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by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai government is on track to declare COVID-19 an endemic disease. Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutacha said the nation is capable of achieving such a goal, despite concerns over new variants expressed by the World Health Organization (WHO). At the annual meeting of the Private Hospital Association, the deputy health minister said the numbers of COVID infections and deaths are now stable, as the Omicron variant causes less severe symptoms than other strains. The WHO has yet to designate COVID-19 as endemic due to concerns over new variants. Satit noted, however, that capable countries can make such decisions when they are ready, especially Thailand which has been praised as a role model for COVID control. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Thailand aims to declare COVID-19 endemic in July. Satit added that the persisting issue for Thailand at the moment is the handling of home-use test kits, which should be disposed of more properly. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

UPDATE: Thailand Scores High on Tourist and Food Rankings Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and its cultural assets have earned high marks among the international community during the post-pandemic era, with the government saying it will continue to promote the kingdom’s soft power in all areas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259034-study-rates-thailand-as-fourth-most-attractive-global-travel-destination-with-thai-massage-as-most-popular-activity/?do=findComment&comment=17348117

Thailand Scores High on Tourist and Food Rankings Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand and its cultural assets have earned high marks among the international community during the post-pandemic era, with the government saying it will continue to promote the kingdom’s soft power in all areas. Culture Minister Ittipol Khunpluem said he was happy that renowned international agencies have ranked Thailand as one of the top nations for tourism and food. According to the latest study by Visa, the country ranks fourth behind the United States, the United Kingdom and India as one of the top destinations for tourists around the world during the post-pandemic era. Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin meanwhile rank among the top searches by international tourists for destinations in Thailand. Activities that most interested tourists included Thai massage, Thai cuisine, vacationing at resorts and experiencing Thai culture, such as by visiting local temples. The culture minister also noted that CNN Travel recently listed Tom Yam Kung as one of the world’s 20 best soups in the world. He added that the ministry has submitted the soup for consideration by UNESCO to be included on the representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The inclusion, if successful, is expected to help instill national pride among the Thai people and encourage them to understand the importance of their cultural heritage. It is also expected to promote a positive image of Thai food on the world stage, paving the way for more opportunities in Thai food-related businesses, both domestically and internationally. Ittipol said the ministry’s vision for this year is to integrate cooperation with all sides in order to push Thailand’s “soft power” in line with government policies. The ministry will assist potential cultural industries in the 5F product and service categories of food, film, fashion, fighting and festival. Furthermore, he expressed his hope that Thailand would provide more products and services to generate additional revenue from its tourism and cultural sectors in order to help revitalize the economy. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

WHO praises Thailand for its ability to cope with Covid-19 situation, says in the top three countries globally By Nop Meechukhun National – The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised Thailand as a role model and listed the Kingdom in the best three countries in the world for its ability to contain and cope with the Covid-19 situation, a government spokesperson reported May 8th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259035-who-praises-thailand-for-its-ability-to-cope-with-covid-19-situation-says-in-the-top-three-countries-globally/

By Nop Meechukhun National – The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised Thailand as a role model and listed the Kingdom in the best three countries in the world for its ability to contain and cope with the Covid-19 situation, a government spokesperson reported May 8th. Government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said today, May 8th, that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha had thanked all related agencies and departments and the public for cooperating to comply with the measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, resulting in the country becoming a part of the world’s top three countries for handling the Covid-19 pandemic. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This is due to the country’s flexible management according to the current situation of the pandemic as well as its practical measures, according to WHO experts and WHO Thailand’s team. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/08/who-praises-thailand-for-its-ability-to-cope-with-covid-19-situation-says-in-the-top-three-countries-globally/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Study rates Thailand as fourth most attractive global travel destination, with Thai massage as most popular activity By Adam Judd National — Visa Global Travel Intentions Study has rated Thailand as the 4th most attractive travel destination with Thai massage voted as the most popular activity by tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259034-study-rates-thailand-as-fourth-most-attractive-global-travel-destination-with-thai-massage-as-most-popular-activity/

By Adam Judd National — Visa Global Travel Intentions Study has rated Thailand as the 4th most attractive travel destination with Thai massage voted as the most popular activity by tourists. Thailand is preceded by the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. The study also points out that Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin are the most online searched destinations for relaxing, escaping the bustle, and outdoor activities. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/08/study-rates-thailand-as-fourth-most-attractive-global-travel-destination-with-thai-massage-as-most-popular-activity/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Confusion reigns over expiry date of Prayut’s rule, but history hints at extension By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s worries over his remaining time in office may have evaporated following an important resolution on the Constitutional Court president’s tenure. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259033-confusion-reigns-over-expiry-date-of-prayut’s-rule-but-history-hints-at-extension/

By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s worries over his remaining time in office may have evaporated following an important resolution on the Constitutional Court president’s tenure. Worawit Kangsasitiam can stay on in his post, after a powerful selection committee ruled on April 22 that his term will expire when he has served for nine years or reaches the age of 75, whichever comes first. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The unanimous decision was made by five members of the panel — the Supreme Court president and panel chair, the House of Representatives speaker, the opposition leader, the Supreme Administrative Court president, and a representative of the Election Commission. The panel has nine members in total. However, the Office of the Ombudsman, National Anti‑Corruption Commission, State Audit Office, and National Human Rights Commission failed to nominate their representatives, according to Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanan Srikaew, who joined the panel in his capacity as opposition leader. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/confusion-reigns-over-expiry-date-of-prayuts-rule-but-history-hints-at-extension/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Chulalongkorn University’s COVID mRNA vaccine to enter human trials Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University is seeking approval from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) to begin the first two phases of human trials of its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259031-chulalongkorn-university’s-covid-mrna-vaccine-to-enter-human-trials/

Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University is seeking approval from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) to begin the first two phases of human trials of its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. According to the “Thai Roo Soo COVID” Facebook page the vaccine, called ChulaCov19, is the first mRNA vaccine developed in Thailand. During the initial stage of development, the candidate vaccine was sent to a pharmaceutical plant in the United States for production and human trials were conducted to show that the vaccine is safe and generates a higher immune response than the Pfizer mRNA vaccine currently used in Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In the second stage of the vaccine’s development, it will be locally produced by BioNet-Asia. The first lot of vaccine has been produced and has passed standard quality tests. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/chulalongkorn-universitys-covid-mrna-vaccine-to-enter-human-trials/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Dentist being investigated by Thai Dental Council for alleged sexual abuse The Thai Dental Council (TDC) has ordered a fact-finding investigation into the conduct of a dentist in Nonthaburi province who has been accused of sexually assaulting two Thai-American sisters. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259030-dentist-being-investigated-by-thai-dental-council-for-alleged-sexual-abuse/

The Thai Dental Council (TDC) has ordered a fact-finding investigation into the conduct of a dentist in Nonthaburi province who has been accused of sexually assaulting two Thai-American sisters. The probe follows a complaint filed with the council’s secretary-general, Somyot Nalamliang by lawyer Saranya Wangsukcharoen, representing the two alleged victims, aged 13 and 17. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Saranya told Somyot that she considers the offence allegedly committed by the dentist to be a gross violation of medical ethics, which could result in the suspension of his medical license. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/dentist-being-investigated-by-thai-dental-council-for-alleged-sexual-abuse/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand to enter rainy season in mid-May Thailand will enter its rainy season around the end of the second week of May and it will last until mid-October, with a temporary break from mid-June to mid-July, due to the effects of El Niño and La Niña phenomena, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259029-thailand-to-enter-rainy-season-in-mid-may/

Thailand will enter its rainy season around the end of the second week of May and it will last until mid-October, with a temporary break from mid-June to mid-July, due to the effects of El Niño and La Niña phenomena, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. In an announcement, issued this morning (Sunday), the department warned of more rain across the country, with very heavy rain forecast in the southern region, as an indirect result of the atmospheric depression in the middle of the Bay of Bengal, which is intensifying and is predicted to develop into cyclone today, but it will not have a direct impact on Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The department said, however, that the cyclone, which is looming over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, will intensify the south-easterly wind and this will bring more rain to most parts of the county, particularly to southern provinces, which may face heavy downpours and the possibility of flash flooding. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-to-enter-rainy-season-in-mid-may/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Is it worth getting a second COVID-19 booster? Though more than 2.8 million people in Thailand have already received their fourth jab against COVID-19, many others are still skeptical about what good a “second booster” can do. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259028-is-it-worth-getting-a-second-covid-19-booster/

Though more than 2.8 million people in Thailand have already received their fourth jab against COVID-19, many others are still skeptical about what good a “second booster” can do. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has yet to recommend the fourth dose, citing a lack of good evidence to back the recommendation. Hence, countries have taken different approaches where the second booster is concerned. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In Thailand, the government is encouraging people to get the fourth jab and has opened several channels for them to get their shot for free. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/is-it-worth-getting-a-second-covid-19-booster/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Publicity campaign launched urging Bangkok’s electorate to vote on May 22nd With only two weeks to go before the Bangkok gubernatorial and councillor elections on Sunday May 22nd, the Election Commission is to launch a city-wide campaign tomorrow (Monday) to urge Bangkok’s voters to go to the polls. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259027-publicity-campaign-launched-urging-bangkok’s-electorate-to-vote-on-may-22nd/

With only two weeks to go before the Bangkok gubernatorial and councillor elections on Sunday May 22nd, the Election Commission is to launch a city-wide campaign tomorrow (Monday) to urge Bangkok’s voters to go to the polls. The launch event will be held at City Hall, after which a convoy of trucks, equipped with loudspeakers, will tour the streets of Bangkok’s 50 districts to drive home the message that the electorate should exercise its voting right, the first time in nine years for the Bangkok governor and 12 years for the councillors. The campaign will continue until one day before the election. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The elections of Pattaya’s mayor and councillors are also to be held on May 22nd. Meanwhile, Samran Tanpanich, director of the Bangkok elections, warned candidates not to do anything beyond the permissible legal limits regarding election spending, authorities and duties. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/publicity-campaign-launched-urging-bangkoks-electorate-to-vote-on-may-22nd/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Paetongtarn makes hustings debut to help Pheu Thai Bangkok councillor candidates Photo from Ing Paetongtarn’s Instagram Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai party’s advisory chief for public participation and innovation and youngest daughter of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin, has embarked on her first campaign trail, to support the party’s councillor election candidates in Thon Buri. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259026-paetongtarn-makes-hustings-debut-to-help-pheu-thai-bangkok-councillor-candidates/

Photo from Ing Paetongtarn’s Instagram Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai party’s advisory chief for public participation and innovation and youngest daughter of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin, has embarked on her first campaign trail, to support the party’s councillor election candidates in Thon Buri. She led the party’s candidates touring Taling Chan, Thawee Wattana, Bang Khae and Phasi Charoen districts to woo support for the party’s four candidates. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Paetongtarn, who is also head of the so called “Pheu Thai Family”, said that their candidates can work with the candidate from any party, or an independent candidate, who emerges as the winner of the Bangkok gubernatorial election. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/paetongtarn-makes-hustings-debut-to-help-pheu-thai-bangkok-councillor-candidates/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Can I unfreeze my state pension when I visit the UK from a country where payments don't rise every year? By TANYA JEFFERIES FOR THIS IS MONEY.CO.UK Frozen state pension: How do you unfreeze payments on visits to the UK? Around 500,000 elderly expats live in countries where their state pension is frozen at whatever amount it was set at when they moved abroad. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259025-can-i-unfreeze-my-state-pension-when-i-visit-the-uk-from-a-country-where-payments-dont-rise-every-year/

Frozen state pension: How do you unfreeze payments on visits to the UK? By TANYA JEFFERIES FOR THIS IS MONEY.CO.UK Around 500,000 elderly expats live in countries where their state pension is frozen at whatever amount it was set at when they moved abroad. Some people who retired overseas when the full basic rate was £67.50 a week in 2000 still get that, rather than the £141.85 a week now received by others who retired that year. But expats who come back to the UK, whether for a short visit or for good, get their state pension uprated back to the full amount again if they apply to the Department for Work and Pensions. On a short stay, it will only be hiked for the duration of a trip, but the gulf between the frozen and the standard amounts can be so huge that it is worth it even then. We recently covered the case of a 100-year-old woman who served as a nurse in World War II, and receives a £46-a-week state pension which hasn't increased since she went to live near her children in Australia in the early 1990s. Very elderly people might not often travel to the UK, or the other 'unfrozen' countries where you can also get your payments increased temporarily, due to frailty or ill health. However, if you do the process of getting your payments increased is explained below. 'We deserve our rightful pension': Nurse aged 100 who served...British MPs rally support from Canada and Australia to end... Whether an expat's pension is frozen or not depends entirely on where you move to, because the Government has struck individual deals with some countries but left around 150 others out in the cold. This has created an historical anomaly, which originated some 70 years ago, where people retiring to Canada, Australia, India, Africa and many parts of the Caribbean lose out on state pension increases, while those living in EU countries, the US, Jamaica, Israel and the Philippines get their full whack. MPs and campaigners have criticised the Government over the policy, which they have variously called illogical, unfair and morally wrong. In its most recent statement on this, the Government said: 'We understand that people move abroad for many reasons and that this can impact on their finances. There is information on Gov.uk about what the effect of going abroad will be on entitlement to the UK state pension. 'The Government's policy on the uprating of the UK state pension for recipients living overseas is a longstanding one of more than 70 years and we continue to uprate state pensions overseas where there is a legal requirement to do so.' We explain more here, and see below for the full list of frozen countries. John Duffy is chair of the International Consortium of British Pensioners which runs the End Frozen Pensions campaign. He says: Quite astonishingly, a 'frozen' state pensioner will find their UK state pension 'thawed' if they return to the UK, even if only for a short period. Indeed, the pension is unfrozen during any visit to a list of 'unfrozen' countries, not just the UK. This means that somebody could receive – for example - £46 in one week living in a 'frozen' country, visit the UK, where their weekly pension will be tripled, only for this to revert to the frozen rate when back in their country of residence. John Duffy: A 'frozen' state pensioner will find it 'thawed' if they return to the UK - but you need to contact the DWP This arbitrary system highlights the sheer inequity of frozen pensions: if you have paid in the same dues and contributions, why should it matter where you happen to be? Is there a minimum stay in the UK required? There is no minimum stay in the UK required to receive the full uprated state pension. A pensioner only has to inform the DWP of their arrival and departure dates. What are the best contact details to sort this out with the DWP? There is very little information on how to arrange this on the DWP website – this is rather typical of all communications provided to support pensioners overseas and mirrors the distinct lack of communication informing a pensioner that their state pension might be frozen should they move abroad. Full story: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensions/article-10786301/Can-state-pension-unfrozen-visit-UK.html -- © Copyright This is MONEY 2022-05-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 9 May 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1259024-thailand-live-monday-9-may-2022/

Country or city living in Thailand? file photo for reference only Back in January 2019, we posted a viewer’s comments (known as Village farang) on the balance of choosing to live in Bangkok against the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259023-country-or-city-living-in-thailand/