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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. Suphakit said that testing for new strains was a continuing process but there were none. They are all Delta, Alpha and Beta at the moment; Delta accounted for 97.5%, Alpha 2.2% and Beta 0.3%. It was also stated during the broadcast that online rumors that mRNA vaccines were radioactive were untrue. Tests were done on every batch and if any irregularities were found the whole batch would be discarded. Presence of "nanoparticles" were within US and EU parameters, it was stated. 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

UPDATE: Phuket order confirms COVID tests for domestic tourists scrapped By The Phuket News On of the notices issued last night explaining the new entry requirements to start this Saturday (Oct 16). Image: PR Phuket PHUKET: Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew has issued a provincial order bringing into effect this coming Saturday (Oct 16) key easing of entry requirements for people entering Phuket that will see vaccinated visitors coming onto the island no longer having to prove they have tested negative for the COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235043-phuket-to-scrap-covid-tests-for-vaccinated-local-tourists/?do=findComment&comment=16891120

Phuket order confirms COVID tests for domestic tourists scrapped By The Phuket News On of the notices issued last night explaining the new entry requirements to start this Saturday (Oct 16). Image: PR Phuket PHUKET: Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew has issued a provincial order bringing into effect this coming Saturday (Oct 16) key easing of entry requirements for people entering Phuket that will see vaccinated visitors coming onto the island no longer having to prove they have tested negative for the COVID-19. However, the waiving of the COVID test requirement applies to adults only. Children aged 6-18 years old who are unable to be vaccinated or are still waiting to receive a vaccination injection must still have evidence presented confirming that they have tested negative for COVID by RT-PCR or antigen test (ATK) method within seven days before arriving to enter Phuket. The new easing of the COVID test requirement applies to visitors arriving at any port of entry to the island: by road via the Phuket Check Point at Tha Chatchai; by plane via Phuket airport; or by boat via any of the piers and ports on the island. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-order-confirms-covid-tests-for-domestic-tourists-scrapped-81678.php -- © Copyright Phuket 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

Phuket marks 169 new COVID cases, no new deaths By The Phuket News Image: PPHO PHUKET: The latest Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) daily COVID situation report has marked 169 new local infections confirmed across the island yesterday (Oct 11) bringing the total number of people recognised as infected with COVID-19 in Phuket since Apr 3 to 12,988. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235125-phuket-marks-169-new-covid-cases-no-new-deaths/

Image: PPHO By The Phuket News PHUKET: The latest Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) daily COVID situation report has marked 169 new local infections confirmed across the island yesterday (Oct 11) bringing the total number of people recognised as infected with COVID-19 in Phuket since Apr 3 to 12,988. The PPHO report, marked as accurate as of 8pm last night, but posted online at 10:54pm, reported one new infection among Sandbox tourist arrivals but no new infections among non-Sandbox arrivals from abroad. The report also marked no new deaths attributed to COVID-19, leaving the total number of deaths in Phuket attributed to COVID-19 since Apr 3 at 87. Of those, 65 deaths have occurred since Sept 4. Twelve of those deaths have been this month. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-marks-169-new-covid-cases-no-new-deaths-81677.php -- © Copyright Phuket 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

Police seize illegal sex toys in Bangkok Picture: Daily News Our picture from Daily News shows a press conference at the Royal Thai Police's trading standards office. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235122-police-seize-illegal-sex-toys-in-bangkok/

Picture: Daily News Our picture from Daily News shows a press conference at the Royal Thai Police's trading standards office. This followed raids at three places where sex toys and sex enhancing drugs were seized, reported Daily News. Pol Maj-Gen Anan Nanasombat appeared with deputies and a woman called Suppatra Bunserm who works to ensure health standards are met at the FDA. They all managed to look serious behing their masks. On display were X-Marvel Max products from a "Great Sex Toy" site worth half a million baht. Anan said he and the Food and Drug Administration were acting against the unlawful distribution of Sidegra and other products that could prove dangerous to Thai people's health. Three places in Bang Khae, Bangkok and Samut Prakan were raided. X-Marvel Max lubricant and Titan Gel were among the haul as well as soaps and cosmetics. A Thai man and his Vietnamese wife were arrested for illegally importing the products over the border into the north east and distributing them for sale online over the last two years. -- © 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

Mules facing life in prison were paid just 5,000 baht - 35 kilo heroin load was biggest case in Chiang Mai in 3 years Picture: Daily News It has emerged that several drug mules transporting 35 kilos of heroin through the backroads of Chiang Mai were paid just 5,000 baht each for the job. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235121-mules-facing-life-in-prison-were-paid-just-5000-baht-35-kilo-heroin-load-was-biggest-case-in-chiang-mai-in-3-years/

Picture: Daily News It has emerged that several drug mules transporting 35 kilos of heroin through the backroads of Chiang Mai were paid just 5,000 baht each for the job. They would face a lifetime in prison - possibly even a death sentence - for what amounts to less than US $200. New Region 5 chief Pol Lt-Gen Piya Tawichai said that the case was the biggest in Chiang Mai in three years with the drugs seized woth 20 million baht, reported Daily News. Police had received information about a delivery from across the Thai border of a large lot from a factory. Instead of using the main roads that might have checkpoints the Toyota was driven along country lanes from Fang to Chiang Dao. But the cops were following and after a chase ensued they shot out the tires and moved in. Arrested were Arthit, 26, Eua, 36, and a 15 year old boy. Akhari managed to flee into the night. Arthit was hit in the leg by a bullet fragment and injured. Piya promised that the inquiry would be expanded - but once again it appears that just hapless, poor mules were arrested while the big guys remain at large to try again, notes ASEAN NOW. -- © 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

Video: Thai netizens slam policeman AND helmet-less riders Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that a video of an incident at a T-junction was being widely commented upon online. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235120-video-thai-netizens-slam-policeman-and-helmet-less-riders/

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that a video of an incident at a T-junction was being widely commented upon online. The video showed a traffic cop in the middle of a main road as traffic pours out of a side road. Two people on a motorcycle could barely avoid colliding with the officer who waves for them to stop. They all tumble to the tarmac. Netizens blamed both the cop and the motorcyclists in the 47 second clip that was posted to "Kwai Lut Thaonon" - buffaloes let loose on the roads. The cop should have picked a better place to try and stop them and the motorcyclists should have been wearing helmets in the first place, said people online. -- © 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

Ride-hailing services enter uncharted territory after new regulations take effect Taxi drivers waiting for customers at Bangkok Railway Station, more commonly known as Hua Lamphong, in Bangkok. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) Legalized ride-hailing taxi services, which start next month, will offer more choices, but both consumer satisfaction and drivers’ welfare are dependent on many variable factors in the post-COVID-19 scenario. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235117-ride-hailing-services-enter-uncharted-territory-after-new-regulations-take-effect/

Taxi drivers waiting for customers at Bangkok Railway Station, more commonly known as Hua Lamphong, in Bangkok. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) Legalized ride-hailing taxi services, which start next month, will offer more choices, but both consumer satisfaction and drivers’ welfare are dependent on many variable factors in the post-COVID-19 scenario. Technology disruption, consumer complaints about taxi services, and some confrontations between unregulated private taxi drivers and public taxi drivers have forced the Transport Ministry to come up with regulations. The new rules are in line with the Cabinet resolution adopted in May allowing the use of personal cars for ride-hailing taxi services via apps, with seating limited to seven. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ride-hailing-services-enter-uncharted-territory-after-new-regulations-take-effect/ -- © 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

Street Racing: More than a million fines and arrests in crackdown - complaints plummet by 90% Picture: INN The Royal Thai Police have announced that their efforts to end the scourge of street racing on Thailand's roads are bearing fruit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235115-street-racing-more-than-a-million-fines-and-arrests-in-crackdown-complaints-plummet-by-90/

Picture: INN The Royal Thai Police have announced that their efforts to end the scourge of street racing on Thailand's roads are bearing fruit. That after a MILLION fines and prosecutions of racers, organizers, cheering sections and parents and the seizure of more than 300,000 bikes. Sunday's announcement as reported by INN was made by the man who heads the "Anti-Road Racing Center" - deputy commander of the RTP General Damrongsak Kittipraphat. Precise time frames were not given but the crackdown has been ongoing for most of the last two years. The details are: 3,000 racers arrested and prosecuted 800 organizers and cheer sections busted 40,000 parents prosecuted in one way or another for not looking after their children 1,000 motorcycle shops dealt with 1,201,288 fines and other punishments issued 320,973 motorcycles seized Damrongsak said that complaints to the 1599 street racing hotline had gone down 90%. -- © 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

Confusion reigns as Thai PM announces end of quarantine and alcohol restart "spoiler" Picture: Thai Rath It was supposed to be Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's chance to announce the end of quarantine and the opening of the country's nightlife and serving of alcohol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235111-confusion-reigns-as-thai-pm-announces-end-of-quarantine-and-alcohol-restart-spoiler/

Picture: Thai Rath It was supposed to be Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's chance to announce the end of quarantine and the opening of the country's nightlife and serving of alcohol. Instead it has just created more confusion if the online reaction is anything to go by. Posters on ASEAN NOW seemed more confused than ever and criticized the lack of clarity as par for the course of a government that has chopped and changed at every turn throughout the pandemic but especially over the last six months. Many felt the proposed relaxation had not gone far enough and that nothing should have been announced before the decisions were set in stone. Many posters said this kind of "might" and "mull" philosophy was hopeless for foreign tourists who have to plan for a visit well in advance. Prayuth's Monday televised address was also just a precursor - a spoiler if you like - for the actual decision that will be made by the CCSA on Thursday. Will they tweak the proposals or reverse them? Tourists both foreign and domestic, expats, and operators in the industry are all desperate to know the score. Desperate for an ounce of clarity. As it stands Thai Rath reported what has been announced internationally. That tourists from ten countries including Singapore, Germany, the US and the UK will not need to quarantine but will need to have been double vaxxed and have tests before and after arriving. But what other documents they will need and what other countries are on the list remained unclear. China was also on Prayuth's lips - but there has been no announcement from the Asian giant that they are allowing their citizens to travel. So that is effectively a moot point. When it comes to alcohol the situation is still utterly unclear. About as cloudy as a Pernod and water. The Thai media interpreted the PM's announcement that alcohol would be allowed in restaurants from December 1st. But that pubs, bars and nightclubs would only be allowed to reopen. It wasn't stated that the blanket alcohol ban would be lifted for all establishments. Prayuth has stated that the tourism industry cannot stand another decimated high season. He has avowed that the risks of reopening outweigh the continuing calamity caused to the economy by the pandemic, especially its tourism sector. But his comments about the possibility of reversing these "decisions" remains if cases spike, as they are expected to even by the PM's own admission. Others like the Rural Doctors group have stated in the last 24 hours that Thailand's infection rate is not dropping as official stats state. Yet another example of "you pay your money and take your choice" when it comes to believing police and stats coming out of Thailand. Thursday's Center for Covid Situation Administration meeting may provide a little more clarity. 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

Thailand reports 9,445 new COVID-19 cases, 84 deaths File photo: REUTERS Thailand on Tuesday (October 12) reported 9,445 new COVID-19 cases, 11,452 recoveries and 84 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235107-thailand-reports-9445-new-covid-19-cases-84-deaths/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 9,445 new COVID-19 cases, 84 deaths File photo: REUTERS Thailand on Tuesday (October 12) reported 9,445 new COVID-19 cases, 11,452 recoveries and 84 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235107-thailand-reports-9445-new-covid-19-cases-84-deaths/

File photo: REUTERS Thailand on Tuesday (October 12) reported 9,445 new COVID-19 cases, 11,452 recoveries and 84 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ◼︎ 11,452 recoveries ◼︎ 9,244 new infections ◼︎ 201 prison / prison infections ▶︎ Total infections since April 1: 1,701,501 ▶︎ Total recoveries since since April 1: 1,576,929 Tuesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 1,730,364 with 17,835 deaths. The news comes as Thailand will end coronavirus quarantine requirements for vaccinated visitors from 10 low-risk countries starting Nov. 1, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Monday, as the Southeast Asian nation tries to revive its pandemic-hit economy. Thailand last year suffered its deepest economic contraction in more than two decades, with the key tourism sector still struggling. Visitors from at least 10 countries including the United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany, China and the United States will be exempted from quarantine on arrival, Prayuth said in a televised speech. *Reuters contributed to this report 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

UPDATE: PM: Thailand Will Start Lifting Quarantine From Nov 1 BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said during a televised speech on Monday evening that Thailand will lift quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors from low risk countries from November 1 onwards. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235090-thailand-to-end-quarantine-for-some-vaccinated-visitors-from-nov-pm/?do=findComment&comment=16890433

PM: Thailand Will Start Lifting Quarantine From Nov 1 BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said during a televised speech on Monday evening that Thailand will lift quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors from low risk countries from November 1 onwards. PM said he had instructed the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Ministry of Public Health to consider allowing from 1st November international visitors to enter Thailand without any requirement for quarantine if they are fully vaccinated and arrive by air from low-risk countries. Visitors will need to show that they are COVID-free at their time of travel with an RT-PCR test taken before they leave their home country, and do a test in Thailand. Initially, at least 10 low risk countries will be exempted to enter the kingdom without undergoing quarantine on arrival. These includes the United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany, China, and the United States of America. More countries will later be added to the list by 1st December. In addition, by 1st December, Thailand will also consider allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages in restaurants as well as the operation of entertainment venues. Last but not least, the country will have more than 170 million doses of vaccine by the end of the year. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

UPDATE: Thailand to open doors to vaccinated travelers from ‘safe countries’ starting November 1 By Cod Satrusayang Thailand will open its doors to vaccinated travelers from a list of ten “safe” countries starting November 1, the Thai prime minister said on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1235090-thailand-to-end-quarantine-for-some-vaccinated-visitors-from-nov-pm/?do=findComment&comment=16890427

Thailand to open doors to vaccinated travelers from ‘safe countries’ starting November 1 By Cod Satrusayang Thailand will open its doors to vaccinated travelers from a list of ten “safe” countries starting November 1, the Thai prime minister said on Monday. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said in a nationally televised address that it was time for the country to gradually reopen in accordance with his government’s plans. The United States, the United Kingdom, China, Singapore, and Australia were among the countries mentioned as being on the safe list with more to be announced later. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/33850/thailand-to-open-doors-to-vaccinated-travelers-from-safe-countries-starting-november-1/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2021-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates