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Doctors at Hanoi's Bach Mai Hospital treats a patient. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy A bidding process that requires hospitals to buy the cheapest medical products and tools is worrying doctors, who warn low-quality products directly impact patients' health. A renowned surgeon at an unidentified hospital in the north, returning home after midnight one day, could not sleep: His conscience was troubled by the fact his patients' condition could be affected because of low-quality sutures. Cheap, low-quality sutures makes it difficult for doctors to knot them, and they can break if tugged too hard, he said. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/cheap-medical-tools-mean-costly-consequences-doctors-lament-4504409.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-29

Passengers pictured at Tandang Sora Jeep Terminal in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City on Oct. 19, 2021. The Department of Transportation is pushing for an increase in passenger capacity of public utility vehicles following the downgrading of Metro Manila's COVID-19 alert level from 4 to 3. The STAR / Michael Varcas MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said that it expects to release the rate of the long-overdue jeepney fare hikes as early as next week. LTFRB Chairperson Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said they are still weighing how much out of the P3 to P4 additional fare petition will be imposed on commuters. The regulatory board required jeepney groups to file a position paper or a memorandum within 15 days since their last hearing with the regulatory board held August 18. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205932/overdue-jeepney-fare-hike-rate-be-released-earliest-next-week -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. leads the commemoration of the National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on August 29, 2022. Screengrab from PTV livestream MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to Filipinos of "extraordinary courage" who fought to establish and protect the Philippines as the country celebrates National Heroes’ Day. "We remember and honor each of them for the sacrifices they made in our behalf so that we may live in peace, security, and liberty as well as realize our full potential as Filipinos," Marcos said in his first National Heroes Day message as the chief executive. He urged the public to not forgetthem as "their legacy of heroism lives on in the hearts of our medical professionals, civil servants, uniformed personnel, and ordinary citizens who toil to keep the Filipino dream alive." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205912/marcos-be-heroes-our-own-right-inspire-future-generations-filipinos -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

Smoke billows as rival Libyan groups exchange fire in the capital Tripoli, on August 27, 2022. The fighting broke out in various districts of Tripoli between groups armed with both heavy and light weapons, as two rival governments yet again vie for power in the oil-rich but impoverished North African country. The exchange wounded civilians and raised fears of all-out conflict in a country facing a grave political crisis. AFP / Mahmud Turkia MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has not received a report of Filipinos harmed in clashes between the backers of Libya’s rival governments. Amb. Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA spokesperson, said that the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli is monitoring the situation. “The DFA strongly urges our kababayans to take shelter at home or in other safe places while the fighting is ongoing and to contact our Embassy through its hotline numbers for immediate assistance,” Daza told the media Sunday evening. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205918/no-filipino-reported-harmed-tripoli-clashes-dfa -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

A consensus building is held in Brgy. Barong Barong in Brooke's Point on August 5, 2022. Rowena Combang MANILA, Philippines — Indigenous Pala’wans in Brooke’s Point in Palawan said they are at serious risk of losing their lands, livelihoods, and way of life due to the extraction of nickel from their ancestral territory. Mining activities in the southern Palawan municipality threaten the livelihood of communities dependent on agriculture, fisheries and forests, and affect the access of residents to clean water, Pala’wan leaders and youth interviewed by Philstar.com said. They protested the Community Consultative Assemblies (CCAs) that they said were hastily done for the activities of Ipilan Nickel Corp. (INC) and the outcomes of the meetings. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205905/palawan-ips-nickel-mining-threat-communitys-survival -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

Bangkok Introduces Ratchaphiphat Sandbox Model BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched its telemedicine program at Ratchaphiphat hospital in Bang Kae district, with mobile units to be deployed to various areas in the capital. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270324-bangkok-introduces-ratchaphiphat-sandbox-model/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched its telemedicine program at Ratchaphiphat hospital in Bang Kae district, with mobile units to be deployed to various areas in the capital. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, accompanied by his deputy, Tavida Kamolvej, presided over the launch of the "Ratchaphiphat Sandbox Model." According to Chadchart, the BMA is currently working to expand and enhance the city’s healthcare services for the general public, particularly for those in need of medical assistance. The program aims to make it easier for patients and medical staff to request and provide assistance, thereby reducing hospital crowding and workloads. Chadchart added that the Ratchaphiphat Sandbox Model, which is subsidized by the private sector, is also receiving support from the BMA’s Medical Service Department, the Health Department, district offices, the National Health Security Office and a number of private medical centers in the capital. Even though the model is only available to certain communities in Bangkok, Chadchart said he hoped that similar health initiatives will soon be available in all of the city’s 50 districts. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220829134741179 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-27 - 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!

Kratom Plant Act Announced in Royal Gazette BANGKOK (NNT) - The Kratom Plant Act has been promulgated with specified legal terms regarding the exploitation of its medicinal properties and the prohibition of its use by the vulnerable. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270323-kratom-plant-act-announced-in-royal-gazette/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Kratom Plant Act has been promulgated with specified legal terms regarding the exploitation of its medicinal properties and the prohibition of its use by the vulnerable. Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the Kratom Plant Act, which went into effect on August 27, followed the removal of kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) from the national list of controlled substances more than a year ago. According to Rachada, the law primarily regulates the use of kratom leaves, the boiling of the leaves to create infused water, leaf extracts and the application process for a kratom license. It also addresses the suspension and revocation of related licenses, the legal protection of those susceptible to harm from kratom leaf consumption, and the prevention of substance abuse. Rachada said state agencies could also assist the public in cultivating kratom and processing the leaves under their culture and customs. However, the procedure must be strictly carried out in accordance with applicable laws. Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin meanwhile said more government support was required to conduct research and improve the quality of kratom leaves and that laws could be amended to permit the production of kratom leaves and herbal ingredients for use in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220829142448208 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-27 - 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 Dismisses Rumors About Cabinet Reshuffle, House Dissolution BANGKOK (NNT) - Following the Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha from his duties as prime minister, the government has dismissed rumors of a possible cabinet reshuffle or dissolution of the House of Representatives. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270319-government-dismisses-rumors-about-cabinet-reshuffle-house-dissolution/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Following the Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha from his duties as prime minister, the government has dismissed rumors of a possible cabinet reshuffle or dissolution of the House of Representatives. Deputy Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana stated in an interview on Saturday (27 Aug) that Gen Prayut still has other responsibilities within the government and that his suspension as prime minister is only in effect until the court issues a ruling on his tenure. As required by the 2020 State Affairs Administration Act, Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon has assumed the role of acting prime minister. Tipanan also confirmed that all government projects, including Thailand’s preparations for the upcoming APEC summit in November, will continue as planned. The Constitutional Court last week suspended Gen Prayut from his position as prime minister pending its decision on his term limit. The suspension order followed the court’s unanimous decision to accept a petition from the opposition requesting a ruling on Gen Prayut’s eight-year tenure. The petition, signed by 171 opposition lawmakers, was submitted on Monday (22 Aug). Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Sunday (28 Aug) that coalition parties remain united and will continue to work with the ruling Palang Pracharath Party until the court rules on the matter. Full Story: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220829132000167 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-27 - 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!

Efforts underway to return three historic artefacts to Thailand from USA The US Department of Homeland Security has been negotiating with the Denver Art Museum for the return of three historic artefacts to Thailand, Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said today (Monday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270318-efforts-underway-to-return-three-historic-artefacts-to-thailand-from-usa/

The US Department of Homeland Security has been negotiating with the Denver Art Museum for the return of three historic artefacts to Thailand, Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said today (Monday). The three items are the Srivijaya-era Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and two bronze statues of the Dvaravati period, from the 7th to 11th centuries AD. Last year, the Department of Homeland Security helped to secure the return, from the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, of two Khmer stone lintels, believed to have originated from Prasat Nong Hong in Buri Ram province and Prasat Khao Lon in Sa Kaeo province. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/efforts-underway-to-return-three-historic-artefacts-to-thailand-from-usa/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - 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!

Poor market sentiment sinks SCB’s multi-billion-baht deal for Bitkub Siam Commercial Bank (now named SCB X), Thailand’s oldest commercial bank, created a flutter in the markets in November last year when it announced a multibillion deal to buy a majority stake in Bitkub Online Co, Thailand’s largest digital asset exchange. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270317-poor-market-sentiment-sinks-scb’s-multi-billion-baht-deal-for-bitkub/

Siam Commercial Bank (now named SCB X), Thailand’s oldest commercial bank, created a flutter in the markets in November last year when it announced a multibillion deal to buy a majority stake in Bitkub Online Co, Thailand’s largest digital asset exchange. The 17.8-billion-baht deal made headlines and spurred excitement in the financial and startup communities. SCB X said at the time that the deal was part of its efforts to transform its business and to ride the rapid popularity of digital assets. The deal was expected to hoist Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co, the parent company of Bitkub Online, to unicorn status — a startup worth over US$1 billion (about 36 billion baht currently) — and make Jirayut Srupsrisopa, the founder and CEO of Bitkub Capital Group, as potentially a new billionaire. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/poor-market-sentiment-sinks-scbs-multi-billion-baht-deal-for-bitkub/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - 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!

Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, Wattanasak Sur-iam, says that Thai President Foods (Mama), Thai Preserved Food (Wai Wai) and Wan Thai Foods Industry (Yum Yum) are allowed to increase their instant noodle pricesby 1 Baht, increasing the price to 7 baht per packet, effective August 25th. Any greater price increase could, however, lead to 7 years in prison and/or a fine of up to 140,000 baht. In reaching their decision, the ministry took into account the increased costs of production. This approval is, however, on the condition that, if or when those costs reduce, the per-packet prices will reduce accordingly. The noodle makers also have to report monthly to the Department of Internal Trade onthe cost of raw materials. “Today we invited the three manufacturers for a meeting. They have been seeking permission for a 2-baht price increase since 2021 and the department had asked them to maintain the price until now. The matter has been monitored closely. With the cost increases in production, as well as energy and labour costs, we have agreed to a raising of the price, effective tomorrow (Thursday).” Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-commerce-ministry-approves-1-per-packet-instant-noodle-price-rise/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-24 - 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!

PHOTO: บริษัท โสภณ เคเบิ้ล ที.วี.และสื่อสาร พัทยา จำกัด Bridges over the South Pattaya canal that connected to nightclubs on Walking Street would soon be demolished due to being illegally built, and the owner would face legal action, according to the Pattaya deputy mayor. Manoch Nongyai, Pattaya Deputy Mayor, on Wednesday, August 24th, responded to citizens’ grievances about a new bridge over the South Pattaya canal, which the concerned citizens said may have been constructed without proper permission. According to Manoch, there were three bridges over the canal, but only the one owned by Siam Bayshore Hotel was built legally with permission from the Marine Department. The deputy carried on that the other two bridges were owned by private parties and lacked permission, so they would soon be demolished. One, however, was still being debated in court because the owner had filed an appeal, Manoch added. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/24/bridges-illegally-built-over-south-pattaya-canal-near-walking-street-to-be-demolished-deputy-mayor-says/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-24 - 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!

NARATHIWAT, Aug 24 (TNA) – A policeman was injured when militants attacked their ad hoc base assigned to guard Cho-airong railway station. The base was attacked at 7.10pm on Aug 23. Shrapnel hit the abdomen of Pol L/C Akapol Buachan. Officials said attackers threw three pipe bombs at the base and one of them did not explode. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1004265 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-08-24 - 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 Thai cabinet today (Tuesday) approved an 18.447 billion baht budget for the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to cover medical expenses, medication, vaccines and equipment used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients between April 1st and May 15th. The NHSO has played a key role in arranging for COVID-19 patients to be treated in hospitals or in home isolation free of charge until they recover. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-cabinet-approves-18-4-billion-baht-for-nhso-covid-19-medical-expenses/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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!

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’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha leaves after his weekly cabinet meeting at the Government House in Bangkok on August 23, 2022. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP) As if political pundits these days didn’t have enough to chew on, Prayut government’s top legal expert Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam on Monday opened what might seem to be a new political Pandora’s Box. And it surely has added to the already heated debate on the political fate of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. According to Wissanu, even in the worst–case scenario in which he is forced out of office as prime minister as the result of a Constitutional Court’s ruling, Prayut Chan-o-cha will still be around in the Cabinet – not as prime minister but as defence minister. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/whatever-charter-courts-ruling-general-prayut-will-not-go-away-easily/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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’s Committee on Energy Policy Administration (CEPA) agreed today (Monday) to help shoulder the burden on household electricity consumers through discounts from September until December, the period the fuel tariff (FT) will be hiked. According to the committee, households which use no more than 300 units of electricity per month will get a discount of 92.04 satang per unit from September until end of December. Households which use between 301-500 units per month will be given discount rates on step-by-step format, ranging from 15% to 75%. These users account for 89% of household users nationwide, or 80% of all users. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/household-electricity-users-to-get-discounts-from-september-to-december/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

A large group of what appears to be Middle Eastern tourists with over 30 motorbikes allegedly blocked parts of Sukumvit Road to illegally race motorbikes. Local media today in the early morning, August 22nd, reported about a group of foreign motorcyclists who gathered in front of the Esso gas station in South Pattaya to drive around the city, unnecessarily honk horns, and disturb peace in the neighborhood. The group of around 30 racers also blocked a portion of Sukhumvit Road in South Pattaya to race their motorcycles without a care for other drivers who may want to share the road, according to local media. This action outraged numerous Thais and foreign tourists who resided close to the street or the rendezvous of these foreign racers, prompting a question of where the law enforcement officials were when they were needed. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/22/pattaya-residents-and-social-media-upset-about-overnight-foreign-motorbike-racers-disturbing-the-peace/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

(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!

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!