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Resumption of Hua Hin – Kuala Lumpur flights postponed By Online Reporter An AirAsia plane at Hua Hin Airport. File photo The resumption of flights connecting Hua Hin and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia has been postponed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260069-resumption-of-hua-hin-–-kuala-lumpur-flights-postponed/

An AirAsia plane at Hua Hin Airport. File photo By Online Reporter The resumption of flights connecting Hua Hin and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia has been postponed. Flights between the two destinations were due to resume on June 1, having previously been suspended due to the pandemic. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, Hua Hin Today understands the flights will not be operating before July, with AirAsia now only taking bookings for flights from July 31. Customers who had booked tickets for the flights in June have already received confirmation that flights have been canceled. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/resumption-of-hua-hin-kuala-lumpur-flights-postponed/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-05-19 - 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.

Crazy Thai man in custody after attack on valet, theft of taxi and late night plunge into Chao Phraya river Picture: Thai Rath Serious charges are expected after a drama in Bangkok last night and in the early hours of this morning when a Thai man assaulted a valet, stole a taxi then jumped off the Rama 3 bridge into the Chao Phraya River. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260068-crazy-thai-man-in-custody-after-attack-on-valet-theft-of-taxi-and-late-night-plunge-into-chao-phraya-river/

Picture: Thai Rath Serious charges are expected after a drama in Bangkok last night and in the early hours of this morning when a Thai man assaulted a valet, stole a taxi then jumped off the Rama 3 bridge into the Chao Phraya River. The man was later named by the Bang Pong Pang police as 39 year old Pan Kornwirat, reported Thai Rath. He was incoherent and being monitored in the police hospital but was otherwise uninjured after his escapade that began around 8.30 pm at the Bulan Dun Mek restaurant on Rama 3 at the end of Soi 60. Restaurant owner Suphansa, 41, who arrived at the police station later said that the man had been drinking at a nearby "laab" stall. Holding a beer bottle, he approached a valet called Noppadol, 30, and asked to gain entry to the restaurant but was denied. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The assailant hit Noppadol in the head with the bottle then ran off and got into a taxi. The driver was relieving himself by the side of the road and had left the keys in the ignition. Noppadol tried to stop the taxi by clinging on the back but was soon flung clear. He is recovering in Lertsin Hospital. The assailant went to the Rama 3 bridge where he parked the cab and jumped into the river below and was soon fished out by a rescue unit. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-19 - 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

Thai farmer becomes third victim of wild elephants in eastern Thailand Picture: Thai Rath A eucalyptus farmer looking after her trees became the third victim to die because of wild elephants in the area of the Khao Ang Rue Nai protected wildlife sanctuary in Chachoengsao, eastern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260064-thai-farmer-becomes-third-victim-of-wild-elephants-in-eastern-thailand/

Picture: Thai Rath A eucalyptus farmer looking after her trees became the third victim to die because of wild elephants in the area of the Khao Ang Rue Nai protected wildlife sanctuary in Chachoengsao, eastern Thailand. Yuphin Nasidaeng, 52, had left home as normal in the Ban Nang Ngam area at 7 am to go to her orchard. When she didn't return by nightfall a search party was mustered. Sanamchaikhet police were called at 8.30 pm when her body was found. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It had horrific facial, head, and body injuries consistent with an attack by an elephant. Her phone was recovered near the body, reported Thai Rath. Officials in the area have been trying to encourage the ever expanding number of wild elephant in the area to stay away from human habitats by promoting food and water resources in the protected areas. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-19 - 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

Thailand can play important diplomatic role in Ukraine-Russia conflict ahead of APEC By Cod Satrusayang More than one military analyst predicted that the Russian invasion of Ukraine would end quickly with a victory for Moscow. But arms supplies from the west and dogged resistance from the Ukrainians has seen the conflict drag on for months and will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260062-thailand-can-play-important-diplomatic-role-in-ukraine-russia-conflict-ahead-of-apec/

By Cod Satrusayang More than one military analyst predicted that the Russian invasion of Ukraine would end quickly with a victory for Moscow. But arms supplies from the west and dogged resistance from the Ukrainians has seen the conflict drag on for months and will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Rather than capitulating quickly, the Ukrainians have held out in key cities including the capital Kieve, and have actually pushed the Russian back on several fronts. But Moscow seems unable to drawdown its forces, perhaps because an off ramp is not apparent, and has bombarded its population with messages that this fight to de-nazify its western neighbour was a long term conflict. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/40250/thailand-can-play-important-diplomatic-role-in-ukraine-russia-conflict-ahead-of-apec/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-05-19 - 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.

Missing in Action: WWII US airman's remains finally reunited with family after 78 years Picture: Siam Rath Representatives from both the Thai and American armed forces held a ceremony on the tarmac of U-Tapao airport yesterday as a transport plane prepared to reunite a downed airman with his family after 78 years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260061-missing-in-action-wwii-us-airmans-remains-finally-reunited-with-family-after-78-years/

Picture: Siam Rath Representatives from both the Thai and American armed forces held a ceremony on the tarmac of U-Tapao airport yesterday as a transport plane prepared to reunite a downed airman with his family after 78 years. The unnamed pilot was identified after locals found remains of a downed aircraft in Lampang, northern Thailand some years ago. Work was done by the DPAA - the Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency - a US defence department organization that searches for and verifies those missing in action. There are 82,000 veterans from the US missing in action in conflicts from World War 2 to the present day. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Siam Rath This airman - not named - was flying sorties from China patrolling northern Thailand by a group known as the Flying Tigers. Acting US ambassador james L. Wayman appeared with Air Chief Marshall (ret.) Sakphinit Phromthep at the ceremony, reported Siam Rath. Mr Wayman praised the spirit of cooperation between Thailand and the US and thanked the citizens of Mae Kua in Lampang for their assistance. The return of the remains To Honolulu, Hawaii, will help bring closure after 78 years. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-19 - 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

Political Parties Submit Legislative Amendments To Legalise Casinos By Editor The leader of the Thai Local Power Party, Chutchawan Kong-u-dom, yesterday (May 18) led smaller parties in submitting a draft amendment to the Gambling Act allowing for the legalisation of casinos and online gambling. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260060-political-parties-submit-legislative-amendments-to-legalise-casinos/

By Editor The leader of the Thai Local Power Party, Chutchawan Kong-u-dom, yesterday (May 18) led smaller parties in submitting a draft amendment to the Gambling Act allowing for the legalisation of casinos and online gambling. Chutchawan, widely known as “Chat Taopoon”, and his party members along with 20 representatives of smaller parties has submitted the draft amendment to House Speaker Chuan Leekpai through his political working group member Pongsri Tarapoom. He said the draft amendment aimed to legalise online casinos to generate revenue in the country amid the economic downturn. Chutchawan said he is also setting his sights on online gambling and the duty-free business. Kovit Puangngam, a party list-MP of the Thai Local Power Party, said legalisation of online casinos will enable authorities to collect taxes from the licence holders, as well as define punishments to impose on illegal casino operators. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Of tax revenue collected from licence holders including their application fees, 10% will be sent to the Ministry of Finance, while another 90% of taxes will fund state welfare initiatives including debt relief in the agricultural sector, student loans and occupational development, Kovit said. The country is expected to earn revenue from tax collection and application fees for online casinos of about B1.5 trillion, which could help boost the nation’s coffers, Kovit said. In addition, the party proposed to operate a casino in each of Thailand’s four regions in provinces most-visited by tourists, he said. These casinos may help generate at least B400-600 billion each year, Kovit said. Apart from casinos, the party also will propose legalising underground lotteries from which the country could earn at least B150bn each year, he said. “The draft amendment to the Gambling Act to legalise casinos and underground lotteries is meant to generate income while the country faces massive national debt,” he said. Kobboon Tangsawatdikun, deputy spokesman for the party, acknowledged that young people access online gambling domestically and internationally, which is a worry. However, legalisation of online casinos will allow for data checks of online players, which also can help prevent crimes associated with gambling activities, he said. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/05/political-parties-submit-legislative-amendments-to-legalise-casinos/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-05-19 - 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 Travel Agencies Making A Comeback? By Editor More travellers are likely to revisit travel agencies for their domestic travel plans across five Southeast Asian nations, according to findings in a Milieu Insight study released on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260054-are-travel-agencies-making-a-comeback/

By Editor More travellers are likely to revisit travel agencies for their domestic travel plans across five Southeast Asian nations, according to findings in a Milieu Insight study released on Wednesday. The Southeast Asian consumer research and analytics firm, released findings* of domestic travel plans for summer vacation across the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand as Covid-19 restrictions ease. Respondents showed a willingness to embark on domestic travel as restrictions across Asia are being lifted. But the study suggests that up to 80% of domestic travellers indicated they would likely use travel agencies to expedite their domestic travel and vacation plans. If so, that bucks a long-term trend that has seen travellers deserting travel agency services to manage their own travel plans, particularly in the domestic travel market. Respondents also remain concerned for their safety even towards domestic travel, fearing a resurgence in Covid-19 cases could shut down resorts and prevent them from returning to their homes and work. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Travellers from Indonesia (89%), Vietnam (83%) and Thailand (79%) expressed concern for themselves when it comes to domestic travel. This willingness to travel is also reflected in the domestic travel policies of these countries, as there are minimal restrictions involved in their inter-state/inter-provincial travel protocols. When planning for their upcoming summer vacation, most travellers across all five countries are looking to unwind and reconnect with their families after two years of pandemic isolation (Philippines 83%, Indonesia 82%, Vietnam 78%, Malaysia 81%, Thailand 79%). Hotels remain the top choice for accommodation across all five countries, with more than half of the respondents from Thailand said they preferred pool villas (54%). Despite only travelling within their home countries, most Southeast Asian travellers are prepared to engage with a travel agency to plan their domestic travel. Up to 85%, believe that engaging with a travel agent may ensure a less stressful trip, creating more time and leisure for travellers to enjoy their first post-pandemic vacation with their loved ones. Land transport is the preferred mode of transport (76%) when travelling domestically. *Findings are based on Milieu Insight surveys with N=1000 respondents each from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, conducted in April 2022. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/05/are-travel-agencies-making-a-comeback/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-05-19 - 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.

Learning To Save Lives By Editor The Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin in collaboration with Hua Hin/Cha-Am Tourism Association has organised basic life support training for Hua Hin businesses and staff. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260051-learning-to-save-lives/

By Editor The Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin in collaboration with Hua Hin/Cha-Am Tourism Association has organised basic life support training for Hua Hin businesses and staff. The training was introduced by Dr. Weerasak Pongpattanaphan, Director of the Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin with Mrs. Wasana Srikanjana, President of the Hua Hin/Cha-am Tourism Business Association. Dr. Weerasak stressed the importance of effective first aid response possible with basic life support training to save lives. He is encouraging people to create volunteer networks within their own communities to provide first aid to emergency patients a doctor can attend. He says that everyone can save others’ lives to be a hero in real life; “you don’t have to have superpowers with the knowledge and confidence gained through training and practical training. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The training involved cardiac resuscitation (CPR) and automatic defibrillation (AED) operations with instructors providing basic life support knowledge. Participants undergoing both theoretical and practical training received a completion certificate. Ms. Wasana Srikanjana, President of the Hua Hin / Cha-am Tourism Business Association, said that members of the association who attended the training today recognised the importance of training to save lives. This includes being able to respond to an emergency with guests staying in a hotel or even with family members as well as to create a safe environment for regional tourism. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/05/learning-to-save-lives/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-05-19 - 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.

A Star-Studded Field At This Week’s PGA Championship By Editor The 2022 PGA Championship will be the 104th PGS Championship, to be held from May 19–22 at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260037-a-star-studded-field-at-this-week’s-pga-championship/

Pattaya Cricket Club (PCC) – practice net official opening and annual presentation night By Goong Nang(GN) The PCC practice net, built by CSP Construction at the Outback Sports Bar, was officially opened on 7 May 2022. The sponsors were invited as special guests to a BBQ evening and the PCC annual award presentation, which in this case covered the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260036-pattaya-cricket-club-pcc-–-practice-net-official-opening-and-annual-presentation-night/

By Goong Nang(GN) The PCC practice net, built by CSP Construction at the Outback Sports Bar, was officially opened on 7 May 2022. The sponsors were invited as special guests to a BBQ evening and the PCC annual award presentation, which in this case covered the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons. The net had been used for some time, but was officially opened by the cutting of a ribbon by the PCC Chairman, Simon Philbrook. Simon, along with PCC members, then addressed the sponsors and thanked them for their financial support in making the facility available. Without a show of doubt, the practice net is a wonderful addition to the club and has undoubtedly contributed significantly to the on-field success that the club has enjoyed this season, namely winning the Bangkok Cricket League 25 over league Grand Final and the Super 8’s in Chiang Mai. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It has provided a facility that has allowed the players to improve and better their skills and the statistics of the past season back this up. But, more importantly, it has provided a focal point for the local cricketing community where the juniors in particular can be introduced and nurtured to the finer arts of the sport. PCC are committed to developing cricket in the area and establishing a junior cricket coaching programme that, in time, will improve and strengthen what is already a successful on field and off field club. The sponsors for the nets are: Thailand Junior Cricket Development, Cricket Association Thailand, St Andrews School, Rugby School Thailand, Regents School, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, CSP Construction, Property Kings, Pattaya Sports Club, Zusu Warrior snacks, Outback Group, Aegis International, Gobblers Meats, Australian Visas, The Beach Club, WHA Industrial Development, PCS, ComconGroup, Manpower Group and Chaba massage. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/18/pattaya-cricket-club-pcc-practice-net-official-opening-and-annual-presentation-night/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-19 - 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.

TAT heads strong Thai delegation to leading South Asia travel show SATTE 2022 The 18-20 May, 2022 event is a high-profile opportunity to rebuild the important Indian visitor source market to Thailand. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is prominently presenting the Thailand Stand at the 29th edition of South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2022, with high-ranking Thai tourism officials and travel operators participating in the three-day event from 18-20 May, at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, New Delhi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260035-tat-heads-strong-thai-delegation-to-leading-south-asia-travel-show-satte-2022/

The 18-20 May, 2022 event is a high-profile opportunity to rebuild the important Indian visitor source market to Thailand. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is prominently presenting the Thailand Stand at the 29th edition of South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2022, with high-ranking Thai tourism officials and travel operators participating in the three-day event from 18-20 May, at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, New Delhi. The Thailand Stand at the SATTE 2022 reflects the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign. Measuring 190 sq m in size, the pavilion will offer visitors Thai arts and culture performances and demonstrations including Thai dancing, ancient Thai boxing, and umbrella drawing activities. It was officially opened today by H.E. Ms. Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India, Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi together with Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, and Mr. Nithi Siprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Digital Research and Development. Mr. Tanes said “The Indian market is considered an important market for Thailand, and the potential and opportunity are there to expand the number of Indians travelling to the kingdom now that travel restrictions have eased and commercial flights between the two countries are operating again. TAT is looking in particular at stimulating the leisure group, family, and Millennials market segments, as well as niche sectors like weddings and honeymoons, luxury and wellness, and golf. Attending the SATTE 2022 is also a valuable chance for Thai tourism operators to negotiate business with Indian tour operators promoting Thailand.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe TAT is bringing the Thai delegation to SATTE 2022 for the thirteenth time, which this year comprises 13 tourism and ground management groups, seven hotel business groups, four airline business groups, and four recreational attractions and medical services. The SATTE 2022 event is expected to attract at least 50,000 public visitors and over 35,000 trade visitors from 50 countries with more than 1,200 exhibitors on show across a total exhibition area of 25,000 sq m. Prior to the SATTE 2022, TAT organised an Amazing Thailand Destination Presentation event yesterday evening (17 May) at The Leela Palace New Delhi Hotel to present new tourism products and services to Indian travel operators and members of the media. In the same evening, TAT also hosted an Amazing New Chapter Dinner Reception to promote the latest “Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters” marketing campaign and celebrate the 75th anniversary of Indian-Thai diplomatic relations. India is one of Thailand’s top visitor source markets. In 2019 a total of 1,995,516 Indians travelled to the kingdom, generating tourism income of 86,372.01 million Baht representing a 24.85% rise in arrivals and 27.45% rise in income. From 1 January to 11 May, 2022, international tourist arrivals to Thailand numbered 966,686, and India was the third top source market after the United Kingdom and Germany ahead of Russia and the United States. The most popular destinations for Indian visitors were Bangkok, Chon Buri, Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani, while the top activities were beaches, Thai food, and nightlife. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/05/tat-heads-strong-thai-delegation-to-leading-south-asia-travel-show-satte-2022/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-05-19 - 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.

Discussion on “safe passage” among APEC members takes centre stage Photo from Facebook page APEC 2022 Thailand Senior APEC officials have continued to discuss proposals related to “safe passage” schemes which, as part of Thailand’s priorities, could be key deliverables, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Tanee Sangrat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260033-discussion-on-“safe-passage”-among-apec-members-takes-centre-stage/

Photo from Facebook page APEC 2022 Thailand Senior APEC officials have continued to discuss proposals related to “safe passage” schemes which, as part of Thailand’s priorities, could be key deliverables, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Tanee Sangrat. Tanee said that, at the 2nd APEC Safe Passage Taskforce (SPTF2) Meeting, held on Monday and chaired by Director General of Department of International Economics Affairs Cherdchai Chaivaivid, senior APEC officials discussed ways to push the safe passage agenda, in realisation of Thailand’s “Connect in all Dimensions” initiative. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The APEC Safe Passage Taskforce (SPTF), established this year, follows Thailand’s recommendation to coordinate APEC’s efforts on safe passage. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/discussion-on-safe-passage-among-apec-members-takes-centre-stage/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-19 - 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 moves to defend its solar energy sector from a US probe into Chinese linked firms here by Joseph O' Connor In early April, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit (inset right) wrote to the US Department of Commerce and Secretary Gina Raimondo (centre) to protest a move by the International Trade Administration to launch a probe into eight large solar panel exporters in Southeast Asia including two firms in Thailand, Canadian Solar and Trina Solar, asking them to declare their beneficial ownership and details of their production processes in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1260032-thailand-moves-to-defend-its-solar-energy-sector-from-a-us-probe-into-chinese-linked-firms-here/