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By Veena Thoopkrajae The COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious damage to economies around the world and even though the worst of the outbreaks appear to be over, countries are currently having to battle inflation as well as food, energy, and security issues. It is estimated that more than four billion people have been affected by major disruptions in the supply chain but now, according to Mr. Supant Mongkolsuthree, Chairman of APEC Business Advisory Council for 2022 (ABAC 2022), business owners in Thailand and neighboring Asia-Pacific countries can see some light on the horizon. “The pandemic has made huge impacts on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. It has also affected the lives and livelihood of women entrepreneurs, indigenous communities, youth and other groups in the region, among others. Being at the receiving end of such great challenges, we have a responsibility to call for decisive action to deepen the economic integration of our region and to better equip our businesses, including the smallest, to achieve dynamic and sustainable growth,” Mr. Supant told Thai PBS World. ABAC consists of 63 members appointed by the leaders of each economic zone, three members per economic zone from the 21 economies making up Asia-Pacific. The Business Advisory Council gathers every year at four council meetings and one APEC CEO Summit to discuss business perspectives and economic issues. The aim is to come up with a set of recommendations to be presented to the APEC economic leaders at their annual dialogue. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ray-of-hope-for-thai-and-regional-traders/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-04 - 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!

Thai Airways Aims for 2024 Completion of Restructuring by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai Airways International Pcl expects to complete its corporate restructuring in two years as the airline’s performance gradually improves and global travel resumes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264796-thai-airways-aims-for-2024-completion-of-restructuring/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai Airways International Pcl expects to complete its corporate restructuring in two years as the airline’s performance gradually improves and global travel resumes. Restructuring committee chief Piyasvasti Amranand said on Friday (1 July) that the cabin factor, a measure of how well an airline does in filling seats, reached 70% by last month and was near 90% on European routes. Thai Airways entered bankruptcy last year to restructure 400 billion baht (US$11.25 billion) of debt and previously sought 50 billion baht of loans for liquidity. Thai state agencies will own about 40% of the airline after restructuring, down from current levels of 67%. The overhaul included re-hiring Piyasvasti, who was its president in a previous effort to steer the flag carrier out of financial trouble a decade ago. Thai Airways carried about 19 million passengers before the pandemic and is targeting 9.18 million next year, 11.8 million in 2024 and 12.44 million in 2025. It served 4.48 million travelers in the first six months of this year. Piyasvasti said the airline had reviewed its borrowing needs and would take long-term loans of 12.5 billion baht, which could be converted to equity. He added that short-term loans of the same value without the conversion option were also on the table. Furthermore, the Airways plans to issue new shares and offer creditors debt-to-equity options. Additionally, Piyasvasti said the airline has ample liquidity of around 14 billion baht and has raised about 9.2 billion baht from asset sales, including a Bangkok training center, adding that 12 planes would be sold. Southeast Asian carriers were hard hit by the pandemic, with Malaysia Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and Philippine Airlines also undergoing court-led restructuring. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-02 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Chinese State Councilor Visits Thailand This Week by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs for the People’s Republic of China is visiting Thailand this week to discuss strengthening economic and strategic cooperation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264795-chinese-state-councilor-visits-thailand-this-week/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs for the People’s Republic of China is visiting Thailand this week to discuss strengthening economic and strategic cooperation. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to visit Thailand as a guest of the kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs from July 4-5. The visit will build on an earlier trip this year by Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, who visited Huangshan City in China from April 1-2. The state councilor will also pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha at the Government House during his upcoming visit. Additionally, he will attend a luncheon in his honor hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides are expected to prioritize strengthening relations on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, as well as revitalizing the economy in the post-pandemic era and the current global situation. They are also expected to discuss trade cooperation, such as facilitating agricultural product transportation from Thailand to China, connecting the China-Laos railway using Thailand’s rail system, and strengthening cooperation through various multilateral frameworks. The two nations will also exchange mutual interest views on various regional and international issues. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-02 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

More than 3,000 tourists travel to Thailand through Thai-Lao border in Nong Khai after “Thailand Pass” cancellation By Nop Meechukhun Nong Khai – The Thai-Lao border in Nong Khai is getting busier this weekend as Lao tourists have crossed the border to travel to the Kingdom after the Thai government canceled its “Thailand Pass” registration system on July 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264794-more-than-3000-tourists-travel-to-thailand-through-thai-lao-border-in-nong-khai-after-“thailand-pass”-cancellation/

By Nop Meechukhun Nong Khai – The Thai-Lao border in Nong Khai is getting busier this weekend as Lao tourists have crossed the border to travel to the Kingdom after the Thai government canceled its “Thailand Pass” registration system on July 1st. Local reporters reported yesterday, July 2nd, that a number of Lao visitors have flocked to the 1st Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge as well as Thai travelers, who mostly came as tour groups and families, also presented at the immigration checkpoint to visit Laos since the morning. The Customs Service Department at Nong Khai Customs reported that the amount of tourists traveling in and out of the country has significantly increased recently. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/07/03/more-than-3000-tourists-travel-to-thailand-through-thai-lao-border-in-nong-khai-after-thailand-pass-cancellation/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-07-04 - 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!

Bangkok named No. 1 city in Southeast Asia; Phuket No. 1 island in inaugural ‘Asia’s Best Awards’ Chiang Mai also in top 10 list of best cities at No. 6; Ko Samui and Ko Phi Phi among top 10 best islands at No. 2 and No. 9, respectively. TAT Newsroom Bangkok (file photo) Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that Bangkok has been named the No. 1 city in Southeast Asia and Phuket the No. 1 island in Southeast Asia, in the inaugural ‘Asia’s Best Awards’ from Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264793-bangkok-named-no-1-city-in-southeast-asia-phuket-no-1-island-in-inaugural-‘asia’s-best-awards’/

Bangkok (file photo) Chiang Mai also in top 10 list of best cities at No. 6; Ko Samui and Ko Phi Phi among top 10 best islands at No. 2 and No. 9, respectively. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that Bangkok has been named the No. 1 city in Southeast Asia and Phuket the No. 1 island in Southeast Asia, in the inaugural ‘Asia’s Best Awards’ from Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia. Chiang Mai also made it onto the list of the top 10 best cities in Southeast Asia, coming in at 6th place. Ko Samui and Ko Phi Phi also made it onto the list of top 10 best islands in Southeast Asia, in 2nd place and 9th place, respectively. Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia said of Bangkok: “If warm smiles, spicy street food, and feeling the wind in your hair as you glide through the city on a motorbike or tuk-tuk are appealing, Bangkok certainly hits the mark. If you prefer high-thread count linen in your private-pool suites and Michelin-starred meals, the city also has you covered. Whether you’re just spending a night en route to the islands, using Bangkok as a hub for further exploration of Southeast Asia, or visiting for what we advocate should be a dedicated vacation in its own right, there is no shortage of options.” Of Phuket, it said “In addition to the sandy stretches of postcards and the buzz of Patong, Phuket is home to a wide range of neighbourhoods – do you want uber-luxury, beach club party vibe, local hipster, family friendly, or yoga and detox? There is plenty of unique accommodation, outdoor activities, and attractions to explore on Thailand’s largest island. And wow, is Phuket Town coming into its own; take a day’s break from the beach for photogenic Sino-Portuguese architecture, and a thriving food and bev scene.” In the Asia’s Best Awards 2022, readers voted on a number of categories including their favourite hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars throughout the Southeast Asian region, with various ‘best of’ lists for Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. For Thailand, the lists include Best City Hotels, Best Beach Resorts, Best Upcountry Resorts, Best Hotel Pools, Best Hotel Bars, Best Hotel Spas, Best Beach Clubs, and Best New Openings In Thailand 2021 (hotels, restaurants, and bars). Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/07/bangkok-named-no-1-city-in-southeast-asia-phuket-no-1-island-in-inaugural-asias-best-awards/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-07-04 - 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!

Former MP questions how a defective Thai parliament building was accepted Former Democrat MP Watchara Petthong is seeking answers from the office of the secretary-general of the House of Representatives about how it can accept the delivery of the 12 billion baht parliament building from its builder, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Public Company, despite its many defects. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264792-former-mp-questions-how-a-defective-thai-parliament-building-was-accepted/

Former Democrat MP Watchara Petthong is seeking answers from the office of the secretary-general of the House of Representatives about how it can accept the delivery of the 12 billion baht parliament building from its builder, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Public Company, despite its many defects. In raising the questions, Watchara showed some pictures of an exhibition hall on the ground floor of the building, taken on Friday evening when Bangkok was hit by heavy rain. He claimed that rain water had leaked through the roof onto the wooden flooring of the exhibition hall and several exhibition boards collapsed, forcing workers to mop the floors in several areas of parliament, including the exhibition hall. He claimed that the frames of two paintings had broken and two aluminium ceiling sheets, each about 1.5 m x 1.5 m in size, had collapsed during the storm. Fortunately, there was no one in the exhibition hall at the time, otherwise someone could have been hurt, he said. Watchara said he has asked the parliament compound’s security chief, Arun Laipongpaew, why the House secretariat had not reported these defects to the public and whether people who visit the exhibition hall will have to wear crash helmets for their safety. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/former-mp-questions-how-a-defective-thai-parliament-building-was-accepted/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-04 - 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!

Ex-deputy commerce minister sentenced to death for kidnap and murder Thailand’s Appeals Court has decided to change the life sentence passed on former deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn to execution for the kidnap and murder of the elder brother of a senior judge in charge of a share theft case against him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264791-ex-deputy-commerce-minister-sentenced-to-death-for-kidnap-and-murder/

Thailand’s Appeals Court has decided to change the life sentence passed on former deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn to execution for the kidnap and murder of the elder brother of a senior judge in charge of a share theft case against him. Four other co-defendants involved in the kidnap and murder of Veerachai Sakuntaprasert, brother of Judge Panida, were each sentenced to life in prison. All five, including Banyin, were accused of abducting Veerachai from the court and holding him as hostage, as they allegedly negotiated with the judge, Panida, to acquit Banyin of charges of conspiring with others to steal shares worth several hundreds of millions of baht from a billionaire contractor, Chuwong sae Tang. The incident took place in 2020. Chuwong was found dead in a car, driven by Banyin, after it hit a roadside tree in Suan Luang district of Bangkok on June 26th, 2015. The autopsy shows that Chuwong sustained broken ribs and other wounds inconsistent with injuries caused by a car crash. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ex-deputy-commerce-minister-sentenced-to-death-for-kidnap-and-murder/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-04 - 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!

French Businesses Seek Closer Cooperation With Thailand by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Private French firms are seeking to increase cooperation with their Thai counterparts, following a meeting between delegates from MEDEF International and the Thai government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264790-french-businesses-seek-closer-cooperation-with-thailand/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Private French firms are seeking to increase cooperation with their Thai counterparts, following a meeting between delegates from MEDEF International and the Thai government. Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha met with MEDEF International Vice President Francois Corbin on Friday (1 July). They discussed a variety of topics, including future cooperation to development projects. Gen Prayut said he admired the French business confederation for selecting Thailand as its first country to visit in the post-pandemic era, while stressing his government’s commitment to promoting investments and development towards sustainability. In response, the MEDEF vice president said French firms are interested in making additional investments, as he highlighted the potential of Thailand’s economy and future opportunities between the two sides. He also said French companies see Thailand’s growth potential and positive developments in the areas of public health and agriculture, adding that they are ready to support the kingdom through a range of cooperative frameworks, particularly human resource development. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-02 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Endemic Roadmap Adjusted as Authorities Assess Situation by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Health authorities have postponed their evaluation of the COVID-19 situation and the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants in pursuit of greater clarity on the issue. The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will instead make its assessment on Friday (8 July). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264789-endemic-roadmap-adjusted-as-authorities-assess-situation/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Health authorities have postponed their evaluation of the COVID-19 situation and the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants in pursuit of greater clarity on the issue. The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will instead make its assessment on Friday (8 July). National Security Council Secretary-General Gen Supoj Malaniyom said moving the CCSA discussion on the endemic transition plan scheduled for last Friday (1 July) was necessitated by the recent easing of disease control measures, which in turn required adjustments and clarification on the transition. The health ministry is now making the necessary adjustments and will be presenting the plan to the CCSA meeting for acknowledgment and endorsement. Gen Supoj noted that relevant medical personnel are still performing analyses and making their determinations, but assured that authorities were prepared to manage the situation. He added, however, that members of the public are encouraged to continue following disease prevention guidelines. Deputy Public Health Minister Dr Sathit Pitutecha meanwhile said the transition to the post-pandemic phase does not mean everyone should remove their face masks. He nevertheless indicated that new infections are not expected to result in a rise in severe cases or fatalities, adding that the current number of available hospital beds is expected to be adequate. Dr Sathit also encouraged people, especially members of vulnerable groups, to get their COVID booster vaccines as soon as possible. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-02 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

9.3 Million Tourists Expected in 2022 by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is expected to see over 7 million tourists visit the kingdom in the second half of this year, generating total revenue of around 1.27 trillion baht for the Thai economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264788-93-million-tourists-expected-in-2022/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is expected to see over 7 million tourists visit the kingdom in the second half of this year, generating total revenue of around 1.27 trillion baht for the Thai economy. According to Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported a total of over 1,978,000 foreign visitors entering Thailand between January 1 to June 28, generating total revenue of around 114 billion baht. The majority of air travelers came from India, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and the United States. Tourists arriving by land mostly came from Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and China. According to the ministry’s forecast, roughly 2.7 million tourists will visit Thailand between July and September, with another 4.5 million visiting between October and December. Total arrivals should number around 9.32 million, generating revenue of around 1.27 trillion baht. The government spokesperson added that the fourth phase of the We Travel Together campaign has received positive feedback from the public, with more registrations for the program preceding upcoming holidays this month. He also said businesses and hotels participating in the program have indicated their readiness to accommodate tourists. The government is urging operators to provide fair accommodations and services to help revitalize the tourism sector and the national economy. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-02 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Big reaction to rising airfares from Bangkok OPINION | by Michael Bridge File photo for reference only Suvarnabhumi airport these past few days has experienced a big increase in traffic both inbound and outbound due to the relaxing of Covid regulations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264787-big-reaction-to-rising-airfares-from-bangkok/

File photo for reference only OPINION | by Michael Bridge Suvarnabhumi airport these past few days has experienced a big increase in traffic both inbound and outbound due to the relaxing of Covid regulations. “Travel will see a strong resurgence because conditions [for entry] will return to almost pre-Covid normality’ said a CAAT director. Well, his predictions seem to be coming true, as the urge to travel by a global population coming out of the pandemic and lockdowns is gaining momentum. We at AseanNow.com have received just under 11,000 views on the topic of surging airfares and to date nearly one hundred of you have posted a reply. Certainly, traveling overseas to say Europe is expensive as the route from Thailand is that much longer due to the additional miles flown to avoid Russian airspace. Also, that old chestnut of school holidays tends to put up airfares too. In the old days one could pick up a bargain by leaving it to the last minute, but this has all changed so people are having to grab a seat straight away to avoid even higher rates. This coupled with the fuel hikes have made airlines look at the budgets and schedules and inevitably we the passengers must pay more. As an example, on Wednesday, I went of Qatar’s website and got the lowest return fare offered in July was THB56,340. Now four days later the same fare had gone up to THB57.545. Here are a cross-section of some of your replies here. If you booked two months in advance tickets were still cheap up until about a month or two ago. $600 for a ticket from Bangkok to Toronto up until May but now it’s $4000. I booked a return flight to my home country back in April for October, it cost me 18,260 baht on sale, today it's on sale again at 22,595 baht, that's a 23.74% increase and on sale, WOW. There have been over two intervening years, and the price of oil and related fuels has gone up from about $50 to double that. The rise you see in flight costs doesn't seem so bad. Cashing in on school holidays. it’s a joke even I'm looking at flights for August one way £500 ish mark now ... I was looking this morning at quite a few reputable airlines. THB50k + for economy return to LHR and back THB150k + for business to LHR and back Yes, but be careful who you book with if in a desperate search. Meaning that there are some bad agents out there who will show attractive priced tickets but when the time to fly gets close you will get an email to say the flight price has changed etc. That is when the harm begins. Always better to book directly with the airline although it will be a bit more expensive. Sorry to say that some of these foreign agencies with agents calling themselves name such as Jimmy or David are to be avoided at all costs. Finally, the current expensive flights are caused by 1 / Fuel costs 2 / Reduced flights because of lack of check in staff and baggage handlers 3 / High season and school holidays. If a one-way airfare from Bangkok to Phuket is cheaper than a taxi ride from Phuket airport to a destination within the island, then there must be something definitely wrong. I just booked with Aegean Airlines / Saudi Airlines Business Class £1200.The wife got 6 weeks off plus it's her birthday. And I haven't seen her in over 2 years due to covid I leave on the 18th of July ... I'm so pleased right now actually I'm buzzing with the outcome. Recently booked direct return flights for BKK-LHR for Sept with Eva. Under 30K. Quite happy with that as I think not far off from pre-Covid price? Just booked Qatar BKK/LGW return....33,500 baht...so did quite well by the looks of it. I will not be booking air travel out of Thailand for at least the next 2 years. It’s just good luck and planning that I live in a tropical location anyway and have no real need or desire to spend the money or endure the hassle of aircraft and airports. Just crack another beer, stay by my pool, and watch the mayhem that is air travel at the moment, from as long a distance as possible. The bottom line is unless you must travel soon, try looking at the cheaper days to fly. Weekends are often busier and national holidays as well. Kayak the online booking website shows the cheapest days of the month to travel which could save you a few dollars or baht. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-04 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 4 July 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1264783-thailand-live-monday-4-july-2022/

Several people killed in Copenhagen mall shooting, police say (CNN) A shooting at a mall in Copenhagen left several people dead, local police said Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264785-several-people-killed-in-copenhagen-mall-shooting-police-say/

More tourist arrivals in the south since scrapping of “Thailand Pass” Tourist arrivals at Phuket international airport and at two border crossings in the southern provinces of Songkhla and Yala have increased since Friday, when requirement for a “Thailand Pass” was lifted. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264784-more-tourist-arrivals-in-the-south-since-scrapping-of-“thailand-pass”/

Tourist arrivals at Phuket international airport and at two border crossings in the southern provinces of Songkhla and Yala have increased since Friday, when requirement for a “Thailand Pass” was lifted. Monchai Tanod, general manager of Phuket International Airport, said that the number of arrivals increased to about 9,000 yesterday, up from a daily average of 7,500, with the largest number being from India, followed by Singapore, Australia, Britain and Malaysia. Meanwhile, the border checkpoint in Sadao district of Songkhla recorded about 5,000 Malaysian arrivals yesterday, with many of them saying that they intend to travel to southern coastal provinces for vacations. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/more-tourist-arrivals-in-the-south-since-scrapping-of-thailand-pass/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-04 - 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!