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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. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, director-general of the department, said that the department found from its survey on Thai export opportunities that insect consumption was growing steadily and significantly in the US. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “For the US market, edible Thai insect products should be developed and diversified. There should be ready-to-eat products, snacks and protein bars. Frozen insect products can extend product lifetimes,” he said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-952443 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-06-01 - 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.

Commercial and State Banks Ready to Comply With PDPA by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai commercial banks and other financial institutes have signaled their readiness to comply with the newly enforced Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). The aim is to provide more comprehensive online safety for individuals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261400-commercial-and-state-banks-ready-to-comply-with-pdpa/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai commercial banks and other financial institutes have signaled their readiness to comply with the newly enforced Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). The aim is to provide more comprehensive online safety for individuals. The Thai Bankers Association and the Government Financial Institutions Association (GFA) acknowledged that the PDPA, which went into effect today (June 1st), will play a crucial role in protecting personal data. It is also expected to set the standards for collecting, disclosing and utilizing information. Banks under both organizations have committed to complying with the new regulations, which will enhance cybersecurity and inspire confidence in the future development of the financial services industry as a whole. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The associations also noted that customers will likely see changes in consent policies relating to the use of personal information for various banking products and services. These include mobile banking services and conventional on-site services. Additionally, banking institutes will adjust the presentation of their products and services in compliance with the PDPA. The two associations are recommending that customers take the time to learn about the PDPA, along with relevant adjustments to the policies of their banks. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-01 - 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.

April Tourism Numbers Signal Economic Recovery by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The relaxation of travel restrictions in support of Thailand’s economic recovery has been accompanied by signs of improvement across all sectors, according to the central bank. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261397-april-tourism-numbers-signal-economic-recovery/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The relaxation of travel restrictions in support of Thailand’s economic recovery has been accompanied by signs of improvement across all sectors, according to the central bank. The Bank of Thailand (BOT) said the tourism sector performed especially well in April, even as fewer European and Russian citizens visited the kingdom amid the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine. The central bank explained that improved tourism sector performance subsequently assisted the service and transport sectors, while also elevating domestic consumption as well as the labor market situation. Moderate expenditures on services and non-durable products meanwhile led to private consumption indicators expanding by 8.1% year-over-year in April after a seasonal adjustment, up from 0.8% the previous month. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This improvement has been attributed to diminishing anxieties over the pandemic, even as consumer confidence took a hit due to higher living expenses. The overall labor market also saw improvement in April, with the number of employees registered under Section 33 of the Social Security Act climbing to 11.2 million, up 0.4% from the previous month. The central bank acknowledged, however, that the labor market remains fragile, adding that it intends to keep it under closer observation. The headline inflation rate in April was 4.65%, a modest reduction from the previous month owing primarily to lower energy prices, while the core inflation rate remained steady. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-01 - 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.

Bangkok near bottom of latest world work-life balance ranking Bangkok ranks 96 out of 100 cities around the world in this year’s Work/Life Balance Index, according to software company “Kisi” in a new study released last week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261395-bangkok-near-bottom-of-latest-world-work-life-balance-ranking/

Bangkok ranks 96 out of 100 cities around the world in this year’s Work/Life Balance Index, according to software company “Kisi” in a new study released last week. Bangkok’s ranking is similar to last year’s, in whichThailand’s capital was ranked 49 out of the 50 cities considered in 2021. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Cities topping the rankings are Oslo (Norway), followed by Bern (Switzerland), Helsinki (Finland), Zurich (Switzerland) and Copenhagen (Denmark). Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-near-bottom-of-latest-world-work-life-balance-ranking/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-01 - 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.

Suvarnabhumi Expansion to Proceed as Planned by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has announced plans to continue its expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport. The move comes amid an improving global pandemic situation, which is allowing more freedom of travel for tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261394-suvarnabhumi-expansion-to-proceed-as-planned/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has announced plans to continue its expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport. The move comes amid an improving global pandemic situation, which is allowing more freedom of travel for tourists. Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob projected that the international airport will see increasing activity after the situation in Ukraine eases and China relaxes its travel restrictions. Development of existing terminals in the eastern wing and expansions to the northern wing are therefore needed to better facilitate incoming visitors in the near future. According to AOT, the development of the eastern wing will have a budget of 7.8 billion baht. Once complete, it will be able to handle 15 million annual passengers. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe AOT is also working to connect the eastern and the northern wings in order to better accommodate passengers. It will submit its draft plan to the Ministry of Transport and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council for approval before being implemented. The draft plan is currently undergoing a feasibility study and is expected to be completed in 2023. Concerning the northern wing expansion, Minister Saksayam estimated that the plan will require a budget of 41.2 billion. The new terminal will be able to handle 30 million annual travelers and can be further developed to facilitate an additional 10 million. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-01 - 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.

Video: Near 3 meter King Cobra flees floods taking up residence in home 77kaoded reported that a near three meter long king cobra fleeing rain and floods had entered a house in Krabi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261393-video-near-3-meter-king-cobra-flees-floods-taking-up-residence-in-home/

77kaoded reported that a near three meter long king cobra fleeing rain and floods had entered a house in Krabi. They publish a video of the capture of the venomous serpent in Koh Lanta. The snake catchers found the creature by a pile of wood. They had to remove the wood and take care in a narrow, darkened room to avoid being bitten. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But after thirty minutes they were successful in removing the 2.5 meter long specimen weighing three kilograms, that was bagged and readied for its return to nature. The owner said they saw it outside at first but it quickly slithered inside. It was probably escaping the rains and flooding that had yet to disperse. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-01 - 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. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information AA.mp4

Fresh elections for Pattaya mayor in two constituencies scheduled on June 12 The Election Commission’s Chon Buri office ordered fresh elections, at two polling stations in Constituencies 1 and 4, for the mayor of Pattaya yesterday (Tuesday), to be held on Sunday June 12th, after it was discovered that the number of votes counted at the two places does not match the number of voters who registered to vote there. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261392-fresh-elections-for-pattaya-mayor-in-two-constituencies-scheduled-on-june-12/

The Election Commission’s Chon Buri office ordered fresh elections, at two polling stations in Constituencies 1 and 4, for the mayor of Pattaya yesterday (Tuesday), to be held on Sunday June 12th, after it was discovered that the number of votes counted at the two places does not match the number of voters who registered to vote there. Director of the Chon Buri Election Commission (EC) office Wichuda Mekhanuwong said yesterday that they have been instructed by the EC’s head office to hold the fresh polls due to the discrepancies in the vote count and the number of ballots issued at polling station No. 2 in Constituency 1 and No. 20 in Constituency 4. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The fresh ballots cast at the two polling stations on June 12th will be combined with those from the others already cast on May 22nd and included in the final result. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/fresh-elections-for-pattaya-mayor-in-two-constituencies-scheduled-on-june-12/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-01 - 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.

A la carte restaurant mulls increased prices as overheads rocket - owner says 5B/meal Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the latest increase in the price of LPG cooking gas, the third such rise recently, has resulted in prices rising from 318 baht to 363 baht since April. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261389-a-la-carte-restaurant-mulls-increased-prices-as-overheads-rocket-owner-says-5bmeal/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the latest increase in the price of LPG cooking gas, the third such rise recently, has resulted in prices rising from 318 baht to 363 baht since April. They went to Chainat in the central region where they spoke to restaurant owner Jariya who runs a "taam sang" or a la carte restaurant. She said she'd use charcoal or wood but it just wasn't convenient and took too long. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe She said that apart from gas, meat, vegetables and spices used for flavoring were all rocketing in price. She'd raise prices but was concerned about losing custom. However, if costs continue to rise she would have no alternative and would have to explain to her customers they would need to pay 5 baht more a dish. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-01 - 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. 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

Less Thais smoking but more needs to be done - ban in Bangkok condos underway Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported the comments of Rungarun Limlahaphan, director general of a section of the Office of the Health Promotion Fund to mark world no smoking day that was yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261388-less-thais-smoking-but-more-needs-to-be-done-ban-in-bangkok-condos-underway/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported the comments of Rungarun Limlahaphan, director general of a section of the Office of the Health Promotion Fund to mark world no smoking day that was yesterday. She said that the theme of this year's day was "cigarettes damage the environment". Smokers' and passive smokers' health are both impacted. Current bans are in place in many places such as schools and other educational institutes, various government offices, businesses, temples, and beaches and moves are afoot to ban smoking in certain areas of Bangkok condomiums so people have fresh air to breathe. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe She said that information from the national stats office indicated that 9.9 million Thai people aged 15 and above were now smoking representing 17.4% of the population. Men were 20 times more likely to smoke than women. She admitted that this was better than in 2017 when 10.7 million people above 15 smoked. But more needed to be done to meet a target set for 2027 to limit smoking to just 14% of 15s and above. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-01 - 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. 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

Mobile Service Providers Instructed to Comply With Personal Data Act by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) is expected to go into effect on Wednesday (1 June). The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has ordered all telecom companies to strictly adhere to the PDPA. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261387-mobile-service-providers-instructed-to-comply-with-personal-data-act/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) is expected to go into effect on Wednesday (1 June). The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has ordered all telecom companies to strictly adhere to the PDPA. Trairat Viriyasirikul, acting secretary-general of NBTC, said the regulator has finished drafting measures required for telecom operators to protect the rights of their users in relation to personal data and freedom of communications. The draft regulation is being proposed to the NBTC board for approval, after which it will be presented for a public hearing and then published in the Royal Gazette. Major mobile operators have meanwhile confirmed that they are fully prepared for the implementation of customer data protection and cybersecurity regulations. Total Access Communications (DTAC) said it has established a customer-friendly personal data policy, which describes the means through which clients can monitor and control their personal information. The company said it collects, maintains and manages the personal information of users in accordance with the PDPA. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Advanced Info Service (AIS) meanwhile said it has been analyzing, developing and enhancing compliance tools and procedures. It has also stepped up efforts to raise customer awareness about the law, especially as it pertains to rights and personal data protection. Additionally, AIS has notified its mobile users, corporate clients, vendors and business partners about essential legal procedures and rules. These include the purpose of data collection and processing, restrictions on the use of personal data, data security measures and personal data rights, as well as contact information for the company. The PDPA was published in the Royal Gazette in May 2019, with an adjustment time of one year for stakeholders. The full implementation of the law was then delayed twice due to the pandemic. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-01 - 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.

Cooking Gas Price up B1/Kg BANGKOK, June 1 (TNA) – The price of cooking gas rose by one baht per kilogram today, resulting in the price of a 15-kilogram cylinder going up to 363 baht, in line with a resolution of the board of the state's Oil Fuel. Fund to gradually increase it. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261386-cooking-gas-price-up-b1kg/

BANGKOK, June 1 (TNA) – The price of cooking gas rose by one baht per kilogram today, resulting in the price of a 15-kilogram cylinder going up to 363 baht, in line with a resolution of the board of the state's Oil Fuel. Fund to gradually increase it. Regarding the price hike, Wattanasak Sueaiam, director-general of the Department of Internal Trade, said that his department was concerned on and aware of impacts on food prices and it was difficult to prevent their increases because the situation resulted from the war in Russia and Ukraine that were the sources of raw materials used in the food industry of Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The department would try to prevent the prices of necessary goods including pork, chicken, eggs and palm oil from rising too much, he said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-952338 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-06-01 - 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.

TAT’s roadshow to Europe showcases “Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters” Industry events in Belgium, France, and The Netherlands to drive interest in travelling to Thailand among first-time and repeat visitors. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 1 June, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) staged the “Amazing Thailand New Chapters Roadshow” to Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Ghent, Belgium, and Paris, France on 23-25 May, 2022, to promote the “Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters” with marketing and promotional activities tailored for each market aimed at boosting tourism numbers back to Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261385-tat’s-roadshow-to-europe-showcases-“visit-thailand-year-2022-amazing-new-chapters”/

Industry events in Belgium, France, and The Netherlands to drive interest in travelling to Thailand among first-time and repeat visitors. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 1 June, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) staged the “Amazing Thailand New Chapters Roadshow” to Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Ghent, Belgium, and Paris, France on 23-25 May, 2022, to promote the “Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters” with marketing and promotional activities tailored for each market aimed at boosting tourism numbers back to Thailand. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “TAT’s mission in Europe was to reiterate Thailand’s full opening to international travellers post-pandemic, while promoting the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters’ tourism marketing campaign. The activity placed emphasis on highlighting the kingdom’s soft-power foundations, while enhancing the awareness of Thai cultural values, under the ‘from A to Z Amazing Thailand has it all’ concept. Ultimately, TAT hopes to drive interest among European travellers in travelling to Thailand.” Thailand’s 6F, 4M soft-power foundations are Food, Film, Fashion, Festival, Fight, Friendship, Music, Museum, Master, and Meta. TAT positioned the Amazing Thailand New Chapters Roadshow to Europe as a platform for Thai tourism businesses and airlines to explore new opportunities and build on business relationships with local tour operators, travel agents, and destination management companies in Belgium, France, and The Netherlands. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The roadshow in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on 23 May, 2022, saw 13 Thai tourism businesses (So Sofitel Hua Hin, Mode Sathorn, Dusit Thani, Jasmin City, 500 Rai Resort, Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa, Sheraton Samui, Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Rose Hotel, Asian Trails, Easia Travel, Chiang Mai Vacation, and Red Elephant) discuss businesses with 48 tour operators and travel agents from Amsterdam and nearby cities. EVA Air and Emirates provided support for the event. The programme included a market briefing for Thai sellers, speech by H.E. Mr. Chatri Archjananun, Thai Ambassador to The Netherlands, welcome remarks by Mrs. Titiporn Manenate, TAT Executive Director for Europe, Africa and Middle East Region, Thailand Product Presentation by Miss Soraya Homchuen, Director of TAT Paris Office, table-top sales for sellers and buyers, and a lucky draw. With a population of 17 million, The Netherlands is one of Thailand’s important sources of visitors from Europe. Pre-pandemic, in 2019, Thailand recorded 230,000 visitors from The Netherlands generating 16.29 billion Baht. In addition to connecting flights by airlines in the Middle East, KLM has resumed a daily direct flight between Amsterdam and Bangkok from May 2022, and EVA Air will start three flights per week on the same route from July 2022. The roadshow in Paris, France on 24 May, 2022, provided a business platform for 12 Thai tourism businesses (So Sofitel Hua Hin, Mode Sathorn, Dusit Thani, Jasmin City, 500 Rai Resort, Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa, Sheraton Samui, Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Rose Hotel, Asian Trails, Easia Travel, and Chiang Mai Vacation) and 63 tour operators and travel agents from Paris. Bangkok Airways provided support for the event. The programme included a market briefing for Thai sellers, market trends and tips by invited speakers from Les Madisons du Voyage and Asia Voyage, welcome remarks by Mrs. Titiporn Manenate, TAT Executive Director for Europe, Africa and Middle East Region, Thailand Product Presentation by TAT Paris Office, table-top sales for sellers and buyers, and a lucky draw. With a population of 67 million, France is also one of Thailand’s important sources of visitors from Europe. Pre-pandemic, in 2019, Thailand recorded 713,405 visitors from France generating 42.82 billion Baht. In addition to connecting flights by airlines in the Middle East, travellers from France can travel to Thailand with direct flights between Paris and Bangkok by Thai Airways International and Air France. The roadshow in Ghent, Belgium on 25 May, 2022, provided a business platform for 12 Thai tourism businesses (So Sofitel Hua Hin, Mode Sathorn, Dusit Thani, Jasmin City, 500 Rai Resort, Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa, Sheraton Samui, Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Rose Hotel, Asian Trails, Easia Travel, and Chiang Mai Vacation) and 60 tour operators and travel agents from Ghent and nearby cities. Emirates provided support for the event. The programme included a market briefing for Thai sellers by Mr. Kris Van den Broeck, TAT Representative for Belgium & Luxembourg, a speech by Ms. Suchada Maktara, Minister Councillor of the Royal Thai Embassy Brussels, welcome remarks by Mrs. Titiporn Manenate, TAT Executive Director for Europe, Africa and Middle East Region, Thailand Product Presentation by TAT Paris Office, table-top sales for sellers and buyers, and a lucky draw. With a population of 11 million, Belgium is also one of Thailand’s important sources of visitors from Europe. Pre-pandemic, in 2019, Thailand recorded 114,016 visitors from Belgium generating 7.3 billion Baht. In addition to connecting flights by airlines in the Middle East, including Emirates, travellers from Belgium can travel to Thailand with direct flights between Brussels and Bangkok by Thai Airways International. Since Thailand eased travel restrictions and reopened for tourism from July 2021 to March 2022, travellers from Europe made 522,680 trips to Thailand. The number included 53,727 trips by French travellers making it the fifth largest market during the period, after Germany, Russia, the UK, and USA. In 2022, TAT expects Thai tourism to generate revenue of 1.5 trillion Baht, and to record 7-10 million trips by foreign travellers. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/06/tats-roadshow-to-europe-showcases-visit-thailand-year-2022-amazing-new-chapters/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-06-01 - 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.

Prachinburi: Shock as wild elephant enters kitchen looking for food Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported that a wild elephant entered the kitchen of a property in the village of Ban Thung Faek in Nadee district of Prachinburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261384-prachinburi-shock-as-wild-elephant-enters-kitchen-looking-for-food/

Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported that a wild elephant entered the kitchen of a property in the village of Ban Thung Faek in Nadee district of Prachinburi. The house owner managed to chase it away. The pachyderm had been looking for food. It came from the Thap Lan national park. The house owner was plugging in a rice cooker at the time. As the woman screamed the elephant opened the rice cooker with its trunk and helped itself to the rice before leaving. The house owner's daughter told the media what happened yesterday morning. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-01 - 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. 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