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24-year-old female motorbike rider dies after being run over by a trailer truck in Si Racha By Goong Nang(GN) Si Racha – A young female motorbike driver has been pronounced dead at the scene after being run over by a trailer truck in the Si Racha district over the past weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247777-24-year-old-female-motorbike-rider-dies-after-being-run-over-by-a-trailer-truck-in-si-racha/

By Goong Nang(GN) Si Racha – A young female motorbike driver has been pronounced dead at the scene after being run over by a trailer truck in the Si Racha district over the past weekend. The Nong Kham Police were notified of the accident Friday (January 21st) on a road in the Bueng sub-district. Police and emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the body of Ms. Pinrattana Lekpracha, 24, from Khon Kaen. Nearby, the first responders found the trailer truck and a damaged red motorbike with a helmet lying only a few feet away. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/24/24-year-old-female-motorbike-rider-dies-after-being-run-over-by-a-trailer-truck-in-si-racha/ -- © 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

Cha-am and Hua Hin to be Destinations for Wellness Sandbox Program By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is preparing to attract international health tourists by introducing the “Thailand Wellness Sandbox” program, with Cha-am and Hua Hin serving as pilot destinations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247776-cha-am-and-hua-hin-to-be-destinations-for-wellness-sandbox-program/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is preparing to attract international health tourists by introducing the “Thailand Wellness Sandbox” program, with Cha-am and Hua Hin serving as pilot destinations. According to government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s proposal for the program has been approved by the Center for Economic Situation Administration (CESA). The Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province and the Cha-am district of Phetchaburi province will become pilot destinations for the "Thailand Wellness Sandbox" project, which will attract tourists from around the world. Health services, activities and products in these two districts will be upgraded to meet international standards and promoted to assist districts in developing their brand reputation as wellness destinations. They will in turn be developed alongside the "Thailand Riviera" campaign to promote the tourism industry along the Kingdom’s western coast. The wellness destination program is expected to be expanded to other regions in the future. Spokesperson Thanakorn added that the government believes these pilot campaigns will mark the start of developments for new types of tourism, fostering economic growth at all levels and spreading prosperity to local communities. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Bangkok and Northern Provinces to See Rising PM2.5 Levels By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM) has warned that Bangkok and many provinces in Northern Thailand will see a rise in fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5) next week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247775-bangkok-and-northern-provinces-to-see-rising-pm25-levels/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM) has warned that Bangkok and many provinces in Northern Thailand will see a rise in fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5) next week. Atthapol Charoenchansa, who heads the CAPM and is also director-general of the Pollution Control Department, said the Center predicts that stagnant air and reduced wind speeds next week will lead to rising concentrations of PM2.5 in Bangkok and nearby provinces from January 25-26. PM2.5 levels are expected to increase to unsafe levels in seventeen provinces in northern Thailand from January 25-28. The director-general has advised residents to avoid outdoor activities and to wear protective face masks, as well as refrain from burning goods during this period to avoid contributing to air pollution. He is also encouraging members of the public to stay informed on the air quality in their respective areas via the websites Air4Thai.com and Bangkokairquality.com, or through the Air4Thai and AirBKK mobile apps, before going outside. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Government Confident in Thailand’s Readiness to Host APEC 2022 By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have expressed confidence that Thailand is prepared to host this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and thanked all relevant agencies for their assistance in preparing for the upcoming summit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247774-government-confident-in-thailand’s-readiness-to-host-apec-2022/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have expressed confidence that Thailand is prepared to host this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and thanked all relevant agencies for their assistance in preparing for the upcoming summit. Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has confirmed the Kingdom’s readiness to chair the upcoming summit, calling it an important opportunity for Thailand to explore economic opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. During the summit, participants from 21 member economies will participate in policy-making or ministerial-level discussions, as well as minor meetings with public officials, private sectors and media from across the world to assess activities and discuss policies to push the economy forward. Recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP) and Thailand’s APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), organized an APEC Workshop on “Enhancing Green MSMEs’ Competitiveness for a Sustainable and Inclusive Asia Pacific: Food Sector Waste Reduction in Food Supply Chain”. Experts in food waste management from APEC member economies and international organizations shared best practices for promoting waste reduction in MSMEs’ food supply chains, as well as a digitally enabled, environmentally friendly business model to avoid food waste in APEC and boost competitiveness. The workshop also highlighted the concept of the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy, which is the overarching thinking driving APEC 2022 Thailand. The spokesperson urged the public to assist in providing hospitality and cooperation as the host of APEC 2022 so that Thailand can achieve sustainable economic growth to the benefit of everyone in the country, particularly small- and medium-sized businesses. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Bangkok to Provide Green Transportation Options By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok has launched a campaign to reduce air pollution, starting with the downtown Pathum Wan district. City Hall is using cutting-edge technology to help monitor air quality in real time, while providing clean energy transportation options for residents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247773-bangkok-to-provide-green-transportation-options/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok has launched a campaign to reduce air pollution, starting with the downtown Pathum Wan district. City Hall is using cutting-edge technology to help monitor air quality in real time, while providing clean energy transportation options for residents. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has joined hands with 21 public and private agencies to pilot the clean air campaign in Pathum Wan district, as part of the wider effort to curb air pollution. City Hall adapted London’s Low Emission Zone concept for Bangkok by monitoring heavily polluting vehicles, providing clean energy transportation options, and implementing modern technologies to help tackle the issue. As part of the campaign, City Hall and partner agencies will be developing an online BMA-BLEZ database to report vehicle emissions in the district, running electric bus lines with stops at major shopping malls and offices, and installing air quality sensors for PM 2.5 airborne particulate matter, with large displays providing real-time air quality readings. The BMA hopes this cooperative move will yield concrete improvements to air quality through collective sharing of knowledge and making Bangkok a more liveable metropolis. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Omicron Variant Now Causing COVID Infections in All Provinces of Thailand By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247772-omicron-variant-now-causing-covid-infections-in-all-provinces-of-thailand/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - 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%. Dr Supakit said random analyses of people repeatedly infected with COVID revealed that immunity against previous variants was ineffective in protecting against Omicron. However, he said it is now clear that the symptoms of the Omicron variant are less severe than those of Delta, adding that almost all new infections in Thailand will be from Omicron by the end of this month. According to the director-general, the number of severe COVID cases and deaths will continue to fall if new infections can be limited to no more than 10,000 per day. He also said that as long as no new variants or severe mutations of the coronavirus come into play, the Omicron strain may help end the pandemic, as predicted by many experts. Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Health, said cooperation from all parties in implementing disease control measures kept this month’s wave of outbreaks from reaching the peaks forecast in some simulations. However, he said the rising number of infections in Greater Bangkok is drawing concern, adding that the capital has more relaxed restrictions than other provinces and is also the one with the highest rate of population movement. He further noted that he would like as many senior citizens to get vaccinated as possible despite Omicron symptoms being generally less severe, as members of high-risk groups may develop severe symptoms regardless. The permanent secretary also said the Ministry of Public Health will follow up on daily developments concerning the extension of drinking hours to 11 PM. Outbreak clusters or violations of relaxed alcohol regulations will result in venues being shut down. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 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

Government Seeks to Merge Tourism Databases By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s tourism agencies are looking to merge tourism-related databases as a way to enhance the industry, with a new campaign launched to create a unified database, starting with the service sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247771-government-seeks-to-merge-tourism-databases/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s tourism agencies are looking to merge tourism-related databases as a way to enhance the industry, with a new campaign launched to create a unified database, starting with the service sector. The Departments of Tourism, Provincial Administration, and Health Service Support signed an agreement on the tourism and service database merger, aimed at enhancing the nation’s tourism industry. Taweesak Vanichareon, director-general of the Department of Tourism, said the campaign will initially focus on tourism-related services such as homestays, spas and massages, as these facilities require higher health standards due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Following the establishment of a unified database, these agencies will continue collecting data from these venues for the post-pandemic development of the industry. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Gold Shops in Yaowarat Inspected as Lunar New Year Approaches By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Gold is among the gifts of choice for many during the Chinese New Year period, with its price usually climbing during this time of year. Consumer protection officials have been randomly inspecting gold shops to prevent the exploitation of consumers buying gold for the Lunar New Year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247770-gold-shops-in-yaowarat-inspected-as-lunar-new-year-approaches/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Gold is among the gifts of choice for many during the Chinese New Year period, with its price usually climbing during this time of year. Consumer protection officials have been randomly inspecting gold shops to prevent the exploitation of consumers buying gold for the Lunar New Year. Gold Traders Association President Jitti Tangsitpakdee said gold prices have risen slightly to about 28,750 baht per baht-weight, with the appreciation of the Thai baht currency helping to dampen the price creep. He also said he believed consumers will still buy gold during the Chinese New Year period despite lowered purchasing power, but acknowledged that buyers may seek smaller items than usual. He added that there will be those who choose to purchase gold using funds originally saved for vacations abroad during the Lunar New Year, as international travel remains difficult. Jitti said the price of gold is not likely to reach 30,000 baht this year, barring disruptive global developments such as a major war. He also explained that gold mining costs around the world were only around 1,000-1,200 USD per ounce. The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) said it inspected gold shops in the Bangkok Chinatown area on Friday (21 Jan) and did not find irregularities or violations. The officials added that product labels were satisfactory and operations at the gold shops were in keeping with requirements. Consumers can report instances of exploitation or unfair gold prices by calling the OCPB hotline 1166 or at www.ocpb.go.th. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Move Forward party unveils its candidate for Bangkok gubernatorial election Thailand’s Move Forward party, the reincarnation of the dissolved Future Forward party, has decided to field party-list MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn as its candidate to contest the Bangkok gubernatorial election this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247769-move-forward-party-unveils-its-candidate-for-bangkok-gubernatorial-election/

Thailand’s Move Forward party, the reincarnation of the dissolved Future Forward party, has decided to field party-list MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn as its candidate to contest the Bangkok gubernatorial election this year. Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat told the media today (Sunday) that, over the past three years, he believes everyone in Bangkok has come to know Wirote for his outstanding role in parliament, especially during censure debates, and for his ability to reflect the pressing problems and the government’s failures in addressing those problems. He also said that quite a few people have said that it is such a waste for competent young man like Wirote to perform his duty in the parliament, when he should be running Bangkok. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-party-unveils-its-candidate-for-bangkok-gubernatorial-election/ -- © 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

Expelled Palang Pracharat MP claims he has nothing to do with Thammanat’s group Somsak Phankasem, of Nakhon Ratchasima, one of the group of MPs loyal to former Palang Pracharat secretary-general Thammanat Prompao expelled from the ruling party on Thursday, has petitioned party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan seeking a review the decision, claiming that he had nothing to do with the group. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247768-expelled-palang-pracharat-mp-claims-he-has-nothing-to-do-with-thammanat’s-group/

Somsak Phankasem, of Nakhon Ratchasima, one of the group of MPs loyal to former Palang Pracharat secretary-general Thammanat Prompao expelled from the ruling party on Thursday, has petitioned party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan seeking a review the decision, claiming that he had nothing to do with the group. In his letter to General Prawit, who is also a deputy prime minister, Somsak said he was not involved in the Thammanat group’s demand for a total revamp of the party and knew nothing about it. The party would usually have to hold a meeting of the executive committee to consider Somsak’s petition, but no such meeting has been scheduled yet. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/expelled-palang-pracharat-mp-claims-he-has-nothing-to-do-with-thammanats-group/ -- © 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

Multiple charges filed against Thai police officer involved in a fatal accident Multiple charges, including causing death by reckless driving, have been filed by Phaya Thai district police against a non-commissioned police officer who allegedly ran over a pedestrian on a Phaya Thai Road zebra crossing with his “big bike”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247767-multiple-charges-filed-against-thai-police-officer-involved-in-a-fatal-accident/

Multiple charges, including causing death by reckless driving, have been filed by Phaya Thai district police against a non-commissioned police officer who allegedly ran over a pedestrian on a Phaya Thai Road zebra crossing with his “big bike”. The fatal accident occurred at about 3.10pm on Friday in front of the Bhumirajanagarindra Kidney Institute Hospital and the deceased was identified as Dr. Waraluck Supavatjariyakul, an eye specialist at Ramathibodi Hospital. Pol Maj-Gen Jirasant Kaewsang-ek, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said today (Sunday) that, besides the reckless driving charge, the suspect, Lance Corporal Naravich Buadok of the riot control police force, is also facing charges of riding his bike too close to the left lane curb, not stopping for people to cross the road on a zebra crossing and riding a bike for which the road tax has not been paid. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/multiple-charges-filed-against-thai-police-officer-involved-in-a-fatal-accident/ -- © 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

Operation ordered to contain oil on sunken oil tanker 24 miles from Chumphon estuary Thailand’s Marine Department has been ordered to coordinate with the Royal Thai Navy to take immediate steps to contain oil spilling from a sunken tanker in the Gulf, before any reaches the shoreline of the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247766-operation-ordered-to-contain-oil-on-sunken-oil-tanker-24-miles-from-chumphon-estuary/

Thailand’s Marine Department has been ordered to coordinate with the Royal Thai Navy to take immediate steps to contain oil spilling from a sunken tanker in the Gulf, before any reaches the shoreline of the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. The Thai oil tanker, Por Aandaman 2, which was reportedly carrying 500,000 litres of diesel oil, started to take on water as it was anchored in the Gulf to provide fuel to trawlers, about 24 nautical miles from the Chumphon estuary. The tanker eventually sank at about 7.15pm yesterday (Saturday) in 50 metres of water, but the captain, Wayu Moryadee, and five crew members were rescued by nearby vessel. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/operation-ordered-to-contain-oil-on-sunken-oil-tanker-24-miles-from-chumphon-estuary/ -- © 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

Thai activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana to quit Palang Pracharat party Maverick political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has decided to leave Thailand’s ruling Palang Pracharat party, effective Monday, claiming that doing so will give him more freedom to check the performance of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, other ministers, MPs and government officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247765-thai-activist-ruangkrai-leekitwattana-to-quit-palang-pracharat-party/