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Telecom Giants Unite as True Corp After Merger BANGKOK (NNT) - True Corporation (True) and Total Access Communication (DTAC) have announced their agreement to merge and create a new telecom giant, forming the second-largest mobile operator in the country. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283457-telecom-giants-unite-as-true-corp-after-merger/

BANGKOK (NNT) - True Corporation (True) and Total Access Communication (DTAC) have announced their agreement to merge and create a new telecom giant, forming the second-largest mobile operator in the country. The executive boards of both companies have decided to call the merged company True Corporation and a joint shareholders’ meeting is scheduled for February 23 to approve the new corporate structure and other details related to the amalgamation. The merger will be completed within the first quarter of this year and the companies will continue to serve customers under the existing True Move and DTAC brands for at least the next three years. The proposed merger will result in a total of 55 million mobile subscribers, compared with 45 million for the current market leader Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS). True and DTAC have noted that the merger is about more than just the mobile market, and plan to build on True’s existing strengths in broadband internet, pay TV, and digital services, as well as investing in new technologies that will benefit consumers. The joint shareholders’ meeting will also vote on board members for the new company, with Manat Manavutiveth, the current co-president of True, nominated as the chief executive officer, and Sharad Mehrotra, the current CEO of DTAC, as his deputy. True and DTAC will each hold a 30% stake in the new company. TRUE shares closed on Thursday on the SET at 4.84 baht, down 2 satang, in trade worth 267 million baht. DTAC shares rose 25 satang to 46.25 baht, in turnover worth 1.1 billion baht. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) set the condition that the companies will continue to serve their customers under the existing True Move and DTAC brands for at least the next three years. A consumer group challenged the NBTC decision in the Central Administrative Court in December, but it rejected a petition for an injunction to halt the deal. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230113105255650 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-13 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Recovery In Tourism Enables Consumer Confidence Index To Gain For 7th Straight Month BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai consumers’ confidence in the economy increased in December, with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s (UTCC) Consumer confidence index reaching 49.7. This was the seventh consecutive month of gain in the index, which has now reached its highest level in 25 months. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283456-recovery-in-tourism-enables-consumer-confidence-index-to-gain-for-7th-straight-month/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai consumers’ confidence in the economy increased in December, with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s (UTCC) Consumer confidence index reaching 49.7. This was the seventh consecutive month of gain in the index, which has now reached its highest level in 25 months. According to the UTCC’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting (CEBF), Thai consumers view that the economy has started to improve due to activities in the tourism sector. Said activities positively influenced hiring and people’s income. The domestic COVID-19 situation has also been improving continually, while the prices of benzene fuels have declined significantly compared to the first half of 2022. These developments made the public feel more relaxed about the cost of living. The CEBF reported that all categories within the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) improved significantly. This is especially true for the sub-index on willingness to spend on tourism, which jumped to 65.7 to hit the highest level in 42 months. The cost of living index improved to 24.1, which is the best improvement in 31 years, albeit with consumers still indicating they feel that the cost of living is high. The CEBF indicated its CCI is still moving at levels below 100 points as the cost of living remains high despite recent cost-of-living issues having been alleviated. The CCI moved in line with the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) Confidence Index, which reflects the views of businesses nationwide. The index improved for the 7th consecutive month in December to reach 45.5, the highest level in 3 years and 6 months. Nonetheless, TCC members expressed concerns over continually rising costs and potential new waves of COVID-19 outbreaks that could result from the influx of tourists. UTCC President and CEBF chief advisor Thanavath Phonvichai gave his assessment that the Thai economy will perform near its normal level this year. He expects GDP to grow by 3.5-4%, with the higher end of the range viewed as being possible with momentum from Chinese tourists. Dr. Thanavath also noted the global economy did not become severely impacted by reduced inflation in the US and oil prices are currently not excessive. Thailand’s general election this year is also expected to be a boon to the economy. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230113102345633 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-13 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Health Authorities Monitor Covid Spread After Influx of International Tourists BANGKOK (NNT) - Health officials in Thailand have stepped up measures to monitor COVID-19 spread, as the country welcomes more visitors from around the world. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283455-health-authorities-monitor-covid-spread-after-influx-of-international-tourists/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Health officials in Thailand have stepped up measures to monitor COVID-19 spread, as the country welcomes more visitors from around the world. The National Communicable Diseases Committee today endorsed the latest set of public health measures to monitor and control the spread of COVID-19. Precautionary measures will be taken to control potential import cases and new variants, including rapid or PCR testing upon arrival for travelers exhibiting respiratory symptoms, and genomic sequencing of wastewater samples from aircraft. Travelers who are returning to countries that require a negative COVID-19 test, namely China and India, are now required to hold travel insurance valid for COVID-19 treatment for their entire stay in Thailand, plus 7 days beyond their intended stay. Travelers visiting Thailand for work and education purposes such as officials on a mission, airline crew, and students may opt to show school or employment certificates instead of insurance papers. Travelers who do not have the appropriate health insurance will need to buy one before being permitted to enter the country. The committee has approved the establishment of a COVID-19 subcommittee that focuses on international arrivals, in order to ensure effective management and seamless cooperation. Health officials have also allowed health facilities to offer government-procured COVID-19 vaccines to interested tourists at an appropriate fee, while prioritizing the vaccine inventory for Thai nationals. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul said the COVID-19 situation in Thailand has seen a lower number of severe cases and deaths. The minister said the general public, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, should keep up to date with their vaccination schedule for optimal protection against severe illness and deaths from COVID-19. The current official guideline for COVID-19 vaccination in Thailand is for each person to receive at least 4 doses of the vaccine, with boosters given every 4 months. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230113101107613 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-13 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

PM’s Office Opens For Children This Saturday BANGKOK (NNT) - The government house will resume its tradition of opening the Prime Minister’s office for children this Children’s Day, alongside other fun activities held to inspire them. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283454-pm’s-office-opens-for-children-this-saturday/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government house will resume its tradition of opening the Prime Minister’s office for children this Children’s Day, alongside other fun activities held to inspire them. Many government agencies and private firms are preparing to organize Children’s Day events this year, with the activity at the government house expected to be among the most popular events this Saturday. The government house has traditionally been opening the Prime Minister’s office for children to sit in the Prime Minister’s chair on Children’s Day, alongside other activities. The Children’s Day event at the government house in Bangkok this year will be taking place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha officiating and participating in the event. Activities being prepared at the government house this year include a mock news presentation for children at the government’s press center, meetings between the Prime Minister and groups of children, a government house tour, and a display of well-wish cards sent by children to the Prime Minister. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is also holding a Children’s Day celebration at the city hall. Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt today met with students from city-run schools, where students and the governor exchanged on what these children wanted to be when they grow up. The students also got a chance to take photos with the governor and sit in his chair. The Bangkok governor has promised the city hall will continue to improve the quality of city-run schools and teachers, as well as improve the livelihoods of students by providing better lunch meals, and improving sports facilities at the schools. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230113094514597 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-13 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thai government throws its support behind Phuket’s bid to host expo event in 2028 Phuket Specialised Expo 2028 bid Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has thrown its weight behind Phuket’s bit to host the Specialised Expo 2028 on the island. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283453-thai-government-throws-its-support-behind-phuket’s-bid-to-host-expo-event-in-2028/

Phuket Specialised Expo 2028 bid Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has thrown its weight behind Phuket’s bit to host the Specialised Expo 2028 on the island. “This will be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia which will benefit the entire region.” The MFA Permanent Secretary, Sarun Charoensuwan, says that it’s not only Phuket’s bid but also Thailand’s bid to host the international event in Phuket. “The government sector, private sector and local communities have shown their commitment and support and are fully capable of hosting the world expo.” No country or location in Southeast Asia has never been chosen to host the specialised expo. “A Specialised Expo 2028 in Phuket will be held under the theme of Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity, which is in line with Thailand’s BCG economy model, which promotes sustainable growth.” Phuket Governor, Narong Woonciew says Phuket already has a development strategy to become a “hub” in a number of areas – a medical hub, a city of gastronomy, an international education hub, a marina hub, a MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and expeditions) city, a smart city, sports tourism and tuna industry hubs for ASEAN. The President of Thailand’s Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, says that Specialised Expo 2028 will provide a platform on which participating countries can present their innovative solutions for sustainable future living. “Hosting of the event in Phuket will help boost the economy, both for Phuket and Thailand as a whole. Phuket’s bid to host the event says that it is expected to attract 4.9 million visitors to the island, generate 49 billion baht in revenue and create 113,000 jobs. The four other cities bidding for the event are San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina, Malaga in Spain, Belgrade in Serbia and Minnesota in the US. The host destination for Specialised Expo 2027/28 will be chosen by BIE member states in June this year and the winner will be officially announced. Phuket’s event location does not currently exist and the infrastructure would have to be constructed and operational within 4 years. The site, located on the far northern coast of the island, adjacent to Sarasin Bridge, would later be adapted as the “World Medical and Wellness Centre”, which has already been approved as a concept by the Thai government. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-events/thai-government-throws-its-support-behind-phukets-bid-to-host-expo-event-in-2028/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-13 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Part of North Pattaya Klang to be closed during Children’s Day in Pattaya Pattaya authorities are preparing to host Children’s Day event in front of the City Hall between 8 AM to 12 PM on January 14th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283451-part-of-north-pattaya-klang-to-be-closed-during-children’s-day-in-pattaya/

Southern Border Kids Attend Children’s Day Event Organized by SBPAC YALA, Jan 13 (TNA) – The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) organized the 2023 National Children’s Day activities, participated by about 1,000 local children from the vulnerability groups including orphans and children from the poor families. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283449-southern-border-kids-attend-children’s-day-event-organized-by-sbpac/

Pattaya authorities are preparing to host Children’s Day event in front of the City Hall between 8 AM to 12 PM on January 14th. Part of North Pattaya Klang will be closed from the intersection on Pattaya Third Road to the Petchtrakul intersection from 6 AM to 1 PM. Many events are set to take place across Pattaya and Chonburi tomorrow. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/13/part-of-north-pattaya-klang-to-be-closed-during-childrens-day-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-13 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

YALA, Jan 13 (TNA) – The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) organized the 2023 National Children’s Day activities, participated by about 1,000 local children from the vulnerability groups including orphans and children from the poor families. The event featured a number of activities, such as mobile planetarium, art, food, and music, and gift giving of over 17,000 pieces. The gifts will also be distributed to kids across the Southern border area. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1094137 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-01-13 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Officials celebrate re-opening of Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge Facebook/สำนักงานจังหวัดตาก : Tak Provincial Governor's Office The Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, connecting the northern province of Tak and the Burmese town of Myawaddy, re-opened yesterday, with officials from both countries in attendance. The bridge had been closed for over 3 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283448-officials-celebrate-re-opening-of-thai-myanmar-friendship-bridge/

Facebook/สำนักงานจังหวัดตาก : Tak Provincial Governor's Office The Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, connecting the northern province of Tak and the Burmese town of Myawaddy, re-opened yesterday, with officials from both countries in attendance. The bridge had been closed for over 3 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nation Thailand reports that a ceremony was held to mark the re-opening, with senior Thai and Burmese officials taking part. Somchai Kitcharoenrungroj, Governor of Tak province, was joined by his Burmese counterpart, U Zaw Tin. Also in attendance were customs officials, immigration officers, local administrators, police and military officers, along with public health officials and local business leaders. Both Thai and Burmese businesses on either side of the bridge were in favour of the re-opening, saying it would help both countries and their economies by improving tourism, trade, and investment. Many meetings were held between officials from both sides in preparation for the re-opening, according to the report. Officials are now hopeful that tourism will recover and more people will visit the area. Both tourism and trade took a significant hit during the 3 years the bridge was closed. The Mae Sot border checkpoint is located on the Thai side of the bridge and security measures have been ramped up along the border, with sniffer dogs being used to patrol the Thai side. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/officials-celebrate-re-opening-of-thai-myanmar-friendship-bridge/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-13 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thai Police to Put Almost 10,000 Traffic Offenders Caught During New Year Period on Probation Thai police announce that they will put traffic offenders in 8,923 cases caught nationwide during the New Year period on probation, said Weerakit Hanpariphan, director-general of the Probation Department. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283447-thai-police-to-put-almost-10000-traffic-offenders-caught-during-new-year-period-on-probation/

Thai police announce that they will put traffic offenders in 8,923 cases caught nationwide during the New Year period on probation, said Weerakit Hanpariphan, director-general of the Probation Department. Weerakit revealed that the majority of the offenses recorded during the Seven Days of Danger road safety campaign from December 29th, 2022, to January 4th, 2023, were related to drink driving, which accounted for over 8,567 cases or 96.01%, followed by driving under the influence of illegal drugs with 335 cases or 3.75%, and reckless driving with 21 cases or 0.24%. The three provinces with the highest number of road accidents were Roi Et with 469 cases, Samut Prakan with 388 cases, and Nonthaburi with 364 cases. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/13/thai-police-to-put-almost-10000-traffic-offenders-caught-during-new-year-period-on-probation/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-13 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Dinosaurs Installed at Government House for Children’s Day BANGKOK, Jan 13 (TNA) – Big dinosaur models have been installed at the Government House lawn to greet young visitors on the upcoming National Children’s Day, which falls on the second Saturday of January. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283446-dinosaurs-installed-at-government-house-for-children’s-day/

BANGKOK, Jan 13 (TNA) – Big dinosaur models have been installed at the Government House lawn to greet young visitors on the upcoming National Children’s Day, which falls on the second Saturday of January. Five replica dinosaurs were supplied by the Mineral Resources Department. Children can participate in various activities such as exhibitions of robots, astronauts and microcars. They can try being news anchors at Government House’s press center and enjoy playing various games and receiving gifts and souvenirs. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1094220 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-01-13 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

251 Thai children went missing from home last year A total of 251 children went missing from home last year, the highest in four years and an increase of 25% from 2021, according to the Mirror Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the problem of missing children in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283364-251-thai-children-went-missing-from-home-last-year/

A total of 251 children went missing from home last year, the highest in four years and an increase of 25% from 2021, according to the Mirror Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the problem of missing children in Thailand. Chief of the Missing People Information Centre at the foundation, Eakalak Loomchomkhae, says 61% of the children who went missing from home ran away, while 21% had mental development problems or other mental disorders. Two were kidnapped. 157 cases were in the 11-15-year-old age group, followed by 67 in the 16-18-year-old age group and 28 who were under 10. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/251-thai-children-went-missing-from-home-last-year/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-12 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Australian Woman Runs Over and Kills Street Painter in Pattaya An Australian driver accidentally ran over a street painter on the job and killed him in Pattaya, yesterday, January 11th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283356-australian-woman-runs-over-and-kills-street-painter-in-pattaya/

An Australian driver accidentally ran over a street painter on the job and killed him in Pattaya, yesterday, January 11th. The foreign driver was terrified and shocked after being notified that she had fatally run over the victim, Mr. Prasit Kabphet, who was painting the road at the entrance of Wongamat Residence Condominium in Soi 16 in the Naklua subdistrict, Banglamung district, Chonburi. CCTV footage discovered that the 62-year-old Australian, Mrs. Michelle Ann Eddy, seemed to be totally unaware of Mr. Prasit when she turned her vehicle around the corner to enter her condo’s front gate where the 45-year-old victim was working painting. The driver then ran over the victim and kept driving to her parking lot where someone rushed to tell her that she had run over a man. CCTV also found that Mr. Prasit was working with his back toward the main road and seemed to not realize about the Australian woman’s car emerging from the corner and approaching him from behind. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/12/australian-woman-runs-over-and-kills-street-painter-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-12 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

360-Million-Baht Online Gambling Den Busted in Pattaya PHOTO: Nation TV Anti-gambling police raided an illegal online gambling den hidden in a condominium in Pattaya with financial transactions worth over 360 million baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283355-360-million-baht-online-gambling-den-busted-in-pattaya/