Jonathan Fairfield

On Sunday, 16th January 2022 in conjunction with Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas and Banyan Privilege Club we are delighted to host “Sheraton Season Opener 2022”, the first major tournament of the year to kick off the 2022 season at Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin which will be a fun sociable event and filled with fantastic prizes from 5 star Sheraton Resorts. Individual stableford, full handicap 2 tee start from 10.00 am Prize giving ceremony dinner with live entertainment Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places, near Pins, long drive contest, lucky draw and much more…. Entry Fee includes tournament & dinner Golf Club members : THB 1,200 net Banyan Privilege Club Members : THB 2,400 net Guests : THB 3,000 net Join dinner only : THB 800 net To make a golf booking, please email to [email protected] or call 032 616 200 Booking Exclusive Accommodation offers at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, inclusive of Breakfast for 2 persons: • Garden Room THB 3,800 net / room/ night • Lagoon View THB 4,800 net / room/ night • Lagoon Access THB 5,800 net / room/ night Book Now to 16th January, 2022 Stay from 14th to 17th January, 2022 Staying at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa during the tournament will get extra 20% discount from THB 3,000 net (Guests rate) to enter and play in the Sheraton Season Opener. To make a room reservations, please email to [email protected] or call 032 708 000 #SheratonHuaHin #SheratonHuaHinPranburi #SheratonSeasonOpener2022 #BanyanGolfClub #GolfHuaHin #HuaHin

File photo Thailand on Sunday (2 Jan) reported 3,112 new COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths, 2,921 recoveries. Sunday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,229,558 with 21,720 deaths. On Saturday, the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said response teams have been set up to confront any outbreak that may occur going into the new year, while authorities remain adamant about not reimposing sweeping lockdowns. Gen Supot Malaniyom, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), said the government is concerned for the wellbeing of all groups of people, especially during this New Year period when there will be activities that present risks for spreading COVID-19. Gen Supot, who is also head of operations at the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said everyone will be able to pull through the crisis if they observe measures issued by the Ministry of Public Health. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-01-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

BANGKOK (NNT) - Risks of COVID-19 spreading due to travel activities and celebrations during the New Year period have been acknowledged by government and public agencies. Response teams have been prepared by the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to confront any outbreak that may occur going into the new year, while authorities remain adamant about not reimposing sweeping lockdowns. Gen Supot Malaniyom, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), said the government is concerned for the wellbeing of all groups of people, especially during this New Year period when there will be activities that present risks for spreading COVID-19. Gen Supot, who is also head of operations at the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said everyone will be able to pull through the crisis if they observe measures issued by the Ministry of Public Health. The CCSA’s operations center has meanwhile prepared response teams in the event of outbreaks and will be able to carry out treatment as well as disease control protocols. The CCSA will also convene in the first week of January to follow up on the situation. Gen. Supot said employers are being asked to implement the Work From Home model for workers who return from trips to their hometowns or holiday destinations. State agencies will meanwhile implement a 7-day work from home period. The NSC chief added that measures outside of lockdowns will be implemented after the New Year’s period if the number of infections rises. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

BANGKOK (NNT) - State agencies have been unveiling their New Year’s gifts for the Thai people, with the Ministry of Commerce providing discounts of as much as 86% on products and services at some 32,000 stores and malls nationwide through its sales campaign. The campaign will conclude on January 31, 2022. Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Department of Internal Trade, inspected the sale of goods under the “New Year Grand Sale 2022” campaign at Bang Bon Supercenter in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district to ensure that activities fall in line with the requirements of the campaign. Meanwhile, patrol teams from the Department of Internal Trade are being deployed nationwide to ensure that sellers clearly display prices of items, and to prevent opportunistic price hikes. Many products at Bang Bon Supercenter are on discount in accordance with the campaign. Most were household staples such as rice, vegetable oil, shower cream, laundry detergent and fabric softener. Some items are being sold at as much as 71% off, while others come with a “buy one, get one” free promotion. The director-general also urged consumers to check the prices of hampers during this New Year’s period, when many people need to purchase gift baskets to present to acquaintances and loved ones. Each basket must display a list of all items included and the expiration dates for all items must be at least 6 months away. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has reported a 0.9 percent growth for the Thai economy in December, but said it was concerned that the Omicron coronavirus variant might slow activity for the first quarter of this year. According to Chayawadee Chai-Anant, senior director of BOT’s Corporate Communications Department, the central bank believes the economy will improve if Thailand continues opening up to foreign tourists. A rise in the Business Sentiment Index has prompted the private sector to invest more in machinery, equipment and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the labor market has also seen recovery based on improved economic activity. The senior director nevertheless advises that people keep a careful eye on the COVID-19 situation, as it may continue to disrupt the supply chain and keep fuel prices high. Food prices have risen temporarily due to floods while energy prices remain high amid surging world oil prices. Chayawadee also urged the government to issue new stimulus measures, adding that overall consumer confidence and improving household incomes have helped revitalize the economy. The BOT has reduced its GDP growth projection to 3.4 percent from 3.9 percent due to a drop in people’s purchasing power and business concerns over possible restrictions to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant. The Central bank said Thailand is different since its economy has not recovered as quickly as that of other industrialized nations. As a result, the Monetary Policy Committee will prioritize economic stability before raising interest rates. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Chonburi (NNT) - Many provincial authorities have indicated their readiness to take charge of handling travel and tourism activities during the New Year’s holidays. Antigen test kits (ATKs) for COVID-19 testing are being used to proactively detect infections among travelers in Songkhla, Chiang Rai, and elsewhere. Chonburi Vice Governor Naris Niramaiwong inaugurated the launch of a service station for water transportation users during the New Year period at Sriracha-Sichang pier in Chonburi province. The service station was established to increase safety for those crossing between the mainland and Sichang Island, one of Chonburi’s most popular tourist destinations. Staff at the station have been told to ensure that people at the pier keep their masks on at all times, and to provide alcohol gel so they can clean their hands before boarding the vessels. Passengers are required to wear life vests while crews are prohibited from drinking alcohol. Operations at the pier at onboard vessels must be in keeping with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hat Yai Municipality in Songkhla is meanwhile providing a free testing service to the public. Those who test negative will be issued a certificate that can be presented during their travels or when attending events. The number of coronavirus infections in Songkhla has so far been on the decline. In Chiang Rai, provincial governor Pasakorn Boonyalak and officials from relevant agencies have inspected Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 in the province’s capital district to ensure that personnel are ready to implement Covid prevention measures as they accommodate an expected influx of bus passengers traveling into Chiang Rai. The group also inspected a vaccination site set up at the bus terminal. The governor said the 11 Blue Zone districts have established ATK test points for the general public, with people having the option to take kits home to test later. Additional vaccination sites have been set up at the bus terminal and Rong Khun Temple, also in Mueang Chiang Rai district, to administer 1st, 2nd, and 3rd COVID vaccine doses to the general public. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

BANGKOK (NNT) - With recent parliamentary sessions delayed over a lack of quorum, the House Speaker is asking members of parliament (MPs) to uphold their end of the bargain by attending legislative sessions next year. More hours could be added to the sessions to allow more motions to be processed. House Speaker Chuan Leekpai acknowledged that the absence of a quorum paints the image of Parliament in a negative light. The insufficient quorum mostly occurs in the evening when some MPs have to leave the main assembly to attend other meetings. The speaker also reiterated that it is the duty of all sides, especially the coalition that holds the most seats, to meet the quorum for each session. He also said they must attend legislative sessions to pass laws, in addition to their duties as representatives of their constituencies. House Speaker Chuan is set to discuss the matter with leaders of the opposition, with new measures such as additional meeting hours to be introduced in order to give Parliament more time to deliberate motions and bills. Opposition leader Dr. Chonlanan Srikaew meanwhile said the issue had already been discussed between the speaker and the opposition whip, with opposition parties pledging to keep the administration in check. He added that the opposition is willing to support the work of all parliamentary committees, while urging coalition MPs to show due diligence by attending legislative sittings. The parliament’s first meeting of 2022 has been postponed to comply with COVID-19-related guidelines. The new date will be decided following a situation assessment by the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

2021 is now in the rear-view mirror and Pattaya celebrated it with flair, with fireworks, concerts, markets, temples, and more full of people marking the end of what had been an incredibly difficult year for Pattaya and indeed much of the world. Although there were plenty of Covid-19 precautions last night, such as requirements at official events at Bali Hai Pier for being fully vaccinated AND recently tested, the many that went out still appeared to make the best of the situation. The biggest countdown event was at Bali Hai and the biggest star was BamBam, a Thai-born Korean Boy Band/Thai Hip-hop star from the famous Korean Boy band Got7, which had hundreds of fans lined up and waiting for roughly sixteen hours before the event even began! We are aware that the English-speaking audience may not be aware of him or follow K-pop or Thai hip-hop, however, so will give a little bit of his background. BamBam, 24, whose name is actually derived from BamBam from the Flintstones, is known for his rapping, dancing, and being a significant fashion influencer with Vogue Thailand recently selecting him as one of the top 100 influencers. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/01/pattayas-new-years-celebrations-go-off-without-major-problems-musical-artist-bambam-draws-crowd-of-thousands/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Update: The Chonburi Governor released a new order late last night just before midnight specifically for food and beverage businesses, especially those that sell alcohol in Pattaya, Nongprue, and Banglamung. 1. All staff, including musicians, performers, entertainers, etc must take a rapid antigen Covid19 test daily. -=-=-=-= 2. All customers, regardless of the size of the venue and regardless of the customer’s vaccination or recovery status, must take a Covid-19 antigen test within 72 hours of the current time period to dine-in. The venue can arrange for on-site testing or accept qualified test results. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/01/02/chonburi-governor-releases-late-night-updated-orders-around-covid-19-and-food-and-beverage-establishments/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-01-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

A file photo of World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who does not want to see booster shots being given for now. Laurent Gillieron/Pool via REUTERS January 1, 2022: The normally pessimistic and extremely-cautious World Health Organisation is guardedly optimistic that humans can tame the coronavirus this year _ on one huge condition. True human solidarity, which has been lacking since the pandemic began, must be there, the WHO chief said in his agency’s most updated analysis on the coronavirus-related situation. Tedros Ghebreyesus insisted that while the pandemic can be overcome, beating the virus would require utmost science and technological harmony. The virus, he said, has come up with Omicron which, together with Delta, can unleash a “tsunami of cases” if human beings fail to put up proper resistance. He also repeated his grave concern that demands for booster in rich countries could cause low-income nations to again fall short. The WHO director general called on leaders of wealthy and powerful nations and their manufacturers to work together to reach an ambitious global vaccination target of 70 % by July. “This is the time to rise above short-term nationalism and protect populations and economies against future variants by ending global vaccine inequity,” he said. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/2022-begins-with-whos-earnest-plea/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

A total of 555 road accidents were recorded on New Year’s Eve in Thailand, resulting in 65 deaths and 535 people injured, on the third day of the long New Year holidays, according to the Road Accidents Prevention and Reduction Centre. Chiang Mai logged 26 road accidents, the most in one day for any province in the country and the highest number of injured at 23, while the north-eastern province of Udon Thani recorded the highest death toll at 5. 36.4% of the accidents were caused by speeding, 34.77% by drunk driving and 16.4% by cutting in front of other vehicles. Total road accidents for the first three days of the holidays are 1,339, resulting to 153 deaths and 1,322 injured. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-suffers-555-road-accidents-on-new-years-eve-65-killed-and-535-injured/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand’s Ministry of Interior has instructed all units under its supervision to consider allowing their staff to work from home until January 14th, as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, infections of which are expected to spike after the long New Year holidays. Interior permanent secretary Sutthipong Julacharoen said Friday that the work from home measure will be applied by all units as the unit heads think fit, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and provincial administrations, in a way which will not affect public services. If necessary, physical presence activities, such as meetings, seminars and training courses, which require many people to gather together, should be cancelled, suspended or postponed or virtual activities should be arranged instead, he said. If such activities cannot be avoided, he said that the event organisers must strictly comply with the COVID-19 free setting measure, introduced by the Ministry of Public Health. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-interior-ministry-officials-to-work-from-home-until-january-14th/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Download the ASEAN NOW 2022 Calendar here. All no alcohol days listed! A big thank you to everyone who submitted images to the photography forum over the past year. There were some amazing photos submitted during 2021. The calendar also includes all Thai and other significant holidays, including no alcohol days. You can download the ASEAN NOW 2022 Calendar here: https://aseannow.com/files/file/796-asean-now-calendar-2022/

Thailand is preparing to accommodate an increasing number of “digital nomads” with eyes on Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai as work and vacation destinations. Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the three cities were ranked by Germany-based vacation search engine company Holidu on its list of the best ‘workation’ cities in 2021. One of the groups included in the survey comprised workers who travel to different locations, using mobile devices to perform their jobs remotely at coffee shops or public libraries. A recent survey by the Adventure Travel Trade Association found Thailand to be among the most popular destinations for these digital nomads. Respondents cited blazing internet speeds, affordable living costs, and scenic tourist attractions are some of the factors that attracted them to the Kingdom, especially with so many others now working remotely due to the global pandemic. The spokesperson said the government is working to accommodate the increasing numbers of digital nomads by approving a Special Tourist Visa (STV) that allows foreigners to stay for 90 days. The visa can be extended twice, meaning tourists can stay up to 270 days at a time. The government hopes that STVs will help revitalize the tourism industry under effective COVID-19 control and prevention measures. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has commended relevant agencies and the Thai people for making Thailand one of the best destinations for travelers. He also assured that the government would be ready to listen to all constructive feedback in order to draft policies that benefit everyone. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Pattaya city is continuing to solve street dog problems, at least according to prominent city officials like one of the deputy mayors. The current plan is essentially for street dogs to be brought to a temporary shelter before being released back to where they live in local communities after training, vaccination, and sterilization. Pattaya City Mayor Manot Nongyai told The Pattaya News in an update, “We have been doing the current project of returning dogs back to their homes (the street, beach, etc. where they were found) after sterilization for three years now. This project was hugely successful before and had been reducing the population of dogs over time in a safe and humane manner while allowing the dogs to live in their natural environments as long as they were not aggressive or caused problems.” “However, now we admit that we have had some problems after the Covid -19 pandemic. Many dogs were abandoned on the street by people who lost their jobs and returned to their home provinces or even countries. These dogs were not sterilized and many became pregnant, leading to more street dogs being born. Over the past roughly twenty months of the pandemic we now have a whole new generation of young dogs that are living on the streets of Pattaya and have grown up entirely in this environment and the population of dogs has increased in some areas. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/12/11/pattaya-city-officials-say-they-continue-to-work-to-solve-problems-with-overpopulation-of-street-dogs-in-the-area/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-12-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has announced the launch of a new online 90 day reporting system. The new system, which went live on Dec 2, is available under the Online Services section of the Immigration Bureau’s website, and by selecting TM47, which is the official name of the form used for 90 day reporting. To use the new online 90 day reporting system, foreigners must register here: https://tm47.immigration.go.th/tm47/#/register/add Registration information must be submitted in English. Once verified, a password will be sent to the registered email address (it took around 2 hours for us to receive the password - check your spam folder!) Online 90 day reports can be used up to 15 days in advance of the date the 90 day report is due. Immigration says confirmation of the 90 day report should be returned within 3 days of it being submitted. Foreigners can also use the same system to login and check the status of their application. It should also be noted that the online 90 day reporting system can not be used if a foreigner is completing their first 90 day report, nor can it be used to complete the first 90 day report after receiving a new passport. In both instances, the foreigner needs to submit the 90 day report in person at their local immigration office. After that, they will be able to use the 90 day online system. To coincide with the launch of the new online 90 day reporting system, the Immigration Bureau has also launched a new online appointment booking system, which allows foreigners to book an appointment at their local immigration office. Once selected, the appointment button gives users an option to select the region of the country where their nearest immigration office is located. At the time of writing, Bangkok Immigration (Division 1) was not listed in the online appointment system. It should also be noted the appointment system may not work if using a VPN. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

"The world comes to Pattaya" as details of huge new beachside development are revealed The supposed demise of Pattaya may be some way off, that's if plans announced this week for a huge new beachside development are anything to go by. A post on Facebook from "TeeSuckHuaNon" gave details of a new project for Pattaya beach - Aquatique District Pattaya. The 100 billion baht project will be next to the Hard Rock Hotel near Central Festival between Beach Road and 2nd Road. Among five major hotels it features not one but two Marriotts - one with a convention center. Among what the poster called "magnets" are a huge shopping mall, Aquaria - an aquarium-cum-zoo - and Legoland and Peppa Pig theme parks for the kids. Finally there will be a "Wellness Center". The poster said that the whole world was coming to Pattaya with this development. Maybe it's a sign of the post pandemic rebranding of the resort, notes ASEAN NOW. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

File photo A Japanese diving instructor who was found dead on Koh Tao 17 years ago was not murdered, police have said. The body of Yoshie Sazawa was found at the house she rented in Ban Mae Hat. But police have said there was no evidence of foul play. Officers working on the case at the time of the Yoshie's death found a note which they said was written by her where wrote a goodbye to her parents. Police said that because of this they believed Yoshie's death was the result of suicide. The case was in the news again this week after claims Yoshie was murdered were posted on the Koh Tao Death Island Facebook page. The page regularly posts about high profile cases which have happened on Koh Tao, even running sponsored advertising campaigns on Facebook in a bid to further increase its reach. However, Pol Maj. Gen. Satit Ponpinit, commander of Surat Thani Provincial Police told Daily News that the Facebook page is managed by a group of foreigners intent on causing damage to the image of Thailand. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-21 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

BANGKOK (NNT) - With Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine expected to be available at private hospitals next month, some people who have received other vaccines are now planning to get a Moderna jab as their booster. The Department of Disease Control has however warned, that they should talk to their doctor first, as the combination of this mRNA vaccine with other types has not been widely performed. The Department of Diseases Control’s Deputy Director General Dr Sophon Iamsirithavorn, has recommended people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 seek advice from a doctor first, if they are thinking of getting a Moderna Spikevax booster shot. Many people have already pre-ordered the mRNA vaccine from private hospitals, which have placed orders for Moderna’s vaccine via the Government Pharmaceutical Organization in the alternative vaccine campaign, where recipients pay for their jabs. Dr Sophon said people who have yet to receive any COVID-19 vaccine can immediately get their Moderna jabs in normal circumstances, however those who have already received jabs of vaccine from other manufacturers, should talk to their doctor first. He said vaccines should not be given in excessive quantities, adding that there is insufficient data to support the efficacy of getting a Moderna jab after two doses of inactivate vaccine, a scenario that many Thai people who have already received Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines would face. There is however data supporting the notion that one dose of Pfizer’s Comirnaty vaccine, also an mRNA vaccine similar to Moderna, can elicit a good immune response and protection among those who have received two shots of an inactivated virus vaccine before. Dr Sophon also recommended that people who have received two shots of AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines not get a booster at this time. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-09-19 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Planning to Move to Laos – Five Reasons to Become an Expat in Laos Expats move abroad for many reasons. Some sign up for a new job, some move looking for a more affordable place, while others desire a relaxed and enjoyable retirement. The small Asian country of Laos ticks almost all the boxes when it comes to being a popular expat destination. Lets talk about some reasons to become an Expat in Laos. The beautiful and peaceful landlocked country of Laos was an overseas colony of the French until the 1950s. During the 1950s, a conflict broke out between the royal forces and the communist resistance, which went on for about 20 years. In the long struggle, the communist forces prevailed, leading to the establishment of a communist government that has continued to govern the country since. Over the years, Laos has become a part of several global organizations, including the World Trade Organization, which accepted the country’s membership in 2014. One of the few aspects that Laos still lags in is its not-so-efficient healthcare system. Those who wish to seek any major or complex medical care and treatment often cross the Mekong River to go to hospitals in Nong Khai or Bangkok in Thailand. However, that’s just one of the major things that expats have to forego after become an Expat in Laos. They may choose to overlook it because of the many amazing and distinct things about this beautiful country. The fact that Laos is one of the best countries for retirees and has a minimal crime rate, only makes it an even more preferable nation to settle in permanently. Continue reading: https://goexpat.com/5-reasons-to-become-an-expat-laos/ -- GoExpat.com

Single Entry 30 days and 3-months visa to Cambodia 1. 3-months visa Source: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ 2. 30-day tourist visa There is also a 30-day tourist visa available to travelers in advance or on arrival for most nationalities for a cost of $30 if you get it directly at the airport. The tourist visa is single entry only, and can be renewed once for an additional 30 days for a fee of between $30 and $50. The validity of the visa refers to the time you have to enter Cambodia. The visa is valid for 30 days from the actual date of entry into Cambodia. Make sure your passport is stamped on arrival, and keep the departure form. If you lose your departure form, you’ll need to contact immigration officials before you leave the country to make alternative arrangements. You can be fined, detained and deported if you overstay your visa. There is a fine of $10 per day for overstaying the validity term of your visa. There is no limit to this fine. Those who overstay more than 30 days will need to leave Cambodia in addition to paying the fine. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cambodia/entry-requirements

No visa required for a stay not exceeding 59 days. Travelers must hold a valid ticket for return journey to the country of origin or next country of destination and a passport valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the stay in the Philippines. No visa required for a stay not exceeding 21 days. For more information on visa please read before you travel: https://www.philippineconsulatela.org/consular-services-2/visa/dont-know-if-you-need-a-visa-to-travel-check-here

Entry to Vietnam (June 20th 2021) Vietnam has suspended visa waivers, issuing of visas and the entry into Vietnam for all foreign nationals. There are a very small number of exceptions for diplomats on official business and certain high-skilled workers. These will be processed on a case by case basis. Such applications are required to be led by Vietnamese employers who must work directly through individual provincial government offices. The requirements and process may differ from province to province. The costs of quarantine, both in government centres and designated hotels, must be paid by those arriving or their employers. Land borders Borders with China, Cambodia and Laos are currently closed except for the import and export of goods and returning Vietnamese nationals. Transiting Vietnam Currently transit in Vietnam is not allowed. Data collection Those arriving in Vietnam are required to provide information about recent travel. Testing on departure There is no requirement for testing on departure though anyone who has tested positive previously may be asked to show their negative test results and release certificates. Visas If you want to stay in Vietnam, you should only do so legally and with the right visa and permission to stay. Immigration offices are open and working normally. Vietnamese visit visas are issued to foreign nationals for a limited duration and on the basis that visitors must leave on or before the date of expiry. Those who come to Vietnam to work are required to apply for a work visa / permit. You should check the visa validity and conditions carefully. Overstaying your Vietnamese visit visa or working illegally is a serious matter and you may be delayed from travel until a fine is paid, deported and may be prevented from visiting Vietnam in the future. The Embassy and Consulate General will not be able to assist with individual visit visa extensions should you wish to stay in Vietnam, nor sponsor individual applications or sign NA5 forms (which has the same effect) as this involves legal and financial obligations. For those with a valid work visa or resident cards, you can extend these at immigration offices with the assistance and support of your family or employer. Passport validity Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months on the date you enter Vietnam. A number of British nationals have been refused entry and exit due to their passport being damaged. Make sure your passport is in good condition before arriving in Vietnam. Being refused entry can result in significant cost and a long stay at the airport. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Vietnamese Immigration Department has received assurances from the British Government that any passport held by a British national with an expiry date of 1 January 2020 onwards, or with less than 6 months validity, would be valid until 31 December 2021, when submitted for the purpose of renewing a visa or residence permit. This continues to be valid for all passports held by British nationals. However, because you can renew your passport online, and the visa application centres in Vietnam have now reopened, we still recommend that you renew your passport if required. Quarantine requirements Quarantine is mandatory for anyone who may have come in to contact with coronavirus inside Vietnam and for most coming to Vietnam Vietnamese government quarantine centres are basic. Most do not meet Public Health England standards. There are provisions for people who are exceptionally allowed to enter the country for work to be allowed to undertake quarantine in a hotel approved by the Ministry of Health. This is not guaranteed, is time consuming and must be arranged by your employer in Vietnam before you enter Vietnam. The Vietnamese government has confirmed that anyone entering Vietnam from 1 September 2020 must pay for quarantine costs both in government centres and in designated hotels. You will also be responsible for paying for any coronavirus hospital treatment costs. Vietnam’s quarantine requirements are mandated by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health. The British Embassy and Consulate General are unable to intervene in having these requirements waived, shortened or changed or assist in the reservation of, or transfer to, hotels used for quarantine. Violations carry strict penalties. Quarantine lasts a minimum of 21 days and will be longer if you test positive at any point. If you test positive, you will be treated in a Vietnamese hospital. Following discharge you will be expected to undertake a period of self-isolation for 7 days during which you should not leave your home and should follow the instructions issued by the local authorities. You should expect to be tested at least 5 times prior to release, and will be required to produce at least 3 consecutive negative tests during quarantine and a further two consecutive negative tests during self-isolation. Once you have completed quarantine and self-isolation you should receive a document specifying this. You should keep this, as you may need to present it customs/airport officials when you leave Vietnam. Vietnam uses community testing as a means to provide assurance that COVID-19 is not being transmitted undetected. Should you be asked to undertake testing, you should comply. Failure to comply can be an offence with significant punishments. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam/entry-requirements

Image: Reuters file photo Last updated 30 June 2021 Travel Restrictions Tourism: Some allowed. Testing: Negative PCR tests required for citizens from all countries. Quarantine Required: Yes Quarantine Details: Quarantine for 14 days required for all countries. Masks: Masks are required in public spaces Indonesia Entry requirements All foreigners are barred from entering Indonesia with very limited exceptions, including the holders of the following valid documents: Work visa Diplomatic visa Visit visa Limited stay visa Work stay permit Diplomatic stay permit Limited stay permit Permanent stay permit All foreigners and Indonesian nationals are required to obtain a negative PCR test result at most 72 hours before arrival. A five-day quarantine is required upon arrival at a designated hotel before undergoing another PCR test. Should they test negative, they will be advised to self-quarantine for 14 days before any social activity. Should they test positive, they will be referred to a hospital for treatment. Foreigners are required to pay for all accommodation, testing, and treatment costs, while the costs for most returning Indonesians will be covered by the government. Indonesian government has decided to not issue visas to any foreigners who have been in India in the past 14 days to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Indonesians entering from India will be allowed to enter the country but will have to follow stricter protocols and quarantine rules. COVID Restrictions in Brunei Lockdown: Some Events: Some are permitted Transport: Operating but with restrictions Shopping: Open Eating out: Restaurants and bars are open but with restrictions Latest Travel Advisory 1. Passengers are not allowed to enter. - This does not apply to: - nationals of Indonesia; - passengers with a Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS) or Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP). They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers with a temporary residence visa. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers with a diplomatic or service visa. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers with a diplomatic or service stay permit. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers with an e-visit visa with a visa number ending with LN. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers with an APEC Business Travel Card. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days; - passengers traveling under the Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA). They must not have been in India in the past 14 days. 2. Passengers are not allowed to transit. 3. Passengers must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. The test result must be in English. 4. Airline crew must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test taken at most 7 days before departure from the first embarkation point. The test result must be in English. 5. Passengers are subject to COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival and quarantine for 5 or 14 days. 6. A completed "electronic health awareness card (e-HAC)" must be presented upon arrival. The card can be obtained before departure at https://inahac.kemkes.go.id/ 7. Airline crew with a crew ID card are visa exempt if they are listed in the General Declaration and wearing uniform. 8. Deadhead crew will be given an entry stamp. They must: - have a valid crew ID card or crew member certificate; - provide written notification to Immigration Officer proving they will be on duty on the return flight. The notification must be received by Immigration Officer minimum 24 hours from arrival. 9. Suspension of all visa exemptions and visa on arrival facilities. Sources gov.uk cathaypacific.com id.usembassy.gov garda.com

Image: Reuters file photo Updated June 26 2021 Travel Restrictions Tourism: Available to for some. Testing: Negative COVID-19 test is required for all countries. Quarantine Required: For some nationalities Quarantine Details: Quarantine varies between 7 and 10 days depending on nationality. Masks: Masks are required in public spaces COVID Restrictions in Malaysia Lockdown: Some Events: Prohibited Transport: Operating but with restrictions Shopping: Open Eating out: Restaurants are take-out only Malaysia Entry Requirements Category of Passengers Allowed to enter Malaysia: - Malaysian - Foreigners with permanent resident status - Diplomat and dependents of foreign mission in Malaysia - Expatriates and their dependents, including foreign maids to expatriates who are holding a valid long-term pass and/or has obtained pass approval application to enter Malaysia. The application made through MYEntry system in ESD: https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/ The category of the pass are as follows: a) Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) and their dependent/s b) Employment Pass (Category EP I, II and III) c) Professional Visit Pass (PVP) d) Dependent Pass to expatriate for all categories e) Long Term Social Visit Pass (LT-SVP) to expatriate for all categories f) Foreign Maid to expatriate for all categories g) Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Pass Holders h) Student Pass Holders i) Medical Tourism – Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) j) Other Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) (Resident Pass / Temporary Employment Visit Pass (PLKS) / Professional Visit Pass (PVP/PLIK) / Dependent Pass to the LTVP Holders k) Oil and Gas workers and Seafarers The following passengers are not allowed entry to Malaysia: - Passengers/nationals of Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, German, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. - Passengers from the aforementioned nations, however, can transit in KLIA within 24 hours. - Transit passengers bound for China. Effective May 08, 2021, foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Nepal (including earlier advisory for India) travelling to or transiting in Malaysia are not allowed until further notice. This entry restriction applies to: - All category of Long-Term Visit Pass holders (including student pass). - Business travelers; and - Social Visit Pass (the ban has been imposed earlier since 7 September 2020). - The following categories of passengers with entry approval obtained through My travel Pass (MTP) may be allowed from to enter Malaysia but subject to a 14-day quarantine. *Permanent Residents and Holders of Long Terms Social Visit Pass *Holders of Diplomatic Passport and Officials including their family members. - Entry and exit approval that have been obtained earlier (7 May and earlier), either through MyTravelPass, MyEntry or any other mechanism are VOID and no longer valid. *Note: Following the above entry restriction, the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka will temporarily suspend all Visa related services until further notice. - For enquiries, please email: [email protected] Latest Travel Advisory 1. Passengers are not allowed to enter. This does not apply to: - nationals of Malaysia; - passengers with a diplomatic passport; - passengers with MyTravelPass (MTP) obtained at https://mtp.imi.gov.my/myTravelPass/main ; - students with a written approval from immigration applied at https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/ ; - merchant seamen with an official letter from the company certified by Malaysian immigration and joining the ship no later than 24 hours from arrival. 2. Passengers arriving from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan or Sri Lanka are not allowed to enter and transit. This does not apply to: - nationals of Malaysia; - permanent residents of Malaysia with MyTravelPass (MTP) obtained at https://mtp.imi.gov.my/myTravelPass/main ; - spouses of nationals of Malaysia with MyTravelPass (MTP) obtained at https://mtp.imi.gov.my/myTravelPass/main . 3. Passengers must install 'MySejahtera app' in their phone and complete the health declaration at least one day before departure. 4. Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken at most 3 days before departure from the first embarkation point. 5. Passengers are subject to a COVID-19 RT-PCR test upon arrival at their own expense. 6. Passengers are subject to medical screening and quarantine for 14 days or 21 days at the first point of entry at their own expense. 7. Airline crew must have their names listed on the General Declaration. 8. Airline crew are subject to quarantine until their next flight and must install 'MySejahtera app' in their phone. 9. Transfer from an international flight to a domestic flight is not allowed. - This does not apply to nationals of Malaysia traveling to Sarawak. 10. Passengers traveling to Sarawak must complete an "enterSarawak" form and an "eHealth Declaration Form" before departure at https://sarawakdisastermc.com/. Sources garda.com my.usembassy.gov kln.gov.my philippineairlines.com