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By Adam Judd The following is an alert from the Animal Army Facebook here. Their statements are their own. https://www.facebook.com/AnimalArmyTH/ RABIES ALERT Confirmed Case #1 : Suan Lalana Village, Pattaya City Tragically a confirmed rabies case has been discovered in Suan Lalana Village, Pattaya City on 19/01/2022. The person to alert city authorities was Andrew Boyes, after he became concerned by a group of individuals trying to beat a dog with sticks and stones. The dog had unfortunately bitten 5-6 people and is confirmed positive for rabies. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/22/animal-army-issues-rabies-alert-in-pattaya-after-one-confirmed-case-in-a-stray-dog/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-22 - 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

Accelerated COVID Jabs May Cause Undesirable Symptoms BANGKOK, Jan 21 (TNA) – Subsequent jabs of COVID-19 vaccines may cause undesirable effects if they are administered too early, a viral expert has warned. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247637-accelerated-covid-jabs-may-cause-undesirable-symptoms/

BANGKOK, Jan 21 (TNA) – Subsequent jabs of COVID-19 vaccines may cause undesirable effects if they are administered too early, a viral expert has warned. Prof Dr Yong Poovorawan, head of the Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, wrote on Facebook that many people asked about proper doses of COVID-19 vaccination and some people even said they had already received five shots comprising the first two jabs of. the Sinovac vaccine, followed by a jab of AstraZeneca and then two shots of Moderna. Some people said they did not count their initial Sinovac jabs. Prof Dr Yong likened proper vaccination to filling a glass with water. To cope with COVID-19, people should start with two initial shots, followed by a booster jab, and that would be a full glass of water. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-866428 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-01-22 - 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 exports up 17% in 2021, beating previous estimates By Panithan Onthaworn Thailand’s exports in 2021 grew by 17.14 per cent from a year earlier. It was the highest spike since 2009, driven by recovery in trade partners’ economies, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247635-thai-exports-up-17-in-2021-beating-previous-estimates/

By Panithan Onthaworn Thailand’s exports in 2021 grew by 17.14 per cent from a year earlier. It was the highest spike since 2009, driven by recovery in trade partners’ economies, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday. Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said export value in December rose 24.2 per cent year-on-year, yielding a 2021 full-year value at USD 271 billion, 17.14 per cent growth. The figures beat the ministry’s estimate of 16 per cent. Beside global economic recovery, Jurin cited the collaboration between the ministry and the private sector, the weakening of the baht, increased prices for fuel-related products as key drivers for export growth. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36809/thai-exports-up-17-in-2021-beating-previous-estimates/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-22 - 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 gov considering new “Wellness Sandbox” scheme to boost economy By Natcha Patanasophon The Center for Economic Situation Administration (CESA), chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha, agreed to the proposal to bolster Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin district and Phetchaburi’s Cha-am district as Thailand’s new health tourism destinations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247634-thai-gov-considering-new-“wellness-sandbox”-scheme-to-boost-economy/

By Natcha Patanasophon The Center for Economic Situation Administration (CESA), chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha, agreed to the proposal to bolster Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin district and Phetchaburi’s Cha-am district as Thailand’s new health tourism destinations. Both districts are currently not a part of “Blue Zone” provinces, where tourist sandboxes are located, which only include Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Chonburi, Kanchanaburi, Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga at the moment. The next sandbox will be launched in Trat, but only on the island of Koh Chang, on February 1. The new scheme is called “Thailand Wellness Sandbox” and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will now work with other related agencies to come up with an implementation plan to revamp Hua Hin and Cha-am’s image as medical tourism destinations and create branding for value-added health products and services. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36813/thai-gov-considering-new-wellness-sandbox-scheme-to-boost-economy/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-22 - 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 stars in worldwide premiere of new Netflix series on iconic Asian cities For the first time, TAT partners with global streaming service to promote Thai tourism and culture through film and series. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 21 January, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has entered into an official partnership with leading streaming entertainment service Netflix to promote the tourism and culture of Thailand, with Bangkok starring as the first feature destination of a new Netflix documentary series that premiered worldwide yesterday (20 January). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247633-bangkok-stars-in-worldwide-premiere-of-new-netflix-series-on-iconic-asian-cities/

For the first time, TAT partners with global streaming service to promote Thai tourism and culture through film and series. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 21 January, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has entered into an official partnership with leading streaming entertainment service Netflix to promote the tourism and culture of Thailand, with Bangkok starring as the first feature destination of a new Netflix documentary series that premiered worldwide yesterday (20 January). Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said “Officially partnering with Netflix is a key milestone in our effort to continue promoting Thai tourism through films, series, and documentaries that meet the tourists’ expectations of impressive experiences. This will help stimulate Thailand’s creative economy.” Called ‘Midnight Asia: Eat · Dance · Dream’, the new documentary series exclusively on Netflix is about a night-time journey through six iconic Asian cities – Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Mumbai, and Manila – and the food, art, night entertainment venues, and subcultures that help make each of them some of the world’s most fascinating metropolises. The premiere episode on Bangkok celebrated the launch of the series, the first time TAT and Netflix have partnered to promote the destination of Thailand. The episode was commissioned by Aloke Devichand, Netflix’s Original Documentary Programming Manager, who also partnered with Pailin Wedel to produce ‘Hope Frozen: A Quest to Live Twice’ – Thailand’s first Emmy award-winning documentary. Mr. Siripakorn said “Over the past years, many foreign films have been filmed primarily in Thailand. With these films available on Netflix, audiences of series and documentaries around the world can see Thailand from different lenses, especially the unique cultural tourist spots and beautiful nature, making Thailand more attractive to both Thai and foreign tourists.” Inspired by the partnership with TAT, Netflix – which has 214 million paid memberships in over 190 countries – is keen to produce more world-class content on Thailand. Mr. Yongyoot Thongkongtoon, Netflix Director of Content for Thailand, said: “Together, we’d love more opportunities to present Thailand as a culture-rich country and one-of-a-kind travel destination to global audiences.” Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/01/bangkok-stars-in-worldwide-premiere-of-new-netflix-series-on-iconic-asian-cities/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-01-22 - 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

Special budget needed to prevent 4,500 job cuts among Thailand’s forest rangers The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has asked for a special budget from the Central Fund to prevent about 4,500 forest rangers from being laid off, or faced with a 25% pay cut, due to a substantial budget reduction for the ministry in the 2023 fiscal year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247632-special-budget-needed-to-prevent-4500-job-cuts-among-thailand’s-forest-rangers/

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has asked for a special budget from the Central Fund to prevent about 4,500 forest rangers from being laid off, or faced with a 25% pay cut, due to a substantial budget reduction for the ministry in the 2023 fiscal year. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said in his Facebook post today (Friday) that he and senior staff at the ministry are very concerned over the predicament confronted by the forest rangers, who are mostly salaried employees and do not enjoy government officials’ fringe benefits. He said that these forest rangers play a vital role in protecting the country’s 10.4 million hectares of forests, protecting wildlife from poachers and fighting forest fires in a hard and, at times, risky job, despite the low pay. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/special-budget-needed-to-prevent-4500-job-cuts-among-thailands-forest-rangers/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-22 - 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 Saturday 22 Jan 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1247631-thailand-live-saturday-22-jan-2022/

War room set up to suppress rise of food prices BANGKOK (NNT) - Food prices in the market have been rising, starting with pork and followed by chicken meat, eggs, and now, reportedly, papaya. A war room has now been set up to follow the food price situation and to take action against violators of laws and regulations concerning the pricing of food products. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247608-war-room-set-up-to-suppress-rise-of-food-prices/

PM plays song to boost morale of colleagues amid political storm Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha played an old hit song, “Ya Yom Pae” (Never Give Up) by singer Sunisa “Aom” Sukboonsang, to his colleagues in the middle of a meeting of the economic management committee today (Friday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247605-pm-plays-song-to-boost-morale-of-colleagues-amid-political-storm/

Health ministry says Level 4 COVID-19 alert still necessary as infections have yet to peak Photo: The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) The Level 4 COVID-19 alert, in place in Thailand since the early this month, is still necessary because the new wave of infections has not yet reached its peak and there are signs that new infections will increase in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, said Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kiattibhoom Vongrachit today (Friday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247577-health-ministry-says-level-4-covid-19-alert-still-necessary-as-infections-have-yet-to-peak/

Public Health Ministry Approves Removal of Cannabis From Drug List BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health’s narcotics control committee has approved the removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics list. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247574-public-health-ministry-approves-removal-of-cannabis-from-drug-list/

Video: Thai men show their kind hearts! Kitten rescued from busy road and taken home A video posted to TikTok under the name "kai_panyatepo" showed dash cam footage of two men in a vehicle who come across a bewildered and startled cat trying to cross a busy road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247555-video-thai-men-show-their-kind-hearts-kitten-rescued-from-busy-road-and-taken-home/

A video posted to TikTok under the name "kai_panyatepo" showed dash cam footage of two men in a vehicle who come across a bewildered and startled cat trying to cross a busy road. One of the men gets out and after some difficulty manages to rescue the kitten and the men continue on their journey. A loud "meow" is heard as one of the men suggests he'll take the cat home to look after it. They didn't know where the cat came from. Many posters thanked the men for their kindness, reported Naew Na yesterday. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-21 - 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

Security guard claims he was beaten when he went for his back pay Picture: New Na Thai media Naew Na screamed "cruel company" in their headline as they reported on a Facebook post on a labor site called "Raeng Ngan Pheu Sangkhom". Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247554-security-guard-claims-he-was-beaten-when-he-went-for-his-back-pay/

Picture: New Na Thai media Naew Na screamed "cruel company" in their headline as they reported on a Facebook post on a labor site called "Raeng Ngan Pheu Sangkhom". It was claimed that a security guard who resigned from a company in early January went back on Tuesday to get back pay owed to him. He was allegedly told to wait in a room. Then 7-8 men dressed in black came in and armed with weapons assaulted him repeatedly. When they were satisfied with their "work" they told the former guard to wait for his money. This was then cut by a further 5,000 due to several deductions. The admin of the site said that police, an MP and lawyers had been contacted for their help. But they suggested this was tough because the owner of the company is himself a lawyer with police and army connections. Whether this is true or not remains to be seen. Inevitably there was much comment from Thai netizens on the story after the post. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-21 - 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

Six tourists taken to hospital after minivan plunges down ravine in Mae Hong Son Thai PBS reported on an accident in Ban Thopsork, in Muang district of Mae Hong Son province in the mountainous north of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247552-six-tourists-taken-to-hospital-after-minivan-plunges-down-ravine-in-mae-hong-son/

Thai PBS reported on an accident in Ban Thopsork, in Muang district of Mae Hong Son province in the mountainous north of Thailand. A minivan carrying tourists from Bangkok hit a barrier and plunged five meters down a ravine. Six people were rushed to hospital after the accident on Tuesday. The media said that the driver failed to negotiate a bend perhaps due to unfamiliarity with the narrow and winding mountain road. Or maybe because of negligent driving. Police investigations are ongoing. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-21 - 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

YouTube video opens window into the human tragedy of carnage on the Thai roads - 13 year old dead on the tarmac Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported on yet another road death - this time a 13 year old boy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247551-youtube-video-opens-window-into-the-human-tragedy-of-carnage-on-the-thai-roads-13-year-old-dead-on-the-tarmac/

Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported on yet another road death - this time a 13 year old boy. But their video - age restricted but available for view on YouTube - should be seen as an example of the pitiful waste of life on Thailand's roads, suggests ASEAN NOW. It is not for the faint hearted, but then the damning statistics on the Thai roads cannot be ignored. Perhaps 25,000 die annually - 80% motorcyclists, many of them children. A white sheet barely conceals the tragedy after two 13 year olds collided with a 10 wheel truck at a t-junction leading to Samut Prakan Hospital in Pak Nam sub-district south east of the Thai capital Bangkok. A hand sticks out from under the sheet reminding us that a young human being is lying dead under there. There are bloodstains on the road. Rescue services treat one other stain with what looks like sand - presumably to make it less slippery for anyone following after. A policeman looks on rather haplessly. A loud reporter badgers those at the scene for information. The truck driver is clearly shaken as he says over and over that he didn't see the boys on the motorcycle that now lies in the road. He clearly wonders what's coming next for him. The boy who survived with minor injuries explains how they were going to see a friend when tragedy struck. There is no mention of helmets or sight of such protection at the scene. It's just another senseless death of a young person on the Thai roads. Another tragic statistic. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-21 - 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

Charismatic "Big Joke" chosen to front fight against internet crime against children Picture: Siam Rath The Thai government and upper echelons of the Royal Thai police have turned to charismatic cop Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan to catch criminals committing internet crime against children and women. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247548-charismatic-big-joke-chosen-to-front-fight-against-internet-crime-against-children/