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High school students wait for their time in front Marikina High School in Marikina on November 2, 2022. STAR / Walter Bollozos MANILA, Philippines — Teachers are trained to list objectives and standards in lesson plans but the Department of Education's Basic Education Report failed to include "specific and time-bound" plans to address issues in the school system, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers said Tuesday. The group said the departmen should have set targets on how it plans fix problems with the K to 12 curriculum as well as a shortage of personell. The BER was a mere "summary of the promises already articulated by (Vice President Sara Duterte)'s leadership in the past months (...) which remain general promises that lack specific action plans and definite targets," ACTChairperson Vladimir Quetua said. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/31/2241565/teachers-group-scores-lack-tangible-goals-deped-basic-education-report -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-31

Frozen eggs are being sold for P55 per kilo at a store along Annapolis Street in Quezon City on Monday (January 30, 2023). The STAR / Jesse Bustos MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health on Tuesday warned the public that frozen eggs sold as an alternative to fresh eggs may be contaminated and pose health risks. Some Filipinos have turned to buying frozen eggs as the country deals with a shortage of supply and rising prices of eggs. A medium egg currently retails at P8 to P9 per piece. Frozen eggs have long been used by bakeries as a cheaper option. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/31/2241550/doh-warns-health-risks-consuming-frozen-eggs -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-31

The Philippine economy took a hit at the onset of the pandemic. The economy sank to lows unseen since World War II as the Duterte administration imposed mobility restrictions to prevent the spread of virus contagion. AFP / Anthony Wallace / File MANILA, Philippines — The World Bank awarded a fresh loan program to the Philippines to support the domestic economy's recovery from the pandemic and improve the resilience of the financial sector. In a statement on Tuesday, the Washington-based lender granted the country a $600-million loan. Aside from supporting the Philippine economy's recovery from the pandemic, this new loan financing is aimed at supporting three policy reform areas: the stability of the financial sector, improving financial inclusion for Filipinos and businesses, and climate and disaster risk finance. "Policy actions that strengthen the stability of the financial sector – including banks and insurance companies – will help Filipino families, businesses, and investors withstand financial shocks and enhance their resilience by ensuring that problems in these financial institutions are detected at an early stage without severe disruptions to the economy,” said Ndiamé Diop, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/business/2023/01/31/2241552/world-bank-lend-philippines-600m-pandemic-recovery-climate-financing -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-31

This photo taken on January 17, 2023 shows a farmer carrying harvested onions at a farm in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija province. Even before the onions are fully grown, Philippine farmers race to harvest the crop and cash in on eye-watering prices for a vegetable that has become a luxury item in the country. AFP / Jam Sta. Rosa BONGABON, Philippines — Even before his onions are fully grown, Philippine farmer Luis Angeles races to harvest the crop and cash in on eye-watering prices for a vegetable that has become a luxury item in the country. Onion prices have soared in recent months, reaching as high as 800 pesos (nearly $15) a kilogram in Manila supermarkets, making them more expensive than chicken or pork. Some restaurants have stripped the staple ingredient from dishes, while many families already grappling with the highest inflation in 14 years have stopped eating them. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/31/2241564/eye-watering-onion-prices-make-philippine-staple-luxury -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-31

Tourism officials forecasting 12 million visitors for Phuket this year Tourists in Phuket The Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand is feeling optimistic about tourism in 2023, predicting 12 million visitors for the island. According to a Phuket Express report, Phuket TAT director Nathasiri Ronnasiri says that figure equates to what was seen in pre-pandemic days. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285082-tourism-officials-forecasting-12-million-visitors-for-phuket-this-year/

Tourists in Phuket The Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand is feeling optimistic about tourism in 2023, predicting 12 million visitors for the island. According to a Phuket Express report, Phuket TAT director Nathasiri Ronnasiri says that figure equates to what was seen in pre-pandemic days. The estimate would be about half of what the TAT office in Bangkok expects for the entire country this year – 25 million arrivals. “We are expecting 12 million tourists to visit Phuket this year. This will be roughly the same number of tourists as before Covid-19.” Nathasiri adds that over 46% of 2022 tourists were from overseas, while over 53% were Thai. “Last year, the number of visitors in Phuket was 9,260,657. Of those numbers 46.4% were foreign tourists and 53.6% were Thai tourists. Phuket has generated 74.4% of its income from foreign tourists.” Phuket experienced a significant surge in international arrivals during December and January, although the number of visitors was still less than half that of 2019. The island is also discovering new markets and has had to rely more heavily on other markets, including the Russians and Middle-Eastern countries, in the absence of the Chinese. Currently, the number of Russians arriving in Phuket each day are three times the number of the second most numerous arrivals, from India, with arrivals from the UK, Kazakhstan and Australia filling up the top 5. “In this coming Summer there will be more Israeli tourists visiting Phuket as well, a relatively new market for us. Some of these visitors have been visiting Phuket before and some are new tourists.” Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/tourism-officials-forecasting-12-million-visitors-for-phuket-this-year/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-31 - 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.

Officials working to reduce sugar intake in Thailand amid growing health concerns Flickr/Sidney Khoo Thailand’s Department of Health says it’s working with the private sector in a bid to raise awareness of the health risks associated with too much sugar. Department chief Suwannachai Watthanayingcharoenchai says the new project aims to improve the public’s understanding, with participating restaurants cutting back on the amount of sugar they use in their dishes. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285081-officials-working-to-reduce-sugar-intake-in-thailand-amid-growing-health-concerns/

Flickr/Sidney Khoo Thailand’s Department of Health says it’s working with the private sector in a bid to raise awareness of the health risks associated with too much sugar. Department chief Suwannachai Watthanayingcharoenchai says the new project aims to improve the public’s understanding, with participating restaurants cutting back on the amount of sugar they use in their dishes. The project has been launched amid growing concern about expanding waistlines in Thailand and the health implications of too much sugar. Health department officials have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the IMPACT company to design a healthier food and drinks menu, cutting the amount of sugar used by 5%. The IMPACT group is owned by Bangkok Land Plc, with CEO Pol Kanchanapas saying his firm will ensure all of its food businesses will use healthy ingredients. The company runs the EASE Café, targeting health-conscious diners with a healthy food and drinks menu. Suwannachai welcomes the firm’s partnership with the Department of Health, pointing out that rising sugar consumption in Thailand is damaging people’s health, leading to a potential obesity crisis. “Such cooperation is needed to improve public awareness about the link between food and beverage consumption and good health.” Meanwhile, the Bangkok Post reports that in 2019, a survey carried out by the Health Systems Research Institute showed that only 36% of respondents over the age of 15 had a normal body mass index. Over 37% fell into the overweight or obese category, while around 9% had diabetes and nearly 28% suffered with high blood pressure. Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/officials-working-to-reduce-sugar-intake-in-thailand-amid-growing-health-concerns/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-31 - 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.

What to do if Thai police stop you and attempt a ‘shake-down’ Thai police First thing… keep calm. Let them lead the conversation and don’t say anything other than answering their questions. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285080-what-to-do-if-thai-police-stop-you-and-attempt-a-‘shake-down’/

Thai police First thing… keep calm. Let them lead the conversation and don’t say anything other than answering their questions. Secondly, the vast majority of Thai police are there to do a job, protecting fellow Thais and foreign visitors. But there are a few who will take advantage of situations where they think they can get away with stitching you up for a few thousand baht. Recent events have brought this to our attention, again, and we would invite everyone to just review these recommendations if you find yourself in this situation. Thai police are entitled to stop you on the street, or in a car going through a checkpoint, if they are suspicious about anything. • Don’t admit to anything or agree to having your photo taken at this stage. • If they ask to see your passport and ID, do so without fuss, and then politely ask for their return. • You are entitled, politely, to ask for their ID as well • Allow any bags or your pockets to be searched – you are entitled to record this process, as long as your filming doesn’t interfere with their search. You should also ask for someone to act as an independent witness during the search. • Don’t sign anything, especially as the documents are likely to be full in Thai language • Don’t agree to leave the immediate area you have been stopped, even if they insist that you go to the police station • Ask, politely, for the Tourist Police or to contact a Thai friend who can act as an intermediary and interpreter. If the situation is even slightly serious – a crash or an accusation of drug possession – insist that you can call for a consular or embassy representative of your country. • Absolutely remain polite and don’t cause a scene or start shouting – this will NOT end well • If they start talking about a fine, or a pay off, whatever the situation, just politely refuse saying that you’re waiting for an interpreter, consular official or tourist police. On the other hand, if you’ve done something wrong – speeding, drunk, drunk driving, possession of a small amount of drugs, caught vaping or with a vaping device – be prepared to negotiate an on-the-spot fine and payment. Whatever the police want as a payment will be a lot less than the trouble you’ll have to go through if you choose to refuse their on-the-spot offer. If the Tourist Police, or a consular official, advise you to pay up, do so – they’ve been in these situations a hundred times before. If you start demanding to see a lawyer, raise your voice or get angry, the situation will escalate and will cause the police to lose face, and that’s about the worse thing to happen. Infrequently the ‘cops’ that stop you may not be police and, instead, be posing as police officers. If you suspect anything like this then be additionally vigilant about waiting for some witnesses to arrive before you do ANYTHING. You are well within your rights to protect yourself from bad or fraudulent police officers. Be diligent when someone claiming to be a police officer wants to search you or your property. Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/what-to-do-if-thai-police-stop-you-and-attempt-a-shake-down/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-31 - 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.

Thailand and Sweden to Discuss Visas for Thai Berry Pickers BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor has said it will start negotiations with Swedish officials following Sweden’s threat to suspend the issuance of seasonal working visas to Thai berry pickers, following reports of unfair treatment by employers and job brokers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285079-thailand-and-sweden-to-discuss-visas-for-thai-berry-pickers/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor has said it will start negotiations with Swedish officials following Sweden’s threat to suspend the issuance of seasonal working visas to Thai berry pickers, following reports of unfair treatment by employers and job brokers. Swedish ambassador Jon Astrom Grondahl tweeted about the issue on January 13, stating that the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok will not facilitate berry pickers until employers guarantee fair recruitment, safety standards and decent working conditions for Thai workers in Sweden. Department of Employment Director-General Phairoj Chotikasatien met with the ambassador in mid-December to discuss working conditions for Thai berry pickers. He noted that the problem is rather complex and involves a number of companies which purchase berries from the farms that hired the workers. In recent years, the number of Thais eager to take up berry-picking jobs in Sweden and Finland has increased, with 6,000 Thais traveling to these countries in 2022 - up from 5,000 the previous year. However, the increase has also led to a rise in disputes, with about 400 workers asking the government to act as a mediator between them and their employers or recruitment agencies. Samarn Laodumrongchai, an expert at the Institute of Asian Studies, said many Thai berry pickers end up overstaying their visas and taking up other jobs when they realize they haven’t made enough to cover their debts. Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin said he is planning to convene a meeting soon to discuss a solution with related agencies. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230131120435082 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-31 - 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 Police to Meet Singaporean Man for Questioning over Extortion Claim BANGKOK, Jan 31 (TNA) – The Thai police will travel to Singapore to meet the Singaporean friend of the Taiwanese actress for questioning in the ongoing investigation into the allegation that Thai policemen extorted money from the tourists. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285030-thailands-police-caught-with-their-pants-down-in-extortion-case-of-taiwanese-actress-and-friends-chuwit-revelations-latest/?do=findComment&comment=17874193

Thai Police to Meet Singaporean Man for Questioning over Extortion Claim BANGKOK, Jan 31 (TNA) – The Thai police will travel to Singapore to meet the Singaporean friend of the Taiwanese actress for questioning in the ongoing investigation into the allegation that Thai policemen extorted money from the tourists. Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, Investigation Division, the Metropolitan Police Bureau said he is seeking approval from the national police chief for the overseas mission. It is expected that the order will be issued tomorrow. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1105673 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-01-31 - 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.

Actress breaks silence on police extortion, 7 Huai Khwang officers axed Taiwanese actress Charlene An, who is at the centre of a Thai police extortion scandal, broke her silence about her traumatic experience in Thailand in an interview with Taiwanese media and on social media in Taiwan last week. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285030-thailands-police-caught-with-their-pants-down-in-extortion-case-of-taiwanese-actress-and-friends-chuwit-revelations-latest/?do=findComment&comment=17874185

Actress breaks silence on police extortion, 7 Huai Khwang officers axed Taiwanese actress Charlene An, who is at the centre of a Thai police extortion scandal, broke her silence about her traumatic experience in Thailand in an interview with Taiwanese media and on social media in Taiwan last week. According to the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), the actress, travelling in a car, was stopped at a road checkpoint, in front of the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, by a group of Huai Khwang police officers for a search on the night of January 5th. The officers claimed they found an electronic cigarette in her possession. It is alleged that the police extorted 27,000 baht from her in return for letting her go without charge. Her Singaporean boyfriend reportedly paid the money to the police who divided it among them. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/actress-breaks-silence-on-police-extortion-7-huai-khwang-officers-axed/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-31 - 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.

Green sea turtle helps nurture a baby dugong in Dong Tarn Bay area Heartening images of a huge green sea turtle nurturing a baby dugong in Thailand’s Dong Tarn Bay were posted on the Facebook page of Sakanan Plathong, a biology lecturer at the Science Faculty of Prince of Songkhla University today (Tuesday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285078-green-sea-turtle-helps-nurture-a-baby-dugong-in-dong-tarn-bay-area/

Heartening images of a huge green sea turtle nurturing a baby dugong in Thailand’s Dong Tarn Bay were posted on the Facebook page of Sakanan Plathong, a biology lecturer at the Science Faculty of Prince of Songkhla University today (Tuesday). “The baby dugong has a green sea turtle as its new mother. The fact that it is a huge turtle shows that it is familiar with the area and where it is safe, otherwise it would have been caught in fishing nets and died a long time ago. The turtle knows which route is safe,” said Sakanan. He suspects that the mother of the baby dugong may be the one which was found dead in the Dong Tarn Bay area last December, leaving its baby orphaned. So, when the baby dugong found the green sea turtle, it just clung on to it and refused to leave. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/green-sea-turtle-helps-nurture-a-baby-dugong-in-dong-tarn-bay-area/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-31 - 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.

Myanmar man missing after being swept into the sea around Samui Island A Myanmar migrant worker went missing and is believed to have drowned after he was swept into the sea, as he was sitting on rocks near a viewpoint on Samui Island in Surat Thani Province on Monday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1285077-myanmar-man-missing-after-being-swept-into-the-sea-around-samui-island/

A Myanmar migrant worker went missing and is believed to have drowned after he was swept into the sea, as he was sitting on rocks near a viewpoint on Samui Island in Surat Thani Province on Monday. The victim’s two friends alerted the emergency services, but efforts to search for the man were hampered by rough seas. It is reported that the victim and two fellow countrymen visited the rocks in Bo Phut sub-district, but one of them went too close to the water and sat on a rock. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/myanmar-man-missing-after-being-swept-into-the-sea-around-samui-island/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-31 - 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.

Sarng Anakot Thai party leader and secretary-general officially join Palang Pracharath Sarng Anakot Thai Party Leader Uttama Savanayana, party secretary Sontirat Sontijirawong and General Wit Dhephasdin na Ayudhya, leader of Thailand Together Party, formally joined the Palang Pracharath Party today (Monday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284994-sarng-anakot-thai-party-leader-and-secretary-general-officially-join-palang-pracharath/

Sarng Anakot Thai Party Leader Uttama Savanayana, party secretary Sontirat Sontijirawong and General Wit Dhephasdin na Ayudhya, leader of Thailand Together Party, formally joined the Palang Pracharath Party today (Monday). The three arrived at the Palang Pracharath Party HQ this afternoon and were greeted by Wirat Rattanaseth, a deputy leader, and Sakoltee Phattiyakul, the party’s strategy chief for Bangkok. They then went to see the party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan and Santi Promphat, the party secretary-general. All three donned the party’s jackets and were presented to members of the media, together with General Prawit and Santi. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/sarng-anakot-thai-party-leader-and-secretary-general-officially-join-palang-pracharath/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-30 - 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.

Two Motorcycles Stolen in Chonburi, Thieves Still On The Loose PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Two motorcycle thieves snuck into a parking area of an apartment building in Chonburi’s Phanat Nikhom district and stole two motorcycles last night, January 29th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284993-two-motorcycles-stolen-in-chonburi-thieves-still-on-the-loose/

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Two motorcycle thieves snuck into a parking area of an apartment building in Chonburi’s Phanat Nikhom district and stole two motorcycles last night, January 29th. The apartment’s CCTV camera captured the suspects arriving on a motorbike. The pillion rider walked into the parking area, chose the motorbike, kicked it a few times, and somehow dragged the motorcycle away with ease. The two suspects were recorded by CCTV driving away from the scene with the stolen vehicle. However, they returned a few hours later and stole another motorbike from the same apartment. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/30/two-motorcycles-stolen-in-chonburi-thieves-still-on-the-loose/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-30 - 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.

2+ meth tablets will be treated as drug trafficking under proposed new edict Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is ready to sign a ministerial edict, which will mean that an individual found in possession of more than one methamphetamine tablet will be treated as a drug trafficker, instead of an addict. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284992-2-meth-tablets-will-be-treated-as-drug-trafficking-under-proposed-new-edict/