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Several factors make Thais vulnerable to Omicron variant infection Photo from AFP Thai people are at risk of COVID Omicron variant infection, depending on several factors, said Dr. Thiravat Hemachudha, chief of the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre today (Tuesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244740-several-factors-make-thais-vulnerable-to-omicron-variant-infection/

Thailand to Proceed with Molnupiravir Procurement BANGKOK (NNT) - 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244755-thailand-to-proceed-with-molnupiravir-procurement/

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/

Several factors make Thais vulnerable to Omicron variant infection Photo from AFP Thai people are at risk of COVID Omicron variant infection, depending on several factors, said Dr. Thiravat Hemachudha, chief of the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre today (Tuesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244740-several-factors-make-thais-vulnerable-to-omicron-variant-infection/

Photo from AFP Thai people are at risk of COVID Omicron variant infection, depending on several factors, said Dr. Thiravat Hemachudha, chief of the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre today (Tuesday). One factor, he said, is the drop in efficacy of the vaccines three months after inoculation, although the vaccines are regarded as the best currently available. A three-dose course of the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines is said to be 10 times more effective than a three-dose course of AstraZeneca, but three months after inoculation, he said that the efficiency of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine will drop by about 40%, citing a study by Pfizer. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/several-factors-make-thais-vulnerable-to-omicron-variant-infection/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Government to reconsider work from home and online classes mandate after New Year 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244737-government-to-reconsider-work-from-home-and-online-classes-mandate-after-new-year/

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

School children risking their lives daily on busy road - director calls for crossing and signage Picture: Sanook Sanook went to investigate after a school in Nakhon Ratchasima contacted them about the dangerous road their students have to cross. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244734-school-children-risking-their-lives-daily-on-busy-road-director-calls-for-crossing-and-signage/

Picture: Sanook Sanook went to investigate after a school in Nakhon Ratchasima contacted them about the dangerous road their students have to cross. Morning and evening it is a dangerous dash for kids at Ban Phon Thong school located on the four lane Mitraphap Highway in Sida district. Many of the children need to get to a housing estate opposite. Sanook noted that traffic doesn't slow down at all and there is scant signage. It's a section of road that encourages fast driving coming down from a hill. Director of the school Suchart Charoenwong has called for a pedestrian bridge, signage and flashing lights to be installed. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-28 - 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: Level 3 Alert Issued due to Omicron spread The Ministry of Public Health has raised Thailand’s COVID-19 alert to Level 3 amid rising Omicron coronavirus infections, while warning that new daily cases could reach as high as 30,000 in early 2022 unless strict measures are taken to curb the spread. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244627-grim-worst-case-for-thailand-next-year-if-people-lower-their-guard-against-covid-19/?do=findComment&comment=17076702

Level 3 Alert Issued due to Omicron spread The Ministry of Public Health has raised Thailand’s COVID-19 alert to Level 3 amid rising Omicron coronavirus infections, while warning that new daily cases could reach as high as 30,000 in early 2022 unless strict measures are taken to curb the spread. Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Public Health, said at a press briefing that the ministry resolved to raise the Kingdom’s alert level after new Omicron cases surged from 104 last Wednesday (Dec 22) to 514 on Monday (Dec 27). The ministry has also calculated three possible epidemiological scenarios for the COVID-19 situation next year. For the best-case scenario, Dr Kiattiphum said the number of new daily infections could average around 10,000 as early as late January. The second-best scenario, which calls for a moderate level of control, would see 15,000-16,000 new daily cases over roughly the same period. For the worst-case scenario, in which no additional precautions are taken against the highly transmissible variant, the number of new daily cases would reach as high as 30,000. Dr. Kiattiphum said the fatality rate would increase to 170-180 daily deaths in the worst-case scenario. However, that figure could fall to around 60-70 daily deaths given more stringent measures and accelerated vaccine rollouts. Projections provided at the briefing showed daily Omicron cases peaking in late January or early February in the best and second-best scenarios, with the outbreak being brought under control within 1-2 months. For the worst-case scenario, new cases would peak in early March before seeing a decline, with health authorities taking 3-4 months to bring the situation under control. The permanent secretary also noted that while the ministry did not expect the fatality rate to be as high as for the Delta variant, the highly infectious nature of the Omicron strain meant vulnerable groups should quickly get vaccinated. Of the 514 confirmed Omicron cases in Thailand, around 90% were asymptomatic or exhibited mild symptoms. Dr Kiattiphum also assured that there would be sufficient beds and medical supplies to deal with new infections, with 170,000 hospital beds and 15 million favipiravir pills currently available. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, di rector-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), meanwhile said the alert was raised to Level 3 in order to enable authorities to step up prevention, detection and control efforts. He added that air conditioned restaurants must ensure their staff are fully vaccinated and take regular antigen tests, while cautioning that the New Year period is likely to see a rise in new cases due to the increased movement of people during the holidays. Dr Opas also advised offices to maintain work-from-home approaches to limit the spread of infection. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Source: https://www.facebook.com/nbtworld/posts/10158428586377050 -- © Copyright NBT WORLD 2021-12-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Pod of 100+ dolphins spotted by Thai Navy in Koh Tarutao area - points to Andamann sea health Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that the PR section of the Satun authorities had been contacted by the Thai Royal Navy after they spotted a pod of more than 100 dolphins in the south of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244730-pod-of-100-dolphins-spotted-by-thai-navy-in-koh-tarutao-area-points-to-andamann-sea-health/

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that the PR section of the Satun authorities had been contacted by the Thai Royal Navy after they spotted a pod of more than 100 dolphins in the south of Thailand. The pod - some on the surface and a greater number submerged - were witnessed in the area of Koh Tarutao. It was nearly 18 nautical miles from the Thai shore. It was reported that this indicated the health of the Andaman sea. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-28 - 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

Chonburi tourism leader calls for areas near Bangkok to be treated like Phuket Sandbox Thanet Supharothatrangsi. File photo The acting head of the Chonburi Tourism Business Association Thanet Supharothatrangsi said he had submitted letters to the Covid authorities and tourism minister Pipat and TAT chief Yutthasak. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244728-chonburi-tourism-leader-calls-for-areas-near-bangkok-to-be-treated-like-phuket-sandbox/

Thanet Supharothatrangsi. File photo The acting head of the Chonburi Tourism Business Association Thanet Supharothatrangsi said he had submitted letters to the Covid authorities and tourism minister Pipat and TAT chief Yutthasak. He wants to see places like Pattaya, Hua Hin and Rayong that are within easy "sealed route" reach from Bangkok to be given "sandbox" status like Phuket. He noted that arrivals at Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi airports were greater than in Phuket. Since the November 1st reopening the two main airports in Bangkok were handling 5-7,000 passengers a day with Phuket just 1,500 to 2,000. In December this has risen to 10,000 in Bangkok and 3,000 in Phuket. He wants to see the processing of 90,000 Test and Go tourists speeded up. There is currently a suspension on new applications for two weeks until January 4th. A graphic published by Bangkok Business News mentioned a "golden opportunity" missed at the height of the tourist season because of Omicron with threat of more closures and loss of jobs in the tourism sector. Easing requirements and treating the areas within 2 and a half hours and three hours from Bangkok the same as the Phuket Sandbox was the way forward, suggested Thanet. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-28 - 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

Motorcycle taxi riders given electric bikes in EGAT pilot scheme Picture: Bangkok Business News Bangkok Business News reported on a ceremony attended by the head of the Electrical Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in which 51 electric motorcycles were given to taxi riders in the Bang Kruay area of Nonthaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244727-motorcycle-taxi-riders-given-electric-bikes-in-egat-pilot-scheme/

Picture: Bangkok Business News Bangkok Business News reported on a ceremony attended by the head of the Electrical Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in which 51 electric motorcycles were given to taxi riders in the Bang Kruay area of Nonthaburi. This is the location of the EGAT HQ. It is part of a one year trial in which 50 more bikes will be handed out to riders in the area under the EGAT Carbon Neutrality plan. Picture: Bangkok Business News The pilot scheme will be monitored by a local university. The bikes have a range of 100 kilometers on one charge and can go 80 kmph and carry 150 kilograms. They are also fitted with GPS trackers. Three battery replacement depots are also in place as part of the pilot scheme. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-28 - 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

Tourism group asks government to reconsider scrapping Test and Go; opposition MP urges compensation By Erich Parpart Tourism operators are urging the government to reconsider its quarantine policy and avoid another nationwide lockdown. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244725-tourism-group-asks-government-to-reconsider-scrapping-test-and-go-opposition-mp-urges-compensation/

By Erich Parpart Tourism operators are urging the government to reconsider its quarantine policy and avoid another nationwide lockdown. The government temporarily halted the one-night quarantine procedure called the Test and Go program for overseas tourists in a bid to prevent the spread of Omicron. But tourist groups worry that the move could spell economic doom for many of their members who have already been hard hit by the pandemic. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36116/tourism-group-asks-government-to-reconsider-scrapping-test-and-go-opposition-mp-urges-compensation/ -- © 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

Anutin admits some foreign tourists will bring in Omicron - but says its no worse than other variants Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported the latest comments from Thailand's public health minister and deputy prime minister Anutin Charvirakul yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244723-anutin-admits-some-foreign-tourists-will-bring-in-omicron-but-says-its-no-worse-than-other-variants/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported the latest comments from Thailand's public health minister and deputy prime minister Anutin Charvirakul yesterday. The controversial figure admitted that there would be some Omicron cases that would "sneak in" among the 200,000 foreign tourists on the Test and Go program. But he reiterated that procedures were in place to handle that eventuality and that Thailand could cope. He said that Omicron was no worse than other variants. And he urged the Thai public who are eligible to continue to get their boosters to protect themselves. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-28 - 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

Cha-Am: Two arrests for illegal weapons as police mount New Year crime crackdown at rodeo event Picture: 77kaoded Thai media 77kaoded reported that the Cha-Am police chief Pol Col Wayuphak Wongsakdirin personally led a team of police to a "wua lan" or cow rodeo event in the area last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244722-cha-am-two-arrests-for-illegal-weapons-as-police-mount-new-year-crime-crackdown-at-rodeo-event/

Picture: 77kaoded Thai media 77kaoded reported that the Cha-Am police chief Pol Col Wayuphak Wongsakdirin personally led a team of police to a "wua lan" or cow rodeo event in the area last night. The officers mobilized at Wat Nong Kham in Huay Sai Neua were on the lookout for drugs and illegal weapons as part of a New Year crime crackdown. Picture: 77kaoded Two arrests were made of Thai men with a Colt 45 and a Sig Sauer handgun. ASEAN NOW notes that a rodeo event in the area was the scene of a fatal shooting a while back with a supect later arrested for murder. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-28 - 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

Command center opened for "Seven Dangerous Days" on Thai roads - daily reports on the carnage It's that time of the year again when the Thai authorities focus on the dangers on the nation's roads. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244721-command-center-opened-for-seven-dangerous-days-on-thai-roads-daily-reports-on-the-carnage/

It's that time of the year again when the Thai authorities focus on the dangers on the nation's roads. Every new year and Songkran holiday is the same - there are seven dangerous days. This time the danger is from December 30th through January 5th 2022 reported Daily News. Director of the the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Buntham Lertsukheekasem said a coordination center would disseminate information each day via Facebook. Daily information on traffic accidents would come out at 10.15 am live from a fifth floor meeting room at DDPM HQ. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-28 - 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