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Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat accused the government, during the final day of the censure debate yesterday (Friday), of complete failure in three strategic areas intended to drive Thailand to a prosperous future. In its three years in the office, he said, the government has left many Thais hopeless and without a dream. The first area, he claimed, are major infrastructure projects, including the Thai-Chinese high speed train project, phase three of the Laem Chabang deep seaport expansion and the highspeed train project to link Don Muaeng, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao international airports. Pita said that there is no progress in the train project to link the airports, only 4.6% progress in the Thai-Chinese rail project and only 5% progress in the deep seaport project. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-party-leader-slams-government-for-its-significant-failures/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-23 - 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 Saturday 23 July 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1266745-thailand-live-saturday-23-july-2022/

Half a million in Thailand saved by Covid vaccine Vaccine is now free, safe, widely available, and, as research clearly indicates, very beneficial in Thailand. Thai researcher believes that the government’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign has saved over 490,000 lives over the last two years. This finding is particularly relevant given the introduction of the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron, more transmissible variants. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266704-half-a-million-in-thailand-saved-by-covid-vaccine/

Committee to draft regulation on importing cigarettes containing marijuana substances The National Tobacco Products Control Committee is planning to draft a law to ban importing and selling e-cigarettes and cigarettes that contain cannabis and hemp substances. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266719-committee-to-draft-regulation-on-importing-cigarettes-containing-marijuana-substances/

Thai police searching for monkeypox-infected Nigerian man Thai police and health officials in Phuket are trying to trace the whereabouts of a Nigerian man, confirmed to be Thailand’s first monkeypox case, after he did not show up for treatment at a hospital and disappeared from his hotel in Phuket’s Patong area on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266702-thai-police-searching-for-monkeypox-infected-nigerian-man/

BMTA Announces New EV Bus Campaign Could Start in 2023 by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has announced that new electric buses will likely begin operating in Bangkok in early 2023 if a plan to hire private operators is not delayed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266689-bmta-announces-new-ev-bus-campaign-could-start-in-2023/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has announced that new electric buses will likely begin operating in Bangkok in early 2023 if a plan to hire private operators is not delayed. Discussing the new transportation campaign, Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul, chief executive officer of the BMTA, said the terms of reference (TOR) for electronic bidding would be finalized in August and the bidding could take place in September. The BMTA, which operates public buses in Bangkok and has a budget of 953 million baht, plans to hire private companies to operate 224 electric buses to increase its capacity to serve up to one million passengers per day. Bus shortages have compelled commuters to endure long wait times, particularly at night. The BMTA claimed it lacked sufficient funds to purchase new buses to improve its service. Kittikan stated that the BMTA has also joined the Integrity Pact of the Comptroller General’s Department to ensure the project’s transparency. He added that in order to comply with the Pact, the project’s bidding terms would also be drafted under the supervision of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Currently, gasoline and natural gas cost the BMTA approximately 1.5 billion baht annually, while maintenance costs are 1.6 billion baht annually. The use of the 224 EV buses is anticipated to save the BMTA approximately 70 million baht annually in fuel costs and 160 million baht annually in maintenance costs. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-22 - 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!

Tourism Revenue of 1.2 Trillion Baht Anticipated This Year by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakan has stated that tourism revenue in 2022 could total 1.2 trillion baht, which is below the government’s target of 1.5 trillion baht if no additional support or stimulus schemes are implemented. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266686-tourism-revenue-of-12-trillion-baht-anticipated-this-year/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakan has stated that tourism revenue in 2022 could total 1.2 trillion baht, which is below the government’s target of 1.5 trillion baht if no additional support or stimulus schemes are implemented. According to Phiphat, stimulus packages, including a one-billion-baht project titled "Booster Shot" overseen by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and a one-billion-baht sports tourism project, which aims to promote international and local sporting events throughout the country, have been proposed. The Booster Shot, jointly proposed by the government and private sector, is being reviewed by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). The economic body is to determine whether to use the central budget or the emergency loan decree to support the program. Despite tourism’s contribution to GDP reaching 18 percent before the pandemic, the minister said that over the past two years, the majority of measures proposed by the ministry to assist tourism operators were rejected. Phiphat added that the industry requires the Booster Shot program to stimulate demand and strengthen tourism stakeholders. TAT, meanwhile, stated that it would also coordinate with a number of airlines to increase the seating capacity of all flights to at least 50 percent of pre-pandemic levels and assist tourism operators, such as tour bus companies that have experienced a lack of customers from China, to transport more local tour groups. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-22 - 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!

Expert warns Bangkok may face worse flooding September-October In September and October, Bangkok is at risk of flooding which may be worse than that experienced this week, especially Wednesday night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266684-expert-warns-bangkok-may-face-worse-flooding-september-october/

In September and October, Bangkok is at risk of flooding which may be worse than that experienced this week, especially Wednesday night, warned Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seree Supratid, a water expert and director of the Climate Change and Disaster Centre at Rangsit University. Dr. Seree said that the flooding in Bangkok on Wednesday and Thursday was caused by an unusual amount of rainfall, measured at 160mm in some areas, which is equivalent to the maximum amount in a 10-year cycle, compared to 60mm in a 2-year cycle. He explained that the 160mm of rainfall for a 10-year cycle was the average rainfall calculated from the amount of rain which fell in the past 50 years and 260mm for a 100-year cycle, adding that this kind of excessive rain can occur any time, citing the downpours on Wednesday night. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/expert-warns-bangkok-may-face-worse-flooding-september-october/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-22 - 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!

COVID patients caught in crossfire of battle over drug monopoly Although COVID-19 patients have the option of being treated at private hospitals, health authorities still insist that doctors only prescribe antiviral drugs according to Medical Services Department (MDS) guidelines. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266683-covid-patients-caught-in-crossfire-of-battle-over-drug-monopoly/

Although COVID-19 patients have the option of being treated at private hospitals, health authorities still insist that doctors only prescribe antiviral drugs according to Medical Services Department (MDS) guidelines. Other than basic medication to treat fever or nasal congestion, the guidelines allow for the prescription of Favipiravir, Remdisivir, Molnupiravir, Nirmaltrevir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) and Corticosteroids. However, most of these names don’t ring a bell as few patients have ever used them. Now, public concern is growing that many patients may have missed out on effective treatments due to government controls. “I did not get Favipiravir when I was treated under the social security scheme, not even when I asked for it,” a former patient complained. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-patients-caught-in-crossfire-of-battle-over-drug-monopoly/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-22 - 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!

UPDATE: 6.4 Earthquake Shakes Chang Rai And Myanmar By Editor Seismograph with paper in action and earthquake - 3D Rendering A series of earthquakes struck Myanmar’s Shan State and Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand through the night. The earthquakes began at around 11:30pm yesterday (21st July). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266652-tremors-in-the-night-shake-north-thailand-can-be-felt-in-several-provinces-including-bangkok/?do=findComment&comment=17494841

6.4 Earthquake Shakes Chang Rai And Myanmar By Editor Seismograph with paper in action and earthquake - 3D Rendering A series of earthquakes struck Myanmar’s Shan State and Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand through the night. The earthquakes began at around 11:30pm yesterday (21st July) and as of 7am, a total of 47 tremors ranging in magnitude from 2.4 to 6.4 on the Richter scale had occurred. More earthquakes are expected today, according to Thailand’s meteorological department. No damage or injuries have been reported as a result of the earthquakes so far. However, damage near the epicentre is possible. The strongest earthquake which measured 6.4 on the Richter scale occurred at 00:06. The epicentre was found 87 kilometres northeast of Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, across the border in Myanmar. At 2:31am, a 4.6 magnitude earthquake at a depth of 1 kilometre occurred 78 kilometres northeast of Mae Sai district. At 5:22am, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake at a depth of 4 kilometres struck 82 kilometres northeast of Mae Sai district. The earthquakes were felt in Myanmar’s Shan State south of Keng Tung and in various areas in Chiang Rai province including Mae Sai district, Mae Chan district, Mae Fah Luang district, Mueang district, Phan district, Chiang Saen district and Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai. Weak shaking may also have been felt across the border in southern China. The tremors occurred during the night and many Chiang Rai residents posted on social media to say they were woken up by their beds shaking. More earthquakes are expected today in Chiang Rai and across the border in Myanmar, according to the Earthquake Observance Division of Thailand’s Meteorological Department. The department said that earthquakes with a maximum magnitude of 6.4 are expected, which could affect buildings near the epicentre and cause minor damage such as a broken windows. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/07/6-4-earthquake-shakes-chang-rai-and-myanmar/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-07-22 - 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!

Pegasus spyware scandal returns to haunt Thai govt By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk A joint investigation by Thai human rights group iLaw, Southeast Asian internet watchdog Digital Reach, and Canadian cybersecurity watchdog Citizen Lab uncovered the use of Pegasus spyware on at least 30 government critics between October 2020 to November 2021.(Photo by Daniel Gzz) Allegations that Thai authorities used surveillance spyware on government critics returned to haunt those in power just a day before the no-confidence debate started on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266678-pegasus-spyware-scandal-returns-to-haunt-thai-govt/

A joint investigation by Thai human rights group iLaw, Southeast Asian internet watchdog Digital Reach, and Canadian cybersecurity watchdog Citizen Lab uncovered the use of Pegasus spyware on at least 30 government critics between October 2020 to November 2021.(Photo by Daniel Gzz) By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Allegations that Thai authorities used surveillance spyware on government critics returned to haunt those in power just a day before the no-confidence debate started on Tuesday. It was reported that at least 30 Thai activists, academics and civil society leaders involved in street protests were monitored over the past two years with the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware. Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn insisted in Parliament on Tuesday that Thai authorities had used surveillance software to track individuals only in “limited” cases involving national security or illicit drugs. The latest allegation is based on a joint investigation by Thai human rights group iLaw, Southeast Asian internet watchdog Digital Reach, and Canadian cybersecurity watchdog Citizen Lab. The probe uncovered the use of Pegasus spyware on at least 30 government critics between October 2020 to November 2021. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pegasus-spyware-scandal-returns-to-haunt-thai-govt/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-22 - 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!

TAT wins Social Empowerment category at Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards 2022 Award was presented in front of a global online audience in the AREA Virtual Awards Ceremony on the YouTube channel Enterprise Asia TV. TAT Newsroom Phuket (file photo) The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been named the winner of the Social Empowerment category of the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2022, for its ‘Leader in Opening the Phuket Sandbox for Foreign Tourists’ project that led the way in Thailand’s successful reopening to international tourism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266677-tat-wins-social-empowerment-category-at-asia-responsible-enterprise-awards-2022/

Phuket (file photo) Award was presented in front of a global online audience in the AREA Virtual Awards Ceremony on the YouTube channel Enterprise Asia TV. TAT Newsroom The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been named the winner of the Social Empowerment category of the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2022, for its ‘Leader in Opening the Phuket Sandbox for Foreign Tourists’ project that led the way in Thailand’s successful reopening to international tourism. The prestigious award was officially presented during the AREA Virtual Awards Ceremony that was held live yesterday (21 July, 2022) from 14.00-17.00 Hrs. (Thailand time) on the YouTube channel Enterprise Asia TV, and watched by a worldwide audience of various organisations, agencies, entrepreneurs, and leading individuals in the CSR arena. The awards ceremony can be viewed on Youtube: Enterprise Asia at https://youtu.be/UZTwdbvlaMQ. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “TAT is truly honoured to have been selected winner of the Social Empowerment category in the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards 2022. In our mission to reopen and revitalise Thailand’s tourism industry, the safety and benefit of the Thai people and local communities was among the key objectives and to be recognised for this on the world scene is very rewarding.” The Social Empowerment category is one of seven categories awarded in Enterprise Asia’s Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards programme, which recognises and honours Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible business practices. The others are Green Leadership, Health Promotion, Investment in People, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, and Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and there is also one category for Responsible Business Leadership. The Awards are built on six key pillars; namely, the Environment, Fair Practices, Health, Leadership, the Community and its People. The Phuket Sandbox project was instrumental in the TAT’s mission to lead the revival of Thai tourism, to safely reopen Thailand to foreign tourists and begin to rebuild the country’s vital tourism industry. In this mission the TAT’s extensive efforts were carried out in cooperation with the airlines, airports, hotels, travel agencies, attractions, and various sectors of the industry, as well as government agencies like the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The Phuket Sandbox project was launched on 1 July, 2021, as the pilot project for reopening Thailand to foreign tourists, and was subsequently followed by the opening of other destinations like Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao), Phang-nga (Khao Lak and Ko Yao), and Krabi (Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai and Railay Beach) and then other key cities around the country. Introduced with the necessary health and safety precautions against COVID-19, the Phuket Sandbox project was initially available to fully vaccinated foreign tourists. They were required to stay at Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA)-certified accommodation, and to undergo COVID-19 testing. The SHA certification was introduced in May 2020, and was certified by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in alignment with the WTTC Safe Travels protocols. “Thailand is now on the stage of fully reopening, and TAT would like to welcome everyone back to the kingdom with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters’ tourism marketing campaign. We will continue to promote the kingdom as a world-class destination that offers something for everyone under the ‘From A-Z: Amazing Thailand Has It All’ concept. This will be showcased alongside the kingdom’s 5F, 4M soft-power foundations; namely, Food, Film, Fashion, Festival, Fight, Music, Museum, Master, and Meta,” said Mr. Yuthasak. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/07/tat-wins-social-empowerment-category-at-asia-responsible-enterprise-awards-2022/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-07-22 - 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!

RTP chief wants arrest of Thai/Singaporean couple named for 800 MB fraud on island nation Wanted by the Singapore police The deputy Royal Thai Police spokesman yesterday commented on the case of a Thai woman with a Singaporean husband who have been named in a warrant for fraud by the Singapore police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266675-rtp-chief-wants-arrest-of-thaisingaporean-couple-named-for-800-mb-fraud-on-island-nation/

Wanted by the Singapore police The deputy Royal Thai Police spokesman yesterday commented on the case of a Thai woman with a Singaporean husband who have been named in a warrant for fraud by the Singapore police. Pol Col Krissana Pattanacharoen said that there were 180 victims of the couple's alleged fraud, reported Sanook. It involved selling designer bags and watches valued at 800 million baht. The couple skipped bail while under interrogation and a Red Notice is now out worldwide with Interpol. Krissana said that the RTP chief - Pol Gen Suwat Changyodsuk - has told all authorities to be on the watch for the couple. It was true that the paperwork regarding the case has yet to be done but that was a formality as soon as the Singaporeans get in touch, he said. Then added somewhat cryptically that he advised the public to get their news from trusted sources in relation to this story and not listen to unsubstantiated rumor. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-22 - 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! 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

Marijuana latest: Could Thailand be a hub for WWW - Wacky Weed Wear?! Picture: Siam Rath A group of old ladies in Ratchaburi, south central Thailand, are expanding their clothing brand that features designs directly from flowers and leaves in nature. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266673-marijuana-latest-could-thailand-be-a-hub-for-www-wacky-weed-wear/

Picture: Siam Rath A group of old ladies in Ratchaburi, south central Thailand, are expanding their clothing brand that features designs directly from flowers and leaves in nature. Now they have an instant hit and new top seller - ganja shirts and even weed bedspreads featuring the distinctive spiky leaves of the plant. Picture: Siam Rath A plant that is all the rage in Thailand after it was removed from the Class 5 drugs list officially last June 9th. The ladies of Jet Saman sub-district proudly showed their selection and production processes for putting the leaves of many plants on clothing and other items, reported Siam Rath. Many industries are springing up surrounding marijuana and hemp in Thailand, notes ASEAN NOW. Could the kingdom now be a hub for something that might be termed the new WWW - Wacky Weed Wear? Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath

Thai gran faces the courts for collecting just a handful of galangal for her curry Daily News Thai Caption: For just a handful of galangal A 70 year old grandmother in Sakon Nakhon, NE Thailand, is appealing for justice after she found herself facing a charge of theft. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266669-thai-gran-faces-the-courts-for-collecting-just-a-handful-of-galangal-for-her-curry/