snoop1130

A woman wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) amid the Covid-19 pandemic walks along a street in Beijing on December 26, 2022. AFP / Noel Celis MANILA, Philippines — The government’s pandemic task force will discuss measures to deal with the impacts of the surge in COVID-19 infections in China, the Department of Health said Friday. The task force recommends pandemic response policies to the president. "The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases will discuss guidelines on how to deal with the COVID-19 resurgence in China, including our border control for Chinese travelers to the country, for recommendation and approval of the president," the DOH said in a message to reporters. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/30/2234296/iatf-meet-steps-address-chinas-covid-19-surge -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-30

In this May 10, 2022 photo, the external display of the Philippine Stock Exchange building in Taguig City shows PSEi's closing a day after the presidential elections. PSE / Released MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Stock Exchange swam in uncertain waters in 2022 as headwinds marred its ascent. The local bourse’s performance this year could be described as less than ideal. The domestic economy’s reopening bubble popped as recession fears and rate-hike drama burst onto the scene. Year-to-date, PSEi shrank 7.81%. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/12/30/2234298/pse-wrapped-losers-and-winners-2022 -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-30

Phuket expecting over 100 billion baht tourism windfall over New Year Russian tourists visiting Phuket Things are finally looking up for Phuket’s tourism sector, which is expected to see over 100 billion baht in revenue over the New Year period. Bhumikitti Ruktaengam from the Phuket Tourist Association says the island is definitely on the rebound, with average hotel occupancy at 70% at popular tourist beaches such as Nai Harn, Kata, Karon, and Patong. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282091-phuket-expecting-over-100-billion-baht-tourism-windfall-over-new-year/

Russian tourists visiting Phuket Things are finally looking up for Phuket’s tourism sector, which is expected to see over 100 billion baht in revenue over the New Year period. Bhumikitti Ruktaengam from the Phuket Tourist Association says the island is definitely on the rebound, with average hotel occupancy at 70% at popular tourist beaches such as Nai Harn, Kata, Karon, and Patong. According to a Bangkok Post report, Bhumikitti says Phuket normally contributes around 35% of Thailand’s tourism revenue, but this could rise to 38%, thanks to the full re-opening of the island and an increase in the number of direct flights. Also feeling optimistic is Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourism Council and Phuket Tourist Association, as he calls on Thai tourists to avail of phase 5 of the Rao Tiew Duay Kan (“We Travel Together”) campaign to visit Phuket over the New Year holiday. According to Thaneth, most of the tourists currently on the island are Russian (150,000), followed by Indian visitors (70,000). However, the Europeans are also returning, particularly those from the very cold Scandinavian countries. He adds that tourism revenue on the island is now at about 60% of pre-pandemic levels. Tourism officials are also planning an off-season campaign that will target the Indian and Australian markets, in addition to China, where the government has announced that quarantine will be lifted from January 8. Meanwhile, Thaneth has called on the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation to help private sector businesses with their 2023 targeted destination marketing. The PPAO is also expected to help with tourism campaigns targeting the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. Tourism officials are also expected to attend the International Tourism Exchange trade fair, to promote the full re-opening of Phuket to international tourists. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/phuket-expecting-over-100-billion-baht-tourism-windfall-over-new-year/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2022-12-30 - 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!

Indian Man Allegedly Slapped in the Face by Pattaya Pub’s Guard An Indian man filed a police report, claiming a guard at a Pattaya pub slapped his face over a bill misunderstanding. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282089-indian-man-allegedly-slapped-in-the-face-by-pattaya-pub’s-guard/

An Indian man filed a police report, claiming a guard at a Pattaya pub slapped his face over a bill misunderstanding. The Indian victim accompanied by his mate took to Pattaya police to complain about his unsatisfied experience at an unnamed pub in Pattaya today, December 30th, at 01:30 AM. The victim, who asked not to reveal his name, said the staffer at a Pattaya pub had mistaken him for a past dine-and-dasher, and the victim said he had no idea who that person was. The staffer claimed they had CCTV footage of that runner, but the victim argued it was not him. An argument then heated up when the guard walked in and eventually led to the guard slapping the victim in the face, according to the victim’s claim. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/12/30/indian-man-allegedly-slapped-in-the-face-by-pattaya-pubs-guard/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-12-30 - 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!

Man surrenders to police, admits killing wife, dumping body www.waymarking.com A husband has presented himself to Khian Sa Police in Surat Thani, admitting he killed his wife and dumped her body on a hill in Phang Nga. Earlier this week, a road worker found a woman’s body dumped in a rubbish bin on Khao Sok Hill, in an area between the provinces of Phang Nga and Surat Thani. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282088-man-surrenders-to-police-admits-killing-wife-dumping-body/

www.waymarking.com A husband has presented himself to Khian Sa Police in Surat Thani, admitting he killed his wife and dumped her body on a hill in Phang Nga. Earlier this week, a road worker found a woman’s body dumped in a rubbish bin on Khao Sok Hill, in an area between the provinces of Phang Nga and Surat Thani. According to a Phuket Express report, yesterday morning, a Surat Thani man, named as 38 year old Sukon “Keam” Kaewprapas, surrendered to police, confessing to the murder of his wife. The man has been taken to Ka Pong Police station in Phang Nga to face legal procedures. It’s understood the husband told police he killed his wife because he was jealous that she was cheating on him with another man. Sukon says that on November 7, he collected his wife from her mother’s home and that she had spoken rudely to him, which drove him into a rage. He says he then hit her on the head with a broom, knocking her unconscious and killing her. Sukon says he got some friends to help him dispose of her body in the rubbish bin on the hill. It’s not known at this stage if police have arrested or charged the man’s accomplices. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/man-surrenders-to-police-admits-killing-wife-dumping-body/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2022-12-30 - 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!

Four children die in house fire in Phatthalung Province on Friday Four children were killed in a fire in a detached house in Pa Bon district of Thailand’s southern province of Phatthalung early this morning. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282087-four-children-die-in-house-fire-in-phatthalung-province-on-friday/

Four children were killed in a fire in a detached house in Pa Bon district of Thailand’s southern province of Phatthalung early this morning. The house owner, Arshi Dolah, is reported to have told the district police that he and his wife left home at about 2am, to tap rubber latex in their plantation about a kilometre away. He said that he left the four children at home, as they were asleep when they went out to work, adding that his wife returned home at about 4am to find the house on fire. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/four-children-die-in-house-fire-in-phatthalung-province-on-friday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-30 - 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!

More than 300 road accidents reported with 37 deaths on the first day of ‘New Year’s Seven Days of Danger’ Klang Dong Rescue Team Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) today (December 30th) reported a total of 349 road accidents, with 351 injuries and 37 deaths, on the first day (December 29th) of the ‘New Year’s Seven Days of Danger’ road accidents campaign. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282086-more-than-300-road-accidents-reported-with-37-deaths-on-the-first-day-of-‘new-year’s-seven-days-of-danger’/

Klang Dong Rescue Team Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) today (December 30th) reported a total of 349 road accidents, with 351 injuries and 37 deaths, on the first day (December 29th) of the ‘New Year’s Seven Days of Danger’ road accidents campaign. Accidents were mostly caused by excessive speeding (41.55 percent), followed by drunk driving (23.50 percent). About 81.51 percent of the accidents involved motorcycles. 43.27 percent of road accidents occurred most on national highways. Most accidents occurred between 6:01 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at 9.46 percent. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/12/30/more-than-300-road-accidents-reported-with-37-deaths-in-thailand-on-the-first-day-of-new-years-seven-days-of-danger/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-12-30 - 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!

DDC Affirms "Brain-eating Amoeba" Not Contagious BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has confirmed that the brain disease caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as "brain-eating amoeba," is not communicable among humans. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282085-ddc-affirms-brain-eating-amoeba-not-contagious/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has confirmed that the brain disease caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as "brain-eating amoeba," is not communicable among humans. The announcement was made after the Korea Herald reported on Monday that a South Korean man in his fifties died of a brain ailment on Dec 21, three days after returning from a four-month trip to Thailand. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), the man’s genetic testing for three types of viruses causing Naegleria fowleri was 99.6 percent comparable to those detected in a patient with meningitis who was reported abroad. The man was the first patient in the country to be diagnosed with the condition. According to Tares Krassanairawutong, the director-general of DDC, the disease cannot be transmitted from person to person or through safe drinking water. Patients infected with the disease may develop severe headaches, fever, vomiting, and a stiff neck. The disease also has the potential to escalate to a fatal stage. To prevent the amoeba from entering the body, Dr. Tares recommended that individuals avoid swimming in contaminated water. He also suggested they use sterilized water or saline water for nasal cleaning. The DDC stated that the disease is rare in Thailand, noting that only 17 patients were diagnosed with the disease in Thailand from 1983–2021. According to the Korea Herald, since 2018, a total of 381 instances of Naegleria fowleri have been documented worldwide, including in India, Thailand, the United States, China, and Japan. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221230141950730 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-30 - 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!

Anutin Downplays Covid Regulations for Chinese Visitors BANGKOK (NNT) - Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul has downplayed the need for special arrival regulations for Chinese tourists, stating that a sudden influx of Chinese visitors is anticipated to be gradual. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282084-anutin-downplays-covid-regulations-for-chinese-visitors/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul has downplayed the need for special arrival regulations for Chinese tourists, stating that a sudden influx of Chinese visitors is anticipated to be gradual. Anutin stated that, as the Chinese government continues to impose travel restrictions, including RT-PCR tests for Covid-19 for both inbound and outbound travelers, all Chinese tourists arriving in Thailand will have been tested and cleared of Covid infection. Minister Anutin noted, however, that officials from the Department of Disease Control, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Transport, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have convened daily meetings to discuss appropriate tourism and health measures in preparation for an influx of international tourists to the country. Anutin stated that the majority of Chinese travelers have either received at least three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine or have developed Covid-19-specific antibodies. This group of travelers would only be required to comply with measures applicable to all arrivals, such as purchasing health insurance. Officials in Thailand have also discussed a plan to offer AstraZeneca vaccines to Chinese tourists for a small fee and on a voluntary basis. Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said this week that he expected Chinese tourists to begin arriving on January 5 and that approximately 300,000 would arrive in the first quarter of next year, which would benefit the tourism industry during the low season. The authority has increased its arrival target for the upcoming year from 20 million to 25 million, but the anticipated revenue from tourism remains unchanged at 2.4 trillion baht. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221230140858720 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-30 - 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!

Tourism Ministry Proposes Free Covid-19 Booster Shots for Tourists BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is proposing to provide free Covid-19 booster shots to tourists as well as making preparations for the return of Chinese tourists in 2023. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282083-tourism-ministry-proposes-free-covid-19-booster-shots-for-tourists/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is proposing to provide free Covid-19 booster shots to tourists as well as making preparations for the return of Chinese tourists in 2023. According to Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the ministry will hold a meeting with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Transport on January 5 to discuss the lifting of Beijing’s “zero-Covid” policy. One of the Tourism and Sports Ministry’s proposals is for the Public Health Ministry to provide free Covid-19 booster shots to tourists from all countries that wish to receive Covid vaccination in Thailand. Given that each tourist is expected to spend 40,000 baht in Thailand per trip, Phiphat believes that providing free covid vaccine to these visitors is financially viable for the country’s tourism industry as well as the overall healthcare situation. The tourism minister will also recommend that the Public Health Ministry use the remaining Covid vaccines in stock to provide booster shots to tourism personnel, while also accelerating its public relations campaign to encourage workers to receive booster shots before the surge in tourist arrivals in 2023. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221230135710707 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-30 - 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!

Thailand to Transform EEC into Smart City by 2037 BANGKOK (NNT) - The government plans to transform the Eastern Economic Corridor (ECC) into a regional financial center and create a world-class smart city by 2037. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282082-thailand-to-transform-eec-into-smart-city-by-2037/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government plans to transform the Eastern Economic Corridor (ECC) into a regional financial center and create a world-class smart city by 2037. According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek, the government intends to invest 1.35 trillion baht to develop the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which covers three provinces - Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chachoengsao - into a regional financial center and build a smart city in the region. The plan will be divided into two phases, with the first ten years focusing on developing the financial area, public and private offices, as well as medical and educational facilities. The second phase will prioritize the establishment of a smart city by 2037 to serve as a model for the development of smart cities across the country. The government spokesperson stated that the ECC smart city in line with the government’s objectives will be recognized for its innovative technological system which covers mobility, energy, environment, living, people, economy, and governance. By 2032, the city is estimated to have 350,000 residents and to create approximately 200,000 new jobs. The spokesperson added that the majority of the 1.35 trillion baht investment, amounting to 1.18 trillion or 87.5%, will come from the private sector. The Thai government will contribute 37.6 billion (2.8%), and the remaining 131.1 billion (9.7%) will come from state enterprises or joint ventures between the public and private sectors. The 1.35 trillion baht investment is expected to increase gross domestic product by 2 trillion baht within ten years. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221230131301677 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-30 - 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!

Environment Minister orders probe into National Parks Dept chief scandal BANGKOK (NNT) - DNP Director-General Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya was arrested this week on a bribery charge. A fact-finding committee has been set up to handle this investigation, which Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said will strictly comply with all related laws and regulations. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282081-environment-minister-orders-probe-into-national-parks-dept-chief-scandal/

BANGKOK (NNT) - DNP Director-General Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya was arrested this week on a bribery charge. A fact-finding committee has been set up to handle this investigation, which Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said will strictly comply with all related laws and regulations. Further investigations will be made against all national park office directors. The fact-finding committee will also be requesting all the documents and supporting evidence related to this arrest. The arrest came after a complaint made by former chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn who claimed he had received threats after exposing the bribery scheme. The position of DNP chief became vacant after Director-General Rutchada’s arrest. His replacement will be decided by the Permanent Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment. An in-depth investigation into a bribery allegation against the chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is being conducted. The move comes as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has promised the investigation will shed light on the matter. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221230095638583 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-30 - 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!

Remains of 10 Thais who died in Cambodia’s casino fire brought home A rescue team walks through a burned out part of the Grand Diamond City hotel-casino following a major fire at the complex, in Poipet in Banteay Meanchey province on December 30, 2022. – At least 19 people were killed and many others are feared dead in a fire at a Cambodian casino, officials said, with a rescuer describing how victims hurled themselves from a ledge in a desperate bid to escape the flames. (Photo by Tang Chhin Sothy / AFP) The bodies of ten Thais who were killed in a Cambodian casino fire on Wednesday were brought back to Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo Province this morning (Friday), to be claimed by their relatives. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282080-remains-of-10-thais-who-died-in-cambodia’s-casino-fire-brought-home/

A rescue team walks through a burned out part of the Grand Diamond City hotel-casino following a major fire at the complex, in Poipet in Banteay Meanchey province on December 30, 2022. – At least 19 people were killed and many others are feared dead in a fire at a Cambodian casino, officials said, with a rescuer describing how victims hurled themselves from a ledge in a desperate bid to escape the flames. (Photo by Tang Chhin Sothy / AFP) The bodies of ten Thais who were killed in a Cambodian casino fire on Wednesday were brought back to Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo Province this morning (Friday), to be claimed by their relatives. About 20 more bodies are believed still to be trapped in the ruins of the Grand Diamond City casino, as Thai and Cambodian rescue teams await confirmation from construction inspectors that the building is safe for them to enter to search for those still unaccounted for. One of the rescuers said that there is a danger that the building may collapse and, therefore, an assessment of its safety by the inspectors is essential. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/remains-of-10-thais-who-died-in-cambodias-casino-fire-brought-home/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-30 - 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!

Acting directors-general appointed for Thailand’s Department of National Parks Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has appointed Dr. Rungnapar Pattanavibool, deputy director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, as the first acting director-general. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1282079-acting-directors-general-appointed-for-thailand’s-department-of-national-parks/