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by Joseph O' Connor Thai economy is currently chugging along in choppy waters as China’s problems grow and the US dices with recession. However, the key worry is, increasingly, the danger of a growing economic downside in China where a property market valued at twice the US national debt has already fallen by 40% threatening to deepen an already existing banking crisis. Thailand still aims for 3% to 3.5% growth this year while, unlike many western countries, planners are confident of reining in inflation towards the end of 2022 while maintaining steady export growth and driving a recovering foreign tourism industry. The key threat facing the kingdom and one that is still emerging is a deteriorating Chinese economy and the possibility of a shock wave created by a collapse of the Chinese property sector, in addition to rising insecurity caused by heightened tensions between the United States and its western partners and Thailand’s strategically important trading partner to the north. The jury is still out on whether the United States will enter a recession this year despite a technical recession in the opening quarters of 2022 and signs that rising interest rates are starting to dampen demand. This is a key factor for Thai economic planners as the United States is the country’s biggest export market as well as being a key investor and potential economic ally going forward as prospects begin to dim for China. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/09/08/property-collapse-in-china-a-key-threat-thai-economy/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-09-09 - 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!

77kaoded Thai Caption: Quails egg snacks - large size 77kaoded reported from The Market in Pattaya Klang where a sexy young lady is selling Khanom Khai Tao and fried quails eggs. The media made much of the fact that Nong Khwan's offerings were "big size" - that's the snacks you understand. Picture: 77kaoded Real name Pornsupha Riyotha, 24, Khwan sells her oversized snacks daily at the market in Soi Nern Plap Wan (the soi of mounds of sweet persimmon, large plums if you like). She recounted how she got fed up with rising early at the crack of dawn to do a factory job. So whe turned to recipes on YouTube and wowed her friends with her take on the popular Thai snacks. Picture: 77kaoded She does some of normal color and fashions others with a purple hue. A sign said each set was just 25 baht. But whatever color she always offered the "bigger than normal size", as she allowed herself to be photograped smiling above a plunging neckline. Picture: 77kaoded "My wares are delicious," she said, "But I also like to dress sexily and don't mind being flirted with." Khwan sells from 4pm to 10pm each day - or until her wares are all used up - and also goes to special events in the Pattaya area. Not surprisingly she is doing a roaring trade, noted 77kaoded. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-08 - 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. 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 Picture: 77kaoded

Daily News Thai Caption: Hothead tasered Daily News reported from Phuket where a man who has previously been arrested for using yaba (meth amphetamine mixed with caffeine, known as Ya Narok or the "hell drug" in Thai) was going berserk. Wichit police responded at a housing estate where the 35-40 year old Thai was smashing property including motor vehicles with an iron bar. He was also giving neighbors a tongue lashing. When police arrived he gave them a foul mouthed barrage as the situation only got worse and he refused to comply. Police took the decision to taser the man to get him into custody before he was taken to Vachira Hospital to be tested for drugs. The man is a yaba addict who frequently exhibits out of control behavior and has been convicted for criminal damage. He lives alone, reported the media, with relatives not wishing to have anything to do with him out of fear. The police asked for people who had suffered damaged to their property to come forward. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-08 - 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. 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

Daily News Thai Caption: Subject to royal consent An announcement in the Government Gazette yesterday, subject to royal approval, revealed the annual Royal Thai Police reshuffle. Some 255 senior commanders will take up new positions come October 1st, reported Daily News who concentrated on the most important names. Top of the list was the new commander in chief of the RTP who will be confirmed as Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat - his nickname is Big Den, the notable one. He's the one on the left in the media's photo composite, minus his trademark glasses but with the prominent chin. On the right of the picture is Pol Lt-Gen Torsak Sukwimol - Big Tor - who moves up from assistant commander to deputy commander. Also following the same path - and easily the most recognisable face to both the Thai and non-Thai public - is the man in the center of the photo on the mike looking appropriately determined, suggests ASEAN NOW. That is none other than Pol Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan, the poster boy cop of the RTP known wherever he goes - and he goes everywhere - as Big Joke (joke here means congee, a favorite dish of the Lt-Gen who hails from southern Thailand). The man is no joke in the other sense. Big Joke's spectacular rise and fall and rise again has led some to speculate that he is a chief of police in waiting. Others think that the charismatic cop who surrounds himself with a media savvy team may have a future in politics one day. The press and the public follow his every move. He rose to public attention as deputy commander of the tourist police and then the chief of immigration before he was sensationally sacked. It has been suggested that he got too big for his boots too quickly and for the best part of two years he was doing little more than shuffling paper at the PM's office. He even went on a sabbatical to India to take stock. Then his vehicle - a Lexus - was shot at while he was visiting a spa in Surawong, a downtown district of Bangkok. Fallout from that incident led to the demotion of a senior policeman under the command of then RTP chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda. The assailants on a motorcycle were never caught and the reasons for the potshots never ascertained. The reasons for his removal from immigration were equally shrouded in mystery. Though he was famous for trying to end the culture of "tips" in the organisation and, perhaps more tellingly, criticized the 2 billion baht implementation of the much vaunted Biometrics system. However, following his fall it didn't take too long before Prayuth Chan-ocha - who led the Police Commission before his sidelining recently amid suggestions he has completed his 8 year tenure as premier - named Surachate as an assistant commander with special roles. Once again Surachate was flying around the nation sorting out things from illegal fishing to human trafficking (both highly important for international recognition from other nations, especially the US). He was also put in charge by retiring RTP chief Pol Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk of his personal baby, the "Smart Safety Zone 4.0" community policing initiative. Where Surachate's new role takes him is anyone's guess but there is no doubting that now he is dining at the top table. Whether that means dining at the top trough - a common sly remark often aimed at the propensity of the RTP to engage in corrupt practices - rather depends on one's view of the Lt-Gen. He has detractors who dislike his media presence as well as supporters who find him a breath of fresh air. Some even think he could be the one to end alleged long standing corrution in the RTP. Skeptics say that is impossible, it is too deeply ingrained in an organisation more akin to a quasi-mafia organisation than a responsible police force. Also rising from assistant to deputy commander - but not pictured - were lesser known figures Pol Lt-Gen Chinnaphat Sarasin and Pol Lt-Gen Kittirat Panpetch. Daily News also reported on dozens of lesser lights who have been reshuffled in this latest round of appointments that occurs at this time of every year in Thailand. Extra reporting and analysis by ASEAN NOW's news team. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-08 - 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. 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

PHOTO: ข่าวคนชล By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — An Indian man agreed to pay a Thai dance teacher 200,000 baht over an inappropriate touch on Pattaya Walking Street yesterday night, but police said he would still get charged as well. Pol. Maj. Thanya Udthong summoned Ms. NC (alias), a 43-year-old dance teacher, and the suspect identified by police as Mr. Sandeep, a 51-year-old Indian suspect, whom Ms. NC claimed inappropriately touched/grabbed her on Walking Street last night, September 6th. After being detained at the Pattaya police station, Mr. Sandeep asked the police to negotiate directly with the victim again, to which the victim agreed. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/09/07/update-indian-man-agrees-to-pay-200k-baht-to-dance-teacher-over-inappropriate-touch-on-pattaya-walking-street/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-09-08 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Paul Henstock, 54, was hoping for the holiday of his dreams (Image: Paul Henstock) He saved hard for this holiday - but now he struggled to get back home A Nottingham man has been left "trapped" in Thailand after his return ticket was cancelled two weeks before the flight. Paul Henstock, a taxi driver from Mapperley Park, was hoping to have the holiday of his dreams in Bangkok. But his dream holiday was ruined by a message he received on Wednesday (August 31), telling him that his flight back home was cancelled. The 54 year old, said he "woke up" to the news, and has immediately called the lastminute.com agency to arrange to get on another flight. He flew from the Gatwick Airport to Thailand on July 5, and was due to return home on September 11 on a flight provided by the Singaporean low-cost airline Scoot. He has spent £524.19 on his tickets purchased on lastminute.com. "I booked a ten week holiday to travel Thailand", Mr Henstock said. "I should fly home on September 11, which is just in a few days - but on Wednesday morning I woke up to a text from lastminute.com saying that my flight was cancelled." Full story: https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/nottingham-man-dumped-thailand-after-7549016 -- © Copyright Nottingham Post 2022-09-06 - 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 Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — A female dance teacher in Pattaya filed a report to police, claiming that a foreign tourist inappropriately touched her while on Walking Street. Ms. NC (alias), a 43-year-old dance teacher, filed a report with Pattaya police around 3 a.m. today, September 6th, following a surprising incident in which she claimed a foreign tourist sneaked up on her on Walking Street and inappropriately touched/grabbed her from behind. The victim said that she was a dance teacher in Pattaya and used to teach many famous actors. Yesterday, she went on a night out on Walking Street to enjoy the vibe when a foreign man secretly snuck up behind her and touched her without her consent. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/09/06/pattaya-dance-teacher-files-report-claiming-foreign-tourist-inappropriately-touched-her-while-out-for-a-stroll-on-walking-street/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-09-06 - 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!

Daily News Thai Caption: Totaled Daily News and many other Thai media reported on an appalling incident on the beach front at Ban Phe, Rayong, yesterday evening in which an apparently drunk British man in a pick-up killed and injured people before driving off and damaging four vehicles before overturning. Pol Capt Natthawat of the Phe Rayong police on the eastern seaboard was alerted to the incident yesterday evening and went with rescue services to the area near the Lotus store on the beach front road - Suan Son to Ban Phe Road - where they found an overturned four door pick-up. Inside was an apparently drunk Brtish man trapped in the driver's seat. Stephen P., 70, was given first aid. Picture; Daily News A police patrol nearby was giving CPR. But dead at the scene was Niran Pramuan, 53, and severly injured was 32 year old Chanasak. They were taken to Rayong Hospital. Witnesses reported seeing the foreigner reverse at high speed into the two men crushing them up against a lamppost. The driver then raced off colliding with two cars and two motorcycles before ending up on its side. Witnesses said that the British man lived locally and was a habitual drunkard who would drive in the wrong lane and that local people were fed up with his behavior. He was kept in custody while his injuries were treated as police prepared a breath test and for his subsequent prosecution. More on this as we hear of it. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-09-05 - 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

Probiotics and prebiotic foods are recommended to help support the immune system. (Photo by Nirzar Pangarkar) By Veena Thoopkrajae Life in Thailand may seem to have returned to normal, but the coronavirus that has plagued the world for the best part of three years is still making its presence felt with more than 30,000 confirmed cases reported each day. The real figure is, however, likely to be much higher, with the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) estimating that the daily figure is probably between 60,000 and 70,000, as not everyone reports a positive test to the authorities, especially if their symptoms are mild. Deaths too remain elevated, with 236 fatalities recorded between August 7th and 13th, mostly among the elderly, those with underlying diseases, and pregnant women. While most do go on to make a full recovery within 10 days or so, the Public Health Department says as many as 30-50% of people who had been infected with the coronavirus continue to experience symptoms after the virus has already cleared in what has become known as long COVID. Signs and symptoms of long COVID Dr Rapeepan Rattanawongnara Mord, professor of Department of Infectious Disease of Internal Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine, is the author of a paper on long COVID symptoms that was published on the RAMA Channel website. Managed by Ramathibodi Hospital’s Faculty of Medicine, the website provides articles and videos about health issues. The doctor describes long COVID as a wide range of new or ongoing health problems that may be experienced more than four weeks after first becoming infected with the coronavirus. The most commonly reported symptoms are fatigue (58%), headache (44%), attention disorder (27%), hair loss (25%) and shortness of breath (24%), studies find. Less common are fever, dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, chest pain, coughing, stomach pain, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/long-covid-what-to-expect-what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-03 - 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 Online Reporter Thailand is now welcoming applications for its new 10 year Long-term Resident Visa (LTR Visa), which is aimed at attracting foreigners of “high potential” to live and work in the country. The LTR Visa formally came into effect on September 1, with the government seeing the program as a way to encourage new investment into the country. The 10 year LTR visa will be offered across four categories: Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Professionals, and Highly-Skilled Professionals. Across each of the four categories, holders will need a personal income of USD 80,000/year. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailands-new-10-year-long-term-resident-visa-ltr-visa-is-now-available/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-09-02 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Pumpkin with the anti-Prawit photo. The Thai headline says, “I pity Thai people.” Image: TV Channel 7 TNR Staff A YOUNG German man displayed a photo of caretaker Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan with a red cross over it at the central traffic island in Taphong intersection, Mueang district of Rayong province, yesterday (Sept. 1) and upon being questioned said he did so because he felt sorry for the Thai people, TV Channel 7 said. Identified only as Pumpkin, 35, he had also yesterday displayed the same image at Orchid intersection on Sukhumvit road, Rayong’s Mueang district. Reporters went to interview him and he told them that he lives in Rayong with his Thai wife and the reason he displayed this photo of Gen. Prawit is because he pitied the Thai people who had to cope with a government that did not help. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/09/01/young-german-man-displays-anti-prayut-photo-in-rayong/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-09-02 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

(Left) French Tourism Minister Olivia Gregoire told a press conference in Paris this week that tourist spending in July and August nationally was 22% ahead of the level seen in 2019 and that foreign visitor numbers had already returned to 2019 levels. The situation is in marked contrast to Thailand where government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek emphasised that the country’s target in 2022 for foreign tourist numbers was 25% of the number seen in 2019 with figures released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) showing that from January to the end August 2022, the spend per foreign tourist was down by at least 11.5%. The situation raises disturbing questions about the setback suffered by the kingdom’s foreign tourism sector since 2020. by Joseph O' Connor Figures this week from Paris show a French foreign tourist industry achieving revenues nationally at 22% ahead of figures for 2019 while Thailand will be aiming to achieve, at best, only 33% of the numbers seen three years ago or a 67% loss. This news must be disturbing for the sector in Thailand and raises questions about the permanent damage inflicted on the Thai industry since 2020. Thailand’s foreign tourism sector appears to have suffered permanent damage due to the country’s emergency since 2020 with projected visitor numbers and a foreign tourism revenue stream this year which will be between 65% and 75% lower than that seen in 2019. The situation is in marked contrast to France which recorded bumper visitor numbers in July and August with expenditure in hotels up 22% on 2019 figures. On Tuesday, executives at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) talked up the possibility of targeting wealthy Indian families to come to Thailand to celebrate wedding events as the kingdom approaches the high season for the foreign tourism sector which begins in October. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/08/31/thailand-tourism-industry-damaged-contrast-to-france/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-09-01 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

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. 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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. 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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!