webfact

Students and staff at Huachiew Chalermprakiet University (HCU) making Chinese New Year decorations. (Photo: HCU / Facebook) ARANYA SIRIPHON|FANZURA BANU Thailand is reaping the benefits of a steady stream of Chinese students being enrolled in its universities. The trend, however, is not cost-free. The number of Chinese students enrolled in Thai universities have been on the rise. While Chinese students have varied reasons for picking Thailand, Thai universities have their own reasons for admitting them. The Thai government clearly wants to capitalise on this trend, which would boost the Thai economy and burnish the country’s credentials as an ‘educational hub’ for international students. However, there are a host of problems it has to grapple with, namely compromised academic standards and Chinese students flouting their visa conditions. According to Thailand’s Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC), the number of Chinese students choosing Thailand for their tertiary education has been rising in recent years. In 2009, Thai universities hosted 5,364 Chinese students. In 2020, the number had tripled to 14,423. Between 2018 and 2022, 7,231 Chinese students graduated from Thailand’s higher education institutes. The majority of the Chinese students prefer universities in the West, in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. In Asia, Thailand —together with Japan and Singapore — count among the top choices for Chinese students. Full story: https://fulcrum.sg/chinese-students-in-thailand-cash-cow-at-a-cost/ -- © Copyright FULCRUM 2022-02-15 - 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 plans to reopen Malaysia-Thai border in March By Bernama Thailand is planning to reopen the Thai-Malaysia border in March to boost tourist arrivals, as Malaysian tourists have been the largest group of visitors to the kingdom before the Covid-19 pandemic. BANGKOK: Thailand is planning to reopen the Thai-Malaysia border in March to boost tourist arrivals, as Malaysian tourists have been the largest group of visitors to the kingdom before the Covid-19 pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250333-thailand-plans-to-reopen-malaysia-thai-border-in-march/

Thailand is planning to reopen the Thai-Malaysia border in March to boost tourist arrivals, as Malaysian tourists have been the largest group of visitors to the kingdom before the Covid-19 pandemic. By Bernama BANGKOK: Thailand is planning to reopen the Thai-Malaysia border in March to boost tourist arrivals, as Malaysian tourists have been the largest group of visitors to the kingdom before the Covid-19 pandemic. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and Tourism Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has been ordered to prepare and outline the pandemic mitigation measures for the reopening of the southern border provinces in the checkpoints of Songkhla, Narathiwat, Yala and Satun. "Tourists from neighbouring Malaysia will enter Thailand via quarantine-free 'Test & Go' programme. However, travellers need to pass two RT-PCR Covid-19 tests on Day 1 upon arrival and the second on Day 5," said Foreign Affairs Ministry's deputy spokesman Natapanu Nopakun at Covid-19 daily briefing here today. Full story: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/02/771411/thailand-plans-reopen-malaysia-thai-border-march -- © Copyright NEW STRAITS TIMES 2022-02-15 - 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 Minister’s support for vaping ‘goes global’ “The brave call by a Thai Government Minister for Thailand to overturn its harsh ban on the sale of vape products has received applause and accolades from around the world,” says Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250332-thai-minister’s-support-for-vaping-‘goes-global’/

“The brave call by a Thai Government Minister for Thailand to overturn its harsh ban on the sale of vape products has received applause and accolades from around the world,” says Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA). Her comments follow Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Minister, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, telling local media that vaping is safer for people trying to quit smoking. What’s more, he is now looking at ways vaping could be legalised in order to offer a less harmful alternative to smoking regular cigarettes. “Support for the Minister has gone global! This should be a massive wake-up call for Thailand’s Government. He’s on the side of science and his calls have exposed the fact that Thailand has fallen well behind internationally when it comes to adopting effective Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) policies,” says Ms Loucas. Full story: https://caphraorg.net/thai-ministers-support-for-vaping-goes-global/ -- © Copyright CAPHRA 2022-02-15 - 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 Women’s Half Marathon 2022 proves a great success By Online Reporter Runners from all over Thailand descended on Hua Hin as the city provided the venue for the Hua Hin Women’s Half Marathon 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250331-hua-hin-women’s-half-marathon-2022-proves-a-great-success/

By Online Reporter Runners from all over Thailand descended on Hua Hin as the city provided the venue for the Hua Hin Women’s Half Marathon 2022. The event, which was organised in partnership with Nagoya Women’s Marathon, included a 4km Color Splash Run along Khao Takiab beach on Saturday (Feb 12), before the 21.1km half marathon got underway at 4am on Sunday (Feb 13). The half marathon began at 19 Rai and finished at Rajabhakti Park. Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayudhya, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) said the aim is for the Hua Hin Women’s Marathon to become a world renowned event and to create a new dimension for events along the Thai Riviera. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/hua-hin-womens-marathon-2022-proves-a-great-success/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-15 - 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

Motorcyclist in Hua Hin given a fright after encounter with elephant By Online Reporter A motorcyclist in Hua Hin had a fright when he had a close encounter with a wild elephant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250330-motorcyclist-in-hua-hin-given-a-fright-after-encounter-with-elephant/

By Online Reporter A motorcyclist in Hua Hin had a fright when he had a close encounter with a wild elephant. The incident, which was caught on video, occurred last week in the Huai Sat Yai Subdistrict of Hua Hin, in the Kaeng Krachan National Park. Footage shows the elephant confront the motorcyclist who turns to drive in the opposite direction. However, the motorcyclist doesn’t drive away quite far or fast enough for the elephant’s liking who makes another charge before appearing to spray dust, presumably in a sign of anger. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/video-motorcyclist-in-hua-hin-given-a-fright-after-encounter-with-elephant/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-15 - 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

Overwhelming Demand for Prince of Brunei's Barber Received CHONBURI, Feb 14 (TNA) – The local barber of the Prince of Brunei who played for the Chonburi Football Club became well-known overnight and was overwhelmed with a long waiting list of customers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250329-overwhelming-demand-for-prince-of-bruneis-barber-received/

CHONBURI, Feb 14 (TNA) – The local barber of the Prince of Brunei who played for the Chonburi Football Club became well-known overnight and was overwhelmed with a long waiting list of customers. The popularity happened to Theerapat Mangmee, the 28-year-old barber, after he had posted a picture of Bruneian Prince Faiq Jefri Bolkiah's visit to his barber shop in Muang Chon Buri district for his service. Despite the long queue of customers and his popularity, he confirmed that he would maintain his 250-baht fee for a haircut and 300 baht for a haircut plus a hair wash. Mr Theerapat said the special interest in his service revived him after COVID-19 had hit his occupation heavily and his barbershop had been very quiet. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-882672 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-02-15 - 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

Critics fear new surrogacy draft could put mothers in harm’s way By Natcha Patanasophon Thailand is pushing for a new amendment draft that would legalize surrogacy for international parents seeking Thai surrogate mothers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250328-critics-fear-new-surrogacy-draft-could-put-mothers-in-harm’s-way/

By Natcha Patanasophon Thailand is pushing for a new amendment draft that would legalize surrogacy for international parents seeking Thai surrogate mothers. But many are concerned that if the amendment passes, anyone can come to Thailand and “hire” Thai women who are impoverished to be surrogate mothers. Critics said on Monday that the new draft may lead to child exploitation and that it could undermine the original law, which already provides some level of protection. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37497/critics-fear-new-surrogacy-draft-could-put-mothers-in-harms-way/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-15 - 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

Local studies show a third booster will better prevent sickness and death Erich Parpart Local studies show that a third booster shot will better prevent death from Covid-19 than two doses, as vaccine effectiveness will drop over time, the government said on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250327-local-studies-show-a-third-booster-will-better-prevent-sickness-and-death/

Erich Parpart Local studies show that a third booster shot will better prevent death from Covid-19 than two doses, as vaccine effectiveness will drop over time, the government said on Monday. “Out of the 26 Covid fatalities today, 53 per cent, or 14 people, were unvaccinated,” said Dr Apisamai Srirangsan, a spokeswoman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). “Two persons were vaccinated with two doses, but the last time they were vaccinated was four months prior to the infection and death. 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/37514/local-studies-show-a-third-booster-will-better-prevent-sickness-and-death/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-15 - 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

Additional complaint filed with police over latest oil spill in sea off Rayong File Photo Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) has filed its second complaint with Map Ta Phut police, in the eastern province of Rayong, against those responsible for the marine oil spill in seas off the province on February 10th, the second one this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250326-additional-complaint-filed-with-police-over-latest-oil-spill-in-sea-off-rayong/

File Photo Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) has filed its second complaint with Map Ta Phut police, in the eastern province of Rayong, against those responsible for the marine oil spill in seas off the province on February 10th, the second one this year. PCD Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa said he has assigned the director of legal affairs division, and the director of the Chon Buri-based Environment Office, to file a complaint with the police, so that appropriate legal action can be taken against the culprits. He said that the second incident, in which about 5,000 litres of crude oil still in the damaged flexible pipeline at the mooring platform of Star Petroleum Refining (SPRC) leaked into the sea, may harm the environment and marine species in the area. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/additional-complaint-filed-with-police-over-latest-oil-spill-in-sea-off-rayong/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-15 - 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 Tuesday 15 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1250324-thailand-live-tuesday-15-feb-2022/

Foreign ‘Big Bike’ rider in Pattaya seriously injured after colliding with pickup truck, truck driver flees on foot A foreign ‘Big Bike’ rider has sustained serious injuries after colliding with a pickup truck whose driver fled the scene on foot in the Pattaya area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250290-foreign-‘big-bike’-rider-in-pattaya-seriously-injured-after-colliding-with-pickup-truck-truck-driver-flees-on-foot/

Couple who took their children on drug deliveries arrested A couple who have been taking their two young children with them when they deliver narcotics to customers, in an effort not to raise the suspicions of authorities, were arrested by police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250285-couple-who-took-their-children-on-drug-deliveries-arrested/

COVID Vaccination for Young Children Starts at Bang Sue Central Station BANGKOK, Feb 14 (TNA) – COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5-11 years started at the Central Vaccination Center at the Bang Sue Central Station which was expected to inoculate 5,000 of the young a day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250286-covid-vaccination-for-young-children-starts-at-bang-sue-central-station/

NESDC Recommends Government Address Economic Obstacles By Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has assured that Thai economic stability remains sound, although it faces hindrances to future expansion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250254-nesdc-recommends-government-address-economic-obstacles/

By Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has assured that Thai economic stability remains sound, although it faces hindrances to future expansion. According to the NESDC, the COVID-19 pandemic has weakened the Thai economy, which is reflected in the rise of household and public debts, as well as the inflation rate. Additionally, the NESDC said Thailand also faces issues that block investments and lack of funds for Research and Development (R&D) projects. The Kingdom must also contend with labor shortages and becoming an aging society. The NESDC noted that Thailand relies heavily on the tourism sector to generate income. This has led to a slower recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic when compared with many other nations. The office added that people should pay close attention to technology and its disruptive impact on the monetary market, especially cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. It also said Thailand should adopt a resilient economic system that can weather the fast-paced digital world along with other changes and crises in the future. The NESDC suggested that the government and private sector cooperate in promoting R&D projects and encouraging innovation. Another important area is human resource development, as future workforces should have the skills and efficiency to add value to the nation’s economy. The NESDC is drafting the 13th national economic and social development strategy. It will introduce a plan to the national strategy commission before submitting it to the Cabinet for endorsement in the next fiscal year. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-14 - 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

Handicapped tiger latest: Meeting today to discuss how to capture three legged troublemaker! A meeting this afternoon among the authorities in Kanchanaburi will discuss ways to track and capture a three legged tiger who has been causing trouble. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250253-handicapped-tiger-latest-meeting-today-to-discuss-how-to-capture-three-legged-troublemaker/

A meeting this afternoon among the authorities in Kanchanaburi will discuss ways to track and capture a three legged tiger who has been causing trouble. Thai PBS had a picture of the tiger - caught on one of 20 cameras set up in the wild. The animal has been attacking livestock and even people as it cannot hunt prey in the wild in the normal manner due to its disability. Some 300 families in the area of the village of Pilok Khi live just 3 kilometers from where tracks have been reported. One young mother, Suda, 18, told the media that she had moved their four month old child to be with her mother because their house was the last in the village and they feared an attack from the tiger. Once captured the animal will be housed in a sanctuary. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-14 - 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