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British Airways snubs Bangkok in favour of elite travellers to Singapore as Thai Airways rises by James Morris and Son Nguyen Airports of Thailand (AOT) President Nitinai Sirismatthakarn (centre) met with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to discuss the lack of flight connections to Thailand which the airports boss revealed are only operating at 33% of the level seen in 2019. It comes as British Airways has postponed the resumption of its London to Bangkok service from the end of the year while Thai Airways is on the up with over 600% more daily passengers and plans to operate charter flights from the United Kingdom at the end of the year to pick up the demand among foreign tourists there. As the government put off indefinitely its foreign tourism levy, this week, one of the country’s most successful conglomerates, Minor International (MINT) announced the addition of 60 new hotels and 10,000 rooms to its portfolio. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267241-british-airways-snubs-bangkok-in-favour-of-elite-travellers-to-singapore-as-thai-airways-rises/

Airports of Thailand (AOT) President Nitinai Sirismatthakarn (centre) met with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to discuss the lack of flight connections to Thailand which the airports boss revealed are only operating at 33% of the level seen in 2019. It comes as British Airways has postponed the resumption of its London to Bangkok service from the end of the year while Thai Airways is on the up with over 600% more daily passengers and plans to operate charter flights from the United Kingdom at the end of the year to pick up the demand among foreign tourists there. by James Morris and Son Nguyen As the government put off indefinitely its foreign tourism levy, this week, one of the country’s most successful conglomerates, Minor International (MINT) announced the addition of 60 new hotels and 10,000 rooms to its portfolio. This is positive news as a mild recovery is underway in foreign tourism with a key focus now on the improvement of flight connectivity amid fears that it may be as late as 2026 before the industry sees a return to normality with top executives in Thailand hoping that this will happen two years earlier by the end of 2024. British Airways has announced that it is not renewing its London to Bangkok service later this year nor is there any guarantee the UK airline will resume the service in March 2023 as it focuses its resources on the more profitable London to Singapore route. This announcement during the week comes with reports that Thai Airways which has increased its daily passenger rate by over 600% since the beginning of the year is planning to operate a charter flight service with UK travel agents to cater for an inherent demand in the United Kingdom with people interested in holidaying in Thailand. The news comes as airport officials and tourist chiefs in the kingdom held urgent meetings this week to see if flight connectivity to the kingdom can be improved with fears that it will be 2026 before the country’s vital foreign tourism sector returns to normal. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/07/27/british-airways-snubs-bangkok-for-singapore/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-07-28 - 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!

Ministry Moves To State That Only Marijuana Inflorescence Is A Controlled Herb by TNR Staff Marijuana plant. Photos: NNT THE Public Health Ministry is rushing to improve its ministerial announcement decriminalising marijuana to specify that only the inflorescence is controlled with a conclusion expected to be reached next week, Sanook.com said yesterday evening (July 27). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267240-ministry-moves-to-state-that-only-marijuana-inflorescence-is-a-controlled-herb/

Marijuana plant. Photos: NNT by TNR Staff THE Public Health Ministry is rushing to improve its ministerial announcement decriminalising marijuana to specify that only the inflorescence is controlled with a conclusion expected to be reached next week, Sanook.com said yesterday evening (July 27). Dr. Narong Saiwong, the deputy permanent secretary, and Dr. Yongyot Thammawut, the head of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said this review is taking place after the ministry recalled a letter sent to the police asking for their cooperation in prosecuting those who do not have permission to research, export, sell and process controlled herbs for trade. This is to protect people under 20 years of age, pregnant and lactating women. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/07/27/ministry-moves-to-state-that-only-marijuana-inflorescence-is-a-controlled-herb/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-07-28 - 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!

Thai, Foreign Investors Eager To Buy Hotels In Bangkok, Major Tourist Cities by TNR Staff Kata Beach, Phuket. Photo: Mst7022 (CC BY 2.0) AS a result of tourism having improved in the first half of this year both Thai and foreign investors are now keen on buying hotels in Bangkok and four key tourist cities, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya and Chiang Mai, with several deals having already been concluded, Matichon newspaper yesterday (July 27). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267239-thai-foreign-investors-eager-to-buy-hotels-in-bangkok-major-tourist-cities/

Kata Beach, Phuket. Photo: Mst7022 (CC BY 2.0) by TNR Staff AS a result of tourism having improved in the first half of this year both Thai and foreign investors are now keen on buying hotels in Bangkok and four key tourist cities, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya and Chiang Mai, with several deals having already been concluded, Matichon newspaper yesterday (July 27). Mr. Phattarachai Thaweewong, research director at Colliers International Thailand, said while Chinese investors are interested in buying hotels in Phuket and Chiang Mai, those from the US, Singapore and Japan want to snap up the ones located in Bangkok. The key issue is reasonable price and attractive location as over 10 million domestic and foreign tourists are expected to travel within the country this year. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/07/27/thai-foreign-investors-eager-to-buy-hotels-in-bangkok-major-tourist-cities/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-07-28 - 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!

Thailand sees hopes of achieving 7-10 million tourists arrivals in 2022 after it breaks 3 million in July By Pitchayapa Phiwpong Thailand’s tourism sector is witnessing a rebound with the latest data suggesting that the country has witnessed more than 3 million tourists arriving up until July 23rd with the government putting up its hopes of being able to attract up to 10 million tourists for the remainder of the year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267238-thailand-sees-hopes-of-achieving-7-10-million-tourists-arrivals-in-2022-after-it-breaks-3-million-in-july/

By Pitchayapa Phiwpong Thailand’s tourism sector is witnessing a rebound with the latest data suggesting that the country has witnessed more than 3 million tourists arriving up until July 23rd with the government putting up its hopes of being able to attract up to 10 million tourists for the remainder of the year. Thailand, which has seen its tourism market shatter with the lockdowns and the various travel restrictions that were put in place after the outbreak of the Covid-19 in 2020 and 2021, relies heavily on tourism to keep its economy going and tourism accounts for nearly 15% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The data released by the Thai government showed that the highest number of tourists arriving were from the United States of America with 366,568 tourists, followed by India with 313,053 tourists, and 3rd was Singapore with 171,034 tourists. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/42166/thailand-sees-hopes-of-achieving-7-10-million-tourists-arrivals-in-2022-after-it-breaks-3-million-in-july/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-07-28 - 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!

What was the most popular Thai News item in July? by Michael Bridge file photo for reference only Everyday our AseanNow.com’s news team publishes dozens of local, Asean and International news stories to keep our many followers up to date. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267236-what-was-the-most-popular-thai-news-item-in-july/

file photo for reference only by Michael Bridge What was the most popular Thai News item in July? Everyday our AseanNow.com’s news team publishes dozens of local, Asean and International news stories to keep our many followers up to date. To find out what news item was causing the most views and reactions we looked back to July 1st, 2022. Below are the top five articles published on ASEAN NOW in July, and it was very revealing as to what you - our reader - is most keen to read. Each article heading below is hyperlinked so you can read the original story. 5. Select foreigners can own 0.16 hectares (1 rai) for residential use in Thailand from September. It attracted 9,000 views and 160 replies. 4. Leading Thai doctors calling for mask mandate to be reinstated. 9,200 views and over 356 replies. 3. Thailand wants to lose its reputation for being ‘cheap’ and aims to become a premium travel destination. 9,700 views and 270 replies were generated. 2. Tourism ministry dual pricing proposal for hotel rates. 12,900 views and 349 replies. 1. Tim 'Sharky' Ward looks almost unrecognizable as he is spotted back in Australia after leaving his life in Thailand. 14,500 views and 188 replies. Sharky got the most views during July which was surprising as many do not even know he was. But it does show we are interested in people, fellow expats. That said the highest number of replies which got you all writing in was about wearing masks with a whopping 356 replies. We will keep posting a cross-section of news items and welcome your responses as long as they are clean and relevant to the topic. We thank you for your support and input. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-28 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 28 July 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1267235-thailand-live-thursday-28-july-2022/

DMS: BA.4 & BA.5 Omicron subvariants produce more severe symptoms than BA.2 BANGKOK (NNT) - Covid patients infected by the BA.5 Omicron subvariant are now found in greater numbers than those with the BA.4 subvariant. Both strains have been found to produce symptoms more severe than those caused by the BA.2 strain. Nonetheless, health authorities are asserting that booster shots of the vaccine help to prevent severe symptoms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267194-dms-ba4-ba5-omicron-subvariants-produce-more-severe-symptoms-than-ba2/

House panel allows same-sex foreign couples to register civil partnership in Thailand The House committee vetting the Civil Partnership Bill decided today (Wednesday) to amend the bill to make it possible for same-sex couples who are both foreigners to register their partnership in Thailand, instead of one of them having to be a Thai national. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267192-house-panel-allows-same-sex-foreign-couples-to-register-civil-partnership-in-thailand/

The Ministry of Public Health has issued an urgent letter to the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police to conduct immediate legal prosecutions against cannabis researchers, sellers, exporters, and processors who are not holding legal licenses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267197-royal-thai-police-to-conduct-prosecutions-against-illegal-cannabis-sales/

Suitable private labs will be allowed to test for monkeypox, no new case yet Private laboratories in Thailand will be allowed to test specimens of suspected monkeypox infection, in addition to facilities at major hospitals and the Department of Medical Sciences, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said today (Wednesday), as the government confirms that no new infections have been identified in the country, following the first case in a Nigerian man in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267172-suitable-private-labs-will-be-allowed-to-test-for-monkeypox-no-new-case-yet/

Private laboratories in Thailand will be allowed to test specimens of suspected monkeypox infection, in addition to facilities at major hospitals and the Department of Medical Sciences, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said today (Wednesday), as the government confirms that no new infections have been identified in the country, following the first case in a Nigerian man in Phuket. Sathit said that safety measures will be increased at private labs, up to level two plus, before they will be allowed to test for monkeypox virus, because the testing process is more complicated and standard labs are not suitably equipped. He also said he expects to sign a draft announcement from the Department of Medical Sciences to upgrade the status of private labs this afternoon. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/suitable-private-labs-will-be-allowed-to-test-for-monkeypox-no-new-case-yet/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-27 - 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!

Whitewater Rafting Season Starts in Phitsanulok PHITSANULOK, July 27 (TNA) – The famous whitewater rafting season of Phitsanulok has started in the Khek river. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267168-whitewater-rafting-season-starts-in-phitsanulok/

PHITSANULOK, July 27 (TNA) – The famous whitewater rafting season of Phitsanulok has started in the Khek river. The activity is suitable for tourists of all genders and ages. The Khek River offers from Level 1 to Level 5 of rafting difficulty and thus welcomes everyone from rookies to experienced adventurers. There are 17 sections of rapids on a distance of about eight kilometers and a rafting session takes about 2-3 hours. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-986673 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-07-27 - 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!

2 Thai beaches make top 20 list of most beautiful beaches in the world by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Two of Thailand’s beaches have made it onto a recent top 20 list of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In response, the prime minister has told tourism-related agencies to continue making preparations for the arrival of foreign tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267167-2-thai-beaches-make-top-20-list-of-most-beautiful-beaches-in-the-world/

by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Two of Thailand’s beaches have made it onto a recent top 20 list of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In response, the prime minister has told tourism-related agencies to continue making preparations for the arrival of foreign tourists. The United Kingdom’s Daily Star newspaper has reported on a recent ranking of “world’s 20 most beautiful beaches”. The ranking was created from an analysis of Instagram posts and the number of Google articles that contained the word ‘beautiful’ for each beach. Venice Beach, California topped the ranking while Thailand’s Sunrise Beach in Satun and Maya Bay in Krabi also made the cut. Sunrise Beach was placed 6th and Maya Bay 12th. Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha said the ranking reflects Thailand’s popularity amongst global tourists. He, therefore, reiterated to tourism-related agencies to make preparations to receive foreign tourists under the 2022 plan for driving the tourism sector. 2022 is a year for Thai tourism promotion and the government is currently implementing the Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters campaign. New aspects of the tourism experience are the focus of the campaign. ‘Amazing New Chapters’ seeks to add significance to each trip made by tourists who were denied travel opportunities due to the Covid pandemic. Gen. Prayut also expressed support for multi-sectoral collaborations on tourism for the purpose of attracting more tourists and expanding cooperation to involve other nations. He cited the Northeast India Festival in Bangkok at the end of this month as an example. This event will be held at Central World on July 30 and 31. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-27 - 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!

Finance Min retains 2022 GDP growth projection at 3.5% by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The recovery of the tourism sector is expected to continue, with state agencies now expecting an international arrival figure of about 8 million this year. This has compelled the Ministry of Finance to retain its GDP growth forecast of 3.5% for 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267166-finance-min-retains-2022-gdp-growth-projection-at-35/

by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The recovery of the tourism sector is expected to continue, with state agencies now expecting an international arrival figure of about 8 million this year. This has compelled the Ministry of Finance to retain its GDP growth forecast of 3.5% for 2022. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) indicates that rising farmers’ income will support a recovery in consumption. FPO Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja said this will be a positive factor on top of the tourism sector’s continual recovery. Private sector consumption is expected to grow by 4.8% and private sector investment by 5.7%. The value of exports is predicted to expand by 7.7%. Inflation is expected to grow to 6.5% due to heightened energy prices. Mr. Pornchai said that owing to these factors, the Ministry of Finance is keeping its GDP growth projection for 2022 at 3.5%. He said one risk factor that may impact the Thai economy going forward is the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its effects on energy and commodity prices. Another is the volatility in the global financial market resulting from many central banks’ tightening of their monetary policy. This is especially true with the US Federal Reserve’s policy rate hike to suppress inflation. Uncertainties presented by the COVID-19 situation could also cause slowdowns in the economies of Thailand’s trading partners. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-27 - 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!

7.1-magnitude earthquake hits northern Philippines: USGS Residents evacuate their building after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, some 300 kilometers away, was felt in Manila on July 27, 2022. / AFP A 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the northern Philippines Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, shattering windows of buildings at the epicentre and shaking high-rise towers more than 300 kilometres (185 miles) away in the capital Manila. The shallow but powerful quake struck the mountainous and lightly populated province of Abra on the main island of Luzon at 8:43 am (0043 GMT), the USGS said, after initially measuring the quake at 6.8 magnitude. Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage than deeper ones. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/7-1-magnitude-earthquake-hits-northern-philippines-usgs/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-27

Latest food drama: TikTok lady gets a surprise for her dinner Daily News Thai Caption: Thought it was a full load For years and years half of the posts on Facebook and other social media have been pictures of people's lunches and dinners. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1267162-latest-food-drama-tiktok-lady-gets-a-surprise-for-her-dinner/

Daily News Thai Caption: Thought it was a full load For years and years half of the posts on Facebook and other social media have been pictures of people's lunches and dinners. Usually good ones. Now Thais are posting in droves about when they are shortchanged or annoyed by what they are delivered. And Thai media are scrambling to 'report' these dramas every day to a nation obsessed by their food. The latest is from a TikTok video under the name of 'khaidaw13' after a woman ordered "Phat Phrik" with prawns and rice, reported Daily News. When the meal arrived the lady thought it was great - all that rice and topping. But on closer inspection the topping was miniscule and underneath it was more rice. It was a bit like cheap packaging put in some food items to make it look like you're getting more than you actually are. The lady said: "Thanks for impressing me....but not in the way you think 5555". In comments the poster said that it tasted nice, but there wasn't much of it. Stay tuned for the latest food drama on ASEAN NOW..... -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-07-27 - 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