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Picture: Daily News Two French men arrested for an attack on a Thai motorcyclist who was knocked unconscious on Saturday night have been ordered held without bail by the court in Koh Samui southern Thailand. The attack happened in the Chawaeng area of the holiday island. Video footage that can be seen on YouTube here showed the passenger of a red plate white Porsche attack Somkhuan Songkhot with fists and kicks. He is still in ICU. Picture: Siam Rath The Porsche had tailgated Somkhuan's bike after his wife who was riding pillion had remarked on the beauty of the car and wanting one. Daily News suggested there had been a collision without giving further evidence. Now further details have emerged about the two men in the luxury car who Siam Rath named in English as 34 year old Bugeya Vincent Raymond, the passenger who assaulted Somkhuan, and Vincent Julien Gerard Rene, 28, the driver. Daily News called them businessmen. Yesterday Pol Capt Sirachat Kamunee of the Bo Phut police took both men to court where Lakhana, 47, opposed bail. Picture: Daily News They were then taken to the Koh Samui District Prison where they will be held as police and prosecutors prepare the case against them. They have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and driving a motor vehicle with a red plate at night. Whether they were drunk or not at the time of the attack is as yet undetermined. Sirachat said that is because when they were arrested they were drinking in a bar. They had alcohol readings of more than 100 mg each. They had not taken drugs. Surat Thani immigration chief Pol Col Supharik Phankoson said that the man who actually attacked Somkhuan was in Thailand on a 30 day tourist visa after arriving from Munich, Germany, on September 19th at Suvarnabhumi. His visa was up today. He gave his address as Hua Hin. Picture: Daily News The driver of the Porsche was on a one year marriage visa (he has a Thai wife) and was permitted to stay in Thailand until August 26th next year. He lives in Hua Hin with his wife and child or children. He had made a total of 28 visits to Thailand his last one being in May this year. The pair were holidaying in Samui after arriving on October 4th. The 28 year old's wife and children had already returned to Hua Hin. Both men will be recommended for blacklisting, said Col Supharik. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-18 - 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 sales@aseannow.com for more information

From November 15th, people who want to deposit cash via cash deposit machines (CDMs) in Thailand will be required to identify themselves by inserting their credit or debit cards and entering their Personal Identification Number (PIN) or password. The new measure has been introduced by the Anti-Money Laundering Office and will be applied to all commercial banks, to prevent the laundering of money earned from drug trafficking, illegal gambling or other criminal activity. According to AMLO, the alternative for those who do not have a credit or debit card PIN or password for their bank accounts is to deposit their money and show their ID cards tobank tellers in the branch, which will incur service charges. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-rule-for-cash-deposit-machines-from-november-15th/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-18 - 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!

Daily News Thai Caption: Evil woman! Muang Pattaya police and Sawang Boribun rescue services were called after an Indian businessman was left battered and blooded in an attack by a Thai woman. It happened at the Honest Room in Moo 10 a place with an Indian restaurant downstairs and rental rooms upstairs. Picture: Daily News Mr Hitesh Harivadan Shah had a two inch gash to his face and was covered in blood. He had been hit by an apparently drunk woman who was wielding a stand on a temperature device. Staff told how their boss had been attacked after the woman, who arrived earlier in the morning to rent a room, lost her key card, reported Daily News. Picture: Daily News Staff wanted 1,000 baht for a replacement. The assailant attacked Mr Shah and fled into the night just after midnight this morning. He was given first aid at the scene before being taken to Memorial Hospital. Police are studying CCTV to try and find the attacker and expected Mr Shah to file a report soon. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-15 - 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 sales@aseannow.com for more information Picture: Daily News

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that police officers from the Anti Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division arrested the dean of the faculty of political sciences and the acting head of the dean's office at Burapha University in Saensuk district of Chonburi on Thailand's eastern seaboard. The arrest concerns complaints received and investigated upon by the authorities that millions of baht went missing from a 1.1 billion baht Groundwater Resource Management fund back in January 2018. Investigations showed that three foreign lecturers had supposedly been paid 150,000 baht each to come to Thailand. But the reality was that the three who had been paid 450,000 baht in total had arrived in Thailand in February 2017 and left the same month. They had not been back since. In addition the police say they have evidence that many foreigners paid 30,000 to 40,000 baht for a training seminar that never took place. There was only evidence that they had booked rooms. There had been no seminar face to face or online. And there had been no foreigners attending. Dean Theerapong Bualao, 48, and Ms Sayaphat Kitikittisarawanno, 46, face multiple corruption charges including embezzlement of funds. They have denied everything and after fingerprinting at Saensuk police station in the Bang Saen area were released pending further inquiries. Pol Maj-Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew said that 47 projects were investigated and 8 showed evidence of illegality in that there was "a hidden agenda for personal gain". Investigations are expanding. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-13 - 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 sales@aseannow.com for more information

We put on some jungle camo and went in search of the most original of Thai cannabis strains. The results are beyond the wildest dreams of everyone at PrikPot and the experienced smokers among our customer base. Our online shelves are now stocked with weed that embodies everything legendary that came out of the Southeast Asian cannabis scene during the Vietnam War Era. We are happy to introduce you to Vintage Thai. A strain that takes true dedication to produce, involving five months of growing followed by six months of curing. Buy Vintage Thai here: https://prikpot.co.th/product/vintage-thai-original-thai-stick/?tap_a=114340-911ad0&tap_s=2932157-79232a To be clear, the term Thai Stick does not refer to a particular strain, but a packaging method that involved compressing cannabis around thin bamboo sticks, wrapping it in cannabis fan leaves and securing it with string/thread. Technically, any cannabis can be packed using the Thai Stick technique, but we were not seeking the aesthetics of that era. We wanted the real thing. Our efforts led us to original seeds from the 60s, and with them we have produced cannabis that is: ● The original Thai strain that popularized Thai Stick ● A native landrace 100% Sativa ● Grown for 5 months and then cured for 6 months ● Grown organically in Chiang Mai Smoking or consuming Vintage Thai brings on a rapid high that feels invigorating and full, likely to make you look at the label again to check you really saw 18% THC concentration written there. We couldn’t believe it either. Vintage Thai is a beautiful and enjoyable Sativa whose innocuous appearance and relative lack of aroma hide its quality effects. PrikPot is offering Vintage Thai in 10 gram packs for 2,490 Baht each, which equates to fantastic value for money at 249 Baht per gram. Members of ASEAN NOW are entitled to a 10% discount on all orders. Just enter the discount code ASEAN10 at the time of checkout. Check out the PrikPot website or contact us directly to learn more. https://prikpot.co.th/product/vintage-thai-original-thai-stick/?tap_a=114340-911ad0&tap_s=2932157-79232a If you are located in Chiang Mai, PrikPot offers instant deliveries via Grab on Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00. You are also welcome to visit PrikPot Cafe, our own dispensary and lounge with discounts, a broad selection of pre-rolls and a dedicated smoking room. Location here: https://go.prikpot.co.th/map

Daily News Thai Caption: Prostitutes' star attractions A Russian and an Indian man are the latest victims of theft perpetrated by Beach Road prostituites in Pattaya on Thailand's eastern seaboard. The Russian was assailed by ladyboys and the Indian had a phone stolen from his room. The thefts totalling almost 140,000 baht were reported to the Muang Pattaya constabulary within minutes, reported Daily News. First up to tell Pol Capt Chanon Katebua what happened on a stroll on the beach was 31 year old Ivan I. from Russia. Picture: Daily News He said he was out for a peaceful perambulation of the beach area when he was accosted by two ladies packing what British tourists refer to as "meat and two veg". Despite Mr Ivan I. being adamant that he did not want a service in his room the ladyboys persisted in their lewd attentions. Finally he managed to break free of their caresses only to realise too late that he had been relieved of his 120,000 baht golden necklace. Picture: Daily News A glance back and it was evident that the thieves had melted into the background. Within moments Capt Chanon had another case. Picture: Daily News This time it was Indian national Mr Sekar M,, 29, who said that he had had a liaison with a Beach Road prostitute that had continued back in his room. When the deed was done so was Mr Sekar M. - the girl had lifted his 18,400 baht Huawei phone. Capt Chanon took all the particulars as local investigative forces prepared to swing into action on behalf of the let down tourists. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-10-03 - 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 sales@aseannow.com for more information

Cha Am beach, file photo By Online Reporter Tourism officials are eyeing collaboration as a means to help promote creative and sustainable tourism in Phetchaburi and Hua Hin. On Wednesday (Sept 28) Ms. Eblarp Sripirom, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phetchaburi Office held a meeting with the governor of Phetchaburi Province, Petchaburi Sports Tourism, Phetchaburi Municipality, Cha-am Municipality, Thai Hotel Association : Western Chapter, Prachuap-Phetchaburi Golf Association, Phetchaburi Provincial Tourism Business Association and the Hua Hin-Cha-am Tourism Business Association to discuss ways on how they can work together to promote creative and sustainable tourism. According to Ms. Eblarp, the purpose of this meeting was to promote Phetchaburi province as a sustainable tourist destination. The area has a number of attractions for both Thai and foreign tourists, including Kaeng Krachan National Park, which is a world heritage site, and Cha Am’s famous beach, Ms. Eblarp said. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/officials-eye-collaboration-to-promote-tourism-in-phetchaburi-and-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-09-29 - 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 Livestock Development Department buried about 24 tonnes of frozen pork, which originated in Brazil and was smuggled into Thailand from a neighboring country, at a landfill in Phayuha Khiri district of Nakhon Sawan province. . The pork was seized from a cold storage facility in Samut Prakan on September 11th. It was delivered by truck to the department’s quarantine zone in Phayuha Khiri district for destruction, to prevent the possible spread of African swine fever (ASF). Officials from the department said that Brazil has no agreement for the export of pork to Thailand and it is a country in which ASF has been reported. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/24-tonnes-of-pork-smuggled-from-brazil-destroyed-to-prevent-spread-of-swine-flu-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-28 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

By Monica Miller & Peter Hoskins The pound has fallen to a record low against the dollar as markets react to the UK's biggest tax cuts in 50 years. In early Asia trade, sterling slipped just below $1.04 - the lowest level since decimalisation in 1971 - before regaining some ground to about $1.05. That came after Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng unveiled historic tax cuts funded by huge increases in borrowing. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-63030208 -- © Copyright BBC 2022-09-26

TNR Staff AS FLOODING in many parts of the country has led to people being exposed to various hazards particularly electric shock as happened to some students on Friday, Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda today (Sept. 18) ordered local administrative organisations nationwide to quickly get all installations checked for electrical leakage, Naewna newspaper said. Altogether five students suffered electric shock in Udon Thani on Friday with one of them having been saved by Mr. Atthachai Artudom, or Bass, 19, a vocational student who also works as a rider who himself got a shock from doing so. Gen. Anupong told Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and provincial administrative organisations to coordinate with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) or Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to quickly check all installations, particularly in flooded areas, for electrical leaks. This includes electric meters and large billboards and trees near power poles. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/18/interior-ministry-orders-nationwide-electrical-leakage-check/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-19 - 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!

77kaoded Thai Caption: Foreigner in mystery plunge Pak Kret police and Ruam Katanya rescue services were called after a US man fell to his death from the 9th floor of a rental building in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi. Mr Campi, 43, was found dead with head injuries outside the building. He rented a storage unit on the eighth floor. Picture: 77kaoded A witness had seen him smoking a cigarette by the windows on the 9th floor before he fell. Natcha Phara, a security guard, said he heard a loud noise but what with the passing traffic he thought nothing of it. He was alerted to the incident by a van driver, reported 77kaoded. Picture: 77kaoded Police are contacting relatives and friends to try and understand what happened. They are keeping an open mind at the moment. The body was taken for autopsy at Thammasat Hospital in Rangsit. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-17 - 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 sales@aseannow.com for more information

Picture: 77kaoded A 63 year old motorcycle taxi rider called Subin Waitook got far less than he bargained for after agreeing to take a farang to Central Bang Na. The agreed fee was 300 baht but when they got there the foreigner changed the goalposts and said they wanted to be taken back to Bearing BTS. Expecting to be paid a newly agreed 450 baht Subin held out his hand. Instead of Thai money the foreigner handed him what he thought was a 20 Euro coin. That would more than cover the journey, thought Subin as the foreigner hurriedly went up the BTS staircase and out of sight. Picture: 77kaoded Subin went back to the rank as proud as Punch only to get the sucker punch when he inquired of a buddy how much the coin was really worth. He was informed that he had been a bit of a plonker. The coin was a 20 cent coin making his windfall worth not 700+ baht but precisely 7.36 baht at yesterday's rates. Not surprisingly the "win" advised people to only accept fares in baht: "How are we to know what foreign money is worth?", he lamented. Picture: 77kaoded Before relating another tale of woe as to how a separate farang had asked him to take her to Robinson's from her hotel, didn't pay, asked to be taken back, then only paid 70 baht rather than double for the round trip, reported 77kaoded. Now he has the picture of a 20 cent Euro coin on his phone for posterity. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-14 - 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 sales@aseannow.com for more information

By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand-Viral photos, included in this article, of what appears to be a young foreign man sitting on Pattaya Beach Road with beads and signs offering to sell them for one baht to fund his travel around the world have driven fierce debate on social media. The trend, which was common before Covid-19 but has been rarer in recent times, has been called “begpacking” by many. Essentially, it means that one is looking to either beg or sell small items, like the individual seen on Pattaya Beach, to fund their travel around the globe. In this particular case, the unidentified, young, long-haired foreign man was sitting not far from Mike’s shopping mall on Pattaya Beach in the evening of September 12th, selling one baht beads and necklaces. Signs asking to help support his travel were placed near him in Thai and English. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/09/13/viral-begpacker-photos-from-pattaya-beach-road-cause-polarizing-debate-on-social-media/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-09-13 - 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!

Paul Henstock, 54, was hoping for the holiday of his dreams (Image: Paul Henstock) He saved hard for this holiday - but now he struggled to get back home A Nottingham man has been left "trapped" in Thailand after his return ticket was cancelled two weeks before the flight. Paul Henstock, a taxi driver from Mapperley Park, was hoping to have the holiday of his dreams in Bangkok. But his dream holiday was ruined by a message he received on Wednesday (August 31), telling him that his flight back home was cancelled. The 54 year old, said he "woke up" to the news, and has immediately called the lastminute.com agency to arrange to get on another flight. He flew from the Gatwick Airport to Thailand on July 5, and was due to return home on September 11 on a flight provided by the Singaporean low-cost airline Scoot. He has spent £524.19 on his tickets purchased on lastminute.com. "I booked a ten week holiday to travel Thailand", Mr Henstock said. "I should fly home on September 11, which is just in a few days - but on Wednesday morning I woke up to a text from lastminute.com saying that my flight was cancelled." Full story: https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/nottingham-man-dumped-thailand-after-7549016 -- © Copyright Nottingham Post 2022-09-06 - 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!

Daily News Thai Caption: Totaled Daily News and many other Thai media reported on an appalling incident on the beach front at Ban Phe, Rayong, yesterday evening in which an apparently drunk British man in a pick-up killed and injured people before driving off and damaging four vehicles before overturning. Pol Capt Natthawat of the Phe Rayong police on the eastern seaboard was alerted to the incident yesterday evening and went with rescue services to the area near the Lotus store on the beach front road - Suan Son to Ban Phe Road - where they found an overturned four door pick-up. Inside was an apparently drunk Brtish man trapped in the driver's seat. Stephen P., 70, was given first aid. Picture; Daily News A police patrol nearby was giving CPR. But dead at the scene was Niran Pramuan, 53, and severly injured was 32 year old Chanasak. They were taken to Rayong Hospital. Witnesses reported seeing the foreigner reverse at high speed into the two men crushing them up against a lamppost. The driver then raced off colliding with two cars and two motorcycles before ending up on its side. Witnesses said that the British man lived locally and was a habitual drunkard who would drive in the wrong lane and that local people were fed up with his behavior. He was kept in custody while his injuries were treated as police prepared a breath test and for his subsequent prosecution. More on this as we hear of it. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-05 - 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 sales@aseannow.com for more information

By Online Reporter Thailand is now welcoming applications for its new 10 year Long-term Resident Visa (LTR Visa), which is aimed at attracting foreigners of “high potential” to live and work in the country. The LTR Visa formally came into effect on September 1, with the government seeing the program as a way to encourage new investment into the country. The 10 year LTR visa will be offered across four categories: Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly-Skilled Professionals. Across each of the four categories, holders will need a personal income of USD 80,000/year. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailands-new-10-year-long-term-resident-visa-ltr-visa-is-now-available/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-09-02 - 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!

Daily News Thai Caption: Looking at a phone while riding a motorcycle A distraught father told how he had just given his daughter 60 baht on Sunday as she was going into school to practice some drama with friends. Just a short while later he got a call every parent dreads. His only daughter was dead - hit head on by a pick-up truck. She wasn't going in the direction of the school. She was off to pick up a friend. The driver of the Nissan Navaro said he saw her on the phone coming towards him. He braked coming to a halt but she rode into his lane on the two lane road and collided head on, reported Daily News. Pol Capt Chawanai Marasri and rescue services had rushed to the Udon Thani to Nong Saeng Ban Lupwai Road in Muang district of Udon Thani. The pick-up had severe damage to the front and the young lady's red Honda Wave was nearby on the ground. The driver said he was delivering jelly to Nong Saeng when he saw the teen on the phone coming towards him. A public health volunteer said this showed the danger of looking at phones while on motorcycles. Such behavior breaks concentration, they said. Police are investigating the cause of the accident. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-29 - 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 sales@aseannow.com for more information

PHOTO: Pattaya City Hospital By Adam Judd ONE A DAY Editor’s note: The following is a submission by the American Legion Post TH02 in Pattaya Thailand. It focuses specifically on a US military combat veteran, however, gives a lot of insight behind the scenes into what happens in general when a foreign national passes away in Thailand. This is part one of four that we will post over the next week or so. -Adam Judd, Chief Editor, The Pattaya News English Chapter 1 On average one US citizen passes away in Thailand. ONE a day. This death begins a series of events that involve many different individuals from a variety of organizations. For us, that day was 25 July 2022. On that day the ONE individual who passed away was a US Navy Combat Veteran. ONE US Veteran of the hundreds that die daily. I want to try and share our experience and involvement with this ONE US Veteran. We are members of the American Legion Post TH02 in Pattaya Thailand. On the 25th of July, a US Navy Combat Veteran passed away quietly in his hotel room in Pattaya. That was the day the owner and wife of the hotel discovered our Veteran association. The hotel owners start this process with a call to the local Pattaya police. A Pattaya police officer responded to the hotel. He immediately secured the room and called for an ambulance. The ambulance responded and transported our veteran to the nearest public hospital. The veteran arrives at the hospital where the attending physician makes the declaration of death. The police officer in the meantime continues with his investigation. He searches through the personal possessions to establish an ID of the individual. He secures the veteran’s possessions and takes them to the police station to begin his task. The room is secured and the hotel staff is instructed to keep the room locked until he releases it. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/16/special-feature-one-a-day-part-one-what-happens-when-a-foreigner-dies-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-17 - 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!

By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk The US is the world’s largest economy and the US dollar is widely used worldwide, as a result, the actions and decisions of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) have a profound impact on the baht and other currencies. Thailand has a relatively small, open economy that is heavily dependent on the export of goods and services. So, any changes in the world’s largest economy create ripples in Thailand as well. The Fed has aggressively increased its benchmark rate this year to fight rapidly rising inflation. It effected a 0.75 percentage point interest hike in July as inflation soared to a 40-year high in June, hitting 9.1 percent. With the latest data suggesting strong new jobs growth in July, markets are predicting another hike by 0.75 percentage point when the Fed meets in September, the third straight hike of that magnitude. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/how-the-us-rate-hike-impacts-the-baht-and-thailands-economy/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-11 - 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 We reported this week that The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to propose extending the length of stay for tourist visas and visa on arrival (VOA) to a maximum of 45 days. According to TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn, a proposal will be presented to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) at a meeting due to be held on August 19. The proposal will call for the period of stay for tourist visas to be extended from the current 30 days to a maximum of 45 days, while the period of stay for visa on arrival extended from 15 days to a maximum of 45 days. The extension would be effective from the date of approval and run through to December 31, 2022. Of course, the idea is that the longer they stay the more money they will spend. But surely if they really want to encourage tourism, why not increase tourist visas to longer periods and why limit it to December when the supposed high season still has 4 months to run. Tourist visas or visas on arrival .....it is still confusing at the moment, so hopefully they will make it all clear soon. Vietnam is proposing expanded visas Over in Vietnam, their tourism minister was reported on Monday to have proposed expanding visa exemption for tourists from the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India to boost sector recovery. He also suggested the government consider simplifying immigration procedures to attract foreign tourists as Vietnam reopened after over two years of border closure, he said in a report submitted to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Tuesday. Tax Cuts too The minister is also proposed extending tax cuts to tourism businesses until the end of 2023 to help them recover after the pandemic crisis. Though Vietnam reopened tourism and lifted most Covid restrictions, Hung said travel firms and those working in the tourism industry are grappling with difficulties and have not really benefited directly from current policies. The country welcomed 954,000 foreign arrivals in the first seven months this year, up nine times year-on-year. Singapore According to online information, the period of stay permitted is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the Singapore Changi Airport. It is normally between 14 to 30 days. There is strictly no extension of visa validity or change of visa type. However, you can submit a fresh application upon the expiry or upon utilisation of your current visa. But please note that each visa application is assessed on its own merits. SE Asia is competitive Bottom line is Thailand is competing with Vietnam, Singapore and Cambodia and other countries in the region, so they need to make it easy for tourists to come here. Make the entry simple for passport holders and they should be able to decide whether they want a 30, 60 or even a 90-tourist visa on arrival. Even with flexible return tickets there should not be an issue. The idea of tax cuts for the tourist industry could potentially be a life safer for many small Thai businesses, especially those attractions that still have daily running costs whether one tourist or 50 arrive to say go on an elephant trek or safari. Bottom line is the TAT and government should have offered these longer visas long ago, but better late than never. People need to plan holidays in advance so the sooner the Government confirms any new regulations the better, then travel agents around the world can start confirming their clients’ bookings. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-11 - 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 sales@aseannow.com for more information

By Editor The National Education Bill is set to enter the Parliament for further deliberation in September, sparking new hope for some but concern for others. The passage of this bill is likely to be concluded before the end of the year, and once it is enforced, it will affect not just students but also teachers and parents. Since education lies at the foundation of life, work and national prosperity, this bill will be responsible for shaping the future of everybody in Thailand. Education Minister Treenuch Thienthong says the bill, if passed, will be a key turning point for Thailand’s educational sector as it focuses on students’ performance and ability to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. It also aims to develop quality teachers who can educate children for a successful future. Tanawat Suwannapan, who represents the Kru Korsorn group of educators demanding to teach rather than focus on extracurricular activities, said he hopes the bill will ensure teachers can devote their attention and time to teaching and child-development activities. He hopes the new law will also allow teachers to function with efficiency and enjoy a better quality of life. “We want assurances,” he said, adding that he does not understand why teachers are expected to make sacrifices and not question anything. He said teachers are forced to accept the current system despite decades of talk about the need to promote critical/analytical thinking among children. Recently, many groups of teachers have been complaining loudly about the fact that teachers are often so overwhelmed with other tasks that they have no time to teach. In some places, teachers are having to cook for their students and sometimes even stand guard. When some teachers refuse to do tasks that are not related to their job, they are labeled selfish or inconsiderate. Their complaints, however, are not without merit. For instance, one teacher lamented online that his school principal was so desperate for awards that students and teachers are more busy preparing for contests than focusing on the curriculum or schoolwork. Many teachers say they barely have time to actually teach, given that there are so many other responsibilities to handle, including paperwork and support for special events. For instance, every time an important figure visits their town, students and teachers are required to show up and welcome these guests of honor. They are also expected to attend local cultural events or festivals. One young female teacher recently posted her resignation online, saying she preferred quitting because the current system does not let her teach. “Even when I do manage to find time to be present in class, I usually have not had time to prepare for the lesson,” she lamented. Dr Kanok Wongtrangan, an educator, said the Education Ministry is aware that many good teachers have given up their jobs for such reasons. Yet, it has no plans to get to the root of this problem. Amnart Witchayanuwat, a member of the House’s ad-hoc committee vetting the National Education Bill, said Article 14 (11) of the bill requires measures to stop teachers from being forced to carry out tasks, projects or activities that can prevent them from fulfilling their main duty. It also demands that students be given enough time to focus on their studies. Amnart was formerly secretary-general of the Office of Basic Education Commission. “This article [of the bill] also specifies that chiefs of relevant authorities will be punished with disciplinary action if they fail to support proper educational services,” Amnart said, pointing out the benefits of the draft legislation. Natthameth Dulkanit, an educational supervisor based in Bangkok, believes the bill is actually designed to ease teachers’ workload and not directly related to teaching. However, the problem does not end here. “The next question is, who will take over those tasks from the teachers?” he asks. “Big schools may have enough funds to hire staff to tend to jobs like school-supplies management, but small ones do not have such luxury.” Move Forward MP Kunthida Rungruengkiat, who is also a member of the ad-hoc committee overseeing the bill, said its content reflects distrust among parties concerned. “If you pore over the content, you find many questionable details,” Kunthida said. “Apparently, the drafters are afraid that people will not comply with the law and have tried to plug all loopholes.” For instance, this bill bans entrance exams for kindergartens but stipulates that all 7-year-olds be admitted to Pathom 1. “What happens if some children at that age are still unable to read or write?” Kunthida asked. In her view, the National Education Bill – which will eventually become the guiding law for the country’s educational sector – may not need to micromanage every aspect of teaching and education. Instead, she believes, it should just create a framework and leave the details to action plans or organic laws that can be amended more easily should any problem arise during implementation. Kunthida also voiced concern that “patriotism” is highlighted in many parts of the bill. Article 8, for instance, states that schools should ensure students recognise the importance of the nation, religion, monarchy, and constitutional monarchy. It also expects teachers to instill in them a sense of duty to the community, society and the country. “What if social context changes and these aims become irrelevant?” she said. The MP said she can’t help but feel that students and teachers working under this law will only be expected to obey orders. The House of Representatives has approved the National Education Bill in principle, and it is now being reviewed by the House ad-hoc committee that includes Kunthida, Amnart, and several other MPs. “Most committee members agree with 60 to 70 percent of the bill’s content,” Amnart said, adding that the remaining 30 to 40 percent may require some rewording or additions that ensure the educational service works efficiently for the benefit of learners and institutions. However, even if the committee makes changes, there is a possibility that the House of Representatives may vote against these amendments. “We will not have the final say,” he said. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/07/the-national-education-bill-shaping-the-future-of-thai-education/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-07-28 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. 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By Editor The Public Relations Department of Koh Samui is reporting that the Transport Minister, Saksayam Chidchop, has approved a project to construct the Koh Samui – Khanom Bridge connecting the island with the mainland of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. It was reported that Saksayam has given the green light for the Koh Samui – Khanom Bridge as one of five projects in which the Transport Ministry, Highways Department, Rural Roads Department, and Expressway Authority of Thailand will work together to study, plan, and design the bridge. A budget for 25 billion THB will be spent on the Koh Samui – Khanom Bridge which will be 17 kilometres long, connecting Phangka Beach in the southwest of Koh Samui in Surat Thani to the Khanom district of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The bridge aims to solve the big queuing problems at the ferry piers, with delays of up to five hours for a ferry from Koh Samui to Khanom district during the long weekends. Additionally it was reported that some ferry companies have reduced their services from departures every hour to only six ferries available per day due to the decreasing number of tourists and rising fuel prices. The Koh Samui – Khanom Bridge was the idea of Virach Pongchababnapa, a local hotel owner on Koh Samui. He created a 3D model and proposed it to the Transport Ministry. Locals and officials agreed that the bridge would benefit both Koh Samui locals and tourists. The transportation between Koh Samui and Surat Thani will be more convenient and faster. One official added that the province and country could also earn more income by introducing a toll. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/07/approval-reported-for-a-bridge-between-koh-samui-and-the-mainland/ -- © 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!

MI5 head Ken McCallum (left) and FBI director Christopher Wray (right) made an unprecedented joint appearance in London. IMAGE SOURCE,UK POOL VIA ITN By Gordon Corera Security correspondent, BBC News The heads of UK and US security services have made an unprecedented joint appearance to warn of the threat from China. FBI director Christopher Wray said China was the "biggest long-term threat to our economic and national security" and had interfered in politics, including recent elections. MI5 head Ken McCallum said his service had more than doubled its work against Chinese activity in the last three years and would be doubling it again. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-62064506 -- © Copyright BBC 2022-07-07

The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) has confirmed that applications for the new Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa will open on Sept 1, 2022. The LTR visa was first mooted in September 2021 and aimed to attract foreigners of “high potential” to live and work in Thailand. The Thai government saw the visa as a way to encourage investment into Thailand and stimulate the economy as part of the country’s post pandemic recovery. Despite being approved by the Cabinet last year, details about the LTR visa had been scarce. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/10-year-long-term-resident-ltr-visa-to-make-living-in-thailand-easier-and-less-bureaucratic/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-07-06 - 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!

Picture: Thai Rath Thai media continued to find every angle imaginable in the ongoing furor surrounding the removal of marijuana from the Class 5 narcotics list last Thursday. Now Thai Rath reported on a "warning post" online about a woman who said she had an allergic reaction to a ganja leaf she found in her Tom Jeut Mara - a kind of boiled soup with bitter gourd. She only found out after she had ordered it that it contained a marijuana leaf. But she went ahead and ate it and claimed she had a severe reaction. The shop has apologized and given her her money back. The story started to play out on Facebook in a post by Sirijan Teerawan who advised traders that not everyone can tolerate ganja in their food. She said she ate the dish in the evening and was feeling terrible in the night. She claimed she had a headache, dry throat, throat swelling, great thirst, difficulty swallowing, tiredness and stomach pains. She realised this was an allergic reaction. She treated herself with paracetamol and mineral salts. She claimed she was "tortured for three days". She was advising all her friends to watch out and check before they eat. She posted a picture of the leaf and her going to get treatment at Phanat Nikhom Hospital. The media caught up with the 27 year old at her home; she who showed all the evidence associated with her claims. She said the trader who sold her the item was in touch and had refunded the 280 baht she paid. She was happy at that and the concern showed by the trader for her well-being. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-15 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - 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 sales@aseannow.com for more information