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By Sirakij Pornbanggird BANGKOK (NNT) - According to Minister of Transport Saksayam Chidchob, public transport services in Bangkok consisting of trains, electric boats, and buses will accept payments made via Europay Mastercard and Visa (EMV) cards. By March 2022, MRT Purple Line, MRT Blue Line, and SRT Redline urban train will accept payments made by credit and debit cards. The cards can also be used to pay fares for buses and electric boats operated by Bangkok Mass Transit Authority. Commuters can also use them to pay expressway toll fees. The new system was jointly developed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand and Krungthai Bank, aiming to provide seamless and cashless payment infrastructure in metropolitan areas. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-25 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Sirakij Pornbanggird BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine’s Deputy Director-General, Dr. Kwanchai Wisitthanon, said the department has gathered around 30 strains of local cannabis. Each strain’s DNA was thoroughly studied and recorded to identify where different strains are grown. The department aims to use the database to register them for geographical indications or GI. The department will ask the Ministry of Culture to list local cannabis strains as national heritage, a process that should be completed by March 2022. Furthermore, the department will ask the ministry to submit the list of local Thai cannabis strains to UNESCO to have them listed as intangible cultural heritage items. Dr. Kwanchai added that Thailand has been using cannabis to treat patients for more than 300 years as it has a wide range of medicinal properties such as increasing appetite, promoting good sleep habits, painkilling, balancing anxiety, curing epilepsy, and more. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-25 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Air quality in and around Bangkok will get worse over the next seven days, with increasing accumulation of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere, as Thailand’s capital was placed 14th on World Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday, according to the Pollution Control Department. Air quality readings, compiled at 7am today (Friday) by the Pollution Control Department and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, show the levels of PM2.5 ranging from 39 to 96 microns, against the 50-micron standard level, with most areas having excessive dust. Air quality in two areas of Bangkok and one in Samut Prakan are classified as unhealthy for sensitive people, due to higher levels of PM2.5 dust. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkoks-air-pollution-ranked-worlds-14th-worst-more-pm2-5-expected-next-week/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-25 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has instructed all hospitals nationally to prepare staff and equipment, including isolation facilities, to cope with the mass movement of people back to their home provinces and the potential spread of COVID-19 over the festive season. CCSA Assistant Spokesperson Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan said today (Friday) that the public sector has increased precautions, due to concerns over the Omicron variant and its rapid transmissibility. She claimed some private businesses have underestimated the strain. The COVID Delta variant still remains dominant in Thailand, accounting for 83.89% of all COVID-19 infections diagnosed between December 20th and 23rd, while Omicron accounts for 16.2%. 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/thai-hospitals-prepare-for-covid-outbreaks-during-new-year-mass-exodus-from-cities/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-25 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand’s Disease Control Department (DCD) is in the process of obtaining information from Oxford University’s lab study, which shows that a three-dose course of AstraZeneca vaccine is effective against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, head of the DCD, said today (Friday) that Oxford University’s report will be studied by the immune enhancement committee, which comprises vaccine experts, to determine whether Thailand’s vaccination regimen should be adjusted to three AstraZeneca doses, instead of two, and a booster of Pfizer. Findings by Oxford University, which are yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, match those from rivals Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, which have also found a third dose of their vaccines work against Omicron. The study on the AstraZeneca vaccine Vaxzevria showed that, three doses produced neutralizing levels against Omicron which are broadly similar to those against the Delta variant after two doses. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-considers-triple-astrazeneca-vaccine-regimen-to-fight-omicron-variant/ Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-25 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

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/

Racha Thewa Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO), in Bangkok’s neighbouring province of Samut Prakan, is facing widespread criticism over its handling of compensation paid to households around the Ming Dih chemical factory, which caught fire on July 5th this year. According to the a popular Facebook page post on Thursday, the Racha Thewa TAO released the names of people who were affected by the chemical fire and who are eligible for compensation, with most of the victims receiving a few hundred baht, with the highest amount (49,500 baht) allegedly paid to a victim who shares the same surname as the Racha Thewa mayor. The lowest compensation payment was only 40 baht. The writer of the Facebook post said that many victims have questioned the criteria used by the TAO in assessing how much compensation each victim is eligible to receive, adding, however, that victims who are living in another sub-district, under the Bang Phli TAO, received more compensation, with several of them getting about 49,500 baht. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/victims-of-chemical-fire-in-samut-prakan-call-compensation-offers-derisory/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

A large majority of Thai people don’t have enough money to handle an emergency situation for longer than three months, especially during such a crisis as the pandemic. An emergency fund can be a lifeline when we are faced with a worst-case scenario. It can be very helpful for unexpected life events, such as loss of employment or income, illness, and accident. As the pandemic rolls on and is further complicated by the new Omicron variant, it’s more important than ever to have a safety net to deal with the unknown. “Unexpected expenses can happen at any time. Having some money tucked away just in case can help us deal with financial hardship without sacrificing our assets. During the worst days of the Covid-19 crisis, for example, a savings buffer helped protect us against income loss,” says Kamolphu Phuredithsakul, assistant managing director at Thai Credit Retail Bank’s Micro Finance Business and Lending Branch Group. But, for many Thais, the reality is very different. According to a financial literacy survey by the Bank of Thailand (BoI), a large majority of Thai people don’t have enough money to handle an emergency situation for longer than three months, especially during such a crisis as the pandemic. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/very-few-thais-have-emergency-funds-to-handle-an-unexpected-situation-study/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Photo: The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed today (Friday) that 205 Omicron cases have been confirmed in the country to date, with the husband-wife couple in Kalasin province, who recently returned from Belgium, being the origin of the most worrying cluster. The couple’s initial COVID-19 test results were negative and they travelled back to their hometown, before visiting their children in Udon Thani. Relatives who came in close contact with the couple subsequently tested positive for the Omicron variant, which is thought to have come from the couple. Based on the investigation, 22 people were in close contact them, including 19 restaurant staff and 3 members of the family. Another 100 people are also at risk. 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/over-200-omicron-cases-confirmed-in-thailand-kalasin-udon-thani-cluster-of-concern/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By:Tanvir Zafar Thailand’s financial officers plan to create a crypto regulatory framework in order to minimize risks of cryptos to the financial network and investors. According to recent reports, Thailand’s Central Bank plans to introduce crypto regulation rules to minimize the risks in their trading. The report also said that the Central Bank intends to enhance investor protection as many people are attracted to these assets. Thailand Central Bank Says Crypto Regulation Will Come Soon The Bank of Thailand is currently planning to release a consensus paper to help determine the best ways to regulate cryptos. Bloomberg also reported that the Bank of Thailand plans to ensure that cryptos are secure for investors by minimizing their risks. BoT will release a paper on “Financial Landscape” early next year, seeking a consensus on crypto regulations. According to the Bank’s Governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, The paper will determine the best rules for cryptos, green finance, and such innovations. He added that the incoming regulations would help support innovation and financial inclusion by reducing the systemic risks involved. Full story: https://www.fxempire.com/news/article/thailand-propose-crypto-regulations-amid-countrywide-rise-in-trading-activity-849077 --2021-12-24 FX Empire

By Matthew H Tong It appears that sales of the Honda Civic Hatchback in Thailand have come to an end. The reason for its discontinuation, according to Headlightmag, is the relatively small sales volume when compared to the sedan. Even on a good year, the sedan outsells the hatch by a ratio of 10 to one (on average). In 2017, Honda Thailand sold 24,432 units of the Civic FC, versus 3,016 units of the Civic FK. Then, in 2019, the updated sedan went on to find 28,259 new homes, while total sales of the hatch stood at just 1,843 units. Given these statistics, it’s unfortunate that the latest Civic FL won’t be launched in the kingdom. That also means it won’t be producing the hatch at the new high-tech plant in Prachinburi, leaving Australia to source its hatches from Japan instead. Full story: https://paultan.org/2021/12/24/honda-civic-hatchback-sales-discontinued-in-thailand/ --2021-12-24 Paultan

The United States welcomed the visit of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) General Chalermpol Srisawasdi from December 11-20. The visit was General Chalermpol’s first overseas trip since assuming the role of Chief of Defense Forces. At the Pentagon, General Chalermpol met with his American counterpart, General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss shared objectives for the Indo-Pacific region and opportunities to further strengthen the U.S.-Thai alliance. General Chalermpol also met with Dr. Ely S. Ratner, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. General Chalermpol was hosted for dinner at the official residence of General Daniel R. Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. The two discussed Thailand’s 19-year-old state partnership with the Washington National Guard, our mutual interests in enhanced cybersecurity, and how the interoperability of our forces benefits Americans, Thais, and communities across the broader Indo-Pacific region. On December 14, General Chalermpol took part in a wreath laying ceremony with soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” at Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery is the most hallowed ground in the United States, and its rolling hills mark the final resting place for more than 400,000 veterans and family members. General Chalermpol’s participation in this ceremony is a reminder of the shared sacrifices Americans and Thais have made over the long history of our alliance. On 16 December, General Chalermphon visited the United States Military Academy at West Point and met with Superintendent Lieutenant General Darryl Williams. Established by President Thomas Jefferson in 1802, West Point is the United States’ oldest service academy, and hosts up to 60 exchange cadets annually. The delegation toured West Point’s famous grounds, including a stop at “The Plain” parade field. During the visit, General Chalermpol also met with a Thai exchange cadet. It was a special opportunity for the cadet to speak with the highest-ranking Thai officer and reconnect with home before returning to studying for exams. General Chalermpol’s first overseas trip as Thailand Chief of Defense Forces is another significant marker in the U.S.-Thai partnership. Source: https://th.usembassy.gov/statement-on-the-visit-of-thailand-chief-of-defense-forces-general-chalermpol-srisawasdi-to-the-united-states/ -- © Copyright US Embassy 2021-12-24

By Sirakij Pornbanggird BANGKOK (NNT) - During the Covid-19 pandemic, tourist visits have been restricted, a delightful time for different species of sea turtles to spawn. According to Phuket Marine Biological Center, the province saw more turtle’s nests than any time before the pandemic. Dozens of nests dug by different sea turtle species containing hundreds of eggs were spotted in 2021. Babies hatched and crawled towards the sea, expected to return when they grow enough to lay eggs for another generation if beaches in Phuket are still in good conditions after the pandemic. Kongkiat Kittiwatanawong, director of the Phuket Marine Biological Center, said sea turtles’ nesting has improved in the last two years as tourists are absent to the beaches, while pollutions have also been reduced. The number of nests grew the most in the last 20 years. This is a positive sign for the preservation of endangered species, although chances of survival are very low which is a natural cause. Usually, only about 1 egg hatched out of 1,000 will reach adulthood. During the pandemic, species including leatherback, hawksbill, green, and loggerhead turtles were found. A nest of the olive ridley sea turtle was also spotted for the first time in 20 years. However, as the kingdom expected to welcome fully vaccinated tourists, the healthy sea turtles’ nesting in Phuket can only be witnessed temporarily. Asst Prof Thon Thamrongnawasawat said sea turtles are highly migratory. Without effective policies, Thailand can not expect long-term population recovery. Aside from tourism, pollutions and global warming also threaten the existence of marine creatures. Studies have shown that warmer sands lead to more female hatchlings relative to males. Meanwhile, plastic and discarded fishing lines and nets are the primary cause of disease and death of marine creatures. Dr. Patcharaporn Kaewong from the Phuket Marine Biological Center revealed that 56% of sea turtles brought to the center have ingested waste or are trapped in it. Currently, scientists and local authorities are on high alert for nesting season, which runs until February. The authorities will quickly fence a turtle nest and install CCTV after a female turtle lays eggs. Weak babies will be taken care of by the center until they are strong enough to go to the sea. Dr. Patcharaporn added that educating the public about conservation was also important. Up until a few decades ago, eating turtle eggs was common in Thailand. Gathering sea turtle eggs was banned by the government in 1982. Those who possess or sell leatherback turtle eggs can be punished for 3 to 15 years in prison. Some marine protection NGOs even offer financial rewards to locals who report a nest, while microchipping turtle benefits in long-term monitoring and conservation. Previously, satellite tracking showed microchipped turtles that they can migrate as far as Australia. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Carl D. who went missing in December 2015 is now found inform the Nordic Liaison Office in Bangkok. by Lasse Sandholdt Danish citizen Carl D. who went missing in Phuket in December 2015 is now no longer missing. The joint office of the Nordic police forces in Bangkok informs ScandAsia that Carl has been located and is alive and well. The story began when Carl moved to Thailand from Denmark in 2014. Carl is a butcher of trade and used to work in Denmark on “Grøntorvet” (The green square), a wet market in central Copenhagen. He would often visit Thailand with a close friend and coworker. The two would usually stay in Phuket at the now closed “Big A Resort” in Rawai, Phuket. Carl and his friend enjoyed their time in Thailand very much and wanted to move there permanently. When the owner of the Big A Resort, Thomas Flindt, offered them a job at his restaurant “Rundetaarn” in Patong, they both accepted the offer, pulled up stakes and moved to Phuket in 2014. In Phuket, Carl was working in the kitchen of the Rundetaarn restaurant a popular hangout place for the Danish community in Phuket. In the beginning, all was going well but the temptations of the close by Bangla Road party street started affecting the work. According to Thomas, Carl began partying too much which eventually made him neglect his work at the restaurant. At the same time, Carl met a Thai woman, Sirikanya, that he entered into a relationship with. Together with her, Carl also started gambling. Ultimately, Carl’s lack of attention to his work forced his employer to terminate the employment. Full story: https://scandasia.com/danish-man-missing-since-2015-found-alive-and-well/ -- © Copyright ScandAsia 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Paul Andrews The steps at Pak Nam Pran beach in Pranburi have turned green after being covered in algae. The algae, which covers the steps at the beach for more than two kilometres is the result of an annual natural phenomenon which is known to occur on the beach between November and January. Locals described the appearance of the algae to be like green velvet covering the steps and said that it has a beautiful shine in the sunlight. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/natural-phenomenon-causes-steps-at-pak-nam-pran-beach-to-turn-green/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Cod Satrusayang The government’s decision to temporarily scrap test-and-go and cut down on new year celebrations has been met with derision from many sectors. After two years of the pandemic, economic collapse, and personal hardships, it is completely understandable why the country is facing collective pandemic fatigue. But if we rewind back to just April of this year when the government was roundly criticized for not shutting down the country for Songkran we can remind ourselves why being cautious is probably the right move. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/36073/opinion-the-right-thing-to-do/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

PHUKET XTRA - December 23 || Brought to you by @PVC Phuket Wage relief demanded by ’high heels mob’ |:| Indoor venues can’t sell alcohol on NYE in Phuket past 11pm |:| MP kicked out for Thai conviction |:| Phuket COVID Update Hosted by: JP Mestanza || #Phuket #PhuketNews #Thailand By Jean-Pierre Mestanza Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-xtra-video-high-heels-mob-nightlife-workers-demand-govt-relief-as-bars-stay-shut-december-23-82488.php -- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 23 December, 2021 – Thailand was named ‘Best Honeymoon Destination’ for the second year in a row at the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2021. Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said, “Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for Indian honeymooners and couples looking for an exotic getaway to celebrate special occasions and create cherished memories. Being chosen as Travel + Leisure India’s preferred honeymoon location for the second consecutive year highlights Thailand’s standing as one of the world’s most romantic destinations.” The Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards is based on readers’ votes for their favourite destinations, hotels, airlines, airports, cruises, and travel icons. Also doing Thailand proud at the 2021 awards was Kamalaya Koh Samui, which was named ‘Best Wellness Retreat’, and Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, which earned the ‘Best New Hotel’ title. The ‘Best Honeymoon Destination’ accolade from Travel + Leisure India is a timely one for Thailand, with TAT having just launched the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ marketing campaign promoting the ‘Amazing New Chapters’ on offer to visiting tourists. Among these ‘chapters’ is The One You Love, which invites specific segments like families, couples, and friends to create wonderful memories together in Thailand. Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai in particular are being promoted as popular destinations for weddings and honeymooners with their beautiful beaches, mountain resorts, and vibrant city appeal. The First Chapter, meanwhile, highlights tourism products and services that will awaken travellers’ five senses; such as, delicious Thai cuisine and the picturesque natural scenery that can be discovered all throughout the kingdom. Another chapter, The Earth We Care, highlights how nature’s chance to revitalise due to the COVID-19 situation has increased ecotourism awareness among the world’s travellers and how their behaviour has impacted the environment. The emergence of travel segments like Wilderness tourism (Escapers) and Cult-Vacation (Conscious) will also show that travellers’ behaviour has changed towards spending more time in nature and being increasingly conscious of their impact on natural resources. Other segments of the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ marketing campaign include gastronomy, health and wellness, and the growing trend of workcation in which people work remotely while enjoying a vacation. To curb with the current rising number of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 cases in the country, the Thailand Pass has been closed for all new TEST & GO and Sandbox applications (except the Phuket Sandbox), from 22 December, 2021 until further notice. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2021/12/thailand-named-best-honeymoon-destination-2nd-year-running-by-travel-leisure-india/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – Seven vehicles were damaged in a major crash after a trailer truck driver allegedly suffered a brake failure in Mueang Chonburi. The Mueang Chonburi Police were notified of the accident earlier this week in the Baan Suan sub-district. Police arrived at the scene to find a yellow trailer truck crashed into a silver sedan at the front of the truck with an additional five damaged vehicles behind the truck. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/12/23/seven-vehicles-damaged-in-chonburi-trailer-truck-accident-driver-blames-brake-failure/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

A three-dose course of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the rapidly-spreading Omicron coronavirus variant, the pharmaceutical company said on Thursday, citing data from an Oxford University lab study. Findings from the study, yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, match those from rivals Pfizer-BioNTech, and Moderna which have also found a third dose of their shots works against Omicron. The study on AstraZeneca’s vaccine, Vaxzevria, showed that after a three-dose course of the vaccine, neutralising levels against Omicron were broadly similar to those against the virus’s Delta variant after two doses. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/astrazeneca-vaccine-booster-works-against-omicron-oxford-lab-study-finds/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is beginning to dismantling about 400 public water dispensing machines across the city, claiming that most of them are not working due to lack of maintenance, that they are an eyesore, obstructions on footpaths, and may contribute to the spread of COVID-19. The dispensers were installed on footpaths about two decades ago by the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA), in cooperation with the BMA and the private sector, to provide free drinking water to Bangkok residents and tourists. Most of them, however, no longer function. On November 22nd, the Traffic and Transport Office of the BMA asked the MWA to dismantle all the machines within 30 days, otherwise the city administration would remove them and bill the MWA. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/hundreds-of-public-water-dispensers-in-bangkok-to-be-removed/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Sanook Thailand's health minister and DPM Anutin Chanvirakul has once again been bigging up his own efforts and that of Thailand in general when it comes to Omicron and the pandemic in general. He told Sanook that strict entry requirements were in place. These were stricter than other countries. He also said that the Thai people were following the DMHT recommendations to 90% - again much better than abroad. This refers to things like mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing. In addition he said that Thailand had more than enough locally produced medications at its hospitals and plentiful supplies of vaccine. He was commenting after 104 cases of Omicron were found in Thailand. Dr Suphakij Sirilak, director general of the Department of Medical Sciences said all of these were connected to people who had come back from or from abroad. Anutin spoke of one such family who had been abroad then travelled between Kalasin, Udon then back to Bangkok. He said that everyone who was a close contact was being traced and said it was not a big deal. He noted that initial findings of Thai medical services indicated that Omicron was faster spreading but no more virulent than Delta. This mirrors information coming out of Europe so far, he noted, but that time will tell if in fact this is the case. He anticipated no major changes to the protocols and regulations in place in Thailand. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-23 - 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

People living in Bangkok and 14 other provinces have been advised to refrain from outdoor activities, such as exercise, from today (Thursday) until Monday, due to worsening air pollution caused by the accumulation of PM2.5 dust in the air. According to Pollution Control Department chief Atthapol Charoenchansa, the amount of PM2.5 exceeds the 50-micron standard level and is likely to peak this Saturday through Monday, when situation is expected to improve due to the arrival of north-easterly wind. The levels of PM2.5 dust in the capital and surrounding provinces today range from 54 to 102 microns, with Paknam sub-district in Samut Prakan logging 103 microns, which is considered to be hazardous to health. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/air-pollution-in-bangkok-14-other-provinces-exceed-standard-levels-to-peak-on-saturday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-23 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Phuket. File photo Deputy governor of Phuket Phichet Panapong admitted that many SHA+ hotels in Phuket were openly flouting the law by allowing foreign tourists to leave their premises before their Covid-19 test results came back. An example is being made of two such establishments who broke the rules. Manager called this "slaughtering the chicken in front of the monkey" - a Thai expression meaning to make an example so that others follow. Punishments to be announced shortly for SHA+ places breaking the rules are: 1st offence - can't accept tourists for one day. 2nd offence - banned from accepting tourists for a week. 3rd offence - SHA+ privileges removed. Under the third that would mean they couldn't accept tourists permanently. Phichet said this would be strictly enforced to maintain confidence of locals that the rules are being followed. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-23 - 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

Image: Daily News Daily News reported that comment from Thai netizens was rife after an education website called Khru Wandee Dot Com advertised a primary teacher assistant post at a measly 5,500 baht a month. The media did the math and said that would only be 183 baht a day, well short of minimum wage. It would only go up to 6,000 baht after a three month probationary period said the ad, from a school whose name was vaselined out. Image: Daily News This is probably due to defamation laws in sue happy Thailand. Netizens said this was like wages from decades ago. It should be at least 12,000 baht in the modern world, cried others. While others pointed out that it was illegal to offer less than minimum wage for a full time position that this appeared to be. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-23 - 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