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Thai PBS went to Pattaya and found the resort still largely deserted. They said that people were put off going out to bars now selling alcohol as restaurants because of the protocols in place. They reported that operators feared that the Covid-19 numbers would increase again when Pattaya is designated as a "sandbox" from February 1st. Picture: Thai PBS They said staff were earning as little as 4,500 baht a month. There was in fact a staff shortage. Bars were not hiring because of the uncertainty. Picture: Thai PBS But there was some positivity that people would be able to drink up to 11 pm from today. The media showed people at night faced with staff in white suits doing ATK tests. Along with pictures of deserted bars. Picture: Thai PBS 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

E-Cigarettes: Thai public back govt's anti stance, poll suggests File photo The latest Super Poll suggested that the Thai public were fully behind the Thai government and its PM Prayuth Chan-ocha when it comes to opposing electronic cigarettes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247810-e-cigarettes-thai-public-back-govts-anti-stance-poll-suggests/

File photo The latest Super Poll suggested that the Thai public were fully behind the Thai government and its PM Prayuth Chan-ocha when it comes to opposing electronic cigarettes. Some 2,205 people were polled, reported INN. More than 70% in five categories backed up the government. 78.3% wanted the authorities to do more to combat what they thought was a public health menace. 77.4% slammed the Digital Economy and Society Minister for going out on a limb against colleagues. 77.5% thought he should be removed. 76.5% backed the financial authorities for their action against E-cigarettes. And 74.1 % agreed with PM Prayuth that the devices should be illegal, not imported, not for sale and not even used. 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: INN

War on Drugs continues - Thai man arrested in pineapple plantation with 100 kilos of meth Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported on the continuing war against narcotics in Thailand, this time in the far north of the kingdom in Chiang Rai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247808-war-on-drugs-continues-thai-man-arrested-in-pineapple-plantation-with-100-kilos-of-meth/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported on the continuing war against narcotics in Thailand, this time in the far north of the kingdom in Chiang Rai. Mae Jan police and drugs' officers had heard about crystal meth or ice being moved on secondary roads in the area. They followed a man on a Honda motorcycle who left several sacks by a track in a pineapple plantation. Songsit, 42, from Muang district of Chiang Rai was soon in custody after 100 kilos of ice was found in 100 packets. He has been charged with dealing in Class 1 narcotics. 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

UPDATE: Brit murder in Kanchanaburi: Region 7 chief promises justice will prevail - mental health checks on assailant Picture: Thai Rath Region 7 RTP chief Pol Lt-Gen Thanayut Wuthijarasthamrong updated the press on the murder of a British man and attempted murder of a compatriot at a briefing at the Muang Kanchanaburi police station yesterday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247790-brit-murder-in-kanchanaburi-region-7-chief-promises-justice-will-prevail-mental-health-checks-on-assailant/

Ten shots fired as teens fight outside Ang Thong Hospital - 15 year old hit "for looking at someone" Picture: Sanook Police in Ang Thong in central Thailand received a 191 call after reports of a shooting incident outside Ang Thong 3 hospital at the weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247801-ten-shots-fired-as-teens-fight-outside-ang-thong-hospital-15-year-old-hit-for-looking-at-someone/

Picture: Sanook Police in Ang Thong in central Thailand received a 191 call after reports of a shooting incident outside Ang Thong 3 hospital at the weekend. Evidence of shooting, smashed bottles and blood was found, reported Sanook. A 15 year old boy was shot in the left leg. Residents reported hearing around ten shots as rival groups met. A 15 year old friend of the shot youth said that they had been going to the Muang Mai Chaimongkhol estate on a motorcycle when they were ambushed. He thought three of the other group of 20 individuals were armed. He said they were the "Wat Thay Yan" gang and there had been trouble after one boy looked at one of them in the face. He thought a boy called "Ball" was there but couldn't be sure that he was the one who fired the shot that hit his friend. Police are investigating. 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

Lopburi trader in "miracle escape" after pick-up trashes her shop - saved by amulet round her neck Daily News caption: Miracle escape Daily News reported that a 56 year old female trader in Lopburi remarkable survived with barely a scratch after a pick-up plowed into her stall destroying it and a roadside sala (pavilion) behind. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247799-lopburi-trader-in-miracle-escape-after-pick-up-trashes-her-shop-saved-by-amulet-round-her-neck/

Daily News caption: Miracle escape Daily News reported that a 56 year old female trader in Lopburi remarkable survived with barely a scratch after a pick-up plowed into her stall destroying it and a roadside sala (pavilion) behind. The "luang pu" amulet around her neck was credited with saving her. The incident happened on Route 3196 between Km markers 55 and 56 in Ban Mee district. Picture: Daily News Four people were injured. Police found driver Soifah, 21, in an agitated state with minor injuries. She said she had been coming from downtown Lopburi with her mum when she hit a pothole and lost control. She hit the sala as well as the trader's pick-up. Her mum was taken to hospital. Amphan the Som Tam, chicken and pork ball trader - who had now become 46 in the Daily News story - said she'd been there with relatives. She saw the disaster about to happen and yelled. She and her elder sister were only slightly hurt from tiles off the sala roof. She was in no doubt about the amulet around her neck for her deliverance. The media predictably said in their headline and caption that this was a miracle escape. 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

Is Thailand facing the risk of stagflation? By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk Research shows most people fear that the inflationary situation will continue for more than a year. (photo by @helloimnik) Amid the rising cost of living and uncertain economic prospects, more people are starting to talk about the risk of stagflation, a scenario marked by high inflation and high unemployment with the stagnation of economic output. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247794-is-thailand-facing-the-risk-of-stagflation/

Research shows most people fear that the inflationary situation will continue for more than a year. (photo by @helloimnik) By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk Amid the rising cost of living and uncertain economic prospects, more people are starting to talk about the risk of stagflation, a scenario marked by high inflation and high unemployment with the stagnation of economic output. The rising cost of food, utilities, and transportation are a worry for consumers across the country. Food vendors upcountry have had to adjust their menu, turning away from pork to local stuff, such as frogs. Some vendors are even opting for crocodile meat, which is cheaper, according to local media. “While Bangkokians are worried about the continually rising cost of living, those whose monthly income is less than Bt15,000 are suffering the most compared with other groups; 36 percent of them said their expenses had gone up by 20 percent compared to the latter months of last year before prices of goods started rising,” Kasikorn Research Centre said. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/is-thailand-facing-the-risk-of-stagflation/ -- © 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

Mukhdahan: Thai man arrested with 24 tons of illegally imported pork Picture: Daily News Thai authorities in Mukhdahan in Thailand's north eastern region announce the arrest of a 56 year old man driving a container truck. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247792-mukhdahan thai-man-arrested-with-24-tons-of-illegally-imported-pork/

Picture: Daily News Thai authorities in Mukhdahan in Thailand's north eastern region announce the arrest of a 56 year old man driving a container truck. Arrested was Sriwasuwan, the driver. He was transporting 24 tons of frozen pork illegally from Laos. The meat - worth 6 million baht - did not have the required documentation and will be destroyed following the seizure Saturday, reported Daily News. 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

Brit murder in Kanchanaburi: Region 7 chief promises justice will prevail - mental health checks on assailant Picture: Thai Rath Region 7 RTP chief Pol Lt-Gen Thanayut Wuthijarasthamrong updated the press on the murder of a British man and attempted murder of a compatriot at a briefing at the Muang Kanchanaburi police station yesterday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247790-brit-murder-in-kanchanaburi-region-7-chief-promises-justice-will-prevail-mental-health-checks-on-assailant/

Picture: Thai Rath Region 7 RTP chief Pol Lt-Gen Thanayut Wuthijarasthamrong updated the press on the murder of a British man and attempted murder of a compatriot at a briefing at the Muang Kanchanaburi police station yesterday afternoon. In custody after his arrest on a warrant is Prasoot Thipthep, aged 22. Taken into evidence was a sickle and the shoes and clothes worn by the alleged assailant. He is under stress and his father was present as investigators tried to get to the truth, reported Thai Rath. He was reluctant to speak. The incident happened at 4 am outside some rented rooms in Soi Sri Lanka in Tha Makham sub-district. Murdered was Marcus John, 50, and Seriously injured and now in hospital was Shaun Kevin. These are clearly first and middle names, notes ASEAN NOW. Other information circulating online and unconfirmed suggested the decease had the surname Evans and is 49. Lt-Gen Thanayut said that the assailant had come out of a nearby house and fled to a relative's house after the attack. A mental health evaluation of the suspect is underway. Thanayut promised justice for both sides. Tourism officials have visited the injured man in hospital. 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

Thailand reports 7,139 new COVID-19 cases, 13 deaths, 8,100 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (January 24) reported 7,139 new COVID-19 cases, 8,100 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247788-thailand-reports-7139-new-covid-19-cases-13-deaths-8100-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 7,139 new COVID-19 cases, 13 deaths, 8,100 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (January 24) reported 7,139 new COVID-19 cases, 8,100 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247788-thailand-reports-7139-new-covid-19-cases-13-deaths-8100-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Monday (January 24) reported 7,139 new COVID-19 cases, 8,100 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 6,944. Prisons: 195 ▶︎ Recoveries: 8,100 Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,384,639 with 22,045 deaths. The news comes as the Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is now being detected in all provinces of Thailand, with health authorities expecting almost every new coronavirus infection to stem from the new strain by the end of this month. Dr Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences, said 86.8% of 3,711 samples analyzed from January 11 to 17 are of the Omicron variant, while only 13.2% are the Delta variant. If specimens are limited to the 1,437 samples collected from international travelers during the period, 96.9% were Omicron and just 3.1% were Delta. Of the 2,274 samples collected from domestic transmission cases, Omicron made up 80.4% of samples while Delta was 19.6%. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-24 - 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

If you were advising a retiree, which are the best places to move to in Thailand? by Mike Bridge There have been masses of articles written on where expats tend to move across Asia, and certainly, the top spots would include Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and of course Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247783-if-you-were-advising-a-retiree-which-are-the-best-places-to-move-to-in-thailand/

by Mike Bridge There have been masses of articles written on where expats tend to move across Asia, and certainly, the top spots would include Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and of course Thailand. So, if you have now completed your initial research, and found that Thailand could be for you, you then need to decide where would be the best place to retire, in the country. You can naturally make a list of your priorities to include good healthcare, the location, city, or rural, easy access to airports, etc.; etc. However, it does not matter what all the information says in print or online, the bottom line is getting sound advice from other expats who have made the journey already. Great Climate For me as an expat living in Thailand, one of the key factors to where I lived included avoiding the pollution in Bangkok and finding somewhere that had a great climate with an excellent link to international airports. Having done some research, I found out that islands such as Phuket, Samui, or Koh Chang tend to create their own micro-climates and can have extreme weather conditions. Also, not sure I could cope with island fever syndrome too! Northern Thailand can be very cold in the winter and so having tried Bangkok for three years, I eventually settled on living near Pattaya. Not for the nightlife, but it did have a great climate almost all year round apart from the odd tropical downpour. And for me having twenty-eight excellent golf courses on your doorstep helped too. Selecting the best area By selecting Pattaya, not all expats automatically head for Pattaya city unless they crave for the nightlife and bustle. You can still find quiet areas in London without living in Soho and the same applies to Pattaya. Many expats live on what is called the darkside in villas by Mabprachan Lake, or in condominiums in Jomtien or further down the coast in Na Jomtien. I chose an area called Pratamnak as it was sandwiched between Pattaya city and Jomtien and was mainly an area for residents rather than tourists. It was still close to the shopping centres of Pattaya but without the noise. Friends I think the hardest task when you decide to settle in a new area, is creating a good circle of friends. With more time on their hands, retirees like to socialize, whether for a meal, a round of golf, a trip to the gym, or a few drinks at a local bar. Naturally, you are likely to find more expats in places like Hua Hin or Pattaya, than say up in the remote villages of Northern Thailand. Weather also plays its part. OK, we know the Thai weather can be unpredictable, with its tropical storms and heavy rain, so ideally when choosing where to live it is worth finding a home that is at least safe from flooding. Also, crime is not as high in most areas of Thailand, compared to say the Philippines, and if you keep your head down and stay out of trouble that should not be an issue. Beware of ATM romances Once you have settled, do remember that if you are a single male expat, you will certainly soon find a lot of new attract female friends. Great for the ego, however, you may find your new Thai partner is more interested in regular visits to the ATM machine. There are many stories of expats buying property for their Thai partner in Northern Thailand, only to find that the ownership which is in her name (Expats cannot personally own property unless bought through a company) and then the family often kicks out the expat when they find that his bank account is cleared. That said many expats settle down, with or without a Thai partner, and do live happily ever after in the country known as the Land of Smiles. However, I am sure many of you out there can add your own recommendations and firsthand experiences, which would be a huge help to retirees considering where to settle in Thailand. Over to you. -- © 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 pub raided at 5:00 A.M. for allegedly breaking Covid -19 rules, 8 Chinese and Thai nationals reportedly tested positive for drugs By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya police raided a pub this morning (January 22nd) for allegedly breaking Covid-19 rules. Eight Chinese and Thai nationals also reportedly tested positive for illegal drugs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247779-pattaya-pub-raided-at-500-am-for-allegedly-breaking-covid-19-rules-8-chinese-and-thai-nationals-reportedly-tested-positive-for-drugs/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya police raided a pub this morning (January 22nd) for allegedly breaking Covid-19 rules. Eight Chinese and Thai nationals also reportedly tested positive for illegal drugs. The raid at 5:00 A.M. was led by the Pattaya City Police Chief Colonel Kunlachart Kunlachai. The venue, identified by Pattaya Police as ‘Bone Pub’, is located on Petch Trakun Road in Nongprue. The raid followed Pattaya police receiving a phone tip-off from an anonymous concerned citizen claiming they were afraid of the potential spread of Covid-19 and that the venue was allegedly opened. Police arrived at the pub which at first glance appeared to be shut and fully locked. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/22/pattaya-pub-raided-at-500-a-m-for-allegedly-breaking-covid-19-rules-8-chinese-and-thai-nationals-reportedly-tested-positive-for-drugs/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Chonburi authorities approve drinking hour extensions at qualified eateries to 11:00 PM., effective this Monday By Nop Meechukhun Chonburi – Chonburi and another seven tourist pilot provinces have approved the extension of drinking hours at qualified eateries from 9:00 PM. to 11:00 PM., effective this Monday, January 24th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247778-chonburi-authorities-approve-drinking-hour-extensions-at-qualified-eateries-to-1100-pm-effective-this-monday/

By Nop Meechukhun Chonburi – Chonburi and another seven tourist pilot provinces have approved the extension of drinking hours at qualified eateries from 9:00 PM. to 11:00 PM., effective this Monday, January 24th. According to the announcement, restaurants, eateries, food halls, street food, restaurants in hotels, and other food and beverages venues in the province that have been qualified under SHA+ (Safety and Health Certification) or Thai Stop Covid 2 Plus would be allowed to serve alcoholic beverages until 11:00 PM., starting tomorrow. Chonburi “restaurant” operators or entrepreneurs are also responsible for providing ATK (Rapid antigen Covid-19) test kits for customers to test before entering “restaurants” or customers must provide negative results of the Covid-19 test 72 hours before using the service. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/23/chonburi-authorities-approve-drinking-hour-extensions-at-qualified-eateries-to-1100-pm-effective-this-monday/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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