webfact

Anti-Torture Bills to Return to House Next Month BANGKOK, Oct 12 (TNA) – The House’s special committee scrutinizing anti-torture and forced disappearance bills intends to return them to the House next month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235215-anti-torture-bills-to-return-to-house-next-month/

BANGKOK, Oct 12 (TNA) – The House’s special committee scrutinizing anti-torture and forced disappearance bills intends to return them to the House next month. Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Phanom Chavalit Wichayasut, as the chair of the committee, said the panel invited experts at the national level to share their opinions on the four anti-torture and forced disappearance bills and intended to finish its scrutiny of the bills within this month and send them back to the House next month. “The society, media organizations and human rights groups pin their hope on the bills and want Thailand to have internationally recognized laws,” he said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-802149https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-802149 -- © Copyright TNA 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Cabinet greenlights cash handouts for older taxi drivers By Panithan Onthaworn The Thai government on Tuesday approved relief packages for taxi drivers and motorcycle-taxi riders over 65 in 29 provinces impacted by Covid-19, who are not eligible for aid under the Social Security Act because of their age. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235214-cabinet-greenlights-cash-handouts-for-older-taxi-drivers/

By Panithan Onthaworn The Thai government on Tuesday approved relief packages for taxi drivers and motorcycle-taxi riders over 65 in 29 provinces impacted by Covid-19, who are not eligible for aid under the Social Security Act because of their age. The assistance includes a monthly cash handout of 5,000 baht for 12,918 taxi drivers and 3,776 motorcycle taxi riders, under the cap of a 167-million-baht budget, said the government’s spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana. Those who live in 13 provinces first designated as controlled areas will be entitled for two rounds of handouts, while the rest will only get one. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/33905/cabinet-greenlights-cash-handouts-for-older-taxi-drivers/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Investment Applications in Thailand Increase in First 9 Months By Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thailand Board of Investment (BoI) reported that from January 1 to September 30, total investment applications in Thailand amounted to 520.7 billion baht (USD15 billion). The number was higher than for the whole of 2020. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235213-investment-applications-in-thailand-increase-in-first-9-months/

By Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thailand Board of Investment (BoI) reported that from January 1 to September 30, total investment applications in Thailand amounted to 520.7 billion baht (USD15 billion). The number was higher than for the whole of 2020. Speaking after a BoI meeting chaired by the prime minister, BoI secretary-general Duangjai Asawachintachit elaborated that the total value of investment applications filed by both local and overseas investors in the first nine months of 2021 toppled 520.7 billion baht, more than double the 216.6 billion baht worth of applications when compared with that of the same period last year, and even higher than the entire amount recorded in 2020. The meeting also approved measures to promote Industry 4.0 transformation. The measures approved include a 3-year corporate income tax exemption covering 100% of the investment into the Industry 4.0 upgrade. Applications must be filed by the end of 2022. Companies that receive approval will be required to fully implement their upgrade plans within 3 years from the date of the BOI certificate’s issuance. This new measure supplements the existing measures to support the adoption of automation and digital technology. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Scoot resumes Phuket-Singapore flights By The Phuket News Scoot has resumed its three times weekly flights between Singapore and Phuket. Photo: Scoot PHUKET: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), has resumed three-times-weekly services between Phuket and Singapore. The route, which had been suspended since late March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is operated with Scoot’s Airbus A320-family aircraft. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235212-scoot-resumes-phuket-singapore-flights/

Scoot has resumed its three times weekly flights between Singapore and Phuket. Photo: Scoot By The Phuket News PHUKET: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), has resumed three-times-weekly services between Phuket and Singapore. The route, which had been suspended since late March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is operated with Scoot’s Airbus A320-family aircraft. Scoot hsa resumed its three times weekly flights between Singapore and Phuket. Photo: Scoot Before COVID-19, Phuket was the second-most popular international tourist destination in Thailand, hosting approximately 10 million foreign tourists each year. Low-cost carriers carried over 40% of international passengers to and from the island, noted Scoot in its release announcing the resumed flights, which began last Friday (Oct 8th). “Scoot’s flight resumption between Phuket and Singapore will draw even more visitors to the Sandbox as Thai authorities gear up towards gradually reopening more provinces,” the announcement read. Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/scoot-resumes-phuket-singapore-flights-81686.php -- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Pheu Thai party sacks two dissident MPs The opposition Pheu Thai party decided to sack two dissident MPs, Sarunvuth Sarunkate, of Uttaradit province, and Pornpimon Thammasarn, of Pathum Thani province, for defying the party whip to vote against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in the no-confidence motion on September 4th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235209-pheu-thai-party-sacks-two-dissident-mps/

The opposition Pheu Thai party decided to sack two dissident MPs, Sarunvuth Sarunkate, of Uttaradit province, and Pornpimon Thammasarn, of Pathum Thani province, for defying the party whip to vote against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in the no-confidence motion on September 4th. Party Secretary-General Prasert Chanthararuangthong said today (Tuesday) that the party’s executive committee and MPs met this afternoon to consider the ethical discipline committee’s recommendation that the two dissident MPs be dismissed. The committee found Sarunvuth guilty of causing serious damage to the party by defaming and defying the party, while Pornpimon was faulted for favouring other parties and breaching the party’s manifesto. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pheu-thai-party-sacks-two-dissident-mps/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-10-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

PHUKET XTRA - October 12 || Brought to you by @PVC Phuket Phuket scraps COVID tests for vaccinated domestic tourists |:| Nov. 1 reopening for foreign tourists from 10 countries |:| Sailors rescued off Koh Lone as boat capsizes |:| Phuket Vegetarian Festival events |:| COVID Update Hosted by: JP Mestanza || #Phuket #PhuketNews #Thailand By Jean-Pierre Mestanza Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-xtra-video-covid-tests-scrapped-for-local-tourists-to-phuket-thailand-to-reopen-for-low-risk-countries-october-12-81687.php -- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-10-13 - 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 13 Oct 2021 https://aseannow.com/topic/1235206-thailand-live-wednesday-13-oct-2021/

Thai hospitality and travel shares soar on reopening plans FILE PHOTO: People enjoy at a beach as Phuket opens for foreigners, who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), to visit the resort island without quarantine, in Phuket, Thailand, September 19, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha BANGKOK (Reuters) - Shares in Thailand's hotels and airlines jumped in Tuesday morning's trading, lifted by an announcement by its prime minister that more vaccinated tourists would be allowed to visit the country from November. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235180-thai-hospitality-and-travel-shares-soar-on-reopening-plans/

Prominent doctors and politicians share contradictory ideas on Thailand's Nov 1 reopening Several prominent doctors and politicians have responded to the Prime Minister’s televised speech yesterday evening, October 11th, regarding the plans of the countries reopening for vaccinated tourists from low-risk countries and the consideration of opening bars and entertainment venues. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235190-prominent-doctors-and-politicians-share-contradictory-ideas-on-thailands-nov-1-reopening/

Thailand works to amend anti-doping law to reach WADA compliance BANGKOK, 12 October 2021 (NNT) - Thailand is placing importance on rooting out banned substances at international sports competitions, and is working to issue laws that correspond to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s international standard. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235186-thailand-works-to-amend-anti-doping-law-to-reach-wada-compliance/

Reopening Thailand decision raises questions over testing capacity Judging by the online response, Thais remain divided over the decision, announced by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, to allow foreign travellers to enter the country from November 1st, provided they are fully vaccinated, test negative for COVID-19 and arrive from one of the countries on the government’s approved list. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235182-reopening-thailand-decision-raises-questions-over-testing-capacity/

Many doubt Thailand’s readiness in gradual reopening Opinions vary on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s declaration last night (Monday) about Thailand’s gradual reopening plans with the next phase to start on November 1st, as many are skeptical of the country’s readiness and whether the plans will revive the dying tourism industry as hoped, as new COVID-19 infections and fatalities remain high, while vaccination rates remain low. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235159-many-doubt-thailand’s-readiness-in-gradual-reopening/

Opinions vary on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s declaration last night (Monday) about Thailand’s gradual reopening plans with the next phase to start on November 1st, as many are skeptical of the country’s readiness and whether the plans will revive the dying tourism industry as hoped, as new COVID-19 infections and fatalities remain high, while vaccination rates remain low. With the Thai-language hashtags #Prayut and #ReopeningTheCountry top trending on Twitter, Thai netizens are debating fiercely on the plans. One user, @khunzakame, tweeted in English “To everyone who wants to come to Thailand, come here if you dare…” together with a graph showing an upward trend in COVID-19 cases since April 2021. Another netizen, with the handler @@PI3CHECK, heeded the same warning in their tweet, “Okay Listen… If you want to travel in Thailand this last year! You should beware Thai people spread you some Covid-19! Because we didn’t get any vaccines yet! Be careful!” 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/many-doubt-thailands-readiness-in-gradual-reopening/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Several Pattaya residents discover a surprise after reports of a “ghost” at abandoned shophouse By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Several Pattaya residents discovered a surprise when they called police after hearing disturbing crying from an abandoned shophouse near their business and residence yesterday, October 11th, during the early hours of the morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235139-several-pattaya-residents-discover-a-surprise-after-reports-of-a-“ghost”-at-abandoned-shophouse/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Several Pattaya residents discovered a surprise when they called police after hearing disturbing crying from an abandoned shophouse near their business and residence yesterday, October 11th, during the early hours of the morning. Based on witness statements, those who first heard the crying believed that the abandoned apartment and home were haunted by a ghost. In Thailand, belief in spirits and ghosts is fairly widespread. Due to fear of the “ghost” they called the Pattaya police to assist and investigate the crying and howling noises. The Pattaya City Police were notified of the “ghost” at 2:00 A.M. at an unoccupied and abandoned shophouse in Nongrue. Pattaya Police and The Pattaya News reporters arrived at the scene at the abandoned shophouse to find not a ghost but a homeless man whose name and nationality was not been identified. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/11/several-pattaya-residents-discover-a-surprise-after-reports-of-a-ghost-at-abandoned-shophouse/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Flooding: 16 provinces remain at risk after latest storm that killed nine Picture: Sanook Sanook reported on the latest details from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in the wake of storm Tianmu. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235138-flooding-16-provinces-remain-at-risk-after-latest-storm-that-killed-nine/

Picture: Sanook Sanook reported on the latest details from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in the wake of storm Tianmu. From September 23rd to October 11th 33 provinces, 222 districts, 8,056 villages and 323,523 households were affected. There were nine deaths. The situation has eased in 17 provinces but 16 remain in trouble with help ongoing. Some districts in the following Thai provinces are still affected: Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, Mahasarakham, Chaiyaphum, Korat, Ubon, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphanburi, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani. 95,000 households are still being assisted in those sixteen provinces. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Pfizer jabs for teen students in Hua Hin begins - 1,500 done on first day Picture: Manager Manager reported from Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan where health staff from Hua Hin Hospital began the rollout of vaccinations for high school students aged 16-18. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235135-pfizer-jabs-for-teen-students-in-hua-hin-begins-1500-done-on-first-day/

Picture: Manager Manager reported from Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan where health staff from Hua Hin Hospital began the rollout of vaccinations for high school students aged 16-18. The first day of an initial five day program in the seaside resort saw 1,500 vaccinations of Pfizer administered. The media said these were children and young adults who had received parental permission. Each school in the area had received an allocation. The mood was excited as many parents turned up to support their children. Picture: Manager Large schools in the area will be involved in the rollout of 15,600 doses in the first lot. 32,462 students out of 37,786 or 85.92% have registered for jabs in the first phase of the rollout. It is hoped that this will lead to the reopening of schools for the second semester starting next month. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Fake News! MoPH says mRNA vax is not radioactive! Thai caption: "Ministry of Public Health react to "fake news"" Sanook reported that Dr Suphakij Sirilak, director of the Department of Medical Sciences and other senior health officials appeared on Facebook Live to talk about new strains of Covid-19 in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235134-fake-news-moph-says-mrna-vax-is-not-radioactive/