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Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that DPM Prawit Wongsuwan chaired the latest meeting of the Sports Authority of Thailand at Government House. On the agenda were the 47th national games in Sisaket and the 37th "Para" games or Nakhon Lamduan games. It is hoped these will bring 761 million baht into the economy with 2.5 million visitors. Prawit is targeting 110 medals at next month's 31st South East Asian games in Hanoi, Vietnam and 11th Para games in which Thai athletes will complete in 40 sports. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He urged the sports authorities in Thailand to comply fully with WADA regulations when it comes to stopping doping. He also urged the authorities to press forward with the construction of a boxing center for international boxing excellence. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-29 - 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

COVID-19 - April 29: Thailand reports 14,053 new coronavirus cases, 16,782 recoveries, 129 deaths file photo Thailand on Friday (April 29) reported 14,053 new COVID-19 cases, 16,782 recoveries and 129 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258188-covid-19-april-29-thailand-reports-14053-new-coronavirus-cases-16782-recoveries-129-deaths/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19 - April 29: Thailand reports 14,053 new coronavirus cases, 16,782 recoveries, 129 deaths file photo Thailand on Friday (April 29) reported 14,053 new COVID-19 cases, 16,782 recoveries and 129 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258188-covid-19-april-29-thailand-reports-14053-new-coronavirus-cases-16782-recoveries-129-deaths/

file photo Thailand on Friday (April 29) reported 14,053 new COVID-19 cases, 16,782 recoveries and 129 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Friday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,238,061 with 28,400 deaths. The news comes as the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will not scrap the “Thailand Pass” scheme, as has been widely anticipated, but will shorten the registration process for overseas tourists applying to enter Thailand as the “Test and Go” one-night quarantine scheme for the fully vaccinated is scheduled to come to an end on May 1, CCSA assistant spokesperson Sumanee Wacharasint said. Thailand Pass to stay, PM to oversee situation after end of "Test and Go" Dr. Sumanee added, however, that when COVID-19 situation in the country steadily improves, the CCSA may consider further easing of restrictions.** **Thai PBS contributed to this report Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-29 - 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

Phuket City Hall receives electric scooters to use for security work, social media critics point out “ban” on scooters in public By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket – Phuket City Hall received two electric scooters from a company to use in their security work, but not everyone on social media is happy as just over a month ago city officials conducted a widespread campaign banning electric scooters from city streets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258184-phuket-city-hall-receives-electric-scooters-to-use-for-security-work-social-media-critics-point-out-“ban”-on-scooters-in-public/

By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket – Phuket City Hall received two electric scooters from a company to use in their security work, but not everyone on social media is happy as just over a month ago city officials conducted a widespread campaign banning electric scooters from city streets. April 27th, a representative from Beam Mobility Thailand Company gave two electric scooters to Phuket City Hall. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Head of the Phuket Provincial Office, Ms. Kanathip Sukcharoen, told TPN reporters, “Phuket is developing to be an intelligent city. So we have agreed to test drive the electric scooters in the area of the Phuket City Hall. This is to facilitate security works in the area.” Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/04/28/phuket-city-hall-receives-electric-scooters-to-use-for-security-work-social-media-critics-point-out-ban-on-scooters-in-public/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-04-29 - 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

Minister of Tourism and Sports visits Phuket to discuss making Phuket a “high value” tourism destination for quality tourists By Tanakorn Panyadee Phuket — The Minister of Tourism and Sports visited Phuket to deliver a Global GBAC Star and helped strategize with the authorities to turn Phuket into a high-value tourism destination for quality tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258183-minister-of-tourism-and-sports-visits-phuket-to-discuss-making-phuket-a-“high-value”-tourism-destination-for-quality-tourists/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Phuket — The Minister of Tourism and Sports visited Phuket to deliver a Global GBAC Star and helped strategize with the authorities to turn Phuket into a high-value tourism destination for quality tourists. April 28th, at Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra Hotel, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, presided over a ceremony to deliver a GBAC Star or Global Biorisk Advisory Star to Phuket representatives and gave a speech about turning Phuket into a high-value tourism destination. Today’s ceremony was also attended by the Phuket Governor Mr. Narong Vunziew and Ms. Nuansamorn Unhaprateep, Lecturer at the Faculty of International Studies, Prince of Songkla University. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Ms. Nuansamorn stated that her university conducted a project to apply the international sanitary standards to the tourism industry to enhance hygienic security for all visitors. She said that the GBAC Star was established in America by ISSA- The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association with over 1,600 tourism business operators or institutions globally being granted this certification. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/04/28/minister-of-tourism-and-sports-visits-phuket-to-discuss-making-phuket-a-high-value-tourism-destination-for-quality-tourists/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-04-29 - 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

Woman reportedly leaps out of her pickup in traffic and acts oddly in Chonburi, locals believe she got possessed By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: วิศาล แสงเจริญ/TOPNEWS Chonburi — A 31-year-old female driver leaped out of her pickup next to a gas station near a cemetery in Chonburi and acted what local residents described as “possessed”, while her mother said she recently had a dispute with her boyfriend which upset her. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258182-woman-reportedly-leaps-out-of-her-pickup-in-traffic-and-acts-oddly-in-chonburi-locals-believe-she-got-possessed/

PHOTO: วิศาล แสงเจริญ/TOPNEWS By Tanakorn Panyadee Chonburi — A 31-year-old female driver leaped out of her pickup next to a gas station near a cemetery in Chonburi and acted what local residents described as “possessed”, while her mother said she recently had a dispute with her boyfriend which upset her. Around 5.00 p.m. on April 26th, Chonburi police were notified of a female driver who suddenly leaped out of her pickup truck in heavy traffic and started acting strange outside a gas station near the Meng Hui Cemetery, Ban Suan sub-district, Mueang district, Chonburi. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe At the gas station, police found Kanokthip (last name withheld by editorial policy), 31. She was reportedly having odd demeanors: shanking, inattentiveness, and she kept rubbing her body with a Chinese talisman and chanting to the passersby to summon a monk for her. Police said that they found a battery, an amulet string, and another Chinese talisman in her truck. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/28/woman-reportedly-leaps-out-of-her-pickup-in-traffic-and-acts-oddly-in-chonburi-locals-believe-she-got-possessed/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-29 - 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

Thunderstorms and heavy showers forecast for Prachuap Khiri Khan By Online Reporter File photo Prachuap Khiri Khan is likely to be hit by thunderstorms and showers over the coming days, forecasters have said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258181-thunderstorms-and-heavy-showers-forecast-for-prachuap-khiri-khan/

File photo By Online Reporter Prachuap Khiri Khan is likely to be hit by thunderstorms and showers over the coming days, forecasters have said. According to the Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) thunderstorms are forecast for most of the country from Friday (April 28) to next Thursday (May 5). Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Locally, the TMD says isolated thundershowers will hit the region between April 28-29, while scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain is forecast between April 30-May 3. The unsettled weather is due to Thailand entering the pre-southwest monsoon period as it moves from the hot season to the rainy season. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/thunderstorms-and-heavy-showers-forecast-for-prachaup-khiri-khan/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-29 - 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

Na Jomtien police reorganize and move street vendor’s stalls off parking areas of expanded Na Jomtien Beach By Tanakorn Panyadee Jomtien Beach, Pattaya — Na Jomtien police collaborated with the Na Jomtien Municipality to reorganize and warn street vendors on Na Jomtien Beach of violating the Cleanliness and Orderliness Act. However, police were lenient to let them sell but within a designated time frame. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258180-na-jomtien-police-reorganize-and-move-street-vendor’s-stalls-off-parking-areas-of-expanded-na-jomtien-beach/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Jomtien Beach, Pattaya — Na Jomtien police collaborated with the Na Jomtien Municipality to reorganize and warn street vendors on Na Jomtien Beach of violating the Cleanliness and Orderliness Act. However, police were lenient to let them sell but within a designated time frame. After many citizens complained about the disorderly parking space caused by street vendors who took up most of the expanded Na Jomtien Beach’s side, today, April 28th, Boonserm Ngernpuan, Traffic Inspector from the Na Jomtien Police Station, along with Anek Chatchua, a municipal officer, went with their teams to talk with the vendors and reclaim the vendor-occupied space for citizens and tourists. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Superintendent of Na Jomtien Police Station Santi Chucherd said to local media that the beach was for public use, and they had already designated specific times for the vendors to sell (6:00 P.M to 12:00 A.M). However, police were still unable to organize the vendors due to the fact that they still parked their vehicles on the side of the road, blocking traffic and forcing visitors to park on the opposite side of the beach road instead. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/29/na-jomtien-police-reorganize-and-move-street-vendors-stalls-off-parking-areas-of-expanded-na-jomtien-beach/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-29 - 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

Pattaya police resolve to fix traffic problems in Soi Buakhao By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – The Pattaya Traffic Police are trying to solve traffic problems in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya after locals have complained for over a year. As restrictions for entry of international visitors ease from May 1st, residents have increased their complaints and concerns that the area could become a major traffic jam. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258179-pattaya-police-resolve-to-fix-traffic-problems-in-soi-buakhao/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – The Pattaya Traffic Police are trying to solve traffic problems in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya after locals have complained for over a year. As restrictions for entry of international visitors ease from May 1st, residents have increased their complaints and concerns that the area could become a major traffic jam. Locals have complained many times that motorbikes are parked on both sides of the road in Soi Buakhao, especially around the “Tree Town” market area which is causing traffic problems as traffic flow is very slow. The problem has lasted for a year, according to local residents, but has become significantly worse lately driven by several things: 1. An increasing amount of tourists and foot traffic, especially around the Tree Town market area. This includes intoxicated locals and tourists using the street to walk late at night. 2. People disregard traffic rules and park their motorbikes on both sides of the road, limiting the ability for traffic to flow. 3. Baht buses (songtaews) stop for customers at unapproved stops, delaying traffic. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe 4. Lack of stop signs/traffic lights at several major intersections, such as Soi Diana and Soi Chiayapoon, which cause backups and delays. 5. Motorbike taxi drivers have increased in the area and set up stands in areas that should accommodate vehicle traffic flow. 6. Food carts parked in areas not designated for them and slowing traffic. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/29/pattaya-police-resolve-to-fix-traffic-problems-in-soi-buakhao/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-29 - 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

Mall Sidewalks Decorated with Fossils BANGKOK (TNA) – The Department of Mineral Resources has confirmed that ammonite fossils were used to decorate sidewalks at a famous shopping arcade, Siam Square. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258178-mall-sidewalks-decorated-with-fossils/

BANGKOK (TNA) – The Department of Mineral Resources has confirmed that ammonite fossils were used to decorate sidewalks at a famous shopping arcade, Siam Square. Pongboon Pongtong, director-general of the department, said his geologists were assigned to verify a Facebook post that ammonite fossils were sidewalk decorations in the area. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The officials found 77 fossils with diameters ranging from 2 to 12 centimeters embedded in sidewalks for a distance of about 400 meters at Siam Square, he said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-932524 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-04-29 - 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

Pheu Thai says Prayut more concerned with armament than education By Erich Parpart The opposition Pheu Thai Party said on Thursday the government’s decision to cut the Ministry of Education’s budget while continuing to buy four new fighter planes showed a lack of attention to Thai education. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258177-pheu-thai-says-prayut-more-concerned-with-armament-than-education/

By Erich Parpart The opposition Pheu Thai Party said on Thursday the government’s decision to cut the Ministry of Education’s budget while continuing to buy four new fighter planes showed a lack of attention to Thai education. “Under the guidance of General Prayut Chan-ocha, the budgetary of this administration is like a rerun of bad movies,” said Arunee Kasayanond, deputy secretary-general of the Pheu Thai Party. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “It is still not focusing on the effectiveness of providing the best benefit for the people and they are still basing it on the habit of copying last year budgetary,” Arunee added. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39776/pheu-thai-says-prayut-more-concerned-with-armament-than-education/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-29 - 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

From Thailand to America to China, the secret to global success is soft power Countries around the world use soft power to spread their appeal and influence, though some have proved more successful in achieving this than others. (Photo by Z @dead____artist) Soft power. The United States has Hollywood, jazz and Facebook while South Korea can boast K-pop, kimchi and taekwondo. For Thailand, pad thai, tom yum kung and Muay Thai pack a global punch. Mango sticky rice is the most recent addition to that list after Thai female rapper Danupha “Milli” Khanatheerakul grabbed a bowl during her set at the Coachella festival in California. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258176-from-thailand-to-america-to-china-the-secret-to-global-success-is-soft-power/

Countries around the world use soft power to spread their appeal and influence, though some have proved more successful in achieving this than others. (Photo by Z @dead____artist) Soft power. The United States has Hollywood, jazz and Facebook while South Korea can boast K-pop, kimchi and taekwondo. For Thailand, pad thai, tom yum kung and Muay Thai pack a global punch. Mango sticky rice is the most recent addition to that list after Thai female rapper Danupha “Milli” Khanatheerakul grabbed a bowl during her set at the Coachella festival in California. Countries around the world use soft power to spread their appeal and influence, though some have proved more successful in achieving this than others. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Wealthy and powerful states tend to be better at projecting their soft power internationally, though certain smaller ones — like Singapore and Switzerland — have achieved similar success, say experts. What is soft power? Coined by American political scientist Joseph Nye in the late 1980s, the term soft power means “the ability to get what you want through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or payment” — in contrast to “hard power”, which refers to the use of force or military action. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/from-thailand-to-america-to-china-the-secret-to-global-success-is-soft-power/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-29 - 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

Bangkok gubernatorial candidates float idea of more public boat transport Key gubernatorial candidates examined express boat services in the capital today (Thursday) and met with residents, as they proposed policies to improve the livelihoods of people living along the canals, ahead of the highly anticipated election on May 22nd, the first in nine years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258175-bangkok-gubernatorial-candidates-float-idea-of-more-public-boat-transport/

Key gubernatorial candidates examined express boat services in the capital today (Thursday) and met with residents, as they proposed policies to improve the livelihoods of people living along the canals, ahead of the highly anticipated election on May 22nd, the first in nine years. Move Forward Party candidate Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn saw the boat services along Bangkok’s canals, with the aim of pushing for public boats to be used in canals. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Even though many residents in Thonburi feel connected to the canals, such canals have been left abandoned as many more people are relying on the roads instead. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-gubernatorial-candidates-float-idea-of-more-public-boat-transport/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-29 - 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