webfact

Phuket Light Rail officially paused for project budget review By Goong Nang(GN) FILE PHOTO Phuket – The long proposed and discussed Phuket Light Rail from the north to the south of the island has been officially paused for what relevant agencies call a project budget review. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259826-phuket-light-rail-officially-paused-for-project-budget-review/

FILE PHOTO By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket – The long proposed and discussed Phuket Light Rail from the north to the south of the island has been officially paused for what relevant agencies call a project budget review. The Mass Rapid Transport Authority (MRTA) has been working towards introducing a Phuket Light Rail or TRAM Phuket project for many years. The previous plan for construction started in 2020 and was supposedly projected to be ready to use in 2023. However, the project is now significantly behind schedule. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The latest update is that the MRTA has ordered for a review of the project for the first phase from the Phuket International Airport in the north to the Chalong Circle in the south which is about 42 kilometers. The project is aimed to solve traffic problems and to service residents and tourists with better public transportation. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/16/phuket-light-rail-officially-paused-for-project-budget-review/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-17 - 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.

Missing German Woman Found By A Creek In National Park Forest TNR Staff A LARGE search team in Phuket found the elderly German woman tourist missing for seven days lying by a creek in a forest within Sirinat National Park today (May, 16), Thai Rath newspaper and Amarin TV said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259825-missing-german-woman-found-by-a-creek-in-national-park-forest/

TNR Staff A LARGE search team in Phuket found the elderly German woman tourist missing for seven days lying by a creek in a forest within Sirinat National Park today (May, 16), Thai Rath newspaper and Amarin TV said. Ms. Barbara L., 76, who is said to be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and disappeared from Maikhao Palm Beach Resort at 8 a.m. on May 9, was found at 11.30 a.m. today in a continuing search mounted by this large search team. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Participating in the search were Thalang district officials, policemen from Tourist Police Bureau and Phuket Airport Tourist Assistance Centre and over 40 Sirinat National Park officials who today had split up into three teams in continuing to hunt for her. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/05/16/missing-german-woman-found-by-a-creek-in-national-park-forest/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-05-17 - 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.

No more report on opinion poll results allowed until after Bangkok local elections Opinion pollsters and the media are barred from disclosing opinion poll results related to Bangkok’s gubernatorial and council elections from now until the actual polls close at 5 pm on May 22nd, according to Samran Tanpanich, head of the Bangkok Election Commission. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259824-no-more-report-on-opinion-poll-results-allowed-until-after-bangkok-local-elections/

Opinion pollsters and the media are barred from disclosing opinion poll results related to Bangkok’s gubernatorial and council elections from now until the actual polls close at 5 pm on May 22nd, according to Samran Tanpanich, head of the Bangkok Election Commission. He said that the prohibition is intended to prevent the use of opinion poll results to the advantage or disadvantage of election candidates, explaining that eligible voters may use the results to vote for the leading or underdog candidates. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe As voting is compulsory, Samran advised eligible voters who are unable to make it to the polling booths on election day, because of a doctor’s appointment for example, to notify officials within the week following election day by mail, in person, through an authorised representative, via the www.bora.dopa.go.th or www.ect.go.th websites or the Smart Vote app. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/no-more-report-on-opinion-poll-results-allowed-until-after-bangkok-local-elections/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-17 - 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.

No closure of class or school in Thailand if COVID-19 infection is detected The Department of Health has clarified that no class or school will be shut down if a student, teacher or member of school staff is found to be infected with COVID-19 or if a high-risk person is exposed to an infected individual, according to the department’s Deputy Director-General Dr. Sarawut Boonsook, as Thailand’s new school term starts Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259823-no-closure-of-class-or-school-in-thailand-if-covid-19-infection-is-detected/

The Department of Health has clarified that no class or school will be shut down if a student, teacher or member of school staff is found to be infected with COVID-19 or if a high-risk person is exposed to an infected individual, according to the department’s Deputy Director-General Dr. Sarawut Boonsook, as Thailand’s new school term starts Tuesday. Dr. Sarawut said that, in case a student, a teacher or other staff is found to be infected, the school management and health officials will jointly work out measures, including isolation at schools, to deal with the problem. If the infected student has no symptoms or only mild symptoms, they can attend class as deemed appropriate, but must be seated at least two metres from the other students and barred from group activities. The classroom must be well ventilated and disinfected, he said. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe For a low-risk case at day schools, on-site class can open as normal, but must observe the “universal protection” measures and be assessed under the “Thai Save Thai” program. Low-risk students can attend class, but must be seated one metre from others. For a high-risk case, who is unvaccinated, whether they have symptoms or not, the student is advised to be home-quarantined for five days, with another five days under observation, he said. Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/no-closure-of-class-or-school-in-thailand-if-covid-19-infection-is-detected/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-17 - 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.

Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila are among top sinking Asian cities by Michael Bridge file photo It is no secret that Bangkok is up there on the list as one of the fastest sinking cities in Asia, if not the World. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259821-bangkok-jakarta-and-manila-are-among-top-sinking-asian-cities/

file photo by Michael Bridge It is no secret that Bangkok is up there on the list as one of the fastest sinking cities in Asia, if not the World. • Bangkok, Dhaka, Jakarta, Manila, and Shanghai are among the most at-risk sinking Asian cities. • By 2030, some six hundred million Asians will be affected by rising sea levels. • Cyclones, storm surges, high tides, and sea-level rise to cause serious flooding by 2030. • This is developing as rising sea levels and climate change are posing serious threats to the population and economy of several Asian coastal cities — Bangkok, Dhaka, Jakarta, Manila, and Shanghai, among them. • Threats come from a combination of tropical cyclones, storm surges, high tides, and sea-level rise that increase the risk of serious flooding by 2030. • Some six hundred million people worldwide — the majority in Asia — will be affected by rising sea levels in flood-prone coastal regions, some of the economic centres. Rising seas could affect three times more people by 2050 than previously thought, according to new research, threatening to all but erase some of the world's great coastal cities including Bangkok. What is the Thai Government doing? Apparently, the government along with Bangkok, has several flood prevention initiatives including the dredging of canals, improving Bangkok's drainage systems, and increasing the height of a 77-km flood wall along the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok is not alone as many parts of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City are sinking by 0.2-0.4 inches per year. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to a research report by the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment and the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, the city has sunk by around 1.3 feet (0.4 meters) already. Also, it has become so serious that Jakarta, the largest city of Indonesia, has already started to create a new capital city. President Joko Widodo announced in 2019 that the capital would need to move from Jakarta due to rising sea levels and the risk of building collapse. Now the name of the new city has been unveiled: Nusantara, which means 'archipelago'. It's being built in the province of East Kalimantan on the island of Java. Cities at risk by mankind The main reasons cited were “over-exploitation of underground water, rapid urbanization and effervescent transport activities.” Cities at Risk of Coastal Flooding, Ranked by Exposed Population in 2070 Coastal City Exposed Population Estimate (per million) Kolkata 14.0 Mumbai 11.4 Dhaka 11.1 Guangzhou 10.3 Ho Chi Minh City 9.2 Shanghai 5.5 Bangkok 5.1 Yangon5.0 Miami 4.8 Haiphong 4.7 Sinking cities are urban environments that are in danger of disappearing due to their rapidly changing landscapes. One of the main reasons contributing to these cities becoming unlivable are the combined effects of climate change, combined through rising sea levels, intensifying storms, storm surges, land subsidence, and accelerated urbanization. Several of the world's largest and most rapidly growing cities are located along rivers and coasts, exposing them to natural disasters. Bangkok is a good example of sea and river flooding. As countries continue to invest people, assets, and infrastructure into these cities, the loss potential in these areas also increases. Sinking cities must overcome substantial barriers to properly prepare for today's dynamic environmental climate. Nearly two metre rise by 2100 Although reports vary widely in predicting the height of sea level rise in the future, IPCC estimates predict a 1-meter rise over the next century. Other reports consider the IPCC estimates to be far too low and suggest levels closer to 1.9 meters by 2100. Nevertheless, sea level rise is an unavoidable reality. Philippine’s city underwater Even as Asia’s megacities continue to submerge, officials of one small Philippine city are planning a major US$460 million reclamation project that will damage or sink their beautiful seaside city into the dark blue southern sea. file photo Scientists and environmentalists have called on the local government of Dumaguete to scrap the reclamation project, citing the devastating impact it may have on the marine environment and coastal communities. The 174-hectare project seeks to develop the site as a “5G-ready mini-city, complete with shopping malls, condominiums, esplanades and other business establishments”. Bit of an extreme solution for a city the size of Bangkok, but it just shows how serious we need to take this global threat. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-17 - 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 Tuesday 17 May 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1259820-thailand-live-tuesday-17-may-2022/

Thai Commerce Ministry to put child car seats on “products under watch” list The Ministry of Commerce is to include car safety seats in their “product under watch” list to prevent profiteering, after the Land Traffic Act has made it mandatory for children under 6 and those whose height is 135cm or less to be placed in safety seats and secured with a seatbelt from September 5th. Violators will face a fine up to 2,000 baht on conviction. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259790-thai-commerce-ministry-to-put-child-car-seats-on-“products-under-watch”-list/

Flights and hotel bookings in Phuket and Samui nearly fully booked PHOTO: Workpoint News A number of flights and hotel bookings in Phuket and Samui were almost fully booked by both Thai and foreign tourists during the four-day long weekend, showing significant signs of tourism recovery, Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana reported today, May 16th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259810-flights-and-hotel-bookings-in-phuket-and-samui-nearly-fully-booked/

please continue here: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259770-us-hails-new-era-with-asean-as-summit-commits-to-enhanced-ties/ //CLOSED//

U.S. Hails New Era With ASEAN as Summit Commits to Enhanced Ties by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - U.S. President Joe Biden has said the first summit in Washington with leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) marked the launch of a "new era" in the relationship between the United States and the 10-nation bloc. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259770-us-hails-new-era-with-asean-as-summit-commits-to-enhanced-ties/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - U.S. President Joe Biden has said the first summit in Washington with leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) marked the launch of a "new era" in the relationship between the United States and the 10-nation bloc. In a joint 28-point "vision statement" following a two-day meeting, the two sides took what analysts called a symbolic step of committing to raise their relationship from a strategic partnership to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" in November. The summit marked the first time that ASEAN leaders gathered as a group in Washington and their first meeting hosted by a U.S. president since 2016. Raising the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership matched similar moves by ASEAN with Australia and China last year. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said the United States would remain in Southeast Asia for "generations," while stressing the need to maintain freedom of the seas. Harris also said Washington would continue to respond with ASEAN to the threat of the pandemic, having already donated more than 115 million vaccine doses to the region. She said both sides needed to show collective ambition on climate change, accelerate the transition to clean energy and meet infrastructure needs sustainably. Myanmar’s leader was excluded from the summit over a coup last year. U.S. treaty ally the Philippines, which is still in transition after an election, was represented at the meeting by its foreign minister. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-16 - 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.

Thailand Eyes Becoming ASEAN Health Emergency Hub by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand aims to serve as the new ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259769-thailand-eyes-becoming-asean-health-emergency-hub/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand aims to serve as the new ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the plan in Bali, Indonesia, during the 15th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM) and related meetings. According to Anutin, six ASEAN member states have backed Thailand in the selection process, in which the kingdom is competing with Indonesia and Vietnam. ASEAN leaders later approved a proposal to establish ACPHEED. The center will serve as a hub to strengthen ASEAN’s regional capacity for responding to public health emergencies and emerging diseases. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe ASEAN health ministers have also discussed a draft agreement concerning the issuance of health certificates for ASEAN travelers, even as these nations must still contend with COVID-19. Anutin also informed the meeting that Thailand will prioritize strengthening the region’s health system and resiliency against emerging health threats. During the meeting, the ASEAN Post-2015 Health Development Agenda, pertaining to new ASEAN public health strategies and implementation plans until 2025, was also approved. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-16 - 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.

Lottery fever: Now a pineapple that looks like a Buddhist leaf suggests the winning number Picture: Naew Na Naew Na hotfooted it to a pineapple plantation in Muang district of Phayao after reports of a weird Jam Pathong variety growing there. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259767-lottery-fever-now-a-pineapple-that-looks-like-a-buddhist-leaf-suggests-the-winning-number/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na hotfooted it to a pineapple plantation in Muang district of Phayao after reports of a weird Jam Pathong variety growing there. The vegetation at the top of the pineapple was growing in a most unusual fashion - eleven fronds splayed out in the shape of a Bo Tree leaf, something connected to the Buddhism religion. Manageress Euamdeuan said that she had never seen the like of it. It had to be sacred and lucky and was a clear sign for the lottery. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Naew Na Locals who heard the news had been going to the field to offer prayers to the plant and light joss-sticks. They divined the numbers 118-119 and 11-18. ASEAN NOW notes that over the last few days we have carried several stories with the auspicious arrival of snakes at houses and number plates of accident survivors's vehicles as the tension grows ahead of today's draw. It seems that everything can be sacred when it comes to the lottery in Thailand. Good luck! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-16 - 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. 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

Pattaya: Rescue services called as Honda CRV bursts into flames in parking lot - driver baffled Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported on an incident in the parking lot of the Outlet Mall in Pattaya when a car burst into flames yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259766-pattaya-rescue-services-called-as-honda-crv-bursts-into-flames-in-parking-lot-driver-baffled/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported on an incident in the parking lot of the Outlet Mall in Pattaya when a car burst into flames yesterday. Forty five year old Atchalee had arrived to do some business in the store. She was soon told by a staffer that her vehicle was on fire. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Naew Na Sawang Boriboon managed to lift the hood and found sparking by the battery. They used water and chemical extinguishers to put out the blaze in ten minutes. It didn't cause damage to any other vehicles or any injuries. The media quoted the owner of the car as saying she was baffled as to how a car can just burst into flames like this. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-16 - 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. 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: Naew Na

Isn’t Bangkok now a renter’s market? By Michael Bridge With the ending of the pandemic, the global nomads are now thinking of moving their base from one city to another. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259765-isn’t-bangkok-now-a-renter’s-market/

By Michael Bridge With the ending of the pandemic, the global nomads are now thinking of moving their base from one city to another. Bangkok has always attracted expats from all over the world and now could be the time to rent a condominium, with prices low and a weak Thai Baht as well. However, budgeting and organizing your own relocation is not that simple. According to a survey by CNBC the top ten most expensive cities in order were Ashgabat in Turkmenistan number one followed by Hong Kong, Beirut, Tokyo, Zurich Shanghai, Singapore, Geneva, Beijing, and Bern at number 10. You could have a cheaper lifestyle in other Asian cities. For example, the cost-of-living comparison between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok would mean you would need just THB82,903 to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with THB110,000.00 in Bangkok. However, according to google, Bangkok is 51% cheaper than Singapore. So, trying to estimate the exact “costs of living” in a foreign city can be a bit hit and miss and is a very confusing affair. Since accommodation costs, will inevitably make up a substantial chunk of an individual’s monthly expenses, expats relocating to Bangkok are often faced with the challenge of estimating local rental rates. BTS and MRT have made a difference Whereas in the 90’s most expats tended to live near the city centre, with the latest BTS and MRT extensions, you can now commute from quite a way out. Considering the fast size of Bangkok and the hundreds of different neighborhoods you now have a much larger choice. On top of this, variables such as the renter’s own requirements and general expectations can cause rental rates to vary greatly. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Bangkok’s Condos are generally offered in standard layouts notably studios (20-30m2) one Bed (30-40m2) and two Beds (45-75 m2). Developers build new high rise with smaller sizes, so if you are not too fussy renting in an older building is likely to give you a lot more space for your buck! Putting in your requirements online to include condominium size, the number of bedrooms, area, and of course, the maximum rental is simple. However, knowing what a typical neighborhood offers needs a bit of research online. Most rental prices in the capital are mostly dictated by their location and their general proximity to Bangkok’s business and leisure hotspots. Therefore, the closer you are to central Bangkok the more expensive! Most landlords would prefer twelve months rental contracts, so most prices would assume the tenant can guarantee a lease of a minimum of one Year. With prices ranging from THB 6,000 for a ridiculously small studio to THB30,000 + for one bedroomed condominium in a good location, you need to do a lot of research. Location, Location, Location Rental prices in the capital are mostly dictated by their location and their general proximity to Bangkok’s business and leisure hotspots. The closer you are to central Bangkok the more expensive! Sukhumvit is an expansive area with a diverse choice of lifestyle and rental options, making it an ideal rental location for some with a higher budget. Trying to find a good condominium here for THB10,000 may be a struggle. When the BTS opened a station at On Nut, many moved there to save money, whereas now most of the available best options are located further away on the new lines on the BTS/MRT routes. At the end of the day if you must live in Bangkok but don’t enjoy the city centre pollution moving to the end of the line could be the answer. However, let’s face it is still a renter’s market with a lot of empty condominiums to select from, so perhaps now is the time to move. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-16 - 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. 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

Pattaya: two injured as van demolishes wall at downtown gas station Picture: Siam Rath Muang Pattaya police and Sawang Boriboon rescue services were called to a gas station near the bridge leading to Route 7 on Sukhumvit Road yesterday evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259762-pattaya-two-injured-as-van-demolishes-wall-at-downtown-gas-station/