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Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that Sawang Haet rescue services in Chonburi were called after a woman gave birth in the front passenger seat of a Toyota Vios. Rattana, 41, was being taken to hospital by relatives after she suddenly went into labor with her third child. She couldn't hold on and a 2.8 kilogram "white skinned girl" popped out on the Phanat Nikhom - Nong Samed Road. Mother and daughter were doing fine but were taken to hospital after rescue staff cut the umbillical cord. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The media reported that locals were keen to get the Vios' registration plate number - 3946. The unusual birth could help people with a lottery win in these dire economic times, they said. The husband was at work at the time so relatives took Rattana to the hospital - just not in time! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-21 - 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

Amid sluggish economy, budget poses huge challenge to government Unfavorable economic conditions are likely to pose tough challenges for current and future governments in managing the annual budget. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257408-amid-sluggish-economy-budget-poses-huge-challenge-to-government/

Unfavorable economic conditions are likely to pose tough challenges for current and future governments in managing the annual budget. The Prayut Chan-o-cha government plans to spend Bt3.185 trillion in fiscal 2023 (October 2022 to September 2023), but the bill is yet to be presented to Parliament. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The planned 2.74 percent increase in outlay from the current fiscal year reflects constraints on the government’s finances. Revenue projection is Bt2.49 trillion, resulting in a budget deficit of Bt695 billion, equivalent to 3.89 percent of gross domestic product. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/amid-sluggish-economy-budget-poses-huge-challenge-to-government/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-21 - 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 nurse warns compatriots about dating sites - she was conned into marriage with "Titan the Navy Captain" Picture: Thai Rath A female Thai nurse has warned other Thai women to beware men on online dating sites after she was conned into marriage by a serial bigamist and fraudster. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257407-thai-nurse-warns-compatriots-about-dating-sites-she-was-conned-into-marriage-with-titan-the-navy-captain/

Picture: Thai Rath A female Thai nurse has warned other Thai women to beware men on online dating sites after she was conned into marriage by a serial bigamist and fraudster. "A" went to Ekkaphop Leuangprasert who runs the community help group "Sai Mai Tong Rort" - in northern Bangkok. The nurse met a man online in January who called himself Titan and claimed he was a well-paid captain in the Thai navy. The pair chatted until they decided to get married on April 7th. "A" thought he was the real deal and would be able to provide for her family, reported Thai Rath. But Titan soon showed his true colors trying to borrow from family and friends using her status as a nurse. He even approached her mother for 1,500 baht because he said he didn't have money for food. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It was discovered that Titan has married three times and been involved in this kind of activity many times before. Ekkaphop said that he would be going with the victim to the Bang Khen police today, Friday. He asked the navy to tighten up their act. The nurse urged other Thai women to be careful on dating sites lest they become a victim like her. She said she had lost face and her good name after what happened. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-21 - 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

Suvarnabhumi: Incoming experience for tourists improves, hotels face sanctions if they can't deliver Picture: Thai Rath The authorities at Bangkok's main airport Suvarnabhumi held a press conference to announce improvements after overcrowding last week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257403-suvarnabhumi-incoming-experience-for-tourists-improves-hotels-face-sanctions-if-they-cant-deliver/

Picture: Thai Rath The authorities at Bangkok's main airport Suvarnabhumi held a press conference to announce improvements after overcrowding last week. There were large queues recently at the meeting point for hotels in the arrivals area. Airport director Kittipong Kittikhajorn met with Narong Preuksarungreuang of the EOC that handles the airport's Covid-19 response as well as hotels and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. reported Thai Rath. Kittipong said that things had improved at the airport now that more counters were in place and the TAT had started offering a QR code to facilitate contact by directing incoming tourists to the right counter. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Thai Rath But problems still remain with some hotels not having enough staff to man their posts leaving tourists waiting. Some hotels also do not have sufficient transport in the form of buses. Some 700 hotels are involved under the SHA+ scheme. Some hotels have been warned in emails that should they be unable to fulfill their obligations under the SHA+ program they face having their privileges removed. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-21 - 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

Why are westerners so offended over the word farang? Get over it. By Cod Satrusayang Why are foreigners so offended when Thais call them farang? Is it really that offensive of a word when it doesn’t really have any negative connotation and is just a label for a group of people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257399-why-are-westerners-so-offended-over-the-word-farang-get-over-it/

By Cod Satrusayang Why are foreigners so offended when Thais call them farang? Is it really that offensive of a word when it doesn’t really have any negative connotation and is just a label for a group of people. Or is there negative connotation? It certainly doesn’t in its etymology, at least not the way more racially charged words (invented and used mostly by farangs) does like the N word. Farang, according to linguists, is just a Thai transliteration of Franks. And while Franks has become disused in modern lexicon, one can see the word farang traced back to the first Western Europeans to visit Thailand. So what’s all the fuss over labeling? Is it because Europeans and North Americans are so individualistic that they cannot bear being grouped into one catch-all phrase? Well if you’ve ever spent much time in the United States and you’re from Asia (less so in Europe admittedly), be prepared to be grouped much more offensively than Thais calling westerners Farang. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39545/why-are-westerners-so-offended-over-the-word-farang-get-over-it/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-21 - 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: Thailand reports 129 deaths, 21,931 new coronavirus cases, 24,691 recoveries File photo Thailand on Thursday (April 21) reported 21,931 new COVID-19 cases, 24,619 recoveries and 129 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257386-covid-19-thailand-reports-129-deaths-21931-new-coronavirus-cases-24691-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 129 deaths, 21,931 new coronavirus cases, 24,691 recoveries Thailand on Thursday (April 21) reported 21,931 new COVID-19 cases, 24,619 recoveries and 129 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257386-covid-19-thailand-reports-129-deaths-21931-new-coronavirus-cases-24691-recoveries/

Thailand on Thursday (April 21) reported 21,931 new COVID-19 cases, 24,619 recoveries and 129 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Thursday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,106,230 with 27,392 deaths. The news comes as the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is planning to consider school reopenings and international arrival measures easing after the number of daily infections after the Songkran long holiday so far remains stable. Government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana told the Associated Press today, April 20th, that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha would chair the next CCSA meeting this Friday, April 22nd, to monitor the assessment of the Covid-19 pandemic situation in the country during the past Songkran festival, which took place last week and celebrated the Thai New Year, when millions of Thais returned home to spend time with their families and friends.** **The Pattaya News contributed to this report Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-21 - 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

US ASEAN summit as ‘dangerous directions’ now emerging in Asia as China’s regional power rises by Joseph O' Connor After the cancellation of the summit in March, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (centre) travelled to Washington DC on March 29th last and warned of ‘dangerous directions’ emerging in Asia as polls show a rise in support in both Japan and South Korea for a nuclear deterrent. On Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister, Don Pramudwinai, confirmed that Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (right) will attend the US Asean summit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257381-us-asean-summit-as-‘dangerous-directions’-now-emerging-in-asia-as-china’s-regional-power-rises/

US ASEAN summit as ‘dangerous directions’ now emerging in Asia as China’s regional power rises by Joseph O' Connor After the cancellation of the summit in March, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (centre) travelled to Washington DC on March 29th last and warned of ‘dangerous directions’ emerging in Asia as polls show a rise in support in both Japan and South Korea for a nuclear deterrent. On Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister, Don Pramudwinai, confirmed that Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (right) will attend the US Asean summit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257381-us-asean-summit-as-‘dangerous-directions’-now-emerging-in-asia-as-china’s-regional-power-rises/

After the cancellation of the summit in March, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (centre) travelled to Washington DC on March 29th last and warned of ‘dangerous directions’ emerging in Asia as polls show a rise in support in both Japan and South Korea for a nuclear deterrent. On Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister, Don Pramudwinai, confirmed that Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (right) will attend the US Asean summit which American sources at the White House have suggested will address China’s rising power in Asia as well as efforts to strengthen cooperation across a broad range of issues. The summit will be hosted by US President Joe Biden (left). The summit is coming as tensions between the United States and China are growing and have been further aggravated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has caused a metamorphosis in political thinking in western countries concerning human rights and the international rule of law. by Joseph O' Connor The summit is being seen as a chance by the United States to reset its relationship with ASEAN and its member states but the bloc is often used by those states, including Thailand, as a shield for avoiding hard questions about China in the region and accords more with China’s foreign policy which is to achieve hegemony through closer economic and geographic integration. The forthcoming US ASEAN summit in Washington DC is going ahead after repeated delays and postponements of the meeting long called for US strategists. The summit is already being played down by some ASEAN members but the United States is making no secret that the key issue on the agenda is China and the changing world dynamic that has been ushered in by the war in Ukraine. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Thai Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Don Pramudwinai, on Wednesday, confirmed that Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha will attend the rescheduled May summit between ASEAN leaders and the United States in Washington DC. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/04/20/us-asean-summit-to-discuss-a-rising-china/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-04-21 - 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

Levi’s to open 100 stores in Thailand before summer BY LIZ WARREN LEVI'S NEXTGEN STORE COURTESY Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) is expanding its retail presence in Asia following positive traction in the region. The heritage denim brand company announced plans to launch new Levi’s stores and update existing ones throughout the East Asia Pacific region including locations in Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Within the first half of 2022 alone, it will open more than 100 locations in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257380-levi’s-to-open-100-stores-in-thailand-before-summer/

LEVI'S NEXTGEN STORE COURTESY BY LIZ WARREN Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) is expanding its retail presence in Asia following positive traction in the region. The heritage denim brand company announced plans to launch new Levi’s stores and update existing ones throughout the East Asia Pacific region including locations in Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Within the first half of 2022 alone, it will open more than 100 locations in Thailand. “Thailand is an important market for us, and Levi’s is recognized as the No. 1 jeans brand here,” said Sameer Koul, LS&Co. general manager, Southeast Asia. “Through digital innovation, we are reshaping brand experiences for a younger generation of style-conscious consumers, and we will stay true to our values by placing people at the heart of our business and by being an advocate for positive change through responsible practices.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Levi’s expansion news follows a record year of success for the brand, which reached a revenue mark of over $5.8 billion—a 29 percent improvement from 2020 and its highest since 1998. Full story: https://sourcingjournal.com/denim/denim-brands/levis-asia-pacific-expansion-nextgen-stores-thailand-latin-america-339397/ -- © Copyright Sourcing Journal 2022-04-21 - 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

War in Ukraine sends construction material prices in Thailand soaring The Russian invasion of and subsequent war in Ukraine are driving up the prices of construction materials in Thailand, especially iron rod and steel products, the prices of which have already increased 35% year on year, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257379-war-in-ukraine-sends-construction-material-prices-in-thailand-soaring/

The Russian invasion of and subsequent war in Ukraine are driving up the prices of construction materials in Thailand, especially iron rod and steel products, the prices of which have already increased 35% year on year, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank. Russia and Ukraine are the world’s major sources of iron and iron ore. Their combined steel production accounts for 14% of global exports. Russia is the world’s third largest exporter of steel products, after China and Japan, while Ukraine is the world’s 8th largest. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The price index for the construction of a standard home unit in the first quarter of this year is 129.8 points, up 5.3% year on year, or 3.9% up from the fourth quarter of last year. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/war-in-ukraine-sends-construction-material-prices-in-thailand-soaring/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-21 - 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 #MeToo moment? Political sex assault scandal sparks debate, calls for change Vijitra Duangdee in Bangkok ● Prinn Panitchpakdi resigned as deputy leader of Thailand’s Democrat Party after multiple sexual assault allegations against him surfaced ● Thailand has yet to have a #MeToo moment, but activists hope the younger generation’s lack of tolerance for such behaviour will bring about change Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257378-thailand’s-metoo-moment-political-sex-assault-scandal-sparks-debate-calls-for-change/

Prinn Panitchpakdi, a former deputy leader of Thailand’s Democrat party, faces allegations of sexual misconduct and rape. Photo: Thai New Pix Handout via Reuters Vijitra Duangdee in Bangkok ● Prinn Panitchpakdi resigned as deputy leader of Thailand’s Democrat Party after multiple sexual assault allegations against him surfaced ● Thailand has yet to have a #MeToo moment, but activists hope the younger generation’s lack of tolerance for such behaviour will bring about change Allegations of rape and sexual assault against a deputy leader of Thailand’s oldest political party have stirred hopes for a belated #MeToo movement in the country, as the revelations also raise questions about the impunity and power enjoyed by Thai men. Prinn Panitchpakdi, 44, resigned as a deputy leader of the Democrat Party in the wake of the allegations, with at least 15 other women thought to be preparing legal action against him. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The British-educated ex-banker and son of a former secretary general of the World Trade Organization currently faces three charges of sexual assault and rape. More are expected to follow as additional victims come forward. He was released on bail over the weekend. Prinn denies any wrongdoing and has vowed to clear his name. But his resignation seemingly ended a rising political career and threw his party into chaos. Full story: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3174929/thailands-metoo-moment-political-sex-assault-scandal-sparks -- © Copyright South China Morning Post 2022-04-21 - 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

Unidentified male body found floating in Sri Racha sea by local fisherman By Goong Nang(GN) Sri Racha – An unidentified male body was discovered floating in the Sri Racha sea yesterday (April 19th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257377-unidentified-male-body-found-floating-in-sri-racha-sea-by-local-fisherman/

By Goong Nang(GN) Sri Racha – An unidentified male body was discovered floating in the Sri Racha sea yesterday (April 19th). The Sri Racha Police were notified of a body yesterday afternoon near the Loi Island (Koh Loi) in the Sri Racha sub-district. Marine Police and rescue workers went into the sea and located the male body, of Asian descent, 150 meters from the island. The body was pulled up from the water and Sri Racha Police and forensic investigators believed that the man died at least one day before his body was recovered. No signs of a struggle or conflict were found on his body. His body was taken to a nearby hospital to find his exact cause of death. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/20/unidentified-male-body-found-floating-in-sri-racha-sea-by-local-fisherman/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-21 - 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

32-year-old man survives harrowing accident causing his truck to overturn and set on fire in Chonburi By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News Chonburi - A container truck driver suffered only minor injuries after his truck overturned and caught fire in Mueang Chonburi yesterday evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257376-32-year-old-man-survives-harrowing-accident-causing-his-truck-to-overturn-and-set-on-fire-in-chonburi/