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New French consular agency office opens in Hua Hin By Online Reporter Good news for French expats living in Hua Hin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247514-new-french-consular-agency-office-opens-in-hua-hin/

By Online Reporter Good news for French expats living in Hua Hin. A new consular agency office has opened on Soi 112. The French Ambassador to Thailand Thierry Mathou officially opened the office on Tuesday (Jan 18). Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/new-french-consular-agency-office-opens-in-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

First Lot of China-Bound Rice Exposed on Railway BANGKOK, (TNA) – The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry and the Commerce Ministry started to export Thai rice to China through the Chinese-Lao railway. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247513-first-lot-of-china-bound-rice-exposed-on-railway/

BANGKOK, (TNA) – The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry and the Commerce Ministry started to export Thai rice to China through the Chinese-Lao railway. Alongkorn Polabutr, chief advisor to the agriculture and cooperatives minister, said the first lot of rice export to China on 20 train carriages on the railway amounted to 1,000 tons and was delivered to Chongqing in western China. It was a new and historic chapter for cargo transport on trains which expanded opportunities for trade and income for farmers, business operators and the country, he said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-865765 -- © Copyright TNA 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

Pattaya Mayor apologizes and explains the problem with the long “under-construction” sidewalks on Central and South Pattaya Roads By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Sophon Cable TV (STV) Pattaya – Pattaya City Mayor Sonthaya Khunplume has apologized for the long “under-construction” footpaths/sidewalks on Central Pattaya Road and South Pattaya Road that have driven numerous complaints, including on TPN media’s social media accounts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247512-pattaya-mayor-apologizes-and-explains-the-problem-with-the-long-“under-construction”-sidewalks-on-central-and-south-pattaya-roads/

PHOTO: Sophon Cable TV (STV) By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya City Mayor Sonthaya Khunplume has apologized for the long “under-construction” footpaths/sidewalks on Central Pattaya Road and South Pattaya Road that have driven numerous complaints, including on TPN media’s social media accounts. The Pattaya City Mayor Sontaya Kunplome told TPN media yesterday, January 19th, 2022, “We have received many complaints about the footpath improvement project and water drainage cover replacement projects on Central Pattaya Road and South Pattaya Road. This has been an especially major issue from Third Road to the Sukhumvit highway, with large sections of the sidewalk completely impassable, covered with wooden pallets (or not at all), and significant potential of people being injured either due to the sidewalk condition or the fact in some areas people need to walk onto the road to avoid the construction on sidewalks. This has also caused major complaints from business owners in these areas.” “There are two construction projects in those areas which are a public electricity project (primarily moving cables underground and some power poles) which cost 27.9 million baht while the footpath improvement project and manhole cover replacements cost 27.4 million baht. These two projects are separate and were covered by two different contract companies. Both projects reached deadline dates in their contracts last year but the works are still unfinished.” The mayor explained. “Road users and pedestrians are complaining about the missing water drainage covers and some parts of the footpath improvement project on a near-daily basis.” The mayor added. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/20/pattaya-mayor-apologizes-and-explains-the-problem-with-the-long-under-construction-sidewalks-on-central-and-south-pattaya-roads/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Pattaya Mayor talks about the future of Walking Street By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Sophon Cable TV (STV) Pattaya – Pattaya City is continuing to renovate and refurbish the Walking Street area, according to the Pattaya Mayor, targeting to attract more tourists of every age during both the day and night time. He also denied persistent rumors of “tearing down” the street. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247511-pattaya-mayor-talks-about-the-future-of-walking-street/

PHOTO: Sophon Cable TV (STV) By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya City is continuing to renovate and refurbish the Walking Street area, according to the Pattaya Mayor, targeting to attract more tourists of every age during both the day and night time. He also denied persistent rumors of “tearing down” the street. The Pattaya City Mayor Sontaya Kunplome told TPN media this week, “A major part of our recent renovation of the Pattaya Walking Street in South Pattaya is in regards to the progress of removing overhead wires and cables and placing them underground. This construction work is now 80 percent completed. We ran into many problems in the past year while executing this project, many caused by old pipes and construction work beneath the street, not on any planning documents. However, we managed to persevere through this and made progress.” “We also received budgetary permission from the Pattaya City Council for an overall footpath/road renovation for Walking Street. Unfortunately, in the process of moving cables underground, portions of the road were damaged and some areas are in poor condition. Our plan is to refurbish and repair the pavement along the entire road, including full painting and a new art design for the street to give the area a fresh, new look.” The mayor continued. “We are also continuing work on the water drainage system into the sea and have partnered with businesses on the ocean side to improve their drainage as well as begun an extensive project on Second Road near Wat Chai and Walking Street that will expand drainage pipes and improve the overall waterworks in the area. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/20/pattaya-mayor-talks-about-the-future-of-walking-street/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

10 Chinese nationals captured at Bangkok condominium for allegedly illegally operating online gambling websites By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – A group of 10 Chinese nationals was captured at a luxurious condominium in the heart of Bangkok today, January 20th, for allegedly operating a call center service for illegal gambling websites. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247510-10-chinese-nationals-captured-at-bangkok-condominium-for-allegedly-illegally-operating-online-gambling-websites/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – A group of 10 Chinese nationals was captured at a luxurious condominium in the heart of Bangkok today, January 20th, for allegedly operating a call center service for illegal gambling websites. Thailand’s Police Cyber Taskforce arrived at the condominium in Soi Sukhumvit 39 after being notified by the Chinese embassy that about 17 Chinese suspects had fled to Thailand after being wanted for alleged phone fraud. Upon arrival, 10 Chinese people were discovered, six of them were wanted under Chinese arrest warrants. Properties in dispute, including 19 laptops, 79 mobile phones, 167 SIM cards, signal range extenders, casino tokens for 300 online gambling sites, 14 luxury watches, 10 bookbank accounts, 3 cars, and a motorcycle, were also found and confiscated at the scene. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/20/10-chinese-nationals-captured-at-bangkok-condominium-for-allegedly-illegally-operating-online-gambling-websites/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

A step closer to decriminalisation of cannabis and hemp in Thailand The Narcotics Control Committee agreed Thursday to decriminalise the use of all parts of and extracts from cannabis and hemp in Thailand by removing the plants from the Category 5 list of narcotics, paving the way for households to be able to grow them. A draft announcement from the Ministry of Public Health, approved today, will be submitted to the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) for approval. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247509-a-step-closer-to-decriminalisation-of-cannabis-and-hemp-in-thailand/

The Narcotics Control Committee agreed Thursday to decriminalise the use of all parts of and extracts from cannabis and hemp in Thailand by removing the plants from the Category 5 list of narcotics, paving the way for households to be able to grow them. A draft announcement from the Ministry of Public Health, approved today, will be submitted to the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) for approval. Although derivatives of cannabis and hemp were removed from Category 5 in the amended Narcotics law, promulgated on December 9th, the plants themselves remained on the Ministry of Public Health’s list, leading to widespread confusion. The only exception to the decriminalisation is for cannabis extracts with a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content exceeding 0.2% by weight. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-step-closer-to-decriminalisation-of-cannabis-and-hemp-in-thailand/ -- © 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 21 Jan 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1247508-thailand-live-friday-21-jan-2022/

New 20-baht polymer banknotes to enter circulation on March 24 The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has issued new 20-baht banknotes, made of polymer rather than paper, for distribution from March 24th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247482-new-20-baht-polymer-banknotes-to-enter-circulation-on-march-24/

Thailand’s civil aviation authority insists 5G does not interfere with aircraft signals The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has explained that 5G emissions do not affect aviation and confirmed that the signals are on a different wavelength. The CAAT also pointed out that they have been monitoring the issue closely since last year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247476-thailand’s-civil-aviation-authority-insists-5g-does-not-interfere-with-aircraft-signals/

Senate’s Health Committee Dismisses Possibility of ‘Deltacron’ Variant BANGKOK (NNT) - The deputy chairman of the Senate’s public health committee has dismissed the possibility of the “Deltacron” variant, citing the latest GISAID studies on samples of the virus. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247446-senate’s-health-committee-dismisses-possibility-of-‘deltacron’-variant/

Government Plans to Lower COVID Alert Levels BANGKOK (NNT) - The government is considering the possibility of lowering the COVID-19 alert level and easing some restrictions after assessing the current situation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247443-government-plans-to-lower-covid-alert-levels/

Thailand to resume registration for quarantine-free ‘Test and Go’ program on Feb 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247442-thailand-to-resume-registration-for-quarantine-free-‘test-and-go’-program-on-feb-1/

Thailand Covid-19 Center announces major Covid-19 preventive measures changes, including resumption of “Test&Go” scheme By Nop Meechukhun National – The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has announced several major changes in domestic Covid-19 preventive measures, including provincial color rezoning, the extension of the Emergency Decree, and the return of the “Test&Go” scheme, CCSA spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuyothin reported this morning, January 20th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247432-thailand-covid-19-center-announces-major-covid-19-preventive-measures-changes-including-resumption-of-“testgo”-scheme/

By Nop Meechukhun National – The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has announced several major changes in domestic Covid-19 preventive measures, including provincial color rezoning, the extension of the Emergency Decree, and the return of the “Test&Go” scheme, CCSA spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuyothin reported this morning, January 20th. According to the announcement, 25 provinces are now listed as high surveillance areas, or the Yellow Zone, from previously being designated controlled “Orange” zones, effective this Monday, January 24th. Under the yellow zone requirements, alcoholic beverages can be served at restaurants under the approval of the Provincial Communicable Disease Committee. Orange zones remain under “no alcohol” at restaurants rules. There are also multiple BLUE (Business, Leisure, Ultimate Experience) tourism areas that have their own special rules (see below), including some that are just districts or cities in orange or yellow zones. TPN media notes that provincial governors and disease committees can alter these rules if they wish and provinces should wait for final orders from these groups. Additionally, the Emergency Decree would be extended again for another two months, effective from February 1st to March 31st, according to the spokesperson. The Decree has been in place since April of 2020 and according to the government allows them to streamline processes in regards to the management of the Covid-19 situation in the country. Critics, however, have accused the government of using the decree to stop protests and political gatherings, which the government denies. The alcohol drinking hours in the BLUE tourism pilot provinces and districts, including Chonburi (Pattaya) and Bangkok, would be extended from 9:00 PM. to 11:00 PM. only at qualified restaurants under SHA+ or Thai Stop COVID 2 Plus models. They must continue to abide by Covid Free Setting regulations of the Public Health Ministry. It appears the date for this would be the same as provincial color-code changes, Monday, the 24th of January. TPN notes this also needs approval from the provincial governor and disease committee, which will meet to discuss this proposal over the weekend. Entertainment venues, like bars, pubs, and karaoke lounges, can be operated as temporarily modified restaurants but must request approval from Bangkok/Provincial Communicable Disease Committees before operating. There is no “announced” date for the reopening of this sector legally with officials stressing they will be “gradually and cautiously” reopening this sector as the CCSA feels it is a very high risk in regards to the spread of Covid-19. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/20/thailand-covid-19-center-announces-major-covid-19-preventive-measures-changes-including-resumption-of-testgo-scheme/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-20 - 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

Thanathorn apologizes after plagiarism accusation over NFT artwork By Panithan Onthaworn Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit apologized on social media after controversy that he plagiarized artwork that sold for over 3 million baht in a non-fungible token (NFT) auction this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247427-thanathorn-apologizes-after-plagiarism-accusation-over-nft-artwork/

By Panithan Onthaworn Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit apologized on social media after controversy that he plagiarized artwork that sold for over 3 million baht in a non-fungible token (NFT) auction this week. Thanathorn sold three of his paintings in an NFT auction on the NFT1 Market, a Thailand-based digital art marketplace, with the proceeds going to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights group. One of his paintings, When she opens the door, of student activist Benja Apan sparked debate on social media whether he violated copyright of the original artwork. Thanathorn said the painting was inspired by Polish artist Damian Lechoszest. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36738/thanathorn-apologizes-after-plagiarism-accusation-over-nft-artwork/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-20 - 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

Deputy PPRP leader Paiboon Nititawan says ouster of Thammanat, dissident MPs necessary Thailand’s ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) has decided to expel its controversial secretary-general, Thammanat Prompao, and 20 MPs loyal to him because they made a demand which the party found to be unacceptable and which may damage the party if it acquiesced, PPRP Deputy Leader Paiboon Nititawan told a news conference this morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247425-deputy-pprp-leader-paiboon-nititawan-says-ouster-of-thammanat-dissident-mps-necessary/

Thailand’s ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) has decided to expel its controversial secretary-general, Thammanat Prompao, and 20 MPs loyal to him because they made a demand which the party found to be unacceptable and which may damage the party if it acquiesced, PPRP Deputy Leader Paiboon Nititawan told a news conference this morning. Paiboon said the group had demanded a total revamp of the party’s structure, while threatening that the party would be in trouble if their demand was not met. The demand was submitted to PPRP Leader Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, who is also a deputy prime minister. Prawit then called an urgent meeting of the party’s executive committee, at the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation, yesterday evening. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/deputy-pprp-leader-paiboon-nititawan-says-ouster-of-thammanat-dissident-mps-necessary/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-20 - 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 Traditional Department to Provide Treatment To Long Covid Patients By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - A campaign to provide treatment to people suffering from the post-Covid-19 syndrome, or "Long Covid," has been initiated by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DoTTAM). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247422-thai-traditional-department-to-provide-treatment-to-long-covid-patients/