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Female driver killed in road accident after her truck falls into a pond in the Kathu district By Nop Meechukhun Kathu, Phuket – A female driver was found dead after her truck fell into a pond in the Kathu district, Phuket, this morning, May 29th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261114-female-driver-killed-in-road-accident-after-her-truck-falls-into-a-pond-in-the-kathu-district/

By Nop Meechukhun Kathu, Phuket – A female driver was found dead after her truck fell into a pond in the Kathu district, Phuket, this morning, May 29th. Officials from the Kathu Police Station and rescue volunteers arrived at the scene on Phra Phu Ket Kaew Road around 6:20 AM. on Sunday after being notified of the car accident. Upon arrival, a blue pickup truck was found sinking in the pond and the driver was reportedly found stuck inside the vehicle. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A rescue crane was deployed to lift the sinking pickup truck from the water. The body of a 53-year-old Thai national, who was later identified as Chanpen Sombat, was found in the driver’s seat. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/29/female-driver-killed-in-road-accident-after-her-truck-falls-into-a-pond-in-the-kathu-district/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-30 - 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.

June and July set to see fireworks in Thai politics with Thamanat poised to lead Setthakij Thai Party by Joseph O' Connor It is widely expected that Captain Thamanat Prompow wil assume the leadership of the Setthakit Thai Party (Thai Economic Party) when it meets on June 7th to elect a new leadership following this week’s heave within the party which jettisoned General Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya as the leader. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261113-june-and-july-set-to-see-fireworks-in-thai-politics-with-thamanat-poised-to-lead-setthakij-thai-party/

It is widely expected that Captain Thamanat Prompow wil assume the leadership of the Setthakit Thai Party (Thai Economic Party) when it meets on June 7th to elect a new leadership following this week’s heave within the party which jettisoned General Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya as the leader. The party is then expected to be at the centre of a move that could see 40 votes cross the aisle in the House of Representatives to the opposition to defeat the government of Prayut Chan ocha (inset left) in a censure motion expected in June or July in what will be a busy time for the Thai parliament. by Joseph O' Connor Reports suggest that Captain Thamanat Prompow has had talks with the Pheu Thai Party and even with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. It is suggested he is thinking beyond the current government which looks weakened from last weekend’s resounding election victory in Bangkok for the Pheu Thai Party, Move Forward Party and former Minister of Transport in the Yingluck Shinawatra government until 2014, Chadchart Sittipunt. The prospects of the government being defeated in a censure motion in June and July strengthened this week as former cabinet minister Thamanat Prompow looks set to take over the leadership of the Setthakij Thai Party (Thai Economic Party) after a coup saw the party’s leadership resign en masse. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The move by Captain Thamanat, who is expected to take over as leader of the party on June 7th next and who is seen as an enemy of General Prayut, has set the stage for what already looks like a tumultuous few months ahead which will decide the political future of the country. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/05/29/fireworks-as-thamanat-poised-to-topple-pm/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-05-30 - 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.

Foreign tourist found seriously injured while trying to park a motorbike in Pattaya By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand - A man that Pattaya police identified as a foreign tourist was found seriously injured by nearby pedestrians while attempting to park a motorbike last night in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261112-foreign-tourist-found-seriously-injured-while-trying-to-park-a-motorbike-in-pattaya/

By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand - A man that Pattaya police identified as a foreign tourist was found seriously injured by nearby pedestrians while attempting to park a motorbike last night in Pattaya. At 12:30 A.M Sawang Boriboon rescue workers and Pattaya police were called to an area by a Tesco Lotus and Chaiyapreuk for a foreign tourist who had suffered a serious head injury and was found after apparently trying to stop or park his motorbike. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It was unclear if the injury had occurred prior to the tourist attempting to stop. The tourist had been given initial assistance by nearby pedestrians. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/29/foreign-tourist-found-seriously-injured-while-trying-to-park-a-motorbike-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-30 - 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.

Indian tourist says he was physically assaulted by a group of security guards at a Walking Street disco in Pattaya By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand - A 31-year-old Indian tourist reported to Pattaya police early this morning that he was allegedly physical assaulted by a group of security guards at a popular Walking Street disco. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261111-indian-tourist-says-he-was-physically-assaulted-by-a-group-of-security-guards-at-a-walking-street-disco-in-pattaya/

By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand - A 31-year-old Indian tourist reported to Pattaya police early this morning that he was allegedly physical assaulted by a group of security guards at a popular Walking Street disco. The incident took place around 3:30 A.M. when, according to the tourist’s statement, he was driving down Soi 16, next to Walking Street in his rental vehicle. The name of the tourist was withheld by Pattaya law enforcement. According to the tourist, he almost collided his vehicle with a group of security guards standing in front of a disco on Soi 16, whose name was also withheld pending an active investigation. It was unclear, according to Pattaya police, on who was at fault for this initial minor traffic issue. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, according to the tourist’s statement, a verbal argument began between the tourist and guards over who was at fault for the near collision which escalated into a physical assault, with the tourist claiming he was beaten bloody on his body (but not his face) and then managed to escape. The tourist said at this point he gathered a large group of friends to return to the disco to speak with the manager or owner but was refused by security to speak to anyone. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/29/indian-tourist-says-he-was-physically-assaulted-by-a-group-of-security-guards-at-a-walking-street-disco-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-30 - 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.

Thai Covid-19 Center to scrap daily reports of infections found via ATK self-administration, starting June 1st By Nop Meechukhun National – The Thai Ministry of Public Health is preparing to readjust the number of Covid-19 daily infections by removing the patients found via ATK self-administration, starting June 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261109-thai-covid-19-center-to-scrap-daily-reports-of-infections-found-via-atk-self-administration-starting-june-1st/

By Nop Meechukhun National – The Thai Ministry of Public Health is preparing to readjust the number of Covid-19 daily infections by removing the patients found via ATK self-administration, starting June 1st. Dr. Sumani Watcharasin, an assistant to the deputy spokesman of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), stated during an interview regarding the dashboard system of the Department of Disease Control in which the number of ATK tested patients was not reported yesterday, May 28th, that more than 50 percent of recent cases are asymptomatic, so from now on the report is starting to focus on those who have symptoms and are being treated at hospitals. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/29/thai-covid-19-center-to-scrap-daily-reports-of-infections-found-via-atk-self-administration-starting-june-1st/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-30 - 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.

Government Agencies Sign Agreement to Promote Cannabis and Hemp Usage by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - An agreement has been signed by the Ministry of Public Health and seven other agencies to suaport and promote the appropriate use of cannabis and hemp. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the signing of the agreement to prioritize using cannabis and hemp for health and economic purposes, and not for illegal or inappropriate use. In addition to the health ministry, the agreement was signed by representatives from other agencies, namely the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Mass Communication Organization of Thailand, The Medical Council of Thailand, and Thai Traditional Medical Council. The Royal Thai Police, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and the Food and Drug Administration also signed as witnesses for the agreement. According to Anutin, the agreement aims to ensure that use of the plants is prioritized for medicinal and economic purposes, encourage product diversity, and increase market value. He also emphasized the importance of publicizing the goal of removing these plants from the Type 5 Narcotics List in order to prevent public misuse. Both plants will be removed from the Type 5 Narcotics List on June 9, 2022. However, any product containing more than 0.2% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extract is still classified as a category 5 substance and is subject to narcotics control and suppression laws. Anyone who wishes to grow cannabis and hemp must register through the Food and Drug Administration’s "Puk Kan" mobile application, while those who intend to cultivate them for commercial purposes must notify the authorities before starting their business. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-28 - 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.

Public Encouraged to Continue Wearing Masks by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The general public is being reminded to continue wearing face masks amid the lifting of other disease control measures that had been in place. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261108-public-encouraged-to-continue-wearing-masks/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The general public is being reminded to continue wearing face masks amid the lifting of other disease control measures that had been in place. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha asked everyone to continue wearing face coverings, especially when engaging in public activities or at large gatherings. His remarks came during his visit to Japan to attend the Nikkei Forum. The premier asked schools to continue looking after the welfare of their students, following reports of a slight increase of new cases one week after the start of the new school semester. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe New clusters have mainly been linked to boarding schools, where infected students are currently being isolated and treated without the entire school needing to suspend activities. Gen Prayut also asked schools to remind students of prevention measures against COVID-19, as he called for cooperation from all sides to ensure health and safety at schools. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-28 - 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.

Phuket to Host World’s Best Rice Award Ceremony in November by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - U.S.-based magazine The Rice Trader will host an award ceremony for the World’s Best Rice Award in Phuket this year, with the Ministry of Commerce expecting the event to boost the global popularity of Thai grains. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261107-phuket-to-host-world’s-best-rice-award-ceremony-in-november/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - U.S.-based magazine The Rice Trader will host an award ceremony for the World’s Best Rice Award in Phuket this year, with the Ministry of Commerce expecting the event to boost the global popularity of Thai grains. The World’s Best Rice Award will take place from November 15-17. It was announced by The Rice Trader CEO Jeremy Zwinger in his meeting with Thai Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit. The magazine has been giving out such awards for 13 consecutive years, with Thailand’s Hom Mali rice winning the top prize for the last two years. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This award ceremony will be the biggest event to ever be held by a magazine publisher, with no fewer than 1,000 participants. The event is also expected to help boost the popularity of Thai rice and stabilize national prices. Additionally, the event will promote tourism activities in Phuket and neighboring provinces such as Krabi and Phang Nga. The Ministry of Commerce has projected a total of 7-8 million tons of exported rice this year, which is higher than last year’s volume of 6.1 million tons. The country exported 2.29 million tons of rice in the first four months of 2022, marking a 52.67% increase and generating 39.45 billion baht in revenue. Major markets comprise countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-28 - 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.

Health Ministry Debunks Popular Monkeypox Myths by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai health authorities have reassured that there are currently no monkeypox cases in the kingdom, but asked hospitals and healthcare facilities to continuously monitor for possible infections. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261106-health-ministry-debunks-popular-monkeypox-myths/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai health authorities have reassured that there are currently no monkeypox cases in the kingdom, but asked hospitals and healthcare facilities to continuously monitor for possible infections. The Ministry of Public Health recently addressed false claims concerning monkeypox, including misinformation suggesting that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine increases the risk of monkeypox transmission. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) said COVID-19 vaccines do not increase the risk of monkeypox infection, while noting that conventional smallpox vaccines are 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The DDC also denied a report claiming that monkeypox cases were detected in Ko Chang, Trat. These cases were discovered to be simian malaria infections in humans, with mosquitos being the primary vector. The Ministry of Public Health has activated screening protocols for international arrivals to prevent the introduction of monkeypox. Travelers, especially those from at-risk countries, who have a fever at over 38 degrees Celsius along with at least one other symptom - such as sore throat, headache, myalgia, swollen lymph nodes and rashes - will be examined. The ministry has ordered hospitals, skincare clinics and clinics for sexually transmitted diseases to be on high alert for potential monkeypox infections, while also preparing laboratories, medical supplies and disease investigation teams. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-28 - 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.

Updated Thailand Entry Measures Starting Next Month by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently provided details on updated measures for entering Thailand, which will come into effect from June 1. They are as follows: Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261105-updated-thailand-entry-measures-starting-next-month/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently provided details on updated measures for entering Thailand, which will come into effect from June 1. They are as follows: 1. All quarantine measures for inbound travelers will be lifted. 2. Thailand Pass system changes: 2.1 Thai nationals who enter Thailand by air and by land will no longer need to register for the Thailand Pass. 2.2 Foreigners will still need to register on the Thailand Pass system through a more facilitated process. - Fully vaccinated travelers will need to provide (1) a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, (2) a minimum of US$10,000 in travel insurance covering COVID-19 medical expenses, and (3) a copy of a valid passport. - Unvaccinated or not-fully vaccinated travelers must provide (1) COVID-19 test results (RT-PCR or professional ATK) issued within 72 hours prior to travel, (2) a minimum of US$10,000 in travel insurance covering COVID-19 medical expenses, and (3) a copy of a valid passport. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe - After registering for the Thailand Pass, a QR code will be immediately auto-generated for convenience. If travelers cannot provide appropriate COVID-19 test results, they will need to take a professional ATK test at the checkpoint. - Please note that before the updated measures take effect on June 1, 2022, Thais and foreign visitors are still required to register for the Thailand Pass and receive approval to enter Thailand. 3. The Ministry of Interior confirms that all land border checkpoints will be reopened for border-crossings starting June 1. - Foreign travelers must register through the Thailand Pass system. - Thai nationals and people traveling with a border pass do not need to register for the Thailand Pass. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-28 - 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.

Officials investigate oil slicks washed ashore on Bang Saen beach Officials from Thailand’s Marine and Coastal Resources Department were yesterday sent to Bang Saen beach, in the eastern province of Chon Buri, to investigate the source of oil which has washed ashore. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261104-officials-investigate-oil-slicks-washed-ashore-on-bang-saen-beach/

Officials from Thailand’s Marine and Coastal Resources Department were yesterday sent to Bang Saen beach, in the eastern province of Chon Buri, to investigate the source of oil which has washed ashore. The oil was found along two kilometers of the beach, with more slicks seen on the surface of the sea. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Witnesses said they detected a strong smell of oil and found the oil on the beach after the 8am at high tide. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/officials-investigate-oil-slicks-washed-ashore-on-bang-saen-beach/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-30 - 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.

Cannabis warning; smoking joints to remain illegal by Editor Cannabis smoke is a “public nuisance” and smoking it recreationally – at home or in public – is illegal, warns Thailand’s Department of Public Health. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261103-cannabis-warning-smoking-joints-to-remain-illegal/

by Editor Cannabis smoke is a “public nuisance” and smoking it recreationally – at home or in public – is illegal, warns Thailand’s Department of Public Health. From June 9TH, growing cannabis plants at home will become legal, but smoking cannabis recreationally will remain a punishable offence. The only prerequisite to legally growing cannabis at home, from June 9, is downloading and registering via the Plook Ganja mobile application. All parts of cannabis and hemp plants will be delisted as a Grade 5 narcotic from June 9, but consuming or smoking high-grade tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, flowers will still be illegal, in whichever form. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The aim of growing cannabis at home is not to get high, but to use the plant’s leaves or stalks in cooking or tea, for medicinal purposes only. People will also be permitted to make extracts from their homegrown cannabis plants, as long as the THC content is lower than 0.2%. To prevent misuse of cannabis, Director-General of the Department of Public Health Suwanchai Watthanayingcharoenchai suggests that there should be clear rules set out to control cannabis use. Suwanchai fears that with all the fuss surrounding the quasi-legalisation of cannabis in Thailand, people might wrongly assume that they can use cannabis recreationally. Suwanchai said cannabis smoke is annoying and can be harmful to other people’s health, which is why releasing cannabis smoke into the air is illegal. Suwanchai suggests that releasing cannabis smoke should be written into the Public Health Act as a “an act of public nuisance” so that annoyed neighbours can file complaints if they are annoyed by clouds of smelly cannabis smoke. The department will put suggestions forward to the Ministry of Public Health in an upcoming meeting on May 30TH. The proposed penalty for those causing “public nuisance” by cannabis smoke should firstly be warned. Failures to stop, could result in up to one month in jail, a fine of up to 2,000 baht, or both. If you have a question about growing marijuana at home in Thailand, call 025907767 or 025907793 or contact your provincial public health office. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/05/cannabis-warning-smoking-joints-to-remain-illegal/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-05-30 - 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.

New Hua Hin train station will be the first elevated train station in Thailand By Online Reporter The dual track train line, which will herald a new era of rail travel between Bangkok, Hua Hin and the south of Thailand is on track for completion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1261102-new-hua-hin-train-station-will-be-the-first-elevated-train-station-in-thailand/

By Online Reporter The dual track train line, which will herald a new era of rail travel between Bangkok, Hua Hin and the south of Thailand is on track for completion. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) has said the construction of the Southern Line, which will connect Nakhon Pathom with Chumphon over a distance of 421 kilometers, is now 92 percent complete. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In Hua Hin, arguably the most visible part of the project concerns the construction of the new train station which will accommodate the dual track train line. The new train is located next to Hua Hin’s existing and iconic train station and will maintain much of the design elements of the original station, which is set to be transformed into a museum once the new station is open. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/new-hua-hin-train-station-will-be-the-first-elevated-train-station-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-05-30 - 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.