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BANGKOK (NNT) - According to the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, Thailand’s corruption standing improved by 9 places to 101st out of 180 countries, compared to 110th in 2021. National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol said Thailand scored 36 points, an increase from 35 points in the previous year. Denmark topped the list as the world’s best performer with a score of 90 points, followed by Finland and New Zealand with 87 points each. Singapore was the best-performing Asian country, ranked 4th globally with 83 points. According to Niwatchai, Thailand also received higher scores in last year’s assessments from the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook and the World Economic Forum, increasing from 39 to 43 and 42 to 45 points, respectively. Niwatchai stated that the Thai government has taken a more serious approach to deal with bribery by reforming its project approval system by scrapping bureaucratic red tape and reducing official discretion. The NACC has also developed information technology and communication systems to support anti-corruption efforts, such as its agency case monitoring system, as well as promoting public participation to aid in efforts to combat corruption in the country. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230202142503484 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-02 - 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.

Bhumjaithai and Move Forward parties in spat over hospital director’s transfer The pro-government Bhumjaithai Party and the opposition Move Forward Party are engaged in a spat over the recent transfer of the director of Chana District Hospital, Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit, to Saba Yoi District Hospital as its new director. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285301-bhumjaithai-and-move-forward-parties-in-spat-over-hospital-director’s-transfer/

The pro-government Bhumjaithai Party and the opposition Move Forward Party are engaged in a spat over the recent transfer of the director of Chana District Hospital, Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit, to Saba Yoi District Hospital as its new director. The doctor, who is also head of the Rural Doctor Society, lodged a petition with the House Anti-Corruption Committee on Tuesday, accusing the Ministry of Public Health of unfairly transferring him to Saba Yoi district hospital, also located in Songkhla Province. Dr. Supat claimed that, normally, the transfer of a district hospital director is approved by the public health permanent secretary but, in his case, it was approved by the ministry’s inspector-general. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bhumjaithai-and-move-forward-parties-in-spat-over-hospital-directors-transfer/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-02 - 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 court orders EM tags removed from five anti-establishment protesters The Ratchadapisek Criminal Court in Bangkok agreed to the request of five anti-establishment protesters yesterday (Wednesday), to have electronic monitoring (EM) tags removed. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285300-thai-court-orders-em-tags-removed-from-five-anti-establishment-protesters/

The Ratchadapisek Criminal Court in Bangkok agreed to the request of five anti-establishment protesters yesterday (Wednesday), to have electronic monitoring (EM) tags removed. The protesters, who are currently out on bail pending trials on lèse majesté and sedition charges, sought the court’s permission to remove the tags after the court ordered one removed from actress Savika Chaiyadech, aka “Pinky”, who is currently on trial on public fraud charges in connection with the Forex 3-D Ponzi scheme. The five protesters are Chonthicha Jaengrew, Panupong Jadnok, Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, Weha Saenchonchanasuek and Nawapon Ton-ngam. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-court-orders-em-tags-removed-from-five-anti-establishment-protesters/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-02 - 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.

A Vietnam Air Force's Su-22 fighter-bomber that crashed during training in northern Vietnam, April 23, 2019. Photo obtained by VnExpress A Su-22 aircraft of Air Force Division 921 had an accident while landing at Yen Bai airport in northern Vietnam, resulting in the death of the pilot Tuesday. At 12:09 p.m., Tran Ngoc Duy piloted the aircraft as a training session. At 12:27 p.m., while landing, the aircraft encountered an issue. The pilot was ordered to parachute out of the aircraft, but he tried to fix it instead. The aircraft eventually crashed and he died. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/pilot-dies-as-military-aircraft-crashes-over-northern-vietnam-4565259.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-01

Image: Google A woman is under house arrest after she abandoned a man who hit her car and fell, leaving him alone on the road and in the path of a truck that crushed him to death. Nguyen Thi Hang, 31, a citizen of Yen Thanh District of Nghe An Province, is facing the charge of "not helping someone in a life-threatening situation" under the Penal Code, prosecutors said Tuesday. Police said at around 10 p.m. on October 2 last year, Hang stopped her five-seat car on National Highway 1A in Can Loc District of Ha Tinh Province, which neighbors Nghe An, and left the car to do some personal business. There were two others with her in the car. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/driver-faces-charges-after-leaving-motorcyclist-for-dead-in-central-vietnam-4565214.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-01

Image: Google A 3-year-old boy drowned after falling into a Koi fish pond at a café in the southern province of Binh Phuoc this Tet holiday. A source from Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Hospital 2 on Tuesday said a boy was admitted to the hospital during the Tet holiday after drowning, Vietnam Television reported. The boy went with his parents to a café with a Koi fish pond. He was left to play freely and was later discovered in the pond. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/boy-drowns-in-cafe-s-koi-fish-pond-during-tet-4565294.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-01

The animated portrait of Suong Nguyet Anh on Google homepage on February 1, 2023. The Google homepage on Wednesday features an animated portrait of Suong Nguyet Anh, the first woman editor in Vietnam. On February 1, 1918, Nu Gioi Chung (Women's Bell) published its first issue, with Anh as the editor in chief. She was born Nguyen Thi Ngoc Khue in 1864 in the southern province of Ben Tre. Her father was renowned poet and teacher Nguyen Dinh Chieu, and she started writing poetry at an early age. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/google-honors-vietnam-journalism-trailblazer-4565526.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-01

An exhibition in Hanoi, which will run from January 31 to February 4, showcases photos and relics of President Ho Chi Minh and his guard force. President Ho Chi Minh and guards stop by at the Khe Pass in the northern province of Thai Nguyen in October 1947. The images of Ho Chi Minh are being exhibited at an exhibition by the Ministry of Public Security in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the police guard force (February 16, 1953-February 16, 2023). Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/photo/news/hanoi-exhibition-showcases-president-ho-chi-minhs-life-in-black-and-white-4565585.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-02-01

Members of the Lila Pilipina lay flowers at the pedestal of a statue depicting a Filipino ‘comfort woman’ to mark the 30th anniversary of the ‘Flowers for Lolas’ campaign in Baclaran, Parañaque yesterday. The statue, shown in a tarpaulin beside the pedestal, remains missing after it was stolen from artist Jonas Roces’ studio in 2019. The statue was installed along the Baywalk in Manila in 2017 but was removed months later for a drainage improvement project. Krizjohn Rosales MANILA, Philippines — Compensation for "comfort women" — who were forced into sexual slavery during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines – is not among discussion points that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will bring up during his official working visit to Japan. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the issues had already been settled upon the signing of the 1956 Reparations Agreement with Japan, when it provided the Philippines around $550 million worth of goods and services. "We will not stop the victims (from demanding that) — because this is an atrocious violence against women during the war — but, as far as government is concerned, we’ve already signed that reparations agreement with Japan in 1956," Nathaniel Imperial, assistant secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs at the DFA, said in a media briefing on Wednesday. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/01/2241819/dfa-comfort-women-issue-not-agenda-marcos-japan-visit -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-01

In POGOs, bets are made by players abroad through service providers based here in the Philippines. Tory Ho / AFP / File MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has asked the Blue Ribbon panel to investigate the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s “seemingly anomalous” engagement of a third-party auditor for offshore gaming companies. Gatchalian on Monday filed Senate Resolution 452 calling for a Blue Ribbon probe into the procurement of Global ComRCI Consortium, which was found during a previous Senate hearing to be lacking permits and of having presented dubious documents. Among the red flags seen by senators during the hearing that Gatchalian presided was the certification that Global ComRCI presented was issued by a bank not registered with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/01/2241791/senate-blue-ribbon-probe-sought-pagcors-pogo-auditor -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-01

MANILA, Philippines — The lone senior police official who refused to submit a courtesy resignation will not face any sanctions but will have to explain the failure to comply with the government's request and could still be investigated for links to the illegal drug trade. The deadline to file the courtesy resignations that Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. appealed to police colonels and generals to file was on January 31. Those who filed theirs have agreed to undergo a review by a five-member panel that will check them for links to the drug trade and have them resign from their posts if the advisory group recommends it and if the National Police Commission that will review the recommendations agrees. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/01/2241794/review-proceed-after-nearly-all-pnp-execs-file-courtesy-resignations -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-01

This photo taken on March 14, 2019 shows residents of Barangka in Manila, gathering water. Manila has been hit by its worst water shortage in years, leaving bucket-bearing families to wait hours for a fill up from tanker trucks and some hospitals to turn away less urgent cases AFP / Noel Celis MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday approved the creation of an agency that will manage the country’s water resources and deal with environmental issues associated with water. The Water Resource Management Office will be under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and will be a transitory body pending the creation of the Department of Water Resources — one of Marcos’ priority legislative agenda. According to the Presidential Communications Office, the main functions of the WRMO include formulating and ensuring the implementation of the Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP), which will merge various plans of different government agencies. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/01/2241805/marcos-oks-creation-water-management-body -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-01

Local chief executives from Metro Manila pose for a picture after approving the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, February 1, 2023 Released / MMDA MANILA, Philippines — After 28 years, the Metro Manila Council has approved a ticketing system standardizing fines and penalties against errant motorists across the National Capital Region. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority shared the news Wednesday after Metro Manila mayors agreed on the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023. Once rolled out, apprehended motorists can pay for traffic-related violations wherever, regardless of the city they were apprehended in. "This is a historic moment for all of us because after more than 20 years, Metro Manila is finally adopting the single ticketing system that will highly benefit our motorists," said MMDA acting chairperson Don Artes in a statement. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/01/2241803/metro-manilas-mayors-approve-unified-ticketing-system-vs-traffic-violators -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-02-01

Qatar ramps up flight schedule to Phuket Qatar Airlines to Phuket Qatar Airways has increased its services to Thailand with the launch of three daily flights between Doha and Phuket, starting today, February 1. This move brings the airline’s total daily flights to Thailand to seven, with four flights to and from Bangkok now operating. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285194-qatar-ramps-up-flight-schedule-to-phuket/

Qatar Airlines to Phuket Qatar Airways has increased its services to Thailand with the launch of three daily flights between Doha and Phuket, starting today, February 1. This move brings the airline’s total daily flights to Thailand to seven, with four flights to and from Bangkok now operating. Qatar Airways is expanding its presence in Thailand to offer “greater convenience” and connectivity for travellers from 150 global destinations. The middle eastern airline hubs have become popular alternatives for people flying out of Europe for Asian destinations. The Regional Indochina Manager of Qatar Airways, Bennet Stephens, expressed excitement over the expansion. “We are excited to expand our presence in Thailand with the introduction of these additional flights. This is a significant step towards our continued commitment to the Thai market, and we are proud to be serving our passengers with safety and great global connectivity. We look forward to welcoming even more travellers on board our flights.” The expansion of flights to Phuket will also boost the tourism industry in the region, along with the recent launch of direct flights from Phuket to various locations in China by five airlines. Airlines are also expanding services to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, with China Airlines starting direct flights to Taipei and Thai Vietjet launching a direct flight to Osaka this month. Qatar Airways HKT – DOH and BKK – DOH Flight Schedule PHUKET – DOHA (Daily flights) • QR 979 HKT – DOH Departure at 09.45, Arrival at 12.50 • QR 843 HKT – DOH Departure at 20.50, Arrival at 23.55 • QR 841 HKT – DOH Departure at 22.30, Arrival at 01.35+1 DOHA – PHUKET (Daily flights) • QR 840 DOH – HKT Departure at 02.15, Arrival at 12.45 • QR 978 DOH – HKT Departure at 09.30, Arrival at 20.00 • QR 842 DOH – HKT Departure at 21.15, Arrival at 07.45+1 The Doha/Phuket flights are in Airbus A330 aircraft. BANGKOK – DOHA (Daily flights) • QR 837 BKK – DOH Departure at 01.50, Arrival at 05.15 • QR 831 BKK – DOH Departure at 08.05, Arrival at 11.30 • QR 835 BKK – DOH Departure at 19.30, Arrival at 22.55 • QR 833 BKK – DOH Departure at 20.25, Arrival at 23.50 DOHA – BANGKOK (Daily flights) • QR 834 DOH – BKK Departure at 01.45, Arrival at 12.05 • QR 836 DOH – BKK Departure at 02.20, Arrival at 12.40 • QR 832 DOH – BKK Departure at 08.05, Arrival at 18.25 • QR 830 DOH – BKK Departure at 19.45, Arrival at 06.05+1 The Doha/Bangkok flights are usually on being 777 aircraft. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-travel/qatar-ramps-up-flight-schedule-to-phuket/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-01 - 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.

New Pattaya Police Chief Vows to Take The Best Care of Tourists and Residents The new police chief of the Pattaya police station Pol. Col. Thanapong Phothi declared to prioritize tourists’ safety, as he was welcomed with open arms at the station today, February 1st. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285193-new-pattaya-police-chief-vows-to-take-the-best-care-of-tourists-and-residents/

The new police chief of the Pattaya police station Pol. Col. Thanapong Phothi declared to prioritize tourists’ safety, as he was welcomed with open arms at the station today, February 1st. Pol. Col. Thanapong, accompanied by his family, paid homage to the spirit house at the front of the Pattaya police station to mark the auspicious occasion of his appointment as the chief of the station. Thanapong was warmly welcomed by Pattaya city officials, police officers, and business people. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/02/01/new-pattaya-police-chief-vows-to-take-the-best-care-of-tourists-and-residents/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-02-01 - 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.

Bang Kachao Authorized to Become Designated Sustainable Tourism Area BANGKOK (NNT) - Khung Bang Kachao in Samut Prakan province has been authorized to become a designated area for sustainable tourism. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285192-bang-kachao-authorized-to-become-designated-sustainable-tourism-area/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Khung Bang Kachao in Samut Prakan province has been authorized to become a designated area for sustainable tourism. Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the national tourism policy committee has approved the development of Khung Bang Kachao as a designated area for sustainable tourism. The proposal was made by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The designated area covers six tambon of Khung Bang Kachao, located in Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng district, comprising Bang Kachao, Bang Krasop, Bang Yo, Bang Namphueng, Bang Ko Bua and Songkanong. The minister added that the announcement aligns with the government’s policy of promoting green development and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model. DASTA director Gp Captain Athikun Kongmee indicated that the agency will work with local communities to develop strategies for the area based on the sufficiency economy philosophy of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. He also said the agency will adopt global sustainable tourism criteria (GSTC) measures to assess the area’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as teach local communities and authorities about the Sustainable Tourism Management Standard (STMS). Khung Bang Kachao is regarded as Bangkok’s “Green Lung” and one of the country’s most important oxygen producers. With a vast green area of 12,000 rai and serving as home to farmland, forests and more than 13,000 families, Bang Kachao was named the best urban oasis of Asia by Time magazine in 2006. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230201160921204 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-01 - 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.

Over 11,500 Thai drivers have had points deducted since system launched Flickr/J. Garcia A total of 11,548 road users have had points deducted from their licences since the new system launched on January 9. According to a Nation Thailand report, the offence that occurs the most is failure to show proof of having paid annual vehicle registration fees. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285191-over-11500-thai-drivers-have-had-points-deducted-since-system-launched/

Flickr/J. Garcia A total of 11,548 road users have had points deducted from their licences since the new system launched on January 9. According to a Nation Thailand report, the offence that occurs the most is failure to show proof of having paid annual vehicle registration fees. A total of 3,557 incidences of this have been recorded by the Royal Thai Police. 1,709 motorists lost points for driving without licence plates and 1,686 had points deducted for failing to observe the speed limit. The province with the most points lost is Chai Nat, in Central Thailand, where a total of 1,478 lost points. This is followed by Bangkok, with 1,427, and the north-eastern province of Khon Kaen, with 211. Under the new system, all motorists start out with 12 points on their licence. If found in violation of a traffic law, they will lose points, with the number deducted depending on the severity of the offence. Losing all 12 points will result in suspension of the driving licence and 3 such suspensions in as many years will mean the licence is revoked. Police say anyone caught driving without a licence could face a prison term of up to 3 months, and/or a fine of 10,000 baht. You can check the number of points on your licence by visiting the official police website or by downloading the Khub Dee app. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/over-11500-thai-drivers-have-had-points-deducted-since-system-launched/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-01 - 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.

Rice Promotion Campaign Extended to September BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet has resolved to extend a campaign to promote organic rice cultivation until September 2023. The program offers 94,888 participating farmers a subsidizing fund of 2,000 to 4,000 baht per rai at 15 rai per person for three consecutive years. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285190-rice-promotion-campaign-extended-to-september/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet has resolved to extend a campaign to promote organic rice cultivation until September 2023. The program offers 94,888 participating farmers a subsidizing fund of 2,000 to 4,000 baht per rai at 15 rai per person for three consecutive years. The initiative involves nearly 847,400 rai of farmland for the organic rice plantation. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said the program was initially due to expire at the end of the 2022 fiscal year, while noting that the Cabinet’s motion effectively added another fiscal year to the campaign’s duration. The almost 9.7-billion-baht-budget program is expected to generate 400,000 metric tons of unmilled organic rice, empowering rice farmers while preserving the environment. Notably, the Rice Department was unable to distribute the subsidy fund in 2021, as most organic rice products are harvested during the November-December period. To address the issue, it was agreed that the payment will be delivered within the 2023 fiscal year. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha stated at the Cabinet meeting that the project was in line with the Green Rice Project and the government’s Bio-Circular-Green Economy model. He also asked the Ministry of Commerce and relevant agencies to work towards enhancing the ability to export Thai products and promote Thai organic rice through all channels, including online trading. The premier said doing so would allow these products to reach consumers more directly. He noted that it is equally important to develop marketing and processing methods for organic rice products to meet the needs of consumers of all ages, both domestically and internationally. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230201162059222 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-02-01 - 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.