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Picture: Siam Rath Economic Crime Division police raided a warehouse in the Phraeksa area of Samut Prakan south east of the Thai capital Bangkok. They found about one million face masks worth about 3 million baht. Some of the masks had Japanese excise labels but they had all been imported from China. It was reckoned that they were sub-standard merchandise made to look as if they had Japanese approval so that those selling could charge more. Summonses are in the offing. Siam Rath reported no arrests yesterday. 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

New residency visas announced by Cabinet aimed at ‘high-potential’ foreigners File photo for reference only The Thai Cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle a couple of new visas aimed at luring “high-potential” foreigners to Thailand by offering them residency visas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247259-new-residency-visas-announced-by-cabinet-aimed-at-‘high-potential’-foreigners/

File photo for reference only The Thai Cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle a couple of new visas aimed at luring “high-potential” foreigners to Thailand by offering them residency visas. What they term “high-potential foreigners” they have categorised into four groups: Wealthy global citizens, wealthy retirees, people who want to work from Thailand, and high-skilled professionals. Firstly, the Interior Ministry will issue eligibility rules for the long-term resident (LTR) visa. The LTR visa will cost LTR’s THB10,000 per year and will last for five years, and then if required can be extended for a further 5 years. The LTR visa will cover the holder and up to four dependents (spouse and children aged under 21). Holders can apply for a Thai work permit. Secondly the Labour Ministry will issue rules on five-year work permits for LTR visa holders who are employed or self-employed in Thailand. At the moment Cabinet has only approved these new measures, so any changes will need to wait until it has been officially announced in the Royal Gazette. -- © 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

DPM Wissanu advises Thai public to wait to plant marijuana Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on the continuing uncertainty over the exact legal situation regarding the Thai public planting marijuana in their homes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247258-dpm-wissanu-advises-thai-public-to-wait-to-plant marijuana/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on the continuing uncertainty over the exact legal situation regarding the Thai public planting marijuana in their homes. After a cabinet meeting yesterday DPM Wissanu Krea-Ngam emerged to say that he had spoken to DPM and health minister Anuthin Charvirakul who told him that discussions were underway with the Narcotics Control Board. This concerns the uncertainty between the MoPH and the NCB on the precise legality or otherwise of the plant after it and hemp were removed from Class 5 restrictions in the latest codes issued in December. Reporters asked Wissanu who the public were to follow - the MoPH under ganja promoting Anutin or the NCB - and whether Thais should go ahead and plant marijuana. Wissanu replied that they should hold off on planting just for now. ASEAN NOW has been reporting almost daily on the issue and note that a meeting due today may provide some clarity. Some have claimed that the wording of the latest codes was bungled creating the current mess. 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 hunt man who allegedly raped son's 15 year old girlfriend after plying her with booze Daily News caption: Hunt for father who raped (son's girlfriend) Daily News reported on a case of alleged rape in Nonthaburi, north west of the Thai capital Bangkok on Sunday night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247255-thai-police-hunt-man-who-allegedly-raped-sons-15-year-old-girlfriend-after-plying-her-with-booze/

Daily News caption: Hunt for father who raped (son's girlfriend) Daily News reported on a case of alleged rape in Nonthaburi, north west of the Thai capital Bangkok on Sunday night. An arrest warrant has been issued for a 37 year old man called Prakop who allegedly raped the 15 year old girlfriend of his 16 year old son. A hunt for Prakop in the woods was mounted after he ran off. Police said they have a lead and expect an arrest very soon. It happened in a rented room in the Tha Nam Non area. Ban Srimeuang police chief Pol Col Naphathorn Wachaiyung said that he had yet to interview the young victim as she was a minor and social services needed to be present. But he had spoken to her elder sister who told him that the 15 year old - named only as A - went to see her boyfriend referred to as B. B's father was there and invited them all to drink alcohol together. They drank until they were unconscious. The elder sister said that A awoke to discover that she was being raped by her boyfriend's father though she couldn't resist. The boyfriend did not regain consciousness. When she went home she told her sister what had happened and the elder sister went to confront Prakop at his house. He denied it. They agreed to go to the police station together but as they went Prakop ran off into the woods. The alleged victim has had a rape test at hospital and an arrest warrant has now been issued. Police also want to interview the suspect's son to see what he knows about the incident. 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

Thailand reports 7,122 new COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths, 7,460 recoveries File photo Thailand on Wednesday (January 19) reported 7,122 new COVID-19 cases, 7,460 recoveries and 12 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247251-thailand-reports-7122-new-covid-19-cases-12-deaths-7460-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 7,122 new COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths, 7,460 recoveries File photo Thailand on Wednesday (January 19) reported 7,122 new COVID-19 cases, 7,460 recoveries and 12 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247251-thailand-reports-7122-new-covid-19-cases-12-deaths-7460-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Wednesday (January 19) reported 7,122 new COVID-19 cases, 7,460 recoveries and 12 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 6,950. Prisons: 172 ▶︎ Recoveries: 7,460 Wednesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,344,811 with 21,968 deaths. The news comes as the Thai Tourism and Sports Minister is planning to propose to the CCSA (Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration) the return of the “Test&Go” tourism program as early as this February to attract a year goal of about eight million international arrivals while expecting substantial tourism income. Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told the Associated Press today, January 18th, that the Ministry would mention the reimplementation of the previously-canceled tourism plan, possibly in this February, at the general meeting of Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), chaired by the Prime Ministry, in order to revive the tourism and the domestic economy. *The Pattaya News 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 2022-01-19 - 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

Tragedy strikes wedding organizers on way home - mother and son dead - load in back of pick-up blamed Picture: Daily News Daily News reported on the death of a mother and her son who were wedding organizers on their way back home to Suphanburi in central Thailand after a wedding event in Kanchanaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247249-tragedy-strikes-wedding-organizers-on-way-home-mother-and-son-dead-load-in-back-of-pick-up-blamed/

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported on the death of a mother and her son who were wedding organizers on their way back home to Suphanburi in central Thailand after a wedding event in Kanchanaburi. Sa Kaeo police and rescue services were called to the Ban Sa Kaeo Road. Dead in a Mitsubishi pick-up were Bunras, 59, and her son Jirathorn aged 40. The vehicle had hit a total of three large trees. The driver Sumeth, 34, survived and was taken to a hospital. He said that they had been to a pre-wedding event in Laokhwan district of Kanchanaburi and were on their way back to Ban Pho in Muang Suphan. He said that when he tried to overtake he lost control of the vehicle due to the large amount of heavy equipment in the back. A picture on the Daily News site appeared to show what looked like stage suports, notes ASEAN NOW. Investigations continue. 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

Hungarian wanted for insurance fraud arrested in Bangkok - he's on 4,254 days overstay Thai immigration chief Pol Lt-Gen Phakphumphiphat Sajjaphan speaking at HQ yesterday announced the arrest of a Hungarian man hiding out in Thailand on overstay. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247247-hungarian-wanted-for-insurance-fraud-arrested-in-bangkok-hes-on-4254-days-overstay/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai immigration chief Pol Lt-Gen Phakphumphiphat Sajjaphan speaking at HQ yesterday announced the arrest of a Hungarian man hiding out in Thailand on overstay. Forty eight year old Lajos (name transliterated from Thai and possibly incorrect) was named on a Hungarian police website where it was reported he was wanted for insurance fraud in the sum of more than 401 million forint (42 million baht). He was arrested at a New Petchaburi Road condominium in Huay Khwang, Bangkok. The suspect entered Thailand on 16th March 2010 on a 60 day tourist visa. His overstay was 4,254 days, reported Thai Rath. He is now in detention awaiting deportation back to Hungary. 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

Is it really worth the hassle to travel out of Thailand in the next few months? With all the current issues related to Covid 19, including reams of paperwork and Covid tests required to fly to other neighboring Asian countries, it is still quite a hassle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247242-is-it-really-worth-the-hassle-to-travel-out-of-thailand-in-the-next-few-months/

With all the current issues related to Covid 19, including reams of paperwork and Covid tests required to fly to other neighboring Asian countries, it is still quite a hassle. Even local trips to Northern Thailand or the islands in the South could leave you unable to return home if the Thai government decides to go into total lockdown. Also, visiting family back home on a long-distance flight can also be very expensive as well. And all the time at the back of your mind, you are thinking…. could we end up being stuck there??? What happens if some clever Travel Minister suddenly announces that if you wish to return to your home, you may now need to go into 14 days quarantine at an expensive ASQ hotel. Or worst-case scenario, due to a sudden spike in cases they close the border, and you are then stuck on a resort in Asia or in a city overseas with huge bills mounting. Naturally, for economic reasons governments everywhere, are still trying to encourage overseas travelers to visit, just to keep their battered hospitality industries afloat. Some like Thailand and Vietnam have tried to create ‘Sandbox’ safe areas on islands like Phuket, Samui, or Phu Quoc. But bear in mind that restrictions still exist, as many resorts such as Pattaya do not allow bars or nightlife to open, and drinking is also banned too. So, is it really worth the hassle of getting a visa and all those medical tests and insurance, just for a few days away? Let us know if you think it is worth it? Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-19 - 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

Group of Thai parents protest at the Thai Ministry of Education over mandatory Covid-19 testing and facial masks for students By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – A group of parents arrived at the Ministry of Education yesterday, January 18th, 2022, to demand the cancellation of regular ATK (Rapid Covid-19) testing and the mandatory policy of wearing facial masks for students. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247237-group-of-thai-parents-protest-at-the-thai-ministry-of-education-over-mandatory-covid-19-testing-and-facial-masks-for-students/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – A group of parents arrived at the Ministry of Education yesterday, January 18th, 2022, to demand the cancellation of regular ATK (Rapid Covid-19) testing and the mandatory policy of wearing facial masks for students. The adults, who had reportedly traveled from Bangkok and all over the country, were seen raising banners and messages written in Thai such as “Checking with ATK is a waste of money”, “Stop forcing ATK testing”, “Make Covid-19 endemic”, “If you’re forced to have your ATK test every week, how do you feel,” etc. One of the representatives, who only revealed her name as Natthamon, told local media that the parents and the school personnel have been affected by the strict policies and measures of the Ministry of Public Health. Some of them were not considered necessary, according to her, such as forcing asymptomatic students to have ATK tests. Natthamon stated to the associated Thai press: “When concerned parents saw that children were in pain during compulsory ATK testing, our hearts broke too. We don’t think it is needed to be frequent and was not necessary. At the same time, wearing a mask should not be compulsory but should be voluntary, especially for young children who find them uncomfortable.” 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/2022/01/19/group-of-thai-parents-protest-at-the-thai-ministry-of-education-over-mandatory-covid-19-testing-and-facial-masks-for-students/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Thai Tourism and Sports Minister and Ministry of Public Health to propose “Test&Go” to resume possibly in February By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Thai Tourism and Sports Minister is planning to propose to the CCSA (Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration) the return of the “Test&Go” tourism program as early as this February to attract a year goal of about eight million international arrivals while expecting substantial tourism income. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247236-thai-tourism-and-sports-minister-and-ministry-of-public-health-to-propose-“testgo”-to-resume-possibly-in-february/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Thai Tourism and Sports Minister is planning to propose to the CCSA (Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration) the return of the “Test&Go” tourism program as early as this February to attract a year goal of about eight million international arrivals while expecting substantial tourism income. Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told the Associated Press today, January 18th, that the Ministry would mention the reimplementation of the previously-canceled tourism plan, possibly in this February, at the general meeting of Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), chaired by the Prime Ministry, in order to revive the tourism and the domestic economy. This meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, January 20th and you can read more about this here. According to the Minister, the new “Test&Go” plan could proceed under strict guidelines of the Public Health Ministry. Visitors are required to conduct two RT-PCR tests which were on the first and the sixth day of their arrival. Other tight preventive measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and possible clusters should be further discussed with the Ministry. Early reports also state that Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul supports the plan but it will be further discussed with the entire CCSA. Phiphat told reporters: “This matter would be reintroduced at the next CCSA meeting as we saw that the Ministry of Public Health can control the outbreak and the number of daily infections is declining after New Year’s holiday. More than 70 percent of people in the country also received full doses of a Covid-19 vaccination, so there was a potential to consider the use of the “Test&Go.” Moreover, the Tourism and Sports Ministry had estimated that more than 8 million tourists would visit the country in 2022 if the “Test&Go” was reimplemented, which would also generate an income in the billions of baht. 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/2022/01/18/thai-tourism-and-sports-minister-and-ministry-of-public-health-to-propose-testgo-to-resume-possibly-in-february/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Tourism authorities and other sectors must work together to make sandbox program successful By Natcha Patanasophon All relevant government agencies must work more closely together if the sandbox program is to be successful, a analyst told Thai Enquirer on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247235-tourism-authorities-and-other-sectors-must-work-together-to-make-sandbox-program-successful/

By Natcha Patanasophon All relevant government agencies must work more closely together if the sandbox program is to be successful, a analyst told Thai Enquirer on Tuesday. The sandbox program was introduced by the government to help increase tourism whereby vaccinated travellers can enter and stay without quarantine in a specific sandbox province. Krabi, which houses numerous rock-climbing spots, white-sand beaches and islands in southern Thailand, is part of the sandbox program but has so far not been successful according to the local hospitality industry. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36650/tourism-authorities-and-other-sectors-must-work-together-to-make-sandbox-program-successful/ -- © 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 19 Jan 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1247234-thailand-live-wednesday-19-jan-2022/

Cabinet approves plans to attract long-stay foreigners to Thailand A tourist enjoys the view of the Hong islands from the infinity pool of a resort on Koh Yao Yai island in the Andaman Sea on November 23, 2020. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP) The Thai cabinet has approved, in principle, two ministerial announcements aimed at attracting four specific groups of foreigners to stay in Thailand for up to ten years, in the hope that they spend their wealth, invest or make use of their special skills for the development of the Thai economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247214-cabinet-approves-plans-to-attract-long-stay-foreigners-to-thailand/

Schools hold first on-site classes of 2022 CHIANG MAI (NNT) - Many schools have resumed on-site classes for their students, although most are not opting for 100% on-site learning and are still making use of online classes to reduce congestion and crowding. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1247210-schools-hold-first-on-site-classes-of-2022/