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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/

BANGKOK, Feb 18 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha admitted that goods prices were rising and blamed it on worldwide inflation. During the House’s general debate, Gen Prayut said he admitted that goods prices went up and the government was solving the problem. Goods prices increased and some goods became expensive because of worldwide rising inflation. Besides, COVID-19 situations caused prices to rise unexpectedly. The government could not solve all problems at the same time but had to prioritize problems and solve them accordingly, Gen Prayut said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-885875 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-02-18 - 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

Labor Min to Consider Adjusting Minimum Wages in July By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government will meet in July on adjusting the minimum wage rate, according to the Labor Minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250753-labor-min-to-consider-adjusting-minimum-wages-in-july/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government will meet in July on adjusting the minimum wage rate, according to the Labor Minister. During a parliamentary debate, Minister Suchart Chomklin stated that the matter must take into consideration opinions from employers, laborers, and the administration. The meeting on the matter last year concluded to maintain the current rates of between 313 baht and 336 baht, depending on the location. There was an equal number of those agreeing and disagreeing with the decision. Provincial Representatives from the three sides will propose more suitable wages to the meeting in July for the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to consider. The administration has issued various measures to help people cope with the rising living expenses. These measures include the “Mor 33 Rao Rak Kun” campaign, a compensation program for people in the lockdown provinces, and the initiative to lower employee’s contributions to the social security program. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-18 - 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 seals off Italian-Thai construction site as Covid cases surging By Panithan Onthaworn Authorities have ordered the closure of an Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD)’s construction site in Lak Si, Bangkok, and are preventing workers from leaving the area for at least 10 days to contain a recent spike in Covid-19 infections. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250750-bangkok-seals-off-italian-thai-construction-site-as-covid-cases-surging/

By Panithan Onthaworn Authorities have ordered the closure of an Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD)’s construction site in Lak Si, Bangkok, and are preventing workers from leaving the area for at least 10 days to contain a recent spike in Covid-19 infections. The construction site is located at Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit 25, or Soi Yai Phon. Laksi District director Sombat Kanokthipwan said there were over 380 workers infected with Covid-19 over the past week. Sombat instructed the operator to isolate and transfer the patients for medical care, as well as separate the high-risk group from others and disinfect the area. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37646/bangkok-seals-off-italian-thai-construction-site-as-covid-cases-surging/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-18 - 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

Provincial governors in Thailand told to prepare plans for COVID-19 surge Provincial governors have been ordered by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to prepare contingency plans to cope with rising COVID-19 infections, as daily new infections are exceeding 18,000, Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said this morning (Friday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250748-provincial-governors-in-thailand-told-to-prepare-plans-for-covid-19-surge/

Provincial governors have been ordered by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to prepare contingency plans to cope with rising COVID-19 infections, as daily new infections are exceeding 18,000, Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said this morning (Friday). He said the prime minister wants all governors to intensify publicity campaigns, through their networks of village heads and community leaders, urging people to comply strictly with basic safety measures. Those in border provinces have been instructed to look out for illegal migrant workers and to report “suspicious-looking strangers” in their communities to the authorities. He also said that police and labour officials have been told to check factories in their localities, to make sure that they are not hiring illegal migrants, and to crack down hard on human trafficking gangs smuggling workers from neighbouring countries to work in Thailand. 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/provincial-governors-in-thailand-told-to-prepare-plans-for-covid-19-surge/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-18 - 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