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37-year-old man arrested with illegal weapons collection in Chonburi By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – A 37-year-old man has been arrested with an illegal weapons collection in Mueang Chonburi yesterday (January 3rd). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245571-37-year-old-man-arrested-with-illegal-weapons-collection-in-chonburi/

By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – A 37-year-old man has been arrested with an illegal weapons collection in Mueang Chonburi yesterday (January 3rd). A team from the Saensuk Police has arrested Mr. Nantawut ‘Tui’ Pachana, 37, from Chonburi at a house in a housing estate in the Mueang sub-district. Seized from him were an AKA gun, a handmade rifle, a handmade handgun, a pen gun, two long BB guns, two short BB guns, a blank gun, 236 varieties of bullets, 3 bulletproof vests, and some marijuana. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/04/37-year-old-man-arrested-with-illegal-weapons-collection-in-chonburi/ -- © 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

Thick Fine Dust Forecast on Jan 5-10 B ANGKOK, Jan 4 (TNA) – The Pollution Control Department warns thick fine dust will blanket Greater Bangkok on Jan 5-10 due to air stagnation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245570-thick-fine-dust-forecast-on-jan-5-10/

B ANGKOK, Jan 4 (TNA) – The Pollution Control Department warns thick fine dust will blanket Greater Bangkok on Jan 5-10 due to air stagnation. Attapol Charoenchansa, director-general of the department, said that the levels of particulate matter 2.5microns and less in diameter (PM2.5) were safe nationwide at 7am on Jan 4. PM2.5 levels ranged from 21 to 39 micrograms per cubic meter of air in 24 hours in Greater Bangkok. The safe threshold in the country was set at 50mcg. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-855024 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-01-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Two COVID-positive Indian tourists found after travelling from Chon Buri to Bangkok Two Indian tourists, who arrived in Thailand through the “Test and Go” scheme, tested positive for the coronavirus in their second test, but they had already left Chon Buri province for Bangkok when the results became available. They have been located today (Tuesday), according the Tourist Police Bureau. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245569-two-covid-positive-indian-tourists-found-after-travelling-from-chon-buri-to-bangkok/

Two Indian tourists, who arrived in Thailand through the “Test and Go” scheme, tested positive for the coronavirus in their second test, but they had already left Chon Buri province for Bangkok when the results became available. They have been located today (Tuesday), according the Tourist Police Bureau. Sought by Chon Buri health authorities, both tourists are now undergoing treatment in a Bangkok hospital. According to the Chon Buri provincial health chief, when the two arrived in Thailand, they immediately took their first COVID-19, which produced negative results. They were subsequently given a second RT-PCR test, which was positive. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/two-covid-positive-indian-tourists-found-after-travelling-from-chon-buri-to-bangkok/ -- © 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 5 Jan 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1245568-thailand-live-wednesday-5-jan-2022/

Expert Predicts Rise in COVID-19 Cases But Herd Immunity Possibility From Omicron BANGKOK (NNT) - 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245512-expert-predicts-rise-in-covid-19-cases-but-herd-immunity-possibility-from-omicron/

With over 2,000 Omicron cases in Thailand so far, expert predicts beginning of new wave Photo: The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) With over 2,000 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus detected in Thailand to date according to the Ministry of Public Health, the country is entering a widespread wave of COVID-19 infections in the next two years, following the long New Year holidays, which will see daily infections spiking into the tens of thousands of cases in the near future, predicted Dr. Manoon Leechawengwongs, a doctor specializing in respiratory and pulmonary diseases at Vichaiyut hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245510-with-over-2000-omicron-cases-in-thailand-so-far-expert-predicts-beginning-of-new-wave/

Omicron guidelines set, mild and asymptomatic cases to be isolated at home or state facilities File / Beds and items provided to patients in a field hospital set up in the Bangkok Arena indoor multi-purpose sporting venue to accomodate an upsurge in the number of Covid-19 coronavirus cases in the country. Thailand’s Medical Services Department has issued a set of guidelines to deal with COVID-19 Omicron variant cases, to ensure the infected are provided with safe and timely treatment. The department has divided Omicron cases into asymptomatic, probable cases and mild cases, who can be isolated at home or in community facilities, and the severe cases who need to be hospitalised. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245508-omicron-guidelines-set-mild-and-asymptomatic-cases-to-be-isolated-at-home-or-state-facilities/

Download the ASEAN NOW 2022 Calendar here. All no alcohol days listed! A big thank you to everyone who submitted images to the photography forum over the past year. There were some amazing photos submitted during 2021. The calendar also includes all Thai and other significant holidays, including no alcohol days. You can download the ASEAN NOW 2022 Calendar here: https://aseannow.com/files/file/796-asean-now-calendar-2022/

Rajavithi Hospital Allowing Walk-in Pfizer Vaccinations While Supplies Last By: Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Rajavithi Hospital is now allowing walk-in visits for people to receive 1st, 2nd and booster injections using the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a daily rate of 200 jabs until supplies run out. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245483-rajavithi-hospital-allowing-walk-in-pfizer-vaccinations-while-supplies-last/

By: Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Rajavithi Hospital is now allowing walk-in visits for people to receive 1st, 2nd and booster injections using the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a daily rate of 200 jabs until supplies run out. The conditions for the inoculations are as follows: 1. 1st dose for people aged 12 and over who have never been vaccinated. All nationalities accepted. 2. 2nd dose to replace second AstraZeneca or Sinovac injections from another hospital. On a voluntary basis. 3. 3rd dose for those who have received two AstraZeneca jabs for 90 days or more, or were mixed and matched between Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines and the AstraZeneca or Pfizer shots for 90 days or more, or received two full doses of the Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines for four weeks or more. The vaccination period runs from January 4-28 (except on January 20-21 and public holidays) from 8:00AM to 2:00PM. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-04 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Prime minister working from home until January 14 By: Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - With authorities expecting a rise in the number of Covid infections due to New Year’s festivities and travels, employers are being urged to implement a Work from Home model for their workers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245482-prime-minister-working-from-home-until-january-14/

By: Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - With authorities expecting a rise in the number of Covid infections due to New Year’s festivities and travels, employers are being urged to implement a Work from Home model for their workers. Civil servants are working from home for two weeks, while the prime minister himself is also working from home until January 14 and will be participating in this week’s Cabinet meeting remotely. Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered relevant agencies to monitor the situation of Omicron variant infections, with an aim of preventing transmission clusters. Lessons are being taken from the recent Omicron cluster in Kalasin and authorities are working to limit transmissions as much as they can. The prime minister is also urging people who suspect they may be infected with COVID-19 to refrain from partaking in activities and avoid contact with others, as well as to quickly self-isolate and enter the treatment process. Earlier, the prime minister issued an urgent letter telling civil servants to work from home from January 1 to 14 as part of an effort to raise the disease prevention intensity at public offices. Gen. Prayut himself is also working from home until January 14. He will reportedly attend the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (4 Jan) and the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) full meeting – expected on Friday (7 Jan) – by means of video conference from his residence inside the 1st Infantry Regiment in Bangkok. Gen. Supoj Malaniyom, the director of the CCSA’s operations center, said a meeting of the operations center will be held on Wednesday (5 Jan), after which findings and proposals from the meeting will be presented at the CCSA full meeting later in the week. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-04 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Restaurants report roaring New Year trade File photo for reference only The head of the Thai Restaurant Association reported huge numbers of Thais, Thai families and friends visited restaurants to celebrate New Year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245477-restaurants-report-roaring-new-year-trade/

File photo for reference only The head of the Thai Restaurant Association reported huge numbers of Thais, Thai families and friends visited restaurants to celebrate New Year. Denied the chance to go to pubs and nightclubs the population was instead opting for places offering entertainment such as live music as well as food. Such "half and half" places where they could have an alcoholic beverage and a good time. Thaniwan Kulmongkhol said that the feeling of many was that they had been cooped up at home for too long. The cry from them was "Let us Out!" despite the understandable concern about catching Covid by going out. She told the Thai media that the New Year period showed a 100% return of business to restaurants. Smaller establishment owners and street food outlets also benefitted by remaining open and not going home for the holidays. But while the period of December 30th to January 2nd was good it would remain to be seen if the upsurge was sustained through to mid January. Figures to come would confirm if the people were really getting out more or if it was just a New Year thing. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-04 - 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 schools told to self-assess for COVID-19 risks in managing classes Thailand’s schools have been instructed to self-assess for COVID-19 risks in managing their classes, in the Ministry of Education’s latest announcement published yesterday (Monday) outlining some measures for schools across the country to follow, amid fears of Omicron spread following the long New Year’s holidays. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245473-thailand’s-schools-told-to-self-assess-for-covid-19-risks-in-managing-classes/

Thailand’s schools have been instructed to self-assess for COVID-19 risks in managing their classes, in the Ministry of Education’s latest announcement published yesterday (Monday) outlining some measures for schools across the country to follow, amid fears of Omicron spread following the long New Year’s holidays. According to Education Minister Treenuch Thienthong, all schools should carefully assess students and teaching staff who may be among the at-risk group and to consider moving from on-site learning to online and other platforms, in close coordination with the communicable disease committee in each province. The announcement came as some schools already decided to temporarily suspend their onsite learning for at least two weeks this month due to concerns over the new COVID-19 variant. 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-schools-told-to-self-assess-for-covid-19-risks-in-managing-classes/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-04 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Phuket hotels desperate as "insured" foreign tourists with Covid denied coverage, refuse to go to hospital - "Hospitel" shortage admitted Picture: Manager Manager reported from Phuket saying there was a severe crisis among increasing numbers of foreigners on the holiday island testing positive for Covid-19 at the start of their stay. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245465-phuket-hotels-desperate-as-insured-foreign-tourists-with-covid-denied-coverage-refuse-to-go-to-hospital-hospitel-shortage-admitted/

Picture: Manager Manager reported from Phuket saying there was a severe crisis among increasing numbers of foreigners on the holiday island testing positive for Covid-19 at the start of their stay. Their sources indicated - following similar suggestions on social media - that an increasing number of asymptomatic foreigners were testing positive for Covid on day one. These are the so called "Green Cases". Hotels want them off the premises and sent to hospitals but the insurance companies are refusing to honor policies saying they have to pay for hospitals. The foreigners are pointing out that they are insured and won't pay for hospitalization. This, said the source, meant that a large number of foreign tourists are refusing to budge at hotels. This could mean, despite protocols being in place, that staff get infected and hotels are forced to shut down. He called on immediate government action to address the growing crisis in Phuket. Meanwhile Dr Kusak Kukiatkul of the Phuket health authority confirmed that the "Green Cases" didn't want to go to hospitals as they came from countries where asymptomatic cases could just quarantine at home. And he admitted that there were simply not enough places in so called "hospitels" to accommodate them. He accepted that insurance companies were not covering these eventualities when it came to hospital coverage for green cases and foreigners didn't want to pay insisting they were covered. So they were just staying in the hotels. Dr Kusak said there were negotiations underway to help with the situation. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-04 - 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

Foreign tourists not wearing masks threaten closure of Phi Phi island - hotelier calls for foreigners to be fined File photo for reference only//Wikipedia Jiraphat Jantharo of the Phi Phi Hotel Group in Krabi, southern Thailand said that most foreigners visiting the holiday island were not wearing masks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245464-foreign-tourists-not-wearing-masks-threaten-closure-of-phi-phi-island-hotelier-calls-for-foreigners-to-be-fined/

File photo for reference only//Wikipedia Jiraphat Jantharo of the Phi Phi Hotel Group in Krabi, southern Thailand said that most foreigners visiting the holiday island were not wearing masks. He feared a spike in Covid cases - especially the Omicron variant - and the possibly closure of the island if something is not done fast. He told the Thai media that foreign tourists were not wearing masks in public, at tourist sites and in convenience stores. With many places being narrow and congested on the island he feared that spread of the virus would be inevitable. He called on the Krabi health authorities to take immediate action and fine tourists if necessary. The comments came after 63 visitors to Krabi tested positive from December 1st to January 1st. Ten of those had Omicron with a further 27 awaiting confirmation after tests. The Thai media were at the port in Phi Phi where the main concern was making sure that people were wearing life jackets and boats were not overloaded. Some 1,300 visitors were there daily with many going to Maya Bay that has recently reopened to tourism. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-04 - 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

Provincial governors told to manage waste after huge numbers of ATK test kits/masks are used at New Year Picture: INN Sutthipong Julacharoen at the interior ministry told INN that the Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was concerned about the management of waste associated with Covid-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245463-provincial-governors-told-to-manage-waste-after-huge-numbers-of-atk-test-kitsmasks-are-used-at-new-year/

Picture: INN Sutthipong Julacharoen at the interior ministry told INN that the Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was concerned about the management of waste associated with Covid-19. Specifically the PM was concerned about the large number of ATK test kits and masks discarded after events to mark New Year. Consequently the PM instructed interior mister Anupong Paojinda to order provincial governors to manage the safe collection handling of such hazardous waste to avoid further infections. ASEAN NOW notes that many people needed ATK tests to attend events and with mask wearing mandatory this only added to the waste. Casually discarded masks are now a common feature of general litter seen in Thailand. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-04 - 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