Jonathan Fairfield

More than 2,500 Karen refugees are taking refuge in a temporary shelter in the compound of a school in Mae Sot district of Thailand’s western province of Tak, while 77 others have returned to Myanmar. The refugees, mostly women and children, have escaped fierce fighting, between Myanmar forces and rebels from the Karen National Union (KNU) in Myanmar’s Myawaddy township, into Mae Tao sub-district in the past week. Amortar shell landed in a sugarcane plantation on Thai soil on Wednesday, prompting the Thai Naresuan task force to submit a protest note to Myanmar via the local Thai Myanmar Border Committee. Dr. Witthaya Polsila, the Tak provincial chief medical officer, said today (Saturday) that Thai health officials are ready to provide medical services to the refugees if requested. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/over-2500-karen-refugees-housed-in-a-school-in-thailands-mae-sot-district/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-19 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

SMEs Urged to Register for Job Retention Program Small and medium-sized business owners are invited to register for the second phase of the Job Retention SME program. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1243580-smes-urged-to-register-for-job-retention-program/

Small and medium-sized business owners are invited to register for the second phase of the Job Retention SME program. Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana revealed that Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed related ministries to follow up on policies to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening their businesses in the long run. One of these programs is the “Job Retention & SME Boost Up” scheme under the Ministry of Labour. The Department of Employment is currently accepting applications for the second phase of the "Job Retention & SMEs Boost Up" program, which aims to assist firms in retaining employees and lowering the unemployment rate. From December 2021 to January 2022, the program will provide a monthly subsidy of 3,000 baht per employee under the same conditions as the first phase of the program. According to reports, 14,829 SMEs with a total of 118,087 Thai employees have signed up for the second phase. Employers can register via the Department’s website or contact the Department of Employment’s provincial office in nearby areas. Registrations will close on December 20, 2021. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-19 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand Live 19 Dec: https://aseannow.com/topic/1243579-thailand-live-sunday-19-dec-2021/

Thai officials to move remaining 600 inmates out of Krabi prison today More than 1,100 inmates at Krabi provincial prison were transferred to prisons in Phuket, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla provinces during Friday night, with the remaining 600 to be moved today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1243567-thai-officials-to-move-remaining-600-inmates-out-of-krabi-prison-today/

Authorities Say Vaccinations and Testing Required for New Year Countdown The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has stated that participants in New Year countdown events with at least 1,000 attendees must be fully vaccinated and have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to the event. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1243565-authorities-say-vaccinations-and-testing-required-for-new-year-countdown/

Virologist Recommends Mixing and Matching COVID Vaccines Thailand’s top virologist says there is scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of combining COVID-19 vaccines. He added that this evidence is due to be published in international medical journals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1243566-virologist-recommends-mixing-and-matching-covid-vaccines/

Thai officials to move remaining 600 inmates out of Krabi prison today More than 1,100 inmates at Krabi provincial prison were transferred to prisons in Phuket, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla provinces during Friday night, with the remaining 600 to be moved today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1243567-thai-officials-to-move-remaining-600-inmates-out-of-krabi-prison-today/

More than 1,100 inmates at Krabi provincial prison were transferred to prisons in Phuket, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla provinces during Friday night, with the remaining 600 to be moved today. Prison officials said that the transfer of inmates has been proceeding slowly, because each truck can carry only 50 people. About 300 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 using antigen test kits, prompting several to demand that the infected be moved out of the prison, which was rejected by the warden. Only the serious cases were sent to the hospital for treatment, while asymptomatic cases were kept in the prison. During the riot yesterday, some prisoners torched their sleeping quarters. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-officials-to-move-remaining-600-inmates-out-of-krabi-prison-today/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-18 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Virologist Recommends Mixing and Matching COVID Vaccines Thailand’s top virologist says there is scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of combining COVID-19 vaccines. He added that this evidence is due to be published in international medical journals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1243566-virologist-recommends-mixing-and-matching-covid-vaccines/

Thailand’s top virologist says there is scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of combining COVID-19 vaccines. He added that this evidence is due to be published in international medical journals. Dr. Yong Poovorawan said he was worried that Thais were spending too much time debating the issue while the rest of the world was implementing policy and setting standards. He further cited a paper recently published by the World Health Organization on “Interim Recommendations for heterologous COVID-19 vaccine schedules,” which recommends mixing vaccines such as the inactivated viral vector or mRNA combinations used in Thailand. The WHO also recommends nations adjust their vaccine rollouts based on the availability of vaccines. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-18 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Authorities Say Vaccinations and Testing Required for New Year Countdown The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has stated that participants in New Year countdown events with at least 1,000 attendees must be fully vaccinated and have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to the event. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1243565-authorities-say-vaccinations-and-testing-required-for-new-year-countdown/

The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has stated that participants in New Year countdown events with at least 1,000 attendees must be fully vaccinated and have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to the event. Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan, assistant spokesperson for the CCSA, said the requirements are in accordance with Section 9 of the emergency decree, implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19. For countdown parties consisting of at least 1,000 participants, all organizers, staff, singers, and musicians must be fully vaccinated and undergo antigen testing within 72 hours prior to the event. Patrons must meanwhile register or purchase tickets in advance, also be fully vaccinated, and produce a negative antigen test result 72 hours in advance. According to Dr. Apisamai, certain requirements will also apply to events with fewer than 1,000 people, such as family or corporate parties. For these events, the center will work with the Department of Disease Control (DDC) to issue guidelines, which may include requiring approval from Bangkok district offices or communicable disease committees. In addition to countdown parties, the spokesperson said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the Ministry of Public Health to consider allowing ATK screening at various events and social functions as well. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-18 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Nong Khai Border Checkpoint to Open Under Strict Safety Measures Authorities will implement special disease prevention protocols for travelers entering Thailand through the Nong Khai border checkpoint starting December 24. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1243564-nong-khai-border-checkpoint-to-open-under-strict-safety-measures/

Authorities will implement special disease prevention protocols for travelers entering Thailand through the Nong Khai border checkpoint starting December 24. Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan, assistant spokesperson for the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said the center will inspect New Year celebration venues in provinces such as Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Nong Khai. Nong Khai, which shares a border with Laos, will be the first province to open to travelers under the Test & Go program. Thailand is due to officially open all borders on January 1, including crossings in Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, and Ubon Ratchathani. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-18 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

SRT Backs Bids for Rail Projects The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved the results of a construction contract bid for two rail projects in the North and Northeast, in a move that had previously been stalled due to an investigation ordered by the prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1243563-srt-backs-bids-for-rail-projects/

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved the results of a construction contract bid for two rail projects in the North and Northeast, in a move that had previously been stalled due to an investigation ordered by the prime minister. The bidding for three construction contracts - one for the 72.9 billion baht Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong route and two for the 55.4 billion baht Ban Phai-Maha Sarakham-Roi Et-Mukdahan-Nakhon Phanom route - was conducted from June to July 2021. SRT approval had been delayed after Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered an investigation into alleged price collusion and the unfair treatment of some bidders. Results of the bidding were only approved after the committee responsible for probing irregularities found no evidence to support the claims and reported this to the prime minister on November 23. The premier then assigned the Ministry of Transport to proceed with the projects, with plans to amend certain laws to enhance legal mechanisms against collusion in future bidding wars. According to SRT Governor Nirut Maneephan, the approved bids include a 26.5 billion baht contract awarded to the ITD-NWR Consortium to build the 104km Den Chai-Ngao section, a 26.9-billion-baht contract to CKST-DC Consortium to build the 135km Ngao-Chiang Rai section, and a 19.3-billion-baht contract, also awarded to CKST-DC, for the 84km Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong section. The remaining two contracts were awarded to AS-CHO Thavee and Associates Consortium for the 180km Ban Phai-Nong Phok section and UNIQ Consortium for the 175km Nong Phok-Sapha Mittraphap section. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-18 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Bangkok Allows Alcohol Drinks Until 1 AM on New Year’s Eve BANGKOK (NNT) - Holidaymakers can look forward to enjoying alcoholic beverages at eateries in Bangkok on New Year’s Eve. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1243525-bma-confirm-that-alcohol-can-only-be-served-up-to-1-am-at-new-year-strict-regulations-for-large-gatherings/?tab=comments#comment-17056130

Bangkok Allows Alcohol Drinks Until 1 AM on New Year’s Eve BANGKOK (NNT) - Holidaymakers can look forward to enjoying alcoholic beverages at eateries in Bangkok on New Year’s Eve. The Bangkok disease control committee, chaired by Bangkok Governor Assawin Kwanmuang, recently approved several revisions to prevention measures for the New Year holidays. The measures will be in accordance with recent regulations issued by the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration. Alcohol consumption will be allowed during the holidays at open-air venues from December 31, 2021, to January 1, 2022, while restaurants can serve alcohol until 1 AM on New Year’s Eve under the condition that they strictly uphold “COVID-Free Setting” standards. The CCSA also advised provincial officials to conduct thorough screenings of those returning home for the New Year holiday season, and to maintain strict disease prevention measures. Businesses and manufacturers should also screen personnel returning to work after the holidays. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-18 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Operations Manager Required Following our recent expansion into 10x ASEAN regions earlier in the year we now require an Operations Manager to co-ordinate with the wider ASEAN NOW team, oversee daily newsletters, social and web content and work with our sales team. The role is for a foreigner and work permit will be made available. Ideally based within Pattaya / MUST be based in Thailand already. MUST be comfortable with digital products, be a self-starter and willing to work flexible hours aligned to the demands of working within news/media. Please email CV and salary expectations to [email protected] by 26th December 2021

Thai Economy Expected to Fully Recover in 2023 The Ministry of Finance says it expects the Thai economy to fully recover by 2023, driven mainly by the tourism sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1242799-thai-economy-expected-to-fully-recover-in-2023/

The Ministry of Finance says it expects the Thai economy to fully recover by 2023, driven mainly by the tourism sector. Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said 2022 should see the start of the rebound, with the economy expected to expand 4% next year amid strong export growth and the injection of 1 trillion baht in state funds into economic circulation. Roughly 600 billion baht will be drawn from the state investment budget while about 300 billion baht will come from state enterprise investment funds. Another 100 billion baht remains from the 250 billion baht that the government borrowed through the second emergency loan decree. The Minister added that private and domestic consumption should also help drive the recovery, with the government boosting consumer confidence to further encourage spending. The government is also slated to open a new round of registrations for state welfare cards in 2022. According to Bank of Thailand (BoT) Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, the nation’s economy could return to pre-pandemic levels by the first quarter of 2023. He added that fiscal and monetary policies must continue to support the national recovery. Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (SCB EIC) has meanwhile downgraded its 2022 economic growth forecast to 3.2%, down from 3.4%. It based its projection on the expected impact of the Omicron coronavirus variant on the global economy and Thailand’s tourism industry. SCB EIC said it expects the Thai economy to return to pre-pandemic levels by mid-2023. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Restaurants Required to Strictly Follow COVID-19 Prevention Rules The Department of Health has ordered all restaurants to strictly follow COVID-19 prevention measures for the upcoming holiday season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1242798-restaurants-required-to-strictly-follow-covid-19-prevention-rules/

The Department of Health has ordered all restaurants to strictly follow COVID-19 prevention measures for the upcoming holiday season. Director-General Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai said due to the increasing number of tourists during the long weekend holiday, the department asks restaurants in tourist attractions to strictly comply with prevention guidelines to reduce the risk of another COVID-19 outbreak. Restaurants must have tables cleaned immediately after customers leave them, as well as disinfect all contact points and toilets every 1-2 hours while providing clean utensils and separate spoons for shared dishes, maintaining distances of 1-2 meters between tables, and ventilating the restaurant as much as possible. According to Dr Suwanchai, restaurants must also screen customers before they enter and ensure they are using the "Thai Save Thai" application. Additionally, diners must wear their masks when they’re not eating and can stay for no longer than two hours. Full story: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG211212090845237 -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand set to approve Special Tourist Visa for digital nomads Thailand is preparing to accommodate an increasing number of “digital nomads” with eyes on Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai as work and vacation destinations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1242797-thailand-set-to-approve-special-tourist-visa-for-digital-nomads/