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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

Hua Hin Municipality opens One Stop Crisis Centre By Online Reporter A new One Stop Crisis Centre will offer social welfare services to vulnerable people in Hua Hin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250509-hua-hin-municipality-opens-one-stop-crisis-centre/

By Online Reporter A new One Stop Crisis Centre will offer social welfare services to vulnerable people in Hua Hin. The centre, which was formally opened on Monday (Feb 14), is part of a collaboration between Hua Hin Municipality and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The centre will help to provide a number of frontline services to help tackle issues related to domestic violence, drug abuse and poverty. It will also be able to provide support to the elderly or other vulnerable groups who live alone and can assist in helping to find housing. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/hua-hin-municipality-opens-one-stop-crisis-centre/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-16 - 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: The capital of Thailand’s name to officially be changed to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand’s Office of the Royal Society (ORST) has announced the change of the official name of Thailand’s capital, from “Bangkok” to “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon”. The name “Bangkok” will, however, still be recognised by officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250493-bangkok-set-for-official-change-of-name-to-krung-thep-maha-nakhon/?do=findComment&comment=17191729

The capital of Thailand’s name to officially be changed to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand’s Office of the Royal Society (ORST) has announced the change of the official name of Thailand’s capital, from “Bangkok” to “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon”. The name “Bangkok” will, however, still be recognised by officials. The Thai cabinet approved the change, in principle, yesterday (Tuesday) and the new official name will not come into effect until it is vetted by a committee in charge of scrutinising all draft bills, with additional observations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Bangkok” has been in use since November 2001. It came from an old area of Bangkok, which is now a part of the greater metropolitan area of the capital, Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai districts. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/the-capital-of-thailands-name-will-officially-be-changed-to-krung-thep-maha-nakhon/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-16 - 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

Hua Hin Municipality opens One Stop Crisis Centre By Online Reporter A new One Stop Crisis Centre will offer social welfare services to vulnerable people in Hua Hin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250502-cabinet-ministers-express-readiness-for-general-debate/

Cabinet Ministers Express Readiness For General Debate By Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Cabinet ministers have expressed confidence they will be able to handle the upcoming parliamentary debate on February 17 and 18. Meanwhile, government coalition parties have expressed their intention to continue supporting the work of the current administration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250502-cabinet-ministers-express-readiness-for-general-debate/

By Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Cabinet ministers have expressed confidence they will be able to handle the upcoming parliamentary debate on February 17 and 18. Meanwhile, government coalition parties have expressed their intention to continue supporting the work of the current administration. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit asserted he is ready to respond to all queries about affairs under his charge. He noted the problem of expensive consumer staples has started to lift after efforts were made to address the issue. He expressed his belief that all ministers will be able to answer queries pointed at them. He said the prime minister will be making clarifications about the overall picture of the government’s work. Mr. Jurin, who is also the leader of the Democrat Party, said his party will continue to support the work of the current administration. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Warawut Silpa-archa indicated he does not need to prepare for specific issues at the censure debate. He added he is ready to respond to all queries, including the recent oil spills off the coast of Rayong. He said Chartthaipattana Party will continue to work in the government coalition but will not interfere with other ministries’ work. Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn asserted the government coalition is prepared to respond to questions during the censure debate. He added that the matter of the Green Line train route was a legality issue and would not cause political difficulties for the coalition. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-16 - 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

Some Bangkok Metro Lines To Pilot Common Ticketing This April By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) said the long-anticipated common transportation ticketing system will finally be piloted across the three metro systems in Bangkok from April. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250501-some-bangkok-metro-lines-to-pilot-common-ticketing-this-april/

By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) said the long-anticipated common transportation ticketing system will finally be piloted across the three metro systems in Bangkok from April. The office said the common transportation ticketing system will be rolled out for the MRT Blue Line, the MRT Purple Line, and the SRT Red Line services. This new system is based on the EMV contactless payment platforms. It is similar to credit and debit cards. Mrs. Wilairat Sirisophonsin, Deputy Director of the OTP, said the office has been conducting studies and designing the new system with all stakeholders. A bill on common ticket management is to be submitted to the Ministry of Transportation for review. The deputy chief said several factors must be considered when creating a centralized ticketing scheme, including different fare structures, entry fees, operational contracts, and the need to create a capable back office system to handle transactions. Meanwhile, all the three services to pilot the new ticketing system have already upgraded their infrastructure with contactless card readers. Passengers of the MRT Blue and Purple lines can now tap their contactless credit or debit cards at the gates to pay the fares, instead of having to purchase a separate ticket. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-16 - 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 Thanks Cambodia For Cracking Down On Phone Scammer Bust By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The rise of scam calls targeting Thai people has led to a collaborative effort between the Royal Thai Police and Cambodian authorities in busting scam centers in Cambodia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250500-thailand-thanks-cambodia-for-cracking-down-on-phone-scammer-bust/

By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The rise of scam calls targeting Thai people has led to a collaborative effort between the Royal Thai Police and Cambodian authorities in busting scam centers in Cambodia. Thailand’s Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn thanked Cambodian authorities for probing into the groups of phone scammers operating in Cambodia. The scammers target phone users in Thailand. Mr. Chaiwut said the governments of Thailand and Cambodia will be escalating their efforts against these scammers, with a Memorandum of Understanding expected to be signed. On the preventative measures, Mr. Chaiwut said the officials are now looking into feasible options, but admitted that it was difficult to block their operations across various available communication channels. He said Thai banks will be sending out warning messages and notifications to alert phone users about possible scam calls and texts. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-16 - 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

Atmosphere During Makha Bucha Reportedly Subdued By Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Local media outlets have reported subdued Makha Bucha activity this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250499-atmosphere-during-makha-bucha-reportedly-subdued/

By Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Local media outlets have reported subdued Makha Bucha activity this year. Many people have opted to prepare their own set of monk offerings, rather than buying pre-made offerings from vendors. Vendors have meanwhile reduced their supplies in anticipation of suppressed consumer spending. It is customary in Thailand to visit temples, make merit, attend sermons and perform good deeds to celebrate the gathering held between the Lord Buddha and 1,250 of his first disciples. Giving monks offerings is also a major part of the celebration. More and more people are favoring saving over spending and only making purchases on essential items. Vendors are currently selling monk-offering baskets at around 100 to 300 baht each, with many blaming low sales on the economic downturn caused by the global pandemic. New COVID cases - fuelled by the highly transmissible Omicron coronavirus variant - are further discouraging people from performing religious activities outdoors. One major Makha Bucha activity is the candle-lit circumambulation rite, which usually involves a mass gathering that puts participants at risk of contracting COVID-19. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-16 - 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

"Big Too" - Thai PM - gets tough on hunters hunting tigers Daily News Thai Caption: Hunting the hunters Daily News reported that the environment minister Varawut Silpa-Archa said that the Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha - who they called Big Too in their headline - was getting tough on tiger poachers and hunters. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250497-big-too-thai-pm-gets-tough-on-hunters-hunting-tigers/

Daily News Thai Caption: Hunting the hunters Daily News reported that the environment minister Varawut Silpa-Archa said that the Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha - who they called Big Too in their headline - was getting tough on tiger poachers and hunters. Reinforcements are being drafted in to bolster efforts to protect tigers in the area of Kanchanaburi where there have already been arrests after two carcasses were found and parts of tigers were BBQing. There is now illegal activity going on by hunters unauthorised to look for a three legged tiger who rangers are trying to trap and save after several attacks in the area. It involves an illegal trap or snare that was dug with the person responsible facing jail or a 500,000 baht fine. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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

Trang civil engineer dead after losing control of pick-up and slamming into temple wall Daily News Thai Caption: Dead after hitting temple wall Daily News reported on the death of a civil engineer in Bang Rak, Trang, southern Thailand who lost control of a pick-up and slammed into the wall of a temple. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250494-trang-civil-engineer-dead-after-losing-control-of-pick-up-and-slamming-into-temple-wall/

Daily News Thai Caption: Dead after hitting temple wall Daily News reported on the death of a civil engineer in Bang Rak, Trang, southern Thailand who lost control of a pick-up and slammed into the wall of a temple. He'd hit a barrier before spinning and hitting the "wat" wall. Police are not sure if it was a case or "lap nai" or 'microsleep' or a slippery road. Picture: Daily News The wall of Wat Na Toh Ming in Muang district was demolished, so was a Ford Ranger. Dead in the driver's seat was Prarathana, 48, a local civil engineer. Daily News didn't hold back on describing his gruesome injuries, ASEAN NOW will withhold that. A barrier 30 meters away showed signs of a collision. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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

Bangkok set for official change of name to "Krung Thep Maha Nakhon" Picture: Thai Rath It is expected that a decision will be made to officially change the name of Bangkok to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250493-bangkok-set-for-official-change-of-name-to-krung-thep-maha-nakhon/

Picture: Thai Rath It is expected that a decision will be made to officially change the name of Bangkok to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. Ministers are expected to rubber stamp the request from the Royal Academy, reported Thai Rath. Henceforth the old name of Bangkok will just appear in brackets. The academy felt that this would be more modern and in line with real usage. Krung Thep Maha Nakhon will be the official English spelling from now on. This means Great City of Angels and is used by Thais to refer to their capital usually shortened to Krung Thep. Thais only use the word Bangkok when addressing foreigners who mostly don't understand the name they use. The full name of Bangkok, that starts with Krung Thep Maha Nakhon goes on to have about 145-150 letters in English script and is widely recognised as the longest placename in the world. Here is one version: Krungthepmahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathatiya Witsanukam Prasit. The name can be learned by going to YouTube and singing along to a hit song by Asanee/Wasan, notes ASEAN NOW's cultural affairs correspondent. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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

Two men surrender after vicious attack on 50 year old woman - argument over house access Daily News Thai Caption: Arrests after vicious attack on lady Daily News reported on developments after an online post about a 50 year old woman who was attacked by two thugs in an estate in Bang Khen, Bangkok,on Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250492-two-men-surrender-after-vicious-attack-on-50-year-old-woman-argument-over-house-access/

Daily News Thai Caption: Arrests after vicious attack on lady Daily News reported on developments after an online post about a 50 year old woman who was attacked by two thugs in an estate in Bang Khen, Bangkok,on Sunday. The woman was badly battered suffering facial bruising and a serious eye injury. Two men turned themselves in to the Bang Khen police. They said they used their bare hands, no weapon. Picture: Daily News It was the culmination of an ongoing feud about access to a house and the removal of a piece of zinc sheeting. Police will charge them with assault, a charge that may be upgraded to a more serious one when the exact extent of the lady's injuries are reported by the hospital. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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

Gun fails to go off - man is then attacked with a sword - just another night in Buriram Daily News Thai Caption: Misfire! Daily News reported from an incident in which Pol Capt Sahaporn Sirijantho of the Ban Dan, Buriram police was called to a violent incident last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250489-gun-fails-to-go-off-man-is-then-attacked-with-a-sword-just-another-night-in-buriram/

Daily News Thai Caption: Misfire! Daily News reported from an incident in which Pol Capt Sahaporn Sirijantho of the Ban Dan, Buriram police was called to a violent incident last night. Thongchai or "Bas", aged 29, had a fractured skull after being attacked with a knife. He was rushed to one hospital and then transferred to another. His wife Wiriyaporn, 42, blamed Thana or Chai, 40, who had fled the scene. She said he ambushed them as they arrived in the estate on a motorcycle. Apparently he teased them causing an argument. Picture: Daily News Phitthakorn, 36, the younger brother of the alleged assailant said that Bas pulled out a .38 gun and tried to fire at his brother but the bullet lodged in the chamber. A sword was then used to attack him. Ban Dan police are looking at CCTV and examining witness statements to try and find out who did what to whom. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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