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Indian tourists represent the most foreign arrivals in Thailand so far this year. 100,884 arrived between January 1st and May 24th, said Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana yesterday (Sunday). He said, however, that the Tourism Authority Thailand (TAT) will try to attract as many as 3,000 Indian tourists per month through pro-active tourism promotion and marketing campaigns and the opening of new direct flight serviceslinking Indian cities with Thai tourist destinations, such as Chiang Mai. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said the TAT also plans to attract tourists from the Middle East, Singapore and Malaysia to visit Thailand, with the promotion of wellness, marriage and honeymoon, sports, eco-tourism and shopping packages. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/most-overseas-arrivals-in-thailand-this-year-come-from-india/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-30 - 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.

Questions linger over NBTC’s power and remit in proposed DTAC – TRUE merger By Enquistock The proposal to merge True Corporation Plc (TRUE) and Total Access Communications Plc (DTAC), was announced in November 2021 but the National Broadcasting & Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) has yet to make a decision over half a year later. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261127-questions-linger-over-nbtc’s-power-and-remit-in-proposed-dtac-–-true-merger/

By Enquistock The proposal to merge True Corporation Plc (TRUE) and Total Access Communications Plc (DTAC), was announced in November 2021 but the National Broadcasting & Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) has yet to make a decision over half a year later. Consumer advocate groups and activists have already made clear their concerns about monopolies and an unfair playing field that could emerge should the country’s second and third largest mobile service provider merged operations. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The concerns are backed by research from think tanks and studies which suggest that a merger could ultimately hurt the consumer with higher prices and less choices. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/40495/questions-linger-over-nbtcs-power-and-remit-in-proposed-dtac-true-merger/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-05-30 - 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.

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday May 30 2022 Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261123-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-may-30-2022/

Listen to the news NEWS30May.m4a Thailand's health authority says it has confirmed that three suspected cases of monkeypox were in fact herpes, following tests by the red cross at Chulalongkorn university. Meanwhile Health control measures at airports are said to continue with enhanced screening procedures. A mother and her three-year-old daughter died yesterday morning after their river tugboat sank in the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya, The family of four were sleeping at the time when it’s believed the water pump failed. The 64 year older boat owner was able to pull his 12 year old daughter from the sinking vessel but his wife and 3 year a old were unable to get out, A modest petition has been launched on social media, for the government to end the use of Thai numerals in official documents, The campaign suggests Thailand is the only place in the world that uses traditional numerals, and this is unnecessary and can be confusing. Adding the use of Thai digits with English words like 5G, Windows 11 and internet URLs in official documents looks strange and becomes invalid in computer processing. However opponents claim traditional Thai script and numerals reflect Thai culture. Tourism: the governor of Phuket claims the island's sandbox program generated over 66 billion baht in tourist revenues between July last year and April this year. Region: Nepal: A small airplane carrying 22 people went missing yesterday just before it was due to land at JomSom airport , helicopters were dispatched to search for the 40 year old plane but were hampered by poor visibility. The search resumed this morning. Chinese nuclear authorities say they have discovered rich uranium deposits deep below the Earth's surface, in what they are calling a breakthrough for the country’s national security. Deposits are at some 3,000 meters below the surface. Vietnam: The world's longest glass bottom bridge opened in north west vietnam yesterday, named the ‘white dragon’ the 632 meter long bridge can hold up to 450 people at a time Chiang Mai: Bright but with isolated thunder showers 33C Bangkok: Bright but cloudy with isolated thunder showers 33C Pattaya and SE: sunny partly cloudy thundershowers 31C Phuket and the South: Bright partly cloudy, some thundershowers 30C More rain to the far south.. Hua Hin: Bright but cloudy, expect some rain this afternoon 32C, Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2022-05-30 - 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.

Opposition Bloc To Hammer Air Force’s Plan To Purchase Unarmed F-35 Fighters By Thai Newsroom Reporters Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighters. Photo: Lockheed Martin, US Army THE AIR FORCE’S reported plan to purchase a startup batch of two F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters without weapon systems aboard will likely draw a stern disapproval at parliament, according to an opposition lawmaker. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261121-opposition-bloc-to-hammer-air-force’s-plan-to-purchase-unarmed-f-35-fighters/

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighters. Photo: Lockheed Martin, US Army By Thai Newsroom Reporters THE AIR FORCE’S reported plan to purchase a startup batch of two F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters without weapon systems aboard will likely draw a stern disapproval at parliament, according to an opposition lawmaker. Pheu Thai MP Yutthapong Charatsathian said today (May 29) it will be “ultimately unusual” for the air force to procure the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II multirole fighters without armament available since all combat aircraft are literally designed to constantly arm themselves with weapon systems even in peacetime. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe One cannot help wondering what is the use of unarmed combat aircraft which the air force has planned to buy for 78 million dollars each, Yutthapong said. The purchase money for the F-35 jets will be requested as part of the air force’s 2023 budget. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/05/29/opposition-bloc-to-hammer-air-forces-plan-to-purchase-unarmed-f-35-fighters/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-05-30 - 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.

Phuket Sandbox generated at least 66 billion baht in ten months, says Phuket Governor By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket – The Phuket Sandbox has generated at least 66 billion baht so far while the island’s unemployment rate is decreasing, says a top Phuket official. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261116-phuket-sandbox-generated-at-least-66-billion-baht-in-ten-months-says-phuket-governor/

By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket – The Phuket Sandbox has generated at least 66 billion baht so far while the island’s unemployment rate is decreasing, says a top Phuket official. The Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew told the Phuket Express, “From July 1st, 2021 to April 30th, 2022, in total 304 days, there were 503,468 tourists visiting the Phuket Sandbox, with an average stay of eight nights. They spent an average of 55,000 baht per person.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “The project has generated at least 66.8 billion baht to the economic system overall for Phuket.” Governor Narong added. Assistant Professor Chayanon Phujaroen from the Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus told the associated local media, “During the Covid-19 crisis from July to September 2021, the unemployment rate in Phuket was 11 percent which was about 45,000 unemployed persons. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/28/phuket-sandbox-generated-at-least-66-billion-baht-in-ten-months-says-phuket-governor/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-30 - 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.

Red flags raised at several Phuket beaches after a warning of heavy waves in the Andaman Sea By Nop Meechukhun Phuket – Many beaches in Phuket have raised red flags to warn tourists not to swim around the areas following the Thai Meteorological Department’s warning of heavy waves in the Andaman Sea, while small boats were advised to stay ashore until May 30th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261115-red-flags-raised-at-several-phuket-beaches-after-a-warning-of-heavy-waves-in-the-andaman-sea/

By Nop Meechukhun Phuket – Many beaches in Phuket have raised red flags to warn tourists not to swim around the areas following the Thai Meteorological Department’s warning of heavy waves in the Andaman Sea, while small boats were advised to stay ashore until May 30th. Phuket officers from relevant agencies began to inspect several popular tourist attractions, such as Patong Beach, Surin Beach, Nai Harn Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach, and warn tourists not to swim in the sea due to the current strong wind and waves. The authorities also put out red flags to forbid tourists to swim in the water. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This followed the announcement of the Thai Meteorological Department, reporting that strong winds are predicted in the Andaman Sea due to the strong southwest monsoon that prevails over the Andaman Sea, the Southern provinces, and the Gulf of Thailand, Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/29/red-flags-raised-at-several-phuket-beaches-after-a-warning-of-heavy-waves-in-the-andaman-sea/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-30 - 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.

Female driver killed in road accident after her truck falls into a pond in the Kathu district By Nop Meechukhun Kathu, Phuket – A female driver was found dead after her truck fell into a pond in the Kathu district, Phuket, this morning, May 29th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261114-female-driver-killed-in-road-accident-after-her-truck-falls-into-a-pond-in-the-kathu-district/

By Nop Meechukhun Kathu, Phuket – A female driver was found dead after her truck fell into a pond in the Kathu district, Phuket, this morning, May 29th. Officials from the Kathu Police Station and rescue volunteers arrived at the scene on Phra Phu Ket Kaew Road around 6:20 AM. on Sunday after being notified of the car accident. Upon arrival, a blue pickup truck was found sinking in the pond and the driver was reportedly found stuck inside the vehicle. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A rescue crane was deployed to lift the sinking pickup truck from the water. The body of a 53-year-old Thai national, who was later identified as Chanpen Sombat, was found in the driver’s seat. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/29/female-driver-killed-in-road-accident-after-her-truck-falls-into-a-pond-in-the-kathu-district/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-30 - 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.

June and July set to see fireworks in Thai politics with Thamanat poised to lead Setthakij Thai Party by Joseph O' Connor It is widely expected that Captain Thamanat Prompow wil assume the leadership of the Setthakit Thai Party (Thai Economic Party) when it meets on June 7th to elect a new leadership following this week’s heave within the party which jettisoned General Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya as the leader. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261113-june-and-july-set-to-see-fireworks-in-thai-politics-with-thamanat-poised-to-lead-setthakij-thai-party/

It is widely expected that Captain Thamanat Prompow wil assume the leadership of the Setthakit Thai Party (Thai Economic Party) when it meets on June 7th to elect a new leadership following this week’s heave within the party which jettisoned General Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya as the leader. The party is then expected to be at the centre of a move that could see 40 votes cross the aisle in the House of Representatives to the opposition to defeat the government of Prayut Chan ocha (inset left) in a censure motion expected in June or July in what will be a busy time for the Thai parliament. by Joseph O' Connor Reports suggest that Captain Thamanat Prompow has had talks with the Pheu Thai Party and even with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. It is suggested he is thinking beyond the current government which looks weakened from last weekend’s resounding election victory in Bangkok for the Pheu Thai Party, Move Forward Party and former Minister of Transport in the Yingluck Shinawatra government until 2014, Chadchart Sittipunt. The prospects of the government being defeated in a censure motion in June and July strengthened this week as former cabinet minister Thamanat Prompow looks set to take over the leadership of the Setthakij Thai Party (Thai Economic Party) after a coup saw the party’s leadership resign en masse. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The move by Captain Thamanat, who is expected to take over as leader of the party on June 7th next and who is seen as an enemy of General Prayut, has set the stage for what already looks like a tumultuous few months ahead which will decide the political future of the country. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/05/29/fireworks-as-thamanat-poised-to-topple-pm/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-05-30 - 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.

Foreign tourist found seriously injured while trying to park a motorbike in Pattaya By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand - A man that Pattaya police identified as a foreign tourist was found seriously injured by nearby pedestrians while attempting to park a motorbike last night in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261112-foreign-tourist-found-seriously-injured-while-trying-to-park-a-motorbike-in-pattaya/

By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand - A man that Pattaya police identified as a foreign tourist was found seriously injured by nearby pedestrians while attempting to park a motorbike last night in Pattaya. At 12:30 A.M Sawang Boriboon rescue workers and Pattaya police were called to an area by a Tesco Lotus and Chaiyapreuk for a foreign tourist who had suffered a serious head injury and was found after apparently trying to stop or park his motorbike. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It was unclear if the injury had occurred prior to the tourist attempting to stop. The tourist had been given initial assistance by nearby pedestrians. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/29/foreign-tourist-found-seriously-injured-while-trying-to-park-a-motorbike-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-30 - 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.

Indian tourist says he was physically assaulted by a group of security guards at a Walking Street disco in Pattaya By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand - A 31-year-old Indian tourist reported to Pattaya police early this morning that he was allegedly physical assaulted by a group of security guards at a popular Walking Street disco. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261111-indian-tourist-says-he-was-physically-assaulted-by-a-group-of-security-guards-at-a-walking-street-disco-in-pattaya/

By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand - A 31-year-old Indian tourist reported to Pattaya police early this morning that he was allegedly physical assaulted by a group of security guards at a popular Walking Street disco. The incident took place around 3:30 A.M. when, according to the tourist’s statement, he was driving down Soi 16, next to Walking Street in his rental vehicle. The name of the tourist was withheld by Pattaya law enforcement. According to the tourist, he almost collided his vehicle with a group of security guards standing in front of a disco on Soi 16, whose name was also withheld pending an active investigation. It was unclear, according to Pattaya police, on who was at fault for this initial minor traffic issue. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, according to the tourist’s statement, a verbal argument began between the tourist and guards over who was at fault for the near collision which escalated into a physical assault, with the tourist claiming he was beaten bloody on his body (but not his face) and then managed to escape. The tourist said at this point he gathered a large group of friends to return to the disco to speak with the manager or owner but was refused by security to speak to anyone. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/29/indian-tourist-says-he-was-physically-assaulted-by-a-group-of-security-guards-at-a-walking-street-disco-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-30 - 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.

Thai Covid-19 Center to scrap daily reports of infections found via ATK self-administration, starting June 1st By Nop Meechukhun National – The Thai Ministry of Public Health is preparing to readjust the number of Covid-19 daily infections by removing the patients found via ATK self-administration, starting June 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261109-thai-covid-19-center-to-scrap-daily-reports-of-infections-found-via-atk-self-administration-starting-june-1st/

By Nop Meechukhun National – The Thai Ministry of Public Health is preparing to readjust the number of Covid-19 daily infections by removing the patients found via ATK self-administration, starting June 1st. Dr. Sumani Watcharasin, an assistant to the deputy spokesman of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), stated during an interview regarding the dashboard system of the Department of Disease Control in which the number of ATK tested patients was not reported yesterday, May 28th, that more than 50 percent of recent cases are asymptomatic, so from now on the report is starting to focus on those who have symptoms and are being treated at hospitals. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/29/thai-covid-19-center-to-scrap-daily-reports-of-infections-found-via-atk-self-administration-starting-june-1st/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-30 - 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.

Government Agencies Sign Agreement to Promote Cannabis and Hemp Usage by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - An agreement has been signed by the Ministry of Public Health and seven other agencies to suaport and promote the appropriate use of cannabis and hemp. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the signing of the agreement to prioritize using cannabis and hemp for health and economic purposes, and not for illegal or inappropriate use. In addition to the health ministry, the agreement was signed by representatives from other agencies, namely the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Mass Communication Organization of Thailand, The Medical Council of Thailand, and Thai Traditional Medical Council. The Royal Thai Police, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and the Food and Drug Administration also signed as witnesses for the agreement. According to Anutin, the agreement aims to ensure that use of the plants is prioritized for medicinal and economic purposes, encourage product diversity, and increase market value. He also emphasized the importance of publicizing the goal of removing these plants from the Type 5 Narcotics List in order to prevent public misuse. Both plants will be removed from the Type 5 Narcotics List on June 9, 2022. However, any product containing more than 0.2% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extract is still classified as a category 5 substance and is subject to narcotics control and suppression laws. Anyone who wishes to grow cannabis and hemp must register through the Food and Drug Administration’s "Puk Kan" mobile application, while those who intend to cultivate them for commercial purposes must notify the authorities before starting their business. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-28 - 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.

Public Encouraged to Continue Wearing Masks by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The general public is being reminded to continue wearing face masks amid the lifting of other disease control measures that had been in place. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261108-public-encouraged-to-continue-wearing-masks/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The general public is being reminded to continue wearing face masks amid the lifting of other disease control measures that had been in place. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha asked everyone to continue wearing face coverings, especially when engaging in public activities or at large gatherings. His remarks came during his visit to Japan to attend the Nikkei Forum. The premier asked schools to continue looking after the welfare of their students, following reports of a slight increase of new cases one week after the start of the new school semester. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe New clusters have mainly been linked to boarding schools, where infected students are currently being isolated and treated without the entire school needing to suspend activities. Gen Prayut also asked schools to remind students of prevention measures against COVID-19, as he called for cooperation from all sides to ensure health and safety at schools. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-28 - 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.

Phuket to Host World’s Best Rice Award Ceremony in November by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - U.S.-based magazine The Rice Trader will host an award ceremony for the World’s Best Rice Award in Phuket this year, with the Ministry of Commerce expecting the event to boost the global popularity of Thai grains. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261107-phuket-to-host-world’s-best-rice-award-ceremony-in-november/