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Seems a long time ago that tennis star Novak Djokovic had his visa to enter Australia dramatically revoked and he was deported. Djokovic has not spoken about his vaccination status in detail, but last year he said he was "opposed to vaccination". You may remember that most governments last year, at the height of the pandemic were all playing it tough. For example, in Thailand, it became difficult to enter a restaurant or hotel without showing your full vaccination information on a government app. Last December Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for punishing people who refuse to be vaccinated without valid reasons. At a meeting with the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, he said authorities should convince people to get immunized, and consider banning people from leaving their home or making them pay the treatment fees if they contract Covid if they refuse the shots. In the Philippines, they adopted a No Vax No Ride POLICY IN Manila, and the President was quoted saying if the unvaccinated did not stay at home they would be jailed. “Our goals were for a safe adaptation to the pandemic with a focus on reducing community transmission and severe cases and death”, he said. With the world trying to cope with this unique pandemic, should we risk letting people like Novak Djokovic continue to stick to his principles of not being vaccinated, while still wishing to roam free? Certainly, with most countries starting to stockpile vaccines, one assumes they are a lot better prepared for any further Covid waves. I can also understand why many have decided not to sit in line and take a vaccine that is still awaiting long-term test results. Naturally, society may be able to accept their position, however, it will be a lot more expensive for some time for unvaccinated people to move around, check into hotels or board a plane. It will be up to immigration at airports, hotels, or airlines policies if they can stay or fly. It is a difficult dilemma. What do you think is the correct route to take? Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-04 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - 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

By Adam Judd The following is an alert from the Animal Army Facebook page on social media. Their opinions and statements are entirely their own. ☣️ IMPORTANT: RABIES ALERT ⚠️ Confirmed Case #2 : The Lake – Huay Yai, Bang Lamung ⚠️ Confirmed Case #1 : Suan Lalana Village, Pattaya City Tragically a second rabies case has been confirmed, the 4 month old female puppy was from The Lake Huay Yai, Bang Lamung. The victim has five siblings, who have been collected and are in the Animal Army Hospital’s new quarantine facility. The puppy presented on 26/01/2022, died 27/02/2022 and was officially confirmed positive today 28/02/2022. This alert follows on from a positive case in Suan Lalana Village, Pattaya City a week ago, on 19/01/2022. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/29/animal-army-announces-second-recent-confirmed-case-of-rabies-in-a-stray-dog-in-banglamung/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-29 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand’s Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) said that the financially-troubled Southeast Life Insurance Company cannot just shut down, as it has to receive a permission from the OIC first, amid concern among millions of the company’s clients. On Wednesday, Thai Group Holdings, the parent company of Southeast Life Insurance, notified the Stock Exchange of Thailand of the board’s decision to close the insurance company and to return its operating license to the insurance registrar, after it sustained heavy losses from claims by customers who have taken out insurance coverage for COVID-19 infections. Citing Section 57 of the Non-Life Insurance Act B.E, 2535 (1992), the OIC said in a letter of clarification yesterday that that an insurance company which wants to cease operations must seek permission from the Insurance Commission, in order to protect the interests of the insured, the beneficiaries of the insurance policies and other stakeholders. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/regulator-says-insurer-suffering-massive-loss-over-covid-claims-cannot-close-down-yet/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-27 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

File photo Thailand's Anti-Fake News Center warned the public that using a phone or communication device while driving is illegal and warrants a 400-1000 baht fine. The only exception is using something like Small Talk or Bluetooth. Even when stopped in traffic or at red lights it is illegal to call out or answer your phone, play games or text, reported Siam Rath. You are driving and the engine is on even though you are not moving, said the media. You should go to a gas station or park somewhere if you need to use the phone. Looking at online information is also a no-no while driving. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-26 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - 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 Picture: Siam Rath

Picture: Naew Na Muang Kanchanaburi police and rescue services were called after two British tourists were attacked by a local resident wielding a scythe. Face down and dead at the scene with multiple wounds and dressed only in shorts was 49 year old Marcus John (as reported by Naew Na). He was lying in a pool of blood and had almost been decapitated. Picture: Naew Na Grievously wounded next to him was a man named as Shrun Kevin, 55, also British. He was rushed to hospital. A bloody scythe was recovered. The incident happened outside some rented rooms on Soi Sri Lanka in the Muang district police jurisdiction. Many beer bottles were in place on a marble table. The Thai media reported that a group of tourists had been drinking since 9 pm annoying the residents with loud noise from music. Picture: Naew Na Some time after 3 am this morning (police responded at 3.50 am) one man could take the disturbance no longer and attacked the two tourists then fled the scene. He was believed to be a local resident. Some while later Muang Kanchanaburi police chief Pol Col Somkiat Chomchai announced that a local resident called Tom, 22, was helping police with their inquiries. Picture: Naew Na Naew Na said the suspect had mental health issues. More on this breaking story as we hear of it. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-22 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - 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

By Adam Judd The following is an alert from the Animal Army Facebook here. Their statements are their own. https://www.facebook.com/AnimalArmyTH/ RABIES ALERT Confirmed Case #1 : Suan Lalana Village, Pattaya City Tragically a confirmed rabies case has been discovered in Suan Lalana Village, Pattaya City on 19/01/2022. The person to alert city authorities was Andrew Boyes, after he became concerned by a group of individuals trying to beat a dog with sticks and stones. The dog had unfortunately bitten 5-6 people and is confirmed positive for rabies. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/22/animal-army-issues-rabies-alert-in-pattaya-after-one-confirmed-case-in-a-stray-dog/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-22 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Cod Satrusayang The news that 21 MPs would be leaving the ruling party after internal disagreements has kickstarted the slumbering Thai political landscapes. Coalition partners on Thursday made calls and rushed meetings to ensure that their positions were secured. The ruling party called financial and political backers to ensure them that power still belong with them. The opposition meanwhile kickstarted election protocols, with many foreseeing or predicting the demise of the Prayut Chan-ocha government. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36777/is-thailands-opposition-ready-for-an-election/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-01-21 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

A senior doctor at the Faculty of Medicine of Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University has advised that it is better to protect oneself from COVID-19 infection due to the possible long-term side effects of the disease, even if they are not hospitalised. In his Facebook post yesterday (Sunday), Dr. Thira Woratanarat backed up his public advice with latest research work on long-term side effects in people infected and recovered from coronavirus infection. Analysis of over 80 research works on how people, who used to be infected with the virus, have a greater chance of developing long-term effects, such as fatigue and cognitive impairment. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/senior-thai-doctor-says-covid-19-could-lead-to-long-term-side-effects/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-17 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

John Higgins at the Care Resort Chiang Mai in northern Thailand; a British-run facility which caters for hotel guests as well as the elderly Would YOU send a loved one to live in a care home 6,000 miles away in Thailand? It may sound callous, until you read about the £42,000-a-year, 5-star service in the sun and loving attention of staff (at a fraction of UK costs) A growing number of Brits are sending loved ones to care resorts in Thailand Residents at Care Resort Chiang Mai in Thailand enjoy good weather and care The average UK residential nursing home costs nearly £50,000 a year or more Rates at Care Resort Chiang Mai, with 48 full-time carers, start at £1,100 a month By BARBARA DAVIES FOR THE DAILY MAIL Thousands of miles away from the depths of the murky British winter, the view from the patio of Mary Inman's villa in Thailand is beautiful indeed. Luscious gardens replete with fragrant flowers and birdsong, two glistening swimming pools; anyone watching the 83-year-old sitting outside in the evening sunshine might think she was enjoying a five-star holiday. But Mary, who has severe dementia and needs round-the-clock care, is one of a small but growing number of elderly Britons being sent halfway around the world by families who have turned their backs on the UK's beleaguered, expensive care system and embraced the care 'resorts' that have sprung up across Thailand. Full story: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10404681/Would-send-loved-one-live-care-home-6-000-miles-away-Thailand.html -- © Copyright DAILY MAIL 2022-01-15 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: INN INN reported that the health minister and DPM Anutin Charvirakul chaired a meeting of almost every relevant government ministry yesterday as they continued to wrangle about the high speed train from Thailand to China via Laos. While the Chinese and the Laotians have swiftly agreed matters and got the line built to Vientiane already, the Thais have been criticized for dallying at every turn. Anutin pressed all ministries to work together in a spitit of cooperation. He said that the project would be of great benefit to the Thai people and the nation as a whole. Present were representatives of the Transport, Finance, Foreign, Agriculture and Co-operatives, Industry and Commerce ministries. This large commitee agreed to set up another committee and work on something called a "Framework Agreement". Principal matter on the table yesterday was the connection from Nong Khai to Vientiane that they have wrangled over for years. Some small parts of the track from the Bangkok area have been completed but the project is mired in delays, notes ASEAN NOW. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - 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

Daily News Thai Caption: Marijuana freedom Thailand's health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul has thrown the whole question about the precise legality of marijuana into utter confusion. The Bhumjaithai party leader was swept to power on the back of a manifesto promising that every household would be free to grow several plants. Now he has ranted on the issue to the Thai media and is adamant that the new laws mean that marijuana is NOT a narcotic. He said that no one should stand in the way of people wanting to grow it to earn a living. The "intent of the law was to make it free to grow" he insisted. The interpretation of the law was another matter. But his comments left observers more confused than enlightened. Still he was adamant that people were free to grow the plant for medicinal use providing it had less than 0.2% THC. This would still mean that regular plants that make the user high would be illegal - though Anutin chose not to be precise about that - a situation that could see growers and users wind up in jail. Instead he promised that Bhumjaithai party list MP and lawyer Suphachaijai Samutjai would defend anyone charged with growing the plant. The rant - reported in Daily News - came as Thai print media reported the arrest of a 32 year old Briton on Koh Samui for possession of marijuana. ASEAN NOW advises extreme caution on recreational use of marijuana in Thailand. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-13 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - 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

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that Thailand was finally getting tough with the Omicron variant with orders issued by the prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. This comes more than a month after the emergence of the easily spread and fast spreading variant was identified in South Africa then swept through Europe and the US. Many have said Thailand was slow to react because of a lack of testing despite the fact that Omicron soon showed up in the kingdom. Now cases are surging in Thailand the Royal Thai Police has been instructed to ensure that Rule 9 of the emergency decree in particular is followed to the letter. This was contained in a Government Gazette announcement to be followed as of yesterday, January 9th. RTP spokesman Pol Col Krissana Patanacharoen said that chief Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk had instructed his deputies nationwide to make sure that everyone - especially businesses - were following established Covid-19 protocols. This will mean that the loophole that allowed bars and pubs to act as restaurants will be scrutinized and prosecutions for law breaking will follow. The serving of alcohol will be stopped in places and at times when it is illegal and vigilance in this matter will be a priority. Many establishments in Thailand have sought to open under SHA and SHA+ rules - these will be closely checked. 9 pm closing will be strictly enforced. Pubs, bars, massage places and the like will be closely checked to make sure there is no law breaking. ASEAN NOW notes that there was a certain amount of laissez-faire going on in Thailand especially in tourist areas like Pattaya, nightlife areas of Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. That attitude in the coming days is expected to end as law enforcement cracks down under established rules at least until the end of January. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-10 - 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

A Thai customer has been threatened with a costly lawsuit by a hotel in Khao Yai, in Thailand’s northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, after she complained about the hotel on a travel agency website and gave it a low rating following her stay there last year. Secretary-general of the Lawyers for the People Foundation, Sittra Biabangkerd, wrote on Facebook on Thursday that he had been contacted by the customer about the lawsuit. On December 19th last year, she rated the hotel as 6/10 and wrote about her poor experience there. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-hotel-threatens-customer-with-฿3m-lawsuit-over-bad-review/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-07 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

File photo for reference only Taxing cryptocurrency profits must be at the top of most Revenue Departments across the World with the staggering profits made over the past couple of years. Here in Thailand, the country’s Revenue Department is now discussing with digital asset exchanges on ways to collect withholding taxes on cryptocurrency profits. Department spokesperson Sommai Siriudomset said the move is intended to make trading more convenient. Cryptocurrency buyers currently have a duty to collect the 15% withholding tax from the profit gained by the sellers in every transaction. Of course, with huge debts mounting due to the collapse of the hospitality industry and the ongoing cost of managing the pandemic, the Revenue department is keen to explore ways of gathering the tax. Many people know that most tax agencies expect tax of some kind to be paid on cryptocurrencies -- and that tax agencies are actively looking for those who are evading taxes. There are, however, a few countries where cryptocurrencies are not taxed under some or all circumstances, notably for those who buy, hold, and sell cryptocurrencies -- where it is completely legal and state-sanctioned not to pay taxes on cryptocurrency investment gains. They include Germany, Portugal, Malta, and Switzerland in Europe and Singapore and Malaysia in Asia. Inorganic law Mrs. Sommai explained to the media that the Thai Revenue department is working to introduce an inorganic law to collect the 15% capital gains tax on the profits from cryptocurrency trading. They have the authority to collect taxes from cryptocurrency trading because profits from such activity can be considered assessable income under Section 40 of the Royal Decree amending Revenue Code No.19. She did however confirm that the department would calculate the tax from only profitable transactions, not losses. This means sellers must record all profitable transactions to determine which require withholding tax. The tax also covers Bitcoin mining transactions and the dividend or interest from cryptocurrency investment. Apparently, Bitcoin mining is considered the same as ore mining, Mrs. Sommai said. Therefore, any gains from Bitcoin mining are considered income from commercial, agricultural, and industrial operations, which are subject to the tax under Section 40 (8). However, Bitcoin miners may claim expenses incurred during the mining for a tax deduction. Dividends or interest gained from investment in cryptocurrencies are considered to be income under Section 40 (4) and are subject to tax. One trader, Sanjay Popli, who is the co-founder of Cryptomind, and owner of Merkle Capital, said that a large number of investors are still unsure about how the Revenue Department will calculate profits and losses from crypto trading. He added that it is extremely hard to actually track gains from cryptocurrencies as most crypto traders are speculators. Many usually keep the coins for very short periods, before selling to take profits. Many Thais and Expats across the country are sitting on huge gains from buying and selling bitcoins and will be watching what happens with interest. Until the Thai government makes clear its regulations on taxation, traders will just have to wait and be prepared to allow for some form of payments to the Revenue departments. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-07 - 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

The owner of a zoo in Thailand’s Khon Kaen province has posted disturbing pictures, on the zoo’s official Facebook page, of a Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) being abused, urging visitors not to harm them as such creatures are friendly and do not harm others. The owner of the Khon Kaen Exotic Pets & The Fountain Show zoo, located in Sila sub-district in Muang district of Khon Kaen, told a reporter that, on New Year’s Day, many visitors flocked to the zoo and were all given baskets of vegetables with which to feed the animals. One visitor, however, was surprised when a Capybara approached them. The visitor struck the creature with the basket until the creature bled. Staff members at the zoo quickly treated the animal’s wounds after the shocking incident. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/abused-capybara-in-khon-kaen-sparks-outcry-on-social-media/ -- © 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

By Erich Parpart The government said on Tuesday that it would consider reimplementing work from home and online schooling if the spread of the Omicron variant is uncontained after the New Year break. “The ministry is proposing the work from home measure, and it will be considered on January 4,” said Sathit Pitutecha, the Deputy Minister of Public Health. The government is set to introduce new quarantine and restriction measures on the day. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36138/government-to-reconsider-work-from-home-and-online-classes-mandate-after-new-year/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2021-12-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Channel 7 A British man was chased in the street by a knife wielding Thai man after he repeated asked for a beer and was refused and then was told to go home. The case reached Thai national TV news Channel 7 after a clip and information was posted by Mr Jack's wife Nalinnara, 28, on Facebook. In the Facebook post requesting information about the man in the video it was stated that the man approached a group of Thais and the foreigner drinking at a shop in Phraeksa Soi 10, Muang Samut Prakan, south east of the Thai capital Bangkok. The poster said her husband didn't have any money with him and turned down the man's request for a beer. But he wouldn't stop and asked "twenty plus" times for a beer creating annoyance. Eventually the Brit stood up and told the man to go home. To defuse the situation one of the Thais present fronted up the price of a beer. But the man came back 5 minutes later armed with a knife. The foreigner ran off leaving his motorcycle. The assailant chased him, couldn't find him then returned to the shop to ask where the foreigner lived. Apparently this was not the first time this man had done something like this. Reporters from Channel 7 went to the area and spoke to the owners of a grocer's opposite called Ms Neung who said it happened at about 10.30 pm on Saturday 18th December. She confirmed the Facebook details adding that there was a considerable commotion. She said that she knew the British man who was a frequent customer and that he was a polite and nice guy. When asked where he lived the other people present on the night in question said they didn't know. The Thai man had made trouble for someone else two months ago, she said. Nalinnara told the media that her husband had gone to the shop opposite to buy cigarettes then been invited over for a beer by some Thai friends. She said that Jack ran 200 meters to escape the man leaving his bike. He was now scared to leave the house. She provided the Muang Samut Prakan police with a clip and they are now investigating. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-21 - 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

In 2016 Mr Wright claimed to be the founder of Bitcoin A computer scientist who claims he invented Bitcoin has won a court case allowing him to keep a cache of the cryptocurrency worth billions of dollars. A jury rejected claims that Craig Wright's former business partner was due half of the assets. As a result Mr Wright will retain 1.1m Bitcoin, worth $54bn (£40bn). However he will pay $100m to his late partner's company for intellectual property infringement. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59571277 -- © Copyright BBC 2021-12-09 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

The Thai Immigration Bureau has announced that foreigners who remain in Thailand due to the COVID-19 situation have until almost the end of January next year to extend their stay permission to remain in the country. It was expected that the so-called ‘COVID extensions’ would no longer be available with Thailand and other countries starting to reopen their borders to tourists. But according to a new order, dated 23 November 2021, foreigners can apply for a COVID extension until 25 January 2022. As this is a 60 day extension, it essentially grants stay in the country until 26 March 2022. The order will once again be welcomed by those people who remain in Thailand due to COVID-19 and need to or want to stay longer. Anyone whose temporary extension was due to expire are advised to visit their local immigration office for a further extension. It will cost 1,900 baht. Special thanks toThai Visa Centre for the information. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-24 - 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

File photo A Suan Dusit University poll has revealed that more family members and grandparents are bringing up Thai children than parents themselves. The poll - about the problems facing families with children up to 15 years old in the Covid-19 era - suggested that 49.14% of children were raised by grandparents and other family members and just 45.45% by mums and dads, reported Daily News. 77.64% said that raising children was harder in Covid times compared to pre-pandemic. Finding activities for children and keeping them healthy were chief concerns. 74.57% were worried about their children getting Covid and 62.9% expressed concern about their education. It was reckoned that costs related to bringing up children were on average 7,974 baht for each child a month. The total number polled between 15th and 18th November was 1,154. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-22 - 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

By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Education is asking government agencies and private firms to lend smartphones and tablets to students. These internet-connected devices are crucial to students’ remote learning. The Ministry of Education launched the “Next Normal with Smart Devices” campaign for government agencies and private companies to lend smart devices such as smartphones and tablets to students in need, in order to assist in their online learning during the pandemic. Deputy Minister of Education Kalaya Sophonpanich said access to technology and internet connection, along with the content and teachers’ capacity, is crucial for effective online learning, an area in which this new campaign could help improve upon. The Ministry of Education will also be setting up a fund to support students in need of online learning equipment and to further promote online learning channels and the creation of online content. The ministry is to set up a central database for online lessons and tests, starting with high school students in their senior years, before expanding to younger students, as well as students with special needs. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-11-20 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News Thailand's controversial Minister of Health and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul was interviewed by Daily News on what the media called the latest drama: People who are not vaccinated being unable to access certain services and being denied employment in some jobs. Some have likened this to being treated like lepers. The minister, often criticized for inflammatory and off the cuff remarks, struck a more measured, reasoned tone, notes ASEAN NOW. He even mentioned his own experiences concerning a trip to a WHO meeting in Switzerland that he could not attend. He said that not being vaccinated was a person's basic human right. You can't force anyone to be vaccinated. But equally he felt that owners of businesses and those offering services to the public were within their rights to serve who they wished in order to protect themselves, their other staff and their other customers. This was particularly true in the tourism industry, he noted. Employers were also within their rights to insist that certain employees in certain companies could only work for them if they are vaccinated. Such cases were already being raised abroad, he noted, and Thailand would be no different. He stressed the importance of everyone who can getting vaccinated as it protects you and means far less potential health problems if you then catch Covid. He again stressed that vaccination does not mean you can't be infected but that people vaxxed are very unlikely to need intubation or die. He continued to advise practical measures like social distancing while copmpletely understanding people's reticence at being around the unvaccinated. Some in society - particularly anti-vaxxers have said that draconian rules mean that those choosing not to be vaccinated or who have exemptions face being treated like lepers in society. Anutin said that society was still coming to terms with the pandemic and its aftermath. He cited his own experiences about the now well-known affair in not going to Switzerland. He said that the reality was he could have gotten a visa after two doses of Sinovac. But he would have had to have stayed in his hotel once there and could not have attended the WHO meeting or even gone out to a restaurant. He recognised that he would need a booster shot to do his job there properly. So that's what he would have to do to satisfy their entry requirements. Not unreasonably, he compared this to other employees having to get vaccinated to do their jobs. "It's part of living together happily in society," he noted. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-19 - 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

File photo: REUTERS By Jonathan Fairfield PayPal will no longer be available to the vast majority of people in Thailand from February 2022. PayPal recently announced that anyone in Thailand who set up a personal account before March 2021, will no longer be able to receive payments or even have a balance on their account from February 2022. “PayPal is preparing to relaunch services in Thailand. If your account was opened prior to March 7, 2021, you will need to take some action to continue using your account in Thailand, the company says on its website. The move essentially means that as of February next year, PayPal will no longer be available to customers with personal accounts in Thailand. For people who rely on PayPal to receive payments from overseas, they will no longer be able to do so without a registered business account. Online teachers, freelance workers, digital nomads or even people in Thailand who use PayPal to receive money from friends and family overseas will have to find an alternative. In order to get a registered business account, people will need to be registered via the Thai government’s Know Your Business (KYB) scheme. Registration for a business account requires applicants to submit their 13 digit registration number, as well as the identification documents of all company shareholders with more than 25% stake in the company. In addition, anyone who is authorised to use said business account is also required to submit their identification documents. Furthermore, business accounts will then be charged 7% VAT on all transactions, while domestic transactions can only be made in Thai baht and must be linked to a Thai bank account. Business customers will also no longer be able to transfer money bank accounts in the United States. The move has come about after the Thai government overhauled regulation of the country’s fintech sector. This means that PayPal has been forced to adhere to a new regulatory framework in order to be able to operate in Thailand. However, speculation online says the move is to do with Thailand cracking down on money laundering. Last year PayPal announced it was no longer accepting new registrations for accounts from people in Thailand. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-12 - 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

Need a driving licence in Thailand? Queue system now up and running for new applications Picture: Daily News The head of the Department of Land Transport Jirut Wisanjit has ordered that all DLT offices nationwide now handle applications for new driving licences. The order refers to people who have not had a licence before. Applicants can use the DLT Smart Queue app to book a date at their local office. Or go to https://gecc.dlt.go.th to book. New licence applications at busy offices have been held up since mid-April and can be made from now until the end of the year, reported Daily News. The chief ordered all offices to follow strict Covid-19 protocols. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-10-06 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News Police in Udon Thani in Thailand's north east have promised justice after a Thai man was killed by a Swiss pensioner at the foreigner's house. The Thai man scaled a wall and demanded money and a fight broke out after he pulled a gun. The pensioner hit him in the head then tied him up before the police were called. But the intruder had died. It was the early hours of Sunday when Pol Capt Sukin Rajankaew of the Nakha police went to a house one kilometer from the village in Moo 4 Ban Khamin in Kutsa sub-district. Picture: Daily News There the police and rescue services found 53 year old Sathian dead in a kitchen behind the house. He had cheek and eyebrow cuts and bruises and had his hands and feet bound. He was taken for an autopsy at Soon Udon Thani Hospital. Waiting to surrender himself at the scene was Rudolf J.R., 63, the Swiss houseowner. He admitted knocking out the victim but denied intending to kill him. He said that late Saturday night he had been having a coffee in his kitchen. His wife had been out drinking with friends and had come home and gone to bed. The intruder scaled a concrete wall and was armed with a gun which he pointed at him demanding "money, money", reported Daily News. Picture: Daily News A struggle ensued as the Swiss man said he grabbed the intruder's arm and the gun went off but it didn't hit anyone. Rudolf said he threw it in the pond next to the house. In the furious fight fists and feet were used to attack the intruder who was knocked unconscious. Worried that he would regain consciousness the foreigner tied him up, woke up his wife and got her to contact the phu yai ban to inform the police. However, when the phu yai ban arrived Sathian was already dead. Lak, 44, the Swiss man's wife, said that she and her husband had been married for ten years and lived off his retirement fund. He used to be an architect. They had no trouble with anyone and no enemies, she said. She admitted to being someone who liked to go out and party with friends. Two years ago she said she met Sathian, a general employee and farmer, who was a friend of a friend. She said that he tried to initiate a relationship with her but she declined his advances. She would meet him in the village and say hello, that was all. She never thought he would try to rob them and it would come to this. Rudolf was taken away to the police station along with a .38 revolver that was found in the pond. It contained 5 rounds in the chamber, one had been fired. Picture: Daily News Pol Maj-Gen Phisanu Unhaseri said there were two cases - the first involved trespass at night with a gun and attempted murder against the victim. The second is that the foreigner will face charges of inflicting bodily harm causing death. Whether it was self-defence will be taken into consideration, said the provincial police chief promising "justice for both sides". He said there would be a full investigation. More on this as we hear of developments in the case. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-10-04 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates