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By Goong Nang(GN) Rawai, Phuket – An arrest warrant has been issued for a 33-year-old man who abducted a 13-year-old girl while she was selling flowers on Rawai Beach, Mueang Phuket District, three months ago. The Chalong Police reported the arrest warrant being issued after the story had gone viral on social media. On February 9th, 2022, the girl’s mother had first filed a report to the Chalong Police. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The mother told police that a man named only as ‘Camp’, 33, abducted her 13-year-old daughter while the girl was selling flowers on Rawai Beach in the Rawai sub-district. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/24/33-year-old-man-who-abducted-a-13-year-old-girl-while-she-was-selling-flowers-on-rawai-beach-being-hunted-by-law-enforcement/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-25 - 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.

35-year-old man injured by a gunshot wound after violent altercation between multiple people in Koh Kaew, Phuket By Goong Nang(GN) Koh Kaew, Mueang Phuket – A 35-year-old man has sustained injuries from a gunshot wound after fighting with a group of other men at a house in the Koh Kaew sub-district in Mueang Phuket district just before midnight May 23rd. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260595-35-year-old-man-injured-by-a-gunshot-wound-after-violent-altercation-between-multiple-people-in-koh-kaew-phuket/

By Goong Nang(GN) Koh Kaew, Mueang Phuket – A 35-year-old man has sustained injuries from a gunshot wound after fighting with a group of other men at a house in the Koh Kaew sub-district in Mueang Phuket district just before midnight May 23rd. The Phuket City Police reports that they were notified of the incident at 11:57 P.M. last night, May 23rd, at a housing estate in Koh Kaew. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Law enforcement arrived at the house to find Ms. Nariya Disthong, 32. She told the police, “There were about 3-5 men who came to my house. They asked to meet a man named ‘Bus’ but I don’t know this man. At that time, my husband was not at home before we started an intense verbal argument.” Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/24/35-year-old-man-injured-by-a-gunshot-wound-after-violent-altercation-between-multiple-people-in-koh-kaew-phuket/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-25 - 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.

Thailand Maintains Tight Border Control Against Illegal Crossing by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - Visitors traveling to Thailand can expect more fluid entry procedures starting 1 June, as the country continues to ease restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260593-thailand-maintains-tight-border-control-against-illegal-crossing/

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - Visitors traveling to Thailand can expect more fluid entry procedures starting 1 June, as the country continues to ease restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic. The Thai government has announced it will continue to maintain stringent measures at land borders to prevent illegal crossing. Starting from 1 June, travelers to Thailand can expect an even more streamlined entry process, with no quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers and those who are able to present a negative PCR test or professional antigen test. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said 58,000 people have been arrested for illegal entry since 1 January, including 1,351 escorts. The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration on 1 May gave a green light to the resumption of land border crossing. Chong Mek Thailand-Laos checkpoint in Ubon Ratchathani is the latest border checkpoint to resume operation. The reopening of borders is expected to help rejuvenate tourism and the economy. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-25 - 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.

Teachers Told to Stop Punishing Students Over Hairstyle Violations by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Education has asserted that teachers have “no right” to cut students’ hair as punishment for breaking hairstyle rules. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260592-teachers-told-to-stop-punishing-students-over-hairstyle-violations/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Education has asserted that teachers have “no right” to cut students’ hair as punishment for breaking hairstyle rules. Education Minister Trinuch Thienthong said during a meeting that no ministerial regulation allows teachers to humiliate students who violate hairstyle regulations by arbitrarily trimming or cutting their hair. According to the minister, certain regulations even allow students pursuing specialized studies, such as dramatic arts and dances, to wear specific hairstyles. Permissible punishments for students range from verbal warnings to demerit points and having them participate in activities to correct misbehavior. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Because there is no provision allowing teachers to take matters into their own hands and cut the student’s hair as a form of punishment, Trinuch said a punitive haircut can be labeled as an overly severe act or even an act of intimidation intended to reform students’ behavior. For decades, the issue of hairstyle violations has been a source of contention between school administrators and parents. The problem has only gotten worse in recent years, as outraged parents have raised concerns with related governing bodies about whether or not punishing students for hairstyle violations is excessive and will only create resentment. Trinuch has urged schools and teachers to seek new measures and activities that raise students’ awareness of their roles and responsibilities, as opposed to continuing the punitive practice, in order to prevent future incidents of this nature. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-25 - 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.

Parts Shortages Impact Thai Auto Industry by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has confirmed that scarcity of parts caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and lockdown measures in China continued to impact Thailand’s automobile industry in April. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260591-parts-shortages-impact-thai-auto-industry/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has confirmed that scarcity of parts caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and lockdown measures in China continued to impact Thailand’s automobile industry in April. FTI Vice President and Spokesperson Surapong Paisitpattanapong reported that the production, local sales, and export of cars and motorcycles decreased by 31.79% in April compared to March, due to a shortage of parts that caused manufacturers to delay production. Surapong revealed that the total number of vehicles manufactured last month was 117,786, while total vehicles produced in the first quarter was 597,864 - an increase of 4.85 percent year-on-year. Despite the fact that this year’s situation is better than last year’s, when the pandemic was at its peak, Surapong said the protracted conflict in Ukraine and lockdown crisis in China have disrupted the global supply chain. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In April, 63,427 units were sold domestically - a decrease of 27.30% compared to March but an increase of 9.11% compared to the same month last year due to the easing of restrictions and the conclusion of the Bangkok International Motor Show on April 3. According to the FTI, sales of 294,616 automobiles and 569,992 motorcycles increased by 16.79% and 0.12%, respectively, from the same period last year. The FTI spokesperson said the government’s support program has played a major role in increasing electric vehicle registrations by 145.31% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. Surapong added that the agency will continue to closely monitor the situation, as there are still concerns that the rise in oil prices and a weaker baht will increase the cost of goods and household debt, thereby reducing consumers’ purchasing power. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-25 - 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.

Woops, Air Asia Lands On The Wrong Runway At Don Mueang By Editor FILE PHOTO: A Thai Air Asia Airbus A320-200 plane prepares for take off at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, June 29, 2016. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom/File Photo Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has reported what it describes as a “serious incident” which took place earlier this month. On May 4, an AirAsia Airbus A320-200 is reported to have landed on the wrong runway at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260590-woops-air-asia-lands-on-the-wrong-runway-at-don-mueang/

FILE PHOTO: A Thai Air Asia Airbus A320-200 plane prepares for take off at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, June 29, 2016. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom/File Photo By Editor Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has reported what it describes as a “serious incident” which took place earlier this month. On May 4, an AirAsia Airbus A320-200 is reported to have landed on the wrong runway at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport. The Thai AirAsia aircraft departed Ranong city at 12:43 and landed on Don Muang’s unassigned 21L runway at 13:36, instead of the 21R runway as intended. No accidents occurred as a result of the mistake, but Thailand’s CAAT has rated the incident as “serious” following standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Two pilots have been temporarily suspended in connection with the incident. Landing on the wrong runway can have fatal consequences, for example the 1979 crash of Western Airlines Flight 2605 which landed on a runway which was closed for maintenance in Mexico City, killing 72 of the 89 people on board and a maintenance worker on the runway. Thailand’s CAAT has launched an investigation into the incident which should be completed within 30 days. Don Mueang Airport only has two runways, with a golf course in between them owned by the Royal Thai Air Force, golfers are warned by a red light whenever a plane is about to land. AirAsia has apologised for the incident and insists it aims to always strictly adhere to relevant safety procedures. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/05/woops-air-asia-lands-on-the-wrong-runway-at-don-mueang/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-05-25 - 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.

UPDATE: Thailand looks to end mandatory mask wearing by mid-June By Online Reporter file photo Most people in Thailand may no longer be required to wear a face mask from the middle of next month, the permanent secretary for public health said on Tuesday (May 24). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260581-thai-ministry-of-public-health-to-propose-ending-mask-mandates-by-mid-june/?do=findComment&comment=17377402

Thailand looks to end mandatory mask wearing by mid-June By Online Reporter file photo Most people in Thailand may no longer be required to wear a face mask from the middle of next month, the permanent secretary for public health said on Tuesday (May 24). Only people with underlying illnesses, the elderly or pregnant women will be required to wear face masks when out in public, Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit told Thai language media during a visit to Surat Thani. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, while it won’t be enforced, the Ministry of Public Health will still recommend people wear face masks if they are infected with COVID-19 or in a ‘high risk’ group, if they are in a poorly ventilated space or if they are in a crowded place. Dr Kiattiphum said the COVID-19 situation in Thailand was improving much faster than initially predicted, and that the country was on track to declare the disease an endemic. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-looks-to-end-mandatory-mask-wearing-by-mid-june/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-05-25 - 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 engineers win APEC 2022 App Challenge Photo from apec.org Two Thai engineers won the 2022 APEC App Challenge, held in Thailand, early this week during the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260589-thai-engineers-win-apec-2022-app-challenge/

Photo from apec.org Two Thai engineers won the 2022 APEC App Challenge, held in Thailand, early this week during the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting. The winners are Palakon Kotchapansompote and Peerawit Tungwongsin as they beat 28 developers from across the Asia-Pacific region with an app that can help reduce food waste. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The duo created Kitchen@Venture, a digital tool designed for consumers and restaurant owners that offers healthy meal choices from local, high-value producers and suggests quality meals. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-engineers-win-apec-2022-app-challenge/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-25 - 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.

UPDATE: Thailand’s new air quality standard to become effective in June 2023 The National Environmental Board has approved the Pollution Control Department’s proposal to tighten the air quality safety standard by reducing the safe amount of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere from an average 50 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) to 37.5 μg/m3 in any 24 hour period. The new standard will become effective on June 1st next year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260556-air-safety-threshold-adjusted/?do=findComment&comment=17377395

Thailand’s new air quality standard to become effective in June 2023 The National Environmental Board has approved the Pollution Control Department’s proposal to tighten the air quality safety standard by reducing the safe amount of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere from an average 50 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) to 37.5 μg/m3 in any 24 hour period. The new standard will become effective on June 1st next year. Pollution Control Department Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa said today (Tuesday) that the 50μg/m3 safety standard has been in use for more than ten years and it is about time to tighten standard, by being more stringent with emission controls, to improve the air quality and environment in Thailand for the sake public health. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The safe average amount of PM2.5 in the atmosphere over a period of one year will be reduced from 25μg/m3 to 15μg/m3, expected to become effective in the next 2-3 months when the change is published in the Royal Gazette. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-new-air-quality-standard-to-become-effective-in-june-2023/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-25 - 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.

Anti-Monkeypox measures introduced at Thai airports Overseas arrivals, from countries where Monkeypox infections have been detected, are now screened for symptoms, such as blisters, by health officials as they walk through the scanners at Thailand’s international airports. They are then issued with a “health beware” notice, in QR code form, as the country steps up measures to prevent the import of the disease from overseas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260588-anti-monkeypox-measures-introduced-at-thai-airports/

Overseas arrivals, from countries where Monkeypox infections have been detected, are now screened for symptoms, such as blisters, by health officials as they walk through the scanners at Thailand’s international airports. They are then issued with a “health beware” notice, in QR code form, as the country steps up measures to prevent the import of the disease from overseas. According to the Department of Disease Control, all travellers arriving from abroad are advised to see a doctor immediately if they develop a fever and blisters. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Hospitals are required to take samples from the traveller with a suspected infection and send them to the Department of Medical Sciences for analysis. A report must also be filed. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/anti-monkeypox-measures-introduced-at-thai-airports/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-25 - 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.

Are your passwords safe in Thailand and the World? ASEAN NOW Op-Ed As we keep reading in the media, crimes committed in the virtual world have intensified in both form and their frequency. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260587-are-your-passwords-safe-in-thailand-and-the-world/

ASEAN NOW Op-Ed As we keep reading in the media, crimes committed in the virtual world have intensified in both form and their frequency. Apparently, Cybercrimes could cost the Thai economy BTH $286 billion, which is a worrying 2.2% of the country’s total GDP. The dramatic rise in damage costs demonstrates just how we are all attacks in Thailand. In fact, Thailand is facing a cyber-security expert shortage right now. Its digital economy is developing too fast with few experts to compensate for the change. This leaves companies and the public wide open to cyber threats. The Thai government set up their CCIB in September last year and equipped the Royal Thai Police with some advanced crime-busting weaponry. Constantly on the lookout for cyber-crimes, the bureau's jobs include keeping a step ahead of cybercriminals, trying to gather clues in criminal cases, both on- and offline, and acting fast to catch the culprits in the real world. Already the CCIB is working on 2,480 cases involving 3,020 suspects. On average however, this bureau only manages to arrest just ten suspects cases a day which is really just a drop in the ocean. The CCIB's tasks can be summed up in five areas: online fraud and call-center frauds, illegal trade of prohibited items, violation of cyber security, exploitation of children and women and pornography, and online gambling. So, are you doing enough? Many ex-pats also need to ramp up online security, so here's how to pick strong passwords As most of us Expats now rely on online transactions to run our daily lives, are we taking unnecessary risks security-wise? Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Many of us are still behind the times when it comes to our own security, even though experts have been warning us for years about the dangers of bad digital behavior. Research into common passwords worldwide, for instance, reveals that many people still use known, popular passwords, which are the digital equivalent of sitting ducks. Poor passwords So how do weak passwords put you at enhanced risk review a few password essentials? Weak passwords represent a significant security risk. Threat actors have a vast array of tools at their disposal, including brute force and dictionary attacks, which can easily crack weak passwords and passphrases. Once these passwords are cracked, cybercriminals have access to your accounts, which may include sensitive financial or personal information. It doesn’t matter where the criminals are from, either. You can be attacked from anywhere in the world. Economic loss is just one part of the story: identity theft remains a persistent threat. Online repositories containing email addresses and account usernames are posted online, and then shared among criminals. From there, it’s just a few extra steps and a malicious actor can gain access to your online life. Passwords that are too simple or common can be cracked in as little as one second. So, if you’re using “123456”, “qwerty”, “iloveyou”, or even your birth date for any of your accounts, it’s definitely time to ramp up your password game to avoid becoming just another sad statistic. How to Pick Strong Passwords Strong passwords should be Long, Complex, and Unique. Hitting one of these goals isn’t enough though. Aim for all three in each of your passwords, and your digital security status will improve significantly. Let’s look at each of the factors in a strong password now. Consider Length Remember that statistically, it’s far easier to crack a short password than a long one. Anything less than 12 characters should be avoided. One way to ensure you’re using long passwords is to create passphrases instead - a tactic recommended by The Electronic Frontier Foundation and many others. Passphrases should comprise four to five random words for added security and you can substitute a few letters for numerals or special characters. For example, “8ate cat pOny g0ld opal” comes in at 23 characters and is easy to remember. If memorizing passwords or passphrases is any issue, you may be tempted to use known phrases, such as “like a rolling stone.” However, these do not afford anywhere near the same amount of protection. Prioritize Complexity Complexity now matters as much as length. The best way to ensure your passwords are complex is to use a random mix of upper and lowercase letters, numerals, and special characters. You can also use punctuation such as hyphens, em-dashes, periods, and colons as well. Generating complex (and lengthy) passwords is much easier with the help of a dedicated password tool. Your browser offers to generate and store these for you. However, there have been concerns raised over how well protected these in-built tools are. Instead, opt for a dedicated third-party tool such as LastPass, a password manager that stores, secures, and generates complex passwords. Good for the older expat who may have trouble remembering a new password or two. Try to avoid linking your accounts to another account for easier logins, for example, having numerous accounts linked to your Facebook or Google. Don’t allow your browser to store your passwords. You could try a dedicated third-party tool such as LastPass, https://www.lastpass.com/ Last Pass is a password manager that stores, secures, and generates complex passwords for you. Great for the older expat who may have trouble remembering a new password or two. Cybercrime may have in the past sounded like a Marvel movie story, however, these days taking precautions at least beats finding your saving account has been emptied. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-25 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 25 May 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1260586-thailand-live-wednesday-25-may-2022/

Alleged Estonian drug dealer on Interpol’s red notice list caught after hiding for four years An alleged Estonian drug dealer on Interpol’s red notice list was arrested in Pattaya after being on the loose for four years, according to Chonburi Immigration officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260582-alleged-estonian-drug-dealer-on-interpol’s-red-notice-list-caught-after-hiding-for-four-years/

Thai Ministry of Public Health to propose ending mask mandates by mid June Dr. Kiatpoom Wongrachit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), announced this afternoon, May 24th, 2022, that the MOPH is planning to propose to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration or CCSA to end mask mandates in most situations across Thailand by mid June. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260581-thai-ministry-of-public-health-to-propose-ending-mask-mandates-by-mid-june/

ANNOUNCEMENT: ASEAN NOW will re-launch the World News Forum today, May 25. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260555-asean-now-re-launches-world-news-forum/