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Picture: Thai Rath Environmental authorities filed a complaint with Sattahip police after a Thai tourist posted pictures of himself sitting on coral. It happened in the area of Koh Khram Noi in Bang Saray. Marine Resources Conservation Division chief in the area Wuthipong Wong-in told Pol Lt-Col Samran Sukto that this was a protected species of coral of the Scleratinia order. Sitting on it and tampering with it can kill it by causing stress, reported Thai Rath. And the crime is serious, punishable under several articles promulgated in 2019 to protect Thailand's natural resources. In theory offenders can be jailed for up to ten years and/or fined a million baht. Later in the day the Facebook poster called Wisoot Rattanasathian, 45, turned up to say that the incident happened a year ago and he'd only just posted the picture on February 12th. He said he thought it was just rocks not coral and he just wanted a nice holiday snap in the natural environment. A couple of years ago a Hungarian man living in Thailand was deported for handling a sea slug off Koh Phangan. An Italian - a fellow diver - also got into trouble. The environment minister Varawut Silpa-archa has frequently got involved to throw the book at people damaging his country's natural resources, reports ASEAN NOW. 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

Thailand reports 14,900 new COVID19 cases, 26 deaths, 9,810 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (February 14) reported 14,900 new COVID-19 cases, 9,810 recoveries and 26 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250218-thailand-reports-14900 new-covid19-cases-26-deaths-9810-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 14,900 new COVID-19 cases, 26 deaths, 9,810 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (February 14) reported 14,900 new COVID-19 cases, 9,810 recoveries and 26 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250218-thailand-reports-14900 new-covid-19-cases-26-deaths-9810-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Monday (February 14) reported 14,900 new COVID-19 cases, 9,810 recoveries and 26 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 14,708. Prisons: 192 ▶︎ Recoveries: 9,810 Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,608,227 with 22,462 deaths. The news comes as a cross-vaccination approach using the Sinovac and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines is now being developed as an option for recipients aged 12-17. The move comes in response to findings that this approach heightens immunity as effectively as two doses of only the Pfizer vaccine. The recommendation for cross-vaccination in teens was made by the Department of Disease Control’s (DDC) subcommittee on promoting disease immunity. Dr Vichan Pawun, head of the Bureau of General Communicable Diseases at the DDC, said the approach was based on findings by Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine. Researchers found that teenage immunity against COVID-19 is boosted just as effectively by the cross-vaccine formula, compared to two shots of the Pfizer vaccine. *NNT 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 2022-02-14 - 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

Prachuap police to launch Valentine’s Day crime blitz By Online Reporter Prachuap governor Dr. Sathien Charoenruen has revealed plans to keep crime to a minimum this coming Valentine’s Day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250208-prachuap-police-to-launch-valentine’s-day-crime-blitz/

By Online Reporter Prachuap governor Dr. Sathien Charoenruen has revealed plans to keep crime to a minimum this coming Valentine’s Day. In a ceremony held outside Prachuap Khiri Khan City Hall on Friday (Feb 11), Dr. Sathien said provincial police and other related agencies will crackdown on crime and drugs, as well as inappropriate behavior. Dr. Sathien said the focus will be on younger people who may behave inappropriately during the Valentine’s Day festival. He said that if young people engage in such activities it could lead to further societal problems such as unwanted or teenage pregnancy. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/prachuap-police-to-launch-valentines-day-crime-blitz/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

Coalition Parties Show Unity Ahead of Censure Debate By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - A discussion was recently held between the government and coalition leaders to gauge the unity of coalition parties ahead of the upcoming censure debate. During the meeting, the prime minister asked legislators not to create confusion and to remain united. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250206-coalition-parties-show-unity-ahead-of-censure-debate/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - A discussion was recently held between the government and coalition leaders to gauge the unity of coalition parties ahead of the upcoming censure debate. During the meeting, the prime minister asked legislators not to create confusion and to remain united. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha called an informal meeting with key members of the Cabinet, right after his meeting with the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). The informal meeting involved five Cabinet members, including Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, Labor Minister Suchat Chomklin, and Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn. Following the meeting, the prime minister affirmed that coalition parties have no unresolved conflicts, particularly concerning the operational contract extension for Bangkok’s Green Line metro proposed by the Ministry of Interior. The premier then asked legislators not to stir up any confusion with the public, noting that this would not benefit the country. Public Health Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin said the coalition remains stable and ready to handle scrutiny by opposition parties. He also acknowledged that work conflicts were normal, but said they do not affect the party’s position in the coalition.

Health Ministry to Add Sinovac-Pfizer Cross-Vaccine Option for Children Aged 12-17 By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - A cross-vaccination approach using the Sinovac and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines is now being developed as an option for recipients aged 12-17. The move comes in response to findings that this approach heightens immunity as effectively as two doses of only the Pfizer vaccine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250205-health-ministry-to-add-sinovac-pfizer-cross-vaccine-option-for-children-aged-12-17/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - A cross-vaccination approach using the Sinovac and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines is now being developed as an option for recipients aged 12-17. The move comes in response to findings that this approach heightens immunity as effectively as two doses of only the Pfizer vaccine. The recommendation for cross-vaccination in teens was made by the Department of Disease Control’s (DDC) subcommittee on promoting disease immunity. Dr Vichan Pawun, head of the Bureau of General Communicable Diseases at the DDC, said the approach was based on findings by Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine. Researchers found that teenage immunity against COVID-19 is boosted just as effectively by the cross-vaccine formula, compared to two shots of the Pfizer vaccine. The subcommittee is recommending the use of 0.5 ml of the Sinovac jab and 0.3 ml of the Pfizer jab for the cross-vaccination approach. Dr Vichan said the use of this formula for children aged 6-11 will require the subcommittee’s approval. The bureau director noted that COVID infections among children have been rising, especially in the 5-11 age group which currently makes up 6% of new infections. The Ministry of Public Health is now accelerating vaccinations in children to prevent them from spreading the coronavirus to elderly people at home. Dr Vichan added that getting children inoculated will also benefit schools that are resuming on-site classes. According to the director, 66,165 children in the 5-11 age group received COVID shots from January 31 to February 8. There have so far been no reports of serious side effects. He added that vaccinations for children are subject to parental approval, and parents can consult doctors before making their decision. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © 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

Government Emphasizes Safety for Valentine’s Day By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities are urging couples to make adjustments to their Valentine’s Day plans in order to adapt to the ’New Normal’ brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250204-government-emphasizes-safety-for-valentine’s-day/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities are urging couples to make adjustments to their Valentine’s Day plans in order to adapt to the ’New Normal’ brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha asked all relevant agencies to promote and ensure a safe Valentine’s Day this year. He encouraged the public to express love through online calls or by following health safety measures when they go outside to celebrate Valentine’s Day. He also suggested sending presents, making online video calls, giving encouragement and maintaining social distancing, as well as sharing constructive or supportive advice to one another. The prime minister said true love was about protecting and supporting each other. He also said he hoped that Thais would show their love and solidarity by caring for one another, and that he was confident in everyone’s ability to overcome the pandemic together. -- © 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

CCSA Says No Changes to COVID Restrictions BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has resolved to keep existing disease control measures unchanged for the time being. The prime minister is meanwhile urging people to maintain precautions against COVID-19 despite the lower number of critical patients and deaths. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250202-ccsa-says-no-changes-to-covid-restrictions/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has resolved to keep existing disease control measures unchanged for the time being. The prime minister is meanwhile urging people to maintain precautions against COVID-19 despite the lower number of critical patients and deaths. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said infection numbers are rising despite there being fewer severe cases. The public is therefore urged to continue taking precautions and following disease prevention guidelines. The premier assured healthcare facilities have enough capacity to accommodate patients. He also noted that the government has been addressing pressing issues with budgetary and time limitations to consider. CCSA Spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuyothin said the CCSA meeting on Friday (11 Feb) resolved to keep disease control measures unchanged. People in the Blue Zone tourism pilot areas, where infection numbers have been climbing, are urged to strictly observe health measures in order to curb transmissions. Dr Taweesilp noted that more children are contracting the Omicron coronavirus variant during this wave of outbreaks compared to the previous Delta variant. Authorities are therefore encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible. The CCSA meeting also endorsed the issuance of antigen test kit (ATK) services that are more accessible and economical for the public. The spokesperson said up to 56,000 ATKs are expected to sell daily from March 1 onward. The price per kit is projected to drop to 55 baht by then, from 80 baht currently. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © 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

WHO Recognizes Thai Doctors for Medical Contributions BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has announced that two Thai doctors will be acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) for their contributions to the medical sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250201-who-recognizes-thai-doctors-for-medical-contributions/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has announced that two Thai doctors will be acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) for their contributions to the medical sector. Ministry spokesperson Dr Rungrueng Kitphati revealed that the WHO’s executive board has recognized Dr Prakit Vathesatogkit and Dr Paisan Ruamviboonsuk for their contributions to the nation’s health sector during a meeting on January 29, 2022. Dr Prakit Vathesatogkit, executive secretary of the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation, will be awarded the Dr Lee Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health. Dr Prakit is a multi-award-winning doctor who has made significant contributions to the country’s public health sector and is largely credited with initiating the smoking ban in public places. Meanwhile, the Sasakawa Health Prize will be presented to Dr Paisan Ruamviboonsuk, an ophthalmologist at Rajavithi Hospital who specializes in retina/vitreous treatment. Dr Paisan developed a method for detecting blindness through retina photos and initiated a project to train health volunteers working in remote areas to detect retinal diseases. As a result of the project, the Ministry of Public Health is now able to provide free examinations and treatment to diabetic patients with visual impairments. This has significantly reduced the number of patients with such conditions. The awards will be presented during the 75th World Health Assembly in May 2022. -- © 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

Finance Ministry Says Insurance Industry Remains Robust BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance has affirmed that insurance companies in Thailand are still capable of handling the current crisis, following the recent revocation of licenses for some firms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250200-finance-ministry-says-insurance-industry-remains-robust/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance has affirmed that insurance companies in Thailand are still capable of handling the current crisis, following the recent revocation of licenses for some firms. Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the Thai insurance industry has sufficient financial reserves to manage the situation, while urging companies to better meet the changing lifestyles of customers. In a speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the Thailand Insurance Super Leadership Program’s course, the minister said Thai insurance companies have passed stress tests carried out by the Office of Insurance Commission. He indicated that this demonstrated their ability to cope with financial challenges. Arkhom also urged insurance companies to integrate modern technologies as part of their services, and to provide a wider variety of insurance packages that meet people’s needs. Concerns over the stability of insurance companies have intensified following the closure of Southeast Insurance. The company is now in the process of issuing refunds to its clients and transferring its insurance policies to partner companies. -- © 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

Commerce Ministry Working to Prevent Mass Price Hikes By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Various transportation services are now reportedly looking to raise their fares by about 20%. Relevant state agencies have been tasked with calculating the appropriate change in product prices that may follow the transport fare hike. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250199-commerce-ministry-working-to-prevent-mass-price-hikes/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Various transportation services are now reportedly looking to raise their fares by about 20%. Relevant state agencies have been tasked with calculating the appropriate change in product prices that may follow the transport fare hike. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit ordered the Department of Internal Trade to closely monitor product prices. The department will calculate the appropriate price increases for individual products in the event of a transport fare hike. Jurin said global oil prices have sharply increased and the effects are being felt in every country. The government has ameliorated rising fuel prices by capping the price of diesel at 30 baht a liter. The commerce minister said individual products will be looked at should the diesel price exceed this level. In such a scenario, commerce officials will determine the impact of oil prices on each product’s overall cost. Jurin noted that products have different cost structures and so prices cannot be allowed to increase across the board. He added that joint deliberations over proposed price increases would be needed in advance. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the Department of Internal Trade will be analyzing product cost structures more meticulously than before. He said this may even lead to prices falling for certain items, in line with lowered costs. For the benefit of consumer benefit, product prices will be kept as low as possible but at levels which still allow producers to subsist. Jurin said a ‘war room’ currently provides him with daily updates on product prices. He added that so far, manufacturers have cooperated with requests to keep prices unchanged amid heightened costs. -- © 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

Pattaya tourism and business associations host large meeting, pushing again for full legal opening of all business sectors, including nightlife and entertainment, in Pattaya By Nop Meechukhun Pattaya – The ‘One Voice Pattaya’ group hosted a meeting with numerous public and private business and tourism associations yesterday, February 12th, to discuss the launch of the ‘Pattaya SHA Plus City’ as well as organizing events and parades in April for a planned “reopening” of the city, including a full opening of the nightlife and entertainment sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250198-pattaya-tourism-and-business-associations-host-large-meeting-pushing-again-for-full-legal-opening-of-all-business-sectors-including-nightlife-and-entertainment-in-pattaya/

By Nop Meechukhun Pattaya – The ‘One Voice Pattaya’ group hosted a meeting with numerous public and private business and tourism associations yesterday, February 12th, to discuss the launch of the ‘Pattaya SHA Plus City’ as well as organizing events and parades in April for a planned “reopening” of the city, including a full opening of the nightlife and entertainment sector. The meeting of more than 24 associations, led by One Voice Pattaya Chairman Pasin Jirapaphong and TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) Assistant President Krit Chiramongkol, mainly mentioned ways to reopen the Pattaya City as a tourism pilot area to welcome tourists with safety, primarily talking about protective Covid-19 measures such as the setting up of ATK (Rapid Antigen Covid Tests) checkpoints under the cooperation with the SHA (Safety and Health Administration) PLUS CITY system following the TAT’s guildelines in order to fully operate as a tourism city. In layman’s terms, TPN notes, the meeting was covering ways to “meet in the middle” with authorities to allow a “full” opening of nightlife and entertainment in Pattaya, officially closed since April of 2021. In the meantime, venues have been allowed to open as temporary “restaurants” but with many rules and limits, including what business owners call a “too early” closing time of 11:00 P.M. (which pre-Covid was 3:00 A.M. for entertainment areas like Walking Street or LK Metro), a ban on dancing, singing, pool, nightclubs, and other measures that limit the cities world-famous nightlife scene. Dusit Chantracha, Vice President of Chonburi’s Pharmacists Association, stated that the government’s “Mor Prompt” system had issued a 72-hour test certificate of the ATK testing which helped increase the result efficiency and build public confidence before any reopening. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/13/pattaya-tourism-and-business-associations-host-large-meeting-pushing-again-for-full-legal-opening-of-all-business-sectors-including-nightlife-and-entertainment-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Pattaya police start renewed crack down on illegal motorbike racing By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – More than 100 motorbike racers from the Central and Northeast parts of Thailand reportedly gathered in the Pattaya area this past week, leading to Pattaya Police seizing 20 illegal motorbikes and initiating a crackdown. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250196-pattaya-police-start-renewed-crack-down-on-illegal-motorbike-racing/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – More than 100 motorbike racers from the Central and Northeast parts of Thailand reportedly gathered in the Pattaya area this past week, leading to Pattaya Police seizing 20 illegal motorbikes and initiating a crackdown. A team from the Pattaya City Police led by Colonel Kunlachart Kunlachai cracked down on motorbike racers near Pattaya Beach yesterday afternoon (February 12th). Colonel Kunlachart told TPN media, “We were notified by anonymous concerned citizens that motorbike racers from the Central and Northeastern parts of Thailand were holding a gathering/event near Pattaya beach this week and took proactive measures to stop it.” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/13/pattaya-police-start-renewed-crack-down-on-illegal-motorbike-racing/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Makha Bucha day is this upcoming Wednesday, alcohol sales ban incoming By Adam Judd Thailand-Makha Bucha day, one of the holiest Buddhist holidays, falls on this upcoming Wednesday, February 16th, in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250195-makha-bucha-day-is-this-upcoming-wednesday-alcohol-sales-ban-incoming/