webfact

More transmissible COVID-19 sub-variant BA.4.6 not yet detected in Thailand The Centre for Medical Genomics at Thailand’s Ramathibodi Hospital is closely monitoring a new sub-variant of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, BA.4.6, which spreads faster than others, including BA.4 and BA.5, although it has not been detected in Thailand yet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268250-more-transmissible-covid-19-sub-variant-ba46-not-yet-detected-in-thailand/

The Centre for Medical Genomics at Thailand’s Ramathibodi Hospital is closely monitoring a new sub-variant of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, BA.4.6, which spreads faster than others, including BA.4 and BA.5, although it has not been detected in Thailand yet. The centre said that BA.4.6 has been classified by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a variant of concern, after it was discovered that it has spread quickly in the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska and is now accounting for 4.1% of COVID-19 infections, according to the information available as of July 30th. It also said that genomic sequencing has been conducted on 5,681 samples of the BA.4.6 sub-variant in the past three months and the findings have been uploaded to the database of the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID). Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/more-transmissible-covid-19-sub-variant-ba-4-6-not-yet-detected-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-08 - 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 Prepares to Revamp Drainage System to Tackle Flooding by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok authorities are gearing up for a sweeping overhaul of its drainage system in order to increase capacity as part of efforts to manage flooding in the capital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268247-bangkok-prepares-to-revamp-drainage-system-to-tackle-flooding/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok authorities are gearing up for a sweeping overhaul of its drainage system in order to increase capacity as part of efforts to manage flooding in the capital. The move follows a July meeting chaired by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, during which officials from various agencies and offices discussed potential water management solutions. The Department of Drainage and Sewerage under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is expecting precipitation coverage of around 60-80% throughout the city this month. The Bangkok governor noted that the capital relies primarily on canals and tunnels to drain floodwater, with existing tunnel projects only designed to handle about 200 cubic meters of water per minute - just 10% of the outflow needed for effective drainage. Chadchart has called for improved canal efficiency and dredging as well as work to clear debris and rubbish while expanding surface and groundwater storage capacity. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220808120152465 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-08 - 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!

Severe Staff Shortages Reported In Thai Hotels By Editor Thai hotels are suffering from severe staff shortages as the hospitality industry struggles to recover from the fallout of Covid-19, according to the Thai Hotel Association (THA). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268244-severe-staff-shortages-reported-in-thai-hotels/

By Editor Thai hotels are suffering from severe staff shortages as the hospitality industry struggles to recover from the fallout of Covid-19, according to the Thai Hotel Association (THA). About 68 per cent of hotels surveyed said they are short of staff to cover all departments – including maids, receptionists, cleaners, cooks, waiters and technicians. Hotels are especially in need of workers with service and language skills, said the association’s president Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi. “Most hotels are under pressure from labour shortages in almost all departments, as related businesses in their local areas have yet to reopen,” Marisa said. She was citing results of a THA survey conducted on 118 hotels between July 17 and 25. The survey found that only 33 per cent of hotels had raised their wages in a bid to attract staff. Results also showed that hotel occupancy rate in July averaged 45 per cent, up from 38 per cent the previous month. The forecast for occupancy rate in August was 42 per cent. Marisa attributed the recovery to the country’s full reopening on July 1, when the Thailand Pass entry system was scrapped, as well as government subsidies for domestic travel. “Most hotel customers are Thais although the number of foreign guests is increasing — mostly from Asia and the Middle East, followed by western Europe,” she said. Average room rates have risen since last year but are still lower than pre-Covid times. Hotels have delayed price increases due to low purchasing power and occupancy rates, Marisa added. Recovery in the Thai hotel sector will strengthen this year but is still reliant on Thai tourists, according to Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Centre (EIC). The EIC has raised its forecast for foreign arrivals this year from 7.4 million to 10 million. It also identified many “challenges” for the Thai hotel industry, including higher operating costs, a labour shortage, and tougher competition as luxury hotels cut prices and others reopen after the pandemic. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/08/severe-staff-shortages-reported-in-thai-hotels/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-08-08 - 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!

Amazing Thailand: Termites blamed for murder suicide Picture: Thai Rath A monk has said that having a termite mound in your house is no laughing matter - a special ceremony is needed to assuage trouble, reported Thai Rath. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268241-amazing-thailand-termites-blamed-for-murder-suicide/

Picture: Thai Rath A monk has said that having a termite mound in your house is no laughing matter - a special ceremony is needed to assuage trouble, reported Thai Rath. He has claimed that if you have a termite mound in your house you need to hire them to organize a special ceremony to offer prayers and have it removed. Not following this path could mean trouble for the inhabitants. That or Jao Yenram, aged 44, had attacked and killed his Laotian wife Latsamee, 35, in a knife attack before hanging himself. Locals blamed the termite mound in their property for what happened. Jao's father Sawat, 69, said his son and his wife had frequently had arguments over jealousy. His son thought that his wife would leave him and return to Laos. The arguments were usually resolved and he never thought it would end this way. He was concerned about the mystic effect of the termite mound and would be holding a ceremony after cremating his son. Monk Phra Khru Wichan Thammasoto, the abbot of the local temple in Buriram, NE Thailand, advised against raising termites in your house. This was because termite mounds harbor spirits and all sorts of malevolent souls. When inside houses they caused all sorts of problems for the inhabitants. Monks should be called to offer prayers when they are removed. Thereafter the remains of the mounds need to be stored at the temple and a "Tham Bun Ban" ceremony held at the house. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-08 - 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

First indigenous musical performance in park held in Bangkok People in Bangkok were treated yesterday (Sunday) to the first musical performance of its kind by Thailand’s indigenous peoples in Lumpini Park, as part of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) “Music in the Park” project, aimed at entertaining city dwellers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lasting economic challenges. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268239-first-indigenous-musical-performance-in-park-held-in-bangkok/

People in Bangkok were treated yesterday (Sunday) to the first musical performance of its kind by Thailand’s indigenous peoples in Lumpini Park, as part of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) “Music in the Park” project, aimed at entertaining city dwellers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lasting economic challenges. The performance was a blend of ethnic minority, Thai classical and modern orchestral music, which was smoothly interwoven to the delight of the audience. It was just one of the many events being held over a week to mark Thailand’s Indigenous Peoples Day, jointly organised by the BMA, Thai PBS, the Council of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand (CIPT) and its network. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/first-indigenous-musical-performance-in-park-held-in-bangkok/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-08 - 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!

"Shameless" 'trophy hunting' robbers preying on students outside well known school in Samut Prakan Daily News Thai Caption: Student robbed Daily News reported on many cases of robbery of students outside Suan Kularp school in Samut Prakan by two knife wielding men on a motorcycle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268238-shameless-trophy-hunting-robbers-preying-on-students-outside-well-known-school-in-samut-prakan/

Daily News Thai Caption: Student robbed Daily News reported on many cases of robbery of students outside Suan Kularp school in Samut Prakan by two knife wielding men on a motorcycle. The media called them "shameless". A student named only as "A" spoke to the media after the thefts at the school on the old Sukhumvit Road in Bang Poo. The student said the area around the school was dangerous for students after almost daily robberies. Parents have filed complaints with the police but the thieves are acting with impunity. In a latest attack on Friday as the student was going home, he said that two men on a motorcycle approached him to ask what school he was from. Picture: Daily News They tried to grab his bag after inquiring as to its contents before producing a knife and threatening him. He let it go; inside was just a jacket. The thieves said that would be okay and sped off. The student was able to film some of the encounter. Three more students have been targeted according to "A" one a M5 student on the same day who had a wristband stolen. They tried to steal the shirt off his back too but when he claimed that his home was opposite the school and he would scream for his folks they gave up and fled. Picture: Daily News "B", "A's" father aged 55, saw about the thefts on a LINE group for parents and never thought his own son would be targeted. Bang Poo police told him they were on the case. ASEAN NOW notes that this case appears to be one of several recently in which student property with school insignia is stolen by rival gangs as some sort of trophy. The fact that the boy in this case was not relieved of his phone suggests this also. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-08 - 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

Lawyer makes multiple excuses for "Sia B" after tragic fire at Mountain B - will ask court for bail Picture: Thai Rath The lawyer acting for the owner of Mountain B nightclub where a fire last week killed 15 and injured dozens was at the police station in Sattahip yesterday making multiple excuses for his young client and saying he deserved bail. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268235-lawyer-makes-multiple-excuses-for-sia-b-after-tragic-fire-at-mountain-b-will-ask-court-for-bail/

Picture: Thai Rath The lawyer acting for the owner of Mountain B nightclub where a fire last week killed 15 and injured dozens was at the police station in Sattahip yesterday making multiple excuses for his young client and saying he deserved bail. The club that was operating illegally and had sub-standard building materials, according to police, is owned by a 27 year old man called Pongsiri Panprasong - now known in the Thai media as "Sia B". Sia is a word for a wealthy businessperson, notes ASEAN NOW. Lawyer Anucha Wongsrirat was at Phlu Ta Luang police station yesterday trying to get sympathy for his client. He said that he deserved bail because there might have been negligence but there was no intent, reported Thai Rath. He had made no attempt to flee and was actively engaged in working with family members to provide compensation to the growing list of claimants, a tough task. He hoped the court would understand that and realise that giving bail to his client would facilitate the arranging of compensation payments. He would not try to run away. He said the family were shocked by what happened. Speaking of the owner he said: "He's just a kid making his way in life, making a future for himself. "He doesn't have much knowledge or understanding of the world and has made mistakes". He said that the compensation would be a difficult business as it involves many people and the land couldn't be used for that purpose. Mountain B was on rented land. The lawyer further claimed that the nightclub was a "family business" and that the family were not connected to politicians or people high up in the civil service. "They're just normal business folk," he claimed. He said that the press should check their sources when they claim that influential people were behind Mountain B's operation. Meanwhile police continue their investigation with the possibility of many more charges in the pipeline. The tragedy was the worst nightclub fire since the Santika blaze in Bangkok at New Year 13 years ago. Clubs throughout Thailand are being double checked and many in Bangkok have been ordered temporarily shut, notes ASEAN NOW. Pongsiri has reportedly confessed to two charges related to negligence and operating without a licence pressed so far. He has been in custody since Saturday. The bail application is imminent according to media reports. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-08 - 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

Heavy to very heavy rain forecast for most of Thailand Monday and Tuesday Photo from rawpixel.com on freepix People in most of Thailand, including Bangkok, are warned of potential flooding, waterway overflows and flash floods at mountain bases as a result of heavy to very heavy rain forecast for today (Monday) and tomorrow, according to the Meteorological Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268224-heavy-to-very-heavy-rain-forecast-for-most-of-thailand-monday-and-tuesday/

Photo from rawpixel.com on freepix People in most of Thailand, including Bangkok, are warned of potential flooding, waterway overflows and flash floods at mountain bases as a result of heavy to very heavy rain forecast for today (Monday) and tomorrow, according to the Meteorological Department. The department also warned sailors of rough conditions and strong winds in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, due to the convergence of the monsoon trough, looming over the northern and north-eastern regions, an intensifying low pressure cell over the South China Sea and the south-westerly monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Special caution should be exercised by people living at the bases of mountain or near natural waterways, according to the department. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/heavy-to-very-heavy-rain-forecast-for-most-of-thailand-monday-and-tuesday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-08 - 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!

Tomboy charged with murder after horrific ambush attack in NE Thailand Picture: Daily News Muang Nong Khai police in north eastern Thailand were called to a hospital after security there detained a 25 year old tomboy who had attacked her girlfriend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268222-tomboy-charged-with-murder-after-horrific-ambush-attack-in-ne-thailand/

Picture: Daily News Muang Nong Khai police in north eastern Thailand were called to a hospital after security there detained a 25 year old tomboy who had attacked her girlfriend. Jatuporn, 37, soon died from her injuries. Her face had been covered in acid and she had more than 40 stab wounds. Thanchanok, 25, who was covered in blood was taken into custody and admitted murder charges. Muang district police chief Pol Col Yuthana Ngamchat explained what had transpired. Jatuporn was a staffer at a cosmetics company in a downtown mall. She was an attractive woman with many admirers. She had been involved in frequent arguments with her tomboy girlfriend Thanchanok. Thanchanok had gone to the mall and used a spare key to open Jatuporn's car in the parking lot where she hid and slept on the back seat until Jatuporn finished work. When Jatuporn drove off a furious agrument and attack began. When Jatuporn reached the bypass she parked and fled the vehicle and sought the assistance of a pick-up driver jumping into the back. The good Samaritan started taking her to hospital but Thanchanok pursued and jumped into the back of the pick-up continuing the attack with a bottle of acid she had brought with her and a knife. On reaching the hospital security detained the assailant and medics tried and failed to save the life of Jatuporn. Thanchanok admitted being jealous and afraid that her girlfriend would leave her for someone else, reported Daily News. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-08 - 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

Court rejects bail for chief guard in Ubon Ratchathani shooting investigation The Ubon Ratchathani provincial court has denied bail to the chief pub security guard, who was one of the suspects arrested by police for alleged involvement in last Wednesday’s shootout between guards from two local pubs in the car park of the Big C supercentre in Muang district, which left three people dead and six injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268221-court-rejects-bail-for-chief-guard-in-ubon-ratchathani-shooting-investigation/

The Ubon Ratchathani provincial court has denied bail to the chief pub security guard, who was one of the suspects arrested by police for alleged involvement in last Wednesday’s shootout between guards from two local pubs in the car park of the Big C supercentre in Muang district, which left three people dead and six injured. The guard, only identified as “Apiwat” of the Ekkamai 487 pub, was charged with murder and for carrying a weapon in public without a permit. He was escorted by police to the court to have his detention extended, pending further investigation. The court rejected his bail application on the grounds that the shooting is a serious offence. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/court-rejects-bail-for-chief-guard-in-ubon-ratchathani-shooting-investigation/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-08 - 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!

Grandfather who reversed over granddaughter, aged 1, takes his own life Naew Na Thai Caption: Double tragedy: Granddad who backed over granddaughter hangs himself Naew Na reported on a double tragedy in which a paternal grandfather mistakenly backed over his one year old granddaughter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268217-grandfather-who-reversed-over-granddaughter-aged-1-takes-his-own-life/

Naew Na Thai Caption: Double tragedy: Granddad who backed over granddaughter hangs himself Naew Na reported on a double tragedy in which a paternal grandfather mistakenly backed over his one year old granddaughter. Filled with remorse he then hanged himself. The family were faced with having a funeral with the two side by side. Nawa police in Nakhon Phanom, NE Thailand, had been informed of the accident in Ban Siaw sub-district. Relatives had rushed Chanyanuch , aged 1 year 8 months, to hospital with head injuries. She was confirmed dead later. Anek, 53, a school janitor, had been behind the wheel of a red Chevrolet. The little girl had been playing happily in a sand pit. In the confusion as relatives attended to the stricken infant Anek hit himself over the head with a spirit bottle then fled to a bedroom with some nylon rope and hanged himself unbeknownst to the other relatives. Praphai, 53, the child's grandmother, said they had moved from another area in the province to build three houses so all the family could live close to each other. She'd been with her husband in the pick-up. Police took no action as the family prepared to cremate the two family members. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-08 - 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

Amazing Thailand: Drunk driver in smoke belching pick-up drags "win's" bike for 300m after rider jumps clear 77kaoded Thai Caption: "Win" jumps to avoid death - drunk pick-up driver drags bike for miles Extraordinary footage published by Thai media 77kaoded showed onlookers looking on in amazement as a smoke belching pick-up with its front smashed in continued down a road with a motorcycle attached to the front. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1268213-amazing-thailand-drunk-driver-in-smoke-belching-pick-up-drags-wins-bike-for-300m-after-rider-jumps-clear/

77kaoded Thai Caption: "Win" jumps to avoid death - drunk pick-up driver drags bike for miles Extraordinary footage published by Thai media 77kaoded showed onlookers looking on in amazement as a smoke belching pick-up with its front smashed in continued down a road with a motorcycle attached to the front. The drunk driver of the pick-up was arrested 300 meters down the road. The "win" rider or motorcycle taxi guy had been delivering stuff when he was hit and jumped off the bike and colleagues gave chase to the fleeing pick-up. The white Mazda pick-up had been in collision with a Mitsubishi pick-up before fleeing along Bang Na - Trat Road in Samut Prakan. Picture: 77kaoded It then hit the Honda Wave as the Mitsubishi rider gave chase. The police cuffed the rider who stank of booze and made him sit in his vehicle fearing he'd flee or be lynched. There was little Kittikhun, 53, could do but admit his culpability after the incident began at KM marker 28 on Bang Na - Trat. Picture: 77kaoded The Mitsubishi driver reported seeing the other vehicle swerving all over the place in his rearview mirror before he was hit in the rear. The drunk driver then reversed and sped off. Somrit, the win rider, said he heard the oncoming trouble and jumped off his bike that was then dragged down the road. He was not hurt. Bang Bo police tested the drunk driver and found him to have 283 mg of alcohol in his blood, a whopping near six times over the legal limit of 50. He was slapped with multiple charges and taken away to sober up as his relatives were contacted. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-08 - 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