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Dual Pricing Reconfirmed In Thailand National Parks By Editor Regulations of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation National Park have announced dual-pricing entry fees for national parks, forest parks, botanical gardens and arboretums. Effective from 7th June. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261836-dual-pricing-reconfirmed-in-thailand-national-parks/

By Editor Regulations of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation National Park have announced dual-pricing entry fees for national parks, forest parks, botanical gardens and arboretums. Effective from 7th June. The announcement shows a continuation of the long-standing dual pricing policy with foreigners being asked to pay higher fees, in this case, five times those asked of Thai people. For example the cost for Thai children is 10 THB, but for non-Thais 50 THB. For adults the fee will be 20 THB, but 100 THB for foreigners. Thai Seniors over 60 years of age are free, whereas foreigners still pay the 100 THB fee. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A common reaction to dual pricing policies from ex-pats is for them to say they will simply stay away from these attractions. Dual pricing for long-term residents is one of the most contentious aspects of living in Thailand for many ex-pats who comment about their significant financial contributions to the Thai economy. In 2020 Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the TAT would discuss stopping dual-pricing for expatriates with the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department. Mr Yuthasak then said the move will let expats save money, allowing them to spend more as a key target to boost domestic tourism. He said the agency wants to introduce an identity card for expats, helping to distinguish them from tourists so they will be charged the same price as locals. “The key factor is we have to treat expats like like, without discrimination or a negative attitude towards foreigners,” he said. However these intentions appear to have fallen on deaf ears, especially those of national park officials. Dual pricing is not just a Thai phenomenon with many countries having such practices, albeit more subtle and much more restrained than Thailand’s national park policies. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/06/dual-pricing-reconfirmed-in-thailand-national-parks/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-06-06 - 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.

Pheu Thai considers action against 7 MPs who supported 2023 budget bill The ethical and disciplinary committee of the opposition Pheu Thai party will consider how to deal with seven dissident MPs, who voted in support of the government’s budget bill forthe 2023 fiscal year in defiance of the party whip, according to party leader Chonlanan Srikaew. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261835-pheu-thai-considers-action-against-7-mps-who-supported-2023-budget-bill/

The ethical and disciplinary committee of the opposition Pheu Thai party will consider how to deal with seven dissident MPs, who voted in support of the government’s budget bill forthe 2023 fiscal year in defiance of the party whip, according to party leader Chonlanan Srikaew. The 3.18 trillion baht budget sailed through its first reading inthe Lower House early Friday morning, with 278 votes for,192 votes against and two abstentions. He said yesterday (Saturday) that the party could choose not to take punitive action against the seven because, according to the Constitution, voting is the exclusive right of individual MPs. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pheu-thai-considers-action-against-7-mps-who-supported-2023-budget-bill/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-06 - 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!

2 million meth pills seized from after a wild car chase near Bangkok Police seized more than two million methamphetamine pills from an abandoned van, which had been modified to look like an ambulance, following a car chase involving police from Saraburi province, through Ayutthaya, into Bangkok’s Min Buri area, yesterday (Sunday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261834-2-million-meth-pills-seized-from-after-a-wild-car-chase-near-bangkok/

Police seized more than two million methamphetamine pills from an abandoned van, which had been modified to look like an ambulance, following a car chase involving police from Saraburi province, through Ayutthaya, into Bangkok’s Min Buri area, yesterday (Sunday). According to the commander of Saraburi provincial police, Pol Maj-Gen Chayanont Meesati, officers had received a tipoff about an attempt to smuggle a shipment of illegal narcotics from the north-eastern province of Loei to its destination in a southern province in a modified ambulance. The police had kept a lookout for the suspect vehicle on the Asian highway. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said police managed to intercept the lead car, but failed to stop the ambulance, which sped away at high speed, with its siren wailing to clear traffic. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/2-million-meth-pills-seized-from-after-a-wild-car-chase-near-bangkok/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-06 - 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!

Thailand’s Kasetsart University abolishes controversial “SOTUS” system The Kasetsart University Bang Khen Campus Student Administrative Board has announced the abolition of the Seniority, Order, Tradition, Unity, and Spirit (SOTUS) system, effective yesterday (Sunday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261832-thailand’s-kasetsart-university-abolishes-controversial-“sotus”-system/

The Kasetsart University Bang Khen Campus Student Administrative Board has announced the abolition of the Seniority, Order, Tradition, Unity, and Spirit (SOTUS) system, effective yesterday (Sunday). SOTUS refers to the seniority system, often practiced in Thai universities, where senior students abuse their authority against freshman, mostly through hazing and bullying, while forcing them to respect seniors just because they are older. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The announcement on Facebook explains that, every June 5th, the university traditionally welcomes its first-year students. Such activities have often involved violence handed out by seniors. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-kasetsart-university-abolishes-controversial-sotus-system/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-06 - 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!

Senior US defence officials to visit Thailand Senior US defence officials will visit Thailand next week to strengthen ties with its ally in the Indo-Pacific. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261831-senior-us-defence-officials-to-visit-thailand/

Senior US defence officials will visit Thailand next week to strengthen ties with its ally in the Indo-Pacific. ADM John Aquilino, Indo-Pacific Commander, is reportedly scheduled to stopover in Bangkok from June 7th to 9th, before he attends the Shangri-La Dialogue over next weekend in Singapore. His last visit here was in October last year. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will then also visit Bangkok, after he attends the dialogue in Singapore on June 12th and 13th, to strengthen bilateral security ties further. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/senior-us-defence-officials-to-visit-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-06 - 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 army spends over 7 million baht to test useless GT200 bomb scanners The opposition Move Forward party is demanding an explanation from the army over its spending of more than seven million baht to hire the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to test 700 GT200 bomb scanners, purchased by the army over a decade ago, to determine whether they work. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261830-thai-army-spends-over-7-million-baht-to-test-useless-gt200-bomb-scanners/

The opposition Move Forward party is demanding an explanation from the army over its spending of more than seven million baht to hire the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to test 700 GT200 bomb scanners, purchased by the army over a decade ago, to determine whether they work. Party list MP Rangsiman Rome said today (Saturday) that he does not understand why the army has to test the fake scanners, which have already been proved completely useless. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “Anyone can test the scanner with just a screwdriver, without the need to pay 10,000 baht a piece” said Rangsiman. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-army-spends-over-7-million-baht-to-test-useless-gt200-bomb-scanners/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-06 - 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!

Free walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations at Bang Sue station vaccination centre Medical workers load syringes with the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. (Photo by Apu GOMES / AFP) The Bang Sue railway station vaccination centre is offering the public free inoculations, with the Moderna vaccine, from Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261829-free-walk-in-covid-19-vaccinations-at-bang-sue-station-vaccination-centre/

Medical workers load syringes with the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. (Photo by Apu GOMES / AFP) The Bang Sue railway station vaccination centre is offering the public free inoculations, with the Moderna vaccine, from Monday. Those over 18-years-old can enter via Gate 1 of the station, without prior registration, from 9am until 3pm. Due to the limited supply of Moderna vaccine, the free inoculationservice will end once the supply runs out. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Those who are unvaccinated will be given Moderna as the first dose, to be followed by a Pfizer jab after a 28-day interval. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/free-walk-in-covid-19-vaccinations-at-bang-sue-station-vaccination-centre/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-06 - 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!

Black Mountain win Surf 102.5 FM Cup The inaugural Surf 102.5 FM Cup took place at Monkey & Field on June 5th. Five teams faced off in this 7 a side tournament with Black Mountain emerging as the winners. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261828-black-mountain-win-surf-1025-fm-cup/

The inaugural Surf 102.5 FM Cup took place at Monkey & Field on June 5th. Five teams faced off in this 7 a side tournament with Black Mountain emerging as the winners. Both Black Mountain and Vanon Kanong won their first three matches, beating Nong Hoi, Hua Hin City A and Hua Hin City B. They faced off in the final game which was a winner takes all decider. Black Mountain made a strong start and were putting the pressure on the Vanon Kanon defenders. The breakthrough came when the team in white were awarded a free kick close to the right hand touchline. Phakin Calermkas, 9, is a master at dead ball situations and looked extremely confident. Sure enough he curled a left footed effort into the top right hand corned to give Black Mountain a 1-0 lead. Vanon Kanong started to press hard for an equalizer but were denied by some fine goalkeeping from Lev Duisterwinkel, 10. The atmosphere was tense as the game moved into injury time with Black Mountain desperately hanging on to a slender lead. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But the contest was settled with the final kick of the game. Archie Wills, 10, burst through from centre midfield and had the composure to pick out Patrick Goyder, 8, who fired in from close range with the ball cannoning off the crossbar and into the back of the net. It was an impressive showing from Black Mountain who won all three matches without conceding a single goal. Vanon Kanong had to settle for the runners up trophy while Hua Hin City A finished in third place. Richard Buckle, from Surf 102.5 FM, said, “It was a very enjoyable morning and we are proud to support this event. The match between Black Mountain and Vanon Kanong was really dramatic and we are proud to support this event and to see so many children getting the chance to play competitive football.” -- Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy 2022-06-06

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 6 June 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1261825-thailand-live-monday-6-june-2022/

Where to live in Thailand, the 51st biggest country in the world by Michel Bridge It is pouring down with rain, it is dark already at 4 pm in the winter and your heating bills are soaring….so maybe it is time to leave the cold of Europe or the States and head to warmer climes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261824-where-to-live-in-thailand-the-51st-biggest-country-in-the-world /

by Michel Bridge It is pouring down with rain, it is dark already at 4 pm in the winter and your heating bills are soaring….so maybe it is time to leave the cold of Europe or the States and head to warmer climes. SE Asia has become home to many ex-pats with Thailand being one of the popular choices. So where can you move to in this massive country known as the Land of Smiles? Of course, most may have read about the vibrant city of Bangkok, however many ex-pats are now making their homes all over the country. Thailand’s land has a total area of 513,120 km² (198,117 mi²) and a total coastline of 3,219 km (2,000.2 mi). To put it into perspective, this land area is approximately 74% of the area of Texas. Thailand is also one of the largest countries in Asia and the 51st biggest in the world. Although more than half of all residents (51%) live within cities, you may wish to avoid the rat race and head to some of the other regions. The Tourism Authority of Thailand divides the country into six regions. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Northern Thailand is mountainous and continues from Myanmar in the west to Laos in the northeast. Climate wise it tends to have colder winters than other regions. The main provinces are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, and the largest city Chiang Mai where many ex-pats tend to live. Same size as Germany Northeast Thailand often known as Isan covers 61,776 miles roughly the size of Germany. Bordering Laos and Cambodia this is very much a farming led community with mountains, the Korat Plateau, and the Mekong River. Major cities here are Ubon Thai, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon and Ubon Ratchathani. Expats do move here often to stay with a Thai girlfriend or wife, but it is very rural. Central Thailand includes the Chao Phraya River and the Phetchabun mountain range. The Gulf of Thailand is just south of Bangkok at its southern border. Here you have the UNESCO World heritage cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai in the central plains and south is the vibrant city of Bangkok. Eastern Thailand borders Cambodia in the east, northern eastern Thailand in the north and central Thailand in the West. This region also borders the Gulf of Thailand to the south and southwest, so you have a lot of coastline properties here. The largest city here is Pattaya a 90-minute drive south of Bangkok. This region also has several popular islands including Koh Samet and Koh Chang. The government is pouring massive funds here into creating the Eastern corridor for manufacturing. High-speed trains connecting this region to all three main international airports are due to open in the next few years. Many expats retiree to this region. Western Thailand borders Myanmar in the west and southern Thailand in the south and central Thailand in the east. Well, known as the World War II region including the city of Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai, this area is about two and half hours drive west of the capital. The region also includes the provinces of Phetchaburi and Hua Hin, another popular seaside city for ex-pats. Finally, there is Southern Thailand close to the Malay peninsula and its western part bordering Myanmar. Well, known by tourists for the beautiful Andaman Sea and Thailand’s biggest island Phuket. Here you will also find the smaller islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao all within ferry distance. Being such a large country, you are spoilt for choice. While it can be cold up in the mountains in the north, on the same day you can be sunbathing in the south. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-06 - 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

100 speeches in 100 days of war: Zelenskyy rallies Ukraine As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tells it, when Russia invaded 100 days ago, no one expected his country to survive. World leaders advised him to flee. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261743-100-speeches-in-100-days-of-war-zelenskyy-rallies-ukraine/

As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tells it, when Russia invaded 100 days ago, no one expected his country to survive. World leaders advised him to flee. “But they didn’t know us,” he said in a late-night video address in April when the war hit its 50th day. “And they didn’t know how brave Ukrainians are, how much we value freedom.” He could have been speaking about himself. No one knew how a 44-year-old man who had catapulted himself from the world of entertainment into the presidency would respond to an invasion by Russia’s giant army. His response has been forceful — and compellingly public. Zelenskyy has led his country in mounting an unexpectedly fierce resistance. Every night, he rallies Ukrainians to the fight with a video address on social media. There have been 100 so far – one for each day of the war — in nightly reminders that he has not fled, that Ukraine has indeed survived. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/100-speeches-in-100-days-of-war-zelenskyy-rallies-ukraine/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-04 - 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!

Woman complains online after getting just this for nearly 300 baht - trader has all the excuses Daily News Thai Caption: You'd be angry if it was free Daily News reported on the experience of a woman in Bangkok who ordered food online then went to complain on a site that translates as "We are consumers". Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261741-woman-complains-online-after-getting-just-this-for-nearly-300-baht-trader-has-all-the-excuses/

Daily News Thai Caption: You'd be angry if it was free Daily News reported on the experience of a woman in Bangkok who ordered food online then went to complain on a site that translates as "We are consumers". She said she was starving so ordered three dishes for 283 baht. Two of them were measly in the extreme. There was an egg yolk salad with no egg yolk just a bit of salted egg that cost 99 baht, a pork 'nam tok' for 85 baht and some BBQ pork for 99 (that at least was reasonable). Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe She reckoned that even if it was free you'd be cross. She said she contacted the trader who rejected her complaints saying things were expensive now, delivering online costs her a lot and no one has ever complained before. In highly litigious Thailand where consumer complaints can result in the customer being sued for defamation, she only went so far in identifying the store in Ramkhamhaeng, notes ASEAN NOW She mentioned Udorn and a yellow flower and warned consumers to beware. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-04 - 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 Picture: Daily News

Phuket: Chase on holiday island - drug suspect's Mazda has tire shot out - all over just TWO Yaba Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that a chase ensued yesterday on Phuket when a red Mazda car being driven by a Thai man failed to stop for a motorcycle patrol search. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261740-phuket-chase-on-holiday-island-drug-suspects-mazda-has-tire-shot-out-all-over-just-two-yaba/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that a chase ensued yesterday on Phuket when a red Mazda car being driven by a Thai man failed to stop for a motorcycle patrol search. Yot, 26, fearing arrest, took off from the Thai Mai community heading for the five ways roundabout. Chalong police were informed and the chase continued from Soi Suksawat 1 on Wiset Road along the road that circles the holiday island. Police cleared the area near a health clinic in Rawai to avoid danger to the public and as a last resort shot at the tires of the fleeing vehicle. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Yot said he had taken yaba and had gone to get some more at the estate. Two tablets were found in his possession. He was charged with possessing a Class 1 drug, dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs and detained by the Chalong police. The car was also impounded. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-06-04 - 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