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Wild elephants being directed back to protected zones after incursions onto farming land in central Thailand Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported on ongoing efforts by park rangers in the Ang Runai protected animal area in Chachoengsao province to deal with elephants encroaching on agricultural land. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245754-wild-elephants-being-directed-back-to-protected-zones-after-incursions-onto-farming-land-in-central-thailand/

Picture: 77kaoded 77kaoded reported on ongoing efforts by park rangers in the Ang Runai protected animal area in Chachoengsao province to deal with elephants encroaching on agricultural land. In several sub districts in the province as well as in neighboring Kabinburi district of Prachinburi the elephants have been trying to find things to eat. Picture: 77kaoded These include cassava and sugar cane. Rangers have been tracking the pachyderms for days in an effort to herd them back to the protected wildlife area. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-06 - 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

New Year crackdown: Nakhon Pathom police report thousands of arrests on guns/drug charges Picture: Thai Rathh Region 7 police headquartered in Nakhon Pathom in central Thailand reported thousands of arrests in drugs and gun violation cases over the festive period from Christmas Day to January 3rd. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245752-new-year-crackdown-nakhon-pathom-police-report-thousands-of-arrests-on-gunsdrug-charges/

Picture: Thai Rathh Region 7 police headquartered in Nakhon Pathom in central Thailand reported thousands of arrests in drugs and gun violation cases over the festive period from Christmas Day to January 3rd. And the chief Pol Lt-Gen Thanayut Wuthijarasthamrong had a stark warning for criminals that it was not just a crackdown - it would continue. That Rath reported that over 8 provinces covered by Region 7 there were 7,394 arrests with 811 guns seized and 3,434 rounds of ammunition. When it came to drugs there were more than 95,000 Ya Ba pills, 464 grams of "ice" and 227 grams of heroin seized. Thousands were arrested for gambling and drug violations in particular. The Lt-Gen said the days for hitmen and criminals intent on committing serious crime on his patch were over under his leadership. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-06 - 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

Pork Prices Expected to Normalize Within 4 Months By: Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Increased demand for pork from markets and lowered supply, as well as heightened prices of feed materials such as corn and soybean meal, have been cited as the major causes of expensive pork. The high production cost has prompted a number of farmers to leave the pork raising scene, but authorities say they expect pork prices to normalize within 4 months. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245750-pork-prices-expected-to-normalize-within-4-months/

By: Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - Increased demand for pork from markets and lowered supply, as well as heightened prices of feed materials such as corn and soybean meal, have been cited as the major causes of expensive pork. The high production cost has prompted a number of farmers to leave the pork raising scene, but authorities say they expect pork prices to normalize within 4 months. Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to quickly mend the problem of expensive pork. For the short term, delay of exportation will be implemented while wholesalers and retailers will be asked to keep from increasing pork prices. Sellers are also being asked to avoid setting excessive prices for pork. The prices are expected to normalize within 4 months. Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the government is addressing the issue of expensive pork by halting pork exports, waiving fees and taxes on pork, promoting the cultivation of feed corn to replace imports, and providing special loans via the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives for the purpose of increasing the robustness of the pork production system. The Department of Livestock Development will be inviting representatives from relevant associations to provide their input on the matter on Friday (7 Jan). Findings will be submitted to the pork and pork products development committee, also known as the Pig Board. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-06 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Drunk businessman in a Benz kills police captain and woman on motorcycles in southern Thailand Picture: Thai Rath Khanom police in Nakhon Sri Thammarat in southern Thailand were called after a collision between a Mercedes Benz and two motorcycles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245749-drunk-businessman-in-a-benz-kills-police-captain-and-woman-on-motorcycles-in-southern-thailand/

Picture: Thai Rath Khanom police in Nakhon Sri Thammarat in southern Thailand were called after a collision between a Mercedes Benz and two motorcycles. They found a dead colleague at the scene. He was Pol Capt Praphat Malithip, aged 42, who was on his way to get food after midnight. Also dead at the scene was a lady called Amornrat, 31. Sarawut,34, was taken to hospital and is out of danger. The driver of the Benz was waiting at the scene to surrender. He was breath tested and found to be over the limit and was charged with vehicular homicide and other serious offences. He is the wealthy owner of a raft area rented for fishing. He admitted to being out drinking then losing control of his car, according to the Thai Rath report. Police said their colleague was driving one of the motorcycles and the man who survived the other. It was not yet sure who the dead woman was riding with. Funeral rites for the dead policeman - a local man - began yesterday afternoon following his death in the previous night. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-06 - 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

Swedish family celebrated New Year in isolation in Thailand by Gregers Møller Spending New Year in a hospital in Thailand was not quite what Bengt Augustsson and his daughter Isabelle had hoped for when they departed for Thailand on 25 December but it is exactly what happened. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245746-swedish-family-celebrated-new-year-in-isolation-in-thailand/

by Gregers Møller Spending New Year in a hospital in Thailand was not quite what Bengt Augustsson and his daughter Isabelle had hoped for when they departed for Thailand on 25 December but it is exactly what happened. 46-year old Bengt Augustsson and his 11-year-old daughter Isabelle had planned to travel to Koh Lipe and other southern islands of Thailand after their first night in Bangkok but those plans quickly changed when Bengt tested positive for covid-19 the morning after they arrived in the country. Following his test results, the pair was taken to a so-called “Hospitel” which is a hotel converted into a hospital for people infected with covid-19. His biggest concern was to be separated from his daughter and to make sure that would not happen he spoke, amongst other places, with the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok. Full story: https://scandasia.com/swedish-family-celebrated-new-year-in-isolation-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright ScandAsia 2022-01-06 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Many Thai children being extorted and threatened online after sending indecent images for money/games items Picture: INN Royal Thai Police spokesman Pol Col Siriwat Deephor told INN about a worrying trend of criminals approaching children during online gaming. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245745-many-thai-children-being-extorted-and-threatened-online-after-sending-indecent-images-for-moneygames-items/

Picture: INN Royal Thai Police spokesman Pol Col Siriwat Deephor told INN about a worrying trend of criminals approaching children during online gaming. The criminals say that in exchange for indecent images of them they will hand out money or coupons for gaming 'items'. Many children believe this. Instead they are threatened that if they don't send more images the ones they already sent will be passed onto teachers or people they know. The children are then caught up in a cycle of threats, extortion and embezzlement. He told parents to keep a close watch on their children and warn them not to get sucked into this con. He itemised severe penalties of many years in jail and large fines for criminals who do this. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-06 - 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

"Sleeping" six wheel truck driver smashes into trailer at Bang Poo intersection Picture: Naew Na Bang Poo police were called to an accident in Soi 3 A at the Bang Poo industrial estate in Samut Prakan yesterday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245743-sleeping-six-wheel-truck-driver-smashes-into-trailer-at-bang-poo-intersection/

Picture: Naew Na Bang Poo police were called to an accident in Soi 3 A at the Bang Poo industrial estate in Samut Prakan yesterday afternoon. A six wheel truck had slammed into the container on an 18 wheel truck. When rescue services arrived the whole road was blocked. The driver of the smaller vehicle, Jamroon, 44, had to be cut out after being pinned to the dashboard. He was rushed to Sikharin Hospital. Picture: Naew Na Pakorn, 49, the driver of the 18 wheeler said he saw the other vehicle coming at distance from Sukhumvit Road but after he pulled out the other driver didn't appear to brake at all. Police suspect that the injured driver fell asleep at the wheel, reported Naew Na. Microsleep or "lap nai" in Thai is responsible for much of the carnage on Thai roads. Signage throughout the country warns of this danger. It is invariably in Thai language only. Picture: Naew Na Picture: Naew Na Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-06 - 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

Thailand’s COVID-19 alert level raised to 4 amid increasing infections Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP Thailand’s COVID-19 alert has been raised from Level 3 to Level 4 today (Thursday), with more restrictive measures to be announced in the near future, according to Public Health Permanent Secretary Kiattibhoom Vongrachit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245741-thailand’s-covid-19-alert-level-raised-to-4-amid-increasing-infections/

Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP Thailand’s COVID-19 alert has been raised from Level 3 to Level 4 today (Thursday), with more restrictive measures to be announced in the near future, according to Public Health Permanent Secretary Kiattibhoom Vongrachit. The announcement came as COVID-19 infections jumped from under 3,000 a day over the past few weeks to 3,730 yesterday and then to 5,775 today, an increase anticipated following the New Year holidays and due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. More closures of high-risk venues and tighter rules are expected, under the COVID-free setting and universal prevention measures, said Dr. Kiattibhoom, as the ministry seeks to reduce travel, both interprovincial and daily commutes. This also includes working from home, while gatherings are discouraged. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-covid-19-alert-level-raised-to-4-amid-increasing-infections/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-06 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Drunk father attacks son who called him "mad" for tossing his boy's motorcycle aside Picture: Daily News Rescue services in Srinarong district of Surin in Thailand's north eastern region were called after a Thai father attacked his own grown son. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245739-drunk-father-attacks-son-who-called-him-mad-for-tossing-his-boys-motorcycle-aside/

Picture: Daily News Rescue services in Srinarong district of Surin in Thailand's north eastern region were called after a Thai father attacked his own grown son. Wichart, 47, was found with multiple stab wounds to his ribs on his left side and his left arm. He was rushed to hospital in a serious state. His father was taken into custody. The wife of the victim said that her father-in-law was drunk and had tossed aside her son's motorcycle outside the house. reported Daily News. When her husband confronted his dad - and called him "baa" (mad) - the older man was furious and attacked him with a harpoon and knife multiple times. Investigations continue. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-06 - 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

Thai police in massive debt - they owe 270 billion baht Daily News Thai caption: Sorting out police debt It has been revealed that the Thai police - despite imaginative ways to boost income with certain revenue streams - are shouldering massive collective debt. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245737-thai-police-in-massive-debt-they-owe-270-billion-baht/

Daily News Thai caption: Sorting out police debt It has been revealed that the Thai police - despite imaginative ways to boost income with certain revenue streams - are shouldering massive collective debt. In fact policemen owe finance firms a staggering 270 billion baht. Of course Thailand's police force is famously bloated in numbers but Thai PM Prayuth Chan-ocha is not happy about the situation. He has ordered Gen Suwat "Big Pat" Chaengyodsuk to come up with some options. Suwat told Daily News of his plans to refinance debt for 97% of the loans that are ongoing. Two per cent have said they can't meet interest rates of 7-8% and 1% of the policemen who have taken out loans are being prosecuted for non-payment. He admitted that in Loei in the north east police there owe 700 million baht. Suwat's bright or "ping idea" now, said the media, is to ask the government to set up some low interest deals to help the cops who are in debt. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-06 - 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

Anutin: Latest covid-19 surge won't be like 2021 - because enough Thais are vaccinated Picture Thai Rath Thai Rath interviewed Anutin Charnvirakul - Thailand's controversial billionaire health minister and DPM about the latest surges in Covid-19 cases brought about by the Omicron variant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245735-anutin-latest-covid-19-surge-wont-be-like-2021-because-enough-thais-are-vaccinated/

Picture Thai Rath Thai Rath interviewed Anutin Charnvirakul - Thailand's controversial billionaire health minister and DPM about the latest surges in Covid-19 cases brought about by the Omicron variant. Anutin - who is neither a scientist or a doctor, just filthy rich - said that Omicron was not as bad as Delta. In 2021 there were 28,000 cases in a day - he didn't want to go back to that so he urged people to follow the rules and protocols. Besides, he said that the situation will not be as bad as last year because 70% of Thais had received vaccinations in the country and 8-9 million had had a booster shot. He accepted there had been a surge in cases in the New Year but pointed out that this had not been matched by a surge in deaths. He said that his continued suspension of the Test and Go for foreigners entering Thailand to the end of the month was designed to keep more virus out. He said Thailand needed to get it's own house in order first before accepting more foreigners. He intimated that restaurants operating as half food joint half pubs would be looked into after many cases came from such establishments. The Thai media likes to call Anutin Sia Noo or Mighty Mouse. Critics have said that at times he is more like Motor Mouth. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-06 - 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

Female Russian tourist claims assault at Koh Samui viewpoint - Thai manager cites self defence Picture: Daily News A Russian tourist claims she was attacked by a Thai man as he tried to charge her for going to a scenic viewpoint on private land at Khao Lamai, Maret, Koh Samui. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245733-female-russian-tourist-claims-assault-at-koh-samui-viewpoint-thai-manager-cites-self-defence/

Picture: Daily News A Russian tourist claims she was attacked by a Thai man as he tried to charge her for going to a scenic viewpoint on private land at Khao Lamai, Maret, Koh Samui. Ekaterina K., 33, said this is the first and last time she'll be going to Samui - she's scared. She said that she was with her boyfriend and after she walked to the area known as Overlap Stone via a bridge the manager there pulled a valuable necklace reported Daily News. In the scuffle she claimed she was kicked in the ribs and suffered a cheek injury. Picture: Daily News Meanwhile the manager Mankorn said he acted in self-defence after the incident on January 1st around 3.45 pm. Bo Phut police look set to charge him with assault. The Russian tourist presented a bill of 5,920 baht from an island hospital. She said she arrived in Thailand on December 18th and had been to Krabi, Phuket and Samui. In a later story forestry officials went to the area and met Mankorn. They saw a bridge leading to two naturally overlapping stones on apparently private land. Picture: Daily News They asked to see evidence of the land ownership but Mankorn said that the chanote or title deed was with the owner. He said that he used the 50 baht entrance fee mentioned in several languages on a makeshift cardboard sign to pay for the upkeep of the area including the bridge. At the time of the incident there were 30 others there who paid the fee but two did not creating trouble. The owner of the land told Daily News that they did not know what was going on on their land. They planned to tear down the bridge and seal off the area to tourists. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-06 - 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