Jonathan Fairfield

A man who was fixing internet cables found a dead body in a forested area near a roadside in Banglamung last night (October 15th). The Nongprue Police was notified of the incident at 7:00 P.M. near Number 36 Road in the Pong sub-district. Rescue workers and The Pattaya News arrived at the scene to find the body who was later identified as Mr Witoon Sankan, 53. He was found hanging between two trees, entangled in wires. Police said no sign of a struggle or altercation was found on his body. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/16/man-dicovers-dead-body-in-trees-near-roadside-in-banglamung/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-16 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Allegedly intoxicated Korean driver crashes into Pattaya traffic light during curfew An allegedly intoxicated Korean driver has sustained minor injuries after crashing into a traffic light in Pattaya last night during a Covid-19 curfew (October 15th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235712-allegedly-intoxicated-korean-driver-crashes-into-pattaya-traffic-light-during-curfew/

An allegedly intoxicated Korean driver has sustained minor injuries after crashing into a traffic light in Pattaya last night during a Covid-19 curfew (October 15th). The Pattaya City Police was notified of the accident at 10:50 P.M. on Sukhumvit Road in Central Pattaya in Nongprue. This is, TPN media notes, during a mandatory Covid-19 curfew period from 10:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. The curfew, however, has changed to 11:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. as of today, October 16th, 2021. It is unknown if the driver had a permit to be out during this time period. Pattaya City Police arrived at the scene to find a damaged black sedan and a damaged road sign. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/16/allegedly-intoxicated-korean-driver-crashes-into-pattaya-traffic-light-during-curfew/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-16 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Bangkok’s Metropolitan Electric Authority gets defensive about netizen’s comments on viral Russell Crowe picture The Metropolitan Electric Authority in Bangkok, or MEA, has released a public defensive statement responding to viral photos and more specifically comments made by netizens on them, taken by actor Russell Crowe who is currently visiting Bangkok in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235711-bangkok’s-metropolitan-electric-authority-gets-defensive-about-netizen’s-comments-on-viral-russell-crowe-picture/

The Metropolitan Electric Authority in Bangkok, or MEA, has released a public defensive statement responding to viral photos and more specifically comments made by netizens on them, taken by actor Russell Crowe who is currently visiting Bangkok in Thailand. According to the MEA, the cables seen in the photo above are not electrical or power cables, and are not under the authority of the MEA. The MEA added that they, quote, “always take safety very seriously.” The MEA stated that any concerns about power cables or electrical cables should be dealt with by contacting the MEA directly. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/16/bangkoks-metropolitan-electric-authority-gets-defensive-about-viral-russell-crowe-picture/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-16 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Officials to splash B30m on ‘Pla Wan corner’ The Ban Ao Nam Bo curve on Sakdidet Rd in Wichit. Photo: PR Phuket PHUKET: Local officials have requested B30 million to upgrade and increase safety measures on a stretch of road in Wichit notorious for the number of vehicle accidents in recent years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235709-officials-to-splash-b30m-on-‘pla-wan-corner’/

The Ban Ao Nam Bo curve on Sakdidet Rd in Wichit. Photo: PR Phuket PHUKET: Local officials have requested B30 million to upgrade and increase safety measures on a stretch of road in Wichit notorious for the number of vehicle accidents in recent years. The Ban Ao Nam Bo curve on Sakdidet Rd in Wichit has seen numerous car accidents that prompted local residents to complain. Many of the accidents have resulted in cars overturning as they fail to navigate the curve properly. The most high profile case was that of Vorasit ‘Pla Wan’ Issara, the owner of the upscale Sri Panwa resort at Cape Panwa on Phuket’s east coast, who was injured when the car he was driving struck a power pole at the exact same spot in March of this year. Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/wichit-road-danger-spot-to-be-addressed-81722.php -- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-10-16 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Seminar held to encourage investment into Phuket Piyapong Choowong, the Deputy Governor of Phuket, opens the seminar. Photo: PR Phuket PHUKET: An open panel discussion was held yesterday (Oct 14) aimed at attracting investment into Phuket entitled “Why Phuket is an attractive city to invest and live in”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235708-seminar-held-to-encourage-investment-into-phuket/

Piyapong Choowong, the Deputy Governor of Phuket, opens the seminar. Photo: PR Phuket PHUKET: An open panel discussion was held yesterday (Oct 14) aimed at attracting investment into Phuket entitled “Why Phuket is an attractive city to invest and live in”. Piyapong Choowong, the Deputy Governor of Phuket, presided over the session which was organised by Ms Pathumwadee Thongkam, Director of TPB Company Limited. The meeting took place at the Allang Conference Room of the InterContinental Phuket Resort around 2pm. Deputy Governor Piyapong was joined by six leading experts who shared their opinions and advice on why Phuket is such an attractive destination for local and overseas investors. Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/seminar-held-to-encourage-investment-into-phuket-81719.php -- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-10-16 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Cab drivers can get free cabin partition installed throughout October BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Land Transport continues to provide free installation of cabin partitions for taxis, to protect drivers and passengers from airborne pathogens. Taxi drivers can make installation appointments in Bangkok throughout October at no cost. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235707-cab-drivers-can-get-free-cabin-partition-installed-throughout-october/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Land Transport continues to provide free installation of cabin partitions for taxis, to protect drivers and passengers from airborne pathogens. Taxi drivers can make installation appointments in Bangkok throughout October at no cost. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) said it would continue providing free installation of cabin partitions for taxis throughout October, or until the current supply runs out. This campaign was launched to promote the safety of passengers amidst the pandemic, with the partition separating the driver and passengers which in turn helps to prevent transmission of COVID-19 and other pathogens traveling through the air or droplets. DLT Director-General Chirute Visalachitra said the department aims to install these partitions in 3,000 cabs, with 2,192 vehicles now having completed the installation. The department has also conducted a satisfaction survey using a QR code attached to the partition. Up to 86.81% of passengers said they were highly satisfied, and 87.88% said they felt safer with the partition inside the vehicle. 90.2% of the passengers surveyed said all taxis should be equipped with this kind of partition, while 83.76% of the drivers say they were confident the partition would help protect them from droplets and airborne pathogens. Interested taxi drivers can drop in at the DLT’s office in Bangkok for partition installation free of charge and without an appointment needed until the end of October. They will need to present their national ID card, public driver’s license, and a copy of the driver’s handbook. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-10-16 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

An arriving passenger pushes a trolley carrying her luggage at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — Despite the downward trend in COVID-19 infections and the easing of some mobility restrictions, foreign tourists are still not allowed to enter the Philippines, Malacañang said yesterday. “We still do not allow the entry of foreign tourists; only long-staying visa holders,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in Filipino during a press briefing. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) recently approved the revised guidelines for passengers from countries, territories or jurisdictions in the “green” list or those classified as low risk. For fully inoculated foreign nationals, a negative RT-PCR test will have to be taken within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival, there is no need for them to undergo facility-based quarantine but the passenger should self-monitor for any symptoms until the fourteenth day. Full story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/10/15/2134268/foreign-tourists-still-not-allowed-enter-philippines -- © Copyright Philstar 2021-09-15

CCSA sub-panel to propose zone and curfew adjustments to PM on Thursday A sub-panel meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is planning to propose the adjustment of dark-red zone provinces from 29 to 24 provinces and curfew hours from 11:00 PM. to 3:00 AM. at the upcoming general meeting of the CCSA, chaired by the Prime Minister, tomorrow, October 14th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235317-ccsa-sub-panel-to-propose-zone-and-curfew-adjustments-to-pm-on-thursday/

A sub-panel meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is planning to propose the adjustment of dark-red zone provinces from 29 to 24 provinces and curfew hours from 11:00 PM. to 3:00 AM. at the upcoming general meeting of the CCSA, chaired by the Prime Minister, tomorrow, October 14th. TPN media notes at this time that all of these items are proposals, and not guaranteed or set in stone to happen. According to local media, the sub-panel would initially introduce more consideration of Covid-19 relaxations at the next general meeting, including the reorganization of colored zones nationwide such as the highest and strict control area, or dark-red zone provinces, from 29 to 24 provinces, the highest controlled area, or the red zone area, to 29 provinces, and the controlled area, or orange zones, to 24 provinces. Chonburi, home of TPN media, is currently a “dark-red” zone, although based on high levels of Covid-19 and cases it is unlikely that the color code is changed locally. Moreover, the sub-panel will propose the change of curfew hours from the current 10:00 PM. – 04:00 AM. to 11:00 PM. – 03:00 AM. of the following day, implementing from 16 – 31 October 2021, for dark red provinces. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/13/ccsa-sub-panel-to-propose-zone-and-curfew-adjustments-at-general-meeting-with-thai-pm-tomorrow/ Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

5,000 households in six districts of Chanthaburi inundated after heavy rain all-night Heavy rain throughout Tuesday night and early this morning dumped 300mm of water on Thailand’s eastern coastal province of Chanthaburi, flooding 162 villages and nine communities in six districts of the province. About 5,000 households, with about 15,000 people have been affected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235315-5000-households-in-six-districts-of-chanthaburi-inundated-after-heavy-rain-all-night/

Heavy rain throughout Tuesday night and early this morning dumped 300mm of water on Thailand’s eastern coastal province of Chanthaburi, flooding 162 villages and nine communities in six districts of the province. About 5,000 households, with about 15,000 people have been affected. According to the provincial public disaster prevention and mitigation office, flood water ranges from 1 to 1.5 metres deep and 0.3 to 1 metre on most roads in the affected areas. The Natasilp and Sai Thong housing estates in Muang district, which are located in a low-lying area, are under about two-metres of water. There are about 1,000 houses in the two housing estates and many cars and motorcycles are submerged, because the floodwater came so fast that their owners were unable to move them to higher ground in time. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/5000-households-in-six-districts-of-chanthaburi-inundated-after-heavy-rain-all-night/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Senior doctor stresses need for measures in parallel with opening Thailand to foreign travellers Three measures must be in place when reopening Thailand to foreign travellers, scheduled for November 1st, says Professor Dr. Prasit Watanapa, dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Mahidol University today (Wednesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235314-senior-doctor-stresses-need-for-measures-in-parallel-with-opening-thailand-to-foreign-travellers/

Three measures must be in place when reopening Thailand to foreign travellers, scheduled for November 1st, says Professor Dr. Prasit Watanapa, dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Mahidol University today (Wednesday). The first is vaccination, he said, adding that, although 50% of the Thai population have received their first vaccine jab and 33% have had their second, mass vaccination must continue and, more importantly, Thai people must be willing to be vaccinated. With the monthly arrival of 20 million doses of vaccines from October, he said there will be enough for the people in the country. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/senior-doctor-stresses-need-for-measures-in-parallel-with-opening-thailand-to-foreign-travellers/ Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

No adverse side-effects reported among youth receiving Pfizer jabs BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control said there has yet to be any official report of adverse side-effects following COVID-19 vaccination in youth with the Pfizer vaccine, while urging younger people not to believe fake news circulating online. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235301-no-adverse-side-effects-reported-among-youth-receiving-pfizer-jabs/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control said there has yet to be any official report of adverse side-effects following COVID-19 vaccination in youth with the Pfizer vaccine, while urging younger people not to believe fake news circulating online. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has provided an update on the national inoculation campaign, particularly on the progress of vaccine rollout for younger people. Thai health authorities earlier this month launched the vaccination drive among adolescents aged 12-18 years old, with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine being the only available vaccine receiving emergency use authorization for this age group. Dr Chawetsan Namwat, DDC’s Director for emergency health hazards and diseases, said 499,046 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine have been administered so far for this age group, with schools serving as vaccination clinics. He said there have so far been no reports of any concerning events following vaccination with the Pfizer jab among younger people in Thailand, adding that other cases reported occurred before the mass vaccination campaign for young people. Dr Chawetsan has urged younger people not to believe in fake or misleading information circulating on social media, and instead find information from reliable sources. Thailand’s vaccination board is expected to soon consider the second dose guideline for younger and teenage boys eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which is now being postponed while officials investigate the frequency of heart inflammation, a very rare side effect after vaccination among young male recipients. The final decision of the second dose guideline is expected to be issued before 25 October, which is the recommended date for the second dose for those receiving their first jabs on 4 October. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Garlands laid nationwide on anniversary of death of King Rama IX The Public Relations Department has organized activities to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great on October 13. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235300-garlands-laid-nationwide-on-anniversary-of-death-of-king-rama-ix/

The Public Relations Department has organized activities to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great on October 13. Public Relations Department (PRD) Director-General Lt. Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd led personnel of the department to participate in a garlands-laying ceremony and an homage-paying ceremony, held on the anniversary of the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. After delivering a speech in remembrance of His Majesty’s contributions to the people of Thailand, the PRD chief led participants in paying tribute to His Late Majesty by observing 89 seconds of silence – 89 was King Bhumibol’s age when he passed away on October 13, 2016. The director-general then paid respect to an image of His Late Majesty to conclude the ceremonies. Public agencies nationwide held garlands-laying ceremonies today to mark the passing of King Rama IX, and in remembrance of the king’s deeds. COVID-19 prevention measures were observed, with distancing implemented and face masks being compulsory. In Nong Khai province, Governor Monsit Phaisarnthanawat chaired a garlands-laying ceremony where attendees observed 89 seconds of silence. Upon the ceremony concluding, the participants was led by the governor to view an exhibition on His Late Majesty’s biography, work and royal duties which had been set up at the site of the ceremony. In Mae Hong Son province, Vice Governor Siriwat Bupphacharoen led representatives of public agencies and members of the public in an alms giving event to make merit for His Late Majesty. The participants then attended a formal remembrance ceremony and observed 89 seconds of silence. COVID-19 prevention measures were observed throughout the ceremony. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Gov’t banks in shopping malls to extend opening hours BANGKOK (NNT) - Four government-owned banks will be extending the opening hours to 5 p.m. at shopping mall branches from Friday onwards, following the relaxation of COVID-19 control measures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235298-gov’t-banks-in-shopping-malls-to-extend-opening-hours/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Four government-owned banks will be extending the opening hours to 5 p.m. at shopping mall branches from Friday onwards, following the relaxation of COVID-19 control measures. Four government-owned banks operating branches at shopping malls will stay open for one extra hour from Friday 15 October, following the reduction in curfew hours and longer opening hours of shopping malls. Shopping mall and community mall branches of these four banks, namely the Government Housing Bank, the Government Savings Bank, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, and the Islamic Bank of Thailand, will be opening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from Friday. The new opening hours correspond with the shortened nighttime curfew period, now starting from 10 p.m. and ending at 4 a.m. This shortened curfew hours allow shopping malls, markets, restaurants, and convenience stores to open until 9 p.m. each day. The Government Financial Institutions Association (GFA) said the banks will continue to implement stringent COVID-19 prevention measures for the safety of both customers and staff. Social distancing and capacity control measures will continue to be implemented at branches, along with the availability of hand sanitizers at the entrance and service counters, in line with public health recommendations. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai monks' livestream mixes Buddhism and jokes but not all are laughing A phone screen is seen as Buddhist monks Phra Maha Sompong Talaputto and Phra Maha Paiwan Warawanno host a chat show during a Facebook live, at a temple in Bangkok, Thailand, September 17, 2021. REUTERS/Arthon Pookasook By Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Panu Wongcha-um BANGKOK (Reuters) - Two Buddhist monks in Thailand have become social media stars with Facebook livestreams that combine traditional teachings with non-traditional jokes and giggles. Some of the country's religious conservatives, however, are not so amused. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235295-thai-monks-livestream-mixes-buddhism-and-jokes-but-not-all-are-laughing/