snoop1130

In this handout photo from Catubig Municipal Information Office taken on January 10, 2023 shows people riding a boat in a flooded area in Catubig, due to the heavy rains brought by a low pressure area. Handout / Catubig Municipal Information Office / AFP MANILA, Philippines — More than 291,000 individuals were affected by the low pressure areas that have been threatening parts of the country since the start of the year, disaster authorities said on Wednesday. The Office of Civil Defense said the heavy rain and floods triggered by the LPAs affected 263,906 people in MIMAROPA, Bicol region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao region and the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao. Over 3,000 individuals fled their homes. Ten people died due to the effects of the LPAs, while four people were injured. The OCD initially reported 11 deaths, but it removed one fatality from Capiz whose death was caused by the effects of localized thunderstorms. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/11/2236874/recent-lpas-affect-291k-people-kill-10-disaster-agency -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-11

The Department of Agriculture announced on Monday its plan to import 22,000 metric tons of onion as prices zoomed in the past two months. STAR / File MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Samuel Martires said Wednesday that his office’s investigation into the purchase of onions by the Department of Agriculture and Food Terminal Inc. from a Nueva Ecija cooperative will look into the possibility that there was collusion between government officials and the private sector. “We will check if there was collusion, direct conspiracy, between some officials of the Department of Agriculture and the private sector,” Martires said partly in Filipino on DZBB. “We need to wait for the explanation of FTI. Why did they purchase onions from this cooperative? What other cooperatives bidded?” he said. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/11/2236868/ombudsman-probe-look-possible-conspiracy-da-fti-onion-purchase -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-11

In this photo from the Bureau of Immigration Facebook page, an immigration officer inspects a traveler's passport. Bureau of Immigration FB Page MANILA, Philippines — With visa-free entry to 34 countries and territories and visa-on-arrival at 41, the Philippine passport ranked 66th on the Passport Index. The index was compiled by Arton Capital, a company that promotes the idea of "global citizenship" through second residences and citizenships. The Philippines is tied with Mongolia and Morocco on the index, which lists the United Arab Emirates passport as the most "powerful" with visa-free entry to 122 countries and territories and visa-on-arrival in 59. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/11/2236892/how-powerful-philippine-passport-not-very-according-passport-index -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-11

Newly-appointed Secretary Carlito Galvez presides over a meeting at the Department of National Defense. Release / Department of National Defense MANILA, Philippines — Newly-appointed Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday urged senior officials in the department to "stay in place" as reports of resignations among its top brass came out following the departure of Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., who was officer-in-charge of the department. In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of National Defense said Galvez "enjoined all members of the DND’s executive committee and heads of the DND bureaus to stay in place during a transition briefing" in Camp Aguinaldo. "We will sustain the gains of the past secretaries and will also further enhance the capability of our national defense," Galvez was quoted in the DND statement as saying to the executive committee. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/11/2236876/galvez-tells-senior-defense-officials-stay-place -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-11

Pattaya Tourist Police Vow to Deter Crime Against Chinese Visitors Pattaya Tourist Police said they are ready to take care of an influx of Chinese tourists, especially in terms of safety. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283224-pattaya-tourist-police-vow-to-deter-crime-against-chinese-visitors/

Pattaya Tourist Police said they are ready to take care of an influx of Chinese tourists, especially in terms of safety. Pol. Lt. Col. Pichaya Kheawpluang, chief of the Tourist Police Station 4, told The Pattaya News that a large number of Chinese tourists will visit Pattaya after China lifted its travel restrictions on January 8th. He said this might result in a rise in crimes in the area, but the Tourist Police have taken several measures to protect the life and property of every tourist. For example, one of the measures is an application called “Police I Lert U,” which he urged every tourist to download to report any emergency to the Tourist Police. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/11/pattaya-tourist-police-vow-to-deter-crime-against-chinese-visitors/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-11 - 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!

Pattaya Rescuer Falls Out of his Truck After Python Escapes on Truck’s Bed A rescuer suffered a serious head injury after falling down from a truck’s bed and hitting his head when a python he caught suddenly escaped. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283223-pattaya-rescuer-falls-out-of-his-truck-after-python-escapes-on-truck’s-bed/

A rescuer suffered a serious head injury after falling down from a truck’s bed and hitting his head when a python he caught suddenly escaped. The Pattaya Emergency Responder Unit was contacted today, January 11th, at 2 AM, to catch a massive python lurking near the Pattaya Park Hotel located in Soi 12 in the Nongprue sub-district of Banglamung, Chonburi. The beast, measuring over 4 meters long, was hiding in a tree when the rescue team arrived with retrieval equipment. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/11/unlucky-pattaya-rescuer-gets-scared-and-falls-out-of-his-truck-after-python-escapes-on-trucks-bed/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-11 - 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!

Pattaya Police Continue Raids on Venues Allegedly Violating Legal Closing Times Pattaya police continued to wage war against entertainment venues that allegedly opened past the legal closing time of 2 AM. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283222-pattaya-police-continue-raids-on-venues-allegedly-violating-legal-closing-times/

Pattaya police continued to wage war against entertainment venues that allegedly opened past the legal closing time of 2 AM. Law enforcement officials led by Banglamung district chief Mr. Phisit Sirisawatdinukul went on a tour around Pattaya at 3:30 AM this morning, January 11th, to maintain the peace and ensure all venues were compliant with the legal closing hours. Still, Mr. Phisit revealed to The Pattaya News that certain venues were still open and had tourists drinking and enjoying themselves. He said he had to bring in more forces to investigate the venues but did not find any other violations other than that the venues operated and sold alcoholic beverages past the legal times. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/11/pattaya-police-continue-raids-on-venues-allegedly-violating-legal-closing-times/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-11 - 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 seize 49 sky lanterns from beach vendors on northern Phuket beach Stock image: Flickr/Sari F Vendors on Bangtao Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the northern west coast of Phuket, have been caught illegally selling floating lanterns, according to a Phuket Express report. A total of 49 lanterns were seized from 4 beach vendors, following a visit by officials from the Thalang District Office. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283221-officials-seize-49-sky-lanterns-from-beach-vendors-on-northern-phuket-beach/

Stock image: Flickr/Sari F Vendors on Bangtao Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the northern west coast of Phuket, have been caught illegally selling floating lanterns, according to a Phuket Express report. A total of 49 lanterns were seized from 4 beach vendors, following a visit by officials from the Thalang District Office. According to the report, the officers were patrolling the beach on Monday night when they found the 4 vendors in possession of the lanterns. District Chief Bancha Tanooin says the offenders were taken to the District Office for processing and 49 lanterns were confiscated. Bang Tao is also about 20 minutes drive from the Phuket Airport, where the sky lanterns can cause air safety problems. It’s understood the vendors have each signed an agreement that they will no longer sell the flying lanterns. Bancha says if they are caught again, they will face legal action. The lanterns have, for years, been a popular attraction for friends and romantic partners to jointly launch a lantern from the beach as they ‘make a wish’. Phuket has a ban on floating lanterns and violators can face up to 3 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 60,000 baht. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/officials-seize-49-sky-lanterns-from-beach-vendors-on-northern-phuket-beach/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-11 - 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!

Phuket Tourism Businesses Making Preparations To Handle Expected Influx of Travelers From China BANGKOK (NNT) - Tourism businesses in Phuket are reportedly ready to accommodate Chinese travelers who are expected to soon arrive in greater numbers. The Phuket Tourism Council has also expressed support for the use of non-discriminatory disease control measures that do not target travelers from specific countries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283220-phuket-tourism-businesses-making-preparations-to-handle-expected-influx-of-travelers-from-china/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Tourism businesses in Phuket are reportedly ready to accommodate Chinese travelers who are expected to soon arrive in greater numbers. The Phuket Tourism Council has also expressed support for the use of non-discriminatory disease control measures that do not target travelers from specific countries. Phuket Tourism Council Chairman Thanet Tantipiriyakit said tourism businesses in Phuket and the Andaman region have the readiness to accommodate incoming Chinese tourists. He acknowledged there were issues with rooms, service venues, and transportation early on when Thailand initially reopened to international travelers. He said most of the businesses are experienced with tourists, and the still relatively subdued numbers of tourists meant preparations can be effectively made. Mr. Thanet noted that if tourist numbers rise to a level similar to pre-pandemic times then issues may arise as Phuket currently has a labor shortage and some businesses have yet to reopen due to a lack of access to funding. He added tourist numbers are expected to approach pre-pandemic levels in October this year when schools will be closed in China and people will make use of their Golden Week holidays to travel. He expressed support for the government’s implementation of non-discriminatory disease control measures in light of an expected influx of tourists from China. Dr. Kusak Kukiattikoon, chief of the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, said Phuket has the medical readiness to welcome incoming tourists. He said more than 90% of people in Phuket have received two doses of the Covid vaccine. 69% received the third dose and 40% the fourth dose. There are only 3 to 5 Covid hospital admissions per day, therefore the province has spare capacity to accommodate a rise in patient numbers. Dr. Kusak said Phuket locals are still observing disease control measures, especially the wearing of face masks. However, he would like vulnerable persons and members of the “608 Group” who are at risk of severe Covid symptoms and death to receive booster shots. He added that tourism businesses taking in new staff should inspect the newcomer’s vaccine record. If the person has yet to be vaccinated with a booster then the business may contact any public health facility to schedule the booster shot. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230111102812926 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-11 - 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!

Hundreds of Suspects Arrested Last Year in Thailand in Online Crimes Crackdown Hundreds of suspects were arrested in an online crimes crackdown with almost 120,000 numbers shutdown from call center scammers last year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283218-hundreds-of-suspects-arrested-last-year-in-thailand-in-online-crimes-crackdown/

Hundreds of suspects were arrested in an online crimes crackdown with almost 120,000 numbers shutdown from call center scammers last year. The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn revealed the statistics today (January 11th): 166 suspects arrested in call center scams. 118,530 numbers of SMS and call center numbers from scammers were shutdown. 58,463 bank accounts from scammers were seized. Eight social media groups from scammers were shutdown. 673 suspects were arrested in 657 cases of online investment scams. 461 suspects were arrested in 318 cases of illegal online gambling 1,830 illegal online gambling websites were shutdown. 270 suspects arrested in 263 cases of online shopping scams. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/11/hundreds-of-suspects-arrested-last-year-in-thailand-in-online-crimes-crackdown/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-11 - 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!

TPSO Says Thai Exports To Chinese Market To Turn Green This Year BANGKOK (NNT) - The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) reported it has detected positive signals for Thai exports after China’s lifting of its zero Covid policy. The office especially took note of Thai fruit exports, for which demand is expected to increase significantly. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283217-tpso-says-thai-exports-to-chinese-market-to-turn-green-this-year/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) reported it has detected positive signals for Thai exports after China’s lifting of its zero Covid policy. The office especially took note of Thai fruit exports, for which demand is expected to increase significantly. TPSO Director Poonpong Naiyanapakorn spoke of Chinese economic tendencies after the relaxation of the “zero Covid” policy, saying there are good signals for exports to China. He revealed the TPSO expects exports to the Chinese market to turn green in 2023 as people in China return to living their lives as normal. The resumption of economic activities will result in recoveries in tourism, consumption, and public sector investment. These will contribute an important momentum to international trade and the global economy. However, there is still uncertainty over the Covid situation, specifically the possibility of large numbers of patients and deaths ultimately triggering another round of lockdowns. Nonetheless, Mr. Poonpong said China remains a market with good potential and a quick “reopening” of the country would accelerate Thai exports to China. Tax incentives under the ASEAN-China FTA and the RCEP agreement means China can import goods from Thailand at cheap prices. Exports of products that are impacted by these incentives, especially fruits, are expected to recover. Products that may become impacted if China reimposes lockdowns include durian, cassava, rubber wood, and chemicals. Mr. Poonpong said these products are highly dependent on the Chinese market. He said that for the medium term, exporters who rely mainly on the Chinese market would be impacted if China chooses to import from Thailand’s competitors or start producing the goods domestically. The latter scenario would be in accord with the policy for self-sufficiency that is included in China’s 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan. Therefore, Thai exporters should distribute risks across other markets with potential and diversify their products. They should also plan their finances prudently to account for a potentially slow recovery of the Chinese market. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230111134314000 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-11 - 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!

Government House to Open for National Children’s Day BANGKOK (NNT) - Government House will be open to the public this coming Saturday for National Children’s Day, allowing kids to have the prime ministerial experience for the special occasion. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283216-government-house-to-open-for-national-children’s-day/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Government House will be open to the public this coming Saturday for National Children’s Day, allowing kids to have the prime ministerial experience for the special occasion. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said the venue will be open from 8AM to 3PM, with several events prepared for visitors. On that day, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha will personally preside over the opening ceremony and attend activities with visiting children. Those attending will include underprivileged children with good academic performance and disabled children, as well as youths who have positively represented Thailand. Spokesperson Anucha also said Children’s Day activities at Government House this year focus on promoting ‘Thainess’, patriotism and the potential of Thai children. These events emphasize creativity and learning in the form of exhibitions, sports competitions and various games. It is expected that children will be instilled with knowledge of duty, discipline, pursuit of goodness, love for the Thai identity and the nation, respect for the monarchy, and awareness for preserving natural resources and the environment. Another highlight will be a news reading session at Nareesamosorn Building, which provides an opportunity for children to practice delivering news at the de facto press briefing venue of Government House. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230111133449995 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-11 - 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!

Team Thailand Secures Spot in ASEAN Championship Final BANGKOK (NNT) - The final of the ASEAN Championship will see defending champions Thailand take on host Vietnam after Team Thailand secured a 3-0 win over Malaysia on Tuesday (10 Dec). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283215-team-thailand-secures-spot-in-asean-championship-final/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The final of the ASEAN Championship will see defending champions Thailand take on host Vietnam after Team Thailand secured a 3-0 win over Malaysia on Tuesday (10 Dec). The Malaysians had held a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Kuala Lumpur, but goals from Teerasil Dangda, Bordin Phala and Adisak Kraisorn earned the six-time champions the result they needed to advance to the country’s 10th final in 14 tournaments. It took Thai players just 19 minutes to pull level on aggregate when Teerasil, the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, rose unmarked to firmly head Theerathon Bunmathan’s cross from the left past Malaysian goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi. 10 minutes into the second half, Thailand doubled their lead on the night to go ahead on aggregate when Bordin swept in Ekanit Panya’s cut back from the right. Substitute Adisak, who had replaced Teerasil at halftime, scored the 3rd goal in the 71st minute, converting from close range after initially hitting the post following Suphanan Bureerat’s center. This will be the first time that Vietnam and Thailand have met in the final of the regional competition since 2008 when Vietnam emerged victorious with a 3-2 aggregate score to claim the trophy. Both teams will be looking to secure their place in history as they compete for the championship title in this highly-anticipated final. A large crowd is expected to gather at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on Friday (13 Dec) to watch the action unfold. The return leg in Thailand will take place at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230111112319955 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-11 - 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!

Report on casinos to reach Thailand’s House of Representatives on Thursday A full report prepared by a House committee on the legalisation of casinos in Thailand and the setting up of entertainment complexes, including casinos, will be submitted to the House of Representatives tomorrow (Thursday) for consideration. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283214-report-on-casinos-to-reach-thailand’s-house-of-representatives-on-thursday/

A full report prepared by a House committee on the legalisation of casinos in Thailand and the setting up of entertainment complexes, including casinos, will be submitted to the House of Representatives tomorrow (Thursday) for consideration. In the report, the House committee is to propose that Bangkok, the Eastern Economic Corridor, 22 tourist provinces and border provinces with immigration checkpoints are potential sites for the establishment of casinos. These provinces include Phuket, Phang-nga and Krabi in the south, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phayao in the North and Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Nong Khai in the northeast. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/report-on-casinos-to-reach-thailands-house-of-representatives-on-thursday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-11 - 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!

Woman arrested in connection with online cheating of boy who killed himself Police from Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) have arrested a woman for allegedly opening bank accounts used by online scammers, who reportedly cheated a 15-year-old boy out of about 14,000 baht. The boy, who is believed to have stolen the money from his parents, later committed suicide. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1283212-woman-arrested-in-connection-with-online-cheating-of-boy-who-killed-himself/