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By Editor A rebound in international tourism to Thailand is eagerly anticipated, but higher flight costs due to operating costs caused by rising oil prices and longer flights due to the detours to avoid the war between Russia and Ukraine is resulting in fewer international flights arriving. There are also problems in both Europe and the US with flights being cancelled or with long delays. Numerous airline companies say they are hesitant to add more routes or increase the number of flights as there are many global challenges affecting their revenue and ability to increase frequency of flights. These issues may also be affecting the recommencement of international flights to Hua Hin Airport. Despite reports that Air Asia flights between Hua Hin and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) would be resuming in July, this is no longer the case. To date an anticipated re-start date has not been given. Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn says there are only 30% of international flights flying into The Land of Smiles compared to life before the pandemic. The TAT and Tourism and Sports Ministry are now stating that the challenges to international arrivals are out of the control of Thai authorities. A statement read “Tourists face higher travel costs, particularly from inflation and airfares, which have increased by 20-40%. The TAT is working with airlines, both scheduled and chartered services, to roll out joint promotions to help offset those costs. However, for Europe’s summer season in August, it might be too late to prepare any stimulus packages.” A failure to understand Thailand’s updated entry requirements has also been reported to have resulted in several unvaccinated tourists being turned away at airport check-in desks. Unvaccinated tourists can either show proof of a negative test within 72 hours prior to arrival OR simply take an ATK test upon arrival. The UK government’s travel advice on Thailand’s entry restrictions has been incorrectly saying travellers must show a negative test result prior to boarding the plane. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/07/flight-issues-delaying-thailands-international-tourism-rebound/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-07-05 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Marijuana dealer attacked in the street by "Facebook friend" - he's convinced he had no intention of buying Picture: Sanook Sanook reported on a shocking attack of a marijuana dealer in the street in Khon Kaen, NE Thailand, on Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264935-marijuana-dealer-attacked-in-the-street-by-facebook-friend-hes-convinced-he-had-no-intention-of-buying/

Picture: Sanook Sanook reported on a shocking attack of a marijuana dealer in the street in Khon Kaen, NE Thailand, on Sunday. WARNING: The video may be disturbing for some viewers. Discretion is advised! Video of the brutal attack can be seen HERE. A man attacked the dealer with fists and kicks and even kicked him as he lay helpless on the ground. He hurls expletives in Thai at the seller. A friend on a scooter just watches the appalling violence before they ride off leaving bystanders to help the man to Khon Kaen Hospital. Thanarak, 22, spoke to Sanook from his hospital bed saying he was awaiting CAT scan results after suffering head and facial injuries and severe swelling. He had already been interviewed by the Muang district police. He said that he had never met the two people on the scooter before. He said that the man who attacked him was a Facebook friend and they had never chatted before. That was until they chatted about supplying some weed and agreed on 200 baht for 2 grams of marijuana flowers. He was selling the drug since prohibition ended. He said he arrived at the agreed location first then the two men came. Almost immediately the assailant asked: "Did you film the weighing process so we can be sure how much you're giving us?" He was argumentative. Then Thanarak said he was struck in the face and knocked unconscious. He only knew the extent of what happened to him when he viewed the full footage on social media. It was filmed by someone across the road. In his opinion he didn't think that the assailant intended to buy weed at all and this was just a ruse to attack him. He didn't take the drugs that wound up being knocked onto the street. He said he still had them. He said he had no idea why the assailant was so angry. It was only 200 baht and he wants him found and charged with attempted murder. He admitted there had been some upset while they negotiated the deal online but that was all amicably resolved with apologies. He had even decided to give the man an extra gram so it was 3 grams for 200 baht. After the attack the man sent him a text about the attack saying: "That was nothing at all". Muang Khon Kaen police are investigating and waiting on medical reports. ASEAN NOW notes that 100 baht for a gram of marijuana flowers would be a very low price. Most shop and online outlets are selling from anywhere between 400 and 700 baht for potent strains. It may have been low quality or even what is known as Thai stick or brick weed. But according to the seller this was not part of the argument - he claimed he was just set upon for no apparent reason. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-05 - 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. 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 [email protected] for more information

Serial criminal damage man arrested in Bangkok is "win" rider - he'd got paranoid after smoking a bong Daily News Thai Caption: Vehicle attacked by stoned man Thai media Daily News continued to associate everything they could with smoking weed, notes ASEAN NOW. In the latest story the chief of police at the downtown Phayathai station Pol Col Bowonphop Sunthararekha sent in his men to arrest 29 year old Thanawat Namsawat Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264928-serial-criminal-damage-man-arrested-in-bangkok-is-win-rider-hed-got-paranoid-after-smoking-a-bong/

Daily News Thai Caption: Vehicle attacked by stoned man Thai media Daily News continued to associate everything they could with smoking weed, notes ASEAN NOW. In the latest story the chief of police at the downtown Phayathai station Pol Col Bowonphop Sunthararekha sent in his men to arrest 29 year old Thanawat Namsawat or "Palm" who was nabbed at an address under the Airport Link line between Asoke and Klong Tan stations yesterday. Taken into evidence was his Honda Wave, a six inch Sparta knife and a 60 cm lump of wood. This came from incidents on Phetchaburi Road near the Pratunam intersection on Saturday just after midday when Palm started attacking cars with the wood and threatening people with a knife. Picture: Daily News He was well known to police as he had done this six times before in Phayathai and also in Makkasan district. He said he had smoked marijuana in a bong and had a paranoid attack. He added that his mum usually gives him money for ganja. He is a motorcycle taxi rider or "win" and usually works at a rank by a BTS station though he had quit already. He was charged with criminal damage and having a knife in public. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-05 - 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. 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 [email protected] for more information

Suzuki driver in lucky escape after he tries to cross a creek and there's a flash flood in south Thailand Daily News Thai Caption: Flash flood! The driver of a Suzuki car had a brush with death in the Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary in Phatthalung, southern Thailand yesterday evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264926-suzuki-driver-in-lucky-escape-after-he-tries-to-cross-a-creek-and-theres-a-flash-flood-in-south-thailand/

Daily News Thai Caption: Flash flood! The driver of a Suzuki car had a brush with death in the Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary in Phatthalung, southern Thailand yesterday evening. Surachet Khongdam thought he could make it across a flooded creek but a flash flood came and swept his car away. He said he was lucky that it got stuck on some power poles that had been laid down as a makeshift bridge for pedestrians and motorcycles over the flooded creek, reported Daily News. Picture: Daily News Local electrical worker Chaiyot Suwan heard the car rev and then went with colleagues to help the driver out of his stricken vehicle. A crane was used later in the evening to fish the car out of the creek. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-05 - 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. 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 [email protected] for more information

Pattaya: Thai Oil man gets his Yaris shot up after his girlfriend wouldn't come home Daily News Thai Caption: Utterly out of control Bang Lamung police in Pattaya are investigating after an employee of Thai Oil called Theeraphon, 34, told Daily News about a series of incidents at the resort at the weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264925-pattaya-thai-oil-man-gets-his-yaris-shot-up-after-his-girlfriend-wouldnt-come-home/

Daily News Thai Caption: Utterly out of control Bang Lamung police in Pattaya are investigating after an employee of Thai Oil called Theeraphon, 34, told Daily News about a series of incidents at the resort at the weekend. Theeraphon had gone to the Pattaya Water Office in Moo 12 on Sunday to pick up his girlfriend who had been drinking at a party with 6-7 friends. She wouldn't go with him and an argument ensued - the police were contacted. Picture: Daily News Later at his house a group of men arrived, he presumed with knives. Then back at the water office his Toyota Yaris car was shot up with a shotgun leaving a three inch hole in a rear window and multiple marks from pellets. He escaped uninjured and reported everything to the police. Pol Col Nawin Sinthurat, Bang Lamung chief, said it was a matter over a woman or other conflicts and they would soon have the person or people responsible. You could be sure of that. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-05 - 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. 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 [email protected] for more information

Person of interest in custody in connection with Fourth of July parade shooting in Illinois Robert E. Crimo III, a person of interest in a mass shooting at a parade that left six dead and sent more than two dozen people to hospitals, has been taken into custody near Lake Forest, Illinois, authorities said during a brief news conference Monday night. Authorities said Crimo was spotted by a North Chicago officer who attempted a traffic stop. Crimo led officers on a brief chase before being stopped. He was taken into custody without incident and will be transferred to the police department in Highland Park, where the deadly shooting occurred earlier Monday. Crimo has not been named as a suspect. When asked, authorities said he remains a "person of interest" while they investigate and positively connect him to the scene. CNN

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday July 5 2022 Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264924-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-july-5-2022/

Listen to the news: Health authorities say the number of mild Covid cases is on the increase with many people spreading Covid among family members, there has also been an increase in those with inflammation of the lungs and visits to the doctors. They added that The new BA.4 and BA.5 COVID sub-variants may become dominant in Thailand. Thailand's largest mobile phone operator Advanced Info Service (AIS), plans to expand its network by acquiring Triple T Broadband and an infrastructure fund for a total of 32.4 billion baht. The deal is expected to go through early next year and will allow AIS to better provide mobile services in rural and remote areas. However, the Thailand Development Research Institute says Thai consumers and small business owners would have even fewer options and be more vulnerable to exploitation by big corporations. Thailand’s FDA examined around 40 tons of narcotics worth nearly 35 billion baht before it is due to be incinerated later today and tomorrow at Samut Prakan. The local authority in Bangkok has turned down a request from business owners in Khao San Road to make that area a center for cannabis, Deputy Bangkok governor said Khao San is unlikely to be positioned as Thailand's cannabis hub as there are schools and temples near by. An environmental group the EN-LAW-THAI Foundation, and Greenpeace Thailand, submitted a letter to the House of Representatives saying they plan to propose a law on a "Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers" the group say a database an important tool to promote public participation in environmental policy decision-making. Region: China: Hackers claim to have stolen data of one billion Chinese residents after breaching a Shanghai police database, this appears to be China’s largest data leak ever. Hackers are offering to sell 33 terabytes of stolen data for 10 bitcoin, or around $200,000 dollars. Authorities in China have yet to comment on the report. Malaysia: Former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid has failed in his application to halt the proceedings of his trial on charges of corruption and money laundering. The court judge said that Mr Zahid would not be denied a fair trial if his trial was to proceed at this stage. Macau: 600 thousand residents are undergoing Covid testing as the territory sees an increase in infections. Cloud and showers coming in from the west… Chiang Mai: Bright becoming Cloudy with thundershower later today 32C Bangkok: Becoming cloudy with rain this afternoon 32C Pattaya and SE: Bright but cloudy expect showers this afternoon 31C Phuket and the South: Bright, Windy along the Andaman coast, rain likely this afternoon 29C Hua Hin: Bright becoming more cloudy, perhaps some rain this afternoon 31C Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2022-07-05 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Marijuana latest: Thais warned not to take weed and hemp products to 25 countries Picture: Thai Rath Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek yesterday warned about Thais taking marijuana or hemp or any of their products or extracts to many countries around the world where severe penalties are in place. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264922-marijuana-latest-thais-warned-not-to-take-weed-and-hemp-products-to-25-countries/

Picture: Thai Rath Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek yesterday warned about Thais taking marijuana or hemp or any of their products or extracts to many countries around the world where severe penalties are in place. This followed the issuing of a list of countries where people could be imprisoned for just bringing in products for personal use and could be given the death penalty for smuggling. Rachada also said that people should not carry packages for anyone, including trusted relatives, just in case. Three countries mentioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs carry the death penalty for the most serious infractions - Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore, reported Thai Rath. Jordan, Iraq and Palestine have severe penalties and Brunei up to 30 years. South Korea can jail offenders for life and Japan has 7 years for smuggling and 10 years for dealing. Cambodia - a Thai neighbor - can jail serious offenders for life and impose 100M fines in their currency. Australia has laws against smuggling marijuana including fines and prison terms. Fines and imprisonment face those who break the law in many African countries - the following were named by the Thai MoFA: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Bukina Faso, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cape Verde, Gabon, Liberia, Mali and Niger. Travellers to all these countries were advised to check about their laws before travelling if unsure. Thailand took marijuana and hemp products off the Class 5 narcotics list on June 9th. A house committee is currently formulating proposals for new regulatory laws. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-05 - 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. 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 [email protected] for more information It is expected to report by September.

World Sports News - Tuesday 5 July by Chili Radio Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264914-world-sports-news-tuesday-5-july-by-chili-radio/

Listen to the news: Tennis - Simona Halep needed just 60 minutes to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals as she thrashed fourth seed Paula Badosa 6-1 6-2. She will play Amanda Anisimova next after the American ended Harmony Tan's run with a 6-2 6-3 win. Nick Kyrgios shrugged off a shoulder injury to beat American Brandon Nakashima 4-6 6-4 7-6 3-6 6-2 and reach his first major quarter-final in seven years. He is joined in the last eight by Rafael Nadal, who continued his bid for a calendar Grand Slam with a 6-4 6-2 7-6 victory over Botic van de Zandschulp. Cricket - England are closing in on a win over India in the fifth Test after a riveting fourth day at Edgbaston. Set a target of 378 the home side moved to 259-3, needing 119 more on the final day today. Football - English Premier League champions Manchester City have signed Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips for £45m. The 26-year-old England international has signed a six-year deal. He becomes Pep Guardiola's third summer signing and Arsenal have signed Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City for £45m on a long-term deal. The 25-year-old is manager Mikel Arteta's fourth signing of the summer. Download the Chili Radio app : https://chiliradio.app for Chili Pop and Chili Classics. -- © Copyright Chili RADIO 2022-07-05 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Thailand asks provincial governors to “tighten up” cannabis control By Adam Judd Thailand - The Thai government continues to issue new rules and regulations following the legalization of cannabis after it was decriminalized on June 9th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264913-thailand-asks-provincial-governors-to-“tighten-up”-cannabis-control/

By Adam Judd Thailand - The Thai government continues to issue new rules and regulations following the legalization of cannabis after it was decriminalized on June 9th. The bill to control cannabis is still in readings in House and Parliament and not yet completed so in the interim Thailand continues to resort to patchwork measures to attempt to control usage of the plant. Most of the measures so far have been mostly sensible…restricting the use of the drug to those above the age of twenty and pregnant women, banning cannabis at schools and military installations, banning usage by Thai pilots, requiring businesses to warn consumers if cannabis is used in food or drink, banning public smoking under nuisance laws, restricting advertising especially to youth, etc. Now, the Ministry of the Interior has asked all provincial governors to tighten up rules in their provinces including stopping recreational use. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/07/05/thailand-asks-provincial-governors-to-tighten-up-cannabis-control/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-07-05 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Illinois shooting: Six dead in 4 July parade shooting near Chicago By Marianna Brady in Highland Park and Leo Sands in London BBC News Police are still searching for a gunman who shot dead six people at a Fourth of July Independence Day parade near the US city of Chicago, officials say. The event in the city of Highland Park was suddenly halted shortly after 10:00 local (15:00 GMT), when several shots were heard. Residents have been urged to stay at home and contact their loved ones to make sure they are safe. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-62042636 -- © Copyright BBC 2022-07-05

Tim 'Sharky' Ward looks almost unrecognisable as he is spotted back in Australia after leaving his life in Thailand ● Tim 'Sharky' Ward moved to Thailand in 2009 after he became a police target ● Money lender, from the Gold Coast, built a reputation as the 'Shark of Pattaya' ● Heavily tattooed Kiwi was known for his intimidating bodybuilder physique ● Footage posted online by a fan shows he has undergone a drastic transformation ● The body builder has lost much of his muscle mass and has grown out his hair By TITA SMITH FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Tim 'Sharky' Ward (pictured left) became an icon in the streets of Thailand after fleeing Australia in 2009 after getting into trouble with police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264912-tim-sharky-ward-looks-almost-unrecognisable-as-he-is-spotted-back-in-australia-after-leaving-his-life-in-thailand/

Tim 'Sharky' Ward (pictured left) became an icon in the streets of Thailand after fleeing Australia in 2009 after getting into trouble with police. ● Tim 'Sharky' Ward moved to Thailand in 2009 after he became a police target ● Money lender, from the Gold Coast, built a reputation as the 'Shark of Pattaya' ● Heavily tattooed Kiwi was known for his intimidating bodybuilder physique ● Footage posted online by a fan shows he has undergone a drastic transformation ● The body builder has lost much of his muscle mass and has grown out his hair By TITA SMITH FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA A notorious money lender who was once dubbed Australia's toughest gangster has been spotted looking unrecognisable in Queensland. Former millionaire Tim 'Sharky' Ward, fled from the Gold Coast to the streets of Thailand in 2009 after finding himself in the crosshairs of the Australian police. The heavily tattooed Kiwi expatriate quickly forged a reputation in the Asian nation as the 'Shark of Pattaya', known for his intimidating bodybuilder physique and tough stance towards indebted borrowers. But after stepping out of the spotlight four years ago, the former nightclub owner quietly returned to the Gold Coast during the Covid pandemic - where he has undergone a drastic transformation. Footage posted on TikTok by a fan shows the once burly Ferrari fanatic - who built a cult following in the body building community - has lost much of his muscle mass and grown out his formerly close-shaved head and facial hair. 'Sharky lost his size,' the follower lamented, alongside a crying emoji. Full story: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10978639/Notorious-gangster-nicknamed-Sharky-looks-unrecognisable.html -- © Copyright Mail Online 2022-07-05 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more! Footage posted online by a fan has revealed Sharky has leaned down his muscle mass in recent years

Thailand expects number of visitors to increase to 50,000 per day By Erich Parpart The Thai government expects 50,000 visitors per to arrive day during high season as the daily number of arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport has increased after the lifting of the Thailand Pass at the beginning of July. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264866-suvarnabhumi-airport-sees-increased-passenger-traffic/?do=findComment&comment=17461515

Thailand expects number of visitors to increase to 50,000 per day By Erich Parpart The Thai government expects 50,000 visitors per to arrive day during high season as the daily number of arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport has increased after the lifting of the Thailand Pass at the beginning of July. “The number of passengers from abroad has increased…after the lifting of Thailand Pass,” said Deputy Government Spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. “The increase was in line with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ prediction that there could be up to 50,000 arrivals per day during the high season,” she said. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/41443/thailand-expects-number-of-visitors-to-increase-to-50000-per-day/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-07-05 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Intensive clashes in Myanmar near Tak ease leaving locals near the border rattled and on guard by Joseph O' Connor Last Thursday, two Royal Thai Air Force F16 fighter jets were scrambled as a Mig 19 jet from the Myanmar Air Force made a 4 km to 5 km incursion into Thai air space. This drew a calm response from Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (left) after representations were made to the under-fire Myanmar junta. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264911-intensive-clashes-in-myanmar-near-tak-ease-leaving-locals-near-the-border-rattled-and-on-guard/