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by Gregers Møller The year 2022 is coming off to a good start, to say the least for Thai Wanna Isaksson and her Swedish husband Mikael after the couple recently won a total SEK 41,651,072 million lottery win in one of Sweden’s largest lotteries, Postkodlotteriet. To media SVT, Wanna Isaksson explains that she still can’t believe it is real. Wanna Isaksson grew up in eastern Thailand in a small village in poor conditions. She worked in a weaving factory and in a factory that assembled electrical parts and then continued to work in hotels as, among other things, a receptionist. Full story: https://scandasia.com/thai-swedish-couple-wins-over-sek-40-million-in-swedish-lottery/ -- © Copyright ScandAsia 2022-01-14 - 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

Anutin says Thai - Laos - China railway will be great benefit to Thais and nation - but there are yet more delays Picture: INN INN reported that the health minister and DPM Anutin Charvirakul chaired a meeting of almost every relevant government ministry yesterday as they continued to wrangle about the high speed train from Thailand to China via Laos. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246701-anutin-says-thai-laos-china-railway-will-be-great-benefit-to-thais-and-nation-but-there-are-yet-more-delays/

Picture: INN INN reported that the health minister and DPM Anutin Charvirakul chaired a meeting of almost every relevant government ministry yesterday as they continued to wrangle about the high speed train from Thailand to China via Laos. While the Chinese and the Laotians have swiftly agreed matters and got the line built to Vientiane already, the Thais have been criticized for dallying at every turn. Anutin pressed all ministries to work together in a spitit of cooperation. He said that the project would be of great benefit to the Thai people and the nation as a whole. Present were representatives of the Transport, Finance, Foreign, Agriculture and Co-operatives, Industry and Commerce ministries. This large commitee agreed to set up another committee and work on something called a "Framework Agreement". Principal matter on the table yesterday was the connection from Nong Khai to Vientiane that they have wrangled over for years. Some small parts of the track from the Bangkok area have been completed but the project is mired in delays, notes ASEAN NOW. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-14 - 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

Two college students chased and shot in downtown Bangkok - police studying CCTV Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that two college students from Minburi were found with multiple gunshot wounds in the Sri Nakharin area of Bangkok yesterday evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246699-two-college-students-chased-and-shot-in-downtown-bangkok-police-studying-cctv/

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that two college students from Minburi were found with multiple gunshot wounds in the Sri Nakharin area of Bangkok yesterday evening. Hua Mark police were at the scene studying CCTV and interviewing witnesses to try and get a lead in the case. Unconscious outside the Sinthorn Steak House in Soi Sri Nakharin 3 were two 17 year old youths named only as A and B. A had been shot in both legs and B in both legs and his chest. The type of gun used was not known but a witness at the PT Gas station suggested it was a Thai made gun. The witness said the men were on a Honda Click getting gas when they were shot at and chased down the soi 200 meters to the steak house. It was not sure how many assailants there were. Both youths were taken to Samitivej Sri Naharin Hospital and were out of immediate danger after surgery. ASEAN NOW notes it was the second apparent case of inter-college rivalry this week after a pitched battle in Phrapradaeng had residents and rush hour motorists running for cover. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-14 - 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, UN to work together on development goals Thailand and the United Nations will be working closely together to realise the sustainable development goals (SDG) outlined in various economic development plans, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Tanee Sangrat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246697-thailand-un-to-work-together-on-development-goals/

Thailand and the United Nations will be working closely together to realise the sustainable development goals (SDG) outlined in various economic development plans, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Tanee Sangrat. He said that, at the end of December, the Thai Cabinet endorsed the draft United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026, between the Thai government and the UN, as submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The UNSDCF will guide the cooperation between Thailand and the UN Country Team over the next 5 years in delivering on the SDGs. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-un-to-work-together-on-development-goals/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-14 - 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

Head of security stabbed to death - underling was furious after he had a go at his mother Picture: Daily News Thai media reported on the stabbing death of a senior security guard in the car park of the Sahakorn Pramoon Co Ltd in the Thanyaburi police jurisdiction in Pathum Thani north of the Thai capital Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246694-head-of-security-stabbed-to-death-underling-was-furious-after-he-had-a-go-at-his-mother/

Picture: Daily News Thai media reported on the stabbing death of a senior security guard in the car park of the Sahakorn Pramoon Co Ltd in the Thanyaburi police jurisdiction in Pathum Thani north of the Thai capital Bangkok. Likhit Lertprecha, 49, had been stabbed 17 times according to Daily News. Thai Rath said he was stabbed 10 times. A senior company man told Daily News that the person responsible - who they named as Niwirut and Wirut - was a nasty guy who'd been sack ten days ago. He thought he had come back and laid in wait for the senior man. Picture: Thai Rath Amnat Srisa-at, a fellow employee, said that Wirut was angry after Likhit had sworn at him about his mother and held a grudge. Thai Rath said the assailant was Nirut. Whatever his name is, both Thai media agreed that Thanyaburi police are hunting for him. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-14 - 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

Containeritis…could be a bigger problem for Thailand than Covid for 2022 While everyone is worried about the spread of Omicron, a far bigger problem looms ahead for all of us in 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246692-containeritis…could-be-a-bigger-problem-for-thailand-than-covid-for-2022/

While everyone is worried about the spread of Omicron, a far bigger problem looms ahead for all of us in 2022. Containeritis, which is already starting to have a massive impact on all our lives is in fact not a virus, but an issue regarding containers. Over 95% of all imports arrive by containers, and many Western households rely on goods from the East. Recently several Thai manufacturers have had to turn down desperately needed contracts from abroad, as not only are they suffering from labour shortages, but also cannot guarantee to make deliveries on schedule. Most contracts with retailers do not include paying extra for price rises in shipping costs, leaving the Asian manufacturer to foot any increases alone. Prices rises in the Supermarkets Here in Thailand, large supermarkets have been forced to raise prices due to delivery increases. Apart from the price of pork skyrocketing due to a local issue with swine fever, everyone is now noticing larger bills for their weekly shop at checkouts than last year. Surging shipping costs have driven up prices for some consumer products by 10%, a new UN report finds. The rate for a single shipping container has skyrocketed over the last 18 months as the coronavirus pandemic disrupted supply chains and trade channels. In China, the shipping costs increased by about 360% last year, which has severely affected the companies that rely on moving goods. Increased shipping demand and container shortage have made shipping from China and other countries very expensive. Containers to be made in Asia Seeing an opportunity, Steel giant Hoa Phat Group has received a permit to build a VND2.4 trillion ($104.64 million) container manufacturing plant in Vietnam, in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. The plant, when complete, will have the capacity to produce 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (standard size) a year. But Hoa Phat has two advantages that could help it compete with Chinese manufacturers: its own hot-rolled coil steel plant that has proven successful in making the metal box, and cheaper labor in Vietnam. This new plant will also help other Asian neighbours source their containers in the future. Many western ports especially in the States are also adding to the problem as they have not invested in the latest tracking devices, and they also have labour shortages of drivers to actually take the container to the stores. Bottom line is the next pair of trainers, or the latest mobile you plan to buy, is not only going to be harder to find, but the prices are likely to rise dramatically. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-14 - 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’s vaccination campaign in review By Ken Lohatepanont There were few topics on which more ink was spilled than our vaccine procurement program in 2021. Many feared at the start that the vaccination campaign would either go nowhere or that it would falter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246691-thailand’s-vaccination-campaign-in-review/

By Ken Lohatepanont There were few topics on which more ink was spilled than our vaccine procurement program in 2021. Many feared at the start that the vaccination campaign would either go nowhere or that it would falter. Now that we have entered 2022, it’s worth taking a look back at how Thailand’s vaccine strategy truly turned out. 1. The Thai government achieved its vaccination target No evaluation of the government’s vaccination campaign can leave out the fact that the government achieved its target of giving out 100 million doses by the end of 2021. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36516/thailands-vaccination-campaign-in-review/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-14 - 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 drops to 25th place on the top lists of places to visit for students With the world of travel beginning to reopen for many, new research reveals the best gap year destinations across the globe. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246683-thailand-drops-to-25th-place-on-the-top-lists-of-places-to-visit-for-students/

With the world of travel beginning to reopen for many, new research reveals the best gap year destinations across the globe. With hundreds of countries and territories across the globe to choose from, people looking to take a gap year have many travel options available to them. All countries have different elements that make them unique, from stunning cities to luscious landscapes and fascinating culture. Although it is more common for younger people to take gap years (often just before, or just after university), the concept is becoming more and more appealing to everyone, as sabbaticals become more and more common. But where is the best place to visit on a gap year? By compiling data for numerous factors from countries across the globe, the most popular gap year destinations have been revealed. The study by Bounce ranked the most popular gap year destinations based on factors such as the number of hostels, volunteering opportunities, safety ratings and beer prices, to reveal the world’s best gap year destinations. The best gap year destination was the Netherlands. This country shines in many elements essential for gap year travellers. Not only is it one of the safest nations to travel to, but the country also scores highly for the number of hostels, clubs, and bars per 1000 square miles, so prospective travellers are never far from fun in this nation famed for its nightlife. Ireland is the second highest-ranking gap year destination. The Emerald Isle achieved this score by ranking highly for its very well-rated hostels and the most attractions per 1,000 square miles with 375. Ranking in third place was Switzerland. The country was found to be the safest country to travel to with the highest safety score of 78.38/100. Japan was the highest-ranking country outside of Europe, with the Asian powerhouse scoring 5.65. It scored highly for attractions and clubs and bars per 1,000 miles, on top of this it is the second safest country with a score of 77.81/100. Thailand came in at 25th which is surprising, considering the number of backpackers who have visited the land of smiles in the past. Germany is a country famous for its beers and the world-famous Oktoberfest, and it has the cheapest average price of a beer; a 500ml bottle of local beer costs £0.52 on average. In Thailand, the survey said the average beer here costs US$1.72. However, the survey perhaps did not take into consideration, that students love the laid-back style of many remote regions in the country known as the Land of Smiles. You can view the full study here -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-14 - 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 8,158 new COVID-19 cases, 15 deaths, 3,942 recoveries File photo Thailand on Friday (January 14) reported 8,158 new COVID-19 cases, 3,942 recoveries and 15 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246678-thailand-reports-8158-new-covid-19-cases-15-deaths-3942-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 8,158 new COVID-19 cases, 15 deaths, 3,942 recoveries File photo Thailand on Friday (January 14) reported 8,158 new COVID-19 cases, 3,942 recoveries and 15 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246678-thailand-reports-8158-new-covid-19-cases-15-deaths-3942-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Friday (January 14) reported 8,158 new COVID-19 cases, 3,942 recoveries and 15 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 7,916. Prisons: 242 ▶︎ Recoveries: 3,942 Friday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,308,615 with 21,898 deaths. The news comes as the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has expressed its concern over rising infections among Thai medical personnel and has urged them to receive a fourth dose of vaccine to boost protection. CCSA Assistant Spokesperson Dr. Sumanee Wacharasint said that, in recent days, about 30 medics have been infected with COVID-19 each day adding, however, that while the numbers are low, the implications are of greater concern, because there will be a reducing number of medical personnel to take care of patients. *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 2022-01-14 - 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

Over a hundred customers reportedly flee during late night Pattaya police raid on alleged entertainment venue posing as an “art gallery” in Jomtien By Adam Judd Jomtien/Pattaya-Pattaya police estimate that roughly over a hundred customers fled last night, many by jumping fences, dashing into traffic, and climbing out of windows during a raid on an art gallery that police claim is actually a nightclub/entertainment venue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246669-over-a-hundred-customers-reportedly-flee-during-late-night-pattaya-police-raid-on-alleged-entertainment-venue-posing-as-an-“art-gallery”-in-jomtien/

By Adam Judd Jomtien/Pattaya-Pattaya police estimate that roughly over a hundred customers fled last night, many by jumping fences, dashing into traffic, and climbing out of windows during a raid on an art gallery that police claim is actually a nightclub/entertainment venue. Nightclubs, bars, pubs, and similar venues have been legally closed since early April of 2021 due to Covid-19 precautions. However, with strict Covid19 rules and certifications these venues have recently been allowed to apply to convert to “restaurants” temporarily. Some of the strict rules, however, include a mandatory 9PM closing time, required rapid Covid19 testing of all customers and staff, and many other precautions and rules. The raid took place at 1030 PM last night, January 13th, 2022, according to Pattaya Police Col. Kullachart Kullachai who personally led the raid on the Ma Ha Na Cafe and Art Gallery on Second Road in Jomtien near Soi 9. This was well after the mandatory 9PM closing time. According to Col. Kullachart, staff on duty attempted to slow down entry of police to the venue allowing roughly a hundred customers, both Thais and foreign nationals, to flee through a variety of side and back exits, with some reportedly seen climbing over walls, jumping out of windows, and even running into traffic to escape the raid. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/14/over-a-hundred-customers-reportedly-flee-during-late-night-pattaya-police-raid-on-alleged-entertainment-venue-posing-as-an-art-gallery-in-jomtien/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-14 - 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

Danish diving instructor in Thailand: We need better and long-term solutions for reopening by Gregers Møller On 11 January, Thailand’s sandbox program was introduced at six other destinations and travelers can now choose to undergo their mandatory 7-day stay in either Krabi, Phang-Na, Phuket, or on the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao in Surat Thani province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246667-danish-diving-instructor-in-thailand-we-need-better-and-long-term-solutions-for-reopening/

by Gregers Møller On 11 January, Thailand’s sandbox program was introduced at six other destinations and travelers can now choose to undergo their mandatory 7-day stay in either Krabi, Phang-Na, Phuket, or on the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao in Surat Thani province. But although Danish diving instructor Jesper Ahrentz, who owns the diving school ‘Oceansound’ on the island of Koh Tao, is happy the Thai government will open up more to tourists after suspending its ‘Test and go’ quarantine free entry scheme, he does not see it as a “reopening” and says the locals desperately need better and long term solutions. To TV2 News Jesper Ahrentz explains that the lack of tourism has affected the locals on the island because tourism is the livelihood of many. “Many local areas have been completely destroyed under the covid-19 restrictions. People went from having a job to having absolutely nothing and actually started starving. There is no safety net in Thailand like there is in Denmark,” he says. Full story: https://scandasia.com/danish-diving-instructor-in-thailand-we-need-better-and-long-term-solutions-for-reopening/ -- © Copyright ScandAsia 2022-01-14 - 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

Officials Probe ASF-Contaminated Pork Sausage from Thailand NONTHABURI, Jan 13 (TNA) – The Department of International Trade Promotion has ordered the Thai commercial attaché in Taipei to investigate the report that Taiwan found Thai sweet pork sausage contaminated with the African swine fever (ASF). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246666-officials-probe-asf-contaminated-pork-sausage-from-thailand/

NONTHABURI, Jan 13 (TNA) – The Department of International Trade Promotion has ordered the Thai commercial attaché in Taipei to investigate the report that Taiwan found Thai sweet pork sausage contaminated with the African swine fever (ASF). Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, director-general of the department, said initial investigation found that the contaminated product had been delivered via postal service from Thailand and had not been exported by an established business operator. He ordered the Thai commercial attaché in Taipei to follow up the issue closely. There had not been any report on any new Taiwanese measure on imports from Thailand, he said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-860839 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-01-14 - 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