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Picture: Thai Rath Interior ministry aide Sutthipong Julacharoen told Thai Rath that he had received information from Ranarong Thipsiri of the Administrative Employee Law Enforcement Operations Center about action earlier yesterday evening with Bang Yai police and local officials in Nonthaburi. A special team had swung into action at Decathlon opposite Central Plaza Westgate in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi. There after a sting they arrested a tourist policeman named as Sen Sgt Maj Phuwamet Hiranwongworadol and Manas Suksom who had been pretending to be an official of the DOPA (department of provincial administration). Picture: Thai Rath 100,000 baht used in the sting was found in Manas's car. That Rath had an extraordinary video (click HERE) of a long phone call setting up a sting then a tourist police vehicle and another vehicle being stopped amid cries of "shoot!". Picture: Thai Rath Ronarong said that Manas and his accomplice (and there may be others involved) were extorting money from bars and clubs all over Bangkok. Manas would pretend to be a DOPA official and charge 5,000 baht as an initial payment then demand 3-4,000 baht in monthly instalments to prevent establishments being shut down. Picture: Thai Rath But it was just a front. Manas - also known as "Peh" - has a history of impersonating the police. He used his grandmother's phone and her bank account to stash money extorted from the clubs. Picture: Thai Rath Ranarong said that such cases can attract the death penalty. Investigations continue to track down others who might be involved in the extortion and protection racket. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-08 - 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday July 8 2022 Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265279-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-july-8-2022/

Listen to the news: Thailand's biggest opposition party Pheu Thai said it would seek a court ruling to prevent an attempt to change the electoral system, calling it an unconstitutional move to benefit the government. They claim the change would work against larger parties and favor the smaller ones with which former army prime minister Prayut has built his 17-party coalition. A Thai court yesterday ruled in favour of Bangkok Mass Transit System over the cancelled bidding by a private company for the construction of the Bangkok Orange Line train project costing 120-billion-baht. Bidding was cancelled after the process became caught up in legal wrangles, it was decided that calling a new auction would be the fastest way to progress the project. Legal disputes continue between the Bangkok Mass Transit System and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority. Campaigners and democracy Groups handed in a petition to the move forward party asking the government to investigate whether Thai and the Myanmar military collaborated against the Karen population living along the border which resulted in a MiG-29 fighter jet flying into Thai airspace. The group stated If Thailand was involved, it could be seen as a war crime. Transport Ministry announced plans for the new wing at Suvarnabhumi airport to be enlarged to handle around 15 million passengers a year, Suvarnabhumi will be able to handle some 65 million passengers a year from 2025 Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport has announced it will provide free parking during two sets of long holidays this month. Region: China has asked New Zealand to divert a waste water pipe that was to run under a new Chinese embassy in the capital Wellington , the Chinese have safety concerns as the pipe is large enough for a person to walk through. Hong Kong reported over 3,000 new Covid cases and experts warn that number could easily double in the next 2 weeks. Cloudy with Thundershowers showers … Chiang Mai: Bright but Cloudy with thunderstorms 32C Bangkok: Cloudy with thundershowers this afternoon 32C Pattaya and SE: Cloudy with showers this afternoon 30C Phuket and the South: Cloudy with showers 30C. Hua Hin: Bright becoming cloudy, perhaps thunder showers later afternoon 32C Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2022-07-08 - 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!

World Sports News - Friday 8 July by Chili Radio Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265270-world-sports-news-friday-8-july-by-chili-radio/

Listen to the news: Basketball - US basketball player Brittney Griner has pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court but has denied deliberately breaking the law. The Olympic gold medallist was detained in February at an airport near Moscow when cannabis oil vape cartridges were allegedly found in her luggage. Her trial began last week on charges that could mean 10 years in jail. Tennis - Tunisian third seed Ons Jabeur became the first Arab player to reach a Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon as she beat German mother-of-two Tatjana Maria 6-2 3-6 6-1. She will play her good friend Elena Rybakina who beat Simona Halep 6-3 6-3. Rybakina has become the first singles player from Kazakhstan to reach a major final. Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from his Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios today with an abdominal injury. The 36-year-old Spanish second seed received treatment during his quarter-final against Taylor Fritz on Wednesday but pushed through the pain to win in five sets. Kyrgios will play Novak Djokovic or Cameron Norrie in Sunday's final Football - Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the first part of Manchester United's pre-season tour to Thailand. Ronaldo has been granted additional time off for family reasons and will not be on today's flight to Bangkok.The Portugal forward, 37, wants to leave the Premier League club this summer if they can find the right offer. Download the Chili Radio app : https://chiliradio.app for Chili Pop and Chili Classics. -- © Copyright Chili RADIO 2022-07-08 Chili Radio: https://chiliradiothailand.com Listen Live: https://chiliradio.asia - 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!

Bristol: 'Extraordinary' Thailand cave rescue divers receive honorary degrees Left: John Volanthen (left) and Rick Stanton during today's (July 6) graduation ceremony. Right: John (right) and Rick during the cave rescue operation in Thailand Two cave divers who pulled off the remarkable rescue of 13 people from a flooded cave system in Thailand have been given honorary degrees by the University of Bristol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265264-bristol-extraordinary-thailand-cave-rescue-divers-receive-honorary-degrees/

Left: John Volanthen (left) and Rick Stanton during July 6 graduation ceremony. Right: John (right) and Rick during the cave rescue operation in Thailand Press release Two cave divers who pulled off the remarkable rescue of 13 people from a flooded cave system in Thailand have been given honorary degrees by the University of Bristol. The operation led by John Volanthen, from Bristol, and Rick Stanton, from Coventry, has been described as one of the greatest rescues of all time. The unlikely heroes were called in by the Thai Government after heavy rain marooned 12 members of a junior football team and their assistant coach in a cave complex in the north of the country. The rescue involved 5,000 people, with John and Rick leading the risky search sorties. The pair had to navigate 2.5km of constricted underwater passageways, in near zero visibility, against a fast flowing, debris-strewn current. Cave diving is often said to be more dangerous than BASE jumping or high altitude climbing. More people have walked on the moon than have been to some of the remote caves that John and Rick have dived in. On July 2, 2018, nine days after the search started, the 12 stranded boys and their coach were found. But with oxygen in their small air pocket dwindling, and more monsoon rains predicted, time was running out. John said: “Having operated in difficult conditions, I was reasonably confident in being able to manage my own safety. For the boys it was extremely dangerous. Trying to get them out was something that hadn’t been done before.” With the help of an anaesthesiologist, each of the boys and their coach was injected with anesthetic ketamine, the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and atropine, which slows heart rate and reduces salivation. ‌Rick Stanton (left) and John Volanthen during their graduation ceremony Over several hours the unconscious boys were dragged and squeezed out of the submerged cave by John, Rick and a team of cave divers. Despite having little medical training, they had to inject the boys multiple times with the drug mix to keep them sedated throughout the rescue. Any snag of breathing apparatus could have drowned the unconscious boys and the wrong dose of the drug may have caused them to wake up and panic – or fall asleep forever. Had something gone wrong, John and Rick could have ended up in a Thai court. The well-publicised rescue was one of many John and Rick had undertaken – including some to recover bodies – but “the scale and complexity of this particular problem was head and shoulders above the rest”, according to John. Rick said: “It was unprecedented, nothing really compares. People are citing it as one of the greatest rescues of all time. “It was a protracted two and a half weeks and you had to think outside the box. We were literally writing the procedures, there was no manual – this had never been done before.” At the time of the rescue John was 47 and Rick was 57. John and Rick both received George Medals (a non-military award for gallantry). John is an IT consultant, who remains a scout leader in his hometown of Long Ashton, just outside Bristol. Rick was a firefighter for West Midlands Fire Service for 25 years. Among other achievements, John and Rick set a record in Wookey Hole, Somerset, for the deepest dive recorded in a British cave. ‌Rick Stanton (left) speaking to students alongside during today's graduation ceremony Linda Wilson, Vice-President of the University of Bristol’s Spelaeological Society, nominated John and Rick for their honorary degrees. She said: “Rick, John and the other rescue divers were being asked to perform an impossible task. “Fortunately, by a combination of extraordinary courage and meticulous planning, they overcame all the odds and succeeded in one of the most extraordinary rescues that has ever been attempted, ultimately bringing out all 12 boys and their coach alive despite the most hazardous conditions imaginable. “No one could better exemplify the values this University prizes – resilience, courage and outstanding skills - than Rick and John, who were to save the lives of so many others, whist risking their own lives, daily, for the 15 days of this enormous rescue effort that held the world’s attention.” They received their honorary degrees during the University of Bristol’s summer graduations. Those graduating over the 11 days are mostly students who could not do so immediately after their degrees because of the pandemic. Rick said it was an “absolute honour” to receive the award. John added: “It’s an honour and humbling, especially considering others who have received the same and have achieved far greater things than me.” The pair plan to go diving together near Bristol the day after the graduation ceremony. Source: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2022/july/cave-divers-receive-honorary-degrees.html#:~:text=Two cave divers who pulled,greatest rescues of all time. -- © Copyright University of Bristol 2022-07-08 - 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 with a falling baht caught in stagflation spiral with high inflation and low GDP growth by Joseph O' Connor Prices in Thailand rose by 7.66% in June, a 14-year record driven by rising energy and food costs. Now the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) is conceding that heightened inflation of between 6% to 7% may also extend into the last quarter of the year while peaking in Autumn at up to 9%. On Wednesday, the Minister of Finance Arkhom Termpittayapaisith (inset) stressed that there was no capital flight out of Thailand from debt markets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265259-thailand-with-a-falling-baht-caught-in-stagflation-spiral-with-high-inflation-and-low-gdp-growth/

Prices in Thailand rose by 7.66% in June, a 14-year record driven by rising energy and food costs. Now the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) is conceding that heightened inflation of between 6% to 7% may also extend into the last quarter of the year while peaking in Autumn at up to 9%. On Wednesday, the Minister of Finance Arkhom Termpittayapaisith (inset) stressed that there was no capital flight out of Thailand from debt markets. He said his ministry was monitoring the baht which has just breached the ฿36 barrier against the US currency. It comes as the country has posted a widening current account deficit in May of $3.7 billion from $3.1 billion in April with the government hoping that a revival of foreign tourism will help balance the books in the latter half of the year even though the numbers are still only a fraction of those seen in 2019. by Joseph O' Connor The significant and heavy impact of the war in Ukraine is hitting Thailand hard as it also challenges economies across the world as inflation bites the less well off with anaemic growth. All eyes over the coming months will be on Thailand’s current account after it posted a larger deficit of $3.7 billion for May ahead of a $3.1 billion shortfall in April. The problem for the kingdom is elevated import costs driven by oil prices in excess of $100 a barrel and a foreign tourism industry that, at best this year, will only see 25% of the numbers seen in 2019 crippling the country’s already limited prospects for significant growth. The Thai Minister of Finance has assured the media that Thailand was not experiencing a flight of capital from debt markets as he said the government was monitoring the baht even as it continues to depreciate against the US dollar breaking past the ฿36 barrier for the first time in over 15 years on Wednesday. It comes as the kingdom’s current account deficit rose for May 2022 to $3.7 billion after a $3.1 billion shortfall in April while the kingdom’s economy, like others around the globe, is left facing the very real and perhaps inevitable prospect of an economy mired in stagflation with an anaemic growth rate and persistently high inflation in force at least until the end of 2022 which could feed into a spiral. On Wednesday, the Thai Minister of Finance, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, told Reuters that the depreciation of the Thai baht was not being driven by capital flows from the country’s debt market as the baht broke through the ฿36 to the dollar mark for the first time in over 15 years reaching a new low against the US dollar while the Thai currency since the beginning of this year, has gained ground against both the pound sterling and euro. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/07/07/thai-economy-caught-in-a-stagflation-spiral/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-07-08 - 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!

Doubts if Cristiano Ronaldo will play in Bangkok friendly by Michael Bridge file photo Who will turn up for the Bangkok friendly between Manchester United and Liverpool next week? Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265258-doubts-if-cristiano-ronaldo-will-play-in-bangkok-friendly/

file photo by Michael Bridge Who will turn up for the Bangkok friendly between Manchester United and Liverpool next week? According to a recent Fan Nation report, Manchester United still has no clue regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s comeback to training, the player has excused himself by saying he has a family situation. https://www.si.com/soccer/manchesterunited/news/report-manchester-united-still-does-not-know-if-striker-cristiano-ronaldo-will-be-part-of-the-bangkok-tour Due to the nature of his absence, the Red Devils cannot fine the Portuguese and need to rather be patient. The number 7 has already said he wants to leave Manchester United. CR7 is claimed to be uncomfortable with the club and their lack of ambition, for instance just one signing has been made so far by the board. That is the young Left-back Tyrell Malacia arriving from Eredivisie side Feyenoord, Erik Ten Hag liked very much his addition to the squad. Despite liking the new manager Erik Ten Hag, Ronaldo is convinced the team needs at least six or seven new signings for the next season to change the bad situation of the Red Devils. According to a report from Journalist Charlotte Duncker from Newspaper The Times: Manchester United still have no idea as to when Ronaldo will return to training. Due to the nature of his absence the Portuguese is not at risk of being fined. However, with only two days until they fly out to Bangkok there are doubts over whether Ronaldo will be on the plane. English football giants Manchester United and Liverpool will play a one-off friendly game in Thailand on July 12 at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok. Many fans who have paid up to THB24,000 to see the stars at this sellout match, were hoping to see CR7. They will naturally be extremely disappointed if he does not make it. Let’s hope that Liverpool star Mo Salah will be there, having just signed a new contract. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-08 - 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 Friday 8 July 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1265257-thailand-live-friday-8-july-2022/

Online learning reintroduced at Bangkok school after hundreds of students, staff get COVID-19 After eight weeks of on-site classes, Bangkok Christian College has decided to reintroduce online learning, from July 11th until July 19th, after 688 students and 70 staff members were found to be infected with COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265249-online-learning-reintroduced-at-bangkok-school-after-hundreds-of-students-staff-get-covid-19/

Dept of Medical Services: BA.4, BA.5 Subvariants Are Spreading Fast BANGKOK (TNA) – The Department of Medical Services warns that new COVID-19 cases of BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants doubled and will be increasing over the next month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265224-dept-of-medical-services-ba4-ba5-subvariants-are-spreading-fast/

Free COVID booster shots on offer for all at Bang Sue vaccination centre The Bang Sue vaccination centre is offering free booster shots of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for Thais and non-Thais from Monday July 11th until end of this month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265201-free-covid-booster-shots-on-offer-for-all-at-bang-sue-vaccination-centre/

Thailand to Finish High-Speed Rail Link to China by 2028 by Tarin Angskul BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand plans to complete its high-speed rail system that will connect its transportation to China through Laos by 2028. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265204-thailand-to-finish-high-speed-rail-link-to-china-by-2028/

by Tarin Angskul BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand plans to complete its high-speed rail system that will connect its transportation to China through Laos by 2028. The government stressed its commitment to the project following a meeting between Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi this week. The Chinese State Councilor asserted that the "economic corridor" connecting China, Laos, and Thailand will promote logistics, trade, and economic development. According to the Department of Rail Transport, the first stage of the project, which spans 253 kilometers from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima province, is currently 12 percent complete. Officials pledged that the first stage and a test run would be completed by 2026, with the official launch following in 2027. Meanwhile, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning is conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the second stage of the project, which spans 356 kilometers from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, where a bridge will be built over the Mekong River to connect with the China-Laos line. The State Railway of Thailand is expected to submit the final revision of the plan for the second stage to the Ministry of Transport and the cabinet for consideration by the end of 2022. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-07 - 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!

Moved to COVID-19 Coronavirus forum //Admin

Free COVID booster shots on offer for all at Bang Sue vaccination centre The Bang Sue vaccination centre is offering free booster shots of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for Thais and non-Thais from Monday July 11th until end of this month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265201-free-covid-booster-shots-on-offer-for-all-at-bang-sue-vaccination-centre/

The Bang Sue vaccination centre is offering free booster shots of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for Thais and non-Thais from Monday July 11th until end of this month. Those interested in getting their third, fourth, fifth or sixth shot can make advance appointments, from tomorrow (Friday) at 9am, via the following channels: AIS True or press *707# and dial DTAC app NT On the day of the appointment, they must show their QR code/SMS/App “Vaccine Bang Sue” to the officials in order to facilitate the vaccination service. Alternatively, they can enter Bang Sue grand station, via Gate No 2, every day from 9am to 4pm and go through the normal registration process. They will be required to show their ID cards. Non-Thais, who include migrant workers, are required to show their “CID” number, starting with 60-, which was used to register for the Mor Prom app, or their passport number with their previous vaccination record. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/free-covid-booster-shot-on-offer-for-all-at-bang-sue-vaccination-centre/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-07 - 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!

Intoxicated British tourist allegedly robbed and beaten by four Thai men near North Pattaya Beach Road By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A British tourist found in only underwear near North Pattaya Beach Road claimed that he was robbed and beaten by four men after drinking heavily with a woman he met two days ago. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265200-intoxicated-british-tourist-allegedly-robbed-and-beaten-by-four-thai-men-near-north-pattaya-beach-road/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A British tourist found in only underwear near North Pattaya Beach Road claimed that he was robbed and beaten by four men after drinking heavily with a woman he met two days ago. The incident occurred at noon on July 6th. Officers and an interpreter from the Pattaya Police Station met with the 29-year-old victim Mr. Farnie (last name withheld due to his privacy), who sat on a footpath near North Pattaya Beach Road in boxers, looking bewildered and terrified and still recovering from intoxication. According to the Pattaya News reporters, the victim was dressed in his underwear and suffered several bruises around his body. Via an interpreter, he explained his grievance that he got robbed and stomped by four men after getting drunk with a Thai woman he met two days prior. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/07/07/intoxicated-british-tourist-allegedly-robbed-and-beaten-by-four-thai-men-near-north-pattaya-beach-road/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-07-07 - 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!

Energy minister sees slim chance of Thailand’s oil prices falling Oil prices at gas stations in Thailand are unlikely to drop, although global oil prices are declining because the government has to support the Oil Fuel Fund, which will have incurred about 100 billion baht in debt by the end of the year due to the oil price subsidy program, according to Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265199-energy-minister-sees-slim-chance-of-thailand’s-oil-prices-falling/

Oil prices at gas stations in Thailand are unlikely to drop, although global oil prices are declining because the government has to support the Oil Fuel Fund, which will have incurred about 100 billion baht in debt by the end of the year due to the oil price subsidy program, according to Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith. He said that the government is, however, ready to roll out measures to help ease the burden of certain groups hardest hit by rising oil prices. According to the Thai Ministry of Energy, the average diesel price in Thailand is 34.94 baht/litre, which is the third lowest among the ten ASEAN member countries. Only in Malaysia and Brunei, both oil exporting countries, are diesel prices are lower than those in Thailand (17.31 baht/litre in Malaysia and 7.91 baht/litre in Brunei). The highest price is in Singapore at 80.1 baht/litre. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/energy-minister-sees-slim-chance-of-thailands-oil-prices-falling/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-07 - 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!

Cost of living higher than minimum wage, says commerce ministry By Pichayapa Phiwpong The Ministry of Commerce’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office has come out to say that the minimum cost of living in the city stood at 18,088 baht against the current minimum salary of a graduate of 15,000 baht/month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265194-cost-of-living-higher-than-minimum-wage-says-commerce-ministry/