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Picture: Siam Rath Special Weapons and Tactics - known as S.W.A.T - are now part and parcel of the Royal Thai Police. Picture: Siam Rath Whenever the situation demands it, the now even more capable Thai cops will be on the scene catching the bad guys and keeping the public safe and sound, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath In Samut Prakan local forces from Region 1 have been working with a company called YSS to fit out eight SWAT vehicles with the latest crime busting necessities, like shock absorbers. Pinyop Panichkasem of YSS said he was proud to be able for the company to play its part in keeping Thailand safe and at the cutting edge of modern policing. Picture: Siam Rath SWAT team members were put through their paces to show the assembled press how a modern force deal with the bad guys. Picture: Siam Rath Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-17 - 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

Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตนราชธานีบูรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยวิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์

COVID-19: Thailand reports 17,349 new coronavirus cases, 22 deaths, 11,561 recoveries File photo Thailand on Thursday (February 17) reported 17,349 new COVID-19 cases, 11,561 recoveries and 22 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250595-covid-19-thailand-reports-17349-new-coronavirus-cases-22-deaths-11561-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 17,349 new coronavirus cases, 22 deaths, 11,561 recoveries File photo Thailand on Thursday (February 17) reported 17,349 new COVID-19 cases, 11,561 recoveries and 22 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250595-covid-19-thailand-reports-17349-new-coronavirus-cases-22-deaths-11561-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Thursday (February 17) reported 17,349 new COVID-19 cases, 11,561 recoveries and 22 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 17,104. Prisons: 245 ▶︎ Recoveries: 11,561 Thursday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,656,411 with 22,538 deaths. The news comes as Thai authorities allowed individuals inoculated with the Russian Sputnik Light vaccine to enter the country without quarantine but only within the framework of the SandBox tourist program which involves a mandatory seven-day stay on a certain territory. On Wednesday, this information was confirmed to a TASS correspondent by Director of the News Division of Thailand’s Foreign Ministry Maratee Nalita Andamo. According to the official, those inoculated with Sputnik Light can register through the Thailand Pass system but only to use the SandBox program. Earlier, information on the jab’s inclusion in the list of vaccines permitted for entry appeared on the website of Thailand’s Foreign Ministry’s consular department. *TASS 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 2022-02-17 - 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

Pheu Thai confident it can remove Prayut Chan-ocha by May By Cod Satrusayang Voices inside Thailand’s main opposition party are growing increasingly confident that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha can be removed before May, several sources told Thai Enquirer on Thursday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250593-pheu-thai-confident-it-can-remove-prayut-chan-ocha-by-may/

By Cod Satrusayang Voices inside Thailand’s main opposition party are growing increasingly confident that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha can be removed before May, several sources told Thai Enquirer on Thursday. General and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has ruled the country since he took power in a May 2014 coup. The former coup leader used his military-appointed coup government to introduce mechanism that has allowed him to retain office after elections in 2019. But increasingly, his position looks embattled. The ruling Palang Pracharat Party, which is the main party that backs Prayut, has suffered several high profile setbacks in recent weeks including a by-election loss in Bangkok followed by the expulsion of 21 MPs including power broker Thammanat Prompao. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37585/pheu-thai-confident-it-can-remove-prayut-chan-ocha-by-may/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-17 - 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

Anutin “under immense pressure” to join various factors as political situation intensifies By Cod Satrusayang Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is under “immense pressure” from both opposition and coalition partners as the political situation in Thailand continues to intensify following high profile defections from the ruling coalition and an impending no-confidence motion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250592-anutin-“under-immense-pressure”-to-join-various-factors-as-political-situation-intensifies/

By Cod Satrusayang Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is under “immense pressure” from both opposition and coalition partners as the political situation in Thailand continues to intensify following high profile defections from the ruling coalition and an impending no-confidence motion. Thailand’s ruling party Palang Pracharat has suffered several high profile setbacks in recent weeks after a by-election loss in Bangkok followed by the high profile expulsion of 21 MPs. Embattled Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said he has no plans to step down or call early polls but both main opposition parties have questioned the government’s ability to pass laws and govern with what effectively is a hung parliament. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37581/anutin-under-immense-pressure-to-join-various-factors-as-political-situation-in/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-17 - 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

Plastic amulets seek to reduce Thailand's pollution woes Makers of recycled plastic charms hope to raise awareness of urgent need to reduce plastic waste UCA News reporter, Bangkok A Buddhist monk buys amulets at a specialized market in Bangkok. (Photo: AFP) Two Thai companies are seeking to reduce their country’s massive plastic waste problem by turning discarded items into Buddhist amulets in a nation where charms are extremely popular. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250589-plastic-amulets-seek-to-reduce-thailands-pollution-woes/

A Buddhist monk buys amulets at a specialized market in Bangkok. (Photo: AFP) Makers of recycled plastic charms hope to raise awareness of urgent need to reduce plastic waste UCA News reporter, Bangkok Two Thai companies are seeking to reduce their country’s massive plastic waste problem by turning discarded items into Buddhist amulets in a nation where charms are extremely popular. The companies, which have just unveiled their design, are reusing nine types of recyclable materials such as plastic bottles and nylon fishing nets in order to create colorful amulets imprinted with images of the Buddha. The plastic amulets on offer have received their alleged magical potency from blessings uttered on them by Buddhist monks, according to their makers. “The idea of the plastic amulet is a result of finding a connection between the environment and Thai culture,” said Krit Phutpim, a director of Dots Design Studio, one of the companies involved. Full story: https://www.ucanews.com/news/plastic-amulets-seek-to-reduce-thailands-pollution-woes/96122 -- © Copyright UCA news 2022-02-17 - 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 includes Sputnik Light in quarantine-free entry program Since September 1, 2021, foreigners with a Sputnik V immunization certificate have been allowed to enter Thailand via the Phuket SandBox tourist program © Kirill Kukhmar/TASS BANGKOK, February 16. /TASS/. Thai authorities allowed individuals inoculated with the Russian Sputnik Light vaccine to enter the country without quarantine but only within the framework of the SandBox tourist program which involves a mandatory seven-day stay on a certain territory. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250588-thailand-includes-sputnik-light-in-quarantine-free-entry-program/

© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS Since September 1, 2021, foreigners with a Sputnik V immunization certificate have been allowed to enter Thailand via the Phuket SandBox tourist program BANGKOK, February 16. /TASS/. Thai authorities allowed individuals inoculated with the Russian Sputnik Light vaccine to enter the country without quarantine but only within the framework of the SandBox tourist program which involves a mandatory seven-day stay on a certain territory. On Wednesday, this information was confirmed to a TASS correspondent by Director of the News Division of Thailand’s Foreign Ministry Maratee Nalita Andamo. According to the official, those inoculated with Sputnik Light can register through the Thailand Pass system but only to use the SandBox program. Earlier, information on the jab’s inclusion in the list of vaccines permitted for entry appeared on the website of Thailand’s Foreign Ministry’s consular department. Since September 1, 2021, foreigners with a Sputnik V immunization certificate have been allowed to enter Thailand via the Phuket SandBox tourist program which later included other regions of the country. Since November 1, it is necessary to register in the Thailand Pass system in order to obtain a QR code and enter the country under one of three possible programs - Test and Go, SandBox or quarantine. Full story: https://tass.com/society/1404077 -- © Copyright TASS 2022-02-17 - 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 develops personalised probiotics machine to enhance immune system The personalised probiotics dispenser has been patented, and the units are being manufactured image credit- prnewswire MED-CU has invented a Personalised Probiotics (Dispensing) Machine to deliver live microorganisms that have health benefits to treat patients with unclear health problems and those with microbial imbalances or dysbiosis. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250587-thailand-develops-personalised-probiotics-machine-to-enhance-immune-system/

image credit- prnewswire The personalised probiotics dispenser has been patented, and the units are being manufactured MED-CU has invented a Personalised Probiotics (Dispensing) Machine to deliver live microorganisms that have health benefits to treat patients with unclear health problems and those with microbial imbalances or dysbiosis. Based on the research "Comparative Microbiome Analysis for the Probiotics Development" with the support of the Thailand Research Fund (TRF), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit Pongpirul, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand has discovered several probiotics that help reduce blood lipids, liver fat, and skin fat, and was inspired to create the Personalized Probiotics (Dispensing) Machine (PPM) so that each person receives the correct dose and strains as needed. "This device can dispense probiotics to people with poor microbial homeostasis, and people who lack certain beneficial microorganisms, including those with unknown illnesses, to boost and maintain the balance of microorganisms within the body," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit. Full story: https://www.biospectrumasia.com/news/30/19716/thailand-develops-personalised-probiotics-machine-to-enhance-immune-system.html -- © Copyright Bio Spectrum 2022-02-17 - 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 woman’s attacker appears before New York court charged with robbery and assault last year (Left) A horrific photo of 23-year-old Bew Jirajariyawetch, a recent immigrant from Thailand to New York, was taken by the New York City Police Department after she was attacked in the early hours of November 22nd last. Now, following a December appearance on the city’s Crime Stoppers TV show, the attacker, 40-year-old Kevin Douglas has been charged with assault and robbery of the woman. He had been arrested just hours later and was in custody at Rikers Island Prison at the time of the show appealing for help from the public. However, it has also emerged that the suspect sexually assaulted Ms Bew during the attack on her (inset). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250586-thai-woman’s-attacker-appears-before-new-york-court-charged-with-robbery-and-assault-last-year/

(Left) A horrific photo of 23-year-old Bew Jirajariyawetch, a recent immigrant from Thailand to New York, was taken by the New York City Police Department after she was attacked in the early hours of November 22nd last. Now, following a December appearance on the city’s Crime Stoppers TV show, the attacker, 40-year-old Kevin Douglas has been charged with assault and robbery of the woman. He had been arrested just hours later and was in custody at Rikers Island Prison at the time of the show appealing for help from the public. However, it has also emerged that the suspect sexually assaulted Ms Bew during the attack on her (inset). 40-year-old Kevin Douglas was arrested over eight hours after the assault last November when he barged his way into a woman’s home in the Queens area of New York and punched her in the face in what police say was a random attack. The attack on the Thai woman comes amid a crime wave in New York and a sharp rise in attacks targeting Asian Americans in the United States and the Big Apple where such incidents were up fivefold in 2021. A 40-year-old African American man was charged before a Manhattan court in New York last Thursday with a vicious attack on a 23-year-old Thai woman in the city last year which was the subject of an appeal to the public for help. In the course of the attack, which left Bew Jirajariyawetch bloodied and bruised, it has now also been revealed that the young woman, who only emigrated to the US months before from Thailand, was also sexually assaulted by the perpetrator. 23-year-old Thai woman Bew Jirajariyawetch who emigrated to New York last year and who was the subject of a violent attack in November was praised this week by her lawyer after the man who attacked her was charged before the courts in relation to the incident. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/02/16/thai-woman-attacker-appears-before-new-york-court/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-02-17 - 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

UPDATE: Bangkok To Get New English Name BANGKOK (NNT) - The official English name of Thailand’s capital is being changed from “Bangkok” to “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon” which is the same name used in the Thai language. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250493-bangkok-set-for-official-change-of-name-to-krung-thep-maha-nakhon/?do=findComment&comment=17193141

Bangkok To Get New English Name BANGKOK (NNT) - The official English name of Thailand’s capital is being changed from “Bangkok” to “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon” which is the same name used in the Thai language. The Cabinet yesterday approved in principle the Office of the Prime Minister’s draft announcement about the updated titles of countries, territories, administrative regions, and capital cities. This new update, proposed by the Office of the Royal Society, includes the change of the official English title of Thailand’s capital city from Bangkok to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, with the commonly known title of “Bangkok” kept within parentheses. The Office of the Royal Society said this update will enable government agencies to use the same titles that better reflect the current situation. The name “Bangkok” can continue to be used to refer to Thailand’s capital, even after this official update goes into effect. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-17 - 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 Thursday 17 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1250584-thailand-live-thursday-17-feb-2022/

980 primary schools in Nakhon Ratchasima suspend on-site classes due to COVID-19 A total of 980 primary schools, or 70% of all the schools in Thailand’s north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, have suspended on-site classes in favour of online learning after clusters of COVID-19 infections were detected in several districts in the province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250530-980-primary-schools-in-nakhon-ratchasima-suspend-on-site-classes-due-to-covid-19/

Labor Ministry to Consider License Renewal Application From Amnesty International BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor has indicated that a license renewal application from Amnesty International Thailand is still under consideration after the organization failed to comply with legal requirements in the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250522-labor-ministry-to-consider-license-renewal-application-from-amnesty-international/

Improvements being made to Thailand Pass for convenience of travelers BANGKOK (NNT) - Faults with the Thailand Pass system are being addressed as some delays in approving travelers’ Thailand Passes have occurred. Improvements to Thailand Pass services are being made to improve the experience of users and provide travelers with more convenience. A new entry pathway called TPHS has now been approved and promises to cut the time travelers need to spend with Thailand Pass. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250525-improvements-being-made-to-thailand-pass-for-convenience-of-travelers/

Could it be Covid safer to take the train rather than the plane? The dreaded Covid virus apparently tends to linger longer, so sitting on a packed airplane flying domestically around Thailand maybe a way to spread the germs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250583-could-it-be-covid-safer-to-take-the-train-rather-than-the-plane/

The dreaded Covid virus apparently tends to linger longer, so sitting on a packed airplane flying domestically around Thailand maybe a way to spread the germs. Therefore, perhaps in the future taking a train could be the answer. Overnight trains can also be a favorite means of covering long distances because they are usually friendlier, cost less, and are usually more comfortable than taking long road trips being cramped in a small car or bus. The other advantage is that you get to stretch your legs out and get a good night’s sleep in exchange for just a little bit more than you would pay for a hostel or budget hotel. That said, it helps if you are open to surprises and do not easily get irritated by minor unexpected events. It is all a part of the ‘travel in Asia’ experience and best taken with a pinch of salt. Penang to Bangkok With very fond memories of my excellent overnight trip from Penang back to Bangkok, where I had an almost queen-size bed. This was two special Thai owned carriages hooked onto the Malaysian train at Butterworth and then re coupled onto a Bangkok train at the border. There were no separate berths, but you got you privacy with curtains, to be fair it was actually fun to pass the journey chatting to travellers of all ages. I cannot say I have tried any other sleeper services in Thailand, but I am sure as tracks get modified standards will rise too. Vietnam sleepers I decided to jump on a sleep train again, but this time in Vietnam. Vietnam like Thailand offers excellent air travel connections and many locals, as well as tourists, tend to use them almost the same as just jumping on a bus. However, as many a traveler will tell you, taking an overnight train in Asia can be quite an adventure. Overnight trains can be a favorite means of covering long distances because they are usually friendlier, cost less and are usually more comfortable than taking long road trips being cramped in a small car or bus. The other advantage is that you get to stretch your legs out and get a good night’s sleep in exchange for just a little bit more than you would pay for a hostel or budget hotel. That said, it helps if you are open to surprises and do not easily get irritated by minor unexpected events. It is all a part of the ‘travel in Asia’ experience and best taken with a pinch of salt. With very fond memories of my excellent overnight trip from Penang to Bangkok, when my son came to visit me, we decided to take an overnight AC soft sleeper train from Danang departing in the late evening and arrived in HCMC the next morning. I must admit the actual accommodation was a bit of a letdown compared to the crisp white sheets on my Thai sleeper. Here they supplied a rather old blanket, and the pillow was extremely uncomfortable. That said the scenery after sunrise as the train ran along the coastline was fascinating. We of course also saved on overnight accommodation, however arriving so early in HCMC meant we could not check in to our hotel for several hours. I am sure there may be certain trains that provide a higher standard of service in Vietnam, so perhaps this was just one of those old carriages. Keep checking and researching Ideally, you need to complete your research before heading to the station. The best bet is to check out this great website on train travel all over the world simple called Seat 61. Here is their link to their train tips and information for Thailand. https://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm. Would be also extremely helpful if you can share any recent travel tips on your own train experiences in Vietnam as well. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-17 - 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