webfact

16 arrested over 20 million baht insurance fraud Picture: Daily News The Crime Suppression Division and insurance leaders held a press conference to announce the arrest of 16 people in a widespread insurance fraud that netted the perpetrators up to 20 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244881-16-arrested-over-20-million-baht-insurance-fraud/

Picture: Daily News The Crime Suppression Division and insurance leaders held a press conference to announce the arrest of 16 people in a widespread insurance fraud that netted the perpetrators up to 20 million baht. At least three gangs were involved in the scheme that seems to have largely been centered on the south of Thailand. Fifteen places were searched as part of the operation. Pol Maj-Gen Montree Thetkham said that the MO of the gangs was to get people interested in the fraud and supply them with bank accounts and ATM cards that the gang would hold. Accident policies were then opened in their names with many companies. They would then stage accidents with such things as hot (as in temperature hot) curry sauce so that the "victims" would be injured and require hospitalization and be paid 3,000 baht a day. They would then take a cut from the victims who were prepared to suffer injury for money. Picture: Daily News The companies paid out 14 million and 6 million baht more was pending, reported Daily News. The companies smelled a rat and informed the police who gathered evidence and obtained warrants. Two guns and ammunition was also found in the raids. Of the 16 arrested 15 denied it. One has admitted to being paid 500 - 1,000 baht a time to stage the curry sauce "accidents" his rate depending on the severity of the case. All are now in custody awaiting prosecution. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-29 - 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

78 people killed on Thailand’s roads on Monday, 1,212 in December Picture: Daily News Daily News continued their daily campaign and tally of fatalities on Thailand's deadly roads. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244879-78-people-killed-on-thailand’s-roads-on-monday-1212-in-december/

Picture: Daily News Daily News continued their daily campaign and tally of fatalities on Thailand's deadly roads. They reported that there were 78 dead at the scene of road accidents reported on Monday. This brought the total for December so far to 1,212 fatalities. The year total to date is 13,049 with the same period last year resulting in 14,567 deaths. They made no comment on the apparent "improvement" over last year. Instead in their headline they said that "going easy on the gas would make you safe". They reported on the death of Army United goalkeeper Suphachart Apichatyanon, 33, on a powerful motorcycle who collided with a large truck turning into a sugar refinery in Kanchanaburi, as reported earlier by ASEAN NOW. The total dead in 2019 was 14,907 and the following year was 14,825. But these are just at the scene deaths. Graphic: Daily News When those who die on the way to and at hospitals the figure is much higher and probably around 25,000 a year. Around 80% are thought to be motorcyclists. It is a sobering thought that if nothing is done to stem the carnage then a million people will die on the Thai roads in the next 40 years. As a new year approaches - with the standard response being to focus on the "Seven Deadly Days" rhetoric, there appears little political will for anything long lasting to address the issue, notes ASEAN NOW. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-29 - 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

Chiang Mai hotels warned about Test and Go violations after tourists let out early Picture: Bangkok Business News Health authorities in Chiang Mai have warned hoteliers involved in Test and Go that they must follow the rules or face expulsion from the scheme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244876-chiang-mai-hotels-warned-about-test-and-go-violations-after-tourists-let-out-early/

Picture: Bangkok Business News Health authorities in Chiang Mai have warned hoteliers involved in Test and Go that they must follow the rules or face expulsion from the scheme. Bangkok Business News reported on a meeting attended by deputy governor of the northern Thai province Worawit Chaisawat along with health authorities and the local branch of the TAT. They met a group of 20 hoteliers headed by the chief of the northern Thai hoteliers' association La-iat Bungsrithong. The meeting heard how one project called Charming had failed in its responsibilities for Test and Go. It was claimed that they had not met tourists at the airport, allowed them to wander round the airport buying things and after they had checked-in had allowed them to leave the hotel before RT-PCR tests came back. All hotels involved in Test and Go were reminded of their responsibilities with a warning that if they failed to follow the rules they would relinquish their right to be involved. The scheme is currently suspended for new applications until January 4th but the backlog continue to enter Thailand, notes ASEAN NOW. Decisions are expected next week as to whether it continues or not. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-29 - 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

2021: Economic recovery stuck in pandemic quicksand By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk The Thai economy is heavily dependent on tourism as a major employment generator. Businesses have been hit hard by the prolonged pandemic situation and the fallout of lockdown restrictions since 2020.(Photo by Richard Balog) After the sharp economic contraction triggered by the pandemic in 2020, hopes were high that Thailand’s economy would stage a recovery in 2021. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244874-2021-economic-recovery-stuck-in-pandemic-quicksand/

The Thai economy is heavily dependent on tourism as a major employment generator. Businesses have been hit hard by the prolonged pandemic situation and the fallout of lockdown restrictions since 2020.(Photo by Richard Balog) By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk After the sharp economic contraction triggered by the pandemic in 2020, hopes were high that Thailand’s economy would stage a recovery in 2021. The COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020 had led to a 6.1 percent economic contraction, affecting large numbers of people and businesses. Thailand’s success in containing the spread of the first wave kindled expectations of an economic rebound this year. The third wave of infections that started in April this year, however, proved devastating. The sluggish rollout of vaccinations led to a sharp spike in new infections and COVID-19-related deaths, while hospitals were overwhelmed. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/2021-economic-recovery-stuck-in-pandemic-quicksand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-29 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

British family's appeal to get Morpeth teacher home from Thailand after she fell 20ft when balcony collapsed Jill Dodds, from Morpeth, fell 20ft from a balcony that collapsed in Thailand- and now her family is trying to raise By Sophie Finnegan, Durham Reporter Jill Dodds sustained serious spinal injuries after she fell 20ft from a balcony A family is appealing for help to get a Northumberland teacher back home after she plunged 20 feet when a balcony collapsed in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244863-british-familys-appeal-to-get-morpeth-teacher-home-from-thailand-after-she-fell-20ft-when-balcony-collapsed/

Jill Dodds sustained serious spinal injuries after she fell 20ft from a balcony Jill Dodds, from Morpeth, fell 20ft from a balcony that collapsed in Thailand- and now her family is trying to raise By Sophie Finnegan, Durham Reporter A family is appealing for help to get a Northumberland teacher back home after she plunged 20 feet when a balcony collapsed in Thailand. Jill Dodds, who is originally from Morpeth but has been living in Thailand for around six years, was enjoying an end-of-term party when she decided to take a picture on a balcony on December 18. The 47-year-old lent on the fence which gave way and plunged 20 feet, sustaining serious spinal injuries. Another person involved in the incident sustained a broken collar bone. One of Jill's vertebrae was crushed while another was fractured leaving her with no movement in her legs and no use of her hands and fingers, meaning she needs full-time care. Full story: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/familys-appeal-morpeth-teacher-home-22589565 -- © Copyright Chronicle Live 2021-12-29 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

COVID-19: Thailand reports 2,575 new coronavirus cases, 17 deaths, 2,695 recoveries File photo Thailand on Wednesday (December 29) reported 2,575 new COVID-19 cases, 2,695 recoveries and 17 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244861-covid-19-thailand-reports-2575-new-coronavirus-cases-17-deaths-2695-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 2,575 new coronavirus cases, 17 deaths, 2,695 recoveries File photo Thailand on Wednesday (December 29) reported 2,575 new COVID-19 cases, 2,695 recoveries and 17 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244861-covid-19-thailand-reports-2575-new-coronavirus-cases-17-deaths-2695-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Wednesday (December 29) reported 2,575 new COVID-19 cases, 2,695 recoveries and 17 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 2,535. Prisons: 40 ▶︎ Recoveries: 2,695 ▶︎ Total infections since April 1: 2,188,424 ▶︎ Total recoveries since April 1: 2,134,712 Wednesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,217,287 with 21,647 deaths. The news comes as Dr Somsak Akksilp, director-general of the Department of Medical Services (DMS), has confirmed that Thailand will move forward with procuring 2 million tablets of the Molnupiravir COVID-19 treatment drug. The move comes amid reports that France has cancelled its own order of the anti-COVID pill due to unsatisfactory test results. Last week, France became the first country to publicly cancel its Molnupiravir procurement with Merck, citing disappointing trial data. It instead made an order for a similar drug being produced by Pfizer. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-29 - 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

Hin Hin Mayor on major infrastructure improvements and new tourist attractions planned for 2022 By Paul Andrews Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul In an exclusive interview, Hua Hin Today had the privilege of speaking to Hua Hin Mayor Mr. Nopporn Wuttikul who talked about some of the infrastructure improvements which will be carried out in Hua Hin in 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244856-hin-hin-mayor-on-major-infrastructure-improvements-and-new-tourist-attractions-planned-for-2022/

Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul By Paul Andrews In an exclusive interview, Hua Hin Today had the privilege of speaking to Hua Hin Mayor Mr. Nopporn Wuttikul who talked about some of the infrastructure improvements which will be carried out in Hua Hin in 2022. The new projects include some important improvements to a particular traffic blackspot in Hua Hin and a major upgrade to street lighting throughout the district. The Mayor also outlines his plans for the development of a major new tourist attraction, as well as the part pedestrianisation of a key route that will enable people to easily walk to the centre of Hua Hin from the railway station. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/hin-hin-mayor-on-major-infrastructure-improvements-and-new-tourist-attractions-planned-for-2022/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2021-12-29 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Suspect arrested in Chonburi mall with over 100K baht worth of stolen gold By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – A 31-year-old male Thai suspect has been arrested after allegedly snatching gold items worth more than 100,000 baht from a gold shop at a shopping mall in Mueang Chonburi over the past holiday weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244855-suspect-arrested-in-chonburi-mall-with-over-100k-baht-worth-of-stolen-gold/

By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – A 31-year-old male Thai suspect has been arrested after allegedly snatching gold items worth more than 100,000 baht from a gold shop at a shopping mall in Mueang Chonburi over the past holiday weekend. The Don Hualor Police was notified of the incident at a shopping mall in the Don Hualor sub-district. They arrived at the scene to find staffers at the gold shop anxiously waiting for law enforcement. The suspect had been immediately caught by the mall’s security guards and was being physically detained by them awaiting arrival by police. The suspect was identified by police as Somyod Jaiton, 31. Seized from him was a gold necklace worth more than 120,000 baht. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/12/28/suspect-arrested-in-chonburi-mall-with-over-100k-baht-worth-of-stolen-gold/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-12-29 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Over ten thousand chicks die, a hundred surviving chicks scattered on road after truck overturns in Ban Bueng By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News Ban Bueng – Over ten thousand baby chicks died and a hundred living chicks were scattered on a road after a truck overturned in Ban Bueng. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244853-over-ten-thousand-chicks-die-a-hundred-surviving-chicks-scattered-on-road-after-truck-overturns-in-ban-bueng/

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News By Goong Nang(GN) Ban Bueng – Over ten thousand baby chicks died and a hundred living chicks were scattered on a road after a truck overturned in Ban Bueng. Emergency responders were notified of the accident at a U-turn on Number 344 Road in the Nong Irun sub-district earlier this week in the early evening. The first response teams arrived at the scene to find an overturned truck on the road. Nearby, they found a hundred live chicks, and roughly ten thousand dead chicks scattered on the road. Rescue workers helped to remove them and temporarily stopped traffic. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/12/28/over-ten-thousand-chicks-die-a-hundred-surviving-chicks-scattered-on-road-after-truck-overturns-in-ban-bueng/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-12-29 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Chiang Mai's Countdown Festival Starts CHIANG MAI, Dec 28 (TNA) – The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2022 festival started in the northern province with extravagant light and sound shows and strict COVID-19 control measures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244852-chiang-mais-countdown-festival-starts/

CHIANG MAI, Dec 28 (TNA) – The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2022 festival started in the northern province with extravagant light and sound shows and strict COVID-19 control measures. The Tourism Authority of Thailand organized the festival at the Royal Park Rajapruek. People can register for their visits beforehand until Dec 31 as the number of visitors to the festival is limited at 1,500 daily. The festival was set to begin at 5pm. With the theme of “Magical Night”, it features northern cultural shows, the performance of Britain's oldest orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, and Joe Louis puppet shows. There will be the “Northern Lights” light show on the New Year's Eve. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-850868 -- © Copyright TNA 2021-12-29 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Ministry: 23m Thais Shared Fake News BANGKOK, Dec 28 (TNA) – About 23 million Thai people shared fake news over the past two years, according to the digital economy and society minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244851-ministry-23m-thais-shared-fake-news/

BANGKOK, Dec 28 (TNA) – About 23 million Thai people shared fake news over the past two years, according to the digital economy and society minister. Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, said the Anti-Fake News Center of his ministry was set up on Nov 1, 2019, and as of Dec 23 it found that 1,167,543 people posted fake news and 23,785,145 people shared it. Most of the people, 54.5%, who posted and shared fake news were 18-24 years old. The center screened 455,121,428 messages and found 13,262 topics that needed verifications. Of them, 6,855 concerned health issues, 5,865 government policies, 282 economic issues and 260 disaster topics, Mr. Chaiwut said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-850884 -- © Copyright TNA 2021-12-29 - 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 29 Dec 2021 https://aseannow.com/topic/1244850-thailand-live-wednesday-29-dec-2021/

Andrea Bocelli Joins Phuket Countdown Event PHUKET (NNT) - Phuket has been preparing for its New Year’s countdown event, with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli officially confirmed to appear on stage for the celebration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244761-andrea-bocelli-joins-phuket-countdown-event/