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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. At the testing spots, ATKs will be used to secure a result within 30 minutes. Those who are found positive will then undergo an RT-PCR test for confirmation. Those who test positive using the RT-PCR test will receive treatment either at home, at community isolation, a field hospital, or a hospital, based on their severity. People who want to have a test can show up at their local testing center with their ID card and a blue pen. Everyone is required to strictly follow the DMHTTA measures to protect themselves from infection and not spread to others. The testing spots will be located at different communities as follows: • January 22: Theptavee and Ranee 5 villages • January 23: Soi Kunnatee, Pattana Moo 8 villages, Wat Dao Khanong communities • January 24: Leng Buai Ia, Meenthong Pattana, KC4 Ruamjai village, opposite Thanin Factory, Suksomboon village, Boonsong, and Taksin Samphan communities • January 25: Suksawat, Fuengfah Pattana, Darussalam Sangsan, Nuanchit, Pattana Ban Sam In, behind Chandrakasem Rajabhat University, Wat Soi Thong, Ruen Thong 2 village, Km24 village, Duang Duen and Wat Yang Suttharam • January 26: Wang Daeng, Nimit Mai Pattana, Prasanmitr Pattana, Moo 14 Pattana, Rom Yen village, Penang Market, Penang Pattana Market, Mitr Samphan, Rungrueang, Samakee Thewa Soonthorn, Jessada 1, Phromsuk village, Sirinakhon village, behind Ruam Pattana flats, Soi Dok Rak, Sala Ruamjai Pattana, Suksan 9 village, Chao Phraya Siam, Charansanitwong 66/1 and Pung Tao Kong shrine area • January 27: Phrom Pattana, Ruam Namjai Pattana, near Lat Buakhao canal, Rom Pradu, behind Supapong Market, Palang Samakee, Suksan 1, Ruen Thong 3 village, Amarin Niwet village 3 plan 1, Hansa Sangsan, Pattana Wat Intrawas village 2 and Charan 31 Ruamjai • January 28: Wat Intharawihan, Sri Nakhon village, Ruam Palang Pattana, Moo 3 Eastern Sam Wa Subdistrict, Ruam Jai Samakee, Ban Kluai, Wat Phraya Krai Phase 3, Wat Phai Ngern, Ban Rewat Niwet 2, Seng Pairoh, Thung Satit, Supapong, Wattananan, Southern Ruamjai Pattana, Lert Ubon 4 village, Porn Phra Ruang Prasit National Housing Authority, Thung Khru Police Station, Soi Mala, behind Thai Rama Theatre and Saeng Thong • January 29: Ratchathani village • January 30: Khlong Chan Youth Centre village • January 31: Ket Pairoh 1-2, Ket Pairoh 3-5, and Tim Rueangvej -- © Copyright NNT 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

Omicron and Natural Immunity Article by Silada Rojratanakiat Remember when parents purposely exposed their children to chickenpox to boost immunity? People now try to catch Omicron for the same reason. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247961-omicron-and-natural-immunity/

Article by Silada Rojratanakiat Remember when parents purposely exposed their children to chickenpox to boost immunity? People now try to catch Omicron for the same reason. After two years of humanity desperately attempting to avoid COVID-19, some in Thailand now feel it is impossible to remain virus-free indefinitely. Omicron is about to become the predominant COVID-19 variant in Thailand. This strain is highly infectious, which means that a large number of people, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, will get infected during this wave. As a result, some people strive to catch Omicron just to get it over with. Because Omicron causes fewer illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths than predecessors like Delta, some believe it functions as a "natural vaccine." However, Omicron may not be a live virus vaccination. The COVID-19 patients’ "recovered" status is a sort of immunity to COVID-19. A person is deemed properly immunized if they have recently been infected and recovered. The question is which induces a more robust immune response: a natural infection or a vaccination? While the answer is not straightforward, the short answer is that no one knows. It is largely determined by the variant and the time in which a person tests positive. Although a milder variant of the COVID-19 virus may have the potential to act as a natural vaccine, there is no prediction or knowledge of how an infection’s impact may differ from person to person. One person may benefit from enhanced immunity, while another may realize that the sickness is more severe than expected. The difference in immune responses after natural infection may be due to the virus level to which the person was exposed. COVID-19 vaccines, on the other hand, have been shown to work reliably and are significantly safer as they are developed in a clinical setting. The main advantages of vaccines are predictability and safety, and they are designed to elicit a strong immunological response. Each person gets the same dose of the jab, and the medical staff is aware of the amount administered. COVID-19 vaccines have been tested in tens of thousands of individuals with no adverse side effects, but if there are any, they are much less serious than those associated with natural infection. Do not gamble! As with prior COVID-19 strains, patients infected with the Omicron variant are less likely to be hospitalized or turn worse than patients in preceding waves. Despite being milder than other variants, Omicron can still be catastrophic for some. A person cannot pick which strain to be infected with, so there is no way to tell whether one has been exposed to the Omicron or the still circulating and more severe Delta. Another issue is "Long COVID" which refers to symptoms such as weariness, brain fog, difficulty breathing, and others that persist after COVID-19 infection. Even minor infections may result in Long COVID. No one knows if they are going to be one of those who can endure an infection with few long-term consequences. The impact on vulnerable people is another compelling reason to avoid collecting COVID-19. Anyone infected with COVID-19 may infect others, including those who cannot receive the inoculation for medical reasons, are too young, or are otherwise unprotected. A transmission chain may drastically increase patient numbers, straining an already overworked health care system and labor. Nobody should make the situation worse by hoping to become ill. Trying to get infected is not a good idea. It is a risk for both fully vaccinated and non-vaccinated people. First, the severity of a COVID-19 infection cannot be predicted. Second, immunizations and boosters already provide good protection. Third, any illness may cause a chain reaction that can be harmful to others. The best course of action is to obtain shots and conduct oneself in a COVID-appropriate manner. What about herd immunity? The COVID-19 pandemic’s long-term goal was frequently cited as "herd immunity." When a significant majority of the population is immune, the virus cannot find a host. Omicron, which may speed up endemicity and cut hospitalization and death rates, is said to be a potential game-changer. Then, the world may achieve herd immunity. Nevertheless, herd immunity is time-sensitive, notably in the case of COVID-19. Antibody protection tends to be only temporary and may not be effective against future variants. Infection with a particular variant may not generate sufficient immunity. Sustained immunity is unlikely if COVID-19 keeps mutating. If a new variant that evades the antibodies emerges, it may be a restart. Thus, rather than infecting enough people and then creating natural immunity, which is a risky approach, herd immunity should be achieved by vaccination. Omicron may provide a temporary increase in natural immunity at a terrible cost since it is impossible to anticipate who will emerge unscathed from the infection. Go get a booster. It is absurd to seek natural immunity when vaccines and boosters are safe and effective. Because natural immunity deteriorates with time, no guarantee taking Omicron will protect against the next unknown variant. It is too early to speculate on the possibility of Omicron as a natural vaccine. In the meantime, go get a booster. As an example, consider the flu shot. It is intended to help mitigate the severe effects on a seasonal basis. That seems to be the situation with COVID-19. Everyone desires that it will become endemic, which is a worthy objective to strive towards. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 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

Sunken Tanker Must Be Salvaged in 15 Days BANGKOK, Jan 25 (TNA) – The Marine Department ordered the salvage of an oil tanker in the Gulf of Thailand in 15 days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247960-sunken-tanker-must-be-salvaged-in-15-days/

BANGKOK, Jan 25 (TNA) – The Marine Department ordered the salvage of an oil tanker in the Gulf of Thailand in 15 days. Phuripat Teerakulpisut, deputy director-general of the department, said he ordered Laem Thong Fishery Oil Trade Company, the owner of the tanker, to salvage the ship in 15 days and clean up the oil spill. The diesel tanker was anchored and later capsized about 24 nautical miles off the Chumphon estuary on Jan 22. All its crewmembers were rescued. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-868908 -- © Copyright TNA 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

Krabi police take salute as they prepare to do their job for five days - bust criminals Picture: 77kaoded A big song and dance was made in Krabi in southern Thailand yesterday as 200 cops were sent on their way to do their job. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247958-krabi-police-take-salute-as-they-prepare-to-do-their-job-for-five-days-bust-criminals/

Picture: 77kaoded A big song and dance was made in Krabi in southern Thailand yesterday as 200 cops were sent on their way to do their job. Bust criminals. All the top brass were out in their best tunics as there was a "ride past" by men on motorbikes. The force will be doing their jobs solving crime, looking after lives and protecting tourists from Monday to Friday this week, reported 77kaoded. Picture: 77kaoded They'll particularly be on the lookout for guns and war weapons, drugs, tech crimes and solving cold cases. This pro-active measure is all designed to inspire confidence in the public and next week things will likely be back to normal. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

Big Joke declares bird's nest stealing is over! Former immigration chief pops up YET AGAIN Picture: INN Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan has popped up yet again. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247956-big-joke-declares-birds-nest-stealing-is-over-former-immigration-chief-pops-up-yet-again/

Picture: INN Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan has popped up yet again. The charismatic cop known everywhere now as Big Joke (congee) has been trying to stop people preying sexually on children and illegal fishing in recent weeks. Now he's turned his attention to the stealing of birds' nests used to make soup in Phattalung in the far south, reported INN. Surachate - himself from the southern province of Songkhla - declared birds nest theft over after the last group of 8 thieves from 38 were nabbed. He was pictured apparently talking to some of the miscreants. The former head of immigration who was sacked and started paper shuffling in the PM's office then had his car shot at, has now been rehabilitated. ASEAN NOW notes that it is anyone's guess where he pops up next. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

Prawit demands action on zebra crossing and traffic law enforcement in Thailand following death of doctor File photo for reference only Siam Rath reported on the growing fallout of the death of a female doctor - Dr Kratai - who was hit crossing the road on a zebra crossing by a policeman on a big bike on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247955-prawit-demands-action-on-zebra-crossing-and-traffic-law-enforcement-in-thailand-following-death-of-doctor/

File photo for reference only Siam Rath reported on the growing fallout of the death of a female doctor - Dr Kratai - who was hit crossing the road on a zebra crossing by a policeman on a big bike on Friday. Dr Kratai died from her injuries after the accident On Phayathai Road Bangkok. The incident has sparked much comment in Thai society not just about policemen, doctors and big bikes. But about zebra crossings and law enforcement in traffic matters in general. Mostly zebras they are just ignored by the majority of drivers, notes ASEAN NOW. It is said sardonically that if you get hit on one you might more likely get compensation than if you're hit elsewhere. Now the media reported on comments made by spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Yingyot Themjamnong yesterday who said that DPM Prawit Wongsuwon was getting tough. Picture: Siam Rath "Big Pom" - as he is known - was commenting in his capacity as the head of a committee meant to reduce traffic accidents. Critics have said that this has been a total failure since its instigation in 2019 as the carnage on the Thai roads that sees 25,000 die annually continues unabated. But now it appears that the death of the doctor might be a catalyst for some action despite years of dithering and lip service paid to the issue. The operative word being "might". Prawit has called for the transport and education ministries and other organisations including the RTP to get together at a meeting. RTP chief Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk said that this would take place at RTP HQ in Pathumwan, Bangkok, on Friday. Measures to be discussed include proposals to fine people more for traffic violations. Running red lights, speeding and violations at zebra crossings currently only attract fines of up to 1,000 baht. Such violations have been recommended by a committee to be increased to 4,000 baht and are expected to be announced in March and implimented in July. Also up for discussion will be the whole "points deduction" scheme for licences with points perhaps docked for zebra crossing violations as well. Also to be discussed are what to do about people who don't pay traffic fines. ASEAN NOW notes that this case is a classic of the genre of "locking the stable door after the horse has bolted" and typical of the authorities scurrying to act because the death involved a doctor and one of the police's own. Thai watchers will follow the fallout with interest but few will be holding their breath that real change will result. More lip service, dithering and inaction and eventually sweeping the issue under the carpet are far more likely if past form is anything to go by. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

Convicted murderer let out to kill again - after nearly 4 years he's nabbed for killing Phuket tattooist Picture: Thai Rath A convicted Thai murderer was let out of prison and then murdered again, reported Thai Rath. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247950-convicted-murderer-let-out-to-kill-again-after-nearly-4-years-hes-nabbed-for-killing-phuket-tattooist/

Picture: Thai Rath A convicted Thai murderer was let out of prison and then murdered again, reported Thai Rath. The story comes as fears mount that the murderer of a British national might not be treated severely enough. Region 8 police in conjunction with colleagues in Region 9 went to a house in Muang district of Songkhla where they arrested Assawa Chuaynukoon or "Ome" aged 32, at his wife's property. It is alleged that on March 4th 2018 he went with two other men - both 26 year olds already in custody - to Soi Patcharee in Muang district of Phuket where Ome shot Sinchai Kaewliphon, a mystical symbol tattooist. Ome denied this but the two others present have implicated him. The men had gone to see Sinchai who owed 10,000 baht from a 20,000 baht motorcycle purchase to one of the two other men. He refused to pay and was shot. Ome was taken back to Phuket. Thai Rath reported that Ome murdered someone in 2009 and was subsequently released. Two British men were attacked by a sickle wielding man in the early hours of Saturday morning in Kanchanaburi, western Thailand. One died with many people online fearing that police claims of "justice for all" would not be served. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

How COVID-19 is hitting future prospects of Thailand’s aspiring uni students Thailand’s youngsters can breathe sighs of relief after the grueling one-day university entrance examination was canceled, but their future education chances still depend on two national exams. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247949-how-covid-19-is-hitting-future-prospects-of-thailand’s-aspiring-uni-students/

Thailand’s youngsters can breathe sighs of relief after the grueling one-day university entrance examination was canceled, but their future education chances still depend on two national exams. So, the risk of missing these exams if they get infected with COVID-19 is sparking a loud outcry, especially from students who have been revising hard for months. They want the authorities to come up with a better plan. In other Asian countries, allowances have been made so students in quarantine or isolation can still take their exams. 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/how-covid-19-is-hitting-future-prospects-of-thailands-aspiring-uni-students/ -- © 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

The Blue Diamond Affair explained By Erich Parpart and Cod Satrusayang The visit of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday will mark the first high-level talks, in fact the highest level talks, between the two kingdoms in more than 30 years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247948-the-blue-diamond-affair-explained/

By Erich Parpart and Cod Satrusayang The visit of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday will mark the first high-level talks, in fact the highest level talks, between the two kingdoms in more than 30 years. Bilateral ties between the two kingdoms have been broken since the “Blue Diamond” incident in 1989. For those that don’t remember, in 1989, a Thai migrant worker, Kriangkrai Techamong, stole $20 million US dollars worth of diamonds from the palace of Saudi Prince Faisal bin Fahd and fled home. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36880/the-blue-diamond-affair-explained/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

Lines painted on Bangkok road to slow traffic after "Dr Kratai" is killed by 'big bike' riding policeman at zebra crossing Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that Bangkok Metropolitan Authority workers had been out in Phayathai Road painting traffic slowing marks in the area leading up to a zebra crossing at the Bhumirajanagarindra Kidney Institute Hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247946-lines-painted-on-bangkok-road-to-slow-traffic-after-dr-kratai-is-killed-by-big-bike-riding-policeman-at-zebra-crossing/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that Bangkok Metropolitan Authority workers had been out in Phayathai Road painting traffic slowing marks in the area leading up to a zebra crossing at the Bhumirajanagarindra Kidney Institute Hospital. This followed an accident to a female doctor called Kratai. The marks - designed to slow traffic - are on both sides of the road at a distance of about 50 meters from the crossing. This after a lance corporal on a big bike called Narawich Buadok was involved in a collision with Dr Waralak Suphawatrajariakul or Dr Kratai who was crossing the road. She was killed on Friday sparking much comment in Thai society. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

Phetchabun: Gun toting robber brazenly steals 20 baht weight of gold from Big C in Lomsak Picture: Daily News Police in Phetchabun province are hunting an armed robber who stole twenty baht weight of gold from a store in the Big C shopping center in Lomsak last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247945-phetchabun-gun-toting-robber-brazenly-steals-20-baht-weight-of-gold-from-big-c-in-lomsak/

Picture: Daily News Police in Phetchabun province are hunting an armed robber who stole twenty baht weight of gold from a store in the Big C shopping center in Lomsak last night. At today's prices the gold would be worth around 600,000 baht, notes ASEAN NOW. A man about 170 cms tall wearing a dark green short sleeved shirt, jeans, sneakers and black face mask went into the Yaowarat Sinthawee shop. A shot was fired as he made good his escape though no one was hurt. It is not known how he got away - efforts to intercept him on his likely route away from the store failed to locate him. Members of the public who might have information are asked to contact the police on 191. Daily News called it a brazen attack. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

NE Thailand: One million Ya Ba abandoned as two men flee back to Laos Daily News caption: One million Ya Ba abandoned Daily News reported that a military unit - acting on information received - were waiting for a drugs delivery in the area of ban Tha Khai - Na Lae in Muang district of Mukdahan in Thailand's north east last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247944-ne-thailand-one-million-ya-ba-abandoned-as-two-men-flee-back-to-laos/

Daily News caption: One million Ya Ba abandoned Daily News reported that a military unit - acting on information received - were waiting for a drugs delivery in the area of ban Tha Khai - Na Lae in Muang district of Mukdahan in Thailand's north east last night. Two men came across the border in a long tail boat and one of the men dumped some packages on the shore. As the unit announced themselves the men managed to race away back across the Mekhong River to "the neighboring country" (as stories such as these usually state). Picture: Daily News The nine packages contained one million Ya Ba (methamphetamine mixed with caffeine). The men got away and the drugs were recovered and taken away for analysis. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

Ex-ministers’ new political party faces uphill climb for electoral success Sarng Anacot Thai Party, the new political party launched last week by former economic ministers in the current government, lacks the magnetic pull to win the hearts of people, say analysts, who believe it will be tough for the party to win big in the next general election. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247942-ex-ministers’-new-political-party-faces-uphill-climb-for-electoral-success/