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Phuket’s top 5 choices for the perfect tropical island experience PHOTO: Visiting Phuket islands with 5 Star Marine Here are our top 5 recommendations for the best islands to visit off the main island of Phuket. Some of them are archipelagos that provide you with more than one destination on any day trip out to visit these beautiful locations. There are plenty of others, including the popular James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay and Coral Island, a mere 10 minute boat trip from Chalong. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288482-phuket’s-top-5-choices-for-the-perfect-tropical-island-experience/

PHOTO: Visiting Phuket islands with 5 Star Marine Here are our top 5 recommendations for the best islands to visit off the main island of Phuket. Some of them are archipelagos that provide you with more than one destination on any day trip out to visit these beautiful locations. There are plenty of others, including the popular James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay and Coral Island, a mere 10 minute boat trip from Chalong. Of course, Phuket has 32 of its own world-class beaches, from small and secluded to the busy stretches of Patong and Karon. Phi Phi Islands Located about 40 kilometres southeast of Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are a popular destination known for their stunning natural beauty, crystal clear waters, and amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities. The islands consist of six smaller islands, with Phi Phi Don being the largest and most developed. Koh Phi Phi Don is also the ‘party’ island with lots of budget accommodation and bars available, along with long stretches of sandy beaches and late night parties. Koh Phi Phi Leh, which is home to the famous Maya Bay and Phi Phi Leh Lagoon, is the Instagram-favourite and a ‘must-see’ location when visiting Phuket. There are plenty of day tours and you have a choice to get there by ferry (slow) or speedboat 9fast!) from Phuket’s east coast. Similan Islands Located about 70 kilometres northwest of Phuket, the Similan Islands are a group of nine islands known for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. Most of the tours head out from Khao Lak, about 1.5 by passenger van from Phuket. The islands are home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks. A diving haven, snorkelers and day trippers also rave about the Similans. Racha Islands Located about 12 kilometres south of Phuket, the Racha Islands (also known as Raya Islands) are two small islands known for their secluded beaches, crystal clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Koh Racha Yai has The Racha, a delightful luxury resort where you can relax and take visits to some of the islands smaller bays and havens. Except for Koh Racha Yai, the islands are less developed than some of the other islands in the area, making them a great choice for those looking for a peaceful getaway. Koh Yao Yai Located about 30 kilometres east of Phuket, Koh Yao Yai is a quiet and peaceful island known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and traditional way of life. The island is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and experience the natural beauty of Thailand. It is one of the two main islands that sit in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, separating Phuket from Krabi. Koh Khai Islands Located about 15 kilometres east of Phuket, the Koh Khai Islands are a group of three small islands known for their beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and excellent snorkelling opportunities. The islands are less developed than some of the other islands in the area, making them a great choice for those looking for a peaceful and secluded getaway. Only a short hop from the east coast of Phuket, the trio are a favourite day trip if you want to spend more time sitting on a beautiful beach than riding on a speedboat. There are LOTS of other shorter and longer day visits, and many of the islands offer accommodation at all budget levels. We recommend 5 Star Marine if you’d like to go on a private tour to any of the islands. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/islands/phukets-top-5-choices-for-the-perfect-tropical-island-experience/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Phuket condo market expected to return to pre-pandemic level within 2 years PHOTO: Phuket.net Phuket’s property sector continues to recover, with the condo market in particular set to return to pre-Covid levels over the next 2 years. Property consultant Knight Frank Thailand says this is being driven by the return of international tourism, adding that the pool villa market is also expected to continue growing. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288481-phuket-condo-market-expected-to-return-to-pre-pandemic-level-within-2-years/

PHOTO: Phuket.net Phuket’s property sector continues to recover, with the condo market in particular set to return to pre-Covid levels over the next 2 years. Property consultant Knight Frank Thailand says this is being driven by the return of international tourism, adding that the pool villa market is also expected to continue growing. Managing director Nattha Kahapana says the condo market will need up to 2 more years in order to fully recover, which will happen in line with the return of international tourism to pre-pandemic levels. “Foreign tourists continue to choose Phuket as their main tourist destination. They will be interested in condos and will buy for investment as they want to escape the cold weather in their countries to use as a place of refuge during the unusual situation in their countries.” A number of condo development projects on the island are expected to be finished this year, with several projects set to open as hotel services for tourists, including the returning Chinese. “If there are no new condo projects launched, the rental market will be popular as there will be no new assets for investment.” The Bangkok Post reports that the gradual recovery of the island’s condo market began last year, as foreign tourists returned in greater numbers. Property developers relaunched their marketing campaigns and construction resumed after being halted due to supply chain problems, such as the transportation of building materials. Nattha says that as of 2022, a total of 24,211 condo units have been made available along the island’s west coast, from Mai Khao in the north to Rawai in the south. Of those, 941 were newly launched in 2022, compared to zero in 2021. The number is the lowest level since 2013. “We found a missing supply from the market from 2018 to 2022, amounting to 4,247 units as project development was frozen. Developers of these projects lacked financial liquidity during the pandemic.” Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/phuket-condo-market-expected-to-return-to-pre-pandemic-level-within-2-years/ -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Support for Expo 2028 Phuket Bid Exceeds One Million Public Votes BANGKOK (NNT) - Phuket province has garnered over a million votes of public support in its bid to host Specialized Expo 2028, boosting its chances of being selected as the host location. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288480-support-for-expo-2028-phuket-bid-exceeds-one-million-public-votes/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Phuket province has garnered over a million votes of public support in its bid to host Specialized Expo 2028, boosting its chances of being selected as the host location. Deputy Government Spokeswoman Tipanan Sirichana said that if Thailand is awarded the event, under the theme “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity,” it is expected to attract at least 7 million foreign visitors and generate a minimum of 50 billion baht in revenue. Additionally, the event would establish Thailand as a top global wellness travel destination. Thailand faces competition from the United States, Argentina, Serbia and Spain for the right to host the event. According to Tipanan, Phuket has also received many positive reviews for its tourism readiness and was ranked third in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 Best Islands in Southeast Asia list for its accessibility. Those interested can visit https://support.expo2028thailand.com to show their support for Phuket’s bid for the 2028 EXPO. The announcement for the host nation of the event is expected in June. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230307151222874 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Covid-19 hospitalisation rate continues to drop around Thailand Some good news from Thailand’s Department of Disease Control, which has confirmed that the rate of Covid hospitalisation is continuing to drop. According to a Nation Thailand report, the last week saw an average of 21 patients per day being hospitalised with the virus. This is down from 29 the previous week. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288479-covid-19-hospitalisation-rate-continues-to-drop-around-thailand/

Some good news from Thailand’s Department of Disease Control, which has confirmed that the rate of Covid hospitalisation is continuing to drop. According to a Nation Thailand report, the last week saw an average of 21 patients per day being hospitalised with the virus. This is down from 29 the previous week. Between February 26 and March 4, a total of 147 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised, compared to 203 the week before. Data from the DDC reveals that since January 1, there have been 4,263 Covid-19 patients admitted to hospital. In the last week, there have been 7 Covid-related deaths, down from 8 the week before. The DDC says the total number of fatalities in Thailand since January 1 is 249. There are currently 62 Covid patients being treated for lung issues, with 42 people on ventilators. In terms of Covid vaccination, Thailand has administered 144.871 million doses as of March 4. Of those, 57.226 million were first doses, 53.719 million were second, and 33.926 million were booster doses. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/covid-19-hospitalisation-rate-continues-to-drop-around-thailand/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Customs Dept Seizes Heroin Worth Over 100 Million Baht BANGKOK, March 7 (TNA) – The Customs Department seized 43 kilogrammes of heroin hidden in hilltribe-style jackets destined for Hong Kong. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288478-customs-dept-seizes-heroin-worth-over-100-million-baht/

BANGKOK, March 7 (TNA) – The Customs Department seized 43 kilogrammes of heroin hidden in hilltribe-style jackets destined for Hong Kong. On March 6, the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) confiscated 43.4 kg of heroin, valued at 107.5 million baht at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the director-general of the Customs Department, Patchara Anuntasilpa told a press briefing. Twenty-nine suspicious parcels were declared as household and beauty items, clothes and accessories. Officials inspected six packages of jackets decorated with ethnic fabric and loincloths. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1128650 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Environment Board to Discuss Tackling Forest Fire and Haze BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s National Environment Board is set to convene on March 15 to discuss forest fire and haze issues plaguing the country. The meeting comes after the Office of the ASEAN Secretary-General issued a "Second Level Alert" to all member countries, requesting their cooperation in tackling the issue. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288477-environment-board-to-discuss-tackling-forest-fire-and-haze/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s National Environment Board is set to convene on March 15 to discuss forest fire and haze issues plaguing the country. The meeting comes after the Office of the ASEAN Secretary-General issued a "Second Level Alert" to all member countries, requesting their cooperation in tackling the issue. According to satellite images from the Geoinformatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GITSDA) on Saturday (4 Mar), the past week has seen a critical escalation in the forest fire and PM2.5 dust levels in Thailand’s north and northeast, with over 2,500 hotspots detected in farm and forest areas across the country, and thousands more in neighboring countries. Most hotspots in Thailand were found to be concentrated in forests. The three provinces with the most hotspots were Kanchanaburi, Tak and Mae Hong Son. Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, explained that the Office of the ASEAN Secretary-General issued the alert after more than 150 hotspots were detected in a single day. Member nations are expected to continue their prevention and preparedness actions, conduct ground fire suppression as soon as possible to extinguish fires, and use water bombing to suppress fires. Burned areas will also be closely monitored and weekly reports on the current situation and actions taken by ASEAN member states are to be submitted. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230307122051794 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thailand and China Launch Joint E-Commerce Training Program CHIANG MAI (NNT) - Thailand and China jointly launched a training program on Monday (6 Mar) at Chiang Mai University to help develop e-commerce skills among vocational school students. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288476-thailand-and-china-launch-joint-e-commerce-training-program/

CHIANG MAI (NNT) - Thailand and China jointly launched a training program on Monday (6 Mar) at Chiang Mai University to help develop e-commerce skills among vocational school students. According to the training program organizers, the "Chinese Language Plus Professional Skills" e-commerce training program features Chinese e-commerce experiences incorporating Thai sensibilities. The five-day training program, with 65 participating students, provides courses on developing the China-Thailand e-commerce industry, e-commerce platform operations, short video productions, e-commerce platforms basics, and network marketing. Somporn Pandam, Deputy Secretary-General of the Vocational Education Commission under the Ministry of Education, said: "Thai vocational students will improve their e-commerce skills while also learning Chinese through this training program." According to Somporn, the training program is a cooperative project between multiple partners in Thailand and China. Pitipong Yodmongkol, Vice President of Chiang Mai University, said the program is part of a series of "Chinese Language plus Professional Skills" projects organized by Chiang Mai University and the Confucius Institute at Chiang Mai University. He said it is expected to help cultivate knowledgeable and capable talent and has become an important force in promoting exchanges on culture, economy and trade between the two nations. Hao Shumei, vice president of Yunnan Normal University, which provides support for the training program, also said it will promote the expansion of cultural and economic exchanges between China and Thailand. Data showed over 2,000 Thai vocational school teachers and students have participated in the e-commerce training programs since they were introduced in 2021. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230307113203783 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-03-07 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thailand spent ฿444bn in the fight against COVID-19 in past three years Thailand spent about 444 billion baht in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, according to Dr. Rungruang Kitpati, spokesman for the Public Health Ministry and head of the ministry’s intelligence unit, today (Monday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288401-thailand-spent-฿444bn-in-the-fight-against-covid-19-in-past-three-years/

Thailand spent about 444 billion baht in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, according to Dr. Rungruang Kitpati, spokesman for the Public Health Ministry and head of the ministry’s intelligence unit, today (Monday). The funding came mainly from the government’s Central Fund and public sector borrowing. Of the 444.3 billion baht spent in the past three years addressing COVID outbreaks, 260.2 billion baht (59%) was spent on medical services, which include screening, treatment and vaccinations. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-spent-444bn-in-the-fight-against-covid-19-in-past-three-years/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-06 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Opposition seeks injunction against transport minister contesting election Thailand’s opposition MPs are gathering signatures on a petition to the Constitution Court to strip Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob of his right to contest the general election. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288400-opposition-seeks-injunction-against-transport-minister-contesting-election/

Thailand’s opposition MPs are gathering signatures on a petition to the Constitution Court to strip Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob of his right to contest the general election. Move Forward MP Pakornwut Udompipatskul said today (Monday) that MPs of several opposition parties agree with the move. He said that the previous petition to the court only sought an order to strip Saksayam of his political post, for allegedly not declaring his stake in a business enterprise. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/opposition-seeks-injunction-against-transport-minister-contesting-election/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-06 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thai teqball teams shine in Dubai Asian Teqball Tour 2023 Thai teqball teams clinched two championships and two other titles at the Dubai Asian Teqball Tour 2023 event held in the United Arab Emirates yesterday (Sunday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288399-thai-teqball-teams-shine-in-dubai-asian-teqball-tour-2023/

Thai teqball teams clinched two championships and two other titles at the Dubai Asian Teqball Tour 2023 event held in the United Arab Emirates yesterday (Sunday). Supavadee Wongkhamchan and Chuthatip Kanthathong won the women’s doubles by beating their Thai rivals, Jariya Seesawat and Areeya Homdee, in two sets, 12-11 and 12-9, to clinch the championship. In the mixed doubles, Supavadee Wongkhamchan and Phakpong Dejaroen defeated their Hungarian opposition in two sets, 12-8 and 12-7, to win the championship title. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-teqball-teams-shine-in-dubai-asian-teqball-tour-2023/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-06 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thai National Environment Board to discuss forest fire and haze problems Thailand’s National Environment Board will meet on March 15th to consider the forest fire and haze problems, after the Office of the ASEAN Secretary-General sent a “Second Level Alert” to all member countries about cooperation to cope with the related problems. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288398-thai-national-environment-board-to-discuss-forest-fire-and-haze-problems/

Thailand’s National Environment Board will meet on March 15th to consider the forest fire and haze problems, after the Office of the ASEAN Secretary-General sent a “Second Level Alert” to all member countries about cooperation to cope with the related problems. Jatuporn Buruspat, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said today (Monday) that the problems of forest fires and PM2.5 dust in Thailand’s north and north-east have become critical in the past week, due to the more than 2,500 hotspots detected in farm and forest areas in Thailand and thousands more in its neighboring countries. According to satellite images, from the Geoinformatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GITSDA) on March 4th, there were 6,701 hotspots in Myanmar, 2,583 in Thailand, 2,125 in Cambodia, 1,434 in Laos, 147 in Vietnam and two in Malaysia. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-national-environment-board-to-discuss-forest-fire-and-haze-problems/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-06 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

History of Thailand’s violent Southern Insurgency PHOTO: Long running Southern insurgency in Thailand According to data from the Deep South Watch, an independent organization that monitors the conflict in Thailand’s southern provinces, between 2004 and 2021, over 7,000 people have been killed and over 13,000 injured in the southern insurgency. The majority of the victims have been civilians, including teachers, religious leaders, and government officials. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288392-history-of-thailand’s-violent-southern-insurgency/

PHOTO: Long running Southern insurgency in Thailand According to data from the Deep South Watch, an independent organization that monitors the conflict in Thailand’s southern provinces, between 2004 and 2021, over 7,000 people have been killed and over 13,000 injured in the southern insurgency. The majority of the victims have been civilians, including teachers, religious leaders, and government officials. The conflict has also resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and has had a significant economic and social impact on the region. The Deep South of Thailand, also known as the restive south or the southern insurgency region, has a complex and tumultuous history that spans over a century. The region encompasses the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla and Satun on the border of Thailand and Malaysia. The conflict in the Deep South is rooted in a history of political, economic, and social marginalization, as well as religious and ethnic differences between the Muslim Malay population and the Buddhist Thai state. The region was once part of the Malay Sultanate of Pattani, which had a long history of trade and cultural exchange with neighboring Southeast Asian countries. However, in the late 19th century, the region came under the control of Siam (now Thailand) as part of a territorial expansion campaign. The Siamese government imposed strict laws and policies aimed at assimilating the Malay population into Thai Buddhist culture, including a ban on the Malay language and Islamic traditions. In the early 20th century, a nationalist movement emerged among the Malay-Muslim population, calling for greater autonomy and recognition of their cultural and religious identity. The movement gained momentum in the 1940s, leading to the establishment of the Patani United Liberation Organization (PULO) in 1960, which aimed to create an independent Islamic state in the region. The 1960s and 1970s saw a wave of violent protests and demonstrations by Malay nationalists and separatists, as well as a crackdown by the Thai government. The situation escalated in 1976, when a group of Malay-Muslim students were killed by Thai security forces during a demonstration in Pattani. This event marked a turning point in the conflict, and led to the emergence of a militant wing of the separatist movement. In the 1980s and 1990s, the insurgency became increasingly violent, with bombings, assassinations, and attacks on government officials and civilians becoming more common. The separatist movement fragmented into several factions, each with its own goals and strategies. Some groups, such as PULO and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), continued to call for an independent Islamic state, while others, such as the Gerakan Mujahideen Islam Pattani (GMIP), advocated for greater autonomy within the Thai state. The 2000s saw a resurgence of violence in the Deep South, with attacks becoming more frequent and deadly. The Thai government responded with a policy of heavy-handed military crackdowns, which only served to fuel the insurgency and increase support for separatist groups. The government also implemented a number of measures aimed at suppressing Malay-Muslim culture and identity, such as a ban on the wearing of headscarves in schools and a campaign to promote Thai Buddhist values. In 2004, the situation in the Deep South reached a new level of intensity when a coordinated attack on police and military installations in several provinces left over 100 people dead. This event marked the beginning of a new phase in the conflict, characterized by a more organized and coordinated insurgency. The government responded with a state of emergency and a massive military buildup in the region, but these measures failed to bring an end to the violence. The insurgency in the Deep South has continued to simmer in the years since, with periodic flare-ups of violence and occasional attempts at peace negotiations. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on the region, with thousands of people killed and many more displaced. The economic and social impact of the conflict has been devastating, with the region lagging behind the rest of the country in terms of development and prosperity. In recent years, there have been some signs of progress towards a resolution of the conflict. The Thai government has taken steps to address some of the root causes of the insurgency, such as discrimination against. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/history-of-thailands-violent-southern-insurgency/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-03-06 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Govt Approves Talks for UAE Economic Deal BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has approved negotiations for an economic deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1288391-govt-approves-talks-for-uae-economic-deal/