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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. The raid, which took place yesterday, January 11th, was launched to tear down an online gambling website called “Paris99th.” Police tracked down the location of the website’s operators and found that it was operated in the Banglamung district of Chonburi, inside a luxurious condominium. Police withheld the condo’s name pending investigation. Four suspects (One man and three women) were arrested at the condo. Two laptops, four screens, three smartphones, and other appliances worth 100,000 baht in total were impounded for examination. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/12/360-million-baht-online-gambling-den-busted-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!

Chiang Mai embarks on Covid vaccination drive as visitors from China return Stock photo Chiang Mai’s provincial public health chief says the northern province is launching a Covid vaccination campaign as a precautionary measure, as visitors from China return. Dr. Jatuchai Maneerat says tourism workers can avail of free vaccination between January 22 and 29 at the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation conference hall. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283354-chiang-mai-embarks-on-covid-vaccination-drive-as-visitors-from-china-return/

Stock photo Chiang Mai’s provincial public health chief says the northern province is launching a Covid vaccination campaign as a precautionary measure, as visitors from China return. Dr. Jatuchai Maneerat says tourism workers can avail of free vaccination between January 22 and 29 at the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation conference hall. Officials have a target of administering 3,000 doses daily. The general public can also avail of free vaccination at the Nakornping, Chiang Mai Neurological, Chiang Mai Mother and Child, and community hospitals, according to Jatuchai. Thai PBS World reports that the first direct flight from Shanghai to Chiang Mai is set to arrive on January 18. Officials say they will continue to monitor the Covid situation in the northern province, particularly for new variants or sub-variants. In addition, Jatuchai says waste water samples from all Chinese flights arriving in Chiang Mai will be tested for Covid-19. Elderly residents and those in other high-risk groups, such as pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions, are being urged to get vaccinated. If already vaccinated, Jatuchai says they should ensure they get a booster to improve immunity and reduce their risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract the virus. Jatuchai adds that during the first week of January, 3,081 people tested positive for Covid-19, a slight increase on numbers from the past 7 weeks. There were also 3 Covid-related deaths. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/chiang-mai-embarks-on-covid-vaccination-drive-as-visitors-from-china-return/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 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!

A newborn girl is rescued from a ditch in Ha Tinh Province in central Vietnam after spending hours there, January 11, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Hung Le An infant was rescued in central Ha Tinh Province Wednesday after spending hours abandoned in a ditch in the rain. Locals in Huong Son District's Tan Thuy Village heard the cries of a baby coming from the wayside of a road, where they then found a mud-covered infant lying in a ditch with her skin turning purple in the rain. The girl was then sheltered at a nearby house. Her umbilical cord had yet to be removed and she was suffering from injuries on her cheeks and near her eyes. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/newborn-rescued-off-ditch-after-staying-there-for-hours-4558996.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-12

Ho Chi Minh City police arrest Dang Viet Ha (L, 2nd), director of Vietnam Register, on January 11, 2023. Photo by police Dang Viet Ha, director of the Vietnam Register, has been arrested for allegedly taking bribes from registration centers across the country to ignore violations. Police arrested the 51-year-old on Wednesday when he was visiting Ho Chi Minh City following a raid on the Vietnam Register’s headquarters in Hanoi last week. They have also detained Tran Anh Quan, acting head of the motor vehicle inspection department, deputy head Dang Tran Khanh and registrar Pham Duc Ngoc. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-register-chief-arrested-for-corruption-4559176.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-12

At several vehicle registration centers in the capital, some drivers have been waiting for days, and even forced to eat and sleep on-site while waiting to register their vehicle registration. At 10 p.m. Wednesday, at the 29-11D vehicle registry center in Chuong My District, hundreds of drivers line up their cars along the National Highway 6 to wait for their turn to complete registration procedures the next morning. Cars with 4-7 seats span a row that's over 200 m long, while the row on the other side of the road is of trucks. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/photo/news/hanoi-drivers-line-up-all-night-to-register-their-vehicles-4559270.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-12

Fire and smokes seen at the Esd Korea Vina firm at the Que Vo industrial park in Bac Ninh Province, January 12, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Gia Chinh A South Korean plastic manufacturer inside a Bac Ninh industrial park went up in flames Thursday, resulting in around 4,000 m2 of workshop being burned down. The fire at the Esd Korea Vina Co. inside the Que Vo Industrial Park in the northern province began at around 3:30 a.m. Thursday. Minh Trong, who works at a nearby company, said that he heard screams while he was on his night shift. When he went out to look, he saw several workers running away. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/4-000-m2-of-south-korean-workshop-up-in-flames-in-northern-vietnam-4559319.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-12

A truck flips over on a pass of Ho Chi Minh Highway in central Quang Nam Province, January 12, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Dac Thanh A truck swung out of control while negotiating a curve on the Ho Chi Minh Highway in Quang Nam Province and flipped over, killing three people at around 7 a.m. Thursday. The truck, which was carrying agricultural products, was travelling from Kon Tum Province in the Central Highlands to Hanoi with three men on board: driver Le Dinh Quan, 31, Nguyen Van Hoang, 34, and Le Trong Tuan, 40. When the vehicle reached a turn while driving through Quang Nam, the driver lost control, causing the truck to hit a highway barrier and flip over. The cabin of the truck slammed into the embankment of a mountain slope, killing all three people inside. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/three-killed-as-truck-flips-over-on-central-vietnam-highway-4559351.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-12

Bulatlat managing editor Ronalyn Olea and lawyers Minnie Lopez and Floyd Tiongson of the National Union of People's Lawyers speak to media in front of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on July 8, 2022. Philstar.com MANILA, Philippines — Human Rights Watch flagged in a report released Thursday what it called the "persistent" harassment of journalists in 2022, marked by attempts to silence news outlets critical of the Marcos Jr. administration as well as by libel charges against media workers. Press groups in the country have long been raising the alarm on physical attacks and other attempts to intimidate journalists. The New York-based watchdog said in its report on the Philippines that "harassment of journalists also persisted in the past year." This was on top of the killings of four journalists in 2022, including two — broadcasters Percy Lapid and Renato Blanco — who were killed during the first few months of the Marcos Jr. administration. Charges have been filed over the murder of Lapid — who also went by Percy Mabasa — although it is yet unclear who was really behind his death. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/12/2237122/hrw-flags-persistent-harassment-journalists-2022 -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-12

A photo of the LRT-2 train Light Rail Transit Authority MANILA, Philippines — A multi-sectoral activist group is outraged after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board approved petitions to increase fares collected by two major railway systems in Metro Manila — this without mention of any consultation with commuters and the public. The LTFRB, Wednesday, okayed the additional P2.29 boarding fare and P0.21 per kilometer distance fare in LRT-1 and LRT-2, pegging the new boarding fare to P13.29 and new distance fare to P1.21 per kilometer on both the LRT-1 and LRT-2. The new fares will still need approval from the Department of Transportation and other government agencies. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/12/2237120/lrt-fare-hikes-looms-bayan-asks-wheres-public-consultation -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-12

This screen capture shows a since-deleted tweet by the Batangas Maritime Police Station using the hashtags 'NinoyNotAHero' and 'NinoyNPA'. MANILA, Philippines — The military, police and other national security forces "actively used social media" to red-tag or baselessly accuse individuals of being members of the armed communist insurgency, Human Rights Watch said in a report released Thursday. Membership in an activist group is not the same as membership in or even support for the Communist Party of the Philippines or the New People's Army but activism has often been conflated in the Philippines with terrorism and of being an enemy of the state. The New York-based watchdog said red-tagging puts those accused "at heightened risk of attack by the security forces or unidentified gunmen" and in some cases has actually resulted in their killing by unknown gunmen. Police and military officials have repeatedly claimed that their labeling is actually "truth tagging". Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/12/2237128/hrw-state-forces-actively-use-social-media-red-tagging -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-12

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. gave a press briefing in Indonesia. The STAR / Alexis Romero MANILA, Philippines — The proposed Maharlika Wealth Fund will be “soft launched” by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland next week. While the House of Representatives has already approved the bill to create the sovereign fund, the Senate has yet to deliberate on it. Also dominated by administration allies, the Senate has identified the bill as among its legislative priorities for this year. "The World Economic Forum is simply a great venue to do sort of [a] soft launch for our sovereign wealth fund, given the prominence of the forum itself and the global and business leaders who will be there and they will hear it directly from the president," Carlos Sorreta, undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations at the Department of Foreign Addairs, said in a press briefing on Thursday. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/12/2237132/marcos-pitch-maharlika-fund-soft-launch-world-economic-forum -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-12

This photo taken on June 10, 2022 shows relatives of a victim of the government's drug war carrying a box containing the remains after they were exhumed at Bagbag Cemetery in Novaliches, Metro Manila. AFP / Jam Sta. Rosa MANILA, Philippines — The killings of alleged drug dealers and users continued even after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promised a more compassionate approach in the fight against illegal narcotics, watchdog Human Rights Watch said in its latest report. Marcos has said he would continue the ‘war against drugs initiated by his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, but his administration would shift the focus to rehabilitating drug users. HRW, however, said there was no letup in ‘drug war’ killings and the needed reforms have not been made to existing drug rehabilitation programs. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/12/2237123/nothings-changed-watchdog-says-drug-war-killings-continue-under-marcos -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-12

Soldiers Kill 5 Alleged Drug Smugglers CHIANG RAI, Jan 12 (TNA) – Thai soldiers killed five suspected drug smugglers in a shoot-out in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283333-soldiers-kill-5-alleged-drug-smugglers/

CHIANG RAI, Jan 12 (TNA) – Thai soldiers killed five suspected drug smugglers in a shoot-out in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district. The incident took place in a jungle near the Noi Dong Tung temple. Patrolling officers encountered a group of 7-8 men, carrying rucksacks. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1093525 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 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!

CONFIRMED: You don’t need to show proof of vaccination to enter Thailand Flickr/Jinky Dabon First you did, then you didn’t, then you did again, then you didn’t after all… After another abrupt U-turn from the Thai government, officials have confirmed that proof of vaccination will not be required to enter Thailand after all. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283332-confirmed-you-don’t-need-to-show-proof-of-vaccination-to-enter-thailand/

Flickr/Jinky Dabon First you did, then you didn’t, then you did again, then you didn’t after all… After another abrupt U-turn from the Thai government, officials have confirmed that proof of vaccination will not be required to enter Thailand after all. According to a Nation Thailand report, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has confirmed that a plan to re-introduce the requirement has been ditched. But only after a few tries. The brief re-introduction caused significant backlash from the tourism sector, with a number of organisations submitting a letter to PM Prayut Chan-o-cha asking for the requirement to be dropped. Following confirmation from Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that proof of vaccination would not be required after all, the DDC has now issued their updated rules for entering the kingdom. According to government spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul, they are as follows: – Covid vaccination is no longer required – Arrivals from countries that require a negative PCR test on return must have health insurance coverage of at least US$10,000 for the duration of their time in Thailand, plus an additional 7 days. (China and India currently require a negative PCR test prior to entry). Arrivals found not to have insurance will be required to purchase it at Thai immigration at the airport. Airline crew, students, and those on special business can provide a letter from their host or other forms of insurance. (In reality it appears that check in counters are not asking for this, but you should be ready to purchase it if asked, either at your home port or destination in Thailand) – The health insurance requirement does not apply to Thai passport holders or transit passengers – Airlines must comply with the regulation that passengers must wear face masks at all times, other than when eating or during an emergency. (Again, in reality, some airlines are policing this more heavily than others) – Passengers who show Covid-19 symptoms on arrival will be tested. Passengers can get more information from the DDC Hotline on 1422 or by visiting the DDC website. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has issued an updated Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) to reflect the revised DDC regulations. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/confirmed-you-dont-need-to-show-proof-of-vaccination-to-enter-thailand/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 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!

Avoiding Dengue Fever – some tips and tricks Dengue fever is a viral illness that is spread by the Aedes mosquito, which is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Thailand is one of the countries where dengue fever is prevalent, and it’s important for travellers and residents alike to take steps to protect themselves from the disease. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283330-avoiding-dengue-fever-–-some-tips-and-tricks/

Dengue fever is a viral illness that is spread by the Aedes mosquito, which is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Thailand is one of the countries where dengue fever is prevalent, and it’s important for travellers and residents alike to take steps to protect themselves from the disease. Dengue is also prevalent in Phuket with outbreaks from time to time so we’d urge you to be vigilant when visiting the island. Here are some tips to help you avoid dengue fever in Thailand… • Use mosquito repellent: The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. Use a repellent that contains DEET or picaridin, and apply it to exposed skin and clothing. It’s especially important to use repellent during the day, as the Aedes mosquito is most active during the early morning and late afternoon, sunrise and sunset. Repellants are freely available at 7/11 and Family Mart stores. • Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and pants can help to protect your skin from mosquito bites. Light and pale coloured clothing are also less attractive to mosquitoes. • Use mosquito nets: If you’re staying in a place where the windows and doors aren’t screened, use a mosquito net to protect yourself while you sleep. You can even give your room a quick spray with a mosquito spray in the minutes before you go to bed. • Remove standing and stale water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water, so it’s important to eliminate any sources of any water pools around your home or hotel room. This includes things like old tyres, flower pots and buckets. • Be aware of the risk: Pay attention to the local news and weather reports, and take precautions if there is a dengue fever outbreak in the area. Be aware that there are other disease carrying mosquitos such as chikungunya, zika, malaria and yellow fever as well (although Dengue and chikungunya are the most common). • Seek medical attention: If you suspect you have dengue fever (and you’ll know it) get to a clinic or hospital straight away. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea and a rash. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. • If possible get dengue vaccinations before hand. It’s not available everywhere but willl certainly assist you avoid most of the worst symptoms. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of contracting dengue fever in Thailand. Remember that dengue fever can be a serious illness, so it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. These prevention techniques are the best way to protect yourself and should be practiced regardless of the outbreak status. If you live in Thailand, these precautions just become part of your way of life. If you become ill, despite taking precautions, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-life/avoiding-dengue-fever-some-tips-and-tricks/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 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!

Thai Legal Casino Proposal Resurfaces The House committee tasked with examining the feasibility of establishing entertainment complexes, including legal casinos, will convene to discuss the matter and seek approval from the Cabinet today, January 12th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283328-thai-legal-casino-proposal-resurfaces/

The House committee tasked with examining the feasibility of establishing entertainment complexes, including legal casinos, will convene to discuss the matter and seek approval from the Cabinet today, January 12th. The Thai government has been eying to gain tax revenues from legalizing gambling businesses, including legal casinos, since last year, Thai media reported. The special House committee has been set up to study the feasibility of opening legal casinos reportedly in the following locations: Bangkok and areas within a 100-kilometer radius of Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports Areas within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) 22 tourism provinces Provinces with immigration checkpoints such as Phuket, Phang-Nga, Krabi, Chiang Mai, or Chaing Rai Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/12/thai-legal-casino-proposal-resurfaces/ -- © 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!

Bid for Satellite Orbital Slot Packages to Soon Take Place BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is set to hold the bidding for satellite orbital slot packages on January 15, with three companies qualified to join the auction. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283326-bid-for-satellite-orbital-slot-packages-to-soon-take-place/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is set to hold the bidding for satellite orbital slot packages on January 15, with three companies qualified to join the auction. According to the NBTC, Space Tech Innovation Company, the state-owned National Telecommunications Public Company, and Prom Technical Services Company are the companies competing for the orbital slot packages. NBTC member Air Marshal Thanapant Raicharoen has disclosed that the auction will use Sequential Ascending Clock Auction, in which bidders place requested quantities against specified price steps in the bidding process. A mock auction will be held one day before the actual bidding which takes place on January 15. Air Marshal Thanapant stated that the public interest is the NBTC’s top priority in holding the auction, as one of the terms of reference requires the winner to allow the government to use one broadcast transponder and one 400 Mbps data broadband channel per satellite. He also dismissed the suggestion for the slot packages to be given to National Telecommunications, saying that doing so would violate the Constitution regarding monopolistic business and risk repercussions from the International Telecommunications Union. The NBTC assures that the bid will be transparent and free of any collusion. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230112115554323 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-12 - 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!

Manufacturers asked to keep goods prices low as cost of living crisis prolongs BANGKOK (NNT) - Essential goods and commodities are expected to continue seeing high manufacturing costs this year. Commercial affairs officials are asking manufacturers to maintain fair prices, in order to mitigate the cost of living crisis faced by the general public. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283325-manufacturers-asked-to-keep-goods-prices-low-as-cost-of-living-crisis-prolongs/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Essential goods and commodities are expected to continue seeing high manufacturing costs this year. Commercial affairs officials are asking manufacturers to maintain fair prices, in order to mitigate the cost of living crisis faced by the general public. The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) said it had asked manufacturers in the country to help maintain the current prices of their goods, in an effort to help alleviate the cost of living crisis. The manufacturing sector will continue to be impacted by high prices of raw materials and energy, driving up the overall manufacturing cost. DIT Director General Wattanasak Sur-iam said the department has implemented the Win-Win model that aims to ensure both the manufacturers and the consumers will be least affected. He said the department has been considering price increase requests from manufacturers, in order to ensure appropriate pricing that reflects the actual cost. The DIT is closely monitoring goods prices daily to prevent possible gouging. Prices of fresh groceries such as meat, vegetables, and bottled palm oil saw a decline in the previous week, except for a slight price bump for eggs. Prices of other grocery items such as canned sardine, soy sauce, and fish sauce have been stable. Mr. Wattanasak said the department has received good cooperation from manufacturers in maintaining the current level of retail prices through cost-cutting measures. The DIT will also be conducting random inspections at retail outlets more frequently this year. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230112095749276 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-12 - 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!