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Thailand has recently received an antique gold crown, part of a Buddha statue believed to be about 500 years old, from the United States, with the help of the Department of Homeland Security, according to Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome. The crown was made of 95% pure gold in the Lanna art form to decorate a stone-sculpted Buddha statue, a popular practice during the period as a religious offering. The crown itself weighs about 42.6g. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The antique crown is now being kept at the National Museum in Bangkok by the Fine Arts Department for study prior to being exhibited in the future, said the minister. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/five-century-old-gold-crown-of-a-buddha-statue-returned-to-thailand-from-us/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-02 - 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.

please continue here: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261440-japan-most-considered-overseas-holiday-destination-among-thais-with-over-half-saying-they-would-consider-it-for-their-next-trip/ //CLOSED//

EV Seller Expects Sales to Rise by 20% This Year Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Electric vehicle (EV) sales are expected to increase by 15 to 20 percent in Thailand by the end of the year, as the Thai automotive market is anticipated to continue to expand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261517-ev-seller-expects-sales-to-rise-by-20-this-year/

Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Electric vehicle (EV) sales are expected to increase by 15 to 20 percent in Thailand by the end of the year, as the Thai automotive market is anticipated to continue to expand. According to Kwanchai Paphatphong, president of Inter-Media Consultant Co, domestic car sales increased by 16 to 17 percent during the first four months of 2022. As the government continues to loosen restrictions on Covid-19 and adopts economic stimulus packages, Kwanchai stated that the sector’s outlook should be favorable. Despite a semiconductor shortage, China’s zero-Covid policy that is disrupting global supply chains, and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on raw material supplies, the CEO of Inter-Media Consultant Co expects Thailand’s car production in 2022 to meet its goal of 1.8 million units. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Kwanchai attributed the growth to the government’s efforts to promote the EV industry in Thailand. In February, the cabinet approved a package of incentives including tax cuts and subsidies to promote EV consumption and production between 2022 and 2023. Depending on the type and model of vehicle, the subsidies range from 70,000 to 150,000 baht. Excise taxes and import duties have also been reduced for completely knocked-down and completely assembled EV units. Inter-Media Consultant plans to exhibit additional electric vehicle (EV) models, including those from Chinese manufacturers, at the Thailand International Motor Expo from November 30 to December 12. The agency anticipates that car reservations for the event will reach 35,000 to 36,000 units, up from 31,000 units in 2021. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-02 - 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.

Thai Housing Market Starts Seeing Recovery by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai housing market this year is showing signs of recovery in both horizontal and condominium properties amid an improving pandemic situation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261514-thai-housing-market-starts-seeing-recovery/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai housing market this year is showing signs of recovery in both horizontal and condominium properties amid an improving pandemic situation. According to the Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), the transfer rates of property ownership for single or twin houses in Bangkok and its vicinity from January to February saw noticeable improvement. However, rates for condominium units continued to contract. The property ownership transfer rate is a key indication of housing market activity. More new housing units still appeared in the first four months of this year for both single-family homes and condominiums, a welcome development since the downturn began in 2019. The overall housing market in remote provinces also improved, but is still being held back by the limited purchasing power of domestic customers as well as the fluctuating purchasing power of foreign customers. The transfer rate of housing ownership in remote provinces has seen an uptick, while still falling far short of pre-pandemic levels. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The EIC projected that the horizontal housing market still has room for growth this year, due to demand from middle-income earners who have been affected by the economic slowdown. It also noted that the pandemic drove customers to purchase more spacious homes, leading to better performance in the single-house market. Similarly, twin houses rose in popularity among middle-income earners who prioritize values, function and additional spaces. Townhouses have also been grabbing the attention of those who want privacy but cannot afford single or twin houses. Additionally, the EIC said the condominium segment is showing indications of recovery as more existing units find buyers, delayed projects resume construction, and new projects are initiated. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-02 - 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.

TV journalist attacked outside his house in Kanchanaburi; he's warned "Don't mess with other people" Naew Na Thai Caption: Vicious! Journalist in bloody assault by men in Kanchanaburi Naew Na reported on an attack of a Workpoint TV journalist outside his townhouse in Tha Muang district on Tuesday night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261512-tv-journalist-attacked-outside-his-house-in-kanchanaburi-hes-warned-dont-mess-with-other-people/

Naew Na Thai Caption: Vicious! Journalist in bloody assault by men in Kanchanaburi Naew Na reported on an attack of a Workpoint TV journalist outside his townhouse in Tha Muang district on Tuesday night. Fifty three year old Pornchai "Tong" Pinjai was left bloodied with a one and a half centimeter cut over his left eye. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Naew Na He said that he had been with his girlfriend to Meuang district and then came home to their estate. His girlfriend went in the house and he was locking the front gate when three burly men arrived. One wearing a white shirt and jeans in surgical mask asked him if he knew his neighbor. He said he didn't. Then the man took out his phone and asked him to take a look. While he was doing this the man hit him with some weapon he couldn't be sure of and said to him: "Dont mess too much with other people" (translated from Thai). The men then left in the direction of the entrance to the estate. He didn't dare go to seek medical attention fearing they may be lying in wait. He said he had no idea who they were and that he had no problems with anyone. He has filed a report with the Tha Muang police and presented clear CCTV evidence from the front of his house. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-02 - 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. 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

File photo By Online Reporter Over half say they would consider Japan for their next trip Residents who consider the destination are significantly more likely to say that travel advertising on social media, travel websites and free-to-view TV channels grabs their attention Japan is reopening its borders to travellers from 98 countries and regions next month, after being closed to foreign tourists since 2020. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Latest data from YouGov DestinationIndex shows that Japan is by far the top overseas travel destination on the minds of consumers in Thailand: over half say they would consider visiting Japan for their next vacation (49%). Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/japan-most-considered-overseas-holiday-destination-among-thais/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-06-02 - 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.

Getting busy again in Nong Khai now Covid regulations are eased Naew Na Thai Caption: Starting to get exciting again - survey of restaurants - pubs in Muang district Nong Khai Thai media Naew Na went to Nong Khai in the north east of Thailand to investigate what impact yesterday's easing of Covid regulations was having on restaurants and bars. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261507-getting-busy-again-in-nong-khai-now-covid-regulations-are-eased/

Naew Na Thai Caption: Starting to get exciting again - survey of restaurants - pubs in Muang district Nong Khai Thai media Naew Na went to Nong Khai in the north east of Thailand to investigate what impact yesterday's easing of Covid regulations was having on restaurants and bars. At the Ban Mai market where there are pubs, bars and live music they found it not particularly busy as it was midweek. Come Friday and the weekend they'd be a lot more people, they suggested. Picture: Naew Na Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Provincial governor Monsit Phaisanthannawat had signed off on the easing of restrictions as of last night. Tossaphon, a musician, said he hadn't been working for 2 years and had to sell his instruments to survive the pandemic. He had to find another job to make ends meet. This was like a new beginning for him. Picture: Naew Na Traders thanked the governor for the chance to get back to something resembling normal. Traders said almost everyone had been fully vaccinated already and knew all about the regulations. Many had had Covid and recovered and were ready to move on with their lives, unafraid yet wary, looking forward to making money again. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-02 - 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. 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: Naew Na Picture: Naew Na Picture: Naew Na

Balance of power in Bangkok shifts to liberals as national poll looms Vote tallies from the recent Bangkok Council elections show that support for the liberal camp is growing at the expense of the conservatives in the capital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261504-balance-of-power-in-bangkok-shifts-to-liberals-as-national-poll-looms/

Vote tallies from the recent Bangkok Council elections show that support for the liberal camp is growing at the expense of the conservatives in the capital. If the Election Commission endorses all winners of the May 22 poll, Pheu Thai will be the biggest party in the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC), occupying 20 of its 50 councilor seats. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The progressive Move Forward Party will hold 14 seats, while Thai Sang Thai will have two. Put simply, the BMC will be dominated by the so-called pro-democracy camp. The BMC and Bangkok governor are to the city what Parliament and the prime minister are to the country. Contesting the council elections for the conservative camp were the Democrat Party, who won nine seats, Raks Krungthep Group (3) and the Palang Pracharath Party (2). Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/balance-of-power-in-bangkok-shifts-to-liberals-as-national-poll-looms/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-02 - 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.

Video: 22 wheel truck trailer overturns - ceramic tiles scattered all over road near toll booth Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported that the Muang Samut Prakan police were called after the driver of a 22 wheel truck trailer lost control at a bend as he exited the Suksawat expressway bound for the Sri Nakharin toll booth. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261502-video-22-wheel-truck-trailer-overturns-ceramic-tiles-scattered-all-over-road-near-toll-booth/

Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported that the Muang Samut Prakan police were called after the driver of a 22 wheel truck trailer lost control at a bend as he exited the Suksawat expressway bound for the Sri Nakharin toll booth. Ceramic plates were scattered all over the area. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Rescue services treated driver Khamphin, 39, at the scene for leg injuries before taking him to Samut Prakan Hospital. A video published by the media showed the mess caused by the overturned truck. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-02 - 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. 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: 77kaoded Picture: 77kaoded Picture: 77kaoded

Woman files report with Bangkok police alleging political party spokesman with entertainment industry ties sent her obscene pictures and threats Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that a representative of "Red Shirt Lottery Online" known as Kan Jomphalang took a 41 year old woman - named only as "A" - to file a report with the Suthisan police in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261499-woman-files-report-with-bangkok-police-alleging-political-party-spokesman-with-entertainment-industry-ties-sent-her-obscene-pictures-and-threats/

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that a representative of "Red Shirt Lottery Online" known as Kan Jomphalang took a 41 year old woman - named only as "A" - to file a report with the Suthisan police in Bangkok. She alleges that a spokesman for a political party with ties to the entertainment industry who has 700,000 followers on Facebook threatened her by sending three obscene photos of a woman's genitals along with a picture of police registration documents. The woman - dressed in a hat and sunglasses to obscure her identity - used to know the spokesman through her husband. She had ended a relationship with both men. She said she had known the man for years and there was once a defamation case that was resolved. Now that she was single again she said that he felt emboldened to threaten her. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe She claimed that the spokesman sent her the pictures of the genitals saying: "That's why your husband split up with you". She said she was an ordinary woman seeking justice and had already made a complaint to a protection agency. If the spokesman counter sues her she will give more datails next week, on June 6th, she said. Meanwhile the spokesman - who was not named - said it was all untrue and he had no idea about any of it. He would counter sue her in due course. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-02 - 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. 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

Trucker flees the scene after tailgating then hitting school pick-up - two children thrown out and seriously injured Daily News Thai Caption: Hit and run! Daily News reported on a horrendous accident involving a truck and a school pick-up taking students home in Trat, eastern Thailand, yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261496-trucker-flees-the-scene-after-tailgating-then-hitting-school-pick-up-two-children-thrown-out-and-seriously-injured/

Daily News Thai Caption: Hit and run! Daily News reported on a horrendous accident involving a truck and a school pick-up taking students home in Trat, eastern Thailand, yesterday. Two students were thrown out onto the road suffering serious injuries. The truck overturned. The trucker initially stayed at the scene but as many parents arrived he fled (presumably on foot, notes ASEAN NOW). Police captain Nakhin Sirikun of the Mai Rut police in Khlong Yai responded to the accident on Sukhumvit Road. Two pupils in M3 and M4 (third and fourth years of secondary) were thrown out and were taken to Khlong Yai Hospital with grievous injuries. The rest of the students, about ten, suffered minor injuries. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Daily News At the scene the school pick-up had extensive damage on its right side. The truck - with Chanthaburi plates - had overturned. Phisit, 40, the pick-up driver who was uninjured said that he was taking the students home yesterday when the truck behind him started tailgating at speed. When it overtook him it sideswiped his vehicle causing him to lose control though he managed not to overturn. Two students sitting at the back were thrown out onto the tarmac while another fell out as he came to a stop. A student confirmed this version of events saying after the collision it was all a blur. Capt Nakhin said that the trucker was initially at the scene when he arrived but as many parents began to arrive he feared danger and fled the scene. "Rest assured," said the captain, "We will find and prosecute him". -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-02 - 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. 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

UN highlights the scale of illegal drug production in the Mekong region By Editor The number of methamphetamine tablets seized in East and Southeast Asia exceeded a billion last year for the first time, highlighting the scale of illegal drug production and trafficking in the region and the challenges of fighting it, says the U.N. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261495-un highlights-the-scale-of-illegal-drug-production-in-the-mekong-region/

By Editor The number of methamphetamine tablets seized in East and Southeast Asia exceeded a billion last year for the first time, highlighting the scale of illegal drug production and trafficking in the region and the challenges of fighting it, says the U.N. The 1.008 billion tablets was part of a regionwide haul of almost 172 tons of methamphetamine in all forms and was seven times higher than the amount seized 10 years earlier, the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime said in a report. The drugs are largely consumed in Southeast Asia but also exported to New Zealand and Australia, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan in East Asia, and increasingly to South Asia. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “Production and trafficking of methamphetamine jumped yet again as supply became super concentrated in the Mekong (River region) and in particular Thailand, Laos and Myanmar,” Jeremy Douglas, Southeast Asia regional representative for the U.N. agency, told The Associated Press. The increased production makes the drug cheaper and more accessible, creating greater risk to people and their communities, the report said. Methamphetamine is easy to make and has supplanted opium and its derivative heroin to become the dominant illegal drug in Southeast Asia for both use and export. The Golden Triangle area, where the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet, was historically a major production area for opium and hosted many of the labs that converted it to heroin. Decades of political instability have made Myanmar’s frontier regions largely lawless, to be exploited by drug producers and traffickers. Given the problem of limited governance and low attention to the issue, the UN. agency said organized crime syndicates have the means to continue to produce more meth and to sell it to a growing, young population with increased spending power. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/06/un-highlights-the-scale-of-illegal-drug-production-in-the-mekong-region/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-06-02 - 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.

Hair cutting at Thai schools: Student attacks teacher at Loei school Sanook Thai Caption: A student kicked me (says teacher) Thai media Thai Rath and Sanook investigated at a school in Loei in NE Thailand after reports on Line that a social studies teacher had been attacked by a M2, 14 year old student. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261494-hair-cutting-at-thai-schools-student-attacks-teacher-at-loei-school/

Sanook Thai Caption: A student kicked me (says teacher) Thai media Thai Rath and Sanook investigated at a school in Loei in NE Thailand after reports on Line that a social studies teacher had been attacked by a M2, 14 year old student. The teacher had told the pupil before the last period of the day they he would cut his hair that was too long. It would be done in front of the class. As all the students were sitting the boy in question came forward and attacked Charnsak with several kicks then threw a plastic chair at him. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Thai Rath He was injured in several places but did not fight back as it was a student. However they fought over a pair of scissors. The teacher was worried they might be used as a weapon. A fellow student aged 13 told Thai Rath that the boy in question had planned the attack. Picture: Thai Rath While a fellow female teacher said she was appalled that a teacher who was there to teach children would be attacked in this way. No one mentioned human rights just that long hair was against school rules for secondary pupils, notes ASEAN NOW. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-02 - 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. 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

Questions asked about the right to elect provincial governors By Editor The 2022 Bangkok gubernatorial election, which saw independent candidate Chadchart Sittipunt win by a landslide, looks set to change Thailand’s politics in a big way. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261493-questions-asked-about-the-right-to-elect-provincial-governors/