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Thailand’s liberal ganja attitude tears up SE Asian rulebook - kingdom set to kick tourism butt! OPINION | by Rooster Thailand’s extraordinary decision to, if I may update The Bard, “legalize ganja in one fell swoop” has stolen a march on the country’s stuffy neighbors in SE Asia and the rest of the continent. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264688-thailand’s-liberal-ganja-attitude-tears-up-se-asian-rulebook-kingdom-set-to-kick-tourism-butt/

OPINION | by Rooster Thailand’s extraordinary decision to, if I may update The Bard, “legalize ganja in one fell swoop” has stolen a march on the country’s stuffy neighbors in SE Asia and the rest of the continent. This could, in the fullness of time when pandemic angst is a thing of the past, drive tourism upwards at the expense of boring places like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Burma; most of these are little more than police states or run by armies or religious fanatics. Even more liberal democracies like Japan and South Korea are languishing in Thailand’s wake now that the Land of Smiles is back on the tourism track, ready to reclaim its rightful number one ranking and maybe even be called the Land of the Munchies, thanks to delicious food that knocks the competition for six. This columnist is very proud to once again say, I’m an honorary Thai in the best country on earth. Now, I’m not saying that every tourist will be coming to Thailand to get stoned or even care about the news. But the full legalization that came in on June 9th has reignited the feelgood factor about Thailand, rekindled that feeling from the 70s, 80s and 90s when travellers came here for the laissez-faire attitude to sex, drugs and rock and roll inspiring legions of the well-heeled to follow suit and ultimately rather spoil things. Thailand needs to get back to its roots, reclaim the name of “Land of the Free” that guidebook phrase of note. The kingdom doesn’t have to ditch its upmarket feel, just remarket its Amazing Thailand image. Nudge nudge, wink wink. After all, doesn't Elon Musk enjoy a good spliff? Wouldn’t 60 somethings with a wedge in their back pockets not be encouraged by having a pre-rolled joint on their Banyan Tree balcony? I’m betting they would and the Thais don’t even need to shout about it - let social media be the driver. It’s driven Thailand down, now it can take her up again like a phoenix rising from the ashes, as it were. Or maybe just encourage vaping of weed - a far better and less annoying way to consume the greatest herb known to man. This week on ASEAN NOW most every Thai embassy in the region was warning travellers from Thailand not to carry cannabis or even hemp products in their carry-on to the neighbors. Singapore could put a noose around your neck - two if you put chewing gum on the sidewalk - and Indonesia’s mullahs will have you swabbing out the Denpasar Hilton for the rest of your natural span. Seoul said welcome to a five year stay then deportation and Japan will throw away the key for a decade! Konnichiwa! Meanwhile, lots of warning signs have gone up at Aranyaprathet to stop weed smuggling to Cambodia. Expect expats who live there to be beating a path to Thailand’s peaceful and pleasant climes where every June 9th should be a national holiday. Call it “Freedom Day”. Myanmar? Well I won’t even use that name - it’s Burma until the junta stop killing everyone and as for Malaysia…. take a good book because it closes at 8.30 pm and wakes you up at 5.30 with some moaning from a minaret. No thanks. Epitomizing this new optimism was a charming story about “Dave” a Thai weed seller in Khao San Road. The authorities who bumped him off the street - including the chief of Chana Songkran nick - were at pains to point out the only reason he couldn’t roll tourists a joint was because he didn’t have a permit to sell anything. He promised to get one and was saluted on his way to the district office to apply. In Samut Prakan a taxi driver was found with Korean soju in his cab and a bong. Naughty, naughty. But while such mischief should be frowned upon by what the Thai press call “chauffeurs”, doesn’t it also make one smile, reminding us of that bygone era when the Thais stuck two fingers up to the world and said “whatever, we’re free you’re not”. Certainly there were a huge amount of amusing stories this week that pointed to the fun that Thailand represents - Thai Rath even noted that tourists were dribbling back to Chiang Mai again. Brilliant. Lottery fever was rife with a viper “crawling into a Thai man’s Yaris” - ooh er missus! Snakes in Surin were making out outside without the need for a curtain hotel, those wonderful establishments that abound throughout Thailand, cheap and thankfully very well insulated. Nat - Thailand’s foremost porn star - is now planning on being a knockout in the Muay Thai ring. Remember her on again, off again relationship with ageing yankee Harold, such a staple in Thai Visa days? Pattayans were drooling at the prospect of a cougar catfight, possibly featuring mud dredged up from the pipes leading to the ocean. The dead were also playing their part in making Thailand happy. A Khon Kaen temple was offering free coffins and joss-sticks with a white sheet to wrap gran thrown in. A foundation worker in Chiang Rai went one better, kindly delivering a corpse strapped to his back while he rode a motorcycle out of the woods. Even in death Thailand knows how to appreciate people and go the extra mile to alleviate suffering. Even the political news was touched with a Thai titter. Chuwit - the go to person for all that is scurrilous in the Thai press - called a casino bust in Rachada “window dressing” ahead of the no confidence debate. The debate may have to do without Anutin. He tested positive for Covid despite having enough jabs to turn his arms into pin cushions. The vax trolls came out of the woodwork and unpleasant forum curmudgeons thought it was funny and “reminded” us about the health minister's “dirty farang” comment way back when. Move on people, Lord Anutin has outdone Prayut in returning happiness to the people via his weed policy! I won’t hear a word said against him unless he changes course. Anutin for PM! Then we were told that Thailand has at least three long weekends next month. Time off, schools out, only the odd day booze free.. What’s not to love in magical Thailand! (They will be inviting positive Rooster to TAT events with Richard Barrow soon…) In international news UK socialite and filthy madam Ghislaine Maxwell was jailed for 20 years for peddling minors to Jeffrey Epstein. Well done to the US court. In London, SW 19, no one was surprised when it started raining on Monday for the start of Wimbledon. Local hopes Murray and Raducanu were dumped out early. As a kid brought up in nearby Beckenham I invariably went to the tennis but ever since Cliff Richard started singing in the rain - as well as other jingoistic excesses - you need a sickbag if you’re British. In the Philippines “Bongbong” Marcos was sworn in as president. Expect this reincarnation of the dictator to bangbang your head in if you so much as think about getting your bongbong out in Manila. In France the only surviving member of the terror cell that committed the atrocities that killed 130 in 2015 received a rare full-life sentence. Please also tattoo his forehead with “In Memory of Charlie Hebdo” and tie him next to a mirror. In Ukraine the war rumbled on with the US still believing that Putin wants to capture most of the country and the UK reportedly providing an extra billion quid in military aid and even training Ukrainian soldiers with the help of New Zealand troops on Salisbury Plain. With Ukraine's EU membership being fast-tracked and Sweden and Finland wanting to join NATO, the political landscape is more worrying than the fighting. Remember the Cuban missile crisis, anyone? Back in Thailand Rooster finally had a screw. Not that one was loose or that Mrs R was accommodating, no, this was an implant wedged into my jawbone in a one and a half hour operation in the dentist’s chair. Only two more visits before I’m done and the total bill for a forward molar will be 40,000 baht after a few charges were added. Posters asked me for a recommendation and I have no hesitation in saying go to Lisa. A reminder that Thailand has top notch dental care even in the suburbs. In Jomtien things got serious at the Sattahip end of Pattaya (now fenced off!) where the authorities cleared the sands of the pesky vendors. This brought out dozens of curmudgeons who will moan about anything. I know it’s mostly at night but I can’t stand those ghastly deckchairs and pestering sellers on Thai beaches. It’s enough to put me off going to the beach at all and staying by the hotel pool. Hua Hin is just as bad with ponies dropping their pooh on the sand. Clear ‘em all out and allow vaping. The same also goes for the thieving ladyboys on the main drag in Pattaya. While probably not all Indian tourists are as pure as the driven snow when it comes to reports about theft of necklaces, many don’t deserve the racist press they get in comments on the site. Rooster was also not sure about ASEAN NOW’s post of a man from the sub-continent dripping in gold, though many including Indians saw the funny side. Another welcome sight in Thailand after a long Covid hiatus was the sight of prison chain gangs back clearing the drains. It was one of the first things I even noticed in Thailand in my early days - that and people standing up for children on public transport. Lovely and most apposite. Finally, the delightful festival of Phi Ta Khon is taking place in Dan Sai district of Loei this weekend. Locals dress up as colorful ghosts and parade through the town in one of Thailand’s one-of-a-kind and unmissable events. Make a trip if you can, you won’t regret it. Yet another reason why Meuang Thai is Number 1. Rooster -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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! 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

28-year-old woman jumps from third floor apartment in Naklua, claims boyfriend held her against her will in room for a year By Adam Judd Naklua-A 28-year-old woman leapt from a third floor balcony to the ground at a Naklua area apartment at 10:30 P.M. last night, July 1st, 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264686-28-year-old-woman-jumps-from-third-floor-apartment-in-naklua-claims-boyfriend-held-her-against-her-will-in-room-for-a-year/

By Adam Judd Naklua-A 28-year-old woman leapt from a third floor balcony to the ground at a Naklua area apartment at 10:30 P.M. last night, July 1st, 2022. The woman, whose name has been withheld due to the sensitivity of the situation, survived the fall with only moderate injuries. The woman told first responders and Nongprue police that she was not suicidal but had decided to jump from the balcony to escape her boyfriend, who wasn’t immediately identified, who she claimed had held her against her will in the apartment for roughly a year. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/07/02/28-year-old-woman-jumps-from-third-floor-apartment-in-naklua-claims-boyfriend-held-her-against-her-will-in-room-for-a-year/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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!

Khao San: Deathly quiet in the afternoon, busy in the evening - no one has applied for street permission to sell marijuana Picture: INN INN reported that Khao San road in Bangkok was quite busy with foreign tourists yesterday evening - the first day that the Thailand Pass and 2 am opening was in place. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264685-khao-san-deathly-quiet-in-the-afternoon-busy-in-the-evening-no-one-has-applied-for-street-permission-to-sell-marijuana/

Picture: INN INN reported that Khao San road in Bangkok was quite busy with foreign tourists yesterday evening - the first day that the Thailand Pass and 2 am opening was in place. They reported that most foreign tourists were not wearing masks even though Thai visitors to the tourist street and vendors were wearing face coverings to protect themselves from Covid-19. Meanwhile the director of Phra Nakhon district Wasan Bunmeunwai said that a contingent of police, military and tessakit officers were in the area to ensure that vendors in particular were behaving themselves. So far 238 stalls have applied for licences to sell goods in the street. But not a single person has applied to the local authority to set up a stall selling marijuana or hemp products. Picture: INN If anyone was seen doing so they would be turfed out. He said that applications to sell marijuana would be considered but that in his personal opinion it was not an appropriate place to sell weed. Wasan said this was because it is near temples and schools and he believed it could have an adverse affect on tourism . He acknowledged that some people in the area wanted to turn Khao San into a "ganja hub" and that would need careful consideration. He reiterated that the Phra Nahon district would follow all laws as laid out. Picture: INN An ASEAN NOW reporter was in Khao San in mid-afternoon and found the area deathly quiet with just a few stalls set up selling food, souvenirs and hair braiding. There was a smattering of foreign tourists, none with masks. A few Thai vendors had them under their chins. A man approached our reporter from the shadows and said: " Where are you from? You want marijuana?" Picture: INN A sign for a shop selling potent THC strains next to Rocco Bar - just yards from the Chana Songkram police station - was unmanned and deserted. A small table with a "Marijuana" sign on it was set up just around the corner next to a motorcycle taxi rank. This too was unmanned. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-01 - 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

Flight connections to KL delayed, but international flights ”100% certain” By Editor Despite reports that Air Asia flights between Hua Hin and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) would be resuming in July, local travel agents are now being told that this is no longer the case. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264674-flight-connections-to-kl-delayed-but-international-flights-”100-certain”/

By Editor Despite reports that Air Asia flights between Hua Hin and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) would be resuming in July, local travel agents are now being told that this is no longer the case. In April it was reported that flights would be resuming; scheduled to operate Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Although the company has not made an official statement, the Air Asia website no longer shows flights operating with no comment or reasons given for the change in plans. To date an anticipated re-start date has not been given. Phoenix Aviation CEO John Laroche says that although the delay is disappointing, resumption of the flights is ‘’100% certain’’, along with final preparation for more international flights well advanced. He notes the ongoing support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thai Board of Trade, Ministry of Trade, Department of Trade and provincial Governors to ensure an international flight future for the airport. Meanwhile construction to widen the Hua Hin airport runway is reported to be complete, but awaiting a final sign-off of this important project. Full story: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/07/flight-connections-to-kl-delayed-but-international-flights-100-certain/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 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!

UPDATE: CCTV shows Australian man accidentally fell from hotel in Patong while balancing on rooftop railing By Goongnang Suksawat Patong, Phuket – CCTV footage at a hotel in Patong clearly showed a 19-year-old Australian man who was walking around a pool on a wall and then a railing accidentally fell down, say law enforcement officers familiar with the investigation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264673-update-cctv-shows-australian-man-accidentally-fell-from-hotel-in-patong-while-balancing-on-rooftop-railing/

By Goongnang Suksawat Patong, Phuket – CCTV footage at a hotel in Patong clearly showed a 19-year-old Australian man who was walking around a pool on a wall and then a railing accidentally fell down, say law enforcement officers familiar with the investigation. Phuket Police told the press no foul play took place while the victim’s relatives also believe it was a tragic accident. The CCTV on the roof top of the sixth floor at the Patong hotel shows the man, now identified publicly as 19-year-old Joshua James Connell, was walking on a raised wall above the pool around 5:45 P.M. He appeared to be practicing a type of parkour, according to Phuket Police, and jumped to a smaller white metal railing from the raised wall above the pool before losing his balance and falling down. Mr. Connell, who was wearing only swimming shorts and was barefoot, had tried to restore his balance, tottering like a tightrope walker for about fifteen seconds, but tragically tumbled six stories below. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/07/01/update-cctv-shows-australian-man-accidentally-fell-from-hotel-in-patong-while-balancing-on-rooftop-railing/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 202207-02 - 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!

Luxurious Indian-style “Jannaat Club” on Pattaya Walking Street officially opens for business By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — With over 200 million baht invested, Jannaat Club—the newest Indian-style luxurious nightclub in Pattaya— is finally open for customers on Pattaya Walking Street after having been delayed for two years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264672-luxurious-indian-style-“jannaat-club”-on-pattaya-walking-street-officially-opens-for-business/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — With over 200 million baht invested, Jannaat Club—the newest Indian-style luxurious nightclub in Pattaya— is finally open for customers on Pattaya Walking Street after having been delayed for two years. Jannaat Club officially held its grand opening last night, June 30th, with Mr. Saksit Theerapornsathanon, or “Sia Som”, one of the main investors for the club, leading the ceremony and accepting a congratulations gift from the Pattaya mayor, Poramese Ngampiches and former Pattaya mayor Sonthaya Khunplume. Nestled in the middle of Walking Street, Jannaat Club is an Indian-style luxurious nightclub fitted in a four-story building. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/07/01/luxurious-indian-style-jannaat-club-on-pattaya-walking-street-officially-opens-for-business/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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!

THAI Airways says it no longer seeks massive loans, economic situation looking better By Erich Parpart Getting loans is no longer a priority for Thai Airways International (THAI)’s debt rehabilitation plan and the airline expects to resume trade on the stock market by 2025, the president of a panel overseeing the rehabilitation said on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264671-thai-airways-says-it-no-longer-seeks-massive-loans-economic-situation-looking-better/

By Erich Parpart Getting loans is no longer a priority for Thai Airways International (THAI)’s debt rehabilitation plan and the airline expects to resume trade on the stock market by 2025, the president of a panel overseeing the rehabilitation said on Friday. “We are seeing a clear recovery and we are readjusting the rehabilitation plan with less loans to make it truly sustainable,” said Piyasvasti Amranand. The new plan was submitted to the Central Bankruptcy Court on Friday. The airline was already in financial trouble prior to the Covid-19 pandemic with yearly losses of more than 10 billion baht. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/41409/thai-airways-says-it-no-longer-seeks-massive-loans-economic-situation-looking-better/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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!

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 2 July 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1264670-thailand-live-saturday-2-july-2022/

Art exhibition held on dirt road in Khon Kaen to get authorities’ attention At first glance, a bunch of landscape paintings seem to blend in with the lush fields they are placed next to, but a closer look shows how they are in an unusual place, on a bumpy dirt road full of potholes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264616-art-exhibition-held-on-dirt-road-in-khon-kaen-to-get-authorities’-attention/

House of Representatives Approves Online Sales of Kratom-Based Products The House of Representatives has passed a bill allowing people to sell kratom-based products online. However, strict regulations will be enforced to ensure public safety. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264620-house-of-representatives-approves-online-sales-of-kratom-based-products/

Missing American woman found this morning after leaving home for a walk PHOTO: Pattaya Tourist Police An elderly American woman who became lost after leaving home for a walk last night was found by Pattaya Police this morning, July 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264644-missing-american-woman-found-this-morning-after-leaving-home-for-a-walk/

HOT Magazine, Issue 6, Volume 10 June View File Hot Magazine: Read the online issue 6, Volume 10, June 2022 by clicking on the green button or read the online version here HOT Magazine is a Thailand based luxury lifestyle magazine connecting with Asia’s wealthy, brand-conscious, high net worth individuals, through their chosen lifestyle activities. Submitter webfact Submitted 07/01/22 Category Thaivisa Members Files  

Bangkok and TAT to Host Festivals in Bangkok to Promote Tourism by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will hold a variety of events in Bangkok to promote tourism and revitalize the economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264610-bangkok-and-tat-to-host-festivals-in-bangkok-to-promote-tourism/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will hold a variety of events in Bangkok to promote tourism and revitalize the economy. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt made the announcement after his meeting with the TAT to discuss plans to boost tourism in Bangkok. He said both sides have agreed to set up a joint working panel to oversee events and activities set to promote the unique cultural characteristics of each district in the capital. The BMA will serve as a facilitator and provide support in utilities and infrastructure while the TAT will spearhead the initiative with their tourism management expertise. At least 12 festivals will be organized to attract domestic and international tourists such as the outdoor movie festival this month and the boat racing festival expected to be held in October. The Bangkok governor believes that these events will boost the economy and provide a fun experience for participants both domestically and internationally. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-01 - 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!

PM says incursion of Myanmar jet into Thai airspace not a big deal Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today (Friday) that the incursion into Thai airspace of a Myanmar MiG-29 jet, which flew over Tak province yesterday, is not a big deal, noting that the Myanmar military has already offered an apology and that the two countries enjoy good relations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264606-pm-says-incursion-of-myanmar-jet-into-thai-airspace-not-a-big-deal/

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today (Friday) that the incursion into Thai airspace of a Myanmar MiG-29 jet, which flew over Tak province yesterday, is not a big deal, noting that the Myanmar military has already offered an apology and that the two countries enjoy good relations. After the incident, he said that the Thai military had talked with their Myanmar counterparts about the incursion and he, too, had discussed the issue, adding that the Myanmar military explained that they their pilot had no intention to infringe upon Thai airspace, but needed to make a turn, resulting in the plane to crossing into Thai territory. The Royal Thai Air Force had scrambled two F-16 jet fighters, but the Myanmar MiG-29 was already back in Myanmar. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pm-says-incursion-of-myanmar-jet-into-thai-airspace-not-a-big-deal/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-01 - 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!

Major Thai brewer announces increase in beer prices By Online Reporter File photo One of Thailand’s leading breweries has announced an increase in the price of its beer. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264605-major-thai-brewer-announces-increase-in-beer-prices/