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AIS to Implement Additional Security Measures After Cyber Attack BANGKOK (NNT) - Advanced Info Service plc. (AIS) has said it will implement additional security measures after hackers compromised data on about 100,000 of its customers last Friday (18 Feb). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251153-ais-to-implement-additional-security-measures-after-cyber-attack/

Ang Thong gets creative with road safety campaign after doctor’s death on zebra crossing The Ang Thong provincial administration held a creative road accident reduction campaign Monday, to encourage motorists to respect pedestrians’ right of way on zebra crossings, with a Khon mask dance performance on the Po Phraya-Tha Rua Road in the Muang district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251152-ang-thong-gets-creative-with-road-safety-campaign-after-doctor’s-death-on-zebra-crossing/

Rider of ‘big bike’ involved in fatal accident to be indicted on nine charges Public prosecutors have decided to indict on nine charges a police officer who fatally injured an eye doctor in an accident with his large motorcycle at a zebra crossing in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district in late January. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251150-rider-of-‘big-bike’-involved-in-fatal-accident-to-be-indicted-on-nine-charges/

Is Palang Pracharath roping in GSB ex-chief to buttress its economic team? Chatchai Payuhanaveechai as a Government Savings Bank (GSB) president in 2020. The government’s stumbles in tackling the economic problems that plagued the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have forced the ruling Palang Pracharath Party to reshuffle its economic team in preparation for a return to power after the next election. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251130-is-palang-pracharath-roping-in-gsb-ex-chief-to-buttress-its-economic-team/

Chatchai Payuhanaveechai as a Government Savings Bank (GSB) president in 2020. The government’s stumbles in tackling the economic problems that plagued the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have forced the ruling Palang Pracharath Party to reshuffle its economic team in preparation for a return to power after the next election. Former Government Savings Bank (GSB) president Chatchai Payuhanaveechai was recently mentioned at the ruling party meeting as joining their new economic team. Palang Pracharath leader General Prawit Wongsuwan, who is also a deputy prime minister, informed during the party meeting on February 7 that Chatchai would join the economic team of the party and would be responsible for formulating the party’s economic policy platform for the next general election. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/is-palang-pracharath-roping-in-gsb-ex-chief-to-buttress-its-economic-team/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-22 - Aetna 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

Thai Public Health Ministry braces for more COVID-19 patients Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kiattibhoom Vongrachit has issued an urgent order instructing state hospital directors and provincial health chiefs across the country to prepare their medical personnel and facilities, including home isolation and community isolation facilities, to deal with an anticipated jump in serious COVID-19 cases. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251128-thai-public-health-ministry-braces-for-more-covid-19-patients/

Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kiattibhoom Vongrachit has issued an urgent order instructing state hospital directors and provincial health chiefs across the country to prepare their medical personnel and facilities, including home isolation and community isolation facilities, to deal with an anticipated jump in serious COVID-19 cases. In his capacity as head of the COVID-19 emergency operations centre, Dr. Kiattibhoom explained the need to make preparations in response to the rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 infections, particularly the Omicron variant, to ensure that the infected, especially the seriously ill, have access to medical treatment. The state hospital directors and provincial health chiefs were also instructed to increase their telephone hotline capacities and to inform the public in their provinces of the existence of such services. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-public-health-ministry-braces-for-more-covid-19-patients/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-22 - Aetna 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 Pass registration system to remain, says Tourism and Sports Minister By Online Reporter Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. File Photo The Thailand Pass registration system will remain in place indefinitely, despite calls from key figures in the tourism industry for it to be removed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251126-thailand-pass-registration-system-to-remain-says-tourism-and-sports-minister/

Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. File Photo By Online Reporter The Thailand Pass registration system will remain in place indefinitely, despite calls from key figures in the tourism industry for it to be removed. Speaking to Thai language news outlet Bangkok Biz News, Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn explained that Thailand Pass is a state registration system and it can not simply be cancelled. “The Thailand Pass system cannot be cancelled because it holds data and important information on tourists which can be used to trace them when they travel in Thailand,” Mr Pipat said. Since July 2021, anyone visiting Thailand has been required to register using the Thailand Pass system. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-pass-registration-system-to-remain-says-tourism-and-sports-minister/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-22 - Aetna 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

TAT outlines marketing activities in support of Thailand-India ‘Air Travel Bubble’ With recovery marketing efforts focusing on high quality sectors; such as, weddings and honeymoons, golf, and millennials. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 22 February, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has outlined the latest marketing strategy in response to the approval that has been given to an ‘air travel bubble’ arrangement with India, which is considered a major step forward in the planned recovery of what is one of Thailand’s important visitor source markets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251125-tat-outlines-marketing-activities-in-support-of-thailand-india-‘air-travel-bubble’/

With recovery marketing efforts focusing on high quality sectors; such as, weddings and honeymoons, golf, and millennials. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 22 February, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has outlined the latest marketing strategy in response to the approval that has been given to an ‘air travel bubble’ arrangement with India, which is considered a major step forward in the planned recovery of what is one of Thailand’s important visitor source markets. Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific, said, “Thailand was a very popular destination for Indian travellers before the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is every indication this appeal will continue. Significantly, the proposed Thai-Indian Air Travel Bubble arrangement will help enhance the image of Thailand as the preferred destination for Indians wanting to travel abroad.” Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has greenlighted the proposed ‘Thai-Indian Air Travel Bubble’ arrangement, a decision which now awaits Cabinet approval. Once this is given, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) will proceed with the plan through collaborations with the Indian authorities and airlines. Mr. Tanes added, “With the TEST and GO entry scheme having been resumed from 1 February, 2022, under which fully vaccinated travellers from any country can apply for a Thailand Pass, while the COVID-19 situation in India is vastly improving resulting in relaxed restrictions for international arrivals including returning Indians, TAT will actively target high quality Indian tourists to return to Thailand.” In line with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters’ marketing campaign, TAT is focusing on further building the Indian market with a particular emphasis on special interest groups with high spending; such as, weddings and honeymoons, golf, millennials, and digital nomads. Among the activities include familiarisation trips and business events. A fam trip for Indian travel agents and media is in Thailand from 15-22 February, 2022, to gain first-hand experience on tourism products and services on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai and Bangkok-Ko Samui travel routes, as well as discuss business with local suppliers in a trade meet event. A dedicated familiarisation trip and wedding symposium for Indian wedding planners is set to take place in March 2022. TAT will also head up the Thailand presence at India’s largest tourism promotion event – South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2022 – scheduled for 18-21 April, in New Delhi. It will also arrange a product presentation event to provide travel agents from key cities in the South and West of India – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Koshi, and Mumbai – with an update on Thailand’s entry schemes and ‘Amazing New Chapters’ travel offers. Following the materialisation of the ‘Thai-Indian Air Travel Bubble’ arrangement and the reopening of commercial flights between the two countries, TAT will join hands with airlines to co-organise networking sessions in key cities in the North of India, including New Delhi and Kolkata to further promote Thailand’s latest tourism products and services. This latest marketing strategy follows TAT’s ongoing efforts to maintain Thailand’s positioning as a top destination for Indian travellers. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, TAT’s offices in Mumbai and New Delhi continued to work in close cooperation with the Indian travel and tourism industry through ongoing marketing activities that included a ‘Thailand Travel Update’ webinar and the launch of the ‘Thailand Specialist Programme’ industry-focused online training course for travel advisors and operators to update themselves on existing and new attractions and offerings in Thailand. The website www.tourismthailand.in has been updated. More Thailand’s tourism-related content has been published via an online platform specially targeting millennials. Last but not least, TAT recently launched the ‘Miss You’ campaign with images inviting Indian travellers to experience Thailand’s ‘Amazing New Chapters’. TAT’s proactive marketing efforts in India has resulted in Thailand winning the ‘Best Honeymoon Destination’ for the second year running at the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2021. In August 2021, Thailand was also rated one of the best golfing destinations by an overwhelming 97% of respondents in a nationwide survey of golfers in India. Meanwhile, a Thomas Cook survey conducted in June 2021 identified Thailand as a top three destination for Indians wanting to travel abroad. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/02/tat-outlines-marketing-activities-in-support-of-thailand-india-air-travel-bubble/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-02-22 - Aetna 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

Child molester arrested in Bangkok after being on the run for 13 years - wife and mother reported him originally Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on the arrest of a 34 year old Thai man called Methee from Koh Jan, Chonburi, outside a house on Bang Khun Thian Road in south western Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251122-child-molester-arrested-in-bangkok-after-being-on-the-run-for-13-years-wife-and-mother-reported-him-originally/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on the arrest of a 34 year old Thai man called Methee from Koh Jan, Chonburi, outside a house on Bang Khun Thian Road in south western Bangkok. Methee was named in a warrant issued in Chonburi for the sexual assault of a child under 15 and depriving the parents of their child. The warrant was issued in December 2009. Methee had met Cat, 14, and fallen in love and despite being married had moved in with her. He was reported by his wife and mother but fled Chonburi. He has now been returned there after police from the Consumer Protection Division of the CSD staked out his place following a report that he was hiding there. He reportedly admitted everything. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-22 - Aetna 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 Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Lawyer killed after collision of two pick-ups in Phitsanulok Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported that Muang Phitsanulok police responded after two pick-ups collided on the Phitsanulok to Lomsak Road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251121-lawyer-killed-after-collision-of-two-pick-ups-in-phitsanulok/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported that Muang Phitsanulok police responded after two pick-ups collided on the Phitsanulok to Lomsak Road. Dead at the scene from multiple injuries was 46 year old Phitsanulok lawyer Niti Subin. His Triton had sideswiped a Ford Raptor while lane changing, smacked into a road speed sign then hit a lamppost before coming to rest by the side of the road. Picture: Naew Na He needed to be cut out of the driver's seat by rescue services. Raptor driver Sanan, 74, said he was hit while travelling in the central lane when the other pick-up changed lane abruptly. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-22 - Aetna 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 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

Filthy beaches: Discarded syringes, masks everywhere threaten tourists Picture: Sanook The office of the Marine and Coastal Resources 1 went to a Rayong beach to investigate after a tourist reported seeing syringes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251120-filthy-beaches-discarded-syringes-masks-everywhere-threaten-tourists/

Filthy beaches: Discarded syringes, masks everywhere threaten tourists Picture: Sanook The office of the Marine and Coastal Resources 1 went to a Rayong beach to investigate after a tourist reported seeing syringes. It happened at PMY beach also known as "Moonlight Beach". The tourist feared stepping on one and possible getting infected with some disease. Pongsiri Saenprasert responded and reported finding a huge amount of ghastly garbage on the beach. There were at least ten syringes, masks and other debris all washed up, presumably from offshore discarded in the sea. There were probably others floating in the sea itself, he noted. Vaccine bottles were also found. He was investigating their possible source. Busara, 56, a trader who collects trash at the beach in an agreement with the local authority, told Sanook she found one or two syringes every day. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-22 - Aetna 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 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 Picture: Sanook Picture: Sanook Picture: Sanook Picture: Sanook

Troublesome 4 meter long albino python causes problems for bicycle repair man in South Sanook Thai Cap: "Jumbo" Albino Python A bicycle repairman called Chalermchai Jainat, 52, told Sanook how he called rescue services after a troublesome python proved too tricky to handle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251117-troublesome-4-meter-long-albino-python-causes-problems-for-bicycle-repair-man-in-south/

Sanook Thai Cap: "Jumbo" Albino Python A bicycle repairman called Chalermchai Jainat, 52, told Sanook how he called rescue services after a troublesome python proved too tricky to handle. Chaermchai said he was minding his own business repairing bikes when his mum who was relaxing on a wood platform heard the sound of what she thought was a person dragging wood. On closer inspection it was a huge albino python slithering towards the road and a possible accident about to happen. The staff at the Asan repair shop in Phiman sub-district of Satun, southern Thailand, tried to grab it's tail end but it slithered off to hide under some coconut husks under a mango tree. When Thammarangsri rescue services arrived the serpent fled the mango scene into a disused pond where it was eventually caught with a noose and returned to nature. Chalermchai said that the area had lots of snakes that were usually after cats to eat. The change in the weather had brought many of them down from the nearby hills for water and food. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-22 - Aetna 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 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

Minister signals a move to resurrect a national internet gateway and stronger online controls by Joseph O' Connor Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakhamanusorn, last Friday, speaking in the House of Representatives, resurrected a plan pushed by the military junta up to 2015 to put in place a national internet gateway to control access to the internet in Thailand. The minister cited rising criminal complaints as the basis for the move but there are fears that the proposal could, in conjunction with a suggested review of the Computer Crime Act, give the government the tool kit it has long sought to exercise more efficient control over public commentary and online debate. There are, in addition, strong concerns about the negative commercial and practical business ramifications of such a move. The move is coming at a time when support for the government has hit a low ebb with a poll published last weekend showing that 77% have lost confidence in the coalition administration of Prayut Chan ocha and an increasingly fractious political environment with a General Election seen now as more likely in 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251112-minister-signals-a-move-to-resurrect-a-national-internet-gateway-and-stronger-online-controls/

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakhamanusorn, last Friday, speaking in the House of Representatives, resurrected a plan pushed by the military junta up to 2015 to put in place a national internet gateway to control access to the internet in Thailand. The minister cited rising criminal complaints as the basis for the move but there are fears that the proposal could, in conjunction with a suggested review of the Computer Crime Act, give the government the tool kit it has long sought to exercise more efficient control over public commentary and online debate. There are, in addition, strong concerns about the negative commercial and practical business ramifications of such a move. by Joseph O' Connor The move is coming at a time when support for the government has hit a low ebb with a poll published last weekend showing that 77% have lost confidence in the coalition administration of Prayut Chan ocha and an increasingly fractious political environment with a General Election seen now as more likely in 2022. Last Friday, the Thai Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakhamanusorn appeared to resurrect plans first mooted by the military junta up to 2015, to install a national internet gateway in Thailand to control and restrict access to external online content as an issue of national security. The minister cited a rise in criminal complaints concerning illegal online scams and gangs operating from outside the kingdom from bases in Cambodia as reasons for the move which would be similar to a proposal also being pursued by Cambodian authorities and interpreted by many analysts as introducing a Chinese approach to internet control, policing and regulation. On Friday last, speaking in the House of Representatives, the country’s Digital Economy and Society Minister, Mr Chaiwut, again raised the possibility that Thai authorities may pursue a single gateway for internet access to websites and traffic outside of Thailand. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/02/22/minister-resurrects-internet-gateway-scheme/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-02-22 - Aetna 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

Phuket: Covid-19 cases hit 1,000 a day, health chief denies they pushed for "endemic status" Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that new cases of Covid had hit more than 1,000 per day on the sandbox island of Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251110-phuket-covid-19-cases-hit-1000-a-day-health-chief-denies-they-pushed-for-endemic-status/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that new cases of Covid had hit more than 1,000 per day on the sandbox island of Phuket. Such a figure would have been thought unthinkable in August of last year when the island was being proudly opened up to international tourists. Now the health authorities there are even asking the CCSA for the right to turn back Thais who arrive with Covid saying that the health service is under pressure. Dr Koosak Kookiatkul, chief of public health in the province of Phuket, had several requests after a meeting. Firstly they want to replace ten day quarantine with five and put Universal Protection measures in for the five cut days. Then they want to only report medium to severe cases. In this way they will be able to fudge the figures, suggests ASEAN NOW, by not reporting mild cases. Finally they want to turn back large groups of Thais who arrive with Covid from other provinces saying that they should get treated where they came from. Phuket is not to be considered a place where anyone can get Covid treatment as facilities are limited. The doctor also denied suggestions that his authority had pressed for the island to be given endemic disease status. Thailand is in the grip of an increasing number of infections with one leading virologist, Dr Yong, suggesting the nationwide figure will hit 100,000. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-22 - Aetna 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 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

When you gotta go you gotta go.....drunk taxi driver weeing in drain falls down it and dies Picture: Thai Rath Petchkasem police in Bangkok got a call that a man had fallen to his death down a drain at a gas station in Bang Khae yesterday evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251106-when-you-gotta-go-you-gotta-godrunk-taxi-driver-weeing-in-drain-falls-down-it-and-dies/