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By Cod Satrusayang Bangkok’s world famous tourist destination Khaosan Road will continue to be shut until Thursday due to covid cases found over the new year celebration. The Ministry of Public Health said that it was conducting tests among partygoers and tourists who attended new year celebrations on the strip after ten tourists who were in the area tested positive for Covid-19. It is not yet confirmed whether the tourists tested positive for the Omicron variant of the virus. 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/36220/world-famous-khaosan-road-closed-temporarily-after-covid-cases-found/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Hospitals around the country told to prepare for surge in cases By Cod Satrusayang Hospitals throughout Thailand have been told to prepare for a surge in cases due to close contact and extensive travel over the new year period, a senior doctor told Thai Enquirer on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245605-hospitals-around-the-country-told-to-prepare-for-surge-in-cases/

By Cod Satrusayang Hospitals throughout Thailand have been told to prepare for a surge in cases due to close contact and extensive travel over the new year period, a senior doctor told Thai Enquirer on Wednesday. New Year clusters have already been reported by the Ministry of Public Health with popular entertainment areas responsible. These include areas in the capital like Khaosan Road and in provinces like Chonburi and Phuket. But according to a senior doctor, the government is warning that clusters will likely be found in all provinces due to the new year’s celebrations. 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/36214/hospitals-around-the-country-told-to-prepare-for-surge-in-cases/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Rare Manta rays found around Thailand’s Rok Islands People snorkelling in the waters surrounding the Rok Islands in the Andaman Sea, off Thailand’s southern province of Trang, have sighted Manta Rays, a vulnerable species and the largest type of ray in the world, for the first time in about 18 years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245603-rare-manta-rays-found-around-thailand’s-rok-islands/

People snorkelling in the waters surrounding the Rok Islands in the Andaman Sea, off Thailand’s southern province of Trang, have sighted Manta Rays, a vulnerable species and the largest type of ray in the world, for the first time in about 18 years. The Rok Islands are widely known for their rich marine life, which has regenerated during the COVID-19 tourism hiatus. Snorkelers were excited to encounter the large Manta Rays as, normally, only scuba divers would be able to see them. The Manta Rays are between 3 and 6.7 metres wide and weigh up to 1,350 kilograms. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/rare-manta-rays-found-around-thailands-rok-islands/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Child dead in car: Neighbors speak of horrific abuse that nearly left boy handicapped Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on a horrific tale of child abuse admitted by a step father. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245602-child-dead-in-car-neighbors-speak-of-horrific-abuse-that-nearly-left-boy-handicapped/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on a horrific tale of child abuse admitted by a step father. But now the mother of the six year old found dead in a car in eastern Thailand is also in custody suspected of being involved in the abuse. Saifah Thanormwong was found dead in a car parked outside a house in Laem Ngop, Trat. The boy had a fractured skull and many other injuries. The stepfather - Panya, 43 - has admitted to Laem Ngop police that he swung the boy round smashing him into the car door and then pummelled him with fists and elbows. He was annoyed that the boy was pestering him to go and hunt for crabs. When the shocking case reached the ears of RTP chief Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk and Lt-Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakpan they ordered top brass provincial police to join the investigation. Neighbors told the media of long running abuse of the boy usually at night. He was so badly assaulted on his arms and legs that he was virtually handicapped. He was often told to go and sleep outside the house in the car. The mother Narinrat is now helping police with their inquiries. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-05 - 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

Shoes at pond lead relatives to tragic discovery - two drowned kids under the water Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on the tragic death of two children in Chachoengsao in east/central Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245601-shoes-at-pond-lead-relatives-to-tragic-discovery-two-drowned-kids-under-the-water/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on the tragic death of two children in Chachoengsao in east/central Thailand. A boy called Chanathip aged 6 and a girl called Jenjira, 8, had been missing from their houses since 1 pm yesterday. By evening a search party was mustered to look for the two friends. Neighbors saw their shoes at a five meter deep pond in a rubber plantation and decided to look under the water. There they discovered the lifeless bodies of the children. When Sanamchai Khet police arrived the children were already laid out at their respective houses. Thai Rath said that the mother of the boy was inconsolable, crying as she cradled her son wrapped in a blanket on a wooden bed in front of the house. An autopsy is being performed as police continue their investigations. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death of children in Thailand though these days it is rivalled by death on motorcycles, notes ASEAN NOW. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-05 - 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

Customer gets maggots in their duck dinner: "What more do you want - I already gave you a discount", says owner Picture: Thai Rath It was another case in Thailand of the customer not being right but being wrong! Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245600-customer-gets-maggots-in-their-duck-dinner-what-more-do-you-want-i-already-gave-you-a-discount-says-owner/

Picture: Thai Rath It was another case in Thailand of the customer not being right but being wrong! At least in the eyes of the owner of a restaurant after a complaint. The story that started on Facebook with a female diner's complaint reached national Thai TV. Thai Rath said that the woman and her boyfriend went to eat "Pet Paloo" - a duck meat dish - at their usual restaurant in Klong Luang, Pathum Thani. When tucking into their meal they noticed maggots on the meat and brought this fact to the attention of the owner. The owner allegedly then got angry and told them: "I gave you a discount - what more do you want?" There was apparently no apology and the diners were allegedly told to file a police report if they wanted to get something extra. The customers were given 40 baht off their 640 baht bill. Thai Rath said they tried to get in touch with the owner of the restaurant without success. The restaurant was not named. In defamation crazy Thailand even proving your case might be pointless. The law sides with the shop who have suffered damage from statements whether true or false, notes ASEAN NOW. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-05 - 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

Fugitive former PM Thaksin suggests Thailand needs a "smart leader" - HIM! Picture: Daily News Fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra - also known these days as Tony Woodsome - went on his Facebook and YouTube channels last night with some New Year messages for the Thai people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245599-fugitive-former-pm-thaksin-suggests-thailand-needs-a-smart-leader-him/

Picture: Daily News Fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra - also known these days as Tony Woodsome - went on his Facebook and YouTube channels last night with some New Year messages for the Thai people. They were mostly about him and his yearning to return. It was billed as learning lessons from the 2004 tsunami for the pandemic. Thaksin was in charge then. He said for the country to survive it was clear that someone who was smart needed to be at the helm. That someone was him and clearly was a direct barb at the current PM Prayuth Chan-ocha, notes ASEAN NOW. Daily News reported only one section of the "Care ClubHouse" chat with Thaksin's followers. He said that one of his new year wishes was for the Thai people to have the chance for him to return to the country to work - accepting that such a statement would inflame his detractors. Then he said that he wanted to look after his grandchildren, was prepared to fix the government all for the price of a single glass of "ooliang tea" and would invite millionaires in Thailand to promote start ups. His New Year message was not a traditional set of platitudes for the Thai people - more like a plea to return to Thailand from someone missing his homeland. Something that looks unlikely any time soon, suggests ASEAN NOW. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-05 - 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

Red Bull Boss: Time is running out to prosecute rich scion - Will justice prevail in the end? Picture: Daily News Thai media Daily News was in wistful mood as they contemplated another year in which the Red Bull scion Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya remains on the run. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245591-red-bull-boss-time-is-running-out-to-prosecute-rich-scion-will-justice-prevail-in-the-end/

Picture: Daily News Thai media Daily News was in wistful mood as they contemplated another year in which the Red Bull scion Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya remains on the run. 2022 will be another year in which the fourth of five charges sees its statute of limitations run out. That will leave just one. The statute of limitations is the period in which a case can be brought to court. Back on September 3rd 2012 Boss who was speeding drove his grey Ferrari into Sen Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert who was riding a motorcycle in the Thong Lo area of Bangkok, the Thai capital. The policeman - 47 when he died - was dragged several hundred meters under the wheels of the supercar. Boss has not been prosecuted for anything and has been on the run since 2017 often "hiding" in plain sight on the Formula 1 circuit. An Interpol Red Notice to 195 countries is out - but this is rather toothless allowing the Thai authorities to sit back and wait. And wait and wait and wait..... Already three charges have run out: Speeding - one year statute - finished. Negligent driving causing damage - one year - run out. Not stopping to give assistance or reporting an accident - 5 years - run out Two remain on the books. The ten year statute of limitations on taking cocaine runs out on September 3rd this year. After that only the most serious charge - negligent driving causing death will remain. That has a 15 year life span and so runs out on September 3rd 2027. Daily News said that the case has been remarkable and fascinating in all its twists and turns over the years. From the alleged involvement in law breaking from the Thai police and witness tampering to the dropping then reinstatement of charges by PM Prayuth Chan-ocha after a public outcry. To the investigations into senior lawyers and police corruption that is still ongoing. At the heart of the case is the notion that the rich and famous - celebrities - can do what they want and literally get away with anything. The media ended their article saying that justice could still prevail. But time is running out and the Thai authorities will hopefully take the last few chances available for that justice to be served. Sadly, many will be saying that is a forlorn hope, notes ASEAN NOW. We shall probably still be reading stories about Red Bull Boss up until September 2027 - when he'll be free to return to Thailand if he so pleases. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-05 - 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

COVID-19: Thailand reports 3,899 new coronavirus cases, 19 deaths, 2,508 recoveries File photo Thailand on Wednesday (January 5) reported 3,899 new COVID-19 cases, 2,508 recoveries and 19 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245588-covid-19-thailand-reports-3899-new-coronavirus-cases-19-deaths-2508-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 3,899 new coronavirus cases, 19 deaths, 2,508 recoveries File photo Thailand on Wednesday (January 5) reported 3,899 new COVID-19 cases, 2,508 recoveries and 19 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245588-covid-19-thailand-reports-3899-new-coronavirus-cases-19-deaths-2508-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Wednesday (January 5) reported 3,899 new COVID-19 cases, 2,508 recoveries and 19 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 3,831. Prisons: 68 ▶︎ Recoveries: 2,508 ▶︎ Total infections since April 1: 2,210,612 ▶︎ Total recoveries since April 1: 2,155,403 Wednesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,239,475 with 21,769 deaths. The news comes as A medical expert has indicated that Thailand will soon face a surge in COVID-19 infections, but says he believes the Omicron coronavirus variant will develop into a live vaccine that provides immunity without the need for booster shots. Dr Manoon Leechawengwongs, a pulmonary disease expert at Vichaiyut Hospital, recently posted an update on SNS media explaining that the Kingdom will face a new wave of infections that could be the largest in two years. He added that daily cases could number in the tens of thousands, but advised the public not to be too worried about the possibility. According to Dr Manoon, the Omicron variant has evolved from its predecessors to be better adapted to the human body. Notably, it has a reduced incubation time for faster transmission while also tending to cause milder symptoms akin to the common cold or flu. *NNT 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 2022-01-05 - 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 Presses On With Provincial Airport Developments Despite Having Low Or No Commercial Air Traffic Boonsong Kosit Thai authorities remain keen to upgrade and expand state-owned provincial airports and even build new ones, even though many existing ones are barely utilised or are ‘ghost airports.’ Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245574-thailand-presses-on-with-provincial-airport-developments-despite-having-low-or-no-commercial-air-traffic/

Boonsong Kosit Thai authorities remain keen to upgrade and expand state-owned provincial airports and even build new ones, even though many existing ones are barely utilised or are ‘ghost airports.’ The Department of Airports (DOA), the agency under the Ministry of Transport in charge of Thailand’s small airports, has shown no sign of delaying, scaling down or scraping its airport development schemes that are costing 27.25 billion baht (US$826 million) between 2018 and 2022. The government budget earmarked, in the five-year period, improvements to 17 airports owned and operated by the DOA including those in the southern province of Krabi and the northeast provinces of Udon Thani and Buriram. Full story: http://www.smartaviation-apac.com/2022/01/thailand-presses-on-with-provincial-airport-developments-despite-having-low-or-no-commercial-air-traffic/ -- © Copyright Smart Aviation 2022-01-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Air force seeks eight F35 fighter jets at a time when Thailand’s defence budget is at a low ebb by Joseph O' Connor Air Chief Marshal Napadej Dhupatemiya of the Royal Thai Air Force, this week, outlined a plan to procure 8 F35 fighter jets from the United States. It comes at a time when the kingdom’s defence budget is at a low ebb after three years of economic difficulty and demands on the government imposed by the virus crisis. It also coincides with heightened tensions in the Asia Pacific and growth in potential threats Thailand’s military defence expenditure has not been above the NATO recommended level of 2% of GDP since 1997, the year of the Asian Financial Crisis. This year it is projected to be 1.22% or even lower but just above a historic low of 1.05% in 2005 under the popular government of Thaksin Shinawatra which consistently cut spending on arms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245573-air-force-seeks-eight-f35-fighter-jets-at-a-time-when-thailand’s-defence-budget-is-at-a-low-ebb/

Air Chief Marshal Napadej Dhupatemiya of the Royal Thai Air Force, this week, outlined a plan to procure 8 F35 fighter jets from the United States. It comes at a time when the kingdom’s defence budget is at a low ebb after three years of economic difficulty and demands on the government imposed by the virus crisis. It also coincides with heightened tensions in the Asia Pacific and growth in potential threats by Joseph O' Connor Thailand’s military defence expenditure has not been above the NATO recommended level of 2% of GDP since 1997, the year of the Asian Financial Crisis. This year it is projected to be 1.22% or even lower but just above a historic low of 1.05% in 2005 under the popular government of Thaksin Shinawatra which consistently cut spending on arms. After three years of economic malaise and two years of the COVID-19 virus crisis, Thailand is pulling back on government expenditure in 2022 and the country’s military budget is experiencing its third year of decline to one of the lowest expenditure to GDP ratios in the kingdom’s history. This is coming at a time of increased tensions and instability in the Asia Pacific as China and the United States appear increasingly at odds. In a week when the Royal Thai Air Force put forward its plans to purchase eight F35 fighter jets from the US, the question must be asked, what is Thailand’s defence strategy and against whom will it be defending itself against? This week, Air Chief Marshal Napadej Dhupatemiya of the Royal Thai Air Force put forward the air force’s case for the purchase of eight state of the art F35 fighter jets from the United States in a transaction that could cost the kingdom somewhere between $560 million and $648 million or up to ฿21.51 billion in what the air force commander described as a good deal considering the alternative Swedish Saab Gripen jets would cost $670 million or ฿22.24 billion while noting the former price of what is arguably the world’s most sophisticated fighter jet had previously been set at up to $142 million each. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/01/04/f35-fighters-proposal-with-defence-budget-at-low-ebb/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-01-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Pattaya mayor says no plans for lockdowns, widespread business or beach closures as city deals with rising Covid-19 cases By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Sophon Cable (STV) Pattaya – The Pattaya City Mayor stated today, January 4th, 2022, that widespread business or public area closures will not be part of the plan to deal with many confirmed Covid -19 cases in the Banglamung area, many of which seem to be the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245572-pattaya-mayor-says-no-plans-for-lockdowns-widespread-business-or-beach-closures-as-city-deals-with-rising-covid-19-cases/

PHOTO: Sophon Cable (STV) By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – The Pattaya City Mayor stated today, January 4th, 2022, that widespread business or public area closures will not be part of the plan to deal with many confirmed Covid -19 cases in the Banglamung area, many of which seem to be the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Mayor Sontaya Kunplome told TPN media, “There are many more confirmed Covid -19 cases, mostly the Omicron variant based on random testing so far, found in the Pattaya and Banglamung area. However, I am confident there will be no lockdown or overall closure of the city BUT closure will be ordered for individual businesses, not entire sectors, that do not follow our compulsory Covid -19 measurements.” “Every staff member, including singers and performers, at restaurants that sell alcohol must take an ATK (rapid antigen Covid-19) test every day they work until further notice. Business operators must provide an ATK test for their customers or customers must show proof of an ATK test within 72 hours, regardless of their vaccination status. We have implemented free courtesy testing checkpoints around the city to make this easier.” The mayor explained, referring to the controversial tougher measurements. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/04/pattaya-mayor-says-no-plans-for-lockdowns-widespread-business-or-beach-closures-as-city-deals-with-rising-covid-19-cases/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates