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The Thai Minister of Public Health announced on Tuesday, January 3rd, that Thailand will not implement lockdown or strict regulations in response to the easing of harsh travel restrictions that is soon to take effect in China next Sunday. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters that he has decided at a meeting with the Medical Affairs Committee that Thailand will not implement any specific measures against Chinese arrivals, as the country already has effective measures in place. As for testing for the coronavirus, Mr. Anutin said it is “unnecessary,” adding if there is any medical issue, we leave it to the Department of Disease Control, which is responsible for disease prevention and surveillance, to determine the necessary measures without causing harm to the country’s economic system. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/03/thai-public-health-minister-assures-there-will-be-no-lockdown-when-china-re-opens-borders/ -- © 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!

PM waiting for right time to join United Thai Nation Party Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday that he is waiting for the right timing to apply to become a member of the United Thai Nation Party adding, however, that he is ambivalent as to whether he will be named the party’s chairman. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282415-pm-waiting-for-right-time-to-join-united-thai-nation-party/

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday that he is waiting for the right timing to apply to become a member of the United Thai Nation Party adding, however, that he is ambivalent as to whether he will be named the party’s chairman. He also said that he is no conflict with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, also leader of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, although they will compete against each other for the premiership in the next election. He said it is normal for General Prawit to claim they are both still “brothers” and not political competitors, but, in the end, whoever is chosen to be the next prime minister is a political issue that does not affect their relationship. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pm-waiting-for-right-time-to-join-united-thai-nation-party/ -- © 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!

Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, Bhumivisan Kasemsook, said today (Tuesday) that the National Anti-Corruption Command Centre received 2,351 complaints from the public between June 22nd, 2000 and December 28th, 2022, of which 1,430 have been investigated and concluded. 912 cases are currently being processed. The Interior Ministry had the most complaints. Other governmental agencies which were most complained aboutwere those which do not come under any ministry or the Prime Minister’s Office, the Public Health Ministry, the Education Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. The main issues complained about were failing to perform duties honestly, corruption in procurement projects, the taking of bribes, misappropriation of state funds or property and wasteful spending. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/interior-ministry-ranks-top-for-most-complaints-from-the-public/ -- © 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!

Interior Ministry ranks top for most complaints from the public Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, Bhumivisan Kasemsook, said today (Tuesday) that the National Anti-Corruption Command Centre received 2,351 complaints from the public between June 22nd, 2000 and December 28th, 2022, of which 1,430 have been investigated and concluded. 912 cases are currently being processed. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282414-interior-ministry-ranks-top-for-most-complaints-from-the-public/

Children’s Day in Pattaya Scheduled for Big Comeback on January 14th Children’s Day, a beloved annual holiday that celebrates the joy and innocence of youth, is making its long-awaited return to Pattaya City Hall on January 14th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282387-children’s-day-in-pattaya-scheduled-for-big-comeback-on-january-14th/

Children’s Day, a beloved annual holiday that celebrates the joy and innocence of youth, is making its long-awaited return to Pattaya City Hall on January 14th. This festive occasion has been on hiatus for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but with safety measures in place and vaccination rates on the rise, Pattaya authorities are excited to bring back this treasured event for the community’s children. Starting from 7 AM to 12 PM, Pattaya Children’s Day will be filled with fun activities, entertainment, snacks, and, best of all, an array of over 2,500 special gifts! Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/03/childrens-day-in-pattaya-scheduled-for-big-comeback-on-january-14th/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-03 - 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!

Police seize assets worth ฿230m from a major illegal narcotics gang Thai police have seized assets worth more than 230 million baht and arrested six key members of a major drug trafficking gang, allegedly responsible for smuggling narcotics from Laos through north-eastern Thailand into Bangkok and its suburbs. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282386-police-seize-assets-worth-฿230m-from-a-major-illegal-narcotics-gang/

Thai police have seized assets worth more than 230 million baht and arrested six key members of a major drug trafficking gang, allegedly responsible for smuggling narcotics from Laos through north-eastern Thailand into Bangkok and its suburbs. Items seized include seven cars, nine land title deeds, nearly 5.8Kg of gold ornaments and bars, 1.3 million baht in cash, several brand name bags and wrist watches. Pol Gen Chinnapat Sarasin, the deputy national police chief, said Tuesday that warrants have been issued for the arrests of nine members of the gang, six of whom have been arrested during raids in nine central and north-eastern provinces over the past two years. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/police-seize-assets-worth-230m-from-a-major-illegal-narcotics-gang/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-03 - 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 steel pipe is placed into the ground around the concrete pillar early on January 3, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam After failing to pull up the concrete pillar to save a 10-year-old boy stuck inside it 35 meters underground, rescuers are now adopting a different strategy. Early on Tuesday they brought a steel pipe with a diameter of 1.5m to the site in the Mekong Delta's Dong Thap Province to place around the concrete pillar the boy fell into Saturday noon. Until Monday evening they had planned to save him by pulling up the pillar, which is closed at the bottom, by softening the ground around it by pumping water. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/after-3-days-concrete-pillar-yet-to-be-excavated-to-rescue-10-year-old-boy-inside-4555518.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-03

A python around five meters long that killed a man in the southern Binh Phuoc Province with its coils on January 1, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Thai Ha A python around five meters long wrapped itself around a man's neck and killed him on Sunday when he tried to remove it from a cage. Phuong, 47, was visiting a friend named Hai in Binh Long Town of the southern Binh Phuoc Province on New Year Day, when Hai offered to give him a python around 5 meters long and weighing 25 kg that he had raised for a long time. As Phuong crawled into the cage to catch the python, it coiled itself around his neck. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/man-killed-by-python-coils-4555411.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-03

A car accident in the northern province of Quang Ninh on January 1, 2022. Photo by the Ministry of Transport There were 83 traffic accidents in which 50 people died during the three-day New Year holiday that ended on Monday. Another 51 people were injured. The number of deaths and injuries were 31% and 45% higher than a year ago when it was again a three-day holiday. The number of accidents rose by 29%. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/50-killed-in-road-accidents-during-new-year-holidays-4555641.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-03

Passengers crowd the departure lobby while others set up camp inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Monday midnight, Jan. 2, 2023 as the influx of passengers still builds up despite announcements made by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista that the airport is back to normal operations around 5:50 PM on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Numerous flights were canceled earlier due to a technical glitch and the power outage at the Air Traffic Management Center of the NAIA. The STAR / Miguel de Guzman MANILA, Philippines — Operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have begun normalizing Tuesday following the air traffic system failure that took the entire country’s airspace offline, with a return to regular operations expected by Wednesday or Thursday, an airport official said. “We’re starting to normalize already. So for today, we don’t have any canceled flights anymore, although we expect some delays on certain flights,” said Bryan Co, Manila International Airport Authority’s senior assistant general manager, on CNN Philippines’ “The Source.” Co explained that normal operations mean that flights in and out of NAIA will go on as scheduled without extra flights mounted by airlines to make up for the flights canceled due to the air traffic system failure. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/03/2235030/naia-starting-normalize-after-air-traffic-system-failure-airport-official -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-03

Satellite image as of 9 a.m. on January 3, 2023. PAGASA MANILA, Philippines — The trough of the low pressure area located south of Mindanao will bring rains to various parts of the country, state weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday. The LPA was last seen 145 kilometers southeast of General Santos City. Weather specialist Obet Bandrina said the weather disturbance may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility, but it has a small chance of developing into a tropical cyclone. The LPA is seen to dissipate, he added. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/03/2235031/lpas-extension-brings-rains-parts-philippines -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-03

Undated file photo shows the logo of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. File MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to suspend the implementation of the increase in membership contribution as Filipinos grapple with the economic challenges caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to the Department of Health and the government insurer, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the scheduled increase of PhilHealth’s membership contribution from 4% to 4.5% will not push through. The hike in income ceiling from P80,000 to P90,000 is also suspended. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/03/2235007/marcos-orders-suspension-philhealth-premium-rate-hike -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-03

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered a message after he arrived at Villamor Airbase in Manila on December 15, 2022. STAR / KJ Rosales MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. left for China on Tuesday on a state visit that is expected to set the tone for relations with the regional giant in the coming years. This is Marcos Jr.’s first foreign trip in 2023 and his first state visit to a non-ASEAN country, but his seventh overseas travel since he assumed office last year. He will be in China until Thursday, January 5, upon the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I look forward to my meeting with President Xi as we work towards shifting the trajectory of our relations to a higher gear that would hopefully bring numerous prospects and abundant opportunities for the peace and development to the peoples of both our countries," Marcos Jr. said in his predeparture speech on Tuesday. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/03/2235055/marcos-says-bring-ties-china-to-higher-gear-state-visit -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-03

20 Million International Travelers Expected to Visit Thailand in 2023 BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s tourism sector this year is anticipated to see a lively recovery, with the government now expecting no less than 20 million international visitors this year. The capital Bangkok continues to gain popularity among tourists, with the city recently ranked as the third most popular Asian destination for North American travelers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282372-20-million-international-travelers-expected-to-visit-thailand-in-2023/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s tourism sector this year is anticipated to see a lively recovery, with the government now expecting no less than 20 million international visitors this year. The capital Bangkok continues to gain popularity among tourists, with the city recently ranked as the third most popular Asian destination for North American travelers. Bangkok has seen surges in holiday-related activities among international visitors, as the world recovers from the pandemic and border restrictions eased. According to the Canada-based travel website and application Hopper, international flight searches by people in North America have jumped from 19% to 27%, with Bangkok ranking at the third most searched destination in Asia, following Tokyo, Japan, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, respectively. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has thanked all related sectors for helping realize the government’s policy on tourism growth, which is essential for the country’s economic recovery. The government has set a target for this year to achieve 80% tourism revenue and 50% of international arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels. These targets equate to no less than 2.38 trillion baht in revenue and at least 20 million visitors, not including 180 million mainland Chinese travelers and domestic travelers. The Prime Minister has asked the relevant agencies to help facilitate the expected increase in tourist numbers, while urging Thais to be good hosts for visitors. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230103131927653 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-03 - 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!

Nine Thai nationals still missing after casino fire on Thai/Cambodian border Facebook/Ah Pri Ya The authorities in the eastern Thai province of Sa Kaeo have confirmed that 9 Thai nationals remain missing following a devastating blaze at a Cambodian casino. At least 33 Thai people are believed to have died in the fire that broke out at the Grand Diamond City hotel and casino in the border city of Poipet on December 28. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282367-nine-thai-nationals-still-missing-after-casino-fire-on-thaicambodian-border/

Facebook/Ah Pri Ya The authorities in the eastern Thai province of Sa Kaeo have confirmed that 9 Thai nationals remain missing following a devastating blaze at a Cambodian casino. At least 33 Thai people are believed to have died in the fire that broke out at the Grand Diamond City hotel and casino in the border city of Poipet on December 28. Thawatchai Boonsang, from the Aranyaprathet District Office, says the bodies of 19 Thais have been brought back to Thailand, while 14 others remain in Cambodia. The Bangkok Post reports that 5 bodies are understood to be at Wat Trat in Poipet, 6 are at Poipet Hospital, and 3 are at Sisophon Hospital, in Banteay Meanchey province. Meanwhile, 28 people who were injured in the blaze remain in hospital. Out of an original 50 missing Thai nationals, 41 have been found and returned to Thailand, according to Thawatchai, but 9 remain unaccounted for. Thailand’s deputy national police chief, Surachate Hakparn, says the authorities in Cambodia have now ended the search as no new bodies were found at the site of the blaze. Most of the recovered bodies, the majority of whom were elderly people, were found in bedrooms, according to Surachate. Meanwhile, in terms of compensation payments to victims, Suthipol Thaweechaikarn from the Office of Insurance Commission, says the regional office will assist victims and family members to claim compensation from the relevant insurance firms. It’s understood two of the Thai nationals killed in the fire had life insurance policies with 200,000-baht premiums and medical expenses of 10,000 baht. Ten of those injured had policies with 3 insurance companies, totalling 1,330,000 baht in accident compensation, 1,000,000 baht in life insurance, and 2,000 baht in daily compensation, according to the report. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/nine-thai-nationals-still-missing-after-casino-fire-on-thai-cambodian-border/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-03 - 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 Industry Sees Major Resurgence BANGKOK (NNT) - Phuket’s tourism industry has experienced a massive rebound after being severely impacted by the global pandemic, attracting over 2.3 million visitors and generating approximately 127 billion baht in revenue during the first ten months of 2022. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282365-phuket-tourism-industry-sees-major-resurgence/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Phuket’s tourism industry has experienced a massive rebound after being severely impacted by the global pandemic, attracting over 2.3 million visitors and generating approximately 127 billion baht in revenue during the first ten months of 2022. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, Phuket officials said the so-called "Phuket Sandbox" reopening model for international travelers and the efforts of business owners to adapt and rebuild has allowed the local tourism industry to quickly recover. With all stage performances having been suspended for two years during the pandemic, Siam Niramit Phuket CEO Panin Kitiparaporn said the return of visitors to the province is considered a positive sign for provincial businesses. The local theater remained closed until last October, a year after the closure of its counterpart in Bangkok. The facility, located on a 57-rai plot of land and a popular tourist attraction prior to the pandemic, has undergone renovations and introduced new shows to offer visitors an immersive experience of Thai culture and history. The Tourism Authority Office in Phuket, led by Director Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, has meanwhile been collaborating with the local community to revive economic activity in the region. Nanthasiri said the success of tourism in Phuket, the top destination in the southern region, is also expected to boost tourism in neighboring provinces over the coming months. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230103112923615 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-03 - 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!

BCG Model to Optimize Rice Farming Operations BANGKOK (NNT) - Four agricultural associations in Thailand have joined forces to promote the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model of rice farming across ten provinces, covering approximately 50,000 rai of paddy fields with the goal of producing premium-quality rice. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282364-bcg-model-to-optimize-rice-farming-operations/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Four agricultural associations in Thailand have joined forces to promote the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model of rice farming across ten provinces, covering approximately 50,000 rai of paddy fields with the goal of producing premium-quality rice. The associations involved are the Save Planet Agro-Economy Development Association, the Community Rice Centre Association of Thailand, the Agriculturist Association and the Thai Rice Mills Association. Pana Tappinkorn, President of the Save Planet Agro-Economy Development Association, said the BCG model will be implemented during off-season planting and is a continuation of Save-Planet Rice’s pilot projects that have been successfully implemented in 20 villages. According to Pana, the pilot project helped to lower investment costs, increase productivity and improve the quality of rice. Rice produced by participating villages commanded premium prices and was even given as gifts at the 2022 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week meetings. The model will be gradually introduced to farmers nationwide, starting with those in Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Chai Nat, Sing Buri and Lop Buri. Farmers in each province will be encouraged to grow their rice organically and in an environmentally friendly manner to ensure sustainability. The four associations recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work on sustainable, chemical-free rice production, which will help farmers save on production costs. The MoU was endorsed by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on November 21, 2022. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230103114705627 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-03 - 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!

Culture Ministry nominates Songkran Festival as cultural heritage BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Culture is working to nominate Thailand’s Songkran Festival as an intangible cultural heritage, in an attempt to make Songkran a world-class festival. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282363-culture-ministry-nominates-songkran-festival-as-cultural-heritage/