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71 new Covid cases in Thailand today, the generals are being told they’re going to face pay cuts and a Thai doctors has issued a warning about the link between Thai’s love for sugary sweets and life-threatening diseases… there goes my afternoon donut. And don’t worry, I’m not going to sing my way through the news today, it’s just nice and cool in my home studio so you can enjoy the cool with me. We’ve also got a new segment at the end of the news today… you’ll see that soon enough. 71 new coronavirus cases have been announced today, 31 of them from the hotzone of Samut Sakhon, just south of Bangkok. This beings the total number of confirmed cases in Thailand to 26,441. The death toll remains at 85 people. The Thai Army, Navy and Air Force are aiming to trim the number of generals in the ranks by 25% by 2029. But plenty of critics say the plan is probably just more words and won’t ever happen. A Thai doctor is reminding Thais about the clear links between eating sugary foods and ... » Learn More about Thailand News Today | Thai army trim the Generals, sugar making Thais fat | March 8

• Starting off in the capital today, where officials in Bangkok say they may look at lifting some restrictions, despite yesterday’s reported infections going up by another 37, to a total of 1,989. But officials say they’re optimistic about the overall situation. The BMA has announced that, provided the capital avoids any further “super-spreader” events, officials may consider lifting restrictions in coming weeks. They’ve also revealed that patients in the first cluster visited or worked at restaurants, nightlife venues, or massage parlours in the capital. Officials are now tracing other customers or employees from those venues. Nearly 16,000 “at risk” people, who visited markets in the city, have already been tested. • Meanwhile, down south in Phuket, bars and other entertainment venues are being told to close at midnight, according to the latest order imposed by the Phuket Governor. Restaurants can stay open late, but are ordered to stop selling alcohol at midnight. The order ... » Learn More about Thailand News Today | Bangkok may ease restrictions, Phuket bar curfew, Vaccine roll out | January 12

On behalf of the entire Thaiger team, Merry Christmas to all our readers and viewers. We really appreciate your support. May you have a few laughs and hugs tomorrow. • Despite a record high in new Covid-19 cases, the Thai government has not imposed any national lockdowns. Provinces are now classified on a colour-scale depending on their current level of risk. The vast majority of cases are concentrated in Samut Sakhon around a seafood market in Mahachai. In earlier reports, health officials said 90% of the cases are currently asymptomatic. More than 1,000 cases have been reported in Samut Sakhon so far, mostly Burmese migrant. Red (high risk for Covid-19) Samut Sakhon Orange (medium risk for Covid-19) Bangkok, Samut Songkram, Ratchaburi and Nakhon Pathom Yellow (low risk for Covid-19) Saraburi, Samut Prakan, Suphan Buri, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Uttaradit, Chachoengsao, Kamphaeng Phet, Phetchabun, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phuket, Phetchaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, ... » Learn More about Thailand News Today | No national lockdown, Bangkok schools closed, Abortion Bill | Dec 24

SINGAPORE - Parliament on Monday (March 8) approved the Government's $107 billion spending plans for the coming financial year, following nine days of debate on the national Budget where hot-button issues featured prominently on the agenda. These included sustainability, industry transformation, job security and mental health. Capping the debate, Leader of the House Indranee Rajah reminded MPs that Singapore may face difficult choices ahead as its spending needs grow despite a tight fiscal situation. While the House was agreed on Singapore's fiscal approach for this year's Budget, she said, it will likely have to debate the impending goods and services (GST) tax hike again - given what opposition MPs have said on the topic. "I wish only to leave Members with this thought: If we want to do more for our people, we will have to spend more," added Ms Indranee, who is also Second Minister for Finance and National Development. "In a tight fiscal situation, this Parliament will ... » Learn More about Parliament has to choose between what’s popular and what’s right as spending needs grow: Indranee

Hi all, In today's bulletin: Two people were killed and several others injured when Myanmar police fired on protesters in northern Myitkyina town; American and Chinese spacecraft reach Mars in quick succession last month, sparking talk of a space race between the two major powers; Indonesia eases rules to attract foreign investment; and more. Reading this on the web or know someone who might enjoy receiving Asian Insider? Our sign-up page is here . More killed in Myanmar protests as unions call for economic shutdown Two people were killed  and several others injured when Myanmar police fired on protesters in the northern town of Myitkyina on Monday (March 8), witnesses said. This was as shops, factories and banks were closed in Myanmar’s biggest city Yangon on Monday (March 8), after major trade unions called for a shutdown of the economy as part of the uprising against the country’s military rulers who had ousted the civilian government in a Feb 1 coup. ... » Learn More about Asian Insider, March 8: More deaths in Myanmar protests; US-China rivalry extending to space

The wai, the polite gesture Thais use for greetings, farewells, prayers and even apologies, dates back to the 12th century, where both hands clasped together in front proved that you weren’t holding a weapon. That’s the folklore anyway. Recently, the greeting has increased in general popularity around the world as a anti-Covid ‘safe’ replacement for the western handshake. So, how, when and with whom should you wai? Here’s a few easy tips to learn how to wai. Today Som teaches us some of the basics of the lovely Thai ‘wai’ (pronounced ‘why’). As a foreigner you don’t look Thai, dress Thai and you probably can’t eat full-strength Thai curry either. So this means you’re exempt from Thailand’s most nuanced courtesies. There’s a lot of subtlety in the Thai wai so, chances are, you’re not going to get it right. But your best efforts will be appreciated. How to wai when you’re uncertain? At a minimum, when someone wais to you, return the gesture with a kind smile and an acknowledging ... » Learn More about How to Wai like a Thai, with Som | VIDEO

AS the Philippines commemorates the 35th year anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo urged Filipinos to unite against the challenges of the times: The pandemic and the “constant threat” on the country’s democracy. Robredo said that until today, the “promise” of EDSA has yet to be completely fulfilled amid efforts to revise history for the benefit of a “powerful few.” “Today, 35 years after, we renew our faith in this fundamental truth of EDSA: That our people, standing united, can never be defeated. We affirm this truth, even as we acknowledge that the promise of EDSA has not yet been completely fulfilled,” she said in a statement on Thursday. “Our democracy, ever fragile, is still under constant threat. There are efforts to revise history for the personal agenda of a powerful few. We are still in the process of forging the nation we dreamt of, and fought for, on EDSA,” she added. Robredo asked Filipinos to embrace the ... » Learn More about On EDSA anniversary: Robredo urges unity vs pandemic, ‘constant threat’ on democracy

The following is a press release from AstraZeneca. Their thoughts and opinions are their own. The first doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine arrived today in Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport ahead of schedule, bringing renewed hope to the country’s fight against the pandemic. The batch of 11 7 ,600 doses landed on the runway to a fanfare, representing the first vaccines to arrive in the country to fight the virus. COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca , which is licensed for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years and older, is currently undergoing final quality control testing, after which it will be handed over so that the local vaccination program can begin. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 when taken as two doses administered at a four to the 12-week interval. It has been shown to be 100% protective against severe disease, hospitalization, and death, more than 22 days after the first ... » Learn More about First AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses arrive in Thailand

Thailand- The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) announced today through their social media channels and website that today, February 27th, 2021, is officially the start of the Thai summer. They stated that although summer had now begun and temperatures would gradually increase that certain parts of the Northern areas of Thailand could still see colder temperatures at times over the next several weeks. Summer is expected to last until around the middle of May this year, according to the TMD. As the Covid-19 situation in Thailand continues to improve domestic tourism is increasing, according to the Thai Tourism Authority, and summer also brings the popular Songkran New Year holiday in April. Due to Covid19, the level of celebrations for the holiday is still being discussed by the Thai government. ... » Learn More about Summer is officially here says Thai Meteorological Department

Bangkok – The Metropolitan Police Bureau announced the arrest of pro-democracy activist and singer Ammy “Bottom Blues”, or Chai-amorn Kaewviboon, at the early hour of this morning, March 3rd, after being wanted by the police for allegedly setting fire to the portrait of His Majesty the King in front of Khlong Prem prison on Sunday morning. Police Lieutenant General Pakkapong Pongpetra, the commissioner of Metropolitan Police Bureau, told reporters this afternoon that Ammy was detained at a rented room in Ayutthaya Province at about 1:00 AM. He was taken to the nearest hospital in the province for initial treatment as he claimed injuries to his left shoulder and pelvis. The singer was initially charged with Section 112 of lese majeste, burning property, and mischief charges, according to the arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court. He is facing 20 years in prison for mischief charges and a life imprisonment penalty for the lese majeste charge. “We observed the CCTV ... » Learn More about Prominent pro-democracy singer confirmed being arrested in Ayutthaya last night for lese majeste charges