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Plan to fix ruptured oil pipeline off Rayong still awaiting approval Star Petroleum Refining Company (SPRC) has presented its plan, to the Rayong office of the Marine Department, for repairs to the ruptured undersea oil pipeline connected to the company’s offshore mooring platform in the Gulf of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250747-plan-to-fix-ruptured-oil-pipeline-off-rayong-still-awaiting-approval/

Star Petroleum Refining Company (SPRC) has presented its plan, to the Rayong office of the Marine Department, for repairs to the ruptured undersea oil pipeline connected to the company’s offshore mooring platform in the Gulf of Thailand. So far, no permission has been granted to commence the work as the Marine Department’s local office has asked for more details and certification of the company which will undertake the repairs. The department also needs to consult 7 or 8 relevant agencies as well as the local police. The company’s plan involves the use of scuba divers, an unmanned submersible and a drone, among other equipment. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/plan-to-fix-ruptured-oil-pipeline-off-rayong-still-awaiting-approval/ -- © 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

Thailand and United States Partner to Promote Next-Generation Wi-Fi and Connectivity File photo for reference only The United States, the Royal Thai Government, and business leaders began a workshop today to exchange information on the importance of next generation Wi-Fi technology and the allocation of 6 GHz spectrum, which will not only make home Wi-Fi faster, but further strengthen Thailand’s position as a center of advanced manufacturing and industry innovation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250746-thailand-and-united-states-partner-to-promote-next-generation-wi-fi-and-connectivity/

File photo for reference only The United States, the Royal Thai Government, and business leaders began a workshop today to exchange information on the importance of next generation Wi-Fi technology and the allocation of 6 GHz spectrum, which will not only make home Wi-Fi faster, but further strengthen Thailand’s position as a center of advanced manufacturing and industry innovation. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), the Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (ONDE) and the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), kicked off a two-day workshop today on the utilization of the 6 GHz spectrum band, including wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi. The event included industry and government experts from the United States and Thailand, who shared technical advice and best practices that will foster further development of Thailand’s communications infrastructure and economic development goals. Unlicensed spectrum (or radio frequency) bands and Wi-Fi technologies play an important role in the global digital economy. Devices such as wireless routers, smart phones and laptops that employ Wi-Fi and other unlicensed standards have become indispensable for providing low-cost wireless connectivity in countless products used by consumers and industry. Wi-Fi already supports an estimated 30 billion connected devices globally and will be the connection point for over 70 percent of mobile data traffic by 2023. The proliferation of these technologies and new applications will require additional spectrum capacity. Thailand and other ASEAN countries are now determining how to allocate the 6 GHz spectrum band, which not only will impact applications such as Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced manufacturing, but will also empower innovative technologies, applications and services that will drive the new digital economy and benefit consumers. Full story: https://th.usembassy.gov/thailand-and-united-states-partner-to-promote-next-generation-wi-fi-and-connectivity/ -- © Copyright U.S. Embassy 2022-02-18

Drop In Tax Revenue Necessitates Borrowing From Emergency Loans By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The issue of public debt has always been a topic of discussion, especially with the recent emergency loans taken out by the government to solve the COVID-19 crisis. The Public Debt Management Office has reassured that the government is capable of paying back these loans. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250743-drop-in-tax-revenue-necessitates-borrowing-from-emergency-loans/

By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The issue of public debt has always been a topic of discussion, especially with the recent emergency loans taken out by the government to solve the COVID-19 crisis. The Public Debt Management Office has reassured that the government is capable of paying back these loans. The debt-to-GDP ratio in Thailand has always been in fluctuation, once reaching 59.98% in the year 2000. The limit was 60% at the time. The public debt ratio in the administration of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has been going up and down with most of the loans taken to fund infrastructure projects and life quality enhancing campaigns. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has met with a substantial need for money to support the healthcare system, stimulate the economy, and provide financial aid to the general public. To make matters worse, the government sees a decline in its revenue from taxation, as people are making less money. This condition makes it necessary for the government to seek loans, resulting in higher public debt. The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) Director-General Patricia Mongkhonvanit said the government needed to increase the public debt ceiling, which would allow it to implement more financial measures. She said these measures are intended to help improve the economy, while the government remains capable of paying back these loans. With the pandemic, the government’s usual revenue stream from taxation has become insufficient to cover the increased expenditure. The number of people filing their personal income tax last year was around 11-12 million, from the population of 66 million, with only around 2 million paying their taxes in the full amount. The government is now expected to lose some 17 billion baht from its revenue stream, due to the recently introduced excise tax cut for diesel fuel. The revenue drop necessitates the government’s decision to take out emergency loans, so that it can take care of people in need. -- © 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

Political melting pot just gets hotter By Tulsathit Taptim Fireworks explode over the Democracy Monument during a demonstration calling for the resignation of Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha over the government’s handling of the Covid-19 coronavirus crisis in Bangkok on August 28, 2021. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP) Thaksin Shinawatra is trying to get back on stage, whereas Move Forward is struggling to stay on it. Will Prayut Chan-o-cha dissolve the House of Representatives and/or join a new party? What about some sex scandals rocking the new generation of anti-establishment activists? Popular ex-monks who were supposed to turn up the heat on the government after shedding yellow saffron and enjoying freer speeches are doing the exact opposite. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250733-political-melting-pot-just-gets-hotter/

Fireworks explode over the Democracy Monument during a demonstration calling for the resignation of Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha over the government’s handling of the Covid-19 coronavirus crisis in Bangkok on August 28, 2021. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP) By Tulsathit Taptim Thaksin Shinawatra is trying to get back on stage, whereas Move Forward is struggling to stay on it. Will Prayut Chan-o-cha dissolve the House of Representatives and/or join a new party? What about some sex scandals rocking the new generation of anti-establishment activists? Popular ex-monks who were supposed to turn up the heat on the government after shedding yellow saffron and enjoying freer speeches are doing the exact opposite. Thai politics is highly fluid at the moment, and more so every passing day. Everyone is buoyed by some good news but coping with bad ones, too. Pheu Thai could not be totally uplifted by the recent by-election win in Bangkok’s Constituency 9 because the party and its “frenemy” ally Move Forward failed to achieve a “landslide” despite Palang Pracharath’s rock-bottom popularity crisis and problems besieging Prayut. The other side, meanwhile, is rattled by open and secretive conflicts as well as unity issues, some big enough to sink the coalition. Everything is intertwined. Thaksin trying to force his way back can affect Pheu Thai negatively, putting the party on the brink of being deemed controllable externally. The return to the two-ballot electoral system, however, can benefit the biggest opposition party, largely at the expense of Move Forward. Frequent collapses of parliamentary quorums are threatening not only the government coalition, but also the fragile relationship between Move Forward and Pheu Thai. This is not to mention the Bangkok gubernatorial election a few months away that could severe significant ties on both sides of the national divide. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/political-melting-pot-just-gets-hotter/ -- © 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

Orchards of Olives vs City of Gods By Veena Thoopkrajae Krung Thep Maha Nakhon today. (Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae) Much has been written in the news this week about the recent announcement that Thailand’s capital should henceforth be known officially as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and not Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250731-orchards-of-olives-vs-city-of-gods/

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon today. (Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae) By Veena Thoopkrajae Much has been written in the news this week about the recent announcement that Thailand’s capital should henceforth be known officially as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and not Bangkok. This might well have some foreigners scratching their heads in confusion but it is worth noting that to Thais, the capital is always Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. Admittedly Bangkok is far more popular around the world as the common, if not the totally official, name of Thailand’s capital in English. In addition, many leading Thai companies and conglomerates have adopted Bangkok in their business names – think Bangkok Bank, Bangkok Insurance, Bangkok Airways, or even Bangkok Post. However, Bangkok is not the translation of “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon” and it’s interesting to go back to the past to find out more about the name. Thai people don’t usually call their capital Bangkok but mostly say Krung Thep, the short form of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. Some Thais even like to shorten the name further, calling their capital Kor Tor Mor – an abbreviation of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon – though often they are referring to the area covered by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, as the local government body is known. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/orchards-of-olives-vs-city-of-gods/ -- © 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

Video: Station master tells people to park sensibly after train is delayed It should be obvious not to park too close to railway lines - evidently not so in Samut Sakhon in central Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250728-video-station-master-tells-people-to-park-sensibly-after-train-is-delayed/

It should be obvious not to park too close to railway lines - evidently not so in Samut Sakhon in central Thailand. A video that was widely viewed in Thailand showed a train being delayed for several minutes due to irresponsible drivers parking their cars next to the lines at the Wat Chong Lom market. The train driver says on the video in relation to the first car blocking his way: "No way - I can't get past". Picture: 77kaoded After the sheepish driver emerges to move his vehicle, the train is faced with another vehicle too close to the tracks - ""I'll scratch that one if I try to go past," says the train driver. That driver too comes to move his pick-up. The station master of the local station of Ban Laem has called on people not to park too close to the tracks, reported 77kaoded. ที่หยุดรถไฟท่าฉลอม.mp4 Source: Facebook group "Southern Railway, State Railway of Thailand" Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

Porsche driving police hospital surgeon granted 200K bail in DUI/ death case Picture: Neaw Na Naew Na reported that the Thonburi Criminal Court in western Bangkok granted bail in the sum of 200,000 baht to a police hospital surgeon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250721-porsche-driving-police-hospital-surgeon-granted-200k-bail-in-dui-death-case/

Picture: Neaw Na Naew Na reported that the Thonburi Criminal Court in western Bangkok granted bail in the sum of 200,000 baht to a police hospital surgeon. Dr Phanurak Rattanaphaisan faces drunk driving, negligent driving causing death, speeding and charges related to driving a red plate vehicle while prohibited on August 29th last year. Dr Phanurak - who has the rank of police lieutenant - was behind the wheel of a brand new Porsche that went into the back of a Honda Civic on the Ratchaphreuk Road. A male passenger in the car died and the female driver was seriously injured. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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 It is claimed that the doctor was over the alcohol limit and over the 80 kmph speed limit when the accident occurred. The court will next meet on April 25th.

Negligence charges mulled as death toll in scaffolding collapse at hotel construction site in Bangkok rises to 3 Picture; INN INN reported that three people have been pronounced dead after scaffolding collapsed during the pouring of concrete at the site of the construction of a luxury hotel in downtown Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250717-negligence-charges-mulled-as-death-toll-in-scaffolding-collapse-at-hotel-construction site-in-bangkok-rises-to-3/

Picture; INN INN reported that three people have been pronounced dead after scaffolding collapsed during the pouring of concrete at the site of the construction of a luxury hotel in downtown Bangkok. Previously reported on ASEAN NOW yesterday as being in Withayu Road INN said it was on Rama IV road. Three people were also injured. Following an investigation by Lumpini police along with civil engineers the police are considering charges of negligence causing death to be filed in the case, met police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Jirasan Kaewsaeng-ek said yesterday. Once again no mention was made of the hotel's name, notes ASEAN NOW. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

Baby monkey taken into care after sting at IT Square parking lot in Bangkok Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that a sting was mounted in parking lot 1B of the IT Square building in Laksi, northern Bangkok after an informant told police about the impending sale of a monkey. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250715-baby-monkey-taken-into-care-after-sting-at-it-square-parking-lot-in-bangkok/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that a sting was mounted in parking lot 1B of the IT Square building in Laksi, northern Bangkok after an informant told police about the impending sale of a monkey. Jirakit, 28, arrived with the baby monkey in a blue shoulder bag and was promptly arrested and charged with trading in protected species. The baby monkey clinging onto an environment and natural resources crime suppression division operative was taken into care. Picture: Siam Rath Jirakit could face four years in jail and/or fines of 40,000 baht. The media reported that many people in Thailand still keep Thai monkeys as pets despite the illegality. They listed several species including macaques, Samae and Assam or mountain monkeys that are all protected under the law. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

Statue of revered Leicester City owner Vichai to be unveiled in April Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that a statue of the revered former owner of Leicester City Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha would be unveiled at their King Power stadium in the English midlands in April. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250713-statue-of-revered-leicester-city-owner-vichai-to-be-unveiled-in-april/

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that a statue of the revered former owner of Leicester City Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha would be unveiled at their King Power stadium in the English midlands in April. Vichai became a legend at the EPL club after The Foxes defied 5000-1 odds to claim the premiership title in 2016. In English football it was the biggest shock ever. Picture: Daily News The team went on to make the quarter finals of the European Champions' League in the next season. Vichai was killed along with several others after taking off in a helicopter following a match at the stadium on October 27th 2018. Picture: Daily News Vichai is loved locally after bringing the biggest success to the club in its 138 year history as owner of the duty free giant King Power. The billionaire family still run the club though they have their critics internationally and in Thailand, notes ASEAN NOW. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

Thailand reports 18,066 new COVID-19 cases, 27 deaths, 12,511 recoveries File photo Thailand on Friday (February 18th) reported 18,066 new COVID-19 cases, 12,511 recoveries and 27 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250711-thailand-reports-18066-new-covid-19-cases-27-deaths-12511-recoveries/ //COSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 18,066 new COVID-19 cases, 27 deaths, 12,511 recoveries File photo Thailand on Friday (February 18th) reported 18,066 new COVID-19 cases, 12,511 recoveries and 27 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250711-thailand-reports-18066-new-covid-19-cases-27-deaths-12511-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Friday (February 18th) reported 18,066 new COVID-19 cases, 12,511 recoveries and 27 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 17,898. Prisons: 168 ▶︎ Recoveries: 12,511 Friday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,674,477 with 22,565 deaths. The news comes as COVID-19 is not a medical emergency anymore due to changing situations but the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) is available for COVID-19 patients with underlying illnesses, according to the permanent secretary for health. Dr Kiatiphum Wongrajit, the permanent secretary of the Public Health Ministry, said that as the number of COVID-19 patients who needed hospital admission was small, COVID-19 was not considered as a medical emergency any longer. Only about 700 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospital for the time being, he said. *TNA contributed to this report Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

Explosion at aluminium smelting works - one dead four injured Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that Plaengyao police in Chachoengsao in central/eastern Thailand were called to a factory in the area after an aluminium smelting machine exploded during repairs to a gas pipe. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250709-explosion-at-aluminium-smelting-works-one-dead-four-injured/