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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. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said that TAT would propose tourist visas be valid for 45 days instead of 30 days and visas on arrival for 30 days instead of 15 days and the measure should continue until Dec 31, 2022. According to him, TAT will also propose to end the requirement for visitors arriving by land from Laos and Malaysia to fill in the TM6 immigration form to facilitate their visits and prevent crowding at immigration checkpoints. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1000572 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 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!

Gen Prawit follows up on land bank operations BANGKOK (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan today made a video call with related agencies to follow up on land allocation in 8 provinces. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269263-gen-prawit-follows-up-on-land-bank-operations/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan today made a video call with related agencies to follow up on land allocation in 8 provinces. Gen Prawit was today briefed on the sustainable land management initiative run by the Land Bank Administration Institute (LABAI). He urged the institute to expedite its work, while emphasizing the government’s priority to solve issues surrounding land rights among farmers and low-income earners. The institute currently operates sustainable land management projects for some 197 hectares of land (1,234 rai) in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Phetchaburi, Chachoengsao, and Surat Thani. The projects have so far allowed farmers from 12 community enterprises to farm on these plots of land, in line with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. Produce from these farms is sold in nearby communities, and is recognized as safe and organic products. This allows members of the community enterprises to generate an even higher income. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220818182937644 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-17 - 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!

CCSA to endorse downgrading COVID-19 disease tier BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is expected to consider endorsing the reclassification of COVID-19 as an infectious disease under surveillance tomorrow. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269262-ccsa-to-endorse-downgrading-covid-19-disease-tier/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is expected to consider endorsing the reclassification of COVID-19 as an infectious disease under surveillance tomorrow. The matter is expected to be presented at the CCSA’s full panel meeting on Friday by the Ministry of Public Health, which has previously announced the downgrade, as per the National Communicable Disease Committee’s decision. Gen Supoj Malaniyom, Secretary General of the National Security Council, said the CCSA may provide observations and recommendations on this matter, including scenarios for future developments, as the National Communicable Disease Committee has the full authority to adjust the disease tier. The Thai government has been relaxing disease control restrictions, allowing the economy and the hard-hit tourism industry to recover. Efforts have been made to improve access to treatments, with the necessary drugs now accessible through private hospitals and medical clinics. Officials are now considering expanding the drug supply to primary pharmacies in the future. Despite the improved situation, the NSC chief said the Emergency Decree remains essential to controlling movements at borders. Gen Supoj said the decision regarding the Emergency Decree will depend on the Ministry of Public Health’s proposal, while the proposal to extend nightclub closing time to as late as 4 am will not be added to the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul said the ministry will let the CCSA decide whether to extend the Emergency Decree, noting that the law should not be viewed as a restriction to rights or freedom, but rather a disease control response that enables fast and effective treatments for patients. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220818174907603 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-17 - 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 vaccination service at Bang Sue Grand Station extended until end of September Thailand’s largest vaccination centre, at Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station, will continue to provide a free COVID-19 inoculation service to the public until the end of September, instead of the end of this month as earlier announced. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269261-free-vaccination-service-at-bang-sue-grand-station-extended-until-end-of-september/

Thailand’s largest vaccination centre, at Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station, will continue to provide a free COVID-19 inoculation service to the public until the end of September, instead of the end of this month as earlier announced. Dr. Mingkwan Wichaidit, head of the vaccination centre, said today (Thursday) that the extension of the service has been approved by the Medical Services and Disease Control departments, because there are still people arriving at the centre, especially for booster shots. She added that the extension of the service is in line with the Ministry of Public Health’s decision to change the status of COVID-19 from “dangerous infectious disease” to “infectious disease under watch” in October. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/free-vaccination-service-at-bang-sue-grand-station-extended-until-end-of-september/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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!

The health ministry has ordered two imported batches of cancer drugs be taken out of Vietnam because they contain an ingredient included in the national list of toxic medicinal ingredients. Around 3,042 packets of Capetero 500 were imported into Vietnam by the Dong Duong Complex Distribution Company, based in Ho Chi Minh City’s Thu Duc City. The drug is used to treat certain kinds of cancer including breast and colorectal cancer. However, the drug also contains capecitabine, a chemotherapy medication taken by mouth, with common side effects like abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. This ingredient is including in Vietnam’s list of toxic drugs and toxic medicinal ingredients. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/imported-cancer-drugs-contain-toxic-ingredient-health-ministry-4500825.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-18

A Vietnamese laborer works illegally at a factory in South Korea in 2016. Photo by VnExpress/Tien Hung The central province of Thanh Hoa is unable to persuade around 900 workers to return home instead of staying on illegally in South Korea. Of 6,000 Thanh Hoa residents that have gone to work in South Korea, 900 have either stayed in the country after their working visa expired or breached contracts to work for other companies, said Le Thanh Tung, deputy head of the province’s labor department. The province’s Dong Son and Hoang Hoa districts have been stopped from recruiting laborers to work in South Korea, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs said in June. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-province-struggles-to-prevent-natives-from-overstaying-in-south-korea-4500821.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-18

Local people pick up a group of tourists saved from strong waves off Bai Truong Beach in Phu Quoc Island. A local man died of heart failure soon after saving five people from being swept away by strong waves on Phu Quoc Island. On Wednesday afternoon Nguyen Van Thai, 56, a native of Duong To Commune, and some others heard a group of tourists in the water calling for help. The three adults and two children were swimming on Bai Truong beach when they were buffeted by giant waves. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/man-saves-tourists-from-drowning-in-phu-quoc-dies-of-heart-failure-4501006.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-18

The overpass (L) at Thu Duc Intersection in Thu Duc City runs next to the metro line, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran In the past decade, overpasses with steel girders have helped HCMC tackle chronic gridlocks at nine major intersections. It's planning many more. It was in 2012 that lightweight overpasses were put on the table for discussion as traffic congestion became a gravely serious problem at the Thu Duc Intersection in the then Thu Duc District (now part of Thu Duc City) and the Hang Xanh Intersection in Binh Thanh District. Built with steel girders, lightweight overpasses have a shorter lifespan yet cost less and take less time to build compared to those with concrete girders. When needed, the overpass can be disassembled and moved to other places. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/lightweight-overpasses-unlock-hcmc-gridlocks-4499935.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-18

A man (L) looks for jobs in Hanoi after returning from working in South Korea, July 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Hong Chieu The vast majority of Vietnamese workers abroad are low-skilled, driving the future need for more high-skilled labor, experts told a Tuesday conference. The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs said Vietnam began to export workers in the 1980s, and by today, over 100,000 travel abroad annually. Vietnamese workers are now present in 40 countries and territories and work in over 30 fields, bringing home over $3 billion a year, the ministry added. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/90-of-vietnamese-migrant-workers-are-low-skilled-expert-4500735.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-18

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong speaks at the 22nd session of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption and Negative Action in Hanoi on August 17, 2022. Photo by Vietnam News Agency Vietnam’s fight against corruption is stronger than ever, with many breakthroughs recorded in the strict implementation of laws, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said Wednesday. The recent punishments meted out to Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long and former Minister of Science and Technology Chu Ngoc Anh for their violations in what is known as the Viet A test kit scandal showcases the determination and urgency of anti-corruption officials in dealing with the wrongdoings, he said at the 22nd session of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption and Negative Action. It also shows that there is no exception and no "restricted area" when it comes to fighting corruption, he added. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/no-restricted-area-in-corruption-fight-breakthroughs-achieved-party-chief-4500879.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-18

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. answers question directed to him by the members of the Palace media during a press briefing at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang, Tuesday, July 5, 2022. PCOO / Robinson Niñal MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Thursday urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to address the “deeply problematic” leadership of the Department of Agriculture by appointing a new chief amid the sugar importation mess which the opposition lawmaker said is just the “tip of the iceberg” of the issues hounding the agency. Upon assuming the presidency, Marcos took the agriculture portfolio saying there is a need to arrest rapidly rising food prices. But controversy hit the Sugar Regulatory Administration, an attached agency of the DA, with officials of the regulatory body allowing the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar supposedly without the president’s go signal. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/18/2203512/marcos-urged-appoint-new-agriculture-chief-amid-sugar-mess -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-18

Motorists ply the northbound lane of EDSA in Pasay City before dawn on Aug. 14, 2022. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will reimplement their number coding scheme in the morning, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., starting August 15 to help decongest traffic along EDSA during rush hour. The STAR / Miguel de Guzman MANILA, Philippines (Updated 10:30 a.m.) — Metro Manila mayors are standing pat on their decision to continue the no-contact apprehension program even in the face of a Supreme Court petitions for a temporary restraining order. "[We] have joined together on a common stance to continue the implementation of NCAP within our respective territorial jurisdictions and vow to continuously improve infrastructure and road conditions foreseeing the need for a safer environment," a joint statement issued by five local chief executive reads. "We thank the public for sharing their sentiments on social media as we strive to improve our cities' services. Their opinions and suggestions are valuable inputs that would greatly improve our future endeavors." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/18/2203508/mayors-firm-continuing-no-contact-apprehension-despite-opposition-lto-sc -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-18

This undated photo posted on February 12, 2020 on the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines - NMR Facebook page shows a nun at a fact-finding mission in Agusan del Norte. Rural Missionaries of the Philippines - NMR Facebook page MANILA, Philippines — Terrorist financing raps filed by the Department of Justice have affected the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines' humanitarian operations, the group said as it stressed that its projects were properly documented and are above board. In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, RMP said that its missionary work with peasants, indigenous peoples and other rural poor has been "seriously hampered" because of what they said were relentless state attacks. This comes after the DOJ indicted 16 people on terrorist financing raps. Most of the respondents are members of the group, including nuns. Terrorist financing is a non-bailable charge. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/18/2203527/rural-missionary-work-affected-terrorist-financing-raps-group-says -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-18

Sacks of imported sugar, which were suspected to be hoarded from Thailand, stockpiled inside the warehouse. BOC - Public Information and Assistance Division (BOC-PIAD) MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs raided a warehouse in Pampanga suspected of hoarding thousands of sacks of sugar amid the sugar price hike, Malacañang said Thursday. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. ordered the raid of Lison Building that houses the New Public Market in San Fernando City. BOC is directed to “exercise its visitorial powers to all customs bonded warehouse and to check on the inventory of imported agricultural products with the aim of finding out if there is hoarding of sugar.” Operatives of the Clark-based Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and Enforcement and Security Service (ESS)-Quick Reaction Team seized sacks of imported sugar, which were suspected to be hoarded from Thailand, stockpiled inside the warehouse. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/18/2203519/customs-raids-pampanga-sugar-warehouse-over-alleged-hoarding -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-18

An overseas Filipino worker has her temperature taken prior to checking in at the counters of the NAIA-1 departure area yesterday(May 29, 2021). Krizjohn Rosales, file MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is working on imposing stricter initiatives to ensure the safety of Overseas Filiino Workers (OFWs), especially guidelines on domestics workers, such as creating a “white list” of recruitment agencies. DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople also said that the department wants to take a “rights-based” approach in their securing their welfare. The department also tasked the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices to review its current and create new verification guidelines for OFWs. Some of the initiatives the DMW is taking for the recruitment agencies and employers include: Establishing a “white list” of recruitment agencies and foreign recruitment agencies that have consistently followed rules on ethical recruitment and principles Conducting a performance review and assessment based on their deployment numbers and capacity to monitor and respond to welfare cases of the licensed recruitment agencies and their foreign counterparts. Issuance of country-specific employment contracts that would reflect current labor laws, migration policies, and if there is one, the contents of bilateral labor agreements with the destination country. Required video presentation viewing that discusses OFW rights and welfare for all new employers before any document is signed. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/18/2203532/dmw-sets-initiatives-ensure-migrant-domestic-workers-safety -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-18

Agoda says Bangkok is top destination for tourists worldwide, Pattaya 8th most popular BANGKOK (NNT) - International tourists’ activity has picked up due to the continuous scaling down of COVID-19 restriction measures around the globe. Amid this renewed vigor in the tourism scene, major accommodations booking platform Agoda has found Bangkok to be the most popular destination among tourists globally. It also found Pattaya City to be the eighth most popular destination. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269247-agoda-says-bangkok-is-top-destination-for-tourists-worldwide-pattaya-8th-most-popular/

BANGKOK (NNT) - International tourists’ activity has picked up due to the continuous scaling down of COVID-19 restriction measures around the globe. Amid this renewed vigor in the tourism scene, major accommodations booking platform Agoda has found Bangkok to be the most popular destination among tourists globally. It also found Pattaya City to be the eighth most popular destination. Online travel booking platform Agoda made the findings after having compiled data on room booking made via the platform from May to August this year. It found Bangkok to be the number one destination drawing interest from foreign tourists. Agoda noted Thailand’s near-complete lifting of Covid travel restrictions and disease control measures. It made the observation that nightlife venues, beaches, cultures, and myriad foods await tourists who visit Thailand. Other destinations Agoda said were among the top five most popular among its users were, in respective order, Jeju island of South Korea; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Tokyo, Japan; and Seoul, South Korea. Thailand’s Pattaya City was the 8th most popular destination, owing to it being a seaside city renowned for its nightlife scene. According to Agoda, Pattaya was also appreciated for its sandy beaches, delectable food offers, and gorgeous hotels. With international travel slowly returning to normal, the government has laid down a tourism restoration plan for 2023. Emphasis is placed on creating value for each journey taken and improving marketing competitiveness. These efforts are aimed at enabling sustainable growth of tourism. To achieve this aim, meaningful and memorable experiences will be fostered and made into qualities that attract tourists. Thailand’s soft power will also be leveraged as the country takes aim at becoming a “world-class destination”. The government wishes to promote Thailand as a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. The target for tourism income generation in 2023 is 2.38 trillion baht. Thailand’s tourism attractions are by no means clustered in just Bangkok and Pattaya. Several other destinations – Chiang Mai and Phuket to name a few – are also highly rated by travelers. As hosts to the tourists, people in Thailand are encouraged to take care of existing tourist attractions and seek new experiences that can be offered to travelers. This should be pursued while adequately meeting health requirements. The gradual revitalization of holiday-making worldwide presents Thailand with a good opportunity to attract tourism income and thus revive its economy. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220818003745338 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-17 - 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!

Bangkok governor joins C40 on climate action BANGKOK (NNT) - The C40 Cities group invited the governor of Bangkok to join its discussion on air quality management in urban areas that took place today. The group also invited the governor to join upcoming meetings and a global summit later this year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269246-bangkok-governor-joins-c40-on-climate-action/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The C40 Cities group invited the governor of Bangkok to join its discussion on air quality management in urban areas that took place today. The group also invited the governor to join upcoming meetings and a global summit later this year. Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt has met with the C40’s Regional Director for East, Southeast Asia, and Oceania Milag San Jose-Ballesteros to discuss the cooperation and engagement of Bangkok with the C40 organization in climate action. The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group is a network of 97 world-leading cities collaborating on the actions needed to mitigate the climate crisis. The organization serves as a platform enabling exchanges of experiences and opinions on the subject of climate, with future plans to establish cooperation on climate and environment. In this meeting with the Bangkok governor, the C40 presented its leadership standards and potential opportunities to establish cooperation with Bangkok on the topics of urban climate and sustainability, from air pollution mitigation to the promotion of an electric vehicle ecosystem. The group also invited the governor of Bangkok to join its meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia later this month, and the C40 World Mayors Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October. The meeting in Jakarta will be a place for governors and mayors from around the world to discuss the topics of investments in health and housing for the economic and social recovery for all, the promotion of sustainable energy transformation, equitable access to sustainable transport, and the education and training program for future jobs for equitable access to workforce marketplace. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220818001716326 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Man held for questioning after undocumented migrant workers die in road accident Police in Thailand’s southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat are holding a Thai man for questioning, to try to establish his connection with a human trafficking gang responsible for smuggling 32 undocumented migrant workers from Myanmar, four of whom were killed and four others injured in a fatal road accident in the province yesterday (Wednesday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269245-man-held-for-questioning-after-undocumented-migrant-workers-die-in-road-accident/

Police in Thailand’s southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat are holding a Thai man for questioning, to try to establish his connection with a human trafficking gang responsible for smuggling 32 undocumented migrant workers from Myanmar, four of whom were killed and four others injured in a fatal road accident in the province yesterday (Wednesday). The accident occurred on the Asian highway in Chulabhorn district. The man, Niwat Watwan, who escaped injury in the accident, denied any involvement in the trafficking of the migrants, but several of them claimed that he was the one who handled them. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/man-held-for-questioning-after-undocumented-migrant-workers-die-in-road-accident/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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!

Legendary Actor Sombat Methanee Dies Aged 85 BANGKOK, Aug 18 (TNA) – Veteran film actor and national artist Sombat Methanee died at the age of 85 during sleep at his home in Lat Phrao district on Thursday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269244-legendary-actor-sombat-methanee-dies-aged-85/