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by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Health agencies recently tabled a discussion on the obesity situation in Thailand to mark the occasion of World Obesity Day. Speakers at the event disclosed that some 20 million Thais are afflicted by metabolic syndrome. Dr Sanit Wichansawakun, a professor at Thammasat University Hospital, said obesity can lead to non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease and cancer. She also said current efforts to tackle the issue have not been proactive, with most patients not realizing that obesity is a disease that needs to be treated. Dr Sanit noted that people are instead placing importance on weight loss for beauty purposes, adding that the Thai public health system has yet to sponsor treatments for obesity under the reasoning that people can control their diet without seeing a doctor. She said successful weight reduction minimizes complications and lowers the cost of treating diseases. Dr Ladda Mo-suwan, who represents the Association of Thai NCD Alliance, said more children under the age of 5 years are overweight than ever before. Consequences include joint conditions such as bow legs, slow movement, low sleep quality and developmental issues. Other health problems include respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Obese children are also four times more likely to die from chronic, non-communicable diseases than regular children. Dr Ladda said affected children must regulate their diets and reduce sweets, as well as fatty and salty foods. Efforts should also be made to encourage children to be more active. Additionally, consumption of plain water and milk should be encouraged while sodas should be avoided. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Health Ministry Honors Those Who Helped Prevent Drowning Fatalities Among Children by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand saw the number of children who died from drowning drop by 56% in 2021. A new target is now set to bring the number of drowning deaths among children under the age of 15 down to 2.5 per 100,000 by 2027. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252517-health-ministry-honors-those-who-helped-prevent-drowning-fatalities-among-children/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand saw the number of children who died from drowning drop by 56% in 2021. A new target is now set to bring the number of drowning deaths among children under the age of 15 down to 2.5 per 100,000 by 2027. The Ministry of Public Health has meanwhile issued plaques commemorating those who contributed to reducing drowning deaths in 2021. The plaques were handed out by Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. According to the minister, the health ministry operated in accordance with the United Nations’ Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention. Teams that were formed through multi-agency and public collaboration have been able to reduce the number of child drowning deaths to 658 in 2021, down from around 1,500 the previous year. Anutin explained that the ministry rapidly proceeded on three matters of concern. Children under the age of 2 were provided with safe play areas that made injuries less likely. Children aged 6 or older were meanwhile taught to swim or float by drowning prevention teams at each locality and those 12 and older were taught to deliver CPR. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Government Instructs Authorities to Prepare for Volatile Weather by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Government agencies have been instructed to prepare emergency measures in anticipation of volatile weather nationwide over the start of this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252516-government-instructs-authorities-to-prepare-for-volatile-weather/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Government agencies have been instructed to prepare emergency measures in anticipation of volatile weather nationwide over the start of this week. According to Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha recently expressed concern about public safety due to extreme weather predicted by the Thai Meteorological Department going into Tuesday. Thunderstorms, gusty winds and hail are forecast in the lower Northeastern, Central and Eastern regions. Officials have been directed to inspect and remove any unsecured billboards or buildings that could endanger people during severe storms. They will also issue warnings in advance so local residents can prepare for extreme weather. To ensure their safety, residents are also recommended to avoid the previously open areas and dangerous locations. Authorities in the southern provinces have meanwhile been assessing damage caused by recent flooding, with reconstruction efforts currently underway after flood waters receded. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Mental Health Dept Warns About Stress Due to Excessive News Consumption Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Mental Health has indicated concern for people who constantly follow news and social media updates to the point of stressing themselves out, noting that this is particularly the case when many serious developments are taking place. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252515-mental-health-dept-warns-about-stress-due-to-excessive-news-consumption/

Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Mental Health has indicated concern for people who constantly follow news and social media updates to the point of stressing themselves out, noting that this is particularly the case when many serious developments are taking place. Dr Warot Chotipittayasunon, a spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health, recommends that people take in an appropriate amount of news and exercise moderation. He also suggested that people perform self-evaluations to determine whether news cycles are starting to affect their daily lives or cause stress and sleep problems. Additionally, the spokesperson said people who find themselves constantly needing to stay informed on new developments may wish to focus on other activities to relax their minds. Dr Warot explained that people suffering from Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) can have volatile emotions and experience anxiety when not online. They generally spend more than 6 hours looking at screens each day and obsessively use Facebook, Twitter and other information-related apps. Dr Warot further noted that people exhibiting such symptoms may want to consult a psychiatrist. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Insurance Regulator Revises COVID Guidelines Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s insurance regulator has revised its compensation guidelines for COVID-19 cases. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252514-insurance-regulator-revises-covid-guidelines/

Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s insurance regulator has revised its compensation guidelines for COVID-19 cases. According to the new coverage guidelines, insurance holders admitted to either a general hospital, field hospital or hospitel are now entitled to claims for medical bills and daily compensation. The new guidelines issued by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) specify that the entitlements are based on people’s insurance policies. The revised guidelines were agreed upon by the OIC, the Ministry of Public Health, the Thai Life Assurance Association, the Thai General Insurance Association, and the Private Hospital Association. OIC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn also assured that insurance companies had already been notified of the new guidelines. The commission will convene at a later date to issue additional guidelines for patients in home or community isolation. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

MOU Signed to Pilot Circular Economy Approach in Krabi Natthaphon Sangpolsit KRABI (NNT) - The Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model is now being employed as a mechanism for driving Thailand’s economy toward exponential growth. The BCG model is also expected to distribute income and opportunities more equally and enable communities to prosper with less disparity. The model will be piloted in Krabi province in accordance with an MOU on the circular economy and the environment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252513-mou-signed-to-pilot-circular-economy-approach-in-krabi/

Natthaphon Sangpolsit KRABI (NNT) - The Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model is now being employed as a mechanism for driving Thailand’s economy toward exponential growth. The BCG model is also expected to distribute income and opportunities more equally and enable communities to prosper with less disparity. The model will be piloted in Krabi province in accordance with an MOU on the circular economy and the environment. MOU signatories include the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Krabi Chamber of Commerce, the Krabi Hotel Association and the Sustainable Krabi Foundation. The organizations aim to promote the participation of local businesses in reducing environmental impacts via the circular economy approach. Food and plastic waste will be reduced through such means as designing reusable products and developing efficient waste management systems. Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) Chairman Sanan Angubolkul noted that entrepreneurs in particular have become more interested in environmentally responsible business operations. This increased awareness partly stems from global shifts and the inclusion of environmental responsibility as a business standard. Sanan said Thailand needs to adjust its focus in a timely manner, especially in sectors that are heavily dependent on natural resources, such as tourism. According to the chairman, the TCC plans to expand this year’s BCG model to businesses in 23 coastal provinces in order to minimize damage to the marine environment and promote sustainable tourism sector development. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Measures Underway to Alleviate Economic Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have reverberated throughout the globe and compounded issues brought on by the pandemic. Thailand is now proceeding with measures in three areas aimed at mitigating the economic repercussions. The measures call for reducing living expenses, mitigating debt burdens, and accelerating large investments that will distribute income across localities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252512-measures-underway-to-alleviate-economic-impact-of-russia-ukraine-conflict/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have reverberated throughout the globe and compounded issues brought on by the pandemic. Thailand is now proceeding with measures in three areas aimed at mitigating the economic repercussions. The measures call for reducing living expenses, mitigating debt burdens, and accelerating large investments that will distribute income across localities. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha recently called a meeting of his advisors to discuss the measures while acknowledging higher energy costs and prices for certain commodities. Prime ministerial advisors were told to proceed with determining measures under three propositions. Measures under the first proposition relate to reducing people’s expenses, especially for vulnerable groups. These may involve assistance with fuel oil, cooking gas and electricity bills. The second proposition deals with measures to alleviate debt burdens and help people avoid having their assets seized by lenders. The government has designated 2022 as “a year for resolving household debts”. The third proposition calls for investments that will boost Thailand’s competitiveness and increase people’s income. Large public investment projects will be accelerated so money gets injected into various localities. These projects include the EEC, infrastructure for improving connectivity and distributing resources to various regions and locales, and railways for shipping export products. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Oil company fixing pipeline in the Gulf of Thailand after failure to mend a valve Star Petroleum Refining Plc (SPRC) has changed the repair plan to focus on fixing two ruptures in the submarine oil pipeline with special adhesive material. This process may take eight days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252511-oil-company-fixing-pipeline-in-the-gulf-of-thailand-after-failure-to-mend-a-valve/

Star Petroleum Refining Plc (SPRC) has changed the repair plan to focus on fixing two ruptures in the submarine oil pipeline with special adhesive material. This process may take eight days. The company has abandoned its attempt to repair one of the failed valves with sealant after it failed the pressure test. Permission for the change has been granted by the subcommittee in charge of overseeing the maintenance operation. The company has expressed concern that residual oil in the pipeline may leak into the sea if it continues with the effort to fix the valve. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/oil-company-fixing-pipeline-in-the-gulf-of-thailand-after-failure-to-mend-a-valve/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-07 - 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

3 COVID consumer stimulus measures in Thailand have, to date, cost the taxpayer ~29 billion baht Three economic stimulus packages, introduced by the government to boost the purchasing power of consumers and to stimulate the economy have, so far, cost the taxpayer about 29 billion baht to support, Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Saturday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252510-3-covid-consumer-stimulus-measures-in-thailand-have-to-date-cost-the-taxpayer-~29-billion-baht/

Three economic stimulus packages, introduced by the government to boost the purchasing power of consumers and to stimulate the economy have, so far, cost the taxpayer about 29 billion baht to support, Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Saturday. 40.72 million subscribers to the three packages have spent money wired into their bank accounts by the Finance Ministry. These include the 26.23 million subscribers to the 50:50 co-payment scheme, 13.26 million holders of state welfare cards and 1.2 million in a government funded scheme to increase the purchasing power of the less well off. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/3-covid-consumer-stimulus-measures-in-thailand-have-to-date-cost-the-taxpayer-54-billion-baht/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-07 - 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

Fire fighters containing forest fires in Ob Khan national park in Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Provincial Governor Prachon Prachsakul has ordered local officials and relevant agencies to assist in containing the spread of forest fires at Ob Khan national park in the province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252509-fire-fighters-containing-forest-fires-in-ob-khan-national-park-in-chiang-mai/

Chiang Mai Provincial Governor Prachon Prachsakul has ordered local officials and relevant agencies to assist in containing the spread of forest fires at Ob Khan national park in the province. About 35 fire fighters from the national park and the Mirror Foundation, who have been battling the fires, have complained that there are not enough of them to cope with the fires, which have been burning for more than three days and stretch for about three kilometres through the forest in the park. Without timely reinforcements, they have expressed concern that the entire 6,000 hectare forest may be wiped out. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/fire-fighters-containing-forest-fires-in-ob-khan-national-park-in-chiang-mai/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-07 - 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

Can incoming Bangkok governor do anything about city’s failing safety records? EIU has reviewed the safety of key cities in the world every two years since 2015. The latest report shows Thai capital ranked 43rd among 60 cities in 2021. (Photo by Jessica Tan) Despite being Thailand’s most developed city, Bangkok has a poor safety record, as evidenced by high rates of traffic accidents, crimes and pollution year after year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252508-can-incoming-bangkok-governor-do-anything-about-city’s-failing-safety-records/

EIU has reviewed the safety of key cities in the world every two years since 2015. The latest report shows Thai capital ranked 43rd among 60 cities in 2021. (Photo by Jessica Tan) Despite being Thailand’s most developed city, Bangkok has a poor safety record, as evidenced by high rates of traffic accidents, crimes and pollution year after year. Residents may be shocked to hear, then, that the city has had a “Safe Capital Strategy” since 2013. Another surprising fact is that this strategy is hardly mentioned in campaign platforms put forward by candidates for Bangkok governor. With the gubernatorial election just around the corner, several candidates have come up with safety-related policies, but none has focused on the Safe Capital Strategy that will remain in place until 2037. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/can-incoming-bangkok-governor-do-anything-about-citys-failing-safety-records/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-07 - 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

Hotels in Thailand’s Phuket and Krabi stop accepting credit cards from Russian tourists Hotels and resorts in Thailand’s provinces of Phuket and Krabi have stopped accepting credit cards from Russian tourists, after many of them find themselves unable to pay credit card bills following the exclusion of seven of Russia’s major banks from the SWIFT financial global messaging system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252507-hotels-in-thailand’s-phuket-and-krabi-stop-accepting-credit-cards-from-russian-tourists/

Hotels and resorts in Thailand’s provinces of Phuket and Krabi have stopped accepting credit cards from Russian tourists, after many of them find themselves unable to pay credit card bills following the exclusion of seven of Russia’s major banks from the SWIFT financial global messaging system. A senior executive of the Melia Hotel said that several hotels on Phuket have been trying to consult with the Bank of Thailand about this problem and ways to accept payments from their Russian clients. He also said that about 15% of advance bookings made by Russian tourists have been cancelled since Europe and the United States imposed the harshest ever sanctions on Russia, in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/hotels-in-thailands-phuket-and-krabi-stop-accepting-credit-cards-from-russian-tourists/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-07 - 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

Russian embassy warns outsiders not to volunteer to fight in Ukraine The Russian Embassy in Bangkok has warned outsiders, including Thais, not to volunteer to fight against Russian forces in Ukraine, saying that they will be regarded as mercenaries and will not be protected or treated as prisoners of war in accordance with the international human rights laws if they are captured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252506-russian-embassy-warns-outsiders-not-to-volunteer-to-fight-in-ukraine/

The Russian Embassy in Bangkok has warned outsiders, including Thais, not to volunteer to fight against Russian forces in Ukraine, saying that they will be regarded as mercenaries and will not be protected or treated as prisoners of war in accordance with the international human rights laws if they are captured. Moreover, they would face legal action, said the embassy, quoting the Russian Defence Ministry in its Facebook page yesterday. While the Ukrainian Embassy is appealing for foreign volunteers to fight for Ukraine, the Russian Embassy claims to have received many letters from foreigners living in Thailand and Thais expressing support for Russia, with some even saying they are prepared to fight alongside the Russian troops. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/russian-embassy-warns-outsiders-not-to-volunteer-to-fight-in-ukraine/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-07 - 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