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Fentanyl - a med that is more powerful than morphine - found entering Thailand; US man nabbed Picture: Siam Rath Thailand's drug authorities have successfully intercepted a parcel that contained the powerful and potentially dangerous pharmaceutical drug fentanyl. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272005-fentanyl-a-med-that-is-more-powerful-than-morphine-found-entering-thailand-us-man-nabbed/

Picture: Siam Rath Thailand's drug authorities have successfully intercepted a parcel that contained the powerful and potentially dangerous pharmaceutical drug fentanyl. This drug - prescribed by doctor's for severe pain associated with cancer care - is abused with other drugs like heroin, morphine, cocaine and crystal meth to produced a great high. This can be dangerous if overdosed as has been seen in many cases in the US and Europe. Siam Rath reported comments from the secretary of the Narcotics Control Board Wanchai Chaimongkhol who appeared with far east DEA rep Mark Snyder at a press conference. Wanchai said that the Airport Interdiction Task Force - AITF - had intercepted and xrayed a parcel from the US that contained 8 grams of ketamine, 9 grams of crystal meth, 2 grams of ecstasy, 10 grams of cocaine and four grams of fentanyl. Picture: Siam Rath A US man who came to pick up the parcel was arrested. In follow up investigations in the Ratchathewi and Wattana areas of Bangkok a Thai woman was also taken into custody. The drugs were found on Monday. Investigators are looking into the case to see if it was one of personal use or part of a wider drug related issue. Wanchai said this was the first time fentanyl had been found and the NCB were keeping a close watch on what he said was a potentially dangerous drug coming into the kingdom. Fentanyl comes in pill or patch form and online information suggests it has 50-100 times the power of morphine. Misuse can cause heart failure and death. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-16 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - 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

Thai Baht heads to near 37 Baht/US$, as BoT defends its use of $19 billion in defending the currency By Narudon Daisachulshu As Thai Baht heads towards level not seen since late September 2006 questions are being asked whether the Bank of Thailand (BoT)’s statement that the 1.35 trillion Baht disappearance of the international reserves was just ‘revaluation’ of asset or has the central bank been actively propping the currency to keep it artificially stronger than it should be. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272004-thai-baht-heads-to-near-37-bahtus-as-bot-defends-its-use-of-19-billion-in-defending-the-currency/

By Narudon Daisachulshu As Thai Baht heads towards level not seen since late September 2006 questions are being asked whether the Bank of Thailand (BoT)’s statement that the 1.35 trillion Baht disappearance of the international reserves was just ‘revaluation’ of asset or has the central bank been actively propping the currency to keep it artificially stronger than it should be. Earlier this week, the BoT revealed that Thailand’s reserves stood at a staggering US$240 billion, but this number was down from US$278 billion seen earlier this year and that the reason for the decline in the currency was that the BoT was revaluing all the assets because most of the assets it holds are in its diversified portfolio had depreciated as the US Dollar has strengthened against all global currencies. The rising interest rates in the United States has prompted the US Dollar to strengthen to levels not seen in more than a decade, and this has prompted many countries to scramble to keep their currencies from depreciating. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/44229/thai-baht-heads-to-near-37-baht-us-as-bot-defends-its-use-of-19-billion-in-defending-the-currency/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-09-16 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday September 16 2022 Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1272002-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-september-16-2022/

Listen to the news: A 15-year-old boy was killed after a homemade pistol went off accidentally in a classroom in Nonthaburi. Students and teachers initially blamed the incident on a computer, but the boy's wounds to his face and a deep wound near his eye indicated something else was the cause. Another student eventually admitted he brought in the homemade gun which went off accidentally causing the fatal injury. The criminal court has sentenced a woman to death after she poisoned her two children, then posted images of them looking sick online to attract donations. She confessed to feeding her adopted daughter acidic water which eventually caused her death and giving her own 2 year old son meals that were poisoned. She was sentenced to death and ordered to repay 42 thousand baht. Toyota motors Thailand has ended up with a heft fine after Thailand's Supreme Court' found the car company had wrongfully claimed it used locally made parts for its Prius cars assembled here in 2013, this would have made it eligible to pay 10 percent tax rather than the usual 80% import duty. The court has fined the auto maker more than 315 million dollars. Parts of Bangkok at Lat Krabang near Suvarnabhumi airport will be declared a disaster zone after further flooding hit there and several other areas, This will allow emergency relief funds and other provisions to be provided promptly by the local authority. Region: China said it has lodged a complaint with the United States, after a US Senate panel advanced legislation that would enhance US military support for Taiwan. A chinese foreign ministry representative said if this goes through it would affect US-China relations. Japan is expected to lift a ban on individual tourist visa requirements from selected countries from October, imposed due to Covid-19. The country will also scrap the daily entry limit of 50,000 people, Chiang Mai: Bright clouding over with rain this afternoon 32C Bangkok: Bright, partly Cloudy rain 32C Pattaya and SE: Bright, partly Cloudy DRY 30C. Phuket: Bright, partly cloudy isolated showers 29 C. Hua Hin: A fine day clouding over with rain this afternoon 32 C Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com. Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2022-09-16 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

World Sports News - Friday 16 September by Chili Radio Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271995-world-sports-news-friday-16-september-by-chili-radio/

Listen to the news: Tennis - Roger Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, will retire from top-level tennis after the Laver Cup in London later this month. Swiss Federer who is 41, has not played since Wimbledon last year, after which he had a third knee operation. He said "I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years. Now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career." Football - In last night's Europa League action highlights included good wins for Frieburg who won 3-0 at Greek side Olympiacos FC Midtjylland who hammered Lazio 5-1, AEK Larnaca beat Dynamo Kiev 1-0 and Manchester United who won 2-0 in Moldova at Sheriff Tiraspol. Rugby Union - New Zealand snatched a controversial win over Australia as Jordie Barrett's 81st-minute try put them in pole position in the Rugby Championship. Australia had fought back from 18 points down to take the lead via Nic White's long-range 77th-minute penalty. When Lalakai Foketi secured a turnover penalty in front of his own posts, it seemed the hosts had claimed the win. But referee Mathieu Raynal reversed his call for time-wasting to give New Zealand the chance to land a late blow. 37 -39 was the score. Download the Chili Radio app : https://chiliradio.app for Chili Pop and Chili Classics. -- © Copyright Chili RADIO 2022-09-16 Chili Radio: https://chiliradiothailand.com Listen Live: https://chiliradio.asia - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Traffic Policeman Gives Gifts To Boy Abandoned By Myanmar Mother TNR Staff A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy who was left in the care of neighbours in Songkhla province seven months ago by his Myanmar mother who went to look for a job in Bangkok and cannot now be contacted got some gifts from a traffic policeman yesterday (Sept. 15), INN News said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271992-traffic-policeman-gives-gifts-to-boy-abandoned-by-myanmar-mother/

TNR Staff A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy who was left in the care of neighbours in Songkhla province seven months ago by his Myanmar mother who went to look for a job in Bangkok and cannot now be contacted got some gifts from a traffic policeman yesterday (Sept. 15), INN News said. Pol.Col. Sittichai Pradap came to a beauty parlour on Prachathipat road run by one of the neighbours helping take care of Nong Fluke for seven months now and give him toys, some necessities and cash. Neighbours said that the boy’s mother is from Myanmar and his father Shan. After they separated he was living with his mother at a rented apartment in this area. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/15/traffic-policeman-gives-gifts-to-boy-abandoned-by-myanmar-mother/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-16 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Public Health Minister vows to support Cannabis and Hemp Draft Bill, criticizes three political parties for objections By Nop Meechukhun PHOTO: Manager Online Bangkok – Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul criticized three political parties for not prioritizing the lives of the Thai people after voting disapproval of the Cannabis and Hemp Draft Bill on Wednesday, September 14th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271991-public-health-minister-vows-to-support-cannabis-and-hemp-draft-bill-criticizes-three-political-parties-for-objections/

PHOTO: Manager Online By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul criticized three political parties for not prioritizing the lives of the Thai people after voting disapproval of the Cannabis and Hemp Draft Bill on Wednesday, September 14th. The Minister stated on Thursday, September 14th, that the voting disapproval from Pheu Thai, Democrat, and Phalang Pracharath parties was intended to delay the implementation which might not be in the time for this current parliament that ends in March 2023. He also responded to Democrat MP Sathit Wongnongtoey’s allegation of the lax law that sections in the draft bill were added to 90 sections from 45 sections, so it was impossible to be considered loose. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/09/15/public-health-minister-vows-to-support-cannabis-and-hemp-draft-bill-criticizes-three-political-parties-for-objections/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-09-16 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thailand's COVID-19 Vaccine Expected in 2024 BANGKOK, (TNA) – Thailand's homegrown COVID-19 vaccine would complete trial processes next year and its use was expected to start rolling out in 2024, according to a government spokeswoman. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271990-thailands-covid-19-vaccine-expected-in-2024/

BANGKOK, (TNA) – Thailand's homegrown COVID-19 vaccine would complete trial processes next year and its use was expected to start rolling out in 2024, according to a government spokeswoman. Deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul quoted the Public Health Ministry as reporting progress in the spending of 995 million baht from the government's contingency fund in the 2020 national budget to locally-developed COVID-19 vaccine. According to her, 596 million baht was spent for preparing the industrial production of viral vector vaccine. The preparation was completed. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1018124 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-09-16 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

House Passes Public Referendum Motion On Charter Amendment But Dispute Looms By Thai Newsroom Reporters AN URGENT MOTION to hold a public referendum on the amendment of the whole constitution yesterday (Sept. 15) passed an initial approval in the House of Representatives albeit with less than half the total number of MPs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271989-house-passes-public-referendum-motion-on-charter-amendment-but-dispute-looms/

By Thai Newsroom Reporters AN URGENT MOTION to hold a public referendum on the amendment of the whole constitution yesterday (Sept. 15) passed an initial approval in the House of Representatives albeit with less than half the total number of MPs. Only 215 MPs voted in support of the motion jointly proposed by Move Forward Party and Pheu Thai Party for the government to conduct the public referendum on whether most people nationwide may prefer to see the comprehensive amendment to the coup junta-designed constitution which has been largely seen as practically undemocratic, utterly complicated and contentious. However, such motions need yea votes from no less than half the total of MPs, accounting for 239, to pass into law in accordance with parliamentary meeting rules. Minutes before the legislators cast their vote, the House meeting was found to have 242 MPs attending, thus barely over half the total number. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/15/house-passes-public-referendum-motion-on-charter-amendment-but-dispute-looms/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-16 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 16 September 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1271988-thailand-live-friday-16-september-2022/

Chonburi official caught her female secretary allegedly stealing ten million baht PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya A Chonburi official caught her 29-year-old female secretary who had allegedly been stealing her money in her bedroom for the last five years, worth over 10 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271977-chonburi-official-caught-her-female-secretary-allegedly-stealing-ten-million-baht/

Govt to Partially Open Digital Park in 2024 BANGKOK, (TNA) – The government will partially open the Eastern Economic Corridor for Digital (EECd) in 2024 and fully inaugurate it in the following year, according to a government spokeswoman. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271960-govt-to-partially-open-digital-park-in-2024/

Water Situations Manageable: Interior Minister BANGKOK, (TNA) – The government is able to put flooding under control while inundation in eastern Bangkok results from unusual torrential rain, according to Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271959-water-situations-manageable-interior-minister/

Govt To Expands All Transport Networks BANGKOK, Sept 15 (TNA) – The government is quickly expanding and integrating the networks of roads, railways, waterways and air transport to distribute development to all regions in the country, according to the government spokesman. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271921-govt-to-expands-all-transport-networks/

BANGKOK, Sept 15 (TNA) – The government is quickly expanding and integrating the networks of roads, railways, waterways and air transport to distribute development to all regions in the country, according to the government spokesman. Anucha Burapachaisri, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister and acting government spokesman, said the government was determined to improve infrastructures and expand transport networks from Greater Bangkok to regions for the sustainable development of the country. According to him, the government prioritizes the urgent expansion of electric railways in Greater Bangkok also to effectively solve traffic congestion. It plans to complete 554 kilometers of 14 electric railways in Bangkok and adjacent provinces as soon as possible. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1018015 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-09-15 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Public should not worry about new Omicron subvariants: DMSC by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - Newer subvariants of COVID-19 continue to emerge as BA.5 remains the predominant strain in Thailand. Health authorities said the general public should not worry about the new subvariants, as they do not seem to be more virulent or transmissible than their predecessors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271919-public-should-not-worry-about-new-omicron-subvariants-dmsc/

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - Newer subvariants of COVID-19 continue to emerge as BA.5 remains the predominant strain in Thailand. Health authorities said the general public should not worry about the new subvariants, as they do not seem to be more virulent or transmissible than their predecessors. The Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC) has provided an update on the current COVID-19 variant monitoring in Thailand, with 9 cases caused by BA.2.75 and its sub-lineages detected in Thailand so far. Dr. Supakit Sirilak, Director General of the DMSC, said the department has identified the variants from 359 samples in the last week, from which 5 cases were found to be caused by the BA.2.75 subvariant, while the majority or 333 cases belonged to the BA.4 and BA.5 group. The DMSC chief said additional mutations are found in the new sub-lineages of BA.2.75, such as BA.2.75.2. Further monitoring is still needed to determine whether these new mutations affect the transmissibility or severity of the disease. Health authorities in Thailand have detected and reported the cases of BA.2.75.1, BA.2.75.2, and BA.2.75.3, which are offsprings of the BA.2.75 subvariant, to the GISAID database. Most patients developed mild symptoms, and have been discharged from the hospital. Dr. Supakit said the department has been working collectively with scientists around the world to monitor the virus to focus on any signs of concerns. He reassured the general public that the department is capable of detecting new changes in the virus, asking them not to panic over information posted on social media. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220915112735710 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-09-14 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

UPDATE: Thailand’s Cannabis-Hemp Bill withdrawn from House agenda The Bhumjaithai party’s flagship piece of legislation, the draft Cannabis-Hemp Bill, which has already passed its first reading in the House of Representatives, was dealt a major setback when the House voted yesterday (Wednesday), by 198:136 and 12 abstentions, for the review of the Bill to be withdrawn from the House meeting agenda. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1271861-bhumjaithai-party-rebuffs-democrats’-call-for-reclassification-of-cannabis-as-a-cat-5-narcotic/?do=findComment&comment=17607300