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Daily News Thai Caption: Dad has his head in his hands! Daily News reported that it was a bad day for a father in Sansai, Chiang Mai, northern Thailand yesterday. Muang Len fire services were called after a blaze broke out in a bedroom at the house of 56 year old Jahae Jafoo. Jahae said he heard a noise then the smell of burning. He and his son tried to put out the fire with water but were beaten back as it took hold, fueled by clothing in the room. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Daily News The son had been charging his phone at the time and it is believed that a short circuit from that started the fire. Damage was estimated at 300,000 baht as investigations by the local police began. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - 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. - 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

Drunk civil servant arrested after having a go at Nonthaburi officials at restaurant - 20K bail Daily News Thai Caption: Those "charming" Thai civil servants! Daily News reported on an incident of poor behavior of a Thai civil servant at a restaurant in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258521-drunk-civil-servant-arrested-after-having-a-go-at-nonthaburi-officials-at-restaurant-20k-bail/

Daily News Thai Caption: Those "charming" Thai civil servants! Daily News reported on an incident of poor behavior of a Thai civil servant at a restaurant in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi yesterday. In their photo caption they called the man "charming" - a fecetious comment. District chief Withaya had sent in his deputy Somphol Surasajja to check up on restaurants to make sure they were following the rules. Near the police station they went into a restaurant where three men were drinking and eating near the counter. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture Daily News One man dressed half in civil service attire was not happy. He started berating the authorities with foul language and whipped out his phone to start filming. He was belittling the authorities and was clearly drunk. Picture: Daily News He wouldn't stop; at one point his friend had to put his hand over his mouth. He said he was attached to the Ministry of Trade but refused to show identification. It was so bad that the civil servant was arrested and taken to the Bang Yai police station for questioning where he denied charges of not showing his ID and defaming officials doing their job. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - 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. - 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

Waste-to-Energy Plant Closed Over Offensive Odor Issue by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Operations at a waste-to-energy power plant in On Nut have been halted after residents complained about the site’s strong odor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258519-waste-to-energy-plant-closed-over-offensive-odor-issue/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Operations at a waste-to-energy power plant in On Nut have been halted after residents complained about the site’s strong odor. According to Wanchai Phanomchai, director-general of The Department of Industrial Works (DIW), complaints concerned the waste disposal plant owned by Krungthep Thanakom Co Ltd. The DIW said it had previously ordered the plant to address the ongoing odor issue that was affecting surrounding communities. The facility, however, did not follow up on its request, forcing residents to contact the agency again. An inspection last week revealed that the factory’s maintenance protocol and odor-treatment systems were not being properly followed. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The DIW has since invoked sections 37 and 39 of the Factory Act 1992, suspending the factory’s operation until the problems are resolved and the overall situation improved. Kriangphon Phatthanarat, a director on the board of Krungthep Thanakom Co Ltd, said the factory is fully cooperating with the authorities and will make every effort to solve the problem. According to Kriangphon, more deodorant suppression sprinklers will be installed at the factory and improvements will also be made in the transfer of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) within the facility. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Warning Issued Over Suicide Rates Among Workers and Unemployed by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Mental Health (DMH) has issued a warning over the rising rate of suicides among people of working age and retirees. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258518-warning-issued-over-suicide-rates-among-workers-and-unemployed/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Mental Health (DMH) has issued a warning over the rising rate of suicides among people of working age and retirees. According to the DMH, citing data from the National Suicide Prevention Center, an average of 53,000 suicides are attempted in Thailand each year, 4,000 of which end fatally. DMH Director-General Dr Amporn Benjaponpitak said suicide is now second only to accidents as the leading cause of unnatural deaths in Thailand. She added that major risk factors driving people to commit suicide include stress and depression. According to a March survey, those in the early stages of their careers are four times more likely to commit suicide than other adults. Many people face financial pressure during the university-to-work transition, especially in the context of a status-driven, materialistic society. This at-risk group has also been steadily increasing over the last four years. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Dr Amporn said love and support from family and friends can help people avoid suicidal thoughts. There have long been concerns that COVID-19 and the restrictions put in place to contain it could cause a mental health crisis and an increase in suicides around the world. Along with fear of disease and potential bereavement, experts say some aspects of the lockdown - such as isolation, loneliness, loss of social support networks, unemployment, and financial insecurity - are harmful to mental health. According to data from the World Health Organization, close to 800,000 people worldwide lose their lives to suicide every year. Twenty more people attempt suicide for every death, though statistics are vastly underreported. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Bangkok Prepares for Shift to Endemic Phase BANGKOK, May 3 (TNA) – Bangkok is working out plans for the transition to an endemic status as the Covid-19 situation has improved. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258516-bangkok-prepares-for-shift-to-endemic-phase/

BANGKOK, May 3 (TNA) – Bangkok is working out plans for the transition to an endemic status as the Covid-19 situation has improved. Permanent-secretary for public health Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit on Monday met Panruedee Manomaipibul, director of the city health department to discuss an endemic approach for the capital. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The country’s Covid-19 situation has improved and the numbers of new cases, severe cases and fatalities have declined continuously. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-934942 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

One dead, one injured as two men on motorcycle collide with 10 wheel sand truck in Chonburi Picture: Thai Rath Ban Bung police in Chonburi in central/eastern Thailand were called after a collision between a Suzuki Smash and a Hino truck on a bend in the Ban Bung Kradon to Ban Nong Chan road yesterday around 6 pm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258513-one-dead-one-injured-as-two-men-on-motorcycle-collide-with-10-wheel-sand-truck-in-chonburi/

Picture: Thai Rath Ban Bung police in Chonburi in central/eastern Thailand were called after a collision between a Suzuki Smash and a Hino truck on a bend in the Ban Bung Kradon to Ban Nong Chan road yesterday around 6 pm. One man - the driver of the motorcycle - was dead at the scene gaving suffered a head injury. His passenger was in a serious condition and is now in hospital. Kong, 55, the trucker, said he was carrying sand to a retail store when he was going round a bend and was hit by the motorcycle in the center to rear section. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The motorcycle had severe damage and a mangled front wheel. Kong stopped 30 meters away and was on hand to tell the police what happened from his perspective. Investigations continue. Both the injured man and his passenger were unidentified in the Thai Rath story. Around 70 - 80% of road accident fatalities in Thailand are motorcyclists, notes ASEAN NOW, contributing to an annual death toll thought to be well in advance of 20,000, one of the highest per capita in the world. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - 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. - 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

Ukrainian fraudsters: They came as tourists now they face deportation to US on tax evasion charges INN reported on the case of two Ukrainians who arrived in Thailand as tourists, lived in a luxury villa in Phuket but are now facing deportation to the US after their arrest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258512-ukrainian-fraudsters-they-came-as-tourists-now-they-face-deportation-to-us-on-tax-evasion-charges/

Picture: INN INN reported on the case of two Ukrainians who arrived in Thailand as tourists, lived in a luxury villa in Phuket but are now facing deportation to the US after their arrest. The suspects, aged in their late thirties, were given assumed names but were earlier named as Oleksandr Y. and Oleg O. in a previous ASEAN NOW story. The Thais authorities have been liaising with the US Dept of Homeland Security in the case. It involves tax evasion of around ten million US dollars or 337 million baht. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The pair, who were arrested on April 19th, ran a recruitment company in Florida with the alleged crimes committed between 2007 and 2021. Their company did 2.25 billion baht's worth of business over that time. They fled and came to Thailand, apparently in 2021, but will now be deported back to Florida to face the music. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - 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. - 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

Have we broken the back of the pandemic in Thailand? Numbers down though NE remains high Thai Rath reported the comments of Dr Jakkrarat Pithayawonganon of the DDC yesterday regarding the state of the Covid-19 pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258511-have-we-broken-the-back-of-the-pandemic-in-thailand-numbers-down-though-ne-remains-high/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported the comments of Dr Jakkrarat Pithayawonganon of the DDC yesterday regarding the state of the Covid-19 pandemic. Numbers of infections were considerably down compared to the around 20,000 infections daily in previous weeks. The figure was 9,331 with far fewer people suffering serious infections or having to be intubated. Most of those were the elderly or people with other health conditions. What with more recoveries and the overlying trend in the last seven days of those treated as outpatient-cum-home isolation and in full home isolation dropping by tens of thousands from 498,578 last week, Thai authorities are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Begging the question as to whether the pandemic in Thailand is in its final weeks and months. There were 84 deaths, mostly the unvaccinated. The North East, Central Region and eastern seaboard presented the most infections with some parts of Isaan still high. People are being urged to get their boosters especially the vulnerable and the elderly. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - 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. - 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

UPDATE: Thailand and Japan sign deal to transfer defence equipment and technology Thailand and Japan signed a deal on the transfer of defence hardware and technology yesterday (Monday) and two other agreements, on financial cooperation and a Japanese grant for Thailand’s post-COVID healthcare. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258472-thailand-and-japan-discuss-cooperation-during-japanese-pm-visit/?do=findComment&comment=17337852

UPDATE: Thailand and Japan sign deal to transfer defence equipment and technology Thailand and Japan signed a deal on the transfer of defence hardware and technology yesterday (Monday) and two other agreements, on financial cooperation and a Japanese grant for Thailand’s post-COVID healthcare. The signing of the documents was witnessed by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, capping a two-day visit to Thailand by Fumio, the first Japanese prime minister to visit Thailand in nine years. The visit coincides with the 135th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. In his statement, delivered at the end of the meeting, Thailand’s prime minister said the outcome of the meeting reflects the inclusive and comprehensive strategic partnership between Thailand and Japan. He said that both sides agreed to enhance economic cooperation and acknowledged the drafting of a 5-year Joint Strategic Plan on Thailand-Japan Economic Partnership. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-and-japan-sign-deal-to-transfer-defence-equipment-and-technology/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

COVID-19 - May 3: Thailand reports 9,721 new coronavirus cases, 20,145 recoveries, 77 deaths file photo Thailand on Tuesday (May 3) reported 9,721 new COVID-19 cases, 20,145 recoveries and 77 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258502-covid-19-may-3-thailand-reports-9721-new-coronavirus-cases-20145-recoveries-77-deaths/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19 - May 3: Thailand reports 9,721 new coronavirus cases, 20,145 recoveries, 77 deaths file photo Thailand on Tuesday (May 3) reported 9,721 new COVID-19 cases, 20,145 recoveries and 77 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258502-covid-19-may-3-thailand-reports-9721-new-coronavirus-cases-20145-recoveries-77-deaths/

file photo Thailand on Tuesday (May 3) reported 9,721 new COVID-19 cases, 20,145 recoveries and 77 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Tuesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,281,536 with 28,778 deaths. The news comes as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha was satisfied with the significant decrease in daily Covid-19 infections in Thailand, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana revealed yesterday, May 2nd. The spokesperson told the Associated Press that the Prime Minister saw the decrease as a good sign in controlling the domestic spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in Thailand.** **THE PATTAYA NEWS contributed to this report Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - 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. - 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

Thailand To Start Charging An Entry Fee From August BY: VINICIUS COSTA Thailand is finally reopening for tourism after two years of consecutive border closures and complex entry restrictions. Even though it is slowly coming out of its shell and allowing more foreigners to visit again, the entry process for Thailand is bound to undergo some permanent changes, as the country intends to start charging an entry fee from August. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258494-thailand-to-start-charging-an-entry-fee-from-august/

BY: VINICIUS COSTA Thailand is finally reopening for tourism after two years of consecutive border closures and complex entry restrictions. Even though it is slowly coming out of its shell and allowing more foreigners to visit again, the entry process for Thailand is bound to undergo some permanent changes, as the country intends to start charging an entry fee from August. Similarly to the Italian hotspot of Venice, which will begin taxing visitors from summer 2022, Thai authorities proposed their own ‘tourist tax’ back in January, in hopes the system would have come into force by April. Due to delays, this never materialized, though it is now likely the fee will be applied from the third quarter of the year. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe While there are still some unanswered questions, as the measure is yet to be implemented, and it is far from being unanimous, here is everything we do know so far about Thailand’s proposed new entry fee. Full story: https://www.traveloffpath.com/thailand-to-start-charging-an-entry-fee-from-august/ -- © Copyright Travel OFF Path 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

British martial arts champion fighting for his life after motorbike crash in Thailand Christian Richardson was lucky to survive when his motorbike was crushed by a pick up truck as he left a coffee shop at the start of the country's New Year festival Christian Richardson, 32, has been living in Thailand for nine months and recently won his first Muay Thai bout (Image: Ben Lack) By Mark Branagan & Graeme Murray, News Reporter A British martial arts champion is fighting for his life after a crash in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258493-british-martial-arts-champion-fighting-for-his-life-after-motorbike-crash-in-thailand/

Christian Richardson, 32, has been living in Thailand for nine months and recently won his first Muay Thai bout (Image: Ben Lack) Christian Richardson was lucky to survive when his motorbike was crushed by a pick up truck as he left a coffee shop at the start of the country's New Year festival By Mark Branagan & Graeme Murray, News Reporter A British martial arts champion is fighting for his life after a crash in Thailand. Top boxer Christian Richardson, 32, from York, was lucky to survive when his motorbike was crushed by a pick up truck as he left a coffee shop on April 13, the start of the country's New Year festival. Chris, who has been living in Thailand for nine months and recently won his first Muay Thai bout, suffered multiple injuries and broken bones. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He was given emergency treatment at a hospital in Koh Samui, before being airlifted to Bangkok where he is currently undergoing further surgery. In York, he had worked as picture framer for the family business, Gillygate Framing. His sister, Emmy Watson, said: “Miraculously, he didn’t die or have any brain or spinal injuries.” Her brother is unable to get out of bed and is fighting a bad infection in his foot where he has a large open wound. In the next few days, he is going to need both facial and eye surgery to repair a broken cheek bone and a bad orbital floor fracture. Chris' family has launched a bid to raise £60,000 for his treatment (Image: Ben Lack) As Chris was involved in the accident abroad, the treatment is costing him and his family thousands of pounds. The family has launched a bid to raise £60,000 for the treatment, and to get him home to the UK. Full story: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/british-martial-arts-champion-fighting-26838936 -- © Copyright Mirror 2022-05-03 - 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. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates