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Anutin: Thailand's handling of the pandemic "best in the world" Picture: INN A battling health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul came out all guns blazing yesterday when faced with a grilling by opposition MPs on the government's handling of the pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250831-anutin-thailands-handling-of-the-pandemic-best-in-the-world/

Picture: INN A battling health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul came out all guns blazing yesterday when faced with a grilling by opposition MPs on the government's handling of the pandemic. INN quoted Anutin as saying that Thailand's response was as good as any country in the world. Everything that he and his excellent health services have done was for the benefit of the Thai people and others living in the country. He said that the vaccine program exemplified this and in response to questions about how long it will continue he pledged that the program will continue until Thailand is as safe as it can get. He reiterated that Thailand was being cautious in what age children received the vaccine; this was an example of the responsibility and standards shown by Thailand, he claimed. The comments come as his leader - PM Prayuth Chan-ocha - boasted of Thailand's economic prowess insisting that Thailand is better able to handle inflation and the rising cost of living than other countries. During Friday's general debate in the House opposition MPs blasted the government on several issues with the pandemic and the economy front and central. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-19 - 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

Thai tourism sector calls for easing of COVID-19 requirements to boost arrivals Pichayada Promchertchoo Tourists visit the world-famous Maya Bay in southern Thailand. (Photo: CNA/Pichayada Promchertchoo) BANGKOK: Tourism organisations in Thailand have called on the government to ease the COVID-19 requirements for international visitors to boost arrivals in time for the Easter holidays in April. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250828-thai-tourism-sector-calls-for-easing-of-covid-19-requirements to-boost-arrivals/

Tourists visit the world-famous Maya Bay in southern Thailand. (Photo: CNA/Pichayada Promchertchoo) Pichayada Promchertchoo BANGKOK: Tourism organisations in Thailand have called on the government to ease the COVID-19 requirements for international visitors to boost arrivals in time for the Easter holidays in April. Presidents of 20 tourism associations and councils submitted a letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and related officials, asking for changes in the government’s COVID-19 protocols for overseas travellers. Gen Prayut heads the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), which determines Thailand’s directions to control the spread of the coronavirus. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thai-tourism-sector-wants-easing-covid-19-measures-2506581 -- © Copyright Channel NewsAsia 2022-02-19 - 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

Bangkok’s China ties in focus as US-Thailand ‘Cobra Gold’ military drills return – but smaller -- The once-massive Cobra Gold exercises had to be scaled back again this year because of the pandemic, raising questions about their waning importance -- But analysts say the multinational drills are still a useful diplomatic tool for Washington, as Bangkok increasingly turns to Beijing for arms purchases Jitsiree Thongnoi in Bangkok US and Thai soldiers shake hands at the end of a live-fire exercise as part of Cobra Gold in 2017. Photo: AFP One of the Asia-Pacific’s longest-running military drills co-hosted by Thailand and the United States will take place from Sunday to March 5, but in scaled-down fashion given the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant.v Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250827-bangkok’s-china-ties-in-focus-as-us-thailand-‘cobra-gold’-military-drills-return-–-but-smaller/

US and Thai soldiers shake hands at the end of a live-fire exercise as part of Cobra Gold in 2017. Photo: AFP -- The once-massive Cobra Gold exercises had to be scaled back again this year because of the pandemic, raising questions about their waning importance -- But analysts say the multinational drills are still a useful diplomatic tool for Washington, as Bangkok increasingly turns to Beijing for arms purchases Jitsiree Thongnoi in Bangkok One of the Asia-Pacific’s longest-running military drills co-hosted by Thailand and the United States will take place from Sunday to March 5, but in scaled-down fashion given the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant. Some 3,460 personnel, about a third of the pre-pandemic figures, will take part in this year’s Cobra Gold, including 1,953 Thai troops and 1,296 Americans, it was announced at a Thai military press conference earlier this month joined by the US Chargé d’Affaires Michael Heath. Of the 20 countries involved, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and Malaysia will also send troops to join the exercises, while China, India and Australia will join humanitarian and civic projects like building school facilities in rural parts of Thailand. Full story: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3167485/bangkoks-china-ties-focus-us-thailand-cobra-gold-military-drills -- © Copyright South China Morning Post 2022-02-19 - 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

Prachuap steps up fight against corruption By Online Reporter Prachuap officials this week stepped up efforts to fight corruption with the opening of a new learning centre. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250826-prachuap-steps-up-fight-against-corruption/

By Online Reporter Prachuap officials this week stepped up efforts to fight corruption with the opening of a new learning centre. The STRONG Learning Centre – Self-Sufficiency Against Corruption was formally opened on Thursday (Feb 17) by the Office of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NACC) in Prachuap Khiri Khan. The opening of the centre was presided over by provincial governor Sathien Charoenruen and Ms. Jutharat Luengpermsakule, Director NACC in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The centre will work to offer education and information on issues such as fraud prevention and preventing conflicts of interest as well as creating a platform for people from all walks of life to participate in the fight against corruption. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/prachuap-steps-up-fight-against-corruption/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-19 - 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

Two men injured after knife fight over a woman in Sri Racha By Goong Nang(GN) Sri Racha – Two men have sustained injuries after a verbal argument between the ex and current man in a young woman’s life in Sri Racha escalated to a physical confrontation with knives involved. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250825-two-men-injured-after-knife-fight-over-a-woman-in-sri-racha/

By Goong Nang(GN) Sri Racha – Two men have sustained injuries after a verbal argument between the ex and current man in a young woman’s life in Sri Racha escalated to a physical confrontation with knives involved. Emergency responders were notified of the incident last night (February 17th) at a house in the Surasak sub-district. The first response teams arrived at the scene to find one injured man, Mr. Khemmarat Suwannachot, 23. He was bleeding heavily from multiple stab and slash wounds. After basic medical treatment at the scene, he was rushed to a hospital for further medical assistance. Ms. Sukanya Thongkot, 27, told police, “My ex-husband Mr. Eakkachai Wongklang broke up with me about one month ago. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/18/two-men-injured-after-knife-fight-over-a-woman-in-sri-racha/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-19 - 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

Foreign chambers of commerce ask Prayut to keep the door open By Erich Parpart Thailand must keep its borders open, the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) told Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha in a closed door meeting aimed at finding ways to stimulate the Thai economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250824-foreign-chambers-of-commerce-ask-prayut-to-keep-the-door-open/

By Erich Parpart Thailand must keep its borders open, the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) told Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha in a closed door meeting aimed at finding ways to stimulate the Thai economy. “I said to him that the most important thing right now is how are we going to live with the virus and that we fully support the reopening up of the country and the resumption of the Test and Go program,” Stanley Kang, the president of the JFCCT told Thai Enquirer on Friday by phone. “If we do not open the door, not only that people cannot come in, we cannot go out too and that is certainly not good for the economy,” he said. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37651/foreign-chambers-of-commerce-ask-prayut-to-keep-the-door-open/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-19 - 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

Language barrier major challenge for Thais seeking to work in Saudi Arabia, official says By Panithan Onthaworn Thai skilled workers wishing to work in Saudi Arabia must pass language requirements to avoid exploitation, an official said, as Thailand seeks to export workers to meet Saudi Arabia’s labour needs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250822-language-barrier-major-challenge-for-thais-seeking-to-work-in-saudi-arabia-official-says/

By Panithan Onthaworn Thai skilled workers wishing to work in Saudi Arabia must pass language requirements to avoid exploitation, an official said, as Thailand seeks to export workers to meet Saudi Arabia’s labour needs. With the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two nations, Saudi Arabia is seeking personnel in its industrial and hospitality sectors, with around 8 million jobs opening for foreigners. Prapas Phromkambutr, an official at the Department of Employment, said on Friday that workers need to pass a language proficiency test of the destination country to be able to communicate with their employers. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37656/language-barrier-major-challenge-for-thais-seeking-to-work-in-saudi-arabia-official-says/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-19 - 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

‘Democracy leads to inequality,’ says government textbook, sparking public outrage over potential propaganda By Natcha Patanasophon A member of the Nonthaburi Progressive Movement said on Friday that the Thai government should drive education forward instead of using propaganda in textbooks for children. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250821-‘democracy-leads-to-inequality’-says-government-textbook-sparking-public-outrage-over-potential-propaganda/

By Natcha Patanasophon A member of the Nonthaburi Progressive Movement said on Friday that the Thai government should drive education forward instead of using propaganda in textbooks for children. On Thursday, Ubon Ratchathani University lecturer, Titipol Phakdeewanich, posted a photo of a social science textbook for secondary school children that appears to be intentionally undermining democracy. The government textbook has since gone viral. “Democracy leads to income and social inequality,” the book reads in a section on western democracies. “Democratic elections are highlighted as a big financial burden on the country.” Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37660/democracy-leads-to-inequality-says-government-textbook-sparking-public-outrage-over-potential-propaganda/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-19 - 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

Gov’t Tells Opposition It Addressed Economic Alongside Public Health Problems During Pandemic By Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The prime minister has participated in a non-voting general debate in Parliament. During the session, he asserted the government concurrently addressed pressing economic and public health issues to mitigate impacts on the public. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250819-gov’t-tells-opposition-it-addressed-economic-alongside-public-health-problems-during-pandemic/

By Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The prime minister has participated in a non-voting general debate in Parliament. During the session, he asserted the government concurrently addressed pressing economic and public health issues to mitigate impacts on the public. Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha today (17 Feb) answered queries posed by members of the Opposition in a general debate in Parliament. The debate, which does not include a voting session at the end, was held in accordance with Section 152 of the Constitution. Gen. Prayut explained during the debate that many developments of concern have concurrently occurred. He said the government has worked with all sectors to address these issues. He also asserted that the current administration is not one that carried over from 2014 but all government members came from the most recent general election. Gen. Prayut responded to the Opposition’s arguments about the government’s response to pressing issues, including unemployment and business closures. He said significant progress has been made in tackling problems amid an abnormal global situation that made problem-solving difficult. He added the government tackled each problem at the structural level, giving the problem of heightened prices of consumer staples as an example. He said the prices rose in accordance with market mechanisms and the government was able to mitigate the issue promptly using an in-depth handling approach. In regard to the issue of oil price, Gen. Prayut attributed the heightened price to energy demand that occurred simultaneously throughout the world as the COVID-19 situation receded. On this front, the government has implemented a 30 baht per liter cap on the price of diesel fuel. Responding to queries about the government’s procurement of Covid vaccines, the premier said adequate amounts were procured. He noted that Thailand retains global acknowledgment for its handling of COVID-19. The government is now rehabilitating tourism businesses with the aim of nurturing a post-pandemic economic revival. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-19 - 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 Gen. Prayut asserted the government welcomes useful suggestions that are beneficial to the public.

People advised to be aware of Long COVID’s effects on mental health Facebook: Thira Woratanarat A senior doctor at Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University said, today (Friday), that the coronavirus should not be considered as being similar to the common cold or influenza, due to its potentially long-term effects on mental health.v Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250818-people-advised-to-be-aware-of-long-covid’s-effects-on-mental-health/

Facebook: Thira Woratanarat A senior doctor at Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University said, today (Friday), that the coronavirus should not be considered as being similar to the common cold or influenza, due to its potentially long-term effects on mental health. In his Facebook post today, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thira Woratanarat of the Faculty of Medicine, cited a study, published in the British Medical Journal, by clinical epidemiologist Yuchen Xie and her research team, carried out on 153,848 recovered COVID-19 patients. They were compared with people who have not been infected, revealing the increased risk of the development of mental health disorders during the post-acute phase of COVID-19. According to Dr. Thira, the study shows that those already infected with COVID-19 are at a 39% higher risk of developing depressive disorders. They also have a 35% higher risk of developing stress and adjustment disorders, an 80% greater risk of developing memory disorders and a 41% higher risk of experiencing sleep disorders. 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/people-advised-to-be-aware-of-long-covids-effects-on-mental-health/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-19 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 19 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1250817-thailand-live-saturday-19-feb-2022/

PM Says at General Debate Government Tried Its Best To Reduce People’s Expenses BANGKOK (NNT) - The issue of heightened product prices has become a major point of contention at this week’s general debate in Parliament. The Opposition alleges that expensive products and low wages resulted from cost mismanagement. The prime minister, meanwhile, asserted that inflation has taken hold worldwide and prices have thus increased. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250777-pm-says-at-general-debate-government-tried-its-best-to-reduce-people’s-expenses/

Thai PM says he will not quit amid pressure from opposition Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stated clearly, during a parliamentary debate today (Friday), that he will not resign, after an opposition MP drafted a resignation letter on his behalf. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250774-thai-pm-says-he-will-not-quit-amid-pressure-from-opposition/

Thailand to consider cutting second COVID-19 tests on international arrivals Passengers wearing face masks and a protective suit as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus arriving at the departure terminal of Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. (Photo by Romeo GACAD / AFP) Thailand will consider a recommendation from an airline tycoon to reduce the steps required for international entry, by doing away the second COVID-19 test, currently required on the fifth day after arrival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250775-thailand-to-consider-cutting-second-covid-19-tests-on-international-arrivals/

PM Blames High Prices on Worldwide Inflation BANGKOK, Feb 18 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha admitted that goods prices were rising and blamed it on worldwide inflation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250754-pm-blames-high-prices-on-worldwide-inflation/