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Saudi-Thai tourism industry events in Jeddah and Riyadh were well attended, while TAT also formed strategic cooperation with Almosafer and Saudia to promote tourism to Thailand. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report the great success of the first ever Amazing Thailand Roadshow to Saudi Arabia, following a return of cordial Saudi-Thai relations after 32 years. A total of 67 tourism businesses from Thailand took part in the roadshow, which included two events – one in Jeddah on 15 May and one in Riyadh on 17 May, 2022. Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas, said, “The roadshow served as a valuable opportunity for Saudi and Thai tourism businesses to discuss marketing and promotional activities in time for the Middle East’s summer travel season in July and August. The mission also marked the first time Thai tourism business embarked on tourism marketing activities in Saudi Arabia after 32 years.” In March 2022, Saudi Arabia began to allow its nationals to once again visit Thailand. On 28 February, 2022, Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier Saudia started direct flights from Jeddah and Riyadh to Bangkok. Since then the number of Saudi travellers visiting Thailand has risen significantly. The TAT’s roadshow to Saudi Arabia followed a strong showing for Thailand at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022 in Dubai, on 9-12 May, 2022. Thai tourism businesses joining the TAT’s roadshow to Saudi Arabia included 35 hotels, five tour companies, four hospitals, one amusement park, and a number of members from the Phuket Tourism Business Association. Both events in Jeddah and Riyadh were well attended by over 300 local tour operators and travel agents with immediate bookings for travel to Thailand made at the event signalling high interest among Saudis in returning to Thailand. Saudi Arabia is seen as a source tourist market with good growth potential for Thailand. Prior to the roadshow, TAT organised activities to educate Thai tourism operators on the Saudi tourist market, in the main destinations of Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya. The focus was on target markets; such as, families, healthcare, and new Arab Millennials. Meanwhile, on 16 May, 2022, H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between TAT and Saudia. During the event, executives from TAT and Saudia discussed the promotion of two-way tourism between the two kingdoms, a request to increase annual quotas for Thai-Muslim groups to attend the Hajj ceremony, and for Saudia to consider increasing flight frequencies to Thailand, including introducing direct flights to Phuket. Meanwhile, Thailand is promoting halal tourism with plans to promote the establishment of halal food centres in Thai provinces. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Next, TAT and Saudia plan to organise a fam trip for Saudi travel agency representatives to visit Thailand and experience tourist attractions and services. This will be in conjunction with the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+ 2022) to take place on 8-10 June, 2022, in Phuket. Another key development during the TAT’s mission to Saudi Arabia was the signing of another MOC with Almosafer, the largest online travel agency (OTA) in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as well as one of the top three largest OTAs in the Middle East and Northern Africa. The agreement is to boost tourism between Thailand and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries a focus on key niche markets like sports tourism, luxury tourism, and health and wellness tourism. According to Almosafer, it had experienced a huge growth in interest for travel to Thailand with searches for Thailand’s tourism information on its website up over 470% from January 2022, and up over 1,100% in the first two weeks of May when compared to the first quarter of 2022. Thailand has become the fifth most popular destination for Saudis booking travel with 4,777 Saudi tourists arriving in the kingdom between 1-10 May, 2022. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/05/first-ever-amazing-thailand-roadshow-to-saudi-arabia-a-success/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 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.

Hua Hin’s Saphan Pla Walking Street closes permanently By Online Reporter Saphan Pla walking street The walking street located on the Saphan Pla fishing pier has closed permanently, it has been announced. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260154-hua-hin’s-saphan-pla-walking-street-closes-permanently/

Saphan Pla walking street By Online Reporter The walking street located on the Saphan Pla fishing pier has closed permanently, it has been announced. The walking street’s organizers confirmed the closure on Wednesday (May 18). Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Saphan Pla is Hua Hin’s main fishing pier and has been hosting a walking street every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening for a number of years. The walking street included food vendors and stalls the length of the pier and was popular with locals and tourists alike who were able to eat and enjoy the views along Hua Hin’s coast. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/hua-hins-saphan-pla-walking-street-closes-permanently/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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.

√ Home-Grown Marijuana And Hemp Ok From June 9th By Editor The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clarified on Thursday that people would be free to grow marijuana and hemp after a directive from the Public Health Ministry takes effect on June 9TH. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260153-home-grown-marijuana-and-hemp-ok-from-june-9th/

By Editor The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clarified on Thursday that people would be free to grow marijuana and hemp after a directive from the Public Health Ministry takes effect on June 9TH. Dr Withit Saritdeechaikul, deputy FDA secretary-general, was referring to the directive of the Public Health Ministry to delist ganja (marijuana) and hemp from the list of Category 5 narcotics. Withit said once the directive takes effect, no part of ganja and hemp, except extracted substance with more than 2 per cent of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), would be regarded as narcotics. As a result, people can grow hemp and ganja without having to seek permission. They are required only to inform the number of ganja or hemp plants they are growing to the FDA via an app called “Pluke Gan” or “growing ganja”, Withit added. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The same rules will be applied to those wanting to grow hemp and marijuana for commercial purposes, Withit said. But the FDA deputy chief said people who want to import seeds or other parts of hemp and ganja will have to seek permission in accordance with the provisions of the Plant Variety Act BE 2518 (1975) and Plant Quarantine Act BE 2507 (1964). He noted that the import of food products with substance from hemp and marijuana will have to based on the law on air travel and international parcels. He added that the FDA is still drafting its regulations on the prohibition of herbal products made with hemp and ganja and exceptional cases. The regulations will be aimed at promoting local growers and manufacturers of herbs, Withit said, adding that the FDA would have to revise seven regulations on the issue. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/05/home-grown-marijuana-and-hemp-ok-from-june-9th/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 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.

Thai AirAsia X files for bankruptcy By Online Reporter File photo Thai AirAsia X has filed for bankruptcy with the Central Bankruptcy Court in Bangkok, the airline announced on Thursday (May 19). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260151-thai-airasia-x-files-for-bankruptcy/

File photo By Online Reporter Thai AirAsia X has filed for bankruptcy with the Central Bankruptcy Court in Bangkok, the airline announced on Thursday (May 19). The airline said its case was accepted on Wednesday after it made its submission to the court on Tuesday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “The objective is to revamp the company’s administration process and restructure its debts, delivering greater efficiency and a solid platform for robust future growth after weathering the COVID-19 pandemic”, read a statement from the company. “The process will have no impact on passengers as operations will continue as usual and Thai AirAsia X prepares to reintroduce flights to South Korea and Japan from June 2022 onwards”. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thai-airasia-x-files-for-bankruptcy/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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.

Sex drugs found in hotel room of Australian man who died from balcony fall on Tuesday in Phuket by James Morris and Son Nguyen Scenes from the Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa on Tuesday night as police interviewed some of the 22-year-old man’s friends who travelled from Australia with him on a two week holiday to Thailand which began on May 14th last. 22-year-old Billy James Simmons (inset) had earlier been with his friends to the nightlife centre of Patong before they dropped him back at his hotel room. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260150-sex-drugs-found-in-hotel-room-of-australian-man-who-died-from-balcony-fall-on-tuesday-in-phuket/

Scenes from the Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa on Tuesday night as police interviewed some of the 22-year-old man’s friends who travelled from Australia with him on a two week holiday to Thailand which began on May 14th last. The 22-year-old had earlier been with his friends to the nightlife centre of Patong before they dropped him back at his hotel room. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Death of a young Australian man being treated by police as a tragic accident after an investigation this week which has reignited speculation about the dangers posed by hotel balconies in Thailand to partying foreign tourists. Thai police in Phuket have concluded that the death of a young Australian man, identified as a 22-year-old, on Tuesday night at his hotel on the island was a tragic accident. They have also revealed that prescription sex drugs were found in the young man’s room together with an empty beer bottle and half a bottle of Thai whiskey. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Local police in the Kathu District of Phuket believe that the death of a 22-year-old Australian tourist on Tuesday night in the Patong area of the resort island was the result of a tragic accident when he fell from the 11th-floor balcony of his luxury hotel. Police have also revealed that unopened packets of the prescription sex drug Viagra were found in the deceased’s room together with a half-full bottle of Thai whiskey and an empty bottle of Chang beer. Officers also believe that the young man had used some of the sex drugs found in his room. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/05/19/sex-drugs-found-in-room-of-dead-australian-billy-james-simmons/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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.

Over 167,000 officials, volunteers to support Bangkok’s elections this Sunday More than 167,000 officials will be deployed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) at 6,817 polling stations, 50 district offices and City Hall this Sunday to ensure smooth, safe and secure Bangkok gubernatorial and council elections. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260149-over-167000-officials-volunteers-to-support-bangkok’s-elections-this-sunday/

More than 167,000 officials will be deployed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) at 6,817 polling stations, 50 district offices and City Hall this Sunday to ensure smooth, safe and secure Bangkok gubernatorial and council elections. Election equipment, such as ballot boxes and count and announcement boards, will be checked tomorrow in each of the 50 districts. The locations where ballots, ballot boxes and other election-related equipment are to be stored before and after the elections have also been chosen and will be checked, according to Deputy Permanent Secretary of the City Administration Suthathip Soniam. 61,353 officials are to be deployed at polling stations covering all 50 districts. There will be 13,634 security officials and 13,634 health volunteers, to ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety measures at the polls and about 78,272 other officials. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/over-167000-officials-volunteers-to-support-bangkoks-elections-this-sunday/ -- © 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.

We seem to be surrounded by eccentric leaders OPINION | by Michael Bridge First, there was Donald Trump who ruled the world during his Presidency via Twitter and people thought he was a bit off his trolley. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260147-we-seem-to-be-surrounded-by-eccentric-leaders/

OPINION | by Michael Bridge First, there was Donald Trump who ruled the world during his Presidency via Twitter and people thought he was a bit off his trolley. Then you have Kim Jong-un the President of North Korea who likes to send up missiles like its bonfire night and is now refusing help while thousands of North Koreans are dying or starving. Thailand’s PM once commented about a murdered tourist on a Thai island should have not been wearing a bikini. But Sir she was on holiday!!! Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Philippines is not far behind with newly President Elec Ferdinand Marco Jr, who has the most unusual video doing the rounds. It was aired last week on the John Oliver show in America, showing a video of Marcos Jr’s wife explaining to a reporter when he decided to run for President. “It was while we were watching the Marvel Movie Ant-Man that Marcos Jr decided to run for President.” Really!!!! God save the Philippines. British PMs seem to continue the line of eccentric. Gordon Brown apparently ate for kit kats a day then switched to nine bananas, Margaret Thatcher went through twenty-eight eggs a week to cut carbs and to lose weight. Now we are seemingly stuck with party-going PM Boris Johnson who also got on well with Trump. Perhaps because they both had very weird haircuts. Oh, and leaving the best to last, let’s not forget President Putin who loves to go bear chested and holds on to one meetings with visiting VIPs at an exceptionally long table. Maybe Netflix should get them all together for a reality series. Any suggestions for a title? -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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. 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 20 May 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1260146-thailand-live-friday-20-may-2022/

PM delivers speech on Thailand’s future BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha emphasized the government’s plan to take the country forward, as part of his opening speech at the Better Thailand Open Dialogue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260143-pm-delivers-speech-on-thailand’s-future/

Thailand to consider further easing of COVID-19 restrictions on Friday The easing of restrictions on entertainment venues, such as bars and pubs, readjustment of COVID zoning and the lowering of the national alert level, from Level 3 to 2, are expected to be considered by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today (Friday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260110-thailand-to-consider-further-easing-of-covid-19-restrictions-on-friday/

Monitor lizard blamed for failure of Bangkok water pumps during heavy rains A monitor lizard was found in a large water pump in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district yesterday (Wednesday), disrupting its operation and that of three more in adjacent areas and leaving them unable to pump floodwater away during the heavy showers which have been falling since Tuesday night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260112-monitor-lizard-blamed-for-failure-of-bangkok-water-pumps-during-heavy-rains/

Female Russian tourist brutally assaulted while jogging at Mabprachan reservoir A 38-year-old female Russian tourist was brutally assaulted while jogging at the Mabprachan reservoir in Bang Lamung. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260115-female-russian-tourist-brutally-assaulted-while-jogging-at-mabprachan-reservoir/

Airport drama!: Man injured in turbulence - airline refuses to take responsibility 77kaoded Thai Caption: Airline refuses to accept responsibility after man injured by turbulence 77kaoded reported that a passenger on a Nakhon Sri Thammarat to Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) flight reported to the airport police after he was injured in repeated turbulence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260085-airport-drama-man-injured-in-turbulence-airline-refuses-to-take-responsibility/

77kaoded Thai Caption: Airline refuses to accept responsibility after man injured by turbulence 77kaoded reported that a passenger on a Nakhon Sri Thammarat to Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) flight reported to the airport police after he was injured in repeated turbulence. Waritphat Bunma, 45, said that he was in agony after the flight last night scheduled to leave the south at 7.20 pm and arrive in the Thai capital at 9pm. In the stormy weather there was repeated turbulence and in addition the bumpy landing had caused futher pain. Picture: 77kaoded Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said he was in tears with the pain that went from his lower back to his coccyx. He said he had complained to airline satff who asked him if he needed an ambulance. But they said he'd have to pay. He was put in an airline van and wheelchaired into the terminal where he went to the police. Picture: 77kaoded The police took the report and called rescue services to take him to Sikharin Hospital in Bang Na where he could use universal Thai health insurance. The police said that they would wait to get the medical report before proceeding in the matter. Not surprising in litigious Thailand, the airline was not named. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-19 - 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

Tomorrow’s Thailand Covid center meeting could see the start of legal entertainment venues reopening, more easing of restrictions By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Thailand Nightlight and Entertainment Business Association and representatives of artists, singers, entertainers, and night workers meeting General Supot Malaniyom, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), today, May 19th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260084-tomorrow’s-thailand-covid-center-meeting-could-see-the-start-of-legal-entertainment-venues-reopening-more-easing-of-restrictions/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Thailand Nightlight and Entertainment Business Association and representatives of artists, singers, entertainers, and night workers meeting General Supot Malaniyom, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), today, May 19th. Association President Katawut Thongthai, or Ajarn/Artist Kai Marijuana, told the Associated Press yesterday, May 18th, that the meeting aimed to discuss the potential of business reopening and government assistance for entertainment venues. He stressed that the government had responded and provided financial aid on some issues previously, such as a 5000-baht remedy for business entrepreneurs and employees, but such treatment did not solve the root cause. The only way to solve it was to allow the reopening of the nightlife business in full and not as converted restaurants with many restrictions and limited operating hours, which is the current situation. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/19/tomorrows-thailand-covid-center-meeting-could-see-the-start-of-legal-entertainment-venues-reopening-more-easing-of-restrictions/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-19 - 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.

Senior Police Officers Probed for Tangmo Case BANGKOK, May 19 (TNA) – National police chief Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk formed a fact-finding committee to investigate four senior police officers who handled the case of late actress Pattaratida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260083-senior-police-officers-probed-for-tangmo-case/

BANGKOK, May 19 (TNA) – National police chief Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk formed a fact-finding committee to investigate four senior police officers who handled the case of late actress Pattaratida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong. The police ordered the investigation after a complaint from crime probe activist Atchariya Ruangratanapong. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Pol Gen Suwat signed the order on May 12 for the investigation of Pol Lt Gen Jirapat Phumjit, commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 1, Pol Maj Gen Wasant Techa-akarakasem, investigative commander of the Provincial Police Region 1, Pol Maj Gen Paisarn Wongwacharamongkol, commander of Nonthaburi police, and Pol Col Chaturon Anurakbundit, chief of Muang Nonthaburi police station. They were responsible for the investigation into the death of the actress in February. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-944476 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-05-19 - 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.

Pizza and BBQ chicken school lunch in Uthai Thani praised on social media Photo: fb/Pattamaporn Nopparat A school in Thailand’s lower northern province of Uthai Thani has showcased its special school lunch menu, which includes pizza, French Fries, salad and New Orleans-style barbecue chicken, now it has resumed on-site classes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260082-pizza-and-bbq-chicken-school-lunch-in-uthai-thani-praised-on-social-media/