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From October 27th, women in Thailand in their 12th to 20th weeks of pregnancy can get an abortion legally at any of the 110 hospitals and clinics offering the services across the country, subject to prior consultation with experts. The legal terminations are in line with an edict issued by the Ministry of Public Health regarding examinations and consultations. The change is intended to address the problem many women face when they feel they are not ready to have a child, but do not have a channel through which they can seek consultation. Dr. Boonyarit Sookrat, director of the Bureau of Reproductive Health at the Department of Health, said that the Public Health Ministry’s edict on abortions had been approved by the Thai Medical Council and is in line with the constitutional principle that an individual has rights and liberties over their life and body. He also pointed out that the doctors performing abortions within the new regulations will not be subject to legal action for performing a termination. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/legal-abortions-to-be-available-at-110-locations-in-thailand-from-oct-27th/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-24 - 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!

Diwali The Indian Festival Of Lights – Monday October 24 By Editor Diwali is the Indian “festival of lights”—a holiday that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 24. Though technically religious, it’s also become a cultural event celebrated with sweets and special foods. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275650-diwali-the-indian-festival-of-lights-–-monday-october-24/

By Editor Diwali is the Indian “festival of lights”—a holiday that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 24. Though technically religious, it’s also become a cultural event celebrated with sweets and special foods. Diwali (also called Divali or Deepavali ) is a “festival of lights” that celebrates the triumph of light over dark and good over evil, and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment. The name comes from Sanksrit dipavali , meaning “row of lights.” On the night of Diwali, celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps (called diyas ), placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the dark night. In most of India, Diwali consists of a five-day celebration that peaks on the third day with the main celebration of Diwali. In other places where Diwali occurs, usually only the main day is celebrated. Diwali is primarily celebrated by followers of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths. However, the holiday is celebrated throughout India, Singapore, and several other South Asian countries as a national holiday, meaning that people outside these religions may participate in Diwali celebrations. Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and elsewhere around the globe also regularly celebrate Diwali. Diwali occurs annually in autumn (or spring, in the southern hemisphere), during the Hindu month of Kartik. (To put it in Western terms, Kartik begins around mid-October and ends in mid-November.) Specifically, Diwali occurs on the darkest day of the lunar month, which is the day of the new Moon. Because Diwali is celebrated by so many people worldwide, traditions are diverse, though there are a few common themes, including the lighting of candles and the gathering of families. The main celebration of Diwali takes place on the day of the new Moon, when the sky is at its darkest, so a big part of the celebration revolves around light. Candles, clay lamps, and oil lanterns are lit and placed throughout the home, in the streets, in areas of worship, and floated on lakes and rivers. Fireworks are also set off on the night of Diwali—said by some to ward off evil spirits. Another central theme of Diwali is family. Wearing their best new clothes, families gather together to eat sweets and other special foods, light diyas (decorative oil lamps), and pray for their ancestors. Businesses are generally closed (or close early) on Diwali to allow workers to celebrate with their families. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/10/diwali-the-indian-festival-of-lights-monday-october-24/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-10-24 - 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!

Thailand’s economy stuck in the middle Author: Richard Yarrow, Harvard University and ANU Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha offers prayers at a shrine at the Interior Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, 3 October 2022 (Photo: Reuters/Chalinee Thirasupa). Southeast Asia’s second largest and once one of its most dynamic economies is struggling under the weight of an ageing population, a deteriorating education system and low yield rice farming. Thailand looks trapped as a middle-income country, unable to get rich, and stuck between a younger, dynamic Vietnam and larger Indonesia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275646-thailand’s-economy-stuck-in-the-middle/

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha offers prayers at a shrine at the Interior Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, 3 October 2022 (Photo: Reuters/Chalinee Thirasupa). Author: Richard Yarrow, Harvard University and ANU Southeast Asia’s second largest and once one of its most dynamic economies is struggling under the weight of an ageing population, a deteriorating education system and low yield rice farming. Thailand looks trapped as a middle-income country, unable to get rich, and stuck between a younger, dynamic Vietnam and larger Indonesia. Getting out of its economic rut won’t be easy, but investment in education and higher quality human capital and agricultural and governance reform should be priorities. Thailand has the lowest fertility rate in Southeast Asia, bar Singapore. Its demographics are arguably more worrisome than those of South Korea, which has a fertility rate close to 0.8. Between 2000 and 2021, South Korea’s population aged 20–24 declined by 15 per cent. In Thailand, that number fell by 20 per cent, moderately better than the 27 per cent decline in Japan. But Japan and South Korea generate over four times the per capita GDP of Thailand, and they have more resources to support ageing citizens and attract skilled immigrants to reinforce greying workforces. As in many other countries, COVID-19 exacerbated Thailand’s ageing. Between 2020 and 2021, the number of Thai infants declined by 8 per cent. Middle and working-class households, stressed by growing debt, inflation and poor employment prospects, are hardly eager to have more children. During the pandemic, Thai household debt soared to 90 per cent of GDP. Full story: https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2022/10/23/thailands-economy-stuck-in-the-middle/ -- © Copyright East Asia Forum 2022-10-24 - 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!

Thailand’s political catch-2023 Author: Editorial Board, ANU People wearing face masks as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are seen at a train station in Bangkok, Thailand, 7 January 2021 (Photo: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha). When we think of countries that risk ‘growing old before they grow rich’, we usually think of China. But an equally stark illustration of the challenges facing a country with developed-world demographics and a middle-income economy is Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275645-thailand’s-political-catch-2023/

People wearing face masks as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are seen at a train station in Bangkok, Thailand, 7 January 2021 (Photo: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha). Author: Editorial Board, ANU When we think of countries that risk ‘growing old before they grow rich’, we usually think of China. But an equally stark illustration of the challenges facing a country with developed-world demographics and a middle-income economy is Thailand. Thailand is facing a rapidly ageing demographic profile, with none of the fiscal ammunition that Northeast Asian economies like Japan, Taiwan and South Korea can draw on to support a growing aged population. There are serious questions about whether Thailand can make up for its looming workforce challenges through productivity improvements, with the education system in dire need of reform and major industries dominated by politically-connected oligopolists. The overarching challenges of the economy look uncannily Northeast Asian: ‘Middle- and working-class households, stressed by growing debt, inflation and mediocre employment prospects, are hardly eager to have more children … Southeast Asia’s second largest and once dynamic economy is struggling under the weight of an ageing population, a deteriorating education system and low yield rice farming’, as Richard Yarrow says in this week’s lead article. Thailand looks like a test case of whether or how a middle-income country with dysfunctional and only partially democratic politics can evade the political barriers to the structural reforms needed to lift it to advanced economy status. Above all, it ‘needs reliable, honest governance committed to tackling the country’s worsening structural problems’, writes Yarrow. Full story: https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2022/10/24/thailands-political-catch-2023/ -- © Copyright East Asia Forum 2022-10-24 - 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!

Thailand Sets Long-Awaited Rules for Vetting Asylum Seekers by Zsombor Peter Displaced people from Myanmar live under a makeshift tent along the Thai side of the Moei River in Mae Sot, Thailand on Feb. 7, 2022. BANGKOK — Rights groups say the long-awaited rules Thailand’s government approved this month for screening foreigners seeking refuge from persecution in their home countries are likely to leave many worthy applicants in the lurch. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275644-thailand-sets-long-awaited-rules-for-vetting-asylum-seekers/

Displaced people from Myanmar live under a makeshift tent along the Thai side of the Moei River in Mae Sot, Thailand on Feb. 7, 2022. by Zsombor Peter BANGKOK — Rights groups say the long-awaited rules Thailand’s government approved this month for screening foreigners seeking refuge from persecution in their home countries are likely to leave many worthy applicants in the lurch. The United Nations refugee agency says Thailand currently hosts about 5,000 “urban refugees and asylum seekers,” though some rights groups say the real number may be much higher. Thailand currently makes no official distinction between refugees or asylum seekers and other foreigners in the country illegally, leaving those seeking sanctuary at constant risk of arrest and a forced return home, where they may face arrest, torture or death. Authorities often give refugees the chance to lay low or move to third countries, but forced more than 100 ethnic Uyghurs back to China in 2015 and four wanted political dissidents back to Cambodia, where they were promptly arrested, late last year. Full story: https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-sets-long-awaited-rules-for-vetting-asylum-seekers/6801600.html -- © Copyright Voice of America 2022-10-24 - 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!

Tim Newton Today - Oct 24: Phuket road "unrepairable", Cannabis law clarification? Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275643-tim-newton-today-oct-24-phuket-road-unrepairable-cannabis-law-clarification/

The collapsed road to Patong in Phuket is deemed "unrepairable" but other officials are more optimistic. An abandoned By-Pass Road hotel in Phuket is teetering on a collapsed hill. Thai public health officials clarify rules about edible cannabis products, a raid on a popular Pattaya club, and APEX angst from the Thai PM.

UPDATE: Man charged after attacking Thanathorn at book fair A man with history of mental problems attacked Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the anti-establishment Progressive Movement, on Sunday at a book fair at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275625-lone-man-launches-surprise-physical-attack-on-thanathorn-at-book-fair/?do=findComment&comment=17682616

Man charged after attacking Thanathorn at book fair A man with history of mental problems attacked Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the anti-establishment Progressive Movement, on Sunday at a book fair at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. He also triggered a commotion after shouting in front of hundreds of people that he had a bomb. Police identified the man as Kanespissanuthep Jakkrapobmahadeja, also known as “K Roi-laan”, who was later charged with causing false public alarm. The suspect had been involved in a series of similar incidents before, including one in which he released snakes at the Rajprasong Intersection in February this year. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/man-charged-after-attacking-thanathorn-at-book-fair/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-24 - 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! โอ้โห#เคร้อยล้าน pic.twitter.com/y6ELZoGdOT

‘Over my dead body’: The locals fighting a 20-year battle against Udon Thani potash mine plan By Thai PBS World Udon Thani Environmental Conservation Group prepares a big banner to show its unwavering opposition to the planned potash mine in Udon Thani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275642-‘over-my-dead-body’-the-locals-fighting-a-20-year-battle-against-udon-thani-potash-mine-plan/

By Thai PBS World Udon Thani Environmental Conservation Group prepares a big banner to show its unwavering opposition to the planned potash mine in Udon Thani. Worried about her hometown, 75-year-old Manee Boonrod is flying a green flag at her home to signal that she will keep fighting to protect the environment and the health of local residents. “If you want to mine, do it in your area, not ours,” said Manee, a leading force behind the Udon Thani Environment Conservation Group. For over 20 years, she has waged a battle against a plan to operate a huge potash mine across five subdistricts of Udon Thani’s Muang and Prachak Sinlapakom districts. “Our hometown has always been a pleasant place to live. But we can’t be sure what will happen if mining operations start here,” she said. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/over-my-dead-body-the-locals-fighting-a-20-year-battle-against-udon-thani-potash-mine-plan/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-24 - 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!

Health Min proceeds with nationwide drug users rehabilitation and treatment drive by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The national committee on narcotic users’ treatment and rehabilitation has resolved to implement an urgent plan in the aspect of treatment for users. The move was made in response to the current government policy. Foll story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275640-health-min-proceeds-with-nationwide-drug-users-rehabilitation-and-treatment-drive/

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The national committee on narcotic users’ treatment and rehabilitation has resolved to implement an urgent plan in the aspect of treatment for users. The move was made in response to the current government policy. Health minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Ministry of Public Health executives joined the meeting of the committee on narcotic users’ treatment and rehabilitation. The meeting endorsed an urgent plan to address the narcotics problem by setting up screening centers in every subdistrict. The plan also calls for collaboration among local agencies in providing treatment and rehabilitation for drug users based on community participation. To prepare for the drug user rehabilitation drive, every central hospital and general hospital will set up psychiatry and narcotics wards for inpatients. Progress on this front has already reached 50% and the new inpatient wards will soon be launched in all provinces. Additionally, every community hospital will set up psychiatry and narcotics work groups or designate the agencies that will take charge of these affairs. Of the 9 subordinate legislations under the Narcotics Code, 6 have already seen enactment. Work on the remaining 3 is being accelerated so the drafts can be sent for Cabinet consideration and then made into law. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221023090027332 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-10-24 - 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!

Bang Sue Grand Station touted as 5G Smart Station by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The new central railway station in Bangkok has become the first of its kind in Thailand and Southeast Asia to offer full 5G connectivity. The government says it plans to provide broader 5G coverage at transport stations and other facilities to help improve services and promote equitable access to this technology. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275639-bang-sue-grand-station-touted-as-5g-smart-station/

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The new central railway station in Bangkok has become the first of its kind in Thailand and Southeast Asia to offer full 5G connectivity. The government says it plans to provide broader 5G coverage at transport stations and other facilities to help improve services and promote equitable access to this technology. The State Railway of Thailand and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society have announced 5G coverage at Krungthep Apiwat Station, also known as Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok, in a campaign to transform this station into an intelligent transportation hub. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan said this "5G Smart Station" makes the station the first of its kind in Southeast Asia where this modern technology is adopted. The 5G network installed at Bang Sue Grand Station is provided by True Corporation, a mobile network operator in Thailand. Gen Prawit said this initiative reflects the government’s intention to push for higher 5G adoption and coverage. The government is to provide 5G services at transport stations across the country to serve both local people and tourists. 5G technology enables high-speed wireless connectivity that can be utilized through devices beyond smartphones. The event today also introduced a receptionist robot, smart trolleys, and AI-powered security system to assist passengers at this major transportation hub. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221023085814327 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-10-24 - 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!

Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2022 to be held Dec 2 & 3 By Online Reporter The Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2022 will take place on Dec 2 & 3, the event organisers have announced. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275638-hua-hin-international-jazz-festival-2022-to-be-held-dec-2-3/

By Online Reporter The Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2022 will take place on Dec 2 & 3, the event organisers have announced. The two day event, which returns following a hiatus due to the pandemic, will be held at Suan Son Pradipat Beach. The event will feature two stages, with organisers promising “more Jazz than ever”, according to a post made on the event’s official Facebook page late on Saturday (Oct 22). As well as music, food and other activities are also planned. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/hua-hin-international-jazz-festival-2022-to-be-held-dec-2-3/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-10-24 - 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!

Polling Agency Chief To Be Quizzed On Banning MPs From Helping Flood Victims By Thai Newsroom Reporters THE ELECTION COMMISSION will be summoned for testimony before the House Committee on Corruption and Misconduct over a contentious ban which is currently keeping MPs from helping flood victims in the provinces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275636-polling-agency-chief-to-be-quizzed-on-banning-mps-from-helping-flood-victims/

By Thai Newsroom Reporters THE ELECTION COMMISSION will be summoned for testimony before the House Committee on Corruption and Misconduct over a contentious ban which is currently keeping MPs from helping flood victims in the provinces. House Committee on Corruption and Misconduct chairman Seripisut Temiyavej confirmed today (Oct. 22) he will summon Election Commission secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee to testify before his panel early next month over the highly controversial regulations issued by the polling agency prohibiting all MPs from handing out relief aid to any flood victims who may happen to be their own constituents whilst all cabinet members including those who may practically perform as MPs in concurrent fashion and other government officials are legally allowed to do so. The House committee chairman who concurrently performs as top leader of the Thai Liberal Party commented that such regulations are obviously unfair to the people’s representatives, especially those in the opposition bloc, whilst all partisan ministers would considerably enjoy the legal loopholes and harvest popularity among the flood-hit constituents during a run-up to the next general election. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/10/22/polling-agency-chief-to-be-quizzed-on-banning-mps-from-helping-flood-victims/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-10-24 - 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!

Police Hunt For Man Who Accidentally Killed His Mother by TNR staff PHETCHABUN police are hunting for a man who accidently killed his mother after she stepped in to stop him from firing his shotgun at his brother during a fierce quarrel and then fled up a hilly forest behind the village, Matichon newspaper said Sunday (Oct. 23). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1275635-police-hunt-for-man-who-accidentally-killed-his-mother/

by TNR staff PHETCHABUN police are hunting for a man who accidently killed his mother after she stepped in to stop him from firing his shotgun at his brother during a fierce quarrel and then fled up a hilly forest behind the village, Matichon newspaper said Sunday (Oct. 23). Pol. Col. Peeraphet Uboljit, superintendent of Na Chaliang police station, said police teams had blocked all escape routes from the forest since last night to prevent Mr. Phromphithak Kaewngao, 37, who is armed with a shotgun and a certain amount of bullets from slipping away. Drones too are being used to search the area and pressure the suspect to surrender today with the police team beefed up. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/10/23/police-hunt-for-man-who-accidently-killed-his-mother/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-10-24 - 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!