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COVID-19 - May 2: Thailand reports 9,331 new coronavirus cases, 21,168 recoveries, 84 deaths file photo Thailand on Monday (May 2) reported 9,331 new COVID-19 cases, 21,168 recoveries and 84 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258410-covid-19-may-2-thailand-reports-9331-new-coronavirus-cases-21168-recoveries-84-deaths/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19 - May 2: Thailand reports 9,331 new coronavirus cases, 21,168 recoveries, 84 deaths file photo Thailand on Monday (May 2) reported 9,331 new COVID-19 cases, 21,168 recoveries and 84 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258410-covid-19-may-2-thailand-reports-9331-new-coronavirus-cases-21168-recoveries-84-deaths/

file photo Thailand on Monday (May 2) reported 9,331 new COVID-19 cases, 21,168 recoveries and 84 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,271,815 with 28,701 deaths. The news comes as International travelers arriving in Thailand from May 1 are required to obtain the Thailand Pass prior to travel. The government’s COVID-19 task force says it will not remove this entry requirement at this stage, despite no longer requiring an RT-PCR test result. The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) recently clarified that international arrivals must still obtain the Thailand Pass via online registration. The registration however requires fewer documents for people arriving from May 1, in line with the government’s relaxed entry measures. Dr Sumanee Wacharasint, an assistant spokeswoman for the CCSA, said prepaid hotel bookings and a negative pre-departure RT-PCR test will no longer be necessary, but travelers will need to submit their vaccination certificates, along with travel insurance with eligible health coverage.** **National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT) contributed to this report Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-02 - 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

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Cashless Thai society not on the cards anytime soon, says study by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor A study conducted by the Bank of Thailand has shown that at least 50% of the Thai public will continue to use cash as their preferred payment method even after widespread takeup of banking apps such as Krungthai Bank’s Pao Tang app during the pandemic to receive government payments, support and subsidies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258397-cashless-thai-society-not-on-the-cards-anytime-soon-says-study/

A study conducted by the Bank of Thailand has shown that at least 50% of the Thai public will continue to use cash as their preferred payment method even after widespread takeup of banking apps such as Krungthai Bank’s Pao Tang app during the pandemic to receive government payments, support and subsidies. The study revealed that cash is seen as, by far, a better choice for a majority of customers as opposed to banking apps and even credit cards because it is easier to use, more accepted and more economical while offering better privacy. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor It had been thought that with high smartphone penetration among the population and the widespread use of digital apps for payments during the pandemic, a transition to a cashless society had begun. The answer, according to a survey of 6,020 people, is unequivocal. No, it has not. 65% of users who took up Krung Thai Bank’s Pao Tang app to avail of government financial supports have opted to no longer use it while cash is seen to have an edge under every criterion. It is seen as more convenient, more widely accepted, cheaper and more private. A groundbreaking survey carried out by the Bank of Thailand into the payment and purchasing habits of the Thai public shows a marked reluctance to switch over from cash to a digital payment system. The study showed that at least 50% of people will continue to use only cash for day to day payments while nearly all respondents said they felt cash was a necessity for daily life. The survey also highlighted the fact that cash payments were cheaper with a 5 to 10% saving. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The result of the ongoing survey and study has raised eyebrows among the boffins at the Bank of Thailand which shows that nearly all Thai people continue to use cash for daily purchases and essentials. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/05/01/cash-still-king-people-reject-app-payments/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-05-02 - 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

Alcohol restrictions lifted throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan By Online Reporter Hua Hin Today File Photo The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office has announced a lifting of restrictions regarding the sale of alcohol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258395-alcohol-restrictions-lifted-throughout-prachuap-khiri-khan/

Hua Hin Today File Photo By Online Reporter The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Public Health Office has announced a lifting of restrictions regarding the sale of alcohol. From May 1 any bar or restaurant in the province with an SHA or SHA Plus safety certification is permitted to serve alcohol. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Previously only SHA certified restaurants located in the special tourism ‘blue zone’ of Hua Hin and Nong Khae districts were allowed to serve alcohol. But now, any certified venue located in any district in Prachuap Khiri Khan is permitted to serve alcohol until midnight. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/alcohol-restrictions-lifted-throughout-prachuap-khiri-khan/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-05-02 - 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

Thailand Pass Still Required for Entry After May 1 by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - International travelers arriving in Thailand from May 1 are required to obtain the Thailand Pass prior to travel. The government’s COVID-19 task force says it will not remove this entry requirement at this stage, despite no longer requiring an RT-PCR test result. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258394-thailand-pass-still-required-for-entry-after-may-1/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - International travelers arriving in Thailand from May 1 are required to obtain the Thailand Pass prior to travel. The government’s COVID-19 task force says it will not remove this entry requirement at this stage, despite no longer requiring an RT-PCR test result. The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) recently clarified that international arrivals must still obtain the Thailand Pass via online registration. The registration however requires fewer documents for people arriving from May 1, in line with the government’s relaxed entry measures. Dr Sumanee Wacharasint, an assistant spokeswoman for the CCSA, said prepaid hotel bookings and a negative pre-departure RT-PCR test will no longer be necessary, but travelers will need to submit their vaccination certificates, along with travel insurance with eligible health coverage. She also said the CCSA may consider eliminating the Thailand Pass system altogether once the situation improves further. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Meanwhile, some land border crossings between Thailand and neighboring countries are set to reopen on 1 May. These include border crossings in Loei, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, Sisaket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat, Tak, Kanchanaburi, Ranong, Songkhla, Narathiwat, Yala and Satun. Thai nationals returning through one of these land borders will not be subject to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated Thai nationals can meanwhile present a negative RT-PCR test result performed within 72 hours prior to arrival to skip quarantine. The travel insurance requirement is not applicable to Thai nationals. The quarantine period for unvaccinated and untested Thai citizens is for 5 days, with an exit test performed on Day 4 or 5. Foreign nationals arriving by land will be required to obtain their Thailand Pass beforehand. Nationals of Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Malaysia can opt to obtain their Border Pass for entry, which does not require travel insurance. Only fully vaccinated citizens from the four neighboring countries are eligible to enter Thailand using their border pass, whereas unvaccinated travelers are subject to the same entry requirement as unvaccinated persons under the Thailand Pass scheme. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-02 - 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

Recyclers to Stop Buying Improperly Extracted Metals Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - More than one hundred recyclers in Thailand have vowed to stop purchasing metals extracted from burning electrical appliances. A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Pollution Control Department and the recyclers is expected to help ease air pollution in the kingdom. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258392-recyclers-to-stop-buying-improperly-extracted-metals/

Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - More than one hundred recyclers in Thailand have vowed to stop purchasing metals extracted from burning electrical appliances. A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Pollution Control Department and the recyclers is expected to help ease air pollution in the kingdom. The department and 118 recycling plants signed the MoU to stop the improper burning of electrical appliances and parts for the purpose of extracting valuable metals. The practice leads to air pollution, as it emits PM2.5 fine particulate matter. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe An example is the burning of small electrical wires found inside electronic waste at landfills to extract copper, which is then sold to recyclers. The MoU calls for the recyclers to stop buying metal scraps in an attempt to discourage burning. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said the memorandum will improve electronic waste management nationwide. His ministry is also working on a draft electronic waste management bill, which will be proposed to the Cabinet soon. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-02 - 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

Thai Rice Exports Surge Amid Higher Middle East Demand by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Prices of rice exported from Thailand rose last week on increased demand from Middle Eastern markets, while Indian and Vietnamese rates were unchanged. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258391-thai-rice-exports-surge-amid-higher-middle-east-demand/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Prices of rice exported from Thailand rose last week on increased demand from Middle Eastern markets, while Indian and Vietnamese rates were unchanged. Thailand’s 5% broken rice prices were quoted at US$432-435 per ton, up from $410-414 last week. A Bangkok-based trader said, "There has been an uptick in demand from markets like Iraq and Iran and also due to improved relations with Saudi Arabia." Traders said freighter costs, a major challenge for Thai rice export, have also been sidestepped because Middle Eastern buyers have sent their own freight for rice purchases. They added that a weaker baht against the U.S. dollar also contributed to the rise in rice prices this week. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Top exporter India’s 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $361-365 per ton, unchanged from the last week. Vietnam’s 5% broken rice was offered at $415 per ton on Thursday (28 Apr), unchanged from last week. Meanwhile, the government in Bangladesh raised the price it will pay to farmers for the current season’s rice to 40 taka ($0.48) a kilogram, up from 36 taka a year ago, food minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder said. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-02 - 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

Thailand Hosts 4th JTC Meeting to Enhance Trade Cooperation with Bhutan by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand recently chaired the 4th Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting in Phuket province, as it aims to tighten its relationship with Bhutan and enhance bilateral trade and investment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258390-thailand-hosts-4th-jtc-meeting-to-enhance-trade-cooperation-with-bhutan/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand recently chaired the 4th Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting in Phuket province, as it aims to tighten its relationship with Bhutan and enhance bilateral trade and investment. Thai Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit and his Bhutanese counterpart, Lyonpo Loknath Sharma, discussed trade and investment opportunities. The Thai side underlined e-commerce development, the national single window system and geographical indication (GI) products in order to enhance bilateral cooperation in agriculture, handicrafts and tourism. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The meeting was held in Phuket to show participants the uniqueness of Thai goods, particularly Phuket’s GI goods, and to demonstrate the recovery of Thailand’s tourism industry. Minister Jurin said Bhutan had agreed to sign the Thai-Bhutanese Preferential Trade Agreement, which will facilitate trade and eliminate tariffs on goods. Bhutan and Thailand currently enjoy 2.1 billion baht in two-way trade. Prominent export products include fruit jelly, spice and small bronze statues. Both countries agreed to achieve 3.6 billion baht in trade by 2025. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-02 - 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

5th Debt Relief Expo Commences in Chiang Mai Natthaphon Sangpolsit CHIANG MAI (NNT) - A new debt relief expo has been launched in Chiang Mai province, in accordance with the government’s declaration to make 2022 the year for household debt resolution. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258389-5th-debt-relief-expo-commences-in-chiang-mai/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit CHIANG MAI (NNT) - A new debt relief expo has been launched in Chiang Mai province, in accordance with the government’s declaration to make 2022 the year for household debt resolution. The expo is being held at Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Center and is the fifth of its kind to be organized. Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said the relief expo was held out of concern for debtors. Overdue loans being addressed at the expo include auto and motorcycle loans, along with credit card and personal loans, as well as those from the Student Loan Fund. The justice process has also been revised to better facilitate debt resolution. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Additionally, the justice minister participated in debt negotiation at the expo, where he delivered financial aid to 16 victims in criminal cases and handed out “debt negotiation center” signs to 35 such centers. A number of identity cards were also issued to stateless persons. Four rounds of the expo had previously been held, once for Greater Bangkok and once each in Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla and Nakhon Si Thammarat. About 7,800 people have so far participated, with negotiations successful for around 5,700 of them. The value of successfully negotiated debts stands at 1.477 billion baht so far. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-02 - 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

Four people injured, one seriously, including two police officers, after motorbikes collide in Phuket Town By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket – One person has sustained severe injuries while three people have sustained various moderate to minor injuries, including two police officers, after two motorbikes collided in Phuket Town. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258386-four-people-injured-one-seriously-including-two-police-officers-after-motorbikes-collide-in-phuket-town/

By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket – One person has sustained severe injuries while three people have sustained various moderate to minor injuries, including two police officers, after two motorbikes collided in Phuket Town. The Phuket City Police were notified of the accident at 6:45 P.M. yesterday (April 30th) at an intersection near the Phuket City Public Market 2 (Kaset Market / Talad Kaset) on Ong Simpai Road in Phuket Town. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Police, emergency responders and The Phuket Express team arrived at the scene to find a damaged Honda Scoopy motorbike. The driver, Ms. Nataya Jantaurai, 21, had sustained various injuries and her passenger, Ms. Amonsiri Sawangjit, 52, had sustained severe head injuries and was bleeding heavily. Both were rushed to hospitals. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/01/four-people-injured-one-seriously-including-two-police-officers-after-motorbikes-collide-in-phuket-town/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-02 - 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

Thailand’s travel safety ranked eighth globally and first in ASEAN by American tourist’s votes By Adam Judd National — Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was pleased after Thailand’s travel safety was ranked 8th globally and 1st in ASEAN by a recent American survey, saying this would help the wider re-opening of the country on May 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258384-thailand’s-travel-safety-ranked-eighth-globally-and-first-in-asean-by-american-tourist’s-votes/

By Adam Judd National — Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was pleased after Thailand’s travel safety was ranked 8th globally and 1st in ASEAN by a recent American survey, saying this would help the wider re-opening of the country on May 1st. Mrs. Traisulee Traisornkul, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office revealed that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed great satisfaction and gratitude after Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection announced the State of Travel Insurance Report. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The report showed that Thailand’s travel safety was ranked eighth internationally by American tourists and third in Asia after Japan and South Korea, while Millennial tourists ranked Thailand as the second safest destination. Thailand, on the other hand, was ranked first in ASEAN by American tourists. https://thepattayanews.com/2022/05/01/thailands-travel-safety-ranked-eighth-globally-and-first-in-asean-by-american-tourists-votes/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-02 - 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

Pattaya police raid two “restaurants” in Pattaya area allegedly open after hours By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Police raided two ‘restaurants’ on Pattaya Walking Street and on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya, April 29th, 2022 for allegedly violating the current legal closing time for alcohol serving converted “restaurants” of 11:00 P.M. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258381-pattaya-police-raid-two-“restaurants”-in-pattaya-area-allegedly-open-after-hours/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Police raided two ‘restaurants’ on Pattaya Walking Street and on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya, April 29th, 2022 for allegedly violating the current legal closing time for alcohol serving converted “restaurants” of 11:00 P.M. A team from the Pattaya City Police first raided an open-air makeshift ‘restaurant’, which is essentially a series of cocktail carts, on Pattaya Walking Street in South Pattaya around 11:30 P.M. after a passing police officer noticed what appeared to be a violation of the current rules. Customers were allegedly found drinking alcohol well past the legal closing time, which is a national measure currently due to Covid-19 precautions, according to the Thai government. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe After that, Pattaya police raided a ‘restaurant’ on Sukhumvit Road (Roong Beer Jomtien) near the Pattaya Floating Market. However, the staff claimed they could not unlock the VIP room and did not have a key, despite officers claiming they could hear the sounds of music and partying inside which appeared to be a violation of the current rules. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/30/pattaya-police-raid-two-restaurants-in-pattaya-area-allegedly-open-after-hours/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-05-02 - 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

Aswin now second in another popularity poll May 1, 2022: Opinion surveys are coming thick and fast on the Bangkok gubernatorial race, and while Chadchart Sittipunt remains the hot favourite in all, the rise of Aswin Kwanmuang is noticeable. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258380-aswin-now-second-in-another-popularity-poll/