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Total Omicron Cases Rise to Almost 1,000 BANGKOK, Dec 30 (TNA) – There were 934 Omicron cases in the country and local infections rose as arrivals slowed down, according to the Department of Medical Sciences. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245045-total-omicron-cases-rise-to-almost-1000/

39 people die, 362 injured in road accidents on first day of holiday travel 39 people died and 362 others were injured in 362 road accidents nationwide on Wednesday, the first of the “Seven Dangerous Days”, as declared by the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245043-39-people-die-362-injured-in-road-accidents-on-first-day-of-holiday-travel/

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/

HOT Magazine, Issue 12, Volume 9 View File Hot Magazine: Read the online issue 12, Volume 9, December 2021 by clicking on the green button or read the online version here Submitter webfact Submitted 12/30/21 Category Thaivisa Members Files  

Thailand's famed Maya Bay set to reopen to tourists on January 1st - strict limits apply Maya Bay. File photo Channel 7 TV reported on the impending reopening of Maya Bay in Krabi after the area was closed to tourists for more than 3 years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245029-thailands-famed-maya-bay-set-to-reopen-to-tourists-on-january-1st-strict-limits-apply/

Maya Bay. File photo Channel 7 TV reported on the impending reopening of Maya Bay in Krabi after the area was closed to tourists for more than 3 years. Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi national park chief Pramote Kaewnam was with other officials in the area putting the finishing touches ahead of the reopening on January 1st 2022. He said that preparations were 95% ready. The first tourists will arrive at 7 am. They will be limited to a one hour visit with a maximum number of 375 tourists at a time. This will enable 4,125 visitors a day. Last tourists must vacate the area by 6 pm. The media reported that the regeneration of the area was a continuing process. It was shut after mass and unregulated tourism ruined it. Now jetties have been constructed at the beach behind the bay that will provide access for the tourists who will use a specially constructed walkway. Black tip reef sharks have returned to the area, said Channel 7, and a terrestrial crab called "Poo Kai" in Thai and colloquially know as the Brown Land Crab has also returned to the area. In addition 30,000 corals cultivated offshore are now starting to thrive. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-30 - 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 schoolkids on Myanmar border do bomb shelter drill as guns still rumble nearby Picture: Sanook Sanook reported from the school of Ban Tha Ta Fang in Mae Yuam sub-district of Mae Hong Son that lies close to the border with Myanmar. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245028-thai-schoolkids-on-myanmar-border-do-bomb-shelter-drill-as-guns-still-rumble-nearby/

Picture: Sanook Sanook reported from the school of Ban Tha Ta Fang in Mae Yuam sub-district of Mae Hong Son that lies close to the border with Myanmar. With help from the military and locals, teachers at the school have constructed an 8x5 meter, 1.5 m high shelter for the children. Yesterday they performed a drill so that they would be ready in case trouble across the border escalated, said school director Sayan Phothisuwan. The sound of mortars can still be heard across the border as Myanmar government forces battle with the KNU - Karen National Union. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-30 - 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 Millionaires" back selling veg at the market in Korat after lottery win - tip given for today's draw Picture: Snook Sanook went to the Home Garden market in Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand's north east where they found lottery winners Adul Thonsungnern, 48, and his wife Chalermwan, 49, back at their stall selling vegetables after a lottery win. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245025-new-millionaires-back-selling-veg-at-the-market-in-korat-after-lottery-win-tip-given-for-todays-draw/

Picture: Snook Sanook went to the Home Garden market in Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand's north east where they found lottery winners Adul Thonsungnern, 48, and his wife Chalermwan, 49, back at their stall selling vegetables after a lottery win. The couple won 12 million baht with two tickets in the December 16th draw with the number 639235. Adul explained that this number was derived from his his vehicle's registration plate that featured in a dream about a large snake and a fire. The couple took a break from their stall - "Jeng Phak Sot" (great fresh veg) - until yesterday but were now getting up early in the morning again and continuing to sell their wares at 5 and 10 baht a pack. They had paid off the mortgage and the instalments on the car and the rest of their winnings were now sitting in a joint account. They intended to carry on working as before. For today's draw he is playing number 66. He got five tickets with the number 432766 derived from the plate number of a motorcycle he bought for a child and his own plate. Five tickets would mean he could win 30 million baht this time, but he was at pains to say he was not knowledgeable about the lottery and didn't believe the pronouncements of "ajaans". These are people that use the Thai word for professor who advise on potential lottery numbers based on pseudo-science. "I'm not an expert I just get the numbers from my vehicle," he said adding responsibly that he never plays the "huay tai din" or underground lottery. The state lottery will be drawn this afternoon and the elaborate procedure designed to ensure transparency can be seen on national TV. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-30 - 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: Short-range aerosol suspected reason behind Kalasin Omicron cluster By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - A pulmonologist at Siriraj Hospital has explained that the rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant in Kalasin province might indicate a limited range of airborne transmissibility. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245000-omicron-super-spreader-event-in-kalasin-linked-to-248-cases/?do=findComment&comment=17081564

Short-range aerosol suspected reason behind Kalasin Omicron cluster By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - A pulmonologist at Siriraj Hospital has explained that the rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant in Kalasin province might indicate a limited range of airborne transmissibility. Dr Nithipat Jearakul, Head of the Department of Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis at Siriraj Hospital, said he Omicron strain might be able to spread via short-range aerosol transmission. He based his theory on observations of the Kalasin cluster. The outbreak, linked to a couple who traveled to Thailand from Belgium, was apparently able to spread despite the couple not having any physical contact with staffers at the establishments they visited. Elaborating on the short-range transmission model, Dr Nithipat said the virus can be carried by very fine aerosol measuring less than 50 micrometers in diameter. This type of aerosol, which can easily be inhaled by others, can remain suspended in the air longer than larger forms of droplets of less than 5 micrometers in diameter. According to the latest findings concerning the Omicron variant, which can remain in a patient’s upper respiratory tract for an extended period of time, those with the Omicron strain can expel the virus by talking, shouting, singing, coughing, and sneezing. Dr. Nithipat also noted that this new strain might not be as capable of causing severe or prolonged disease compared to previous variants, despite its higher transmissibility. He added that this was partly due to Thailand’s robust disease control measures, vaccinations, and natural immunity from previous waves of infection. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-30 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

PM urges public to keep masks on throughout holiday season By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - With New Year celebrations just around the corner amidst the increase of Omicron cases, the Prime Minister has reminded event organizers to strictly comply with the Covid Free Settings, while urging the general public to always have a mask on. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245022-pm-urges-public-to-keep-masks-on-throughout-holiday-season/

By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - With New Year celebrations just around the corner amidst the increase of Omicron cases, the Prime Minister has reminded event organizers to strictly comply with the Covid Free Settings, while urging the general public to always have a mask on. In his Facebook post, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha asked everyone to always wear a mask when meeting other people, and avoid visiting crowded places, especially poorly ventilated settings. He urged unvaccinated people to get their jabs at the earliest opportunity. He then asked people traveling or celebrating the New Year to closely monitor themselves for symptoms after returning home, and perform a self-test should they experience any symptoms. He recommended people work from home after the long break before returning to the office. He reminded businesses to strictly comply with the Covid Free Settings, as well as other measures, warning that failure to comply will result in immediate closure. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-30 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Are charity runs side-stepping real crisis in Thai education? By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Dana (giving) is recognized as a virtue in Thai culture, meaning almost all citizens are familiar with the idea of charity and donations. But this month a debate on what the state – rather than charity – should provide has gone viral across Thailand. The hot topic was sparked after rock star Artiwara “Toon Bodyslam” Kongmalai decided to stage another charity run to raise funds for impoverished children. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245021-are-charity-runs-side-stepping-real-crisis-in-thai-education/

By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Dana (giving) is recognized as a virtue in Thai culture, meaning almost all citizens are familiar with the idea of charity and donations. But this month a debate on what the state – rather than charity – should provide has gone viral across Thailand. The hot topic was sparked after rock star Artiwara “Toon Bodyslam” Kongmalai decided to stage another charity run to raise funds for impoverished children. “Why doesn’t Toon question existing state mechanisms, the current charter or the new education law instead?” asked Athapol Anunthavorasakul, a Chulalongkorn University education lecturer. Many Thais agree that combatting poverty and Thailand’s appalling level of inequality is the duty of the government, not celebrities and other private citizens. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/are-charity-runs-side-stepping-real-crisis-in-thai-education/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-30 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Bangkok to plant flower gardens in public parks Image Credit: PR Bangkok If you’re planning to stay in Bangkok for the New Year holidays, you can visit these flower gardens in four public parks across the city. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245020-bangkok-to-plant-flower-gardens-in-public-parks/

Image Credit: PR Bangkok If you’re planning to stay in Bangkok for the New Year holidays, you can visit these flower gardens in four public parks across the city. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has arranged flower gardens in the parks under its “Bangkok Flora Festival”, which lasts from January until July 2022. Bangkok Governor, Aswin Kwanmuang said that the gardens are being be organised as a New Year gift for the people of the city and to encourage local tourism. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-to-plant-flower-gardens-in-public-parks/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-30 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thais urged not to drink drive this New Year Picture: Daily News Deputy interior minister Niphon Bunyamanee said that he and the Thai government cares about the welfare of the people on the roads. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245017-thais-urged-not-to-drink-drive-this-new-year/

Picture: Daily News Deputy interior minister Niphon Bunyamanee said that he and the Thai government cares about the welfare of the people on the roads. He called his compatriots his brothers and sisters and urged the authorities to help them as he visited an assistance tent in Songkhla in the far south. Thailand has a reported 25,000 road deaths a year but special attention to the issue is only made at New Year and Songkran, notes ASEAN NOW. Niphon called for the people to follow the rules, and the authorities to do their duty in accordance with Covid-19 protocols. He specifically told the people not to drive if they had been drinking alcohol or were sleepy. "The government is concerned about accidents involving people and damage to property", he said. He thanked officials at the checkpoint in coastal Singhanakhon district for their sacrifice in the New Year holidays. Daily News - a media who highlights the death toll on the roads in daily reports often translated by ASEAN NOW - reported that the country would have a campaign to limit accidents for the "Seven Deadly Days" from December 29th to January 4th. Disappointingly their reporter did not ask the salient questions to the minister related to road death and injury in Thailand. "Why don't you properly address the issue 365 days a year?" "Why is it just a vital issue at New Year and Songkran?" It appears they didn't want to spoil the buoyant mood of the deputy minister's visit as he handed out presents to officials at the tent. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-30 - 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

Premchai the Poacher: No special privileges for Ital-Thai tycoon, says prison authority Picture: Daily News A spokesman for the corrections department of Thailand said that convicted poacher Premchai Karnasuta would be afforded no special privileges and was being treated like any other prisoner. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245015-premchai-the-poacher-no-special-privileges-for-ital-thai-tycoon-says-prison-authority/

Picture: Daily News A spokesman for the corrections department of Thailand said that convicted poacher Premchai Karnasuta would be afforded no special privileges and was being treated like any other prisoner. The chief of the huge Ital-Thai construction conglomerate was jailed for two and a half years and has just completed 21 days in quarantine. He is now resting well and sleeping normally in a further 21 day Covid related quarantine within the Thong Pha Phum prison walls, reported Daily News. This prison is in Kanchanaburi in the west of Thailand, notes ASEAN NOW. Deputy corrections chief and spokesman Thawatchai Chaiwat was asked about a request made by Premchai's wife Khanita to Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin for her husband to be treated in a hospital outside the prison. He said that every prisoner had the right to request this but it would be up to the prison doctor's discretion. If the medical staff felt he could be treated inside the prison that is what would happen. He would only be treated outside if they were unable to treat him properly inside. He assured the press that Premchai was just another prisoner and would be treated like everyone else in the prison. He said there was no discrimination in the prison service. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-30 - 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

Phuket Tourism: Traders smiling again - "Covid is a concern but so is going without" Picture: PPTV 36 Thai media PPTV 36 went to Phuket and found traders smiling again as tourists continued to arrive on the southern Thai island in good numbers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245009-phuket-tourism-traders-smiling-again-covid-is-a-concern-but-so-is-going-without/

Picture: PPTV 36 Thai media PPTV 36 went to Phuket and found traders smiling again as tourists continued to arrive on the southern Thai island in good numbers. Things were good in the famed area of Patong Beach, said the media, in a gushing report citing the return of foreign tourists in particular. Deckchairs were being taken up as "sunbathers drank in the atmosphere and sea breezes". Kanjana Sidama, selling fruit, drinks, clothes and souvenirs in the area for 30 years said that when the pandemic started business was decimated and she had to find other ways to earn a living. But after the sandbox started and the tourists began to return the Patong area was recovering. Sure, Covid was here and was spreading but people needed to earn a living and she approved of the current measures and said she was cautious but not worried about Covid. Wandee, a masseuse agreed, saying she had come from Isaan for the High Season trade. Picture: PPTV 36 Was she concerned about Covid? Yes, but she was concerned about not having anything to eat too. Suchart pointed to the good that tourists were bringing to him and the economy and was in favor of opening up the country. He pointed to the fact that the sea was in great shape along with the marine life and this was a great opportunity for tourists to experience Phuket more as it was in the past before mass tourism. Patong was not the only place in recovery mode, they reported, Promthep Cape too was proving popular among tourists for a romantic sunset. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-30 - 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