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MANILA, Philippines (Updated 3:33 p.m.) — The Philippines announced Friday that it detected two more cases of monkeypox, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to three. According to the Department of Health, the two new cases, a 34-year-old individual and a 29-year-old individual, both had recent travel history to a country with confirmed monkeypox infections. The 34-year-old is under home isolation while the 29-year-old is isolated in a health facility. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/19/2203748/philippines-detects-two-more-monkeypox-cases -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-19

During yesterday’s session, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri announced that “due to the rising COVID-19 cases in the last week, where we had three of our colleagues testing positive for COVID-19, the senators decided to tighten our health and safety protocols.” STAR / File MANILA, Philippines (Updated 11:51 a.m.) — Senate leadership ordered a total lockdown in the Upper Chamber's facility after Sens. JV Ejercito and Nancy Binay became the sixth and seventh senators to test positive for COVID-19 in the recent wave of infections spreading among the lawmakers. "I have instructed the Secretariat to conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection of all Senate offices. For this reason, there will be a total lockdown of our Senate building and all Senate employees shall work from home and need not report to the Senate on Monday. Senate sessions will resume on Tuesday," Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said in a statement sent to reporters Friday morning. The Senate President also disclosed that besides the seven senators who tested positive in the last two weeks, several others were also exposed "due to their staff members and members of the Secretariat catching the virus." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/19/2203722/binay-ejercito-are-6th-and-7th-senators-test-positive-covid-19 -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-19

Bureau of Customs, Department of Trade and Industry, at Philippine National Police conducted second inspection of a warehouse in Bulacan that is suspected of storing hoarded sugar. Office of the Press Secretary release MANILA, Philippines (Updated 11:15 p.m.) — Bureau of Customs officials blocked 7,021 metric tons of sugar from coming into the country from Thailand through Subic Port after learning that the import permit was previously used for an earlier sugar shipment, Malacañang said Friday. Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service chief Joeffrey Tacio reported that cargo vessel MV Bangpakaew was initially allowed to discharge its load as it was not covered by the withdrawn order to import 300,000 metric tons of sugar. But Tacio said they found that the import permit used for the shipment was “recycled.” Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/19/2203721/2-bulacan-warehouses-suspected-storing-hoarded-sugar-raided -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-19

Teachers and parents finalize classroom preparations in Malanday Elementary School in Marikina City, a week before the school year 2022-2023 officially starts on Aug. 22, 2022. The STAR / Walter Bollozos MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education is standing pat on its plan to push for face-to-face classes starting this week, in the face of what it says are major challenges still hampering the education sector. At the first organizational meeting of the Senate basic education panel Friday morning, Vice President Sara Duterte, concurrently Education Secretary, assured lawmakers that schools are ready for the re-opening of schools around the country starting Monday. "We continue to study the implementation of blended learning as a permanent mode of instruction but come November 2, full implementation of face-to-face classes is expected for all public and private schools," Duterte said at the hearing. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/19/2203742/despite-shortage-classrooms-deped-says-all-systems-go-face-face-classes -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-19

Tourism Ministry eyes more nightclub opening hours on Khao San Road BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is proposing the idea for nightclubs in Bangkok’s Khao San Road neighborhood to open as late as 4 am. The move is to boost business recovery among those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269365-tourism-ministry-eyes-more-nightclub-opening-hours-on-khao-san-road/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is proposing the idea for nightclubs in Bangkok’s Khao San Road neighborhood to open as late as 4 am. The move is to boost business recovery among those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The longer operation hours, if approved, will mainly serve international visitors who make up 60-70% of tourists in this neighborhood. This idea will be proposed to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) in September or October, according to Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Mr. Phiphat said this arrangement would not be exclusive to Khao San Road, as he is looking for potential areas in other provinces to adopt the same regulation. This will however require legal assistance from the Ministry of Interior. Thailand’s tourism industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its reopening, the country now welcomes around 1 million visitors each month, with up to 1.2 million expected in August. The minister said this new idea could generate an extra 20% in tourism revenue, adding that he is willing to discuss this matter with those opposing the idea. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220819023929775 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-19 - 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!

Covid-19 drugs to be ready for public distribution nationwide in September The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has granted permission to pharmacies nationwide to distribute Covid-19 medicines for home isolation patients, starting September 1st. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269363-covid-19-drugs-to-be-ready-for-public-distribution-nationwide-in-september/

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has granted permission to pharmacies nationwide to distribute Covid-19 medicines for home isolation patients, starting September 1st. CCSA spokesperson Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin told the Associated Press after the CCSA general meeting this afternoon, August 19th, that the Public Health Ministry had accelerated the process of Covid-19 drug registration for general use while the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) had prepared the drugs for distribution to the general public. According to the spokesperson, the available Covid-19 drugs in storage include 5 million tablets of Favipiravir, 6.76 million of Molnupiravir, and 3.8 thousand of Remdesivir, and the amount is sufficient for local distribution. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/19/covid-19-drugs-to-be-ready-for-public-distribution-at-pharmacies-nationwide-in-thailand-from-september-onwards/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-19 - 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 Covid Center approves visa period extensions for foreign tourists PHOTO: Thai Embassy The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the visa exemption period extension for foreign tourists from 30 days to 45 days from October 2022 to March 2023 to potentially boost the tourism industry. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269361-thai-covid-center-approves-visa-period-extensions-for-foreign-tourists/

PHOTO: Thai Embassy The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the visa exemption period extension for foreign tourists from 30 days to 45 days from October 2022 to March 2023 to potentially boost the tourism industry. The Visa on Arrival (VOA) will also be extended from a maximum of 15 days to 30 days, CCSA spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuyothin stated after the general meeting on Friday, August 19th. In layman’s terms, if your country’s visa was previously for fifteen days, it will extend to thirty. If it was for thirty, it will extend to 45, effective October 1st. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/19/thai-covid-center-approves-visa-period-extensions-for-foreign-tourists-to-boost-tourism-economy-effective-this-october/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-19 - 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!

Study finds Long Covid heightens risks for neurological and mental conditions BANGKOK (NNT) - A respected medical lecturer has pointed out findings from a major study on the effects and risks associated with Long Covid. The study found Long Covid is associated with risks of developing neurological and mental conditions. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269359-study-finds-long-covid-heightens-risks-for-neurological-and-mental-conditions/

BANGKOK (NNT) - A respected medical lecturer has pointed out findings from a major study on the effects and risks associated with Long Covid. The study found Long Covid is associated with risks of developing neurological and mental conditions. Chulalongkorn University lecturer Thira Woratanarat wrote about issues with Long Covid on his Facebook page. He cited a study from Oxford University, published in The Lancet Psychiatry medical journal. The study assessed Long Covid issues from data produced by about 1.3 million people worldwide. The study evaluated the risks of Long Covid affecting the brain, nervous system, and mental health. Assoc. Prof. Thira elaborated on key discoveries brought about by the study. Firstly, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was found to contribute the same Long Covid risks as those presented by the Delta or earlier strains. Said risks are associated with the brain, nervous system, and mental health. Secondly, people who contract COVID-19 are at risk of emotional setbacks such as depression and anxiety. However, said risk will gradually reduce over 2-3 months until it reaches the same level as that for the normal population. Thirdly, the study found that people who contracted Covid face a heightened risk of developing neurological issues. The study determined that said risk prevails over a period of two years. Dr. Thira noted the period might actually be longer than two years if the study is continued into the future. Dr. Thira said the study is of global interest as it illustrates the significance of Long Covid. He added a wide range of neurological and emotional conditions may arise due to Long Covid and the elevated risks for these conditions may last for more than 2 years. The medical lecturer said each country needs to come up with support systems for people afflicted with the aforementioned conditions. People who were previously infected should frequently assess their health in terms of cognitive ability, memory, attention span, and emotion. If these do not match the pre-Covid norm, the individual should consult a doctor. Dr. Thira added that keeping from getting infected with Covid is the best path to take. He said wearing masks correctly is key to this effort. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220819025123784 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-19 - 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 warns against intensified dengue fever outbreaks during this rainy season BANGKOK (NNT) - Health authorities have voiced their concern about the threat of dengue fever during the current rainy season. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has indicated the illness is now being increasingly found in the adult population. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269358-ddc-warns-against-intensified-dengue-fever-outbreaks-during-this-rainy-season/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Health authorities have voiced their concern about the threat of dengue fever during the current rainy season. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has indicated the illness is now being increasingly found in the adult population. DDC Director-General Opas Karnkawinpong said 16,276 dengue fever patients were found in Thailand from January 1 to August 10 this year. 14 of these patients have lost their lives. The group of deceased patients aged more than 35 years has grown by 2.2 times its size compared to the same period last year. The provinces with the highest patient numbers are, in respective order, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Tak, and Si Saket. For this year, the DDC expects intensified dengue fever outbreaks in accordance with the disease’s outbreaks cycle. The department says there is a tendency for a greater prevalence of the disease among adult patients. Dengue fever entails 2-7 days of acute high fever in combination with headaches, body aches, a reddened face, and small, red spots on the skin. Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, and loss of appetite may also occur. Most dengue fever patients do not experience coughs or runny rose. When the fever starts to level off, special care must be exercised to shocks and deaths being commonly observed during this stage. The DDC director-general asks that people look after the conditions of people in their families who come down with fever. If a high fever persists for more than 2 days and cannot be brought down via fever reducers, there is cause for dengue fever to be suspected. In this scenario, aspirin and ibuprophen drugs are to be avoided and the patient should quickly be taken to see a doctor. Dr. Opas encouraged people to remove mosquito breeding grounds around their homes. This can be done by keeping the home tidy, storing all items in and around the home in an orderly manner, and increasing sunlight intake. Lids should be placed on items that contain water and vases should have their water changed every week. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220819024620781 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-19 - 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!

Commerce Min promoting Thailand-Singapore digital trade BANGKOK (NNT) - As digital platforms have increasingly become a vital tool for post-pandemic trade, the Ministry of Commerce is now assisting the preparation of Thai businesses for digital economic transformation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269357-commerce-min-promoting-thailand-singapore-digital-trade/

BANGKOK (NNT) - As digital platforms have increasingly become a vital tool for post-pandemic trade, the Ministry of Commerce is now assisting the preparation of Thai businesses for digital economic transformation. The Department of Trade Negotiations held a seminar on the new age of commerce between Thailand and Singapore, with a particular focus on digital trade. This event highlighted the potential of digital trade partnerships between Thailand and foreign countries, particularly Singapore which has already established digital economy partnerships with several countries, such as Australia and New Zealand. Department of Trade Negotiations Director-General Auramon Supthaweethum said Singapore had proposed to establish a digital economy partnership with Thailand, which is now under review. She said this marks a good start for Thai businesses to make the necessary preparations as many countries have already adopted digital-related laws. Deputy Minister of Commerce Sinit Lertkrai said e-commerce has recently become a key agenda following its global increase in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while several trade deals such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership have a dedicated agreement for e-commerce. He said the Thai government and private sector have been working together to streamline digitalization, which includes an effort to establish a national e-commerce platform that is linked to the national platforms of other countries. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220819024320778 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-19 - 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!

COVID infections on the rise in 44 provinces, over 30,000 new cases a day (Photo by Viktor Forgacs) COVID-19 infections in 44 of Thailand’s provinces, including Bangkok, have been increasing, with an average rate of 31,148 cases a day between August 7th and 13th, according to Spokesman for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269355-covid-infections-on-the-rise-in-44-provinces-over-30000-new-cases-a-day/

(Photo by Viktor Forgacs) COVID-19 infections in 44 of Thailand’s provinces, including Bangkok, have been increasing, with an average rate of 31,148 cases a day between August 7th and 13th, according to Spokesman for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin. The death toll, during the same period, was 236, most of whom were people over 60, those with underlying diseases and pregnant women. There were also 853 serious cases, including 436 on ventilators. Dr. Taweesin said that he would like the public to continue to wear face masks while they are outdoors and among people, noting that not getting infected is the best means of protection. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-infections-on-the-rise-in-44-provinces-over-30000-new-cases-a-day/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-19 - 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!

Kuwaiti man racing motorbikes with foreigners crashes in a pickup truck A Kuwaiti motorbike racer driving in a group of four other foreigners crashed into a stationary pickup truck in Pattaya and suffered several injuries. Nobody, however, reportedly cooperated with the police, so all five bikes were impounded. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269274-kuwaiti-man-racing-motorbikes-with-foreigners-crashes-in-a-pickup-truck/

A Kuwaiti motorbike racer driving in a group of four other foreigners crashed into a stationary pickup truck in Pattaya and suffered several injuries. Nobody, however, reportedly cooperated with the police, so all five bikes were impounded. The accident occurred in the early morning of August 18th on Jomtien Beach Road at the entry of Soi 9 in Banglamung. Sawang Boriboon rescue services assisted one Kuwaiti racer who crashed his rented Honda PCX bike into a stationary Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck on the side of the road and hurt himself. According to reports, the Kuwaiti man suffered a serious head injury and scrapes and did not provide his name to the police who arrived later and tried to initially refuse medical treatment. His four foreign friends who were with him only shouted incomprehensibly at rescue workers, police, and reporters, and refused to tell officers which bike they rode, so the Pattaya police officers decided to impound all five bikes. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/18/kuwaiti-man-racing-motorbikes-with-four-other-foreigners-crashes-into-pickup-truck-in-pattaya-and-suffers-injuries-group-refuses-to-cooperate-with-police/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-18 - 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!

54-year-old man found dead while out fishing PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya A 54-year-old man was found dead in a deserted pond while out fishing in Chonburi. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269273-54-year-old-man-found-dead-while-out-fishing/

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya A 54-year-old man was found dead in a deserted pond while out fishing in Chonburi. Police officers from the Chonburi Police Station were notified of a middle-aged man drowning in a deep, deserted pond in the Na Pa subdistrict of Chonburi’s Mueng district today, August 18th. The victim was a 54-year-old elderly father, Kwanjai Kaewyam. He was discovered by his daughter, Maneemol Kaewyam, 22, who left home to look for him after he was out fishing for oddly long. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/18/54-year-old-man-found-dead-in-a-pond-while-out-fishing-in-chonburi/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-18 - 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 four million foreign tourists have arrived since January, TAT reports PHOTO: prachachat The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Wednesday, August 17th, reported that the total number of foreign tourists arriving in Thailand has reached four million since the full country reopening on January 1st. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269272-more-than-four-million-foreign-tourists-have-arrived-since-january-tat-reports/

PHOTO: prachachat The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Wednesday, August 17th, reported that the total number of foreign tourists arriving in Thailand has reached four million since the full country reopening on January 1st. TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn told the press that after the government had relaxed its measures and registrations for foreign tourists in January, it was reported that a total of 4,015,504 tourists had visited the country from January 1st to August 16th, reflecting a gradual improvement in the tourism industry. “TAT expected that as of August 31st, the number of foreign tourists would reach 4.5 million people and about 40,000+ people would arrive in the country per day,” the governor added. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/18/more-than-four-million-foreign-tourists-have-arrived-in-thailand-since-full-country-reopening-in-january-thailands-tourism-authority-reports/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-18 - 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!

TAT to Propose Visa Extension for Tourists BANGKOK, Aug 18 (TNA) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand will propose to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration tomorrow (Aug 19) to extend the maximum stays for holders of tourist visas and visas on arrival to encourage them to stay longer in the country. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269264-tat-to-propose-visa-extension-for-tourists/