Jonathan Fairfield

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. With an impressive fluency in youth slang, Phra Maha Paiwan Warawanno, 30, and Phra Maha Sompong Talaputto, 42, have captured the imagination of a generation who find the formal temple decorum and Sanskrit chanting of traditional Buddhism outdated and inaccessible. On a recent Friday night, the bespectacled Paiwan set his phone up on a tripod and clipped a microphone onto his saffron robe, sitting alongside Phra Maha Sompong in a small study in Wat Soi Thong temple in Bangkok. In the livestream that followed, the two men talked through a myriad of issues, mixing Buddhist teachings, known as Dhamma, with modern life advice and a hefty dose of humour. "I want Dhamma and the young generation to coexist," Paiwan told Reuters. "Without reaching out to the young, what will be the place of religion in the future?" Paiwan and Sompong's weekly livestreams attract hundreds of thousands of viewers within minutes, once reaching a peak of two million. Paiwan, whose Facebook follower count skyrocketed by more than 800% to 2.5 million in just over a month, said he wanted to keep Buddhism relevant to Thai society in the wake of scandals at temples over murder, drugs, sex and money laundering. The upbeat sessions also provided much needed relief for many Thais confined to home during night-time curfews to stifle the country's COVID-19 outbreak. "We have bad days and we are stressed with work, with money, with family, with the pandemic and everything that's going on with the lockdown," said Onravee Tangmeesang, 32, who watches every Friday night session from her bed. "Those giggles can really brighten up my day." But the weekly livestreams have not been greeted so favourably by Buddhist conservatives keen to uphold the religion's conventions and formalities. The two monks were summoned last month to a parliamentary committee on religion to explain their online activities, while senior government figures have warned them to tone down the jokes and "inappropriate behaviour." "Monks' behaviour has to be respectable in the public eye. It doesn't have to change with the time to appease young people," said Srisuwan Janya, head of the Association for the Protection of the Constitution. "That will lead to the decline of Buddhism, which has already existed for nearly 2,600 years without needing to change before." Paiwan responded with typical levity when asked to comment on the summons: "Laughing has become a national problem!" SHAKING IT UP Buddhism is one of the three traditional pillars of Thai society, alongside the nation and monarchy, but it has largely become performative, its role in society largely diminished to one-off events such as funerals, religious festivals and royal events. For many fans, the monks' willingness to break conventional barriers to reach out to them and speak their language makes them worthy of reverence. The livestreams allow the pair to engage directly with their audience, reading comments and answering questions, a tactic that breaks the long-standing Buddhist convention of one-way preaching. In a recent livestream the pair riffed on the concept of "merits" and whether they could be shared. "Lord Buddha said merits are like candles," said Paiwan. "You can light other candles without dimming the flame of the first." Sompong, who has 1.4 million followers on Facebook, chimed in: "Just be careful not to burn your friends." Both men burst into giggles. Pongsak Sangla, 36, said the pair allowed people to find space for Buddhism again, without time-consuming rituals, in their busy modern lives. "Times have changed," said Sangla. "Realness is what people want." (Reporting by Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Panu Wongcha-um; Additional reporting by Juarawee Kittisilpa and Artorn Pookasuk; Writing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Kay Johnson and Jane Wardell) -- © Copyright Reuters 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

FILE PHOTO: Filipino journalist and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, one of 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winners, speaks during an interview in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, October 9, 2021. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez MANILA (Reuters) - When Philippine journalist Maria Ressa shared the Nobel Peace Prize last week for representing press freedom, other media outlets under fire took heart. One journalist described Ressa's win as like getting a "shot in the arm" as they fight to keep free speech alive in one of the world's most dangerous countries for reporters. Media organisations interviewed by Reuters said Ressa's victory could not have come at a more opportune time for a country heading to an election next year and where journalists and freedom of the press face growing threats. Ressa shared the Nobel with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov on Friday, for what the committee called braving the wrath of leaders to expose corruption and misrule, in an endorsement of free speech under fire worldwide. While the Philippines has one of Asia's most liberal media environments, a growing atmosphere of fear has set in since Ressa's libel conviction last year and the closure of its largest broadcasting firm that angered President Rodrigo Duterte. "This gives all of us a shot in the arm so we can become more vigorous in this fight to preserve our independence," said Ging Reyes, head of news at ABS-CBN broadcast network. "The existential challenge is still there". Philippine government regulators last year ordered ABS-CBN off the air after the lower house of Congress voted not to renew its license to operate. Since its closure, the 66-year old broadcaster, which Duterte had publicly berated for its failure to air some of his paid election campaign commercials in 2016, has let go thousands of employees, including about 400 from the news division. "To me, any closure of a media organisation, of a broadcasting station, is really an affront to press freedom," Reyes said. ABS-CBN continues to operate but on a limited scale by buying air time from other networks and streaming programmes on YouTube and Facebook. Ressa's news site, Rappler, had its license suspended and she has faced legal action for various reasons, motivated, activists say, by her scrutiny of Duterte. The government denies hounding media and says any problems organisations face are legal, not political. It says it believes in free speech. Duterte's spokesperson, Harry Roque, welcoming Ressa's Nobel prize, said on Monday, "press freedom is alive" in the Philippines. 'HALO EFFECT' The Philippines saw its ranking in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index drop two notches to 138 out of 180 countries, while the Committee to Protect Journalists ranks the Philippines seventh in the world in its impunity index, which tracks deaths of media members whose killers go free. While the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) says it does not expect the government's combative attitude toward adversarial press to change, it is hopeful that Ressa's Nobel victory "will spur us to work past fear". The NUJP's national chairperson, Jonathan de Santos, said that work becomes more crucial as the country heads towards elections in 2022 to choose a successor to Duterte, who is barred by the constitution from seeking re-election. The stakes are high for the populist Duterte. Analysts have said he would want to make sure an ally wins so he can shield himself from any legal action at home or abroad. The 76-year old leader is facing an investigation by the International Criminal Court into thousands of drug-war killings. The government denies wrongdoing and says it will not cooperate with the ICC. "We don't expect threats to go away, but the Nobel serves as an inspiration for us to keep going," de Santos told Reuters. Joel Sy Egco, who heads the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, touted government effort to uphold the right to information by backing a freedom of information bill and creating the panel he heads to "protect the life, liberty and security of media workers". The Philippine Daily Inquirer, a broadsheet known for scrutinising Duterte's government, said Ressa's win had a "halo effect" for journalists. "We believe it will inspire Filipino journalists to stay courageous, knowing that the world will be watching because of the Nobel effect," the newspaper said in response to questions from Reuters. "It's hard to say that it will make the administration any less combative, especially those who have a stake in staying in power because of an international criminal investigation and who see the independent media as an enemy." (Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Robert Birsel) -- © Copyright Reuters 2021-10-12

People cross floodwaters caused by tropical cyclone Kompasu during an evacuation assisted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at Brooke's Point, Palawan, in the Philippines, Ocotober 12, 2021, in this image obtained via social media. Philippine Coast Guard via REUTERS MANILA (Reuters) - Nine people have been killed in the Philippines and 11 were missing on Tuesday due to floods and landslides caused by heavy rain from tropical cyclone Kompasu, the national disaster agency said. Kompasu, with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour, had absorbed remnants of an earlier cyclone before making landfall in the Philippines on Monday evening. Nearly 1,600 people were evacuated. The disaster agency said it was verifying information from its regional units that reported four people killed in landslides in northern Benguet province and five killed in flash floods in Palawan, an island province in the country's southwest. Authorities were conducting search and rescue operations for 11 people missing mostly after landslides. 2021-10-12T084410Z_1_LOV000N9ODXR4_RTRMADV_STREAM-2000-16X9-MP4_ASIA-STORM-PHILIPPINES-ROUGH-CUT.mp4 The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands is hit by about 20 storms or typhoons annually, bringing heavy rains that trigger deadly landslides. President Rodrigo Duterte was monitoring the government's disaster response, his spokesperson, Harry Roque said on Tuesday. Rescue personnel were at the scene, while power and water restoration and road clearing was ongoing, he added. Kompasu, the 13th tropical storm to enter the Philippines, is expected to leave its territory on Tuesday, the state weather agency said. (Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Martin Petty) -- © Copyright Reuters 2021-10-12

Prominent doctors and politicians share contradictory ideas on Thailand's Nov 1 reopening Several prominent doctors and politicians have responded to the Prime Minister’s televised speech yesterday evening, October 11th, regarding the plans of the countries reopening for vaccinated tourists from low-risk countries and the consideration of opening bars and entertainment venues. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235190-prominent-doctors-and-politicians-share-contradictory-ideas-on-thailands-nov-1-reopening/

Several prominent doctors and politicians have responded to the Prime Minister’s televised speech yesterday evening, October 11th, regarding the plans of the countries reopening for vaccinated tourists from low-risk countries and the consideration of opening bars and entertainment venues. Firstly, Dr. Thira Woratanarat, an associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Chulalongkorn University, posted an online statement seemingly to trigger public questions of the consequences of the reopening on November 1st while the proactive approach of Covid-19 testing is still limited, a small percentage of people have received the full dose of the vaccines, and the recent daily infections are still reaching an average of ten thousand per day. His status read: “Other countries open when they’re ready. Their screening and monitoring systems are ready and effective, there is a lot of potential for testing, most of the population has been fully vaccinated, and the pandemic situation is not severe and well-controlled. But some countries are still affected by the reopening.” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/12/prominent-doctors-and-politicians-share-contradictory-ideas-on-prime-ministers-country-reopening-announcement-yesterday/ Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Suspect drops mobile phone while escaping after allegedly robbing Chonburi gold shop A forgetful suspect dropped his mobile phone while he was running away after he allegedly snatched gold items worth almost 200,000 baht from a gold shop at a shopping mall in the Don Hualor sub-district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235188-suspect-drops-mobile-phone-while-escaping-after-allegedly-robbing-chonburi-gold-shop/

A forgetful suspect dropped his mobile phone while he was running away after he allegedly snatched gold items worth almost 200,000 baht from a gold shop at a shopping mall in the Don Hualor sub-district. The Don Hualor Police was notified of the incident at 7:30 P.M. on Sunday, October 10th at a gold shop in a shopping mall. They arrived at the scene to find several distraught staffers at the gold shop. They handed over the mobile phone that was reportedly dropped by the main suspect to Don Hualor police. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/12/suspect-drops-mobile-phone-while-escaping-after-allegedly-snatching-gold-worth-almost-200k-from-shop-in-mueang-chonburi-mall/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

29-year-old driver seriously injured after crashing pickup truck into power pole in Chonburi A 29-year-old driver has sustained serious injuries after he crashed his pickup truck into a power pole in the Phan Thong district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235187-29-year-old-driver-seriously-injured-after-crashing-pickup-truck-into-power-pole-in-chonburi/

A 29-year-old driver has sustained serious injuries after he crashed his pickup truck into a power pole in the Phan Thong district. The Phan Thong Police were notified of the accident Sunday (October 10th) at Amata City phase 10, Marp Pong sub-district. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find a damaged pickup truck and a damaged power pole on the side of the road. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/12/29-year-old-driver-seriously-injured-after-crashing-his-pickup-truck-into-a-power-pole-in-chonburi/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

More rains expected until Saturday BANGKOK (NNT) - Cyclone Kompasu in the South China Sea is expected to cause more rainfalls in Thailand this week. Thai authorities are now monitoring the development of this storm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235183-kompasu-storm-alert-for-northeastern-thailand-wednesday-thursday/?do=findComment&comment=16892212

More rains expected until Saturday BANGKOK (NNT) - Cyclone Kompasu in the South China Sea is expected to cause more rainfalls in Thailand this week. Thai authorities are now monitoring the development of this storm. Provinces in the northeastern region namely Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakhon Nakhon, Bueng Kan, can expect to see some effects this week. Cyclone Kompasu is currently moving west over the South China Sea and towards the coast of Vietnam, where it is expected to make landfall on Thursday. From Tuesday to Saturday, other parts of Thailand can expect more rainfalls, with heavy precipitation in some areas, due to the effect of the monsoon trough prevailing over the central parts of the country. Fewer rains are expected from 17 October. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued a warning on potential flash floods and landslides in 18 provinces across the northeastern, northern, and southern regions. Communities along the banks of key rivers, including the Mekong River, are advised to be on alert for possible overflows, especially in low-lying areas. According to the Office of the National Water Resources, water levels in major rivers are increasing, except in the northern region where water levels seem to be subsiding. Areas currently affected by floods must be closely monitored during this period, both the Chao Phraya River basin in the central region, and the basin of Chi and Mun rivers in the northeastern region. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand works to amend anti-doping law to reach WADA compliance BANGKOK, 12 October 2021 (NNT) - Thailand is placing importance on rooting out banned substances at international sports competitions, and is working to issue laws that correspond to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s international standard. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235186-thailand-works-to-amend-anti-doping-law-to-reach-wada-compliance/

BANGKOK, 12 October 2021 (NNT) - Thailand is placing importance on rooting out banned substances at international sports competitions, and is working to issue laws that correspond to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s international standard. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) last week ruled Thailand, Indonesia, and North Korea non-compliant with the agency’s requirements, effectively making the countries ineligible to host championships at the regional, continental or world levels. Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Governor Gongsak Yodmani explained that Thailand has been working to achieve compliance with WADA requirements. The SAT has worked to implement audit programs on the Doping Control Agency of Thailand (DCAT) under the suggestions of the WADA, a process which is still under evaluation by the latter and which is expected to complete on November 17. Meanwhile, the WADA has already given its endorsement to the DCAT’s regulations aimed at fighting banned substances in sports. Gongsak said efforts have been made to tackle a third issue, the WADA’s discovery of non-compliant sections within Thailand’s anti-doping law. He elaborated that the Cabinet endorsed amending the 2012 anti-doping law on September 21 and called for submission of the revised bill within 3-4 months so approval can be made and hosting of international competitions may continue. The SAT governor concluded that Thailand has been carrying out all processes demanded by the WADA but attributed the hold-up in amending the anti-doping law to the need for careful considerations about increasing penalties on substance users and the establishment of an independent organization. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand prepares to welcome tourists from 1 Nov BANGKOK, 12 October 2021 (NNT) - Government officials have responded positively to yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister in regard to Thailand’s reopening for international tourists from 1 November, with preventative measures in place to allow for economic recovery alongside COVID-19 containment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235185-thailand-prepares-to-welcome-tourists-from-1-nov/

BANGKOK, 12 October 2021 (NNT) - Government officials have responded positively to yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister in regard to Thailand’s reopening for international tourists from 1 November, with preventative measures in place to allow for economic recovery alongside COVID-19 containment. Several ministries have responded in favor of the government’s plan to reopen the country for international tourists from 1 November, following a televised public address by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul said more preparations will be made to control the pandemic, stressing that cooperation from all sides is much needed, including from the general public. From 1 November, the government will lift quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers from 10 low-risk countries arriving by air. The full list of these 10 countries will be discussed at a full panel meeting of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration this Thursday. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit said the COVID-19 situation has taken its toll on Thailand’s revenue from tourism which went down to only 1% of national GDP, while revenue from the export sector has grown from 45% to 51%, making it the country’s key economic driver. The Commerce Minister said the country’s reopening will enable Thailand to increase its GDP from international tourists, stressing a balance is needed in the efforts to solve the COVID-19 and economic issues. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa has confirmed that Thailand is ready to welcome tourists, with renovation works previously performed at tourism attractions to welcome visitors of all ages and genders. He said new measures for New Normal tourism will be introduced, and the ministry is planning to open all national parks around Thailand. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

People Warned Of Online Financial Frauds, Scams BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is warning the general public about increasing fraudulent financial activities online which come in many forms, including SMS messages, or via Facebook, Line application, and digital lending apps. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235184-people-warned-of-online-financial-frauds-scams/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is warning the general public about increasing fraudulent financial activities online which come in many forms, including SMS messages, or via Facebook, Line application, and digital lending apps. The central bank’s assistant governor for payment system policy and financial technology group, Siritida Panomwon Na Ayudhya, said the BoT is working with related agencies including the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), to promote financial literacy as a way to combat fraud and prevent people from falling prey to fraudsters. The bank is warning people to stay cautious before making any transactions and not to believe any information that appears fake or tries to trick users. People should scrutinize any suspicious transactions by directly checking with financial institutions. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Kompasu storm alert for northeastern Thailand Wednesday, Thursday More rain is forecast for most parts of Thailand, with heavy to very heavy downpours in some areas during tomorrow and Thursday due to the influence of tropical storm Kompasu and the monsoon trough, according to the Meteorological Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235183-kompasu-storm-alert-for-northeastern-thailand-wednesday-thursday/

More rain is forecast for most parts of Thailand, with heavy to very heavy downpours in some areas during tomorrow and Thursday due to the influence of tropical storm Kompasu and the monsoon trough, according to the Meteorological Department. In its Kompasu alert, issued at 5am today (Tuesday), the Meteorological Department said the storm was located in the northern South China Sea at 4am this morning, with maximum wind speeds of 100kph at its centre and moving westward at an average of 25kph. The storm is expected to pass over China’s Hainan Island and make landfall in northern Vietnam either tomorrow or Thursday, before it weakens steadily. This will bring more rain to north-eastern Thailand, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/kompasu-storm-alert-for-northeastern-thailand-tomorrow-thursday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Reopening Thailand decision raises questions over testing capacity Judging by the online response, Thais remain divided over the decision, announced by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, to allow foreign travellers to enter the country from November 1st, provided they are fully vaccinated, test negative for COVID-19 and arrive from one of the countries on the government’s approved list. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235182-reopening-thailand-decision-raises-questions-over-testing-capacity/

Judging by the online response, Thais remain divided over the decision, announced by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, to allow foreign travellers to enter the country from November 1st, provided they are fully vaccinated, test negative for COVID-19 and arrive from one of the countries on the government’s approved list. Virologist Dr. Anan Jongkaewwattana asked, if 100,000 foreign tourists arrive in Thailand in a day, how health officials would be able to administer such a large number of RT-PCR tests effectively. With just under 3 weeks to go, daily new COVID-19 infections in Thailand so far this month are averaging 10,574. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/reopening-thailand-decision-raises-questions-over-testing-capacity/ Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai industries mood rises for first time in 6 mths FILE PHOTO: A container is loaded onto a cargo ship at a port in Bangkok March 30, 2015. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's industries sentiment rose for the first time in six months in September thanks to an easing of coronavirus curb, while reopening plans should bolster the mood further, an industries group said on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235181-thai-industries-mood-rises-for-first-time-in-6-mths/

FILE PHOTO: A container is loaded onto a cargo ship at a port in Bangkok March 30, 2015. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's industries sentiment rose for the first time in six months in September thanks to an easing of coronavirus curb, while reopening plans should bolster the mood further, an industries group said on Tuesday. The curbs were relaxed in September to help spur activity. On Monday, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said quarantine requirements for some vaccinated visitors from Nov. 1 would be waived, which sent tourism-related shares soaring on Tuesday. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said its industries sentiment index increased to 79.0 in September, a three-month high, from 76.8 in the previous month. An index projecting sentiment over the next three months climbed to 93.0 in September from 90.9 in August, also lifted by vaccine rollout progress and reopening plans, the FTI said. "After the relaxation of curbs, industries sentiment quickly bounced back and we believe tourism businesses will start moving," FTI Chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree told a briefing. "Thailand remains an attractive destination for travel and other investment," he said, adding that welcoming more foreign visitors was necessary to revive a key industry that generally accounts for more than 10% of gross domestic product. The FTI urged the government to further relax restrictions and introduce additional stimulus measures to boost consumption while helping provide liquidity to businesses. The group said rising oil prices were a concern, while a 10.5% fall in the baht against the dollar so far this year was good for exports, a rare bright spot in the economy. The FTI forecast Southeast Asia's second-largest to grow between zero and 1% this year, after last year's 6.1% contraction. (Reporting by Satawasin Staporncharnchai; Editing by Martin Petty) -- © Copyright Reuters 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai hospitality and travel shares soar on reopening plans FILE PHOTO: People enjoy at a beach as Phuket opens for foreigners, who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), to visit the resort island without quarantine, in Phuket, Thailand, September 19, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha BANGKOK (Reuters) - Shares in Thailand's hotels and airlines jumped in Tuesday morning's trading, lifted by an announcement by its prime minister that more vaccinated tourists would be allowed to visit the country from November. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235180-thai-hospitality-and-travel-shares-soar-on-reopening-plans/

FILE PHOTO: People enjoy at a beach as Phuket opens for foreigners, who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), to visit the resort island without quarantine, in Phuket, Thailand, September 19, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha BANGKOK (Reuters) - Shares in Thailand's hotels and airlines jumped in Tuesday morning's trading, lifted by an announcement by its prime minister that more vaccinated tourists would be allowed to visit the country from November. Prayuth Chan-ocha late on Monday said more than 18 months of mandatory quarantine would end next month for vaccinated arrivals from countries considered "low risk", including the United States, Britain and China. The stock exchange's tourism and leisure index jumped as much as 4.42% when markets opened on Tuesday, compared to a benchmark increase of 0.82%. Gains were driven by a 4% rise in Airports of Thailand Pcl, Asia Aviation Pcl and Bangkok Airlines Pcl, which rose 5.59% and 3.42%, respectively. Hotelier, Erawan Group Pcl increased nearly 7% and rival Asset World Corp climbed over 4%. Thailand's strict entry requirements had kept COVID-19 infection numbers low until this year, but at a huge loss to jobs and revenues in its vital tourism sector. Since July, it has operated pilot projects on Samui and Phuket islands allowing for vaccinated visitors and this month reduced quarantine periods elsewhere. But arrivals have plummeted to a fraction of the nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, with tourism losing $50 billion in annual revenue, an 82% plunge. Despite its stringent measures to keep the virus out, Thailand has recorded 1.7 million infections and 17,835 COVID-19 deaths, with 98% of its caseload since April. A third of its 72 million residents are vaccinated. The announcement follows Britain's removal of Thailand from its travel red list last week. Analysts said that although foreign arrivals may not increase quickly, domestic activity would be boosted. "A reopening would mean that full mobility is restored ... we are much optimistic on the domestic travel and consumption," said Maria Lapiz, head of institutional research at Maybank Kim Eng. (Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Martin Petty) Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright Reuters 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates