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Ex-pat Insider 2022 by InterNations says Thailand is an affordable, friendly destination for Ex-pats, 8th best in world By Adam Judd • Mexico, Indonesia, Taiwan, Portugal, Spain, the UAE, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, and Singapore are the best destinations for ex-pats in 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265722-ex-pat-insider-2022-by-internations-says-thailand-is-an-affordable-friendly-destination-for-ex-pats-8th-best-in-world/

• Mexico, Indonesia, Taiwan, Portugal, Spain, the UAE, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, and Singapore are the best destinations for ex-pats in 2022. • The worst destinations for ex-pats are Kuwait (52nd), New Zealand, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Japan, South Africa, Turkey, Italy, and Malta (43rd). • Thailand ranks 8th out of 52: finance and leisure options are no trouble for ex-pats, but they struggle with their working life. By Adam Judd Munich, 12 July 2022 — For the ninth time, InterNations, the world’s largest ex-pat community with more than 4 million members, has published the results of its Expat Insider survey. With nearly 12,000 respondents, it is one of the most extensive surveys about living and working abroad, providing insights into ex-pat life in 52 destinations. The survey offers in-depth information on expats’ satisfaction with the Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, and Personal Finance in their respective countries of residence. For the first time, the ranking also includes the new Expat Essentials Index, which covers digital life, admin topics, housing, and language. Thailand comes 8th out of 52 destinations in the Expat Insider 2022 survey. The country excels in the Personal Finance Index (4th) and narrowly misses out on a top 10 spot in the Ease of Settling In Index (11th). While it also performs well in the Expat Essentials Index (18th), Thailand only lands in a mediocre 35th place in the Quality of Life Index. It even ranks among the bottom 10 in the Working Abroad Index (45th). Overall, 77% of ex-pats are happy with their life in Thailand, compared to 71% globally. Mexico (1st), Indonesia (2nd), and Taiwan (3rd) make up the top 3 destinations, and they all rank very well in the Ease of Settling In and Personal Finance Indices. On the other hand, the bottom 3 destinations, Kuwait (52nd), New Zealand, and Hong Kong, all perform poorly in terms of personal finances for ex-pats. While Kuwait ranks among the worst destinations worldwide for all factors, ex-pats in New Zealand struggle with their career, and those in Hong Kong are unhappy with the local environment. No Money Concerns Personal finances are a breeze for ex-pats in Thailand, and they vote the country fourth in the Personal Finance Index. In fact, most ex-pats (85%) feel that their disposable household income is enough or more than enough to lead a comfortable life (vs. 72% globally). “Your money definitely goes far,” a British ex-pat reports. Expats vote Thailand third for the general cost of living — 71% are happy with this factor, 26 percentage points more than the global average (45%). Thus, it is no surprise that 70% are happy with their financial situation overall (vs. 60% globally). Housing is no trouble either, and Thailand also lands in first place in this subcategory. Expats describe it as both affordable (74% vs. 39% globally) and easy to find (85% vs. 54% globally). Administrative Barriers Aside from housing, ex-pats are not too happy with the factors surveyed in the Expat Essentials Index (18th). Thailand ranks in the bottom 10 of the Digital Life Subcategory (43rd), and ex-pats are particularly unhappy with the availability of administrative/government services online (43% unhappy vs. 21% globally). “It is all paperwork for everything,” explains an ex-pat from Chile. Overall, more than half (51%) find it hard to deal with the local bureaucracy/authorities, compared to 39% globally. While 70% find it easy to live in Thailand without speaking the local language (vs. 51% globally), 68% struggle to learn it (vs. 38% globally). “I just cannot pick up the language,” says a British ex-pat. In fact, 78% speak the language just a little (54% vs. 25% globally) or not at all (24% vs. 10% globally). Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/07/12/ex-pat-insider-2022-by-internations-says-thailand-is-an-affordable-friendly-destination-for-ex-pats-8th-best-in-world/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-07-13 - 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!

Switzerland captain and daughter rescued after yacht breaks down near Naka Island off Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A Switzerland captain and his daughter have been rescued after his yacht broke down near the Naka Island off Phuket during a period of strong wind and waves. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265720-switzerland-captain-and-daughter-rescued-after-yacht-breaks-down-near-naka-island-off-phuket/

By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A Switzerland captain and his daughter have been rescued after his yacht broke down near the Naka Island off Phuket during a period of strong wind and waves. The Royal Thai Navy reported yesterday (July 11th) that they were notified that a yacht had broken down. The yacht was parked in the middle of the sea east of the Naka Yai Island off Thalang. They followed the location which was given from the yacht. The Royal Thai Navy boat was initially unable to immediately reach the yacht due to strong wind and waves which could damage the yacht and Navy boats, but after several hours managed to reach the stranded vessel. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/07/12/switzerland-captain-and-daughter-rescued-after-yacht-breaks-down-near-naka-island-off-phuket/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-07-13 - 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!

Proposal would allow foreigners in Thailand to own 1 rai of land – but there’s a 40 million baht catch By Online Reporter A pool villa in Pattaya. File Photo. fokke baarssen / shutterstock A proposal being drafted by the Interior Ministry would see foreigners in Thailand allowed to own up to 1 rai of land for residential purposes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265719-proposal-would-allow-foreigners-in-thailand-to-own-1-rai-of-land-–-but-there’s-a-40-million-baht-catch/

A pool villa in Pattaya. File Photo. fokke baarssen / shutterstock By Online Reporter A proposal being drafted by the Interior Ministry would see foreigners in Thailand allowed to own up to 1 rai of land for residential purposes. However, foreign buyers would be required to invest 40 million baht in Thailand for a period of three years in order to be eligible for land ownership. The move was announced by Deputy Interior Minister Nipon Boonyamanee on Monday, who said a proposal will be put before Cabinet for approval. Mr Nipon explained how the ministry is exploring ways to stimulate real estate sales among foreign business people with high spending power. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/proposal-would-allow-foreigners-in-thailand-to-own-1-rai-of-land-but-theres-a-40-million-baht-catch/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-07-13 - 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!

Roiled US-Chinese tensions in Asia pose Thailand with short-term leverage but a future trial ahead by Joseph O' Connor Intense diplomatic activity over the last few weeks saw the Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi (left) and the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (centre) visit Bangkok for meetings with Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha and Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai (right). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265717-roiled-us-chinese-tensions-in-asia-pose-thailand-with-short-term-leverage-but-a-future-trial-ahead/

Intense diplomatic activity over the last few weeks saw the Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi (left) and the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (centre) visit Bangkok for meetings with Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha and Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai (right). However, there are signs that China’s frustration with the current situation is waxing while US-Chinese tensions have risen even further over Taiwan with more Chinese aircraft entering the island’s air space. by Joseph O' Connor Thailand’s position has moved strikingly from its stance in 2018 when General Prayut Chan ocha told Time Magazine that the kingdom’s key strategic partner was China. As China’s impatience begins to show concerning the stalled high-speed rail link connection between Thailand and China’s southern provinces via Laos, the kingdom has moved closer to the United States and also, of key significance, Japan. Tensions in the Indo-Pacific between the United States and China are rising fast with a warning on Monday from the Chinese Foreign Minister of ‘ferocious storms’ if Beijing’s sovereignty over Taiwan is breached. This comes after weeks of intensive diplomatic activity with twin visits by both the US Secretary of State and the Chinese top diplomat to Bangkok with US envoy Anthony Blinken promising investment by American firms of ฿2.7 billion after Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding binding it to the US Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. The kingdom also signed a joint communiqué where both countries committed themselves to promote democracy and democratic principles in the development of the region. As tensions between China and an alliance that is forming to counter and contain it led by the United States in the Indo-Pacific grow, Thailand is moving closer to a tipping point when it may have to decide which side it is on even as Bangkok continues to play its perfected diplomatic art of balancing and playing off competing powers to such an extent that it has given the kingdom new leverage with which to further its short term diplomatic and economic goals. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/07/12/roiling-us-chinese-tensions-in-asia-a-trial/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-07-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Is the Thai government prepared for a major oil spill? by Michael Bridge Video screenshot With the recent storms hitting Thailand’s coasts over the weekend, Jomtien Beach in Pattaya saw a large sand dredger ship beached. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265716-is-the-thai-government-prepared-for-a-major-oil-spill/

Video screenshot by Michael Bridge With the recent storms hitting Thailand’s coasts over the weekend, Jomtien Beach in Pattaya saw a large sand dredger ship beached. Luckily, she was refloated without we understand any damage or oil spillage reported. This YouTube clip shows the beached ship. Luckily this time around we were spared another natural disaster on one of Thailand’s popular beaches, but were local authorities prepared for such a disaster? Back in February, approximately 47,000 litres of oil are estimated to have leaked into the Gulf of Thailand from an underwater hose used to load tankers at an offshore single point mooring (SPM) owned by Star Petroleum Refining Company (SPRC), in which US supermajor Chevron is the majority shareholder. Then the media reported beaches on Koh Samet remained free from pollution by an oil slick that was spread by the broken pipeline in the sea off Map Ta Phut, in Rayong, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa reported at the time. Mr Varawut said no sign of the oil had been detected at Ao Phrao or other beaches on the island facing the eastern province mainland. However, Ao Phrao, a small bay and major tourist spot on the western side of Koh Samet, which faces Mae Rampheung beach on the Rayong coast, was polluted by the oil. Booms were used to keep the slick away from Ao Phrao when wind and currents were moving it in that direction from Mae Ramphueng. Tens of thousands of litres of dispersants were used to turn the oil slick into small droplets, according to the minister. About 150 Star Petroleum Refining workers and two hundred navy personnel were deployed to clean up the beach, and oil boom barriers were set up, by the navy. Twelve navy ships and three civilian ships along with a number of aircraft were brought in to help contain the spill at sea with booms and dispersant spray. That just shows how a major disaster could seriously affect both wildlife and the hospitality industry of Thailand. File photo So who manages these disasters? The Marine Department has sufficient response resources for a 1,000-ton spill. Their equipment is located at the Marine Department Dredging Centre in Songkhla and the Merchant Marine Training Centre in Samutprakarn near Bangkok. Not sure if they would be prepared for another natural disaster though. Records reveal that more than two hundred oil spills have occurred over the past five decades, with little apparently being done to tighten regulations, restore the environment or compensate locals for the damage to their livelihoods. Now, experts are urging the government to shift the compensation burden from public funds onto the companies that cause the disasters. This could be done via mandatory environmental insurance and also an Environmental Guarantee Fund (EGF) for businesses such as mines, petrochemical plants, ports handling hazardous goods, coal-fired power plants, oil refineries, and petroleum operations. “If we adopt an EGF, government agencies will not have to dig into their own pockets to clean up oil slicks and compensate those [local people] affected,” said Sonthi Kotchawat, an independent expert on environmental health. He added that if environmental insurance policies were available, insurance companies would also help audit projects with potential environmental risks in a way that could cut the risk of disastrous pollution. It is easy to see the huge container ships sailing past the Chonburi and Rayong coastlines every day. With so many large ships using Laem Chabang port, it is inevitable that one day there could be a collision in severe weather. Luckily, the Singapore-based sand dredger did not spill any of its oil last weekend. However, a few Pattaya City Hall staff will not keep a major oil spill from reaching the beaches along the Chonburi coastline. They have been warned. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-13 - 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 Wednesday 13 July 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1265715-thailand-live-wednesday-13-july-2022/

Thailand Aims to Ensure Upgrade in Trafficking Report Status BANGKOK (NNT) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently acknowledged the resolve of Thailand’s government in eradicating human trafficking and forced labor during his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265688-thailand-aims-to-ensure-upgrade-in-trafficking-report-status/

Thai Senate passes bill on use of anti-libidinal drugs on repeat sex offenders Photo from Freepik The Thai Senate approved yesterday (Monday) a bill to deal with repeat sex offenders, legalising the use of anti-libidinal drugs to suppress or reduce sex drive. The bill passed by 137-3 votes with four abstentions, according to Deputy Senate Speaker Supachai Somcharoen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265682-thai-senate-passes-bill-on-use-of-anti-libidinal-drugs-on-repeat-sex-offenders/

Five-day-long weekend to celebrate two major Buddhist holidays PHOTO: Thairath Starting today, Thailand will have a five-day-long weekend as two Buddhist holidays are approaching on July 13th for Asanha Bucha Day and the 14th for the beginning of the Buddhist Lent while the 15th was announced by the government as a special holiday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265693-five-day-long-weekend-to-celebrate-two-major-buddhist-holidays/

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Ubon Ratchathani Organizes Annual Candle Festival by Paul Rujopakarn UBON RATCHATHANI (NNT) - Ubon Ratchathani province is currently hosting its annual Candle Festival, one of Thailand’s most popular events which is running until July 17. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265665-ubon-ratchathani-organizes-annual-candle-festival/

by Paul Rujopakarn UBON RATCHATHANI (NNT) - Ubon Ratchathani province is currently hosting its annual Candle Festival, one of Thailand’s most popular events which is running until July 17. The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, which marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist Lent period, offers visitors the opportunity to witness a magnificent display of Isan culture and heritage, complete with color, dance, music and a parade of intricately carved candle sculptures traveling through the city. Typically displayed in temples, these sculptures depict diverse facets of religious life. The festival also features cultural performances, candle-casting and candle-making demonstrations, sales of local products, and additional events from communities in five districts. There will be a candle ceremony and contest, a procession of intricately carved candles in the evening, and a light-and-sound show on Asalha Bucha Day (July 13). Also scheduled for July 14 are two parades that will feature intricately carved candles and wax displays. The day will conclude with an offering of candles, a light-and-sound show, and the announcement of the candle contest winners. Winning candles will be displayed from July 14-31 at various temples and major tourist attractions throughout the province. For more information on the event, please contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani Office at 045-243770, 045-250714, or [email protected]. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-12 - 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!

Bangkok businesses enjoy windfall from Manchester U v Liverpool soccer match Many hotels within walking distance of the Rajamangala National Stadium are booked out by fans of Manchester United and Liverpool FC, keen to watch the pre-season friendly match this evening (Tuesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265651-bangkok-businesses-enjoy-windfall-from-manchester-u-v-liverpool-soccer-match/

Bangkok businesses enjoy windfall from Manchester U v Liverpool soccer match Many hotels within walking distance of the Rajamangala National Stadium are booked out by fans of Manchester United and Liverpool FC, keen to watch the pre-season friendly match this evening (Tuesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265651-bangkok-businesses-enjoy-windfall-from-manchester-u-v-liverpool-soccer-match/

RELATED TOPIC: Fans of Liverpool/Utd furious: Early ticket holders paid double, criticism of shambles "years in the making" Picture: Thai Rath It should have been a proud occasion for Thailand - the first ever meeting of two legends of English football on Thai soil. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265625-fans-of-liverpoolutd-furious-early-ticket-holders-paid-double-criticism-of-shambles-years-in-the-making/

Many hotels within walking distance of the Rajamangala National Stadium are booked out by fans of Manchester United and Liverpool FC, keen to watch the pre-season friendly match this evening (Tuesday). Atithep Vasinamekhin, general manager of the Witz Hotel in the Ramkhamhaeng area, which is about 2km from the stadium, told Thai PBS that, when he heard about the Bangkok match, he launched a promotional campaign, offering room rates at 1,499 baht per night. He said that the response was overwhelming and all 130 rooms are fully booked for July 12th, adding that about his clients include Chinese, Malaysians, Indians and Cambodians, with some checking-in as early as July 7th. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-businesses-enjoy-windfall-from-manchester-u-v-liverpool-soccer-match/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-12 - 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 Anutin responds after reports that private hospitals sold state produced Covid drugs Thailand's DPM and health minister Anutin Charnvirakul responded to reports that private sector hospitals were selling the Covid drugs Favipiravir and Molnupiravir. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265650-health-minister-anutin-responds-after-reports-that-private-hospitals-sold-state-produced-covid-drugs/

Thailand's DPM and health minister Anutin Charnvirakul responded to reports that private sector hospitals were selling the Covid drugs Favipiravir and Molnupiravir. The former was originally intended to treat 'flu in Japan while the latter is an RNA virus replication inhibitor., reported Thai Rath. Anutin said that these drugs are being made by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization and are not for general sale but are being used in government health welfare programs. He said there was plenty to treat Covid cases. He suggested that private hospitals were probably not selling the drugs per se but they were part of health packages that included other elements. He said that the health authorities were investigating nonetheless. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-12 - 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

Phatthalung: Police arrest couple after bodies of protected species found at market - look away now if squeamish 77kaoded Thai Caption: Protected species found at market (Phatthalung) 77kaoded reported action by police in the southern Thai province of Phatthalung after the bodies of protected species were found in a market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265649-phatthalung-police-arrest-couple-after-bodies-of-protected-species-found-at-market-look-away-now-if-squeamish/

77kaoded Thai Caption: Protected species found at market (Phatthalung) 77kaoded reported action by police in the southern Thai province of Phatthalung after the bodies of protected species were found in a market. Officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division were told by a member of the public about the trade in illegal wildlife in three provinces. They went to the market near the station after receiving information that the animals arrived by train from border areas. Picture: 77kaoded A couple called Somchart, 42, from Surin, and his wife Suwanna, 47, a local woman were arrested. Among the dead animals were leopard cats, civets, monitor lizards and squirrels. Officers posed with the grim find and the two traders. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-12 - 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