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Trawler crew member rescued, three die, one missing off Songkhla Province A Cambodian member of the crew of a Thai trawler, which sank off the coast of Songkhla Province, was rescued by another trawler yesterday (Wednesday). Three other crew members, including the skipper, were found dead. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281358-trawler-crew-member-rescued-three-die-one-missing-off-songkhla-province/

A Cambodian member of the crew of a Thai trawler, which sank off the coast of Songkhla Province, was rescued by another trawler yesterday (Wednesday). Three other crew members, including the skipper, were found dead. According to the Second Naval Area Command of the Royal Thai Navy, based in Songkhla, the trawler left Pattani early this month and had requested help before the vessel foundered in stormy seas on Sunday. The command then despatched a frigate to rescue the crew, but bad weather meant that the ship could not set sail until the next day. The command later received a radio report from another trawler, stating that it had rescued one crew member and recovered three victims, including the skipper, from the sea. One person is still reported to be missing. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/trawler-crew-member-rescued-three-die-one-missing-off-songkhla-province/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-22 - 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!

Partygoers in Thailand warned not to use cannabis at New Year celebrations Flickr/shankar s. The authorities in Thailand have warned of a crackdown on drink-driving and on the use of cannabis during the New Year festivities. The announcement was made by the Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281357-partygoers-in-thailand-warned-not-to-use-cannabis-at-new-year-celebrations/

Flickr/shankar s. The authorities in Thailand have warned of a crackdown on drink-driving and on the use of cannabis during the New Year festivities. The announcement was made by the Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine. According to the report, DTAM boss Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong says cannabis is for medicinal purposes only and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. He says the use of the drug at New Year’s Eve parties is against the law and has warned that DTAM staff may inspect venues if they’re suspected of holding “cannabis parties”. When asked if the police would also inspect such parties, Thongchai says the police will be busy checking for drink-driving incidents. However, he says they may still inspect places where cannabis is being sold to ensure they have a licence and are complying with the law. And it’s not just parties either. Thongchai says people who smoke cannabis at home and cause a disturbance (it was not immediately clear how they might do that) could be prosecuted, although this would require a police complaint to be filed against the individual. Meanwhile, the Public Health Ministry has launched a campaign against drink-driving which officials are calling “Don’t drink and drive, don’t drive and drink.” Not very creative but plain and simple. It comes as health officials say over half the motorists involved in accidents during the same period last year had consumed alcohol. Weeraphat Sivapat from the Royal Thai Police says over 40,000 officers will be on duty on main roads across the country to help with traffic flow and to check for drunk drivers. Drivers who are under the influence and who are repeat offenders will face harsher penalties, according to Weeraphat, as will shops who sell alcohol to underage customers. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/partygoers-in-thailand-warned-not-to-use-cannabis-at-new-year-celebrations/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2022-12-22 - 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!

United States Donates CBRN Detection Equipment to Thailand The United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) donated chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection equipment worth USD $2.1 million to the Kingdom of Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) during a handover ceremony on December 9, 2022 at DDPM headquarters in Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281356-united-states-donates-cbrn-detection-equipment-to-thailand/

The United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) donated chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection equipment worth USD $2.1 million to the Kingdom of Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) during a handover ceremony on December 9, 2022 at DDPM headquarters in Bangkok. Mr. David L. Musgrave, Director of On-Site Inspection and Building Partner Capacity at DTRA, and Mr. Boontham Lertsukekasem, Director-General of the DDPM, provided remarks, noting the close partnership between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand to address the risk of CBRN weapons, including the ongoing training provided by the United States to build Thailand’s capacity to detect and counter weapons of mass destruction. The handover ceremony officially transferred over 200 pieces of equipment, which included the necessary training to effectively operate and maintain the sophisticated detection equipment. For over two centuries, the U.S.-Thai relationship has evolved into a robust friendship, partnership, and alliance that benefits both our people and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Our security alliance ensures that we are prepared to address the future threats that affect both our countries, such as climate change, pandemics, and humanitarian crisis. The DTRA-DDPM partnership to reduce the risk from weapons of mass destruction is another example of how strong U.S.-Thai security ties benefit both our countries and our people. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/12/22/united-states-donates-cbrn-detection-equipment-to-thailand/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-12-22 - 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!

Free Admission to Museums and Parks Offered During New Year BANGKOK (NNT) - As a New Year’s gift to the public, the Fine Arts Department has announced that all national museums and historical sites in the kingdom would be open to the public for free from December 30 to January 2. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281354-free-admission-to-museums-and-parks-offered-during-new-year/

BANGKOK (NNT) - As a New Year’s gift to the public, the Fine Arts Department has announced that all national museums and historical sites in the kingdom would be open to the public for free from December 30 to January 2. According to the agency, this includes the December 30 opening of an exhibit of historic gold jewelry from the Ayutthaya period at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum in Ayutthaya. The exhibition of the auspicious Buddha image of the Front Palace (Phra Buddha Sihing) and nine other Buddha statues will also open at Bangkok’s National Museum on December 28, daily from 9 am to 4 pm. On December 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Office of Performing Arts will host a free open-air Khon exhibition based on the Ramayana story in the compound of the National Museum Bangkok. Between December 30 and January 2, the National Museum Bangkok will host "Night @Museum" activities from 4 to 8 p.m. to highlight the grandeur of the Front Palace’s ancient architecture at night. This will include cooking demonstrations and the sale of discounted books and art pieces. Beginning on December 22, The National Library of Thailand will start hosting a session on how to have a joyful new year. An exhibition on Thai New Year celebrations will also commence on the same day and continue through April 22, 2023. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221222122806657 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-22 - 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!

Companies Appeal for Help with Rising Electricity Costs BANGKOK (NNT) - The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is urging Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to issue steps to alleviate the financial strain on entrepreneurs following the impending increase in power bills. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281353-companies-appeal-for-help-with-rising-electricity-costs/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is urging Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to issue steps to alleviate the financial strain on entrepreneurs following the impending increase in power bills. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said last week that it would increase the electricity rate for businesses by 20.5% to 5.69 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit) from the previous rate of 4.69 baht per unit. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed alarm over the decision, prompting the JSCCIB to petition the prime minister. The Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) indicated that the new power rate was intended to help the state-owned Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) deal with its balance sheet after incurring 125 billion baht in losses from aiding the government with the electricity price ceiling. The JSCCIB asks that the government establish a joint committee comprised of state and private sector officials to address the concerns of businesses. The agency stated that the increase in energy prices could have a negative impact on Thailand’s competitiveness, leading to a fall in foreign direct investments from multinational corporations. The FTI announced last week that its members would be forced to raise product prices by 5 to 12 percent if the government hiked the commercial electricity tariff. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221222113147638 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-22 - 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 Prioritizes Polio Vaccination For Children BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health is prioritizing polio vaccination for children as more polio cases have recently been found in countries around the world. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281352-government-prioritizes-polio-vaccination-for-children/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health is prioritizing polio vaccination for children as more polio cases have recently been found in countries around the world. After a meeting with the National Communicable Disease committee, Permanent Secretary of Public Health Dr Opas Karnkawinpong stated that public health officials are monitoring the number of polio cases around the world. The meeting has agreed to the proposal by the Department of Disease Control (DDC) proposal to accelerate vaccination administration to the target group, which is children aged 5 or lower, and develop a protocol to respond to a possible polio outbreak. According to a recent report, 30 people in Pakistan were infected with wild poliovirus, while 577 patients in 22 countries were infected with vaccine-derived poliovirus, with four cases reported from Indonesia. Polio is a disabling and potentially lethal disease caused by the poliovirus, which lives in the throat and intestines of people that were infected. It is very contagious and infects others through contact, as well as contaminates food and drink under unsanitary conditions. The virus infects the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis and even death. DDC has instructed that all provinces ensure that comprehensive immunizations are administered to Thai children under the age of five and foreign children under the age of fifteen. The department stated that normally, the vaccine coverage rate is higher than 90%, but the number has fallen in some areas due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and authorities are seeking to get it back on track. In Thailand, no polio cases had been reported in the previous two decades. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221222152647739 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-22 - 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!

AeroThai Anticipates Speedy Recovery of Air Travel BANGKOK (NNT) - The official body in charge of the kingdom’s air traffic has remained optimistic about the Thai aviation industry’s prospects, claiming that the recovery in international and domestic travel is accelerating. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281351-aerothai-anticipates-speedy-recovery-of-air-travel/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The official body in charge of the kingdom’s air traffic has remained optimistic about the Thai aviation industry’s prospects, claiming that the recovery in international and domestic travel is accelerating. According to Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co Ltd (AeroThai), the number of flights would increase by 65% next year over this year. AeroThai President Nopasit Chakpitak stated that the resurgence of Thailand’s aviation business is largely attributable to the government’s decision to eliminate Covid-19 travel restrictions and completely reopen the country. Nopasit reported that the average daily number of flights to and from Thailand in October alone was 1,637, while internal flights averaged 1,806 per day. Meanwhile, the average number of flights in December was over 1,800 per day, which is expected to rise in the coming months. According to AeroThai, Thailand has so far handled 520,367 flights this year, a 79% increase from the previous year’s total of 291,397 flights. In 2023, Thai airports are expected to witness close to 860,000 flights, or approximately 2,352 per day. As global airspace reopens and economies recover, AeroThai revealed that passenger and freight flights have also rebounded. The Thai aviation industry is set to handle even more flights next year when China’s tough Covid requirements are eventually lifted. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221222135937703 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-22 - 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!

Search for HTMS Sukhothai’s missing crew intensifies, empty life raft found A radar dome and an empty life raft, believed to belong to the ill-fated HTMS Sukhothai, have been found drifting at sea off Chumphon Province by Thai fishermen, as the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) intensifies its air and sea search for the 23 missing crew on the fourth consecutive day today (Thursday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281350-search-for-htms-sukhothai’s-missing-crew-intensifies-empty-life-raft-found/

A radar dome and an empty life raft, believed to belong to the ill-fated HTMS Sukhothai, have been found drifting at sea off Chumphon Province by Thai fishermen, as the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) intensifies its air and sea search for the 23 missing crew on the fourth consecutive day today (Thursday). A fisheries official from Lamae district, Ratree Chantharat, informed the district chief officer on Thursday morning that she had received a radio report from the skipper of a trawler that a radar dome had been found drifting at sea, near the border of Lamae and Lang Suan districts, and they expected to tow it to the Lang Suan coast this evening. Another trawler reported the finding of a life raft, with the words “HTMS Sukhothai No 3”, printed on it, between 20 and 30 kilometres from the coast of Lamae district. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/search-for-htms-sukhothais-missing-crew-intensifies-empty-life-raft-found/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-22 - 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!

An unsung hero in the tragic end of HTMS Sukhothai In almost every disaster, there is usually at least one hero, someone who cares more for other people’s safety than their own and who does not hesitate to help, even at the risk of their own life. The tragic sinking of HTMS Sukhothai is no exception. The aging corvette class Royal Thai Navy (RTN) ship foundered on Sunday night in rough seas off Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281349-an-unsung-hero-in-the-tragic-end-of-htms-sukhothai/

In almost every disaster, there is usually at least one hero, someone who cares more for other people’s safety than their own and who does not hesitate to help, even at the risk of their own life. The tragic sinking of HTMS Sukhothai is no exception. The aging corvette class Royal Thai Navy (RTN) ship foundered on Sunday night in rough seas off Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Kunakorn Jariyot, chief petty officer first class (CPO1), is a medic serving on HTMS Sukhothai. He went missing after he and two other crew were rescued and taken on board HTMS Kraburi, but he decided to jump into the sea again, with a life vest borrowed from one of the survivors, to help others who were still drifting at sea on Sunday night. He has not been seen since and yesterday (Wednesday) he was listed among the 23 crew still missing. Fondly called “Torn Mor” by the seamen, Kunakorn is a nurse who completed study at the RTN’s nursing school. He was always seen carrying a big bag full of medical supplies, no matter how heavy it was, according to one of the surviving seamen. He was carrying the bag when he was in the water. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/an-unsung-hero-in-the-tragic-end-of-htms-sukhothai/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-22 - 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!

Opposition demand Thai PM’s resignation as defence minister over HTMS Sukhothai tragedy Thailand’s opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from his position as Defence Minister, to demonstrate responsibility over the sinking of HTMS Sukhothai in the Gulf of Thailand on Sunday night. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281273-opposition-demand-thai-pm’s-resignation-as-defence-minister-over-htms-sukhothai-tragedy/

Thailand’s opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from his position as Defence Minister, to demonstrate responsibility over the sinking of HTMS Sukhothai in the Gulf of Thailand on Sunday night. The opposition also plans to submit an interpellation to the House on Thursday, seeking a clarification from General Prayut over the tragic incident, in which six crew members of the sunken ship have been found dead and 23 are still missing. The Royal Thai Navy dismissed a report today (Wednesday) that another crew member had been rescued, insisting that 23 are still missing. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/opposition-demand-thai-pms-resignation-as-defence-minister-over-htms-sukhothai-tragedy/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-21 - 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!

Businesses on Khao San Road struggle to serve customers Flickr/Robbin Hood The foreign tourists are flocking back to Bangkok’s Khao San Road, but they may notice that service is a bit slower than normal. Businesses on the popular tourist thoroughfare, like just about all tourism destinations, are struggling to cope with staff shortages that are hampering their ability to cope at the busiest time of the year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281266-businesses-on-khao-san-road-struggle-to-serve-customers/

Flickr/Robbin Hood The foreign tourists are flocking back to Bangkok’s Khao San Road, but they may notice that service is a bit slower than normal. Businesses on the popular tourist thoroughfare, like just about all tourism destinations, are struggling to cope with staff shortages that are hampering their ability to cope at the busiest time of the year. Khao San’s hotels, bars, restaurants and other venues are once more open for business, following a closure of nearly 3 years, due to the pandemic. And the good news is that demand is almost back at pre-pandemic levels. The bad news is staff numbers are not. Thailand’s hospitality industry has been decimated by the pandemic, initially by all the hotels and tourism infrastructure being closed down, and now, because the former staff don’t want their old jobs back. The president of the Khao San Road Business Association points out that as most employees either left or lost their jobs at the start of the pandemic lockdown, businesses now face a real challenge. According to Sanga Rueangwattnakun, businesses on Khao San are reporting that demand is back to nearly 95% of pre-Covid levels. He adds that normally at this busy time of year, around 70% of tourists on Khao San Road are from Western countries. However, this year, he says nearly every tourist staying in the area is a Westerner. Sanga believes the cost-of-living crisis in Europe is behind the increase, as rising energy costs have made it too expensive for many Europeans to spend winter in their own countries. Spending the winter in more affordable accommodation, in a warmer climate, is an option that makes sense for many, and Sanga believes the numbers visiting Khao San Road will continue to rise in the lead-up to the New Year holiday period. It’s not just Bangkok facing a labour shortage, as Phuket has made no secret of the fact that it too is struggling. Tourism businesses on the island recently confirmed they have over 17,000 vacancies to fill. Meanwhile, the number of tourists returning to the island is rising and is expected to continue doing so during the first quarter of 2023. Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/businesses-on-khao-san-road-struggle-to-serve-customers/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2022-12-21 - 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!

Female Motorcyclist Crushed to Death by Six-Wheeler in Sri Racha PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya A female factory worker was fatally crushed by a six-wheeler while heading home in Sri Racha yesterday, December 20th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281265-female-motorcyclist-crushed-to-death-by-six-wheeler-in-sri-racha/

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya A female factory worker was fatally crushed by a six-wheeler while heading home in Sri Racha yesterday, December 20th. Bowin police coordinated with Sri Racha rescue services to respond to an accident at the intersection near Phan Sadet Nai School in Chonburi’s Sri Racha district. The victim, 24-year-old Ms. Wannapa Kabil, was found dead beneath a six-wheeler without a license plate. The victim’s head was seriously wounded, according to rescuers. Her crushed motorcycle helmet and her red Honda Wave motorcycle lay nearby her body. Her colleague only identified as Somsri told rescuers that Wannapa worked at a factory in the Rojana Industrial Estate. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/12/21/female-motorcyclist-crushed-to-death-by-six-wheeler-in-sri-racha/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-12-21 - 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 Government Sets up New Department to Battle Climate Change The Thai government has established the “Department of Climate Change and Environment” to fulfill its commitment to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281264-thai-government-sets-up-new-department-to-battle-climate-change/