Thailand
Health officials urge locals in Phichit to avoid eating raw pork after 4 deaths

Public health officials are urging locals in the Phichit province to avoid eating raw pork after 4 people died this year from a zoonotic disease originating from pigs while 22 residents were infected.
The province, about 330 kilometres from Bangkok, has the highest number of deaths related to raw meat consumption. The province also has the second highest number of patients with symptoms caused by unusual eating habits.
The 4 residents died from a Streptococcus suis bacteria infection. 22 residents were also treated for the infection. Human Streptococcus suis infections typically occur in humans through cuts or abrasion on the skin when handling infected pig material, according to the World Health Organisation. The infection can cause meningitis, septicaemia, endocarditis, deafness and arthritis. Around 66% of survivors report hearing loss, according to the WHO.
Locals in Phichit are also being advised to avoid exposing themselves to raw pork and to only consume meat from farms that follow high standards.
SOURCES: Nation Thailand | World Health Organisation
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Thailand
Thai FDA files complaint against TV celebrity for false advertising

A well-known TV host in Thailand is under fire after she made advertisements saying health supplement products could change a person’s face shape and even help people recover from Covid-19. The Thai Food and Drug Administration filed a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division against TV star Patcharasri “Kalamare” Benjamach for false advertising.
Kalamare advertised Botera “power shots.” The drinks are said to promote healthy skin as well as overall health. According to the Nation Thailand, Kalamare is seen in video clips advertising the products, claiming the drinks can “sharpen” a person’s facial features and even change the shape of the nose and eyelids. In other clips, she says the drinks can help people recover for Covid-19 and cancer, Nation Thailand reports.
The FDA say they want the celebrity to be charged with violating Thailand’s Food Act for false and deceptive advertising. The law carries a penalty of up to 3 years in prison and a fine up to 30,000 baht.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
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Thailand
Woman sentenced to 43 years in prison for violating lèse majesté law

The Bangkok Criminal Court sentenced a former public official to more than 4 decades in prison for violating the country’s strict lèse majesté law on insulting or defaming the Thai Monarchy.
The woman, a former Revenue Department official known as Anchan, was found guilty on 29 counts of violating Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lèse majesté law, as well as the Computer Crime Act. She was sentenced to 43 years and 6 months in prison.
Anchan had posted audio clips on Facebook and YouTube of a man making comments considered critical of the Thai Monarchy. The man has been arrested, but officials haven’t released any other details.
The ruling comes during an ongoing pro-democracy movement raising subjects that are considered taboo in Thai society. In recent months, dozens of protesters have been charged with violating the lèse majesté law. A senior researcher from the Human Rights Watch as the recent sentence sends a “spine-chilling” message.
“Today’s court verdict is shocking and sends a spine-chilling signal that not only criticisms of the monarchy won’t be tolerated, but they will also be severely punished.”
Section 112 of the Criminal Code:
Those who defame, insult or threaten the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent shall be punished by a jail term of between three to 15 years.
SOURCES: Thai Enquirer | Bangkok Biz News| Independent
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Thailand
UPDATE: Confusion over Covid-19 tests for visa extensions

UPDATE: Khaosod English removed a story on Covid-19 tests for those seeking visa extensions and replaced it with the article “Immigration backtracks on plan to require Covid-19 test for visa extensions.” They say the previous report sparked uproar among expats and immigration police spokesperson has since apologised for the misunderstanding.
Original article…
Confusion reigns today over whether Covid-19 tests will be required for visa extensions. While The Phuket News spoke with an immigration official who said “no… you don’t need a Covid-19 test to extend your visa or apply for a work permit”, Khaosod English wrote an article headlined “Covid-19 test will be mandatory for all visa extension”.
The Thaiger also contacted a respected visa agent who said Covid-19 tests are, indeed, now required for applying for both visa extensions and work permits, even renewals.
The Thai Immigration Bureau has not made any official announcement regarding Covid-19 tests. Talk about Covid-19 tests for foreigners was brought up after a rule was published in the Royal Gazette last month, officially adding Covid-19 to a list of dangerous diseases, prohibiting those infected with any of the listed illnesses from entering the country.
Immigration Police Bureau spokesperson Archayon Kraithong told Khaosod English that proof of a negative Covid-19 test will be required for visa extensions, regardless of how long a foreigner has stayed in Thailand. On the other hand, Phuket immigration deputy chief Nareuwat Putthawiro told The Phuket News that Covid-19 tests will not be required for visa extensions or work permit applications.
“We do not require any medical documents for an application to renew a visa, because there are few foreigners’ movements outside Phuket. Most of them live and work in Phuket, and have done so before the new wave of Covid-19… So they do not have to worry about it. Everything is still the same.”
Medical exams are currently already required for most work permit applicants (including tests for Syphilis and Elephantiasis). A visa agent told The Thaiger that Covid-19 tests have been added to the medical examination requirements for work permit applicants. But, on the other hand, Phuket immigration says they DO NOT require Covid-19 tests for work permit applicants.
“We have not received any notices about Covid-19 requirements for processing applications to renew visas. If we do receive any such orders, we will let the public know.”
It isn’t the first time there has been conflicting statements coming out of different officials, in different immigration offices on different days.
SOURCES: Phuket News| Khaosod English
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brian mc
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 6:27 pm
“Locals in Phichit are also being advised to avoid exposing themselves to raw pork”., last time i heard talk of exposing oneself to port it involved david cameran.
Alan
Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 8:35 am
A day in the life of Brian.
Ynwaps
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 7:37 pm
Who the fuck is eating raw pork?
brian mc
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 9:58 pm
there is german and french food based on raw pork, but i’ve never heard of anyone exposing themself to it… disgusting behaviour
my neighbour seems very fond of his pork sausage every friday. always happy to tell me his wife did such a great job of smoking it for him. each to their own i guess. prefer a good ham shank myself.
Preesy Chepuce
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 10:53 pm
I went to Sainsbury’s and bought a bag of cured pork “jerky”, is that “raw”? Still, I take your point… I never heard of people eating such a thing, if it’s like uncooked meat meant for frying or stew or something.
Toby Andrews
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 11:14 pm
The idea of cooking is to destroy harmful bacteria.
Do they not know that?
Perceville Smithers
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 6:52 am
Do these people not have contact with the outside world?
Perceville Smithers
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 6:54 am
Do they not have contact with the outside world.