webfact

By Tanakorn Panyadee National — A Thai physician who specialized in emerging infectious diseases urged the Ministry of Health to reveal the actual number of Covid-19 new cases as the number may have gone far beyond the one currently disclosed to the public, according to him. Deputy Minister of Health Satit Pitutecha revealed to the associated press that the number of Covid-19 new cases has reached around 20-30 thousand per day already in his opinion if integrating all patients who have registered for medicine and supportive funding from the National Health Security Office (NHSO). Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/07/09/leading-thai-physician-urges-public-health-ministry-to-reveal-actual-number-of-new-covid-19-cases-including-all-asymptomatic-and-mild-cases/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-07-11 - 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!

Proposal to waive visa fees for foreign tourists to Thailand By Online Reporter File photo The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to propose the waiving of visa fees for foreign tourists to Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265494-proposal-to-waive-visa-fees-for-foreign-tourists-to-thailand/

File photo The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to propose the waiving of visa fees for foreign tourists to Thailand. By Online Reporter TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the proposal, which would see visa fees waived until the end of the year, will be put forward at an upcoming meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). The move would help boost tourism and promote increased spending from foreign tourists. Mr Yuthasak said that waiving the visa fees would offer a further boost in tourism revenue following the suspension of the Thailand Pass registration system on July 1. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/proposal-to-waive-visa-fees-for-foreign-tourists-to-thailand/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-07-11 - 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 Reveals Strategy for Future Growth by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai government has revealed a new strategy for creating a better future where poverty is eradicated, with the aim of achieving this goal through a three-core strategy that focuses on infrastructure, industrial development and banking. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265493-thailand-reveals-strategy-for-future-growth/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai government has revealed a new strategy for creating a better future where poverty is eradicated, with the aim of achieving this goal through a three-core strategy that focuses on infrastructure, industrial development and banking. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha made the announcement, noting the need for relevant measures to address economic issues and poverty driven by rising consumer and fuel prices. To tackle these issues, the government has designed a 3-core strategy. The first focuses on infrastructure, with the government hoping to initiate the biggest integrated infrastructure development effort in Thailand’s history. The prime minister said projects surrounding railways, roads, airports and seaports are being designed to promote prosperity, security and connectivity. The second core relates to the entire industrial sector, particularly the automotive and related industries that are working to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. The premier said the government is doing everything to position Thailand as a global electric vehicle manufacturing hub, while also making electric vehicles more affordable for Thai people. The third core relates to the banking sector, where the government aims to ensure access to the banking system and financial services for 30 million people through the implementation of modern technologies. Additionally, Gen Prayut praised cooperation from the general public, which he said has helped Thailand weather the pandemic and become one of the countries best recognized for its disease control practices. The prime minister further encouraged the general public to help combat poverty and create a robust economic foundation for the nation. He also pledged to continue pushing forward the government’s work to provide people with more opportunities. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-08 - 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 City Hall Announces One-Month Work Conclusion by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has clarified what has been achieved since the capital administration came into office under the leadership of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. It also shed light on policies promised during the gubernatorial campaign that has since been implemented. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265492-bangkok-city-hall-announces-one-month-work-conclusion/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has clarified what has been achieved since the capital administration came into office under the leadership of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. It also shed light on policies promised during the gubernatorial campaign that has since been implemented. BMA Spokesperson Ekwaranyu Amrapan said the Bangkok governor’s live streams on Facebook have allowed the public to see the nature of his work and the problems at hand. The streams also frequently result in problems being resolved immediately without needing further orders from the governor. 4 urgent policies have already been implemented during the first 30 days of the new City Hall administration coming into office. Addressing the city’s flood problems is the first of said policies, for which 2,387 km of sewers have already been dredged. This amounts to 70.4% of the targeted distance, with about two months remaining. The BMA expects the work to be completed in line with set targets. The second urgent policy concerns road safety and crosswalks. Ekwaranyu said crossing signal and warning lights will be installed at 80 crosswalk spots. The BMA is also working to quickly repaint faded zebra crossings. Other works relating to this policy include improving the road surface and reclaiming areas that temporarily hosted construction sites. Additionally, the BMA has discussed removing unused overhead cables in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. A target has now been set to remove 800 km worth of unused cables in the first year. The third policy involves allocating space for streetside sellers and hawkers and the creation of hawker centers. City Hall is also reducing rent at 12 BMA-run markets by 50% for 3 months. The interest rate at BMA-run pawnshops has also been reduced. The fourth urgent policy concerns the expanded stations of the Green Line rapid transit service. Fares will be collected from August onward, with the Bangkok governor favoring the disclosure of the concession agreement so the public can be informed. He noted that disclosure would also allow for determining the appropriate compensation rate for the service operator. The spokesperson said the Bangkok governor is emphasizing transparency, disclosure and inspection of work. City Hall’s draft 79-billion-baht budget is being considered by the Bangkok Council and is available for public review at the official.bangkok.go.th website. Spokesperson Ekwaranyu added that the Traffy Fondue mobile application is an example of City Hall’s effort to improve inter-agency collaboration, noting that about 60,000 reports or complaints have already been submitted from the public. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-08 - 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!

Schools to Stay Open Amid COVID Spike by Natthaphon Sangpolsi BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have assured that schools will remain open even as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise among students. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265491-schools-to-stay-open-amid-covid-spike/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsi BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have assured that schools will remain open even as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise among students. Schools officially reopened on May 17, after which there were increased reports of students contracting the coronavirus. Although case numbers eventually started falling again, they saw a renewed surge last month. According to Supat Champathong, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, there are currently no plans to close any schools, adding that physical classes are still considered the best learning environment for students. He has nevertheless called on schools to stringently enforce health safety measures, including wearing masks, practicing social distancing, washing hands, keeping classrooms properly ventilated and performing temperature screenings. Several schools have already started reviving online classes to help stem the spread of infection among students. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-08 - 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!

Three Expressways Freely Accessible for Three Public Holidays This Month by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Commuters will be able to use three expressways in Bangkok for free during three public holidays this month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265490-three-expressways-freely-accessible-for-three-public-holidays-this-month/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Commuters will be able to use three expressways in Bangkok for free during three public holidays this month. Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob disclosed that toll fees on the Sirat, Udon Ratthaya and Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressways will be waived on Asalha Bucha Day on July 13, the start of Buddhist Lent on July 14, and His Majesty the King’s birthday on July 28. The waivers are expected to help reduce traffic during the two long weekends of July 13-17 and July 28-31. The government has designated two "special holidays" on July 15 and July 29 to provide two uninterrupted breaks. The extended holidays are meant to encourage domestic travel in order to help stimulate the economy in the aftermath of the pandemic. The Ministry of Transport has instructed the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning to implement measures that facilitate and ensure the safety of holiday commuters. Authorities will establish checkpoints, maintain traffic discipline and advise alternative routes for travelers on major routes while also urging people to maintain disease prevention measures while traveling during the holidays. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-08 - 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 to Revive Chatuchak Market by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok authorities are joining hands with the State Railway of Thailand to revive the famous Chatuchak market that has seen lower activity in recent years due to the pandemic. City Hall hopes this revival and renovation will make the market a world-class tourist destination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265488-bangkok-to-revive-chatuchak-market/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok authorities are joining hands with the State Railway of Thailand to revive the famous Chatuchak market that has seen lower activity in recent years due to the pandemic. City Hall hopes this revival and renovation will make the market a world-class tourist destination. Following a meeting with State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Governor Niruj Maneepun, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said Chatuchak market, which is situated on SRT property, remains under the management of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). He also said the city will be working closely with the SRT to set up a new market committee in order to manage their joint contract, as well as further develop Chatuchak market. Concerning debt matters between the city and the SRT, the Bangkok governor said they can be settled based on the existing contract. However, he said the most important issue at the moment is how to handle an influx of tourists while total vendors remain low. The BMA has also discussed with the SRT plans to renovate roads, plant trees around railways, develop affordable rental spaces for low-income earners, regulate hawkers, and manage public parks. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-08 - 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!

Health Ministry Reaffirms Stance Discouraging Recreational Cannabis by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Health authorities are reiterating they are only supporting medical uses of cannabis and do not sanction recreational use. The health minister says cannabis has medical benefits, similar to other Thai herbs that have now been recognized internationally. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265487-health-ministry-reaffirms-stance-discouraging-recreational-cannabis/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Health authorities are reiterating they are only supporting medical uses of cannabis and do not sanction recreational use. The health minister says cannabis has medical benefits, similar to other Thai herbs that have now been recognized internationally. Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated the government’s cannabis policy, saying his ministry supports the correct and safe use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. He stressed that recreational use of cannabis has never been encouraged, with an announcement by the Ministry of Health recently prohibiting misuse. One of the targets of the 20-year national strategy is to elevate the use of Thai herbal products. This is being pursued with the aim of making Thailand a regional leader in herbal health products. Sustained growth is expected to help transform Thailand into a regional center for herbal innovations. Mr Anutin said Thailand is expected to generate almost 50 billion baht in revenue from medicinal herbal products this year. Dr Prapon Tangsrikertikul, a vice minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, visited Nakornping hospital in Chiang Mai to check the performance of the hospital’s cannabis clinic. He noted that the declassification of cannabis as a narcotic creates more opportunities for researching the medical applications of the herb. He added that medical cannabis use has increased after the declassification, especially in traditional Thai medicine practices. Dr Prapon, who is also an advisor to the health minister, said there are three stages to Chiang Mai’s 2022 medical cannabis promotion plan. The initial stage involves developing connectivity and networks between cannabis and hemp growers via a learning center for medical cannabis cultivation, while the next concerns the promotion of cannabis restaurants that meet quality and safety standards. The third stage covers the opening of medical cannabis clinics in the four pilot districts of Saraphi, San Patong, Mae Wang and Hot. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-08 - 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!

Optimism Higher on 2022 Tourist Reports by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has indicated optimism amid reports that Thailand welcomed around 2.2 million foreign visitors during the first half of 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265485-optimism-higher-on-2022-tourist-reports/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has indicated optimism amid reports that Thailand welcomed around 2.2 million foreign visitors during the first half of 2022. Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana disclosed that Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed satisfaction with the number of foreign tourists visiting the kingdom. According to a report from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, a total of 2,214,132 foreign travelers entered Thailand this year between January 1 and July 6, accounting for an estimated 125 billion baht in tourism revenue. Top arrivals included visitors from India, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The report also noted that the number of tourists increased significantly following the cancellation of the Test & Go scheme and the Thailand Pass requirement. The government spokesperson added that domestic travel generated nearly 305 billion baht in the first half of the year, with Bangkok, Chonburi, Kanchanaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi being the most popular provinces for domestic travel. According to the government, these revenue figures bode well for the recovering economy and the tourism industry, particularly ahead of the upcoming high season from October to December, in which officials expect around one million monthly arrivals. The reports also reflect tourist confidence in Thailand’s public health system, the government’s response to various situations, and public cooperation in maintaining disease prevention measures. Authorities are nevertheless urging the general public and tourists to follow public health regulations in order to have a fun and safe travel experience in Thailand. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-07-08 - 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! Reporter :

Death penalty concerns delay Thailand extradition for man held 1,200 days in Canada custody by Andrew Weichel CTVNews Vancouver.ca Reporter and Senior Producer In this file image, people line up to be screened to enter the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver, B.C. on Monday, Sept. 30, 2013. (Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS) A man wanted for murder in Thailand has asked to be released from custody as Canadian officials seek assurances he wouldn't face the death penalty if extradited – a process that has already dragged on for nearly two years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265484-death-penalty-concerns-delay-thailand-extradition-for-man-held-1200-days-in-canada-custody/

In this file image, people line up to be screened to enter the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver, B.C. on Monday, Sept. 30, 2013. (Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS) by Andrew Weichel CTVNews Vancouver.ca Reporter and Senior Producer A man wanted for murder in Thailand has asked to be released from custody as Canadian officials seek assurances he wouldn't face the death penalty if extradited – a process that has already dragged on for nearly two years. The case, which was heard last month in B.C. Supreme Court, highlights the constitutional obligations and sensitive diplomacy involved in Canada's extradition system. The accused – who is named Mzwake Memela, but goes by Prince Michael Obi – was arrested after arriving in Canada in 2019, and according to his lawyer has been in the North Fraser Pretrial Centre for about 1,200 days. Twice Obi has asked to be discharged, first in 2021 then again in 2022, arguing the government lacks the "sufficient cause" required under the Extradition Act to keep him detained, but both times his applications have been dismissed. During Obi's latest attempt, Justice Heather MacNaughton reiterated his prolonged detention has been the result of the Department of Justice's ongoing work to ensure he doesn’t face capital punishment – something she noted officials are "constitutionally required to do" before transferring his custody, and is "for Mr. Obi's benefit." Obi is accused in the murder of Susama Ruenrit, a woman who was found dead by asphyxiation in a Bangkok hotel room in March 2019. There are 35 crimes punishable by capital punishment in Thailand, murder among them. Full story: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/death-penalty-concerns-delay-thailand-extradition-for-man-held-1-200-days-in-b-c-custody-1.5980115 -- © Copyright CTV NEWS VANCOUVER 2022-07-11 - 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!

Food outlets warned that they must get permission to sell products containing cannabis Thailand’s Department of Health has warned outlets which provide food or drinks containing cannabis, at their locations or through other channels, to apply for permission from local authorities or face legal action. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265483-food-outlets-warned-that-they-must-get-permission-to-sell-products-containing-cannabis/

Thailand’s Department of Health has warned outlets which provide food or drinks containing cannabis, at their locations or through other channels, to apply for permission from local authorities or face legal action. According to Dr. Atthaphon Kaewsamrit, the deputy director of the department, penalties for violations differ in line with the size of the outlet. If the outlet is larger than 200 square metres, the penalties will be a maximum of six months imprisonment and/or a fine of 50,000 baht, while, for smaller outlets, the penalties are three months in prison and/or a fine of 25,000 baht on conviction. He urged consumers to alert local officials if they see anywhere providing food or drink containing cannabis, be they premises, online or a delivery service. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/food-outlets-warned-that-they-must-get-permission-to-sell-products-containing-cannabis/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-11 - 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!

US Secretary of State hails the signing of documents as taking Thai-US ties into the 21st century The signing in Bangkok Sunday of the Communique on Strategic Alliance and Partnership and the Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Supply Chain Resilience,between Thailand and the United States, will deepen the alliance and partnership between the two countries and lay out new areas in which the two nations can work more closely together, said US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265481-us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-meets-thailand’s-pm-in-bangkok/?do=findComment&comment=17472926

Tourist drowns, another missing in rough seas off Thailand’s Koh Chang A Spanish tourist has drowned in the seas off Koh Chang, in the eastern province of Trat, and a French tourist is still missing after both went swimming in rough seas, in spite of red flag warning signs on the beaches. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1265482-tourist-drowns-another-missing-in-rough-seas-off-thailand’s-koh-chang/

US Secretary of State hails the signing of documents as taking Thai-US ties into the 21st century The signing in Bangkok Sunday of the Communique on Strategic Alliance and Partnership and the Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Supply Chain Resilience,between Thailand and the United States, will deepen the alliance and partnership between the two countries and lay out new areas in which the two nations can work more closely together, said US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Blinken flew into Bangkok last night for his first official visit to Thailand since his appointment, following the G20 leaders’summit in Bali. A discussion was held this morning with Thailand’s Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. The communique, he said, will open up new areas in which the US and Thailand can work, such as promoting clean and renewable energy technologies, including electric vehicle and carbon capture technologies. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/us-secretary-of-state-hails-the-signing-of-documents-as-taking-thai-us-ties-into-the-21st-century/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

A Spanish tourist has drowned in the seas off Koh Chang, in the eastern province of Trat, and a French tourist is still missing after both went swimming in rough seas, in spite of red flag warning signs on the beaches. A volunteer rescue unit from the Sawang Boon Foundation was alerted this morning (Sunday) that the two tourists had gone missing as they were swimming in the sea in front of a resort. A team of rescuers was immediately sent to conduct a search in stormy seas. They were later joined by a naval rescue unit. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tourist-drowns-another-missing-in-rough-seas-off-thailands-koh-chang/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-07-11 - 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!