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Most important thing is to ensure no one is hungry Studies show that, in the Asia Pacific region, one and a half years ago, the cost of an energy-sufficient diet was approaching one dollar per person per day. The cost of a healthy diet per person per day had exceeded 3.50 dollars. That makes healthy food unaffordable for many people when the poverty line is 2 dollars per day. (Photo by AFP) Food insecurity might not be an issue that many people in Thailand worry much about. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263299-most-important-thing-is-to-ensure-no-one-is-hungry/

Studies show that, in the Asia Pacific region, one and a half years ago, the cost of an energy-sufficient diet was approaching one dollar per person per day. The cost of a healthy diet per person per day had exceeded 3.50 dollars. That makes healthy food unaffordable for many people when the poverty line is 2 dollars per day. (Photo by AFP) Food insecurity might not be an issue that many people in Thailand worry much about. The recent economic hardships from the impacts of COVID-19 and the conflict in Ukraine, which is having a ripple effect on the rest of the world, have, however, resulted in a rise in the cost of nutrition. This is having a direct effect on society’s vulnerable groups, including those in Thailand. Food security in the Asia Pacific region has deteriorated in recent years, not only because of the pandemic, but also due to many other factors, such as climate change, that lead to a loss of natural resources production and productivity, and the immediate impact of the war, resulting in critical price rises. Thailand is not doing too badly and the country is on the right track in handling the issue of food security, according to a United Nations expert, Sridhar Dharmapuri, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Food Safety and Nutrition Officer. He said the steps Thailand has been taking throughout the pandemic are good, and it should continue doing this, but the country needs to be watchful. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/most-important-thing-is-to-ensure-no-one-is-hungry/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-20 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Monkey business and the battle over Thailand’s multibillion-baht coconut industry For more than a century, Thai southerners have raised and trained monkeys to climb high trees and collect ripe coconuts for them. However, this traditional way of life is now under intense scrutiny after being condemned by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) as “animal abuse”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263298-monkey-business-and-the-battle-over-thailand’s-multibillion-baht-coconut-industry/

For more than a century, Thai southerners have raised and trained monkeys to climb high trees and collect ripe coconuts for them. However, this traditional way of life is now under intense scrutiny after being condemned by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) as “animal abuse”. “Enslaved monkeys are suffering,” says PETA in its video calling attention to the use of primates on Thai coconut farms. Last week, PETA said Walmart is the latest US retailer to drop coconut-milk products from major brand Chaokoh, which it says are produced using monkey labor. Walmart has joined Costco, Wegmans, Super King Markets and Cost Plus World Market in removing Chaokoh products from its shelves. Animal cruelty Two PETA Asia undercover investigations have revealed the use of chained and caged monkeys in Thailand’s coconut-picking industry. PETA says that these primates are in fact social animals that should be free to roam forests and interact with their fellows. Chaining and forcing them to work as “coconut-picking machines” is an act of cruelty, it adds. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/monkey-business-and-the-battle-over-thailands-multibillion-baht-coconut-industry/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-20 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Paetongtarn given rousing welcome in Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket Thailand’s “Red-shirt” followers packed the Ubon Ratchathani provincial airport this morning to welcome to Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who led key Pheu Thai party members on a campaign trip to wrestle back control of Si Sa Ket, following the defection of three MPs to the Bhumjaithai party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263296-paetongtarn-given-rousing-welcome-in-ubon-ratchathani-and-si-sa-ket/

Thailand’s “Red-shirt” followers packed the Ubon Ratchathani provincial airport this morning to welcome to Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who led key Pheu Thai party members on a campaign trip to wrestle back control of Si Sa Ket, following the defection of three MPs to the Bhumjaithai party. The three Si Sa Ket MPs had voted in support of the government’s budget bill for 2023 in its first reading early this month, in defiance of the party whip. The group travelled by car to neighbouring Si Sa Ket, where rallies were to be held today (Saturday) in Uthomporn Phisai, Khun Han and Rasi Salai districts. At the first of those stops, Paetongtarn, head of the “Pheu Thai Family” and advisory chair of the party’s innovation and public participation efforts, addressed a big crowd of supporters, saying that they should vote for the party in the next general election, if they want a better future for their families and to rid themselves of poverty. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/paetongtarn-given-rousing-welcome-in-ubon-ratchathani-and-si-sa-ket/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-20 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Social media uproar over sudden closure of Japanese restaurant chain in Bangkok Bangkok’s social media has been rife with questions and comments, both yesterday and today (Saturday) about a popular Japanese restaurant chain which suddenly closed down without notice, raising concerns among customers who have pre-paid vouchers to eat there. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263295-social-media-uproar-over-sudden-closure-of-japanese-restaurant-chain-in-bangkok/

Bangkok’s social media has been rife with questions and comments, both yesterday and today (Saturday) about a popular Japanese restaurant chain which suddenly closed down without notice, raising concerns among customers who have pre-paid vouchers to eat there. The uproar started on Facebook after messages were posted raising questions about the sudden disappearance of the Japanese restaurant’s Facebook page. The “Buffet Lovers” page was swamped with questions and criticism. Others said that they had personally visited restaurant outlets and found they were all closed, with a sign saying no service due to server breakdown and offering an apology. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/social-media-uproar-over-sudden-closure-of-japanese-restaurant-chain-in-bangkok/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-20 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

100+ people treated for symptoms possibly caused by cannabis in food and drink in Khon Kaen More than 100 people in Thailand’s north-eastern province of Khon Kaen have reported for treatment of dizziness and nausea after consuming food or drinks thought to contain cannabis. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263293-100-people-treated-for-symptoms-possibly-caused-by-cannabis-in-food-and-drink-in-khon-kaen/

More than 100 people in Thailand’s north-eastern province of Khon Kaen have reported for treatment of dizziness and nausea after consuming food or drinks thought to contain cannabis. Cannabis and hemp were decriminalised in the country on June 9th. Cherdchai Ariyanuchitkul, deputy provincial health chief, said Friday that most of the patients suffered only mild symptoms, but one case was suffering psychiatric symptoms. He said the provincial health office has launched a campaign to educate people in the province about the medical benefits of cannabis and its extracts and the health risks of their recreational use. He also said that eateries will be urged not to use cannabis in food or drinks, although they are allowed to do so. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/100-people-treated-for-symptoms-possibly-caused-by-cannabis-in-food-and-drink-in-khon-kaen/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-20 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 20 June 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1263290-thailand-live-monday-20-june-2022/

Thailand has some crazy Guinness World Records FEATURE | by Michael Bridge Maybe a PR stunt to draw attention to a global audience, but some of these world records are hard to believe. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263289-thailand-has-some-crazy-guinness-world-records/

FEATURE | by Michael Bridge Maybe a PR stunt to draw attention to a global audience, but some of these world records are hard to believe. Firstly, a Thai couple has sealed a new record for the longest kissing, after locking lips for 46 hours, 24 minutes. The Guinness World Records still must verify the latest "kissathon" for it to become official. Husband and wife team Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat were one of 14 couples taking part in a contest in Pattaya. They were allowed to eat, drink and use the lavatory, provided they did not break their embrace. The pair won a diamond ring worth 50,000-baht (£1,016) and a 100,000-baht (£2,032) cash prize. The couple began smooching at 0600 local time on Sunday and were announced the winners just before dawn on Tuesday. Sticky Rice The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated the country’s latest achievement after it set a new Guinness World Record for the biggest ‘Mango Sticky Rice’ at 4,500 kilogrammes in January 2019, breaking the previous record set in Dubai in 2016, at 2,800 kilogrammes. The world’s biggest ‘Mango Sticky Rice’ initiative was part of the Thai government’s “We Care about You” push to increase arrivals from Mainland China during 2019. Pre-Pandemic “Thousands of tourists travelled from China to Thailand to especially witness the “We Care about You” event that broke the Guinness World Records for the biggest Mango Sticky Rice dish,” said Ms. Thapanee Kiatpaiboon, Executive Director of the TAT’s Product Promotion Department. The making of a large 4,500-kilogramme Mango Sticky Rice dish used 1,500 kilogrammes of long-grain sticky rice and 6,000 ripe mangos. Longest log! The Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment revealed on Tuesday that it was preparing to apply for a Guinness World Record for the longest petrified log in Tak, which is longer than the current record holder found in China. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said there were petrified logs, or long pieces of ancient wood that have changed into a stony substance, on Doi Soi Malai mountain in the province. The first one was found in 2003, or 18 years ago. The longest one is 72.22 metres long, the same height as a 20-storey building – compared to the present record holder in China’s Qitai, Xinjiang, which is just thirty-eight metres long. The record-breaking log in Tak is said to be more than 120,000 years old. This type of wood is known as Thong Bueng, or Kempas, and is usually found in southern Thailand and the Malay Peninsula. Longest City Name What's the full name? Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. We think we'll just stick with Bangkok! That said the city holds the world record for the longest name of a place. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Wales, with fifty-eight characters, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is the longest one-word place name in both the United Kingdom and in Europe as well as the world's second-longest place name. 4,483 hula hoops Thailand in February 2013 broke the world record for the most people hula hooping at one time. 4,483 Thais got together at a Thammasat University stadium in Bangkok and swung their hula hoops around for 7 minutes, thus beating the world record of 2,496 people hula hooping for 2 minutes in Taiwan.That means Thailand didn’t just beat the world record, they smashed it. DIY Guinness World Record So, if you think you want to add a Guinness World Record to your bucket list here are five World Records to break while you are stuck at home 1. Most socks put on one foot in 30 seconds. ... 2. Tallest toilet paper tower in 30 seconds. ... 3. Most Smarties eaten in 60 seconds blindfolded using chopsticks. ... 4. Fastest time to arrange the alphabet from a can of alphabet spaghetti. ... 5. Fastest time to assemble Mr. Potato Head. Good luck and let us know if you are a world record holder? -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-20 - 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. 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

Two men, who threw a hand grenade into the car park of the Ratchadapisek Criminal Court in Bangkok seven years ago, were each sentenced to 34 years and four months in prison yesterday (Friday), after they were found guilty of attempted murder, involvement in a terrorist act and criminal association. Twelve other defendants were acquitted due to lack of evidence. According to the indictment, Mahahin Khunthong and Yutthana Yenpinyo, along with twelve other people, were involved in a plot to stir unrest to discredit the government by bomb attacks at several locations across the country in February and March 2015. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/two-men-get-34-years-in-prison-for-hurling-bomb-at-thai-criminal-court/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-18 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Policeman dies after car is pierced by concrete posts on truck - cops doubt driver's story Daily News Thai Caption: Senior cop tragically killed Daily News reported on a tragic accident that killed a senior Phangnga highway policemen who was travelling in a car driven by his wife in Surat Thani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263202-policeman-dies-after-car-is-pierced-by-concrete-posts-on-truck-cops-doubt-drivers-story/

Daily News Thai Caption: Senior cop tragically killed Daily News reported on a tragic accident that killed a senior Phangnga highway policemen who was travelling in a car driven by his wife in Surat Thani. The Toyota Vios had been skewered by four concrete posts on the back of a six wheel truck that was carrying six posts. The posts went right through the windshield to the back hitting the passenger - Sen Sgt Maj Worachai Nakkhwan, 52, in the forehead. The deceased hailed from Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Driving the car was the victim's wife 41 year old Parimat Jongaksorn who suffered head and chest pains. Picture: Daily News Both the victims were taken to Ban Na Doem hospital after the accident yesterday on Route 44 heading towards Krabi province. The driver of the truck, Suriya said that he heard a loud noise and pulled over straight away. Ban Na Doem said this was at odds with CCTV evidence that showed the truck being driven 200 meters with the other vehicle stuck on the back. The police plan to talk to the wife again to find out what actually happened. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-18 - 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. 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

Not again! Thailand's infamous hanging wires claim another victim - a motorcycle taxi rider 77khaoded Thai Caption: Hanging wires 77khaoded reported that a motorcycle taxi rider or "Win" came off his bike after his neck was caught up in hanging cables. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263199-not-again-thailands-infamous-hanging-wires-claim-another-victim-a-motorcycle-taxi-rider/

77khaoded Thai Caption: Hanging wires 77khaoded reported that a motorcycle taxi rider or "Win" came off his bike after his neck was caught up in hanging cables. This latest case - at least the second this week and one of many in recent months - happened on a road in North Samrong, Samut Prakan south east of the Thai capital Bangkok. Picture: 77kaoded "Ploen Jit" posted about the accident on Facebook; it happened in Soi Wat Dan Samrong near a reservoir. Fortunately the rider was not seriously injured despite coming off. He didn't bother to report it; what was the point, he'd just lose income. People at the scene of the accident on Friday helped to pull the mystery wires aside so that no one else would fall victim. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-18 - 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. 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 Picture: 77kaoded Picture: 77kaoded

Udon to Vientiane bus service resumes - only 11 passengers but it'll pick up as tourists find out Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the bus service from Udon Thani to the Laotian Capital Vientiane started again yesterday morning after it was cancelled during the pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263196-udon-to-vientiane-bus-service-resumes-only-11-passengers-but-itll-pick-up-as-tourists-find-out/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the bus service from Udon Thani to the Laotian Capital Vientiane started again yesterday morning after it was cancelled during the pandemic. But the first trip at 8am yesterday had just 11 passengers. Bus station mistress Malee Bunsanguanchai said that travellers had probably not heard it was running aagain and it was bound to pick up soon. She said there would be three trips each way daily. From Udon the times are 8am, 11.30 am and 3 pm. From Vientiane the return trips to Thailand are at 10.30 am, 3pm and 6 pm. It costs just 80 baht. The Laotians are not yet ready to start their own service. Joe, 40 a Thai man who has a business in Xiangkhouang province in Laos, said he was stuck there in the pandemic unable to visit his parents in Korat. But now the bus service was very convenient for him, he'd be taking it to Vientiane then getting on other transport to Xiangkhouang. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-18 - 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. 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

Kad Suan Kaew shopping center in Chaing Mai announces temporary closure from July 1st A famous old shopping center in Chiang Mai that has been operating for more than 30 years is the latest victim of the pandemic, reported Sanook. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263195-kad-suan-kaew-shopping-center-in-chaing-mai-announces-temporary-closure-from-july-1st/

A famous old shopping center in Chiang Mai that has been operating for more than 30 years is the latest victim of the pandemic, reported Sanook. Kad Suan Kaew said they had tried everything to keep going including lowering rents and charges for their renters but it had proved impossible. They announced that the shopping center would be closed temporarily from July 1st until conditions improved. Regarding the operations of the center itself they took a swipe at the government who they said had stopped providing any assistance. They thanked their customers and clients and asked them to wait for better times. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-18 - 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. 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

Monk fights back! Donation box thief in custody after abbot kicks him off his motorbike Daily News Thai Caption: It's a sin A senior member of the Buddhist clergy proved that he was a dab hand at a spot of Muay Thai, reported Daily News yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263194-monk-fights-back-donation-box-thief-in-custody-after-abbot-kicks-him-off-his-motorbike/

Daily News Thai Caption: It's a sin A senior member of the Buddhist clergy proved that he was a dab hand at a spot of Muay Thai, reported Daily News yesterday. The acting abbot of Wat Khok Kratai in Saraburi, central Thailand, was alerted by the sound of smashing glass and saw a man dressed in yellow t-shirt and black trousers stealing from a collection box. Phra Charnnarong, 53, confronted the much younger man, about 30, as he tried to escape on a Honda Wave telling him as he blocked his path: "It's a sin. Stop and return the money!" But the thief tried to flee resulting in a fight in which the older man showed far superior Muay Thai skills. Then a member of the laity arrived, a 70 year old man with a broom. This was more than enough for the thief who fled the scene leaving his bike, a bag containing two items of gold jewelry and 800 baht he had pinched from the donation box. CCTV caught the entire event and Pol Capt Suthin Sri-orn of the Wihan Daeng police was contacted. The gold was thought to be from another theft and all the items were handed over to the police as evidence. The cops soon had their man - 38 year old Winai who was found wandering 2 kilometers away in the vicinity of a Bang Jak gas station. He was noncommittal about the gold but has been charged with theft using a conveyance and detained. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-18 - 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. 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

The pleasure of living and setting a good example in Thailand; Rooster rounds up the week’s news OPINION | by Rooster For me it all began in early 2019 before the March general election. I’d been riding my bike and saw a bright green marijuana leaf on a billboard for the Bhumjaithai candidate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263070-such-a-positive-vibe-in-bangkok-as-tourists-thai-sellers-locals-and-even-a-thong-lo-cop-celebrate-the-end-of-ganja-prohibition/