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SRT Clarifies B33m New Nameplate of Grand Station BANGKOK, Jan 4 (TNA) – The State Railway of Thailand confirmed transparency on its 33-million-baht project to change the nameplate of the Bang Sue Grand Station. In response to online reports on the controversial project to hire a company to replace the “Bang Sue Grand Station” nameplate with a “Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal” nameplate, the SRT said the implementation of the project complied strictly with the procurement regulations of the government including regulations concerning median prices, procurement procedures, project merits, cost effectiveness and engineering and safety aspects. The project was also designed to match the regional transport hub status of the grand station, the state enterprise said. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1088070 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-01-04 - 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!

Kham Phanh elephant in Yok Don National Park as a forest ranger stands next to her, December 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Tran Hoa The Animals Asia Foundation is helping protect endangered wild elephants in the central mountainous province of Dak Lak, home to Vietnam's largest elephant population. From there to here A day in late December, Kham Phanh, a 44-year-old female elephant, freely enjoyed herself under the canopy of dipterocarp trees in Yok Don National Park. She took a mud bath and then slowly walked into the forest to snack with another elephant. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/new-project-a-lifeline-for-vietnam-s-endangered-elephants-4554843.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-04

Three students pose for a photo with Tran Thi Ken (L, 3rd) and the gifts she gave to thank them for saving her, December 30, 2022. Photo by Binh Khe Secondary School An 83 year-old-woman in northern Vietnam was saved by three sixth graders after she fell into an irrigation ditch and could not get out. Luu Duc Huy, Pham Hong Anh and La Minh Anh, all 12, were on their way home from school late in the afternoon of December 29 when they saw Tran Thi Ken, 83, struggling to get out of an irrigation ditch. The ditch was more than 2m wide and at the time Ken fell into it, the water level was 1m, while the temperature was 12 degrees Celcius. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/6th-graders-save-old-woman-stuck-in-irrigation-ditch-4555745.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-04

The bamboo toothpick that is picked out of a man's duodenum at Tam Anh General Hospital in HCMC. Photo by the hospital A man in Vietnam's Central Highlands had a 6.5-cm long toothpick removed from his duodenum after suffering abdominal pain for two months. Hoang Van Quang, 59, of Dak Lak Province, said he began to feel pain of different levels in his right abdomen last November. However, he assumed that the pain might have been caused by a ureteral stone, for which he was being treated and doctors had already set a date to perform surgery to remove the stone. As a result, Quang did not see a doctor to see what was causing the pain. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/man-swallows-toothpick-pierces-duodenum-4555753.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-04

Members of a military unit at the site to rescue the boy in Dong Thap Province, January 4, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam Rescuers are set to pull up a concrete pillar buried 35 meters underground this morning to rescue a 10-year-old boy stuck inside it since last Saturday. The process to excavate the concrete pillar at a site in Mekong Delta's province of Dong Thap will start on Wednesday morning, four days after a rescue mission was launched to save the boy who accidentally fell into it. A member of the rescue command who wants to remain unnamed said the process for the crane to pull up the concrete pillar would take around two hours. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/concrete-pillar-with-boy-inside-expected-to-be-excavated-wednesday-4555983.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-04

The 50-17D automotive registration center in HCMC's Nha Be District. Photo from the center's Facebook page Police investigating possible violations by an automotive registration center in HCMC's Nha Be District have found that its director cannot read or write. Following raids of several registration centers in the city, they had taken in the chief of 50-17D center, and it was then that they discovered he was illiterate. He admitted to them he had dropped out of third grade 50 years ago, Ministry of Public Security spokesman Major General To An Xo said Tuesday. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/chief-of-hcmc-vehicle-registration-center-found-to-be-illiterate-4556051.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-04

Commuters queue for the Libreng Sakay program at the Main Avenue station of the EDSA carousel busway in Quezon City on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, in the last work week of the year. The Libreng Sakay program is set to expire on December 31. The STAR / Miguel de Guzman MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has trimmed down the number of buses plying the EDSA Carousel as the government ended the free rides for commuters. According to the LTFRB, the number of buses fielded on EDSA was reverted to 550 from the 758 units deployed to serve passengers during the holiday rush. The transport regulatory body said it would monitor the situation to determine if the 550 buses are sufficient to serve commuters or if additional units would still be needed. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/01/04/2235123/ltfrb-fewer-buses-plying-edsa-carousel -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-04

Satellite image as of 8:30 a.m. on January 4, 2023. PAGASA MANILA, Philippines — A low pressure area located south of Palawan will bring rain to the province, Visayas and Mindanao, weather forecasters said Wednesday. PAGASA said the LPA will trigger scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan. It was last seen 195 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City. The state weather bureau warned that flash floods or landslides may occur due to moderate to at times heavy rains. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/04/2235259/lpa-dumps-rain-palawan-visayas-mindanao -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-04

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections has dismissed over 1,000 overspending cases from the 2010 and 2013 national and local elections (NLE), citing a Supreme Court ruling that found the poll body guilty of "inordinate delay" in resolving a campaign finance case. The decision dismisses 437 overspending cases stemming from the 2010 NLE and 489 cases from the 2013 NLE, which were still supposed to undergo preliminary investigation and resolution. Meanwhile, 51 overspending cases from 2010 and another 47 from 2013 that still have pending Motions for Reconsideration were also dismissed. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/04/2235290/comelec-dismisses-over-1000-overspending-cases-2010-2013-elections -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-04

Manila Police District director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon addresses his men after the flag-raising ceremony. Edd Gumban MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos called on hundreds of top police officers on Tuesday to submit their courtesy resignations as part of the campaign to cleanse their ranks of the “deep infection” of the illegal drug trade. Abalos appealed to hundreds of police officers with the ranks of colonel to general to tender their resignation, which will be evaluated by a five-member committee whose composition he declined to reveal. “It’s hard to fight in a war when your ally will be the one to shoot you in the back,” Abalos told a news conference in Filipino. “We need to cleanse our ranks. The people who trust us must trust us even more.” Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/04/2235270/abalos-calls-top-cops-resign-shortcut-cleanse-ranks-illegal-drugs -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-04

Undated file photo shows the logo of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. File MANILA, Philippines — Some programs of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. will be affected by the suspension of the scheduled increase in membership contribution, an official of the state insurer said on Wednesday. PhilHealth senior manager for corporate communications Rey Baleña said the agency's severe acute malnutrition treatment and outpatient package for mental health will need to be adjusted after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended the rate hike. PhilHealth was supposed to increase the premium rate to 4.5% from 4%. Marcos also suspended the hike in income ceiling to P90,000 from P80,000. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/04/2235285/suspension-philhealth-contribution-hike-affect-mental-health-malnutrition-aid -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-04

Famous Commentator Arrested for Boy Molestation BANGKOK, Jan 4 (TNA) – A 60-year-old Thai folk music commentator and dance instructor was being prosecuted for allegedly molesting a 16-year-old boy. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282464-famous-commentator-arrested-for-boy-molestation/

BANGKOK, Jan 4 (TNA) – A 60-year-old Thai folk music commentator and dance instructor was being prosecuted for allegedly molesting a 16-year-old boy. Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn said that the teenager got to know the commentator during the shooting of a TV program. They then communicated via phone and Facebook but sex topics were raised during their conversations. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1088052 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-01-04 - 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!

2023 Thailand Bar and Entertainment Closures and No Booze Days Want to make sure you are aware of all the religious and other holidays that per Thai law will close all the bars and BAN alcohol sales for 2023? Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282457-2023-thailand-bar-and-entertainment-closures-and-no-booze-days/

Want to make sure you are aware of all the religious and other holidays that per Thai law will close all the bars and BAN alcohol sales for 2023? Well, Pattaya Unplugged is here for you. The following days are guaranteed closure days for 2023. This means that Bars, Entertainment venues, Gogos, etc are closed. Sales of ALL booze are prohibited. No stores, restaurants, or hotels will legally sell these days. Nightclubs, live music places, etc will be closed. Most tourist attractions, restaurants, malls, movies, etc. are open….but NO booze is sold on these days. There are five guaranteed closure days and a few “possible” days. Closure hours are generally 24 hours, from midnight to midnight. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/04/2023-thailand-bar-and-entertainment-closures-and-no-booze-days/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-04 - 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!

BMA Unveils This Year’s Children’s Day Activities BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will hold children’s day activities from January 6-22. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282456-bma-unveils-this-year’s-children’s-day-activities/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will hold children’s day activities from January 6-22. According to Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, this year’s events will be held at the capital’s two children’s museums, 34 youth centers, and the Bangkok City Library. The governor said he is also open to the idea of having children visiting his office if they are interested. He further elaborated that the BMA’s events focus on activities that promote the development of children and young people, as well as instill a love of reading along with self-development. One of the highlights of the Children’s Day activities that will be held on January 14 consists of the ‘Play it Forward’ activity at the 1st Bangkok Children’s Museum in Chatuchak district. Under the concept of living together in the modern era without disturbing nature, the activity reinforces the theme through playing, inventions, and planting trees. Additionally, the ‘Tomorrow Land’ activity will be held at the other Children’s Museum in Thung Khru district, with an emphasis on promoting skill development and learning science, in order to prepare the next generation for the new century. The ‘Mystery Library’ event at the Bangkok City Library in Phra Nakhon district will meanwhile host an activity promoting observational and analytical skills. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230104121712895 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-04 - 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!

Warning of heavy rain in southern Thailand, rough sea in Gulf this weekend People living in Thailand’s southern provinces should brace for heavy to very heavy rain, possible flash flooding at mountain bases and river overflows from Friday until Monday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282455-warning-of-heavy-rain-in-southern-thailand-rough-sea-in-gulf-this-weekend/

People living in Thailand’s southern provinces should brace for heavy to very heavy rain, possible flash flooding at mountain bases and river overflows from Friday until Monday. The Meteorological Department also advised mariners to exercise extreme caution when venturing into the Gulf of Thailand over the weekend, due to strong winds and high waves, and to avoid stormy areas, where waves may reach over four metres. Small vessels should remain ashore for their safety. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/warning-of-heavy-rain-in-southern-thailand-rough-sea-in-gulf-this-weekend/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-04 - 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!

Bangkok’s new train terminus to be formally opened on January 19th The Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal, previously known as Bang Sue Grand Station, will be officially opened on January 19th, with the maiden Bangkok-Ayutthaya air-conditioned diesel train for tourists slated as the inaugural service. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282454-bangkok’s-new-train-terminus-to-be-formally-opened-on-january-19th/

The Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal, previously known as Bang Sue Grand Station, will be officially opened on January 19th, with the maiden Bangkok-Ayutthaya air-conditioned diesel train for tourists slated as the inaugural service. According to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the first train will leave the station for Ayutthaya at 1.19pm, to be followed by another maiden service, the Bangkok-Sungai Kolok express train. All 52 long-haul trains serving the southern, northern and north-eastern routes will be relocated from Hua Lamphong, Bangkok’s old main terminal, to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkoks-new-train-terminus-to-be-formally-opened-on-january-19th/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-04 - 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 woman says she was drugged by a friend - woke up naked next to a "rich" man in a hotel Siam Rath reported on a woman given the ficticious name of Naen, 35, who went to social action group Sai Mai Tong Rort in northern Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282453-thai-woman-says-she-was-drugged-by-a-friend-woke-up-naked-next-to-a-rich-man-in-a-hotel/

Siam Rath reported on a woman given the ficticious name of Naen, 35, who went to social action group Sai Mai Tong Rort in northern Bangkok. Naen claimed that she had been asked by a friend named Jay Ying to attend a party with several men. She agreed to go and knew that the party would involve drug taking, that had happened before without a problem. But on this occasion she was given a white pill caled "Yaa Five" in Thai. She swallowed that and went to the lavatory and on emerging from the restroom took another; both pills were given to her by Jay Ying. After taking a sip of beer she passed out and woke up naked next to a naked man in a hotel bedroom. She had been talking to the man at the party. Naen thinks that she was drugged and raped in that it was without her knowing consent. She said she contacted her friend who said that if she has any gripe she should take it up with the man adding "he's loaded". Jay Ying was contacted over the phone by the press who said the claims were all nonsense. The couple had appeared close and they had gone together. She denied profiting from this in anyway and said if Naen wanted to press the matter she would see her in court. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-01-04 - 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! Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Phuket battles labour shortage with 1 million Chinese tourists expected this year PHOTO: Tasty Thailand Supply and demand, always a critical issue for Phuket’s tourist-reliant economy. Pre-2019 there was a half-decade of oversupply in both staff and room keys. Now that situation has radically reversed with 30-40% of hotels still closed and critical staff shortages in many industries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282448-phuket-battles-labour-shortage-with-1-million-chinese-tourists-expected-this-year/

PHOTO: Tasty Thailand Supply and demand, always a critical issue for Phuket’s tourist-reliant economy. Pre-2019 there was a half-decade of oversupply in both staff and room keys. Now that situation has radically reversed with 30-40% of hotels still closed and critical staff shortages in many industries. Up to 1 million Chinese tourists are expected to visit Phuket during the course of this year, according to the president of the Thai Southern Hotel Association. And while that’s good news for revenue, it poses a challenge for the island’s businesses as they continue to struggle with ongoing labour shortages, even while the arrival numbers are around 50% of the 2019 averages. According to a Phuket Express report, Suksit Suwanditkul says it’s likely the Chinese will start to arrive in bigger numbers during the second quarter of the year, as opposed to the first, due to the ongoing Covid situation in China. And even though Phuket can expect to welcome around a million Chinese visitors this year, this is still well below the pre-pandemic number of 3 million in 2019. A very pressing issue for tourism operators in Phuket right now is the challenge of labour shortages, which Suksit says is still getting worse. The issue has not been helped by the need to hire daily workers for New Year’s Eve, which led to pay rates surging to up to 1,200 baht amidst tough competition to secure labourers. The short term solutions are pushing up the costs of everything from room rates, to tour costs, car and bike rentals and restaurant food bills. And it’s not just enough to find and hire people – they need to have the right skills and in many case, formal qualifications. Training in some industries can take months and years. “The shortage is severe in the massage and spa businesses because it is specialised work that requires labourers with licences who have undergone training programmes and have a minimum working experience of 150 hours.” Suksit says the lack of trained masseuse staff is affecting revenue in spas and massage parlours, despite the return of international tourism. “Even though there are more foreign tourists and businesses have re-opened, revenue for massage and spa parlors has only increased by 30% due to the lack of staff to provide services.” Meanwhile, Suksit is calling on the government to mandate adequate health insurance coverage for visitors from China, so that Thailand’s healthcare system does not come under pressure. He’s also calling for mandatory pre-departure PCR or antigen tests for tourists arriving from parts of China with high rates of Covid-19 infection. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/phuket-battles-labour-shortage-with-1-million-chinese-tourists-expected-this-year/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-04 - 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!