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by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Health authorities have been reporting an increase in new COVID-19 cases, in what they describe as an expected small wave. Thailand’s top virologist said the latest wave is expected to last until February 2023. The number of new COVID cases in Thailand has been seeing a steady climb, although the disease is no longer categorized by health authorities as a dangerous communicable disease. According to official reports, COVID hospitalizations during the week of November 6th-12th numbered 3,166, or 452 daily cases on average. This was higher than the previous week’s 2,759 cases. The number of COVID fatalities for the previous week stood at 42 cases, averaging six per day. Dr Yong Poovorawan, Head of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, said in a Facebook post that the rise in cases is to be expected as COVID becomes endemic and seasonal. The severity of the disease is considerably lower due to Thailand having mostly achieved herd immunity as a result of vaccinations and natural infections. According to Dr Yong, treatment options have also significantly improved, with effective drugs such as Molnupiravir, Paxlovid and Remdesivir now widely available. On the subject of vaccination, Dr Yong recommends that all Thais receive at least three COVID vaccine doses, regardless of brand. Those who received their last jab over six months ago should meanwhile get an additional booster dose, as the immunity wanes with time. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221116101714534 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-11-16 - 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!

Long prison sentences for madams who preyed on children - man who slept with child gets 12 years The court in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, has handed down judgments against three people involved in a sex trafficking case against minors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277949-long-prison-sentences-for-madams-who-preyed-on-children-man-who-slept-with-child-gets-12-years/

The court in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, has handed down judgments against three people involved in a sex trafficking case against minors. The case came to light at the beginning of last year when a 13 year old girl was rescued at a hotel. It involves a sex ring offering girls as young as 13 up to 18 to civil servants, doctors and medical staff, soldiers and businessmen. Senior Thai policeman Pol Gen Surachate Hakpan - the man known as Big Joke - got involved in the case aspart of efforts to crack down on human trafficking. The first two defendants were two madams who procured and offered the girls for sex. The third was a hospital employee who admitted sleeping with girls under 15. The madams - Rungrudee Sae-bao or "Jay Nam" and Trisana "Fay" Jankaew were ordered jailed for 314 years. This was reduced by half to 157 years on admission. The most they can serve according to the law is 50 years so that was the final sentence. In addition these two defendents were required to pay 3 million baht in compensation to seven victims who received between 300,000 and 600,000 baht each. The man who bought sexual services of children under 15 was Suriyan Rakkapao. He was given 24 years in jail in respect of 6 cases. This was reduced to 12 years on admission. A further 29 people who allegedly slept with the girls are being prosecuted, with the investigation expected to be complete by May next year. These are fighting the cases. They include the son of a former politician in Surat Thani, reported Thai Rath. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-11-16 - 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! Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Tim Newton Today - Nov 16: New Thai visa, Chinese biz crackdowns, APEC protest worries. And CATS Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277948-tim-newton-today-nov-16-new-thai-visa-chinese-biz-crackdowns-apec-protest-worries-and-cats/

There's a new medical visa available from January, authorities worried about protests during APEC, Thai police on top of the crackdowns and investigations into illegally owned businesses in Thailand, more floods in Phuket, and THAT cat 'Nuan' and a guest appearance from Dina. Tim Newton Today is a daily, independent look at Thai and south East Asian regional news. With thanks to our sponsor 5 Star Marine... https://5starmarinephuket.com

Tourism booming in Koh Chang - Thais head north but foreigners make for rosy outlook into 2023 Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported from the holiday island of Koh Chang in Trat where they said that 90% of hotel rooms had been booked out through November. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277945-tourism-booming-in-koh-chang-thais-head-north-but-foreigners-make-for-rosy-outlook-into-2023/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported from the holiday island of Koh Chang in Trat where they said that 90% of hotel rooms had been booked out through November. Local tourism officials said that most of the tourists were foreigners especially Europeans. Tourism was expected to go up and up well into the New Year, said Saraphon Prasatsin of the Trat Hoteliers' Association. Picture: Naew Na He noted that Thais were heading north for their holidays but they were not the target group. That belongs to foreigners on Koh Chang. Though he noted they were not staying long term as before. They were booking for one to two weeks. Picture: Naew Na The island is receiving a timely boost to tourism due to the APEC summit in Bangkok that has meant three extra days off creating a 5 day break until Sunday. Sakkhit Mungkarn of the Tourism Business Association of Trat said that only 10% of rooms were left in Koh Chang in November. Picture: Naew Na He called the island safe and beautiful - after the pandemic natural resources have recovered and the parkland was gorgeous. In addition there are events organized this month such as a Bikini Run, Seafood Festival and beauty pageant Miss Grand Trat is taking place in the province. Picture: Naew Na The coffers of the province are being further swelled by Cambodian tourists who are flooding over the recently opened border on shopping trips to malls in the area. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-11-16 - 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! Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Building contractor returns home - everything is stolen and car is just a lump of old metal Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported that a 61 year old building contractor in Lopburi, central Thailand, returned to her home to find thieves had stolen everything since she was away. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277941-building-contractor-returns-home-everything-is-stolen-and-car-is-just-a-lump-of-old-metal/

Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported that a 61 year old building contractor in Lopburi, central Thailand, returned to her home to find thieves had stolen everything since she was away. A car had been stripped down to its bare bones - it seemed easier to just have stolen it. Sudaporn Thepchartree had been away from her property for a month doing some work in Chonburi. When she returned on Monday she got a terrible shock. Picture: 77kaoded The house in Khok Samrong sub-district on Pahonyothin Road (Route 1) had padlocks removed. The house was a complete mess with four air conditioners, TV, two fridges, fitness equipment and a motorcycle all stolen. Parts of the roof, doors, gates and other items had simply been stripped from the house. But there was worse in a carport area - a car was just a shell. Everything had been stripped from the vehicle that looked like it had been involved in a terrible crash. Picture: 77kaoded The CCTV was not working after a power cut. The owner was too busy to fix it. Police captain Phayap Runghuaphai of the Khok Samrong police was called yesterday to investigate. A video published by 77kaoded as well as many still pictures showed the devastation that greeted the owner on her return from Chonburi. AAA.mp4 -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-11-16 - 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! Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Pattaya Hotel Bookings Surge As Special Holidays Given To People in Bangkok During APEC Week by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has made November 16-18 special public holidays in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan. This is bestowing a windfall on nearby provinces such as Chonburi as people in Bangkok look for destinations to spend the holidays. In Chonburi’s Pattaya city, hotel room bookings have surged by 70%. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277939-pattaya-hotel-bookings-surge-as-special-holidays-given-to-people-in-bangkok-during-apec-week/

by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has made November 16-18 special public holidays in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan. This is bestowing a windfall on nearby provinces such as Chonburi as people in Bangkok look for destinations to spend the holidays. In Chonburi’s Pattaya city, hotel room bookings have surged by 70%. Sanphet Supphabawonsathien, an advisor to the president of the Thai Hotels Association Eastern Chapter, said normally Thais will visit Chonburi on the weekends. During weekdays, visitors comprise mainly of foreign tourists from India, South Korea, and Vietnam. Although tourist numbers are still somewhat subdued, revenue generated from the visitors is of great help to the Covid-hit tourism industry in the East. According to Mr. Sanphet, tourism numbers are expected to rise by 60-70% during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week. He indicated hotels in Chonburi are fully prepared to accommodate the visitors. Although some establishments are still short on manpower, they have resorted to using part-timers to fill the gap. Preparations to accommodate a surge in visitors this week have been made at tourism destinations in Chonburi. Mr. Sanphet revealed that hotels on Ko Lan island off the coast of Pattaya are seeing an increase in bookings for this week. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya has also made preparations for the special holidays by adding decorations around the garden. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221116082613508 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-11-16 - 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 extradited from Thailand to Scotland over child abuse images jailed William Dempster was found to have more than 60,000 indecent images of children before fleeing the country in 2014. By James Delaney Dempster: The 46-year-old was jailed at Hamilton Sheriff Court. Picture: Police Scotland A man who fled to Thailand after being convicted of possessing thousands of indecent images of children has been jailed following extradition back to Scotland. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277935-man-extradited-from-thailand-to-scotland-over-child-abuse-images-jailed/

Dempster: The 46-year-old was jailed at Hamilton Sheriff Court. Picture: Police Scotland William Dempster was found to have more than 60,000 indecent images of children before fleeing the country in 2014. By James Delaney A man who fled to Thailand after being convicted of possessing thousands of indecent images of children has been jailed following extradition back to Scotland. William Dempster was arrested by police in Pattaya in May, eight years after failing to attend sentencing for being caught with 60,000 pictures by officers at his home in Lanarkshire. He was later discovered to have absconded to Thailand before a joint operation between officers in UK and their local counterparts uncovered him living in the beachside city. The 46-year-old was jailed for 18 months and placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday. Dempster, originally from Tayside, was previously arrested in England on charges of “producing, having in possession and disseminating child pornographic material between 2008 and 2013”. Full story: https://news.stv.tv/west-central/william-dempster-who-fled-scotland-for-thailand-over-indecent-images-of-children-jailed-following-extradition -- © Copyright STV News 2022-11-16

Thailand set to welcome 12 million tourists by year-end, with economy likely to buck global trend of recession – says FinMin Akrhom By Thanaphum Charoensombatpanich Thailand’s economy is on the mend as the crucial tourism sector has revived much better than the expectations of the government with total number of tourists entering Thailand by the end of 2022 likely to reach as high as 12 million, a senior member of the Cabinet said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277932-thailand-set-to-welcome-12-million-tourists-by-year-end-with-economy-likely-to-buck-global-trend-of-recession-–-says-finmin-akrhom/

By Thanaphum Charoensombatpanich Thailand’s economy is on the mend as the crucial tourism sector has revived much better than the expectations of the government with total number of tourists entering Thailand by the end of 2022 likely to reach as high as 12 million, a senior member of the Cabinet said. “Our number of foreign tourists coming into the country has risen and we are receiving right now almost 10 million which is beyond our target, our target was 8 million,” Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, the Minister of Finance said. “We were really pessimistic at that time but now 10 million, and we expect to have 11-12 million by the end of this year,” he added. Tourism, which accounts for nearly 15% of Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) had grinded to a halt over the past 2-years due to the implementation of restrictions after the outbreak of Covid-19 that spread across the world in 2020. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/45879/thailand-set-to-welcome-12-million-tourists-by-year-end-with-economy-likely-to-buck-global-trend-of-recession-says-finmin-akrhom/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-11-16 - 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 NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday November 16 2022 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277929-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-november-16-2022/

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is expected to hold talks with a Chinese Shipbuilding company about a proposed engine for new submarines being built… This after the subs german engine manufacturer refused to provide it’s motors to China for ships destined for export. It’s expected the Chinese company will test a proposed replacement engine for the vessels designated for Thailand. A 63 year old man was arrested in Mukdahan north east Thailand while trying to sell 4 tiger cubs to an undercover officer for 1.5 million baht, The tiger cubs were believed to have been brought over from Laos. The man will face legal action, the cubs have been taken into care in Si Saket. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will not join the APEC summit in Bangkok after testing positive for Covid-19 in Bali yesterday. He did not experience any symptoms. An activist group launched a procession of tuk-tuks across Bangkok yesterday demanding the prime minister get out and opposing the Apec summit starting tomorrow. Gen Prawit told reporters that not all the 64 soccer world cup matches will be available on local TV, he blamed the hefty price tag for obtaining the rights to screen the matches due to start on sunday. The government has decided to keep the price of diesel artificially low until at least January, subsidizing diesel will mean continued borrowing and will likely place a financial burden on the next government. REGION Bali: Leaders of the G-20 nations yesterday condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine, deploring its devastating impact on the global economy, as Russia launched new missile attacks on Kyiv and confirmation of two missiles having landed in Poland. China: Migrant workers at a textile factory in Guangzhou staged a protest amid lockdowns and a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases there. videos showed hundreds of residents breaking through lockdown barriers, breaching checkpoints, some got into fist fights with local health authorities. Sunny partly cloudy Chiang Mai: Sunny partly cloudy 31C Bangkok: Bright Partly cloudy with showers 32C Pattaya: and SE: Bright becoming cloudy Cloudy, Rain this afternoon 30C. Phuket: Bright partly Cloudy, thunderstorms 29C. Hua Hin: Bright partly Cloudy, could see a shower 29 C. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com. Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2022-11-16 - 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!

World Sports News - Wednesday 16 November by Chili Radio Listen to the news: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277926-world-sports-news-wednesday-16-november-by-chili-radio/

Listen to the news: Football - Sadio Mane will miss Senegal's "first games" at the World Cup because of a leg injury. The Bayern Munich forward was named in the Teranga Lions squad for Qatar despite being forced off in a club game last week. In the Women's International friendlies played last night highlights included England ending the year unbeaten after drawing 1-1 with Norway. Australia beat Thailand 2-0 and there were also wins for Brazil, The Netherlands, NI, Portugal, Spain and Chile. Tennis - Rafael Nadal's hopes of a first ATP Finals title took another blow as he was beaten 6-3 6-4 by Felix Auger-Aliassime. Defeat against the Canadian follows an opening loss to American Taylor Fritz in Turin. The 36-year-old Spaniard must win the year-end title to finish 2022 as world number one. Rugby Union - Wing Joe Cokanasiga has been ruled out of England's autumn Test against New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday because of an ankle problem. Cokanasiga was a late call-up for the injured Jack Nowell in the 52-13 victory over Japan last Saturday. Download the Chili Radio app : https://chiliradio.app for Chili Pop and Chili Classics. -- © Copyright Chili RADIO 2022-11-16 Chili Radio: https://chiliradiothailand.com Listen Live: https://chiliradio.asia - 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!

Bangla Road checkpoints setup to prevent drugs and crime By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – The Patong Police set up checkpoints on both ends of Bangla Road to prevent illegal drugs and crimes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277922-bangla-road-checkpoints-setup-to-prevent-drugs-and-crime/

By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – The Patong Police set up checkpoints on both ends of Bangla Road to prevent illegal drugs and crimes. The Patong Police told the Police Express that yesterday (November 14th) they set up two checkpoints on both ends at the entrance and the exit to Bangla Road from 8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Police checked every person who entered and exited the Bangla road. The target search was for knives, guns and other weapons, illegal drugs, wanted suspects, and for tourists’ safety. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/11/15/bangla-road-checkpoints-setup-to-prevent-drugs-and-crime/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-11-16 - 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!

Swedish man and daughter escape burning vehicle in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Rawai – A Swedish driver and his daughter have survived after gasoline leaked out before his car caught fire in Rawai, Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277921-swedish-man-and-daughter-escape-burning-vehicle-in-phuket/

By Goongnang Suksawat Rawai – A Swedish driver and his daughter have survived after gasoline leaked out before his car caught fire in Rawai, Phuket. The Chalong Police told the Phuket Express that they were notified of the accident yesterday (November 14th). The Swedish man was driving on Wiset Road heading to Rawai and gasoline was leaking out from the car before the vehicle started to catch fire. The driver stopped the car at the Rawai Post Office and hit a wall. The car was heavily ablaze. Firefighters were called to the scene and it took about ten minutes to put out the fire. The car was significantly damaged by the fire. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/11/15/swedish-man-and-daughter-escape-burning-vehicle-in-phuket/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-11-16 - 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!

Concerns voiced over COVID Deltacron XBC sub-variant Scientists all over the world have been keeping a close eye on a new COVID-19 variant, which is a hybrid of the Delta and Omicron variants and is capable of attacking the lungs, like Delta, and is as easily transmissible as Omicron, according to the Centre for Medical Genomics at Mahidol University. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1277920-concerns-voiced-over-covid-deltacron-xbc-sub-variant/

Scientists all over the world have been keeping a close eye on a new COVID-19 variant, which is a hybrid of the Delta and Omicron variants and is capable of attacking the lungs, like Delta, and is as easily transmissible as Omicron, according to the Centre for Medical Genomics at Mahidol University. The hybrid, which is called Deltacron, has mutated into several sub-variants, namely XBC, XAY, XBA and XAW, especially XBC, which has registered 130 mutations. The centre said that Deltacron was detected in the Philippines early this year and then quickly disappeared. It has since re-emerged in various sub-variants. In a worst case scenario, the centre said that Deltacron may be as deadly as Delta, which has killed about 3.4% of those infected, which is twice the fatality rate of Omicron, citing a report published in Nature Reviews Immunology. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/concerns-voiced-over-covid-deltacron-xbc-sub-variant/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-16 - 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!