webfact

Big Joke joins investigation into "Ghost Ship" Picture: Thai Rath Thai authorities have turned to the charismatic policeman known as Big Joke to try and solve a mystery of the high seas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246576-big-joke-joins-investigation-into-ghost-ship/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai authorities have turned to the charismatic policeman known as Big Joke to try and solve a mystery of the high seas. It seems that Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan may be able to find the answer as to why a ship called the Fin Shui Yuan 2 had no crew and sunk off Nakhon Sri Thammarat in the south of Thailand, reported Thai Rath. Surachate said it appeared that the vessel was involved in IUU - illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. However they are waiting on reports from divers to determine the details after the vessel sank. Surachate was the "go to guy" for all sorts of crimes during his time as deputy at the tourist police and head of immigration - jobs he managed at the SAME time! He would fly off everywhere including abroad to catch the bad guys. He once famously decided there had been no rape of a foreign tourist on a southern Thai island after being there just an hour or two. Then he fell from grace and was sacked and told to shuffle paper at the PM's office for a couple of years. His vehicle was shot at in Suriwong while he was in a 'spa'. He was then rehabilitated in the RTP and is emerging everywhere in the Thai news. Earlier in the week he was filing a report against seven people involved in the death of migrants in Kamphaeng Phet. Whether he can solve the mystery of the ghost ship remains to be seen. Investigations continue. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-13 - 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

Teen drowns in Chao Praya river - submerged tree stump to blame Picture: Thai Rath Ruam Katanyu divers were called to Ayutthaya to search for a missing 18 year old after a trip with friends went tragically wrong, reported Thai Rath. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246573-teen-drowns-in-chao-praya-river-submerged-tree-stump-to-blame/

Picture: Thai Rath Ruam Katanyu divers were called to Ayutthaya to search for a missing 18 year old after a trip with friends went tragically wrong, reported Thai Rath. Kanok, 18, was eventually found after a two hour search. He was discovered with a facial wound. It is believed that he dived into the Chao Praya River and hit a submerged tree stump and was knocked out and drowned. He was with four other friends on a boat and swimming trip on the river. One friend, Orkas, also 18, said they had been filming live on Facebook when his pal jumped into the water and disappeared. He said he was not a strong swimmer. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-13 - 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

Anutin rants on marijuana: He says people are free to grow it - law says it's NOT a narcotic - promises to defend anyone arrested Daily News Thai Caption: Marijuana freedom Thailand's health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul has thrown the whole question about the precise legality of marijuana into utter confusion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246569-anutin-rants-on-marijuana-he-says-people-are-free-to-grow-it-law-says-its-not-a-narcotic-promises-to-defend-anyone-arrested/

Daily News Thai Caption: Marijuana freedom Thailand's health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul has thrown the whole question about the precise legality of marijuana into utter confusion. The Bhumjaithai party leader was swept to power on the back of a manifesto promising that every household would be free to grow several plants. Now he has ranted on the issue to the Thai media and is adamant that the new laws mean that marijuana is NOT a narcotic. He said that no one should stand in the way of people wanting to grow it to earn a living. The "intent of the law was to make it free to grow" he insisted. The interpretation of the law was another matter. But his comments left observers more confused than enlightened. Still he was adamant that people were free to grow the plant for medicinal use providing it had less than 0.2% THC. This would still mean that regular plants that make the user high would be illegal - though Anutin chose not to be precise about that - a situation that could see growers and users wind up in jail. Instead he promised that Bhumjaithai party list MP and lawyer Suphachaijai Samutjai would defend anyone charged with growing the plant. The rant - reported in Daily News - came as Thai print media reported the arrest of a 32 year old Briton on Koh Samui for possession of marijuana. ASEAN NOW advises extreme caution on recreational use of marijuana in Thailand. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-13 - 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 man seeks COVID-positive escort to get infected deliberately An online job listing has gone viral in Thailand this week. It features a man seeking to hire a social companion, who has tested positive for COVID-19, in a deliberate attempt to get infected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246567-thai-man-seeks-covid-positive-escort-to-get-infected-deliberately/

An online job listing has gone viral in Thailand this week. It features a man seeking to hire a social companion, who has tested positive for COVID-19, in a deliberate attempt to get infected. The listing, apparently written by a broker, indicated that the client is offering ฿3,000 to ฿5,000 to a suitably qualified drinking companion. “COVID-positive only. The client wants to catch the coronavirus,” read the listing. It is believed that the “client” plans to take advantage of a popular COVID-19 health insurance plan in Thailand. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-man-seeks-covid-positive-escort-to-get-infected-deliberately/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-13 - 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

Do you ever feel really accepted as an expat in Thailand? Expat life is not for everyone, however, the millions who do become expats, tend to stay that way for some time, if not forever. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246565-do-you-ever-feel-really-accepted-as-an-expat-in-thailand/

Expat life is not for everyone, however, the millions who do become expats, tend to stay that way for some time, if not forever. As an expat myself, having worked in the States, the United Arab Emirates, and now here in Thailand, I now think I have my own take on what it takes to being a long-term expat. I always tell friends family and fellow expats that it is of course very much a nomadic life, whether you are in Thailand, the Philippines, or Vietnam. You take your clothes and cash, but normally the furniture and your car stay behind. Although in the UAE, we expats made up to 80% of the country’s population, the locals always had the final say. You needed a sponsor who charged for everything for visas to insurance and upset them and you would struggle to find a new sponsor. As in most countries, it was all about who you knew. Out in three months Of course, in Dubai, many expats lost their jobs during the financial crash in 2009, and families were given just three months to pack up and leave. The locals were ruthless! When I worked there, I did make many friends, but that usually lasted on average just two years, as people tended to move on. It felt like I was on one platform at the station, and they were on the opposite platform, waiting for the train to take them to their next adventure. Asia dealing with uncertainty Now having moved to Asia back in 2010, I am still dealing with uncertainty. Will Immigration grant me another one-year work permit? Will inland revenue agree with my annual tax returns? Do I really need to pay exorbitant fees for health insurance when the cover is extremely limited? I expect these are concerns for many of us Expats, wherever we live in Southeast Asia. Whether you are an expat with a work permit or a retiree with a retirement visa, there is always that uncertainty that the local government will amend the regulations overnight. Of course, we can embrace the local lifestyle, most with a warmer climate than back home in Europe or America. We can also create our own circle of friends, meet local partners, enjoy some incredible local meals, play five-star golf, or holiday in some beautiful resorts. However, there is always tension in the back of your mind, whether you will be able to stay much longer. These are my own observations, but it would be interesting to get your own thoughts on expat living. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-13 - 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

Test and Go unlikely to return until mid-year at the earliest, pre-registered Test and Go still valid By Erich Parpart and Cod Satrusayang Thailand’s “Test and Go” travel scheme, which enabled vaccinated visitors to visit the country without quarantine, is unlikely to return until the middle of 2022, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Public Health. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246563-test-and-go-unlikely-to-return-until-mid-year-at-the-earliest-pre-registered-test-and-go-still-valid/

By Erich Parpart and Cod Satrusayang Thailand’s “Test and Go” travel scheme, which enabled vaccinated visitors to visit the country without quarantine, is unlikely to return until the middle of 2022, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Public Health. The scheme was implemented on November 1 and lasted just a little over a month before it was suspended to curb the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron strain of the coronavirus pandemic. Now according to a senior official, the scheme is unlikely to return anytime soon as Omicron cases continues to spike throughout the country. 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/36458/test-and-go-unlikely-to-return-until-mid-year-at-the-earliest-pre-registered-test-and-go-still-valid/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-13 - 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

Phuket’s growing unemployed workforce urgently need support from local authorities Much more help is needed. Photo: Living Waters Phuket With Thailand effectively in Omicron deterrent mode, the tourism and hospitality industry has all but said goodbye to what was known as “High Season.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246555-phuket’s-growing-unemployed-workforce-urgently-need-support-from-local-authorities/

Much more help is needed. Photo: Living Waters Phuket With Thailand effectively in Omicron deterrent mode, the tourism and hospitality industry has all but said goodbye to what was known as “High Season.” Although the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town has just confirmed that proof of vaccination is not required in order to be approved for an extension to stay, it is seen as a gesture rather than an aid to boost tourism. The current decline in tourism added by the rapid increase in Omicron cases across the country is hurting everyone. In Phuket, there is an immediate urgency to support the community where many are now facing an extended period of unemployment. Much more help is needed. Photo: Living Waters Phuket Local charity the Living Waters Phuket Foundation, together with 5 Star Marine, are trying to manage a steep increase in demand for their ‘Life Bags’ from local communities in need, as the situation on and around the island worsens,” the foundation said in a recent press release. In a recent press release, they stated that “The Foundation has escalated its efforts and has been supplying around 1,000+ bags every day since the start of January (filled with food and household products to feed a family of 5 for up to 4 days). These are being individually packed and delivered to help COVID-19 quarantined communities and those in need, all over Phuket and the surrounding islands.” “At this critical time, communities and villagers are being forced into quarantine and losing their jobs once again, in the face of the rapid spread of the newer Omicron COVID-19 variant, the premature ending of Phuket’s high season plus a sharp decline in tourism largely due to the changing entry criteria and the abolishment of the Test & Go entry scheme.” Shaun Stenning, CEO and Founder of 5 Star Marine commented, “We wanted to extend our thanks at this challenging time to Phuket Boat Lagoon for providing us with ample office space for this sharp increase in demand for help from the community. “The rising need for Life Bags is unmistakable evidence of the difficult situation we are facing, but we have committed to continue supporting the community as we have done for almost two years, helping those who need us now sadly more than ever, and we are able to do this through the Living Waters Phuket Foundation.” Although it is commendable that these local charities are there helping today, however eventually donations will dry up, therefore the local authority and the Government will need to produce a contingency plan to support the community over the next few months, until some tourists are able to return. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-13 - 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

COVID-19: Thailand reports 8,167 new coronavirus cases, 14 deaths File photo credit: EPA-EFE Thailand on Thursday (January 13) reported 8,167 new COVID-19 cases, 3,845 recoveries and 14 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246553-covid-19-thailand-reports-8167-new-coronavirus-cases-14-deaths/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 8,167 new coronavirus cases, 14 deaths File photo credit: EPA-EFE Thailand on Thursday (January 13) reported 8,167 new COVID-19 cases, 3,845 recoveries and 14 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246553-covid-19-thailand-reports-8167-new-coronavirus-cases-14-deaths/

File photo credit: EPA-EFE Thailand on Thursday (January 13) reported 8,167 new COVID-19 cases, 3,845 recoveries and 14 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 8,101. Prisons: 66 ▶︎ Recoveries: 3,845 Thursday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,300,457 with 21,883 deaths. The news comes as two doses of Sinovac and a booster dose of Pfizer vaccines generate the highest level of immune response against the Delta and Omicron variants, measured at 1,143 Geometric Mean Titer (GMT) and 531 GMT respectively, according to initial findings from Siriraj Clinical Research Centre. The centre conducted studies on the use of Pfizer, both full and half doses, and AstraZeneca as a booster jab for people already inoculated with two doses of Sinovac or AstraZeneca vaccines, assess the immune response to the Delta and Omicron variants. *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 2022-01-13 - 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

PT Maxnitron Racing Series 2021 to be closed to spectators By Paul Andrews The PT Maxnitron Racing Series 2021 due to be held next week in Prachuap Bay will go ahead without spectators due to the ongoing pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246535-pt-maxnitron-racing-series-2021-to-be-closed-to-spectators/

By Paul Andrews The PT Maxnitron Racing Series 2021 due to be held next week in Prachuap Bay will go ahead without spectators due to the ongoing pandemic. The organisers have now confirmed the event will streamed online via PT Maxnitron Motorsport Facebook page. A full schedule of races can be found below. The event, which will be held between January 19–23, 2022 will take place on a special road circuit along Prachuap Bay and Khao Chong Krachok, a distance of 2.3 km. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/pt-maxnitron-racing-series-2021-to-be-closed-to-spectators/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-01-13 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Pattaya police report a total of seven “restaurant” managers/owners arrested last night, police say nightly raids will continue focused around 9PM closing time By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Police arrested a total of seven “restaurant” managers last night (January 11th) across Pattaya for breaking Covid-19 rules and violating the current 9 PM closing time, according to statements given to TPN media. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246533-pattaya-police-report-a-total-of-seven-“restaurant”-managersowners-arrested-last-night-police-say-nightly-raids-will-continue-focused-around-9pm-closing-time/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Police arrested a total of seven “restaurant” managers last night (January 11th) across Pattaya for breaking Covid-19 rules and violating the current 9 PM closing time, according to statements given to TPN media. The current 9PM closing time is a nationwide direction from the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration for “BLUE” zones that are allowed to sell alcohol at “restaurants”. The focus is primarily on venues that are former bars or entertainment venues and have been given permission to convert to “restaurants”. Restaurants not serving alcohol may close at their normal time, although must stop serving completely at 9PM. TPN media notes that we have had reports of some proper restaurant owners claiming that they were told to close at 9 PM as well and notes that according to Pattaya Police they are focused on venues that “look” like bars, pubs, clubs, or entertainment venues, with socializing and drinking the focus over eating. Unfortunately, this means that mileage may vary based on individual law enforcement officers. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/12/pattaya-police-report-a-total-of-seven-restaurant-managers-owners-arrested-last-night-police-say-nightly-raids-will-continue-focused-around-9pm-closing-time/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-13 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Pattaya Mayor says no plans to restrict access to Koh Larn, dismisses false rumors online By Adam Judd Pattaya/Koh Larn- Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Khunpluem spoke with TPN media today, January 12th, 2022 and dismissed what officials are calling false rumors of closing popular tourist island Koh Larn due to high levels of Covid-19 in Banglamung. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246532-pattaya-mayor-says-no-plans-to-restrict-access-to-koh-larn-dismisses-false-rumors-online/

By Adam Judd Pattaya/Koh Larn- Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Khunpluem spoke with TPN media today, January 12th, 2022 and dismissed what officials are calling false rumors of closing popular tourist island Koh Larn due to high levels of Covid-19 in Banglamung. The latest rumors come after a week of similar online rumors claiming various things from full lockdowns, total alcohol sale bans, curfews, closing the borders of Pattaya, or requiring antigen rapid tests for everyone entering or leaving the city. All of these were fake news items and dismissed by both the Mayor and the Chonburi governor. According to the Mayor, strict rules around Covid19 remain in place but there are no plans to limit the number of tourists on Koh Larn, require only full vaccinations for visitors, test every single visitor going to the island with a rapid test, or other false rumors. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/12/pattaya-mayor-says-no-plans-to-restrict-access-to-koh-larn-dismisses-false-rumors-online/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-13 - 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

Cooking Gas Price Frozen until March BANGKOK, Jan 12 (TNA) – The Committee on Energy Policy Administration (CEPA) resolved to freeze the price of cooking gas at 318 baht per 15-kilogram cylinder until March 31, extended from the end of this month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246531-cooking-gas-price-frozen-until-march/