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By Savannah Meacham An "unruly" Australian woman was kicked off a Jetstar flight from Thailand to Sydney after a fight erupted over a window seat. The incident took place on the JQ28 flight from Phuket in southern Thailand to Sydney on Sunday. The woman allegedly hurled verbal abuse at passengers and staff after losing her temper over being seated near the aisle. Full story: https://www.9news.com.au/national/jetstar-passenger-kicked-off-flight-phuket-thailand-to-sydney/4fb9135f-d33f-444b-b343-efc52ea59ee2 -- © Copyright 9NEWS 2022-08-31 - 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!

Daily News Thai Caption: Looking at a phone while riding a motorcycle A distraught father told how he had just given his daughter 60 baht on Sunday as she was going into school to practice some drama with friends. Just a short while later he got a call every parent dreads. His only daughter was dead - hit head on by a pick-up truck. She wasn't going in the direction of the school. She was off to pick up a friend. The driver of the Nissan Navaro said he saw her on the phone coming towards him. He braked coming to a halt but she rode into his lane on the two lane road and collided head on, reported Daily News. Pol Capt Chawanai Marasri and rescue services had rushed to the Udon Thani to Nong Saeng Ban Lupwai Road in Muang district of Udon Thani. The pick-up had severe damage to the front and the young lady's red Honda Wave was nearby on the ground. The driver said he was delivering jelly to Nong Saeng when he saw the teen on the phone coming towards him. A public health volunteer said this showed the danger of looking at phones while on motorcycles. Such behavior breaks concentration, they said. Police are investigating the cause of the accident. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-29 - 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

by Joseph O' Connor A volatile currency market, a slowing world economy amid war in Europe and raised geopolitical tensions as well as a brush this week with political uncertainty means that Thai policymakers must be constantly on guard even to achieve the paltry 3% to 3.5% growth that is being pursued this year. A very comfortable foreign exchange reserve level has, so far, protected the kingdom but even this has been falling since March. Amid turmoil at Government House in Thailand this week with the suspension of Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan taking the reins as caretaker PM, officials were anxious to underscore that the kingdom’s economic recovery remains intact and on course for growth of between 3% and 3.5% for 2022. However, there are causes for concern such as a slowdown in export growth and significantly, lower expenditure per capita among incoming tourists as the country still appears to be running a current account deficit. Figures released on Friday show that the rate of growth of Thai exports slowed dramatically in July from the month before from 11.9% in June to 4.3%. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/08/27/low-tourist-spend-slowing-export-growth-economic-recovery-intact/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-08-29 - 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!

As expats we are spoilt for choice living in SE Asia. You can still get your Western style hamburgers or roast beef dinners however Asian food is hard to resist. If you live in one of the major Asian cities like Bangkok, you can try a variety of Asian dishes whether from a street cart or a fancy air-conditioned restaurant. If you are new in the region here are five favorites that you might like to try when ordering your next Asian meal in Thailand. 1. Som Tam — Green Papaya Salad — Thailand Photo: Takeaway, Creative Commons The Thais are dedicated to exploring all the components of flavor in each dish, and they don’t skimp when it comes to their salads. This salad also isn’t your typical lettuce-based “rabbit food” The base of som tam is shredded unripe papaya. Despite this fruity base, the papaya really acts as a stand-in for lettuce — it’s not packing a load of flavor. What is packing in that flavor? The dressing — what else? Fish sauce and shrimp paste are giving you briny savory flavors, chili brings the heat, lime loads up tartness, and a little palm sugar tempers all of it with some sweetness. In Thailand, you can request a spice level that you’re comfortable with, so go big or go home. 2. Chili Crab — Whole Crab in Chili-Tomato Sauce — Singapore Photo: megawatts86, Creative Commons Despite its name, this Singaporean dish isn’t usually packing intense heat. The base of the sauce is tomato and chili, but just how much fire you’ll be getting depends on the restaurant and how you order. No matter where you go, one thing is certain: It’s going to get messy. Chili crab is whole mud crab (read: uncracked) drenched in a tomato-ginger-garlic-chili concoction so generous it’s almost like soup. You’ll reach in, crack your crab, and end up with fingers covered in the stuff. Fortunately, this sauce is so good that it’s served with loads of steamed Chinese buns to soak it all up. Note: It is perfectly acceptable to lick your fingers when the buns run out. 3. Crispy Pata — Deep-Fried Pork Knuckle — The Philippines If there is one Asian country that really knows how to cook a pig, it’s the Philippines. Another characteristic of Filipino food? They waste nothing. Every part of an animal is used, from its innards to its blood — just Google the street food Betamax. Fortunately, crispy pata is one of the more tantalizing variations of this resourcefulness: a deep-fried pork knuckle. It’s buttery goodness and crackly skin is complemented with an uber-Filipino soy-vinegar dip that sends the whole concoction rocketing into the stratosphere of deliciousness. 4. Bahn Mi — Pork and Paté Sandwich — Vietnam This beautiful mashup of French and Vietnamese cuisines results in nothing but wins for your tastebuds. Start with a pillowy, fresh-baked baguette, cut in half. Slather some rich, buttery paté generously on one side of the bread. Pile on plenty of juicy, smoky barbecued pork. Top this with fresh julienned carrots, daikon, cucumber, and cilantro. Then pop on a healthy amount of diced red chilies, sandwich it together, and get ready to get your mind blown. There are several variations of this throughout Vietnam, with chicken, egg, cheese, and more. But sometimes you just can’t beat the original. The best part? They’re cheap as chips — perfect for a budget traveler! 5. Beef Rendang — Caramelized Dry Beef Curry — Indonesia or Malaysia Photo: su-lin, Creative Commons The ingredients list for Rendang is half a mile long, and it shows in the complex all-star Indonesian curry. The inclusion of exotic spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon really bring a new level of depth to Indonesian all-stars like ginger, garlic, chili, and lemongrass. Ever-present coconut milk is generously heaped in with the spice paste. All these flavors are stewed down until they are completely absorbed by the beef – a process that takes hours. After the liquid evaporates, the exterior of the beef is caramelized, bringing the perfect smoky back note to the dish. You will never be happier to be a carnivore than when you take a bite of this one. OK this is just a brief list, and we are sure many of you will wish to add your personal favourite Asian dish too. Enjoy. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-25 - 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

Buying Cannabis in Thailand - What you need to know Thailand's nascent cannabis industry has a flagship online retailer straight out of the legislative gates. 09 June 2022 was the dawning of a new age in Thailand. That is not hyperbole or exaggeration. As a nation, Thailand has become the first in Asia to legalize cannabis, leading the way with a modern take on an industry with huge potential, and taking down unwarranted stigma from a crop that has myriad benefits. This raises some very prevalent questions from the uninitiated and experienced enthusiast alike: ● Now that cannabis is legal, what sources are reliable, safe and high-quality? ● Now that cannabis is legal, can this product come to me rather than me to it? Undoubtedly, PrikPot has the right answers to those and many more thoughts on interested individual's minds. With two-and-a-half decades experience in digital marketing and social media, the company brings a consummate approach to quality of service and communication with anyone interested in their products. If you have any questions, feel free to chat live with us on our website: https://go.prikpot.com/aseannow The PrikPot Difference Alongside a line up that will turn heads, customers will have the added pleasure of great value for money as PrikPot’s prices are not only competitive but include free shipping to any destination in Thailand. Buying from the website is seamless, efficient, and convenient from the first page one sees until the final click to confirm your order. That’s all it takes, and the cannabis of a customer’s choosing is on its way. ● Premium 100% Organic Buds ● Free and fast delivery all over Thailand ● Rapid and friendly customer service A sample of our premium menu At the time of writing, PrikPot’s cannabis listings include Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid strains, with some Kief thrown in for good measure. There is also a good selection of pre-rolled 100% weed joints in different sizes and flavors. ● Acapulco Gold ● Big Bud ● Blue OG ● Cali Kush (hot) ● Caramelicious ● Chili Charlotte (promotion, 290 / gram) (hot) ● Gigabud (hot) ● GMO Cookies (hot) ● Green Crack ● GSC (Girl Scout Cookies) (hot) ● Silky Delight (hot) The product line-up is updated all the time, so make sure you follow us on our social media media channels and sign up for our newsletter on our website. https://go.prikpot.com/aseannow Cali Kush It’s time for some California Dreaming, but while you’re awake, because Cali Kush is an energizing and uplifting hybrid cannabis. They crossed Mendocino Purps and LA Confidential, producing a pale green plant with flashes of blue and purple. Nice to look at but even better to smoke, which brings out its floral and herbal smell, leaving an aftertaste with fruity accents. Its 16-20% THC content brings on a surprisingly balanced high that doesn’t bely its wholly-Indica parent line. There is a definite increase in focus with Cali Kush, but it is also known to relieve stress, melt away distracting thoughts and reduce bodily aches and pains. This is, believe it or not, an Indica that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Learn more: https://go.prikpot.com/aseannow Chili Charlotte The Charlotte lineup from PrikPot already brings you unprecedented value, but we don’t think you’ve ever seen anything like this. Now, for the meager cost of 2,900 Baht, you can buy 10 grams of Chili Charlotte and be stocked up for the foreseeable future. Chili Charlotte is a milder sativa strain great for beginners or cannabis enthusiasts after a calmer and gentler experience. There is nothing mild about this promotion however, bringing you 10 grams of this unique strain at just 290 Baht per gram! Learn more: https://go.prikpot.com/aseannow Blue OG Blue OG, also known as “Blue OG Kush,” is a flavorful hybrid marijuana strain from G13 Labs. Blue OG is bred by following the lineage of Blueberry F3, Blue Moonshine, and OG Kush. These dark, cone-shaped buds characteristic of OG genes emanate notes of berry and citrus, and leave its consumer feeling euphoric and relaxed. Though its effects are cerebrally targeted, Blue OG is known to also tackle pain, relax muscles, and relieve nausea. Learn more: https://go.prikpot.com/aseannow GMO Cookies It’s also called Garlic Cookies, but GMO Cookies sounds much more inviting, doesn’t it? Bred by crossing Girl Scout Cookies and Chemdawg, this strain has definitely inherited a rich and sticky consistency. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why some add the “garlic” to the name. GMO Cookies has a spiciness to its flavor, an edge that mimics the strength that comes with its average of 28% THC levels. GMO is slightly on the strong side, so it’s best to test the waters to find how much is right for you, but once you land in the zone, it will prove to be one of the most relaxing Indicas you can find. You’ll feel a quick wave of release through your joints and muscles before it moves to the head too and guides you into a completely relaxed state. This is a deep and long-lasting high that commonly flows naturally into great deep sleep. Learn more: https://go.prikpot.com/aseannow Why order from PrikPot? An impressive selection of entirely organic cannabis strains that will only grow from here. Making top-tier cannabis available to anyone in Thailand is not where PrikPot stops with their philosophy of quality over everything. Their ordering system allows for direct bank transfer or cash on delivery, the latter meaning a customer does not pay a single Baht until the courier hands them a package. Orders confirmed before 13:00 Monday through Friday will benefit from same day shipping and arrive at a customer’s door within 24-48 hours in most locations in Thailand. Even with a comprehensive website, stellar product, attractive pricing and customer-friendly shipping options, PrikPot knows there will still be questions on their customers’ minds and inquiries they wish to make directly. For that, the company has grabbed the bull by the horns, allowing anyone to send a message through their website, chat live with an associate, or send emails to clear up any questions a customer may have. This is the full-service cannabis retailer that Thailand didn’t know it needed. It’s here and ready to serve. Learn more at: https://go.prikpot.com/aseannow

PHOTO: Pattaya City Hospital By Adam Judd ONE A DAY Editor’s note: The following is a submission by the American Legion Post TH02 in Pattaya Thailand. It focuses specifically on a US military combat veteran, however, gives a lot of insight behind the scenes into what happens in general when a foreign national passes away in Thailand. This is part one of four that we will post over the next week or so. -Adam Judd, Chief Editor, The Pattaya News English Chapter 1 On average one US citizen passes away in Thailand. ONE a day. This death begins a series of events that involve many different individuals from a variety of organizations. For us, that day was 25 July 2022. On that day the ONE individual who passed away was a US Navy Combat Veteran. ONE US Veteran of the hundreds that die daily. I want to try and share our experience and involvement with this ONE US Veteran. We are members of the American Legion Post TH02 in Pattaya Thailand. On the 25th of July, a US Navy Combat Veteran passed away quietly in his hotel room in Pattaya. That was the day the owner and wife of the hotel discovered our Veteran association. The hotel owners start this process with a call to the local Pattaya police. A Pattaya police officer responded to the hotel. He immediately secured the room and called for an ambulance. The ambulance responded and transported our veteran to the nearest public hospital. The veteran arrives at the hospital where the attending physician makes the declaration of death. The police officer in the meantime continues with his investigation. He searches through the personal possessions to establish an ID of the individual. He secures the veteran’s possessions and takes them to the police station to begin his task. The room is secured and the hotel staff is instructed to keep the room locked until he releases it. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/16/special-feature-one-a-day-part-one-what-happens-when-a-foreigner-dies-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-17 - 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!

By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk The US is the world’s largest economy and the US dollar is widely used worldwide, as a result, the actions and decisions of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) have a profound impact on the baht and other currencies. Thailand has a relatively small, open economy that is heavily dependent on the export of goods and services. So, any changes in the world’s largest economy create ripples in Thailand as well. The Fed has aggressively increased its benchmark rate this year to fight rapidly rising inflation. It effected a 0.75 percentage point interest hike in July as inflation soared to a 40-year high in June, hitting 9.1 percent. With the latest data suggesting strong new jobs growth in July, markets are predicting another hike by 0.75 percentage point when the Fed meets in September, the third straight hike of that magnitude. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/how-the-us-rate-hike-impacts-the-baht-and-thailands-economy/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-11 - 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!

OPINION We reported this week that The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to propose extending the length of stay for tourist visas and visa on arrival (VOA) to a maximum of 45 days. According to TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn, a proposal will be presented to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) at a meeting due to be held on August 19. The proposal will call for the period of stay for tourist visas to be extended from the current 30 days to a maximum of 45 days, while the period of stay for visa on arrival extended from 15 days to a maximum of 45 days. The extension would be effective from the date of approval and run through to December 31, 2022. Of course, the idea is that the longer they stay the more money they will spend. But surely if they really want to encourage tourism, why not increase tourist visas to longer periods and why limit it to December when the supposed high season still has 4 months to run. Tourist visas or visas on arrival .....it is still confusing at the moment, so hopefully they will make it all clear soon. Vietnam is proposing expanded visas Over in Vietnam, their tourism minister was reported on Monday to have proposed expanding visa exemption for tourists from the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India to boost sector recovery. He also suggested the government consider simplifying immigration procedures to attract foreign tourists as Vietnam reopened after over two years of border closure, he said in a report submitted to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Tuesday. Tax Cuts too The minister is also proposed extending tax cuts to tourism businesses until the end of 2023 to help them recover after the pandemic crisis. Though Vietnam reopened tourism and lifted most Covid restrictions, Hung said travel firms and those working in the tourism industry are grappling with difficulties and have not really benefited directly from current policies. The country welcomed 954,000 foreign arrivals in the first seven months this year, up nine times year-on-year. Singapore According to online information, the period of stay permitted is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the Singapore Changi Airport. It is normally between 14 to 30 days. There is strictly no extension of visa validity or change of visa type. However, you can submit a fresh application upon the expiry or upon utilisation of your current visa. But please note that each visa application is assessed on its own merits. SE Asia is competitive Bottom line is Thailand is competing with Vietnam, Singapore and Cambodia and other countries in the region, so they need to make it easy for tourists to come here. Make the entry simple for passport holders and they should be able to decide whether they want a 30, 60 or even a 90-tourist visa on arrival. Even with flexible return tickets there should not be an issue. The idea of tax cuts for the tourist industry could potentially be a life safer for many small Thai businesses, especially those attractions that still have daily running costs whether one tourist or 50 arrive to say go on an elephant trek or safari. Bottom line is the TAT and government should have offered these longer visas long ago, but better late than never. People need to plan holidays in advance so the sooner the Government confirms any new regulations the better, then travel agents around the world can start confirming their clients’ bookings. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-11 - 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

By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Phuket is expecting more Indian tourists which will generate more than 7.5 billion baht this year, 2022, after a recent roadshow in India, according to relevant officials. The Vice President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) Mr. Arnuparb Wechwanichsanong told the Phuket Express, “The PPAO and the Phuket Toruism Association went to the roadshow tourism marketing event in India from August 1st to August 6th, 2022. The event marked the 75th anniversary of Thai and Indian relations.” “Indian tourists are Phuket’s top tourism market. From May this year until now there have been 87,292 Indian tourists who have visited Phuket. There are more than 40 direct flights per week from India in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore,” Mr. Arnuparb explained. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/08/09/phuket-expects-150000-more-indian-tourists-this-year-generating-more-than-7-5-billion-baht-after-roadshow-in-india/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-08-10 - 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!

Khao Soi. File photo By Online Reporter This will not come as a soup-rise to anyone who has ever tried the tasty northern Thai dish. Khao soi has been ranked as the world’s best soup, according to the online international food database TasteAtlas. The popular dish scored a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars in the website’s ranking of 50 best soups. The website described Khao soi as “a signature dish of Northern Thailand”, which is “a delicious coconut soup in which numerous regional influences were combined to create a truly spectacular dish. The base of the soup is a slightly spicy broth which combines coconut milk and red curry paste”. “The broth is served with flat egg noodles and a choice of meat, which usually includes chicken, beef, and pork. It is topped with a handful of crisp fried noodles and chopped cilantro. The dish is commonly served alongside a variety of condiments such as fresh lime, pickled cabbage, shallots, and chilis”. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/food-wine/khao-soi-ranked-worlds-best-soup-in-foodie-list/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-08-06 - 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!

By Editor The National Education Bill is set to enter the Parliament for further deliberation in September, sparking new hope for some but concern for others. The passage of this bill is likely to be concluded before the end of the year, and once it is enforced, it will affect not just students but also teachers and parents. Since education lies at the foundation of life, work and national prosperity, this bill will be responsible for shaping the future of everybody in Thailand. Education Minister Treenuch Thienthong says the bill, if passed, will be a key turning point for Thailand’s educational sector as it focuses on students’ performance and ability to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. It also aims to develop quality teachers who can educate children for a successful future. Tanawat Suwannapan, who represents the Kru Korsorn group of educators demanding to teach rather than focus on extracurricular activities, said he hopes the bill will ensure teachers can devote their attention and time to teaching and child-development activities. He hopes the new law will also allow teachers to function with efficiency and enjoy a better quality of life. “We want assurances,” he said, adding that he does not understand why teachers are expected to make sacrifices and not question anything. He said teachers are forced to accept the current system despite decades of talk about the need to promote critical/analytical thinking among children. Recently, many groups of teachers have been complaining loudly about the fact that teachers are often so overwhelmed with other tasks that they have no time to teach. In some places, teachers are having to cook for their students and sometimes even stand guard. When some teachers refuse to do tasks that are not related to their job, they are labeled selfish or inconsiderate. Their complaints, however, are not without merit. For instance, one teacher lamented online that his school principal was so desperate for awards that students and teachers are more busy preparing for contests than focusing on the curriculum or schoolwork. Many teachers say they barely have time to actually teach, given that there are so many other responsibilities to handle, including paperwork and support for special events. For instance, every time an important figure visits their town, students and teachers are required to show up and welcome these guests of honor. They are also expected to attend local cultural events or festivals. One young female teacher recently posted her resignation online, saying she preferred quitting because the current system does not let her teach. “Even when I do manage to find time to be present in class, I usually have not had time to prepare for the lesson,” she lamented. Dr Kanok Wongtrangan, an educator, said the Education Ministry is aware that many good teachers have given up their jobs for such reasons. Yet, it has no plans to get to the root of this problem. Amnart Witchayanuwat, a member of the House’s ad-hoc committee vetting the National Education Bill, said Article 14 (11) of the bill requires measures to stop teachers from being forced to carry out tasks, projects or activities that can prevent them from fulfilling their main duty. It also demands that students be given enough time to focus on their studies. Amnart was formerly secretary-general of the Office of Basic Education Commission. “This article [of the bill] also specifies that chiefs of relevant authorities will be punished with disciplinary action if they fail to support proper educational services,” Amnart said, pointing out the benefits of the draft legislation. Natthameth Dulkanit, an educational supervisor based in Bangkok, believes the bill is actually designed to ease teachers’ workload and not directly related to teaching. However, the problem does not end here. “The next question is, who will take over those tasks from the teachers?” he asks. “Big schools may have enough funds to hire staff to tend to jobs like school-supplies management, but small ones do not have such luxury.” Move Forward MP Kunthida Rungruengkiat, who is also a member of the ad-hoc committee overseeing the bill, said its content reflects distrust among parties concerned. “If you pore over the content, you find many questionable details,” Kunthida said. “Apparently, the drafters are afraid that people will not comply with the law and have tried to plug all loopholes.” For instance, this bill bans entrance exams for kindergartens but stipulates that all 7-year-olds be admitted to Pathom 1. “What happens if some children at that age are still unable to read or write?” Kunthida asked. In her view, the National Education Bill – which will eventually become the guiding law for the country’s educational sector – may not need to micromanage every aspect of teaching and education. Instead, she believes, it should just create a framework and leave the details to action plans or organic laws that can be amended more easily should any problem arise during implementation. Kunthida also voiced concern that “patriotism” is highlighted in many parts of the bill. Article 8, for instance, states that schools should ensure students recognise the importance of the nation, religion, monarchy, and constitutional monarchy. It also expects teachers to instill in them a sense of duty to the community, society and the country. “What if social context changes and these aims become irrelevant?” she said. The MP said she can’t help but feel that students and teachers working under this law will only be expected to obey orders. The House of Representatives has approved the National Education Bill in principle, and it is now being reviewed by the House ad-hoc committee that includes Kunthida, Amnart, and several other MPs. “Most committee members agree with 60 to 70 percent of the bill’s content,” Amnart said, adding that the remaining 30 to 40 percent may require some rewording or additions that ensure the educational service works efficiently for the benefit of learners and institutions. However, even if the committee makes changes, there is a possibility that the House of Representatives may vote against these amendments. “We will not have the final say,” he said. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/07/the-national-education-bill-shaping-the-future-of-thai-education/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-07-28 - 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!

By Editor The Public Relations Department of Koh Samui is reporting that the Transport Minister, Saksayam Chidchop, has approved a project to construct the Koh Samui – Khanom Bridge connecting the island with the mainland of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. It was reported that Saksayam has given the green light for the Koh Samui – Khanom Bridge as one of five projects in which the Transport Ministry, Highways Department, Rural Roads Department, and Expressway Authority of Thailand will work together to study, plan, and design the bridge. A budget for 25 billion THB will be spent on the Koh Samui – Khanom Bridge which will be 17 kilometres long, connecting Phangka Beach in the southwest of Koh Samui in Surat Thani to the Khanom district of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The bridge aims to solve the big queuing problems at the ferry piers, with delays of up to five hours for a ferry from Koh Samui to Khanom district during the long weekends. Additionally it was reported that some ferry companies have reduced their services from departures every hour to only six ferries available per day due to the decreasing number of tourists and rising fuel prices. The Koh Samui – Khanom Bridge was the idea of Virach Pongchababnapa, a local hotel owner on Koh Samui. He created a 3D model and proposed it to the Transport Ministry. Locals and officials agreed that the bridge would benefit both Koh Samui locals and tourists. The transportation between Koh Samui and Surat Thani will be more convenient and faster. One official added that the province and country could also earn more income by introducing a toll. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/07/approval-reported-for-a-bridge-between-koh-samui-and-the-mainland/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-07-20 - 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!

PHOTO: Newshawk Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – Five foreign tourists have escaped serious injuries after a Tuk Tuk overturned in Patong on Friday evening (July 15th). The Patong Police were notified of the accident at 6:30 P.M. on a bridge road near the Tri Trang Beach in Patong. They arrived at the scene to find the overturned yellow Tuk Tuk taxi on the road. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/07/16/five-foreign-tourists-escape-serious-injuries-after-tuk-tuk-taxi-overturns-in-patong/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-07-18 - 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!

The Bang Sue vaccination centre is offering free booster shots of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for Thais and non-Thais from Monday July 11th until end of this month. Those interested in getting their third, fourth, fifth or sixth shot can make advance appointments, from tomorrow (Friday) at 9am, via the following channels: AIS True or press *707# and dial DTAC app NT On the day of the appointment, they must show their QR code/SMS/App “Vaccine Bang Sue” to the officials in order to facilitate the vaccination service. Alternatively, they can enter Bang Sue grand station, via Gate No 2, every day from 9am to 4pm and go through the normal registration process. They will be required to show their ID cards. Non-Thais, who include migrant workers, are required to show their “CID” number, starting with 60-, which was used to register for the Mor Prom app, or their passport number with their previous vaccination record. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/free-covid-booster-shot-on-offer-for-all-at-bang-sue-vaccination-centre/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-07 - 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!

MI5 head Ken McCallum (left) and FBI director Christopher Wray (right) made an unprecedented joint appearance in London. IMAGE SOURCE,UK POOL VIA ITN By Gordon Corera Security correspondent, BBC News The heads of UK and US security services have made an unprecedented joint appearance to warn of the threat from China. FBI director Christopher Wray said China was the "biggest long-term threat to our economic and national security" and had interfered in politics, including recent elections. MI5 head Ken McCallum said his service had more than doubled its work against Chinese activity in the last three years and would be doubling it again. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-62064506 -- © Copyright BBC 2022-07-07

The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) has confirmed that applications for the new Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa will open on Sept 1, 2022. The LTR visa was first mooted in September 2021 and aimed to attract foreigners of “high potential” to live and work in Thailand. The Thai government saw the visa as a way to encourage investment into Thailand and stimulate the economy as part of the country’s post pandemic recovery. Despite being approved by the Cabinet last year, details about the LTR visa had been scarce. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/10-year-long-term-resident-ltr-visa-to-make-living-in-thailand-easier-and-less-bureaucratic/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-07-06 - 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!

File photo for reference only OPINION | by Michael Bridge Suvarnabhumi airport these past few days has experienced a big increase in traffic both inbound and outbound due to the relaxing of Covid regulations. “Travel will see a strong resurgence because conditions [for entry] will return to almost pre-Covid normality’ said a CAAT director. Well, his predictions seem to be coming true, as the urge to travel by a global population coming out of the pandemic and lockdowns is gaining momentum. We at AseanNow.com have received just under 11,000 views on the topic of surging airfares and to date nearly one hundred of you have posted a reply. Certainly, traveling overseas to say Europe is expensive as the route from Thailand is that much longer due to the additional miles flown to avoid Russian airspace. Also, that old chestnut of school holidays tends to put up airfares too. In the old days one could pick up a bargain by leaving it to the last minute, but this has all changed so people are having to grab a seat straight away to avoid even higher rates. This coupled with the fuel hikes have made airlines look at the budgets and schedules and inevitably we the passengers must pay more. As an example, on Wednesday, I went of Qatar’s website and got the lowest return fare offered in July was THB56,340. Now four days later the same fare had gone up to THB57.545. Here are a cross-section of some of your replies here. If you booked two months in advance tickets were still cheap up until about a month or two ago. $600 for a ticket from Bangkok to Toronto up until May but now it’s $4000. I booked a return flight to my home country back in April for October, it cost me 18,260 baht on sale, today it's on sale again at 22,595 baht, that's a 23.74% increase and on sale, WOW. There have been over two intervening years, and the price of oil and related fuels has gone up from about $50 to double that. The rise you see in flight costs doesn't seem so bad. Cashing in on school holidays. it’s a joke even I'm looking at flights for August one way £500 ish mark now ... I was looking this morning at quite a few reputable airlines. THB50k + for economy return to LHR and back THB150k + for business to LHR and back Yes, but be careful who you book with if in a desperate search. Meaning that there are some bad agents out there who will show attractive priced tickets but when the time to fly gets close you will get an email to say the flight price has changed etc. That is when the harm begins. Always better to book directly with the airline although it will be a bit more expensive. Sorry to say that some of these foreign agencies with agents calling themselves name such as Jimmy or David are to be avoided at all costs. Finally, the current expensive flights are caused by 1 / Fuel costs 2 / Reduced flights because of lack of check in staff and baggage handlers 3 / High season and school holidays. If a one-way airfare from Bangkok to Phuket is cheaper than a taxi ride from Phuket airport to a destination within the island, then there must be something definitely wrong. I just booked with Aegean Airlines / Saudi Airlines Business Class £1200.The wife got 6 weeks off plus it's her birthday. And I haven't seen her in over 2 years due to covid I leave on the 18th of July ... I'm so pleased right now actually I'm buzzing with the outcome. Recently booked direct return flights for BKK-LHR for Sept with Eva. Under 30K. Quite happy with that as I think not far off from pre-Covid price? Just booked Qatar BKK/LGW return....33,500 baht...so did quite well by the looks of it. I will not be booking air travel out of Thailand for at least the next 2 years. It’s just good luck and planning that I live in a tropical location anyway and have no real need or desire to spend the money or endure the hassle of aircraft and airports. Just crack another beer, stay by my pool, and watch the mayhem that is air travel at the moment, from as long a distance as possible. The bottom line is unless you must travel soon, try looking at the cheaper days to fly. Weekends are often busier and national holidays as well. Kayak the online booking website shows the cheapest days of the month to travel which could save you a few dollars or baht. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-04 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more! Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – Six taxi drivers have been arrested yesterday (June 21st) after a video clip of motorbike taxi drivers fighting has gone viral in social media this week. Lieutenant Colonel Prasert Thongplew of the Patong Police told the Phuket Express, “The fighting was between Tuk Tuk taxi drivers and a private motorbike driver after they argued about taking customers and parking spots.” “Six people have been arrested yesterday as we have finished collecting all the details about the operators in Patong. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/06/22/update-six-taxi-drivers-arrested-who-were-involved-in-a-street-fight-in-patong-says-it-was-a-misunderstanding/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-06-23 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Picture: Thai Rath Thai media continued to find every angle imaginable in the ongoing furor surrounding the removal of marijuana from the Class 5 narcotics list last Thursday. Now Thai Rath reported on a "warning post" online about a woman who said she had an allergic reaction to a ganja leaf she found in her Tom Jeut Mara - a kind of boiled soup with bitter gourd. She only found out after she had ordered it that it contained a marijuana leaf. But she went ahead and ate it and claimed she had a severe reaction. The shop has apologized and given her her money back. The story started to play out on Facebook in a post by Sirijan Teerawan who advised traders that not everyone can tolerate ganja in their food. She said she ate the dish in the evening and was feeling terrible in the night. She claimed she had a headache, dry throat, throat swelling, great thirst, difficulty swallowing, tiredness and stomach pains. She realised this was an allergic reaction. She treated herself with paracetamol and mineral salts. She claimed she was "tortured for three days". She was advising all her friends to watch out and check before they eat. She posted a picture of the leaf and her going to get treatment at Phanat Nikhom Hospital. The media caught up with the 27 year old at her home; she who showed all the evidence associated with her claims. She said the trader who sold her the item was in touch and had refunded the 280 baht she paid. She was happy at that and the concern showed by the trader for her well-being. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-15 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more! Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Dismissed former superintendent of Nakhon Sawan police, Thitisan “Joe Ferrari” Uttanaphon and five former subordinates were sentenced to life in prison today (Wednesday), in connection with the death by torture of a drug suspect in their custody at the Muang district police station in August last year. A seventh police officer was given five years and four months, because he was not involved in the fatal torture of the victim. All seven former officers were found guilty of multiple offences by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases this morning, including murder by torture, malfeasance in office and coercion. Thitisanm who confessed to all charges except murder by torture, and the five former subordinates were initially sentenced to death, but this was commuted to life imprisonment, with the court citing their attempts to try to resuscitate the victim, having him taken to hospital, their useful testimonies and their contribution towards the funeral costs and compensation for the victim’s family in mitigation. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/former-thai-police-officer-joe-ferrari-his-former-subordinates-get-life/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

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

By Editor Yesterday (31st May) the Kanchanaburi Provincial Court sentenced former Hua Hin resident Shane Kenneth Looker to 8 years imprisonment for murdering a 31 year old Thai woman, Laxami “Look” Manochat, in 2014. The court ordered Looker to pay a total of 12.5 million baht to Look’s family. The court initially sentenced the 51 year old British man from Stoke-on-Trent to 16 years imprisonment but cut the sentence in half because he confessed to the crime. Initially he had said he “categorically had absolutely nothing to do with this woman’s murder.” Looker was not present in court but listened to his sentence via video call from Kanchanaburi prison. Look’s mother and daughter were present at the court to hear the sentence, along with representatives from the British embassy. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The court heard that several witnesses had seen Looker and Look together on the night she was last seen in Bangkok and clear CCTV footage allowed police to quickly identify the murderer. In addition, DNA traces of were found in samples taken from Look’s fingernails. The pair were seen walking through a hotel together on Sukhumvit Soi 5 on November 1st 2014, after Looker picked her from a bar in the Nana area of Bangkok. Look was not seen again after that night. Police later discovered the body cut into pieces, still wearing black stilettos, a black dress and underwear. It is not clear how Look’s body ended up in Kanchanaburi. Police believe the murder took place on the night of November 1st, before Looker left Bangkok for Hua Hin where he owned a property. It is believed he spent weeks lying low in Hua Hin before crossing over into Malaysia by train. He then flew to Ibiza in Spain where he owned another holiday home. Kanchanaburi Provincial Court approved an arrest warrant on January 28th 2015, on charges of “murdering and hiding, moving or destroying a body in order to conceal the death or cause of death.” Looker was arrested in Spain in June 2017 and remanded in custody. After years of appeals, he was extradited from Spain and sent back to Thailand in July last year. Police met him at Suvarnabhumi Airport, handcuffed him and detained him. Thai authorities had reportedly offered assurances under EU law that he wouldn’t face the death penalty if found guilty. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/05/former-british-hua-hin-resident-sentenced-for-murder/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 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.

By Online Reporter With so many brilliant restaurants in Hua Hin, we’re spoiled for choice. There really is something for everyone. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It goes without saying that delicious Thai food can be found all over the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a good burger, Sunday lunch or authentic Italian food, you will likely find it and much more in Hua Hin. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/food-wine/the-10-best-restaurants-in-hua-hin-according-to-tripadvisor/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-05-17 - 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.

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on the surprise closure of a major shopping center in Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. Promenada Chiang Mai in Muang district - home to a hundred outlets and hundreds of employees - has temporarily shut down from May 5th until further notice. A Filipino senior executive at Promenada said that the 42 employees had not lost their jobs, they were working from home for now. Employees in the 100 outlets were mostly from big chains that could absorb staff in other branches. Cashflow and the effect of the pandemic over the last two years has been blamed. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Deputy governor Weeraphan Dee-orn was meeting with officials from the Labour Ministry to work out how to help staff affected by the temporary closure. He didn't deny suggestions from sources that the shopping center had had their utilities cut off due to non-payment. He said it was incumbent on everyone to make sure they paid their bills on time. But he added that talks with the firm and its investors indicated that there would soon be good news on the way regarding the reopening of the shopping center. The center was built with a huge investment from abroad, said the media. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-07 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates 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: Daily News Daily News reported that a 48 year old Thai wife arranged to have her 63 year old Danish husband murdered in Thailand for 500,000 baht. Via an older friend it was arranged that a relative would drive into the foreigner as he rode his motorcycle by a field. But despite a serious collision that left a hole in a windshield - a picture in Thai Rath was published - Mr. Larsen survived with serious injuries. Picture: Thai Rath The plot to get 10 million baht in life insurance soon unravelled and three people are in custody. Mr Larsen remains in Srisawan Hospital in the central/northern province of Nakhon Sawan. Yesterday Pol Maj-Gen Attasit Sutsanguan, Region 6 deputy, gave details of the case. Now in custody after warrants were issued on charges of arranging murder are Mr Larsen's wife Pratheep Fang Larsen, 48, and Jemjan Khamkaew, 60. On Thursday of last week, 21st April, the small sub-police station of Nong Krot received a report of a collision between a car and a motorcycle in Beung Pla Thu sub-district of Ban Photphisai district. A grey Toyota with Lampang plates had collided with the bike ridden by Mr Larsen propelling him into a field. Driving the Toyota was Ekkasit Wichajan, 24. Ekkasit claimed it was an accident and it appeared that way at first, said Attasit. But soon there appeared inconsistencies and it became obvious this had been deliberate and was a staged accident. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Daily News Under intense interrogation Ekkasit broke down and admitted that he was hired by his relative Jemjan to kill Mr Larsen but failed. It emerged that Pratheep Larsen had paid her friend 500,000 baht to arrange her husband's death so she could claim 10 million baht in life insurance. The Larsen's have two children and had been living in Denmark for many years. But they came back to Thailand and couldn't return because of the pandemic. They had purchased tens of rai of land for 20 million baht but a dispute arose. The wife wanted a divorce but the husband opposed this. They could not get back to Denmark because of the pandemic. It was also reported that ten years ago Jemjan was charged with organising someone's murder but was acquitted. Ekkasit was promised a new car for killing Mr Larsen but after he failed he was given just 10,000 baht for his trouble. All three are now in custody as Mr Larsen recovers in hospital. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-30 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates 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