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File under TIT. From Thai Examiner Phuket breakthrough on foreign tourism walked back on Friday by government spokeswoman This is despite what appeared to be support for the proposal from Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha when asked about it by reporters in Rayong during a visit there by the Thai cabinet. However, it has emerged this week that there is opposition to the move from top medical experts. We also know that the PM advised the Minister of Tourism to focus his efforts for now on domestic tourism which is, in fact, floundering. A breakthrough scheme to galvanise the recovery of Thailand’s critical foreign tourism industry, once the jewel in the country’s economic crown, has hit conflict and confusion at the end of the week with a government spokeswoman pouring cold water on its immediate launch underlining that it has not yet been fully approved and is being looked at critically. A week after what appeared to be a breakthrough when a new package for foreign tourism was announced by the Chairman of the Tourism Authority, Yuthasak Supasorn, last Friday, comes news that the proposed reopening of Phuket to foreign tourists from October 1st, which was reportedly agreed in principle last Friday and which was defended vehemently by the Prime Minister, during the week, may still be only on the drawing board. Doubts were raised about the proposal on Friday when Deputy Government Spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul asserted that the reentry of foreign tourists to Thailand as outlined for Phuket would not be happening in the short term and that the government was only still in the process of examining the proposal closely. It is not clear what is driving the new reticence about the proposal that appeared to be gaining in momentum during the week. It could be linked to reported opposition from medical experts to the scheme who warn of a possible second wave of the virus if doors are further opened to foreigners. In Rayong, the prime minister appeared to vociferously support the proposal when he claimed that local people in Phuket will suffer if no effort is made to reopen the island to foreign tourism. ‘If nothing is done, things will get worse. Premises will be shut down. Employees will be laid off. How can the government afford to help them all?’ he said. His position was echoed by the Deputy Chief of the Thai Army and a key member of the Centre for Covid 19 Situation Administration, General Nattapol Nakpanich. General Nattapol warned that severe hardship is being felt in former Thai tourist hotspots because of the current ban on foreign tourists.

From Reuters BANGKOK (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Thailand plans to turn about half its prisons into tourist attractions to boost visitor numbers as the Southeast Asian nation struggles to recover from an economic slump caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Sporting events, art exhibitions, cooking contests and souvenirs made by inmates will be rolled out in 72 of the country’s 143 prisons, Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said this week. A pilot scheme is being tested in five prisons, including those in the cities of Trat, Rayong and Ratchaburi, he said. This would not only bring much-needed visitors, but also prepare inmates for a “normal life in society” and change the image of prisons from being “a twilight world to a world of opportunities”, he added. The concept of prison tourism is not new. From tours of Alcatraz in San Francisco to the notorious Hoa Lo prison in Hanoi that is now a museum, prisons are major attractions worldwide. Some defunct prisons have even been converted into luxury hotels, while a women’s jail in Colombia has a restaurant run by inmates, and a Singapore prison hosts an annual charitable run. Thailand has the largest prison population in Southeast Asia, and inmates have limited access to medical facilities, food, water and sanitation, according to a 2017 report by the International Federation for Human Rights. A 2017 law was aimed at improving prison conditions, and Thailand’s Justice Ministry has vowed to ease overcrowding, as well as provide vocational training for prisoners. The tourism project is a part of this plan, Somsak said.

Competing views of the same topic that appeared in competing news outlets today. From Bangkok Post Long-stay visits possible this winter Authorities are finalising a plan that would make it possible for retired, sun-seeking foreigners to spend the coming winter months in Thailand in an effort to save the ailing tourism industry, says a prominent hospital executive. Although the country’s borders have been closed to most foreigners since late March to fight the pandemic, the government is proposing to grant visas to foreigners who want to stay in Thailand for up to nine months, said Boon Vanasin, chairman of Thonburi Healthcare Group Plc, the country’s third largest private hospital firm, which runs hospitals and retirement homes. These long-term visitors would begin their stay with a mandatory 14-day quarantine and frequent virus tests in of Phuket. After three weeks on the island and negative test results, they would be free to travel to other Thai regions, according to Dr Boon, who said he has direct knowledge of the government’s plan and expects the arrivals to begin before winter. ========================================================================= From The Nation Thailand not opening to foreign tourists any time soon Thailand will not be fully reopened to foreign tourists along the lines of the so-called “Phuket Model” any time soon because the government has to consider too many details, deputy government spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul said on Friday (August 28). She added that the government needs to consider many factors, including guidelines, screening processes and measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to ensure there is no second wave of infections.

From Reuters LONDON: A 40-year-old Irish haulier pleaded guilty on Friday (Aug 28) to the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese men, women and boys found dead in the back of a refrigerated truck near London last year. Ronan Hughes became the second man to plead guilty over a case that shocked Britain and Vietnam and shone a light on the illicit human smuggling trade. The other is Maurice Robinson, from the British province of Northern Ireland, who was driving the truck when the bodies were found. Appearing at a full Old Bailey courtroom in London, Hughes stood in the dock facing the judge as the names of the 31 men and boys and eight women were read out. He admitted each charge in a process that took more than 10 minutes. Hughes also admitted conspiring to assist unlawful immigration. Most of those who died, aged between 44 and 15, were from Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces in north-central Vietnam, where poor job prospects, environmental disasters and the promise of financial reward abroad fuel migration.

From Channel News Asia SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has set up a Safe Travel Office (STO) to ensure an easier and smoother traveller experience with the gradual reopening of borders, Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said on Thursday (Aug 27) in his ministry’s addendum to the President’s address. This comes as Singapore sees stable local community transmission of COVID-19 and embarks on various travel schemes with other countries, he said. President Halimah Yacob told Parliament on Monday that Singapore will safely resume air travel to maintain its role as a global and regional hub. Singapore has reciprocal travel arrangements with Malaysia and China, with plans for similar schemes with Japan and Thailand. The Government also announced last Friday that it will ease restrictions for travellers from several countries including Brunei and New Zealand.

From The Nation THAI ready to fly in tourists from 6 nations, even China Thai Airways International Plc is ready to arrange special direct charter flights from six countries to Phuket under the government’s plan to revive the subdued tourism sector, said acting president Chansin Treenuchagron. Thai Airways International Plc is ready to arrange special direct charter flights from six countries to Phuket under the government’s plan to revive the subdued tourism sector, said acting president Chansin Treenuchagron. The six countries are Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong. The airline can make two flights per month on each of these routes, Chansin said. THAI is expected to begin these special flights in late November. The airline will even increase the flights on these routes if it sees rising demand, he said. It is also expected to make special charter flights from China to Phuket.

I think you're giving the correct definition of yourself here. You get off on nitpicking despite the fact your frequently wrong. You are more in need a trip to LOS than anyone on the board. In any case, thanks for repeatedly bumping the post.

From The Thaiger International tourists ‘essential’ to Thai economy, PM says Thailand needs tourists to pick its economy back up, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says, adding that a system needs to be put in place that would both prevent the spread of the coronavirus and also allow international tourists to enter Thailand again. While there have been many concerns about allowing international tourists into the country, Thailand’s economy is dependent on tourism. Prayut says opening up the Thailand’s economy is dependent on tourism. “If nothing is done, things will get worse. Premises will be shut down. Employees will be laid off. How can the government afford to help them all?” Of course not everything will happen all at once, and visiting Thailand won’t necessarily be easy. Opening borders could bring on a potential second wave of the coronavirus. Prayut says only a limited number of tourists will be allowed to enter at first to test out the country’s coronavirus control measures, making sure there are no virus transmissions. He says the tourists will be monitored and if Covid-19 is detected, they will be able to contain it. “There will be forms to fill in. Flights must be traceable. When they reach their destinations their whereabouts will have to be confirmed and they will be isolated from others.” ============================================================================== From The Nation Holiday subsidies doubled after tourism scheme fails to lure travellers Ministers at today’s mobile Cabinet meeting in Rayong agreed to upgrade the “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) tourism stimulus scheme after it received a disappointing response from travellers. Only 660,000 of the 5 million nights of subsidised accommodation offered by the scheme have been booked by travellers since it started operating in July. In response, the Cabinet agreed to extend the period of subsidised stays for each traveller from five nights to 10 nights and the air-fare subsidy from Bt1,000 support to Bt2,000.

From Wikipedia A monorail is a railway in which the track consists of a single rail or a beam. The term is also used to describe the beam of the system, or the trains traveling on such a beam or track. The term originates from joining "mono" (meaning one) and "rail" from 1897,[1] possibly from German engineer Eugen Langen, who called an elevated railway system with wagons suspended the Eugen Langen One-railed Suspension Tramway (Einschieniges Hängebahnsystem Eugen Langen). Colloquially, the term "monorail" is often used to describe any form of elevated rail or people mover. Monorails have found applications in airport transfer and medium capacity metros. To differentiate monorails from other transport modes, the Monorail Society defines a monorail as a "single rail serving as a track for passenger or freight vehicles. In most cases rail is elevated, but monorails can also run at grade, below grade or in subway tunnels. Vehicles either are suspended from or straddle a narrow guide way. Monorail vehicles are wider than the guide way that supports them. ========================================================= Clearly, monorails do not have to be suspended. Beyond that you fail to acknowledge that you grossly mischaracterized the speed of the the cars on the BTS Gold Line. Btw, that "separate line" you refer to is a "rail" (a monorail to be precise) and not only supplies power but guides the directions of the train. But the most crucial factor of this discussion is when readers will enjoy the opportunity be able to ride the new trains. At that point, I suspect that none of us will be debating definitions because we have our minds on other things.

Wrong, Z. If you look at the photo of the new BTS Gold Light service, you'll notice there is only one rail. Hence, a "mono" rail. And since the new trains are capable of speeds up to 80 kilometers (49.7 mph) per hour, they aren't exactly "painfully slow" now, are they? Third, I never referred to the Changi trains as a monorail. I said "Mitsubishi people mover" which is what they are. Try to get something right before you pop your wad.

From Bangkok Post Court approves new arrest warrant for Red Bull scion The Bangkok South Criminal Court on Tuesday approved an arrest warrant for three charges against Red Bull scion Vorayuth “Boss’’ Yoovidhya based on new evidence in a fatal hit-and-case in 2012. The three charges were reckless driving causing death, failing to help a victim after a crash and cocaine abuse. Pol Capt Pichapai Srikhamkhwan, deputy investigation chief at Thong Lor police station, on Tuesday asked the court to issue the warrant for the arrest of Mr Vorayuth based on new evidence — testimony given by experts and examination of cocaine use, Thai media reported.

Construction cost savings was likely a big factor. The BTS selected newer technology for this relatively short, connector route compared to the KL system that opened in 2003. Projected passenger volume was also a factor in selecting a smaller scaled version. Iconsiam was a major player in the public-private financing of the route. It's similar to the Mitsubishi people mover used at Changi Airport.

From The Nation Now that all three driverless trains for the BTS Gold Light Rail Line have been delivered, trials on the 1.8-kilometre route will begin immediately before the service is officially launched on October 29. The monorail will stop at three stations – Krung Thonburi, Charoen Nakhon and Klong San – before linking up with the BTS Green Line. Constructed on a public-private partnership basis, the aim of the monorail is to make it easier for residents in Bangkok’s Thonburi district to travel to downtown as well as to places like Iconsiam. Now that all three driverless trains for the BTS Gold Light Rail Line have been delivered, trials on the 1.8-kilometre route will begin immediately before the service is officially launched on October 29. The monorail will stop at three stations – Krung Thonburi, Charoen Nakhon and Klong San – before linking up with the BTS Green Line. Constructed on a public-private partnership basis, the aim of the monorail is to make it easier for residents in Bangkok’s Thonburi district to travel to downtown as well as to places like Iconsiam. The unmanned Bombardier Innovia APM 300 trains can reach a maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour. Commuters can use the service for free until October 29, after which rides on the Gold Line will cost Bt16 per person.

From The Nation The Thai Hotel Association (THA) has demanded that the government reopen the country to foreigners, especially since occupancy in hotels is almost zero, with some small operators being forced to close up. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, THA chairman, said the government should consider specific countries or cities and come up with promotions to bring back tourists. She added that operators in the tourism sector were also finding it difficult to take loans, and called on the government to set up a fund to help them out. Separately, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the prime minister has spoken to Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration about allowing foreign tourists to visit specific areas in Phuket. He said if this scheme proves to be effective, it will be applied to other provinces such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani or Chonburi.

But BOT says commercial banks remain strong From Thai Enquirer The share prices of Kasikorn Bank and Siam Commercial Bank drop slightly on Monday morning due to rumors of the possible collapse of commercial banks in Thailand. During the weekend, Rangsan Thanapornpan, a Thammasat academic, said in an interview with WAYMAGAZINE that there were three large Thai commercial banks about to face bankruptcy. However, Ronadol Numnonda, the deputy governor of Financial Institutions Stability, responded immediately by assuring that the financial situation and the capital fund of all commercial banks still remain strong and could handle the hardship during the COVID-19 economic crisis. From the beginning of 2020 till the end of June, the BIS ratio of the commercial banks stood at a high level of 19.2 per cent and the performance is still profitable. Ronadol also mentioned that liquidity in the financial system was also prominent. According to the BOT, the stress test has shown that the country’s financial sector was still resilient and could withstand more shocks if the situation does not improve. BOT stated that assistance measures have mitigated the COVID-19 impact on businesses and many people can still pay off their debt normally. Analysts in the banking sector said the commercial bank stock market hasn’t been that affected by the rumor that NPLs will cause the banks to break down. “The fluctuation in price still seemed normal as the number is not significantly suggesting a loss in confidence in the stock market.” Shares of Kasikorn Bank PCL (KBANK) were at 83.75 baht per share as the Monday morning session ended, decreasing by 1.75 baht or -2.05 per cent with the transaction value of 1,550 million baht. The lowest point reached was 82.75 baht. While the Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)’s shares stood at 70.00 baht per share, the price decreased 1.00 baht or -1.41 per cent with the transaction value of 459 million baht. The lowest price was 69.25 baht. SCB previously admitted that it was suspending all e-commerce transactions for all the debit cardholders of the bank claiming that the system was hacked.

From Bangkok Post Bali bans foreign tourists for rest of 2020 over virus Foreign tourists won't be allowed to visit Bali for the rest of 2020 due to coronavirus concerns, its governor said, scrapping a plan to open up the Indonesian island from next month. The holiday hotspot re-opened beaches, temples and other tourism spots for domestic visitors at the end of July and had said it would let foreign tourists return on Sept 11. But the plan has now been cancelled over concerns about Indonesia's mounting virus cases and with many foreign nationals subject to travel bans in their home countries. Jakarta is also yet to lift its ban on foreign tourists entering Indonesia. "The situation in Indonesia is not conducive to allow international tourists to visit Indonesia, including...Bali," the island's governor I Wayan Koster said in an official letter dated Saturday.

From NHK News Japan and Laos have agreed to ease entry restrictions imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Long-term residents will be allowed to travel between the two countries as early as September. Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and his Laotian counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith met in Laos on Sunday. The ministers also confirmed that the two countries will speed up coordination in order to permit short-term visitors as soon as possible, including business people. Motegi said Japan intends to resume admitting government-sponsored Laotian students soon. Saleumxay expressed gratitude for the plan. After the meeting, the ministers signed an agreement where Japan will offer Laos about 22.6 million dollars in grant aid for projects, including the construction and renovation of institutions to train teachers.

NOTE -- Thailand hasn't had a submarine force since 1951 but the navy never gave up hope, maintaining the submarine division for seven decades without ever having an actual submarine in the fleet. In 2013, a new sub base was completed at Sattahip. The following article describes the history of the submarine in earlier years (1934-1951), providing a wealth of history about then Siam and later Thailand. From The Combinedfleet.com History of Royal Thai Submarines in World War Two © 2016 Bob Hackett Revision 2 Thailand was one of the Axis states which assisted Japan in World War II. On 8 December 1941, Japanese forces invaded southern Thailand, but resistance lasted only a few hours before ending in a ceasefire. On 21 December 1941, a mutual offensive-defensive alliance pact between Thailand and Japan was signed. On 25 January 1942, the Thai government declared war on the United States and Britain. Thai Lt General Jarun Rattanakun Seriroengrit's Phayap (Northern) Army invaded and occupied northeastern Burma, which was former Siamese (Thai) territory that was annexed by Britain much earlier. Thailand then proceeded to annex territories in neighboring countries, expanding northwards, southwards and eastwards, and gained a border with China. The official policy of the U.S. Government (USG) is that Thailand was not an ally of the Axis, and that the United States was not at war with Thailand. Since 1945, USG policy has been to treat Thailand not as a former enemy, but rather as a country which had been forced into certain actions by the Japanese. Thailand has been treated by the United States in the same way as such other Axis-occupied countries as Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Greece, Norway, Poland and the Netherlands. In 1934, Admiral Sindhu Kamalanavin, then Chief of Staff of the Royal Siamese Navy (RSN), led a warship-procurement project which was approved by parliament in 1935. The proposal included a 6.9 million-baht budget for three submarines the Navy wanted to protect Siam's almost 1,000 mile long coastline along the Gulf of Siam from foreign incursion, most notably by the colonial French colonists. The Siamese lacked domestic capability and the experience needed to build such vessels, so in October 1935, the RSN opened international bidding for the three submarines. Bidding was was won by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan, which offered a price of 820,000 baht each for four boats and terms including technical training of prospective officers and crews in Japan. In 1936, the RSN let a contract and purchased four submarines for delivery in 1937. Siamese navy officers and sailors were sent to Japan to be trained to operate the submarines by Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) personnel. On 31 May 1936, the first group of about 40 officers and men departed Bangkok aboard NACHISAN MARU, the Mitsui Line's first passenger liner. On 12 June 1936, they arrived at Kobe. [1] In May 1936, two 374.5 ton submarines were laid down at Kobe based on a private Mitsubishi design. Both were launched on 24 December 1936. In May 1936, two more such submarines were laid down at Kobe. Both were launched on 14 May 1937. From 13 June-25 October 1936, the Siamese sailors were billeted and trained at the Funabashi Elementary School in Tokyo. There the prospective Siamese crews underwent submariner training by the IJN in Japanese language training, gymnastics, Kendo martial arts and naval infantry training. On 15 September 1936, the trainees visited Yokosuka and the decommissioned IJN MIKASA, flagship of Admiral Togo Heihachiro throughout the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905. [1] On 25 October 1936, they embarked by train from Tokyo, arriving the next day at Kobe where Mitsubishi had constructed a wooden submarine model for training purposes. IJN Captain (Vice Admiral, posthumously) Yatsushiro Sukeyoshi (40)(former CO of RO-61, I-63) was their Chief instructor. On 19 April 1937, another 41 officers and men departed Bangkok, Siam on 4,433-ton liner NACHISAN MARU. They arrived at Shiminoseki, Japan in May 1937 whereupon they embarked by train for Tokyo. [1] On 4 September 1937, all four submarines were completed and delivered to Royal Siamese Navy. MATCHANU and WIRUN then underwent testing for several weeks including torpedo firing in Kobe Bay. Thai Submarine Day is now observed on 4 September. Continues with photos http://www.combinedfleet.com/Royal%20Thai%20Submarines.htm

NOTE -- To access list of cities described in article, use hyperlink at end. Many ASEAN and EU locations are mentioned. From Singapore Airlines Covid-19: SIA and SilkAir transit flights through Singapore SIA, SilkAir and Scoot customers can transit through Singapore Changi Airport from selected points in Asia, Europe and the South West Pacific region to any destination in the SIA Group network currently operated by SIA, SilkAir or Scoot. For the latest cities approved for transit flights through Singapore, please refer to the table here. Please note that the transit flights are only for outbound journeys from the cities in the list below. Passengers will not be able to transit from other points in the SIA Group network through Singapore into these cities. For the latest Singapore Airlines and SilkAir flight schedules, please refer here. Please refer here for Scoot flight schedules. Return Flights Eligible customers may book a return flight only if both the point of origin and the final destination are in the list of cities approved for transit through Singapore. For example, customers may book a return flight for Tokyo (NRT) – Singapore – Sydney as both Tokyo (NRT) and Sydney are among the list of departure cities for transit flights. However, customers may only book a one-way outbound journey from Sydney – Singapore – New York (JFK) as New York is not among the list of departure cities for transit flights. Please note that transfers to destinations in Mainland China are currently not available. Due to further restrictions imposed by the Australian Government, Singapore Airlines will not operate passenger services from Singapore to Melbourne from 1 July to 24 October 2020. Flights from Melbourne to Singapore from 1 July to 24 October 2020 are operating as listed. We apologise to customers affected by these changes and will work with them to make alternate travel arrangements. https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/news-alert/?id=kataac8r

From Bangkok Post Money should go on Covid aid, say critics House subcommittee scrutinising the budget bill for the fiscal 2021 approved the navy's controversial procurement of two submarines worth 22.5 billion baht from China, though not unanimously. Critics of the defence spending are ramping up the pressure by demanding a review of the armed forces' weapons procurement plans including those on the submarine purchases so more money could be saved and injected into efforts to help solve the country's economic problems caused by Covid-19. Yutthapong Jarassathian, a Pheu Thai Party MP and deputy chairman of the subcommittee under the House committee on durable product items, state enterprises, ICT equipment and revolving funds, told a press briefing yesterday that the subcommittee considered the Royal Thai Navy's (RTN) budget request for the purchase of the two submarines for a second time. In the first meeting, the subcommittee had to put the matter on hold because it could not decide whether to allow the RTN to buy the submarines, Mr Yutthapong said. The RTN told the subcommittee that it has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to buy three submarines from China, he said. According to the RTN, the purchase of the first submarine was already completed, using the money from the 2017 budget, and it will be delivered in 2024, he said. However, at Friday's meeting, the RTN showed the MoU for the purchase of the first submarine to the subcommittee, but the document does not say that Thailand was obliged to buy the other two submarines, Mr Yutthapong said.

NOTE -- Although the following article was published this month, Vietnam currently remains closed to international tourists. From US News and World Report Consider retirement overseas in this exotic and affordable country A long-favored destination among backpackers and adventure tourists, Vietnam offers staggeringly beautiful landscapes, a colorful local culture and an extremely low cost of living. Retirees considering moving overseas to Vietnam need to be adventuresome and comfortable with dramatic culture shock. If you are open to exotic new experiences, Vietnam could be your chance to enjoy a rich, vibrant retirement on a tiny budget. Vietnam is one of the most affordable places in the world to live well. A couple can live here comfortably on a budget of $1,000 per month or less. Health care, in particular, is a fraction of the cost of comparable care in the United States. Vietnam doesn't make things straightforward when it comes to visas and residency. Even to visit as a tourist, you'll need to fill out an application for a visa before arriving in the country. You can apply for a one- or three-month tourist visa and extend this up to two times before you have to leave the country to renew it. You could also apply for a business or investor visa, which could allow you to remain in the country full time indefinitely. Vietnamese is an extremely difficult language to learn. It has 11 vowels, as opposed to English's five, and subtle differences in pronunciation result in drastically different meanings. English is most commonly spoken in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but even in these cities it's mostly the younger generation and those working in the tourism industry with English-language skills. Outside major cities you'll meet very few English speakers. As a result, the language difference can be the greatest challenge of living in Vietnam as an expat retiree. The government owns all land in Vietnam, and foreigners are restricted from owning land. The best you can do is to lease land from the government for a maximum of 50 years. Foreigners can purchase property in certain condo developments in bigger cities. Most expats and retirees prefer to bypass the complications of property ownership completely and rent. Depending where in the country you choose to base yourself, you can rent for as little as $350 per month. Vietnam has both public and private health care systems. Most expats and retirees opt to use the private facilities, where the quality of care is high and the staff includes internationally trained doctors. The most prestigious hospital group in Vietnam is Hoan My Medical Corporation, with hospitals and clinics across the country. City International Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City is the biggest international hospital, where a quarter of the patients are foreigners and most of the medical staff speaks English. Prices for health care in Vietnam are among the most affordable in the world. For example, at City International Hospital you'll pay $17 for a basic consultation, $4 for a blood test and less than $10 for an X-ray. Costs can be so low that it can make sense to pay for care out of pocket. However, private hospitals generally cater to expats with international health insurance. Continues at https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/articles/how-to-retire-in-vietnam

From Bangkok Post Some employees of Thai Airways International (THAI) became unusually rich from a major plane procurement deal struck in 2003-2004, according to a police-led investigation team set up by the Transport Ministry. The conclusion was drawn after the team led by Pol Lt Gen Charnthep Sesaves, a former Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner, completed its investigation, Deputy Transport Minister Thaworn Senneam said on Thursday. Mr Thaworn said he was assigned by Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob to announce the results of the investigation to parliament on Wednesday. He said the focus of the investigation was on the factors that played a major part in landing the struggling airline deep in the red. THAI has run up debts exceeding 244 billion baht. The Central Bankruptcy Court is hearing from THAI's creditors after the airline presented a debt rehabilitation plan to the court. Mr Thaworn said the probe team discovered that between 2003 and 2004, THAI had purchased 10 Airbus A340 wide-bodied aircraft. The planes were to be used on direct flights linking Bangkok with New York and Los Angeles. Two years after the Bangkok-US services were launched, the airline recorded losses of 12 billion baht. The losses widened to 39 billion baht after the same aircraft were flown on other routes. The direct flights to the US went ahead despite the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council objecting to THAI acquiring those type of planes. The agency questioned the feasibility of operating the fuel-guzzler planes profitably. Mr Thaworn said the Charnthep team's findings will be forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and he would divulge further details of the probe later this month. Pol Lt Gen Charnthep also said some THAI employees had pocketed ill gotten gains from managing procurement projects including the A340 deal. "Corruption had definitely occurred," he said.

From Coconuts Bangkok Arrests of 9 Thai activists, rappers on ‘wanted list’ condemned Thanayuth ‘Book’ Na Ayutthaya, aka ElevenFinger for his extra digit, raps about Khlong Toei and social justice. Photo: Coconuts Human Rights Watch this morning condemned the arrests of seven pro-democracy campaigners and two anti-establishment rap artists by the police. The arrests violate pledges made by the government to respect their rights at a time of swelling protests against its rule, the New York-based group said in a call for their immediate release. “The Thai government’s repeated promises to listen to dissenting voices have proven meaningless as the crackdown on pro-democracy activists continues unabated,” said Brad Adams, the group’s Asia director. “The authorities should right their wrong and immediately drop the charges and release [Arnon Nampa] and other detained activists.” The arrests were carried out last night and this morning. Arnon, an attorney who’s led Thai Lawyers for Human Rights and was previously arrested after he broached the topic of royal reform, was reportedly taken into custody at the Bangkok Criminal Court, where he was tending to his clients. Between last night and this morning, he was arrested along with Baramee Chairat, Korakot Saengyenphan, Suwanna Tanlek, Todsaporn Sinsomboon, Thanee Sasom, Nathawut Somboonsup, Thanayuth Na Ayutthaya and Dechatorn Bamroongmuang. Dechatorn has used the stage as a weapon against the regime ever since Rap Against Dictatorship released popular anti-government track What My F**king Country’s Got in 2018. He performed at Sunday’s mass rally at the Democracy Monument, which drew an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 people, alongside Thanayuth, a teen rapper from Khlong Toei known as “ElevenFinger.”

From Richardbarrow.com "I want to make it very clear that it had nothing to do with my activities on social media. I work for a small company that contracts me out to work at the school. Although the paperwork was passed by my local Immigration, officials in Bangkok have stricter criteria."

From Thai Enquirer Video Story: What students can learn from ASEAN’s history of protest https://www.thaienquirer.com/16213/video-story-what-students-can-learn-from-aseans-history-of-protest/