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Editorial Team BADUNG - Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Police Team, Bali, arrested a Brazilian student with the initials ASG (25). This Brazilian citizen was arrested for carrying narcotics weighing 2.8 grams when he arrived on the Island through Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali, on Tuesday, June 28. "He was arrested because he was caught carrying four plastic clips containing marijuana type narcotics", said Head of the Narcotics Investigation Unit at the Airport Police I Gusti Ngurah Rai AKP I Kadek Darmawan, Monday, July 4. The perpetrator used the Air Asia Kuala Lumpur-Bali airline. When passing the X-ray, Ngurah Rai Airport officers suspected the perpetrator's belongings. When checked, they found 4 white plastic clip packaging that read "Supermao" which contained marijuana. The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, French, and Spanish versions are automatically generated by the system. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id) Full story: https://voi.id/en/news/186371/vacation-to-bali-bringing-cannabis-from-thailand-brazilian-wn-students-arrested-at-ngurah-rai-airport -- © Copyright VOI 2022-07-05

Bangkok Dismisses Requests to Turn Khao San Into Cannabis Hub by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The city of Bangkok has denied requests from business owners to transform Khao San Road into Thailand’s cannabis hub, citing the area’s proximity to schools, temples and various government offices. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264955-bangkok-dismisses-requests-to-turn-khao-san-into-cannabis-hub/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The city of Bangkok has denied requests from business owners to transform Khao San Road into Thailand’s cannabis hub, citing the area’s proximity to schools, temples and various government offices. Referring to the Maintenance of Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country Act (1997), Deputy Bangkok Governor Jakkapan Phiewngam said the sale of cannabis-based products in the well-known tourist spot is unlikely to be approved in the near future. Currently, vendors and stall owners who wish to sell cannabis-based products must register them with their respective district offices. Products that have been registered with authorities cannot be altered without the permission of the district office. Jakkapan reminded the public that it is still illegal to sell cannabis-infused food and beverages in public, adding that the city’s law enforcement agencies have been tasked with searching all districts in the capital for such products, particularly near schools. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also made clear his concern regarding the promotion of cannabis in the capital, stating that viral videos depicting vendors openly conducting sales could ultimately harm the city’s reputation. He also urged relevant agencies to issue more public service announcements discouraging cannabis use for recreational purposes. To mitigate the potential negative effects of cannabis on society, Sanga Ruengwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Businesses Association, suggested that the government should instead push for ID verification at points of sale to prevent sales to minors and require vendors and shop owners to set aside space for consumption, as smoking in public is still prohibited. Sanga has expressed support for a future plan to make Khao San Road a pilot area to promote the responsible use of cannabis among Thais and foreign tourists. However, he acknowledged that the matter must be carefully considered by the government and relevant experts. -- © Copyright NNT 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!

Agencies Launch Web Portal to Improve Travel Convenience by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - With Thailand having fully reopened to tourists, many agencies are now working to accommodate arrivals, such as by launching the “Entry Thailand” web portal that provides essential travel information. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264950-agencies-launch-web-portal-to-improve-travel-convenience/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - With Thailand having fully reopened to tourists, many agencies are now working to accommodate arrivals, such as by launching the “Entry Thailand” web portal that provides essential travel information. Suthipol Taweechaikarn, secretary-general of the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), said nine agencies are collaborating to supply information to the Entry Thailand web portal at www.entrythailand.go.th. The agencies include the OIC, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the Excise Department, the Customs Department, the Department of Disease Control, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and AOT Plc. The portal offers a categorized collection of links, focusing on those relating to Thailand’s entry procedure for travelers. Secretary-General Suthipol said the OIC has also developed a central platform called the “COVID-19 Insurance Data Terminal for all of ASEAN”. The terminal will support economic recovery, international travel, and access to insurance in the ASEAN region, using the web address www.asean-insur-data.org. Development of the prototype is reported to be complete, with data linkages now being established between participating nations. The secretary-general added that the insurance data terminal might eventually be linked to the Entry Thailand web portal. -- © Copyright NNT 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!

Video: Fallen tree causes fire on power lines in Krabi Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported from the Khong Chang See Road in Muang district of Krabi in southern Thailand where a tree fell on high powered electric cables. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264948-video-fallen-tree-causes-fire-on-power-lines-in-krabi/

Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported from the Khong Chang See Road in Muang district of Krabi in southern Thailand where a tree fell on high powered electric cables. It caused a fire and considerable consternation of passersby. Picture: 77kaoded Local provincial electrical engineers cut power and later used a crane to remove the tree before making repairs. Soil erosion from continual heavy rains was blamed for the tree toppling over. Fortunately it happened out in the countryside away from dwellings. -- © 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 AA.mp4

Video: GPS made me do it! Car on a high bridge where only motorcycles should go Naew Na Thai Caption: How'd you get there? GPS strikes again with car on a high bridge Naew Na published a video that appeared on the Facebook page of Thanaporn Yaiong of a car trying to cross Klong Mahachai near the temple of Wat Sophanaram. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264947-video-gps-made-me-do-it-car-on-a-high-bridge-where-only-motorcycles-should-go/

Naew Na Thai Caption: How'd you get there? GPS strikes again with car on a high bridge Naew Na published a video that appeared on the Facebook page of Thanaporn Yaiong of a car trying to cross Klong Mahachai near the temple of Wat Sophanaram. It got half way across before motorcyclists sounded their horns to remind the driver the high bridge was not appropriate for cars. The driver reversed. The media speculated that it was another case of an out of town driver following GPS instructions. The bridge is for pedestrians and bikes only. The post said it happened at 9am on Sunday. -- © 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 AAA.mp4

Thailand wants to lose its reputation for being ‘cheap’, aims to become premium travel destination By Online Reporter The view from a luxury resort in Koh Samui. File Photo The days of Thailand being regarded as a cheap holiday destination for foreign tourists appears to be coming to an end. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264946-thailand-wants-to-lose-its-reputation-for-being-‘cheap’-aims-to-become-premium-travel-destination/

The view from a luxury resort in Koh Samui. File Photo By Online Reporter The days of Thailand being regarded as a cheap holiday destination for foreign tourists appears to be coming to an end. Speaking on Monday (July 4) at an event aimed at promoting tourism in Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the country should aim to become a “premium travel destination”. Mr Anutin told representatives from many of the country’s leading hoteliers, businesses and private hospitals that they should no longer offer big discounts as a means to attract foreign tourists. “We cannot let people come to Thailand and stay because it’s cheap,” said Mr Anutin who was speaking at the Thailand Moving Together, which was held at Suvarnabhumi airport. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-wants-to-lose-its-reputation-for-being-cheap-aims-to-become-premium-travel-destination/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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!

Government bigwigs at Bangkok Airport to launch 'endemic era' scheme to boost tourism confidence Picture: Siam Rath Thailand was trotting out some of its major government figures yesterday to promote the country in the endemic era of Covid-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264945-government-bigwigs-at-bangkok-airport-to-launch-endemic-era-scheme-to-boost-tourism-confidence/

Picture: Siam Rath Thailand was trotting out some of its major government figures yesterday to promote the country in the endemic era of Covid-19. The idea was to boost tourism confidence by getting staff to have booster shots every 4 to six months among other initiatives. Picture: Siam Rath "Thailand Moving Together" is also billed in the Thai language as "gort - gin - bin - thiaw" - Hug, eat, fly, travel. This is the latest newer than new normal approach. At the arrivals hall on the second floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok were none other than health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul and tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan. They were joined by a senior aide at the transport minister. Picture: Siam Rath The airport director was pictured meeting the bigwigs. A big event in Muang Thong Thani is also being held to promote Thailand in the endemic era now that Thailand Pass is a thing of the past and the country is ready to move on out of the pandemic era into a brave new world, reported Siam Rath -- © 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 Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath

Students at school on Thai-Myanmar border undergo air raid drills The Ban Valley School, in Phop Phra district of Thailand’s Tak province, which is close to the border with Myanmar where fighting is underway between Myanmar government forces and Karen rebels, has been repainted blue and a huge Thai national flag has been raised, which is visible from a great distance. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264944-students-at-school-on-thai-myanmar-border-undergo-air-raid-drills/

The Ban Valley School, in Phop Phra district of Thailand’s Tak province, which is close to the border with Myanmar where fighting is underway between Myanmar government forces and Karen rebels, has been repainted blue and a huge Thai national flag has been raised, which is visible from a great distance. The new colour scheme and flag follow last Thursday’s brief incursion by a Myanmar MiG-29 into Thai airspace over Phop Phra district, during a bombing run on a Karen rebel camp near the Thai border. The incursion caused panic among residents of two Thai villages and prompted the Ban Valley School’s administrators to order their students to take cover in a bomb shelter on the compound of the school. A school official said that the visual changes to the school are part of the precautions against a potential spill-over of the fighting in Myanmar, adding that air raid drills have been conducted at the school. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/students-at-school-on-thai-myanmar-border-undergo-air-raid-drills/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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!

Kindergarten teacher tells a very different story after claims that 5 year old broke arm at school Sanook Thai Caption: Teacher speaks out A kindergarten teacher in Buriram has put a very different angle on a case where it was claimed a five year old child broke his arm at school due to negligence from staff. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264943-kindergarten-teacher-tells-a-very-different-story-after-claims-that-5-year-old-broke-arm-at-school/

Sanook Thai Caption: Teacher speaks out A kindergarten teacher in Buriram has put a very different angle on a case where it was claimed a five year old child broke his arm at school due to negligence from staff. She said that is not true at all. The child had broken his arm in the holidays. She considered getting a transfer after the criticism which she said was unjustified. Only support from other parents changed her mind. The case surfaced on Facebook when an aunt called Fah of the boy called Tae blamed the school and teacher for what happened to her nephew in Anuban 3 (Kindergarten's third year). She claimed that the child had broken his arm at the Nong Ki district school on June 13th and was in tears after being picked up at the end of the school day. She further said that a basket of goodies and 55,000 baht had been offered but the school wouldn't take full responsibility for the accident. Sanook went to investigate but found the child and guardians all "away" in another province according to a grandmother called Laem, 72, who said she was not really involved, she just felt sorry for her grandson. But at the school an Anuban 3 teacher called Khru Ning told an entirely different story. She said that Tae had broken his arm at a playgroup in the holidays in may while running. This had been put in a cast at Nang Rong Hospital. When term started on May 17th the aunt brought the child into school but was told that he couldn't learn because his arm was still in a cast. They again arrived on May 30th worried that Tae would get behind with his learning but were informed again that they should wait for the cast to be removed. On June 13th the child arrived without the cast. That morning the Anuban 2 teacher had a medical emergency requiring hospital treatment and Ning said she had to take care of both Anuban 2 and 3 - a total of 22 children including other kids with medical problems. After lunch she put the children to bed for their daytime nap and even inquired of Tae about his arm as he had only just had his cast removed. He said he was fine. Only at the end of the day could it be seen that the arm was broken and was out of shape. She said that the family demanded 70,000 baht but eventually agreed to ask for only 55,000 baht. A basket of things was arranged for them to apologise but in truth they had done nothing wrong. Ning admitted that she had a lot of children to cope with that day but she was absolutely not negligent. She said that she was so infuriated with the unwarranted criticism that she wanted to transfer schools but parents of other children had shown her support and convinced her to stay on. Sanook called the teacher's story in the drama "an entirely different movie reel" to that claimed by the aunt on Facebook. -- © 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 Picture: Sanook

Omicron’s new BA.4, BA.5 subvariants: How worried should we be? Thai health authorities are keeping a close eye on two new Omicron subvariants – BA.4 and BA.5 – that are fast becoming dominant COVID-19strains across the world. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264939-omicron’s-new-ba4-ba5-subvariants-how-worried-should-we-be/

Thai health authorities are keeping a close eye on two new Omicron subvariants – BA.4 and BA.5 – that are fast becoming dominant COVID-19strains across the world. Dr Supakit Sirilak, who leads the Department of Medical Sciences, said BA.4 and BA.5 accounted for 51.7 percent of all COVID-19 infections in Thailand between June 25 and July 1. This percentage is based on an analysis of 948 Omicron cases during that period. Elsewhere, these subvariants are driving fresh COVID-19 outbreaks in at least 110 nations, raising the number of global infections by 20percent overall. The two subvariants are also being blamed for soaring casualties in three of the six world regions monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO). Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/omicrons-new-ba-4-ba-5-subvariants-how-worried-should-we-be/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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!

Flight issues delaying Thailand’s international tourism rebound 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264938-flight-issues-delaying-thailand’s-international-tourism-rebound/

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/