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OPINION Disrupted sleep has been a hallmark of the COVID-19 pandemic for many of us living in Thailand. Psychologists explain why it is so crucial for everyone to get back to a healthy routine. Maybe like a lot of us you find yourself asking "Why can't I sleep?" or "Why am I more tired when I wake up than when I went to bed?" There are many potential reasons why someone may be having trouble sleeping. So perhaps if you constantly having a tough time falling or also staying asleep, chances are the cause is something you’re doing. The obvious cause can be drinking coffee late in the day. Or something you’re not doing, like getting rid of the stress that keeps you awake. Brought on by the stress of living in a global pandemic and a recession, sleep experts have even labeled these sleep problems “Coronasomnia,” a portmanteau3 of coronavirus and insomnia. Currently, I have noticed that I tend to wake up earlier and after working in the morning, by mid-day I am already dozing off. I told a few of my friends and work colleagues about my problem and they were having the same issues too. One even thought it was a symptom of Covid even though he did not test positive. Could people who have had one of the many variants of Covid still keep a mild form of it in our systems and that could be a reason we keep running out of energy? Sleep disorders Since the pandemic began, researchers around the world have documented a surge in sleep disorders. Upended routines, more screen time, increased alcohol consumption, and dissolving boundaries between work and private life are just a few of the factors contributing to problems with sleep. And given the crucial role sleep plays in both physical and mental health, psychologists say it’s important to be proactive in addressing any issues. “Once sleep is disrupted, it can impact mental and physical health, which may in turn cause further sleep disruption,” said Athena Akrami, PhD, a neuroscientist at University College London, who is studying cognitive dysfunction in COVID-19, including sleep disturbances. “A vicious cycle may form that is very difficult to diagnose and treat properly.” Some people are sleeping more than ever, while others face shortened schedules, delayed schedules, or insomnia. Those suffering from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or “long COVID syndrome,” where post-infection symptoms persist for months, are also reporting insomnia, sleep apnea, night sweats, and other problems. Even after a stressful experience ends, sleep disturbances may continue—so experts say problems with sleep could persist into the coming months as life begins to normalize. “The good news is there are treatments that work,” said psychologist James Maas, PhD, a retired professor at Cornell University and an international consultant on sleep. “For many of us spending time at home, this is a wonderful opportunity to regularize our sleep patterns and reap all the benefits that stem from a good night’s rest.” Aside from being a major life event, living in stay-at-home conditions also increases our exposure to minor hassles and frustrations, which are known to reduce sleep quality. In addition, less sunlight exposure, more screen time, irregular mealtimes, and increased alcohol use—all of which can interfere with circadian rhythm—are likely to exacerbate sleep problems in people working or learning from home. Establishing healthy routines Though many have turned to over-the-counter sleep aids such as melatonin, experts said the best defense against insomnia is to improve sleep hygiene or participate in cognitive behavioral therapy. Good sleep hygiene practices start with establishing a regular sleep-wake cycle. Go to bed around the same time each night, but not until you feel sleepy, and wake up at the same time each day. Establishing a daytime routine that includes exercise, regular mealtimes, and exposure to sunlight also helps calibrate the body’s circadian rhythm—as does avoiding caffeine within 10 hours and alcohol within 3 hours of bedtime. Luckily here in Thailand, we do get a fair bit of sunshine. Of course, if these routines don’t work you could always go back to the old methods of counting sheep or saying the Alphabet backward. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-10 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 10 August 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1268396-thailand-live-wednesday-10-august-2022/

Construction of elevated motorway on Rama II Road halted for safety checks The Thai Highways Department has ordered the suspension of the construction of the elevated motorway on the Rama II highway until this Friday, to allow inspectors to check the safety measures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268362-construction-of-elevated-motorway-on-rama-ii-road-halted-for-safety-checks/

Cabinet Plans Airport City in Eastern Economic Corridor BANGKOK, (TNA) – The cabinet approved the Airport City project that will be implemented in the Eastern Economic Corridor and will serve visiting travelers and businesspeople with comprehensive tourist services and recreational activities, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268382-cabinet-plans-airport-city-in-eastern-economic-corridor/

Electricity rate for August frozen to ease burden on low-income households The Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission agreed, at their joint meeting yesterday (Monday), to freeze the electricity rate for August after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed concern that the increase in the fuel tariff (FT), which will drive up the price of electricity, will impact a lot of people. As for the electricity rates for September to December, Energy Permanent Secretary Kulit Sombatsiri said that the government will discuss, with the commission, measures to ease the burden on the public, especially low-income households, in case electricity rate is allowed to increase. Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said today that subsidies have to be provided by the government in case the fuel tariff is frozen. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/electricity-rate-for-august-frozen-to-ease-burden-on-low-income-households/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-09 - 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!

PM Delays Power Fee Hike BANGKOK, Aug 9 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha shelved a plan to raise the electricity fee for the September-December period to protect people, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268352-pm-delays-power-fee-hike/

BANGKOK, Aug 9 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha shelved a plan to raise the electricity fee for the September-December period to protect people, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said. The spokesman said that on Aug 8 Gen Prayut discussed the electricity fee with the Energy Ministry and the Energy Regulatory Commission and they agreed that the electricity fee would be unchanged in August. For the September-December period, the government would subsidize the fuel tariff in the electricity fee to help households and vulnerable groups of people. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-994336 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-08-09 - 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!

Hospitals Allowed to Buy Antivirals on Sept 1 BANGKOK, Aug 9 (TNA) – All hospitals can procure antivirals by themselves from Sept 1 onwards and COVID-19 will be downgraded from a dangerous communicable disease to a communicable disease under surveillance on Oct 1, according to the public health minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268348-hospitals-allowed-to-buy-antivirals-on-sept-1/

BANGKOK, Aug 9 (TNA) – All hospitals can procure antivirals by themselves from Sept 1 onwards and COVID-19 will be downgraded from a dangerous communicable disease to a communicable disease under surveillance on Oct 1, according to the public health minister. Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) allowed public and private hospitals to acquire antivirals directly from Sept 1 onwards. The administration of antivirals can be done through normal treatment welfare funds that covered general communicable diseases and thus people would have access to COVID-19 treatment according to their medical treatment rights, Mr Anutin said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-994221 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-08-09 - 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!

Tourists complain over food prices at local Phuket famous ancient restaurant By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Tourists have reportedly complained over food prices at a local famous ancient restaurant in Phuket Town, however, the owner has also responded and stated that due to rising prices of ingredients and large portions the amount is reasonable. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268345-tourists-complain-over-food-prices-at-local-phuket-famous-ancient-restaurant/

By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Tourists have reportedly complained over food prices at a local famous ancient restaurant in Phuket Town, however, the owner has also responded and stated that due to rising prices of ingredients and large portions the amount is reasonable. The story came to light after a Thai tourist posted in a Phuket tourism review Facebook group last week. The person stated, “No prices were on the menu. Most dishes were seafood which is normally expensive but we did not expect this expensive.” The customer did not evidently ask the price in advance and just ordered. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/08/09/tourists-complain-over-food-prices-at-local-phuket-famous-ancient-restaurant/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-08-09 - 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!

Masked burglar forces safe and escapes with 3 million baht from NE mall Daily News Thai Caption: 3 million stolen from safe Muang district police in Chaiyaphum, NE Thailand, were called after a nighttime burglary at a downtown shopping mall. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268344-masked-burglar-forces-safe-and-escapes-with-3-million-baht-from-ne-mall/

Daily News Thai Caption: 3 million stolen from safe Muang district police in Chaiyaphum, NE Thailand, were called after a nighttime burglary at a downtown shopping mall. The cops were called after Thanit Trakoonlertyot, 35, the owner of Sing 2000 Chaiyaphum discovered the theft on Sunday night at 11 pm after reviewing CCTV footage, reported Daily News. A man dressed in all black with a white face mask had entered offices rifling through stuff and had then dragged a safe out of the manager's office and forced it open with an iron crowbar. He got away with gold jewelry and rings worth 450,000 and more than 2 million baht in cash. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-09 - 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

Proposal to extend Thailand tourist visas and visa on arrival to 45 days By Online Reporter File photo The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to propose extending the length of stay for tourist visas and visa on arrival (VOA) to a maximum of 45 days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268343-proposal-to-extend-thailand-tourist-visas-and-visa-on-arrival-to-45-days/

File photo By Online Reporter The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to propose extending the length of stay for tourist visas and visa on arrival (VOA) to a maximum of 45 days. According to TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn, a proposal will be presented to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) at a meeting due to be held on August 19. The proposal will call for the period of stay for tourist visas to be extended from the current 30 days to a maximum of 45 days, while the period of stay for visa on arrival extended from 15 days to a maximum of 45 days. The extension would be effective from the date of approval and run through to December 31, 2022. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/proposal-to-extend-thailand-tourist-visas-and-visa-on-arrival-to-45-days/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-08-09 - 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!

Video: Rain in Nakhon Nayok - "Sorry mate, your car's on its roof!" 77kaoded Thai Caption: Car comes off delivery trailer and overturns A second hand car dealer in Kabinburi had to call a customer to say there was a problem with the delivery of his Toyota Altis. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268342-video-rain-in-nakhon-nayok-sorry-mate-your-cars-on-its-roof/

77kaoded Thai Caption: Car comes off delivery trailer and overturns A second hand car dealer in Kabinburi had to call a customer to say there was a problem with the delivery of his Toyota Altis. It had come off the transporter and ended up on its roof. Police and rescue services went to the scene on the Suwannasorn Road heading towards Ban Na. The driver of the transporter, whose name was not provided by 77kaoded just his age as 35, said that he had been hired to take the car to Phijit. Picture: 77kaoded It was raining and cars in front had slowed but he was unable to brake in time and veered into the central reservation losing his load. He was obliged to call the dealer in Kabinburi so that he could relay the news to the new owner. 77kaoded had a video of the aftermath. They added that heavy rain in the area had resulted in the temporary closure of the Nang Rong waterfall to tourists in the central Thai province. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-09 - 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

Team behind organic farm in Hua Hin winners of major sustainability award By Online Reporter Khun Ong (left) and Khun Jack from Pran Por Piang Organic Lifestyle & Farm The team behind an organic farm in Hua Hin have won a top award for their work in sustainable tourism and social enterprise. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268341-team-behind-organic-farm-in-hua-hin-winners-of-major-sustainability-award/

Khun Ong (left) and Khun Jack from Pran Por Piang Organic Lifestyle & Farm By Online Reporter The team behind an organic farm in Hua Hin have won a top award for their work in sustainable tourism and social enterprise. The Pran Por Piang Organic Lifestyle & Farm, which is located in Thap Thai, have been crowned winners of the DASTA SE HERO 2022 project. The project, which is organised by DASTA (Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization)) aims to recognise Thailand’s best young social entrepreneurs. Those taking part in the project were required to demonstrate how their business benefits the local community. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/team-behind-organic-farm-in-hua-hin-winners-of-major-sustainability-award/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-08-09 - 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!

Family of deceased manager of Mountain B presented with million baht check at Sattahip temple Picture: INN The family of the manager of Mountain B who went back into the flames at the nightclub to help customers has been presented with a check for more than a million baht by Labour minister Suchart Chomklin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268340-family-of-deceased-manager-of-mountain-b-presented-with-million-baht-check-at-sattahip-temple/

Picture: INN The family of the manager of Mountain B who went back into the flames at the nightclub to help customers has been presented with a check for more than a million baht by Labour minister Suchart Chomklin. The presentation by ministerial aide Suthep Chityawong to Benjamaporn Klaisaeng, the mother of Wiriya Tengsagna, 31, was made at the temple of Wat Pa Yup in Sattahip, reported INN. The payment was work related benefits for Wiriya's descendants comprising 50,000 baht in funeral expenses, 1,008,000 for dying while doing his job and other benefits totalling 1,082,711.46. Benjamaporn said she first heard about the fire at 1.30 am when she saw on the news that 13 had died. At 3 am her daughter-in-law called to say she could not contact her son. Then friends called with the tragic news and a picture of her dead son. She said that staff had told her that he had initially escaped the inferno but had tried to go back in and save others. He lost his life by the entrance to the venue. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-09 - 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

UPDATE: Ex-PM Thaksin wins 17 billion baht Revenue Department tax case Exiled former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has won a tax case, involving the Revenue Department, after the Central Tax Court ruled that the department’s order for his two children to pay 17 billion baht in back taxes and interest, over the sale of shares in Shin Corporation to Singapore government’s Temasek Holdings Limited, was unlawful. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268303-thaksin-wins-case-against-revenue-department/?do=findComment&comment=17530707

Ex-PM Thaksin wins 17 billion baht Revenue Department tax case Exiled former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has won a tax case, involving the Revenue Department, after the Central Tax Court ruled that the department’s order for his two children to pay 17 billion baht in back taxes and interest, over the sale of shares in Shin Corporation to Singapore government’s Temasek Holdings Limited, was unlawful. The court said that the two children, Panthongtae and Pintongtha, were just proxies of Thaksin and the department’s tax appraisal summons for both of them was unlawful, adding that the department should have served the summons directlyon Thaksin himself. Thaksin’s two children bought 329 million Shin Corp’s shares, at one baht per share, from Ample Rich, an offshore company controlled by the Shinawatra family, and sold the shares to Temasek via the Stock Exchange of Thailand, at a price of 49.25 baht each, making a profit of about 16 billion baht, according to the Revenue Department’s assessment. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ex-pm-thaksin-wins-17-billion-baht-revenue-department-tax-case/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-09 - 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!

Mountain B fire: 30 witnesses interviewed - no word yet on what caused the tragedy Picture: INN INN carried a report into the continuing investigation into the fire last week at Mountain B in Sattahip, Chonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268339-mountain-b-fire-30-witnesses-interviewed-no-word-yet-on-what-caused-the-tragedy/

Picture: INN INN carried a report into the continuing investigation into the fire last week at Mountain B in Sattahip, Chonburi. Provincial police chief Pol Maj-Gen Attasit Kitjahan said there were 15 fatalities and 40 injuries. A scientific, forensic investigation into the cause continues and 30 witness statements have been taken. So far only the owner "Sia B" has been charged with negligence causing death and not having a licence. Attasit said that the cause of the fire remains in doubt and urged the media to be patient as investigators continue their work. Civil engineers have been studying the structural integrity of the building before investigators are allowed to gather further evidence. Attasit urged any further customers at the pub to come forward and speak to the investigation taskforce. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-09 - 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