Jonathan Fairfield

Pattaya business operators frustrated, angry, and confused at continued alcohol sales ban at restaurants and entertainment venues Pattaya tourism and business operators are urging the Thai government to allow drinking alcohol in restaurants in Pattaya. The President of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association Mr. Boonanan Pattanasin told The Pattaya News and other associated media this past weekend, “Pattaya should be a “BLUE” (Business, Leisure, Ultimate Experience) zone like Bangkok and other provinces. We don’t have many new Covid -19 cases now. Most of the new Covid-19 cases in Chonburi are being found in factories, migrant worker camps, army bases, and other sub-districts that are not part of the ‘Pattaya Move On tourist pilot area or even involved in tourism at all. Many of the Chonburi cases have actually been found in Rayong and have been transferred here, but count towards the local area. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/31/pattaya-business-operators-frustrated-angry-and-confused-at-continued-alcohol-sales-ban-at-restaurants-and-entertainment-venues/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-31 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Chonburi Governor orders more Covid-19 related temporary targeted closures, company in Chonburi The Chonburi Governor, Phakkhrathon Thianchai, has announced last night (October 29th) the temporary closure of a company in the Mueang Chonburi district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1237502-chonburi-governor-orders-more-covid-19-related-temporary-targeted-closures-company-in-chonburi/

The Chonburi Governor, Phakkhrathon Thianchai, has announced last night (October 29th) the temporary closure of a company in the Mueang Chonburi district. The order was posted by the Chonburi Public Relations office last night. The orders conclude, “Many Covid -19 confirmed cases were being found at companies in the Mueang Chonburi district.” “In order to control the spread of the virus, the Chonburi Communicable Disease Committee has ordered the following temporary closure of the place below.” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/30/chonburi-governor-orders-more-covid-19-related-temporary-targeted-closures-company-in-chonburi/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-31 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

16-year-old boy dies after colliding his motorbike with a sedan in Phan Thong A 16-year-old boy has been pronounced dead at the scene after he collided his motorbike with a sedan in Phan Thong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1237501-16-year-old-boy-dies-after-colliding-his-motorbike-with-a-sedan-in-phan-thong/

A 16-year-old boy has been pronounced dead at the scene after he collided his motorbike with a sedan in Phan Thong. The Phan Thong Police was notified of the accident at 9:30 P.M. yesterday, October 29th, 2021, on the Phan Thong – Ban Bueng Road in the Nong Hong sub-district. First responders arrived at the scene to find a damaged sedan and a damaged motorbike on the road. Reporters at the scene noted that the speedometer on the motorbike was stuck. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/30/16-year-old-boy-dies-after-colliding-his-motorbike-with-a-sedan-in-phan-thong/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-31 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Two people arrested in Chonburi accused of being involved in illegal drug operation and loan shark network Two people have been arrested for being allegedly involved in a major drug network and illegal loan shark operation. Police stated to the press that they seized properties in total worth more than 13 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1237499-two-people-arrested-in-chonburi-accused-of-being-involved-in-illegal-drug-operation-and-loan-shark-network/

Two people have been arrested for being allegedly involved in a major drug network and illegal loan shark operation. Police stated to the press that they seized properties in total worth more than 13 million baht. Major General Teeradet Tammasutee from the Region 2 Police addressed the press about the incident earlier this week. Major General Teeradet stated, “We have arrested Mr. Narongrit ‘Art’ Prasertwong, 30. He is being accused of illegally operating loan services and charging interest higher than the legal limits. ” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/30/two-people-arrested-in-chonburi-accused-of-being-involved-in-illegal-drug-operation-and-loan-shark-network/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-31 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Controversial Buddhist preacher Phra Maha Praiwan to leave monkhood One of two controversial monks, Phra Maha Praiwan Worawano, well known for unorthodox preaching, has announced his intention to leave the monkhood after his teacher and mentor, Phra Ratchapanya Suthee, the acting abbot of Soi Thong Temple in Bangkok, was not officially appointed to the position of abbot. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1237498-controversial-buddhist-preacher-phra-maha-praiwan-to-leave-monkhood/

One of two controversial monks, Phra Maha Praiwan Worawano, well known for unorthodox preaching, has announced his intention to leave the monkhood after his teacher and mentor, Phra Ratchapanya Suthee, the acting abbot of Soi Thong Temple in Bangkok, was not officially appointed to the position of abbot. In his Facebook livestream Friday night, from his living quarters at the temple, the monk said that he will present his saffron robe, which he has worn for more than 10 years, to his teacher and mentor in recognition of his guilt in bringing trouble to and for the failure to save Phra Ratchapanya Suthee. Phra Maha Praiwan and another monk at the same temple, Phra Maha Sompong Talaputto, are under intense scrutiny, for alleged misconduct unbecoming of monks, over their livestream talk shows in September, during which they poked fun at political affairs, giggled, laughed and allegedly engaged in commercial activities. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/controversial-buddhist-preacher-phra-maha-praiwan-to-leave-monkhood/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-10-31 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Public health can aid proactive Thai diplomacy A carefully-crafted national public health plan with proactive diplomacy can help Thailand to participate in global health development and deal with emerging diseases in the coming decades, suggested a panel of experts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1237497-public-health-can-aid-proactive-thai-diplomacy/

A carefully-crafted national public health plan with proactive diplomacy can help Thailand to participate in global health development and deal with emerging diseases in the coming decades, suggested a panel of experts. The strategy will reposition health spending, not as a burden but as an investment in the country’s health infrastructure and exports. “But the thinking, planning and management will have to change, right through to the development of human resources and products, said Dr. Borwornsom Leerapan of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital at Mahidol University. He was speaking at a webinar called “Public Health, COVID-19 and Diplomacy” last Thursday, co-hosted by the Surin Pitsuwan Foundation, Chiang Mai University’s School of Public Policy, Thai PBS and Asia News Network. The webinar was moderated by Nattha Komolvadhin from Thai PBS. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/public-health-can-aid-proactive-thai-diplomacy/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-10-31 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Fully vaccinated Thais returning from low risk countries not required to undergo extended quarantine or have health insurance Thai citizens returning home by air from 45 “low risk” countries and Hong Kong will not be required to spend extended time in quarantine or to have health insurance cover as of Monday, when Thailand reopens to foreign arrivals, said Ms. Rachada Dhnadirek, deputy spokesperson for Government House today (Saturday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1237496-fully-vaccinated-thais-returning-from-low-risk-countries-not-required-to-undergo-extended-quarantine-or-have-health-insurance/

Thai citizens returning home by air from 45 “low risk” countries and Hong Kong will not be required to spend extended time in quarantine or to have health insurance cover as of Monday, when Thailand reopens to foreign arrivals, said Ms. Rachada Dhnadirek, deputy spokesperson for Government House today (Saturday). She said these Thais will be treated like other people arriving in Thailand from the 45 low risk countries and Hong Kong who, however, must have been fully inoculated with recognised vaccines at least 14 days before their arrival and have passed a RT-PCR test no more than 72 hours before boarding their flights. Foreign tourists, however, must have at least three million baht health insurance cover during their stay in Thailand. Arriving Thai passengers from these countries and territory must have hotel booking, as an alternative quarantine location, for one night for a COVID-19 test upon arrival and, if they test negative, they can leave the hotel for any destination. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thais-arriving-from-45-low-risk-countries-and-hong-kong-to-be-treated-like-citizens-of-those-countries/ Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-10-31 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Expedite efforts to give people jobs, Phuket Gov says Gov Narong has called to give people jobs. Photo: PR Phuket PHUKET: The Governor of Phuket, Narong Woonciew, has urged local authorities to expedite the ongoing recruitment campaign to help fight unemployment and provide local people with a source of income. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1237495-expedite-efforts-to-give-people-jobs-phuket-gov-says/

Gov Narong has called to give people jobs. Photo: PR Phuket PHUKET: The Governor of Phuket, Narong Woonciew, has urged local authorities to expedite the ongoing recruitment campaign to help fight unemployment and provide local people with a source of income. The call was made at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall last Friday (Oct 29) where representatives of local government agencies and authorities discussed the most pressing local issues mostly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Talking about the employment project, Gov Narong pointed out that so far 3,083 people have got jobs via the scheme while over 7,000 vacancies are yet to be filled. Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/expedite-efforts-to-give-people-jobs-phuket-gov-says-81873.php -- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-10-31 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Diver drowns while spearfishing at Layi Beach PHUKET: A local diver drowned while he was spearfishing at Layi Beach in Kamala yesterday (Oct 29). Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1237494-diver-drowns-while-spearfishing-at-layi-beach/

PHUKET: A local diver drowned while he was spearfishing at Layi Beach in Kamala yesterday (Oct 29). Lt Col Suchart Meelampong of the Kamala Police was notified of the incident at Layi Beach at an undisclosed time yesterday (Oct 29). The report was of a man drowning while enjoying underwater hunting at Layi Beach. After an hour-long search the body of the diver – Karun Somsa, 59 years old, – was found washed to the shore and taken to Patong Hospital to determine the exact cause of death. Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/diver-drowns-while-spearfishing-at-layi-beach-81872.php -- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-10-31 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Phuket small business operators call for SHA+ to be cancelled PHUKET: A group of local small hotel owners, transport drivers and small tour operators rallied in Phuket Town yesterday (Oct 29), calling for the government to cancel its requirement for tourists to stay only at SHA Plus hotels on entering the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1237493-phuket-small-business-operators-call-for-sha-to-be-cancelled/

PHUKET: A group of local small hotel owners, transport drivers and small tour operators rallied in Phuket Town yesterday (Oct 29), calling for the government to cancel its requirement for tourists to stay only at SHA Plus hotels on entering the country. The group of small business operators, about 100 in number, first gathered at Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town, brandishing placards with slogans including, “SHA+ issues are causing us trouble” and “SHA plus is a cold-blooded killer”. The SHA Plus scheme, also called SHA+, is the government’s certification that the venues or service provided is fully compliant with Ministry of Public Health regulations and provincial orders issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-small-business-operators-call-for-sha-to-be-cancelled-81869.php -- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-10-31 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Australian government recognises Sinovac, allows ‘mixed jab’ vaccinations for travel PHUKET: The Australian Government has announced that it now recognises Sinovac as an approved vaccine and also now recognises vaccinations whereby two different vaccines were used. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1237491-australian-government-recognises-sinovac-allows-‘mixed-jab’-vaccinations-for-travel/

PHUKET: The Australian Government has announced that it now recognises Sinovac as an approved vaccine and also now recognises vaccinations whereby two different vaccines were used. The move will come as much welcomed news to many expats in Phuket who have been vaccinated through the Thai government vaccination campaign with two injections of Sinovac, and one “booster” injection of AstraZeneca. Matthew Barclay, the Australian Consul-General for Phuket and the neighbouring provinces, told The Phuket News, “I’m sure the recent announcement on mixed doses of approved or recognised vaccines being accepted is welcome news for Australians vaccinated in Thailand, particularly those looking to return to Australia in coming months. Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/australian-government-recognises-sinovac-allows-mixed-jab-vaccinations-for-travel-81870.php Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-10-31 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand increases number of 'low risk' countries from 46 to 63 Image: Reuters file photo Thailand has increased the number of countries and regions it will allow fully vaccinated visitors without quarantine under its 'Test & Go' policy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1237488-thailand-increases-number-of-low-risk-countries-from-46-to-63/

Bangkok to allow alcohol in restaurants but only until 9pm Restaurants in Bangkok can serve alcohol from Monday (Nov 1) but only until 9m, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1237489-bangkok-to-allow-alcohol-in-restaurants-but-only-until-9pm/

Restaurants in Bangkok can serve alcohol from Monday (Nov 1) but only until 9m, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced. To serve alcohol a restaurant also needs to have an SHA (Safety and Health Administration) certification. On Friday, it was announced that Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga had been re-classified as 'blue zone' provinces and as such would be able to serve alcohol in restaurants as part of the plans to reopen Thailand to foreign tourists. However, on Saturday, the BMA stressed restaurants have to strictly follow the COVID-19 protocols put in place limit the spread of the virus. The BMA said that the easing of restrictions are in place until Nov 30 but can changed at any moment. Restrictions were also eased for other businesses such as beauty clinics, beauty salons, nail salons, tattoo shops, spas and Thai massage shops. However, many of these businesses are required to open by appointment only and customers are required to fully vaccinated or have negative RT-PCR or ATK results within 72 hours. Pubs, bars, karaoke, night clubs, massage parlours and other entertainment venues must remain closed. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-10-31 - 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

Image: Reuters file photo Thailand has increased the number of countries and regions it will allow fully vaccinated visitors without quarantine under its 'Test & Go' policy. Late on Saturday (Oct 30), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that its list of 'low risk' countries and territories had been increased from 46 to 63. New additions to the list include India, Luxembourg, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines, among others. The news comes as the Indian community in Thailand last week called on the Thai government to allow Indians to be able to visit Thailand from November 1. Satish Sehgal, chairman of the India-Thai businessmen association, said Indians should be included in the 'low risk' list as Indian tourists are amongst the top 5 spenders in Thailand, visiting the country for tourism, weddings and business. Thailand is the top overseas wedding destination for wealthy Indians. In 2019, approximately 2 million Indian tourists visited Thailand generating 80 billion Baht in tourism revenue, On Monday (Nov 1), Thailand officially reopens to international foreign tourists for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-10-31 - 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