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Phuket introduces island’s largest leisure and entertainment destination “Andamanda Phuket” yesterday By Nop Meechukhun Phuket – “Andamanda Phuket” Waterpark official launched its opening on Saturday, May 21st, as the island’s largest leisure and entertainment destination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260393-phuket-introduces-island’s largest-leisure-and-entertainment-destination-“andamanda-phuket”-yesterday/

By Nop Meechukhun Phuket – “Andamanda Phuket” Waterpark official launched its opening on Saturday, May 21st, as the island’s largest leisure and entertainment destination. Located in the Kathu district, this latest tourist attraction is ready to welcome tourists, both Thais and foreigners, to explore the fun and the unique hidden treasure of the Andaman Sea and Thai mythology under the concept of “Thai Legend Meets Fantasy”. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The amusement park highlights 10,000 square meters of the artificial sea that can produce three-meter waves, perfect for all-year surfing. It comes with an artificial sandy beach that is over 300 meters long, featuring a 23-meter-high Khao Tapu model. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/22/phuket-introduces-islands-largest-leisure-and-entertainment-destination-andamanda-phuket-yesterday/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-23 - 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.

Patong entertainment businesses will generate at least 10 million Baht per night after legally open By Goong Nang(GN) Patong – After Patong entertainment businesses are legally open, they will generate at least 10 million Baht per night, said the president of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260392-patong-entertainment-businesses-will-generate-at-least-10-million-baht-per-night-after-legally-open/

By Goong Nang(GN) Patong – After Patong entertainment businesses are legally open, they will generate at least 10 million Baht per night, said the president of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA). First, a reference story to be caught up on the future legal opening: The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Friday, May 20th, has announced color-rezoning in many provinces and the reopening of entertainment venues in provinces/areas in the Green Zones and the Blue tourist pilot Zones, including Bangkok, Phuket, and Chonburi, from June 1st onwards. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Weerawit Krueasombat, the president of the Patong Entertainment Business Association, told The Phuket Express, “Currently, some entertainment venues have been modified into restaurants where they are allowed to open. However, some of them cannot modify and are still closed. Additionally, the current rules and closing times are difficult for many business owners and tourists.” Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/22/patong-entertainment-businesses-will-generate-at-least-10-million-baht-per-night-after-legally-open-says-president-of-patong-business-operators/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-23 - 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.

Surin Hospital Introduces New Linear Accelerator for Cancer Treatment by Natthaphon Sangpolsit SURIN (NNT) - Surin Hospital has become the first hospital in Thailand and the Asia Pacific to invest in Harmony technology, as it introduces a new medical linear accelerator (LINAC) for cancer treatment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260391-surin-hospital-introduces-new-linear-accelerator-for-cancer-treatment/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit SURIN (NNT) - Surin Hospital has become the first hospital in Thailand and the Asia Pacific to invest in Harmony technology, as it introduces a new medical linear accelerator (LINAC) for cancer treatment. Harmony was intended to address rising demand for radiotherapy through an optimal balance of productivity, precision and versatility that will enable clinicians to use a variety of cutting-edge techniques to treat breast, lung, pelvic and head-and-neck cancers. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe With its comprehensive capabilities, combined with a 25% shorter treatment period and a 30% smaller footprint than other LINACs, Harmony is a precise and versatile system for both developing markets and those where radiotherapy is already well-established. Dr Chumnum Witthayanan, director of Surin Hospital, said the hospital expects to increase the daily number of patients treated with radiotherapy, thereby increasing their chances of recovery. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-23 - 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.

Thailand Praised for Leading Role in Regional Health Development by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has praised Thailand’s leading role in South-South Cooperation and expressed its readiness to collaborate as the kingdom transitions into an aged society. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260390-thailand-praised-for-leading-role-in-regional-health-development/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has praised Thailand’s leading role in South-South Cooperation and expressed its readiness to collaborate as the kingdom transitions into an aged society. UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Diene Keita recently paid a courtesy call to Chulamanee Chartsuwan, permanent secretary to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to exchange views on further cooperation between the fund and Thailand. She also praised the kingdom for being at the forefront of developmental cooperation through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, particularly the UNFPA and Thailand’s joint projects on Health System Development in Bhutan and Midwifery Education in Lao PDR. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The UNFPA expressed interest in exchanging knowledge and experiences on South-South Cooperation at the Global South-South Development Expo, which Thailand will co-host in September. On this occasion, the deputy permanent secretary reiterated Thailand’s readiness to work closely with the UNFPA in implementing the UNFPA Country Program Document for Thailand 2022-2026. The aim is to promote access to family planning, eliminate gender-based violence, strengthen population development policy, and prepare Thailand for becoming an aged society in 2023. Thailand will also be hosting this year’s International Conference on Family Planning in Pattaya in November. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-23 - 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.

Economic Growth Expected Amid Inflation Crisis by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s economy is expected to continue growing amid the inflation crisis, as authorities reaffirm their commitment to addressing all existing challenges. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260389-economic-growth-expected-amid-inflation-crisis/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s economy is expected to continue growing amid the inflation crisis, as authorities reaffirm their commitment to addressing all existing challenges. Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said he was optimistic that the economy will see sustained growth. His remarks were delivered at the Better Thailand Open Dialogue, during a session focusing on the national and global economy. The minister said Thailand has seen increased investment over the past five years, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with exports remaining the nation’s primary driver for growth. He noted that growing consumption has led to a rapid increase in household debt at 15%, while the government works to keep the debt ratio at appropriate levels. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Supattanapong added that the government has been successful in reopening the kingdom to international tourists, starting with the Phuket Sandbox campaign on November 1, 2021. Since then, the nation has welcomed some 1.2 million international visitors. However, Thailand is now facing new challenges in the form of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising inflation, leading to a 10-year high in goods and energy pricing. Despite these challenges, the minister pointed out that the country continues to maintain favorable credit ratings. He also said the government has invested 2 trillion baht to improve infrastructure and support modern development, including the adoption of electric vehicles and modern industries in the EEC. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-23 - 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.

Thailand to Join Talks on U.S.-led Trade Pact by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is set to join talks on a multilateral trade agreement proposed by the United States, known as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260388-thailand-to-join-talks-on-us-led-trade-pact/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is set to join talks on a multilateral trade agreement proposed by the United States, known as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). The decision will allow Thailand to join other nations that have expressed an interest in negotiating rules and procedures for the IPEF. Some ASEAN members - such as Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia - have already indicated their intentions to become IPEF founding members. On Friday (20 May), Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit met with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai on the sidelines of the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting in Bangkok. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to Jurin, the U.S. asked Thailand to support the IPEF, which will be announced in France next month. He said he told Tai that the Cabinet on Tuesday agreed on a statement on the IPEF, which is not legally binding but expresses the kingdom’s intention to join the talks. The Cabinet also explained that the talks on the IPEF will focus on promoting regional economic security and sustainable development, with priorities that include trade, production chain resilience, clean energy, reduction of carbon dioxide, infrastructure, taxation and combating corruption. Thailand has seven free trade agreements. The latest and largest is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which was signed in 2021 and took effect in January of this year. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-23 - 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.

Thailand Requests Removal From U.S. Trade Watch List by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - With Thailand set to join the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), it has urged that the United States remove the kingdom from its trade watchlist. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260387-thailand-requests-removal-from-us-trade-watch-list/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - With Thailand set to join the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), it has urged that the United States remove the kingdom from its trade watchlist. The request was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit during bilateral talks with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai at this year’s APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting in Bangkok. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The deputy premier specifically cited significant progress made in strengthening the protection of intellectual property as grounds for removing Thailand from the watchlist. The U.S. recently recommended in its annual Special 301 Report that the Thai authorities continue stepping up enforcement while ensuring that amendments to its Copyright Act addressed concerns expressed by Washington and others. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-23 - 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.

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry to establish operation center to monitor spread of Monkeypox in the Kingdom By Nop Meechukhun National – The Ministry of Public Health is planning to establish an operation center to monitor the import and the spread of Monkeypox in the Kingdom. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260386-thailand’s-public-health-ministry-to-establish-operation-center-to-monitor-spread-of-monkeypox-in-the-kingdom/

By Nop Meechukhun National – The Ministry of Public Health is planning to establish an operation center to monitor the import and the spread of Monkeypox in the Kingdom. Dr .Opas Karnkawinpong, Director-general of the Department of Disease Control, told the Associated Press today, May 22nd, that the operation center will be established following public concern about the spread of Monkeypox in many countries around the world. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The center would monitor the situation and trends of the spread of the disease, as well as predict future situations in order for the authorities to prepare long-term and emergency plans while strengthening strategies and preventive measures. “Although Thailand has no reported cases of monkeypox, the country has just begun to allow more people to enter the country and is in the process of announcing Covid-19 as endemic. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/22/thailands-public-health-ministry-to-establish-operation-center-to-monitor-spread-of-monkeypox-in-the-kingdom/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-23 - 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.

37-year-old suspect who allegedly assaulted Russian tourist in Pattaya released by police due to lack of victim’s testimony By Tanakorn Panyadee Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung, Chonburi — Police released a prime 37-year-old male suspect in a brutal assault on a Russian female tourist yesterday because the victim could not provide positive testimony. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260385-37-year-old-suspect-who-allegedly-assaulted-russian-tourist-in-pattaya-released-by-police-due-to-lack-of-victim’s-testimony/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung, Chonburi — Police released a prime 37-year-old male suspect in a brutal assault on a Russian female tourist yesterday because the victim could not provide positive testimony. A 37-year-old male suspect, Kantheepob Thanachotsomboon, who allegedly followed the victim in his vehicle to the reservoir, was summoned to the Nong Prue Police Station yesterday, May 20th, to hear the charges. However, he was shortly released by police as the victim reportedly could not provide positive testimony or identification of the suspect. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Nongprue police told local media they couldn’t issue an arrest warrant without a positive testimony from the victim, who was still recovering from the traumatic experience, so they had to let the suspect go. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/21/update-37-year-old-suspect-who-allegedly-assaulted-russian-tourist-released-by-police-last-night-due-to-lack-of-victims-testimony/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-23 - 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’s gold necklace worth 50,000 baht stolen allegedly by transgender individuals on Pattaya Beach Road, sixth recent incident By Tanakorn Panyadee Central Pattaya — A 40-year-old Indian tourist had his gold necklace worth 50,000 baht stolen by what he believed were transgender individuals on Central Pattaya Road, marking the sixth such recent incident in the Pattaya area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260384-indian-tourist’s-gold-necklace-worth-50000-baht-stolen-allegedly-by-transgender-individuals-on-pattaya-beach-road-sixth-recent-incident/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Central Pattaya — A 40-year-old Indian tourist had his gold necklace worth 50,000 baht stolen by what he believed were transgender individuals on Central Pattaya Road, marking the sixth such recent incident in the Pattaya area. Earlier this morning, at 03.30 a.m. on May 21st, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thanya Udthong from the Pattaya Police Station was notified of a thief/thieves who snatched a gold necklace from an Indian tourist walking in front of a shopping mall on Pattaya Beach Road. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mr. Santosh Gunda, a 40-year-old Indian victim, and his friends were waiting for the officers at the scene, perplexed by what had happened. He told police that his gold necklace, worth almost 50,000 baht, was snatched from his neck by what he believed was a group of two or three transgender individuals who approached him to offer a sexual service. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/21/indian-tourists-gold-necklace-worth-50000-baht-stolen-allegedly-by-transgender-individuals-on-pattaya-beach-road-sixth-recent-incident/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-23 - 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.

Poramase “Beer” Ngampiches looks set to be next Pattaya mayor after unofficial results have come in By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand- Poramase “Beer” Ngampiches looks set to be the next Pattaya mayor after unofficial, preliminary results with 98% of precincts reporting show him with a solid lead over his three opponents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260383-poramase-“beer”-ngampiches-looks-set-to-be-next-pattaya-mayor-after-unofficial-results-have-come-in/

By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand- Poramase “Beer” Ngampiches looks set to be the next Pattaya mayor after unofficial, preliminary results with 98% of precincts reporting show him with a solid lead over his three opponents. According to the latest, as of press time, unofficial results, Poramase had 14,349 votes in the first place, with the second place person, Sinchai Wattanasartsathorn with 12,477 votes. Third place was “Bob” Kittisak with 8,759 votes and fourth place was Sakchai Taenghor with 990 votes. These unofficial counts were likely to slightly fluctuate but officials feel the overall order and results are clear. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The preliminary results show that Pattaya had about a 49.96 percent voter turnout, far less than the goal of 70%. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/22/poramase-beer-ngampiches-looks-set-to-be-next-pattaya-mayor-after-unofficial-results-have-come-in/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-23 - 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.

Vets investigate death of Bryde’s whale found in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian Image Credit: Manager Online A team of veterinarians from Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources was sent to a mangrove forest in Bang Khun Thian district yesterday (Saturday), to investigate the remains of a 10-metre Bryde’s whale. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260381-vets-investigate-death-of-bryde’s-whale-found-in-bangkok’s-bang-khun-thian/

Image Credit: Manager Online A team of veterinarians from Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources was sent to a mangrove forest in Bang Khun Thian district yesterday (Saturday), to investigate the remains of a 10-metre Bryde’s whale. The dead whale was spotted on Friday evening floating in the sea, opposite a seafood restaurant in Samut Sakhon province. Khok Kham district police were alerted. The whale’s bodywas later washed ashore in a mangrove forest in Bang Khun Thian. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The vets took samples from the dead mammal’s stomach, to take to the lab for analysis, in the hope of determining the cause of its death. Bruises were found on the belly of the mammal, but the vets could not determine whether they were inflicted pre or post mortem. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/vets-investigate-death-of-brydes-whale-found-in-bangkoks-bang-khun-thian/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-23 - 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.

2 policemen transferred for allegedly assaulting 3 youths in Nakhon Pathom Two police officers in Nakhon Pathom province were transferred to “inactive posts” Friday at the operations centre of Nakhon Pathom provincial police office, pending an investigation into an incident in which they are accused of assaulting three youths. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260380-2-policemen-transferred-for-allegedly-assaulting-3-youths-in-nakhon-pathom/