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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. CRC chief executive Yol Phokasub reported to the Stock Exchange of Thailand that the board of directors held last week agreed to “decline to invest, whether in whole or in part, in the Selfridges Group.” In December, Central and Austria’s Signa Holding announced that they would be buying Selfridges for around USD 5.36 billion. The agreement was signed by CRC’s major shareholder Harng Central Department Store (HCDS) Co., Ltd. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36867/central-retail-says-will-not-engage-in-selfridges-acquisition/ -- © 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

฿9bn approved to revive Thailand’s “We Travel Together” stimulus scheme Pha-Ngan Island / Photo from tourismthailand.org The Thai cabinet approved a budget of nine billion baht today (Monday) to revive the “We Travel Together” (Rao Tiew Duay Kan) economic stimulus scheme, from February until July, to promote local tourism, said Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisuree Traisoranakul. Fulll story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247908-฿9bn-approved-to-revive-thailand’s-“we-travel-together”-stimulus-scheme/

Pha-Ngan Island / Photo from tourismthailand.org The Thai cabinet approved a budget of nine billion baht today (Monday) to revive the “We Travel Together” (Rao Tiew Duay Kan) economic stimulus scheme, from February until July, to promote local tourism, said Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisuree Traisoranakul. Under the program, each subscriber will enjoy 40% hotel room rate discounts, but not more than 3,000 baht per night, and they will have the right to ten room nights. Only two million nights are available. As for special rates on air fares, Traisuree said that the number of entitlements this time has been reduced to 600,000, because not all the entitlements were used last time, adding that the revival of the program is to encourage Thais to travel and spend domestically, to help tour operators and hotel businesses who have been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions over the past two years. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/฿9bn-approved-to-revive-thailands-we-travel-together-stimulus-scheme/ -- © 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

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 25 Jan 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1247906-thailand-live-tuesday-25-jan-2022/

Naval vessels dispatched to help in fight oil spill in Gulf of Thailand The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has ordered three naval vessels from the First Fleet Command to be dispatched to help in containing oil leaking from a sunken tanker in the Gulf of Thailand, about 24 nautical miles from the Chumphon estuary, RTN Spokesman Vice Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin said today (Monday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247850-naval-vessels-dispatched-to-help-in-fight-oil-spill-in-gulf-of-thailand/

Pattaya Mayor confirms Chinese New Year event will be only religious/ceremonial, no public carnivals, shows, etc. FILE PHOTO In a brief update from a previous story, Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Khunplume has confirmed that this year’s Chinese New Year Festival will be only ceremonial/religious events without events that draw large crowds like parades, carnivals, festivals, fireworks, etc. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247853-pattaya-mayor-confirms-chinese-new-year-event-will-be-only-religiousceremonial-no-public-carnivals-shows-etc/

Murder of Brit in Kanchanaburi: Injured friend sitting up in hospital gets Facebook well wishers Shaun Dagnan, in his mid fifties, has been pictured sitting up in bed next to his partner Pranee. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247905-murder-of-brit-in-kanchanaburi-injured-friend-sitting-up-in-hospital-gets-facebook-well-wishers/

Shaun Dagnan, in his mid fifties, has been pictured sitting up in bed next to his partner Pranee. The deceased man, from Weston-Super-Mare, was believed to have been living in the kingdom for about five years. Shaun - known as Daggy to his friends - was involved in the incident in the early hours of Saturday morning when his friend Marcus Evans, 49, was allegedly murdered by a sickle wielding Thai. Mr Dagnan, originally from Nuneaton, is believed to have been living in Thailand for three years and is consequently not a tourist. According to earlier reports the pair had been drinking since the previous evening outside rented rooms. Both were attacked around 4 am. A 22 year old man, now in custody and charged with murder and attempted murder, allegedly assaulted the British pair. He is undergoing mental health assessments according to police in Kanchanaburi in Thailand's west. More than 200 well wishers sent their best to the injured British man now recovering in a hospital in Kanchanaburi. Pranee said on Facebook: "Thank you everyone for your messages of support - he's feeling better now". Mr Dagnan said on Facebook remembering his murdered buddy: "Thank you all for your your kind words and prayers I love you all but my heart goes out to my friend Marcus and his family; rest in peace big man, shine bright my friend". ASEAN NOW have contacted both Mr Dagnan and his wife for further comment. -- © 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

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Thailand’s digital minister in hospital for COVID-19 treatment Image Credit: Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn‘s Facebook Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn revealed today (Monday) that he is infected with COVID-19 and is now in hospital for treatment, but his condition is not serious. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247832-thailand’s-digital-minister-in-hospital-for-covid-19-treatment/

Image Credit: Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn‘s Facebook Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn revealed today (Monday) 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. The DES minister also said, however, that he will attend a special cabinet meeting today via video conference. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-digital-minister-in-hospital-for-covid-19-treatment/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-24 - 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

13.4 million kilos of frozen pork found in over 500 cold storage facilities last week During nationwide searches last week, Thailand’s Livestock Development Department found that about 13.4 million kilogrammes of frozen pork were being stored in 539 cold storage facilities amid record-high pork prices, according to Government Deputy Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek this morning (Monday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247821-134-million-kilos-of-frozen-pork-found-in-over-500-cold-storage-facilities-last-week/

During nationwide searches last week, Thailand’s Livestock Development Department found that about 13.4 million kilogrammes of frozen pork were being stored in 539 cold storage facilities amid record-high pork prices, according to Government Deputy Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek this morning (Monday). She said that there are also 10.84 million live pigs, including about 49,000 boars and 979,000 sows being raised by about 107,000 pig farmers across the country in the month of January. Compared to statistics for the same period last year, the number of overall live pigs has dropped by 11.81%. There has been a 41.1% drop in the number of boar breeders and 11.16% reduction in the number of sow breeders. The number of fattening pigs has reduced by 13.9%. -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-24 - 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

"My Mate Nate" latest: We're still friends as US YouTuber speaks to his fans after eight years with Look Mee Snook caption: We're still friends Popular US YouTuber Nate Bartling - known among his 11 million Thai fans as My Mate Nate - explained on video that he is still friends with "Look Mee". Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247820-my-mate-nate-latest-were-still-friends-as-us-youtuber-speaks-to-his-fans-after-eight-years-with-look-mee/

Snook caption: We're still friends Popular US YouTuber Nate Bartling - known among his 11 million Thai fans as My Mate Nate - explained on video that he is still friends with "Look Mee". He has split up from his Thai wife after eight years. The video was titled, "why we split" reported Sanook. He spoke of the couple's happiness together but it was time for a change. He spoke of the range of emotions he had felt. But there was no acrimony now. "We're still friends and care about each other," he said in Thai. "We're still talking". "She helped make me the person I am today," he noted. "I only have good memories, not regrets," he added. The video featured their wedding and other extraordinarily touching moments in their love affair. Now sadly over..... Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-24 - 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

Opinion: Viral outrage over Dr Kratai’s death will change nothing, personal responsibility will By Cod Satrusayang Thailand is understandably enraged over the death of a young doctor who lost her life at a crosswalk when a biker failed to stop and ran her over. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247819-opinion-viral-outrage-over-dr-kratai’s-death-will-change-nothing-personal-responsibility-will/

By Cod Satrusayang Thailand is understandably enraged over the death of a young doctor who lost her life at a crosswalk when a biker failed to stop and ran her over. That rage reached a crescendo after it was revealed that the biker in question was an off duty policeman. Tensions have been high for the last year or so because of other cases where people with/in power were perceived to act with impunity including another policeman who was caught on CCTV summarily executing a drug suspect with a plastic bag. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36856/opinion-viral-outrage-over-dr-kratais-death-will-change-nothing-personal-responsibility-will/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-24 - 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

Arrival of Bruda Whales in marine park near Koh Samui points to good ecology Daily News reported on the appearance of three Bruda whales at the Ang Thong Marine Park in the area of Koh Samui, Surat Thani, southern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247817-arrival-of-bruda-whales-in-marine-park-near-koh-samui-points-to-good-ecology/

Daily News reported on the appearance of three Bruda whales at the Ang Thong Marine Park in the area of Koh Samui, Surat Thani, southern Thailand. The whales were feeding in the area of four islands called Koh Rok, Koh Pae-Yak, Koh Lae and Koh Hin Taek. Picture: Daily News The media said the appearance of the mammals pointed to the excellent ecology in the area. Park officials are monitoring the arrivals with interest. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-24 - 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

Sacked, ousted and still on top: The rollercoaster career of Thammanat Prompao Thammanat Prompao’s ouster from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party last week for “causing serious division” was only the latest twist in this political dealmaker’s rollercoaster career. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247815-sacked-ousted-and-still-on-top-the-rollercoaster-career-of-thammanat-prompao/

Thammanat Prompao’s ouster from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party last week for “causing serious division” was only the latest twist in this political dealmaker’s rollercoaster career. Palang Pracharath’s surprising and suspicious decision — supported by 78 party executives and MPs — was described by analysts as an arranged deal to settle a long-standing feud between Thammanat and his party rivals. The former party secretary-general and 20 other MPs in his faction are expected to join a small political outfit called the Thai Economics Party, which currently has no MPs but is thought to be linked to a senior coalition government figure. The MPs have 30 days to find a new party after their expulsion. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/sacked-ousted-and-still-on-top-the-rollercoaster-career-of-thammanat-prompao/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-24 - 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

Video: Boy racer doesn't pay for his gas - results in classic "pointing picture" Video footage from an Esso gas station in Phrapradaeng near the Thai capital Bangkok showed the apparently normal moment that a souped-up green car came in. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247814-video-boy-racer-doesnt-pay-for-his-gas-results-in-classic-pointing-picture/

Video footage from an Esso gas station in Phrapradaeng near the Thai capital Bangkok showed the apparently normal moment that a souped-up green car came in. The driver was purchasing 1,000 baht's worth of gas. They asked to scan the cost but drove off without paying. Sutjai, 62, gave chase to no avail. A female staffer at the gas station recognised the car as one in her housing estate. This led to the owner of the car being identified. He said he'd lent his car to some younger people and it wasn't him. He paid the bill by transfer on their behalf. Threats were made to take down the post as netizens commented in droves. 77kaoded had a "pointing picture" that was a classic of the genre. Someone was pointing at where the car had been on Saturday night! Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-24 - 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

Pattaya still mostly deserted - fears of rise in Covid cases when Sandbox rules relaxed Thai PBS went to Pattaya and found the resort still largely deserted. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247812-pattaya-still-mostly-deserted-fears-of-rise-in-covid-cases-when-sandbox-rules-relaxed/