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Thais entering Malaysia through a border checkpoint. The Thai headline says, “Thais have already been hit.” Photo: Amarin TV by TNR Staff AMID heavy cross-border travel to Malaysia during the current holiday three Thais who had travelled from Satun province to the neighbouring country and tested positive for marijuana at their checkpoint were immediately detained at a police station for three days and fined 50,000 baht, Amarin TV said yesterday evening (July 29). The three Thais, crossing over from Wang Prachan checkpoint on the Thai side to Wang Kelian checkpoint in Malaysia, were found to have traces of marijuana in their body through a urine test. Upon being detained they were also told that if they were granted bail they would have to report to Malaysian authorities. As Malaysia classifies marijuana as a narcotic plant that carries a heavy penalty, Malaysian police and military officers at all border checkpoints are now on their toes checking passports, carrying out urine tests and scanning travellers and their vehicles to prevent infiltration of any form of this plant into their country. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/07/29/malaysia-detains-thais-who-tested-positive-for-marijuana/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-07-30 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Top Thai virologist says monkeypox is difficult to control Monkeypox is difficult to control because most of the cases only develop mild symptoms, with a few blisters for 2-4 weeks, or remain asymptomatic according to Dr. Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267455-top-thai-virologist-says-monkeypox-is-difficult-to-control/

Monkeypox is difficult to control because most of the cases only develop mild symptoms, with a few blisters for 2-4 weeks, or remain asymptomatic according to Dr. Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine. In his Facebook post on Thursday, while making clear that it is not as life threatening, Dr. Yong likens monkeypox to HIV/Aids during the early stage of infection, as is it does not produce any symptoms until the virus has spread throughout the body. He predicted that the virus, which is mostly found in gay men and is spread through sexual contact, may spread to the heterosexual population and, eventually, to pets and rodents, as it has with the giant Gambian rats in Africa, because they share the human living environment. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/top-thai-virologist-says-monkeypox-is-difficult-to-control/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-30 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Warning about Chinese rocket debris falling back to Earth on July 31st Thailand’s Geo-informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) issued a warning today (Friday) concerning debris from a Chinese Long March 5B rocket, which will fall back to Earth this Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267454-warning-about-chinese-rocket-debris-falling-back-to-earth-on-july-31st/

Thailand’s Geo-informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) issued a warning today (Friday) concerning debris from a Chinese Long March 5B rocket, which will fall back to Earth this Sunday. Some of the rocket may fall on Thai territory, though the chance has been calculated at only about 1.2%. The debris is from the over 20-ton core stage of a rocket launched on July 24th to take the second module for China’s unfinished Tiangong space station. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/warning-about-chinese-rocket-debris-falling-back-to-earth-on-july-31st/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-30 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

‘No bikinis’ sign on Samae San Island removed by the Thai Navy The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has decided to remove a sign telling tourists not to wear bikinis from Samae San Island, off the eastern province of Chon Buri, to prevent any misunderstanding among foreign tourists, Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267452-‘no-bikinis’-sign-on-samae-san-island-removed-by-the-thai-navy/

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has decided to remove a sign telling tourists not to wear bikinis from Samae San Island, off the eastern province of Chon Buri, to prevent any misunderstanding among foreign tourists that wearing bikinis on the island is prohibited, said Vice Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin, spokesman for the RTN yesterday (Friday). He also explained that the RTN has not banned bikinis from the island, but merely wants to seek the cooperation of visitors by dressing properly and in a way which does not “offend Thai culture”. The move follows a recent post on the “Quotidien de Thailande” webpage, showing a ‘no bikini’ sign displayed on the beaches of Samae San Island with an English request, “Please respect our culture.” Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/no-bikinis-sign-on-samae-san-island-removed-by-the-thai-navy/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-30 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 30 July 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1267449-thailand-live-saturday-30-july-2022/

Laotian couple, wanted for fraud charges in the Lao PRD, arrested in Pathum Thani province A couple of Laotian nationals were arrested on fraud charges this morning (Friday), at a hotel in Pathum Thani province, by Thai police from the Combating Transnational Criminals and Illegal Immigrants Centre (CTIC). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267405-laotian-couple-wanted-for-fraud-charges-in-the-lao-prd-arrested-in-pathum-thani-province/

Thailand to Prepare for Surge of Passenger Arrivals BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has instructed aviation-related departments and agencies to prepare for the surge of tourist arrivals during the fourth quarter of this year, which is the peak tourist season for Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267423-thailand-to-prepare-for-surge-of-passenger-arrivals/

British man caught lying about being attacked by taxi driver A British national was caught reportedly lying to the authorities about being attacked by a taxi driver while returning from an entertainment venue on Ratchawithi Road in Mueang District, Chiang Mai province, last Tuesday, July 26th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267427-british-man-caught-lying-about-being-attacked-by-taxi-driver/

Bangkok fit to host Biden-Xi talks MANDEL NGAN, Anthony WALLACE / AFP OPINION Bangkok is a suitable venue for the first face-to-face talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267395-bangkok-fit-to-host-biden-xi-talks/

MANDEL NGAN, Anthony WALLACE / AFP OPINION Bangkok is a suitable venue for the first face-to-face talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year. The Prayut Government should approach both governments about the country’s readiness to host their historic meeting. After all Thailand, which is the chair of the APEC 2022 leaders’ Meeting on 18th & 19th November, also has excellent ties with both countries. It is a neutral and safe zone in which to reconcile and cooperate. The prospect of physical meeting between the two leaders arises out of their latest telephone conversation. Although there was no break-though, it had the immediate effect of cooling the toxic rhetoric emanating from two of the world’s most powerful countries. During their more than two-hour conversation the two presidents covered a whole range of issues, which still need to be ironed out in coming dialogue sessions. What was reassuring was the US confirmation of the ‘One China’ policy, which has been the pillar of Washington’s ties with Beijing since the Shanghai communique. Other countries with diplomatic ties with China also respect this principle. Although the proposed visit of Nancy Pelosi, the US House Speaker, to Taiwan was not on the agenda, the call indicated that the US would be abiding by the ‘One China’ principle. Indeed, given the straining ties, any comment or action that could politicise or poison the bilateral diplomatic atmosphere should be avoided. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-fit-to-host-biden-xi-talks/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

FTI Says Foreign Land Ownership will Stimulate Economy by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has said the plan to allow foreigners to own land in Thailand would be a new economic stimulus, especially beneficial to the tourism sector’s gradual recovery. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267391-fti-says-foreign-land-ownership-will-stimulate-economy/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has said the plan to allow foreigners to own land in Thailand would be a new economic stimulus, especially beneficial to the tourism sector’s gradual recovery. The comment was made in response to a plan by the Ministry of Interior to revive a measure allowing foreigners to own one rai of land in the country if they invest 40 million baht. FTI Chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul stated that the plan would provide long-term economic and investment benefits and encourage wealthy foreigners to consider retiring in the kingdom. The FTI also said it would assist and support real estate companies impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), foreigners remain interested in Thai residential property. This is especially true for Chinese nationals, who accounted for 45 percent of foreign condo ownership in the first quarter of 2022. REIC reported that between 2018 and 2020, a total of 34,653 condominium units worth a total of 145.6 billion baht were transferred to foreigners. It added that during the first quarter of 2022, Bangkok and Chon Buri were the most popular locations for foreigners wanting to own condominium units. The other three top provinces were Samut Prakan, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Video: Drunk Thai man smashes up old shrine because the spirits gave him the wrong lottery numbers Picture: 77kaoded Police and rescue services were called to the Luang Poo Iaw shrine on Sukhumvit Road outbound in Bang Poo, Samut Prakan last night after a drunk Thai man started smashing up the ornaments. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267387-video-drunk-thai-man-smashes-up-old-shrine-because-the-spirits-gave-him-the-wrong-lottery-numbers/

Picture: 77kaoded Police and rescue services were called to the Luang Poo Iaw shrine on Sukhumvit Road outbound in Bang Poo, Samut Prakan last night after a drunk Thai man started smashing up the ornaments. First to see the damage being inflicted on the near 100 year old shrine worshipped by locals was a motorcyclist. He informed the authorities. When police arrived to take the drunk man into custody he wouldn't go quietly and was tasered. Picture: 77kaoded He rambled on about visiting the shrine before the last lottery draw and getting the number 04 from the spirits. But 405 came up instead so he drove his motorcycle to the shrine to ask the spirits if they were genuine. Apparently not getting a good answer he then started smashing up a zebra before moving onto other animal ornaments. Picture: 77kaoded Muang Samut Prakan police took him away to sober up before contacting relatives to pick him up. They said they would contact the person who looks after the shrine to determine what value to put on the damage done, reported 77kaoded who had a video of the aftermath. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - 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

Double elephant tragedy in Khao Yai national park - mother and offspring washed away over waterfall Thai Rath reported on a natural tragedy in Thailand's oldest national park, Khao Yai in the north east. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267385-double-elephant-tragedy-in-khao-yai-national-park-mother-and-offspring-washed-away-over-waterfall/

Thai Rath reported on a natural tragedy in Thailand's oldest national park, Khao Yai in the north east. Following many days of monsoonal rains rivers and klongs were flooded. In one area it is believed that a small elephant got into trouble crossing a swollen waterway and was helped by its mother. Tragically both were swept away and subsequently fell over the Haew Narok waterfall to their deaths. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - 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

Graphic video shared online showed the moment the screen fell onto the stage By Nadeem Shad BBC News A giant screen fell and injured two dancers in front of horrified fans at a concert in Hong Kong by the hugely popular boy band Mirror. The video screen crushed one performer before toppling onto others, footage circulating online showed. The music concert was immediately halted and the band's manager asked crowds to calmly exit the arena. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-62335828 -- © Copyright BBC 2022-07-29

UPDATE: As promised! Quick arrest of man who stole goods worth 200K from drugged bridal shop owner Picture: Siam Rath Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267383-as-promised-quick-arrest-of-man-who-stole-goods-worth-200k-from-drugged-bridal-shop-owner/

As promised! Quick arrest of man who stole goods worth 200K from drugged bridal shop owner Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the man who stole 200,000 baht in goods from the owner of a bridal shop who took him home after a concert has been arrested. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267383-as-promised-quick-arrest-of-man-who-stole-goods-worth-200k-from-drugged-bridal-shop-owner/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the man who stole 200,000 baht in goods from the owner of a bridal shop who took him home after a concert has been arrested. ASEAN NOW reported on the crime yesterday in which Bang Kaew deputy Pol Lt-Col Rangsan Khamsuk said that the perp would soon be in custody for sure. The thief had urinated on the floor before leaving, something highlighted by the media. Yesterday evening Bang Kaew, Samut Prakan, cops arrested 54 year old Somsri or "Ton" from Nong Khai. Taken into evidence was a Fortuner key worth 25,000 baht, a Mac Book Pro, an iPhone 13 and a Xiomi 11 light phone, Christian Dior products, perfume and a Louis Vuitton bag all worth more than 200,000 baht. He was arrested outisde a beer hall in Bang Plee. Following this his address in AT Mansion in Soi Yamamoto, Thepparak was searched. The victim was contacted and pointed at the thief and confirmed the stolen items were his. Siam Rath had a picture of the thief pointing at clothes instead and what appeared to be cops pointing at his front door. The suspect admitted the crime and slipping two pills in the victim's beer when he wasn't looking. He's been charged with theft at night. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - 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

Big Joke hails his chief's crime strategy - Smart Safety Zone 4.0 "inspires public to respect RTP" Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that top cop Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan was in Betong, southern Thailand, yesterday to evaluate the effectiveness of the RTP chief's much vaunted Smart Safety Zone 4.0 crime reporting and prevention system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267380-big-joke-hails-his-chiefs-crime-strategy-smart-safety-zone-40-inspires-public-to-respect-rtp/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that top cop Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan was in Betong, southern Thailand, yesterday to evaluate the effectiveness of the RTP chief's much vaunted Smart Safety Zone 4.0 crime reporting and prevention system. The RTP think it is the best thing since sliced bread inspiring Thais to respect their force though the public are skeptical, even if they have heard of it. Surachate - known universally as Big Joke - was slapping top brass in the area on the back after the Betong station was named number one for the scheme's implementation. S.S.Z. 4.0 - is the baby of RTP chief Pol Gen Suwat Changyodsuk and part of a 20 year strategy to address crime and get the public to respect the police again. Suwat recognised that this has waned over the years and that the key was local, community policing that the public could get behind. The system is basically CCTV linked to local command centers. The public can press a button to report crime on special reporting posts. Critics have said unkindly that this just wakes up the cops who are snoozing at the station or otherwise engaged in extortion. But the RTP say it is innovative and has already won an international award for community policing projects in Dubai at a police conference. A pilot scheme was deemed successful - by the RTP - who said that polls are carried out monthly and is now being rolled out in Stage 2. Siam Rath's article was full of rhetoric and praise and completely devoid of any serious journalism in asking awkward questions, notes ASEAN NOW. Few people outside the media have heard of the scheme and fewer still think it has made any difference to crime or the relationship the police have with the Thai public. That has always been love/hate tinged with suspicion and skepticism with many Thais accepting that their police are little more than an organised state mafia. Suwat perhaps mindful as to how his force is perceived believes his Smart baby can change that and improve the public's perception. Big Joke is in charge of this PR and tours the country promoting his chief's initiative. Big Joke, former deputy commander of the tourist police and head of immigration, was sensationally sacked several years ago and demoted to the PM's office. His rehabilitation under Suwat includes promoting the safety zone as well as handling human trafficking cases and illegal fishing. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-29 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - 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