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File photo OPINION | by Michael Bridge There seems to be a visible change in Bangkok and the resorts around Thailand with the airports receiving international travelers at long last. Even the hotels are starting to welcome overseas guests again too. Bars are open and the general atmosphere is more upbeat. It seems Thailand has come out of a very long dark tunnel into the bright lights! This week, Kasikorn Bank’s financial pundits have said the Thai baht is likely to remain weak for the next few months, which bodes well for overseas vacationers’ wallets. OK as we know the price of a seat on a flight from Europe or the States has jumped due to fuel costs and longer routes to avoid flying near Russia. That said there are other ways that the attraction of coming to Thailand will help tourists. Firstly, the rates being charged by hotels across the country are very competitive. Checking online with Agoda there were several good deals to be had arriving in Thailand on July 20th. A couple could pay THB2,607 at the 5-star Novotel BKK Ploenchit down from THB6,308. In Chiang Mai they would pay THB1,818 at the 4-star Eastin Tan Hotel down from THB10,000. And on the island of Phuket, they would save a whopping THB10,705 at the 5-star Dusit Thai Laguna and pay just THB2,398. The price of eating out is generally lower than in pre-pandemic days, and even renting a car is affordable too. Those of us living here will also know that the popular tourist attractions are still quiet so no one needs to queue anymore. Those planning to play golf will find the rates are still low compared with overseas rates. According to Golfasian, the leading Asian tour operator, because of the pandemic, many golf clubs have spent time on badly needed maintenance, so the courses are in tip-top condition. With the relaxed entry regulations announced airline passengers arriving in Thailand do not need to complete any complicated forms or need to feel threatened by being forced into a Covid hotel for a week’s isolation. The pent-up need for a holiday by those who have not travelled anywhere for the past couple of years means there are a lot of people wanting to get away. This time they can make all their travel arrangements online. The only fly in the ointment is will the airlines have enough staff on duty the day you travel and who will take care of your suitcases? -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-28 - 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. 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

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 28 June 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1264182-thailand-live-tuesday-28-june-2022/

Pilots and airlines reminded to comply with Thailand’s relaxed COVID-19 measures The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued a notice (NOTAM) to pilots and airlines, reminding them to comply with the latest, but relaxed COVID-19 measures in Thailand, which will become effective on July 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264147-pilots-and-airlines-reminded-to-comply-with-thailand’s-relaxed-covid-19-measures/

Additional booster shots recommended against COVID BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants Medical workers load syringes with the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. (Photo by Apu GOMES / AFP) A senior Thai doctor has warned people not to underestimate the threat posed by the COVID-19 Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants and has recommended additional booster shots, claiming that they can help ease serious consequences of infection by the mutated virus. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264164-additional-booster-shots-recommended-against-covid-ba4-and-ba5-sub-variants/

Father and his 4-year-old daughter trapped inside their sedan after collision with truck in Sri Racha, rainy weather blamed By Tanakorn Panyadee Sri Racha — A father and his 4-year-old daughter got trapped inside their sedan after reportedly crashing into a truck yesterday afternoon, June 26th, 2022. The father sustained severe leg injuries, according to reports. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264125-father-and-his-4-year-old-daughter-trapped-inside-their-sedan-after-collision-with-truck-in-sri-racha-rainy-weather-blamed/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Sri Racha — A father and his 4-year-old daughter got trapped inside their sedan after reportedly crashing into a truck yesterday afternoon, June 26th, 2022. The father sustained severe leg injuries, according to reports. Pol. Lt. Col. Phuwanat Phuthithuan from the Bowin Police Station received a traffic accident report mid-afternoon on Sunday, June 26th, on Laem Chabang-Map Iang Rd in the Khao Khan Song subdistrict, Sri Racha, Chonburi. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/06/27/father-and-his-4-year-old-daughter-trapped-inside-their-sedan-after-collision-with-truck-in-sri-racha-rainy-weather-blamed/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-06-27 - 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!

Chula expert says groups continue to monitor correct use of ganja products, especially in food Picture: Daily News Dr Niyada Kiatyingandsulee, a Chulalongkorn medic who runs a drug surveillance and safety development group under the auspices of the Health Promotion fund, told Daily News that a pilot scheme to monitor marijuana products was continuing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264119-chula-expert-says-groups-continue-to-monitor-correct-use-of-ganja-products-especially-in-food/

Picture: Daily News Dr Niyada Kiatyingandsulee, a Chulalongkorn medic who runs a drug surveillance and safety development group under the auspices of the Health Promotion fund, told Daily News that a pilot scheme to monitor marijuana products was continuing. The group want to make sure that people are not getting more than the trace amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) allowed in their food. Vendors are not allowed to have products containing more than 0.2% THC in food. A pilot scheme is running in eight provinces to raise awareness among both vendors and the public. It is happeneing in Ayutthaya, Roi-Et, Sisaket, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nong Bualamphu, Amnat Charoen and Chiang Rai where 86 staff are on the job. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-27 - 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

Python swallows a Persian in the NE - though it's an especially lucky snake Picture: Naew Na Snake catchers were called to a house in Ang Kaew sub-district of Pho Thong, Ang Thong province in central Thailand after a 3 meter long python swallowed a cat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264117-python-swallows-a-persian-in-the-ne-though-its-an-especially-lucky-snake/

Picture: Naew Na Snake catchers were called to a house in Ang Kaew sub-district of Pho Thong, Ang Thong province in central Thailand after a 3 meter long python swallowed a cat. Narong-at, 48, explained to Naew Na that his son raises Persians in a 3x4 meter cat house next to the house and the snake had got in and swallowed one of the four cute moggies. The others were rescued. Consequently it only took a moment to catch the snake as it was lazily digesting its meal. Narong-at said that they were alerted to what happened when they heard a fan crashing to the ground. The victim was a seven month old tomcat. The snake had a spur on its underbelly, considered especially lucky and which people have used to created marvellously fortunate amulets, according to old traditions. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-27 - 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

Thais still unwilling to ditch their masks, says media, despite success of vax campaign Picture: INN Thai media INN reported from Korat or Nakhon Ratchasima where they said that Thais were unwilling to ditch their masks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264116-thais-still-unwilling-to-ditch-their-masks-says-media-despite-success-of-vax-campaign/

Picture: INN Thai media INN reported from Korat or Nakhon Ratchasima where they said that Thais were unwilling to ditch their masks. This despite the new rules that came in last Thursday just before midnight scrapping mask mandates and leaving only advisories about crowded places and certain companies who might have their own rules on entry. At Central they reported people walking in to get jabs including children as young as 12 up to those known as 608 who have underlying health conditions. Some of the latter were getting their 5th jab. So far 2.6 million jabs have been administered in the NE Thailand province with 78% having received a first jab, 72% a second and 31% a booster. As evidence of the reluctance to ditch their masks the media went to a local shrine popular with tourists where most people were still wearing them saying that the virus was still a threat and it was better to be safe than sorry. Check out this video from danaboutthailand.com Why do Thais continue to wear face masks? https://danaboutthailand.com/2022/06/27/why-do-thais-continue-to-wear-a-face-mask-even-though-it-is-no-longer-mandatory/ -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-27 - 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

Kind hearted "win" latest motorcyclist to be injured by Thailand's infamous hanging wires Picture: INN A kind hearted motorcycle taxi guy in northern Bangkok has gone to the Sai Mai police wanting action for negligence against a cable company. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264114-kind-hearted-win-latest-motorcyclist-to-be-injured-by-thailands-infamous-hanging-wires/

Picture: INN A kind hearted motorcycle taxi guy in northern Bangkok has gone to the Sai Mai police wanting action for negligence against a cable company. Fifty eight year old Samrong Manothai - better known as Lung Dam - was out feeding dozens of stray dogs in the area of Soi Permsin 66. He didn't see the hanging wires and was thrown from his bike suffering a neck injury and damage to his vehicle. He has been feeding the strays for 20 years, reported INN, who said this was the latest in a long series of such accidents reported in Thailand in recent weeks. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-27 - 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

131 major fires in Bangkok between January and May A total of 131 fires were reported in Bangkok during the first five months of this year, with 39 being recorded in January alone, according to statistics compiled by the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264113-131-major-fires-in-bangkok-between-january-and-may/

A total of 131 fires were reported in Bangkok during the first five months of this year, with 39 being recorded in January alone, according to statistics compiled by the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The statistics show there were 27 fires in February, 13 in March, 32 in April and 20 in May. There were long public holidays in both January and April. Bang Khun Thian district recorded the highest number of fires during that period, with 9, followed by 7 each in Bang Kapi and Prawet, 6 each in Bang Khae and Ratchathewi, 5 in Nong Chok and 4 each in Bang Kho Laem, Min Buri, Lat Phrao, Wang Thong Lang, Wattana, Saphan Soong and Huai Khwang. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/131-major-fires-in-bangkok-between-january-and-may/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-27 - 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!

Five schoolboys caught on tape attacking 16-year-old boy who came back to school Sannok Thai Caption: It's: Five on One A video published by Sanook is bound to feed into the standard online rhetoric that Thais only attack in packs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264111-five-schoolboys-caught-on-tape-attacking-16-year-old-boy-who-came-back-to-school/

Sannok Thai Caption: It's: Five on One A video published by Sanook is bound to feed into the standard online rhetoric that Thais only attack in packs. The 11 second clip showed a 16 year old boy who was returning to a school where he used to be a pupil being set upon by five boys in shorts. He is punched and kicked before the cowardly assailants leave him in a heap. The video was accompanied by text on Facebook that said: What am I to do when this happens to my younger brother? It happened in Phan Thong district of Chonburi in Eastern Thailand. Sanook caught up with 16 year old Natthaphum and his mum and dad. It happened on June 24th, last Friday, at 4 pm, after he went back to the school to see his former teachers and friends. The first person who attacked him was the elder sibling of someone with whom he had had a problem, but it had been sorted out. Or so he thought. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-27 - 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

Top 10 online scams/fake news in mid June revealed - be careful says DES Picture: Siam Rath A spokesman for the Digital Society and Economy Ministry has warned the Thai public to watch out for online scams especially investment schemes using fake profiles and fake news. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264109-top-10-online-scamsfake-news-in-mid-june-revealed-be-careful-says-des/

Picture: Siam Rath A spokesman for the Digital Society and Economy Ministry has warned the Thai public to watch out for online scams especially investment schemes using fake profiles and fake news. Between June 17th and 23rd the anti-fake news center received 11,715, 307 notifications about fake stuff online though only a fraction of these were fully investigated and only 127 will lead to prosecutions. In a Siam Rath report Napphawan Huajaiman said that the top ten Fake News and Scams were: 1. Facebook and Line investment scams allegedly backed by the Security and Exchange Commission 2. Unfeasibly high returns on real estate investment 3. Handouts of 1,000 baht in government welfare programs 4. House owners to get 15,000 baht each 5. You'll get eye cancer and permanent sight loss by playing with your phone in the dark 6. Massaging your eyes will improve eyesight 7. Garlic cures stomach cancer 8. The revenue department are taxing temples 9. There are 100 mosques in Chiang Mai 10. The Government Savings Bank are offering 30K loans with 1,500 baht monthly repayment terms. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-27 - 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

Bangkok’s multi-billion-baht fire truck scandal still burning after 2 decades By Thai PBS World’s General Desk A long-smoldering corruption case has reignited after the Supreme Administrative Court recently ordered the heirs of late Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej to pay 587 million baht in compensation for his role in procuring a fleet of firefighting vehicles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264108-bangkok’s-multi-billion-baht-fire-truck-scandal-still-burning-after-2-decades/

By Thai PBS World’s General Desk A long-smoldering corruption case has reignited after the Supreme Administrative Court recently ordered the heirs of late Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej to pay 587 million baht in compensation for his role in procuring a fleet of firefighting vehicles. The 587 million baht is 30 percent of 1.95 billion baht – the difference between the equipment’s market price and the amount paid by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to the Austrian supplier. The other 70 percent is to be collected from former deputy interior minister Pracha Maleenont and ex-BMA Fire and Rescue Department chief Pol Maj-General Athilak Tanchukiat. Pracha and Athilak – who were convicted for their roles in the deal by the Supreme Court in 2013 – are on the run. The Supreme Court did not rule on Samak because he died in 2009. Samak also served briefly as prime minister from January 29 to September 9, 2008. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkoks-multi-billion-baht-fire-truck-scandal-still-burning-after-2-decades/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-27 - 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!

Marijuana users and sellers being highly responsible - no need for draconian measures - more specific laws out by August Picture: Siam Rath The spokesman for the House committee formulating laws and regulations connected to the legalization of marijuana and hemp has praised the reaction of weed users and sellers so far. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1264106-marijuana-users-and-sellers-being-highly-responsible-no-need-for-draconian-measures-more-specific-laws-out-by-august/

Picture: Siam Rath The spokesman for the House committee formulating laws and regulations connected to the legalization of marijuana and hemp has praised the reaction of weed users and sellers so far. Panthep Phuapongphan said in a Facebook post that users had been behaving responsibly and so had those selling the drug. Dispensaries and vans selling marijuana have popped up all over Thailand much to the surprise of both proponents and detractors to legalization that came in on June 9th. Fears in some quarters that there would be a damaging free-for-all have been completely unfounded, notes ASEAN NOW. Our investigations have shown high levels of responsible use. This points to the chilled attitude of people who have habitually used the drug while it has been illegal. Weed users know the score though they accept that more education is needed to bring non-users into the fold. Panthep said that the reaction to June 9th came as no surprise, the committee were expecting some confusion from people who have little knowledge about marijuana. Such "dinosaurs" have been trying to stir up trouble in online forums including ASEAN NOW but have been batted into touch by sensible users. Their "Reefer Madness" observations have been dismissed though a divide remains. Panthep said there were plenty of regulations in place in the interim before laws are promulgated and there was no need for a Royal Decree or use of the Emergency Decree at all. Regulations such as not allowing smoking in public places, restriction on youth access under the age of 20 and Ministry of Public Health rules about controlled herb use were all sufficient for now. The public, police, ministries and shops were all playing their part. Everyone was chilling. The committee is due to report their recommendations by August, reported Siam Rath. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-27 - 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