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by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s top virology expert has said children with COVID-19 should not be absent from school for too long given expanding vaccination coverage and the nature of the Omicron coronavirus variant, which is far less virulent than previous strains. Dr Yong Poovorawan, head of the Center for Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine of Chulalongkorn University, recently suggested a shorter self-isolation time for COVID patients, especially children. He said in his Facebook post that the majority of people now have some level of immunity against COVID-19, either from vaccinations, infection or a hybrid immunity from both the vaccine and contracting the virus. Dr Yong also said patients should self-isolate for seven days and avoid transmitting the virus to others by wearing a mask and frequently washing their hands. Concerning children who exhibit mild symptoms, Dr Yong said they should stay home to recover and be allowed to return to school two days after symptoms subside. He added that children over the age of 2 usually develop a robust immune response against the virus. There are currently no approved COVID-19 vaccines for kids under the age of 5 in Thailand. Dr Yong meanwhile suggested that children who test positive opt to join online classes for a period of seven days, especially those with mild symptoms. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more! :

Government to Implement Measures to Prepare For Endemic Phase Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will prioritize the implementation of 2U and 3Por measures as Thailand prepares to transition to the endemic phase of the COVID pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262566-government-to-implement-measures-to-prepare-for-endemic-phase/

Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will prioritize the implementation of 2U and 3Por measures as Thailand prepares to transition to the endemic phase of the COVID pandemic. According to the latest CCSA meeting, which was presided over by National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Gen Supot Malaniyom, COVID infection cases have been on the decline, while the number of fatalities has stabilized and is mostly related to patients in the "608" group who have not been vaccinated. The alert for COVID-19 in all provinces currently stands at level 3, but there is a possibility of lowering the alert to level 2 next week. The CCSA is also preparing measures to ensure public health safety as they plan to relax prevention measures in the upcoming weeks. The CCSA and the Ministry of Public Health will prioritize the implementation of “2U,” which refers to Universal Prevention and Universal Vaccination measures. The 3Por (Enough Beds, Enough Medicine, Enough Medical Staff) measure will also be implemented, with a focus on providing vaccination and booster shots to more than 60% of the "608" group, as well as ensuring adequate beds, medication, vaccines and medical staff to provide efficient and effective services. Concerning vaccination issues, the Ministry of Public Health reported that it has distributed jabs to local health-promotion hospitals and will also organize vaccination-promoting events. Additionally, public health officials said they were concerned about slower vaccination uptake, particularly among the elderly, where only 45.1% of the group has been vaccinated, compared to the ministry’s target of 60%. The meeting also urged relevant authorities to ensure that educational institutions and entertainment venues strictly adhere to infection prevention measures in order to prevent new infections. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

BTS Customer Number Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - BTS Group Holdings Plc has said the reopening of schools, a rebound in the number of foreign tourists, and the full operation of extension sections should allow the number of commuters to surpass pre-pandemic levels. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262565-bts-customer-number-surpasses-pre-pandemic-levels/

Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - BTS Group Holdings Plc has said the reopening of schools, a rebound in the number of foreign tourists, and the full operation of extension sections should allow the number of commuters to surpass pre-pandemic levels. Surayut Thavikulwat, BTS’s chief financial officer, reported an increase in ridership after May 17, when schools reopened, as more people opted to use mass transit lines to avoid traffic congestion. According to Surayut, last week’s commuter count exceeded 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels. As soon as Covid-19 is declared an endemic disease, the trend will likely continue well into the second half of this year. Surayut noted that a rise in foreign tourists since the country’s reopening last month and the full operation of BTS’s extension sections will also contribute to an increase in ridership this year. In the fiscal year 2021, which ended in March 2022, BTS reported operating revenue of 31.1 billion baht and a net profit of 3.8 billion baht, decreases of 26% and 16%, respectively. However, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization rose from 25.2% in the prior year to 31.4% in the current year. BTS is also constructing the Pink and Yellow lines, which were 87 and 92 percent complete, respectively, as of May 2022. By 2023, these lines are anticipated to be fully operational. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Instant Noodle Price Cap to Stay Unchanged For Now by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has confirmed it will maintain the retail price of instant noodles in order to continue alleviating consumer burdens. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262564-instant-noodle-price-cap-to-stay-unchanged-for-now/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has confirmed it will maintain the retail price of instant noodles in order to continue alleviating consumer burdens. Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said the ministry has not permitted any producers to raise retail prices for instant noodles and will keep the price cap in place for as long as possible. He added that the ministry sympathizes with producers, as they face higher production costs, but urged them to maintain the current price so as to assist the general public. The minister also assured that recent reports about major brands raising instant noodle prices are only for wholesale, which will reduce retail profits without hurting consumers. The retail price will remain 6 baht per packet. Instant noodles are one of 52 products and services on the state price control list for which manufacturers must report their operations and seek approval to adjust rates. The list covers essential items for daily use such as food, agricultural products, construction materials, paper, medicine, paper and petroleum. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Tourist Numbers Expected to More Than Triple in 2023 by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The BOT predicts 6 million foreign tourist arrivals this year and 19 million next year as pandemic-era curbs ease. It also forecasts economic growth of 3.3% this year after seeing 1.5% growth last year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262562-tourist-numbers-expected-to-more-than-triple-in-2023/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The BOT predicts 6 million foreign tourist arrivals this year and 19 million next year as pandemic-era curbs ease. It also forecasts economic growth of 3.3% this year after seeing 1.5% growth last year. Policymakers have promised that fiscal and monetary settings will continue to support the nascent recovery as vital tourism lags without Chinese tourists, who are unable to visit due to stringent travel restrictions that ban outbound travel. China accounted for over a quarter of the 40 million foreign visitors in pre-pandemic 2019. In contrast to past global tightening cycles, Thailand’s capital markets remain in good shape thanks to much higher foreign reserves and low foreign debt, reducing any immediate pressure to match U.S. rate hikes. Thailand has not seen any net capital outflows this year - instead, its bond and stock markets have drawn net inflows of 157 billion baht. The government also assured that it is not overly concerned with the weak baht, which it noted has been greatly beneficial for the competitiveness of Thailand’s massive export sector. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

PM orders a clampdown on midnight closing rules By Editor Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has told officials to clamp down on entertainment venues that are flouting the midnight closing rule, a government spokeswoman said on Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262561-pm-orders-a-clampdown-on-midnight-closing-rules/

By Editor Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has told officials to clamp down on entertainment venues that are flouting the midnight closing rule, a government spokeswoman said on Sunday. Deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul said Prayut had received complaints via several channels of nighttime entertainment venues violating closing time rules. Pubs, bars, karaoke shops and massage parlours were allowed to reopen in 31 Blue and Green zone provinces from June 1. That includes Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. The venues are allowed to operate until midnight, but many are staying open longer, leading to fear among local residents that they will trigger Covid clusters, the spokeswoman quoted Prayut as saying. Traisulee said Prayut has ordered the Royal Thai Police to work with provincial and local administration officials to tighten enforcement of closing hours. She said Prayut had also ordered agencies to ensure their officials do not turn a blind eye to violations. Those who are found to be helping venues stay open illegally will be subject to both disciplinary and criminal action, the spokeswoman added. She called on members of the public to inform officials if they encounter any entertainment place violating the closing hour rule. Meanwhile, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration will meet next week to consider removing the face mask mandate in public places and allow entertainment venues to close at 2 AM. Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/06/pm-orders-a-clampdown-on-midnight-closing-rules/ -- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Marijuana is not a magical cure, warns Prachuap doctor By Online Reporter Just days after Thailand took the groundbreaking move to decriminalize marijuana, a doctor in Prachuap Khiri Khan has urged caution against the use of the drug. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262560-marijuana-is-not-a-magical-cure-warns-prachuap-doctor/

By Online Reporter Just days after Thailand took the groundbreaking move to decriminalize marijuana, a doctor in Prachuap Khiri Khan has urged caution against the use of the drug. Ms. Wansa Boonjorn, Thai traditional medicine doctor at the cannabis clinic Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital, said that removing marijuana from the category 5 narcotics list would be beneficial to the health and medical industry in Thailand. However, she cautioned that marijuana is not some magical plant that can cure all ailments. She said that using marijuaua has advantages and disadvantages and if it is used incorrectly can harm a person’s health. Ms. Wansa also cautioned against children and teenagers using marijuana, saying they could be at risk of developing adverse long term conditions which affect both their physical and mental health. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/marijuana-is-not-a-magical-cure-warns-prachuap-doctor/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Concerns voiced over health effects of cannabis on youth Thailand’s Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has expressed concern over the potential short and long term effects of cannabis on Thai youth, now that controlled use of the plant in various forms has been legalised. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262559-concerns-voiced-over-health-effects-of-cannabis-on-youth/

Thailand’s Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has expressed concern over the potential short and long term effects of cannabis on Thai youth, now that controlled use of the plant in various forms has been legalised. 670,065 people have registered with the Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) to grow cannabis or hemp and 649,408 had been certified by 7am today (Sunday), according to the TFDA. More than 33 million users have logged into the TFDA’s registration system. To address the concerns, TFDA Secretary-General Dr. Paisarn Dunkum said today (Sunday) that they have imposed strict measures on the production of food, drinks or other products which contain cannabis or its extracts, to ensure the safety of consumers. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/concerns-voiced-over-health-effects-of-cannabis-on-youth/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

LIV Golf is coming to Thailand and now everyone wants a ticket by Michael Bridge Phil Mickleson, Dustin Johnson Golf has been given a massive wake-up call by the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour that has taken golf from the back pages to headline news. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262558-liv-golf-is-coming-to-thailand-and-now-everyone-wants-a-ticket/

Many test positive for illicit drug use in another raid on pub in Bangkok Officers from the Youth and Women Welfare Centre raided a pub in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district early this morning (Sunday) and found many packets of controlled narcotics scattered on the floor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262557-many-test-positive-for-illicit-drug-use-in-another-raid-on-pub-in-bangkok/

Officers from the Youth and Women Welfare Centre raided a pub in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district early this morning (Sunday) and found many packets of controlled narcotics scattered on the floor. 195 patrons were at the “77 Society Pub”, on Tha Kham Road, at the time of the raid at around 2am. All were subjected to urine tests, in which 26 men and 37 women tested positive for illicit drugs. Three packets of Ketamine were also found in the possession of two customers. The owner of the nightspot, Khomsan Dangchum, was held in police custody on multiple charges, including operating an entertainment venue without a license, selling alcohol after hours, violation of the emergency decree, illegal association, defying the order of the Bangkok communicable disease committee, not complying with health safety measures and allowing trading of narcotics on the premises. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/many-test-positive-for-illicit-drug-use-in-another-raid-on-pub-in-bangkok/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Generation of learning loss due to COVID-19 Inequality is not a new problem, but the COVID-19 pandemic just made it more visible around the world. “Learning Loss” became a common experience for this generation of children in vulnerable groups. (Photo courtesy of APREMC II) Education is an important tool when dealing with inequality, be it economic, social or others. Children can escape the poverty trap, whereas their parents could not do so for generations, according to Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart, Managing Director, Equitable Education Fund (EEF). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262556-generation-of-learning-loss-due-to-covid-19/

Inequality is not a new problem, but the COVID-19 pandemic just made it more visible around the world. “Learning Loss” became a common experience for this generation of children in vulnerable groups. (Photo courtesy of APREMC II) Education is an important tool when dealing with inequality, be it economic, social or others. Children can escape the poverty trap, whereas their parents could not do so for generations, according to Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart, Managing Director, Equitable Education Fund (EEF). Inequality is not a new problem, but the COVID-19 pandemic just made it more visible around the world. “Learning Loss” became a common experience for this generation of children in vulnerable groups. According to the latest study by UNESCO and UNICEF, countries in the Asia-Pacific region were the first to be impacted by COVID-19, which disrupted access to education for 760 million children during the initial peak of the pandemic in 2020. Though the problem is not unique to Thailand, the Thai government admits that it is a big challenge trying to keep all children in school. Education minister, Treenuch Thienthong, said that just another 3 more years in secondary school can make a huge difference in their life opportunities. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/generation-of-learning-loss-due-to-covid-19/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

New Bangkok governor taking on city’s problems with unique work style Newly elected Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has injected new energy into the capital with his distinctive work style. In stark contrast to his predecessors, Chadchart is down-to-earth, highly active, and open-minded. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262555-new-bangkok-governor-taking-on-city’s-problems-with-unique-work-style/

Newly elected Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has injected new energy into the capital with his distinctive work style. In stark contrast to his predecessors, Chadchart is down-to-earth, highly active, and open-minded. “I am not your boss,” Chadchart told officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) at their first meeting. “We will work together. No matter what you have in mind, you can talk about it with me. If you think I should revise policies or add some more policies, come forward.” Chadchart has been dubbed the “world’s strongest politician” for his impressive physical build and has dispensed with the entourage of bodyguards that accompany many other public figures. This means that residents can easily approach him as he moves around the city. Simple work rules Though known for waking and getting to work early, Chadchart has not ordered his BMA officials to do the same. He only wants them to focus on their work and address Bangkokians’ grievances. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-bangkok-governor-taking-on-citys-problems-with-unique-work-style/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

No COVID-19 deaths in Bangkok for the second consecutive day Data collected from 352 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital from September 2021 show that 82 percent had at least one long-COVID symptom. (Photo by Fusion Medical Animation) Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262553-no-covid-19-deaths-in-bangkok-for-the-second-consecutive-day/

Data collected from 352 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital from September 2021 show that 82 percent had at least one long-COVID symptom. (Photo by Fusion Medical Animation) No death from COVID-19 infection has been reported in Bangkok or the southern provinces for the second consecutive day, as the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) reported 28 more deaths elsewhere and 2,501 confirmed COVID-19 cases during the past 24 hours. The 28 deaths included 3 cases each in Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom and Nakhon Sawan, 2 cases each in Samut Prakan, Ubon Ratchathani, Chaiyaphum, Lampang and Chachoengsao and 1 case each in Nonthaburi, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Roi-et, Nong Khai, Sakhon Nakhon, Rayong, Lop Buri and Suphan Buri. Northern provinces registered 15 deaths. The victims were aged from 34 to 97, with 93% of them elderly people and with underlying diseases. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/no-covid-19-deaths-in-bangkok-for-the-second-consecutive-day/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-06-11 - 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. Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

Drugs, underage patrons found in police raid on illegal pub in Bangkok Officials from the Provincial Administration Department (PAD) and Pathumwan district police raided a pub in Bangkok’s Rong Muang area early this morning (Saturday), after they received information that the nightspot was allegedly admitting underage customers and staying open until 4am. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1262552-drugs-underage-patrons-found-in-police-raid-on-illegal-pub-in-bangkok/