webfact

Members of parliament deny allegations of bribe taking for upcoming censure debate By Erich Parpart Senior members of the current government on Tuesday denied former deputy prime minister’s claims over the weekend that members of parliament were offered 5-30 million baht each to vote against the government in the upcoming censure debate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258593-members-of-parliament-deny-allegations-of-bribe-taking-for-upcoming-censure-debate/

By Erich Parpart Senior members of the current government on Tuesday denied former deputy prime minister’s claims over the weekend that members of parliament were offered 5-30 million baht each to vote against the government in the upcoming censure debate. “30 million baht is too much when compared to the time that this government currently has left, which is not that many months left,” Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin told reporters on Tuesday. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The government’s term, starting in 2019, is coming to an end in 2023. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said last month that the next general election could take place after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s meeting that Thailand will host in November. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39846/members-of-parliament-deny-allegations-of-bribe-taking-for-upcoming-censure-debate/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-05-04 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai police warn of serious criminal offense for fake banknotes as inflation hits 13-year high By Panithan Onthaworn Thai officials alerted the public on Tuesday to be cautious of counterfeit 1,000-baht banknotes after several complaints from vendors in a market in Nonthaburi. Officials said that they are rushing the investigation to identify the perpetrators. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258592-thai-police-warn-of-serious-criminal-offense-for-fake-banknotes-as-inflation-hits-13-year-high/

By Panithan Onthaworn Thai officials alerted the public on Tuesday to be cautious of counterfeit 1,000-baht banknotes after several complaints from vendors in a market in Nonthaburi. Officials said that they are rushing the investigation to identify the perpetrators. As Thailand’s inflation soared to a record high in 13 years largely due to a hike in energy and food prices, counterfeit money appears to be on the rise. Over the past weekend, local media reported a case of 30 fake 1,000-baht banknotes in a day discovered in the north of Bangkok. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Yingyot Thepjamnong, the Royal Thai Police spokesman, said police across the country are prepared to take action against the counterfeiters. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39862/thai-police-warn-of-serious-criminal-offense-for-fake-banknotes-as-inflation-hits-13-year-high/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-05-04 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Are Expat salaries likely to rise in Thailand? by Michael Bridge file photo Thailand is the second biggest economy in Southeast Asia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258591-are-expat-salaries-likely-to-rise-in-thailand/

file photo by Michael Bridge Thailand is the second biggest economy in Southeast Asia. And it’s a popular outsourcing location due to its average salary, which is lower than in countries like the USA and Singapore. Online statistics state the average annual salary in Thailand is 1,160,000 THB (Thai Baht) or 34,782 US Dollars, according to the exchange rates in August 2021. But the country’s average salary varies, depending on several factors. The resumption of international flights last month has fast-tracked the recovery of the tourism and hospitality sectors, driving demand for expat senior managers, according to Navigos Search. Thailand has a salary range for Expats of 24,500 THB (US$734) to 433,000 THB (US$12984) in a month. Its average monthly salary is 96,900 THB (US$2,904). Of course, these figures vary according to expertise and the region. Whereas the monthly incomes of foreign expats working in Vietnam ranged between US$8,500 and $34,000 last quarter, according to a recent report by recruitment firm Navigos Search. The report said enterprises operating in Vietnam "pay very high salaries" to attract foreign candidates. Navigos Search said some sectors like garment, tourism and hospitality have high demand for foreign personnel due to a shortage of local expertise. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, if you want the top salaries, Switzerland is one of the highest paying countries in the world. Sure, their cost of living is also high which is one of the cons of living in Switzerland, however solid career opportunities and high living standards are worth it. An average expat benefits package in the country is about US$246,971 a year. Average Bangkokians live comfortably with 30,000THB per month, so you can imagine how your life can be with 400,000THB salary. Most companies in Thailand do offer great amount of salary to foreigners, but most won't go above 200k. Expats with a few years’ experience in a professional occupation can expect to earn a good wage in Singapore. The average expat salary for a middle manager working in Singapore was SGD 119,927(£63,574 GBP/$88,045 USD) in 2020, according to a study by ECA International. Expat market The Expatriate Market is determined by the origin of each Expatriate. It is quite normal to have considerable differences between Expatriates doing exactly the same job, in the same country. These differences are caused by three factors: • The Cost-of-Living difference between the Home Country (country of origin) and Host Country (where they work) • The Relative Hardship difference between Home and Host Country. For example, moving to a country where more day-to-day hardship will be experienced, would normally result in more pay to compensate for the hardship • The Exchange Rate difference between the Home and Host Country On the other hand, the Local Market is largely determined by local supply and demand for skills. Currently most countries especially in Thailand are facing a massive labour shortage from the workforce up to senior management. How much to ask? Expatriate Pay is typically calculated by using the Expatriates salary in their Home Country as the start point and then by calculating an appropriate salary in the Host Country. Using the Cost of Living difference, relative hardship, and exchange rate, this is either done using a company in-house policy or using an international relocation calculator. Local Pay is typically determined by the prevailing market salary levels. These salary levels are typically reported in salary surveys run by independent Remuneration Consultancies. The bottom line is some companies cannot afford high salaries, so they try to source from their own local markets. Meanwhile, as we have already mentioned, due to the pandemic, many of the workforce are unlikely to return, so employing expats is becoming a necessity. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-04 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates 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 4 May 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1258590-thailand-live-wednesday-4-may-2022/

Thai police to speed up clearing of criminal records of those found not guilty The Royal Thai Police have announced the launch of a program to facilitate the clearing of the criminal records of those either acquitted in court or who have had their cases dropped by public prosecutors, so that they can resume their normal lives and apply for employment without problems. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258581-thai-police-to-speed-up-clearing-of-criminal-records-of-those-found-not-guilty/

No ‘land-entry’ fee to be collected on international tourists yet, Thai Prime Minister says PHOTO: Matichon Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha decided to delay the proposed 300-baht ‘land-entry’ fee for international arrivals and an expected 20 million tourists to visit Thailand in the fourth quarter of 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258582-no-‘land-entry’-fee-to-be-collected-on-international-tourists-yet-thai-prime-minister-says/

Korat motorcyclist in apparent death plunge after hitting U-turn bridge wall Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported that a motorcyclist from Nakhon Ratchasima died after hitting a wall of a U-turn and plunging to his death below. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258538-korat-motorcyclist-in-apparent-death-plunge-after-hitting-u-turn-bridge-wall/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported that a motorcyclist from Nakhon Ratchasima died after hitting a wall of a U-turn and plunging to his death below. It happened after midnight this morning when Rattanathibet police got a call about the accident on Rattanathibet Road outbound. Rescue services found the motorcyclist still alive but despite CPR he died. According to his Thai ID in a wallet he was Choke-anan, 25. His Honda was still on the bridge. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Damage on the bridge indicated the likely reason - while making a U-turn he had hit the edge and toppled over. The person who first came upon the accident said they had stopped then peered below to see the body. Police are studying CCTV to confirm their suspicions and have ordered alcohol checks on the deceased. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates 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

Video: Water monitors engage in "long time" mating in Korat! Sanook Thai Caption: So sweet, enough to make humans envious! Sanook reported that two water monitors - politely referred to as Tua Ngern Tua Thong in Thai - engaged in a mating embrace in a pond near the offices of the Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo in Thailand's north east. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258537-video-water-monitors-engage-in-long-time-mating-in-korat/

Sanook Thai Caption: So sweet, enough to make humans envious! Sanook reported that two water monitors - politely referred to as Tua Ngern Tua Thong in Thai - engaged in a mating embrace in a pond near the offices of the Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo in Thailand's north east. Zoo director Thanachon Khensingh had a video of some of the hour long encounter that the media said would put many humans to shame! It was also unusual to catch them at it on tape! Sanook said that water monitors usually get frisky in the rainy season and like to do it "long time". Their sexual antics are similar to jingjoks. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe After a one month period the female will lay 15-20 eggs in a hole in the ground. The eggs hatch after a further 45-50 days. Water monitors are a protected species in Thailand and their colloquial name - Hia - is often used as a swear word. But in this story all was forgiven with the media suggesting humans would be envious of their sexual prowess. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates 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

TAT Eyes Leveraging Soft Power to Attract Quality International Tourists by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is aiming to leverage Thai soft power in order to attract quality international visitors to the kingdom. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258533-tat-eyes-leveraging-soft-power-to-attract-quality-international-tourists/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is aiming to leverage Thai soft power in order to attract quality international visitors to the kingdom. TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the plan came after a discussion with the private sector following the government’s decision to reopen Thailand to the international community this month. The meeting aimed to determine how best to attract between 5 million and 15 million visitors this year. If Thailand sees 160 million total travelers in 2022, tourism revenue could be as high as 1.3 to 1.8 trillion baht. The plan includes the promotion of Thai cultural experiences, or soft power, featuring culinary favorites such as mango sticky rice, along with Thai films and series, fashion and Muay Thai martial arts. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to the TAT Governor, about 444,000 international travelers made their way to Thailand over the first three months of this year, generating over 34 billion baht in revenue. Looking ahead to the May-to-September period, the TAT is looking to attract at least 300,000 quality tourists each month, eventually bringing that figure up to 1 million from October through to the rest of 2022. Yuthasak said he expects steep competition with other countries that are also reopening to attract more visitors to help revitalize their economies. The TAT also plans to take the private sector on more roadshows globally, with an emphasis on important markets. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Video: Mean Nissan driver leaves PTT staffer with 700 baht gas bill to pay after driving off video screenshot Thai Rath published a video of a Nissan driver casually driving off after getting 700 baht's worth of gas at a PTT station in Niwet sub-district of Roi-Et in Thailand's north east. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258531-video-mean-nissan-driver-leaves-ptt-staffer-with-700-baht-gas-bill-to-pay-after-driving-off/

video screenshot Thai Rath published a video of a Nissan driver casually driving off after getting 700 baht's worth of gas at a PTT station in Niwet sub-district of Roi-Et in Thailand's north east. The driver had requested the Benzin 91 from the staffer who went to attend to another customer. When he returned and pulled out the nozzle the Nissan - with a young man behind the wheel - just drove off not waiting for the filler cap to be closed. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It happened on Tuesday of last week. After the station gave the driver a chance to come back and pay a report has now been filed with the Thawatburi police. The pump attendant told the media they would be liable for the loss and they have two children and only get 320 baht a day in wages. The staffer implored the driver to come back and pay. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates 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

Video: Dropped phone leads to this mess in Lopburi Picture: 77kaoded 77kadoed reported that three pick-ups collided after a man in one dropped his phone by his feet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258528-video-dropped-phone-leads-to-this-mess-in-lopburi/

Picture: 77kaoded 77kadoed reported that three pick-ups collided after a man in one dropped his phone by his feet. Phaisan, 48, in an Isuzu, said he reached down to get his mobile and when he looked up he had veered left and was on collision course. Chai Badan police attended the scene on the Saraburi to Lomsak Road heading south in the area of the local market. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: 77kaoded Khanthabut, 39, the driver of the middle pick up said he had arrived in the area with ten workers in two pick-ups to do some cable burying work. One employee was injured after they went back to get something from one of the pick-ups.She was named as Narin, 36, who was taken to Chai Badan hospital. The third pick-up in the pictures had collided with the other two that were parked by the side of the road. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates 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 AA8.mp4

Five injured as Nonthaburi authority van overturns in Prachuap Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on an accident involving a van that ended up on its roof in the central reservation of the Petchkasem Highway at KM marker 389 +200 in Bang Saphan, Prachuap Khirikhan yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258527-five-injured-as-nonthaburi-authority-van-overturns-in-prachuap/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on an accident involving a van that ended up on its roof in the central reservation of the Petchkasem Highway at KM marker 389 +200 in Bang Saphan, Prachuap Khirikhan yesterday. The grey Toyota had the logo of the Nonthaburi administration. The accident happened at a bend in the road during a rain storm in slippery conditions. Driving was 45 year old Mana In-ort who said he was on his way to Surat Thani. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Five male passengers were taken injured to Bang Saphan hospital. They were all from Nonthaburi and were named as Ronnachai, 47, Nawakan, 32, Thannop, 33, Thawatchai, 52 and Thaworn aged 45. Bang Saphan police are investigating the cause of the apparent one vehicle accident. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates 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

Silpakorn Uni rector resigns over sexual harassment allegation Rector of Silpakorn University, Chaicharn Thavaravej, resigned yesterday (Monday) over alleged sexual harassment after he posted a photo of a female flight attendant, accompanied by an inappropriate comment, on his Facebook page last week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258526-silpakorn-uni-rector-resigns-over-sexual-harassment-allegation/

Rector of Silpakorn University, Chaicharn Thavaravej, resigned yesterday (Monday) over alleged sexual harassment after he posted a photo of a female flight attendant, accompanied by an inappropriate comment, on his Facebook page last week. In his resignation letter, addressed to the university council chairman yesterday, Chaicharn admitted that he did post the photo and improper caption, but had no intention to harm or tarnish anybody’s image. He also said, however, that public reaction to his allegedly improper act is tarnishing the image of the university and, for the benefit of all concerned, he is taking full responsibility by quitting as the rector with immediate effect, or when the university council has appointed an acting rector to replace him. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/silpakorn-uni-rector-resigns-over-sexual-harassment-allegation/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Welcome back to Thailand! Airport director hands out masks and elephant dolls to tourists Picture: Siam Rath Foreign tourists were in for a surprise at Chiang Mai international airport yesterday when they were greeted by airport director Wijit Kaewsaithiam bearing gifts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258524-welcome-back-to-thailand-airport-director-hands-out-masks-and-elephant-dolls-to-tourists/