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Durian-mangosteen pairing benefits health, research finds Summertime in Thailand can be torture in the heat, but it is also the best time of year to tuck into the abundance of local fruit, particularly durian, which is dubbed the ‘King of Fruit’. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259727-durian-mangosteen-pairing-benefits-health-research-finds/

Summertime in Thailand can be torture in the heat, but it is also the best time of year to tuck into the abundance of local fruit, particularly durian, which is dubbed the ‘King of Fruit’. Packed with nutrients, minerals, vitamins and dietary fibre, durian also has a high sugar content, which can cause blood sugar to spike. However, pairing the durian with mangosteen– popularly called the ‘Queen of Fruit’ – can benefit the health, according to a study by Mahidol University’s Institute of Nutrition. “Most people believe that mixing durian and mangosteenhelps reduce body heat as durian can cause body temperature to rise. Mangosteen, on the other hand, has a cooling effect. That long-held belief had never been properly studied so we decided to conduct research to prove the benefits of the combination,” says Assoc Prof Kunchit Judprasong, who leads the research team. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe His team found that the percentage of average glycemic response index (GRI) of the combination of durians and mangosteens amongst healthy people was “low” in terms of the glycemic index (GI), the ranking of foods with carbohydrates according to their ability to raise blood sugar levels. Foods that have low GI values are broken down slowly and thus help keep blood sugar levels steady. They may also help the individual to feel fuller for longer, the academic notes. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/durian-mangosteen-pairing-benefits-health-research-finds/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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.

At least 6,000 tourists to join the upcoming Full Moon Party on Pha-Ngan Island in Surat Thani, say tourism operators By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Post Today Surat Thani – It is expected that at least 6,000 tourists will join the next Full Moon Party on Pha-Ngan Island in Surat Thani province on May 16th, 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259726-at-least-6000-tourists-to-join-the-upcoming-full-moon-party-on-pha-ngan-island-in-surat-thani-say-tourism-operators/

PHOTO: Post Today By Goong Nang(GN) Surat Thani – It is expected that at least 6,000 tourists will join the next Full Moon Party on Pha-Ngan Island in Surat Thani province on May 16th, 2022. Mr. Tawit Somwang, the president of Rin Beach tourism operators told TPN media reporters, “This upcoming Full Moon Party will be under the concept of ‘Back to the Roots’. We are expecting about 6,000 to 7,000 tourists will join the party. However, it will be no more than 10,000 tourists as it is still the low season and there are still some roadblocks to international tourism like Thailand Pass discouraging some potential visitors. The next full party after May 16th will be next month on June 14th.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Ms. Nantawan Siripokkapan, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Surat Thani office told associated Thai media, “During this long holiday from May 13th to May 16th there are 53,541 tourists visiting Surat Thani which 36,721 are Thais and 16,820 are foreigners.” Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/14/at-least-6000-tourists-to-join-the-upcoming-full-moon-party-on-pha-ngan-island-in-surat-thani-say-tourism-operators/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 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.

Romanian tourist falls to death from Na Mueang waterfall while taking photos in Koh Samui yesterday afternoon By Adam Judd Surat Thani – A 23-year-old Romanian tourist fell to her death from a cliff at the Na Mueang waterfall on Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Saturday afternoon, May 14th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259725-romanian-tourist-falls-to-death-from-na-mueang-waterfall-while-taking-photos-in-koh-samui-yesterday-afternoon/

By Adam Judd Surat Thani – A 23-year-old Romanian tourist fell to her death from a cliff at the Na Mueang waterfall on Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Saturday afternoon, May 14th. Samui police rushed to the Na Muang waterfall around 3:00 PM. after being alerted of the incident of a foreign female tourist who was seriously injured after falling from the cliffs on the fourth level of the waterfall. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Unfortunately, the woman was pronounced dead by the time the officers and rescuers arrived. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/15/romanian-tourist-falls-to-death-from-na-mueang-waterfall-while-taking-photos-in-koh-samui-yesterday-afternoon/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 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.

U.S. Makes $150 Million Commitment to ASEAN by Natthaphon Sangpolsit WASHINGTON (NNT) - The United States has promised to spend US $150 million on Southeast Asian infrastructure, security, pandemic preparedness and other efforts that observers say are aimed at countering China’s influence in the region. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259724-us-makes-150-million-commitment-to-asean/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit WASHINGTON (NNT) - The United States has promised to spend US $150 million on Southeast Asian infrastructure, security, pandemic preparedness and other efforts that observers say are aimed at countering China’s influence in the region. On Thursday (12 May), U.S. President Joe Biden started a two-day summit with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Washington with a dinner for the leaders at the White House ahead of talks at the State Department on Friday (13 May). Biden smiled broadly as he took a group photo on the South Lawn of the White House before the dinner with representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is on the agenda, Biden’s administration hopes the efforts will show the countries that Washington remains focused on the Asia-Pacific and the long-term challenge of China, which the U.S. views as its main competitor. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Responding to Biden’s latest move, China’s foreign ministry said it welcomes any cooperation that promotes sustainable development and prosperity in the region. Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters in Beijing on Friday that "China and ASEAN do not engage in zero-sum games and do not promote bloc confrontation." Analysts have noted that Biden’s commitments pale in comparison to China’s deep ties and influence. In November alone, China pledged $1.5 billion in development assistance to ASEAN countries over three years to fight the pandemic and fuel economic recovery. -- © 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.

Health Minister joins 15th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting by Tarin Angskul BALI (NNT) - Public Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul attended the 15th ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting (AHMM) in Bali, Indonesia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259723-health-minister-joins-15th-asean-health-ministers-meeting/

by Tarin Angskul BALI (NNT) - Public Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul attended the 15th ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting (AHMM) in Bali, Indonesia. ASEAN Ministers of Public Health attended the 15th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting to underline the regional health approach, including recovery and responsive plans for emergency situations. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe During the meeting, the Minister of Public Health and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with the dialogue partners’ Health Ministers and discussed ways to intensity public health and approaches at the national level. -- © 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.

New Chao Phraya Bridge Scheduled to Open in 2023 by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has provided updates on the construction of the Chao Phraya River’s widest cable-stayed bridge, which is scheduled to open in 2023. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259722-new-chao-phraya-bridge-scheduled-to-open-in-2023/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has provided updates on the construction of the Chao Phraya River’s widest cable-stayed bridge, which is scheduled to open in 2023. According to EXAT, the eight-lane bridge - which will run parallel to Rama IX Bridge - is currently over 72% complete. The 2-km bridge comes under the fourth contract for the expressway project covering Rama III, Dao Khanong, and Western Outer Ring Road, and facilitates transportation between Bangkok and the western area. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe With a construction budget of 6.6 billion baht, the new bridge is designed to facilitate traffic flow and withstand strong winds of 270 km/h, equivalent to a powerful tornado. The project was undertaken by CH Karnchang Plc and allotted a construction period of 39 months. Once completed, the bridge is expected to serve as a new capital landmark due to its intricate and pronounced design, while also helping to alleviate traffic in the area. Additionally, the department is working with related agencies to seek a royally sponsored name for the new landmark bridge in honor of His Majesty the King. -- © 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.

Endemic Plan Approved, CCSA Endorsement Pending by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Plans are underway to treat COVID-19 as an endemic disease, after the Ministry of Public Health held discussions with government agencies and the industrial, tourism and commercial sectors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259721-endemic-plan-approved-ccsa-endorsement-pending/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Plans are underway to treat COVID-19 as an endemic disease, after the Ministry of Public Health held discussions with government agencies and the industrial, tourism and commercial sectors. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the collaborative plan aims to set medical, economical, social and organizational standards that will allow the general public to live safely with the virus. However, authorities may not be able to officially declare COVID-19 an endemic disease without an official classification from the World Health Organization. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The health minister said the endemic designation does not mean the disease is no longer dangerous, adding that the government will need to ensure that the healthcare system remains capable of handling emergency situations. Dr Kiattiphum Wongrachit, permanent secretary of Public Health, said the number of new cases is expected to continue declining and more relaxed measures can be expected between late May and June. He also said the health authority may consider reopening nightclubs, bars and karaoke venues, as well as lowering the alert level from 3 to 2. All of these proposals will require final approval from the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration. -- © 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.

More reporters suspended over coverage of alleged sexual harassment by senior monk Two more broadcast reporters were suspended and one online influencer has been fired as the backlash over the apparently “staged” video, featuring a supposed sex abuse victim of an ailing senior monk in Yasothon province, intensifies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259720-more-reporters-suspended-over-coverage-of-alleged-sexual-harassment-by-senior-monk/

Two more broadcast reporters were suspended and one online influencer has been fired as the backlash over the apparently “staged” video, featuring a supposed sex abuse victim of an ailing senior monk in Yasothon province, intensifies. In a statement issued today, Thai Rath TV said that it had questioned one of its reporters, who joined others in the company of Jiraphan Petkhao on a visit to Luangpoo Waen at Dong Sawangtham monastery in Yasothon province to ask him about the allegation of sexual harassment of the woman in the clip. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The reporter admitted that he was fully aware of the true nature of the video in question, but did not report it to his editor, resulting in errors in the performance of duty as a member of the media that may breach the code of ethics, said the statement. Jiraphan shot to fame for his voluntary crusade to expose irregularities, especially sexual abuse, by monks in temples and monasteries. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/more-reporters-suspended-over-coverage-of-alleged-sexual-harassment-by-senior-monk/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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.

Safety at a price: Why compulsory car seat use is controversial in Thailand For decades now, Thai parents have been letting their children ride in cars without a car seat, and sometimes even without a belt. The practice – which also applies to school buses – is so prevalent that people fail to realize the danger involved. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259719-safety-at-a-price-why-compulsory-car-seat-use-is-controversial-in-thailand/

For decades now, Thai parents have been letting their children ride in cars without a car seat, and sometimes even without a belt. The practice – which also applies to school buses – is so prevalent that people fail to realize the danger involved. However, from September 5, it will be banned by law. The amended version of the Land Traffic Act, which was published in the Royal Gazette earlier this month, states that children up to the age of six or no taller than 135 centimeters must sit in a car seat while in a moving automobile. Breaking the new rule carries a fine of up to 2,000 baht. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, while the amended law’s aim is to protect children, people are already expressing concern over how it will be enforced. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/safety-at-a-price-why-compulsory-car-seat-use-is-controversial-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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.

Tiger cubs and hornbills seized from house in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima Photo Courtesy of The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Wildlife officials seized two tiger cubs, six great hornbills and two wreathed hornbills from a house in Non Sung district of the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259718-tiger-cubs-and-hornbills-seized-from-house-in-thailand’s-nakhon-ratchasima/

Photo Courtesy of The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Wildlife officials seized two tiger cubs, six great hornbills and two wreathed hornbills from a house in Non Sung district of the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday. A 67-year old man, identified only as “Kiang”, who was found in the house with another man, claimed that he owned the eight protected animals. He also claimed that he had bought the tiger cubs, at 150,000 baht each, from a wildlife trader in Bangkok and paid 6,000 baht each for the great hornbills and 8,000 baht each for the wreathed hornbills to the same trader. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Wildlife officials said that “Kiang” will face charges of illegal possession of and illegal trading in protected wildlife species, which carry a maximum prison term of ten years and/or a fine not exceeding one million baht on conviction. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tiger-cubs-and-hornbills-seized-from-house-in-thailands-nakhon-ratchasima/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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.

Thai Foreign Minister to visit Saudi Arabia to cement bilateral cooperation Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai / Photo from Facebook Page Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai has been assigned by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to visit Saudi Arabia to follow-up on cooperation in all areas between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259717-thai-foreign-minister-to-visit-saudi-arabia-to-cement-bilateral-cooperation/

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai / Photo from Facebook Page Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai has been assigned by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to visit Saudi Arabia to follow-up on cooperation in all areas between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. He said today (Sunday) that Don has a mission to wrap up a number of unresolved issues with his Saudi counterpart and to lead a delegation of Thai businessmen to Saudi Arabia. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The prime minister met with Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyanthis morning, president of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), who is currently in Thailand to discuss the holding of the 5-nation Women’s Golf Tournament. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-foreign-minister-to-visit-saudi-arabia-to-cement-bilateral-cooperation/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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.

Thai hotels listed among TripAdvisor’s best hotels of 2022 Image Credit: Pimalai Resort and Spa via TripAdvisor Two of Thailand’s hotels have been included among TripAdvisor’s global list of the top 25 hotels in 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259716-thai-hotels-listed-among-tripadvisor’s-best-hotels-of-2022/

Image Credit: Pimalai Resort and Spa via TripAdvisor Two of Thailand’s hotels have been included among TripAdvisor’s global list of the top 25 hotels in 2022. The hotels chosen for “Traveller’s Choice 2022 – Best of the Best Awards” for this year are Pimalai Resort and Spa on Koh Lanta, in the country’s southern province of Krabi, and Sukhumvit Park – Marriott Executive Apartments in Bangkok. Pimalai Resort and Spa ranks at number 12 for being a “perfect place” for a honeymoon trip and for its hospitality, while Sukhumvit Park ranks number 16 for its location and service. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Other hotels in Southeast Asia included on this year’s list are The Padma Resort Ubud in Indonesia, The Lotte Hotel Hanoi in Vietnam, The Royal Purnama in Indonesia and Jaya House River Park in Cambodia. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-hotels-listed-among-tripadvisors-best-hotels-of-2022/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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.

Concern over side effects means parents unwilling to vaccinate young children File Image Many parents are not taking their children to be vaccinated because they are concerned over the possible side effects, said Health Services Department Director-General Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai today (Sunday), citing the results of an opinion survey conducted by the department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259715-concern-over-side-effects-means-parents-unwilling-to-vaccinate-young-children/