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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. Kulit Sombatsiri, permanent secretary for energy, said CEPA told its secretariat to ask the Board of the Oil Fuel Fund to manage the fund in accordance with the latest policy on the cooking gas price. CEPA has frozen the cooking gas price for nearly two years to help people affected by COVID-19. It has spent 23.56 billion baht on subsidizing the price. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-860026 -- © Copyright TNA 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

COVID Insurance Arranged for Visitors upon Arrival BANGKOK, Jan 12 (TNA) – Government organizations arrange for COVID-19 insurance for visitors upon their arrival to solve their problems of lacking such insurance or having inadequate coverage for COVID-19 treatment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246530-covid-insurance-arranged-for-visitors-upon-arrival/

BANGKOK, Jan 12 (TNA) – Government organizations arrange for COVID-19 insurance for visitors upon their arrival to solve their problems of lacking such insurance or having inadequate coverage for COVID-19 treatment. Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Department of Health Service Support, said the department, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Office of the Insurance Commission invited 10 insurance firms to sell COVID-19 insurance policies to the visitors who lacked such insurance. coverage just when they arrived to prevent the problems of advance payment before claims for compensation. The visitors who lacked the insurance must take out policies and the coverage which matched COVID-19 treatment in the country would take immediate effect, he said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news/line-today-english-news-860126 -- © Copyright TNA 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

Omicron will only disrupt Thai economy in first quarter of 2022, private sector says By Panithan Onthaworn The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) predicted on Wednesday that the outbreak of the Omicron variant will be under control by the first quarter of 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246529-omicron-will-only-disrupt-thai-economy-in-first-quarter-of-2022-private-sector-says/

By Panithan Onthaworn The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) predicted on Wednesday that the outbreak of the Omicron variant will be under control by the first quarter of 2022. The group retains its 2022 economic growth outlook at 3.5-4.5 per cent, with exports rising by 3-5. per cent and 1.2-2 per cent for inflation, unchanged from its last meeting in December. “We are confident that the country’s public health system is prepared,” Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, one of the JSCCIB’s three members, told a virtual briefing. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36451/omicron-will-only-disrupt-thai-economy-in-first-quarter-of-2022-private-sector-says/ -- © 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

Crypto tax will hurt country, political parties say By Erich Parpart Political parties from both sides of the political divide are coming out against the government’s proposed cryptocurrency tax. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246528-crypto-tax-will-hurt-country-political-parties-say/

By Erich Parpart Political parties from both sides of the political divide are coming out against the government’s proposed cryptocurrency tax. The Revenue Department said on Monday that they will be able to finalise the details of the tax on profits from cryptocurrency and digital asset trading within January. If passed into law, the government will be able to introduce a 15 per cent withholding tax on cryptocurrency profits which will affect miners, dealers and investors. Sellers will have to record all profitable transactions to find out which ones require withholding tax. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36440/crypto-tax-will-hurt-country-opposition-parties-say/ -- © 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

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 13 Jan 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1246527-thailand-live-thursday-13-jan-2022/

Pfizer booster after two Sinovac jabs are most effective against Delta, Omicron 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246476-pfizer-booster-after-two-sinovac-jabs-are-most-effective-against-delta-omicron/

Cabinet approves Air Force’s planned purchase of 4 fighter jets Thailand’s cabinet yesterday (Tuesday) endorsed the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) plan to buy four fighter jets, at an estimated cost of 13.8 billion baht, to replace its fleet of aging F-16 Falcon jets, which have been in service for about four decades. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246514-cabinet-approves-air-force’s-planned-purchase-of-4-fighter-jets/

Hospitals asked to not turn away child Covid patients BANGKOK (NNT) - Health authorities have expressed concern over media reports of parents with Covid-infected children having been turned down admission to hospitals, and are calling on all hospitals to take in child patients first and then contacting the Department of Medical Services to receive assistance from its network. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246472-hospitals-asked-to-not-turn-away-child-covid-patients/

CORONAVIRUS/Thailand becomes 5th country to recognize Medigen COVID-19 vaccine CNA file photo Taipei, Jan. 11 (CNA) Thailand has become the fifth country in the world to recognize the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Taiwan-based Medigen Vaccine Biologics, according to a list released by Thailand's government on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246526-coronavirusthailand-becomes-5th-country-to-recognize-medigen-covid-19-vaccine/

CNA file photo Taipei, Jan. 11 (CNA) Thailand has become the fifth country in the world to recognize the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Taiwan-based Medigen Vaccine Biologics, according to a list released by Thailand's government on Monday. The Medigen vaccine was added to a list of eight previously recognized vaccines that will enable travelers to visit Thailand under its new tourism sandbox plan, according to the Thailand foreign ministry's Department of Consular Affairs. The previously accepted COVID-19 vaccine brands were Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sinopharm, Johnson & Johnson, Sputnik V, and Covaxin (a vaccine developed in India). Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202201110009 -- © Copyright FOCUS TAIWAN 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

noncommissioned officer (NCO), also spelled non-commissioned officer, military officer appointed by a commissioned officer, generally to supervise enlisted soldiers and aid the commissioned officer corps. The noncommissioned officer corps is the administrative apparatus of the U.S. military, and NCOs are vital to the routine management of military operations for numerous countries. NCOs receive their authority from commissioned officers, who in turn receive their authority from a sovereign power. NCOs typically function at the rank of sergeant but can also serve as corporals and petty officers (in the navy) and receive advanced military training. Tactical NCOs are responsible for training leaders for companies of cadets at the U.S. Military Academy, with duties ranging from teaching and supervising drill and ceremony procedures to military training. Source:Britannica https://www.britannica.com/topic/noncommissioned-officer

Thai government pushes ahead with international tourist tax, 300 baht per visitor begins in April By Natcha Patanasophon The Thai government is pushing ahead with a controversial proposal to collect a 300 baht tourism fee from all international visitors arriving in Thailand, a government official said Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246447-thai-government-pushes-ahead-with-international-tourist-tax-300-baht-per-visitor-begins-in-april/

By Natcha Patanasophon The Thai government is pushing ahead with a controversial proposal to collect a 300 baht tourism fee from all international visitors arriving in Thailand, a government official said Wednesday. The contentious proposal to go ahead with the scheme was initially approved by the National Tourism Policy Committee in 2020. The government said the fund will develop local tourism destinations and provide visitors who fall sick with adequate medical care including insurance benefits. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the government spokesman, told reporters that a collection of 300 baht from each international visitor will start in April. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36442/thai-government-pushes-ahead-with-international-tourist-tax-300-baht-per-visitor-begins-in-april/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-12 - 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

True Arena Mini League 1 set for January 30th On January 30th a new tournament will be launched. The True Arena Mini League 1 will give five local Under 10 teams the chance to get a taste of competitive action on the best playing surface in the region. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246445-true-arena-mini-league-1-set-for-january-30th/

True Arena Mini League 1 set for January 30th On January 30th a new tournament will be launched. The True Arena Mini League 1 will give five local Under 10 teams the chance to get a taste of competitive action on the best playing surface in the region. The tournament is for players born in 2012 or after and will feature five academies from Hua Hin. Black Mountain, Hua Hin City, Vanon Kanong, SS and Taptai will compete in the mini league which will take place on the last Sunday of the month. Paul King, the manager at True Arena Hua Hin Sports Club, is proud to be supporting grass roots youth football in Hua Hin, “We want children to have access to the fantastic facilities we have here at True Arena and hope this will be the first of many youth competitions and tournaments this year. We all enjoyed seeing Thailand win the Suzuki Cup recently and want to give young players the chance to experience competitive football in a fun and friendly environment. Who knows, maybe one day one of these players will go on to represent the national team?” Former England international, Gary Stevens, is the head coach at Black Mountain and is excited to see competitive football get underway in 2022, “It has been a very uncertain time with Covid-19 and lots of postponements and cancellations. But young players need to play and these tournaments give them the opportunity to do exactly that. When I was a child we had to play on some terrible pitches and the children are really lucky to have access to the world class playing surfaces at True Arena.” The tournament will be in a five a side tournament with all the teams playing each other once during the course of the morning. For more information visit www.huahinfootball.com. --2022-01-12

Big Covid booze bust just 200 meters from the police station - sign said "no alcohol sold here"! Picture: Daily News Deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police Gen Roy Inkhaphairot sent in the Sa Kaeo provincial police after reports that a restaurant was selling alcohol contrary to the Covid-19 rules. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246444-big-covid-booze-bust-just-200-meters-from-the-police-station-sign-said-no-alcohol-sold-here/

Picture: Daily News Deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police Gen Roy Inkhaphairot sent in the Sa Kaeo provincial police after reports that a restaurant was selling alcohol contrary to the Covid-19 rules. The "Rong Phak Aran" is just 200 meters from the Aranyaprathet police station. Indeed the name Rong Phak means police station. Picture: Daily News It appears that the local officers had not been aware that a large number of people were partying virtually within earshot of their premises contrary to the pandemic rules. A force of 70 provincial officers found 86 patrons breaking the law. The manager and staff were all arrested and led away. Two women tested positive for drugs. Picture: Daily News A photocopied sign outside said that no alcohol was served there and people were not to bring any booze in - or they could be fined. Inside people were drinking out of paper cups and there was ample evidence in the trash cans that alcohol had been consumed, reported Daily News. In addition at the weekends bare chested hunks were pictured on stage encouraging the female clientele to get frisky. Picture: Daily News All this activity seems to have somehow escaped the notice of the normally vigilant local constabulary. ASEAN NOW suggests that the story may well lead to some transfers to inactive posts in the coming days. Pending investigations, of course! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-12 - 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

PTA says Omicron now accounts for 70-80% if travelers with COVID The Phuket Tourism Association (PTA) has stated that 70-80% of international arrivals who test positive for COVID-19 are infected with the Omicron coronavirus variant. It noted, however, that 90% of the infected travelers exhibited only mild symptoms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246441-pta-says-omicron-now-accounts-for-70-80-if-travelers-with-covid/

The Phuket Tourism Association (PTA) has stated that 70-80% of international arrivals who test positive for COVID-19 are infected with the Omicron coronavirus variant. It noted, however, that 90% of the infected travelers exhibited only mild symptoms. According to PTA President Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, Phuket remains a popular destination among foreign tourists, with more than 4,000 daily applicants submitting forms to enter the resort island through the Thailand Pass system. He added that most of the applicants are from countries such as Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States and France. The PTA president said the high number of applicants reflects confidence among tourists in steps taken by authorities to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19. He also said patients can stay at their hotels if they remain isolated in their rooms, provided the hotels have received Safety and Health Administration Plus (SHA+) certification from the Ministry of Public Health. In the event that hotels do not have rooms prepared for isolating tourists who test positive for COVID-19, the establishments will coordinate authorities to find suitable facilities such as hospitels and Traveler Community Isolation (TCI) wards. Over 120 hotels have already registered for the hotel room isolation scheme to accommodate travelers with mild symptoms, with the PTA expecting this figure to double in the near future. Source: https://www.facebook.com/nbtworld/posts/10158451504552050 -- © Copyright NBT WORLD2022-01-12 - 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

Wild tiger grabs dog for dinner after leaving protected area in Uthai Thani Picture: Thai PBS A wild tiger from a protected area in Uthai Thani province in lower northern Thailand reportedly grabbed a dog and devoured it for its dinner. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246440-wild-tiger-grabs-dog-for-dinner-after-leaving-protected-area-in-uthai-thani/

Picture: Thai PBS A wild tiger from a protected area in Uthai Thani province in lower northern Thailand reportedly grabbed a dog and devoured it for its dinner. The director of Region 12 Midech Charoenkitwanarak confirmed that rangers from Huay Kha Khaeng had found tiger tracks and later located a 10 year old male tiger. Locals reported that the tiger attacked a dog in a mango orchard 200 meters outside the protected wildlife area, said Thai PBS. Picture: Thai PBS Locals have been warned to keep animals under lock and key. Information online suggests that last year Thailand had an estimated 177 Indochinese tigers roaming in the wild of its national parks and protected areas. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-12 - 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

Norwegian tourist wanted for positive Covid test in Thailand: I got very nervous The Norwegian tourist Ole who recently made headlines across Thailand for disappearing before his Covid-19 test results had come back positive is now sitting alone in a quarantine bungalow in Thailand, where he is waiting to recover from Covid-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246439-norwegian-tourist-wanted-for-positive-covid-test-in-thailand-i-got-very-nervous/