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Picture: Daily News The spokesman for the Royal Thai Police Pol Maj-Gen Yingyot Thepjamnong issued a five point checklist for parents to mitigate potential damage their children may suffer online. The Maj-Gen said that it was inevitable what with continuing closure of schools that children would be spending large amounts of time online. They were using phones, computers and tablets for many hours a day. While accepting that this was great to help with their learning in the pandemic and a great source of information there were also perils. Such as cyberbullying and children falling into the clutches of criminals. He issued a five point checklist for parents to help in monitoring their children's behavior, reported Daily News. This included being strict about the time they spend online, where they do it, talking to children about the dangers, reminding them of their own need to exhibit good online behavior and where to seek help if they fall victim to unscrupulous individuals. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-17 - 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 should stop publicizing Covid numbers by April By Cod Satrusayang Thailand must learn to live with the Covid-19 virus and stop publicizing daily pandemic numbers by the end of April to boost public confidence and allow the country to get back to normal, a senior public health expert told Thai Enquirer on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246975-thailand-should-stop-publicizing-covid-numbers-by-april/

By Cod Satrusayang Thailand must learn to live with the Covid-19 virus and stop publicizing daily pandemic numbers by the end of April to boost public confidence and allow the country to get back to normal, a senior public health expert told Thai Enquirer on Monday. Thailand recorded 6,929 cases on Monday but just 13 fatalities. On Sunday, the number of deaths, 9, was the lowest recorded in over a year. However, one of those fatalities was from the new Omicron variant of the disease. “I think there is an understanding among health officials that the new Omicron variant is less deadly and could mean the end of the pandemic for us,” said Kanyarat Wanna-anant, a public health expert with Chiang Mai Rajaphat University. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36572/thailand-should-stop-publicizing-covid-numbers-by-april/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-17 - 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

Big Joke gets tough on illegal fishing - 19 arrests after five illegal boats found in south Picture: Daily News Charismatic cop Pol Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan has said that he is going after illegal fishermen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246974-big-joke-gets-tough-on-illegal-fishing-19-arrests-after-five-illegal-boats-found-in-south/

Picture: Daily News Charismatic cop Pol Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan has said that he is going after illegal fishermen. The man known as Big Joke - once the poster boy of the RTP as deputy at the tourist police and head of immigration - had a tremendous fall from grace. But now he has been rehabilitated as a kind of one man Flying Squad going where crime needs to be solved. He has got involved in the IUU business - illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing. This after he was called in investigate the so-called ghost ship that was found abandoned then sank in the Gulf. Big Joke was at RTP HQ in Songkhla at the weekend after nineteen arrests and the seizure of five boats that had fake registered names at a dock, reported Daily News. He promised that he would do the bidding of his masters - PM Prayuth and DPM Prawit - and root out all illegality in connection with IUU. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-17 - 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

Famous "Look Chup" seller disappears owing millions - creditors line up as Chonburi police investigate Creditors of a famous seller of the Thai sweet "look chup" (marzipan imitation fruits) are lining up and wanting their money back. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246973-famous-look-chup-seller-disappears-owing-millions-creditors-line-up-as-chonburi-police-investigate/

Creditors of a famous seller of the Thai sweet "look chup" (marzipan imitation fruits) are lining up and wanting their money back. They claim that Rossukhon Pansai - who appeared on TV many times - owes them 20 million baht. A Facebook post utilizing language far less sweet than look chups alerted Sanook reporters to trouble in Chonburi. The matter is now in the hands of the Muang Chonburi police. Nathakan, 32, said she was owed 6.5 million, Rinnapha 1,880,000 and many others were due 11 million baht. Nathakan said she had known "Ros" for several years and lent her money at interest rates. But towards the tail end of last year problems started and she asked for all her money back. It was not forthcoming and she said in her post that both the woman and her husband had now gone to ground. Despite being eight months pregnant Rinnapha was more forgiving urging Ros to come back and help her during the time of childbirth. She referred to the sweet seller as her mum. Both ladies talked of how they had trusted their friend with their money due to her business, house and social standing. Now they want answers - and their money back. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-17 - 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

Somchai Srisutthiyakorn: The man behind efforts to ‘switch off’ Senate’s power By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Staunch government critic Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, who was sacked as an election commissioner in 2018 by the post-coup junta, is back in the limelight with a campaign to “switch off” the Senate’s power to join MPs in selecting a prime minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246972-somchai-srisutthiyakorn-the-man-behind-efforts-to-‘switch-off’-senate’s-power/

By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Staunch government critic Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, who was sacked as an election commissioner in 2018 by the post-coup junta, is back in the limelight with a campaign to “switch off” the Senate’s power to join MPs in selecting a prime minister. His campaign seeks to change Article 272 of the Constitution, which empowers the Upper House to help select the PM during their five-year term under the current Constitution, which has been in force since April 2017. The campaign group argues on its website (www.nosenatevote.net) that prime ministers should be selected by MPs only and that it is anti-democratic for unelected senators to help leaders cling on to power. The current Senate was appointed by the junta following the 2014 coup. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/somchai-srisutthiyakorn-the-man-behind-efforts-to-switch-off-senates-power/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-17 - 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

Ladyboy smashes up bank with a machete screaming: "I can't get into my home" Sanook reported on an incident in the north east of Thailand on Saturday night in which an apparent transgender man armed with a machete smashed up a bank. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246971-ladyboy-smashes-up-bank-with-a-machete-screaming-i-cant-get-into-my-home/

Sanook reported on an incident in the north east of Thailand on Saturday night in which an apparent transgender man armed with a machete smashed up a bank. He was repeatedly screaming that he needed to get into his house but was unable to. Khaowong, Kalasin, police Captain Preecha Srisawang was alerted to the trouble at the local Bangkok Bank branch. He told his chief Pol Col Kantaphat Phaktham there was trouble in town and he hotfooted it to the bank to investigate. Fortunately there was no one about. He found the front window of the bank smashed down and damage to an ATM and a deposit machine. The police talked to the suspect - seemingly a ladyboy - for 40 minutes before mounting a charge. He was incoherent but kept repeating that he needed to get into his home. He was given a sedative in the hope that by morning they could get something sensible out of him. Convenience store staffer Nanthana, 23, said she had been putting olut some cardboard boxes when the man arrived clutching a machete. She told her manager and they quickly bolted the door after an offer of help was spurned. Then the suspect started walking all about causing the damage. Bank manager Somkhuan Natthayai, 55, said that 200,000 to 300,000 baht damage had been caused. Chief Kantaphat said that all the suspect had said apart from wanting to get into his house was that he had walked 20 kilometers from his home in Kuchinarai district. The man appeared to have mental health issues and had not yet been charged. He had had a urine test for drugs and would probably be charged with causing criminal damage. Investigations continue. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-17 - 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 6,929 new COVID-19 cases, 13 deaths, 5,255 recoveries Thai PBS file photo Thailand on Monday (January 17) reported 6,929 new COVID-19 cases, 5,255 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246967-thailand-reports-6929-new-covid-19-cases-13-deaths-5255-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 6,929 new COVID-19 cases, 13 deaths, 5,255 recoveries Thai PBS file photo Thailand on Monday (January 17) reported 6,929 new COVID-19 cases, 5,255 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246967-thailand-reports-6929-new-covid-19-cases-13-deaths-5255-recoveries/

Thai PBS file photo Thailand on Monday (January 17) reported 6,929 new COVID-19 cases, 5,255 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 6,720. Prisons: 209 ▶︎ Recoveries: 5,225 Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,331,414 with 21,938 deaths. The news comes as the health office in the southern province of Songkhla has reported its first fatality from Omicron variant today (Sunday). The patient died at the Hat Yai Hospital on Wednesday. The patient was a bed-ridden 86 year old woman who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. She had received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine at Na Mom Hospital and was thought to have contracted COVID-19 from her grandson, who had returned from Phuket. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-17 - 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

The Finance ministry is planning to move the registration date for shopping subsidy “Let’s Go Halves” to Valentine’s Day The Thai government’s fourth phase of THE co-shopping subsidy called “Let’s Go Halves,” may arrive sooner than planned, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said recently. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246956-the-finance-ministry-is-planning-to-move-the-registration-date-for-shopping-subsidy-“let’s-go-halves”-to-valentine’s-day/

The Finance ministry is planning to move the registration date for shopping subsidy “Let’s Go Halves” to Valentine’s Day The Thai government’s fourth phase of THE co-shopping subsidy called “Let’s Go Halves,” may arrive sooner than planned, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said recently. “The ministry is considering moving the registration date for the new round of Let’s Go Halves to mid-February, probably on the 14th, as a Valentine’s gift to Thai people,” he said. “After registration, the system will take about a week to verify the information and registrants can start spending by the end of February or early March.” The fourth phase was initially scheduled to begin in March. Under the scheme, the government will cover 50 percent of the bills for food, drinks and necessities capped at up to 150 baht per day when payments are made via the Pao Tang application at participating shops. A source from the Finance Ministry said that unlike the previous phases, which capped the total subsidy at 3,000 baht per person, this fourth phase will only provide a total of 1,500 per person but will not limit the number of registrants. Those who were already approved for the third phase, will now have to re-apply for the fourth phase, while all approved registrants are required to spend their subsidy within three months. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith added that the ministry planned to use the ten billion baht or so leftover from the third phase of the scheme and what is left of the loan taken to stimulate the economy to fund the fourth phase. With the Omicron virus spreading and rising unemployment, the government is trying to ease the public monthly expenditure, and schemes like Let’s Go Halves, will help reduce the burden. “The proposed budget and registration date will first be approved by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development and then by the Cabinet before the fourth phase can be officially announced,” said Arkhom. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-17 - 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

Many Thais and expats, are suffering from loss of sleep during the pandemic? Doctors call this Coronasomnia Getting a good night’s rest under stressful conditions is hard enough but sleeping well during an ongoing pandemic can feel impossible on some nights. This syndrome even has a name. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246953-many-thais-and-expats-are-suffering-from-loss-of-sleep-during-the-pandemic-doctors-call-this-coronasomnia/

Getting a good night’s rest under stressful conditions is hard enough but sleeping well during an ongoing pandemic can feel impossible on some nights. This syndrome even has a name. The medical profession calls it .…Coronasomnia! The increase in sleep disturbances is due to increased stress and anxiety that the pandemic has brought on, including the impact of the uncertainty and the constant barrage of information we are exposed to at this time, according to doctors. Bereavement, isolation, loss of income, and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones. Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use, insomnia, and anxiety. Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation, and stroke. People with pre-existing mental, neurological or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection ̶ they may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes and even death. If you are having trouble sleeping because of the pandemic, you are not alone. Global issue At the start of the lockdowns, people reported an increased or persistent loss of sleep over worry. The effects of shift work and other related factors lead to insomnia. These symptoms were very strong among registered nurses in Thailand, where the nursing profession often involves working in shifts, which may lead to an increased risk of insomnia symptoms. A Thai Nurse study, which included the responses of 18,189 registered nurses, concluded that almost one-quarter reported experiencing at least one insomnia symptom. In the UK, a recent study showed that the number of people experiencing insomnia increased from 1 in 6 to 1 in 4. In China, insomnia rates rose from 14.6% to 20% during the peak lockdown period. 2.77 million Google searches Perhaps more telling was that in the first five months of 2020, people across the States made 2.77 million Google searches for “Insomnia.” This was an increase of 58% in the previous three years. The Sleep Foundation suggests that there are a handful of steps that can promote better sleep during the coronavirus pandemic. Establishing a routine, reserving your bed for sleep, exposure to light, planning your naps, staying active, and using relaxation techniques will all help. You can check out their full list of tips at https://www.sleepfoundation.org/ However, perhaps the best tip is just to avoid watching or reading the news! Do you have any better suggestions? Please let us know. Note: “Coronasomnia” is a new term that refers to sleep problems related to the pandemic. With increased stress and anxiety, there is a definite impact on our sleep and mental health, and the best way to combat it is to stick to good sleep hygiene practices. The coronavirus pandemic doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Of course, patients with the virus and front-line medical workers face the brunt of the direct impacts of the disease. But the consequences — economically, mentally, and emotionally — have spread far and wide, and pose significant barriers to sleep. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-17 - 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

Plankton bloom turns parts of Hua Hin beach green By Paul Andrews A plankton bloom has turned the water along parts of Hua Hin beach green. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246952-plankton-bloom-turns-parts-of-hua-hin-beach-green/

By Paul Andrews A plankton bloom has turned the water along parts of Hua Hin beach green. The plankton bloom was spotted along a 500 metre stretch of the beach from the Saphan Pla fishing pier to the Jao Mae Tub Tim Shrine, the Chinese shrine which overlooks the beach. The plankton bloom is likely the result of a seasonal natural phenomenon which occurs on the beach most years. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/plankton-bloom-turns-parts-of-hua-hin-beach-green/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-01-17 - 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

PM orders a re-evaluation of the balance between public health and economy as Omicron fears ease by James Morris and Son Nguyen On Friday, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the government spokesman, announced that the Prime Minister has ordered a review of public health measures and a reevaluation of the balance between the economy and public health as the threat from the Omicron wave of COVID-19 appears to be receding. Foreign tourism-related business concerns are hoping it may mean a return to easier entry terms for foreign tourists as numbers are set to dip after ‘Test and Go’ was suspended from December 22nd last. The Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul and top public health officials have all made positive statements this week but are still emphasising the need for caution and vaccination efforts. There are signals that the doors to foreign tourism may be reopened again in the coming weeks if not then in the second quarter as the kingdom rolls out its foreign tourism platform for 2022 including a ฿300 levy to be collected via airfares on flights bringing holidaymakers to Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246951-pm-orders-a-re-evaluation-of-the-balance-between-public-health-and-economy-as-omicron-fears-ease/

On Friday, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the government spokesman, announced that the Prime Minister has ordered a review of public health measures and a reevaluation of the balance between the economy and public health as the threat from the Omicron wave of COVID-19 appears to be receding. Foreign tourism-related business concerns are hoping it may mean a return to easier entry terms for foreign tourists as numbers are set to dip after ‘Test and Go’ was suspended from December 22nd last. The Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul and top public health officials have all made positive statements this week but are still emphasising the need for caution and vaccination efforts. by James Morris and Son Nguyen There are signals that the doors to foreign tourism may be reopened again in the coming weeks if not then in the second quarter as the kingdom rolls out its foreign tourism platform for 2022 including a ฿300 levy to be collected via airfares on flights bringing holidaymakers to Thailand. The levy will provide automatic medical insurance to the value of ฿500,000 and a ฿1 million payout in the event of death. There were strong indications this week that the foreign tourism industry may see some relief in the coming weeks with a review being ordered by the Prime Minister and a commitment to reevaluate the balance between the economy and public health as the threat from the Omicron virus strain of COVID-19 appears to be diminishing. On Saturday, Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul indicated that the government may be readying to relax the country’s recently enhanced public health measures and defensive posture against the Omicron strain of COVID-19. He echoed comments by senior officials within his ministry at the beginning of the week that things have taken a turn for the better in the fight against the virus. He insisted, however, that a threat remains from Covid and emphasised the need for everyone living in Thailand to get vaccinated as a matter of urgency. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/01/15/pm-orders-revaluation-of-health-measures/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-01-17 - 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

SSO Provides Booster Jabs Under Section 33 Starting January 17 By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Employees covered by Section 33 of the Social Security Act (SSA) can get vaccinated at one of 33 centers established by the Social Security Office (SSO) starting January 17, 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246950-sso-provides-booster-jabs-under-section-33-starting-january-17/

By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Employees covered by Section 33 of the Social Security Act (SSA) can get vaccinated at one of 33 centers established by the Social Security Office (SSO) starting January 17, 2022. In response to a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of the new Omicron variant, Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin has directed SSO Secretary-General Boonsong Thapchaiyuth to work with businesses and employers to provide booster COVID-19 vaccine doses to employees under Section 33 of the SSO. 20 vaccination centers will be located in Bangkok, with the remaining 13 set up in 10 other provinces. They will administer jabs on weekdays starting January 17. The SSO secretary-general said the Ministry of Public Health will provide 436,080 doses for employees in 11 provinces during the January booster campaign. The provinces include Bangkok, Chonburi, Rayong, Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya and Songkhla. Boonsong urged those receiving their appointments to arrive on time and carry their ID cards for verification. More information is available by calling the SSO at hotline number 1506 (ext. 6 or 7), open daily from 8AM to 6PM. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-17 - 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

Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok Offers Free Antigen Tests By Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is currently offering free COVID-19 tests at several locations across the capital, including at the Southern Bus Terminal in western Bangkok. The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) is also again selling affordable antigen test kits (ATKs) as demand increases amid the new Omicron wave. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246949-southern-bus-terminal-in-bangkok-offers-free-antigen-tests/