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I have lived in Thailand for over twelve years, and I still struggle to find out accurate and reliable information on the latest rules and regulations. Concerns such as the latest rules about Visas often are passed around by rumours over social media. If the government wants to make new laws, I have noticed that normally a Thai Minister will be reported as stating that his ministry plans to stop this or start that regulation shortly. However, unless the law is published in the Royal Gazette it is not confirmed. Meanwhile, social media and gossip help to fuel those rumours. As we know immigration offices around the country seem to make their own decisions. So, what sometimes happens in Bangkok, does not necessarily happen in say Chonburi or Chiang Mai. Regulations are changing every month from vaccine passports to digital driving licences, or inland revenue rules to 90-day reporting. Naturally, during Covid it is not great at the moment to have to queue up in busy government offices. Therefore, more reporting is going online such as 90-day reporting for resident expats. We of course at AseanNow do our best to keep residents and expats up to date. However, it would be extremely helpful if the Government could have just one mouthpiece where they can keep us up to date and in English. How are you coping with obtaining reliable information? -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-02 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 2 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1248790-thailand-live-wednesday-2-feb-2022/

Thailand welcomes foreign tourists again as “Test&Go” scheme relaunched today under new requirements PHOTO: Thansettakij Thailand has widened its door once again for international arrivals from all countries as it relaunched its “Test&Go” scheme and the registration of “Thailand Pass” today, February 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248776-thailand-welcomes-foreign-tourists-again-as-“testgo”-scheme-relaunched-today-under-new-requirements/

Hundreds of beachside businesses claim compensation over oil spill impacts Rayong’s Muang district officials started receiving claims for compensation today (Tuesday), from business people affected by the recent oil spill, as health officials took blood and urine samples from 241 people involved in last week’s clean-up of the oil for tests. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248747-hundreds-of-beachside-businesses-claim-compensation-over-oil-spill-impacts/

4th COVID Vaccine Jabs Offered at Bang Sue Station BANGKOK, Feb 1 (TNA) – The Central Vaccination Center at the Bang Sue Grand Station invites people to receive the Pfizer vaccine as their fourth jab of COVID-19 vaccination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248746-4th-covid-vaccine-jabs-offered-at-bang-sue-station/

PM calls for meticulous re-activation of Test & Go entry pathway BANGKOK (NNT) - The Test & Go entry pathway for international travelers will be re-activated tomorrow (1 Feb), and Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha is calling on all relevant agencies to proceed meticulously as Thailand looks toward once again tapping into the tourism income stream. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248744-pm-calls-for-meticulous-re-activation-of-test-go-entry-pathway/

Bangkok district office to offer free marriage registration for same-sex couples on Valentine’s Day Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district office will provide a free marriage registration service for same sex couples and issue certificates on Valentine’s Day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248720-bangkok-district-office-to-offer-free-marriage-registration-for-same-sex-couples-on-valentine’s-day/

Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district office will provide a free marriage registration service for same sex couples and issue certificates on Valentine’s Day. The district director, Pongjakarin Tavornpong, said today (Tuesday) that this first ever such service in Thailand is intended to offer members of the LGBTQ community a chance to have their relationship recognised, with the issuance of a certification from the district office, while same sex marriage is not yet legally recognised in Thailand. He made clear, however, that the marriage registration is not legally binding, but intended to send a message to the public that there are many people in the LGBTQ community who are yearning for the same rights as heterosexual couples. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-district-office-to-offer-free-marriage-registration-for-same-sex-couples-on-valentines-day/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-01 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Big defeat in Bangkok could be beginning of end for Prayut’s government: analysts A board displays the vote-counting result of Bangkok’s constituency 9 by-election on Sunday evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248715-big-defeat-in-bangkok-could-be-beginning-of-end-for-prayut’s-government-analysts/

A board displays the vote-counting result of Bangkok’s constituency 9 by-election on Sunday evening. Predictions of defeat for the ruling Palang Pracharath Party were being made several days before last Sunday’s Constituency 9 by-election in Bangkok, but few analysts expected such a devastating loss. Palang Pracharath’s candidate Saranrat Jenjaka attracted just 7,906 votes – less than a quarter of the 34,907 votes received by her husband Sira when he won the same MP seat in the March 2019 general election, also as a Palang Pracharath candidate. Surachart Thienthong from the opposition Pheu Thai Party won on Sunday with 29,416 votes, down from the 32,115 he received as runner-up behind Sira in 2009. Actor-turned-politician Krunphol Tiansuwan from the opposition Move Forward Party came second, with 20,361 votes, followed by Kla Party secretary-general Atavit Suwannapakdee, who garnered 20,047 votes. Saranrat came a distant fourth. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/big-defeat-in-bangkok-could-be-beginning-of-end-for-prayuts-government-analysts/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-01 - 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 updatesv

Train officials killed at railway crossing during passenger train collision with trailer truck in Udon Thani By Nop Meechukhun Udon Thani – Two train officers were killed and many were injured after a railway locomotive crashed into a semi-trailer truck at a railroad crossing in the Mueang District of Udon Thani yesterday evening, January 31st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248704-train-officials-killed-at-railway-crossing-during-passenger-train-collision-with-trailer-truck-in-udon-thani/

By Nop Meechukhun Udon Thani – Two train officers were killed and many were injured after a railway locomotive crashed into a semi-trailer truck at a railroad crossing in the Mueang District of Udon Thani yesterday evening, January 31st. Mueang Udon Thani police officers arrived at the scene around 7:30 PM. after being notified of the train and the 18-wheel trailer fatal accident near the Ban Chan intersection. Upon arrival, a diesel locomotive of the Nong Khai – Bangkok route was found having crashed into a white 18-wheel trailer truck. The trailer was directly crushed and towed for more than 300 meters by the train. A train driver and a mechanic reportedly fell off the head of the train and were found dead in a canal nearby. More than 100 passengers in nine bogies were in shock, some with minor bumps and bruises. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/01/train-officials-killed-at-railway-crossing-during-passenger-train-collision-with-trailer-truck-in-udon-thani/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-01 - 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

Gold robber gets away with 600,000 baht from a pawn shop in Si Racha By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News Si Racha-A gold shop robber sped away with gold worth more than 600,000 baht from a pawn shop in Si Racha yesterday (January 31st). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248699-gold-robber-gets-away-with-600000-baht-from-a-pawn-shop-in-si-racha/

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News By Goong Nang(GN) Si Racha-A gold shop robber sped away with gold worth more than 600,000 baht from a pawn shop in Si Racha yesterday (January 31st). The Si Racha Police was notified of the incident at 3:20 P.M. yesterday at a pawn shop in the Surasak sub-district. Law enforcement arrived at the pawn shop to find the staff manager, Ms. Prapatsorn, 27, waiting for police. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/01/gold-robber-gets-away-with-600000-baht-from-a-pawn-shop-in-si-racha/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-01 - 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 celebrity courts controversy with reckless driving video at time of heightened sensitivity By Natcha Patanasophon Thai netizens took to social media on Tuesday to vent their frustration towards a celebrity who posted a video of him speeding and disobeying traffic laws at a time when sensitivity towards traffic violations are heightened after a fatal accident involving a doctor and an off duty police officer. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248696-thai-celebrity-courts-controversy-with-reckless-driving-video-at-time-of-heightened-sensitivity/

By Natcha Patanasophon Thai netizens took to social media on Tuesday to vent their frustration towards a celebrity who posted a video of him speeding and disobeying traffic laws at a time when sensitivity towards traffic violations are heightened after a fatal accident involving a doctor and an off duty police officer. Using the hashtag #บีมศรัณยู (Beem Sarunyu), netizens were quick to criticize Sarunyu “Beam” Prachakrit, a Thai celebrity, and heir of an automotive parts company. In the video he posted, he could be seen speaking to his followers while driving a car and and holding a kratom plant in his hand. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37116/thai-celebrity-courts-controversy-with-reckless-driving-video-at-time-of-heightened-sensitivity/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-01 - 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

US government presents Thai border police with close quarter battle building Picture: 77kaoded Acting US ambassador Michael Heath and the deputy of the Thai Border Patrol Police Pol Maj-Gen Worayuth Sukhawat presided over the opening ceremony of a building to help border police combat crime. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248695-us-government-presents-thai-border-police-with-close-quarter-battle-building/

Picture: 77kaoded Acting US ambassador Michael Heath and the deputy of the Thai Border Patrol Police Pol Maj-Gen Worayuth Sukhawat presided over the opening ceremony of a building to help border police combat crime. At a facility in Mae Teng, Chiang Mai a building and extension used to train Thais in close quarter battle was handed over officially to the authorities. Picture: 77kaoded It cost along with a firing range and other facilites $600,000 or just short of 20 million baht and is part of 1.2million dollars worth of US aid to help the Thai authorities. 77kaoded published photos as commandoes were put through their paces utilizing the new building. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-01 - 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 Picture: 77kaoded Picture: 77kaoded Picture: 77kaoded

COVID Suspected before Bout with Thai Former WBC Champion ARIZONA, Feb 1 (TNA) – Thai former WBC super flyweight titlist Srisaket Nakornluang Promotion was not infected with Covid-19, said his manager Surachart Pisitwuttinan aka Sia Hui. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248694-covid-suspected-before-bout-with-thai-former-wbc-champion/

ARIZONA, Feb 1 (TNA) – Thai former WBC super flyweight titlist Srisaket Nakornluang Promotion was not infected with Covid-19, said his manager Surachart Pisitwuttinan aka Sia Hui. His manager said that the first test returned positive but he would like Srisaket to have another test for confirmation. He said that Srisaket was not infected and he planned to have a press conference on the matter. The World Boxing Council has not confirmed the COVID-19 infection report from the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) while other new agencies did not have a report on the issue. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-873826 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-02-01 - 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

Corals, beaches in Thailand’s Ao Prao still unharmed by oil spill Photo: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Shallow corals in Ao Prao and nearby areas remain unharmed by the recent oil spill, as does the sea life, according to divers from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248691-corals-beaches-in-thailand’s-ao-prao-still-unharmed-by-oil-spill/

Photo: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Shallow corals in Ao Prao and nearby areas remain unharmed by the recent oil spill, as does the sea life, according to divers from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. The divers have inspected the shallow corals within the bay, which is about 300 metres wide, and coral reefs in deep water in the outer areas of the bay, as well as marine species. They have found no oil traces on the surface of the corals. Meanwhile, Chief of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park Thawat Jenkarn led officials on a land based inspection along the beaches of Ao Prao. He said that no traces of oil have been found, except for some unidentified black patches, some of which were collected and sent for tests. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/corals-beaches-in-thailands-ao-prao-still-unharmed-by-spilt-oil/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-01 - 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 investigators set to go to Rayong as devastating oil spill shatters tourism confidence Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported that police from the central investigation branch would be going to Rayong today in connection with the huge oil spill in the Gulf of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248689-police-investigators-set-to-go-to-rayong-as-devastating-oil-spill-shatters-tourism-confidence/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported that police from the central investigation branch would be going to Rayong today in connection with the huge oil spill in the Gulf of Thailand. Pol Lt-Gen Jiraphop Phuridech said that as volunteers continued to clear the devastating oil spill in the central/eastern Thai province a police investigation is being mounted looking into possible violations of ecology codes. If there has been law breaking he promised prosecutions. Meanwhile Thai print media reported that operators on the holiday island of Koh Samet fear losing 1.5 billion baht over the next three months as cancellations of hotel bookings occurred following a break down of tourism confidence. The cancellations are both among Thai tourists and foreign tourists who have decided to holiday elsewhere in light of the oil spill. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-01 - 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

THIRTEEN policemen sacked from RTP in January alone Picture: INN A spokesman has revealed that thirteen Thai policemen have been sacked in January. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248687-thirteen-policemen-sacked-from-rtp-in-january-alone/