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PM seeks Public Cooperation To Address Road Safety By Editor The government has set an ambitious goal of slashing road fatalities by almost two-thirds within five years although it admits the effort could be hampered by a lack of public cooperation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260765-pm-seeks-public-cooperation-to-adress-road-safety/

By Editor The government has set an ambitious goal of slashing road fatalities by almost two-thirds within five years although it admits the effort could be hampered by a lack of public cooperation. The goal was confirmed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at an academic seminar in Bangkok titled “New Decade, New Normal, Safe Driving Is Priority” which he presided over yesterday (May 25). At the forum, 49 awards were meted out to individuals and organisations with outstanding roles in promoting road safety. Prayut said the event set the stage for different views to be exchanged on how traffic accidents could be reduced. Road safety has been prioritised in the 20-year national strategy. The goal is to cut fatalities from traffic accidents to 12 persons per 100,000 population by 2027 and achieve the Vision Zero target by 2050. Thailand has the ninth-highest rate of road fatalities in the world with 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Fifty-nine people aged 15-19 are injured from riding motorcycles daily on average. Deaths from speeding have risen by 4% in recent times while fatalities connected to drink driving during holidays are also up. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Prayut said meeting the Vision Zero target by 2050 would be difficult but attainable provided everyone plays their part. “Of course, I know the problem and how to solve it. But it won’t work 100% because of a lack of public cooperation,” he added. Organisations responsible for road safety in Bangkok and other provinces play a key role in reducing risk factors leading to road accidents, Prayut noted. The enforcement of laws related to public transport, private car usage, and maintaining the quality of roads and transport infrastructure are all crucial factors in contributing to traffic safety, he said. The prime minister said a driver database, safety-enhancement technology and other innovations will also help scale down the number of traffic accidents. He said a concrete plan must be drawn up to make roads safer. Most accidents in Thailand involve motorcycles with riders often neglecting to wear helmets or driving while under the influence of alcohol. “I ordered that the law must be strictly enforced against traffic offenders. But I would have liked to seek people’s cooperation first,” Gen Prayut said. “I can’t criticise people but I can remind them [of the need to prevent road accidents].” Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/05/pm-seeks-public-cooperation-to-adress-road-safety/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-05-26 - 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.

Amazing Thailand: Fake gold shop in Rayong Daily News Thai Caption: Helping poor people's dreams come true! Daily News went to investigate in Tha Pradu sub-district of Rayong in central/eastern Thailand where a woman who used to sell real gold has set up one selling good quality fakes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260762-amazing-thailand-fake-gold-shop-in-rayong/

Daily News Thai Caption: Helping poor people's dreams come true! Daily News went to investigate in Tha Pradu sub-district of Rayong in central/eastern Thailand where a woman who used to sell real gold has set up one selling good quality fakes. The media suggested that this could make dreams come true for poor people who couldn't afford the real thing. Reporters found that the Petch Thong Sethee shop looks like any real gold shop. But you need to look closely at the sign that says all the goods are fake, they won't peel, wont go black and you can't pawn here. It's the idea of 65 year old Raweewan who sells necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and amulet cases. They're all fake, with prices starting from 100 baht. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Daily News (The cheapest one saleung of real gold jewelry in Thailand would cost about 7,500 baht, notes ASEAN NOW). Raweewan said she sold real gold for dozens of years but these days she could do without all the hassle of having to open every day. And she doesn't even have to worry about robbery! Now she can enjoy life and take trips especially as her kids have all finished college. She said that her goods were all good quality and wouldn't tarnish or peel. A frequent customer said that she loved buying "gold" there. It gave poor people like her a chance to wear something nice that was also good quality. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-26 - 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. 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

Relaxation of mask requirement may start in provinces with improved COVID status Some provinces in the “Green” and “Blue” zones, where the COVID-19 situation has improved satisfactorily, should be the pilot areas for the relaxation of the requirement to wear face masks in public, according to the Department of Disease Control. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260761-relaxation-of-mask-requirement-may-start-in-provinces-with-improved-covid-status/

Some provinces in the “Green” and “Blue” zones, where the COVID-19 situation has improved satisfactorily, should be the pilot areas for the relaxation of the requirement to wear face masks in public, according to the Department of Disease Control. Other factors should also be taken into account before the relaxation comes into effect, tentatively in the middle of June, said department specialist Dr. Taweesap Siraprapasiri. Chief of the Epidemiology Division of the Department of Disease Control Dr. Chakkarat Pittayawonganon, meanwhile, suggested that easing of the face mask requirement should start in selected provinces or areas such as outdoor spaces. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/relaxation-of-mask-requirement-may-start-in-provinces-with-improved-covid-status/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-26 - 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.

Lightning strikes twice? 12 injured as company bus veers off road in Lopburi - "lap nai" suggested Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported that Pol Capt Wiraphan Cheunchom of the Muang Lopburi police in central Thailand and Poh Teck Tung rescue services attended an accident on Pahonyothin Road near the temple of Wat Thung Singto. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260760-lightning-strikes-twice-12-injured-as-company-bus-veers-off-road-in-lopburi-lap-nai-suggested/

Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported that Pol Capt Wiraphan Cheunchom of the Muang Lopburi police in central Thailand and Poh Teck Tung rescue services attended an accident on Pahonyothin Road near the temple of Wat Thung Singto. A bus delivering dozens of workers of the Minibea company careered off the road injuring 12. The bus hit a lamppost then an earth bank. The injured were ferried to two local hospitals. Picture: 77kaoded Slightly injured staff said that many people were sleeping at the time and were awoken by the terrible impact. They also suggested that the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel - a familiar event in Thailand called "lap nai". Picture: 77kaoded ASEAN NOW notes that the accident involved possibly the same company as one earlier in the week when a bus hit by a large truck overturned. That was Minibea Bang Pa-In. This one was Minibea Lopburi. 77kaoded did not make the connection if there was one. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-26 - 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. 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 aa.mp4

Video: Students hurl explosive devices, fire guns in school violence caught on tape 77kaoded Thai Caption: Fighting in the street 77kaoded published a video that showed continuing violence between school students in Phrapradaeng, Samut Prakan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260758-video-students-hurl-explosive-devices-fire-guns-in-school-violence-caught-on-tape/

77kaoded Thai Caption: Fighting in the street 77kaoded published a video that showed continuing violence between school students in Phrapradaeng, Samut Prakan. The media said that youths hurled explosive devices and fired guns at rival groups outside the temple of Wat Phaya Prap Pajjamit. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Members of the public were forced to flee for their lives, they said. Police are studying CCTV to try and find the culprits that were caught on various cameras in a video published on YouTube. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-26 - 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. 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: 77kaoded Picture: 77kaoded

Anyone for a "round of golf"? These kids are sure to clean up! Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported from Nam Sut Wilai Prachasan school in Lopburi where the children set off before the flag ceremony each morning and at lunchtime with golf bags. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260757-anyone-for-a-round-of-golf-these-kids-are-sure-to-clean-up/

Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported from Nam Sut Wilai Prachasan school in Lopburi where the children set off before the flag ceremony each morning and at lunchtime with golf bags. But the nice bags don't contain putters and drivers and irons - they are full of spades, brooms, hoes, rakes and other tools. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: 77kaoded The children at the 303 pupil school (kindergarten to M3) are being encourage to keep their school clean and tidy every day. Teachers managed to acquire the bags that were not being used at a military course and are now being put to good use. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-26 - 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. 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: 77kaoded Picture: 77kaoded

Tak Bai Marine Police Attacked, 3 Injured NARATHIWAT, May 26 (TNA) – Heavily armed criminals attacked marine police stations in Tak Bai district of the far southern province last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260756-tak-bai-marine-police-attacked-3-injured/

NARATHIWAT, May 26 (TNA) – Heavily armed criminals attacked marine police stations in Tak Bai district of the far southern province last night. Three officials were injured amid deafening explosions and gunshots. Six men with pipe bombs and warfare guns launched the attack at the Bata marine police station and the Tak Bai marine police base at 9.20pm on May 25. Both sides fiercely exchanged gunfire at the Ratchada pier and an old customs checkpoint. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-949022 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-05-26 - 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.

Prayuth latest: Tells Thais to be economical with fuel usage - only use your cars if you have to Sanook Thai Caption: Only use vehicles when necessary Sanook reported on the latest pronouncements of Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha via his spokesman Thanakorn Wangbunkhongchana. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260755-prayuth-latest-tells-thais-to-be-economical-with-fuel-usage-only-use-your-cars-if-you-have-to/

Sanook Thai Caption: Only use vehicles when necessary Sanook reported on the latest pronouncements of Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha via his spokesman Thanakorn Wangbunkhongchana. The figures announced for costs of various fuel made Thailand look as though they had the cheapest fuel in SE Asia but ASEAN NOW checked the prices in Malaysia and found a very different story. He said that the PM was following the energy situation as people started using their private vehicles more now that schools have reopened. Diesel was now priced at 31.94 a liter until May 29th. Then the price would be reviewed by the Fuel Fund Management Committee. The latest increase was 2 baht on May 1st. World diesel prices were between 130-138 US dollars a barrel. 76.2 billion baht has been used from a fuel fund to keep the price lower, a figure expected to surpass 80 billion next week. This amounts to giving the public a saving of 5.73 baht per liter. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe On May 23rd a liter of premium fuel cost 81.11 baht a liter in Singapore, 61.68 baht in Laos, 48.42 baht in the Philippines, 47.90 baht in Cambodia, 44.58 and 42.95 in Thailand. Diesel prices were 75.62 baht in Singapore, 48.32 in the Philippines, 47.13 in Laos, 46.63 in Cambodia, 43.89 in Indonesia, 42.16 in Myanmar, 39.63 in Vietnam and 31.94 in Thailand, according to the spokesman. The spokesman outlined the reasons for these variations. These included different tax structures and price support measures. In Thailand gasohol was cheaper than premium fuel. The lockdown situation in China was thought to see the price of fuel rise further in the coming days. Thanakorn said that the Thai PM was keen to keep prices as low as possible for consumers to help with economic hardship. He wanted his compatriots to economise on fuel as much as they could by using private vehicles only for essential journeys because the price was rising daily due to the current situation in the world. ASEAN NOW notes that it was telling that the fuel prices in SE Asia as per the Thai government made it appear that Thailand was offering the cheapest fuel. This is not the case according to online information. Across the border in Mayalsia RON 97 (super unleaded) is 4.7 Ringgit this week until June 1st. That's 36.6 baht a liter. RON 95 (premium unleaded) is only 2.05 ringgit or 15.99 baht per liter. And diesel in Thailand's southern neighbor is 2.15 ringgit or 16.77 baht a liter. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-26 - 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. 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

Are Agricultural Crops On Unused Land Just A Tax Dodge? By Editor A Facebook post by a popular Bangkok property developer, apparently aimed at boosting its “green image”, appears to have backfired when it drew ridicule from many social networkers who commented in other words the company was allegedly trying to avoid paying land tax. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260753-are-agricultural-crops-on-unused-land-just-a-tax-dodge/

By Editor A Facebook post by a popular Bangkok property developer, apparently aimed at boosting its “green image”, appears to have backfired when it drew ridicule from many social networkers who commented in other words the company was allegedly trying to avoid paying land tax. Taking into account the lowest rate of the median land price of THB30,000 per square wah, the 50-rai plot in question should be valued at a minimum THB600 million. The tax for unused land is 0.3 per cent per year of the land value, so tax for this kind of plot should amount to around THB1.8 million. But agricultural land is taxed at only 0.01 per cent per year, so tax on the plot would be THB60,000. The government had announced that it would collect land tax on unused land in full without reduction this year. Bananas are one of nine crops allowed to be cited as a plantation eligible for the agricultural land tax rate. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The appearance of agricultural crops on unused land around the country is not unusual, posing the question; is this just a tax avoidance measure? Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/05/are-agricultural-crops-on-unused-land-just-a-tax-dodge/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-05-26 - 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.

'No need for preachers,' Chinese leader Xi Jinping tells UN human rights chief By Nectar Gan and CNN's Beijing bureau UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 3, 2021. (CNN)Chinese President Xi Jinping defended his country's human rights record on Wednesday, telling a visiting UN official there is "no need for 'preachers' to boss around other countries." Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260751-no-need-for-preachers-chinese-leader-xi-jinping-tells-un-human-rights-chief/

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 3, 2021. By Nectar Gan and CNN's Beijing bureau (CNN)Chinese President Xi Jinping defended his country's human rights record on Wednesday, telling a visiting UN official there is "no need for 'preachers' to boss around other countries." Xi's remarks, made in a video call with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, are likely to add to the controversy surrounding a trip that critics say risks becoming a propaganda tool for Beijing. Bachelet, who arrived in China on Monday for a six-day tour, is expected to visit the far-western region of Xinjiang, where the Chinese government faces accusations of mass internment, forced assimilation, forced labor and forced sterilization against Uyghur and other mostly Muslim minorities. Full story: https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/25/china/china-xi-jinping-michelle-bachelet-intl-hnk/index.html -- © Copyright CNN 2022-05-26

Opinion: Thanakorn is wrong in his criticism of opposition parties By Erich Parpart The government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Wednesday that the main opposition, the Pheu Thai Party, should concentrate on passing the 2023 fiscal budget debate in parliament more than playing political games. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260748-opinion-thanakorn-is-wrong-in-his-criticism-of-opposition-parties/

By Erich Parpart The government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Wednesday that the main opposition, the Pheu Thai Party, should concentrate on passing the 2023 fiscal budget debate in parliament more than playing political games. His comments came after Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew said that if the fiscal budget was not approved by the parliament, the government must show responsibility by resigning or dissolving the parliament. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe What Thanakorn said does not make sense. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/40426/opinion-thanakorn-is-wrong-in-his-criticism-of-opposition-parties/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-05-26 - 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.

Teen "madam" and customer arrested at curtain hotel in Kanchanaburi - 14 and 15 year old girls report "sadistic" sex Thai Rath reported on the activities of Region 5 of the Anti Human Trafficking Police at a curtain (short time sex) hotel in Pak Phraek, Muang Kanchanaburi in western Thailand yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260747-teen-madam-and-customer-arrested-at-curtain-hotel-in-kanchanaburi-14-and-15-year-old-girls-report-sadistic-sex/

Thai Rath reported on the activities of Region 5 of the Anti Human Trafficking Police at a curtain (short time sex) hotel in Pak Phraek, Muang Kanchanaburi in western Thailand yesterday. The police had heard about the activities of a teen aged just 16 acting as a madam offering other young girls for sex. The police waited in a rented room. Soon Chairat, 27, arrived in a pick-up and he rented a room. Then a girl referred to as "Mew", 16, (an assumed name) arrived with a 15 year old girl named as "A". Money changed hands and the police moved in charging the customer Chairat with sexual offences against children between 15 and not yet 18 and human trafficking charges against Mew. Mew said that she had supplied "A" to the customer for 1,300 baht keeping 500 for her fee and giving the girl 800. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe They were taken away to Region 5 HQ for questioning after both admitting their guilt. In addition a 14 year old girl was found at the hotel who also said she had been offered for sex. Both young girls said they had been doing this for 800 baht a time over the last month. They said they they had been forced to take many kinds of drugs which knocked them out. Videos were made and sex was forced on them. They were handed over to social services. Thai Rath used the term "sadist" in their report alleging that the girls were videoed for blackmail purposes. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-26 - 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. 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