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Penalty point system to be introduced next year for drivers in Thailand Photo by Jack Hunter on Unsplash A penalty point system will come into force nationwide from January 9th next year, to aid in regulating the behaviour of motorists and motorcyclists and in an effort to reduce the number of road accidents in Thailand, one of the highest in the world. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266445-motorists-beware-points-system-in-operation-next-year-lose-all-your-points-and-licence-suspended-3-months/?do=findComment&comment=17490950

Penalty point system to be introduced next year for drivers in Thailand Photo by Jack Hunter on Unsplash A penalty point system will come into force nationwide from January 9th next year, to aid in regulating the behaviour of motorists and motorcyclists and in an effort to reduce the number of road accidents in Thailand, one of the highest in the world. According to the new traffic regulation, drivers or motorcyclists whose 12 points have been reduced to zero by traffic violations will have their driving licenses suspended for 90 days, meaning that they will not be allowed to drive a vehicle or a motorbike during that period. According to Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat, under the new system, each driver will receive an initial 12 points. If they commit a traffic violation, 1 to 4 points will automatically be deducted, in line with the nature of the infraction. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/penalty-point-system-to-be-introduced-next-year-for-drivers-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-20 - 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!

Thai Bankers Association comes out to warn of possible strain in the system if new virus variant goes rampant By Pitchayapa Phiwpong The Thai Bankers Association has come out to caution that a new wave of Covid-19 is likely to have an impact on the economy and has come out to seek government’s help to look at resolving the issue of rising non-performing loans (NPLs) during these challenging times. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266466-thai-bankers-association-comes-out-to-warn-of-possible-strain-in-the-system-if-new-virus-variant-goes-rampant/

By Pitchayapa Phiwpong The Thai Bankers Association has come out to caution that a new wave of Covid-19 is likely to have an impact on the economy and has come out to seek government’s help to look at resolving the issue of rising non-performing loans (NPLs) during these challenging times. Payong Srivanich, president of the Thai Bankers Association, revealed the “overview of the banking industry” that the COVID-19 pandemic is another crisis that is an ongoing challenge as banks are aware of the increasing risk factors. He said that the impact on the bank’s debtors and activities of the bank itself makes the banking system need to sustain business continuity and for a longer period of time. Payong’s call comes as Thailand discovers its 1st case of the subspecies of the fast-spreading Omicron BA2.75 in Trang province earlier today. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/41959/thai-bankers-association-comes-out-to-warn-of-possible-strain-in-the-system-if-new-virus-variant-goes-rampant/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-07-20 - 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!

UPDATE: Thailand’s TIP status upgraded to Tier 2, local activist awarded ‘hero’ status In this year’s 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP), compiled and recently published by the US State Department, Thailand has been upgraded to Tier 2, from Tier 2 “watch list” status, said Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana today (Wednesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266462-us-moves-thailand-up-to-tier-2-in-its-human-trafficking-report/?do=findComment&comment=17490785

Thailand’s TIP status upgraded to Tier 2, local activist awarded ‘hero’ status In this year’s 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP), compiled and recently published by the US State Department, Thailand has been upgraded to Tier 2, from Tier 2 “watch list” status, said Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana today (Wednesday). The TIP report also honours Thai labour activist, Apinya Tajit, as one of this year’s six TIP Report Heroes, in recognition of her heartfelt and unwavering persistence in advocating for workers exploited by forced labour, especially in the fishing industry, assisting victims with their reintegration into society and sharing her expertise with government officials and anti-trafficking authorities. Apinya was at the release ceremony for this year’s TIP report, held at the US State Department yesterday, with four other heroes, but without Kahtehrynah Chehrehpahkha from Ukraine, who were honoured by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-tip-status-upgraded-to-tier-2-local-activist-awarded-hero-status/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-20 - 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!

US Moves Thailand up to Tier 2 in Its Human Trafficking Report BANGKOK, July 20 (TNA) – The United States moved Thailand from Tier 2 Watch List last year to Tier 2 in its 2022 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266462-us-moves-thailand-up-to-tier-2-in-its-human-trafficking-report/

BANGKOK, July 20 (TNA) – The United States moved Thailand from Tier 2 Watch List last year to Tier 2 in its 2022 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, reflecting Thai government and private sectors' serious efforts to tackle human trafficking over the past. year. Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the US Department of State released the report on July 19 and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha acknowledged it. The TIP Report 2022 stated that the Thai government demonstrated its increasing efforts to tackle human trafficking. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-982102 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-07-20 - 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!

Odourless durian for those who hate that smell! By Editor Durian from Thailand is known for its custard texture and pungent smell, which is reviled and celebrated worldwide. Those who cannot tolerate the stinging aroma of Durian can rejoice as an “odourless” variety of the thorny fruit was introduced in Thailand last week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266461-odourless-durian-for-those-who-hate-that-smell/

By Editor Durian from Thailand is known for its custard texture and pungent smell, which is reviled and celebrated worldwide. Those who cannot tolerate the stinging aroma of Durian can rejoice as an “odourless” variety of the thorny fruit was introduced in Thailand last week. According to growers, a variety of the popular Mon Thong strain, grown in northeastern Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima Province, showcased at a durian festival in Pak Chong district, is sweet, dry, and has soft flesh – but most importantly, it is odourless. A boom in Chinese demand helped Thailand earn about 187 billion baht (S$7.1 billion) last year as the world’s leading durian exporter. In 2020, China’s imports of fresh durians quadrupled from 2017 to US$2.3 billion, surpassing cherries as the number one fruit import by value, according to United Nations data. Aside from being popular in Southeast Asia and China, Thailand’s spiky fruit has also been controversial. An Indonesian flight was grounded in 2018 after travellers complained about the fruit in the cargo hold. Following complaints that the smell in the cabin made flying unbearable, passengers disembarked the Sriwijaya Air flight bound for Jakarta from Bengkulu on Sumatra Island. Before taking off, the aircrew unloaded the fruit, which smelled like rotten onions, turpentine, and dirty gym socks. Students and staff were evacuated from the University of Canberra library in 2019 after rescue teams responded to reports of “a strong smell of gas” inside. It was later revealed that the durian’s odour was caused by an air vent near the facility’s second level, which was sealed afterwards. In some Asian cities, the smelly fruit is banned from public transportation and hotel rooms. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/07/odourless-durian-for-those-who-hate-that-smell/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-07-20 - 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!

Health Minister Defends Cannabis Policy During Censure Debate by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed that cannabis legalization is expressly for medical purposes and not recreational use. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266460-health-minister-defends-cannabis-policy-during-censure-debate/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed that cannabis legalization is expressly for medical purposes and not recreational use. The minister defended the policy on the first day of the no-confidence debate, after the opposition party claimed that the decision to remove the plant from the Type 5 narcotics list violated several international treaties and Thailand’s constitution. During the debate, deputy Pheu Thai leader and chief opposition whip Sutin Klungsang said the cannabis policy violates the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961. He also said it goes against Section 66 of the constitution, which requires Thailand to cooperate with international organizations and protect the public interest. He said the government must think about the benefits and drawbacks of this policy as the plant remains illegal in other countries with strict regulations on imports. In response to these allegations, Minister Anutin said the plant’s legalization was always intended for medical purposes and was never decriminalized for recreational use, which does not violate any international treaties or regulations that the country has ratified. He reminded all parties that the policy was always part of the government policy statement delivered in the House of Representatives and had passed the approval of numerous committees before being approved for removal from the narcotics list. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-20 - 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!

UPDATE: Police to Launch Point-Deduction System for Traffic Violations by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - After increasing penalties for traffic violations, the Royal Thai Police have said they intend to implement a so-called traffic point-cutting system at the beginning of next year, a form of electronic traffic ticketing designed to improve driving discipline and reduce road accidents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266445-motorists-beware-points-system-in-operation-next-year-lose-all-your-points-and-licence-suspended-3-months/?do=findComment&comment=17490646

Police to Launch Point-Deduction System for Traffic Violations by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - After increasing penalties for traffic violations, the Royal Thai Police have said they intend to implement a so-called traffic point-cutting system at the beginning of next year, a form of electronic traffic ticketing designed to improve driving discipline and reduce road accidents. According to Pol Maj Gen Ekkarat Limsangkat, chief of the Highway Police Division, beginning January 9, 2023, every driver’s license holder will be assigned 12 points, which will then be deducted for violations of traffic laws. Pol Maj Gen Ekkarat said infractions that can result in a one-point deduction include exceeding the speed limit, failing to stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings, not wearing a safety helmet, not fastening one’s seat belt, and talking on the phone while driving. Drivers who run red lights or intentionally drive in the wrong direction will lose two points, while illegal street racing will lose three points. Four points are the maximum penalty for serious violations such as drunk driving, The chief of the Highway Police Division said losing all 12 points would result in a 90-day suspension of the driver’s license, with the deducted points to be reinstated 12 months after their removal. More information is available at https://ptm.police.go.th/eTicket or via the government’s Pao Tang e-wallet application. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-20 - 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!

The more you drink the richer you'll get - North Eastern mystic under fire Daily News Thai Caption: The more you drink the richer you get Daily News went to investigate in Mahasarakham in the north east of Thailand after plenty of people attended ceremonies posted online. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266459-the-more-you-drink-the-richer-youll-get-north-eastern-mystic-under-fire/

Daily News Thai Caption: The more you drink the richer you get Daily News went to investigate in Mahasarakham in the north east of Thailand after plenty of people attended ceremonies posted online. These featured people getting drunk in order to get rich. Mystic Khamthee said it was a Pert Duang Sethee ceremony and had nothing to do with Buddhism. Picture: Daily News He explained the origins of the word "suraa" that is Thai for spirits as in spirits of the booze kind. This was all wound up in showing appreciation for teachers and luck. Drinking beer and spirits would help people commune with souls. People would drink anyway so why not at such a ceremony, said the mystic. But he laughs have been met with shock by some teetotaler's online who think that encouraging drinking in this manner is not good even though this is an animist ritual. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-19 - 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

UPDATE: Alleged Six Million THB Fraud By Senior Police In Bail Attempt For British Man By Editor Five people have been charged in connection with swindling 6 million baht out of a British man in exchange for freeing him from detention, according to police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266441-big-joke-involved-as-five-charged-for-swindling-6-million-baht-from-brit-in-exchange-for-freedom/?do=findComment&comment=17490535

Alleged Six Million THB Fraud By Senior Police In Bail Attempt For British Man By Editor Five people have been charged in connection with swindling 6 million baht out of a British man in exchange for freeing him from detention, according to police. Pol Col Ramet Kaewsungnoen, a superintendent of Mae Hong Son police, was among the accused. He was also using his alleged connection with Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakpan, the assistant national police chief. The British man, named as Ritesh Patel, 39, was arrested at the end of June with a fake British passport. It was discovered he was wanted in the UK and by Interpol on drugs charges. Phone calls and bank transfers were allegedly made in an attempt to secure his release for 6 million baht. Pol Lt Gen Surachate, known as Big Joke, told reporters that a woman named Thirawan Khiewngam had sought bail for the Briton, who was her friend, but this was rejected. Interpol had issued a red notice for him, and he was detained by the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok. Red Notices are issued for fugitives wanted either for prosecution or to serve a sentence. A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. Ms Thirawan then sought help from Thananwat Thanthanpan who told her that he was acquainted with a man named Witthaya Somsrisomsakul who could get in touch with Pol Col Ramet, a former classmate of Pol Lt Gen Surachate in the Royal Police Cadet Academy. Mr Thananwat said he believed Pol Col Ramet’s connections would be enough to persuade the immigration officers to release the Briton but 6 million baht must be paid to secure his freedom. On June 29, Mr Thananwat and Mr Witthaya visited the man at the detention centre in Bang Khen district, Bangkok. Ms Thirawan was to transfer 6 million baht to some bank accounts, however, after the money was transferred, Mr Witthaya made little attempt to secure bail and could not be reached on his phone. Ms Thirawan then decided to file a police complaint against the group with the Pak Klongsan police. The 6 million baht was found to have been remitted to third-party bank accounts before the money was eventually transferred to Pol Col Ramet and his family members’ bank accounts, as well as accounts owned by Mr Witthaya. The Pak Klongsan police have gathered evidence and summonsed Pol Col Ramet, Mr Witthaya, 67, and three others, Apirak Thiengtham, 43, Natnaree Boonma, 35, and Thipsuda Insongjai, 26, to acknowledge the charges against them. Initially, they have been charged with colluding to commit fraud. The three other suspects allegedly opened the third-party bank accounts to receive the 6 million baht. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/07/alleged-six-million-thb-fraud-by-senior-police-in-bail-attempt-for-british-man/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-07-20 - 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!

Two faced Janus cat born in northern Thailand Sanook Thai Caption: Cat with two faces Sanook reporters rushed to a house in Hang Chat, Lampang after reports of a strange kitten that was born. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266458-two-faced-janus-cat-born-in-northern-thailand/

Sanook Thai Captiom: Cat with two faces Sanook reporters rushed to a house in Hang Chat, Lampang after reports of a strange kitten that was born. The kitten, born on Sunday, has two faces and four eyes. The owner, News, 29, explained that her 2 year old cat Meow had started giving birth on Sunday at 10 am but one of the litter of four was stuck. She thought Meow would die so at 4 pm she took her to the vets who operated and removed the remarkable creature with two faces. It has been called Thung Ngern "Silver Bag" on the right and Thung Thong "Golden Bag", the face on the left. Though online research shows there really is just one moggie there. News said that she was feeding both faces with milk from a bottle and they were still living as of yesterday. She's looking on YouTube for information about loooking after cats with two faces, known as Janus cats. ASEAN NOW did just that and found one that lived for 15 years, a Guinness world record. One source says: "A Janus cat is one individual and has one head, one brain, one body and one set of internal organs. The only part of the body that is always duplicated is the face". Most don't live longer than a day but some buck the trend. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-19 - 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

Bangkok school suspends on-site classes after 910 students get COVID-19 The Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn School in Bangkok has announced the suspension of on-site classes from July 25th to 27th and from August 1st to the 5th after 910 of its students became infected with COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266456-bangkok-school-suspends-on-site-classes-after-910-students-get-covid-19/

The Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn School in Bangkok has announced the suspension of on-site classes from July 25th to 27th and from August 1st to the 5th after 910 of its students became infected with COVID-19. According to the school’s director, Jintana Srisarakham, who issued the announcement yesterday (Tuesday), the figure of 910 cases is the accumulated total as of Monday. She did not, however, reveal when infections in the school started. On-line teaching will be provided during the two periods of on-site class suspension. This Friday, the school will carry out a complete disinfection. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-school-suspends-on-site-classes-after-910-students-get-covid-19/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-20 - 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!

Cambodian teen missing after boat mishap on reservoir in NE Picture: Naew Na A search and rescue mission mounted by more than 30 people has failed to find a 19 year old Cambodian man missing after a boat accident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266455-cambodian-teen-missing-after-boat-mishap-on-reservoir-in-buriram/

Picture: Naew Na A search and rescue mission mounted by more than 30 people has failed to find a 19 year old Cambodian man missing after a boat accident. Seven Cambodians who all work selling shoes at the Rong Klua market in Aranyaprathet had gone fishing at Lam Nang Rong reservoir in Buriram, NE Thailand. They hired four long tail boats but one was driven up against a tree stump and capsized in bad weather, reported Naew Na. Win, 32, one of the survivors said they had done this fishing trip 4/5 times before and the accident happened to his brother-in-law who had never come before. Picture: Naew Na They had hired boats with captains driving and there were three people in his boat. The captain headed back for shore when a squall blew up. Win said he saw the tree stump but due to the speed of the boat was unable to warn the captain in time. Despite a 5 hour search the body of the missing teen - named as Rehua Ranglehua - had still not been located at dusk yesterday. Picture: Naew Na Picture: Naew Na

How to get CCTV footage from BMA cameras Daily News Thai Capyion: Bangkok's CCTV Deputy government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek went on her page to inform the public in Bangkok how to get files from BMA CCTV cameras in the Thai capital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266454-how-to-get-cctv-footage-from-bma-cameras/