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Dr Prasit Expects Pandemic to End BANGKOK, Jan 25 (TNA) – The Omicron variant of COVID-19 that has spread worldwide for about two months is likely to bring an end to the pandemic, said Prof Dr Prasit Watanapa, dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248015-dr-prasit-expects-pandemic-to-end/

BANGKOK, Jan 25 (TNA) – The Omicron variant of COVID-19 that has spread worldwide for about two months is likely to bring an end to the pandemic, said Prof Dr Prasit Watanapa, dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. He said that Omicron was spreading fast in Europe and Americas and declining in Africa. Meanwhile, Thailand, with Omicron outbreaks, logged 7,000-8,000 new COVID-19 cases and less than 20 fatalities daily. Among about 70 million people in the country, 74.4% received one shot of COVID-19 vaccines, 68.5% had two shots and 15.8% got their booster doses. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-869435 -- © Copyright TNA 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

BoT Considering Use of Stablecoins By Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is planning to promote the use of Stablecoins to pay for goods and services and to help develop financial innovation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248014-bot-considering-use-of-stablecoins/

By Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is planning to promote the use of Stablecoins to pay for goods and services and to help develop financial innovation. The central bank has been drafting regulations on the use of digital assets, which will be implemented soon. The bank has also been studying how federal banks in other countries supervise digital assets. According to the BoT’s senior director of the economic and policy department, Sakkapop Panyaukul, some countries ban the use of digital assets, some wholly support them, while many others use a neutral policy. For example, El Salvador has been using Bitcoin as its legal tender. On the other hand, China bans cryptocurrencies entirely and lists cryptocurrencies and related assets as illegal. Meanwhile, many central banks take a neutral stance. Singapore’s central bank adopted digital tokens, which qualify as e-money under the Payment Service Act. Malaysia’s central bank says cryptocurrencies are not a payment instrument. Mr. Sakkapop said the BoT also uses a neutral policy on the use of digital assets but also does not support digital assets as an instrument of payment, but supports cases that help develop finance and innovation. -- © 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

Gold Price Could Reach 28,700 - 28,900 Baht Before Chinese New Year : YLG By Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - YLG Bullion International Company has predicted that the local gold price could climb within the range of 28,700 baht to 28,900 baht, despite negative effects from the US Federal Reserve signaling a benchmark rate increase during its meeting this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248013-gold-price-could-reach-28700-28900-baht-before-chinese-new-year-ylg/

By Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - YLG Bullion International Company has predicted that the local gold price could climb within the range of 28,700 baht to 28,900 baht, despite negative effects from the US Federal Reserve signaling a benchmark rate increase during its meeting this week. The projection was made by YLG CEO Pawan Nawawattanasap, who surmised that people usually gift gold during the Chinese New Year, thereby driving gold prices closer to within the ceiling range. She also said prices are being supported by several positive factors, such as demand in safe haven investments following heavy contractions in both the US stock market and the crypto market. She added that gold prices are being affected by tensions between the United States and Russia over Ukraine, despite the possibility of the US central bank signaling an interest rate hike to curb inflation. Pawan nevertheless said local gold prices will likely stabilize due to the baht being able to maintain a rate above 33 to the dollar. These factors contribute to global gold prices at the end of January settling at around 1,809 to 1,849 dollars per ounce, while local gold prices should be between 28,250-28,900 baht per 1 baht weight. The results of the US Federal Reserve meeting can be expected within the next couple of days. -- © 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

Thai Auto Part Manufacturers to Shift to EV Part Production By Sirakij Pornbanggird BANGKOK (NNT) - According to the Chairman of the Auto Parts Club under the Federation of Thai Industries, Mr. Pinai Sirinakorn, it is expected that EV vehicles will soon replace vehicles that rely on internal combustion engines as EV requires only around 15,000 parts to be built instead of 30,000 parts of traditional engines. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248012-thai-auto-part-manufacturers-to-shift-to-ev-part-production/

By Sirakij Pornbanggird BANGKOK (NNT) - According to the Chairman of the Auto Parts Club under the Federation of Thai Industries, Mr. Pinai Sirinakorn, it is expected that EV vehicles will soon replace vehicles that rely on internal combustion engines as EV requires only around 15,000 parts to be built instead of 30,000 parts of traditional engines. He said the club wants to help around 2,500 auto part manufacturers who are used to producing parts for internal combustion engines (ICE) to shift towards electric vehicle (EV) technology by launching an EV component development plan. The EV component development plan aims to help auto part manufacturers shift their businesses to better suit the new market. They will be encouraged to improve production efficiency in accordance with Industry 4.0, which promotes the use of digital technology and data analysis in manufacturing. The club expects to propose the plan to the new chairman of the FTI on February 15. According to the FTI, auto part companies in Thailand are original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), supplying products to domestic and global markets. 40% of their products are exported while 60% are sold in the country. Meanwhile, Mr. Pinai said up to 80% of OEMs’ auto parts are sold to global carmakers and the remaining 20% are supplied to the aftermarket. However, according to the vice-chairman and spokesman for the auto club, Mr. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, the fast-paced growth of EVs is threatening OEMs in the auto parts segment. Some internal combustion engine manufacturers have decided to halt new investment projects while some had already ended their productions. In addition, the National EV Policy Committee announced in March 2021 a goal to have EVs make up to 50% of locally made vehicles by 2030, aside from a bigger dream to make Thailand an EV hub of the region. -- © 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

COVID-19, economic slowdown not stopping rise in Bangkok land prices Undeveloped land prices in Bangkok continue to rise steadily, although at slower pace, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown, which have been affecting Thailand for the past two years, according to the Real Estate Information Centre of the Government Housing Bank (GHB). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248011-covid-19-economic-slowdown-not-stopping-rise-in-bangkok-land-prices/

Undeveloped land prices in Bangkok continue to rise steadily, although at slower pace, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown, which have been affecting Thailand for the past two years, according to the Real Estate Information Centre of the Government Housing Bank (GHB). Empty land prices pre-COVID, from 2015 to 2019, increased by an average of 14.8% per quarter, but the prices for the past six quarters, since Q3 2020, increased by an average of 4.1% per quarter. The Real Estate Information Centre attributed the steady price rise, especially in Bangkok’s eastern region, to the construction of several elevated train projects, some of which will near completion this year. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-19-economic-slowdown-not-stopping-rise-in-bangkok-land-prices/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

DPM Prawit says sacked PPRP MPs still loyal to government despite no reversal in decision Deputy Prime Minister and leader of Thailand’s ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP), Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, said today (Tuesday) the group of 21 sacked MPS led by former party secretary-general Thammanat Prompao are still loyal to the government and that there will be no review of the expulsion order. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248010-dpm-prawit-says-sacked-pprp-mps-still-loyal-to-government-despite-no-reversal-in-decision/

Deputy Prime Minister and leader of Thailand’s ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP), Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, said today (Tuesday) the group of 21 sacked MPS led by former party secretary-general Thammanat Prompao are still loyal to the government and that there will be no review of the expulsion order. Although the group will have to join a new party, as legally required to maintain their parliamentary status, whether it will be the Thai Economic party or not, he maintained that their loyalty is still with the coalition government, adding that there will be sufficient support in parliament to ensure the passage of important bills. Regarding the petition by one of the sacked MPs, Somsak Phankasem of Nakhon Ratchasima, for a review of his expulsion, claiming that he had nothing to do with the group’s demands last week, Gen. Prawit said that the case was over and will not be revised. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/dpm-prawit-says-sacked-pprp-mps-still-loyal-to-government-despite-no-reversal-in-decision/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Tragic accident inspires illustrations highlighting lack of road safety in Thailand The recent killing of a doctor on a zebra crossing in Bangkok is still the subject of vigorous debate on social media, with many more satirical memes criticising Thailand’s lack of road safety. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248009-tragic-accident-inspires-illustrations-highlighting-lack-of-road-safety-in-thailand/

The recent killing of a doctor on a zebra crossing in Bangkok is still the subject of vigorous debate on social media, with many more satirical memes criticising Thailand’s lack of road safety. Satirical artist “Uninspired by Current Events” posted illustrations reflecting on the fatal accident. One of them being named “Criss Crossing”, which shows police officers painting a motorcycle sign over a pedestrian crossing, which has seen over 85,000 retweets and 34,000 reactions on Facebook so far. The most recent illustration, called “Rag Time”, satirically criticising the alleged perpetrator for entering monkhood after the fatal accident, also gained 35,000 retweets and 31,000 reactions on Facebook. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tragic-accident-inspires-illustrations-highlighting-lack-of-road-safety-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Nine Omicron BA.2 sub-variant cases in Thailand to date, first case found on January 2 Photo: The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248008-nine-omicron-ba2-sub-variant-cases-in-thailand-to-date-first-case-found-on-january-2/

Photo: The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) 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. So far, nine such cases have been found among both travellers from abroad and Thais, he said, adding that the significant characteristic of BA.2 is that there is no spike deletion at the 69-70 position. 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/first-omicron-ba-2-sub-variant-case-found-in-thailand-on-january-2/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Thailand’s 2021 corruption standing drops six places to 110th out of 180 countries Thailand’s corruption standing fell six places, ranked 110th, in the 2021 Corruption Perception Index, with a score of 35 out of 100, according to survey of 180 countries conducted and released today (Tuesday) by Transparency International, a global civil society organization leading the fight against corruption. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248006-thailand’s-2021-corruption-standing-drops-six-places-to-110th-out-of-180-countries/

Thailand’s corruption standing fell six places, ranked 110th, in the 2021 Corruption Perception Index, with a score of 35 out of 100, according to survey of 180 countries conducted and released today (Tuesday) by Transparency International, a global civil society organization leading the fight against corruption. Thailand’s score dropped by one point from 36 in 2020. The country has fallen nine places from 2019. Singapore was the top performer in Southeast Asia for the least corruption and was placed fourth in the world with a score of 85. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-2021-corruption-standing-drops-six-places-to-110th-out-of-180-countries/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 26 Jan 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1248005-thailand-live-wednesday-26-jan-2022/

Thailand’s eateries under close watch as alcohol rules relaxed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the police, the military and local administration officials to ensure that certified eateries and converted pubs which serve alcohol close at 11pm, as the relaxed COVID-19 rules on the serving of alcohol has come into effect this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247971-thailand’s-eateries-under-close-watch-as-alcohol-rules-relaxed/

Cannabis, hemp greenlighted to be decriminalised in Thailand Thailand’s Narcotics Control Board today (Tuesday) endorsed the Ministry of Public Health’s drafted announcement on decriminalising cannabis and hemp, by removing the two plants from Category 5 of the drugs list, which will pave the way for their legal cultivation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1248004-cannabis-hemp-greenlighted-to-be-decriminalised-in-thailand/

Thailand’s Narcotics Control Board today (Tuesday) endorsed the Ministry of Public Health’s drafted announcement on decriminalising cannabis and hemp, by removing the two plants from Category 5 of the drugs list, which will pave the way for their legal cultivation. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that the remaining drugs in Category 5 will include opium, magic mushrooms (Psilocybe cubensis) and extracts of cannabis which contain more THC than 0.2% by weight. He explained that a regulation will have to be issued if the extracts of cannabis are to become legitimate and that the extracts must only be used for medical, research, industrial, health or food processing only. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/cannabis-hemp-greenlighted-to-be-decriminalised-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Thailand’s eateries under close watch as alcohol rules relaxed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the police, the military and local administration officials to ensure that certified eateries and converted pubs which serve alcohol close at 11pm, as the relaxed COVID-19 rules on the serving of alcohol has come into effect this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247971-thailand’s-eateries-under-close-watch-as-alcohol-rules-relaxed/

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the police, the military and local administration officials to ensure that certified eateries and converted pubs which serve alcohol close at 11pm, as the relaxed COVID-19 rules on the serving of alcohol has come into effect this week. Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said today that the prime minister wants authorities to monitor these venues closely and to make arrests and seize operating licenses if any of them break the 11pm rule. Those who fail to do their job properly may face disciplinary action. Eateries which meet the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ SHA Plus certification or the Public Health Ministry’s Thai Stop COVID 2 Plus standard in eight “sandbox” provinces and in 25 “high surveillance” provinces can, since yesterday (Monday), serve alcohol until 11pm, instead of 9pm. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-eateries-under-close-watch-as-alcohol-rules-relaxed/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-25 - 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

BMA Launches COVID-19 Testing in 80 Bangkok Communities By Sirakij Pornbanggird BANGKOK (NNT) - From January 22 to 31, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is going around the city to conduct testing for those who may be at risk of Covid infection. It aims to contain the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, according to BMA permanent secretary Khajit Chatchavanich. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247962-bma-launches-covid-19-testing-in-80-bangkok-communities/