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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. Calls for the right to elect governors in other provinces across the country have grown amid the immense media focus on the Bangkok gubernatorial race. At present, only voters in the capital are permitted to elect their governor, while all other provinces must accept governors appointed by the Interior Ministry. The Bangkok election impacts are now being felt not just in the capital but also in many other parts of the country. “Bangkok’s political maturity has risen significantly with this election and the capital looks set to become a political model for local administrations elsewhere,” said Asst Prof Dr. Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a lecturer at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law. Asst Prof Tavida Kamolvej, dean of Thammasat University’s Faculty of Political Science, said that by electing their governor, Bangkokians had developed a sense of co-ownership in politics. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “They have become more politically engaged and active. Also, they feel like they own the policies they have supported,” she said. Two recent surveys conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) indicated that the majority of people living in provinces also want to elect their governor. In the first survey, conducted between April 18 and 20, more than 66 percent of respondents wanted an elected provincial governor instead of an appointed one. In the second one, which sought voters’ opinions from May 2 to 4, the majority of respondents said they were ready to vote for their governor. About a fifth of the respondents demanded provincial governor elections nationwide, while 33.97 percent said an elected governor would respond better to the needs of locals. “People living in other big cities have started asking why they are not allowed to choose their own governor,” Asst Prof Olarn Thinbangtieo, of Burapha University’s Faculty of Political Science said. “Soon, people in small provinces will ask the same question. If Phuket has an elected governor, then [southern neighbor] Songkhla will definitely want one too.” Assoc Prof Siripan Nogsuan Sawasdee, who teaches at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science, agreed that the Bangkok election had spurred a desire in other provinces to vote for their governors. While the academic does not think gubernatorial elections will be allowed in other provinces anytime soon, she said, “The government will finally feel the ripples.” Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/06/questions-asked-about-the-right-to-elect-provincial-governors/ -- © 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.

Pattaya "busy" after bars and clubs allowed to reopen yesterday - many Indians spotted Picture: Siam Rath Thai media Siam Rath said that pubs and clubs in Pattaya were starting to get busy again after yesterday's reopening by the government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261490-pattaya-busy-after-bars-and-clubs-allowed-to-reopen-yesterday-many-indians-spotted/

Picture: Siam Rath Thai media Siam Rath said that pubs and clubs in Pattaya were starting to get busy again after yesterday's reopening by the government. But they said that building materials left lying about and construction sites were presenting obstacles to customers and spoiling the image of the resort. Places have been allowed to reopen officially in 17 provinces and special areas in 14 provinces. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Siam Rath Customers, staff singers and musicians have to show proof of vaccination and staff have to have ATK tests every seven days or if they are at risk of Covid. In Pattaya's Walking Street that the media called an important area for Pattaya they said that 60% of establishments had been closed down in the pandemic but many were now returning to business. Picture: Siam Rath In Soi 6 - popular with foreigners - it was similar and quite busy. They reckoned 50% of bars and clubs in Walking Street were now open. They remarked on the number of Indian tourists swelling the ranks of Thais and other nationalities. Picture: Siam Rath But they noted much of the street was still a mess after incomplete work by the local authority and electrical authority to bury cables. They published pictures of bricks and sand lying about saying that it looked bad and was preventing some businesses from operating properly. They had a picture of tourist police and other officials and volunteers saluting outside 7-Eleven as they prepared to make sure everyone was following the rules. -- © 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

Health officials "concerned" about reopening of bars/clubs - promise more checks to ensure compliance Picture: Siam Rath Thailand's authorities were out in force last night as bars and clubs were officially allowed to open and serve alcohol up to midnight. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261489-health-officials-concerned-about-reopening-of-barsclubs-promise-more-checks-to-ensure-compliance/

Picture: Siam Rath Thailand's authorities were out in force last night as bars and clubs were officially allowed to open and serve alcohol up to midnight. But they were determined to make sure that Covid-19 cases remained low and that everyone was following the rules. Visiting the clubs in Soi Ekamai (Sukhumvit 63) in Bangkok were the MopH's rep Dr Kiatphoom Wongjarit and the BMA's Khajit Chachawanich. Dr Kiatphoom told Siam Rath that he was stil concerned about the possible spread of Covid-19 and stated that lots of places were still not following the latest rules to the letter. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Siam Rath Despite ATK tests being done on staff and customers. But he was trying not to be too heavy handed saying that businesses must be supported as the nightlife industry continued on the path to full reopening. But he cautioned that establishments not complying with the regulations would be warned and closed if there were large numbers of cases. He said that information centers were in place to advise businesses about the serving of alcohol, not sharing glasses and the 12 pm closure order. He promised more checks on an ongoing basis. -- © 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday June 2 2022 Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261488-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-june-2-2022/

Listen to the news: The department of health has stated Covid-19 should be reclassified as a disease under surveillance instead of a dangerous communicable disease. This would allow the government to stop paying covid hospital bills. Health minister Anutin said medical costs could be covered by patients' personal insurance schemes, however it’s unlikely any changes will take place immediately as the CCSA Center for covid 19 will assess the situation again now that restrictions are being lifted. Thailand and Laos have signed an MOU on forming a partnership that includes a 5 year plan of economic and infrastructure development cooperation, including power and energy, sustainable development" and support for victims of human trafficking. Meanwhile more than 2,000 people a day have crossed into Nong Khai since the Thai-Laos border checkpoint reopened. The body of a 40-year-old man was found gagged and tied in a shallow grave in a forest in Hat Yai yesterday, the victim was last seen alive on Tuesday. Thailand’s Constitutional Court yesterday ruled that politician Sam-lee Rak-su-tee should no longer serve as an MP, as he has a conviction for fraud dating back to 2019. The private sector urged the government to capitalize on the global food shortage: Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce said: The global food crisis is escalating to the point where countries are already banning the export of food, he added Thailand could benefit by exporting agriculture goods and food products. The ministry of commerce placed price controls on many essential food and medical items after the price of many consumer goods jumped yesterday. Region: Myanmar’s military blamed so called "terrorists" opposed to its rule for a deadly bombing at a bus stop in its biggest city Yangon on Tuesday that killed two people and wounded seven. However, members of the exiled shadow government denied the accusations. Malaysia: A 48 year old man who was released from jail only a month ago, after serving 14 years at Songkhla Prison, southern Thailand, was arrested in Malaysia with 48,000 Yaba pills yesterday, the drugs were worth an estimated: 480,000 ringgit. Chiang Mai: Sunny partly cloudy 34C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 35C Pattaya and SE: cloudy with thundershowers 31, Phuket and the South: cloudy with some thundershowers 30C Heavier rain to the far south, Hua Hin: Sunny becoming cloudy later, perhaps an isolated shower this afternoon 31C, Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 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.

Beef buffet restaurant mocks new PDPA law with highly censored pictures Sanook Thai Caption: Yes, we're afraid, very afraid Thailand was coming to terms with a new law that came in yesterday. And one restaurant used humor to poke fun at the new regulations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261487-beef-buffet-restaurant-mocks-new-pdpa-law-with-highly-censored-pictures/

Sanook Thai Caption: Yes, we're afraid, very afraid Thailand was coming to terms with a new law that came in yesterday. And one restaurant used humor to poke fun at the new regulations. It is the PDPA - Personal Data Protection Act - that principally protects the public against their image in photos or videos being used by places like businesses to promote their operations, reported Sanook. Picture: Sanook Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A beef buffet restaurant called Beef More More published pictures on their Facebook page that caused much comment. The pictures were intended as a joke - lots of them featured scenes at the restaurant with all the customers faces and bodies completely censored out. Picture: Sanook They said that they always ask first when taking promo shots and admitted that they were "really worried" by the new law. This appeared a little tongue in cheek. After many comments they clarified their position by posting: "We're not saying that the law is wrong - just that it is ambiguous and open to interpretation." They then continued to poke fun at the law. -- © 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

Legal victory for Johnny Depp after he and Amber Heard found liable for defamation By Sonia Moghe, CNN (CNN)A jury has found both Amber Heard and Johnny Depp liable for defamation in their lawsuits against each other. The jury awarded significantly more damages to Depp, a legal win for the actor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261477-legal-victory-for-johnny-depp-after-he-and-amber-heard-found-liable-for-defamation/

By Sonia Moghe, CNN (CNN)A jury has found both Amber Heard and Johnny Depp liable for defamation in their lawsuits against each other. The jury awarded significantly more damages to Depp, a legal win for the actor. Depp sued Heard, his ex-wife, for defamation over a 2018 op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post in which she described herself as a "public figure representing domestic abuse." Though Depp was not named in the article, he claims it cost him lucrative acting roles. Heard countersued her ex-husband for defamation over statements Depp's attorney made about her abuse claims. The jury found that Heard defamed Depp in three separate statements in The Washington Post piece, and that Depp defamed Heard with one statement his attorney made. Full story: https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/01/entertainment/johnny-depp-amber-heard-verdict/index.html -- © Copyright CNN 2022-06-02

Officials confirm SHA approval required and midnight closing for Hua Hin nightspots By Online Reporter File photo Operators of nightlife outlets in Hua Hin and throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan have been warned that only approved venues will be allowed to reopen from June 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261475-officials-confirm-sha-approval-required-and-midnight-closing-for-hua-hin-nightspots/

File photo By Online Reporter Operators of nightlife outlets in Hua Hin and throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan have been warned that only approved venues will be allowed to reopen from June 1. From today (Wednesday), many bars, pubs, karaoke venues and other nightspots in the province can reopen as part of a major easing of restrictions put in place to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, on Tuesday (May 31) the provincial administration issued an order confirming that only venues that have received the necessary safety certifications are allowed to reopen. In order to reopen, nightlife outlets must have received the SHA or SHA PLUS approval in accordance with the public health office for Prachuap Khiri Khan and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/officials-confirm-sha-approval-required-and-midnight-closing-for-hua-hin-nightspots/ -- © 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.

Thai PM orders strict surveillance of entertainment venues on their first day of reopening in many areas By Adam Judd PHOTO: Prachachat National – Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha ordered strict surveillance of entertainment venues, including bars, pubs, soapy massage parlors, and karaoke lounges, as the businesses have returned legally for the first time since April of 2021 yesterday, June 1st, in some provinces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261474-thai-pm-orders-strict-surveillance-of-entertainment-venues-on-their-first-day-of-reopening-in-many-areas/

PHOTO: Prachachat By Adam Judd National – Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha ordered strict surveillance of entertainment venues, including bars, pubs, soapy massage parlors, and karaoke lounges, as the businesses have returned legally for the first time since April of 2021 yesterday, June 1st, in some provinces. Government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana told the Associated Press this morning that the Prime Minister had assigned related agencies to inspect and follow up on the establishments after the first day of the reopening on Wednesday whether they are qualified under Thai Stop COVID 2 Plus and properly registered for their reopening with the district office. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe All entertainment venues are being reminded to strictly comply with the COVID Free Setting. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/06/01/thai-pm-orders-strict-surveillance-of-entertainment-venues-on-their-first-day-of-reopening-in-many-areas/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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 government to launch mobile app for cannabis growers to register next week By Panithan Onthaworn Thai officials on Wednesday urged people interested in cultivating cannabis and hemp to register via a mobile application as the plants will be removed from the Type 5 narcotics list on June 9. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261473-thai-government-to-launch-mobile-app-for-cannabis-growers-to-register-next-week/

By Panithan Onthaworn Thai officials on Wednesday urged people interested in cultivating cannabis and hemp to register via a mobile application as the plants will be removed from the Type 5 narcotics list on June 9. The application is called “Plookganja” and it will be available to download on the same day that the delisting officially takes place, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The announcement is in line with official guidance for individuals to grow cannabis and hemp at home without a permit, but the grower must inform the authorities of the amount and location of those plants. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/40584/thai-government-to-launch-mobile-app-for-cannabis-growers-to-register-next-week/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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.

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 2 June 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1261472-thailand-live-thursday-2-june-2022/

PM blames reduced education budget on fewer students due to declining birth rate Thailand’s declining birth rate over the past several years has resulted in fewer students and a commensurate reduction in education budget, from about 330 billion baht this fiscal year to about 325.9 billion baht for 2023, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in parliament, as he responded to opposition MPs’ questions about why the education budget had been cut, today (Wednesday), the second day of the three-day first reading debate on the annual national budget. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261442-pm-blames-reduced-education-budget-on-fewer-students-due-to-declining-birth-rate/

COVID to Become Communicable Disease under Surveillance BANGKOK, June 1 (TNA) – Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he would propose to categorize COVID-19 as a communicable disease under surveillance and set aside a plan to declare it an endemic disease. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261445-covid-to-become-communicable-disease-under-surveillance/

Now Dengue fever is spreading across SE Asia by ASEAN NOW The Thailand Department of Disease Control (DDC), has been warning that this year’s seasonal dengue outbreak could be more severe than usual, following three early deaths in 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261471-now-dengue-fever-is-spreading-across-se-asia/

by ASEAN NOW The Thailand Department of Disease Control (DDC), has been warning that this year’s seasonal dengue outbreak could be more severe than usual, following three early deaths in 2022. This is already half the total for all of 2021. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the DDC, said that as summer approaches, cases of dengue fever, as well as other diseases such as diarrhea and heatstroke, increase dramatically. According to Dr Opas, only six people died from dengue last year, but three dengue fatalities have already been reported in the first three months of 2022. All three deaths involved patients who were either recovering from or actively being treated for COVID-19. Other countries have been affected Thailand is not alone as the Philippines have reported this week that in Zamboanga City their City Health Office (CHO) said Tuesday that it has recorded a total of 2,223 dengue cases with nineteen deaths in the city since January. Over in Singapore, the number of cases reported so far this year has already exceeded the whole of 2021 and is already climbing towards the levels in 2020 when Singapore saw its worst dengue outbreak. To borrow terms, officials there said that we’ve become familiar with over the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effective reproductive number – the number of people infected by the mosquitoes infected by one dengue carrier – needs to be kept below 1 to curb transmission. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe And that isn’t currently happening. Experts there know some circumstantial factors that may be responsible for the current outbreak. The recent warm weather is conducive to mosquito population growth. DENV3, the current dominant serotype behind most cases now, has not circulated at such levels before 2021. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported that in 2022, and as of 5 May, 785 736 cases and 588 deaths have been reported. The majority of cases have been reported from Brazil (607,546) and most deaths are from Indonesia (229). Since the previous CDTR published on week 14, 492 404 new cases and 181 new deaths have been reported. According to their figures in 2022 up to April 25th Thailand had 889 cases and no deaths have been reported. This is an increase of 276 cases and no deaths since 5 April 2022. What is Dengue? Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes called Aedes aegypti, which usually bite between two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset. The most common symptoms are fever with any of the following: nausea, vomiting, rashes, aches, and pains, like eye pain or typically behind the eyes, muscle, joints, or bones. Dengue and COVID-19 share some early clinical symptoms, like fever, body ache and fatigue, so more may have sought medical attention in the past two years or so. The availability of rapid diagnostics in GP clinics is another factor. Of course, there are small steps most of us are already familiar with, such as removing stagnant water, using the myENV app to get alerts about clusters, as well as the increased use of sprays, long-sleeved and legged clothing, and residual indoor spraying around the home. Fortunately, there are long-term technological solutions around the corner, the two most likely over the years ahead of being the use of Wolbachia mosquitoes and dengue vaccination. Singapore has been leading the way internationally in using Wolbachia mosquitoes since 2016 in a suppression strategy – where male mosquitoes infected with the Wolbachia bacteria are released to mate but the resultant eggs cannot produce offspring, thus making the wild population crash. The data from the pilot field sites in Tampines and Yishun over the last few years suggest the approach is remarkably successful in cutting mosquito populations there. We can live in hope, meanwhile during the hot rainy season be alert for those pesky mosquitoes. -- © 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

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Thai Edible Insect Products More Popular among Americans NONTHABURI, June 1 (TNA) – Thailand’s edible insect products and insect-based protein are gaining popularity in the United States, according to the Department of International Trade Promotion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261401-thai-edible-insect-products-more-popular-among-americans/