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Opinion: The government should push N95 masks By Ken Lohatepanont For a while, earlier in the pandemic, face masks became fashion statements. Search for “fashion masks” on the online shopping platform Shopee and you are inundated with choice. Competing with surgical masks to adorn the faces of the masses, it did not matter much in a relatively Covid-free Thailand in 2020 which mask one chose — despite almost universal compliance with mask wearing, the risk of infection was low enough that it simply became an exercise in box-checking. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248540-opinion-the-government-should-push-n95-masks/

By Ken Lohatepanont For a while, earlier in the pandemic, face masks became fashion statements. Search for “fashion masks” on the online shopping platform Shopee and you are inundated with choice. Competing with surgical masks to adorn the faces of the masses, it did not matter much in a relatively Covid-free Thailand in 2020 which mask one chose — despite almost universal compliance with mask wearing, the risk of infection was low enough that it simply became an exercise in box-checking. All of that is different now, of course, with the Omicron variant circulating freely in Thailand. At this point, it is understandable that most are fatigued with reading about Covid. A year since the first case of Covid was discovered in Thailand, many are eager to get on with our lives. The government has set criteria for when it will declare Covid-19 an endemic disease. There is very little appetite for wide-ranging social restrictions. We have essentially arrived at the new normal: living with Covid-19. 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/37067/opinion-the-government-should-push-n95-masks/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-31 - 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

Wellness Sandbox tourists to spend more than double the amount of other tourists: TAT By Online Reporter Hua Hin Beach. File photo Tourists who visit Hua Hin and Cha Am under the planned ‘Wellness Sandbox’ will spend on average more than double the amount of money than other tourists, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has estimated. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248531-wellness-sandbox-tourists-to-spend-more-than-double-the-amount-of-other-tourists-tat/

Hua Hin Beach. File photo By Online Reporter Tourists who visit Hua Hin and Cha Am under the planned ‘Wellness Sandbox’ will spend on average more than double the amount of money than other tourists, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has estimated. According to TAT, Wellness Sandbox tourists will spend an average of $3,276 USD or approximately 109,400 THB per person, per trip. By comparison, in 2019, the average spend of tourists to Thailand was 48,580 THB per person, per trip, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism & Sports. The Thailand Wellness Sandbox was announced in January, with Hua Hin and Cha Am selected as pilot destinations for the project. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/wellness-sandbox-tourists-to-spend-more-than-double-the-amount-of-other-tourists-tat/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-01-31 - 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

Cannabis remains illegal as ministers push through a law controlling its use by the public by James Morris and Son Nguyen Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has warned marijuana users, in the kingdom, to hold off on openly using the still proscribed drug for recreational purposes at this time. It comes after new groundbreaking regulations were approved this week which will eventually decriminalise the narcotic. Mr Wissanu warned that such activity is still strictly illegal with severe legal provisions in force, which could lead to consequential jail terms for those caught using or dealing with the substance. It has emerged that the government is planning to push through a new law that will strictly restrict both the personal use of cannabis and its commercial use by private interests, over the coming 4 months. The legislation aims to make sure that Thailand meets its international commitments to help control and regulate the use of the narcotic both within and without its borders. Thailand is now entering into a grey area until growing cannabis at home becomes legal but after this, it will be controlled by a new law, now being pushed through parliament that will aim to severely restrict the consumption and sale of cannabis and associated products in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248530-cannabis-remains-illegal-as-ministers-push-through-a-law-controlling-its-use-by-the-public/

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has warned marijuana users, in the kingdom, to hold off on openly using the still proscribed drug for recreational purposes at this time. It comes after new groundbreaking regulations were approved this week which will eventually decriminalise the narcotic. Mr Wissanu warned that such activity is still strictly illegal with severe legal provisions in force, which could lead to consequential jail terms for those caught using or dealing with the substance. It has emerged that the government is planning to push through a new law that will strictly restrict both the personal use of cannabis and its commercial use by private interests, over the coming 4 months. The legislation aims to make sure that Thailand meets its international commitments to help control and regulate the use of the narcotic both within and without its borders. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Thailand is now entering into a grey area until growing cannabis at home becomes legal but after this, it will be controlled by a new law, now being pushed through parliament that will aim to severely restrict the consumption and sale of cannabis and associated products in Thailand. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Wissanu Krea-ngam, this week, warned those seeking to get high on cannabis, that recreational use of the drug in Thailand remains strictly illegal. He explained that a new law being pushed through parliament will regulate the use of cannabis including requiring anyone who deals in the substance to obtain a licence and specifying that the strength of cannabis product be well below the level normally associated with users getting high on the illegal drug. The government’s legal experts referred to Thailand’s international commitments to control the use of the drug. ‘The bill will show the country remains vigilant and committed to keeping the use of cannabis in check.’ he said. Mr Wissanu also highlighted the difficulty the government and law agencies will face in controlling recreational cannabis use under the proposed new regime following significant moves this week to decriminalise what, for now, remains a Category 5 narcotic. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/01/29/cannabis-remains-illegal-new-law-pushed/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-01-31 - 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

Finnish Berry picking boss sentenced to prison on charges of human trafficking of Thai workers by Gregers Møller A photograph taken by police during the initial investigation showed some of the conditions the victims were forced to live under. Image: Sisä-Suomen poliisilaitos The Finnish Supreme Court has sentenced the head of a Central Finland berry picking firm to one year and ten months in prison on 26 charges of human trafficking involving Thai berry pickers, media HS writes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248529-finnish-berry-picking-boss-sentenced-to-prison-on-charges-of-human-trafficking-of-thai-workers/

A photograph taken by police during the initial investigation showed some of the conditions the victims were forced to live under. Image: Sisä-Suomen poliisilaitos by Gregers Møller The Finnish Supreme Court has sentenced the head of a Central Finland berry picking firm to one year and ten months in prison on 26 charges of human trafficking involving Thai berry pickers, media HS writes. The pickers traveled to Finland from Thailand to pick wild berries and mushrooms for about three months in 2016. The defendant accommodated the pickers in the town of Hankasalmi in Central Finland on premises where safety inspections had revealed safety deficiencies. The shipping containers and trailers where the workers lived were in such a condition that they could cause harm to health. During their time in Finland, the Thai berry pickers were forced to work 15-hour days for little or no pay, as their earnings went to pay off debts accrued from their journey to Finland. The pickers had to hand over their passports and plane tickets to the staff and were not guided well enough in carrying out their tasks and therefore did not collect enough berries, which resulted in lower wages. Full story: https://scandasia.com/finnish-berry-picking-boss-sentenced-to-prison-on-charges-of-human-trafficking-of-thai-workers/ -- © Copyright ScandAsia 2022-01-31 - 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

Splash landing! Moment paraglider faceplants in a muddy paddy field when take-off goes wrong in Thailand The flying enthusiast is filmed attempting the stunt in Nakhon Pathom province Although he makes a bold start, charging along the runway, it has a soggy finish With a wet splatting noise, the paraglider hits the ground, his parachute sinking The failure to take off was due to a gear failure on his motorised paraglider By MARK TOVEY FOR MAILONLINE The embarrassed paraglider laughed at himself as he was helped back onto his feet having crashed into a boggy paddy field moments after his feet left the ground. Photo credit: NewsFlare This is the moment a pilot made a splash as he crashed his motorised paraglider into a paddy field in a bungled take-off. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248528-splash-landing-moment-paraglider-faceplants-in-a-muddy-paddy-field-when-take-off-goes-wrong-in-thailand/

The embarrassed paraglider laughed at himself as he was helped back onto his feet having crashed into a boggy paddy field moments after his feet left the ground. Photo credit: NewsFlare The flying enthusiast is filmed attempting the stunt in Nakhon Pathom province Although he makes a bold start, charging along the runway, it has a soggy finish With a wet splatting noise, the paraglider hits the ground, his parachute sinking The failure to take off was due to a gear failure on his motorised paraglider By MARK TOVEY FOR MAILONLINE This is the moment a pilot made a splash as he crashed his motorised paraglider into a paddy field in a bungled take-off. Footage shows the flying enthusiast make a running start across a concrete runway in Nakhon Pathom province, Thailand. With a roaring propeller strapped to his back, the paraglider charges forwards, the parachute rising above him and catching the air. But as the paraglider reaches the edge of the runway, he disappears over a grassy knoll. Full story: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10452269/Moment-paraglider-faceplants-muddy-paddy-field-goes-wrong-Thailand-Video.html -- © Copyright Daily Mail 2022-01-31 - 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 authorities and entrepreneurs discuss preventive measures for Walking Street reopening prior to U.S. troops’ visit in mid-February By Nop Meechukhun Chonburi – Local authorities and entrepreneurs attended a meeting yesterday, January 29th, to discuss clear preventive measures and regulations for Walking Street’s continuing reopening in South Pattaya prior to a scheduled U.S. navy troop visit in the middle of February. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248527-pattaya-authorities-and-entrepreneurs-discuss-preventive-measures-for-walking-street-reopening-prior-to-us-troops’-visit-in-mid-february/

By Nop Meechukhun Chonburi – Local authorities and entrepreneurs attended a meeting yesterday, January 29th, to discuss clear preventive measures and regulations for Walking Street’s continuing reopening in South Pattaya prior to a scheduled U.S. navy troop visit in the middle of February. This followed the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)’s approval of listing Chonburi in the “Test&Go” and “Sandbox” tourist welcoming schemes, in which the “Thailand Pass” registration would start on February 1st. The meeting was led by Bang Lamung district chief Wuttisak Singhadecho, Pattaya Walking Street Business Association President Narit Petcharat, Sopon Cable TV Managing Director Rattakij Hengtrakul, and was participated in by more than 30 local business operators. The district chief asked for cooperation from operators opening services to strictly comply with the preventive measures prescribed by the public health department in order to build confidence among incoming tourists. He also informed the attendees about a visit from the United States Navy for Cobra Gold training exercises, about 2,000 troops, in mid-February. TPN media notes it is unclear if the troops will be given leave or liberty during the scheduled exercises. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/30/pattaya-authorities-and-entrepreneurs-discuss-preventive-measures-for-walking-street-reopening-prior-to-u-s-troops-visit-in-mid-february/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-31 - 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 ranked 5th best worldwide for retirees by French magazine One of only two Asian destinations to feature in Capital magazine’s top 10 list for retirees TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that Thailand has been ranked the best place in Asia and the fifth best place in the world for retirees by French magazine Capital, which published the list on the website Retraite sans Frontieres. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248526-thailand-ranked-5th-best-worldwide-for-retirees-by-french-magazine/

One of only two Asian destinations to feature in Capital magazine’s top 10 list for retirees TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that Thailand has been ranked the best place in Asia and the fifth best place in the world for retirees by French magazine Capital, which published the list on the website Retraite sans Frontieres. This follows a similar world-leading accolade given to Thailand earlier this month in the ‘2022 Annual Global Retirement Index’ by International Living, which named Thailand the best Asian country for foreigners to retire, and the 11th best country to retire worldwide. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of TAT, said “Thailand’s reputation as a leading destination of choice for retirees the world over is growing, something that can be seen in the bestowing of these international accolades.” Thailand was one of only two Asian countries to feature in Capital magazine’s top 10 list for retirees, the other being Indonesia. Greece, Portugal, Mauritius, and Spain topped the list with rankings based on 12 criteria: cost of living, real estate, medical, cultural heritage, environmental heritage, food, weather, leisure activities, safety, difficulty in adaptation, transportation convenience, and infrastructure. Thailand scored particularly well in the cost of living, real estate, and medical criteria. Thailand’s inclusion in Capital’s top 10 places for retirees, despite it having no territorial links to France nor usage of French as an official language, confirmed the kingdom as a favourite spot for French tourists, especially the elderly. In addition, while the rankings may have been affected by the COVID-19 travel and transportation hurdles that favoured European and Mediterranean Sea destinations because of their proximity to France, Thailand still made the list. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/01/thailand-ranked-5th-best-worldwide-for-retirees-by-french-magazine/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-01-31 - 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 Orders Inspection of Oil Palm Inventory By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have ordered relevant government agencies to check up on the current inventory of oil palm in the country, as part of efforts to prevent stockpiling and mitigate rising prices. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248525-government-orders-inspection-of-oil-palm-inventory/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have ordered relevant government agencies to check up on the current inventory of oil palm in the country, as part of efforts to prevent stockpiling and mitigate rising prices. Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed concerns over rising palm oil prices driven by low production output. The premier has urged relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, to inspect the inventory of oil palm at warehouses nationwide. Commercial affairs offices are also working with the police to inspect storage facilities, extraction plants and refineries to prevent stockpiling. Those found guilty could face up to 1 year in prison or a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both, under the Price of Goods and Services Act BE 2542. They can also be fined up to 2,000 baht for each day of violation. Those who fake their inventory reports will meanwhile face up to 6 months in prison in accordance with Article 137 of the Criminal Code. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-31 - 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

First Charter Flight Lands in Betong Airport By Natthaphon Sangpolsit YALA (NNT) - Betong Airport in Yala province welcomed its first charter flight on Saturday (29 Jan), spurring optimism for both the public and private sectors that the local economy could rebound rapidly. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248524-first-charter-flight-lands-in-betong-airport/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit YALA (NNT) - Betong Airport in Yala province welcomed its first charter flight on Saturday (29 Jan), spurring optimism for both the public and private sectors that the local economy could rebound rapidly. On Saturday, a special charter flight carrying 78 passengers arrived at Betong Airport from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, the first ever to the province. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) recently authorized a license and certification allowing commercial flights to and from the airport. Seksakol Attawong, an assistant to the prime minister’s office and a passenger on the aircraft, said the Ministry of Transport is currently discussing terms with commercial airlines. Betong Airport is scheduled to fully open to the general public and tourists in February. Construction began in 2016 with a budget of 1.9 billion baht. The airport had been scheduled to open in 2019, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Betong Airport is expected to increase tourism in the province, with the Betong Tourism Association forecasting the number of visitors to rise from 200,000 to 400,000-500,000 as a result of easier access between the province and the rest of the country. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-31 - 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 Satisfied With Thailand’s COVID Resilience List Ranking By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have indicated their satisfaction with Thailand’s rise to No. 26 on the global COVID Resilience Ranking list, which reflects increased international confidence in the Kingdom’s reopening to international tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248523-government-satisfied-with-thailand’s-covid-resilience-list-ranking/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have indicated their satisfaction with Thailand’s rise to No. 26 on the global COVID Resilience Ranking list, which reflects increased international confidence in the Kingdom’s reopening to international tourists. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed his satisfaction with the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This came following a January report for Bloomberg’s COVID Resilience Ranking, which listed Thailand at 26th out of 53 countries and economic areas, up from 44th in its previous report. The COVID Resilience Ranking is a monthly overview of where the coronavirus is being handled most effectively while causing the least social and economic impact. It shows how the world’s 53 largest economies are responding to the same once-in-a-generation threat by drawing on 12 data indicators including virus containment, healthcare quality, vaccination coverage, overall mortality, and progress toward restarting travel. According to the report, Thailand has risen 18 places back into the top half of the Ranking for the first time since April 2021 as experts forecast greater economic growth this year, with the Kingdom poised to welcome back guests without quarantine. The country’s infection and fatality rates meanwhile remain low when compared to others and vaccine coverage is considered good. The spokesperson added that the prime minister was pleased with the change in rankings, as it showed that the government’s prevention measures have been effective. He added that the report should foster optimism for Thailand’s reopening to international tourists in order to revitalize the economy. Thanakorn said the ranking also clearly demonstrates Thailand’s capabilities, with the public willing to cooperate with the government in pushing the nation forward while preventing the spread of COVID, which is expected to become endemic in the near future. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-31 - 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

RAOT Vaccine Clinic Now Providing Booster Jabs By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The vaccination clinic at the Rubber Authority of Thailand has started providing COVID-19 booster vaccinations for residents in Bangkok Noi and Taling Chan districts of the capital. Those eligible for their third dose can now walk in to receive their injections at the center until the end of February. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248522-raot-vaccine-clinic-now-providing-booster-jabs/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The vaccination clinic at the Rubber Authority of Thailand has started providing COVID-19 booster vaccinations for residents in Bangkok Noi and Taling Chan districts of the capital. Those eligible for their third dose can now walk in to receive their injections at the center until the end of February. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Srion visited the vaccination clinic to inspect the center and get a booster jab himself. The clinic is being run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Thonburi Hospital. Dr Siripong Luengvarinkul, executive director of Thonburi Hospital, said people who wish to get their boosters at this location can register in advance or walk in for their shots. The vaccination clinic currently offers the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as boosters for people who have already received two doses of either the Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines at least one month ago, two doses of AstraZeneca at least three months ago, or a Sinovac/AstraZeneca mix-and-match regimen at least three months ago. The center also provides fourth shots for people who received their third jab 3-6 months ago. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-31 - 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’s Chatree gold-mine battle is coming to an end – but who won? By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Judgement Day is nigh for Thailand as the Singapore-based arbitral tribunal prepares to issue its January 31 verdict on the government’s battle with an international mining company. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248521-thailand’s-chatree-gold-mine-battle-is-coming-to-an-end-–-but-who-won/

By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Judgement Day is nigh for Thailand as the Singapore-based arbitral tribunal prepares to issue its January 31 verdict on the government’s battle with an international mining company. The stakes are high as Australia-based Kingsgate Consolidated Limited is demanding US$750million (about 25 billion baht) in compensation from the government, after its subsidiary Akara Resources’ Chatree gold mine was suspended by then-coup leader General Prayut Chan-o-cha. The government is also thought to have spent about 600 million baht on legal fees to fight the case. However, recent developments indicate that out-of-court negotiations are progressing so well that Judgement Day could be just an insignificant ritual. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-chatree-gold-mine-battle-is-coming-to-an-end-but-who-won/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-31 - 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

Thammanat and 17 former Palang Pracharat MPs join Thai Economic party The former secretary-general of the ruling Palang Pracharat party, Thammanat Prompao, and 17 other of the party’s former MPs have applied to join the Setthakit Thai (Thai Economic) party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248519-thammanat-and-17-former-palang-pracharat-mps-join-thai-economic-party/