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A health worker administers a dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine inside a mobile vaccination unit in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Thailand has launched its very own “digital health pass” via the Public Health Ministry’s Mohpromt application, and all residents of the country are advised to download it. The health pass, which has already been adopted by most domestic airlines, will soon become mandatory for users of everyday venues and services. The pass can be downloaded via the Mohpromt application. However, the app currently accepts only 13-digit Thai ID numbers, meaning expats may have difficulty registering. Several Thais also have complained that they have been unable to get the digital health pass despite the fact that they have already got two jabs. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-users-guide-to-thailands-new-digital-health-pass/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-09-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Hotel industry leader Phisut Sae-khu has called for a suspension of debt repayment for hotel owners in Pattaya until the foreign tourism industry returns to normal as he warned that they face extreme financial difficulty and are ready to sell out to investors from China. It comes as efforts to relaunch foreign tourism in October under ‘new normal’ arrangements and Sandbox schemes appear to be losing momentum with the country still well behind on its vaccination targets and a lack of interest from visitors. by James Morris and Son Nguyen The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, last week talked of a nationwide reopening to foreign tourists without quarantine based on the kingdom achieving herd immunity as defined by the Thai government. The minister also raised the prospect of resurrecting the old travel bubble concept or allowing entry from countries with high vaccination rates and low levels of infection from the 1st of January 2022. In Phuket, a hotel industry representative has called for the relaxation of alcohol restrictions which are turning off prospective visitors from booking holidays. A leading hotel and tourism industry leader in Pattaya has warned the government that many property owners are on the verge of selling out to foreign investors, particularly in China, as prospects for a recovery of foreign tourism are again receding. Mr Phisut Sae-khu of the Thai Hotels Association said such an outcome would mean a permanent, ongoing and irrecoverable loss to the wider Thai economy going forward. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2021/09/11/pattaya-hotel-boss-warns-of-chinese-takeover/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2021-09-11 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The State Railway of Thailand has stressed the used trains from Japan it is receiving as a donation are still in good condition. The state railway operator will need to pay for the transportation of the 17 train carriages at a cost of 42.5 million baht. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced outcomes of the inspection of the 17 multiple unit diesel train carriages being donated by Japan, finding them all in good condition. Japan’s rail operator JR Hokkaido is donating the train cars decommissioned since 2016 to Thailand, with the cost of transportation and refurbishment covered by the SRT. Mr Aekkarat Sriarayanpong, the SRT’s Public Relations director, said today the SRT will conduct a safety inspection and refurbishment of these trains on their arrival, to make the trains suitable for operations in Thailand as tourism trains. The SRT had earlier in October 2018 received 10 train cars from Japan. These carriages are also being refurbished to serve as a tourism train. The trains, expected to enter service next year, will include three regular passenger carriages, a family car, and a recreational car, with the livery reflecting areas the tourist train passes through. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-09-11 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

The country has implemented changes to attract wealthy foreigners By Cristian Angeloni When Brits think about retiring or moving abroad, more often then not, picturesque landscapes of beaches with cloudless skies are cited as features they want. While usual suspects Spain, Portugal, France and Italy are always top of the list, many have been looking further afield to find a place in the sun. And these prospective expats are drawing the attention of several countries around the world that have been passing favourable tax rules and opening up opportunities for them to either move or retire there. Full story: https://international-adviser.com/are-expats-being-tempted-by-thailand/ -- © Copyright International Adviser 2021-09-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

REUTERS file photo for reference only Bangok's governor General Aswin Kwanmuang went on his Facebook page to warn restaurants to follow the latest Covid-19 rules that started on September 1st. With a week gone by he reminded restaurants in the Thai capital that they are only permitted to stay open until 8 pm and cannot serve any alcohol. Restaurants in air-con in malls and community malls must limit patrons to 50% capacity though those in more ventilated establishments outside can have 75% capacity. He warned that restaurants that break the Covid-19 rules would be shut down, reported Manager. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-09-08 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Cod Satrusayang Thailand will likely see a spike in the next few weeks due to carelessness on the part of the public, a public health official told Thai Enquirer on Wednesday. The country lifted some lockdown restrictions on September 1 due to lower covid numbers, allowing dining-in at restaurants and easing travel restrictions. Inter-province travel has also been allowed with people traveling from and between “redzone” or hard-hit provinces. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/32332/people-are-not-being-responsible-enough-after-lifting-of-lockdown-measures-official-says/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2021-09-08 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Photo: Rescue Sawang Association Ruamjai By Adam Judd Khon Kaen, Thailand-An elderly British expat was rescued this afternoon after spending three whole days and nights in the jungle in the Khao Suan Kwang district in the Phu Kao Phu Phan Kham mountain range. Mr. Barry Leonard Weller, 73, was found by Ubon Rattana police and rescue workers after days of searching the dense jungle in Khao Suan Kwang. The rescue team was dispatched after the significant other of Mr. Weller, Tawee Chaisaenrit, 49, reported him missing on the evening of August 31st, 2021, to Ubon Rattana police. Mr. Weller had reportedly left on his motorbike, telling Tawee that he was going hiking, which was not unusual. Mr. Weller, according to his own statements and Tawee’s, often went hiking in the area alone and enjoyed nature. Tawee became concerned when he did not return home at night, as usual, stating that Mr. Weller did not speak Thai and although in good shape was an older man as a reason for filing a police report. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/09/03/elderly-british-ex-pat-rescued-after-spending-three-days-lost-in-the-jungle-in-khon-kaen/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-09-04 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Ban Muang Surat Thani immigration in conjunction with local police in Bo Phut, Koh Samui arrested a 47 year old Russian drug dealer on Wednesday. Under the command of Pol Col Supharik Phankosol officers went to a luxury house in the Tropical Villa Eagle Nest estate in Moo 6 (name transliterated from Thai and possibly incorrect). Arrested was Konstantin S. There were twenty items of drugs found including about 15 grams of "ice" over 190 grams of cocaine, ketamine, MD, methamphetamine and Ecstacy. Scales and bags were also found. The suspect was charged with possession and dealing in Class 1 and Class 2 narcotics. Ban Muang published the standard rhetoric about this arrest being under the auspices of immigration chief Pol Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang and asked for information about illegal activity to be reported on the 1178 hotline. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-09-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported from Koh Samui after a nine year old child died on Koh Phangan as a result of stings from a deadly box jellyfish. Nets have been installed by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources on Lamai and Chaweng Beaches to add to signs about the danger and posts containing vinegar - a standard first response treatment for stings. At Koh Phangan itself the media said the net there at Had Rin beach had been upgraded. Various kinds of jellyfish including boy jellyfish that can kill are particularly prevalent in the area from July to October, said Krissana Phromkoh the owner of Lamai Wantha Hotel as the net was installed outside her property. Stings should be washed continually with vinegar and never touched as this can spread the toxin. Medical help must be sought immediately after a serious attack. She said that tentacles from jellyfish can stretch 5 meters from the main body of the jellyfish. It is always safest to swim in areas surrounded by nets especially at this time of the year. Daily News also published figures from Koh Samui Hospital for the number of stings from all kinds of jellyfish that were treated there: 2016 42 cases 2017 47 cases 2018 17 vases 2019 and 2020 8 cases each 2021 9 cases so far. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-09-01 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Peter Thurgood, 74, moved to Thailand around 15 years ago (Image: Trina Sanders) Peter's life came crashing down after he went into a diabetic coma Abigail Nicholson, Senior Night Reporter A desperate daughter is struggling to get her bedridden dad back to the UK from Thailand. Peter Thurgood, 74, moved to Thailand around 15 years ago and had been 'living his dream' in the sun. But his life came crashing down after being rushed to hospital in October 2020 after he went into a diabetic coma. Doctors said his heart was failing and he needed to have a pacemaker fitted. Due to him being abroad it took a few days for the family to pay £27,000 for the operation and get paperwork signed by his daughter, Trina Sanders who lives in Birkenhead. Trina said: "It [Peter becoming ill] all came completely out of the blue, when his girlfriend, Pong, rang us we were just in shock. "All went well and he started to come out of his coma. Full story: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/heartbroken-daughter-desperate-fly-bedridden-21439771 -- © Copyright Liverpool Echo 2021-09-01 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Channel 7 Bangkok's governor Aswin Kwanmuang told the media that obstacles to opening restaurants in the Thai capital more fully had been removed. He said that from September 1st to 30th it will not be necessary that patrons will have to have been vaccinated to use restaurants. Staff will also not have to take ATK tests every 7 days. These obstacles were seen as problematic when they were mooted because only around 10% of the Thai population has been double vaxxed and restaurants complained that ATK testing would eat into their already devastated bottom line, notes ASEAN NOW. Aswin said that from Wednesday it is back to mask wearing, temperature checking and 2 meter social distancing protocols, reported Channel 7. These measures are familiar to everyone by now. He said that where 2 meter SD could not be guaranteed then screens and barriers need to be in place. Schools will also be allowed to open without restrictions from Wednesday with teaching, training and testing for large groups allowed. It remains to be seen what protocols will be in place in each school and how many will reopen but the suprise decision of the CCSA will be a mostly welcome relief to parents who have had their children at home since Songkran. Beauty salons, hairdressing shops and health massage can also reopen - the latter being foot massage only. Restaurants can open to 8 pm, the same as malls and shopping centers. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-30 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya Beach is recovering afer significant damage following heavy rains over the past weekend, especially on Friday (August 27th) which caused flooding across the city. First, a recap of Friday’s rain in Pattaya. Rain also fell throughout the weekend, although the hardest hit portion was on Friday morning. Water had flowed from higher areas in town to drain onto Pattaya beach and then into the sea. Portions of the beach were washed away, causing numerous ditches and holes on the sand. A video is also attached showing the repair work being done following this weekend’s rains. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/08/29/pattaya-beach-repaired-after-heavy-rains-and-flooding-hit-the-city-over-the-past-weekend/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-08-30 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Sanook The chief of the Royal Thai Police General Suwat Chaengyodsuk sent in Pol Maj-Gen Noppasin Phoonsawat to try and find a fugitive police colonel at the center of a murder inquiry. Instead they found luxury cars - lots of them. Pol Col Thitisan Utthanaphol was not at his Ram Inthra home in Bangkok but there were 13 sports and supercars including Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Mercedes Benz models. The provenance of the vehicles is being investigated. Graphic: Sanook Later Sanook discovered an inventory of all the vehicles owned by the former chief of the Muang Nakhon Sawan police in the north of Thailand. It contained the names of 29 models amounting to hundreds of millions of baht. Not bad for someone who Daily News reported yesterday as earning just 43,330 baht a month. The cop known by the nickname of "Joe Ferrari" was one of the leading lights in the fight against drugs until his abrupt removal from the force after a drug suspect died in custody. The suspect was shown on a video being tortured by placing plastic bags on his head in an alleged extortion incident involving several officers. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Reuters file photo for reference only The Tourism Authority of Thailand's newest director of Asia and the south Pacific told Bangkok Business News that tourists are clearly desperate to come to Thailand. But Thanes Petchsuwan noted that many countries have a requirement that returning tourists need to quarantine for 14 days and this is hindering matters due to its expense. Some have suggested that if Thailand paid part of their 14 day quarantine costs then they would visit. A case in point was Singapore, said Thanes, where information received has shown that if Thailand helped tourists in this regard their nationals would be prepared to visit Thailand. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-20 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Cod Satrusayang Thai police are seeking software that would help it monitor chat applications and social media private messages, a police source told Thai Enquirer on Tuesday. The Royal Thai Police have reached out to several companies selling software similar to the Pegasus software developed by an Israeli defense company. Police have approached vendors looking for technology that could be used to monitor messages sent between popular chat applications like LINE, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Police will use the application to monitor and prevent political protest as well as go after members of organized crime and drug smugglers, the source told Thai Enquirer on the condition of anonymity. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/31061/thai-police-seeking-spyware-that-will-help-it-monitor-chat-applications/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2021-08-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

FILE PHOTO: A general view of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia September 30, 2014. REUTERS/Tami Chappell By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned on Monday against travel to Israel, France, Thailand, Iceland and several other countries because of a rising number of COVID-19 cases in those nations. The CDC has been adding to its highest "Level 4: Very High" COVID-19 level as cases spread around the globe. The United States added Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, along with other places, including Aruba and French Polynesia. The U.S. State Department also issued its parallel Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisories for Iceland and France on Monday. In July, the CDC had raised concerns about Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, lifting its travel health notice by two levels to "Level 3: High." The CDC also hiked alert levels to "Level 3: High" for Austria, Croatia, El Salvador, Azerbaijan, Guam, Kenya and Jamaica. The CDC says unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to those countries. (Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Marguerita Choy) -- © Copyright Reuters 2021-08-10 - 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 Department of Health has come up with nine measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 through sexual practices. Couples and lovers should refrain from face to face contact and wear face masks. There should be no kissing or oral sex, no group sex and cleanliness should be a priority. The departmental rep responsible for sanitation and sex Dr Pheerayuth Sanugoon spoke to Daily News at the weekend after a young prostitute in Kanchanaburi tested positive raising concerns of a cluster. Picture Daily News Dr Pheerayuth said the issue of safe sex practices was especially important during the pandemic as the consequences for people, their partners and society in general can be serious. People waiting on a test result should refrain from all sex, for example, and all pay-for-play should be avoided. Indeed, sex with strangers at parties could constitute an illegal gathering and be prosecuted under Article 9 of the emergency decree. That means fines and even prison. Restrictions are in place stopping gatherings. Dr Pheerayuth said that husbands and wives and lovers could still have sex, but they needed to follow nine protocols, which included washing hands and body with lots of soap before and after sex and no kissing or sharing of saliva as this has been shown to contain the virus. Wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask covering nose and mouth securely was also advised, as practicing safe sex such as wearing a condom reported Sanook. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-09 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported on a TikTok clip that is going viral on Thai social media that they said epitomized the battle against Covid-19 being waged in Thailand. The clip on @oomnattarat showed a female nurse in PPE gear collapsing as she attended patients who were not yet admitted to the covid ward at a facility in Samut Sakhon. Colleagues rushed to her aid and took off the protective gear before she was taken to recover in a bed of her own. This is all accompanied by Thai music. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates download.mp4

Picture: Daily News The penny has finally dropped for Thailand's billionaire tourism and sports minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan. He has had to admit that the raging pandemic in Thailand has dealt a hammer blow to his plans and that of the government to welcome millions of foreign tourists. The voices have been loud and clear online and in "letters to the editor" that his predictions and that of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) were pie in the sky nonsense. But he insisted they were going to happen nonetheless. Until now. And of course he is blaming the pandemic situation in Thailand that is worsening by the day. "Yes," he told Daily News. "We won't be seeing three million foreign tourists by the end of the year. "About 500,000 to 700,000 is the best we can hope for now". As far as the Phuket Sandbox predictions went, those too have gone out of the window though he expected the sandbox to press on regardless. "100,000 tourists in Phuket in three months will not be met," he admitted. "July went as we hoped but targets for August of 40,000 will not be happening. There will be about 15,000 - about the same as July". The first month of the sandbox saw 14,000 foreigners visit Phuket though many of these were returning expats or even Thais added to the figures, notes ASEAN NOW. Pipat told the media that if the situation in Bangkok does not improve by the last three months of the year many sporting events could be rescheduled to Phuket. These include golf, E-sports, the 7-a-side Asian Rugby championships and the King's Cup football. A big event planned by the TAT to mark the 17th anniversary of the Asian Tsunami planned for Boxing Day December 26th will also have to be reassessed. The TAT were hoping to attract many Scandinavians in particular to that. For now Pipat said that he was working with the interior ministry on coming up with some "Sky Blue Zones" where foreign tourism could take place. These would be announced in the next couple of weeks, he noted. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Naew Na Thailand's immigration bureau in the shape of chief Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang decided to take action after a video at the soft opening of Taco Bell in Pattaya showed a man of color arguing with a white man over wearing a mask. It was felt that the IB should act in the case as the issue of wearing a mask is very serious at this stage of the pandemic with the potential for a 20,000 baht fine, reported Naew Na. It was further felt that an example should be made especially as the man, an American national, had allegedly threatened violence in the store with staffers prepared to call the police after refusing him service. Picture: Naew Na The IB with the Chonburi provincial police went to Taco Bell where the incident occurred earlier this month and then to a condo on Pratumnak Hill where the man was residing. They arrested him outside and he admitted that he was the person in the video. He was named as Cxarence, 33, from the US, according to a board at IB HQ. He was taken to Muang Pattaya police station and charged with unhiegenic activity potentially spreading a dangerous infection, essentially not wearing a mask in public. Naew Na did not say how much he was fined - a first offence is generally considered to be 6,000 baht with the fine rising to 20,000 for a third offence notes ASEAN NOW. The media further reported that the American accepted what he did was wrong and that he intended to be the "eyes and ears" of society in future in promoting the wearing of masks. The case was reported at the IB's press conference at Suan Phlu, Bangkok yesterday with a large vinyl board erected that referred to the US man's skin color saying that he had tried to pick a fight. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-07-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updatesv

File photo for reference only By Jonathan Fairfield Plans to offer 10 year visas to “rich” foreigners, which would also enable them to own land and work without a work permit, are set to be put to Cabinet for approval. Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow has said the plans were already approved in principle by the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) on June 4. The proposals, which were first mooted back in April, will go before Cabinet as part of a series of plans designed to boost investment into Thailand. Previously it had been reported that the government planned to attract one million foreigners to become expats in Thailand. The would-be expats would have healthy bank balances or pension pots and would generate up to one trillion baht for the Thai economy, it was estimated. The expats would be divided into four groups: 1. ‘Rich’ global citizens 2. ‘Wealthy’ retirees 3. Digital nomads - or professionals working from Thailand 4. Highly skilled professionals ‘Rich’ global citizens would need to be able to prove income of at least $80,000 over the last two years and have $1 million in assets. They would also need to be able to invest at least 16 million baht in property or government bonds. The ‘wealthy’ retirees are defined as those who are aged 50 or over and who can invest 8 million baht in property or government baht, while also being able to show a minimum annual income of $40,000. The digital nomads would need to be earning $80,000 for the last two years or $40,000 a year and would be self employed or employed by a company overseas but which are able to use Thailand as a location to work from. They would be able to ‘work’ in Thailand without needing a work permit. They would also need to show educational qualifications of a master’s degree or higher or at least five years experience in their field. The final group are the highly skilled professionals SET-listed companies or from a company with an annual income of more than $50 million. However, it is not clear exactly what ‘land ownership’ for foreigners would mean in reality. It had previously been suggested that laws similar to the Condo Act of 2008 would be used to allow foreigners to own land plots in housing developments. Leasehold of land upto 50 years were also being considered. Thai news site Manager reported that the proposals to lure foreigners with 10 year visas and land ownership are part of wider plans designed to boost investment into Thailand. The plans, backed by the Board of Investment, would also see Thailand become a hub for the electric vehicle industry (EV). In the report buzzwords such as “Digitalization”, “Decarbonization”, “Decentralization” and “D-risk” were used to describe the plans which would help Thailand reap the benefits of moving towards clean technology. DPM Supattanapong also touted the country’s good healthcare system as a boon in helping attract up to one million high-income foreigners to buy second homes in Thailand. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-07-17 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Reuters file photo for reference only A meeting of 35 foreign Chambers of Commerce unanimously declared Friday the need for the Thai government to vaccinate foreign businessmen, foreign employees and their families as a matter of priority. Chairman of the JFCCT (Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce Thailand) Stanley Kang said there were 500,000 foreign businessmen an their families and 2 million foreign employees and their families. These two and a half million people need to be prioritised and vaccinated before the end of the third quarter (that's the start of October at the latest), reported Thai business media. So far the registration on the ThaiIntervac.com site had only allowed registration for those holding work permits so it did not include the families of the foreigners or people over the age of 60. Mr Kang thought a better plan would be to organise the vaccine registration utilizing passports and visas rather than work permits. It was noted at the meeting by the Thai-Chinese CoC that nationals from China are being vaccinated by their government. Mr Kang said there was agreement that Thailand is a great country to live in and invest in, but red tape experienced by foreign companies needs to be cut in order to make it more competitive with ASEAN rivals. There were calls for an upgrade of Board of Investment privileges and for talks about extending Social Security to foreigners working and residing in Thailand. -- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-06-28 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News Thai media Daily News reported from Government House yesterday where a cabinet video-conference meeting chaired by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha took place. In the light of decisions to re-open the country to the Phuket Sandbox scheme on July 1st - and subsequent opening of three islands in Surat Thani - the PM accepted that the economy in Thailand was in a mess. It was therefore necessary to re-open the country before it was completely ruined. In order to do this he admitted that some risks must be taken. He based his comments on the state of the economy on his Digital Economy and Science ministry analysis. He said that all his ministries were pulling together. In comments related to possible amendments to the constitution he ruled out the possibility of a referendum. He said that amendments must be reasonable. The issue is being debated today and tomorrow. -- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-06-23 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Pear Maneechote Seven people infected with Covid-19 who made headlines around the country for camping outside their flats in Din Daeng due to the lack of hospital beds has been given help, an official told Thai Enquirer on Tuesday. “They have now been transferred to the Hospitel at Baiyoke Tower II,” Wan Uthaisri, the Head of Environment and Sanitation of the Din Daeng District Office told Thai Enquirer. The District worked with the National Housing Authority of Thailand in relocating the patients and the tents have been removed. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/28850/covid-19-patients-who-had-to-live-in-tents-due-to-lack-of-hospital-beds-finally-finds-care/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2021-06-23 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Erich Parpart Doctors on Thursday slammed the government’s plan to reopen Thailand within the next 120 days. “To reopen while knowing that people inside the country have yet to comprehensively receive good vaccines is like climbing a mountain at night without a light,” Dr Thira Woratanarat, Chulalongkorn University’s professor of medicine, wrote on his social media page on Thursday. According to the Health Ministry’s Immunization Center, 4.95 million people have received their first dose as of June 15. Thailand’s population is 69 million. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/28676/doctors-sound-alarm-over-plan-to-reopen-borders-by-october/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2021-06-17 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates