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Thailand reports 10,470 new COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths, 8,711 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (February 7) reported 10,470 new COVID-19 cases, 8,711 recoveries and 12 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249361-thailand-reports-10470-new-covid-19-cases-12-deaths-8711-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Monday (February 7) reported 10,470 new COVID-19 cases, 8,711 recoveries and 12 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 10,304. Prisons: 166 ▶︎ Recoveries: 8,711 Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,507,471 with 22,303 deaths. The news comes as a panel of specialists at the Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has approved the use of Chinese-made Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines in children aged 6 and above without adjusting the dosage, said TFDA Secretary-General Dr. Paisarn Dunkum yesterday. The TFDA has also asked the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) and the Biogenetech Company, two importers of Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines from China, to send more information to back up their requests to expand the use of the two vaccines to children, aged 3 to 17. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-07 - 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

THAI looking to resume most routes by end of April, return to ‘normalcy’ by mid-year By Thai Enquirer Thai Airways is looking to resume most of its international routes by the end of April, high level sources in the company told Thai Enquirer on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249354-thai-looking-to-resume-most-routes-by-end-of-april-return-to-‘normalcy’-by-mid-year/

By Thai Enquirer Thai Airways is looking to resume most of its international routes by the end of April, high level sources in the company told Thai Enquirer on Monday. The airlines has suspended most of its international routes due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and have only resumed international travel in Q4 2021. However, analysts inside the company predict that the spread of Omicron coupled with countries reopening their borders from restriction will result in a mid-year resumption of normalcy for many of their most popular routes. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37264/thai-looking-to-resume-most-routes-by-end-of-april-return-to-normalcy-by-mid-year/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-07 - 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

Phuket tourist murder on Friday night was an international gangland hit on a known drug player by James Morris and Son Nguyen (Left) Mr Jimi Sandhu also known as ‘slice’ is reported to have been living between Dubai and East Asia since he fled India in 2018 after police uncovered a large ketamine drug factory. He was gunned down at approximately 10 pm on Friday night at his luxury villa in the Rawai Beach area of Phuket. (Inset) He was shot at least 10 times after two hitmen emerged as he got out of his red MG car with the duo escaping through the beach. Initial news reports suggested that the Indian gangland figure was a Canadian national. This came about after police in Phuket, early on Saturday morning, discovered 2 pieces of identification including a Canadian passport and driver’s licence in the names of third parties, both of Indian descent. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249352-phuket-tourist-murder-on-friday-night-was-an-international-gangland-hit-on-a-known-drug-player/

(Left) Mr Jimi Sandhu also known as ‘slice’ is reported to have been living between Dubai and East Asia since he fled India in 2018 after police uncovered a large ketamine drug factory. He was gunned down at approximately 10 pm on Friday night at his luxury villa in the Rawai Beach area of Phuket. (Inset) He was shot at least 10 times after two hitmen emerged as he got out of his red MG car with the duo escaping through the beach. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Initial news reports suggested that the Indian gangland figure was a Canadian national. This came about after police in Phuket, early on Saturday morning, discovered 2 pieces of identification including a Canadian passport and driver’s licence in the names of third parties, both of Indian descent. The tourist gunned down on Friday night was a marked gangland crime figure who lived his life travelling between Dubai and East Asia since he fled India in 2018 after police uncovered a huge ketamine drug factory. 32-year-old Jimi Sandhu, however, was best known as a gangland crime figure in British Columbia who was deported back to India in 2016 after Canadian police warned the public to stay clear of him as they feared he was an imminent target for assassination. A man murdered in Phuket on Friday night by what investigating Thai police believe to be two foreign assassins was a dangerous gangster who lived between Dubai and Southeast Asia after taking flight from India in 2018 when he was discovered operating a ketamine drug factory. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/02/06/phuket-murder-international-gangland-hit-jimi-sandhu-canada-india/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-02-07 - 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

Chonburi man, in a fit of rage, completely destroys his own house after being unable to get money from an ATM machine with his state welfare card Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Top News Chonburi – A 33-year-old man completely destroyed his own house after he was unable to get money from an ATM machine with a state welfare card in the Phan Thong district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249351-chonburi-man-in-a-fit-of-rage-completely-destroys-his-own-house-after-being-unable-to-get-money-from-an-atm-machine-with-his-state-welfare-card/

PHOTO: Top News Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – A 33-year-old man completely destroyed his own house after he was unable to get money from an ATM machine with a state welfare card in the Phan Thong district. The Phan Thong Police was notified of the incident at a house in the Nong Tamlueng sub-district over this weekend. They arrived at the house where the house owner had locked himself inside. Police took more than one hour to talk with the house owner, Mr. Thepphon Yindeesuk, 33, before he agreed to surrender to authorities. Furniture and items inside the house were damaged and destroyed. Local residents nearby told TPN media that Mr. Thepphon was unable to get money from an ATM machine with his state welfare card. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/06/chonburi-man-in-a-fit-of-rage-completely-destroys-his-own-house-after-being-unable-to-get-money-from-an-atm-machine-with-his-state-welfare-card/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-07 - 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

Manhunt begins for gunmen who shot a foreign man to death at a Phuket pool villa last Friday By Nop Meechukhun Phuket – Phuket’s Provincial Police Region 8 along with the forensic unit and suppression force arrived at a pool villa in Phuket this morning, February 6th, to track down the escape route of the murderer who killed a foreign man with at least ten gunshots last Friday night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249350-manhunt-begins-for-gunmen-who-shot-a-foreign-man-to-death-at-a-phuket-pool-villa-last-friday/

By Nop Meechukhun Phuket – Phuket’s Provincial Police Region 8 along with the forensic unit and suppression force arrived at a pool villa in Phuket this morning, February 6th, to track down the escape route of the murderer who killed a foreign man with at least ten gunshots last Friday night. The foreign man, 32, whose name and nationality was a subject of debate online due to alleged false identification records but who was identified by the foreign press as an Indian national raised in Canada from 7-years-old until being deported in 2016, was brutally shot with at least 10 gunshots after arriving at a parking lot of the pool villa about 10:30 PM. on Friday, February 4th. As of today, the police force arrived at the scene for further investigation after checking CCTV footage and detecting a possible escape route of the shooters. According to the police, local witnesses reportedly spotted two men who looked similar to the alleged criminals as seen in the CCTV at an abandoned building near the crime scene on the same day and time close to when the incident happened. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/06/manhunt-begins-for-gunmen-who-shot-a-foreign-man-to-death-at-a-phuket-pool-villa-last-friday/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-07 - 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

Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum Officially Opens in Phang Nga PHANG NGA (NNT) - Thailand has officially opened the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum in Phang Nga province. The museum serves as a memorial to the victims of the 2004 tsunami and a learning center. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249349-ban-nam-khem-tsunami-museum-officially-opens-in-phang-nga/

PHANG NGA (NNT) - Thailand has officially opened the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum in Phang Nga province. The museum serves as a memorial to the victims of the 2004 tsunami and a learning center. Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum officially opened at Ban Nam Khem community in Phang Nga province, with Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha virtually presiding over the opening ceremony. Culture Minister Ittipol Khunpluem said that, in addition to being a memorial, the museum will also serve as a learning center for telling the story of the disaster caused by the tsunami on December 26, 2004. It chronicles the many measures and cooperative efforts undertaken between Thailand and the international communities. Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum is situated on a 0.8-hectare piece of land. The architecture of the museum building was inspired by ocean waves, as reflected in its curves and circular openings. The museum grounds are also home to a warning tower inspired by local fisherfolk equipment, where visitors can climb up and take in the view of the area from above. The museum is open to visitors every week from Wednesdays to Sundays, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-07 - 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

Preparations Commence for Sending Thai Workers to Saudi Arabia By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The re-establishing of Thai-Saudi relations after a 30-year hiatus has paved the way for bilateral discussions over many areas, including diplomacy, economy, and labor. The Ministry of Labor is currently drafting an employment agreement under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) system to facilitate the first wave of Thai workers to Saudi Arabia three months from now. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249348-preparations-commence-for-sending-thai-workers-to-saudi-arabia/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The re-establishing of Thai-Saudi relations after a 30-year hiatus has paved the way for bilateral discussions over many areas, including diplomacy, economy, and labor. The Ministry of Labor is currently drafting an employment agreement under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) system to facilitate the first wave of Thai workers to Saudi Arabia three months from now. Labor Ministry Permanent Secretary Boonchob Suthamanaswong said Thais heading to Saudi Arabia for work may only number in the hundreds initially, but this trend is expected to continually rise. He added that wages will range from 25,000 to 100,000 baht per month, with workers in the initial phase to comprise those in the construction industry as well as medical and tourism services -- all of which are in high demand in Saudi Arabia. Thai Overseas Manpower Association Chairperson Aranya Sakulkosol expressed her thanks to the government and the prime minister for successfully restoring relations between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. She added that the development will usher in a golden opportunity for Thai workers who will be able to generate more income for the nation by working abroad. She added that preparations are being made to provide professional training for workers to prepare them for when Saudi Arabia officially approves their entry. People interested in working in Saudi Arabia can get additional details at the website of the Department of Employment, or by making direct inquiries at their provincial employment office. Authorities meanwhile stress that the process is still in the discussions phase and people should avoid falling victim to employment scams currently circulating. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-07 - 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

Bangkok Orders City-wide Renovation of Crosswalks BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok City Hall has ordered a city-wide renovation of pedestrian crossings, following a tragic incident in which an ophthalmologist was hit by a motorbike while crossing the road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249347-bangkok-orders-city-wide-renovation-of-crosswalks/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok City Hall has ordered a city-wide renovation of pedestrian crossings, following a tragic incident in which an ophthalmologist was hit by a motorbike while crossing the road. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said the crosswalk renovation campaign will involve the installation of warning signs, pavement markings and new paint work to improve visibility. The BMA and the Royal Thai Police are also collaborating to install push buttons for pedestrian signals at 100 more locations, in addition to the existing 226 crosswalks equipped with this system. There are 3,280 crosswalks in Bangkok, 1,277 of which are equipped with flashing light warning systems and 226 with push buttons. 430 crosswalks have already been repainted with red backgrounds to improve visibility. The crosswalk in front of Bhumirajnakarindra Kidney Institute where the tragic incident occurred is also being renovated with red paint and wider markings. Deputy Governor of Bangkok Pol Lt Gen Sophon Pisuthiwong recently inspected the renovation process. Push buttons are also being installed at this location during the next two weeks and CCTV cameras within 30 days. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-07 - 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

Transport Ministry to Propose Allocation for Study on New Thai-Laos Bridge Construction By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Transport will propose the allocation of 140 million baht from the central fund for a feasibility and design study on the construction of a new bridge linking Thailand and Laos. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249346-transport-ministry-to-propose-allocation-for-study-on-new-thai-laos-bridge-construction/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Transport will propose the allocation of 140 million baht from the central fund for a feasibility and design study on the construction of a new bridge linking Thailand and Laos. According to Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, the bridge is part of the third phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. The bridge will connect Nong Khai and Vientiane, providing road and rail access between the two countries. The cost of building the bridge and a network of roads is estimated at about 4 billion baht, with Thailand and Laos splitting the costs and the issue to be thoroughly addressed by the joint Thai-Laos Committee. The minister stressed the importance of completing the project before the second phase of the high-speed train project begins services in 2028. The Department of Highways will be responsible for the design study, which is estimated to cost about 140 million baht. Director-General Sarawut Songsiwilai said the department will propose the fund allocation to the ministry next week so it can be submitted to the Cabinet before the end of February. He added that the bridge study should be completed within one year of being approved. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-07 - 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

Ministries Prepare COVID Response Plans as Schools and Offices Reopen BANGKOK (NNT) - Many companies have started calling workers back to the office while schools increasingly resume on-site classes amid a stabilizing COVID-19 situation in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249345-ministries-prepare-covid-response-plans-as-schools-and-offices-reopen/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Many companies have started calling workers back to the office while schools increasingly resume on-site classes amid a stabilizing COVID-19 situation in Thailand. With the public health system looking increasingly capable of accommodating new cases, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has told the ministries of education, interior, and public health to ready incident response plans and maintain strict disease control measures. The Ministry of Education recently reported that 99% of education personnel have received at least one COVID vaccine dose, while 80% have received at least two doses. About 80% of students aged 12 to 17 have also already received their second dose. The Ministry of Public Health has meanwhile been accelerating the vaccination of young children aged 5 to 11. Schools that intend to hold on-site classes must first receive approval from the provincial communicable disease control committee in their respective provinces. These schools are also asked to rigorously adhere to COVID prevention measures. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior is continuing to liaison with the provincial chapters of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration to monitor COVID outbreaks in their areas. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-07 - 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

Police to Mass Inspect Fishing Vessels Amid IUU Status Downgrade By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Royal Thai Police have announced a national operation to inspect fishing vessels across the country, in an attempt to suppress illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249344-police-to-mass-inspect-fishing-vessels-amid-iuu-status-downgrade/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Royal Thai Police have announced a national operation to inspect fishing vessels across the country, in an attempt to suppress illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Thailand. The move follows a downgrade of the Kingdom’s status on the United States’ Trafficking in Persons report. The inspection is being launched for some 10,000 commercial vessels, in collaboration with relevant agencies. Police are also working with the Department of Fisheries, the Marine Department, the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, and the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center to establish a mutual guideline for fishing equipment inspection. Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn, assistant commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police, said the effort will help enhance tracing and monitoring systems in Thailand’s commercial fishing industry. He also said the lack of such an industry-wide inspection over the past two years led to the downgrade of Thailand’s status on the Trafficking in Persons report to Tier 2 Watchlist, from the Tier 2 status previously. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-07 - 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 Army Chief Visits Cambodia to Boost Security Ties By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai army chief has paid an official visit to Cambodia to bolster security cooperation and relations, with a particular focus on the development of areas along the Thai-Cambodian border. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249343-thai-army-chief-visits-cambodia-to-boost-security-ties/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai army chief has paid an official visit to Cambodia to bolster security cooperation and relations, with a particular focus on the development of areas along the Thai-Cambodian border. Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Narongpan Jittkaewtae and his delegation visited the Kingdom of Cambodia on February 3 and 4 as official guests of the Cambodian army. It was the army chief’s first visit to an ASEAN nation since taking office. Gen Narongpan met Cambodian leaders and senior officials of the Cambodian military with the aim of reinforcing relations and collaboration between the militaries of both nations. Emphasis was placed on developing areas located along the Thai-Cambodian border, protecting the environment and exchanging official visits at all levels. The Thai army chief noted that unity and collaboration among Thailand and Cambodia will better enable both countries to face emerging threats. He said the Royal Thai Army will utilize existing mechanisms to promote various collaborative efforts, especially those related to environmental conservation, the development of villages along border areas, assistance for disaster victims, and aid for those in need of medical attention along the Thai-Cambodian border. The visit by the Thai delegation also yielded Terms of Reference (TOR) for the establishment of a working committee for inter-army collaboration between the armies of Thailand and Cambodia. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-07 - 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

Over One Million Kilograms of Pork Seized From Warehouse Inspections By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government is strictly monitoring pork supplies to prevent hoarding and illegal imports amid falling prices as a result of warehouses releasing more pork into the market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249342-over-one-million-kilograms-of-pork-seized-from-warehouse-inspections/