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The location of the Sanakham dam on the Mekong River is seen in a photo taken in 2020. RFA Special to BenarNews A hydropower project set to be built on the Mekong River in Laos is raising concerns in next-door Thailand, with government officials and environmental experts voicing alarm over forced relocations, impacts on fish stocks and security along the two countries’ shared border. Speaking at a seminar in Chiang Khan in northeastern Thailand on Dec. 17, participants said the China-backed Sanakham Dam – now moving ahead after a two-year delay amid COVID-19 concerns – will force many Lao villagers from their homes. “This will put their health and livelihoods at risk,” said Piraton Bunyaratpan, a social economic expert from Thailand’s Naresuan University who said he had examined information about the dam forwarded by the project’s developer. Full story: https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/thai/lao-dam-mekong-12212021165924.html -- © Copyright Benar News 2021-12-23 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that the district chief of Klong Luang in Pathum Thani and DOPA officials arrested several students involved in marijuana dealing and use. The case started when people at a luxury condo building in Klong Luang complained about noise and people doing drugs. A sting was set up for just 500 baht. Arrested at the condo was fourth year student "at a well know uni" Tharit, 24, and Natthakan, 26. Two ganja plants and 46.26 grams of imported heads along with other evidence was seized. The 500 baht was also recovered. They assisted the investigation by leading investigators to a place a few kilometers away also in Pathum Thani where four people were doing drugs and 514 grams of compressed marijuana was seized. The operation also led to a delivery rider being stopped with 182 grams of marijuana that he was paid 280 baht to deliver. He said he had no idea it was drugs having been told by a woman who looked like she was a trader who said it was cakes. One other arrest was also made in the case. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-22 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Picture: Daily News Ministry of Public Health official Dr Kiatphoom Wongjarit confirmed that there would be a 15 day suspension on Test and Go and Sandbox registrations from yesterday until January 4th. Phuket Sandbox and quarantine arrivals will remain in place. He said that there are 200,000 tourists who have already registered and received a QR code prior to the 21st who will be allowed to come under Test and Go and Sandbox, reported Daily News. But new testing requirements are in place. In addition to being required to have a RT-PCR test 72 hours before coming, two doses of vaccine and insurance they will now have to have TWO more RT-PCR tests in Thailand not just one. This means more expense and possibly waiting for tourists, notes ASEAN NOW. Asked if the country could cope with the Omicron situation regarding international arrivals the official said that hitherto only between 0.1% and 0.2% of foreign arrivals had Covid so they could easily handle an expected 100 cases in the 200,000. Asked if Thailand was effectively going into international lockdown again Dr Kiatphoom could only say that the suspension of new applications was temporary until January 4th. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-22 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Picture: Thai Rath DPM and Health Minister of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul assured the Thai media that the government/CCSA had not shut down the country to foreign travellers. He told Thai Rath that it was only a temporary suspension of new applications to visit from now until January 4th. When that day comes there will be a reassessment of the state of spread and situation surrounding the Omicron variant. Thai Rath reported that 200,000 tourists were in the system with 110,000 of those approved and 90,000 waiting for approval. Anutin confirmed that they could all come but must take two RT-PCR tests on days one and seven of their visit. He called this the safest option for Thailand. No new countries who can't come have been added to the list. He said the government had acted swiftly with PM Prayuth Chan-ocha calling the CCSA and acting decisively regarding Omicron. He recognised that this was high season for tourists but said acting now could mitigate the situation in the longer term. Any lockdown would be a final resort. He urged all those eligible to get their vaccine booster. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-22 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

by Gregers Møller Carl Drewsen a Danish citizen and Phuket resident has been missing for about 6 years. Ever since the day he disappeared in December 2015, neither family, friends nor colleagues have heard from him. There is no indication if he is still alive. Carl is a butcher of trade and used to work in Denmark on “Grøntorvet” (The green square), a wet market in central Copenhagen. He would often visit Thailand with a close friend and coworker. The two would usually stay in Phuket at the now closed “Big A Resort” in Rawai, Phuket. Carl and his friend enjoyed their time in Thailand very much and wanted to move there permanently. When the owner of the Big A Resort, Thomas Flindt, offered them a job at his restaurant “Rundetaarn” in Patong, they both accepted the offer, pulled up stakes and moved to Phuket in 2014. In Phuket, Carl was working in the kitchen of the Rundetaarn restaurant a popular hangout place for the Danish community in Phuket. In the beginning, all was going well but the temptations of the close by Bangla Road party street started affecting the work. Full story: https://scandasia.com/danish-man-missing-in-thailand-since-2015/ -- © Copyright ScandAsia 2021-12-22 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

PHOTO: File photo / Sawang Prateep Thammasatan Si Racha Rescue Team / Siam Sea Port By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – The Pattaya City Police is preparing to set up multiple checkpoints for the annual ‘Seven Days of Danger’ road safety campaign for the New Year which will start next week. The Pattaya City Police Chief Colonel Kunlachart Kunlachai told The Pattaya News, “The seven days of danger for this New Year’s festival will be from December 28th to January 3rd.” “Pattaya City Police, Pattaya Tourist Police, Banglamung district officers, and volunteers will patrol around the Pattaya area.” “Multiple checkpoints will be set on the main roads. Our main checkpoint for this coming Seven Days of Danger campaign in Pattaya will be in front of the Big C store in South Pattaya on Sukhumvit.” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/12/21/pattaya-preparing-for-new-years-seven-days-of-danger-traffic-program/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-12-22 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Photo by Handout / US Food and Drug Administration / AFP Chiang Rai Governor Pasakorn Boonyalak, accompanied by provincial health chief Dr. Watchapong Kamla, announced the first potential Omicron variant case in the province today (Tuesday). The governor said that the COVID-19 infected patient, a 36-year old Briton, tested negative by RT-PCR before departing for Thailand and passed a second RT-PCR test upon his arrival at Suvarnabhumi international airport in Bangkok on December 13th. He spent two nights at a hotel before flying to Chiang Mai to meet three American friends. The four hired a Thai driver to take them to Chiang Rai on December 15th. On the way they stopped at a service station in Wiang Papao district and at the White Temple, before checking in to a hotel. That evening, they had dinner together at a restaurant close to the hotel. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-chiang-rai-province-detects-first-potential-omicron-case/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-22 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Channel 7 A British man was chased in the street by a knife wielding Thai man after he repeated asked for a beer and was refused and then was told to go home. The case reached Thai national TV news Channel 7 after a clip and information was posted by Mr Jack's wife Nalinnara, 28, on Facebook. In the Facebook post requesting information about the man in the video it was stated that the man approached a group of Thais and the foreigner drinking at a shop in Phraeksa Soi 10, Muang Samut Prakan, south east of the Thai capital Bangkok. The poster said her husband didn't have any money with him and turned down the man's request for a beer. But he wouldn't stop and asked "twenty plus" times for a beer creating annoyance. Eventually the Brit stood up and told the man to go home. To defuse the situation one of the Thais present fronted up the price of a beer. But the man came back 5 minutes later armed with a knife. The foreigner ran off leaving his motorcycle. The assailant chased him, couldn't find him then returned to the shop to ask where the foreigner lived. Apparently this was not the first time this man had done something like this. Reporters from Channel 7 went to the area and spoke to the owners of a grocer's opposite called Ms Neung who said it happened at about 10.30 pm on Saturday 18th December. She confirmed the Facebook details adding that there was a considerable commotion. She said that she knew the British man who was a frequent customer and that he was a polite and nice guy. When asked where he lived the other people present on the night in question said they didn't know. The Thai man had made trouble for someone else two months ago, she said. Nalinnara told the media that her husband had gone to the shop opposite to buy cigarettes then been invited over for a beer by some Thai friends. She said that Jack ran 200 meters to escape the man leaving his bike. He was now scared to leave the house. She provided the Muang Samut Prakan police with a clip and they are now investigating. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-21 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported that three foreign tourists had arrived on the holiday island of Koh Samui in southern Thailand with the Omicron variant. There were a British couple and a Belgian male. Close contacts on the plane or planes were all checked, Thais as well as foreigners. No other cases were found including Thai contacts on the ground after tests. District chief Theerapong Chauychu immediately put plans in place to open a local field hospital. Local official Pongthep Phumalee said everything was under control and all protocols and regulations were in place. Naew Na - well know for taking the comments of officialdom at face value notes ASEAN NOW - surprisingly sought out several locals for their opinion. There was no panic, quite the opposite. Rachanee Jongsuwanpong, a local bookseller, said she was calm. The foreigners were vaxxed and there are perfectly good screening protocols for both foreign and Thai domestic tourists. She expressed total confidence in the local health authority and noted her own mask wearing and rule following attitude. Market fruit seller Janthira Thepraksa echoed this saying the authorities and locals are used to every thing by now having open up the island long since. She pointed out the salient fact that the local economy needed tourists. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-21 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

By Paul Andrews Electric vehicle owners in Hua Hin now have a handy new location for rapid charging – Market Village Hua Hin. EleX by EGAT charging station is located in the outside car park and has been installed at Market Village as part of a collaboration between the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), HomePro and BMW. This station is equipped with a Fast Charger and a Normal Charger, 125 kW and 22 kW, 1 machine, 3 outlets, and can support charging two automobiles at the same time. It is available to the general public and visitors to Market Village Hua Hin shopping mall. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/new-electric-vehicle-charging-station-opens-at-market-village-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2021-12-21 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

“Ganja & Thai Traditional Medicine in the City” fair in Bangkok on March 18, 2021. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP) Cannabis and kratom completed their long journeys to legalization this year, in what was seen as an uncharacteristically liberal move by conservative Thai authorities. Given that alcohol and cigarettes remain tightly controlled in Thailand, these once-banned herbs have come a long way in a short space of time. The newly amended Narcotics Code, which went into effect on December 9, lists neither cannabis nor kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) as illicit drugs. These herbs are now being touted for their huge potential in helping both patients and the Thai economy. The change in their status has much to do with the efforts of Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, whose Bhumjaithai Party made legalization of cannabis a key election promise. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/2021-the-year-cannabis-and-kratom-became-legal-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-20 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that Hua Mark police and officers from Thang Duan 2 attended the scene of an accident on the Srirat expressway in the area of the bridge over Klong Saen Saeb at 12.55 this morning. Inside a blue Honda stopped on the left with its rear smashed in were three dead people. In the back was a lady called Atchara, 30, and in the front passenger seat was Somsak, 44. The dead female driver was unidentified. Bits of the vehicles involved were spread all over the expressway. About ten meters away was a white Mercedes Benz with red plates (brand new) with its front smashed in. (Night time lighting made it appear that the car was yellow, notes ASEAN NOW). Behind the wheel was a man called Jinthawat or "Boat", 33, a leading executive with a famous comestics brand. Witnesses said that the Benz had been driven at high speed and joined the Srirat expressway section heading to the Chonburi motorway from the Chalongrat section. It collided with the rear of the Honda. Expressway police took the driver away for an alcohol test. Daily News further reported that relatives of the dead arrived in tears at the scene with at least one person fainting. Hua Mark police are in charge of the investigation. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-18 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Picture: INN INN reported that a naked man in Phayathai police jurisdiction had called rescue services for help - Chuay Duay! they said in their headline. The heavily tattooed man had got his penis caught in a padlock. Ruam Katanyu hot footed it to Soi Suan Ngern off Rama 6 and they soon had the member for Phayathai in hand, so to speak. Utilizing specialist equipment they freed the man. Picture: INN Precise details as to what he was doing in a padlock were not given and the man's identity was spared. He was pictured in what appeared to be shorts though the media said he was naked. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-15 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Picture: Manager Manager reported from the holiday island of Koh Chang in Trat in the east of Thailand. The destination proved popular with weekenders who went there for the three day holiday after Constitution Day Friday. Picture: Manager Some 20,000 people left the island through the day yesterday on seven ferries from the two ports on the island. They managed to clear 300-400 cars an hour. Despite this there were tailbacks of 1.5 kilometers as people drove home. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Picture:: Daily News Daily News called it a miracle. Wisarut, 22, lost control of his pick-up on a bend in Prachinburi central Thailand and wrapped his vehicle round a power pole. Yet he walked away with minor injuries. Srimahaphot police at the scene had to ask the electrical authorities to turn off supply after a box was demolished in the accident yesterday. It is an accident blackspot. Police are interviewing the driver once more. ASEAN NOW notes that miracles need to be verified by the Vatican and this can take some time, especially at Christmas. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

People pass through a rainbow walkway inside the Samyan Mitrtown complex in Bangkok on June 11, 2021, in celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) Despite being considered one of the world’s most tolerant societies, Thailand is unlikely to bless same-sex marriages any time soon. Efforts to legalize the status of same-sex couples in Thailand have been dealt harsh blows recently. The Constitutional Court’s ruling last month supported the Civil and Commercial Code’s edict that only marriage between a man and woman is constitutional. Later it went even further in its explanation of the ruling, which seemed to reflect prevailing prejudices against Thailand’s LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersexed) community. In response, many from the LGBTQI community vented their frustration online, complaining the verdict portrayed them as less than human and as a minority trying to overthrow the culture of the majority. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/hope-for-same-sex-marriage-still-a-faint-glimmer-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News A terrified passenger on a Rayong to Chonburi minivan called the police after the driver - obviously steaming drunk - drove in an out of traffic "like a snake slithering along the ground", reported Daily News. When Chan, 57, saw the cones laid out at the intercept he tried to burst through but was stopped. He was breath tested and had 310 mg of alcohol - nearly six times over the limit at least. Picture: Daily News Chan reckoned he's only had one bottle of spirits and stopped drinking by 2 am. He didn't say how big it was. He was immediately booked for DUI by Sattahip police and carried away. Pictures showed that he could barely stand. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-11 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

In 2016 Mr Wright claimed to be the founder of Bitcoin A computer scientist who claims he invented Bitcoin has won a court case allowing him to keep a cache of the cryptocurrency worth billions of dollars. A jury rejected claims that Craig Wright's former business partner was due half of the assets. As a result Mr Wright will retain 1.1m Bitcoin, worth $54bn (£40bn). However he will pay $100m to his late partner's company for intellectual property infringement. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59571277 -- © Copyright BBC 2021-12-09 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Tourists board a boat at Chalong Pier yesterday (Dec 3). Photo: TAC Phuket By The Phuket News PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Government has been approved to spend more than B298 million on local development projects, including B113mn on two projects supporting marine tourism in Chalong Bay. One of the projects is for more than B44mn to be spent on installing mooring buoys in Chalong Bay. The budget figures were revealed during a meeting led by Paphasmon Amralikit, Inspector-General of the Prime Minister’s Office Government Inspectorate Area 6 office, in Phuket yesterday (Dec 3). During the meeting Ms Paphasmon was briefed on 12 projects totalling B298.57mn for the fiscal year 2022 (Oct 1, 2021 - Sept 30, 2022) “in order to comply with the objectives and achieve the best benefits for the people”, noted a report by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket). Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-splashes-out-b113mn-on-chalong-bay-projects-82258.php -- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-12-04 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Manager Manager reported that Thailand's minister for tourism and sports Pipat Ratchakitprakan responded to questions in the House about the new coronavirus variant Omicron and its possible affect on tourism. He said that he was confident that it would have no effect. He assured the house that tourist arrivals from the US and Europe in particular had shown no signs of cancellations. To back this up he referred to the "Phuket Sandbox" with 60,000 arrivals and only 200 positive Covid cases. He also said that measures were underway to trace arrivals from Africa before restrictions were placed in relation to several nations on that continent where the omicron variant has been discovered. Visa-compliant insurance plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Picture Sanook The latest plan to open a legal casino in Thailand to get money from foreign tourists in picking up steam at a fast rate. Following a debate in the house last week where there was widespread cross-party consensus and many comments from leading politicians in support of the idea, it has now been decided to set up a commission. The vote for this shows the level of support the idea is garnering - 310 for, 9 against and 10 abstentions. The commission will be cross-party, reported Sanook, and has 90 days to report its findings. It will be made up of 15 members of the cabinet, 13 Pheu Thai MPs, 11 from Palang Prachachart, six from Bhumjaithai, five each from Future Forward and the Democrats and one each from several other parties. Quoting news agency Issara, Sanook said that proposed names on the list include Chatchawan Khong-udom also known as Chat Taopoon, Mongkholkij Suksintharanon and Sira Jenjakha. The last of these is a former heavy gambler who said that he was always opposed to the idea of a casino but has now changed his mind after turning his life around and hearing the arguments of fellow MPs. The word "casino" is largely being used in the Thai press but the term "Entertainment Complex" is favored in political debate. This euphemism perhaps goes some way to explaining the complex relationship that the Thai public and Thai authorities have with the thorny issue of gambling, notes ASEAN NOW. Few legal avenues exist to bet in Thailand with the state lottery and on course horse racing among them. But a huge number of Thais bet both legally and illegally with underground lotteries, online sites and hundreds of "speak easy" style casinos nationwide often operating with the connivance of police and politicians. The issue is one of the biggest of political and social hot potatoes but the current moves represent a serious step with Sira saying earlier this week that he expects a legal casino to open "within the life of this government". Most noises coming from key figures at present suggest that the plan will be for only foreign tourists to be allowed to bet at first with Thais working in the casino. Visa-compliant insurance plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

file photo The overall popularity of Bangkok amongst expats has increased, according to a new survey. The Thai capital was ranked in 11th place out of 57 cities included in the survey for the best place for expats to live. The Expat Insider 2021 survey carried out by InterNations revealed that Bangkok is now more popular with expats than it was in 2020. Last year, Bangkok was ranked in 30th place out of 66 cities surveyed. In 2019, it ranked in 20th place out of 72 cities. The affordability of housing, the ease in finding housing and friendly locals were the main positive factors for expats living in Bangkok. The survey said that finding housing in Bangkok was “a breeze”. “Although it misses out on a place in the top 10 overall (11th), Bangkok comes in a proud third place in the Finance & Housing Index 2021, slowly climbing from spot four in 2020. It has consistently ranked in the top 5 of this index since 2017”, the survey said. “Just over double the global average agree completely that it is easy for expats to find housing in the Thai capital (49% vs. 24% globally). And nearly two-thirds (64%) rate the affordability of housing positively (vs. 42% worldwide). A British expat sums it up: “Whether you are renting or buying — it’s affordable.” “A similar percentage (65%) is satisfied with the general cost of living in Bangkok (vs. 48% globally). And indeed, an above-average percentage (83%) agree that their disposable household income is enough or more than enough to buy everything they need (vs. 77% globally). This might be helped by the fact that only 18% have a gross annual income of 25k USD or less, compared to 30% of expats worldwide. However, some of the negative aspects of living in Bangkok could be seen in the capital’s ranking in the Urban Living Index, where it received some of its lowest scores in the categories for Transportation, Safety & Politics and Health & Environment. In the Urban Work Live Index, a lack of career opportunities was also seen as a negative factor for expats living in Bangkok. Despite Bangkok’s improvement in the survey’s rankings compared to last year, the Thai capital was still rated behind regional rivals Kuala Lumpur (1st), Singapore (5th) and Ho Chi Minh city (6th), which were ranked as better destinations for expats. The survey described Kuala Lumpur as welcoming and affordable for expats, saying: “Kuala Lumpur (1st out of 57) also ranks first in the Getting Settled Index — nearly all rating factors make it into the top 10. “It’s easy to live here, and the people are wonderful!”, a US expat sums up her experience. (For details, see the Getting Settled Index 2021.) “It boasts stellar results in the Finance & Housing Index (1st), too (see the Finance & Housing Index 2021). Kuala Lumpur comes first in the Housing Subcategory and is only beaten by Ho Chi Minh City (1st) with regard to finance: 64% of expats have a disposable household income that is more than enough to cover expenses in Kuala Lumpur (vs. 52% globally). “In the Urban Work Life Index (30th), it gets mixed results. Expats are happy with their working hours (75% vs. 66% globally) and work-life balance (72% vs. 66% globally). However, 34% rate the local career opportunities negatively (vs. 33% globally), and only 57% view the state of the local economy favorably (vs. 62% globally). “Lastly, the Quality of Urban Living Index (41st) is Kuala Lumpur’s weakest point. While it lands in ninth place of the Leisure & Climate Subcategory, the results for other factors are rather subpar. This includes the urban environment (38th), personal safety (42nd), and transportation (47th). For example, 69% of expats globally rate the local transportation system positively, compared to 57% in Kuala Lumpur. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Pipat Ratchakitprakan. File photo Thailand's tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan admitted to Thai media yesterday that he hadn't any idea why the country bans drinking from 2 pm to 5 pm in the afternoon. He told Thai Rath it was like "lying to yourself" about reality. "What is that for?," he pressed. "It's not as if drinkers haven't stocked up." Now following a meeting with tourism industry people yesterday Pipat will be proposing new rules for restaurant dining in tourism areas so they can serve alcohol all day. He said that ideally that will be 11 am to 11 pm or even midnight. He plans to raise the matter with interior minister Anupong Paojinda and deputy health minister Sathit Pitudecha at the cabinet. The move specifically related to 7 tourism provinces declared light blue zones and possibly 19 other light blue provinces. Whether the minister can effect any change remains to be seen which can also be said for the countrywide alcohol sales ban that exists in places like supermarkets and 7-Eleven's during three hours in the afternoon. This has been in place in Thailand for many years but nobody, including the minister, seems to understand why, notes ASEAN NOW. Visa-compliant insurance plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-30 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Great Wall Motors’ Ora Good Cat is building a buzz in Thailand. Photo: Shutterstock Jitsiree Thongnoi ● With its pretty looks, attractive price and reasonable range, the Ora Good Cat of Great Wall Motor is setting records by appealing to young consumers and women ● As Thailand embraces EVs, Chinese brands are stealing a march on more established Japanese rivals, but the country’s status as ‘Asia’s Detroit’ is under pressure from Indonesia Veteran Thai journalist Nithi Thuamprathom has covered the automotive industry for two decades but it was only recently, at an exhibition in Shanghai a few years ago, that Chinese electric cars first caught his attention. “The show opened my eyes to how much China has progressed in developing its electric cars,” he said. “I had visited car shows in Europe for 10 years, but it was in China that I was very impressed with the car products on display.” When Great Wall Motor – a Chinese carmaker that’s still a newcomer in the Thai market long dominated by Japanese brands – last month released the Haomao or Ora Good Cat, it received more than 4,200 pre-orders in less than 24 hours, a record for zero-emission cars in Thailand and a figure that eclipsed even the previous high for annual sales of battery-run EVs in the kingdom. Full story: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3157507/why-chinese-electric-cars-are-causing-buzz-thailand -- © Copyright South China Morning Post 2021-11-29 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates