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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. The whole ordeal made him very nervous however and it is safe to say that his holiday plans in Thailand have far from gone as planned. In an interview with Dagbladet, Ole speaks about how it felt suddenly realizing that he was wanted by Thai authorities. “I got very nervous,” he says. Ole traveled from Norway to Bangkok on 29 December and was immediately tested upon arrival through the so-called “Test & Go” travel scheme. “My test came back negative, so I, therefore, traveled straight to the island of Koh Chang,” Ole explains. Full story: https://scandasia.com/norwegian-tourist-wanted-for-positive-covid-test-in-thailand-i-got-very-nervous/ -- © Copyright ScandAsia 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

Pattaya: Jacky Karaoke Pub busted for Covid infractions - manager faces different kind of music 77kaoded reported on a story carried by Pattaya News after Pattaya's chief of police Pol Col Kulachart Kulachai sent in his deputies to check that nine PM closing and Covid-19 rules were being followed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246435-pattaya-jacky-karaoke-pub-busted-for-covid-infractions-manager-faces-different-kind-of-music/

77kaoded reported on a story carried by Pattaya News after Pattaya's chief of police Pol Col Kulachart Kulachai sent in his deputies to check that nine PM closing and Covid-19 rules were being followed. At Jacky Karaoke Pub on Soi Chalermprakiat 35, it was 11.30 pm and 50 men and women were enjoying themselves swaying to the beat. Picture: 77kaoded The killjoy cops turned off the music, turned on the lights and ordered everyone present to don their masks. Then they led 48 year old manager Pranya away to face a different kind of music. -- © 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

Big Joke files lawsuit against seven migrant smugglers in case that saw three deaths and four injuries Picture: Siam Rath Royal Thai Police chief put charismatic cop Lt-Gen Surachat "Big Joke" Hakpan in charge of an investigation into the death of three migrants and the injury to four back in November. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246433-big-joke-files-lawsuit-against-seven-migrant-smugglers-in-case-that-saw-three-deaths-and-four-injuries/

Picture: Siam Rath Royal Thai Police chief put charismatic cop Lt-Gen Surachat "Big Joke" Hakpan in charge of an investigation into the death of three migrants and the injury to four back in November. On November 6th 2021 a pick-up overturned causing the deaths and injuries. Some 23 migrants who a gang had illegally brought across the border to Kamphaeng Phet from Myanmar were just abandoned by the roadside. Now Big Joke has filed a lawsuit with the prosecutor in the north west province against seven gang members aged 20 - 34 involved in the incident. The actions of Surachate are always followed with interest by the Thai media, on this occasion Siam Rath. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © 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

Korat: Restaurant does a roaring trade after Lena Jang rants about singles night promo event Picture: Sanook Well known Thai celeb Lena Jangjanya - better known as Lena Jang - went on the attack after a famous Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) restaurant started a promotion for single men and women. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246432-korat-restaurant-does-a-roaring-trade-after-lena-jang-rants-about-singles-night-promo-event/

Picture: Sanook Well known Thai celeb Lena Jangjanya - better known as Lena Jang - went on the attack after a famous Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) restaurant started a promotion for single men and women. It happened at Salasote restaurant when shirtless hunks and female models entertained the diners creating a viral wave on social media. Lena ranted in Thai: "I thought it was a restaurant - not a knocking shop", or words to that effect. Picture: Sanook Not that the restaurant is worried by the foul mouthed celeb, reported Sanook. They are booked out for days in advance after the publicity stunt. Picture: Sanook Owner Dr Boonma Imwiset said that it was just a bit of fun to relieve all the pandemic stress. If you're single you get a free drink and there is plenty of light hearted entertainment on offer, he said. Picture: Sanook -- © 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

Dozens of COVID-infected children under care of Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health Thailand’s Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health has accepted 59 young children infected with COVID-19 for medical treatment and care since the outbreak of the Omicron variant, according to Director-General of the Medical Services Department Dr. Somsak Akksilp. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246431-dozens-of-covid-infected-children-under-care-of-queen-sirikit-national-institute-of-child-health/

Thailand’s Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health has accepted 59 young children infected with COVID-19 for medical treatment and care since the outbreak of the Omicron variant, according to Director-General of the Medical Services Department Dr. Somsak Akksilp. 46 of the children have been placed in home or community facilities, under the care of the institute, because they exhibited mild or no symptoms, he said, as he offered an assurance that all the children are being cared for properly. Referring to three symptomatic babies, Dr. Somsak said that their condition is improving satisfactorily. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/dozens-of-covid-infected-children-under-care-of-queen-sirikit-national-institute-of-child-health/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

NCB warns public that you can't grow marijuana for recreational use despite drug being left off new codes Picture: Thai Rath The spokesman for the Narcotics Control Board has warned the Thai public that it is still illegal to grow marijuana for recreational drug use. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246429-ncb-warns-public-that-you-cant-grow-marijuana-for-recreational-use-despite-drug-being-left-off-new-codes/

Picture: Thai Rath The spokesman for the Narcotics Control Board has warned the Thai public that it is still illegal to grow marijuana for recreational drug use. Health minister Anutin Charnvirakul rose to power on a platform of legalization - but this has fallen well short of public expectations. Piyasiri Wattavarankul's comments come after the drug's name was left off new codes announced on December 9th 2021, reported Thai Rath. Marijuana was previously mentioned by name as a Class 5 narcotic. Now the new code merely says that "Class 5 is a drug not mentioned in Classes 1-4". These are hard drugs like coke and heroin and others. The only ganja that can be grown are plants that contain minimal amounts of the substance that makes you high, THC. Only 0.2 is allowed - pointless as a narcotic. Even then permission must be sought with regional health authorities and growers must register in community schemes to supply the CBD oil for medicinal and research use. The leaves - that contain no THC - have become a fad as a food or food decoration over the last year. Health minister and DPM Anutin's Bhumjaithai party rose to join government power on a manifesto of allowing each household to grow six plants. Candidate billboards featuring the ganja leaf at a general election astounded Thais used to draconian laws in the kingdom. The reality of what some people had hoped in the growing of the plant has been very different to the political promises put out by Anutin as construed by the public, notes ASEAN NOW. He said it would be an economic boon for householders. Critics are now saying that it is just a law change that favors big business and the elite. True legalization - especially for recreational users - remains completely out of reach. The only certainty if caught with ganja is heavy fines or even jail terms. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © 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

Truce called in battle over Thailand’s retirement fund but ‘grey army’ growing fast Thailand is now on the way to becoming a super-aged society. Experts warn that without significant changes, the Retirement Fund of the SSO risks collapse. (Photo by Josh Appel) Millions of company workers can heave a sigh of relief after Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin applied the brakes on a plan to extend the retirement age from 55 to 60. But experts warn that without significant changes, the Retirement Fund of the Social Security Office (SSO) risks collapse. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246428-truce-called-in-battle-over-thailand’s-retirement-fund-but-‘grey-army’-growing-fast/

Thailand is now on the way to becoming a super-aged society. Experts warn that without significant changes, the Retirement Fund of the SSO risks collapse. (Photo by Josh Appel) Millions of company workers can heave a sigh of relief after Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin applied the brakes on a plan to extend the retirement age from 55 to 60. But experts warn that without significant changes, the Retirement Fund of the Social Security Office (SSO) risks collapse. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has long warned that the fund could run out of cash by 2054 if current rules are left untouched. The problem is that the average life span of Thais has gradually increased since 1998, when the fund began offering retirement benefits to its members. The result is a growing elderly population that is taking a visible toll on the fund, despite the Bt1.98 trillion accumulated in its coffers. Thailand is now on the way to becoming a super-aged society. In 2020 about 13 percent of Thais were already aged over 65 and forecasts indicate that figure will double to 26 percent by 2040. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/truce-called-in-battle-over-thailands-retirement-fund-but-grey-army-growing-fast/ -- © 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

No one is above the law as Judge is fined, after Chiang Mai drink-driving crash File photo for reference only Drink driving in Thailand is a serious offence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246425-no-one-is-above-the-law-as-judge-is-fined-after-chiang-mai-drink-driving-crash/

File photo for reference only Drink driving in Thailand is a serious offence. Up in Chiang Mai, the local court has fined a senior judge THB14,500 and suspended his driving licence for six months after he caused a collision while drink-driving. Apparently, video footage posted on social media clearly showed a car driving into a rescue operation car at an intersection in the Muang district of Chiang Mai. Judge Charnsak Somprayot, who is a deputy chief justice of Region 5, has been charged with reckless driving, refusing to submit to a breathalyser test, and failing to stop to help a damaged party. The Chiang Mai Subdistrict Court found him guilty of violating the Land Traffic Act and originally fined the Judge THB29,500 for the drink-driving offence. However, the fine was then reduced by half after hearing Charnsak’s confession and the fact that the Judge paid financial compensation to the other party. The case is still on going, as the Office of the Judiciary is still waiting for the full result of an investigation being carried out by the Office of the Chief Justice Region 5, before deciding what further action, if any, to take against Judge Charnsak. If desired, the judge can also lodge an appeal against the court’s ruling. In Thailand, drink driving is a criminal offence that carries an obligatory driving disqualification of a minimum period of 12 months as laid out by the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 section 34(1). Maybe the Judge’s appeal will get him off any disqualification. The Office of the Judiciary has a difficult task of being fair without favouring people in high places. -- © 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

Video: Public run for cover as warring students have pitch battle in Bangkok rush hour traffic Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that around twenty mechanic students from two colleges in Phrapradaeng fought a pitch battle in the middle of the street in the rush hour yesterday evening in the Bangkok suburbs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246424-video-public-run-for-cover-as-warring-students-have-pitch-battle-in-bangkok-rush-hour-traffic/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that around twenty mechanic students from two colleges in Phrapradaeng fought a pitch battle in the middle of the street in the rush hour yesterday evening in the Bangkok suburbs. The media said it was worse than the movie "4 Kings" as motorists feared for their lives and people ran for cover. The students were armed with swords, guns and ping-pong explosive devices. It happened at the mouth of Soi Suksawat 74, by a U-turn. All the students had arrived on motorcycles and started fighting. The local police have tried to quell violence in recent days between two warring institutions, clearly without much success. The media was unsure if there were any injuries in the latest violence that erupted at 5 pm. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © 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

Lovelorn army colonel stabbed to death after damaging plastic chair at Bangkok beer garden Picture: Daily News Violence erupted at a Bangkok beer garden last night that resulted in the death of a non-commissioned army colonel who was stabbed four times in the back. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246422-lovelorn-army-colonel-stabbed-to-death-after-damaging-plastic-chair-at-bangkok-beer-garden/

Picture: Daily News Violence erupted at a Bangkok beer garden last night that resulted in the death of a non-commissioned army colonel who was stabbed four times in the back. He died later in hospital. The assailant fled the scene and is being sought by Sai Mai police. Cops at the scene of The Pratu Krung Thep beer garden found a lot of blood on the road to the rear. Col Attakorn, 49, had already been taken to hospital. A witness said that the colonel had joined their group at Pratu Krung Thep Plaza where they were drinking. He had announced that "Nobody loves me - only you guys". Nobody took the stranger too seriously, they just clinked glasses and got merrily drunk together. When this shop closed the colonel tagged along with his newfound mates who met some soldiers at a table in the beer garden, reported Daily News. They put the drunk colonel in a taxi home as they didn't know he had driven there. But the taxi soon returned and the colonel got out and started having an argument with a man armed with a stick or club. A red plastic chair was kicked and damaged by the colonel that enraged the man who would soon kill him. The fight got more serious as the assailant kicked the colonel's vehicle door. The colonel was then stabbed repeatedly. The assailant said he didn't mean to do anything and didn't know the colonel - he just recognised him as someone who sold vintage clothes. At this point the colonel was still very much alive and asked that his father be contacted. There had been plenty of teasing but no one thought it would come to this. They were all very drunk. A man helped the assailant escape the scene in a car. Police are studying CCTV to get a lead in the case. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © 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

Major changes made by the National Application Committee now require Thai citizenship applicants to pass a language test File photo: National News Bureau if Thailand Major changes in the new laws announced on Tuesday, January 11th, 2021, state that foreign applicants who require Thai citizenship must now pass a Thai language test, under new rules approved by the Cabinet. Foreigners are to sit an exam set by the Nationality Application Committee or show proof they are studying at an Education Ministry school. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246421-major-changes-made-by-the-national-application-committee-now-require-thai-citizenship-applicants-to-pass-a-language-test/

File photo: National News Bureau if Thailand Major changes in the new laws announced on Tuesday, January 11th, 2021, state that foreign applicants who require Thai citizenship must now pass a Thai language test, under new rules approved by the Cabinet. Foreigners are to sit an exam set by the Nationality Application Committee or show proof they are studying at an Education Ministry school. Under the new rules, all applicants have to be able to converse and understand Thai. In the past, the rules only required applicants to “have knowledge of the Thai language”. Applying for Thai citizenship will now cost applicants a lot more too. The Cabinet approved doubling the application fee from 5,000 baht to 10,000 baht. The application fee for children rises from 2,500 baht to 5,000 baht. Meanwhile, the certificate of naturalization now costs 1,000 baht, up from 500 baht. Application for recovery of Thai nationality costs 2,000 baht. The new processing deadline for applications is 90 days or 120 days for applications filed from abroad. Normally you can apply for Thai Citizenship if you meet the following criteria: • You are at least 18 years old. • You have a clean criminal record and no history of trouble with the police. • You have lived in Thailand as a Permanent Residence for at least five years. • You are employed in Thailand. • You can speak and write Thai. Under the 1992 Nationality Act, naturalization as a Thai citizen requires five years of residence in Thailand, as well as proof of a certain minimum income and renunciation of one's previous citizenship. The period of residence is reduced to three years for foreign women married to Thai men. -- © 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

Thailand Road Carnage: Four dead in Kalasin as six wheel truck and pick-up collide Picture: Thai Rath The carnage on Thailand's infamously dangerous roads continued last night as four people were killed in a collison between a six wheel truck and a pick-up. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246418-thailand-road-carnage-four-dead-in-kalasin-as-six-wheel-truck-and-pick-up-collide/

Picture: Thai Rath The carnage on Thailand's infamously dangerous roads continued last night as four people were killed in a collison between a six wheel truck and a pick-up. The accident happened near the mouth of the turning to the Lam Pao dam in Bua Ban sub-district of Kalasin in the north east of the country. Nakung police and rescue services found Sorawuth, 23, dead in the truck and there were three people deceased in the Toyota that was unrecognisable, reported Thai Rath. They were Natthaphum, 40, the driver, and passengers Somjit, 63, and Khamba, 60. It took rescue teams an hour to cut them out of the mangled wreckage. A relative of Nattaphum said that he had just left the house to collect two workers to take them to a construction site nearby. Investigations continue. Around 25,000 are thought to die on the Thai roads each year making the kingdom one of the most deadly places in the world to drive. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © 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

Thailand reports 7,681 new COVID-19 cases, 22 deaths, 3,350 recoveries File photo Thailand on Wednesday (January 12) reported 7,681 new COVID-19 cases, 3,350 recoveries and 22 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246405-thailand-reports-7681-new-covid-19-cases-22-deaths-3350-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin