Jonathan Fairfield

Prime minister urges Thais to make more holiday trips in aid of economy BANGKOK (NNT) - Tourism is an important mechanism for stimulating economic expansion and dissipating income to local businesses and communities nationwide. Recognizing this, the prime minister is now encouraging Thais to make more holiday trips. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1242270-prime-minister-urges-thais-to-make-more-holiday-trips-in-aid-of-economy/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Tourism is an important mechanism for stimulating economic expansion and dissipating income to local businesses and communities nationwide. Recognizing this, the prime minister is now encouraging Thais to make more holiday trips. Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha has placed great importance on the promotion and stimulation of domestic tourism, as the activity helps to distribute revenue to all sizes of businesses and supports the employment of persons in the tourism industry. Although Thailand is now open to international tourists, some time is expected to be required for the number of foreign visitors to approach the multi-million figure. Encouraging domestic travel by Thai nationals, therefore, remains an important contributor to economic growth. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports projects that 100 million trips would have been made in Thailand by Thai nationals for the whole of 2021. The number of domestic trips has already reached 92 million at the end of November, and about 650 billion baht in tourism revenue was generated by these trips. As of today (7 Dec), about 100,000 room nights remain available under the third phase of the We Travel Together subsidy program for hotel stays and air tickets. The public is encouraged to reserve their subsidized hotel stays before the slots run out. Addressing concerns over the Omicron coronavirus variant, the prime minister asserted that relevant agencies have been closely monitoring against outbreaks of Omicron. Meanwhile, he is urging various venues and the general public to observe the “COVID Free Setting” and “DMHTT” disease control criteria in order to maintain safety within the Thai tourism scene. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-07 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Worsening air quality in Bangkok, provinces nearby forecast through next month People living in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are advised to brace for an increase in PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere, which is expected to get worse during the cold season through December and January, and to protect themselves by following guidelines issued by health officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1242268-worsening-air-quality-in-bangkok-provinces-nearby-forecast-through-next-month/

People living in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are advised to brace for an increase in PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere, which is expected to get worse during the cold season through December and January, and to protect themselves by following guidelines issued by health officials. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in cooperation with relevant agencies, has taken steps to ease the problem from PM2.5, which is likely to exceed safety levels. According to Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang, the steps taken or to be taken include a ban on the burning of farm waste or garbage in open spaces, road cleaning, the spraying of trees to remove dust and the launch of a campaign to encourage people to reduce emissions. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/worsening-air-quality-in-bangkok-provinces-nearby-forecast-through-next-month/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-07 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai PM defends police handling of Jana protesters, promises to listen to them While defending the arrests of 36 protesters, from Jana district in Songkhla province, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced today (Tuesday) that his government is willing to listen to the protesters’ concerns. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1242267-thai-pm-defends-police-handling-of-jana-protesters-promises-to-listen-to-them/

While defending the arrests of 36 protesters, from Jana district in Songkhla province, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced today (Tuesday) that his government is willing to listen to the protesters’ concerns. He promised to assign senior officials from the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre and the Prime Minister’s Office to meet with representatives of the residents of Jana district, to listen to their problems and to try to work out a solution. The prime minister blamed former Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao, then head of a fact finding committee charged with resolving the conflict over the industrial estate project, for the rush to conclude a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the protesters without cabinet approval. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pm-defends-police-handling-of-jana-protesters-promises-to-listen-to-them/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-07 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Waiter in contact with Thailand’s first Omicron case needs more tests A Thai hotel waiter, who was among 17 individuals who were in close contact with Thailand’s first case of Omicron variant infection, will need to undergo further tests to determine if he has contracted the coronavirus, and if so, if it is of the Omicron variant, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha told the media today (Tuesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1242265-waiter-in-contact-with-thailand’s-first-omicron-case-needs-more-tests/

A Thai hotel waiter, who was among 17 individuals who were in close contact with Thailand’s first case of Omicron variant infection, will need to undergo further tests to determine if he has contracted the coronavirus, and if so, if it is of the Omicron variant, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha told the media today (Tuesday). The RT-PCR test of the 44-year-old waiter yesterday turned out to be “inconclusive”. Another RT-PCR test today found him negative of the virus. Mr. Sathit said that the waiter, had served food to the American businessman, who arrived in Thailand from Spain via Dubai and is Thailand’s first Omicron variant case, but both were wearing face masks during the brief encounter. The waiter subsequently returned to his hometown, in the north-eastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, in the company of some relatives. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/waiter-in-contact-with-thailands-first-omicron-case-needs-more-tests/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-07 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Supreme Court verdict in construction tycoon’s poaching case expected Wednesday The Thong Pha Phum provincial court in Kanchanaburi province is scheduled to release the Supreme Court verdict tomorrow morning (Wednesday) in the controversial illegal hunting case involving construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta, president of Ital-Thai Development Corporation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1242264-supreme-court-verdict-in-construction-tycoon’s-poaching-case-expected-wednesday/

The Thong Pha Phum provincial court in Kanchanaburi province is scheduled to release the Supreme Court verdict tomorrow morning (Wednesday) in the controversial illegal hunting case involving construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta, president of Ital-Thai Development Corporation. Premchai and three other individuals, including his driver Yong Dodkrua, hunter Thanee Thummat and housemaid Nathee Riamsaen, were arrested by officials of Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, in Kanchanaburi province, at their jungle camp in February 6th, 2018. The carcasses of protected animals, such as a black leopard, barking deer and Kalij pheasant, were found in and near the camp. They were indicted on charges of carrying firearms in public without a licence, poaching in a wildlife sanctuary, poaching of protected animals, illegal possession of carcasses of protected species, illegal hunting for forest products and attempting to conceal the commission of an offence. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/supreme-court-verdict-in-construction-tycoons-poaching-case-expected-wednesday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-07 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Paivan Vannabutr: Thailand’s celebrity monk relinquishes his robes to rub shoulders with the stars Paivan Vannabutr, who was once known as Phra Maha Paivan, looks set to become the first former Thai monk to become even more famous after giving up his saffron robes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1242263-paivan-vannabutr-thailand’s-celebrity-monk-relinquishes-his-robes-to-rub-shoulders-with-the-stars/

Paivan Vannabutr, who was once known as Phra Maha Paivan, looks set to become the first former Thai monk to become even more famous after giving up his saffron robes. Just a few days after becoming a layman, he was hired to endorse at least one product online. On December 4, his Facebook following soared above 3.2 million – a big jump from the 2.6 million followers he had one day earlier when he gave up his robes. Quick-witted, sharp-tongued, knowledgeable and humorous, this 30-year-old has what it takes to fly high in the secular world. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/paivan-vannabutr-thailands-celebrity-monk-relinquishes-his-robes-to-rub-shoulders-with-the-stars/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-07 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

A healthcare worker takes a nasal swab sample from a person for a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test, at a temple near Klong Toey slum community in Bangkok, Thailand, May 3, 2021. REUTERS/Juarawee Kittisilpa Thailand on Sunday reported 4,704 new Covid-19 cases, 6,149 recoveries and 27 new deaths. Sunday's stats brings the total number of cases in Thailand since the start of the pandemic to 2,141,241 and 2,112,378 since April 1, the start of the so-called third wave. Meanwhile, the number of deaths from COVID-19 now stands at 20,944 since the start of the pandemic and 20,850 since April 1. On Friday, Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered all relevant agencies to step up precautions agains the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. On Saturday, the Interior Ministry ordered all provincial governors to intensify efforts to curb illegal entry into Thailand as well as the movement of illegal migrant workers. Governors of provinces that share their border with a neighboring country have been told to work with military units in their area to increase round-the-clock border patrols. The Provincial Police, the Immigration Bureau, administrative officials, health personnel and customs officials will also be involved in setting up 24-hour checkpoints to screen inbound persons and cargo. At the time of posting, Thailand is yet to record a case of the Omicron variant. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-05 - 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

Phuket hosts APEC ISOM PHUKET (NNT) - The Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation kicked off in Phuket, marking the first in-person meeting of the trade bloc since the pandemic. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official has presented Thailand’s plan for 2022 APEC chairmanship at this meeting under the Open, Connect, Balance theme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1241967-phuket-hosts-apec-isom/

PHUKET (NNT) - The Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation kicked off in Phuket, marking the first in-person meeting of the trade bloc since the pandemic. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official has presented Thailand’s plan for 2022 APEC chairmanship at this meeting under the Open, Connect, Balance theme. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Permanent Secretary Thani Thongphakdi today joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting (APEC ISOM), at which Thai officials presented the visions and plans for Thailand’s 2022 APEC Chairmanship. Thai officials presented Thailand’s Open, Connect, Balance theme for APEC 2022, with the country’s agenda of moving beyond the middle-income trap and post-pandemic economic recovery. Throughout its chairmanship year, Thailand will be encouraging more open trade and investment opportunities, better connectivity in all aspects including travel and digital connectivity, and the all-around balance in business responsibilities and sustainability. Thailand will also be pursuing trade and investment facilitation through the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP), tourism recovery, and the promotion of inclusive and sustainable growth, with a particular highlight on Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model. After the host country’s presentation, senior officials of APEC will be working together to create working plans for 2022. The APEC Summit is set to take place in late-2022. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Intense screening of international passengers at Samui Airport, as precaution against Omicron variant SAMUI (NNT) - The first international flight to land on Samui island since the emergence of the Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. The personnel of Samui Airport and officials at the point of entry disease control unit have stringently screened the arriving passengers to prevent any spread of the new variant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1241965-intense-screening-of-international-passengers-at-samui-airport-as-precaution-against-omicron-variant/

SAMUI (NNT) - The first international flight to land on Samui island since the emergence of the Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. The personnel of Samui Airport and officials at the point of entry disease control unit have stringently screened the arriving passengers to prevent any spread of the new variant. Of the 54 passengers on the flight from Singapore, none had traveled to the 8 countries where significant numbers of Covid cases were identified as being caused by the Omicron variant. All passengers passed through a thermal scan and presented evidence of inoculation against Covid as well as proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Additionally, the passengers had to present their Thailand Pass at the airport disease control unit before being allowed to progress to immigration. All passengers landing in Samui on a direct international flight are swabbed for the on-arrival RT-PCR test and must stay within their hotel until a negative test result is issued. Since December 1, entry into the Kingdom was denied for travelers from any of the 8 countries in Africa deemed by the Ministry of Public Health to present high risks of the Omicron variant. Travelers departing from other countries will be contacted by officials who will follow up on their conditions for 14 days. So far, RT-PCR re-testing for COVID-19 has been administered for 9 out of 11 travelers from Africa who entered Samui on or after November 15, with all results coming back negative. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Interior ministry tightens monitoring against Omicron variant BANGKOK (NNT) - As a precaution against the newly emerged Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, all provincial governors have been told to intensify efforts to curb illegal entry into Thailand as well as the movement of illegal migrant workers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1241964-interior-ministry-tightens-monitoring-against-omicron-variant/

BANGKOK (NNT) - As a precaution against the newly emerged Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, all provincial governors have been told to intensify efforts to curb illegal entry into Thailand as well as the movement of illegal migrant workers. Interior Minister Gen. Anupong Paojinda has reiterated his call to all provincial governors as well as to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration for efforts to prevent Covid transmissions by persons coming from outside of Thailand. Governors of provinces that share their border with a neighboring country have been told to work with military units in their area to increase round-the-clock border patrols. The Provincial Police, the Immigration Bureau, administrative officials, health personnel and customs officials will also be involved in setting up 24-hour checkpoints to screen inbound persons and cargo. Community leaders, village headsmen, subdistrict chiefs and local volunteers have been asked to inspect people entering their communities and to report any migrants who entered the Kingdom illegally. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is now working with the Ministry of Public Health to monitor outbreaks that could be linked to the Omicron variant. Officials are now inspecting communities popular among travelers from Africa to make sure that lodging providers are aware of the recently imposed 14-day quarantine requirement for individuals arriving in Thailand from African countries. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Prime minister reemphasizes using digital technology for economic development BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s prime minister has praised public agencies that have made an effort to become digital government agencies, and called on all organizations to remain focused on using digital technology to develop the Thai economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1241963-prime-minister-reemphasizes-using-digital-technology-for-economic-development/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s prime minister has praised public agencies that have made an effort to become digital government agencies, and called on all organizations to remain focused on using digital technology to develop the Thai economy. Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over an award ceremony for the Digital Government Awards 2021 or “DG Awards 2021.” The event saw 33 awards handed out to public organizations that have transformed into ‘digital government’ agencies. The prime minister commended the agencies awarded for their efforts in shifting toward digital government. According to the prime minister, COVID-19 outbreaks have illustrated advancements in digital technology as people make adjustments to the New Normal way of life. He asserted that Thailand can stay on top of economic problems by implementing digital technology for organizational improvement. According to the prime minister, emphasis was being placed on a data-driven government, a central platform that links data from a plethora of government agencies, and the digital skills of public sector personnel. Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Anucha Nakasai elaborated on the results from a survey of public agencies’ digital governance preparedness, which has been carried out since 2015. He said 1,852 out of 1,922 agencies have completed the survey, and the 96.36% completion rate reflected the agencies’ awareness of digitalization. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Forum held on “Asbestos-free Thailand” BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Health Assembly held at the turn of the millennium in 2000 resolved to do away with asbestos usage in Thailand, but this mandate has yet to be tangibly realized two decades later. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1241962-forum-held-on-“asbestos-free-thailand”/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Health Assembly held at the turn of the millennium in 2000 resolved to do away with asbestos usage in Thailand, but this mandate has yet to be tangibly realized two decades later. Aware of this issue, the Public Relations Department has organized an activity for exchanges under the topic of asbestos-free Thailand. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul, Public Relations Department Director-General Lt. Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, and National Health Commission Office Deputy Secretary-General Prida Tae-arak were among the participants who exchanged viewpoints from different sectors regarding asbestos. Dr. Prida said that although the National Health Assembly in 2000 resolved the make Thailand asbestos-free, this resolution has yet to be realized and more cooperation from various sectors is needed. He explained that support is needed from businesses and the public needs to become more informed about asbestos. He expects that some time is needed for the required contributing factors, such as the law and social pressure, to come together properly. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals, of which there are six types. Asbestos is very heat resistant and was used across the world as a building material for much of the 20th century. It was used in floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and insulators. Inhalation of large amounts of asbestos fibers can lead to various lung conditions, including lung cancer. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

November inflation reaches 2.71% BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s inflation rate in November increased for the third consecutive month to 2.71%, thanks to the increase in grocery and fuel prices. The government’s trade policy agency now expects next year’s inflation to stay within the margin of 0.7-2.4%. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1241961-november-inflation-reaches-271/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s inflation rate in November increased for the third consecutive month to 2.71%, thanks to the increase in grocery and fuel prices. The government’s trade policy agency now expects next year’s inflation to stay within the margin of 0.7-2.4%. Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) Director-General Ronnarong Phoolpipat said the rise in the November Consumer Price Index, which is regarded as the inflation rate, can be attributed to higher prices of fuel and consumer goods including non-alcoholic drinks, vegetables, and pork. The inflation rate is calculated based on the prices of 430 items. And as many as 235 items were sold at a higher price in November, including cooking oil and coriander. The pricing of 68 items remained stable and that of the remaining 127 items including rice and electricity was lower. The inflation rate from January to November 2021 saw an average 1.15% increase, which was well within the 0.8-1.2% margin projected by the Ministry of Commerce. The office now expects the country’s inflation rate to fluctuate between 0.7 and 2.4% in 2022, amid a potential spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant which could necessitate the reintroduction of disease control measures. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates