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An AI-generated photo that greatly differs from the original photo. Photo by VnExpress/Luu Quy AI-powered apps capable of turning real photos into digitized ones are frequently being downloaded in Vietnam, despite bugs in the apps and inherent risks to privacy and personal data. Dinh Thu, who lives in Hanoi, first learned about the AI drawing app FacePlay after her friends on social media shared their AI-generated pictures online. Thu said she felt excited to see people in real photos being turned into digitized characters. The app, which has been popular in Vietnam since last year thanks to its capacity to turn faces in photos into anime or digitized art, became popular again recently thanks to its new AI painting function, which was advertised to be able to draw comic-like characters and backgrounds. On application stores, the program has frequently made the list of most downloaded apps in Vietnam since earlier this month. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnamese-are-spending-money-on-ai-powered-drawing-apps-4548240.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-15

Workers leave a factory in HCMC's Binh Tan District. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa Despite a decline in orders, several factories with tens of thousands of workers will hand out generous Tet bonuses this year to share the burdens of workers. Ever since she received an announcement that her Tet (Lunar New Year) bonus this year would be 30% higher than last year, Huynh Truc My Kha, 42, an employee of Pouyuen Vietnam Co. in HCMC, has been working without feeling tired. When Kha first heard news that factories were laying off workers right before Tet, she was extremely worried. Pouyuen had earlier announced that 18,000 workers would have to take alternative Saturdays off from December 2022 to February 2023 due to a drop in the number of orders. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/factories-hand-out-enticing-tet-bonuses-despite-drop-in-orders-4548155.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-15

In a 13-page decision promulgated on Oct. 7 but released only on Monday night, the Comelec stated that the partial motion for reconsideration filed by Pudno Nga Ilocano was denied as it did not raise new matters or issues that would convince the poll body to reconsider its decision. Philstar.com / AJ Bolando, file MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections’ Second Division has disqualified Manuel Mamba as a candidate for the position of Governor for Cagayan Province for violating the 45-day public spending ban during campaign period. Ma. Zarah Rose de Guzman Lara, a candidate gunning for the same seat, filed the petition on May 10, 2022. Lara asked the poll body to disqualify Mamba's candidacy over “massive vote buying activities” using funds from the provincial government. She also prayed for the Board of Canvassers to suspend Mamba’s proclamation should he gets the highest number of votes. The poll body said Lara failed to prove Mamba engaged in vote buying activities but ruled his use of funds supposed to be allocated to provincial programs without “express exemption” led to his disqualification order. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/12/15/2231014/cagayan-governor-mamba-served-dq-order-violating-public-spending-ban -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-15

This file photo shows the New Bilibid Prison. The STAR / Miguel de Guzman, File MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Thursday that they are getting more testimonies on the deaths of high-profile inmates at the New Bilibid Prison as the Bureau of Corrections investigates these fatalities which an inmate claims are killings. “We just have to look for the truth behind every issue. We cannot allow speculation to rule our lives. That’s why we’re eliciting testimonies from people who may help us uncover the truth,” Remulla told reporters in a chance interview. “A lot of people are going to my office, sending word about news. So little by little, until we get the name of the person, then we have them interviewed properly. Of course we have to go through the process. We vet the information before we act on it,” he added. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/15/2231008/doj-getting-more-testimonies-deaths-high-profile-bilibid-inmates -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-15

DOH officer-in-charge answers questions from the media on December 15, 2022. Department of Health MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health on Thursday submitted documents related to the country’s COVID-19 vaccine procurement to the Commission on Audit. The DOH submitted the documents a day after the Senate blue ribbon committee conducted a hearing on COVID-19 vaccine procurement contracts. “The department is ready to deal with any question about the procurement of vaccines because we are confident that all the processes carried out by the government in the purchase of vaccines that will protect our citizens are in accordance with the law,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said in Filipino. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/15/2231037/doh-submits-covid-19-vaccine-procurement-docs-coa -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-15

“Congress recognizes the clamor for an increase in the minimum wage to help our fellow Filipinos cope with the rising cost of goods,” Rep. Fidel Nograles, chair of the House committee on labor and employment, said. Boy Santos, file MANILA, Philippines (Updated 7:11 p.m.) — The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the National Citizens Service Training Program (NCSTP) Act, which critics have called a rebranding of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. In a 276-4-1 vote, lawmakers voted to pass the NCSTP Act. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier certified the bill as urgent, along with the bill creating the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund. This means that undergraduate students in both public and private higher educational institutions, technical-vocational education and training programs, and those taking TESDA courses will undergo a two-year NCSTP program. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/15/2231035/bill-making-ncstp-mandatory-certified-urgent-marcos -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-15

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr delivers his first State of the Nation address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on July 25, 2022. Aaron Favila via AFP / pool MANILA, Philippines — Voting 279-6, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly and hastily approved on Thursday the bill that seeks to create the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified it as urgent. Only Reps. Gabriel Bordado (Camarines Sur, 3rd District), Arlene Brosas (Gabriela party-list), France Castro (ACT Teachers party-list), Mujiv Hataman (Basilan), Edcel Lagman (Albay, 1st District) and Raoul Manuel (Kabataan party-list) voted against the measure. Moments after the House approved the Maharlika fund bill on second reading in a voice vote, the chamber’s secretary general read out a message from Marcos certifying the measure as urgent which allowed lawmakers to bypass the constitutional rule requiring bills to be passed on three readings on separate days. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/15/2231027/marcos-certification-house-hastily-approves-maharlika-investment-fund -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-15

Police raid alleged illegal nightclub in Pattaya Police raided what they called an illegal nightclub that was open past the legal time of 2:00 A.M. in Pattaya. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1280728-police-raid-alleged-illegal-nightclub-in-pattaya/

Police raided what they called an illegal nightclub that was open past the legal time of 2:00 A.M. in Pattaya. A team from the Banglamung District Office and the Pattaya City Police raided ‘169 Club’ at 3:06 A.M. early this morning (December 15th). More than 100 nightclub goers were found enjoying music and drinking alcohol. Officers ordered to turn off the music. A nightclub manager whose name was not given to the press was unable to present a legal license for the nightclub. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/12/15/police-raid-alleged-illegal-nightclub-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-12-15 - 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!

BTS Asked to Cease Debt Settlement Campaign Against Krungthep Thanakom BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), the operator of the Green Line sky train service, has been asked to cease its persistent advertising demanding the settlement of a large debt owed to it by Krungthep Thanakom, the investment arm of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1280726-bts-asked-to-cease-debt-settlement-campaign-against-krungthep-thanakom/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), the operator of the Green Line sky train service, has been asked to cease its persistent advertising demanding the settlement of a large debt owed to it by Krungthep Thanakom, the investment arm of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Krungthep Thanakom reportedly owes BTS 40 billion baht for operational and maintenance costs and for installing electrical and mechanical systems for the extensions between Mor Chit and Khu Khot in Pathum Thani and between Bearing and Keha in Samut Prakan. Assistant Professor Dr. Prasaeng Mongkolsiri, President of Krungthep Thanakom, stated that such publicity could result in a misunderstanding among the public about Krungthep Thanakom and the BMA’s actions, as well as influence investors’ decisions in the Thai stock market. Although the court denied Krungthep Thanakom’s request to submit additional evidence for the case, Dr. Prasaeng stated that the company continues to make every effort to quickly resolve the matter. On September 7th, the court ruled in favor of BTS and ordered Krungthep Thanakom to pay BTS the remaining balance. Krungthep Thanakom has appealed the ruling to the Supreme Administrative Court, and the case is still pending. In addition to the court proceedings pertaining to the service fees owed to BTS, the Krungthep Thanakom president stated that the company had also established a committee, led by a former president of the Appeals Court, to specifically review the contract for the electrical and mechanical systems. Dr. Praseang added that more information on the case should soon be available, urging BTS and the general public to remain patient. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221215104642129 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-15 - 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!

Potential fuel Lamphun’s forests spark concerns over increased risk of fires Officials from the national park and related agencies in Thailand’s northern province of Lamphun have developed plans to prevent forest fires, expected to increase due to the accumulation of natural fuels, during this year’s dry season. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1280725-potential-fuel-lamphun’s-forests-spark-concerns-over-increased-risk-of-fires/

Officials from the national park and related agencies in Thailand’s northern province of Lamphun have developed plans to prevent forest fires, expected to increase due to the accumulation of natural fuels, during this year’s dry season. Park officials pointed out that fewer forest fires last dry season means there are more fallen leaves and branches which have been left unburned. Although no forest fires have been reported so far this dry season, they said that some villagers have already started burning weeds and farm waste, especially in longan plantations. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/potential-fuel-lamphuns-forests-spark-concerns-over-increased-risk-of-fires/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-15 - 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 top tourism revenue earner for January through October Thailand has proposed organizing the Phuket Expo between 20 March and 17 June 2028 and expects to welcome 4,930,000 visitors. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP) Phuket was the top earner of tourism revenue and the most visited province by tourists, except Bangkok, during the first ten months of this year, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1280724-phuket-top-tourism-revenue-earner-for-january-through-october/

Thailand has proposed organizing the Phuket Expo between 20 March and 17 June 2028 and expects to welcome 4,930,000 visitors. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP) Phuket was the top earner of tourism revenue and the most visited province by tourists, except Bangkok, during the first ten months of this year, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana. The top ten provinces in terms of tourism revenue were: Phuket – 127.93 billion baht Chon Buri – 13.28 billion baht Surat Thani- 7.59 billion baht Chiang Mai – 4.25 billion baht Songkhla – 3.60 billion baht Phang-nga – 2.58 billion baht Chiang Rai – 1.59 billion baht Krabi – 1.41 billion baht Prachuap Khiri Khan – 854 million baht Nong Khai – 526 million baht The ten provinces most visited by foreign tourists were: Phuket – 2,329,894 Chon Buri – 975,026 Surat Thani – 606,812 Songkhla – 581,808 Chiang Mai – 496,111 Samut Prakan – 321,390 Phang-nga – 317,353 Nong Khai – 231,243 Krabi – 217,526 Chiang Rai – 148,683 Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/phuket-top-tourism-revenue-earner-for-january-through-october/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-12-15 - 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!

Finance Ministry Anticipates Thailand’s Economic Growth in 2023 BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance anticipates that the Thai economy will continue to grow in 2023, thanks to a rebound in the country’s tourism sector. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1280723-finance-ministry-anticipates-thailand’s-economic-growth-in-2023/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance anticipates that the Thai economy will continue to grow in 2023, thanks to a rebound in the country’s tourism sector. Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith expressed his optimism for Thailand’s future growth, stating that the country is still on the road to recovery and is strong enough to weather global uncertainties. He expects the Thai economy to grow 3.4% this year and 3.8% in 2023, with average inflation of 6% this year. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, from January to December 12, Thailand received 10.3 million foreign tourist arrivals, exceeding the government’s full-year target of 10 million. TAT anticipates Thailand to complete the year with 11.5 million foreign visitors, as the country currently welcomes 60,000 to 70,000 international visitors daily. Authorities believe Thailand could welcome about 25 million visitors in 2023, bringing the figure closer to the number of tourist arrivals prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221215105653135 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-15 - 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 Extends Student Loan Reprieve Deadline BANGKOK (NNT) - Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek announced on Wednesday (Dec 14) that the Thai government had agreed to extend the deadline for student loan reprieves to June 30, 2019. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1280722-government-extends-student-loan-reprieve-deadline/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek announced on Wednesday (Dec 14) that the Thai government had agreed to extend the deadline for student loan reprieves to June 30, 2019. According to the debt easing measure, student loan interest rates would be reduced from 1% per year to 0.01% per year for borrowers who have not defaulted on payments. The principal amount will be reduced by 5% for borrowers who have never defaulted and wish to pay off the balance in full. Outstanding fines will also be reduced by 80% for debtors who have not yet been prosecuted but wish to settle their debt. For borrowers who cannot settle delinquent balances but have not yet been taken to court, the fines will be reduced to 0.5% of the amount owed. No penalties will be assessed to borrowers who settle their loans in full. All branches of the state-run Krung Thai Bank or the Islamic Bank of Thailand accept installment payments from borrowers who have not been prosecuted. Defaulting borrowers who have yet to be taken to court can register for debt relief at the following website: https://www.studentloan.or.th/promotion. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221215104024125 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-15 - 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!

EPAC extends LPG price fix in hope of alleviating people’s living cost burden BANGKOK (NNT) - To keep living costs manageable for the public, the Energy Policy Administration Committee (EPAC) has decided to keep LPG prices unchanged until the end of January. Meanwhile, oil sellers are being asked to retain the marketing margin cap for high-speed diesel until March 31, 2023. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1280721-epac-extends-lpg-price-fix-in-hope-of-alleviating-people’s-living-cost-burden/

BANGKOK (NNT) - To keep living costs manageable for the public, the Energy Policy Administration Committee (EPAC) has decided to keep LPG prices unchanged until the end of January. Meanwhile, oil sellers are being asked to retain the marketing margin cap for high-speed diesel until March 31, 2023. Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said the meeting endorsed keeping the refinery price for LPG at 19 baht 98 satang per kilogram. This would keep the retail price at 408 baht per 15-kilogram canister from January 1 to 31, 2023. The move is meant to alleviate people’s living cost burden. Mr. Supattanapong acknowledged the action will increase the Oil Fuel Fund’s burden as LPG prices in the world market remain volatile. On November 29 this year, the LPG price stood at 633.60 USD per tonne. This was equivalent to about 480 baht per 15-kilogram canister. The EPAC meeting is also asking oil sellers to keep their marketing margin for high-speed diesel from exceeding 1 baht 40 satang per liter. This will be in effect from January 1 to March 31 next year. Furthermore, the committee approved PTT Plc.’s raise of the NGV price by 1 baht per kilogram. This would elevate the NGV price to 17 baht 59 satang per kilogram, effective December 16. Taxi drivers participating in PTT’s subsidized NGV price scheme will still be able to purchase NGV at 13 baht 62 satang per kilogram. This would be the case at least until March 15 next year. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221215092039086 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-15 - 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!

2022 Foreign Visitor Number Expected To Reach 11 Million: TAT BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is expected to welcome more than 11 million international visitors this year, as world travel and tourism recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects the overall foreign visitor number to reach 20 million next year, a level close to the pre-pandemic era. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1280720-2022-foreign-visitor-number-expected-to-reach-11-million-tat/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is expected to welcome more than 11 million international visitors this year, as world travel and tourism recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects the overall foreign visitor number to reach 20 million next year, a level close to the pre-pandemic era. Thailand on Saturday celebrated 10 million tourist arrivals, with Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha personally welcoming visitors at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. The TAT said the 10 million figure was achieved sooner than expected. The total international visitor number this year is likely to reach 11 million, with an average daily arrival increasing to around 70,000 people. TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the TAT now anticipates the number of international visitors next year will reach 20 million, attributing to some 2.38 trillion baht in revenue. The Prime Minister thanked all stakeholders for their contributions towards this success and asked all Thai people for being good hosts. He said the government has plans to reinstate tourism as the country’s key economic driver, and to warmly welcome all visitors with genuine hospitality. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221215091545083 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-15 - 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 Meets European Leaders at ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Prime Minister has met with leaders from the EU and European private sector as part of his visit to attend the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1280719-pm-meets-european-leaders-at-asean-eu-commemorative-summit/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Prime Minister has met with leaders from the EU and European private sector as part of his visit to attend the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday took part in a high-level meeting with executives of the EU-ASEAN Business Council, together with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh and President of the Philippines Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. The Thai Prime Minister on this occasion welcomed the opportunity to meet with leaders from the European Union and executives from leading European companies to gather suggestions and exchange views on trade and investment between Southeast Asia and Europe, as well as sustainable post-pandemic economic recovery. Gen Prayut urged all to collectively promote sustainability in all aspects, as the world faces several challenges that range from inequalities and the inflation crisis to environmental degradation, food crisis, and the energy crisis, which have been worsened by climate change. With similarities between the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative and Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model, the Thai PM expressed his hope for increased sustainable infrastructure investments by the EU in Thailand and Southeast Asia, that shall help modernize ASEAN’s energy, transport, and digital networks. He also wished for increased cooperation between the EU, the ASEAN, and Thailand, to help elevate the standards of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations closer to those of the EU, which shall benefit future Free Trade Agreements between the two blocs. The Prime Minister then met with President of the European Council Charles Michel at the Europa building, where he pointed out this important period for Thailand and the EU to establish the Thailand-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), and Thailand’s preparedness to become EU’s partner. The European Council president on this occasion congratulated the planned signing of the Thailand-EU PCA draft, admired Thailand’s leading roles in the region as the EU’s important ally, and expressed his hope for both sides to further tighten their relations with mutual interest. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221215090751080 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-15 - 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!