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Phuket to hold tsunami evacuation drill later this week By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – The Phuket City Municipality is inviting people to join in the tsunami evacuation drill on Wednesday, July 20th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266302-phuket-to-hold-tsunami-evacuation-drill-later-this-week/

By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – The Phuket City Municipality is inviting people to join in the tsunami evacuation drill on Wednesday, July 20th. The drill came after the Phuket Governor has ordered relevant officials to stay updated and keep a close eye on oceanic earthquake situations. The Phuket City Municipality says the evacuation drill is ‘Table Top Exercise: TTX’ style. The drill will include warning practices, evacuation drills, and shelter management. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/07/18/phuket-to-hold-tsunami-evacuation-drill-later-this-week/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 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!

Paperwork is clogging up government departments in Thailand OPINION | by Michael Bridge file photo Recently I re-applied for my work permit for another year in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266300-paperwork-is-clogging-up-government-departments-in-thailand/

file photo OPINION | by Michael Bridge Recently I re-applied for my work permit for another year in Thailand. This was my 12th time, so you would have thought the process would get easier, but no, still numerous signatures required on many pages. Now there have been some steps forward to digitization, as we can now complete our 90 days reporting online. However, with the global need to protect our planet, it seems almost criminal that the process of actually applying for a work permit in Thailand should involve so much paperwork. In my case, they wanted a copy of every page of my passport which amounted to 42 pages. In addition, I had to provide a medical certificate stating I was healthy, plus proof of my residence too. As I had recently moved, I also had to copy my landlord’s contract and then take it to my lawyer for her to endorse my signature. Then they were other forms regarding the Company I work for plus my tax returns. Once complete the wad of just my own paperwork was enough to write a paperback. At the work permit office, you could hardly see the staff’s desks as they were weighed down by stacks of other people’s applications. It was the same at the local inland revenue office where staff had to use trollies to wheel around the paperwork from department to department. And let’s not forget what we need to provide to get the annual visa at the immigration offices around the country. It is starting to get out of hand and yet everything could be simply dealt with online. We would not need to waste fuel driving to these offices as well. The Labour, Immigration and Inland Revenue offices would be saving on paper, printing ink, and massive storage too. So what is stopping the government from implementing digitization on a grand scale? I suppose the staff at these departments would be concerned that half their colleagues would overnight lose their jobs as digitalization would reduce their workload dramatically. Also, it would do away with a lot of the interaction between the customer, visa agents, and the staff at these offices too and we know what that means!!! And so, it is not surprising that they continue to chop down forests to feed their paper requirements. -- © 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

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 19 July 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1266299-thailand-live-tuesday-19-july-2022/

Thai Prime Minister prepares for four-day no-confidence debate PHOTO: Prachachat Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha revealed that he was ready for the no-confidence debate at the parliament, starting this Tuesday, July 19th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266282-thai-prime-minister-prepares-for-four-day-no-confidence-debate/

Despite rise in infections, Bangkok will proceed with outdoor activities The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will not cancel outdoor entertainment activities for the public, despite a small rise in daily infections in the capital, and will ask the Public Health Ministry to ease restrictions so the city can procure COVID-19 medications directly, without relying on the ministry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266246-despite-rise-in-infections-bangkok-will-proceed-with-outdoor-activities/

Chonburi Homeless Center vows to enforce stricter bans on alcohol after gruesome murder of homeless man By Tanakorn Panyadee Banglamung, Pattaya — The Chonburi Homeless Protection Center mourned over the gruesome murder of a homeless man in the center’s facility and vowed to enforce stricter inspections and bans on alcohol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266235-chonburi-homeless-center-vows-to-enforce-stricter-bans-on-alcohol-after-gruesome-murder-of-homeless-man/

Chonburi Homeless Center vows to enforce stricter bans on alcohol after gruesome murder of homeless man By Tanakorn Panyadee Banglamung, Pattaya — The Chonburi Homeless Protection Center mourned over the gruesome murder of a homeless man in the center’s facility and vowed to enforce stricter inspections and bans on alcohol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266235-chonburi-homeless-center-vows-to-enforce-stricter-bans-on-alcohol-after-gruesome-murder-of-homeless-man/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Banglamung, Pattaya — The Chonburi Homeless Protection Center mourned over the gruesome murder of a homeless man in the center’s facility and vowed to enforce stricter inspections and bans on alcohol. The director of the Department of Social Development and Welfare, Anukul Peedkaew, held a press conference last night, July 17th, to provide an update on the murder of a homeless man by another intoxicated homeless man in the Chonburi Homeless Protection Center in the early hours of the same day, Sunday, July 17th. According to the director, the Chonburi Homeless Protection Center was grieving the incident and ready to accept responsibility. Initially, officials at the center contacted the victim’s relatives to take his body to perform religious rites while the suspect was still going through legal proceedings. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/07/18/chonburi-homeless-center-vows-to-enforce-stricter-bans-on-alcohol-after-gruesome-murder-of-homeless-man/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-07-18 - 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’s trade deficit for June amounts to 40 billion baht as baht weakens Thailand’s trade deficit for the month of June was over 40 billion baht, partly due to a 19% increase in the value of imports, especially energy. The figure includes a 10% increase in the value of exports. The Thai baht also weakened against the US dollar, said Krungthai Global Markets Strategist Poon Panichpibool today (Monday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266233-thailand’s-trade-deficit-for-june-amounts-to-40-billion-baht-as-baht-weakens/

Thailand’s trade deficit for the month of June was over 40 billion baht, partly due to a 19% increase in the value of imports, especially energy. The figure includes a 10% increase in the value of exports. The Thai baht also weakened against the US dollar, said Krungthai Global Markets Strategist Poon Panichpibool today (Monday). According to Poon, the baht is expected to fluctuate between 36.5 and 36.7 baht/US dollar today, and between 36.3 to 36.9 baht/US dollar this week. He forecast, however, that the baht currency may further weaken, but will not break the 37 baht/US dollar threshold if China does not resort to widespread lockdowns to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-trade-deficit-for-june-amounts-to-40-billion-baht-as-baht-weakens/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-18 - 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!

Venues Reminded to Implement Proper Zoning for Cannabis Products by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities are reminding convenience stores and shopping malls to clearly designate sections where cannabis-based food, drink and snack products are sold and to limit sales to customers over the age of 20. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266229-venues-reminded-to-implement-proper-zoning-for-cannabis-products/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities are reminding convenience stores and shopping malls to clearly designate sections where cannabis-based food, drink and snack products are sold and to limit sales to customers over the age of 20. Discussing an incident in which a child became ill after consuming a snack containing cannabis, Weerachai Nolwachai, deputy secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said the agency had already issued a public health ruling requiring that cannabis be clearly labeled as an ingredient, regardless of the amount present. Weerachai added that the label must clearly specify that the product is not for sale to minors, pregnant or nursing women, and anyone allergic to cannabidiol (CBD) oil, a substance extracted from cannabis and hemp, or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. A campaign is meanwhile continuing in Ban Thung Phaem’s community enterprise of Mae Hong Son province to urge locals to strictly adhere to government regulations concerning the cultivation of cannabis plants, and to monitor for suspicious activity. Community Founder Orapin Phayapitaksakul said locals have been warned not to use cannabis for recreational purposes and to assist the government in promoting the plant’s medicinal properties to treat those with illnesses. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-18 - 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!

Over 6.7 million of Thailand’s digital lottery tickets sold in 24 hours More than 6.7 million of the 7.1 million digital lottery tickets for the August 1st draw have been snapped up since they were made available at 6am yesterday (Sunday), Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said today, in a demonstration of the popularity of the online option, which isaimed at tackling overpricing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266228-over-67-million-of-thailand’s-digital-lottery-tickets-sold-in-24-hours/

More than 6.7 million of the 7.1 million digital lottery tickets for the August 1st draw have been snapped up since they were made available at 6am yesterday (Sunday), Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said today, in a demonstration of the popularity of the online option, which isaimed at tackling overpricing. He expects the remaining tickets to sell out this morning. The number of digital lottery tickets for the August 1st draw was increased by two million, from the original 5.1 million,after the launch of online ticket sales on June 2nd (for the June 16th draw). Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/over-6-7-million-of-thailands-digital-lottery-tickets-sold-in-24-hours/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-18 - 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!

Opinion: Thammanat’s gamble may not be working as he still needs to gain the trust of the opposition By Erich Parpart Thammanat Prompao, the convicted drug dealer who was once vying for the position of the Ministry of Interior, seems to be fumbling in every major decision he has been making ever since he quit the ruling coalition led by the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to form his own outfit – Setthakij Thai Party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266227-opinion-thammanat’s-gamble-may-not-be-working-as-he-still-needs-to-gain-the-trust-of-the-opposition/

By Erich Parpart Thammanat Prompao, the convicted drug dealer who was once vying for the position of the Ministry of Interior, seems to be fumbling in every major decision he has been making ever since he quit the ruling coalition led by the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to form his own outfit – Setthakij Thai Party. Settakij Thai Party, which translates to Thai Economic Party, has the sole aim of bringing down 2014 coup leader General Prayut Chan-ocha from power. However, the party and Thammanat continued to be aligned with the leader of PPRP, General Prawit Wongsuwon. This is true until yesterday when Thammanat went to meet Prawit to bid farewell and declare himself to be with the opposition at the upcoming no-confidence debate that is slated to start tomorrow (July 19). Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/41844/opinion-thammanats-gamble-may-not-be-working-as-he-still-needs-to-gain-the-trust-of-the-opposition/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-07-18 - 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!

Russian Billionaire’s Amazing Floating Chalet Docks in Thailand, the New Superyacht Haven by Otilia Drăgan The parade of incredibly-luxurious pleasure craft owned by Russian oligarchs seems to be never ending. One of the latest one to show off its spectacular silhouette, disregarding sanctions and the on-going war, is an adventurous masterpiece that was built as a floating chalet for a billionaire sports enthusiast. At 54, Alexander Svetakov is one of the youngest billionaires in Russia, with a remarkable track record in banking, real-estate, and business. He was also described as “fit and adventurous” in the Boat International story dedicated to his incredible luxury explorer, the Cloudbreak. Earlier this year, Cloudbreak was one of the many superyachts that were officially banned from the Falmouth harbor, in the UK, a place where Svetakov’s yacht was known to have docked in the past. Almost six months later, it has emerged in an unexpected location, Thailand. The local media shared images of the massive, 237-footer (72 meters) arriving and docking in Samui this past weekend. Full story: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/russian-billionaires-amazing-floating-chalet-docks-in-thailand-the-new-superyacht-haven-193785.html -- AUTOEVOLUTION 2022-07-18

Talks to Discuss Curbing Post-Holiday Activities by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has announced it will convene a meeting with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to discuss plans for reducing public activities in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266223-talks-to-discuss-curbing-post-holiday-activities/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has announced it will convene a meeting with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to discuss plans for reducing public activities in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary of public health, said COVID infections are rising, particularly in Bangkok, its surrounding provinces and major tourist provinces. He cautioned that the risk of transmission is greatest in the capital due to its size and population, high commuter mobility and frequent mass activities. Dr Kiattiphum said the governor was invited to attend the medical and public health emergency meeting, where he will be asked to scale back public activities with a high risk of widespread infections. According to Dr Kiattiphum, people with severe or moderate COVID symptoms occupy an average of 13% of hospital beds nationwide, except in Bangkok where the rate exceeds 42%. The ministry is also urging people to get two vaccine injections and a booster shot every four months. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-18 - 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!

Man without a baht to his name asks to sleep at the police station after he's abandoned by his boss Naew Na Thai Caption: Sad - Man. 51, abandoned by boss asks to sleep at the police station Naew Na reported from Bang Bua Thong police station in Nonthaburi where Theeraphat Buraphat or Lung Tui, 51, had arrived in the morning from Mahasarakham in the north east. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266213-man-without-a-baht-to-his-name-asks-to-sleep-at-the-police-station-after-hes-abandoned-by-his-boss/

Naew Na Thai Caption: Sad - Man. 51, abandoned by boss asks to sleep at the police station Naew Na reported from Bang Bua Thong police station in Nonthaburi where Theeraphat Buraphat or Lung Tui, 51, had arrived in the morning from Mahasarakham in the north east. He spent his last money on a van ticket but only had 250 baht of the 500 baht fare and hoped to get a loan from his ex who he split up with 27 years ago. He couldn't contact her so decided to get in another van and go to Bang Bua Thong with a driver who was from the same province who took pity on him. Picture: Naew Na When he got there he couldn't remember where his boss had said to go and his number had gone dead. He asked the police for their assistance in allowing him to sleep at the station. He said he disliked farming and had many tradesmans' skills like electrical or plastering work and was willing to work if someone would give him a chance. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-18 - 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 Picture: Naew Na Picture: Naew Na

No transfers after raid at Pahon Bar in Sai Mai, says RTP spokesman Picture: Sanook The Royal Thai police spokesman said their was no case about dereliction of duty or turning a blind eye against the Sai Mai police in Bangkok following a raid on Pahon Bar in their jurisdiction. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1266212-no-transfers-after-raid-at-pahon-bar-in-sai-mai-says-rtp-spokesman/