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by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Commerce Ministry and food exporters dismissed reports that Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is dropping a Thai coconut milk brand over allegations of forced monkey labor, insisting that such practices have long been prohibited in the country. The director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, stated that he had already requested information from Thai Trade Centers in the United States, which have frequent contact with large importers and distributors there. He later confirmed that Walmart continues to import and sell Thai-made goods and maintains a normal trading relationship with Thailand. According to Phusit, it is common practice for retailers around the world to replace or remove certain products from their shelves during certain periods to meet seasonal consumer demand. The Thai Food Processors Association has released a statement and information regarding Thailand’s coconut plantations and harvests, reiterating that export-oriented industries do not use monkey labor. Visit Limlurcha, honorary president of the Thai Food Processors Association, insisted that there is no forced monkey labor used to harvest coconuts for commercial purposes, noting that Thai farmers have long been using tools to harvest coconuts. According to the Commerce Ministry, coconut milk exports earned Thailand 4.4 billion baht in 2021, a 10 percent increase from the previous year, with the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa serving as key export markets. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-16 - 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!

"Thai Teacher in the Sunnies" makes learning fun for kids in southern Thailand 77kaoded Thai Caption: Teaching Thai language so kids remember Ask Thai children what their least favorite lesson is and many will say learning the Thai language. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1263000-thai-teacher-in-the-sunnies-makes-learning-fun-for-kids-in-southern-thailand/

77kaoded Thai Caption: Teaching Thai language so kids remember Ask Thai children what their least favorite lesson is and many will say learning the Thai language. All those rules and tricky spellings to remember - it drives them nuts. Bucking the trend in Trang in the south of Thailand is a veteran teacher who might have given up by now but is someone who is utilizing modern tech and fun teaching techniques to engage primary aged children. Picture: 77kaoded He is Chartree Bunmee, 41, better known as "The Teacher in the Sunnies" - he is visually impaired. He's been teaching Thai language at Ban Klong Phasee school to P4-P6 students for 20 years. Teachers who can see properly hold him up as an example to their profession for the way that he engages children and makes them interested in learning Thai, reported 77kaoded. Picture: 77kaoded One of his tricks is to use music like reggae, rock, rap or the more traditional Thai "look thung" to get the kids to remember and pass their tests. Jenjira in class 5/2 said he was a fun guy and he had taught her since P4 - he's "sanook" and now Thai is her favorite subject and she wants to study it with him every day. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-16 - 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

IMD: Thailand’s Competitiveness Ranking Drops Five Places to 33 by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - According to the World Competitiveness Ranking 2022, Thailand fell from 28 last year to 33 out of a total of 63 economies this year, as the Kingdom battles the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262999-imd-thailand’s-competitiveness-ranking-drops-five-places-to-33/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - According to the World Competitiveness Ranking 2022, Thailand fell from 28 last year to 33 out of a total of 63 economies this year, as the Kingdom battles the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The World Competitiveness Ranking 2022 was compiled by the World Competitiveness Center under the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). Theeranan Srihong, president of the Thailand Management Association’s (TMA) Centre for Competitiveness, explained that Thailand performed less in all indicators. The Kingdom scored 68.67 this year, a significant drop from last year’s 72.52. Thailand’s score is well below this year’s average of 70.03. He stated that the drop demonstrated a lack of faith in government policies to remodel the economic structure, as well as a lack of confidence in the government’s ability to help the public and economic sectors in order for them to become stronger. For Thailand to stay competitive, both the public and private sectors will need to improve their "agility" and resilience in responding to the volatile global economic climate, according to Theeranan. On July 7th, the TMA will play host to Thailand Competitiveness Conference 2022 titled "Thailand: Fit for the Future" to present views on how Thai businesses should change and adapt to remain globally competitive, he noted. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-16 - 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!

Video: Grannie in nighttime shocker! She thought it was the cat brushing against her..... Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported from Ao Luk in Krabi in the south of Thailand where 80 year old grannie Naew was awoken in the middle of the night by something warm next to her mosquito net. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262998-video-grannie-in-nighttime-shocker-she-thought-it-was-the-cat-brushing-against-her/

Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported from Ao Luk in Krabi in the south of Thailand where 80 year old grannie Naew was awoken in the middle of the night by something warm next to her mosquito net. She put on the light thinking it must be the cat but got a shock she won't forget in a hurry. It was a three meter python. The snake catcher was called and as shown in a video used a stick, a piece of cloth and his bare hands to catch the snake that had taken up residence behind a piece of the lady's bedroom furniture. Picture: 77kaoded It was bagged and returned to nature, Grannie Naew said this wasn't the first snake to invade her privacy. Last year she was confronted by a cobra outside her toilet. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-16 - 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 AAA.mp4

Phrapadaeng police announce arrest of young motorcycle theft gang - one is just 14 Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported from Phrapadaeng police station where chief Pol Col Chotiwat Leuangwilai announced the arrest of four suspects involved in motorcycle theft. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262997-phrapadaeng-police-announce-arrest-of-young-motorcycle-theft-gang-one-is-just-14/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported from Phrapadaeng police station where chief Pol Col Chotiwat Leuangwilai announced the arrest of four suspects involved in motorcycle theft. There was Somrak, 22, Met, 18, a 14 year old given the assumed name "Daeng" and "Wee", 17. Eleven motorcycles were taken into evidence along with other parts. Picture: Siam Rath There had been regular thefts of motorcycles in the area including three bikes taken on one night in the latest case on 11th June. Investigations led to the young men's base and their subsequent arrest. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-16 - 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

20 year old Thai arrested for two Mini Big C robberies in Bangkok and Chachoengsao Thai police announced the arrest of 20 year old Chaiwuth Udommala from Taling Chan, Bangkok, who was picked up at Busarakham Place in Samut Prakan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262995-20-year-old-thai-arrested-for-two-mini-big-c-robberies-in-bangkok-and-chachoengsao/

Picture: Siam Rath Thai police announced the arrest of 20 year old Chaiwuth Udommala from Taling Chan, Bangkok, who was picked up at Busarakham Place in Samut Prakan. He had been named in warrants for armed robbery at night using a conveyance and snatch theft issued in Chachoensao and Nonthaburi respectively. The first case arose on April 12th at a Mini Big C store in Bang Pakong where a man had arrived on a motorcycle and paid 70 baht for some cigarettes. When the cashier opened the till he demanded the contents at knifepoint. The cashier refused but he grabbed 4,400 baht regardless. Picture: Siam Rath Then on 16th May what was believed to be the same man went to the Mini Big C in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi where he said he wanted to buy a lighter. Here he grabbed 1,374 baht from the till. The suspect admitted everything saying he needed money for online gambling. He had got rid of his motorcycle but there was plenty of clothes and footwear evidence. Siam Rath mentioned the names of almost 20 police who took part in one way or another in the arrest. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-16 - 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

Illegal foreign workers arrested at Rayong traditional massage shop Daily News Thai Caption: Foreign masseuses arrested Daily News reported that illegal foreign workers had been arrested by special forces at a traditional Thai massage shop in Rayong, central eastern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262993-illegal-foreign-workers-arrested-at-rayong-traditional-massage-shop/

Daily News Thai Caption: Foreign masseuses arrested Daily News reported that illegal foreign workers had been arrested by special forces at a traditional Thai massage shop in Rayong, central eastern Thailand. Just after midnight yesterday the authorities plus Muang Rayong police arrested Ranjuan Utarokul, 59, from Rayong, plus Laotian Dawan Thaweesuk, 35, and Surinna Somphol, 24, from Cambodia at the shop in Ban Chang sub-district. Picture: Daily News Word had come from deputy governor Yuthaphol Ong-atittichai to investigate. The older lady who is the owner was charged with employing illegal workers and the other two with doing illegal work after illegal entry into Thailand. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-16 - 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

Thai woman busted for role in "hell brothel" in Dubai - Thai women thought it was massage but it was sex Daily News Thai Caption: Sex trade gang Daily News reported on moves by Thailand's Anti Human Trafficking Police under the leadership of Pol Maj-Gen Wiwat Khamchamnan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262991-thai-woman-busted-for-role-in-hell-brothel-in-dubai-thai-women-thought-it-was-massage-but-it-was-sex/

Daily News Thai Caption: Sex trade gang Daily News reported on moves by Thailand's Anti Human Trafficking Police under the leadership of Pol Maj-Gen Wiwat Khamchamnan. Yesterday the AHTP arrested a 47 year old Thai woman called Rassami Trathip on a warrant for human trafficking and conspiracy. She was picked up in flats in the That Yao area of Lat Krabang, Bangkok. It is claimed that since 2021 Rassami and her gang posted an advertisement on Facebook for "Massage and Spa Work Abroad". It entailed providing traditional Thai massage, according to the ad. For this interested ladies would get 50-60,000 baht a month and a free flight to Dubai. But once they arrived they were met by burly men and were taken to a place that looked like a massage shop from the outside but was really a brothel on the inside. Picture: Daily News Daily News called it a hell brothel in their headline and made much of the fact that women were made to accept customers despite having their periods. Victims were told that to leave they needed to pay the Thai equivalent of 80,000 baht, money they did not have. They were threatened with injection of drugs if they refused customers so they complied. When their guards were distracted one or some (the article was unclear on the number) managed to get away, contact locals and return to Thailand where they reported the matter to police. Rassami denied the charge and was taken away. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-16 - 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

Full Moon Party: Locals fear uncontrolled "ganja-fest" after MPs propose allowing use to promote tourism Daily News Thai Caption: What were you thinking? Daily News reported from Koh Phangan in the south of Thailand, famous for the monthly full moon party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262983-full-moon-party-locals-fear-uncontrolled-ganja-fest-after-mps-propose-allowing-use-to-promote-tourism/

Daily News Thai Caption: What were you thinking? Daily News reported from Koh Phangan in the south of Thailand, famous for the monthly full moon party. The locals are furious that MPs discussing the draft Cannabis Act suggested allowing marijuana at the party to promote tourism. Thawit Somwang, head of the Had Rin traders and residents associations who organize the monthly event said that they had not been consulted at all in the matter. "We started the party and we organise it," he said. "So why weren't we informed about this idea in advance? "We're responsible for what goes on here so we need to be in the loop because if something goes wrong it's us that has to carry the can". Clearly there are fears that the party - pre-pandemic very popular with thousands who would flock to the Surat Thani island principally to party - will become a pot free for all. A true "ganja-fest". Thawit suggested that his team will find it difficult to control what goes on and more thought needs to go into plans for cannabis use before any decisions are made. The media quoted a local man called Manop Sae-tiaw who was worried about the effect on the youth of the island's 17,000 inhabitants. Picture: Daily News Marijuana is being openly sold throughout Thailand in the last week after the drug was removed from the Class 5 narcotics list. Flowers or buds of the drug with large quantities of THC that makes a user stoned are being sold in dispensaries everywhere. Tourists are queuing up to buy some incredulous that Thailand has taken this step. ASEAN NOW notes that irrespective of what the committee drafting the new laws say tourists are unlikely to take any notice especially given the reputation of the full moon party. Locals can talk about the cultural attributes of the island all they want but many tourists will be unconcerned by authorities saying the drug is just supposed to be used for medical purposes not recreational use. The message they are getting on the streets, in social media and in the many dispensaries is, don't be stupid, don't bother other people - but go ahead and enjoy yourself with marijuana in Thailand. It's party time. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-16 - 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

FIFA 2022 WORLD CUP; What Are The Odds For Your Country? By Editor Costa Rica became the 32nd team in the tournament with a 1-0 win over New Zealand in the final World Cup qualifier. Australia qualified for the World Cup on Monday with a win over Peru in penalty kicks. The Aussies are in a fifth consecutive World Cup bid. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262980-fifa-2022-world-cup-what-are-the-odds-for-your-country/

By Editor Costa Rica became the 32nd team in the tournament with a 1-0 win over New Zealand in the final World Cup qualifier. Australia qualified for the World Cup on Monday with a win over Peru in penalty kicks. The Aussies are in a fifth consecutive World Cup bid. Neither Australia or Costa Rica are near the top of the board to win the tournament. The Australians are at +25000 to win the tournament while Costa Rica is at +75000 and the long shot of the tournament. Brazil is the favourite to win the World Cup at +400. Defending World Cup champion France is at +550 along with Euro 2020 runners-up England. Brazil’s status as the favorite is boosted by a relatively weak Group G. The Brazilians are in the same group as Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon and would face the No. 2 team from Group H if it wins the group in the first knockout round. France, meanwhile, has Australia, Denmark and Tunisia in its group. The French are heavy favorites to win Group D while Denmark is the clear No. 2 team in the group. England is with the United States, Wales and Iran in Group B. The winner of Group B will likely face one of Senegal, Ecuador or Qatar in the Round of 16 as the Netherlands is a big favorite to win Group A. Brazil and England have the best odds of any team to win their group. Both teams are at -350 to finish first in their respective groups while France is at -275 to win its group. Euro 2020 champions Italy are not in the World Cup after failing to qualify for the tournament along with African Cup of Nations finalist Egypt and Sweden and Chile among many others. With the 32-team field now set, starting in Qatar on Monday, Nov. 21, when Senegal faces the Netherlands. See all the odds below this picture of all the groups 2022 World Cup odds Brazil (+400) France (+550) England (+550) Spain (+800) Argentina (+900) Germany (+1000) Netherlands (+1100) Belgium (+1200) Portugal (+1200) Denmark (+2500) Croatia (+4000) Uruguay (+4000) Senegal (+4000) United States (+6600) Serbia (+6600) Switzerland (+6600) Mexico (+8000) Wales (+10000) Poland (+10000) Qatar (+10000) Ecuador (+15000) Ghana (+15000) Cameroon (+15000) Japan (+20000) Canada (+20000) Australia (+25000) Morocco (+25000) Korea (+25000) Iran (+25000) Saudi Arabia (+25000) Tunisia (+35000) Costa Rica (+75000) Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/06/fifa-2022-world-cup-what-are-the-odds-for-your-country/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-06-16 - 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!

PM hopeful Korn Chatikavanij announces plans to cancel 90 day reporting, introduce integrated casino resorts to Thailand By Online Reporter Skål Bangkok lunch with PM hopeful Korn Chatikavanij speaking on Thailand’s Tourism by Andrew J Wood Korn announces his plans to cancel 90 day reporting, introduce integrated casino resorts to Thailand and pursue the LGBTQ+ market BANGKOK: Skål International Bangkok packed the house with future Thailand PM hopeful speaking candidly on a wide range of Tourism related topics. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262978-pm-hopeful-korn-chatikavanij-announces-plans-to-cancel-90-day-reporting-introduce-integrated-casino-resorts-to-thailand/

By Online Reporter Skål Bangkok lunch with PM hopeful Korn Chatikavanij speaking on Thailand’s Tourism by Andrew J Wood Korn announces his plans to cancel 90 day reporting, introduce integrated casino resorts to Thailand and pursue the LGBTQ+ market BANGKOK: Skål International Bangkok packed the house with future Thailand PM hopeful speaking candidly on a wide range of Tourism related topics. An exceptional event which took place yesterday Tues 14th June 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel The Business Luncheon Talk with Korn Chatikavanij, former Minister of Finance was well supported by industry influencers. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/pm-hopeful-korn-chatikavanij-announces-plans-to-cancel-90-day-reporting-introduce-integrated-casino-resorts-to-thailand/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-06-16 - 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!

Burmese man dies in car from ruptured appendix - he put off seeing a doctor despite pain Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that Muang Chachoengsao police were called after a man died inside a car outside Singh Thong Apartment in Klong Luang Pheng sub-district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262976-burmese-man-dies-in-car-from-ruptured-appendix-he-put-off-seeing-a-doctor-despite-pain/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that Muang Chachoengsao police were called after a man died inside a car outside Singh Thong Apartment in Klong Luang Pheng sub-district. On the back seat of a black Toyota Vios they found Min Min Oo on his side. Rak Ti-U, also from Myanmar, said the victim moved in with his sister about two months ago. He kept complaining about a pain in his right side but wouldn't go to see a doctor because the pain came and went. Everybody had gone to work yesterday morning when the pains started again. In the evening he could stand the pain no longer and yelled for help. As they were getting him into the car he vomited. He thought it must be a ruptured appendix. Driver Phanom Hormprasert said he'd asked the man if he was okay to go in the car and he replied he was but as soon as they drove off a short way he collapsed and died. An autopsy is underway. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-16 - 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

Russian man sought after ladyboy found dead in Surin - the transgender took him home after meeting in Phuket Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that police in Prasat, Surin, were looking for a Russian man after a 31 year old ladyboy was found wrapped in a blanket in a storeroom at a house in Kang-en sub-district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262975-russian-man-sought-after-ladyboy-found-dead-in-surin-the-transgender-took-him-home-after-meeting-in-phuket/