webfact

Auditor General probe sought into move of BMA funding from drainage to outdoor seminars The Kla Party will ask the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) over the diversion of about 10 million baht, originally allocated for drainage and sewerage projects in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, to the funding of outdoor seminars. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271595-auditor-general-probe-sought-into-move-of-bma-funding-from-drainage-to-outdoor-seminars/

The Kla Party will ask the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) over the diversion of about 10 million baht, originally allocated for drainage and sewerage projects in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, to the funding of outdoor seminars. The party’s secretary-general, Atavit Suwannapakdee, said yesterday (Sunday) that, since Chatuchak district has 11 areas which are vulnerable to flooding, he found the diversion of the money to fund outdoor seminars suspicious. The BMA’s budget for the 2023 fiscal year is estimated at 79.7 billion baht and it will come into effect on October 1st. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/auditor-general-probe-sought-into-move-of-bma-funding-from-drainage-to-outdoor-seminars/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-12 - 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!

Mushroom pickers beware! There're bears in the woods - one old forager pays with his life Picture: Thai Rath A village in the eastern province of Sa Kaeo is in shock today after one of its men was viciously mauled by a bear. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271592-mushroom-pickers-beware-therere-bears-in-the-woods-one-old-forager-pays-with-his-life/

Picture: Thai Rath A village in the eastern province of Sa Kaeo is in shock today after one of its men was viciously mauled by a bear. Nawa was out foraging for mushrooms as was his wont when he was confronted by one of an increasing number of bears in the woods near the village of Ban Roboh Hu Kwang. Except that this one was probably trying to protect a newborn cub, noted the local phu yai ban, and was particularly ferocious. Thai Rath noted that the victim - a 73 year iold man called Nawa - was found after 50 people were mobilized to search after Nawa went missing on Friday. He was found Saturday very badly mauled with the teeth and claw marks indicative of a bear attack all over his head and torso. His wife Kaewdee said she was devastated losing the family breadwinner so sudenly and in such terrible circumstances. There was much sadness at the temple of Wat Raboh Hu Kwang where the body was laid out following an autopsy at the local hospital. Kaewdee implored her neighbors to stay out of the woods lest the same thing happen to their loved one. This was echoed by the local district chief who also called on park rangers to find the bear responsible and make sure it was sent back deep into the forest. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-12 - 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

Police working! It's obviously a con as incoming RTP commander says how to foil call center gangs Picture: Thai Rath Call center gangs have been using a bogus TikTok video to convince the unwary to part with their data. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271589-police-working-its-obviously-a-con-as-incoming-rtp-commander-says-how-to-foil-call-center-gangs/

Picture: Thai Rath Call center gangs have been using a bogus TikTok video to convince the unwary to part with their data. The link is sent to people who believe their baloney about being involved in drugs cases. It shows a woman working at a police station. It's a hive of activity. That's where the alarm bells should ring. Instead gullible Thais are falling for the video, and worse still pressing a link with a DSI look-alike logo where personal data is collected and accounts emptied. Tech police chief and incoming RTP commander Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat issued a four point plan to foil the thieves, reported Thai Rath. When called and told you're mixed up in a drugs or money laundering case: 1. Be aware. Don't panic and call the police on their real number. 2. Don't press links or add apps and certainly don't pass on personal data. 3. The RTP do not make phone calls or video calls in this manner. 4. Be careful of disseminating codes. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-12 - 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

Tim Newton Today - Sep 12: Bangkok faces existential flood problem, Thai leadership send messages to King Charles III Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271588-tim-newton-today-sep-12-bangkok-faces-existential-flood-problem-thai-leadership-send-messages-to-king-charles-iii/

Bangkok faces an enormous challenge for its long term flooding problems, the caretaker PM and Thai King send messages of condolence to King Charles III, a Thai teacher in the spotlight after taking students on a 'drinking party'. Thanks to our sponsor... https://5starmarinephuket.com

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday September 12 2022 Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271579-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-september-12-2022/

Listen to the news: An opinion poll carried out b y Nida, Yesterday shows more than 63% of respondents are not satisfied with the performance of acting PM General Prawit, Just over thirteen hundred people were surveyed, 80.3% percent would like to see the government hold new elections. Air Asia’s Boss Tony Fernandes has urged the government to delay introducing a proposed $10 tourism entry fee saying charging the fee now may hinder efforts to attract more visitors and establish more flight links with Thailand. A government drafting committee will hold an urgent meeting today to Submit the first draft bill of the Cannabis and Hemp Act for consideration by Parliament. The results are expected to be announced before the 19th of September. Heavy rain in the last few days caused a sinkhole to appear on Chaengwattana road north of Bangkok yesterday causing severe traffic jams, and a 200 meter stretch of road under construction in Samut Prakarn also subsided causing several houses to be cut off. Meanwhile local authorities set up temporary shelters in the event that resident may need to be evacuated. A new ferry service between pattaya and Samui was launched over the weekend, The Blue Dolphin’ ferry, can carry up to 200 cars and 586 passengers with a total of 15 rooms, A one-way overnight trip takes around 13 hours, and a ticket will cost around 3,000 baht Region: China: President Xi Jinping will leave Beijing this week on his first trip abroad in more than two years due to covid, Xi is due to meet Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in Kazakhstan. Taiwan’s military confirmed for the first time that the Chinese army flew drones across the median line that divides the Taiwan Strait at the end of last week. The drones were accompanied by 45 war planes, 25 of which crossed the dividing line. Papua New Guinea: A 7.6-magnitude earthquake shook the northern region, killing at least four people, injuring others and damaging property and essential infrastructure. The quake was felt some 500 km away in the capital of Port Moresby. Chiang Mai: Cloudy with thunderstorms 28C Bangkok: Cloudy thunderstorms 32C Pattaya and SE: Bright, Cloudy thunderstorms 30C. Phuket and the South: Cloudy, rain 29 C. Hua Hin: Cloudy, rain 30 C Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com. Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2022-09-12 - 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!

World Sports News - Monday 12 September by Chili Radio Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271577-world-sports-news-monday-12-september-by-chili-radio/

Listen to the news: Tennis - Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz has won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open after beating Norwegian Casper Ruud 6-4 2-6 7-6 6-3 to become the world's new men's number one at 19, the youngest ever. F1 - Red Bull's Max Verstappen inflicted a home defeat on Charles Leclerc and Ferrari, who was second, in the Italian Grand Prix to continue his cruise to a second world title. Verstappen's 11th win this year puts him 116 points clear of Leclerc and means he could potentially clinch the championship at the next race in Singapore. Mercedes George Russell third. Football - Real Madrid came from behind to beat Mallorca 4-1 at the Bernabeu and maintain their 100% winning start to the season in Spain's La Liga. In Italy Juventus scored a dramatic equaliser , had another goal ruled out by the video assistant referee and had two players sent off in an incredible finish to their draw with Salernitana. The hosts err losing 2-0 at half-time, but Leonardo Bonucci's rebound penalty in the 93rd minute secured a point for Juve in the 2-2 draw. Download the Chili Radio app : https://chiliradio.app for Chili Pop and Chili Classics. -- © Copyright Chili RADIO 2022-09-12 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!

Foreign Affairs Ministry Hosts MFA Muay Thai Flash Mob Dance II by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently hosted the MFA Muay Thai Flash Mob Dance II and Muay Thai Workshop in cooperation with the private sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271573-foreign-affairs-ministry-hosts-mfa-muay-thai-flash-mob-dance-ii/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently hosted the MFA Muay Thai Flash Mob Dance II and Muay Thai Workshop in cooperation with the private sector. On Saturday (10 Sep), the ministry joined hands with ICONSIAM to organize the activities at the River Park of the ICONSIAM mall. The event was held in cooperation with the private sector in response to growing interest in Muay Thai on the international stage and to raise awareness about the martial arts sport, particularly among the media and foreign agencies. The event began with the Wai Khru ceremony and continued with a Muay Thai Flash Mob Dance performance by 4MIX, Dom Petchthamrongchai, Fluke Pongsapat Kankam and dancers from the DANCETOPIA event. The event also hosted a workshop on Muay Thai lessons led by Wittawat Kasom (Khru Din), head coach of the national team and founder of the Lanna Fighting Muay Thai Camp. Ministry officials, BMA representatives, foreign consulates, international agencies, journalists and tourists also attended the event. Additionally, the ministry invited Thais, foreigners and youths from all over the world to join in the "Muay Thai All Around the World" dance and exercise activity. The MFA Muay Thai Flash Mob Dance II video can be viewed on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220911202438370 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-12 - 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!

Thailand Again Ranks “Very High” on UN Human Development Index by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The United Nations now ranks Thailand 66th out of 191 countries on its 2021/2022 Human Development Index (HDI), up six places from the previous index issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271571-thailand-again-ranks-“very-high”-on-un-human-development-index/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The United Nations now ranks Thailand 66th out of 191 countries on its 2021/2022 Human Development Index (HDI), up six places from the previous index issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). HDI measures three human development criteria, specifically health, knowledge and standard of living. Thailand received a score of 0.8 on the index, with an average life expectancy of 78.7 years, 15.9 years of expected education and per capita income of 619,000 baht (US$17,000). To qualify for the “very high” development group, a nation must receive a score of 0.8 or higher, which Thailand has managed three years in a row since 2019. According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul, the Human Development Report for 2021/2022 describes multiple uncertainties affecting human development worldwide. The last two years have been devastating for people around the world, as crises such as pandemic and armed conflicts compounded social and economic upheaval, drastic planetary shifts and massive polarization. Among ASEAN members, Singapore received a score of 0.939, with Brunei Darussalam scoring 0.829 and Malaysia scoring 0.803, followed by Indonesia with 0.705, Vietnam with 0.703, the Philippines with 0.699, Laos with 0.607, Cambodia with 0.593 and Myanmar with 0.585. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220911180502349 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-12 - 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!

Thailand Targets Higher Rice Exports by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is aiming for rice exports of 7.5 million tonnes this year, up from a previous target of 7 million tonnes, due to increased output and a weak baht amid global food insecurity. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271570-thailand-targets-higher-rice-exports/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is aiming for rice exports of 7.5 million tonnes this year, up from a previous target of 7 million tonnes, due to increased output and a weak baht amid global food insecurity. Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said in a statement that Thailand, the world’s third-largest rice exporter after India and Vietnam, exported 4.09 million tonnes of rice in the January-July period - up 54% from a year earlier. She noted that the nation’s favorable weather has boosted its rice production while a weak baht has kept Thai rice prices competitive. The Thai currency was hovering near its weakest level in more than 15 years against the dollar. Thailand has seen higher demand for its rice as countries seek to ensure food security and replace wheat and corn in the animal feed industry. The spokesperson added that the Ministry of Commerce expects paddy rice output of 26.92 million tonnes in the 2022/23 crop year, up 2.09% from a year earlier. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220910174309149 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-12 - 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!

Cannabis and Hemp Draft Act to be proposed for urgent consideration at parliament on Monday By Nop Meechukhun The Cannabis and Hemp Draft Act is scheduled to be proposed to the House of the Representatives at the urgent meeting on Monday, September 12th, according to the draft committee on Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271569-cannabis-and-hemp-draft-act-to-be-proposed-for-urgent-consideration-at-parliament-on-monday/

By Nop Meechukhun The Cannabis and Hemp Draft Act is scheduled to be proposed to the House of the Representatives at the urgent meeting on Monday, September 12th, according to the draft committee on Sunday. Commission spokesman Panthep Puapongphan told the Associated Press that the first draft bill of the Cannabis and Hemp Act would be submitted for an urgent consideration at the Parliament meeting. The results are expected to be announced before September 19th. The spokesperson said: “Our duty as the draft committee has ended. From now on, it will up to the the MPs whether they will approve the draft or not.” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/09/11/cannabis-and-hemp-draft-act-to-be-proposed-for-urgent-consideration-at-parliament-on-monday/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-09-12 - 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!

Krabi residents urge General Prawit to crack down on drugs as national poll gives him a thumbs down by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) opinion poll on Sunday shows that more than 63% of people are not satisfied with the acting PM’s performance and comes six days after he was pictured, apparently asleep, at a meeting on Monday in Krabi although he has stoutly refuted the claim. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271568-krabi-residents-urge-general-prawit-to-crack-down-on-drugs-as-national-poll-gives-him-a-thumbs-down/

by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) opinion poll on Sunday shows that more than 63% of people are not satisfied with the acting PM’s performance and comes six days after he was pictured, apparently asleep, at a meeting on Monday in Krabi although he has stoutly refuted the claim. The brutal murder of three high school students in Krabi last Tuesday was on the minds of protest groups who, on Friday, submitted a letter to security authorities in the province which is to be forwarded as a matter of urgency to acting Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan even as a police crackdown and raids on 20 locations in a northern area of Krabi took place hours later resulting in eleven arrests. The submission to General Prawit comes as a national poll on Sunday showed a negative response to his short time at the helm of government with over 80% of the public clamouring for a General Election in Thailand. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/09/12/krabi-urges-prawit-to-crack-down-on-drugs/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-09-12 - 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!

Airline boss pleads with government to delay the Thailand Tourism Fee (TTF) due later this year by James Morris and Son Nguyen Tony Fernandes, acting Chief Executive Officer of Thai Air Asia X Key consideration now according to Tony Fernandes is the momentum of growing numbers which generates income for the economy including taxes for the government. Mr Fernandes felt that the fee, at this time, may hinder efforts to attract more visitors and to establish more flight links with Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271567-airline-boss-pleads-with-government-to-delay-the-thailand-tourism-fee-ttf-due-later-this-year/

Tony Fernandes, acting Chief Executive Officer of Thai Air Asia X by James Morris and Son Nguyen Key consideration now according to Tony Fernandes is the momentum of growing numbers which generates income for the economy including taxes for the government. Mr Fernandes felt that the fee, at this time, may hinder efforts to attract more visitors and to establish more flight links with Thailand. A top airline executive is urging the Thai government to put off further the proposed Thailand Tourism Fee (TTF) which was postponed from August to later in the year. The levy which is to be collected by airlines flying into Thailand from passengers was put on hold after a top Tourism Ministry official said it was not clear yet how it would apply to visitors arriving by sea and by land. The levy was recommended by a special panel in 2019 to provide extra resources for tourism infrastructure and to introduce automatic health and medical insurance for holidaymakers in the case of an emergency in the kingdom. A top Thai airline executive has called on the government not to go ahead with the proposed ฿300 tourism levy in the short term as the kingdom’s foreign tourism industry is beginning to gain momentum and could be sensitive to any changes at this time. Thailand is understood to have welcomed 4.3 million visitors in the opening eight months of the year although the kingdom still posted a substantial $4.1 billion current account deficit for July 2022 as its economy, like others in the world, labours under elevated energy costs and reduced export growth as national economies reel from the disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine, higher interest rates and reduced demand. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/09/10/airline-boss-pleads-for-delay-tourism-fee-levy/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-09-12 - 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!

Rising International Arrivals At Thai Regional Airports; As Hua Hin Waits By Editor Announcements have been made that Thai Vietjet Air has resumed direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Chiang Mai after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic. The flight operates three times a week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271566-rising-international-arrivals-at-thai-regional-airports-as-hua-hin-waits/