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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday July 28 2022 Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267250-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-july-28-2022/

Listen to the news: A report has been presented to Parliament, by a team of lawyers recommending the government change the law to allow “entertainment centers” to operate casinos, which would be built in major cities across the country. The idea is to revive tourism to give a boost to the economy. The Ministry of Health has withdrawn a written request for the police to take legal action against unauthorised sellers of cannabis. Instead the department would like officers to warn rather than making arrests ... unless the plant is sold for smoking. more detailed laws on cannabis and hemp are likely to come into effect in due course. The cost of electricity appears set to rise to an all time high of 4.72 baht per unit, that's a rise of 72 satang which is likely to come into effect from September. Imported LPG gas makes up 60% of the fuel used to generate electricity in Thailand. A court in Chiang Mai has dismissed a case by a group fighting to reclaim the forest area at the foot of Doi Suthep. The judgment means a housing project for government staff will not be demolished and the land used is not a part of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park..Construction will now continue to complete the project. Chulalongkorn faculty of medicine has opened a lab to test for monkeypox, a PCR test will be taken of suspected infected patients. Region: Singapore: reported one more case of monkeypox yesterday, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 11 since June. Myanmar: Foreign currency restrictions are being blamed for increasing medicinal shortages. The regime told pharmaceutical importers that they will only receive an import license if they buy US dollars at the official exchange rate, which will means the price of medicines will continue to rise,” A fine start becoming cloudy Chiang Mai: sunny HOT 36C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy isolated showers 33C Pattaya and SE: Partly Cloudy with showers this afternoon 31C Phuket and the South: Partly Cloudy, isolated showers 30C Hua Hin: Fine and sunny becoming cloudy 32C 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 2022-07-28 - 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 - Thursday 28 July by Chili Radio Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267248-world-sports-news-thursday-28-july-by-chili-radio/

Listen to the news: Football - Eight-time European champions Germany will play England in the Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley on Sunday after they beat France 2-1 in their semi-final played last night in Milton Keynes. Former England defender Alex Scott said on the BBC "Everyone was talking and saying 'imagine if it is an England v Germany final at Wembley?' Well, it is happening. The hype is beginning. Transfer News - Manchester United have completed the signing of Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez from Ajax in a deal worth up to 67m euros. United manager Erik ten Hag was keen to be reunited with the 24-year-old, who he signed for Ajax in 2019. He joins the club on a five-year contract which keeps him at Old Trafford until 2027, with the option of a further year. Athletics - England's Dina Asher-Smith has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games with a "light hamstring strain". She pulled up with the injury while competing for Great Britain in the women's 4x100m relay final at the World Championships on Monday. Asher-Smith came third in the 200m at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast four years ago. She also won gold as part of the England 4x100m relay team. Download the Chili Radio app : https://chiliradio.app for Chili Pop and Chili Classics. -- © Copyright Chili RADIO 2022-07-28 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!

British Airways snubs Bangkok in favour of elite travellers to Singapore as Thai Airways rises by James Morris and Son Nguyen Airports of Thailand (AOT) President Nitinai Sirismatthakarn (centre) met with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to discuss the lack of flight connections to Thailand which the airports boss revealed are only operating at 33% of the level seen in 2019. It comes as British Airways has postponed the resumption of its London to Bangkok service from the end of the year while Thai Airways is on the up with over 600% more daily passengers and plans to operate charter flights from the United Kingdom at the end of the year to pick up the demand among foreign tourists there. As the government put off indefinitely its foreign tourism levy, this week, one of the country’s most successful conglomerates, Minor International (MINT) announced the addition of 60 new hotels and 10,000 rooms to its portfolio. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267241-british-airways-snubs-bangkok-in-favour-of-elite-travellers-to-singapore-as-thai-airways-rises/

Airports of Thailand (AOT) President Nitinai Sirismatthakarn (centre) met with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to discuss the lack of flight connections to Thailand which the airports boss revealed are only operating at 33% of the level seen in 2019. It comes as British Airways has postponed the resumption of its London to Bangkok service from the end of the year while Thai Airways is on the up with over 600% more daily passengers and plans to operate charter flights from the United Kingdom at the end of the year to pick up the demand among foreign tourists there. by James Morris and Son Nguyen As the government put off indefinitely its foreign tourism levy, this week, one of the country’s most successful conglomerates, Minor International (MINT) announced the addition of 60 new hotels and 10,000 rooms to its portfolio. This is positive news as a mild recovery is underway in foreign tourism with a key focus now on the improvement of flight connectivity amid fears that it may be as late as 2026 before the industry sees a return to normality with top executives in Thailand hoping that this will happen two years earlier by the end of 2024. British Airways has announced that it is not renewing its London to Bangkok service later this year nor is there any guarantee the UK airline will resume the service in March 2023 as it focuses its resources on the more profitable London to Singapore route. This announcement during the week comes with reports that Thai Airways which has increased its daily passenger rate by over 600% since the beginning of the year is planning to operate a charter flight service with UK travel agents to cater for an inherent demand in the United Kingdom with people interested in holidaying in Thailand. The news comes as airport officials and tourist chiefs in the kingdom held urgent meetings this week to see if flight connectivity to the kingdom can be improved with fears that it will be 2026 before the country’s vital foreign tourism sector returns to normal. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/07/27/british-airways-snubs-bangkok-for-singapore/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-07-28 - 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!

Ministry Moves To State That Only Marijuana Inflorescence Is A Controlled Herb by TNR Staff Marijuana plant. Photos: NNT THE Public Health Ministry is rushing to improve its ministerial announcement decriminalising marijuana to specify that only the inflorescence is controlled with a conclusion expected to be reached next week, Sanook.com said yesterday evening (July 27). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267240-ministry-moves-to-state-that-only-marijuana-inflorescence-is-a-controlled-herb/

Marijuana plant. Photos: NNT by TNR Staff THE Public Health Ministry is rushing to improve its ministerial announcement decriminalising marijuana to specify that only the inflorescence is controlled with a conclusion expected to be reached next week, Sanook.com said yesterday evening (July 27). Dr. Narong Saiwong, the deputy permanent secretary, and Dr. Yongyot Thammawut, the head of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said this review is taking place after the ministry recalled a letter sent to the police asking for their cooperation in prosecuting those who do not have permission to research, export, sell and process controlled herbs for trade. This is to protect people under 20 years of age, pregnant and lactating women. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/07/27/ministry-moves-to-state-that-only-marijuana-inflorescence-is-a-controlled-herb/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-07-28 - 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, Foreign Investors Eager To Buy Hotels In Bangkok, Major Tourist Cities by TNR Staff Kata Beach, Phuket. Photo: Mst7022 (CC BY 2.0) AS a result of tourism having improved in the first half of this year both Thai and foreign investors are now keen on buying hotels in Bangkok and four key tourist cities, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya and Chiang Mai, with several deals having already been concluded, Matichon newspaper yesterday (July 27). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267239-thai-foreign-investors-eager-to-buy-hotels-in-bangkok-major-tourist-cities/

Kata Beach, Phuket. Photo: Mst7022 (CC BY 2.0) by TNR Staff AS a result of tourism having improved in the first half of this year both Thai and foreign investors are now keen on buying hotels in Bangkok and four key tourist cities, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya and Chiang Mai, with several deals having already been concluded, Matichon newspaper yesterday (July 27). Mr. Phattarachai Thaweewong, research director at Colliers International Thailand, said while Chinese investors are interested in buying hotels in Phuket and Chiang Mai, those from the US, Singapore and Japan want to snap up the ones located in Bangkok. The key issue is reasonable price and attractive location as over 10 million domestic and foreign tourists are expected to travel within the country this year. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/07/27/thai-foreign-investors-eager-to-buy-hotels-in-bangkok-major-tourist-cities/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-07-28 - 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 sees hopes of achieving 7-10 million tourists arrivals in 2022 after it breaks 3 million in July By Pitchayapa Phiwpong Thailand’s tourism sector is witnessing a rebound with the latest data suggesting that the country has witnessed more than 3 million tourists arriving up until July 23rd with the government putting up its hopes of being able to attract up to 10 million tourists for the remainder of the year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267238-thailand-sees-hopes-of-achieving-7-10-million-tourists-arrivals-in-2022-after-it-breaks-3-million-in-july/

By Pitchayapa Phiwpong Thailand’s tourism sector is witnessing a rebound with the latest data suggesting that the country has witnessed more than 3 million tourists arriving up until July 23rd with the government putting up its hopes of being able to attract up to 10 million tourists for the remainder of the year. Thailand, which has seen its tourism market shatter with the lockdowns and the various travel restrictions that were put in place after the outbreak of the Covid-19 in 2020 and 2021, relies heavily on tourism to keep its economy going and tourism accounts for nearly 15% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The data released by the Thai government showed that the highest number of tourists arriving were from the United States of America with 366,568 tourists, followed by India with 313,053 tourists, and 3rd was Singapore with 171,034 tourists. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/42166/thailand-sees-hopes-of-achieving-7-10-million-tourists-arrivals-in-2022-after-it-breaks-3-million-in-july/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-07-28 - 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!

What was the most popular Thai News item in July? by Michael Bridge file photo for reference only Everyday our AseanNow.com’s news team publishes dozens of local, Asean and International news stories to keep our many followers up to date. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267236-what-was-the-most-popular-thai-news-item-in-july/

file photo for reference only by Michael Bridge What was the most popular Thai News item in July? Everyday our AseanNow.com’s news team publishes dozens of local, Asean and International news stories to keep our many followers up to date. To find out what news item was causing the most views and reactions we looked back to July 1st, 2022. Below are the top five articles published on ASEAN NOW in July, and it was very revealing as to what you - our reader - is most keen to read. Each article heading below is hyperlinked so you can read the original story. 5. Select foreigners can own 0.16 hectares (1 rai) for residential use in Thailand from September. It attracted 9,000 views and 160 replies. 4. Leading Thai doctors calling for mask mandate to be reinstated. 9,200 views and over 356 replies. 3. Thailand wants to lose its reputation for being ‘cheap’ and aims to become a premium travel destination. 9,700 views and 270 replies were generated. 2. Tourism ministry dual pricing proposal for hotel rates. 12,900 views and 349 replies. 1. Tim 'Sharky' Ward looks almost unrecognizable as he is spotted back in Australia after leaving his life in Thailand. 14,500 views and 188 replies. Sharky got the most views during July which was surprising as many do not even know he was. But it does show we are interested in people, fellow expats. That said the highest number of replies which got you all writing in was about wearing masks with a whopping 356 replies. We will keep posting a cross-section of news items and welcome your responses as long as they are clean and relevant to the topic. We thank you for your support and input. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-28 - 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 Thursday 28 July 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1267235-thailand-live-thursday-28-july-2022/

DMS: BA.4 & BA.5 Omicron subvariants produce more severe symptoms than BA.2 BANGKOK (NNT) - Covid patients infected by the BA.5 Omicron subvariant are now found in greater numbers than those with the BA.4 subvariant. Both strains have been found to produce symptoms more severe than those caused by the BA.2 strain. Nonetheless, health authorities are asserting that booster shots of the vaccine help to prevent severe symptoms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267194-dms-ba4-ba5-omicron-subvariants-produce-more-severe-symptoms-than-ba2/

House panel allows same-sex foreign couples to register civil partnership in Thailand The House committee vetting the Civil Partnership Bill decided today (Wednesday) to amend the bill to make it possible for same-sex couples who are both foreigners to register their partnership in Thailand, instead of one of them having to be a Thai national. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267192-house-panel-allows-same-sex-foreign-couples-to-register-civil-partnership-in-thailand/

The Ministry of Public Health has issued an urgent letter to the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police to conduct immediate legal prosecutions against cannabis researchers, sellers, exporters, and processors who are not holding legal licenses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267197-royal-thai-police-to-conduct-prosecutions-against-illegal-cannabis-sales/

Suitable private labs will be allowed to test for monkeypox, no new case yet Private laboratories in Thailand will be allowed to test specimens of suspected monkeypox infection, in addition to facilities at major hospitals and the Department of Medical Sciences, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said today (Wednesday), as the government confirms that no new infections have been identified in the country, following the first case in a Nigerian man in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267172-suitable-private-labs-will-be-allowed-to-test-for-monkeypox-no-new-case-yet/

Private laboratories in Thailand will be allowed to test specimens of suspected monkeypox infection, in addition to facilities at major hospitals and the Department of Medical Sciences, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said today (Wednesday), as the government confirms that no new infections have been identified in the country, following the first case in a Nigerian man in Phuket. Sathit said that safety measures will be increased at private labs, up to level two plus, before they will be allowed to test for monkeypox virus, because the testing process is more complicated and standard labs are not suitably equipped. He also said he expects to sign a draft announcement from the Department of Medical Sciences to upgrade the status of private labs this afternoon. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/suitable-private-labs-will-be-allowed-to-test-for-monkeypox-no-new-case-yet/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-27 - 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!

Whitewater Rafting Season Starts in Phitsanulok PHITSANULOK, July 27 (TNA) – The famous whitewater rafting season of Phitsanulok has started in the Khek river. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267168-whitewater-rafting-season-starts-in-phitsanulok/

PHITSANULOK, July 27 (TNA) – The famous whitewater rafting season of Phitsanulok has started in the Khek river. The activity is suitable for tourists of all genders and ages. The Khek River offers from Level 1 to Level 5 of rafting difficulty and thus welcomes everyone from rookies to experienced adventurers. There are 17 sections of rapids on a distance of about eight kilometers and a rafting session takes about 2-3 hours. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-986673 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-07-27 - 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!

2 Thai beaches make top 20 list of most beautiful beaches in the world by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Two of Thailand’s beaches have made it onto a recent top 20 list of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In response, the prime minister has told tourism-related agencies to continue making preparations for the arrival of foreign tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267167-2-thai-beaches-make-top-20-list-of-most-beautiful-beaches-in-the-world/

by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Two of Thailand’s beaches have made it onto a recent top 20 list of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In response, the prime minister has told tourism-related agencies to continue making preparations for the arrival of foreign tourists. The United Kingdom’s Daily Star newspaper has reported on a recent ranking of “world’s 20 most beautiful beaches”. The ranking was created from an analysis of Instagram posts and the number of Google articles that contained the word ‘beautiful’ for each beach. Venice Beach, California topped the ranking while Thailand’s Sunrise Beach in Satun and Maya Bay in Krabi also made the cut. Sunrise Beach was placed 6th and Maya Bay 12th. Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha said the ranking reflects Thailand’s popularity amongst global tourists. He, therefore, reiterated to tourism-related agencies to make preparations to receive foreign tourists under the 2022 plan for driving the tourism sector. 2022 is a year for Thai tourism promotion and the government is currently implementing the Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters campaign. New aspects of the tourism experience are the focus of the campaign. ‘Amazing New Chapters’ seeks to add significance to each trip made by tourists who were denied travel opportunities due to the Covid pandemic. Gen. Prayut also expressed support for multi-sectoral collaborations on tourism for the purpose of attracting more tourists and expanding cooperation to involve other nations. He cited the Northeast India Festival in Bangkok at the end of this month as an example. This event will be held at Central World on July 30 and 31. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-27 - 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!

Finance Min retains 2022 GDP growth projection at 3.5% by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The recovery of the tourism sector is expected to continue, with state agencies now expecting an international arrival figure of about 8 million this year. This has compelled the Ministry of Finance to retain its GDP growth forecast of 3.5% for 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267166-finance-min-retains-2022-gdp-growth-projection-at-35/