webfact

Picture: Thai Rath A well known Thai YouTuber with the name "Bird Wan Wang Wang" has been charged by the police in Khutao, Songkhla, with impersonating and making fun of the RTP. Bird - real name Theerawat Srirort - has more than 300,000 subscribers. He appeared dressed as a cop at a motor racing event at the Songkhla Speedway in Hat Yai on May 15th. He flew from Bangkok with two friends yesterday to face the music. He said he was only having fun and didn't think he was breaking the law, reorted Thai Rath. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The police thought differently and charged him with impersonating an officer, using insignia without permission and causing police to lose face. The cops reminded the public that permission needs to be sought to dress like a cop at a show such as this. Bird said he bought the uniform a couple of years ago and had worn it once before. He'll be more careful in future, he said, warning others to watch out. He was released and will appear in court later after charges were filed with the prosecutor. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-21 - 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

Update: Thai man claims he shot at teacher in Suzuki Swift thinking it was a police vehicle A 34 year old Thai man arrested in Yala in the far south for a gun attack on a female PE teacher claimed he had a panic attack after taking drugs and thought she was a police patrol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260283-update-thai-man-claims-he-shot-at-teacher-in-suzuki-swift-thinking-it-was-a-police-vehicle/

A 34 year old Thai man arrested in Yala in the far south for a gun attack on a female PE teacher claimed he had a panic attack after taking drugs and thought she was a police patrol. Woraphan Maileauang, 29, was wounded on 13th May after Hamdee Ye-loh used a shotgun to fire at her through the door of her Suzuki Swift, reported Thai Rath. She managed to get away and seek help. She was on her way to work in the red plate (new) vehicle. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The suspect has been taken on a reenactment after admitting his involvement to Lammai jurisdiction police. He has been charged with attempted murder and a weapon violation after his arrest yesterday. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-21 - 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

Update: Police don't believe "Ek Bang Lamung" who attacked Russian jogger in Pattaya - it was sexually motivated Picture: Siam Rath Police in Pattaya believe the attack by a local man on a female Russian jogger was sexually motivated. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260282-update-police-dont-believe-ek-bang-lamung-who-attacked-russian-jogger-in-pattaya-it-was-sexually-motivated/

Picture: Siam Rath Police in Pattaya believe the attack by a local man on a female Russian jogger was sexually motivated. Region 2 chief Pol Maj-Gen Theeradech Thammasuthee and other senior officers have been interviewing Kantheephop Thanachotsomboon, or Ek, 37, after his arrest on a warrant. Elena Y., 38, was brutally assaulted on 18th May at around 8 pm. She suffered multiple injuries but was able to get away and find help from a member of the public. She has still been unable to give evidence because her injuries were so serious. Police used CCTV to trace the assailant's Mazda pick-up. He claimed that he had stress from work, family and financial worries, reported Siam Rath. He claimed that he self-harmed usually and showed marks on his arms to supposedly prove this. But on this occasion he decided to take out his frustrations on a stranger. He admitted he had been drinking. He said that it was only stress relief and further claimed he had no intention of raping the victim. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Theeradech said this was nonsense. The man clearly ambushed the Russian lady and the attack was premeditated and planned. He had followed her in his pick-up and on seeing that she had entered a quiet and lonely area, made a U-turn so that he could attack her. He called Ek a menace to society and someone who had damaged Thailand's reputation, what with the victim being a foreigner. Ek has so far just been charged with serious assault, the wording of the warrant. Thai Rath did not say if this would be upgraded to attempted rape. Their report contained reference to demands placed on the investigation by RTP chief Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk and senior advisor Pol Lt-Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakpan as well as moves to improve lighting and CCTV surveillance in the area of the attack. It happened near a reservoir in the Nong Prue police jurisdiction. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-21 - 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

Out of the frying pan..... into the Thai police: Motorcyclists kicked sparking outrage Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on an incident in Nakhon Pathom at the end of last month that has only just come to light with the emergence of CCTV footage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260275-out-of-the-frying-pan-into-the-thai-police-motorcyclists-kicked-sparking-outrage/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on an incident in Nakhon Pathom at the end of last month that has only just come to light with the emergence of CCTV footage. Two cops on patrol were with three motorcyclists by the side of Baromratchachonnanee Road in Sampran district in the central Thai province. The young motorcyclists had sought police help after coming up against a rival group who chased them with knives. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe They tried to explain why they were going the wrong way as a result. Instead of giving help they were cuffed and ordered to remove their shirts which is when a gun was found. Picture: Siam Rath This resulted in feet being placed on heads and kicks to the body plus use of a belt to hit the young men. They were then taken into custody and charged with weapons violations. Some netizens were shocked at the violence with the media asking whether it was reasonable force. They used a Thai proverb "nee seua pa jorakhee" (fleeing a tiger and coming up against a crocodile) or in English: Out of the frying pan into the fire. They had escaped their rivals but were then confronted by the Thai police. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-21 - 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 Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath

Pattaya nightlife operators are ready to legally reopen effective June 1st, following Thai Covid center announcement By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Pattaya business operators are ready to reopen after the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) recently announced the official reopening of nightlife businesses in what the government calls the green and blue zones, starting on June 1st. Nightlife has been legally closed nationwide since April of 2021 in Thailand due to Covid19 rules. In December of 2021 venues were allowed to convert to “restaurants” but this required additional rules, guidelines, and measures. These had been loosening over time, however, notes TPN and the official reopening at this point is largely a formality, but one business operators had been pushing for as it resolved the current grey areas that bars are operating as. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Today, May 20th, the CCSA has recently announced the official reopening of nightlife businesses such as pubs, bars, massage parlors, and other entertainment venues located in the green and blue zones on June 1st. These “zones” are mostly those geared towards tourism like Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Mr. Wasan Sanguangkham, an entertainment business operator in Pattaya, told The Pattaya News today that entertainment businesses in Pattaya have been ready to accept customers for two years in his opinion and were grateful for the reopening on June 1st. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/20/pattaya-nightlife-operators-are-ready-to-legally-reopen-effective-june-1st-following-thai-covid-center-announcement/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-21 - 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.

Pattaya nightlife operators are ready to legally reopen effective June 1st, following Thai Covid center announcement By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Pattaya business operators are ready to reopen after the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) recently announced the official reopening of nightlife businesses in what the government calls the green and blue zones, starting on June 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260267-pattaya-nightlife-operators-are-ready-to-legally-reopen-effective-june-1st-following-thai-covid-center-announcement/

Prominent Thai doctor asks public not to panic over Monkeypox in Thailand By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – Prominent Thai doctor Yong Poovorawan asked the public to monitor the spreading situation of “monkeypox” abroad closely but not to panic over the disease as no case had ever been found in Thailand since 1970. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260266-prominent-thai-doctor-asks-public-not-to-panic-over-monkeypox-in-thailand/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – Prominent Thai doctor Yong Poovorawan asked the public to monitor the spreading situation of “monkeypox” abroad closely but not to panic over the disease as no case had ever been found in Thailand since 1970. The doctor stated on his Facebook account today, May 20th, that monkeypox is not a new disease. It is similar to chickenpox but the severity and the transmissibility of the monkeypox are much less. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Monkeypox’s human-to-human transmission is possible, but it requires very close contact, such as touching pustules or secretions, sharing clothes, sleeping in the same bed, and raising animals that are carriers of this disease. https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/20/prominent-thai-doctor-asks-public-not-to-panic-over-monkeypox-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-21 - 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 begin talks on Indo-Pacific Economic Framework The Cabinet has decided to join talks on the US’s newly proposed multilateral trade agreement, known as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). Full story https://aseannow.com/topic/1260265-thailand-to-begin-talks-on-indo-pacific-economic-framework/

The Cabinet has decided to join talks on the US’s newly proposed multilateral trade agreement, known as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). According to the Thai government’s website, the decision will allow Thailand to join other countries which have expressed interest in negotiating rules and procedures for the IPEF. Some ASEAN members, such as Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, are keen to become IPEF founding members. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe President Joe Biden plans to announce the IPEF in Tokyo on Monday, during his visit. Thailand will be included in the first batch of members. The Cabinet agreed on a statement on the IPEF which expressed the country’s desire to join the talks. -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-21 - 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.

Hua Hin nightlife to reopen from June 1, Prachuap Khiri Khan confirmed as blue zone By Online Reporter Nightlife venues in Hua Hin will be able to reopen from June 1, as part of an easing of restrictions in 31 provinces in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260264-hua-hin-nightlife-to-reopen-from-june-1-prachuap-khiri-khan-confirmed-as-blue-zone/

By Online Reporter Nightlife venues in Hua Hin will be able to reopen from June 1, as part of an easing of restrictions in 31 provinces in Thailand. On Friday (May 20), the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration said that venues such as pubs, bars, karaoke shops and massage parlours will be allowed to fully reopen. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, the sale and consumption of alcohol must end at midnight, according to CCSA spokesman Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin. “Entertainment venues, pubs and massage parlours and others may open until midnight after June,” Dr Taweesilp said. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/hua-hin-nightlife-to-reopen-from-june-1-prachuap-khiri-khan-confirmed-as-blue-zone/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-05-21 - 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 Saturday 21 May 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1260263-thailand-live-saturday-21-may-2022/

Foreign Affairs Minister Affirms Saudi Trip a Success BANGKOK (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai has stated that his recent trip to Saudi Arabia with a delegation of state officials and businesspeople was a success. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260243-foreign-affairs-minister-affirms-saudi-trip-a-success/

Thailand scraps quarantine for air, land arrivals from June 1, ‘Thailand Pass’ only for non-Thais From June 1st, Thais returning to Thailand need not apply for a “Thailand Pass”, but foreigners are still required to do so, but the process for foreigners to enter Thailand will be made easier, while quarantine for air and land arrivals will be scrapped, according an announcement by The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today (Friday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260223-thailand-scraps-quarantine-for-air-land-arrivals-from-june-1-‘thailand-pass’-only-for-non-thais/

Pubs, Bars, Karaoke Shops to Reopen on June 1 BANGKOK, May 20 (TNA) – The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration allows entertainment venues including pubs, bars and karaoke shops to reopen on June 1 and will end the Thailand Pass registration for Thai people simultaneously. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260227-pubs-bars-karaoke-shops-to-reopen-on-june-1/

Anutin backtracks on July 1 endemic goal By Erich Parpart Covid-19 will not be declared as an endemic disease on July 1, the health minister said on Friday, despite earlier suggestions that it would be. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260202-anutin-backtracks-on-july-1-endemic-goal/

Covid-19 will not be declared as an endemic disease on July 1, the health minister said on Friday, despite earlier suggestions that it would be. Senior members of the government have been telling the public over the past two months that the government is planning to declare Covid as an endemic disease in July without providing a timeline or specific criteria. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Those claims were refuted by the health minister. “No one said that it would be declared on July 1,” Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters at government house. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/40295/anutin-backtracks-on-july-1-endemic-goal/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-05-20 - 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.

Bottled palm oil price soars to over 70 baht per litre Despite appeals to palm oil producers, by the Commerce Ministry, to maintain their ex-factory price at between 65 and 68 baht per one-litre bottle, the price of bottled palm oil has soared to over 70 baht per litre in most markets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260200-bottled-palm-oil-price-soars-to-over-70-baht-per-litre/

Despite appeals to palm oil producers, by the Commerce Ministry, to maintain their ex-factory price at between 65 and 68 baht per one-litre bottle, the price of bottled palm oil has soared to over 70 baht per litre in most markets. A random survey, conducted by Thai PBS reporters, shows the retail price of the bottled palm oil ranges from 70-76 baht in some markets and, while the price remains at 68 baht/bottle or lower in department stores, each customer can only buy six bottles at a time. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A grocery store-owner said that she had to increase the retail price because the cost of a pack of 12 bottles at the wholesaler is about 800 baht and, if she is to sell them at 70 baht each, she can only make about 3 baht per bottle. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bottled-palm-oil-price-soars-to-over-70-baht-per-litre/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-20 - 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.

Indians lead the way to recover Phuket tourism with largest number of arrivals since Test and Go dropped By Adam Judd Phuket – Indian tourists are number one in tourist arrivals in Phuket with a total number of 12,200 since the unpopular Test and Go program was dropped on May 1st, says Phuket Immigration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260197-indians-lead-the-way-to-recover-phuket-tourism-with-largest-number-of-arrivals-since-test-and-go-dropped/

By Adam Judd Phuket – Indian tourists are number one in tourist arrivals in Phuket with a total number of 12,200 since the unpopular Test and Go program was dropped on May 1st, says Phuket Immigration. Phuket International Airport Immigration reported the current arrival statistics on May 18th. The number of Indian nationals who arrived in Phuket from May 1st to May 18th, 2022 is 12,200, which by far is number one from every foreign country. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In order, the other top arrival countries: Australian – 4,951 Singaporean -3,615 British – 3,361 Russian – 2,389 German – 2,039 Malaysian – 1,985 American – 1,774 Saudi Arabian – 1,715 Emirati – 1,306 Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/20/indians-lead-the-way-to-recover-phuket-tourism-with-largest-number-of-arrivals-since-test-and-go-dropped/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-20 - 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.