THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 2 Apr 2019

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Medical services and health insurance in Thailand

 

 

Thailand is one of the strongest among emerging economies, its medical services having improved significantly in recent years.

 

Healthcare however can sometimes be handicapped by a shortage of general practitioners. Most doctors are specialists. This can be a problem because they tend to diagnose and treat within the parameters of their specialty. Also, the patient may be suffering from other medical conditions, which may or may not be associated with their primary health problems.

 

Again, these would be better if they were assessed by a general physician. Some hospitals still have general physicians or family doctors, and it is worth seeking them out if needed.

 

Wealthier patients are likely to use one of over 400 private hospitals. In Bangkok, there are several hospitals with good reputations that are very popular with expatriates. The concentration of foreign patients in these hospitals is very high. Overall, the private sector has four times the number of beds per patient than the state sector, and much shorter waiting times.

 

Hospital fees are properly structured and patients should not feel that they are prey to unscrupulous charging. Nursing care is inexpensive, both in terms of professional attention and room hire, though inpatients may be asked to pay in advance.

 

 

As is often the case, certain hospitals offer a broader range of facilities and may be better placed to deal with major emergencies.

 

In such situations, cover with an insurance provider linked to a top-flight assistance company will pay dividends. Assistance companies know where to find the appropriate medical skills. The combination of state and private units sustains a lively health tourism industry. Indeed, Thailand is a credible medical tourism proposition, with lower costs than many other destinations, plus some favourable locations for recuperation.

 

When insured by Pacific Cross Health Insurance, contact us immediately as necessary. We provide a 24-hour helpline and will be able to suggest a hospital specializing in your relevant area of concern. Remember though, our policyholders are always required to pre-notify us before arranging an appointment, except in emergencies.

 

Ensure you are adequately insured.

 

For further advice and guidance, simply contact Pacific Cross Health Insurance PCL at contact@thaivisaprotect.com

 

Thaivisa Health Protect: Medical insurance for expats

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Big Bike driver dies after slamming into cement truck in Thalang

By Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHOTOS: Kusoldharm Foundation

 

 

A big bike driver has died after his bike crashed, at speed, into the back wheels of a cement truck over the weekend in Thalang.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092828-big-bike-driver-dies-after-slamming-into-cement-truck-in-thalang/

 

 

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Man kills woman for refusing to lend him more money

By The Nation

 

 

A 37-year-old fruit delivery truck driver has reportedly confessed to killing a 36-year-old woman in Chanthaburi’s Na Yai Arm district on March 25, because she refused to lend him more money and demanded that he repay the Bt6,000 he already owed her.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092860-man-kills-woman-for-refusing-to-lend-him-more-money/

 

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Good Samaritans hand out thousands of N95 face masks in smog-bound Chiang Mai

By The Nation

 

 

Many good Samaritans are now handing out N95 face masks in Chiang Mai in a bid to help locals brave it through the ongoing serious haze crisis.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092885-good-samaritans-hand-out-thousands-of-n95-face-masks-in-smog-bound-chiang-mai/

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Alarmingly high PM2.5 level found inside Chiang Mai air-pollution safe zone, but problem quickly resolved

By Pratch Rujivanarom 
The Nation

 

 

Chiang Mai’s air-pollution safe zone was not truly safe, a medical lecturer revealed on Monday, as the level of PM2.5 very fine particles was found to be very high even inside the designated area.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092906-alarmingly-high-pm25-level-found-inside-chiang-mai-air-pollution-safe-zone-but-problem-quickly-resolved/

 

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EC under pressure to reveal formula for calculation of MPs

By KAS CHANWANPEN 
THE NATION

 

File photo

 

MORE CONFUSION ensued in the post-election scenario after multiple formulae were cited to come up with a tally on the number of MPs each party would have, while the authorities appeared reluctant to clear the air.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092907-ec-under-pressure-to-reveal-formula-for-calculation-of-mps/

 

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‘Big firm’ blamed for the North’s smog nightmare

By Chularat Saengpassa, 
Sakaorat Sirima 
The Nation

 

Doi Lung Chiang Dao,Chiang Mai

 

Experts see little changing after Prayut’s visit, blame govt’s policy to push corn cultivation

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092908-‘big-firm’-blamed-for-the-north’s-smog-nightmare/

 

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Under-fire EC gets moral support from civil-society group

By The Nation

 

Students of Prince of Songkhla University join in a campaign to dissolve Election Commission on Monday.

 

With many people having signed up to a petition to dissolve the Election Commission (EC) for its alleged inefficiency in holding the March 24 general election, members of a civil-society group on Monday offered moral support to the embattled agency.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092910-under-fire-ec-gets-moral-support-from-civil-society-group/

 

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Homeless to be helped by launch of ‘census’

By The Nation

 

File photo : General Anantaporn Kanjanarat

 

WITH THE number of homeless people in Thailand estimated to be at least 30,000, nine agencies have joined forces to aim to confirm their exact numbers and provide them with better help.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092911-homeless-to-be-helped-by-launch-of-‘census’/

 

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Enough water but use wisely: irrigation chief

By The Nation

 

File photo : Authorities in Phitsanulok province distribute water to local residents to help alleviate problems of water shortage this Summer.

 

Irrigated zones okay during dry season; dept to help in drought- stricken areas
 

CHIEF of the Royal Irrigation Department (RID), Thongplew Kongchan, said yesterday that areas under the RID irrigated zones will not run short of water despite the El Nino effect, which is expected to prolong the dry season. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092912-enough-water-but-use-wisely-irrigation-chief/

 

 

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Council helps farmers, patients register for medical marijuana

By The Nation

 

 

THE NATIONAL Farmers Council (NFC) is preparing to help farmers and patients register for medical marijuana, which has just been legalised.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092913-council-helps-farmers-patients-register-for-medical-marijuana/

 

 

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THE WEIGH-IN 

Obese young men and ‘ladyboys’ dodge Thai military draft on conscription day

The law requires anyone who was born male to present themselves at recruitment centres after they turn 21

By Felix Allen

 

Transgender student Kornpong Limphairot, 22, wearing her university uniform, lines up nervously with other potential conscripts today in Bangkok//EPA

 

THAI "ladyboys" line up with hundreds of young men for a big weigh-in to decide who will be called up for military service. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092914-obese-young-men-and-‘ladyboys’-dodge-thai-military-draft-on-conscription-day/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Dusit, Central Pattana join hands

By SOMLUCK SRIMALEE 
THE NATION

 

A perspective of the Dusit Central Park project.

 

HOTEL AND property development firm Dusit Thani Plc and retail and property developer Central Pattana Plc are collaborating to develop a mixed-use project, Dusit Central Park, at a cost of Bt36.7 billion.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092799-dusit-thani-central-pattana-to-invest-12-billion-in-bangkok-mixed-use-project/

 

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Thailand Post focuses on e-commerce

By KWANCHAI RUNGFAPAISARN 
THE NATION

 

Parisa Pananond, executive vice president for marketing, Thailand Post

 

THAILAND POST has unveiled a new strategy to become an integrated facilitator promoting e-commerce in Thailand which is posting an annual growth rate of 30 per cent, according to Parisa Pananond, executive vice president for marketing.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092915-thailand-post-focuses-on-e-commerce/

 

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Second man held over gory ‘oil drum’ murder

By Jessada Chantharak 
The Nation

 

FILE photo

 

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) took a second suspect in a Bangkok murder case to court to apply for the initial 12-day detention.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092916-second-man-held-over-gory-‘oil-drum’-murder/

 

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Despite politicians’ lofty promises, “perfect” minimum wage still long way off

 

 

As of press time, the National Wage Committee has decided to postpone a decision on the minimum wage to later this month, even though the new rate was initially expected to be announced from the beginning of April.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092917-despite-politicians’-lofty-promises-“perfect”-minimum-wage-still-long-way-off/

 

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Alcohol areas in question as beach club defends minors on premises

By The Phuket News

 

Kudo Beach Club manager Chamaiporn Ratanamongkol (left) and lawyer Nithat Prasertnetikul (right) answer questions at Patong Police Station on Sunday (Mar 31). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

 

PHUKET: A popular beach club in Patong is under investigation after it was accused of allowing minors (under the age of 20) into the venue and for allegedly holding an event without obtaining the relevant licence.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092918-alcohol-areas-in-question-as-beach-club-defends-minors-on-premises/

 

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B20mn plan unveiled to expand Bang Neow Dum reservoir

By Tanyaluk Sakoot

 

Bang Neow Dum reservoir last Thursday (Mar 28). Photo: Phuket Irrigation Office

 

PHUKET: A B20-million plan to expand the capacity of Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn is in motion to help prevent further water-supply shortages during future extended dry spells across Phuket.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092919-b20mn-plan-unveiled-to-expand-bang-neow-dum-reservoir/
 

 

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Thai central bank can afford to 'pause' on policy - governor

By Orathai Sriring and Kay Johnson

 

FILE PHOTO: Thailand's Central Bank Governor Veerathai Santiprabhob is seen during an interview with Reuters at the Bank of Thailand headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand March 14, 2018. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - The governor of the Bank of Thailand on Monday downplayed risks to the economy from the country's disputed recent election and asserted the central bank can afford to take a wait-and-see stance on monetary policy.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092921-thai-central-bank-can-afford-to-pause-on-policy-governor/

 

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Brexit deadlocked again: British parliament fails to find an alternative

By Kylie MacLellan and William James

 

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves Downing Street in London, Britain April 1, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

 

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain was no nearer to resolving the chaos surrounding its departure from the European Union after parliament failed on Monday to find a majority of its own for any alternative to Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092922-brexit-deadlocked-again-british-parliament-fails-to-find-an-alternative/

 

 

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Whistleblower says Ivanka, Jared got security clearance over experts' advice

By Ginger Gibson and Mark Hosenball

 

FILE PHOTO: White House advisers Jared Kushner looks on during the Middle East summit in Warsaw, Poland, February 14, 2019. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A White House whistleblower has said the Trump administration overruled security experts to give questionable security clearances to more than two dozen people, including the president's daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092923-whistleblower-says-ivanka-jared-got-security-clearance-over-experts-advice/

 

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Second woman says ex-VP Biden touched her inappropriately

By John Whitesides

 

FILE PHOTO: U.S. former Vice President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the First State Democratic Dinner in Dover, Delaware, U.S. March 16, 2019. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Connecticut woman said Joe Biden touched her inappropriately and rubbed noses with her at a 2009 political fundraiser, becoming the second person in three days to accuse the former vice president of unwanted physical contact as he considers a White House run.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092924-second-woman-says-ex-vp-biden-touched-her-inappropriately/

 

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Canada's Trudeau sticks to guns as scandal threatens re-election

By David Ljunggren

 

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, March 19, 2019. REUTERS/Chris Wattie

 

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's insistence that there is little wrong with how he is handling the worst crisis of his tenure is frustrating lawmakers and senior party figures who believe the approach could cost him re-election this October.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092926-canadas-trudeau-sticks-to-guns-as-scandal-threatens-re-election/

 

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Venezuela's Guaido pledges more protests over power, water shortages

By Shaylim Valderrama

 

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognized as the country's rightful interim ruler, attends a meeting with political leaders at a university in Caracas, 

 

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Monday called on supporters to continue taking to the streets to protest power and water shortages, as the government of President Nicolas Maduro appeared prepared to begin a rationing programme.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092927-venezuelas-guaido-pledges-more-protests-over-power-water-shortages/

 

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Free visa on arrival for twenty countries likely extended until July

 

Picture: Bangkok Biz News

 

The free visa on arrival system that benefits twenty countries will likely be extended from the end of April for three more months. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092932-free-visa-on-arrival-for-twenty-countries-likely-extended-until-july/

 

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Amazing Thailand or just another day in Pattaya? Iranian robbed in walking street

 

Caption: Robbed in Thailand

 

Sanook said in their headline that it was "Amazing Thailand" after an Iranian was robbed by a female pickpocket while walking with his girlfriend in Walking Street Pattaya yesterday. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092933-amazing-thailand-or-just-another-day-in-pattaya-iranian-robbed-in-walking-street/

 

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Pickup truck crashes into power pole in Wichit, causes five hour blackout

By The Thaiger

PHOTOS: PEA

 

 

A pickup truck accident in Wichit has caused a blackout for over five hours.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092937-pickup-truck-crashes-into-power-pole-in-wichit-causes-five-hour-blackout/

 

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Trump administration steps up effort to return asylum seekers to Mexico

By Yeganeh Torbati and Jose Gallego Espina

 

Cars queue up in multiple lines as they wait to be inspected by U.S. border patrol officers to enter from Mexico into the U.S., at the San Ysidro point of entry, in Tijuana, Mexico April 1, 2019. REUTERS/Jorge Duenes

 

WASHINGTON/SAN DIEGO (Reuters) - The Trump administration is intensifying measures to curb the flow of Central American asylum seekers crossing into the United States from Mexico, officials said on Monday, including sending more people back to Mexico to wait for their asylum claims to be heard by U.S. courts.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092939-trump-administration-steps-up-effort-to-return-asylum-seekers-to-mexico/

 

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Lumpini police captain sacked after giving alcohol to Korean man who died in the cells

 

Caption: Dismissed from the force

 

A top level police investigation has revealed that a Lumpini police captain has been dismissed from the force after he gave a South Korean businessman alcohol at the police station. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092940-lumpini-police-captain-sacked-after-giving-alcohol-to-korean-man-who-died-in-the-cells/

 

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Mexican president wants to 'bring order' to Central American migration to U.S.

By Dave Graham

 

FILE PHOTO: Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador looks on during a meeting with industry bosses and members of his cabinet to discuss the new administration's policy on the minimum wage at National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico December 17, 2018. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido/File Photo

 

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico will help to regulate the flow of Central American migrants passing through its territory to the United States, but the root causes behind the phenomenon must be tackled, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Monday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1092945-mexican-president-wants-to-bring-order-to-central-american-migration-to-us/