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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. Sarng Anacot Thai, which translates as “Building Thailand’s future”, is founded by Uttama Savanayana, former leader of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, and Sontirat Sontijirawong, former secretary-general of the party. The new party has embraced a moderate political position, neither far right nor far left. They have also made it clear that they will not nominate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as their candidate for prime minister in the next election. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ex-ministers-new-political-party-faces-uphill-climb-for-electoral-success/ -- © 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

Elephant who invaded golf course didn't like the singing! Daily News caption: Pachyderm in a tizzy over bad singing! Daily News reported on an incident in Nakhon Nayok in central Thailand when a team of officials tried to persuade an elephant called Sarika - named after the area - to go back in the wild after invading a golf course. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247939-elephant-who-invaded-golf-course-didnt-like-the-singing/

Daily News caption: Pachyderm in a tizzy over bad singing! Daily News reported on an incident in Nakhon Nayok in central Thailand when a team of officials tried to persuade an elephant called Sarika - named after the area - to go back in the wild after invading a golf course. Phitak Jitsangiam said he had lots of experience with this sort of thing. So he decided to sing a soothing song to calm the agitated pachyderm down and defuse the situation. Picture: Daily News That's when Sarika charged causing the team to scatter in fear of being gored or trampled to death. "It must have been my off tune singing," suggested Phitak who later managed to get the errant beast back where it belonged. 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

Partygoers slapped with 31K charge for dinner at Isaan restaurant A group of partygoers - all aged over 50 - went to watchdog Damrongtham in Nakhon Phanom in Thailand's north east after they were slapped with a bill for 31,501 baht at a pre-arranged party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247936-partygoers-slapped-with-31k-charge-for-dinner-at-isaan-restaurant/

A group of partygoers - all aged over 50 - went to watchdog Damrongtham in Nakhon Phanom in Thailand's north east after they were slapped with a bill for 31,501 baht at a pre-arranged party. They were met by officials of the Consumer Protection Board and deputy governor Charnchai Khongtan got involved, trying to limit the damage caused by the "drama" after a social media post. Parichart - a friend of the poster Kiatphoom, 54 - explained that they had been in to see "Jay Biw" the restaurant owner beforehand who assured them everything would be of the highest quality for the 30 person party. They tested the dishes and were satisfied enough to pay a 10,000 baht deposit expecting it all to cost 13,000 baht, reported Sanook. When they arrived at 6 pm the portions were measly. They couldn't find any crab in the crab dish that cost 4,000 baht. When they asked the server for crab to be put in they were told it was 1,000 baht more. At 10.30 pm they called for the bill and were made to wait half an hour for that. But the real shock came when it was all totted up and came to 31,501 baht. An agreed fee for music for 4,000 baht had become 5,000 baht and the band had knocked off early. And somehow 30 people had consumed 111 bags of ice. The owner of the restaurant didn't turn up for the negotiations saying she was in another province. Charnchai said they all needed to get together again to sort out the drama as this sort of thing did nothing for the image of the province. 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

Mother and daughter profess their innocence after picking up two year old's gold necklace in convenience store Picture: Sanook Sanook reported that a woman called Natwipha, 24, had discovered that her two year old child's gold necklace was missing after she got home from a trip to the store. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247932-mother-and-daughter-profess-their-innocence-after-picking-up-two-year-olds-gold-necklace-in-convenience-store/

Picture: Sanook Sanook reported that a woman called Natwipha, 24, had discovered that her two year old child's gold necklace was missing after she got home from a trip to the store. Yes, a two year old was wearing a gold necklace worth nearly 15,000 baht! But that's only part of the story. She went back to the convenience store - a Lotus mini-mart in Udon Thani - where CCTV showed a tomboy and an elderly woman picking up the necklace. Natwipha went to the police then posted on social media. The necklace was found by Yamonporn, 35, and her mother Wasana, 62, who said they were buying skin cream and shampoo at the time. They explained that they thought the dropped gold belonged to a "farang" and his Thai wife who'd been in the store before them but they were unable to catch up with them. They apparently held the gold up to the CCTV cameras then kept it saying that they feared if they handed it into the store staff it might not get back to the real owners. Instead they kept it - for safe keeping. Besides, they explained to police later, a boy in the family had just contacted them saying he had a stomach ache and this necessitated a rush home. Had they reported the gold missing at the time this would have meant wasting time while the boy was suffering from the stomach ache. In the end they saw the social media post in the morning and contacted the owner of the gold and all was settled amicably at the police station. 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

COVID-19: Thailand reports 6,718 new coronavirus cases, 12 deaths, 7,659 recoveries File photo Thailand on Tuesday (January 25) reported 6,718 new COVID-19 cases, 7,659 recoveries and 12 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247928-covid-19-thailand-reports-6718-new-coronavirus-cases-12-deaths-7659-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 6,718 new coronavirus cases, 12 deaths, 7,659 recoveries File photo Thailand on Tuesday (January 25) reported 6,718 new COVID-19 cases, 7,659 recoveries and 12 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247928-covid-19-thailand-reports-6718-new-coronavirus-cases-12-deaths-7659-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Tuesday (January 25) reported 6,718 new COVID-19 cases, 7,659 recoveries and 12 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 6,566. Prisons: 152 ▶︎ Recoveries: 7,659 Tuesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,391,357 with 22,057 deaths. The news comes as the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn revealed that he is infected with COVID-19 and is now in hospital for treatment, but his condition is not serious. He said that he might have contracted the disease while visiting the northern province of Chiang Mai last Thursday, adding that he now has a fever and mild headache, but his lungs are normal. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-25 - 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

Crackdown on illegal pharmacies: School leavers not pharmacists found selling meds to public Picture: INN INN reported on a crackdown mounted by the Central Investigation Bureau and the Food and Drug Administration on illegal practices in the distribution of pharmaceutical drugs in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247924-crackdown-on-illegal-pharmacies-school-leavers-not-pharmacists-found-selling-meds-to-public/

Picture: INN INN reported on a crackdown mounted by the Central Investigation Bureau and the Food and Drug Administration on illegal practices in the distribution of pharmaceutical drugs in Thailand. The action from January 4th to 21st followed a complaint from a pharmacy that a shop, though having a licence, was prescribing drugs without a qualified pharmacist. People had complained they were not getting better after being given certain drugs. The investigation was expanded nationwide and 127 law breaking shops were found. Of these 17 shops had no licence at all. 119 did not have a qualified pharmacist on the premises. 77 were just university graduates, 47 high school leavers and three had just a primary school qualification. Yet they were prescribing drugs to the public. 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

Top lawyer calls for corruption investigation into officer at Chiang Mai immigration Picture: Siam Rath A well known lawyer acting on behalf of the Help Crime Victim's Club has gone to Thailand's anti-corruption authorities asking them to investigate backhanders being paid at Chiang Mai immigration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247922-top-lawyer-calls-for-corruption-investigation-into-officer-at-chiang-mai-immigration/

Picture: Siam Rath A well known lawyer acting on behalf of the Help Crime Victim's Club has gone to Thailand's anti-corruption authorities asking them to investigate backhanders being paid at Chiang Mai immigration. Atchariya Reuangrattanapong presented audio files and other evidence yesterday to Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division director Pol Maj-Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, reported Siam Rath. There were two cases. The first concerned an immigration officer of the rank of sub-lieutenant in Chiang Mai. It is claimed that the policeman and his associates connived to charge people 1,800 baht a time extra for their visas. The visa officer got 1,000 baht for stamping a visa, a broker got 800 baht. This was termed as a "facilitating fee" but is illegal. It is further claimed that threats were made to anyone who tried to question the practice. The second case involves the director of a Beung Kan hospital and associates allegedly mixed up in a Covid-19 insurance scam worth 3 million baht. Atchariya said that illegal practices in this regard are going on at many places. 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

Motorists in Thailand can now use digital driving licenses By Online Reporter File photo Motorists in Thailand can now leave their physical driving license at home after transport officials announced the introduction of digital driving licenses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247914-motorists-in-thailand-can-now-use-digital-driving-licenses/

File photo By Online Reporter Motorists in Thailand can now leave their physical driving license at home after transport officials announced the introduction of digital driving licenses. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has confirmed that rather than using a physical driving license, motorists can instead use a digital license via the DLT’s mobile application. In order to use the digital driving license, motorists must swap their existing license to a new ‘smart’ license, which includes a QR code on the reverse and will then be linked to the mobile app. The change can be made at any DLT branch. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/motorists-in-thailand-can-now-use-digital-driving-licenses/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

We are lucky to get 28 days of holidays this year in Thailand Songran festival celebrated across some Asian countries (file photo) Many of us expats know roughly when the national holidays are se back home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247913-we-are-lucky-to-get-28-days-of-holidays-this-year-in-thailand/

Songran festival celebrated across some Asian countries (file photo) Many of us expats know roughly when the national holidays are se back home. However, when I first came to live in SE Asia, I remember being unprepared for empty streets in Bangkok when everyone went home or on holiday to the resorts. By then it was just too late to even book a decent hotel! Now I am prepared well in advance, and exit Thailand to avoid getting soaked during Songkran, which can last up to four days. It is interesting to note that whereas Vietnam lists only eight official national holidays, the Philippines have fourteen holidays, and Cambodia has 24 days, here in Thailand we have a mouthwatering 28 days off work this year. Compare this to the UK, which has one of the lowest number listings just eight national holidays. The USA with nine, while Russia with fourteen if you include their six days off for the Russian New Year. Therefore, Cambodia and Thailand must be the places to hang out. Here is a list of current Thailand Public Holidays 2022 This page contains a national calendar of all 2022 public holidays for Thailand. These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates. Visit bot.or.th for the original release. Note: — Chinese New Year, Christmas Day and End of Ramadan are observed in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun provinces only. — Labour Day is observed by all sectors except the Government sector. — Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Khao Phansa Day are observed by the Government sector only. -- © 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

Thai FDA speeds up Cannabis Act enactment, cannabis “sandboxes” proposed for recreational use By Nop Meechukhun National – The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accelerated the implementation of the Cannabis Act which allows planting and growing cannabis plants at home for medical treatment purposes. Additionally, Thai authorities are reportedly considering including a cannabis ‘recreational’ sandbox. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247912-thai-fda-speeds-up-cannabis-act-enactment-cannabis-“sandboxes”-proposed-for-recreational-use/

By Nop Meechukhun National – The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accelerated the implementation of the Cannabis Act which allows planting and growing cannabis plants at home for medical treatment purposes. Additionally, Thai authorities are reportedly considering including a cannabis ‘recreational’ sandbox. For reference, a sandbox is a term used in Thailand currently primarily for tourism and relates to activities (currently mostly tourism-related) that would only be allowed in certain provinces, districts, or locations. FDA Secretary-General Dr. Paisan Dankhum revealed today, January 24th, that there are 10 sections, 52 articles in the draft. The crucial reason for the acceleration was that the FDA now recognized cannabis and hemp as medicinal plants and economic crops, but they are not, technically, legal in terms of the justice system which has led to disputes between growers, law enforcement, and health officials. The administration wanted to use the best parts of the plants in both traditional and modern medical fields by extracting portions of them to produce various products such as medicine, cosmetics, food, clothing, etc. “However, some restrictions on marijuana misuse must still be put into effect. For example, marijuana must be prohibited for people under 20 years of age, pregnant or lactating women. Selling for recreation is still considered illegal, however, consideration is being given for areas designated by the Cannabis Committee or “Sandbox areas”. More information will be revealed later as a ministerial regulation,” the Secretary-General said. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/24/thai-fda-speeds-up-cannabis-act-enactment-cannabis-sandboxes-proposed-for-recreational-use/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

77-year-old motorbike rider dies in front of his home after being hit by a pickup truck in Ban Bueng By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaron / Top News Ban Bueng – A 77-year-old driver has been pronounced dead at the scene directly in front of his house after his motorbike collided with a pickup truck in the Ban Bueng district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247911-77-year-old-motorbike-rider-dies-in-front-of-his-home-after-being-hit-by-a-pickup-truck-in-ban-bueng/

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaron / Top News By Goong Nang(GN) Ban Bueng – A 77-year-old driver has been pronounced dead at the scene directly in front of his house after his motorbike collided with a pickup truck in the Ban Bueng district. Emergency responders were notified of the accident on the Nong Chark – Hua Goonjae Road in the Nong Chark sub-district over the past weekend. They arrived at the scene to find the damaged motorbike under a black pickup truck. The body of Mr. Somphon Suyaitham, 77, was found lying on the road. He was believed to have been killed instantly in the accident. Near his body was a sealed box of beer that he had been carrying. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/24/77-year-old-motorbike-rider-dies-in-front-of-his-home-after-being-hit-by-a-pickup-truck-in-ban-bueng/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Increasing taxes is not the answer to government’s budget shortfalls, opposition MP says By Natcha Patanasophon The Thai government must do more to ease the financial strain placed upon the people due to the pandemic and the struggling economy, an opposition parliamentarian told Thai Enquirer on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247910-increasing-taxes-is-not-the-answer-to-government’s-budget-shortfalls-opposition-mp-says/

By Natcha Patanasophon The Thai government must do more to ease the financial strain placed upon the people due to the pandemic and the struggling economy, an opposition parliamentarian told Thai Enquirer on Monday. The country has seen commodity prices jump due to inflation, stagnant wages, and increasing unemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the economic downturn, the Thai government is aiming to increase taxes including land and building tax, international tourist tax and cryptocurrency trading tax in a move criticized by opposition MPs. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36862/increasing-taxes-is-not-the-answer-to-governments-budget-shortfalls-opposition-mp-says/ -- © 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

Central Retail says will not engage in Selfridges acquisition By Panithan Onthaworn Central Retail Corporation (CRC), the retail arm of Thailand’s Central Group, said on Monday that it will not participate in the investment of Luxury British store chain Selfridges. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247909-central-retail-says-will-not-engage-in-selfridges-acquisition/