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Ex-PPRP execs launch new party, vow not to nominate Prayut for another premier term Former leading members of the ruling Palang Pracharat Party have formed a new political party, Sarng Anakot Thai party, vowing not to nominate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as the party’s prime ministerial candidate so that he can return for another term as the prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247314-ex-pprp-execs-launch-new-party-vow-not-to-nominate-prayut-for-another-premier-term/

Ex-Thai PM Thaksin claims major pork merchants are hoarding frozen meat Thaksin Shinawatra (Tony Woodsome) Exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has claimed that there are 4 or 5 major pork merchants who have cold storage facilities in Thailand, each with the capacity to store up to 400,000 kgs of frozen pork for up to six months, and that they have been hoarding pork for profiteering purposes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247298-ex-thai-pm-thaksin-claims-major-pork-merchants-are-hoarding-frozen-meat/

New Party launched by former members of the ruling party By Erich Parpart A new political party was launched by former ministers from the ruling party on Wednesday. The party, Sang Anakot Thai or Building Thailand’s Future, was formed by former finance minister Uttama Savanayana and former energy minister Sontirat Sonthijirawong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247296-new-party-launched-by-former-members-of-the-ruling-party/

Thaksin Shinawatra (Tony Woodsome) Exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has claimed that there are 4 or 5 major pork merchants who have cold storage facilities in Thailand, each with the capacity to store up to 400,000 kgs of frozen pork for up to six months, and that they have been hoarding pork for profiteering purposes. During his talk in the “Care Talk x CareClubHouse” chat room on Tuesday, Thaksin, alias Tony Woodsome, said that, as there is insufficient pork to meet domestic demand due to the death of many breeder pigs from diseases, there are two things that Thailand or the Thai government can do. In the short term, allow the import of live pigs from abroad and, as a long-term solution, accelerate the number of breeders. Small and medium sized pig farmers should be compensated for the loss of their pigs due to disease. He suggested that government officials talk with these merchants and ask them to release their pork stocks, to ease the pork shortage temporarily while imported live pigs are shipped in and piglets mature enough to be slaughtered. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ex-thai-pm-thaksin-claims-major-pork-merchants-are-hoarding-frozen-meat/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-19 - 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

By Erich Parpart A new political party was launched by former ministers from the ruling party on Wednesday. The party, Sang Anakot Thai or Building Thailand’s Future, was formed by former finance minister Uttama Savanayana and former energy minister Sontirat Sonthijirawong. They were joined by former higher education, science and innovations minister Suvit Maesincee and former prime minister’s office minister Kobsak Pootrakul. All four of them, collectively known as the “Four Boys” group, resigned from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party after a leadership change within the pro-military party’s executive board in June 2020. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36675/new-party-launched-by-former-members-of-the-ruling-party/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-19 - 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

Golf: 3 million baht on offer at Season Opening of Thailand Mixed By Adam Judd Thailand-The first Thailand Mixed event of 2022 will tee off between February 10-13 at the Springfield Royal Country Club in Cha-am, Petchaburi with total prize money of Bt3 million up for grabs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247293-golf-3-million-baht-on-offer-at-season-opening-of-thailand-mixed/

All choking aside, is Thailand making progress in battle with air pollution? The World Bank estimates that air pollution-related healthcare expenses are equivalent to 4 percent of a country’s GDP. (Photo by Mladen Antonov / AFP) Many Thais have developed a habit of checking the air quality index daily so they can take steps to protect themselves against lung-busting PM2.5 dust. However, the quest for clean air and easy breathing is costing them up to Bt1.67 billion per year in masks and medical expenses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247291-all-choking-aside-is-thailand-making-progress-in-battle-with-air-pollution/

The World Bank estimates that air pollution-related healthcare expenses are equivalent to 4 percent of a country’s GDP. (Photo by Mladen Antonov / AFP) Many Thais have developed a habit of checking the air quality index daily so they can take steps to protect themselves against lung-busting PM2.5 dust. However, the quest for clean air and easy breathing is costing them up to Bt1.67 billion per year in masks and medical expenses. And this trend shows no sign of blowing over. Most citizens as well as experts reckon the Thai government is doing little or nothing to clean up the air. “People may think the National Environment Board [NEB] has the power to order relevant parties to fight smog, but in reality, it’s a paper tiger,” said Dr. Sonthi Kitchawat, an environmental and health academic. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/all-choking-aside-is-thailand-making-progress-in-battle-with-air-pollution/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-19 - 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 City Hall cancels Chinese New Year celebrations amid Omicron spread Chinese New Year celebrations in Bangkok will be cancelled again this year to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, particularly the Omicron variant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247290-bangkok-city-hall-cancels-chinese-new-year-celebrations-amid-omicron-spread/

Chinese New Year celebrations in Bangkok will be cancelled again this year to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, particularly the Omicron variant. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) decided to cancel Chinese New Year celebrations for another year. However, decorations and street lightings at Chinatown will still be on display, especially along Yaowarat road and the Odeon Circle. The BMA also noted that Chinese New Year rituals and traditions can still proceed with COVID-19 preventive measures in place. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-city-hall-cancels-chinese-new-year-celebrations-amid-omicron-spread/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-19 - 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

Controversial US YouTuber "My Mate Nate" announces tearful split with Thai wife Sanook caption:"We've split up" Controversial US YouTuber and content creator Nathan Bartling - who has 11 million followers on his "My Mate Nate" channel - appeared on a teary-eyed video with his Thai wife yesterday to announce they are splitting up. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247284-controversial-us-youtuber-my-mate-nate-announces-tearful-split-with-thai-wife/

Sanook caption:"We've split up" Controversial US YouTuber and content creator Nathan Bartling - who has 11 million followers on his "My Mate Nate" channel - appeared on a teary-eyed video with his Thai wife yesterday to announce they are splitting up. Utah born Nate and his wife, Look Mee Wannabe Mee, or Mee spoke in Thai with their fans after Mee said a few words in English. According to Sanook they said the decision wasn't easy, it was complicated, but this was the best way forward. So why the split? That was a private matter within their families, they said. They felt that their direction and destination were diverging. They had not intended to say anything but out of respect for their fan base they had decided to go public. Nate has reportedly made a lot of money on YouTube, notes ASEAN NOW, but has courted controversy. Back in 2017 when aged 24 a petition for his deportation was started after he put coins on a railtrack and was interview by the authorities and apologized. He appeared at a police station in a suit and along with a friend was fined 5,000 baht. On another occasion he was accused of animal cruelty after what some saw as a particularly crass video. Picture: Thai Rath It featured a cat and a scorpion though Nate claimed the scorpion's stinger had been removed. Others criticized him for making videos with Thai teenagers that humiliated their lack of English though Nate said it was all a jolly good laugh. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-19 - 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

Impressive drone video offers unique close ups of Hua Hin’s new train station By Paul Andrews Image: Mike's Tropical Tech A video shot by a local drone enthusiast offers a unique view of Hua Hin’s new train station, as well as the overall progress of the construction of the new dual track train line. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247281-impressive-drone-video-offers-unique-close-ups-of-hua-hin’s-new-train-station/

Image: Mike's Tropical Tech By Paul Andrews A video shot by a local drone enthusiast offers a unique view of Hua Hin’s new train station, as well as the overall progress of the construction of the new dual track train line. The video, by Hua Hin based YouTuber, Michael Brown, who runs the Mike’s Tropical Tech channel, is the latest in a number of similar videos that offer a fascinating aerial perspective of what is the largest major infrastructure project in Hua Hin for several decades. Mike first started sharing videos of the dual track railway in April 2021 and we have featured a number of them on the Hua Hin Today website. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/impressive-drone-video-offers-unique-close-ups-of-hua-hins-new-train-station/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-01-19 - 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 tale of two by-elections: Polls offer clues as Thailand heads into election countdown By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk One crucial question is whether the by-elections offer any clues to the result of the next general election. Yes and no, say the analysts. (Photo by Christophe Archambault) Last Sunday’s by-elections in the southern provinces of Songkhla and Chumphon saw fierce battles between the ruling Palang Pracharath and Democrat Party coalition partners. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247277-a-tale-of-two-by-elections-polls-offer-clues-as-thailand-heads-into-election-countdown/

One crucial question is whether the by-elections offer any clues to the result of the next general election. Yes and no, say the analysts. (Photo by Christophe Archambault) By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Last Sunday’s by-elections in the southern provinces of Songkhla and Chumphon saw fierce battles between the ruling Palang Pracharath and Democrat Party coalition partners. Victory went to the Democrats, who had dominated the South until the last general election in March 2019 when the party lost more than 50 percent of its seats to Palang Pracharath and Bhumjaithai, another coalition partner. Democrat candidate Issarapong Mak-ampai won Chumphon’s Constituency 1 by-election with 49,014 votes, beating Chawalit At-han of Palang Pracharath on 32,281 votes. In Songkhla’s Constituency 6, Democrat Party’s Suphaporn Kamnerdphol garnered 45,576 votes to conquer her Palang Pracharath rival, Anukool Pruksanusak, who bagged 40,531. The by-elections were held after the previous incumbents – both Democrat MPs – lost their seats to a court ruling. The Constitutional Court ruled in December that jail terms handed to Songkhla MP Thaworn Senneam and Chumphon MP Chumpol Julsai over their roles in People’s Democratic Reform Committee protests had voided their parliamentary status. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-tale-of-two-by-elections-polls-offer-clues-as-thailand-heads-into-election-countdown/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-19 - 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

Thailand Road Carnage continues: Motorcyclist unrecognisable after collision with pick-up in Trat Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on the continuing carnage on Thailand's roads - some of the deadliest in the world. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247276-thailand-road-carnage-continues-motorcyclist-unrecognisable-after-collision-with-pick-up-in-trat/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on the continuing carnage on Thailand's roads - some of the deadliest in the world. Khao Saming police in the province of Trat in the central east were called to an accident on the Saen Tung to Bang Kradan Road. A motorcyclist called Noppadon, aged 27, was found on the left of the road with broken bones and multiple injuries. The Thai media's depiction of the scene was predictably graphic and bloody. His bike was completely destroyed after a head on collison with a pick up driven by Somporn from Khlung. Somporn said it had happened on a hill; he had tried to brake but couldn't stop in time. The rider was propelled to the left while his bike ending up wedged into the front of his vehicle. Thai media regularly report an at- the-scene death toll of many dozen every day on the kingdom's roads. When fatalities at and on the way to hospitals are added it is thought that up to 25,000 succumb annually, 80% of them motorcyclists. A million people are thought to be injured in some way annually. ASEAN NOW notes that politicians largely pay lip service to the carnage and the police are universally criticized for lack of enforcement or road rules and regulations. This despite the enormous negative economic impact brought about by road accidents. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-19 - 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

Bangkok's hidden golf gems Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is a treasure trove of wonderful surprises to delight all travelers, from backpackers to retirees. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247270-bangkoks-hidden-golf-gems/

Anutin latest: ATK testing is up to schools' discretion - urges parents to allow kids to get vax next month Picture: INN INN reported on the comments of the Thai health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul after a group of parents went to see him to request that schools stop relying on ATK tests and stop insisting that students wear masks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247271-anutin-latest-atk-testing-is-up-to-schools-discretion-urges-parents-to-allow-kids-to-get-vax-next-month/

Picture: INN INN reported on the comments of the Thai health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul after a group of parents went to see him to request that schools stop relying on ATK tests and stop insisting that students wear masks. Anutin deflected the requests saying that ATK testing was a matter for individual schools to protect their communities. It was up to them whether to insist on it or not as schools were essentially large gatherings of people. He used the opportunity to say that vaccine for children would be arriving in Thailand in February and he hoped that parents would allow their children to be vaxxed. ASEAN NOW notes that this appeared to refer to the Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 12 year olds. Older children already had the chance to be vaccinated late last year. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-19 - 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

Armed "Ya Ba" crazed man hijacks 18 wheeler and is chased for 54 kilometers in Bangkok suburbs Picture: Saim Rath Siam Rath reported that a Thai man high on alcohol and Ya Ba (methamphetamine mixed with caffeine) hijacked an 18 wheel truck-trailer in Samut Sakhon and headed for the Bangkok suburbs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247269-armed-ya-ba-crazed-man-hijacks-18-wheeler-and-is-chased-for-54-kilometers-in-bangkok-suburbs/

Picture: Saim Rath Siam Rath reported that a Thai man high on alcohol and Ya Ba (methamphetamine mixed with caffeine) hijacked an 18 wheel truck-trailer in Samut Sakhon and headed for the Bangkok suburbs. When he was eventually stopped he had led the Highway police on a 54 kilometer chase. The drama started at 3.30 am on Tuesday morning when the man - as yet unidentified - drew a gun on driver Suchart, 55, as he slowed his vehicle. The man jumped onto the side of the truck and tried to kick out the window. Suchart continued for 15 kilometers to a police booth and then ran off to report what was happening. Then the man took off in the truck. The trailer came off as he made a turning at one point and blocked the road. After going through Rama 2 for many kilometers with the Highway police giving chase the drug crazed man then went the wrong way round Wong Wian Yai roundabout before eventually crashing into a support under the Thaksin overpass. One car and another 18 wheeler were damaged in the rampage. The suspect told police he had taken five Ya Ba tablets with alcohol and had thrown the gun into a river during the chase. He also claimed that he had previously shot and killed someone. Not surprisingly he was largely incoherent. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-19 - 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 police find a million masks from China with "Japanese" labels - summonses in offing Picture: Siam Rath Economic Crime Division police raided a warehouse in the Phraeksa area of Samut Prakan south east of the Thai capital Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247260-thai-police-find-a-million-masks-from-china-with-japanese-labels-summonses-in-offing/