Ukraine's Zelensky visits war-torn southern city as battles rageThe European Commission spearheaded a powerful show of solidarity on Friday by backing Ukraine for EU candidate statusKYIV (UKRAINE) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the war-damaged southern city of Mykolaiv on Saturday for the first time since the Russian invasion as "fierce battles" raged again in the eastern Donbas region. Making a rare trip outside Kyiv, Zelensky surveyed a badly-damaged high-rise building and met officials in Mykolaiv, which has been holding the defence of the Black Sea coast against Moscow's troops. Zelensky has appealed for western support and weapons, and he hailed an announcement from Brussels on Friday that it backed Ukraine's EU membership drive as a "historic achievement." Ukrainian democratic habits have not lost their power even now," Zelensky said in a video address overnight. They (Russia) do not control the city entirely," the governor of the eastern Lugansk region, Sergiy Gaiday, said on Telegram.

59 dead, millions stranded as floods hit Bangladesh, IndiaPeople wade along a flooded road following heavy monsoon rains in Sylhet, BangladeshSYLHET (BANGLADESH) - Monsoon storms in Bangladesh and India have killed at least 59 people and unleashed devastating floods that left millions of others stranded, officials said Saturday. Floods are a regular menace to millions of people in low-lying Bangladesh, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency, ferocity and unpredictability. "The whole village went under water by early Friday and we all got stranded," said Lokman, whose family lives in Companiganj village. More than four million people have been stranded by flood water," Hossain said, adding that nearly the entire region was without electricity. Forecasters said the floods were set to worsen over the next two days with heavy rains in Bangladesh and upstream in India's northeast.

OR continues non-oil business expansionOtteri Wash & Dry Co's launderettes are set to feature at PTT Oil and Retail Business's petrol stations countrywide. PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) has acquired shares in a laundry business to further expand its non-oil services, including the provision of launderettes at its petrol stations. The investment will lead to an expansion of launderette branches, both at the company's petrol stations and outside of them, according to OR. K-Nex operates 670 branches of Otteri Wash & Dry. Mr Kavin said K-Nex sees the potential to expand its laundry business to a wider area, including both petrol stations and overseas.

Jail time for those who sell to minorsA 'Cannabis and Hemp Free Zone' sign outside Bangkok's Ban Bang Kapi School. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The Public Health Ministry has listed penalties for those found guilty of selling cannabis or cannabis-based products to minors and pregnant women following the decriminalisation of the plant. Dr Yongyos Thammawut, director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said the ministry issued the announcement to control the unhealthy use of the plant and prevent minors and pregnant women from accessing cannabis. Dr Yongyos said a Public Health Ministry committee has agreed that the restriction will cover all parts of the cannabis plant, including roots, stems, leaves and buds. "The Public Health Ministry has heeded concerns over the matter and will put forward proposals to parliament to improve the bill and close any loopholes," he added.

The US still prohibits cannabis at the federal level; the UK considers cannabis an illegal drug. I am pondering if the police could differentiate between cannabis consumers and drunk drivers. People could enjoy the recreational drug without knowing that they might be driving under the influence of a drug. I would urge them to carefully evaluate and monitor cannabis use because there is no guarantee that everything will go according to plan. Chadchart Sitthipan, the Bangkok governor, has been quick to announce a ban on the use of this recreational drug in schools under the BMA supervision.

Boy, 14, treated, recovers after using cannabisYoung ganja plants. (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert)NAKHON RATCHASIMA: A 14-year-old boy who was admitted to a hospital after consuming cannabis and developing neurological symptoms quickly recovered and was discharged after treatment. Jiraruj Chomcheoy, a pediatrician speicalising in respiratory diseases at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, said on Friday that the boy was treated on Thursday for symptoms of depression and fever. Using cannabis and cannabis extracts would affect a child’s nervous system, both short and long term, he said. Dr Jiraruj earlier posted a message on his Facebook about the 14-year-old boy being treated at the hospital.

(Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)Tourism-related operators are encouraging the government to ease Covid-19 restrictions further to drive the economy as well as lift the state of emergency. The event was organised by the Public Health, Transport and Tourism and Sports ministries, with representatives from nine business associations. Nantida Atiset, vice-president of international marketing at Phuket Tourist Association, said the industry is at a crossroads in terms of welcoming back tourists, with success dependent on the removal of the Thailand Pass system. India has replaced China as a major tourism source market as the population size is similar, said Somsong Sachaphimukh, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand. Representatives from the Airlines Association of Thailand said airlines should not be responsible for collecting the 300-baht tourism tax as local and overseas airlines have different booking systems.

The plan calls for 200 new uniforms to be procured at 5,000 baht apiece by December, which requires a budget of at least 2 million baht. Parliament President Chuan Leekpai approved the plan to “improve the uniforms of Parliament police to suit the present time” on June 12, according to a source. The uniform upgrade covers shirts, pants, skirts, buttons, hats and insignia. However, some have questioned whether the change is necessary at a time when government budget is already stretched to the limit amid rising inflation.

Just a day before the directive was issued, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt had announced that all schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration are off-limits to marijuana from June 15. Effective from June 9, marijuana is no longer considered a narcotic plant, except for its extract containing over 0.2 per cent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the psychoactive compound that makes people feel “high”. Unlike cigarette smoking, no law exists to prohibit smoking marijuana in public. So, health authorities plan to apply the Public Health Act of 1992, which prohibits any “act of public disturbance” caused by smoke and smell, for example. Separately, the Department of Health issued two directives on the use of marijuana as a cooking ingredient in food shops and on the storage of the plant.

CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin announces the government's plan to allow resumption of all business and other activities nationwide, probably from July 1, at Government House on Friday. (Screenshot)The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Friday agreed it was time to declare the whole country a green (surveillance) zone where all business and other activities could resume, probably from July 1, the CCSA spokesman said on Friday. Taweesilp Visanuyothin said they agreed to the proposal from the Public Health Ministry. Officials were expected to conclude details to allow a nationwide green zone from July 1. Dr Taweesilp said people would be able to take off face masks when they were in open-air places and during activities or work where masks were not normally required.

Yellow, Pink lines to open for limited trial next yearThe Yellow Line is under construction on Srinagarindra Road in Bangkok on June 9. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The Yellow and Pink line monorails are expected to begin partial operations early next year, as construction of both lines are almost complete. Construction of the Yellow Line, which will link Lat Phrao and Samrong, is about 92% finished while the Pink Line, which will connect Min Buri and Khae Rai, is 88.5% done. As such, the Yellow Line is expected to begin partial operations in January, with the entire line expected to open in June. He also encouraged them to watch out for noise or dust pollution that might arise when the lines open to the public.

The meeting was held virtually under the theme of “Women’s Empowerment through the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy”. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Renee Graham, Chief Executive, Social Wellbeing Agency, New Zealand, who delivered a keynote address focusing on women leadership and inclusivity and how we can explore new frontiers and models. Mrs. Patcharee Arayakul, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, delivered the opening remarks during the meeting. And Mrs. Jintana Chanbamrung is the Head of Delegation of PPWE Thailand.

Published byThe Bangkok PostSandler’s Hustle is a Euro step redemption talepublished : 17 Jun 2022 at 04:00 newspaper section: [Life](http://search.bangkokpost.com/search/result_advanced?category=news&xNewsSection=Life) Whether it’s because he has reached a saturation point with goofy comedies, or because he’s too old to lead a romantic comedy, in the past few years, Adam Sandler has turned to more mature, dramatic roles. If you’ve seen his ventures into indie films like Punch-Drunk Love (2002), The Meyerowitz Stories (2017) or more recently Uncut Gems (2019), you’ll notice that Sandler has a dramatic side to him that’s …Read More

Savills Thailand will be launching the new world-class residences at The Whiteley in Bangkok on Thursday 30th of June 2022, offering a first chance to purchase an apartment in the grand reimagining of the former Whiteleys department store on Queensway, in London's Bayswater. Prapaporn Boonkajornkul, Director, Savills Thailand; commented – ‘The restoration and refurbishment of Whiteleys places the development as one of the most significant and prestigious new landmark residential developments in London’. Thannicha Chowiwatthana, Manager, Savills Thailand; commented – ‘The Whiteley has strong appeal for Thai buyers as it will be completed together with London’s first and flagship Six Senses hotel and spa’. Designed by world leading architects Foster + Partners, The Whiteley brings together new, modern architecture with retained and restored Grade II-listed features, including the building’s entire frontage and iconic dome. Occupying over 1.1 million sq ft and providing 139 high specification residences, 20 new shops, cafes and restaurants, a cinema, and state-of-the-art gym, The Whiteley will be completed with London’s first and flagship Six Senses hotel and spa, offering 110 rooms, 14 Six Senses residences and a members’ social and wellness club.

Launching ahead of the much-anticipated opening of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon in Q3, is Ojo Bangkok, a Mexican restaurant on the 76th floor of King Power Mahanakhon on Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road. “Amar still feels that there is a lot to explore in terms of Mexican food in Thailand. Shattering preconceived notions about Mexican cuisine in Bangkok requires a chef of a certain calibre. I want to take down this idea of Mexican food being about heaviness, spiciness and fat. Ojo’s menu will continue to be an eye-opening experience since chef Paco promises updates on a regular basis to keep patrons interested (and salivated).