Covid surges, World Cup kicks off, Mafia boss surrenders and Prayut considers dumping PPRP

New Covid travel fears
Tourism operators are closely monitoring Covid flare-ups in the region ahead of the upcoming high season.
Asian countries are facing a surge in several Covid-19 sub-variants, including the new XBC variant in the Philippines and the XBB variant in Singapore.
Japan and South Korea -- two essential markets for Thai tourism -- have both recorded a sharp increase in infections this month. Japan announced its eighth wave of the pandemic with more than 100,000 cases per day, while South Korea saw daily infections reach 70,000 last week.
Beijing posted a record number of new cases on Tuesday, as China's restrictive zero-Covid policy continues.

World Cup kicks off
Qatar's controversial hosting of the 2022 World Cup kicked off this week, with a rousing win for England and upsets for Argentina and Germany.
The tournament has faced much criticism for the poor human rights record of host country Qatar, with Ex-Man United player Roy Keane simply stating the World Cup shouldn't be there.
England's campaign began with a decisive 6-2 victory over Iran, Saudi Arabia pulled off a surprise 2-1 win over Argentina and Japan beat Germany 2-1.
Thailand's TV coverage is at risk, however, as the Thai broadcasts seem to be watchable in Laos, a breach of the country's broadcasting contract with Fifa.

Mafia rumours
A private jet reportedly used to help a Chinese mafia figure escape arrest and flee the country is at an airfield in Prachuap Khiri Khan and never left Thailand, according to the air force.
Former massage parlour tycoon Chuwit Kamolvisit claimed the alleged gangster, who he named as Mr Tuhao, had already fled the country, with the help of certain state officials, on the jet hours after police raided Jinling nightclub in Bangkok's Yannawa district last month.
However, Chaiyanat Kornchayanant - alias Mr Tuhao - turned himself in to Bangkok police on Wednesday to answer allegations of involvement in the illicit drug trade.
Police believe Mr Chaiyanat is behind the operation of Jinling nightclub.

Prayut considering new party
The long-standing bromance between Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon looks set to end.
Prayut said he is considering a move to join the newly-established United Thai Nation, or Ruam Thai Sang Chart party, quitting the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, of which Prawit is leader.
If Prayut is re-elected by parliament as prime minister after the next election, expected in the first half of next year, he could only serve as PM for another two years as his premiership will end in 2025.