Gov’t to Thanathorn: Current Vaccine Plans Are ‘Best Choice for Thailand’
BANGKOK — The government on Tuesday defended its vaccination program as “the best choice” for Thailand amid renewed criticism from an opposition leader that the doses will only be enough for a fifth of the population.
Recruits Say Commander Beat, Tortured Them For Smoking Pot
CHONBURI — Police on Tuesday said they are investigating a claim by two army recruits that they were assaulted by their commanding officer after they were caught with marijuana at their base.
As Abortion Reform Nears Reality, Backlash From Catholic Church Begins
BANGKOK — The Senate on Monday endorsed a bill that would legalize abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy in compliance with a historic court rule – a move condemned by the Catholic Church leadership as “an immoral law.”
Japan Virus Surge Linked to Gov’t Travel Campaign, Study Finds
TOKYO (Kyodo) — The number of travel-associated novel coronavirus cases in Japan increased by nearly seven times after the government began a subsidy program aimed at promoting domestic tourism in July, a recent study found.
‘This Is Me’: Rioters Flaunt Involvement in US Capitol Siege
WASHINGTON (AP) — These suspects weren’t exactly in hiding.
Samut Sakhon Finds 900 New Cases, Governor Remains in ICU
SAMUT SAKHON — More than 900 people were found infected with the coronavirus in Samut Sakhon province, local officials said Monday.
Literature Teacher in Ang Thong Puts on a Show for Online Classes
ANG THONG — While the rest of the world languishes in ratty Tshirts and sweatpants for Zoom calls, a teacher in the central province of Ang Thong does not dabble in such half-measures.
1st Vaccine to Be Handed Out on Valentine’s Day, But Questions Remain
BANGKOK — Thailand’s long awaited vaccination program against COVID-19 will officially start on Valentine’s Day, a senior health official said Monday, as the country reported two new deaths from the coronavirus.
15,000 Virus Patients in Japan Left Waiting for Hospitals, Accommodations
TOKYO (Kyodo) — At least 15,058 people were on the waiting list for a hospital or a designated accommodation after testing positive for the novel coronavirus earlier this month in the 11 prefectures covered by a state of emergency, a Kyodo News survey found Sunday, as public health centers have been swamped with surging numbers of new cases.
Spain’s Virus Surge Hits Mental Health of Front-Line Workers
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The unrelenting increase in COVID-19 infections in Spain following the holiday season is again straining hospitals, threatening the mental health of doctors and nurses who have been at the forefront of the pandemic for nearly a year.
