webfact

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. Siam Rath said that this was to show foreign agencies that Thailand means business in cracking down on such crime. Surachate - universally known in the Thai and English media as Big Joke (rice gruel) - is acting as deputy of TICAC - Thailand Internet Crime Against Children. He urged the public to get onboard with his campaign by reporting crime on 1599 and going to www.facebook.com/antihumantraffickingpolice. A visit to the site on Facebook indicates it is already being influence by the Lt-Gen's media savvy approach and showing stories featuring himself, updates and even work on IUU, illegal fishing activities, notes ASEAN NOW. Surachate was the poster boy of the RTP when he was deputy of the tourist police and chief of immigration at the same time. When he wasn't arresting foreigners in Nana, Bangkok, he was jetting off to Dubai and Manila to arrest gangs. But a mysterious fall from grace nearly three years ago blunted his rise in the RTP and resulted in his sacking from immigration and installation as a paper shuffler in the PM's office. During this time his car was shot at while he was in a spa in the Patpong area of the Thai capital Bangkok. It has been suggested that Surachate, from the south of Thailand, stepped on too many RTP toes. However, last year he was rehabilitated in an advisory capacity at RTP HQ - a role that is now blossoming into something resembling his previous high profile. Expect to see more and more of Big Joke in the coming months. 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

Government To Redesignate Covid Control Zones and Extend Drinking Hours By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai government will redesignate Covid-19 control zones and ease regulations as part of an adjustment to prevent and contain the Covid-19 epidemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247545-government-to-redesignate-covid-control-zones-and-extend-drinking-hours/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai government will redesignate Covid-19 control zones and ease regulations as part of an adjustment to prevent and contain the Covid-19 epidemic. According to Taweesilp Visanuyothin, Spokesperson for The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), the CCSA has declared that the number of orange zones will be lowered from 69 to 44, with 25 rezoned as close surveillance (yellow) regions beginning January 24, 2022. The number of tourism pilot (blue) zones will remain the same, with eight entire provinces and parts of 18 additional provinces included. Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Krabi, Chon Buri, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phangnga, and Phuket are the eight tourist pilot provinces. Starting next Monday, alcohol consumption at restaurants that adhere to prevention measures will be extended from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. in blue and yellow zones. Meanwhile, activities with a maximum attendance of 1,000 people are permitted in hotels, exhibition and convention centers, and department stores in orange zones. Dr. Taweesilp added that the CCSA’s work-from-home policy will not be extended beyond January 31, but that the public and private sectors should consider appropriate measures based on their situation. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 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

Surprise hinted in Thammanat’s video released after Palang Pracharat party dismissal In a video, posted on Facebook Thursday night, MP Thammanat Prompao claimed that an alternative political party is ready, but that he is not yet giving details. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247544-surprise-hinted-in-thammanat’s-video-released-after-palang-pracharat-party-dismissal/

In a video, posted on Facebook Thursday night, MP Thammanat Prompao claimed that an alternative political party is ready, but that he is not yet giving details. “This new home [party] is not new. It’s been around for quite some time,” the former Palang Pracharat (PPRP) secretary-general said. “At one time, senior politicians were to adopt it as the main party. If I say the name, it will ring a bell. Everything is ready. We’ve spent a long time preparing the new home.” “There’s going to be a surprise,” Thammanat said before ending the video. The three-and-a-half-minute video was released one day after the ruling Palang Pracharat party voted him, as well as 20 other MPs in his camp, out. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/surprise-hinted-in-thammanats-video-released-after-palang-pracharat-party-dismissal/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Loei: Ten arrested in alleged misconduct over cornering the lottery market Picture: Naew Na Lottery officials and police from the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division acted promptly after receiving complaints about lottery agents allegedly cornering the market illegally in Loei in the north east of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247542-loei-ten-arrested-in-alleged-misconduct-over-cornering-the-lottery-market/

Picture: Naew Na Lottery officials and police from the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division acted promptly after receiving complaints about lottery agents allegedly cornering the market illegally in Loei in the north east of Thailand. They went to the car park of the Erawan post office in Erawan district where ten male and female agents were arrested. These are people known as "Yee Pua" in Thai. Picture: Naew Na Complaints had been received that they were exceeding quotas. Naew Na published pictures of mountains of state lottery tickets that were taken to the Wang Saphun police station for counting. The caption on their main picture said "jaeng pup jap pap" - as soon as complaints were received they were arrested. 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

Stunning RTP spokeswoman in hot water goes on FB in uniform to say: So many assume, so little know" Picture: Sanook One of the Royal Thai Police's hottest assets is in hot water! Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247541-stunning-rtp-spokeswoman-in-hot-water-goes-on-fb-in-uniform-to-say-so-many-assume-so-little-know/

Picture: Sanook One of the Royal Thai Police's hottest assets is in hot water! This is a young woman called Patarasaya Rerkrut or more familiarly "Lieutenant Viking". Picture: Sanook She's a Pol-Lt investigator at the Don Muang police, reported Sanook, but not surprisingly given her looks has been in demand at HQ as a spokeswoman. However yesterday top lawyer for the Help Crime Victim's Club, Atchariya Reuangrattanapong went to the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division to present details of her alleged involvement in activities related to the procurement of police positions. Picture: Sanook Division chief Maj-Gen Yotsaran Jaisaodee received the petition. Sanook reported that Ms Viking went on her Facebook page in unifom to say in English a tad cryptically: "So many assume. So little know." Picture: Sanook ASEAN NOW have no idea about the charges related to her position but suggest her looks are somewhat "arresting". Picture: Sanook Picture: Sanook Picture: Sanook 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

Songkhla authorities inspect refrigeration storage facility after Thaksin allegations Picture: Sanook Following former Prime Minister and fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra's claims that pork producers are hoarding meat to benefit from its rising price authorities in Songkhla checked on a large refrigeration storage facility yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247538-songkhla-authorities-inspect-refrigeration-storage-facility-after-thaksin-allegations/

Picture: Sanook Following former Prime Minister and fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra's claims that pork producers are hoarding meat to benefit from its rising price authorities in Songkhla checked on a large refrigeration storage facility yesterday. Led by governor Jessada Jitrat, senior police and vets they checked on more than 200,000 kilos of meat in the freezing conditions at the unit in Ban Na sub-district of the southern Thai province, reported Sanook. The unit rents out space to clients who need storage facilities. The pork in question belongs to Betagro in Phatthalung. Jessada said that investigations are continuing and no charges have yet been made. They would be contacting Betagro, one of Thailand's biggest meat poultry and pork producers. At this stage there is no suggestion that the meat was being hoarded. Thaksin claimed earlier in a briefing from abroad that big producers were hoarding pork as the price of the meat sky-rockets. 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

Thai human trafficking police nab ladyboy madam offering underage woman for sex in downtown Phuket Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that officers of the ATPD - the country's anti-human trafficking police - became aware that someone was offering underage women for work on Twitter under the name "Pepsi". Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247536-thai-human-trafficking-police-nab-ladyboy-madam-offering-underage-woman-for-sex-in-downtown-phuket/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that officers of the ATPD - the country's anti-human trafficking police - became aware that someone was offering underage women for work on Twitter under the name "Pepsi". That 'work' it later transpired was as a prostitute. Secret operatives showed an interest and were directed to a Line application account number fiaa69e where they made the acquaintance of a transgender man called Sofia. Subsequent inquiries indicated this was Suphalak Chumphan, 37, a resident of Muang district. He was offering a 17 year old for sex work. A sting was set up at a Muang district hotel in Phuket on Wednesday resulting in the arrest and charge of the procurer and his detention by the ATPD. Taken into evidence was an iPhone 6. He reportedly admitted everything. 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

Thailand road carnage: Nation's latest "at-the-scene" fatalities - it's getting even worse, three more a day Picture: Daily News Daily News published the latest fatalities on the Thai roads, some of the most dangerous in the world. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247529-thailand-road-carnage-nations-latest-at-the-scene-fatalities-its-getting-even-worse-three-more-a-day/

Picture: Daily News Daily News published the latest fatalities on the Thai roads, some of the most dangerous in the world. And it was continuing grim reading. They cautioned that their figures were just those that died at the scene of accidents. When those who die on the way to and later at hospitals are added the carnage is much worse. Since January 1st the figure is 743. In the same period last year it was 685 - and increase of 58 in 19 days. Around 14,000 at the scene deaths have been recorded in recent years. But the real total is thought to be 25,000 - 80% of them motorcyclists. Picture: Daily News Lack of helmet wearing and drunk driving are cited as two major causes. Lack of proper police enforcement, poor driver and rider training and political lip service to the issue are cited as contributing factors. Picture: Daily News Daily News list the figures every day. Yesterday they reported on the death of a Myanmar woman who was crushed after riding in the back of a pick-up carrying cement, a story ASEAN NOW carried already. The media, in their daily sound bite, warned that not slowing down for bends is particularly dangerous. 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

Thailand reports 8,640 new COVID-19 cases, 8,641 recoveries, 13 deaths File photo Thailand on Friday (January 21) reported 8,640 new COVID-19 cases, 8,641 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247527-thailand-reports-8640-new-covid-19-cases-8641-recoveries 13-deaths/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 8,640 new COVID-19 cases, 8,641 recoveries, 13 deaths File photo Thailand on Friday (January 21) reported 8,640 new COVID-19 cases, 8,641 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247527-thailand-reports-8640-new-covid-19-cases-8641-recoveries 13-deaths/

File photo Thailand on Friday (January 21) reported 8,640 new COVID-19 cases, 8,641 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 8,445. Prisons: 195 ▶︎ Recoveries: 8,641 Friday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,361,702 with 22,000 deaths. The news comes as the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has agreed to resume registration for the currently suspended quarantine-free entry program, known as “Test and Go”, from February 1st. It will also allow eateries in “sandbox” provinces and COVID-19 “high surveillance” provinces to serve alcohol up to 11pm, instead of 9 pm, from January 24th onwards according to CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin. However, to open, the eateries must meet the SHA Plus or the Stop COVID 2 Plus standard and comply with the COVID Free Setting measure. Pubs, bars and other entertainment venues are to remain closed, but they are allowed to open as eateries and when they meet such requirements. *Thai PBS contributed to this report Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-21 - 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

Do you suffer from language barriers at work in Thailand? Depending on where your company is headquartered, language barriers can be a major issue for expatriates on international assignments. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247517-do-you-suffer-from-language-barriers-at-work-in-thailand/

Depending on where your company is headquartered, language barriers can be a major issue for expatriates on international assignments. Hiring employees who do not have strong skills in speaking the local language, can pose a huge challenge to your company. If you need to regularly attend department meetings, it is likely that they will be held in the local Thai language. This can not only be frustrating but means you could be missing key facts and information. Therefore, it is likely that these employees who are unable to speak Thai, may have a longer adjustment period and take more time to increase their productivity. If the issue is left unaddressed, they could be left feeling isolated both in and outside of the office, increasing the risk of them breaking their contract early or being uninterested in growing with the company beyond their term. Language barriers can be difficult to transcend, because overcoming them involves the acquisition of a brand-new hard skill—which is no easy feat. However, that is not to say it is impossible. How can I overcome this challenge? If you are in a country such as Thailand, where English is not a primarily spoken language, but your company’s business language is English, make sure your current employees know that you are someone who does not speak the local language. Making your local employees aware that there will be someone new on-site who does not speak the local language, will hopefully open them up to the idea of finding common ground and helping you integrate into the local culture. Ensure that you have employees willing to take you under their wings and help you to adjust. Finally, as an Expat, consider asking your employee to set up language lessons for you. (Paid for by the company, of course). Not only speaking some Thai will help you but your Thai employees will be impressed that you made the effort too. If you have had a similar language issue at work or maybe at home, do let us have your own comments. -- © 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

Is Thailand’s opposition ready for an election? By Cod Satrusayang The news that 21 MPs would be leaving the ruling party after internal disagreements has kickstarted the slumbering Thai political landscapes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247516-is-thailand’s-opposition-ready-for-an-election/

By Cod Satrusayang The news that 21 MPs would be leaving the ruling party after internal disagreements has kickstarted the slumbering Thai political landscapes. Coalition partners on Thursday made calls and rushed meetings to ensure that their positions were secured. The ruling party called financial and political backers to ensure them that power still belong with them. The opposition meanwhile kickstarted election protocols, with many foreseeing or predicting the demise of the Prayut Chan-ocha government. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36777/is-thailands-opposition-ready-for-an-election/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

Vaccines are working but the job is only half-done ahead of Thailand reopening By Cod Satrusayang The Thai government announced on Thursday that they would reimplement quarantine free travel in light of lower-than-predicted Covid-19 numbers after the new year break. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247515-vaccines-are-working-but-the-job-is-only-half-done-ahead-of-thailand-reopening/

By Cod Satrusayang The Thai government announced on Thursday that they would reimplement quarantine free travel in light of lower-than-predicted Covid-19 numbers after the new year break. While Omicron has indeed reached Thailand’s shores, the outbreak has been mostly contained and the economy will once again be the priority of the government. A key part of Thailand’s economic recovery will be the return of foreign tourists to Thailand. But while the government is proceeding cautiously with reopening the country, a senior doctor warns that the job is only half done. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36780/vaccines-are-working-but-the-job-is-only-half-done-ahead-of-thailand-reopening/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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