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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. The World’s Best Rice Award will take place from November 15-17. It was announced by The Rice Trader CEO Jeremy Zwinger in his meeting with Thai Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit. The magazine has been giving out such awards for 13 consecutive years, with Thailand’s Hom Mali rice winning the top prize for the last two years. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This award ceremony will be the biggest event to ever be held by a magazine publisher, with no fewer than 1,000 participants. The event is also expected to help boost the popularity of Thai rice and stabilize national prices. Additionally, the event will promote tourism activities in Phuket and neighboring provinces such as Krabi and Phang Nga. The Ministry of Commerce has projected a total of 7-8 million tons of exported rice this year, which is higher than last year’s volume of 6.1 million tons. The country exported 2.29 million tons of rice in the first four months of 2022, marking a 52.67% increase and generating 39.45 billion baht in revenue. Major markets comprise countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. -- © 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.

Health Ministry Debunks Popular Monkeypox Myths by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai health authorities have reassured that there are currently no monkeypox cases in the kingdom, but asked hospitals and healthcare facilities to continuously monitor for possible infections. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261106-health-ministry-debunks-popular-monkeypox-myths/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai health authorities have reassured that there are currently no monkeypox cases in the kingdom, but asked hospitals and healthcare facilities to continuously monitor for possible infections. The Ministry of Public Health recently addressed false claims concerning monkeypox, including misinformation suggesting that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine increases the risk of monkeypox transmission. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) said COVID-19 vaccines do not increase the risk of monkeypox infection, while noting that conventional smallpox vaccines are 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The DDC also denied a report claiming that monkeypox cases were detected in Ko Chang, Trat. These cases were discovered to be simian malaria infections in humans, with mosquitos being the primary vector. The Ministry of Public Health has activated screening protocols for international arrivals to prevent the introduction of monkeypox. Travelers, especially those from at-risk countries, who have a fever at over 38 degrees Celsius along with at least one other symptom - such as sore throat, headache, myalgia, swollen lymph nodes and rashes - will be examined. The ministry has ordered hospitals, skincare clinics and clinics for sexually transmitted diseases to be on high alert for potential monkeypox infections, while also preparing laboratories, medical supplies and disease investigation teams. -- © 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.

Updated Thailand Entry Measures Starting Next Month by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently provided details on updated measures for entering Thailand, which will come into effect from June 1. They are as follows: Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261105-updated-thailand-entry-measures-starting-next-month/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently provided details on updated measures for entering Thailand, which will come into effect from June 1. They are as follows: 1. All quarantine measures for inbound travelers will be lifted. 2. Thailand Pass system changes: 2.1 Thai nationals who enter Thailand by air and by land will no longer need to register for the Thailand Pass. 2.2 Foreigners will still need to register on the Thailand Pass system through a more facilitated process. - Fully vaccinated travelers will need to provide (1) a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, (2) a minimum of US$10,000 in travel insurance covering COVID-19 medical expenses, and (3) a copy of a valid passport. - Unvaccinated or not-fully vaccinated travelers must provide (1) COVID-19 test results (RT-PCR or professional ATK) issued within 72 hours prior to travel, (2) a minimum of US$10,000 in travel insurance covering COVID-19 medical expenses, and (3) a copy of a valid passport. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe - After registering for the Thailand Pass, a QR code will be immediately auto-generated for convenience. If travelers cannot provide appropriate COVID-19 test results, they will need to take a professional ATK test at the checkpoint. - Please note that before the updated measures take effect on June 1, 2022, Thais and foreign visitors are still required to register for the Thailand Pass and receive approval to enter Thailand. 3. The Ministry of Interior confirms that all land border checkpoints will be reopened for border-crossings starting June 1. - Foreign travelers must register through the Thailand Pass system. - Thai nationals and people traveling with a border pass do not need to register for the Thailand Pass. -- © 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.

Officials investigate oil slicks washed ashore on Bang Saen beach Officials from Thailand’s Marine and Coastal Resources Department were yesterday sent to Bang Saen beach, in the eastern province of Chon Buri, to investigate the source of oil which has washed ashore. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261104-officials-investigate-oil-slicks-washed-ashore-on-bang-saen-beach/

Officials from Thailand’s Marine and Coastal Resources Department were yesterday sent to Bang Saen beach, in the eastern province of Chon Buri, to investigate the source of oil which has washed ashore. The oil was found along two kilometers of the beach, with more slicks seen on the surface of the sea. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Witnesses said they detected a strong smell of oil and found the oil on the beach after the 8am at high tide. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/officials-investigate-oil-slicks-washed-ashore-on-bang-saen-beach/ -- © 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.

Cannabis warning; smoking joints to remain illegal by Editor Cannabis smoke is a “public nuisance” and smoking it recreationally – at home or in public – is illegal, warns Thailand’s Department of Public Health. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261103-cannabis-warning-smoking-joints-to-remain-illegal/

by Editor Cannabis smoke is a “public nuisance” and smoking it recreationally – at home or in public – is illegal, warns Thailand’s Department of Public Health. From June 9TH, growing cannabis plants at home will become legal, but smoking cannabis recreationally will remain a punishable offence. The only prerequisite to legally growing cannabis at home, from June 9, is downloading and registering via the Plook Ganja mobile application. All parts of cannabis and hemp plants will be delisted as a Grade 5 narcotic from June 9, but consuming or smoking high-grade tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, flowers will still be illegal, in whichever form. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The aim of growing cannabis at home is not to get high, but to use the plant’s leaves or stalks in cooking or tea, for medicinal purposes only. People will also be permitted to make extracts from their homegrown cannabis plants, as long as the THC content is lower than 0.2%. To prevent misuse of cannabis, Director-General of the Department of Public Health Suwanchai Watthanayingcharoenchai suggests that there should be clear rules set out to control cannabis use. Suwanchai fears that with all the fuss surrounding the quasi-legalisation of cannabis in Thailand, people might wrongly assume that they can use cannabis recreationally. Suwanchai said cannabis smoke is annoying and can be harmful to other people’s health, which is why releasing cannabis smoke into the air is illegal. Suwanchai suggests that releasing cannabis smoke should be written into the Public Health Act as a “an act of public nuisance” so that annoyed neighbours can file complaints if they are annoyed by clouds of smelly cannabis smoke. The department will put suggestions forward to the Ministry of Public Health in an upcoming meeting on May 30TH. The proposed penalty for those causing “public nuisance” by cannabis smoke should firstly be warned. Failures to stop, could result in up to one month in jail, a fine of up to 2,000 baht, or both. If you have a question about growing marijuana at home in Thailand, call 025907767 or 025907793 or contact your provincial public health office. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/05/cannabis-warning-smoking-joints-to-remain-illegal/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 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.

New Hua Hin train station will be the first elevated train station in Thailand By Online Reporter The dual track train line, which will herald a new era of rail travel between Bangkok, Hua Hin and the south of Thailand is on track for completion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261102-new-hua-hin-train-station-will-be-the-first-elevated-train-station-in-thailand/

By Online Reporter The dual track train line, which will herald a new era of rail travel between Bangkok, Hua Hin and the south of Thailand is on track for completion. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) has said the construction of the Southern Line, which will connect Nakhon Pathom with Chumphon over a distance of 421 kilometers, is now 92 percent complete. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In Hua Hin, arguably the most visible part of the project concerns the construction of the new train station which will accommodate the dual track train line. The new train is located next to Hua Hin’s existing and iconic train station and will maintain much of the design elements of the original station, which is set to be transformed into a museum once the new station is open. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/new-hua-hin-train-station-will-be-the-first-elevated-train-station-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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.

8 killed and a million meth pills seized at Chiang Rai border with Myanmar The Thai troops shot and killed eight suspected drug traffickers and seized about a million methamphetamine pills on Thai soil, close to the border with Myanmar, in Mae Fah Luang district of the northern province of Chiang Rai lFriday night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261101-8-killed-and-a-million-meth-pills-seized-at-chiang-rai-border-with-myanmar/

The Thai troops shot and killed eight suspected drug traffickers and seized about a million methamphetamine pills on Thai soil, close to the border with Myanmar, in Mae Fah Luang district of the northern province of Chiang Rai lFriday night. Troops from the Pha Muang task force were dispatched to the mountain village of Ban Liseh last night, after they received a tipoff that a drug caravan was about to cross the border from Myanmar into the Thai village. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe About ten men, several wearing backpacks and others carrying firearms, who are believed to have been guarding the drugs, were spotted. A Thai trooper ordered the intruders to stop for a search, only to be shot at by the guards. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/8-killed-and-a-million-meth-pills-seized-at-chiang-rai-border-with-myanmar/ -- © 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.

Victoria’s Secret pays $8.3m settlement to sacked Thai workers Over a thousand sacked Thai garment workers who made bras for a factory supplying lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret have received a landmark $8.3 million settlement, labour rights activists said Saturday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261100-victoria’s-secret-pays-83m-settlement-to-sacked-thai-workers/

Over a thousand sacked Thai garment workers who made bras for a factory supplying lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret have received a landmark $8.3 million settlement, labour rights activists said Saturday. Brilliant Alliance Thai closed down its Samut Prakan factory in March 2021 after going bankrupt. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But the 1250 laid-off workers — many of whom had worked at the factory for over a decade — did not receive severance payouts mandated under Thai law. The factory also produced underwear for plus size American brands Lane Bryant and Torrid, owned by Sycamore Partners — but only Victoria’s Secret contributed to the settlement via a loan arrangement with the factory’s owners. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/victoria/ -- © 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.

Bangkok’s governor-elect says corruption is a hard nut to crack Bangkok Governor-elect Chadchart Sittipunt has admitted that the most difficult problem to address in Bangkok is corruption, but claimed that he is more confident that he is on the right track to solve the city’s myriad problems with his 200 plus policies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261099-bangkok’s-governor-elect-says-corruption-is-a-hard-nut-to-crack/

Bangkok Governor-elect Chadchart Sittipunt has admitted that the most difficult problem to address in Bangkok is corruption, but claimed that he is more confident that he is on the right track to solve the city’s myriad problems with his 200 plus policies. After five consecutive days of on-site visits, to meet various people and city officials after the May 22nd election, he told Thai PBS, in an exclusive interview, that he feels that more people have read his policies and have started talking about them. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said that, if they have read his policies carefully, they will understand that they are not fantasies, but policies which can actually be implemented, with some of them being quite down to earth, such as the lunch program for students, free education or opening schools during weekends, for students to do extra-curricula activities. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkoks-governor-elect-says-corruption-is-a-hard-nut-to-crack/ -- © 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.

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 30 May 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1261097-thailand-live-monday-30-may-2022/

Weak baht could be Thailand’s saviour for exports OPINION | by ASEAN NOW file photo A lower baht was recently welcomed by Minister of Finance, Arkhom Termpittayapaisithm, as he predicted that the kingdom would ease entry criteria to boost foreign tourism while achieving export growth of between 5% and 6% in 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261096-weak-baht-could-be-thailand’s-saviour-for-exports/

file photo OPINION | by ASEAN NOW A lower baht was recently welcomed by Minister of Finance, Arkhom Termpittayapaisithm, as he predicted that the kingdom would ease entry criteria to boost foreign tourism while achieving export growth of between 5% and 6% in 2022. A leading Thai university professor predicts that, technically, Thailand has already entered a period of 1970s stagflation as he lowered the economic growth projection for the country to between 2% and 3% for the year with inflation running at 5%. This weaker baht will naturally also increase Thailand's price competitiveness as exporters can sell their products at lower prices than competitors whose exchange rates are stronger. Combined with faster recovery in developed countries and China, the weaker baht will further boost exports and shore up the economy. Tourism will be another beneficiary as holidays in the land of smiles will cost less too. Protectionism On the export front, Thailand as a major exporter of rice, chicken, and sugar seems set to benefit as many other Asian neighbors are currently actually limiting shipments of agricultural commodities, to help their own consumers from surging prices. Recently Malaysia banned poultry exports and India has now implemented steps to keep more of its sugar at home. The rising food protectionism and price rallies are in fact good news for Thai producers that are enjoying strong harvests this year after back-to-back droughts. Now that the Thai baht is at a five-year low earlier this month, this is naturally also making the country’s shipments relatively cheaper. file photo World food prices have risen to multi-year highs, as the global economic recovery from the pandemic coincided with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has disrupted the availability of many agricultural commodities. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Thai food exports this year now look likely to surpass a forecast in January for a record 1.2 trillion baht ($35 billion) made by the Bangkok-based National Food Institute. “If the war and the food-supply crunch continue, food prices will remain high and that will benefit us,” said Sirivuthi Siamphakdee, a director of Kaset Thai International Sugar Corp. and former vice chairperson of the Thai Sugar Millers Corp., an industry association. “Thailand is unlikely to suffer from food shortages like other countries as it’s the kitchen of the world,” he added. Thai and Vietnam cooperation muted Thailand is the world’s No. 2 rice exporter and Vietnam is the third. Combined, they both account for a quarter of the world’s rice trade. India is the largest with a 40% market share. Currently China, the Philippines, and Nigeria are top importers. Thai premier Prayuth Chan-Ocha has even suggested that Thailand and Vietnam should consider jointly raising rice prices to boost their bargaining power in the global market. Thailand and Vietnam combined make up a quarter of the global rice trade According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Such a step will benefit millions of rice farmers in the two countries who have struggled with rising costs while prices of the grain have remained subdued, Prayuth’s spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said in a statement. file photo Vietnam’s Deputy Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Tran Thanh Nam met with Thai officials last week to discuss a framework for cooperation. The threat to boost rice prices from the two major exporters comes amid growing food protectionism and run-away inflation. There’s concern that India may restrict rice exports after similar moves in wheat and sugar, upending global food markets already roiled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While Thailand is not contemplating any curbs on shipments, it’s keen to milk the opportunity as import-dependent countries seek to lock in grain supplies. Thailand’s rice exports are benefiting from a rebound in global demand as the pandemic eases and a slump in its currency to a five-year low makes its supplies more competitive. Shipments may reach as high as eight million tons this year, up from 6.1 million tons last year, as Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit told reporters. According to industry officials, Thai sugar and chicken exports are also set to benefit from export curbs placed by India and Malaysia. At a time when Thailand has been concerned about its massive decline in income generated by tourism, perhaps the light at the end of the tunnel could come from the rice fields across the country. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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. 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

Tragedy in Korat: Man claims his wife "grabbed the steering wheel" during an argument - she dies at scene Picture: Siam Rath Pho Klang police in Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima were called after a four door Isuzu pick-up collided head on with a power pole on the local road of Mitraphap Highway. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261011-tragedy-in-korat-man-claims-his-wife-grabbed-the-steering-wheel-during-an-argument-she-dies-at-scene/

Picture: Siam Rath Pho Klang police in Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima were called after a four door Isuzu pick-up collided head on with a power pole on the local road of Mitraphap Highway. The accident happened yesterday evening between kilometer markers 133 and 134 in Khok Kruat sub-district outside a Mitsubishi showroom. Attaphol, 31, from Chokchai district suffered head and leg injuries to both legs and after first aid was taken to Debaratana Hospital Ratchasima. Deuan, 36, from Sung Nern, was given CPR but she died at the scene. Attaphol said that they were a couple who had a two month old child. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Siam Rath They both worked at Chert Chai Car Honda - he a mechanic and she in the accounts section. They were going home when an argument developed and he claimed that she grabbed the wheel propelling them into the power pole. ASEAN NOW would like to add a caveat to the story; Siam Rath did not make it 100% clear who was driving but we believe that it was the husband. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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. 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

Thailand’s CCSA spokesman Taweesin catches COVID-19 Spokesman for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Taweesin Visanuyothin announced on Facebook Saturday that his rapid antigen test returned a positive result on Friday, indicating that he has caught the coronavirus. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261008-thailand’s-ccsa-spokesman-taweesin-catches-covid-19/

Spokesman for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Taweesin Visanuyothin announced on Facebook Saturday that his rapid antigen test returned a positive result on Friday, indicating that he has caught the coronavirus. He said he will rest for 10 days in isolation and apologised to anyone with whom is has been in close contact in the past week. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A mild sore throat was his only symptom, Taweesin wrote. Other than that, he said he feels fine. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-ccsa-spokesman-taweesin-catches-covid-19/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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.

Benzene and gasohol prices increase by about 4 baht per litre in May Retail prices of benzene and all types of gasohol have increased eight times during May, by a combined total of 4 baht per litre, with the only price drop being on May 12th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261006-benzene-and-gasohol-prices-increase-by-about-4-baht-per-litre-in-may/