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An artist's impression of an electric bus on the first bus rapid transit route of HCMC. Photo by HCMC's Urban-Civil works Construction Investment Management Authority The HCMC Department of Transport has recommended that the city's first rapid bus transit system should use electric vehicles to prevent sound and air pollution. The proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) route will run 26 km in District 1 and Thu Duc City along Vo Van Kiet and Mai Chi Tho boulevards. The HCMC Urban Civil Works Construction Investment Management Authority, which belongs to the department and will build and operate the system, plans to deploy 42 buses. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/electric-buses-proposed-for-hcmc-s-first-rapid-transit-route-4502833.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-23

A casino in Cambodia, where 42 Vietnamese escaped from on August 18, 2022, stands across a river border with Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Tai Vietnamese police have identified four human trafficking rings involved in the smuggle of 42 Vietnamese who escaped from a Cambodian casino last week. "These rings operate in many localities, cooperating with accomplices in Cambodia to bring Vietnamese into casinos as illegal workers," Colonel Dinh Van Noi, director of An Giang Province's police department, said Tuesday. Cambodian authorities are cooperating with Vietnam's An Giang police and other relevant authorities to complete procedures and return 11 other Vietnamese through diplomatic channels. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/four-human-trafficking-rings-identified-after-42-vietnamese-escape-cambodia-casino-4502849.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-23

Soldiers practice during a military drill in Vietnam's central Ha Tinh Province in 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Hung The defense industry needs to be closely linked with other sectors to serve both military and civilian purposes, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said. Speaking at a conference in Hanoi on Monday, Chinh said in the past, the defense industry has achieved important results with its increasingly diversified and quality products, contributing to the nation's self-reliance in weapons and equipment, gradually modernizing the army and strengthening national defense. He said in future, the industry should be developed towards serving both military and civilian purposes. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/make-defense-industry-vietnam-s-spearhead-pm-4502903.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-23

A medical worker prepares the Pfizer-BioNtech Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11 at a gym in San Juan City, suburban Manila on February 7, 2022. AFP / Ted Aljibe MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health on Tuesday assured the public that COVID-19 vaccines with extended shelf life are safe and effective against the virus. The DOH emphasized that the process of extending the shelf life of vaccines undergoes “thorough stability studies.” The agency issued the advisory following reports that there are people who are skeptical about receiving COVID-19 jabs because of the extended shelf life that has not been changed on the label of vaccine vials. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/23/2204563/doh-covid-19-jabs-extended-shelf-life-safe-effective -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-23

Thousands of students, parents and guardians line up on Aug. 20, 2022 in Ilagan City, Isabela after the Department of Social Welfare and Development announced that it will distribute cash aid to indigent learners. Philstar.com / Halee Andrea Alcaraz MANILA, Philippines (Updated 8:28 a.m.) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development began distributing financial aid for indigent students last Saturday, prompting thousands to troop to regional offices across the country. But what is an indigent, exactly? Definitions vary across government agencies, but they are generally poor Filipinos with little to no means to support themselves. Assistance for 'students-in-crisis' The DSWD's memorandum circulars on the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations — educational aid is among the assistance available — do not provide a definition of an indigent. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/23/2204404/dswd-educational-cash-aid-who-are-considered-indigents -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-23

Through the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the Philippine Coast Guard received visual detection and monitoring equipment, first aid kits that would help in providing trauma care, and tools for shore-based maintenance of vessels. US Embassy in the Philippines MANILA, Philippines — The United States has donated P11 million or $196,000 worth of maritime tactical gear and vessel maintenance equipment to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to help the agency with its maritime law enforcement efforts. Through the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the PCG received visual detection and monitoring equipment, first aid kits that would help in providing trauma care, and tools for shore-based maintenance of vessels. “The PCG is on a promising trajectory, and we are committed to support them in achieving their vital and ambitious development goals and in responding to a wide range of maritime challenges,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said during the turnover ceremony held on August 22. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/23/2204562/us-donates-p11-m-maritime-tactical-gear-vessel-maintenance-equipment-coast-guard -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-23

The House committee on justice tackled 12 bills seeking reimposition of capital punishment for heinous crimes, particularly plunder and drug-related cases. AFP / File MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker is once again pushing for the revival of death penalty even if the country is barred by an international agreement from reintroducing capital punishment. The Philippines is a party to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which explicitly prohibits state parties from carrying out executions within their jurisdictions. This, however, is not deterring lawmakers like Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao del Norte) from pushing for the reimposition of the death penalty for heinous crimes, with him saying that the will of the majority trumps any mandate imposed by international organizations. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/23/2204575/lawmaker-no-stopping-death-penalty-revival-even-if-philippines-barred-doing-so -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-23

Members of Gabriela, Kilusang Mayo Uno and other groups on Wednesday staged a protest in front of the Supreme Court as families of Magbanua and Juat filed a Petition seeking the issuance of a Writ of Amparo for the two labor organizers. JUCRA pool photo MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has issued a writ of protection in favor of labor organizers Elizabeth “Loi” Magbanua and Alipio “Ador” Juat, who are allegedly abducted by the military. In a statement from its Public Information Office, the SC en banc on Tuesday also referred their petition for the issuance of a writ of amparo to the Court of Appeals to hear their plea on August 30 and resolve the case within 10 days after its submission of decision. The writ of amparo is a protection extended to petitioners when threats to their life, liberty and security emanate from the military, police and other state security forces. It covers extralegal killings and enforced disappearances or threats thereof. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/23/2204580/sc-issues-writ-amparo-two-missing-labor-organizers -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-23

Government officials on Tuesday acknowledged that the Philippines has become the hub for explicit materials that cater to pedophiles around the world, harming Filipino children in the process. Pixabay / File MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government vowed it will go after those who contribute to the online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC), may it be parents or other individuals involved in the operations. Government officials on Tuesday acknowledged that the Philippines has become the hub for explicit materials that cater to pedophiles around the world, harming Filipino children in the process. “Ang pagsama samin dito ng law enforcement agencies natin ay isa lang hudyat na hindi talagang hindi tayo papayag na manatili ang ganito sa ating bansa,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a press conference on Tuesday. (The presence of our law enforcement agencies here today is one of the signs that we will not accept that this will continue in our country.) Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/23/2204584/philippines-go-after-those-contributing-online-sexual-exploitation-children -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-23

This August 23, 2022 photo shows steady rain over the Pinacanauan Overflow Bridge in Tuguegarao City. According to local officials, the bridge is already at risk of flooding. Cagayan Provincial Information Office MANILA, Philippines (Updated 2:55 p.m.) — Severe Tropical Storm Florita (Ma-on) has maintained its strength as it moves over Cagayan province, state weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday afternoon. Florita—the sixth tropical cyclone in the country’s jurisdiction this year—made a landfall in Maconacon, Isabela at 10:30 a.m. Weather forecasters said it was last seen in the vicinity of Alcala-Baggao Road in Alcala town. It has peak winds of 110 kph near the center and gusts of up to 185 kph. Florita is expected to weaken slightly due to the frictional effects of Northern Luzon’s rugged terrain. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/23/2204561/florita-gains-strength-makes-landfall-isabela -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-23

Guards Questioned on BTS Escalator Injuries BANGKOK, Aug 23 (TNA) – Police questioned the security guards who were on duty when nearly 40 people were injured on the escalator of the BTS electric railway’s Surasak station. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269737-guards-questioned-on-bts-escalator-injuries/

BANGKOK, Aug 23 (TNA) – Police questioned the security guards who were on duty when nearly 40 people were injured on the escalator of the BTS electric railway’s Surasak station. Pol Maj Gen Jirasant Kaewsaeng-ek, spokesman of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said representatives of BTS and its escalator supplier met police for interrogation at the Yannawa police station yesterday. They testified on the systems of the escalator and the electric train station, he said while refusing to elaborate. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1003258 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-08-23 - 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 implements Copyright Act that grants online platforms Thailand has introduced a new Copyright Act that grants copyright contents that are illegally published online to be immediately removed from online platforms without filing a lawsuit, effective on Tuesday, August 23rd. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269736-thailand-implements-copyright-act-that-grants-online-platforms/

Thailand has introduced a new Copyright Act that grants copyright contents that are illegally published online to be immediately removed from online platforms without filing a lawsuit, effective on Tuesday, August 23rd. Sinit Lertkrai, Deputy Minister of Commerce, told the Associated Press that the new Copyright Act was put into effect today and allowed online platforms to legally remove pirated/illegal works from free online platforms immediately. The Act will also extend the copyright protection term to a lifetime of a creator and for another 50 years after death. The penalties for pirates and illegal pirating equipment distributors are also intensified to build confidence among original entrepreneurs and investors while supporting the government’s soft power policy. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/23/thailand-implements-copyright-act-that-grants-online-platforms-the-ability-to-remove-pirated-contents-upon-notification-immediately/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-23 - 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!

Health Ministry Opens Officials’ Session in APEC Health Week BANGKOK, Aug 23 (TNA) – The permanent secretary for health opened an officials’ meeting related to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Health Week which emphasized the development of regional health security. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269735-health-ministry-opens-officials’-session-in-apec-health-week/

BANGKOK, Aug 23 (TNA) – The permanent secretary for health opened an officials’ meeting related to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Health Week which emphasized the development of regional health security. Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, opened the meeting of the Health Working Group (HWG) of senior health officials in Asia and the Pacific and representatives of international organizations. The meeting also welcomed relevant authorities from other economic regions as it was aimed at supporting international cooperation to promote health which is the key to economic development. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1003189 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-08-23 - 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!

EPPO to provide home users with power bill discounts when new FT rate kicks in BANGKOK (NNT) - An assistance measure has been issued for electricity users in light of the FT rate for electricity fees calculation being raised in September. The FT rate hitting 93.43 satang per electricity unit will result in a final electricity charge of 4.72 baht per unit. Nonetheless, home users who use no more than 500 units per month will receive discounts. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269734-eppo-to-provide-home-users-with-power-bill-discounts-when-new-ft-rate-kicks-in/

BANGKOK (NNT) - An assistance measure has been issued for electricity users in light of the FT rate for electricity fees calculation being raised in September. The FT rate hitting 93.43 satang per electricity unit will result in a final electricity charge of 4.72 baht per unit. Nonetheless, home users who use no more than 500 units per month will receive discounts. The assistance measure from the Ministry of Energy will see discounts applied to the per unit electricity charge for two groups of home users. The first group, comprising users who consume no more than 300 units per month, will receive a 92.04 satang per unit discount. The discount will be in force during the four months from September to December. The second group comprises users who consume 301-500 units of electricity per month. These users will receive a discount ranging from 15 to 75 percent on the portion of the FT rate that is being increased. Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said the assistance will cover about 80% of all electricity users in Thailand. 89% of home users will be accounted for. Electricity users who draw power from the Navy’s electricity operation will also be included. The minister said the aid scheme will require 2 billion baht of funds per month or about 8 billion baht for the entire 4-month duration. The Energy Policy and Planning Office has also endorsed extending a cooking gas subsidy for holders of the State Welfare Card. The 100 baht per month subsidy is being extended for 3 months and will now be in effect until December this year. The Department of Energy Business will propose these initiatives to the Cabinet within this month. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220823004402974 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-23 - 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!

National Strategy Committee approves 1,026 projects BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Strategy Committee has approved 1,026 projects that cater to the national strategic goals as the national strategic development plan enters the second phase. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269733-national-strategy-committee-approves-1026-projects/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Strategy Committee has approved 1,026 projects that cater to the national strategic goals as the national strategic development plan enters the second phase. Presiding over the committee’s meeting today, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said the National Strategy Committee had laid out a national strategic guideline in keeping with global developments. He asked the government, general public, and private sector to cooperate in the implementation of national strategies toward concrete outcomes within a set time frame. The Prime Minister said the materialization of national strategies has entered the second phase, with the current focus being to ensure sufficient income among the general public, while the third phase will focus on the elimination of poverty. 1,026 projects have been approved and will be carried out in the fiscal year 2024. The committee also approved the draft 2023-2037 amendment for the national strategic master plan, which provides better clarity and coverage for individual goals; together with the national development guideline, and the guideline for the materialization and evaluation of the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220823003842971 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-23 - 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!

ThaiHealth launches Social Telecare platform BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Thammasat University have launched the Social Telecare platform aimed to improve healthcare services for the vulnerable population. This platform is now being piloted at 89 hospitals across the country. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269732-thaihealth-launches-social-telecare-platform/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Thammasat University have launched the Social Telecare platform aimed to improve healthcare services for the vulnerable population. This platform is now being piloted at 89 hospitals across the country. The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) has announced the new Social Telecare platform, designed to help improve the livelihoods of the vulnerable population in regard to healthcare services. Developed together with the Faculty of Social Administration at Thammasat University, the platform aims to help improve access to the National Health Security services among persons with disabilities, inmates, dependent elders, and monks, among others. The platform is now being piloted in a sandbox with 89 hospitals, covering all 13 health districts. The campaign has so far provided training for some 2,000 social workers, healthcare professionals, and village health volunteers. The Social Telecare platform will be linked to primary care units, enabling real-time patient evaluating and reporting functions, with data further provided to multidisciplinary teams in order to provide more comprehensive services. The platform is aimed to help cut down on some costs associated with the public health system, while allowing data to be analyzed for policy-making purposes and address systemic issues in the future. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220823002933968 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-23 - 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!

Discussion stages on media monitoring reveal top public concerns about present-day media BANGKOK (NNT) - The last of a series of discussion stages to promote public participation in media monitoring has taken place. The discussions, hosted by Thai Media Fund, revealed the public was most concerned with online scams, fake news, and cyberbullying. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269731-discussion-stages-on-media-monitoring-reveal-top-public-concerns-about-present-day-media/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The last of a series of discussion stages to promote public participation in media monitoring has taken place. The discussions, hosted by Thai Media Fund, revealed the public was most concerned with online scams, fake news, and cyberbullying. Culture ministry permanent secretary Yupha Taweewattanakitborvon chaired an activity organized by the Thai Media Fund (TMF). The activity is the fourth and last in the “TMF Power for Change” series, which is aimed at promoting public participation in media affairs. According to Ms. Yupha, the three prior stages held yielded the opinions activity participants had about media monitoring. Most participants wanted films, series, short films, and animations to be increasingly promoted. They also wanted training and seminars to be held to improve professional and amateur media creators’ capacities. Participants also indicated they wanted to see the promotion of media created to inform the public about fake news. The participants believed the groups that have the most need for safe and constructive media are children and university-age young adults. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220823002137965 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-23 - 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 labour groups call for pay rise and resignation of the prime minister Fifteen labour groups and their alliances rallied today (Tuesday), at the Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, to demand wage rises and the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269730-thai-labour-groups-call-for-pay-rise-and-resignation-of-the-prime-minister/