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File photo By Online Reporter Phetchaburi has become a surprising front runner as the possible location for Thailand’s first legal casino-entertainment complex. Currently, Thailand’s lower house of parliament is weighing up proposals to open a casino-entertainment complex as a way to attract more foreign tourists, boost the economy and generate extra revenue for the government. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe For decades, various Thai governments have been toying with the idea of legalising gambling, but the casino-entertainment complex proposal is arguably the most significant step towards legal gambling in Thailand. In December last year, MPs overwhelmingly voted in favour of setting up a committee to review the proposal and look into the possibility of opening a casino in Thailand. The findings are set to be presented to the Cabinet for its consideration within the next month. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/availability-of-land-makes-phetchaburi-a-favourite-for-thailands-first-legal-casino/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-15 - 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

UPDATE: Minister proposes that vaccinated tourists fly in without notice from May 1st to boost the economy by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Wednesday that his ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would propose the scrapping of both the ‘Test and Go’ scheme and the Thailand Pass application from May 1st at the next Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) meeting on April 22nd. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256792-ccsa-to-consider-proposal-to-suspend-test-go-and-thailand-pass/?do=findComment&comment=17305793

Minister proposes that vaccinated tourists fly in without notice from May 1st to boost the economy by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Wednesday that his ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would propose the scrapping of both the ‘Test and Go’ scheme and the Thailand Pass application from May 1st at the next Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) meeting on April 22nd. It comes as new data suggests Thailand is falling behind its peers in Southeast Asia with consequent damage to the country’s valuable foreign tourism industry. Thailand’s foreign tourism industry is not expected to make a full recovery until 2026 according to Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput as the Asia Pacific region lags behind the rest of the world in ramping up its travel industry from the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, 55% of air travellers in the region are from either North America or Europe with an even higher percentage of tourists. The government may be on the verge of abolishing the Thailand Pass application as well as the ‘Test and Go’ scheme if a proposal by the minister finds favour at a meeting on April 22nd next of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). This comes as data supplied by ForwardKeys, a travel industry intelligence firm, shows the kingdom’s lucrative foreign tourism industry is under threat from Southeast Asian rivals because of the government’s stringent controls in response to the pandemic. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports said on Wednesday that his ministry, in association with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), would table a proposal with the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) at its next meeting on April 22nd to urgently scrap the country’s Test and Go regime for vaccinated travellers as well as the Thailand Pass scheme and replace it by allowing passengers to fly in directly to the kingdom while only showing their vaccine passports or proof of vaccination. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/04/14/tourists-to-fly-in-without-notice-from-may/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-04-15 - 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 teen dead, three others injured after sedan crashes into a motorbike sidecar in the Pattaya area By Goong Nang(GN) Banglamung – One teenage woman was pronounced dead at the scene while three other teenagers have sustained injuries after a sedan crashed into a motorbike sidecar in Banglamung. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256837-one-teen-dead-three-others-injured-after-sedan-crashes-into-a-motorbike-sidecar-in-the-pattaya-area/

By Goong Nang(GN) Banglamung – One teenage woman was pronounced dead at the scene while three other teenagers have sustained injuries after a sedan crashed into a motorbike sidecar in Banglamung last night (April 13th). Emergency responders were notified of the accident at 8:00 P.M. on a road near the Mapprachan Reservoir in the Pong sub-district. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The first response teams arrived at the scene to find the damaged sedan on the side of the road. The driver, who had sustained serious injuries, had already been taken to a local hospital. The driver was not identified by relevant agencies. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/14/one-teen-dead-three-others-injured-after-sedan-crashes-into-a-motorbike-sidecar-in-the-pattaya-area/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-15 - 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

American man allegedly attacked by foreigner and Thai on Pattaya Walking Street By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – An American man was allegedly attacked by a foreigner and a Thai woman over the past weekend on Pattaya Walking Street, according to a police report made by the alleged victim and released by Pattaya police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256836-american-man-allegedly-attacked-by-foreigner-and-thai-on-pattaya-walking-street/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – An American man was allegedly attacked by a foreigner and a Thai woman over the past weekend on Pattaya Walking Street, according to a police report made by the alleged victim and released by Pattaya police. On Wednesday, April 13th, Mr. Aaron L. J.(last name withheld), 55, an American national, filed a report to the Pattaya City Police. Pattaya police released the information to the local Pattaya press yesterday evening, April 14th, 2022. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mr. J. told police on Saturday (April 9th) at 11:30 P.M. he was on Pattaya Walking Street. Mr. J. said he was waiting to meet a female friend (who wasn’t identified) he had texted in front of a popular Walking Street live music venue when a foreign man and a Thai woman suddenly pushed him down before attacking him. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/15/american-man-allegedly-attacked-by-foreigner-and-thai-on-pattaya-walking-street/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-15 - 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

Is a dry Songkran good or bad news for Thailand? by Michael Bridge file photo Songkran, also known as the Water Splashing Festival, is an age-old celebration to mark the start of the Buddhist New Year. Buddha images are bathed, and younger Thais show respect to monks and elders by sprinkled water over their hands. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256835-is-a-dry-songkran-good-or-bad-news-for-thailand/

file photo by Michael Bridge Songkran, also known as the Water Splashing Festival, is an age-old celebration to mark the start of the Buddhist New Year. Buddha images are bathed, and younger Thais show respect to monks and elders by sprinkled water over their hands. However, over the years the Thai traditional Songkran festival held every April has been taken over by tourists, expats, and younger Thais, as an excuse to drench everyone in sight and drink the days away. Most provinces held the festival over three days, however Pattaya decided to hold theirs over a 10-day period to boost tourism. On the last day, the city usually came to a standstill as over 500,000 converged on Pattaya for an almighty water fight. Songkran celebrations will go ahead after a two-year hiatus due to Covid; the government has said while adding that health and safety measures will still need to be followed. This year the Thai government has said people may still celebrate Songkran however without all the water splashing. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe file photo Although they tried to start a water battle in Bangla Road in Phuket, authorities have now put a halt to it. I for one have enjoyed the fun in the past drenching friends, however in the past for ten days central Pattaya was a no-go area, unless you wanted to run the gauntlet. I am sure it was the same in parts of Bangkok or Phuket. However, if the weather continues to remain hot, expect some folks will need to cool off with a few buckets of icy water, especially in the rural provinces. It may be unwelcome news for the hospitality industry that had hoped for an influx of foreign tourists, however, for many residents, it is a relief not to have to get out the waterproofs. Enjoy your dry holiday! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-15 - 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 Friday 15 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1256834-thailand-live-friday-15-april-2022/

Health Officials Confirm No BA.4 and BA.5 Cases Found in Thailand BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have confirmed they have not found any cases of Omicron sub-variant BA.4 and BA.5 infections in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256793-health-officials-confirm-no-ba4-and-ba5-cases-found-in-thailand/

113 people die on Thai roads in first 3 days of Thailand’s Songkran festival 113 people have died and 853 others have been injured in 869 road accidents since Monday, during the first three days of this year’s Songkran festival, according to the Department of Public Disasters Prevention and Mitigation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256790-113-people-die-on-thai-roads-in-first-3-days-of-thailand’s-songkran-festival/

CCSA to Consider Proposal to Suspend Test & Go and Thailand Pass BANGKOK (NNT) - A proposal to suspend the Test & Go scheme and Thailand Pass registration will be submitted to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) after the Songkran holidays to boost the tourism industry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256792-ccsa-to-consider-proposal-to-suspend-test-go-and-thailand-pass/

Thai PM says everyone must strictly comply with water splashing restriction Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned everyone, including tourists and business operators, that they must strictly comply with the Songkran water splashing restriction, said Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256776-thai-pm-says-everyone-must-strictly-comply-with-water-splashing-restriction/

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned everyone, including tourists and business operators, that they must strictly comply with the Songkran water splashing restriction, said Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana today. His announcement came after many tourists and Thais engaged in water battles at Patong beach on Phuket, in Chiang Mai and in Bangkok’s Khaosan area yesterday (Wednesday). Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said the prime minister has also instructed the governors of Phuket and Chiang Mai to explain water splashing restrictions to foreign tourists and the need to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections during the festival. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pm-says-everyone-must-strictly-comply-with-water-splashing-restriction/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-14 - Aetna 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

Meet the Songkran monk, drunk as a skunk! But can you guess his former job? Picture: Naew Na Naew Na went to investigate at the temple of Wat Phosri in Pakthongchai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand's gateway to the north east. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256774-meet-the-songkran-monk-drunk-as-a-skunk-but-can-you-guess-his-former-job/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na went to investigate at the temple of Wat Phosri in Pakthongchai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand's gateway to the north east. Some parishioners were very angry with the antics of one of the monks. He was perpetually drunk after years of alcohol abuse and they wanted him defrocked. True to form, the media found Phra Chatree or Tun, aged 50, passed out in front of the monk's living quarters. Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He was in his saffron robes. After taking pictures, Naew Na reported the matter to the phu yai baan (village leader) and the police. The monk's mum was brought in next. She woke Tun up and a commotion ensued. When Tun came to his senses he admitted to drinking lao khao (white spirit) mixed with tonic drink. Open bottles of both were inside the monk's quarters. He shouted: "Drinking's not wrong - I'm not hurting anyone". He then fled the scene DRIVING off in a car. Tun has been a monk for four years. His previous career was policeman. But he was sacked from the force because of drinking. Now Phan the phu yai ban is gathering the photo and verbal evidence to defrock Tun at the earliest opportunity. Naew Na went with the caption of "Celebrating Songkran" with the slumped monk front and central. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna 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

20K fine and two years in jail - police warn public not to step out of line at Songkran Picture: INN As the official first day of the Songkran festival got underway yesterday, the Thai police were warning the public to obey all the rules. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256770-20k-fine-and-two-years-in-jail-police-warn-public-not-to-step-out-of-line-at-songkran/

Picture: INN As the official first day of the Songkran festival got underway yesterday, the Thai police were warning the public to obey all the rules. Or else. RTP spokesman Maj-Gen Yingyot Thepjamnong told INN that the Thai new year was a joyous time. But there are still Covid-19 protocols in place and infections are rising - even if different areas have their own spin on what is acceptable. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said there was a ban on organized water fights, foam and soapie Songkran style parties. The only big events allowed are cultural ones. Even then an entry/exit point needs to be monitored and all the rules followed. Yingyot warned violators that they could fall foul of Article 51 meaning up to 20,000 baht in fines or even Article 18 - prison for two years. He urged everyone to follow the rules at Songkran. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna 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

Video: Ladyboy washes bottom in noodle shop kitchen - owner says "get a room - a bathroom!" Sanook Thai Caption: Why don't you use the toilet? A video on social media published by Sanook showed a transgender man or ladyboy enter the restaurant of a noodle shop in Nonthaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256769-video-ladyboy-washes-bottom-in-noodle-shop-kitchen-owner-says-get-a-room-a-bathroom/

Sanook Thai Caption: Why don't you use the toilet? A video on social media published by Sanook showed a transgender man or ladyboy enter the restaurant of a noodle shop in Nonthaburi. After putting a paper bag on a table, the intruder - it is 4.34 am Saturday - gets some squirts of washing-up liquid and proceeds to lift their skirt. Upon which they then wipe their bottom over a drain. Owner of the duck noodle shop in Big C Tiwanon, Songsorn or "Pon", 44, pointed to the spot. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Sanook After doing this the ladyboy washed their hands then put Pon's slingshot in the paper bag and left. Pon said it was not about the slingshot, that only cost him 20 baht, he uses to scare off birds. No, it was about the bottom washing. He said: "It is not appropriate at all to wash your bottom in someone else's kitchen. "I implore the person concerned to use a bathroom next time". Picture: Sanook He mentioned that the ladyboy in this case is well known in the area especially at the market. People online claimed that the bottom washer was known to them personally. They said that the person would steal petty items then sell them at a temple flea market in the area. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna 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

Songkran 2022: Young people out having fun end up in hospital - one motorcyclist in serious condition Picture: Siam Rath Photharam police in Ratchaburi in south/central Thailand were called after two motorcycles got entangled, Siam Rath reported yesterday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256767-songkran-2022-young-people-out-having-fun-end-up-in-hospital-one-motorcyclist-in-serious-condition/

Picture: Siam Rath Photharam police in Ratchaburi in south/central Thailand were called after two motorcycles got entangled, Siam Rath reported yesterday afternoon. A group of friends had been visiting a water park. 500 meters into their homeward journey two of the five bikes collided. A man and a woman had slight injuries and were taken to Jet Samian hospital after first aid was administered. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A third man - named as Dear - was unconscious and had blood coming from his mouth and nose. A medical team came from the hospital to pick him up. Two Honda motorcycles were crashed at the scene. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna 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

Death in custody: Relatives doubt police claims Daily News Thai Caption: Mystery death Relatives in Trang in the south of Thailand are doubtful of police claims that Sarot Decharat, 38, committed suicide in the cells. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256765-death-in-custody-relatives-doubt-police-claims/

Daily News Thai Caption: Mystery death Relatives in Trang in the south of Thailand are doubtful of police claims that Sarot Decharat, 38, committed suicide in the cells. He was found in the Bannaikuan police station with a tracksuit cord around his neck leading to his big toe. He was given CPR for ten minutes but was confirmed dead in hospital, according to Pol Capt Suwat Cheuameuang. The body was covered in wounds, blood and bruising. Capt Suwat explained that the suspect had been arrested for trespass and was in possession of 222 yaba pills. He was facing drug possession and drug taking charges also. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He was taken for a Covid test at a hospital. On the way back - while handcuffed at the back - he ran off and after a 150 meter chase fell over. That's what caused the widespread injuries, he said. The suspect was dead early on Tuesday afternoon after being found unresponsive in a cell. The body was released to the relatives for burial as they are Muslims. The chief of police refused to comment past saying that "it was suicide" and an autopsy was underway. Daily News reporters found the victim's father Sathit, 72, who was not sure of what happened. But his elder sister Wasana, 41, was fighting back the tears and was not confident at all in the police claims. She saw the injuries for herself and they didn't match the police story about her brother. She had no idea how he had managed to hang himself with a cord wound round his neck and big toe. She said that the family are unlikely to be pressing the police for answers, making a case or creating a fuss. How can I fight the police, she lamented. But she was sure it wasn't suicide pointing to a very bad and mysterious injury on the back of her brother's head. She would like to see CCTV. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna 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