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Luong Thi Hai (R) at a police station in Bac Lieu Province as she is under investigation for human trafficking, February 8, 2023. Photo by Bac Lieu police Police in southern Vietnam have detained two women for allegedly selling more than 30 others, including children, to Chinese men as wives. Pham Thi Tu, 61, and Luong Thi Hai, 31, are under investigation for "trafficking people, trafficking in people under the age of 16, and organizing for other people to enter Vietnam illegally." Police in the Mekong Delta's Bac Lieu Province said Wednesday that Tu and Hai targeted women who came from poor families, and those who were divorced or were suffering from business struggles. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-women-arrested-for-trafficking-of-minors-4568453.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-09

Chika, a 28-year-old trans woman who works as a busker holds her boyfriend's hand during an interview at their rented room in Jakarta, Indonesia, December 22, 2022. Photo by Reuters/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana A Hanoi lawmaker is pushing for a Law on Gender Identity to formalize transgender rights and raise public awareness. The proposal by Nguyen Anh Tri was announced on the National Assembly's information portal on Tuesday. Tri was quoted as saying "gender identity" is one's own perception of their gender and might not necessarily match their biological sex or their sexual orientation. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/lawmaker-proposes-gender-identity-law-for-transgender-rights-4568295.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-09

Police inspect the bus that ran over a third-grade girl after driving her and other students to school in Bien Hoa Town of Dong Nai Province, February 8, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Thai Ha A bus driver in southern Vietnam accidentally ran over a third-grade girl after she got off the vehicle at a public school on Wednesday. The tragic accident occurred when 25 third graders of Ha Huy Giap Elementary School arrived at school after having lunch at their teacher's home in Bien Hoa Town, Dong Nai Province, adjacent to Ho Chi Minh City. When arriving at the school gate, the bus stopped and the children got off. There were no assistants or teachers on the bus at that time. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/schoolgirl-killed-in-bus-delivery-accident-4568553.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-09

A yellow-cheeked gibbon found in Da Nang. Photo courtesy of Da Nang rangers A rare yellow-cheeked gibbon was discovered for the first time in a neighborhood of Hoa Bac Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang. The Da Nang Forest Protection Department said on Thursday that it had received a yellow-cheeked gibbon from the Hoa Vang Forest Protection Department. This species is not native to Da Nang, so the rangers are planning to release it back into the wild. Earlier on February 4, people informed the Hoa Vang Forest Protection Department that a wild yellow-cheeked gibbon appeared in a residential area in Nam Yen Village, Hoa Bac Commune. The male adult gibbon with normal health and weighing three kilograms was later captured by the authorities. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/rare-yellow-cheeked-gibbon-found-in-da-nang-4568518.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-09

A resident carries belongings while evacuating from his submerged home in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Noru in San Ildefonso, Bulacan province on September 26, 2022. AFP/Ted Aljibe MANILA, Philippines — Local government units can now submit climate adaptation proposal to access the People’s Survival Fund—a grant facility for initiatives that will help communities deal with the impacts of climate change. The Climate Change Commission announced that local governments have until March 31 to submit their proposals. The PSF is an annual allocation for LGUs and accredited organizations to carry out climate adaptation projects that include water resources management, land management, agriculture and fisheries and health, and other activities that serve as guarantee for the risk insurance needs of farmers, agricultural workers and other stakeholders. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/climate-and-environment/2023/02/09/2243746/peoples-survival-fund-now-available-lgu-climate-adaptation-initiatives -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-09

Residents and rescue personnel search for victims and survivors through the rubble of collapsed buildings in Kahramanmaras, on February 8, 2023, two days after a 7,8-magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey. Searchers were still pulling survivors on February 8 from the rubble of the earthquake that killed over 11,200 people in Turkey and Syria, even as the window for rescues narrowed. For two days and nights since the 7.8 magnitude quake, thousands of searchers have worked in freezing temperatures to find those still alive under flattened buildings on either side of the border. AFP / Ozan Kose MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in Ankara has already kicked off its relief operations in the earthquake-hit southeastern parts of Türkiye with the assistance of local authorities. There are 248 Filipino nationals based in quake-hit provinces. Two Filipinos who were injured have since recovered, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday. "We are thankful that a number of our kababayan are safe and we will not give up hope for those that cannot yet be conducted," the foreign service post said in a statement on Thursday. "The Embassy will act swiftly and decisively for all confirmed reports." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/09/2243743/embassy-kicks-relief-mission-trkiye-philippine-rescue-ops-team-arrives -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-09

In this file photo, mental health advocates campaign for passage of the Mental Health Act, which was passed into law in June 2018. Youth For Mental Health Coalition Facebook page MANILA, Philippines — Addressing the alarming increase in suicide incidents among students will need the help of agencies aside from the Department of Education, a children's rights advocacy group said in a statement on Thursday. Save the Children Philippines said that solving the mental health crisis in schools will require the Department of Health to improve children’s access to health care and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to create community-based mental health programs. This comes after DepEd disclosed in a Senate hearing that there were 404 suicide incidents and 2,147 suicide attempts among students in 2021, finally confirming the nationwide scale of the spike in suicide cases initially reported by student groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/09/2243745/preventing-student-suicides-requires-help-doh-dswd-save-children -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-09

In this 2018 file photo, teachers call for higher wages. The STAR / Andy Zapata Jr. MANILA, Philippines — The House Committee on Labor and Employment has approved a bill penalizing interference with the organization and administration of labor unions and workers' associations, including forcing union members to give up membership. The bill also includes villification, red-tagging and house visits by the military and police to tell members to disaffiliate as forms of interference that violate the Labor Code and the 1987 Constitution. At the committee hearing on Wednesday, government representatives — including from the Department of Labor and Employment — said that they saw no need for it because the right to form unions is already protected by law. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/09/2243758/bill-penalizing-anti-union-interference-hurdles-house-labor-committee -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-09

“Softening of demand after April” – Phuket hoteliers worry about bookings PHOTO: Phuket's Nai Harn beach Phuket’s tourist arrival numbers have stabilised after the pre-Christmas/new year surge in passenger arrivals at Phuket International Airport. Since the middle of December, arrival data shows that Phuket is welcoming 10-15,000 passengers a day. Since the middle of January, the daily arrivals have flatlined, indicating an easing of demand as both the western and Chinese New Year holidays are now passed. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286011-“softening-of-demand-after-april”-–-phuket-hoteliers-worry-about-bookings/

PHOTO: Phuket's Nai Harn beach Phuket’s tourist arrival numbers have stabilised after the pre-Christmas/new year surge in passenger arrivals at Phuket International Airport. Since the middle of December, arrival data shows that Phuket is welcoming 10-15,000 passengers a day. Since the middle of January, the daily arrivals have flatlined, indicating an easing of demand as both the western and Chinese New Year holidays are now passed. Whilst Phuket hoteliers and tour group operators are cheering on the influx of visitors back to the island, there are some disturbing trends which may threaten Phuket’s sustainable tourist revival for the rest of 2023. First and foremost is the enormous influx of Russian visitors which started during October last year and has just increased with, now, nearly 1 in 3 arrivals to the island are from Russian ports. From the start of November through to February 9, nearly 300,000 Russian travellers have come through Phuket’s immigration turnstiles. People from The Russian Federation are eligible for a 45 visa waiver, followed by a possible extension for another 30 days (after March 31, 2023 the visa waiver will revert to 30 days on arrival plus 30 day extension, unless the Thai government extends the promotion). Never in Phuket’s history has there been such a concentration of one nationality contributing to the daily arrival figures. Even in the heyday of mass Chinese tourism, the concentration of Chinese tourists never reached beyond 28% in Phuket. That “eggs-in-on-basket” situation was tested after the July 2018 sinking of the ‘Phoenix’ south of Phuket where 47 Chinese tourists drowned. The bad publicity from that incident caused a steep drop off of Chinese visitors, poking a large hole in the tourist arrivals for at least the rest of 2018. Speaking to a leading hotelier, who asked not to be identified, Phuket-GO were told that is a marked softening demand in forward bookings after April. “Bookings have been brisk since the start of December last year but, compared to pre-Covid booking figures, we’re noticing a big drop off in demand after April, which is concerning.” Villa owners, car rental companies and visa agents have also reported an enormous surge of demand from Russian clientele, pushing up rental prices around the island. One local agent, specialising in sales to Russian customers, says that most slack in the Phuket property market has now “well and truly” been taken up, forcing prices higher as a result. “I fear many people in Phuket’s tourism business are just happy to be filling up their pockets again, from wherever the tourists are coming from, and not looking at the trends. The local hotels and tour stakeholders have made this mistake before with the influx of Chinese visitors in the decade before the pandemic.” Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/softening-of-demand-after-april-phuket-hoteliers-worry-about-bookings/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Chinese Tourists Escape Fire at Pattaya Pool Villa A fire gutted a pool villa in Pattaya last night, February 8th. Chinese visitors who stayed at the villa were able to escape with no injuries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286010-chinese-tourists-escape-fire-at-pattaya-pool-villa/

A fire gutted a pool villa in Pattaya last night, February 8th. Chinese visitors who stayed at the villa were able to escape with no injuries. At 10 PM, Sawang Boriboon rescue services and a firefighter unit rushed to a pool villa in Soi Sukhumvit 4 in the Banglamung sub-district after being informed of a fire. The firefighters along with three engines arrived at the two-storey villa overlooking Pattaya’s Krating Lai Beach. The fire was gutting a 2nd-floor room of the villa. 5-6 Chinese tourists, who were staying at the place, made a safe escape prior to the authorities’ arrival. The identities of them were not reported and they suffered no injuries. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/02/09/chinese-tourists-escape-fire-at-pattaya-pool-villa/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-02-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Ko Mak Recognized as Green Destination BANGKOK (NNT) - A small island in Trat province has been recognized as a green destination for its good practice in waste management. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reveals it is working to encourage sustainable tourism, in line with the country’s Bio-Circular-Green economic model. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286009-ko-mak-recognized-as-green-destination/

BANGKOK (NNT) - A small island in Trat province has been recognized as a green destination for its good practice in waste management. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reveals it is working to encourage sustainable tourism, in line with the country’s Bio-Circular-Green economic model. Ko Mak off the coast of Trat province has received recognition as one of the 2022 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories, which recognizes the island as the first low-carbon destination in Thailand. The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories is a competition arranged by the Netherlands-based organization Green Destinations, which celebrates initiatives by global destinations that inspire responsible tourism. Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) has been driving forward tourism development in line with the government’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic economy, which emphasizes the social, economical, and environmental aspects of tourism. The minister said DASTA has been successful in making Ko Mak the first Thai attraction to receive this international recognition, particularly on the good practices of waste management and safety. DASTA is publishing a manual for tourist attractions on compliance with the Green Destinations Standard. This will give Thai attractions an opportunity to be nominated for the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories, as well as leverage the existing campaigns under DASTA’s development strategy. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230209093741442 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Bangkok Hosts Exhibition to Celebrate Thailand-Kazakhstan Relations BANGKOK (NNT) - An exhibition on the urban management of Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, is being held in Bangkok until February 12, 2023. The event is organized to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Kazakhstan and Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286008-bangkok-hosts-exhibition-to-celebrate-thailand-kazakhstan-relations/

BANGKOK (NNT) - An exhibition on the urban management of Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, is being held in Bangkok until February 12, 2023. The event is organized to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Kazakhstan and Thailand. Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej presided over the opening of the exhibition at the Bangkok City Library on Tuesday together with Astana’s deputy mayor Nurlan Nurkenov and Kazakh ambassador to Thailand Arman Issetov. The event was also attended by Astana’s Deputy Mayor Yerlan Bekmurzayev through an online video link from Astana. The exhibition highlights Astana’s urban management, including tourism and culture, as well as smart-city features that provide insights and experience exchanges between Bangkok and Astana. It seeks to strengthen relationships between the two cities by learning from each other’s strengths and shortcomings, allowing both sides to grow together in a sustainable manner. The Bangkok deputy governor highlights the BMA’s policy to develop into a truly sustainable and liveable city, noting that the mission is challenging due to diversity and various issues, adding the Thai capital can learn from Astana’s urban management, notably its smart city and smart traffic system aspects. Deputy Mayor Bekmurzayev, meanwhile, expressed hope that both cities will continue to develop their relationships and learn more about each other’s cultures. Bangkok and Astana have had relations since June 11, 2004, when representatives from both cities signed a bilateral cooperation agreement on various areas. Trade volume between the two cities stood at around 8.54 billion baht per year while over 50,000 tourists traveled between both cities annually prior to the Covid-19 outbreak. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230209131349548 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thai government to increase capacity in four airports – 200 M arrivals by 2031 PHOTO: Suvarnabhumi Airport traffic to increase “International Air Transport Association’s prediction that there will be roughly 200 million foreign arrivals in 2031 to Thailand.” Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286007-thai-government-to-increase-capacity-in-four-airports-–-200-m-arrivals-by-2031/

PHOTO: Suvarnabhumi Airport traffic to increase “International Air Transport Association’s prediction that there will be roughly 200 million foreign arrivals in 2031 to Thailand.” The government of Thailand is taking steps to upgrade at least four of its international airports to accommodate a projected increase in foreign tourist traffic. Despite the current tourist numbers being around half of the average arrival numbers of 2019, the government is confident the tourists will start returning and says they expect 80 million tourists per year by 2027 – double the total arrivals in 2019, the last year before the pandemic. Deputy Government Spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has predicted that the number of foreign arrivals will reach pre-Covid levels by 2024, prompting the need for the expansion of these airports. This is also in line with the International Air Transport Association’s prediction that there will be roughly 200 million foreign arrivals in 2031 to Thailand! (Where in earth will they all fit?!) The four major airport expansion projects are as follows: • Phuket International Airport Phase 2: The goal of this project is to increase passenger capacity from 12.5 million to 18 million per annum. This will be accomplished through the expansion of the international terminal, aircraft hangars, and basic infrastructure. Airports of Thailand Plc, which runs the airports, is currently in the process of selecting an advisory firm to help set the details of the project. • Don Mueang International Airport Phase 3: Approved by the Cabinet in November of last year, the construction of the third terminal, runway, aircraft hangar, and warehouse building is set to begin this year and will be completed in 2029. The airport will also see upgrades to basic facilities such as car parks, roads, and drainage systems. Upon completion, the airport will be able to accommodate 40 million passengers per annum, up from the current 30 million. • Expansion of the U-Tapao International Airport in Rayong: This expansion will occur in four phases and will conclude in 2055, increasing the airport’s capacity to 60 million passengers per annum. The first phase is set to be completed in 2024 and will allow for 15.9 million passengers per annum. • Suvarnabhumi International Airport Phase 2: The construction of the Satellite Airport Terminal – 1 (SAT-1) has been completed and the Transport Ministry will begin using the new terminal this year, increasing the airport’s capacity from 45 million to 60 million passengers per annum. The airport is also building a third runway, which is due to be completed in 2024, which will allow it to receive 94 flights per hour, up from the current 68. In conclusion, the Thai government is making efforts to expand its international airports in response to a predicted increase in foreign tourist traffic in the post-pandemic era. The upgrades will increase capacity, improve basic facilities, and ensure that the airports are equipped to handle the projected rise in arrivals. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/thai-government-to-increase-capacity-in-four-airports-200-m-arrivals-by-2031/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

SEC Launches E-license Service App BANGKOK (NNT) - The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has authorized its first e-license application through Biz Portal, enabling securities firms to submit an online request for an operating license. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286006-sec-launches-e-license-service-app/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has authorized its first e-license application through Biz Portal, enabling securities firms to submit an online request for an operating license. Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith approved the licensing in January in accordance with the country’s digital transformation agenda and new e-government legislation. The authorization is also in line with the roadmap on digital services which aims to shorten the filing process and provide better services to taxpayers and businesses. The Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) and the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) launched the Biz Portal in October last year. The electronic platform offers one-stop public services for operators and offers operating licenses to brokerages and trading businesses. The SEC said in a statement that the service can verify with credibility and accuracy, as well as minimize the needless use of paper copies. It added that the SEC will develop its online services to reduce travel costs and paperwork preparation in order to better facilitate businesses and the public. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230209130808543 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

PM2.5 Readings Still High In Some Spots In North; Situation Eases In General BANGKOK (NNT) - The airborne dust situation in Thailand has worsened due to better air movement and intensified southerly winds. Nonetheless, certains areas in the country remain afflicted by considerable air pollution. One such location is Hot district in Chiang Mai province where the AQI reading has reached an alarming figure of 287. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286005-pm25-readings-still-high-in-some-spots-in-north-situation-eases-in-general/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The airborne dust situation in Thailand has worsened due to better air movement and intensified southerly winds. Nonetheless, certains areas in the country remain afflicted by considerable air pollution. One such location is Hot district in Chiang Mai province where the AQI reading has reached an alarming figure of 287. Officials and firefighting personnel are still hard at work in Op Luang national park in Hot district, Chiang Mai province. Wildfires have occurred in many areas of the national park and in other areas of Hot district. The PM2.5 reading was recorded at 177 micrograms per cubic meter today (8 February), which is more than 3 times the national safety threshold. PM2.5 stands for particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter. Thailand’s safety threshold for PM2.5 is 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Hot district’s AQI reading, which reflects the amount of air pollution, rose to 287 and is still rising. Impacts on people’s health are to be expected with readings being in this range. Firefighters have not been able to put out many fires in the district as they were situated on mountaintops. Helicopters have been used to douse the fires in hopes of keeping them under control and reducing the sources of smoke from fires. Chiang Mai authorities reported there are 125 wildfire hotspots today. 684 forest fires have occurred since the beginning of the year. The provincial governor of Chiang Mai is asking for people to refrain from all types of burning activity during this period. February 15 to April 30 have been designed at the province’s no-burn period. All types of open-air burning carry legal penalties during the said period. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230209092506436 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thamanat re-joins Palang Pracharath Party to head campaign in the north Former Palang Pracharath Party Secretary-General Thamanat Prompao is expected to be responsible for overseeing the party’s election campaign in the northern provinces, after he re-joined the party, along with 11 MPs from the Thai Economic Party. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286004-thamanat-re-joins-palang-pracharath-party-to-head-campaign-in-the-north/

Former Palang Pracharath Party Secretary-General Thamanat Prompao is expected to be responsible for overseeing the party’s election campaign in the northern provinces, after he re-joined the party, along with 11 MPs from the Thai Economic Party. Palang Pracharath Deputy Leader Wirat Rattanaseth said today (Thursday) that Thamanat and the 11 MPs, who are former members of the party, applied for memberships on Monday. Thamanat and 20 of his followers were sacked from the Palang Pracharath Party in January last year, when they threatened to resign en masse if they were not given the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment portfolio, which is held by Varawut Silpa-archa of the Chartthaipattana Party. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thamanat-re-joins-palang-pracharath-party-to-head-campaign-in-the-north/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Dispute over electoral boundary redrawing erupts The Election Commission is under increasing pressure to review how it is redrawing the electoral boundaries for the next general elections which currently takes into account people without Thai citizenship in calculating representation for each of the constituencies. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1286003-dispute-over-electoral-boundary-redrawing-erupts/