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By: Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has announced that holders of 30-baht universal health care cards, also known as "gold card" users, can now seek medical treatment at primary care facilities nationwide. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, users can receive treatment without being asked for referral documents from the places where they were registered. He noted that the reform already took place in some provinces last year, and will now be expanded nationwide as a New Year’s gift for users of the program. National Health Security Office (NHSO) Secretary-General Jadet Thammathat-aree said the office is prepared for the change. He added that a fund has been set aside for hospitals to request reimbursement for users seeking treatment outside of their designated areas. The public health minister meanwhile stressed that further upgrades to the universal health care service are a top priority. He has instructed the Ministry and the NHSO to implement changes that reduce unnecessary steps for card holders and provide them with easier access to treatment. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Chon Buri Launches Proactive COVID-19 Case-finding Operations By: Paul Rujopakarn CHONBURI (NNT) - Authorities in Chon Buri province have launched proactive case-finding operations while urging businesses to set up screening checkpoints and test their staff using antigen kits in order to detect and isolate suspected cases. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245332-chon-buri-launches-proactive-covid-19-case-finding-operations/

By: Paul Rujopakarn CHONBURI (NNT) - Authorities in Chon Buri province have launched proactive case-finding operations while urging businesses to set up screening checkpoints and test their staff using antigen kits in order to detect and isolate suspected cases. Establishments in Pattaya and Bang Lamung that serve alcoholic beverages and do not conduct antigen tests on staff and patrons have been ordered to close. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, di rector-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), said he was concerned about transmissions in the province, as most residents work in factories. Factories are still permitted to operate after New Year’s celebrations, but are urged to conduct antigen tests on their employees. According to Chon Buri’s public health office, the province recorded the largest number of new COVID-19 infections on Sunday at 442. 81% of cases in Bang Lamung district alone were also determined to be the Omicron coronavirus variant. Authorities are meanwhile advising state agencies and private businesses to allow their employees to work from home for at least two weeks amid surging Omicron infections, with over 1,500 nationwide as of New Year’s Day. They are also recommending that people follow Universal Prevention guidelines, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Officials insist, however, that the situation remains under control and there have so far been no severe cases caused by the new variant. According to Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed agencies to continue closely monitoring the Omicron situation in order to prevent major Omicron outbreaks. The spokesperson added that the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Transport are offering free antigen tests for people returning to Bangkok through the Mo Chit bus terminal and Hua Lamphong railway station. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Tourists return to Maya Bay after three year closure Picture: Manager Online Maya Bay in Krabi is open again after being closed for three years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245331-tourists-return-to-maya-bay-after-three-year-closure/

Picture: Manager Online Maya Bay in Krabi is open again after being closed for three years. Seriously damaged by mass tourism the famed bay in the south of Thailand is now welcoming tourists again in a limited capacity. Manager reported that the page of the Had Nopparat Thara - Moo Koh Phi Phi national park featured a ribbon cutting ceremony and pictures of tourists on the sands. Park chief Promote Kaewnam had done the honours. Only 375 tourists can visit at any one time, and onlt then for a one hour slot. The beach was shut in order for the environment to recover. Visitors can only access the bay from the bay behind it via a walkway. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-03 - 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

Pretties handing out drinks at police checkpoint was not our idea, say RTP Daily News Thai caption: We didn't order them (say police) - they just arrived! Thai social media was abuzz after a news site said that two Thai pretties - PR women - were handing out drinks at a police checkpoint in Hang Dong, Chiang Mai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245329-pretties-handing-out-drinks-at-police-checkpoint-was-not-our-idea-say-rtp/

Daily News Thai caption: We didn't order them (say police) - they just arrived! Thai social media was abuzz after a news site said that two Thai pretties - PR women - were handing out drinks at a police checkpoint in Hang Dong, Chiang Mai. The busty beauties posed with passing motorists as they handed out cans of coffee. But the Hang Dong police were not best pleased with the suggestion they had arranged the handouts. They said that they had agreed for the Daiso Sushi Buffet in Star Avenue to hand out drinks but nobody mentioned the pretties, reported Daily News. They had just arrived with several other employees for the photoshoot on New Year's Day afternoon. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-03 - 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

Pattaya: Transgender arrested for opening account used by Romance Scam gang Sanook Thai caption: Hired to open an account for romance scam gang Sanook reported that police from the Crime Suppression Division served two warrants on a "sao song" (ladyboy) in front of a condo building in South Pattaya on Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245328-pattaya-transgender-arrested-for-opening-account-used-by-romance-scam-gang/

Sanook Thai caption: Hired to open an account for romance scam gang Sanook reported that police from the Crime Suppression Division served two warrants on a "sao song" (ladyboy) in front of a condo building in South Pattaya on Sunday. Mr Chonkan, 33, was named in warrants from courts in Chonburi and Chaiyaphum. Police alleged that he opened a bank account when asked by a female friend called Fon, a former work colleague. The account was used to defraud a victim of a so-called Romance Scam. The suspect was taken to Samed police station in Chonburi. He had previous convictions for drug use and theft after posing as a potential tenant and stealing property and furniture. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-03 - 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

DUI in Thailand: RTP warned of possible 10 year prison terms Picture: Daily News Warnings from the Royal Thai Police about drinking and driving have once again fallen on deaf ears. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245319-dui-in-thailand-rtp-warned-of-possible-10-year-prison-terms/

Picture: Daily News Warnings from the Royal Thai Police about drinking and driving have once again fallen on deaf ears. Stats from the Probation Department showed that with a large rise in New Year's Eve cases. This came just hours after the RTP spokesman in Bangkok Pol Maj-Gen Yingyot Thepjamnong had warned his compatriots that the police would be on the lookout for DUI with checkpoints nationwide. And the Maj-Gen warned the Thai population of heavy fines and prison terms. A first offence that doesn't result in an accident can see a driver fined 5,000 to 20,000 baht and lose their licence for at least 6 months. But causing accidents sees the driver jailed from 1-5 years and/or a fine of 20-100,000 baht or 2-6 years and 40-120,000 baht. When a death is caused by a drunk driver the penalty is 3-10 years in prison and a fine of 60-200,000 baht. The probation department alone handled nearly 3,000 cases of DUI and driving while drugged up over three days of the holidays. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-03 - 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

No lessons learned: Drink driving stats for New Year's Eve smash record for previous year by 66% File photo: Daily News Thailand's efforts to stop motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol are in tatters. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245314-no-lessons-learned-drink-driving-stats-for-new-years-eve-smash-record-for-previous-year-by-66/

File photo: Daily News Thailand's efforts to stop motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol are in tatters. That's if figures released by the Probation Department are to be believed. Director Witthawan Suthonkhajit reported 1,723 cases of DUI on December 31st. This was 66% worse than the same day in 2020. In addition 148 appeared in court for driving while drugged up. The total for three days was 2,896 DUI and 480 drug driving cases. Ten cases of negligent driving were dealt with by the department. Worst areas in Thailand for DUI were all in the north east with Chaiyaphum having 194 cases, Sakon Nakhon 159 and Buriram 157, reported Daily News. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-03 - 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 Graphic: Daily News

Sawatdee Pee Mai! Traffic woes as Thais return to Bangkok Picture: Daily News It was a familiar story on the Thai roads last night as huge numbers of motorists made their way back to the Thai capital Bangkok after the new year holidays in the provinces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245307-sawatdee-pee-mai-traffic-woes-as-thais-return-to-bangkok/

Picture: Daily News It was a familiar story on the Thai roads last night as huge numbers of motorists made their way back to the Thai capital Bangkok after the new year holidays in the provinces. Daily News reported that the roads were jammed from early evening and the tailbacks were expected to last through the night. Their reporters went to the Asia Highway near Bang Pa-In where there was a ten kilometer tailback as drivers slowed to take turnings and fill up with gas. The situation was little better on route 304 in Prachinburi. But at least the Kabinburi to Chachoengsao road was moving, albeit slowly. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-03 - 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 2,927 new coronavirus cases, 18 deaths, 2,903 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (January 3) reported 2,927 new COVID-19 cases, 2,903 recoveries and 18 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245290-covid-19-thailand-reports-2927-new-coronavirus-cases-18-deaths-2903-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 2,927 new coronavirus cases, 18 deaths, 2,903 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (January 3) reported 2,927 new COVID-19 cases, 2,903 recoveries and 18 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245290-covid-19-thailand-reports-2927-new-coronavirus-cases-18-deaths-2903-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Monday (January 3) reported 2,927 new COVID-19 cases, 2,903 recoveries and 18 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 2,906. Prisons: 21 ▶︎ Recoveries: 2,903 ▶︎ Total infections since April 1: 2,203,622 ▶︎ Total recoveries since April 1: 2,150,207 Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,232,485 with 21,738 deaths. The news comes as the Chonburi Department of Public Health is setting up three major Covid-19 screening points from at least January 2nd-January 5th from 5:00 P.M. to late in Pattaya in busy “restaurant” areas. These will be rapid antigen tests and will be free, nearby business owners can use this for both staff and customer testing to meet the new Chonburi orders. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-03 - 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 win Suzuki Cup for record sixth time Thailand lifted the AFF Suzuki Cup for a record sixth time on Saturday, after a 2-2 draw with Indonesia in the final’s second leg sealed a 6-2 aggregate victory at the National Stadium in Singapore. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245282-thailand-win-suzuki-cup-for-record-sixth-time/

Thailand lifted the AFF Suzuki Cup for a record sixth time on Saturday, after a 2-2 draw with Indonesia in the final’s second leg sealed a 6-2 aggregate victory at the National Stadium in Singapore. Ricky Kambuaya gave Indonesia some hope of turning around the four-goal deficit from the first leg with an early goal, but the Thais put the match out of reach with a strike by Adisak Kraisorn and an own goal early in the second half. Egy Maulana Vikri made it 2-2 with a late effort but it was mere consolation for the Garudas as they suffered their sixth consecutive final defeat, four of which have come at the hands of the Thais. Facing the seemingly insurmountable deficit, Indonesia got the start they wanted as a goalkeeping error put them on the scoresheet after seven minutes. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-win-suzuki-cup-for-record-sixth-time/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Chonburi Public Health setting up three major Covid-19 screening points in Pattaya for free Covid-19 rapid testing for restaurants that sell alcohol By Adam Judd PHOTO: BMA Health Pattaya- The Chonburi Department of Public Health is setting up three major Covid-19 screening points from at least January 2nd-January 5th from 5:00 P.M. to late in Pattaya in busy “restaurant” areas. These will be rapid antigen tests and will be free, nearby business owners can use this for both staff and customer testing to meet the new Chonburi orders. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245281-chonburi-public-health-setting-up-three-major-covid-19-screening-points-in-pattaya-for-free-covid-19-rapid-testing-for-restaurants-that-sell-alcohol/

PHOTO: BMA Health By Adam Judd Pattaya- The Chonburi Department of Public Health is setting up three major Covid-19 screening points from at least January 2nd-January 5th from 5:00 P.M. to late in Pattaya in busy “restaurant” areas. These will be rapid antigen tests and will be free, nearby business owners can use this for both staff and customer testing to meet the new Chonburi orders. First, for reference, the new Chonburi orders about Covid-19 testing for staff AND customers of restaurants, especially those that sell alcohol or have crowds. The screening points, some of which have already been running in prior days, are at the following locations. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/02/chonburi-public-health-setting-up-three-major-covid-19-screening-points-in-pattaya-for-free-covid-19-rapid-testing-for-restaurants-that-sell-alcohol/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

One person dead, several injured and flee after violent brawl at Tree Town market area, say Pattaya Police By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand- One man is dead this morning and at least two other men suffered injuries during what Pattaya Police described as a “violent brawl” in the Tree Town Market area of Central Pattaya off of Soi Buakhao last night, January 2nd, 2021. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245280-one-person-dead-several-injured-and-flee-after-violent-brawl-at-tree-town-market-area-say-pattaya-police/

By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand- One man is dead this morning and at least two other men suffered injuries during what Pattaya Police described as a “violent brawl” in the Tree Town Market area of Central Pattaya off of Soi Buakhao last night, January 2nd, 2021. The incident took place around 10:00 P.M. at Tree Town market and was responded to by Lt. Col Krikrit Saiwana, Deputy Superintendent of the Pattaya City Police, and his team after notification from Covid-19 testers who had witnessed the incident. Along with TPN media and Sawang Boriboon rescue workers, teams arrived at the scene quickly to find 54-year-old Narawit Pongsungnoen lying on the ground seriously injured and bleeding heavily due to stab wounds from a sharp object. Some witnesses described the weapon utilized as a long knife or a machete to Lt. Col Krikrit, although the exact device was not identified by police immediately. Mr. Narawit was rushed to a local hospital after emergency first aid was used at the scene of the incident but was pronounced dead upon arrival by medical staff and Sawang Boriboon rescue workers. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/03/one-person-dead-several-injured-and-flee-after-violent-brawl-at-tree-town-market-area-say-pattaya-police/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates