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COVID-19: 4-month-old child admitted to hospital - more cases among children expected Picture: Siam Rath Thailand is bracing for more Covid-19 cases among young children, reported Siam Rath. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246153-covid-19-4-month-old-child-admitted-to-hospital-more-cases-among-children-expected/

Picture: Siam Rath Thailand is bracing for more Covid-19 cases among young children, reported Siam Rath. This came as health authorities confirmed that a four month old child had been admitted to the National Children's Hospital in Bangkok. Dr Somsak Akkasin of the Medical Science Department outlined the symptoms of the child as resembling flu - there was coughing and nasal excretions but no vomiting or diarrhea. The media said that health minister Anutin Charnvirakul expected more cases among young children as most of them would not have been vaccinated yet. Though cases are not expected to be serious unless children are suffering from other health realted conditions. Plans are in place to have both community isolation facilities where families and their children can isolate together in rooms for 3-4 people where children could be occupied with activities. Preparations of favipiravir in liquid form are being advised as well as how to administer these in home isolation in green areas. Thailand is in the process of vaccinating younger children aged 5-12 with the consent of parents, notes ASEAN NOW. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Restaurants are being targeted unfairly for a big jump in Covid Cases in Pattaya File photo for reference only It seems it is the season for shifting responsibility, as the hospitality industry and businesses are becoming the scapegoats for the current dramatic rise in Covid cases around Pattaya City. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246151-restaurants-are-being-targeted-unfairly-for-a-big-jump-in-covid-cases-in-pattaya/

File photo for reference only It seems it is the season for shifting responsibility, as the hospitality industry and businesses are becoming the scapegoats for the current dramatic rise in Covid cases around Pattaya City. Pattaya town hall has suggested that the city’s many restaurants are the main reason for Pattaya’s massive jump in the number of Covid-19 cases. Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome was quoted as saying although not all break the rules, “restaurants” that ignored disease-control rules, are causing problems. However, many residents feel the actual jump in cases lies with city hall itself. It is exceedingly difficult for restaurant staff to monitor the customer’s testing results, as anyone can borrow a negative result and then enter the restaurant. Also, there is no practical method of putting an exact date to the tests shown. Over the past few months, the term “restaurant” has been used as a quick route for bars to open either illegally or by using dubious certifications and licenses to operate as eateries. Many do not even have kitchens on the premises! Last week Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome intimated that many of these fake restaurants with their limited space to allow for real social distancing, and coronavirus testing, were the reasons for the current outbreak. However, it was the Town Hall staff who had the role of licensing, inspection, and enforcement, so the mayor should talk to his officials responsible first. It was also reported that Covid testers based at Pattaya’s Tree Town confirmed that over 25% of staff and visitors had tested positive over the holiday period. File photo Defended the Countdown The mayor defended his entertainment programme of weekly music festivals, including the Pattaya Countdown, claiming none of the infections came from there. However, many residents were surprised that the News Years countdown actually still went ahead, resulting in large numbers of out-of-town visitors who came. With Omicron already in Thailand, even with testing on-site, these events naturally helped fuel the spread of the virus. Faced with exploding numbers of cases – Pattaya saw another 374 cases on Saturday, taking the week’s total to nearly 2,500. These figures do not include the many people who bought Antigen test kits at the pharmacies and tested positive and stayed in self-isolation at home. What is certain is that like other countries such as the UK and Germany, the Omicron virus will spread rapidly. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

UPDATE: Only one covid-related number Thais should concentrate on, senior doctor says By Cod Satrusayang Thailand must stop focusing on new Covid-19 infection numbers in light of increasing vaccination rates and the spread of the milder Omicron variant, a senior doctor told Thai Enquirer on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246145-thailand-reports 7926-new-covid-19-cases-13-deaths-3612 recoveries/?do=findComment&comment=17106207

Only one covid-related number Thais should concentrate on, senior doctor says By Cod Satrusayang Thailand must stop focusing on new Covid-19 infection numbers in light of increasing vaccination rates and the spread of the milder Omicron variant, a senior doctor told Thai Enquirer on Monday. The country discovered 7,926 new cases in the past 24 hours, in line with the recent surge in cases stemming from travel during the new year period and the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. It is nearly a three hundred per cent increase in the number of average cases from December when the country was finding some 2,000 cases per day. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36342/only-one-covid-related-number-thais-should-concentrate-on-senior-doctor-says/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

CLARIFICATION – Thailand’s Mu Koh Chang partially closed Mu Koh Chang national park, a popular resort destination for both Thai and foreign tourists, is only partially closed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246120-thailand’s-mu-koh-chang-national-park-closed-to-tourists-until-further-notice/?do=findComment&comment=17106168

CLARIFICATION – Thailand’s Mu Koh Chang partially closed Mu Koh Chang national park, a popular resort destination for both Thai and foreign tourists, is only partially closed. On Sunday, the park’s chief issued an order closing “all tourism-related activities”, which was interpreted to include hotels. It is now clear, however, that the closure only affects camp sites and other tourism-related activities in the park until further notice, in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19. In 1982, Mu Koh Chang was declared a national park. It consists of 52 islands, including the main island of Koh Chang and parts of Koh Kood, covering a total area of 650 square kilometres. 70% of the park’s area is sea. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/clarification-thailands-mu-koh-chang-partially-closed/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand reports 7,926 new COVID-19 cases, 13 deaths, 3,612 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (January 10) reported 7,926 new COVID-19 cases, 3,612 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246145-thailand-reports 7926-new-covid-19-cases-13-deaths-3612 recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 7,926 new COVID-19 cases, 13 deaths, 3,612 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (January 10) reported 7,926 new COVID-19 cases, 3,612 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246145-thailand-reports 7926-new-covid-19-cases-13-deaths-3612 recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Monday (January 10) reported 7,926 new COVID-19 cases, 3,612 recoveries and 13 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 7,731. Prisons: 195 ▶︎ Recoveries: 3,612 ▶︎ Total infections since April 1: 2,248,613 ▶︎ Total recoveries since April 1: 2,170,053 Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,277,476 with 21,838 deaths. The news comes as The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) did not go as far as public health officials had demanded by banning alcohol sales nationwide. Nonetheless, it is believed that a further tightening of regulations has begun. Business leaders are warning the government the country cannot deal with further lockdowns with confidence among foreign tourists already damaged by the suspension of incoming tourism with 87% of potential travellers rejecting the complicated Sandbox schemes. *Thai Examiner 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 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Coronavirus: New year, old problem for Thai tourism as Omicron punctures hope ● The rapid spread of Omicron this year has smashed into Thailand’s economy in the middle of peak vacation season ● From Pattaya to Bangkok, visitors are cancelling holiday plans as Thailand suspends its Test & Go tourism scheme Vijitra Duangdee People take Covid-19 tests at Pattaya’s ‘Walking Street’. Photo: Vijitra Duangdee With each new coronavirus wave, Naowarat Khakay has been forced to let go more workers from her restaurant, hotel and apartment businesses across the Thai resort island of Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246134-coronavirus-new-year-old-problem-for-thai-tourism-as-omicron-punctures-hope/

People take Covid-19 tests at Pattaya’s ‘Walking Street’. Photo: Vijitra Duangdee ● The rapid spread of Omicron this year has smashed into Thailand’s economy in the middle of peak vacation season ● From Pattaya to Bangkok, visitors are cancelling holiday plans as Thailand suspends its Test & Go tourism scheme Vijitra Duangdee With each new coronavirus wave, Naowarat Khakay has been forced to let go more workers from her restaurant, hotel and apartment businesses across the Thai resort island of Pattaya. “I’ve lost over 100 employees now,” said the 65-year-old businesswoman, taking a moment to hold back tears. A short walk down to the beach, Yuttana Leebamrung, 30, looks on at the smattering of Russian tourists taking in the sun on a virtually empty expanse of sand but ignoring the chance to rent his two jet skis. “I have had only two customers in a week,” he said. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3162649/coronavirus-new-year-old-problem-thai-tourism-omicron-punctures -- © Copyright South China Morning Post 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Hua Hin mayor solves parking problem By Hua Hin Today New Parking Spaces Coming Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul, Mayor of Hua Hin, and related officials, police, and railway officers went to the area of Roi Nai Lueb, at Kamphon Motorcycles, Soi Na Pu Klam, in order to investigate complaints about encroachment by a restaurant onto a public area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246133-hua-hin-mayor-solves-parking-problem/

New Parking Spaces Coming By Hua Hin Today Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul, Mayor of Hua Hin, and related officials, police, and railway officers went to the area of Roi Nai Lueb, at Kamphon Motorcycles, Soi Na Pu Klam, in order to investigate complaints about encroachment by a restaurant onto a public area. The restaurant had built an incursion area onto the railway property, in an area where the State Railway of Thailand are building the new parallel track service which will soon be open for people to use. After receiving the complaint the Mayor went to the area to listen to the opinions of both sides. After discussions and investigations, an agreement that satisfies both parties was reached, that being that the restaurant would agree to demolish the encroaching structures by December 10th. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/hua-hin-mayor-solves-parking-problem/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Top official describes the popular ‘Test and Go’ entry as a loophole exposing Thailand to Omicron by Joseph O' Connor Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday told reporters that the popular and successful ‘Test and Go’ entry regime for vaccinated travellers from 63 countries, now indefinitely suspended, had acted as a ‘loophole’ allowing the Omicron virus variant to enter Thailand with incoming visitors. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday did not go as far as public health officials had demanded by banning alcohol sales nationwide. Nonetheless, it is believed that a further tightening of regulations has begun. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246132-top-official-describes-the-popular-‘test-and-go’-entry-as-a-loophole-exposing-thailand-to-omicron/

Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday told reporters that the popular and successful ‘Test and Go’ entry regime for vaccinated travellers from 63 countries, now indefinitely suspended, had acted as a ‘loophole’ allowing the Omicron virus variant to enter Thailand with incoming visitors. by Joseph O' Connor The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday did not go as far as public health officials had demanded by banning alcohol sales nationwide. Nonetheless, it is believed that a further tightening of regulations has begun. Business leaders are warning the government the country cannot deal with further lockdowns with confidence among foreign tourists already damaged by the suspension of incoming tourism with 87% of potential travellers rejecting the complicated Sandbox schemes. Business leaders within Thailand’s foreign tourism industry and wider business community on Friday were apprehensive about the government’s moves to tighten public health laws and in particular to indefinitely suspend the popular ‘Test and Go’ entry regime which had, in the previous two months, breathed life into the country’s dormant foreign tourism industry spurring hope of economic recovery in 2022. On Friday, it was described by Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) as a ‘loophole’ that left Thailand vulnerable to the Omicron virus storm now brewing. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/01/08/test-and-go-blamed-for-omicron-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Woman and pet dog survive after sleeping pickup truck driver crashes into her house in Chonburi By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Komkhaotuathai Phan Thong – A woman and her small pet dog have survived after a pickup truck driver who said he fell asleep at the wheel slammed into her house in the Phan Thong district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246131-woman-and-pet-dog-survive-after-sleeping-pickup-truck-driver-crashes-into-her-house-in-chonburi/

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Komkhaotuathai By Goong Nang(GN)By Goong Nang(GN) Phan Thong – A woman and her small pet dog have survived after a pickup truck driver who said he fell asleep at the wheel slammed into her house in the Phan Thong district. The Phan Thong Police was notified of the accident at 5:30 P.M. Thursday (January 6th) on the Phan Thong – Baan Gao Road in the Baan Gao sub-district. The police arrived at the scene to find the damaged pickup truck in a ditch. A house and three power poles nearby were damaged. Ms. Angkana Saejan, 41, told TPN media, “I was sitting in front of the house when the accident took place with the driver plunging his truck from a curve into the home. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/09/woman-and-pet-dog-survive-after-sleeping-pickup-truck-driver-crashes-into-her-house-in-chonburi/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Nearly 30 teenagers arrested in Hat Yai for reportedly throwing a party and taking illegal drugs, violating Emergency Decree By Nop Meechukhun Songkhla – Nearly 30 alleged partygoers were arrested at a “VIP” karaoke lounge in Hat Yai, Songkhla in the early hours of this morning, January 9th, after allegedly partying, drinking, and taking illegal drugs, violating the preventive order of the Provincial Communicable Disease Committee. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246130-nearly-30-teenagers-arrested-in-hat-yai-for-reportedly-throwing-a-party-and-taking-illegal-drugs-violating-emergency-decree/

By Nop Meechukhun Songkhla – Nearly 30 alleged partygoers were arrested at a “VIP” karaoke lounge in Hat Yai, Songkhla in the early hours of this morning, January 9th, after allegedly partying, drinking, and taking illegal drugs, violating the preventive order of the Provincial Communicable Disease Committee. Officials from the Hat Yai Police Station arrived at a modified restaurant “Walk-in Bar, Folk Song and Dance” located in the Hat Yai district at around 1:30 A.M. after being alerted of the allegedly illegal gathering and partying at the venue from nearby residents complaining about the noise and stating that they could not sleep. A total of 29 teenagers aged between 16 and 20 years, including 14 men and 15 women, were found dancing and partying in a karaoke room with narcotic drugs like Ketamine, Ecstasy, and Zolam substances scattered all over the floor. Some of them were reportedly found being dumped in the restroom. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/09/nearly-30-teenagers-arrested-in-hat-yai-for-reportedly-throwing-a-party-and-taking-illegal-drugs-violating-emergency-decree/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Norwegian man files complaint to Sattahip police against his Cambodian “girlfriend” after being allegedly ripped off for nearly 200,000-baht for false marriage promises By Nop Meechukhun Chonburi – A Norwegian national, 55, filed a complaint to investigators at the Sattahip Police Station in Chonburi against his Cambodian “girlfriend” who reportedly defrauded him out of nearly 200,000 baht, claiming she was taking his money to arrange documents for marriage at the Norwegian Embassy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246129-norwegian-man-files-complaint-to-sattahip-police-against-his-cambodian-“girlfriend”-after-being-allegedly-ripped-off-for-nearly-200000-baht-for-false-marriage-promises/

By Nop Meechukhun Chonburi – A Norwegian national, 55, filed a complaint to investigators at the Sattahip Police Station in Chonburi against his Cambodian “girlfriend” who reportedly defrauded him out of nearly 200,000 baht, claiming she was taking his money to arrange documents for marriage at the Norwegian Embassy. The man, whose full name has been withheld and will be referred to only as Kyrie, told the Sattahip officials that he met his girlfriend, Sreem-mom, who is Cambodian but worked and lived in Chonburi, for the first time in person in the Bang Saray Subdistrict in late 2019 after starting to build a relationship on social media platforms previously. They began a romantic relationship afterwards and promised to get married in Norway. He then flew back to his home country in early 2020, however, the Covid-19 Coronavirus had started spreading across the globe, making him unable to fly back to Thailand. So, both of them had to begin a long-distance relationship via video calls for nearly two years. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/09/norwegian-man-files-complaint-to-sattahip-police-against-his-cambodian-girlfriend-after-being-allegedly-ripped-off-for-nearly-200000-baht-for-false-marriage-promises/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Working System in Development for Enabling the Public to Fully Benefit From RCEP By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement came into effect on January 1 and now provides member countries with multiple import tariff waivers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246128-working-system-in-development-for-enabling-the-public-to-fully-benefit-from-rcep/

By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement came into effect on January 1 and now provides member countries with multiple import tariff waivers. The development is expected to create export opportunities for Thai products, with the prime minister tasking relevant agencies with laying down a working system for enabling the public to benefit fully from the RCEP agreement. The RCEP agreement creates the world’s largest free trade area and sees the participation of 15 member countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. The free trade area encompasses 2.3 billion people, or about one-third of the world’s population, bringing into play a vast and open market for imports and exports of goods and services. Thailand is benefiting from a 0% tariff on almost 30,000 export items, and this is expected to boost export productiveness and the competitiveness of Thai businesses. Additionally, the RCEP is opening new markets for Thai exports, as businesses also benefit from trade facilitation services, especially those relating to customs. The RCEP framework is expected to enable millions of Thai SMEs, which are at the core of the nation’s economy, to access the new market and benefit from the tariff concessions and other perks. In turn, it is hoped that SMEs will generate more income and employment for the country. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered relevant agencies to improve, promote and facilitate convenience in various matters that would enable businesses and the public to take full advantage of the RCEP agreement. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates