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Thailand (Still) Plans to Declare Covid-19 as Endemic by July BY CHAYANIN THAIJONGRAK Image credit: Spencer Davis/Unsplash Despite some concern regarding the Covid-19 situation after the Songkran holiday, the Public Health Ministry’s plan to declare Covid-19 endemic by July still persists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257259-thailand-still-plans-to-declare-covid-19-as-endemic-by-july/

Image credit: Spencer Davis/Unsplash BY CHAYANIN THAIJONGRAK Despite some concern regarding the Covid-19 situation after the Songkran holiday, the Public Health Ministry’s plan to declare Covid-19 endemic by July still persists. Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is still looking forward to declaring the prolonged Covid-19 as an endemic by July 1, 2022. Although it has been predicted that we could see a spike in cases and death rates after the Songkran festival, Dr Chakkarat Pitayowonganon from the Department of Disease Control states that it will take roughly two to four weeks to conclude. As of today’s prediction, the worst-case scenario can reach over 100,000 cases per day, according to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Fortunately, we’re now seeing a decline in the number of infections, from about 30,000 PCR tests per day before Songkran to 16,000 cases at the time of writing. Dr Chakkarat mentions that he is not much worried about the after-festival situation, for the risk group is mostly working people who already received booster vaccines and are likely to develop only mild symptoms. Full story: https://www.prestigeonline.com/th/travel/destinations/thailand-covid-endemic-july/ -- © Copyright PRESTIGE 2022-04-20 - 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

Minor International Chairman William Heinecke urges Thai government to cancel all entry measures as soon as possible to boost tourism By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – Minor International Chairman William Heinecke submitted an open letter to the Prime Minister yesterday, April 18th, urging the Thai government to cancel the ‘Thailand Pass’ entry scheme and ‘Test & Go’ program as soon as possible to help recover the country’s tourism industry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257258-minor-international-chairman-william-heinecke-urges-thai-government-to-cancel-all-entry-measures-as-soon-as-possible-to-boost-tourism/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – Minor International Chairman William Heinecke submitted an open letter to the Prime Minister yesterday, April 18th, urging the Thai government to cancel the ‘Thailand Pass’ entry scheme and ‘Test & Go’ program as soon as possible to help recover the country’s tourism industry. The Thai government is set to meet later this week to discuss proposals to ease the unpopular programs or even possibly eliminate them altogether, although the latter is a longshot according to many analysts, despite the program’s negative impact on tourism arrival numbers. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Heinecke stated in the letter that although the number of foreign arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport was rising after the cancellation of pre-arrival Covid-19 testing, the daily number of international arrivals was only 11,623 people per day, significantly lower than over 50,000 people per day in April of 2019. The letter read: “Despite the cancellation of pre-arrival Covid-19 testing, the visitors to Thailand are still required to complete an unnecessary series of steps, including pre-booking RT-PCR tests, prepaid one-night hotel accommodations, mandatory health insurance, and more in order to secure a visa and/or Thailand Pass. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/19/minor-international-chairman-william-heinecke-urges-thai-government-to-cancel-all-entry-measures-as-soon-as-possible-to-boost-tourism/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-20 - 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

U.S. President invites Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan O’Cha to attend US-ASEAN summit in May, Thai Foreign Minister reveals By Nop Meechukhun National – Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai revealed today, April 19th, that U.S. President Joe Biden had invited Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha to attend the US-ASEAN summit in Washington D.C. between May 12th and the 13th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257257-us-president-invites-thailand-prime-minister-prayut-chan-o’cha-to-attend-us-asean-summit-in-may-thai-foreign-minister-reveals/

By Nop Meechukhun National – Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai revealed today, April 19th, that U.S. President Joe Biden had invited Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha to attend the US-ASEAN summit in Washington D.C. between May 12th and the 13th. When asked if the Prime Minister would accept the invitation and join the meeting himself, Don stated that he and Prayut had discussed about the date and time many times and the Prime Minister would arrange his schedule as much as possible to meet the dates. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/19/u-s-president-invites-thailand-prime-minister-prayut-chan-ocha-to-attend-us-asean-summit-in-may-thai-foreign-minister-reveals/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-20 - 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

Hair-like strands found in beverages from popular vending machine brand, operator cites device malfunction By Panithan Onthaworn A well-known vending machine brand in Thailand, Tao Bin, has come under scrutiny after some of its beverages were found to contain hair-like objects or strange fibers. The operator said on Tuesday the issue was due to device malfunction and that it has been resolved. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257255-hair-like-strands-found-in-beverages-from-popular-vending-machine-brand-operator-cites-device-malfunction/

By Panithan Onthaworn A well-known vending machine brand in Thailand, Tao Bin, has come under scrutiny after some of its beverages were found to contain hair-like objects or strange fibers. The operator said on Tuesday the issue was due to device malfunction and that it has been resolved. On Monday night, a Twitter user shared a post saying they found something that appears to be small hair-like fibers in beverages ordered from one of the vending machines. They then complained to the operator by phone, and were told that all of the mechanics were on Songkran break. “I am uncertain if the machine is still open after notifying,” said the tweet. “No one answered when asked about the progress.” Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39494/hair-like-strands-found-in-beverages-from-popular-vending-machine-brand-operator-cites-device-malfunction/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-20 - 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 Prepares for Post-Songkran COVID Surge by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Hospitals nationwide are stockpiling medical supplies in preparation for a spike in COVID-19 infections following the recent Songkran holiday period. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257254-thailand-prepares-for-post-songkran-covid-surge/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Hospitals nationwide are stockpiling medical supplies in preparation for a spike in COVID-19 infections following the recent Songkran holiday period. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the focus will be primarily on ensuring available treatment for groups most considered at risk of contracting the coronavirus. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He added that people who are asymptomatic or exhibiting moderate symptoms can be treated at home and will be prescribed medication based on the severity of their symptoms. The ministry’s board of consultants has proposed easing COVID restrictions but stressed such a move would need to be reviewed by an academic panel before being considered for implementation. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-20 - 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

Man arrested after stabbing 2 people at shopping mall in Bangkok A man was arrested shortly after he allegedly attacked two shoppers with a knife at CentralWorld shopping mall in the Ratchaprasong commercial area of Bangkok late yesterday afternoon (Tuesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257253-man-arrested-after-stabbing-2-people-at-shopping-mall-in-bangkok/

A man was arrested shortly after he allegedly attacked two shoppers with a knife at CentralWorld shopping mall in the Ratchaprasong commercial area of Bangkok late yesterday afternoon (Tuesday). A statement, posted by CentralWorld on its Facebook page, said security guards managed to detain the assailant within about five minutes of the attack. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Two women were injured and they were rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment. They are now reported to be in a stable condition, said the statement, as it assured shoppers that the mall has systems which can respond quickly to an emergency situation. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/man-arrested-after-stabbing-2-people-at-shopping-mall-in-bangkok/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-20 - 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 activist jailed for one year for exposing details of his sex life behind bars The Appeals Court upheld the Criminal Court’s one-year prison sentence, without suspension, yesterday (Tuesday), which was imposed on political activist Ekachai Hongkangwan for relating his sexual experiences while in prison on his Facebook page. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257251-thai-activist-jailed-for-one-year-for-exposing-details-of-his-sex-life-behind-bars/

The Appeals Court upheld the Criminal Court’s one-year prison sentence, without suspension, yesterday (Tuesday), which was imposed on political activist Ekachai Hongkangwan for relating his sexual experiences while in prison on his Facebook page. The 47-year-old political activist was convicted of violating the Computer Crime Act by disseminating obscene material. After his conviction, Ekachai’s relatives applied for bail, pending an appeal to the Supreme Court. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-activist-jailed-for-one-year-for-exposing-details-of-his-sex-life-behind-bars/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-20 - 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

Former PM Yingluck Shinawatra issued another arrest warrant The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders issued a warrant for the arrest of exiled former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra today (Tuesday), after she failed to appear for a hearing in a corruption case concerning a roadshow project. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257250-former-pm-yingluck-shinawatra-issued-another-arrest-warrant/

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders issued a warrant for the arrest of exiled former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra today (Tuesday), after she failed to appear for a hearing in a corruption case concerning a roadshow project. Yingluck, former deputy prime minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan and former secretary-general of the prime minister’s office Suranand Vejjajiva are accused of helping Matichon Plc, Siam Sport Syndicate Plc and its managing director Ravi Lohthong to win a contract to hold a roadshow without a proper bidding process. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The roadshow included exhibitions, seminars and other activities to promote the “Thailand 2020” project. The charges allege that the corruption occurred between August 2013 and March 2014. Yingluck did not attend the hearing, but she was represented by her lawyer, Noppadon Laothong. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/former-pm-yingluck-shinawatra-issued-another-arrest-warrant/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-20 - 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

My thoughts on first becoming an expat in Thailand and a to-do list by Michael Bridge There is real reason I decided to leave the UK was my accountant at the time said I could save a shed load of tax. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257249-my-thoughts-on-first-becoming-an-expat-in-thailand-and-a-to-do-list/

by Michael Bridge There is real reason I decided to leave the UK was my accountant at the time said I could save a shed load of tax. At the time my marriage was collapsing, the kids were all past Uni, and I was spending more time running my business overseas than living in London. At first my move to Dubai was mainly for work reasons, so my company paid for my visa and everything with a UAE sponsor went smoothly. However, when the crash happened in 2009, overnight our business imploded and like many expats I had to decide where to go and quickly. Some might say the obvious choice was to move back to the UK, but I had grown used to the warmer climate and did not fancy living in London’s winter again. But my first choice was what to do career-wise, as I was not ready to retire. At the time, I enjoyed playing golf and had been used to writing and had some journalistic skills. I, therefore, thought of giving up my exhibition organizer career and looked into publishing. First, I started researching what countries did not have an English language golf magazine. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe I looked around and up came Thailand With over 250 golf courses, it had a thriving golf vacation industry, several big golf tournaments but no English golf magazines aimed at expats or international golf vacationers. I had travelled to Thailand several times before, even holidaying in Bangkok and Pattaya back in the early seventies. However, I did travel out there for a week’s reconnaissance and found the rental rates good and the climate ideal. Now in my case, I was happy to travel east from Dubai as I enjoyed the different lifestyle than glitzy Dubai. I remember it took me some time to accept the smells of Bangkok, the constant noise of the traffic, the broken pavements and even having to cope with rats on every corner. I felt happier in the Centre of town in a high-rise condominium, however, others might have ventured further out to rent a house. You did have to get used to playing the game, by using an agent to arrange your work permit and visas which were quite expensive. I managed to find friends through the condominium (the swimming pool was very social) and at golf tournaments and soon settled in. After a fairly dramatic couple of years with the red shirt demonstrations and bombs and fitting in the streets, I decided to find a quieter base. I chose Pratamnak where I now have lived for the past ten years. To do list: First research all the main cities and resorts online. Check their climate, as Phuket and say Koh Chang islands have perhaps more varied and wetter climates than say Pattaya. I would recommend going to live in your selected destination at least for 3-4 weeks staying in a condo or villa rather than a hotel. then you get a feel for the place as a resident. Meet a good agency that can handle visas, work permits and driving licences. Pay a bit extra and they will get it all done for you. Finally, go to some of the local expat clubs and golf groups etc; and talk to the members who will be able to give you all the low down. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-20 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 20 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1257247-thailand-live-wednesday-20-april-2022/

Two die in summer storms, thousands of houses damaged, mostly in North Two people died, three others were injured and more than 3,200 houses were damaged by summer storms which struck 21 of Thailand’s provinces with gusty winds and rain between last Saturday and today (Tuesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257209-two-die-in-summer-storms-thousands-of-houses-damaged-mostly-in-north/

Fewer COVID-19 tests may result in fewer infections reported during Songkran – DDC The steady fall in daily COVID-19 infections during the Songkran holidays can be deceptive and may not reflect the real situation, as fewer RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests were conducted during the period, according to Dr. Chakkarat Pittayawonganon, director of the Division of Epidemiology, Disease Control Department, yesterday (Tuesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257210-fewer-covid-19-tests-may-result-in-fewer-infections-reported-during-songkran-–-ddc/

Thai Tourism Industry Hopes for More Chinese Travelers in October by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai tourism industry is hoping to see more Chinese visitors during Golden Week in October. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257200-thai-tourism-industry-hopes-for-more-chinese-travelers-in-october/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai tourism industry is hoping to see more Chinese visitors during Golden Week in October. Every year, China National Day is celebrated on October 1 to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Chinese nationals enjoy a 7-day holiday from October 1-7, known as Golden Week. Vichit Prakobgosol, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said that if the Thai government is able to fully reopen the country within the second quarter, the Kingdom would still have a chance to attract at least 5 million international tourists during the second half of 2022. He reiterated that the sooner Thailand fully reopens, the more competitive it will be as a tourist destination. Furthermore, if China lifts additional international travel restrictions for its citizens in the fourth quarter, the total number of foreign tourists to the kingdom could reach 7-8 million by year-end. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Vichit also projected that Thailand would regain 70% of its pre-pandemic tourist numbers next year and 100% by 2024. The vice president noted, however, that many travel businesses have been unable to resume operations due to financial shortcomings. He added that since the pandemic, tourists have begun traveling in smaller groups, participating in more free-form tourism programs, and prioritizing relaxation activities. They have also been spending extended periods of time within hotel grounds and developing an affinity for specific urban restaurants. These shifts in travel habits pose further challenges for tour operators whose business models are based around large groups and scheduled programs, as well as shopping and dining in suburban areas. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-19 - 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

Six-Lane Road Linking Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao Now Operational by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bang Pu-Bang Pakong road linking Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao provinces is now fully operational. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257198-six-lane-road-linking-samut-prakan-and-chachoengsao-now-operational/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bang Pu-Bang Pakong road linking Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao provinces is now fully operational. The 28.75 km road was given a facelift, expanding its width from two lanes to six. The 2.1 billion baht construction project is expected to greatly facilitate domestic logistics, especially within the Eastern Economic Corridor encompassing Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao. Several factories located along the road will also likely benefit from its expansion, as it provides an additional logistical route for delivering goods between Chonburi, Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok. According to the Department of Highways, the project was deemed necessary due to the route seeing increased traffic in recent years. The expanded route also aligns with government efforts to make Thailand the logistics hub of ASEAN, while reducing travel costs and time as well as improving safety for motorists. It is also expected to help alleviate traffic jams, particularly during long holidays. The Department of Highways said it hopes the newly renovated road will greatly improve the quality of life for residents in the Eastern region. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-19 - 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