webfact

BANGKOK, (TNA) – Suspended Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stayed at his residence and chaired a meeting of the Defense Council via video conference Thursday afternoon. The Constitutional Court yesterday suspended Gen Prayut from his duty as the prime minister pending its ruling on his premier tenure. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon became the caretaker prime minister. Today Gen Prawit did his first task as the caretaker prime minister by chairing via videoconference a meeting of the National Disaster Warning Board at the Five Provinces Forest Foundation. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1004946 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-08-26 - 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!

U.S. praises Thailand’s COVID-19 response by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand has received praises for its effective COVID-19 response and health security from the United States at the APEC meeting on health. The country has pledged to provide support in pursuit of global health security on laboratory systems and workforce development. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270018-us-praises-thailand’s-covid-19-response/

by Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand has received praises for its effective COVID-19 response and health security from the United States at the APEC meeting on health. The country has pledged to provide support in pursuit of global health security on laboratory systems and workforce development. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul held a bilateral discussion with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Andrea Palm, as part of the APEC Health Week events in Bangkok. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services on this occasion congratulated Thailand for hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting this year, praising Thailand for its effective COVID-19 response in terms of medicine, treatment, and vaccine. Mrs. Palm admired the cooperation of Thai people on preventative measures such as mask wearing and physical distancing, and thanked Thailand for submitting data on the virus to the U.S. in the early days of the outbreak. The U.S. health official paid Thailand a compliment on its role in global health security. The country has been selected to host the ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), which is officially opening tomorrow. She also extended the invitation for Thailand to attend next year’s APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy, which will be hosted by the United States. Thailand on this occasion thanked the United States for the assistance, particularly on the donation of mRNA vaccines in millions of doses. Thailand, as a member of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), pledged to support the work of the organization in the areas of laboratory systems and workforce development, which are two of the GHSA’s action packages. The United States asked Thailand to support vaccinations for children along the Thailand-Myanmar borders. Thailand has been working with international organizations to establish a cooperation plan on public health with Myanmar. Full story: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220825233156215 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-26 - 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!

Malaysian Health Minister observes Thailand mental health hospital operations by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Malaysia’s Minister of Health has observed the operations of Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry, a mental health facility in Bangkok. This visit is a part of the effort to tighten Thailand-Malaysia cooperation on mental health services. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270017-malaysian-health-minister-observes-thailand-mental-health-hospital-operations/

by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Malaysia’s Minister of Health has observed the operations of Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry, a mental health facility in Bangkok. This visit is a part of the effort to tighten Thailand-Malaysia cooperation on mental health services. Malaysian Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar led a group of officials to observe the operations and services provided at Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry in Bangkok. His visit was welcomed by Dr. Amporn Benjaponpithak, Director General of Thailand’s Department of Mental Health. Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry is a facility that provides mental health services to all. The institute provides treatment for diseases caused by substance abuse, mental illness, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The facility also provides help to those with suicidal thoughts. The Malaysian health minister on this visit observed the institute’s neurocognitive clinic for dementia patients, a mental health clinic for children and teenagers, and the brain and mind rehabilitation center. He then observed the operations of the Red Roof and Friends cafes, where mental health patients can learn, practice, and improve their social skills. These coffee shops are Thailand’s first social enterprises for mental health patients that aim to help assist their reintegration into society with good quality of life. The visit from the Malaysian health minister is a part of the effort to enhance the cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia on mental health, enabling healthcare professionals in both countries to further improve their capacities in the field of psychiatry Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220825225301204 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-26 - 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!

Government spokespersons team asserts work of government unimpeded by court order by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The government spokespersons team has asserted country’s administration will be interrupted despite the court order for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to temporarily suspend work. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270016-government-spokespersons-team-asserts-work-of-government-unimpeded-by-court-order/

by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The government spokespersons team has asserted country’s administration will be interrupted despite the court order for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to temporarily suspend work. Meanwhile, all parties are urged to not hasten to conclusions or criticize the work of the court. They are also asked to help keep order in the country. Deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana asserted the court order does not terminate the status of Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha as prime minister. The order means Gen. Prayut will suspend work for the time being, pending the court’s interpretation of the length of his tenure. Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon will, for now, carry out duties in place of the prime minister. The court order, therefore, does not impact country administration, civil service affairs, or government policies. Ms. Tipanan said Gen. Prayut expressed gratitude for the moral support he has received recently. Gen. Prayut indicated he will continue to work in the capacity of minister of defense and carry out duties for the benefit of the nation and its people. Gen. Prayut is also asking all parties to respect the upcoming court verdict and avoid instigating conflicts in society. Deputy government spokesperson Trisulee Trisaranakul also asserted the work of the government will not be interrupted. Meanwhile, deputy prime minister and health minister Anutin Charnvirakul is continuing to host APEC Health Week 2022 in Bangkok. The meetings of APEC health officials from August 22-26 are being participated by on-site attendees as well as those attending remotely. A successful hosting of APEC Health Week and sub-activities are expected to give a boost to the image of Thailand. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220825222511197 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-26 - 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!

Thai runners in Ironman Copenhagen by Gregers Møller Ingkanont Pipatpon finished the Ironman 2022 in Copenhagen in 9 hours and 15 minutes and became the overall number 65 athlete to finish the race. There were eight Thai athletes among the many foreign athletes participating in this year’s Ironman in Copenhagen on 20 August 2022. In total there were 2336 athletes competing in the race. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270015-thai-runners-in-ironman-copenhagen/

Ingkanont Pipatpon finished the Ironman 2022 in Copenhagen in 9 hours and 15 minutes and became the overall number 65 athlete to finish the race. by Gregers Møller There were eight Thai athletes among the many foreign athletes participating in this year’s Ironman in Copenhagen on 20 August 2022. In total there were 2336 athletes competing in the race. The top male athlete among the Thais was Ingkanont Pipatpon. He made it to the finishing line in 9 hours and 15 minutes. That placed Ingkanont as the overall number 65 to finish the race and number 20 in his age group of males from 30 -34 years. In the morning, Ingkanont finished the 3,8 km swim in 56 minutes and 16 minutes, then biked the 180 km long ride in 4 hours and 59 minutes, and then ran a full marathon of 42 kilometers in 3 hours and 11 minutes. Full story: https://scandasia.com/thailand-runners-in-ironman-copenhagen/ -- © Copyright ScandAsia 2022-08-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Man Who Robbed Illegal Casino Now Afraid Of Being Killed TNR Staff Mac Anusawaree, right, and Hone-Krasae programme host Noom Kanchai, left. The Thai headline says, “Mac afraid of being killed.” Photo: Sanook A MAN who robbed an illegal fan-tan casino in Din Daeng area last night (August 24) phoned a popular television programme asking the Justice Ministry for mercy as he is now afraid of being killed, Sanook.com said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270014-man-who-robbed-illegal-casino-now-afraid-of-being-killed/

Mac Anusawaree, right, and Hone-Krasae programme host Noom Kanchai, left. The Thai headline says, “Mac afraid of being killed.” Photo: Sanook TNR Staff A MAN who robbed an illegal fan-tan casino in Din Daeng area last night (August 24) phoned a popular television programme asking the Justice Ministry for mercy as he is now afraid of being killed, Sanook.com said. Only identified by his nickname Mac Anusawaree, he had called Hone-Krasae programme’s host Noom Kanchai and related that on the day of the robbery he had a problem with the casino’s guard about his car key which he had mortgaged there. This key had previously been damaged and held together with a rubber band and he had told the guard several times that he was afraid it would break and to keep it in a safe place. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/08/25/man-who-robbed-illegal-casino-now-afraid-of-being-killed/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-08-26 - 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!

Prayut No Longer Politically Righteous To Come Back: Academics By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Photo: INN News PRIME MINISTER PRAYUT Chan-o-cha who has been ordered by court to stop performing as of yesterday is no longer politically righteous to come back as head of government, commented academics today (August 25). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270012-prayut-no-longer-politically-righteous-to-come-back-academics/

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Photo: INN News By Thai Newsroom Reporters PRIME MINISTER PRAYUT Chan-o-cha who has been ordered by court to stop performing as of yesterday is no longer politically righteous to come back as head of government, commented academics today (August 25). National Institute of Development Administration’s (NIDA) Political and Development Strategies Project director Pichai Ratanadilok suggested Prayut call it quits now that he is no longer politically justifiable to return as head of government, given the fact that he has already run the country for eight years as maximumly provided by law. Pichai encouraged Prayut to step down now though the Constitutional Court which has ordered him to immediately stop performing his duties is yet to deliver a ruling on his eight-year rule within next month. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/08/25/prayut-no-longer-politically-righteous-to-come-back-academics/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-08-26 - 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!

Move To Clear Dead Cables In Bangkok With 50% Useless TNR Staff Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt overseeing the removal of dead cables on Thonglor road. Photos: Naewna BANGKOK Governor Chadchart Sittiphan supervised the removal of dead cables at Thonglor road today (August 25) to speed up a project to tidy up communication lines running through 800 kilometres of the metropolis within two years, Naewna newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270011-move-to-clear-dead-cables-in-bangkok-with-50-useless/

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 26 August 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1270009-thailand-live-friday-26-august-2022/

Where does Bangkok figure on the Asian pollution index? Pollution is one of the main causes of global warming and it is a concern for everyone around the world. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270010-where-does-bangkok-figure-on-the-asian-pollution-index/

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt overseeing the removal of dead cables on Thonglor road. Photos: Naewna TNR Staff BANGKOK Governor Chadchart Sittiphan supervised the removal of dead cables at Thonglor road today (August 25) to speed up a project to tidy up communication lines running through 800 kilometres of the metropolis within two years, Naewna newspaper said. He was accompanied by Mrs. Pirongrong Ramsut, secretary-general National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, with this being the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s (NBTC) project. “NBTC is the host and many agencies are cooperating including Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) ,the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), entrepreneurs, commissioners and MPs who have been pushing this project all along. It’s a good sign that NBTC has a project to tidy up messy communication lines with 50% being unused. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/08/25/move-to-clear-dead-cables-in-bangkok-with-50-useless/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2022-08-26 - 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!

Pollution is one of the main causes of global warming and it is a concern for everyone around the world. Those of us who live and work in an Asian city often must suffer, which is of course not good for our health. If you are unable to escape to the coast or the countryside, what cities have the lowest pollution figures in the region? We used Numbeo’s website who is the world’s largest online data source to find out. Numbeo.com was launched in April 2009 and all the research and available data are not influenced by any governmental organization. Numbeo’s Pollution Index is an estimation of the overall pollution in the city. The biggest weight is given to air pollution, then to water pollution/accessibility, the two main pollution factors. Small weight is given to other pollution types. Pollution Exp Scale is using an exponential scale to show extremely high numbers for very polluted cities, and exceptionally low numbers for unpolluted cities. Therefore, to calculate formula it uses the exponential function to calculate the index. Here is the list of 19 SE Asian cities. POLLUTION INDEX 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 92.18 2 Yangon, Myanmar 91.76 3 Manila, Philippines 89.92 4 Hanoi, Vietnam 89.60 5 Pattaya, Thailand 88.21 6 Jakarta, Indonesia 84.72 7 Cebu, Philippines 84.33 8 Quezon City, Philippines 82.89 9 Phnom Penh, Cambodia 80.50 10 Chiang Mai, Thailand 76.97 11 Bangkok, Thailand 76.78 12 Bali, Indonesia 75.96 13 Baguio, Philippines 72.14 14 Makati, Philippines 69.03 15 Bandung, Indonesia 67.11 16 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 66.68 17 Davao, Philippines 55.92 18 Surabaya, Indonesia 54.58 19 Singapore, Singapore 33.13 Bangkok rates 11th on the list and surprisingly they are lower than Pattaya!!! Earlier in the year, the daily air pollution figures were showing the Pattaya was often at danger levels, so maybe it is understandable. If you still need to work or live in a city, then Singapore has the lowest pollution record on the current Numbeo pollution index. The city to avoid has to be Hotan in Xinjiang, China, which became Asia's and the world's most polluted city in 2020. Who has best air quality in the world? The air quality in Finland is the best in the world, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Altogether the WHO compiled fine particulate measurement data from its database of more than 4 000 cities in 108 countries. So, head for Helsinki near the Arctic if you want clean air! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-08-26 - 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

What power does Prawit have as acting PM? Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan The decision by the Constitutional Court to suspend Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from active duty might have fallen short of the expectations of the opposition bloc and anti-government demonstrators, but should help lower the political temperature — at least for the time being, according to political analysts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269991-what-power-does-prawit-have-as-acting-pm/

Weeks of tension, tightropes and looking over shoulders A major political suspense is materializing following Wednesday’s Constitutional Court decision to suspend Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from duty. But it will also a period when everyone is restless, has to be extremely careful, and can never really trust anybody else, be it friends or foes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269993-weeks-of-tension-tightropes-and-looking-over-shoulders/

Picture: Thai Rath "Thanks to everyone from the bottom of this little girl's heart" - HIV girl overwhelmed by generosity The 17 year old girl in Chainat who has had HIV since she was in her mother's womb, been bullied and faced stigma has been overwhelmed by the generosity of Thais and foreigners alike. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269988-thanks-to-everyone-from-the-bottom-of-this-little-girls-heart-hiv-girl-overwhelmed-by-generosity/

Weeks of tension, tightropes and looking over shoulders A major political suspense is materializing following Wednesday’s Constitutional Court decision to suspend Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from duty. But it will also a period when everyone is restless, has to be extremely careful, and can never really trust anybody else, be it friends or foes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269993-weeks-of-tension-tightropes-and-looking-over-shoulders/

A major political suspense is materializing following Wednesday’s Constitutional Court decision to suspend Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from duty. But it will also a period when everyone is restless, has to be extremely careful, and can never really trust anybody else, be it friends or foes. Can Prayut fully trust Prawit Wongsuwan, the deputy prime minister who is now assuming the caretaking prime ministerial role? What should street protesters do and how should they do it? Is it wise and necessary for every political party to get a good election campaign head start immediately? How should opposition MPs behave, now that the matter is in the court’s hands? What should be the strategy of Prayut’s opponents _ upping the ante or applying the brake to prevent him from getting too much sympathy from the fickle section of the populace? Also, how should they view Wednesday’s development? Is it something to celebrate, or must they be very wary? These are the questions that will keep everyone on a tightrope and fully alert to the possibility of backstabbing and reversal of fortune. Prawit will have considerable administrative powers and his preferred “projects” or “appointments” now get a good or better chance. He also will have a great opportunity to prove that he “can do it at the highest level without Prayut”, who has become a weak link of the coalition in many people’s eyes. Prawit, after all, is a political party leader and, despite being a big target of the parliamentary opposition and protesters himself, does not have a constitutional problem. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/weeks-of-tension-tightropes-and-looking-over-shoulders/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-25 - 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!

Thai finance minister says committed investment projects unaffected by political risks Wednesday’s suspension of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from his duties by Thailand’s charter court may raise questions over whether investor confidence and public investments are being affected. The country’s finance minister has, however, insisted that investment projects, to which the government has already committed, will continue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1269992-thai-finance-minister-says-committed-investment-projects-unaffected-by-political-risks/

Wednesday’s suspension of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from his duties by Thailand’s charter court may raise questions over whether investor confidence and public investments are being affected. The country’s finance minister has, however, insisted that investment projects, to which the government has already committed, will continue. Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said yesterday (Wednesday) that “projects already committed are to be implemented in accordance with the government’s policies, all aimed at accelerating investment, stable growth and continuity of economic recovery.” President of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Pakorn Peetathawatchai stated that Thailand’s economic development and investments continue to grow, regardless of Thai politics. Looking back 20-30 years, one can see that the Thai business sector, including Thai listed companies, both domestically and internationally, have always developed, he said. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-finance-minister-says-committed-investment-projects-unaffected-by-political-risks/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-25 - 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!