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Thais warned! You can't use your phone while driving even when stopped in traffic or at the lights File photo Thailand's Anti-Fake News Center warned the public that using a phone or communication device while driving is illegal and warrants a 400-1000 baht fine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248050-thais-warned-you-cant-use-your-phone-while-driving-even-when-stopped-in-traffic-or-at-the-lights/

File photo Thailand's Anti-Fake News Center warned the public that using a phone or communication device while driving is illegal and warrants a 400-1000 baht fine. The only exception is using something like Small Talk or Bluetooth. Even when stopped in traffic or at red lights it is illegal to call out or answer your phone, play games or text, reported Siam Rath. You are driving and the engine is on even though you are not moving, said the media. You should go to a gas station or park somewhere if you need to use the phone. Looking at online information is also a no-no while driving. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-26 - 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: Siam Rath

Former Attorney General casts doubt on policeman's Ducati after death of Dr Kratai Picture: Siam Rath Former attorney general Trakoon Winitnaphak went online to raise suspicions about the big bike being ridden by a police lance corporal when a doctor was killed on a zebra crossing in Bangkok on Friday outside a hospital in Phayathai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248049-former-attorney-general-casts-doubt-on-policemans-ducati-after-death-of-dr-kratai/

Picture: Siam Rath Former attorney general Trakoon Winitnaphak went online to raise suspicions about the big bike being ridden by a police lance corporal when a doctor was killed on a zebra crossing in Bangkok on Friday outside a hospital in Phayathai. Trakoon hoped that reports that the Ducati did not have a licence plate and was allowed to be used by the young cop after being taken into evidence on another matter proved to be fake news, reported Siam Rath. This assertion was refuted by a met police spokesman who said that the bike was bought legally second hand but the name hadn't been changed yet. The Ducati is being stored at Phayathai police station. Cop Norawich Buadok has entered the monkhood. Dr Waralak Suphawatrajariyakul's funeral is today. The story is the talk of Thailand this week amid hopes that it may act as a catalyst for improving road safety particularly at pedestrian crossings, notes ASEAN NOW. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-26 - 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

Policeman who killed doctor at zebra crossing becomes a monk Picture: Thai Rath The police lance corporal who drove his "big bike" into Dr Kratai and killed her on a Bangkok zebra crossing has been ordained into the monkhood. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248048-policeman-who-killed-doctor-at-zebra-crossing-becomes-a-monk/

Picture: Thai Rath The police lance corporal who drove his "big bike" into Dr Kratai and killed her on a Bangkok zebra crossing has been ordained into the monkhood. Norawich Buadok was pictured by Thai Rath having his head shaved. His right arm was bandaged and he appeared to have road rash on his body. Dr Kratai was less fortunate - her funeral will conclude today. Met police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Jirasan Kaewsaeng-ek said that Norawich had taken four days off and was well within his rights to make merit on behalf of the victim. The wheels of justice would turn after the funeral that is being held in Rama 3. Jirasan said that police were still looking into the exact ownership details on the big bike that the lance corporal was riding last Friday. The bike is evidence and being stored at Phayathai police station. The press was concerned that the policeman's name was not on ownership documents. But it was explained that he had legally bought the bike but the name had not been changed yet. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-26 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Thai PM Prayuth in historic visit to Saudi Arabia after diplomatic relations cut for three decades Sanook caption: Historical picture Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha and a large entourage of fellow ministers and spokesmen flew out of Don Muang Air Force Wing 6 yesterday on an A 340 to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248042-thai-pm-prayuth-in-historic-visit-to-saudi-arabia-after-diplomatic-relations-cut-for-three-decades/

Sanook caption: Historical picture Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha and a large entourage of fellow ministers and spokesmen flew out of Don Muang Air Force Wing 6 yesterday on an A 340 to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Prayuth was pictured sitting talking to an official in what Sanook said was a historic picture. Picture: Sanook Diplomatic relations between the two kingdoms have been largely cut for 32 years over the Blue Diamond affair. It was believed that Prayuth was due to meet with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The de facto Saudi leader has been making waves in recent years about opening up the kingdom. Picture: Sanook Sanook reported that there were six years of negotiations behind the visit. Don Pramudwinai, Thai DPM and minister of foreign affairs, who was also on the trip, said it was time to move on and relations would now proceed along established diplomatic lines. The entourage were not staying long, they were due back in Thailand today. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-26 - 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

Here's how one woman left her rented room after leaving owing two months rent Daily News caption: Bedroom or trash heap? The owner of a block of flats in Soi King Kaew 4, Bang Plee, went to Room 412 because the Thai lady renting had not paid since December and not contacted the office. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248039-heres-how-one-woman-left-her-rented-room-after-leaving-owing-two-months-rent/

Daily News caption: Bedroom or trash heap? The owner of a block of flats in Soi King Kaew 4, Bang Plee, went to Room 412 because the Thai lady renting had not paid since December and not contacted the office. They had to cut their way in as the door was locked with a rope. Inside they were met with a mountain of trash and other possessions. Picture: Daily News The owner took a 7 minute video and posted on "This is Bang Plee". Apparently she'd been renting for five years, reported Daily News. It appeared in that time she'd never thrown anything out! As much as a case of someone living among trash this appeared to be a person known as a hoarder, notes ASEAN NOW. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-26 - 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: Daily News

Thailand reports 7,587 new COVID-19 cases, 19 deaths, 7,801 recoveries File photo Thailand on Wednesday (January 26) reported 7,587 new COVID-19 cases, 7,801 recoveries and 19 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248036-thailand-reports-7587-new-covid-19-cases-19-deaths-7801-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 7,587 new COVID-19 cases, 19 deaths, 7,801 recoveries File photo Thailand on Wednesday (January 26) reported 7,587 new COVID-19 cases, 7,801 recoveries and 19 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248036-thailand-reports-7587-new-covid-19-cases-19-deaths-7801-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Wednesday (January 26) reported 7,587 new COVID-19 cases, 7,801 recoveries and 19 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 7,431. Prisons: 156 ▶︎ Recoveries: 7,801 Wednesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,398,944 with 22,076 deaths. The news comes as the Department of Medical Sciences and a network of laboratories in Thailand have detected nine cases of the BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron since the beginning of this month, by means of whole genome sequencing, according to Dr. Supakit Sirilak, the department’s director-general. He said today (Tuesday) that Thailand’s first BA.2 sub-variant case was found on January 2nd and it was reported to GISAID, a global science initiative and primary source which provides open access to genomic data of influenza viruses and COVID-19. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-26 - 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

Buying online in Thailand means you are adding to the global plastic waste problem As we keep reading there has been a massive surge in buying online during the pandemic, and the owners of companies like Amazon and Lazada are becoming even richer. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248022-buying-online-in-thailand-means-you-are-adding-to-the-global-plastic-waste-problem/

As we keep reading there has been a massive surge in buying online during the pandemic, and the owners of companies like Amazon and Lazada are becoming even richer. Although this may be a convenient way of getting your books, furniture, and even food delivered to your doorstep, the downside is all the packaging that comes with your goods is adding to local and then the global waste problem. The pandemic-driven surge in online merchandise sales is unfortunately also generating a huge volume of new plastic waste every day, mainly from the widespread use of “bubble wraps” to package goods ordered by consumers Packages draped in disposable plastic bubble wrap (file photo) If you make an online purchase today, chances are you will receive the item that you ordered in a packet or carton draped in throwaway plastic bubble wrap. The problem with these elastic wraps with air-filled cushions is that they cannot be reused. Once they are ripped to open a package, the wraps get put in the dustbin and adds to all the plastic waste escaping into our water environment. It has become so bad that in some country’s governments are taking action. Thailand is the tenth-biggest dumper of plastic waste According to the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), Thailand is the world's tenth-biggest dumper of plastic waste into the sea (2020). That is not surprising. The country has an average of 1.03 tons of mismanaged waste each year. ... and as we know plastics take a long time from twenty up to five hundred years to decompose. According to the Pollution Control Department, about two million tons of plastic waste were generated every year in Thailand over the past decade. But the sad news is that only a quarter of this amount (around 500,000 tons) was properly retrieved and recycled. New Philippines Plastic Products Regulation Act In the Philippines, they are preparing a bill that calls for the phaseout of all plastic products designed to be disposed of, destroyed, or recycled, after only one use. The proposed Single-Use Plastic Products Regulation Act is already with the Philippines Senate after the House approved it in July last year. Once the bill is enacted, all single-use plastics -- from drinking straws and beverage containers to sachets and wraps – would be phased out within one to four years. Thereafter, the production, importation, sale, distribution, provision, or use of single-use plastic products shall be prohibited. Eighty percent of all marine litter The headlines have been focusing on global warming for a long time, however plastic waste, should also not be ignored. Plastic waste which now accounts for 80 percent of all marine litter, is a persistent pollutant that degrades marine life. Many marine species die when they ingest, get trapped, suffocate in plastic scraps, or starve to death when their stomachs become filled with debris. Over time, ocean plastic fragments, which do not decompose, get weathered and disintegrate into microparticles that cause even greater damage to marine ecosystems. Thailand waste It is estimated that plastic waste in Thailand is recycled at the rate of approximately 0.5 million tons per year, while the remaining 1.5 million tons are mostly single use plastics (SUP) such as hot bags, cold bags, handle bags, plastic cups, plastic straws, foam boxes, and food containers. Some of Thailand's specific waste management challenges include open-air city-centre dumps and waste burning, a total absence of street litter bins, an impractical waste recycling system, no separate collection of waste by authorities, rampant overuse of plastic grocery bags, and the need for financial and technical incentives. Meanwhile it seems it is being left to volunteers to remove plastic waste from Thailand's oceans and beaches. But the campaign does not stop there – once the plastics are collected, they are further upcycled and turned into sustainable clothing. However, although we can buy fabric bags at supermarkets and dispose of our rubbish in separated dustbins, the world must rely on politicians to solve the waste problem. It would seem that here in Thailand the priority is on improving the rail and road networks while the countries rivers, canals at its seas are clogged up with plastic. Not a great advert for international tourists, who want to enjoy a swim in the blue clear waters around our shores. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-26 - 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

Bars and pubs in Hua Hin to remain closed indefinitely By Online Reporter Bars and pubs in Hua Hin are to remain closed until further notice, according to the latest order released by the provincial authority. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248020-bars-and-pubs-in-hua-hin-to-remain-closed-indefinitely/

By Online Reporter Bars and pubs in Hua Hin are to remain closed until further notice, according to the latest order released by the provincial authority. The order, dated Jan 23 and effective from Jan 25, follows the rules of Thailand’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). The order extends the indefinite closure of bars, pubs and karaoke venues throughout the province, including in Hua Hin and Nong Khae. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/bars-and-pubs-in-hua-hin-to-remain-closed-indefinitely/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-01-26 - 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

Test & Go: People wanting to visit Hua Hin need to be aware of this important detail By Online Reporter Hua Hin Beach. File photo There is one key detail that anyone planning to visit Hua Hin under the Test & Go scheme should be aware of. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248019-test-go-people-wanting-to-visit-hua-hin-need-to-be-aware-of-this-important-detail/

Hua Hin Beach. File photo By Online Reporter There is one key detail that anyone planning to visit Hua Hin under the Test & Go scheme should be aware of. Don’t worry. It’s good news. On January 20, Thailand’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration(CCSA) announced the resumption of the Test & Go scheme. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/test-go-people-wanting-to-visit-hua-hin-need-to-be-aware-of-this-important-detail/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-01-26 - 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 Says No Need to Cut Diesel’s Excise Tax By: Sirakij Pornbanggird BANGKOK (NNT) - The government said the state Oil Fund still has efficient funding to subsidize diesel’s retail prices until March 31 and there is no need to cut the diesel’s excise tax yet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248018-government-says-no-need-to-cut-diesel’s-excise-tax/

By: Sirakij Pornbanggird BANGKOK (NNT) - The government said the state Oil Fund still has efficient funding to subsidize diesel’s retail prices until March 31 and there is no need to cut the diesel’s excise tax yet. Minister of Energy Supattanapong Punmeechaow said the government has not yet considered additional borrowing for the state Oil Fund because it has enough funding to cap the diesel price at 30 baht per liter until March 31. Mr. Supattanapong said the government closely monitors global oil prices, which are rising because of a world economic recovery and political tension in Europe. He added that the government will consider later whether the government needs to secure additional borrowing for the state Oil Fund after March. The National Energy Policy Council chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha approved on November 5 last year the borrowing of 30 billion baht to subsidize retail diesel prices. The first batch worth 20 billion baht is slated to be secured this month while the second batch of 10 billion baht for later if the prices keep increasing. Despite the government’s struggle to deal with the higher cost of living, Supattanapong said there has been no consideration of reducing the diesel excise tax to keep its price lower. Energy authorities currently impose an excise tax on diesel of 5.99 baht per liter, but the Oil Fuel Fund Office is currently subsidizing the levy by paying 3 baht per liter. Meanwhile, excise taxes on gasoline and gasohol, a mix of ethanol and benzene, stand at 5.2-5.87 baht per liter. E85, a type of gasohol with 85% ethanol, sees the lowest rate of 0.97 baht a liter. Instead, the energy minister said the government would rather focus on other measures to assist people and low-income earners, such as the "Khon La Khrueng" or half-half co-payment scheme. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-26 - 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

Naklua Walk and Eat festival in Pattaya to resume in early February By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – The 13th annual Naklua Walk and Eat Festival in Pattaya is set to be resumed next month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248017-naklua-walk-and-eat-festival-in-pattaya-to-resume-in-early-february/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – The 13th annual Naklua Walk and Eat Festival in Pattaya is set to be resumed next month. The Pattaya City Public Relations Department announced on January 7th, 2022, that they had decided to postpone the Naklua Walk and Eat festival out of precaution and concern for rising cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi. The Pattaya City Public Relations Department announced today (January 25th) that the Covid-19 situation in Chonburi has improved and as a result officials have agreed to resume the festival early next month. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/26/naklua-walk-and-eat-festival-in-pattaya-to-resume-in-early-february/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-26 - 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

Suspects arrested in Chonburi for allegedly operating illegal online gambling websites generating more than 100 million baht By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaron / Top News Chonburi – Two suspects have been arrested in the Mueang Chonburi district earlier this week for allegedly operating illegal online gambling websites with more than 100,000 members and generating more than 100 million baht per month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248016-suspects-arrested-in-chonburi-for-allegedly-operating-illegal-online-gambling-websites-generating-more-than-100-million-baht/

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaron / Top News By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – Two suspects have been arrested in the Mueang Chonburi district earlier this week for allegedly operating illegal online gambling websites with more than 100,000 members and generating more than 100 million baht per month. A team from the Police Cyber Taskforce, the Region 2 Police, and the Saensuk Police raided a small home in a housing estate in the Saensuk sub-district after an extended investigation. Two suspects, who were named to the Thai press as Mr. Suttiphat Sansap, 34, and Mr. Jessasda Sakunsapniyom, 29, were arrested at the house. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/26/suspects-arrested-in-chonburi-for-allegedly-operating-illegal-online-gambling-websites-generating-more-than-100-million-baht/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-26 - 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