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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. In a letter sent to the Office of the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, the Thai Economic party said that the 18 MPs applied to join on January 20th. Three other MPs, who were expelled from the ruling Palang Pracharat party over a week ago, namely Wattana Changlao, an MP for Khon Kaen province, Ekkarat Changlao, a party-list MP, and MP for Nakhon Ratchasima, Somsak Phankasem did not, however, apply to join the Thai Economic party. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thammanat-and-17-former-palang-pracharat-mps-join-thai-economic-party/ -- © 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

Chong Nonsi Canal Park – A new lung for Bangkok: Video Stretching from Surawong Road all the way down to the Chao Phraya River, over a distance of about 4.5 kilometres, Chong Nonsi Canal is being transformed into Bangkok’s longest park, at around 9 kilometres around both sides of the pedestrian walkway. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248518-chong-nonsi-canal-park-–-a-new-lung-for-bangkok-video/

Stretching from Surawong Road all the way down to the Chao Phraya River, over a distance of about 4.5 kilometres, Chong Nonsi Canal is being transformed into Bangkok’s longest park, at around 9 kilometres around both sides of the pedestrian walkway. Inspired by the Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project in Seoul, many people say this will give Bangkok residents a “touch of Seoul”. This is Chong Nonsi Canal Park. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is now reviving Chong Nonsi Canals and surrounding areas by increasing clean water access, green spaces and better drainage as the city authorities work to improve the condition of the capital’s waterways. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/chong-nonsi-canal-park-a-new-lung-for-bangkok/ -- © 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

Experts play down expectations of rapid economic gains from Thai-Saudi diplomatic ties By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk The Thai government has claimed that the restoration of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia after 30 years will bring great benefits to the economy. Several sectors, such as tourism, labour, energy and medical services, are likely to be the big gainers. Observers, however, are cautious about jumping on this bandwagon of optimism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248517-experts-play-down-expectations-of-rapid-economic-gains-from-thai-saudi-diplomatic-ties/

By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk The Thai government has claimed that the restoration of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia after 30 years will bring great benefits to the economy. Several sectors, such as tourism, labour, energy and medical services, are likely to be the big gainers. Observers, however, are cautious about jumping on this bandwagon of optimism. Three decades ago when the two countries had normal relations, an estimated 300,000 Thai workers were employed in Saudi Arabia and their remittances amounted to more than Bt9 billion annually. The Prayut Chan-o-cha government believes Thailand could once again export labour to Saudi Arabia, which would not only help tackle unemployment but also boost foreign exchange reserves. The PM, who made a historic trip to Riyadh on January 25-26 at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has told officials to immediately explore job opportunities for Thais. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/experts-play-down-expectations-of-rapid-economic-gains-from-thai-saudi-diplomatic-ties/ -- © 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

World NTD Day: Dengue Fever tops Thailand’s agenda Dengue fever has become the focus for Thailand as the country joins the world in celebrating World Neglected Tropical Disease Day that falls on January 30. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248516-world-ntd-day-dengue-fever-tops-thailand’s-agenda/

Dengue fever has become the focus for Thailand as the country joins the world in celebrating World Neglected Tropical Disease Day that falls on January 30. Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) are mainly discovered in the world’s poor regions. They are almost absent from the global health agenda and receive little R&D funding because they have little effect on people in developed countries where most pharmaceutical products are developed. People in many tropical countries have been living with these diseases for a long time and no longer find them as threatening as before, even though they can and so cause fatalities. In Thailand, dengue fever is identified as one of the top three NTDs alongside malaria and tuberculosis. Prof. Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit, President of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of Thailand, explained that among the top three NTDs in Thailand, dengue fever is the most dangerous as there are no drugs to treat it. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/world-ntd-day-dengue-fever-tops-thailands-agenda/ -- © 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

Thai parliament to meet this week, even though 12 MPs have COVID-19 House Speaker Chuan Leekpai wants the scheduled parliamentary meetings this Wednesday and Friday to go ahead, despite 12 MPs and 13 parliamentary officials having COVID-19, because “the House must be able to function”, said Dr. Sukit Atthopakorn, advisor to the House Speaker, Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248515-thai-parliament-to-meet-this-week-even-though-12-mps-have-covid-19/

House Speaker Chuan Leekpai wants the scheduled parliamentary meetings this Wednesday and Friday to go ahead, despite 12 MPs and 13 parliamentary officials having COVID-19, because “the House must be able to function”, said Dr. Sukit Atthopakorn, advisor to the House Speaker, Sunday. He added that Chuan had suggested that preventive measures could be stepped up in parliament, in accordance with COVID-19 situation. Recent reports show eight Bhumjaithai MPs and one MP from the Palang Pracharat party have been confirmed to be infected by the virus, said Dr. Sukit, adding that the House Speaker has asked the two parties to make sure that their MPs, especially those considered as high risk, take proper care of themselves. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-parliament-to-meet-this-week-even-though-12-mps-have-covid-19/ -- © 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

Thailand’s plan to categorise COVID-19 as an endemic disease explained Disease Control Department Director-General, Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, has attempted to clear up any misunderstanding about Thailand’s plan to categorise COVID-19 as an endemic disease. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248514-thailand’s-plan-to-categorise-covid-19-as-an-endemic-disease-explained/

Disease Control Department Director-General, Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, has attempted to clear up any misunderstanding about Thailand’s plan to categorise COVID-19 as an endemic disease. Pointing out that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected most countries for more than two years, which is unprecedented for an infectious disease, he said the big question being asked by health officials concerns how long the disease will continue to spread in the post-pandemic period. Citing epidemiological theory, Dr. Opart said it is likely that COVID-19 will become a general or endemic disease, like flu, and the most important consideration is how well people in each area of the planet will be able to cope or co-exist with the disease. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-plan-to-categorise-covid-19-as-an-endemic-disease-explained/ -- © 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

Clean-up of Mae Ram Phueng beach done, attention now on Samet Island Satellite images from 10.16am Sundayshowed no sign of oil on Thailand’s Mae Ram Phueng beach or in the sea close to Khao Laem Ya-Moo Koh Samet national park, but officials have expressed concern that the remaining spilled oil may be heading toward Ao Prao on Samet Island. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248512-clean-up-of-mae-ram-phueng-beach-done-attention-now-on-samet-island/

Satellite images from 10.16am Sundayshowed no sign of oil on Thailand’s Mae Ram Phueng beach or in the sea close to Khao Laem Ya-Moo Koh Samet national park, but officials have expressed concern that the remaining spilled oil may be heading toward Ao Prao on Samet Island. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Varawut Silpa-archa, has ordered all units to be on standby to prevent the remaining oil from washing ashore. He noted that Ao Prao is about 500 metres wide and attempts must be made to prevent the oil from entering the area or the beach. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/clean-up-of-mae-ram-phueng-beach-done-attention-now-on-samet-island/ -- © 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

Pheu Thai’s Surachart claims by-election victory Pheu Thai Party’s candidate Surachart Thienthong has claimed victory in Bangkok’s Constituency 9 by-election in what is seen as a blow to the ruling Palang Pracharat Party which dominated the constituency in the last general election. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248511-pheu-thai’s-surachart-claims-by-election-victory/

Pheu Thai Party’s candidate Surachart Thienthong has claimed victory in Bangkok’s Constituency 9 by-election in what is seen as a blow to the ruling Palang Pracharat Party which dominated the constituency in the last general election. Sombat Kanokthippawan, director of Laksi district and chairman of the election committee for the constituency, said by-election returns as of 8.00pm with 94 percent of the votes counted, showed that Surachart received 27,284 votes while his closest rival, Karoonpon Tiensuwan of Move Forward Party, garnered 19,081 votes, followed by Atavit Suwannapakdee of Kla Party, with 19,071 votes. Saranrat Jenjaka of Palang Pracharat Party whose husband, Sira, is the former MP representing the constituency, received only 7,089 votes. At a press conference held at Pheu Thai’s headquarters, Surachart thanked voters for their support and pledged to “make every day of my position as an MP worthwhile for the people.” Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pheu-thais-surachart-claims-by-election-victory/ -- © 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

Does Dating online in Thailand and Asia really work? We all like to have a partner, and during lockdowns, it is perhaps even more important to share the isolation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248510-does-dating-online-in-thailand-and-asia-really-work/

We all like to have a partner, and during lockdowns, it is perhaps even more important to share the isolation. So best route for many in Thailand and across Asia is online dating. The dating service industry has exhibited massive growth in terms of sales and has been evolving continuously over the past couple of decades. The global online dating services market was valued at $6,400.0 million in 2017 and is projected to reach $9,202 million by 2025. This is attributable to the rise in the number of singles around the globe, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The surge in internet penetration especially during the Covid 19 pandemic around the globe has resulted in significant growth of the online dating services market. However, do many people actually find their soul mate, by cruising these dating sites? Best Sites Experts say the Best Asian Dating Sites you can get for free are: AsianMatchMate.com. AsianMachMate is a dating website where people can meet single Asian women and men. ...also AsianDating.com. Thaifriendly.com. AsianDate.com. DateInAsia.com. Thai Cupid.com. EastMeetEast.com. TrulyAsian.com. 2RedBeans.com. Currently the Top 5 Dating Apps by views In Asia last year were… • Tantan. This China-based dating app operates like Tinder and has attracted a significantly high proportion of users in China, especially in Shanghai and Beijing. ... • Paktor. ... • Truly Madly. ... • Singapore Lovelinks. • Aisle. Although most sites state they are Free, if you want to contact anyone, they normally only let paid-up members have total access. So, they now have hooked you in! At the end of the day, if you are a man looking for a girlfriend, you will naturally find that many females listed are not really looking for a long-term relationship. Therefore, these sites may be great to meet someone gorgeous for a short holiday romance, but you will certainly need to make sure your ATM card is topped up. Genuine partners To find a genuine long-term partner is a lot harder, but you just have to keep looking A lot of women looking for older partners, often want you to also look after their extended families up in Issan too. Also, although they may say they understand English, best to chat via video first, otherwise communication will be tough. It is hard to find a good-looking partner, who you think will take care of you rather than just treat you as her private bank account. However, you never know what is around the corner, so keep searching. Maybe you have some tips to share? -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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 Monday 31 Jan 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1248509-thailand-live-monday-31-jan-2022/

Zebras, carnage, marijuana and murder - but don’t rush to interpret Thai news! Rooster’s first reaction to news that “sandboxes” might be set up to cater to tourists (and locals) who want to enjoy recreational marijuana was “Oh Goody”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248433-zebras-carnage-marijuana-and-murder-but-don’t-rush-to-interpret-thai-news/

Zebras, carnage, marijuana and murder - but don’t rush to interpret Thai news! Rooster’s first reaction to news that “sandboxes” might be set up to cater to tourists (and locals) who want to enjoy recreational marijuana was “Oh Goody”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248433-zebras-carnage-marijuana-and-murder-but-don’t-rush-to-interpret-thai-news/

Zebras, carnage, marijuana and murder - but don’t rush to interpret Thai news! Rooster’s first reaction to news that “sandboxes” might be set up to cater to tourists (and locals) who want to enjoy recreational marijuana was “Oh Goody”. Then I remembered where I was living, the Kingdom of Thailand. And that it’s always just as well to take time to reflect on the Thai news and not overreact. There are always lashings of smoke and mirrors and very little can be taken at face value. Maybe they should have a national social media site: Behind The Face-book. The story coming out of Pattaya News was that we’d soon be able to light up in the resort and tourists would be flocking there for spliffs. Dream on. Unless of course you’d like to contribute to the Pattaya Policeman’s Ball fund. They must be rubbing their greasy mitts on Beach Road at the prospect. The latest machinations in deciding the legal status of the greatest herb known to mankind is all political posturing. The Bhumjaithai party - under Anutin - led their election manifesto on legalization. They have found that what the people really want is not to grow hemp but to enjoy a smoke. But now they are in too deep to backtrack and lose face. Party registrar Suphachai Jaisamut, also responsible on a House legislative committee, is circling the wagons and insisting the drug is legal and everyone can grow it freely. Nonsense. They are talking about growing hemp, nothing with any decent amount of THC in it. Why Thai families should want to put completely non-nutritious leaves that taste horrible in their Tom Yam is beyond me. They also won’t be able to extract oil for medicinal purposes unless they grow a lot and are very well organized. All the while waiting for plod to knock on their door with a test kit and carry gran away in the pick-up because her pee turned purple. If the recreational use of marijuana is allowed - something that is decades overdue in my opinion - it will take many more years. Far longer than a legalized casino even. Opposition - historical and based on nothing more than “Reefer Madness” prejudices - remains rife. This can be seen on a forum like ASEAN NOW where critics of pot are usually alcohol addicts in denial who think what they imbibe is safe and, of course, not a drug!! “It’s been around for thousands of years,” they burble. “It damages no one unless abused”. Well, marijuana has been around for longer. And even if you have lots of it you won’t go around assaulting and murdering people and getting in the news. You’ll just smile a lot, be highly creative and OD on chocolate. Win-Win-Win. The Bangkok Post did their readership a disservice by going with the absurd headline “Pot smokers told to hang fire for now” after comments by DPM Wissanu. Of course he wasn’t suggesting that anyone will be allowed to smoke it. Just that householders ought to hold on before planting. How and where Thais will get these 0.2% THC ganja plants was not explained. I am led to believe from the government. Frankly, the brains of journalists have not caught up with the issues and can’t see the impending mess after the narcotics list was altered without due diligence. Plod are a law unto themselves at the best of times, they don’t need any more leeway. So forget Pattaya or anywhere else becoming a mini Amsterdam any time soon. If you light up in Thailand make sure the wind is not blowing in the direction of the local “rong phak”(police station). Big news all week were Zebra Crossings. Those places where - according to legend - if you get knocked down you actually qualify for compensation! Lines on the road where little old Thai/Chinese men raise their hands in the hope that will save them on their death march. . The Thai media almost forgot Covid after Dr Kratai was killed on one the previous week outside the kidney institute on Phayathai. They spent the entire seven days thereafter running around finding people knocked down on the crossings. That wasn’t hard. Crossing one and expecting to live is an exercise in idiocy. Many drivers observe that stopping is likely to get you rear ended. Or endanger the pedestrian even more by instilling in them a false sense of security as another vehicle piles into them on the outside overtaking the stopped traffic. I’ll stop for a pedestrian; I like it when I see that look in their eyes of love and bafflement for the kind western driver or whitey on a bike who clearly has a screw loose. But I’ll only stop if the road is at least 100 meters clear behind me! DPM Prawit - who has meant to have been improving the roads since 2019 - got out his not inconsiderable lips so that they could be serviced. He ordered the police and every agency under the hot Thai sun to turn out and rejig the law adding points to licences and increasing fines from 1,000 baht to 4,000. Thong Lo cops - renowned for their commitment to shaking down tourists and darker skinned people - promised to fine thousands for Zebra encroachment. A nice little earner, as wide boys Arthur Daley or Del Boy might have said. As with the carnage on the roads nothing will change until Thais - in fact all of us road users in Thailand - are trained to follow the rules rather than pick and choose what suits us or what we can get away with. And until those of us who break the law actually face reasonable sanction from law enforcement - who currently do almost nothing - to reinforce and propagate a new culture. Despite the public hoo-ha, Dr Kratai's death will tragically mean nothing outside her family, change nothing and achieve nothing. After the smoke has dissipated and the mirrors have cracked through poor maintenance everything will be back to normal. “Don’t put your daughter on the crossing, Mrs Worthington”. The most graphic carnage photo of the week had to be after a Benz went through a red light outside Chula uni in Bangkok and creamed a Honda. Both vehicles then overturned. I dread to think what happened to the drivers, it wasn’t reported. Rivalling the roads for big news this week was Prayut’s few hours jolly to Riyadh. Dozens of his cronies got on a huge Boeing and went to the Saudi capital to suck up to Mohammad bin Salman. They appear to be putting the Blue Diamond affair behind them now and restoring diplomatic relations. Essentially a janitor stole gems from a Saudi palace, lots of diplomats were killed and police generals let off and the Arabs wouldn’t speak to the Thais for three decades. Now they are going to reintroduce direct flights come May and the Thais are preparing to have an ambassador in Riyadh, doubtless just an appropriate stone’s throw from the public square where they do the beheadings of women who drive… Prayut has also talked about sending Thai workers to Saudi where I’m sure they’ll be soooo well treated. Trusting MBS to move SA forward twenty centuries is like putting your faith that one of those pythons we see daily on the news will not swallow your pet cat. Saudi Arabia is not my cup of tea. It’s not even my chalice of poison. The same goes for the rulers and laws of the UAE. I may watch the World Cup but I insist on calling the host country Catarrh and coughing. I am actually banned from most of the Middle East - due to religious opinions and other matters - which suits me just fine. Fallout from the murder of British man Marcus Evans in Kanchanaburi and the attack on his mate Shaun Dagnan was minimal. Both “Daggy” and his missus Pranee added me on Facebook but declined to talk about what actually happened. He said he had 16 wounds in his head, inflicted by the sickle presumably, but was home by Wednesday, four days after the incident. I found it vaguely disconcerting how he referred to what happened to his murdered pal in kind of “text-speak” with so many exclamation marks. Maybe that’s the younger generation for you - he’s only 54!!!!! A crowdfunding appeal was started on his behalf (by a woman called Nicole Shaw) to raise 5,000 quid because “his travel insurance had lapsed” after an “unexpected extended stay”. He’s married to a Thai woman, been here three years and will be eligible for Ministry of Tourism handouts that could run into a tidy sum.(They don’t just hand out baskets of fruit and Brands chicken essence). Money was nevertheless pouring in on “Just Giving” with 40,000 baht added in the first few hours. Yes, a terrible thing happened and he and the murdered man deserve our sympathy. But I don’t think I’d be resorting to crowdfunding like this - I certainly didn’t dream of it when my daughter nearly died last year. I’m also not sure I’d go to a funeral in Thailand in shorts that look like boxers; these rather salubrious-less shots were posted Friday (a strange day for a funeral given it's “wan suk” - yes different spelling from ‘happiness’ but even so). Plod was everywhere this week. Down in Krabi they actually decided to do their job; just for five days this week, they didn’t want to overstretch the long arm of the law. Drugs and guns were on their radar for the proverbial crackdown that amused the forum. Big Joke - Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan - was EVERYWHERE! One minute he was in Trang making sure the cop who raped 12 and 15 year olds was locked up after he skipped bail. Then he was in Nakhon Sri Thammarat presiding over the “judicial shooting” of hitman and drug dealer “Ai Krek” who met his maker after firing at commandos with a war weapon and hurling explosives. Way to go! This all followed a BJ trip to Phatthalung where he declared that illegal gathering of birds’ nests was over after the last of many miscreants were detained. I wonder if the Lt-Gen had time to pop home on his southern tour to his mum and dad in Songkhla? And I wonder if they call him Nong Joke? Equally amusing, and vital questions were asked on the forum after a mum and her “tomboy” daughter (why should this matter!?) found a two year old’s 15,000 baht gold necklace in a convenience store. Yes, of course they couldn’t hand it in to staff because they’d be distrustful, yes of course they ran out of the store because they saw a farang, yes of course they were as pure as the driven snow and never intended to keep the necklace. Funny how being caught on CCTV and being shamed on social media makes people so righteous these days. If you see a two year old smiling with his necklace in place, that’ll be him. Thanks to readers who last week called my column “overlong”, “fluff” and “bragging”. Come on, it was only 3,000 words, it contained an enormous amount of useful advice to parents and, besides, I’m the best columnist in Thailand since the advent of khanompang in slices. Yes, don’t worry, you won’t be bringing my self-esteem down to your level. And get some kids, it may make you less twisted and bitter! In international news while Europe teetered on the brink of war in the Ukraine, the rain was continuing to pour on Boris’ in the UK. You have to admire the man’s bravado. But will the Conservative party be willing to persist with him at the Ballot Box? He gave them a big win in 2019 but the UK electorate are a tad ticked off this time after they followed Covid rules and he partied. Boris came up smelling of roses after his Omicron gamble paid off while Prayut and Anutin failed, cancelling Test and Go albeit for a short time. Back in Thailand the tourism momentum may build again as the scheme has been resurrected. Though perhaps not in time for Chinese New Year that starts Tuesday welcoming 2022, the Year of the Water Tiger seeing off the Year of the (P)Ox. My 2022 is proceeding nicely after getting my “Rooster Booster” at Bang Sue Grand Central station last Saturday. The whole process has been well organized - at least for me - so credit where it’s due. I bought a t-shirt then had 24 hours in bed with the effects of the Pfizer vax. I hope I don’t have to have any more. Finally, the kingdom said they would declare the pandemic over with or without WHO approval and start calling it “endemic” Prayut thought this simply meant that the “emic” had now come to an end though he couldn’t remember who had panned it in the first place. Maybe he’ll write a touching song about it with catchy lyrics and call it “Bye, Bye Corona, Bye, Bye” and get Prawit to link arms and lead the chorus. After all, it ain't over till the fat “lady” sings, is it? Rooster -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-29 - 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

Anutin latest: Bigs up nation in making comparisons with USA - comments on "endemic" status in Thailand Picture: INN Thailand's health minister and DPM has praised Thailand in remarks comparing the kingdom with the Covid-19 situation in the USA. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248432-anutin-latest-bigs-up-nation-in-making-comparisons-with-usa-comments-on-endemic-status-in-thailand/

Picture: INN Thailand's health minister and DPM has praised Thailand in remarks comparing the kingdom with the Covid-19 situation in the USA. In comments reported by INN he said that the number of infections was coming down but the focus should be on the seriously ill. He noted that the USA has had a very high death toll. Despite Omicron being mild. He also noted that many people in the USA were still unvaccinated. He praised Thais for their spirit of cooperation particularly for their mask wearing compliance and hand washing. This was true even when they went on their travels up country. He conceded that the lifestyle in the US was different. He called for continuing vigilance and observance of protocols along with ATK testing at the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations in Thailand that start on Tuesday. He said there were no new travel restrictions in place for the festival and no new limits on gatherings. He said that many things had to be considered before it could be said that the disease was endemic in Thailand - that was not something that could be announced tomorrow. Other reports have been suggesting that the country will declare Covid endemic rather than a pandemic before the year is out irrespective of what the WHO might say, notes ASEAN NOW. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-29 - 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

Former "pretty" arrested at Bangkok Starbucks for running "live sex" club on Line for 500 baht a month Picture: Sanook Police in the Phrakhanong area of Bangkok conducted a sting after contacting a woman about a modelling engagement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248430-former-pretty-arrested-at-bangkok-starbucks-for-running-live-sex-club-on-line-for-500-baht-a-month/

Picture: Sanook Police in the Phrakhanong area of Bangkok conducted a sting after contacting a woman about a modelling engagement. Natchayapha or "Toon", 32, was really wanted after a warrant was issued in Nonthaburi alleging that she ran an illegal live sex viewing business on the Line application. It is claimed that Toon - a former "pretty" or entertainment cum PR woman - got customers to join her group after advertising on Facebook. Men had to pay a 500 baht membership fee then 500 baht per month. Toon was arrested at the Starbucks where police had arranged to meet her with the modelling ruse. Taken into evidence was an iPhone, two dildoes and a tube of KY lubricant, reported Sanook. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-29 - 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