Jonathan Fairfield

Thais urged to adopt “Smart Control and Living with COVID-19” concept Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged the public and private sectors and all Thais today (Saturday) to apply the 10-point “Smart Control and Living with COVID-19” concept, so the country can overcome the coronavirus crisis. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229142-thais-urged-to-adopt-“smart-control-and-living-with-covid-19”-concept/

Record number of COVID-19 vaccinations in single day on Friday in Thailand 915,738 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in Thailand on Friday, the highest number of inoculations given in a single day since mass vaccinations began in the country on February 28th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229143-record-number-of-covid-19-vaccinations-in-single-day-on-friday-in-thailand/

Thai Government Eases COVID-19 Restrictions on Certain Businesses and Activities BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has eased COVID-19 restrictions on certain businesses and activities, including restaurants, shopping malls, beauty salons, massage parlors and parks in “dark red” zones from 1 September. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229007-thailand-eases-covid-19-restrictions-but-only-for-people-who-are-vaccinated/page/14/?tab=comments#comment-16779490

Thai Government Affirms Ongoing Police Reform Process BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s government affirms that the police reform process has been continuing, as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is well aware of public concern over progress in the government’s overhaul of the police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229150-thai-government-affirms-ongoing-police-reform-process/

Thai Government Affirms Ongoing Police Reform Process BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s government affirms that the police reform process has been continuing, as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is well aware of public concern over progress in the government’s overhaul of the police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229150-thai-government-affirms-ongoing-police-reform-process/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s government affirms that the police reform process has been continuing, as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is well aware of public concern over progress in the government’s overhaul of the police. Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said police reform is a key part of the planned reform of the country’s judicial system, as stated in the 2017 constitution, and now a new bill on the national police is already being deliberated in parliament. He said, in the short term, seven core areas of the Royal Thai Police have been reformed, namely the organizational structure, human resources, law enforcement support systems, integration of technology into policing, public participation in policing, accountability and transparency in police work and the welfare of the police. Meanwhile, chairman of the House committee vetting the national police bill, Wirach Ratanasate, said the delay in the deliberation of the national police bill was mainly due to the impacts of COVID-19, which has resulted in suspensions of House meetings. At the same time, there still are several more urgent laws to pass, which have priority, including the budget bill for the 2022 fiscal year and charter amendments. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-08-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai Transport Ministry Seeks Development of Battery Powered Railcars BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Transport Ministry is pushing ahead with the procurement and development of battery powered electric railcars, with the aim of having them running by 2023. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229149-thai-transport-ministry-seeks-development-of-battery-powered-railcars/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Transport Ministry is pushing ahead with the procurement and development of battery powered electric railcars, with the aim of having them running by 2023. Minister Saksayam Chidchob said the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have been tasked with setting up a procurement plan, as well as working out an operation budget. The SRT is also cooperating with educational institutes, to come up with a design for battery powered electric railcars, which will make their debut at the Bang Sue Grand Station. He pointed out that the Transport Ministry will study and design the new railcars this year, convert fossil-fueled locomotives into battery powered ones in 2022 and conduct trial runs in 2023. DRT, SRT, Railway Technology Development Institute and educational institutions are set to turn the four existing GEK, or Alsthom locomotives, into battery powered ones by 2023. According to Mr. Saksayam, the procurement plan for these railcars will run until 2024, and the ministry is also planning to procure 20 battery powered shunting locomotives during that period. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-08-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Projects under Thailand’s Tax Privilege Program Could Reach ฿500 billion Target in 2021 BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI) anticipates that the value of investment project proposals, under its tax privilege program, will reach the 500-billion-baht target this year, despite the volatile COVID-19 situation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229148-projects-under-thailand’s-tax-privilege-program-could-reach-฿500-billion-target-in-2021/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI) anticipates that the value of investment project proposals, under its tax privilege program, will reach the 500-billion-baht target this year, despite the volatile COVID-19 situation. According to BoI deputy secretary-general Chanin Khaochan, the board is confident that the 2021 target is attainable, as electronics, medical equipment and renewable energy industries continue to grow in line with the global trend. He said the BoI’s plan to make the tax incentive program more attractive to investors will also boost investment in Thailand. The BoI is in talks with foreign investors from 10 companies, mostly from Japan and China, following their interest in expanding investment in electronic products, including semiconductors. Mr. Chanin said the BoI is also discussing, with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), a plan for aerospace and satellite investment projects, to make Thailand a production hub for this industry in the future. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-08-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Passengers from Schengen Countries Barred from Boarding US-bound Flights BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned Thai citizens without permanent residency in the US to avoid travelling to the country via the Schengen Area, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229147-passengers-from-schengen-countries-barred-from-boarding-us-bound-flights/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned Thai citizens without permanent residency in the US to avoid travelling to the country via the Schengen Area, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Ministry spokesman Thanee Saengrat said the US government has put in place COVID-19 restrictions for people travelling to the US from the Schengen Area. It has suspended travel to the US by foreign nationals who were physically present in any Schengen Area country in the 14 days preceding entry or attempted entry into the US. According to Mr. Thanee, Thai citizens should avoid travelling to the US via Schengen Area countries, unless they have permanent residency or are members of US families, as airlines may not allow them to board their flights. Those with unavoidable trips are strongly urged to contact the US embassy in Thailand for advice before they travel. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-08-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai Labor Ministry Speeds up Plan to Create 400,000 Jobs in Eastern Economic Corridor BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Labor Ministry is speeding up efforts to create almost 400,000 jobs in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), to help those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229146-thai-labor-ministry-speeds-up-plan-to-create-400000-jobs-in-eastern-economic-corridor/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Labor Ministry is speeding up efforts to create almost 400,000 jobs in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), to help those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Minister Suchart Chomklin said, according to a survey by the Department of Employment, there are 31,556 jobs available in the three EEC provinces of Rayong, Chonburi and Chachoengsao, particularly in the manufacturing, retail and wholesale, automotive engineering, medical supplies, health and logistics industries, as well as in government agencies. The minister expects the number of available positions in the EEC to rise to 400,000 in the next five years, adding that companies with a high demand for workers include Big C Supercenter, Panus Poultry Group, Italian-Thai Development, Seafco, CH Karnchang and Minor International. Meanwhile, Department of Employment Director-General Pairoj Chotikasathien said people seeking employment can register on the Smart Job Centre or “Thai Mee Ngan Tham” (Thais have jobs) websites. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-08-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai Health Department Proposes Requiring All Pregnant Women to Work from Home BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Department of Health is proposing a new regulation which will require all pregnant women to work from home, to help curb COVID-19 infections and death rates among this vulnerable group. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229145-thai-health-department-proposes-requiring-all-pregnant-women-to-work-from-home/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Department of Health is proposing a new regulation which will require all pregnant women to work from home, to help curb COVID-19 infections and death rates among this vulnerable group. Dr. Sophon Mekthon, assistant to the public health minister, said the proposal will be submitted to the Public Health Ministry’s committee on emergency medical and public health operations after the ministry discussed problems associated with caring for pregnant women, who face a COVID-19 death rate 2.5 times higher than most other people. He said the main problem now is fear among pregnant women about the possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. Another problem is that healthcare facilities, which offer prenatal care services, are failing to refer COVID-19 infected pregnant women to larger facilities capable of handling their deliveries. A group of health advocates is also calling for better care of pregnant women during the pandemic, saying many infected women have been rejected by their prenatal care providers, who claim they were not able to handle deliveries for COVID-19 infected mothers. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-08-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai Government Eases COVID-19 Restrictions on Certain Businesses and Activities BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has eased COVID-19 restrictions on certain businesses and activities, including restaurants, shopping malls, beauty salons, massage parlors and parks in “dark red” zones from 1 September. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229007-thailand-eases-covid-19-restrictions-but-only-for-people-who-are-vaccinated/page/14/?tab=comments#comment-16779490

Thai Government Eases COVID-19 Restrictions on Certain Businesses and Activities BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has eased COVID-19 restrictions on certain businesses and activities, including restaurants, shopping malls, beauty salons, massage parlors and parks in “dark red” zones from 1 September. CCSA assistant spokeswoman Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan said indoor air-conditioned restaurants will be allowed to resume dine-in services at 50% capacity, while those without air conditioning can resume dine-in services at 75% capacity. Management, staff and customers must be fully vaccinated or have negative results from weekly COVID-19 antigen tests. Meanwhile, malls, shopping centers, community malls, convenience stores and similar establishments will be able to open until 8pm. However, all staff must be double-inoculated and undergo regular antigen tests. Beauty salons, barbers and massage shops will be permitted to open, but massage shops may only provide foot massages. Parks, sports fields, stadia and outdoor exercise places can open. Dr. Apisamai said restrictions on air travel will also be lifted, but passengers must present vaccine certificates showing at least one dose, as well as a negative test result. Public transport vehicles can occupy 75% of the seating capacity. She added that the easing of these COVID-19 restrictions on businesses in the 29 “dark red” provinces are an effort to adjust COVID-19 control measures to improve the balance between public health safety and economic rehabilitation. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-08-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

China donates medical devices worth 50 million baht China has agreed to provide medical equipment, including oxygen generators and fingertip oximeters, valued at 10 million yuan (about 50 million baht), to Thailand to help in the fight to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229144-china-donates-medical-devices-worth-50-million-baht/

China has agreed to provide medical equipment, including oxygen generators and fingertip oximeters, valued at 10 million yuan (about 50 million baht), to Thailand to help in the fight to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok said, in a brief statement today, that the donation is a demonstration of the good wishes and friendship of the Chinese government and people towards the Thai people. “The pandemic may have no mercy, but we humans have to love each other. The Chinese and Thais will share hardship and happiness and will get through the crisis together,” said the statement. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/china-donates-medical-devices-worth-50-million-baht/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-08-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Record number of COVID-19 vaccinations in single day on Friday in Thailand 915,738 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in Thailand on Friday, the highest number of inoculations given in a single day since mass vaccinations began in the country on February 28th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229143-record-number-of-covid-19-vaccinations-in-single-day-on-friday-in-thailand/

915,738 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in Thailand on Friday, the highest number of inoculations given in a single day since mass vaccinations began in the country on February 28th. According to the CCSA, of the doses administered yesterday, 547,128 were first jabs, 361,284 were second jabs and 7,326 were third, or booster shots. Since February 28th, a total of 30,420,507 doses of vaccines have been administered across the country. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/record-number-of-covid-19-vaccinations-in-single-day-on-friday-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-08-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thais urged to adopt “Smart Control and Living with COVID-19” concept Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged the public and private sectors and all Thais today (Saturday) to apply the 10-point “Smart Control and Living with COVID-19” concept, so the country can overcome the coronavirus crisis. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229142-thais-urged-to-adopt-“smart-control-and-living-with-covid-19”-concept/

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged the public and private sectors and all Thais today (Saturday) to apply the 10-point “Smart Control and Living with COVID-19” concept, so the country can overcome the coronavirus crisis. In his Facebook post, the prime minister said that it is recognised globally that COVID-19 is constantly mutating and spreading rapidly and easily. So, the realistic objective is not to get rid of the disease, at huge social and economic cost, but to live with the disease “safely and in a balanced way,” said the prime minister, as he explained the concept, which is designed to control the contagion while enabling people to live their lives safely. He said that some aspects of the concept have already been implemented, resulting in a reduction in daily infections, while the remaining points are to be implemented from of September 1st. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thais-urged-to-adopt-smart-control-and-living-with-covid-19-concept/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-08-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

The high-rolling career of ‘Joe Ferrari’, top cop in corruption spotlight The public is watching closely to see if the scandal over a drug suspect shown tortured to death at a police station will trigger reforms or merely deepen the flaws of the Royal Thai Police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1229141-the-high-rolling-career-of-‘joe-ferrari’-top-cop-in-corruption-spotlight/