shared widely on social media captures the moment when a large number of passengers were seen taking the escalator up to the Surasak Station to use the Skytrain service during heavy rain as of 6:38 PM. on Saturday, but some people at the top of the escalator seemed to lose their balance and caused others behind them to stumble and fall on top of one another. About 28 people reportedly suffered minor injuries and wounds from the accident. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/21/accident-at-skytrain-station-not-caused-by-escalator-malfunction-but-by-overcrowding-according-to-bts-skytrains-statement/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-22 - 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!

Couple stabbed to death at mall in Pathum Thani A couple were stabbed to death at a shopping mall in Thailand’s Pathum Thani province last Saturday, following a heated argument and a brawl with the owner of a beauty salon, according to the Facebook page of the Ruamkatanyu Volunteer Association. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269507-couple-stabbed-to-death-at-mall-in-pathum-thani/

A couple were stabbed to death at a shopping mall in Thailand’s Pathum Thani province last Saturday, following a heated argument and a brawl with the owner of a beauty salon, according to the Facebook page of the Ruamkatanyu Volunteer Association. The couple and their 5-year-old child arrived at the mall and the mother went into a beauty salon, while her husband and their child went shopping. The woman later left the salon, only to return shortly after with her husband. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/couple-stabbed-to-death-at-mall-in-pathum-thani/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-22 - 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!

Enforcement of Thailand’s new safety belt law pending edict from police Thailand’s Land Traffic Act B.E. 2565 (2022AD), which mandates that all passengers in private and public transport vehicles, except buses, wear safety belts, will be enforced once the Royal Thai Police have issued an edict. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269506-enforcement-of-thailand’s-new-safety-belt-law-pending-edict-from-police/

Thailand’s Land Traffic Act B.E. 2565 (2022AD), which mandates that all passengers in private and public transport vehicles, except buses, wear safety belts, will be enforced once the Royal Thai Police have issued an edict within 90 days of the act coming into effect on September 5th, according to Land Transport Department Director-General Chirute Visalachitra. Chirute’s statement today (Saturday) was intended to address social media hype claiming that, from September 5th, passengers in all pickup trucks, including those sitting in the rear seats, will be required to wear safety belts or face a fine of 2,000 baht each. Chirute said the department will consult the Royal Thai Police over the drafting of an edict regarding the mandatory wearing of safety belts, including exceptions, adding that, once the draft is completed, it will have to be approved by a committee before it is promulgated. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/enforcement-of-thailands-new-safety-belt-law-pending-edict-from-police/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-22 - 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!

House Committee Reveals Key Cannabis & Hemp Bill Features By Editor The National News Bureau of Thailand (NBT) has reported that Committee spokesperson Parnthep Pourpongpan has revealed key points of the cannabis and hemp usage bill, which will soon be heard in parliament for a second reading. The Bill is described as being to help ensure that these plants do not impact public safety. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269505-house-committee-reveals-key-cannabis-hemp-bill-features/

By Editor The National News Bureau of Thailand (NBT) has reported that Committee spokesperson Parnthep Pourpongpan has revealed key points of the cannabis and hemp usage bill, which will soon be heard in parliament for a second reading. The Bill is described as being to help ensure that these plants do not impact public safety. The Bill will need official approval of Parliament with amendments or changes before being published in the Royal Gazette. Some of these key points include: – People who want to grow cannabis plants for personal use will be limited to 15 plants per household. They can register in one day and pay no registration fees. – People would also be permitted to grow no more than five rai of hemp plants for personal use. – Hospitals, medical practitioners, dental practitioners, Thai traditional medicine practitioners, applied Thai traditional medicine practitioners, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, government agencies, the Thai Red Cross Society, and animal hospitals will also be able to register for growing these plants. – People who want to grow these plants for business and commercial purposes must seek permission from authorities and follow the required regulations. Those who fail to seek permission will be liable to a jail term of no more than one year and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht. – Those who illegally export cannabis face up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 500,000 baht. – Section 37 prohibits the sale of cannabis and hemp, their extracts, and food containing cannabis and hemp to people under the age of 20, pregnant women, and women who breastfeed their children. Violators face up to a year in prison and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht. It also prohibits the online and vending machine sale of cannabis and hemp, their extracts, and food containing cannabis and hemp, as well as promotional and marketing campaigns. The spokesperson added that, under the bill, cannabis sales would be prohibited in religious premises, educational institutes, public parks, and other areas designated by the Public Health Ministry. It will also declare certain areas, such as temples, public parks, and restaurants, off-limits to cannabis smoking. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/08/house-committee-reveals-key-cannabis-hemp-bill-features/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-08-22 - 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 Monday 22 August 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1269504-thailand-live-monday-22-august-2022/

Prominent Thai doctors against extended nightlife closing times, claim tourists don’t come to Thailand to party but for beaches and temples By Goongnang Suksawat Thailand – Prominent Thai doctors have warned about the proposal of a 4:00 A.M. closing time extension for nightlife venues in tourist zones which will cause more road deaths, crime, and personal accidents as there is more time to drink alcohol, according to them. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269503-prominent-thai-doctors-against-extended-nightlife-closing-times-claim-tourists-don’t-come-to-thailand-to-party-but-for-beaches-and-temples/

By Goongnang Suksawat Thailand – Prominent Thai doctors have warned about the proposal of a 4:00 A.M. closing time extension for nightlife venues in tourist zones which will cause more road deaths, crime, and personal accidents as there is more time to drink alcohol, according to them. Doctor Taejing Siripanich, a secretary of the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation has given his view about the plan, “The 4:00 A.M. extension plan cannot definitely guarantee about boosting the economy. On the other hand, this might have to be an exchange with health and people’s safety.” “I believe that foreign tourists come to Thailand not because of nightclubs, drinking, and partying. Most of them want to come here because of natural and cultural tourism places like beaches, parks, traditional Thai culture, and temples. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/20/prominent-thai-doctors-against-extended-nightlife-closing-times-claim-tourists-dont-come-to-thailand-to-party-but-for-beaches-and-temples/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-22 - 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!

A Vip Presentation In Hua Hin, Korn Chatikavanij Gives His Vision For Thailand’s Future By Editor The Royal Coast Riviera Club (RCRC) has held the August meeting at the Centara Grand Beach Resort Hua Hin, with a presentation by VIP guest Mr Korn Chatikavanij, leader of the Kla Party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269438-a-vip-presentation-in-hua-hin-korn-chatikavanij-gives-his-vision-for-thailand’s-future/

By Editor The Royal Coast Riviera Club (RCRC) has held the August meeting at the Centara Grand Beach Resort Hua Hin, with a presentation by VIP guest Mr Korn Chatikavanij, leader of the Kla Party. Khun Korn is a very prominent figure on Thailand’s political scene. His background includes being an Oxford University honours graduate, reading politics, philosophy, and economics, and then an early career in investment banking. He was a finance minister in former Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s national government. In January 2020 he resigned from the Democrats to form his own party soon after. Being considered a leader of the younger entrepreneurial generation, the presentation was about his plans and vision for “Thailand’s future in the wake of Covid 19”. Khun Korn also made himself available at a press conference with a question and answer format after his presentation to around 40 RCRC members and guests. He said this was the only presentation during his visit to Hua Hin. However with a residence in Cha-Am, he is very familiar with the region and a self-described big fan of Hua Hin radio station Surf 102.5 FM. He describes himself as a ‘’beach man’’ who really appreciates the opportunities to escape the pressures of the Bangkok political scene. The pleasure of enjoying beach walks and the region’s quality environment is something he wants future generations to continue to be able to enjoy. The presentation covered a wide range of fresh policy ideas, with Khun Korn suggesting that after the eight years of “frustration, wasted opportunities and uninformed government policies”, optimism is warranted for Thailand’s ‘’huge potential’’ to be realised. However he says a new approach is needed and when it comes to politics, ‘’nothing is certain.’’ On the economic front, Khun Korn is confident of the country’s ability to manage the ‘macro issues’, but says that urgent strategies are needed at the ‘micro level’, that is the pressures on households and growing personal debt burdens. He is in favour of ‘earmarking’ financial reform rather than having taxation only directed to a ‘central coffer’. For example targeting what he describes as the excessive income for oil companies towards a household solar energy program. He described the country’s current energy model as ‘from the last century’, favouring carbon producers, and the need to urgently reduce the country’s dependance on fossil fuels and road-based transport. Some of Khun Korn’s vision is to make big reforms to policies related to foreigners, a vision welcomed by participants at the RCRC meeting. For example, allowing more foreign doctors to practice here as health care and education needs to be prioritised. He also wants visa arrangements to be reformed, including scrapping the 90 day reporting requirement. A requirement he says is “ridiculous!” Khun Korn described the Phuket Sandbox scenario as a lesson about how localised ideas and policy can achieve more than relying on dictates from Bangkok; that could include elections for provincial governors. That’s an opportunity for the Royal Coast region to stand out, with Khun Korn adding his support for the aims of the Royal Coast Riviera Club’s aims to affect local policy. The RCRC has become a leading voice aiming to develop the region as a quality tourism and lifestyles destination, ’recognising the unique heritage, natural beauty, environment, attractions and special character of the region.’ As a founding Member, the Royal Coast Review attends monthly meetings of the RCRC, along with the region’s hospitality and tourism leaders. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/08/a-vip-presentation-in-hua-hin-korn-chatikavanij-gives-his-vision-for-thailands-future/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-08-20 - 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!

Warning of heavy rain until Monday in 40 Thai provinces Thailand’s Meteorological Department issued a bulletin today (Saturday) warning people living in 40 provinces across the country, including Bangkok and its peripherals, of heavy to very heavy rain until Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269435-warning-of-heavy-rain-until-monday-in-40-thai-provinces/

Thailand’s Meteorological Department issued a bulletin today (Saturday) warning people living in 40 provinces across the country, including Bangkok and its peripherals, of heavy to very heavy rain until Monday. The precipitation is being triggered by the convergence of the monsoon trough looming over Myanmar, northern and north-eastern Thailand and the low pressure cell over the Gulf of Tonkin, as well as the intensifying south-westerly monsoon over the Andaman Sea. List of provinces: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/warning-of-heavy-rain-until-monday-in-thai-40-provinces/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-20 - 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!

Muay Thai boxing king Buakaw too strong for Japanese MMA challenger Thailand’s top Muay Thai boxer Buakaw Banchamek proved too strong for his Japanese challenger and MMA heartthrob Kota Miura in their special bout last night at Bangkok’s Rajadamnern Stadium, marking the relaunch of this well-known boxing venue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269431-muay-thai-boxing-king-buakaw-too-strong-for-japanese-mma-challenger/

Thailand’s top Muay Thai boxer Buakaw Banchamek proved too strong for his Japanese challenger and MMA heartthrob Kota Miura in their special bout last night at Bangkok’s Rajadamnern Stadium, marking the relaunch of this well-known boxing venue. The match was in kick-boxing format with no decision after the fight. Watched by over 10,000 spectators, many of them women, who paid 1,000 to 6,000 baht for their tickets, 40-year-old Buakaw unleashed a flying knee thrust at the 20-year-old Japanese challenger’s chest, which caused Kota to sway unsteadily. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/muay-thai-boxing-king-buakaw-too-strong-for-japanese-mma-challenger/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-20 - 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!

Is Thailand’s booster program losing race against fast-mutating COVID? By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Thanks to constant mutations, the COVID-19 virus is still several steps ahead of vaccine developers. While researchers have managed to develop vaccines that are effective against the original strain of the new coronavirus and major variants like Delta, global mass vaccination efforts have failed to halt the raging pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269426-is-thailand’s-booster-program-losing-race-against-fast-mutating-covid/

By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Thanks to constant mutations, the COVID-19 virus is still several steps ahead of vaccine developers. While researchers have managed to develop vaccines that are effective against the original strain of the new coronavirus and major variants like Delta, global mass vaccination efforts have failed to halt the raging pandemic. This is because the virus continues to evolve, spawning new mutations that evade the defences of currently available vaccines. As a result, the global infection rate remains at nearly one million confirmed COVID-19 cases per day, with thousands of deaths. Since the pandemic began, COVID-19 has claimed some 6.45 million lives across the world. Hope for a new vaccine? Earlier this week, the United Kingdom became the first country to approve a next-generation booster, Moderna’s mRNA-1273.214, for general use. The UK expects to start distributing this new vaccine before the end of the year. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/is-thailands-booster-program-losing-race-against-fast-mutating-covid/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-20 - 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!

Calling removal firms: Please go to Government House, there’s someone who needs to be taken away Every time Rooster reviews the latest news as reported on ASEAN NOW’s Facebook arm there is an advertisement for a local removals firm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269422-calling-removal-firms-please-go-to-government-house-there’s-someone-who-needs-to-be-taken-away/

OPINION | by Rooster Every time Rooster reviews the latest news as reported on ASEAN NOW’s Facebook arm there is an advertisement for a local removals firm. They advertise “Secure and Inexpensive Thailand Removals”. I wonder if they’d take a job at Government House - there’s an incumbent there who Rooster and at least half the Thai population desperately need removing. The firm also does “Global Relocation” - might I suggest that Prayut - Uncle Too to his ever dwindling band of friends - be taken to Sri Lanka. It’s lovely and sunny there with a nice beach or two for a long and happy retirement, well away from causing any more trouble. It can be looked on as a reciprocal arrangement after the Sri Lankan president was given sanctuary in Thailand. I’m sure the Sri Lankans wouldn’t mind. They could benefit from his spending some of his 128 million baht helping their economy! Prayut - our father who art still in khaki, hollow be thy name - is as past his sell-by date as last week’s som tam left out of the fridge. This week the belligerent bully who seized power in a coup in 2014 and is grimly trying to hold onto it, was at his withering worst having a go at the Thai press for being dishonest, as he saw it, regarding electric bills. Then mysteriously saying that the Thai hacks need to take a look at the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism about suffering. No, he wasn’t talking about the suffering of the Thai people under his watch. In fact it was impossible to say what he was burbling about. A senior monk in Nonthaburi didn’t have a clue either. The monk was suffering like the rest of us with an electric bill that had sky-rocketed not the “few satang” that Prayut claimed. Now I’m not saying that politicians are directly responsible for all price increases. But people like Prayut need to understand accountability. He still thinks he’s in the barracks and the underlings will jump to the tune of his voice. After eight long years you’d think he’d have appreciated that. He hasn’t, he’s worse than ever and needs to call it a day. A Super Poll - notorious for their biased surveys - could barely sugar coat it in their report on the six main candidates to be the next PM, Prayut included. They referred to his loyalty, hard work for the nation and, wait for it…opening the country to the Saudis! If that was the best they could come up with then heaven help us! On the reverse side he was described as petulant, hopeless at handling real issues and has just been around too long. Amen. Whether Thaksin’s daughter Ung Ing or health minister Anutin can do any better is a moot point. Certainly DMP Prawit won’t be able to, though the luxury watch industry and pie sellers might beg to differ. Maybe it’s time for Surachate “Big Joke” Hakpan - the charismatic poster boy of the RTP - to throw his hat into the ring. Like him or loathe him he does manage to get things done. BJ was all over the news again in the last seven days following his criticism of “dirty Pattaya” with observations of messy Phuket that needed upgrading. Then before tea he had time to sort out illegal fishing and human trafficking. Surachate understands the press and uses them cleverly - the very antithesis of a barking general. Also needing urgent removal is a Dutch tourist caught shooting fish in a marine park in Krabi. The forum and Facebook threw up plenty of smoke and mirrors about this character saying that the boat captain that took him on his parrotfish adventure was just as guilty. Most conveniently forgot that the tourist was a professional speargun fisherman who would have completely understood that he was doing was illegal. I’m not in favor of jail time - he won’t get any anyway, it'll be suspended - but he needs to be shown the door. How about taking him to a chilly place in the North Atlantic where there are still a few cod? The boat captain should lose his licence and his livelihood. As many people pointed out, parrotfish are not endangered. I expect you can buy them in Makro. But anyone should know that removing any animals from marine or land based parks in Thailand is a complete no-no. Remember Atila the Hun and the sea slugs a few years ago? I spoke to him at the time and he knew he’d be deported. Like the Dutch tourist, their antics were recorded on social media leaving gung-ho environment minister Varawut Silpa-archa with no wiggle room. Some posters thought the case would have a negative effect on tourism. Utter nonsense, the vast majority of tourists are respectful and sensible in Thailand and social media tells them oh so clearly the Do’s and Don’ts of a holiday in Thailand. In other news, justice minister Somsak Thepsuthin commented on the intriguing prospect that research currently being conducted by the NCB and Khon Kaen uni could see magic mushrooms become a cash crop one day. The idea that “het khee khwai (buffalo pooh mushrooms) could be decriminalized like weed is interesting. Many studies have shown that the main drug in them - psilocybin - is effective in treating serious depression, alcoholism and even nicotine addiction. Back in 1982 I was with a mate when we inquired what “No Name 50 Baht” was on the bottom of the Chaweng Bungalow menu. Both having never tried ‘shrooms before we steeled ourselves and each had an omelette one morning. When we get together now we still talk about our memories of that day on the beach. I tried them a few more times in Indonesia before a bad experience - there was an argument between people not connected to the taking of the drug - that made me reticent to ever do it again. Lest we forget that LSD was (and still is) considered a wonder drug until “Reefer Madness” style bad press put the kibosh on that. The problem with using mushrooms - like many illegal drugs - is getting the dosage right, presumably something that medicinal dosing of psilocybin addresses. The minister warned about their current illegality and danger to youth but potential for an economic marvel as they grow all over Thailand and have been used in small doses by country docs to treat insomnia. Not something I thought Thais ever suffered from…… Meanwhile the regulations surrounding kratom are set to be announced, said the chief of the NCB. This plant was removed from the Class 5 narcotics list before marijuana. The much anticipated rules about weed should follow before the end of September. Fallout from the Mountain B fire continued with doubts over who is actually the owner - the father of “Sia B”, the young man who said he was the owner, was bailed by the Pattaya court for a million baht. This is Sia Yot. The death toll from the fire rose to 19 as BMA officials continued to make sure Khao San road clubs have enough unlocked exits. The deputy governor also took time out to sniff some ganja jars….. This was followed by tourism minister Pipat going to the road we used to call a zoo in the 1980s, to drum up support for his 4 am closing drive. Lip service will be paid to the concerns of residents over noise because as Pipat admitted, it is all about getting more revenue. As someone who regularly used to tumble out of clubs in the middle of the night and the Thermae at 6 am, I do feel that people should have the freedom to go out when they please. Thailand needs to get back to the time when they were less officious and more free-wheeling. And please ditch the masks - while tourists will understand that their wearing is now not mandatory I do feel it gives the wrong impression. Several threads on ASEAN NOW had Rooster wondering about its direction. “Lucky old you in Thailand with a young wife” had plenty of comments. My first wife was 13 years my senior though my second was admittedly 15 years my junior. I consider myself lucky with both as they have given me the greatest gift of all - adorable children. “How does Thailand rank on the price of sex index?” had many commenting that it was not appropriate in a country where prostitution is officially illegal. The price of about 6,000 baht in Thailand clearly referred to escorts. A picture on Facebook of a green chicken bucket with Colonel Sanders in shades was accompanied by the letters THC. Really? I’d hate to see my employers sued by a multinational company as it might not turn out finger lickin’ good. In international news the man who played the UK Queen’s stunt double in the famous Olympics opening video when she appeared to jump out of a plane, was jailed. Gary Connery - no relation to another James Bond - was banged up for 18 months for pushing his girlfriend down the stairs. Elon Musk joked that he was buying Manchester United. He could certainly afford to with Forbes rating his fortune at $223 billion and Utd valued at a paltry $3.8 billion. Why anyone would want to is another matter. Meanwhile, Ronaldo continued to keep fans guessing about his future after the club lost both their opening fixtures. In Australia, scientists said they are just ten years away from being able to clone and return the extinct animal commonly known as the Tasmanian Tiger. The last Thylacine died in 1936. Critics said the “Jurassic Park” style idea was just a funding stunt. In Japan the tax authorities - worried by a drop in revenue - started a campaign to get the young to drink more booze and sake. “Kanpai!” went the BBC headline. Back in Thailand there was an interesting story about a woman who received some very poor service from a car dealership who scratched her car then trashed it in an accident. Intelligent and frequent poster “Worgeordie” made a very sensible comment that the woman should seek help from executives in Japan. No names were mentioned of course but I can put in a good word for Honda. Years ago I put my Prelude in for a service and as I was on my way to Samet rather foolishly left a case in the boot with many important documents. When I came back to get my car the case was gone along with the CD changer. The case was later found ditched at the back of the service center, with all documents, while the CD changer was stolen by a security man who was sacked. Honda went to my school with cash to pay me almost everything I asked for! I never even used the CD changer (I’m not a music lover) - it came with the second hand vehicle! Result! In Phuket the drunk cop who shot a noodle vendor and left him in a wheelchair was given 25 years. A good sentence. Driving on Rama 2 road - a total mess for many years due to expressway construction - continued to be a total gamble. Following deaths at a U-turn bridge and the dumping of tons of water on a woman’s Fiesta came news about yet another accident in which a metal strip went through a “Safety First” sign. Oh the irony! A grim accident in Nonthaburi claimed the life of a delivery guy who slammed into a bus. It was caused by an old person crossing the road under a pedestrian bridge. Last Sunday I came within a whisker of dispatching an aging monk who was crossing Phahonyothin within yards of a similar bridge. I’m glad I have the best part of a million kilometers on the roads under my belt or I could have made the news myself. The gamble that is life in Thailand came off for Mrs Rooster who had her third lottery win of the year. Three tix ending in 42 did the trick. Not just the 6,000 baht but “sabai jai” went through the roof because the tickets were bought while making merit at a temple for her mother who died a few months back. All the AN stories about mystical numbers appearing were, surprise surprise, wide of the mark. Sad stories of neglect and abuse this week from the north east featured horrendous assault by a 21 year old stepfather (I use the term loosely) who killed one kid and left another in grievous condition. A second story was about an octogenarian gran who claimed her 57 year old son starved her hoping to get his hands on her house and land. Karma intervened in the latter after the son died first. In lighter news an amusing video worth watching featured the chase and eventual capture of a deer that had escaped from a temple and held up the traffic. Then on Friday came an “Amazing Thailand” story about a former monk turned ladyboy celebrity who answered critics who wondered about how “Ms. Perry” had managed to pay 3.6 million baht in cash for a BMW. Hard work was how! Rooster couldn’t resist saying that the monk had worn a frock after his defrocking. Finally, the Bangkok governor Chadchart is having a crackdown on illegal parking in the capital and is trying to introduce an ITMS - the media called this an “Intelligence Traffic Management System”. An even worse English translation followed. The study into illegal parking areas was referred to as “Traffy Fondue”. Melted cheese or chocolate anyone? Rooster -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-20 - 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. 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Opinion – Minister Phiphat should do more homework before looking to open bars till 4 AM as Khao San is not a bar zone By Erich Parpart Allowing bars to remain open until 04:00 hrs. in tourist destinations is not that bad an idea, but the implementation of rules changes needs to be done in order to promote the designated bar/pub areas in the country and take into account where the tourists are spending the money. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269420-opinion-–-minister-phiphat-should-do-more-homework-before-looking-to-open-bars-till-4-am-as-khao-san-is-not-a-bar-zone/

By Erich Parpart Allowing bars to remain open until 04:00 hrs. in tourist destinations is not that bad an idea, but the implementation of rules changes needs to be done in order to promote the designated bar/pub areas in the country and take into account where the tourists are spending the money. The move by the government of 2014 coup leader Prayut Chan-o-cha to possibly allow opening of Khao San area in Bangkok along with other night club/bars/pub areas in Thailand to remain open until 04:00 hrs. from the current closing time of 02:00 hrs. is not a bad move but the key to such moves should be that it is impactful in whatever the government wants to achieve. Opening bars/pubs/clubs up until 04:00 hrs. is not something new, many venues and some were a stone throw away from the Royal Thai Police Headquarters in Ratchaprasong junction (Mix the club that was underground floor of InterContinental Hotel) used to remain open until the wee hours during the pre-Covid-19 era. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/43073/opinion-minister-phiphat-should-do-more-homework-before-looking-to-open-bars-till-4-am-as-khao-san-is-not-a-bar-zone/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-08-20 - 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!

South African woman gets life sentence reduced in Thailand SABCNews file photo A woman from George in the Western Cape who was sentenced to life imprisonment on drug charges in Thailand, has had her sentence reduced to just over 33 years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269415-south-african-woman-gets-life-sentence-reduced-in-thailand/