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Carnage on the Thai roads: You ain't seen nothing yet says official as DUI is blamed Picture: Siam Rath Chief of the probation department Witawan Sunthornkhajit was in upbeat but realistic mood ahead of the so called "seven deadly days" on the infamous Thai roads at Songkran. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256517-carnage-on-the-thai-roads-you-aint-seen-nothing-yet-says-official-as-dui-is-blamed/

Picture: Siam Rath Chief of the probation department Witawan Sunthornkhajit was in upbeat but realistic mood ahead of the so called "seven deadly days" on the infamous Thai roads at Songkran. He said that it was true that road accident fatalities in 2021 had fallen but much of that can be put down to the pandemic, closure of clubs and pubs, a lot of checkpoints, non-existent Songkran and New Year holidays coupled with much fewer people travelling. He warned there was a high chance of this year being worse whether it was figures for the Songkran holidays or the year in general. Key to having an impact on the deathtoll is addressing DUI. With the backing of justice minister Somsak Thepsuthin the probation department would be issuing EM or electric monitoring bracelets to offenders again this year. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The message at an event outside Fortune Town in downtown Bangkok yesterday was drive safely so there will be less accidents. One picture published by Siam Rath showed Witawan and a local cop painting a kerb. Behind them was a placard saying in Thai "Mao Mai Khap" - Don't drink and drive. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-12 - 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

Delivery driver lives after 10 meter plunge from expressway Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath called it a miracle survival when a 26 year old delivery driver of a six wheel truck survived a ten meter plunge from the Suksawat expressway in southern Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256512-delivery-driver-lives-after-10-meter-plunge-from-expressway/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath called it a miracle survival when a 26 year old delivery driver of a six wheel truck survived a ten meter plunge from the Suksawat expressway in southern Bangkok. Amphol had broken down at KM9+700m heading towards Rama 2 and parked on the left hard shoulder. His vehicle was hit by the trailer of a 22 wheel truck driven by Pornchai, 3 whose rig was stopped 1 kilometer away. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Siam Rath Poh Teck Tung helped Amphol to hospital with serious injuries. He had to be rescued from a grassy area meaning that a wall of a luxury estate that abuts the area had to be demolished. Police are studying CCTV and talking to the truck/trailer driver to help inform their investigation. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-12 - 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

Mini-FTA Signed With India’s Telangana State; China’s Gansu Next in Line by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The export sector has been a key driver of Thailand’s economy, even more so during the ongoing pandemic. The Ministry of Commerce has been implementing a policy of in-depth trade cooperation between Thailand and second-tier cities, to drive exports via mini-FTAs. Thailand has now inked its third mini-FTA, this time with India’s Telangana State, to better access the market of 40 million people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256510-mini-fta-signed-with-india’s-telangana-state-china’s-gansu-next-in-line/

by Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - The export sector has been a key driver of Thailand’s economy, even more so during the ongoing pandemic. The Ministry of Commerce has been implementing a policy of in-depth trade cooperation between Thailand and second-tier cities, to drive exports via mini-FTAs. Thailand has now inked its third mini-FTA, this time with India’s Telangana State, to better access the market of 40 million people. Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Boonyarit Kalayanamit, acted as Thailand’s representative in signing the mini-FTA. Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of the Industries & Commerce Department of the Telangana government, represented Telangana State. The 1-year agreement will facilitate the exchange of markets-related information and trade connectivity, for products such as medicines, IT goods, and furniture. The agreement is also expected to bolster business connectivity, cooperation with startup firms, incentives-granting, and online trade platforms. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit said India, with its 1.3 billion-strong population, is among Thailand’s key markets. The world’s 6th largest economy is Thailand’s top trade partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade amounting to 15 billion USD in 2021. This was a 52% increase over 2020’s figure. Mr. Jurin said there is vast room for the growth of the Thai-India trade, especially after the pandemic resolves. He has previously led business delegations to India twice, illustrating the importance being placed on expanding trade with India. Telangana State has a population of 40 million and Muslims account for about 13% of this figure. The state’s GDP stands at 132 billion USD or 5% of India’s GDP. The mini-FTA is expected to help grow Thai exports to India by at least 4-5%. According to the commerce minister, 3 out of 10 city-level mini-FTAs have been signed so far. These comprise the mini-FTAs with China’s Hainan province, Japan’s Kofu city, and India’s Telangana state. A fourth mini-FTA will be signed this month with China’s Gansu province. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-12 - 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

Thailand's most beautiful women: Miss Bangkok singer heads the field Picture: Sanook Sanook reported that the 77 strong field for the Miss Grand Thailand beauty pageant - one from each province - were put through their paces in a competition that is hotting up. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256509-thailands-most-beautiful-women-miss-bangkok-singer-heads-the-field/

Picture: Sanook Sanook reported that the 77 strong field for the Miss Grand Thailand beauty pageant - one from each province - were put through their paces in a competition that is hotting up. Contestants were on the catwalk, displaying the beauty of Thai fashions and then the best part of the show for many - the swimsuits. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Sanook Sanook said that Miss Grand Bangkok 2022 Engfa Waraha wowed the audience and made life a continuing headache for the judges. Which one of these beauties would prevail when the 2022 title is decided? Picture: Sanook Engfa has 834,000 followers on Instagram, so is already very well known particularly as a singer. Stay tuned. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-12 - 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

Government to Collect Tax From Stock Market Sales This Year by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance has indicated that individual stock investors can expect to face a financial transaction tax this year in response to local market expansion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256507-government-to-collect-tax-from-stock-market-sales-this-year/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance has indicated that individual stock investors can expect to face a financial transaction tax this year in response to local market expansion. Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith reiterated that his ministry would proceed with its tax collection plan, affirming that this year would be the appropriate time to implement it. He noted that the Thai stock exchange has seen significant growth, having been spared much of the negative internal economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also emphasized that the tax has been absent for over 30 years. While not specifying when the tax proposal will take effect, the ministry said it will notify the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in advance of the tax collection plan, Minister Arkhom said. He added that the tax plan is already in place and is not a new one. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The ministry has already convened with representatives of the SET and the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations to discuss the situation. Minister Arkhom said eliminating the tax exemption on shares sold on the local market should assist the government in increasing its tax base and generating additional revenue for national development. He also estimated that the government would earn up to 10 billion baht annually from the move, adding that the ministry will submit for Cabinet approval a ministerial regulation authorizing the tax. For more than 30 years, the government has waived its proposed tax on SET dealers to promote market development. In addition to the 0.1% charge, investors would be subject to a similar local tax, totaling 0.11% of share sales. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-12 - 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

Kanchanaburi: 400 businesses club together to turn rice fields into weed farm Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the legendary rice fields of Thailand were now under threat from a new crop. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256506-kanchanaburi-400-businesses-club-together-to-turn-rice-fields-into-weed-farm/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the legendary rice fields of Thailand were now under threat from a new crop. Medical grade weed. In the area of Phanom Thuan in Kanchanaburi in the west of the kingdom, 400 businesses have formed a consortium to pool resuorces and produce top quality marijuana. It's all legal in what is being called a "Ganja Estate" (Nikhom Ganja). Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe From the outside the long buildings look like they might house chickens. But inside there are 2,000 plants. Local MP Somchai Visanuwong paid a visit to the area to lend his support and praise the project. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-12 - 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

Seven deadly days: Husband and wife die on motorcycle in the South Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the so called seven deadly days on the Songkran roads were now in full swing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256503-seven-deadly-days-husband-and-wife-die-on-motorcycle-in-the-south/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the so called seven deadly days on the Songkran roads were now in full swing. Highlighting the perils on the Thai roads they had a report of a collision between a husband and wife on a Honda Wave motorcycle and a Toyota Fortuner. It happened in Muang Phatthalung on the Chaiburi Road at a bend in the road. Somporn, 50, and Janthana, 43, had just left their house 2 kms away to go and make fertilizer. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe They had stopped by the bend to cross the four lane road when the collision occurred. It left Somporn dead at the scene. His wife died in hospital. Muang district police are re-interviewing the driver of the Fortuner. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-12 - 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

Bangkok airport: Passengers up to 10K/day after test easing - crowds at Suvarnabhumi prompt action Picture: Thai Rath The chief of Bangkok's main airport Suvarnabhumi had to face something only previously a problem pre-pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256500-bangkok-airport-passengers-up-to-10kday-after-test-easing-crowds-at-suvarnabhumi-prompt-action/

Picture: Thai Rath The chief of Bangkok's main airport Suvarnabhumi had to face something only previously a problem pre-pandemic. Crowding at the airport. Online posts had been made that it was overcrowded on the third floor at the meeting point between hotels and passengers. Kittipong Kitikhajorn said that the problems are caused by large numbers of passengers at peak periods. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe When the crowding happened 1,500 to 2,000 passengers had arrived in a single hour. He said that since April 1st when RT-PCR tests before coming to Thailand were scrapped the daily passenger numbers have risen from 6,000 - 7000 to 9,000 - 10,000. Thai Rath reported that peak periods at the airport are 5 - 7 am and 12 - 3 pm. More counters are being put in and an improved system is being adopted to help solve the overcrowding issues. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-12 - 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

Baggage handler stabbed at Suvarnabhumi airport Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that a 23 year old baggage handler had been stabbed in a feud between rival employees at Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256493-baggage-handler-stabbed-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that a 23 year old baggage handler had been stabbed in a feud between rival employees at Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi. Airport police arrived at the road leading to control post 4 and found Yutthasat who had been stabbed in the right hip. He was given first aid at the scene then taken to Chularat 9 Hospital. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Yutthasat was ambushed as he went home on Monday about 10 pm. A group of about ten attackers melted away after the incident. The police said it was a private matter between rival groups. They continue to investigate. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-12 - 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

Covid in Thailand: Quarantine for close contacts set to change from 7+3 to 5+5 days Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported from a Ministry of Public Health meeting in Nonthaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256489-covid-in-thailand-quarantine-for-close-contacts-set-to-change-from-73-to-55-days/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported from a Ministry of Public Health meeting in Nonthaburi. It was chaired by DPM and health minister Anutin Charnvirakul with leading Covid medics on the stage including infectious disease expert Dr Opas Kankawinpong. Main point to come out of the meeting is that the quarantine period for people who are close contacts of infected individuals has changed slightly. It is now 5 days quarantine and 5 days observation of symptoms, a change from the 7+3 before. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In a message to the public ahead of the Songkran holidays that begin in earnest tomorrow Anutin called for people to protect elderly and vulnerable relatives. He also called for people to protect those who have not had the vaccine or not had a booster shot. Measures such as not sharing eating utelsils and following the other familiar Covid-19 protocols should be employed. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-12 - 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

COVID-19: Thailand reports 19,982 new coronavirus cases, 28,057 recoveries, 101 deaths File photo Thailand on Tuesday (April 12) reported 19,982 new COVID-19 cases, 28,057 recoveries and 101 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256482-covid-19-thailand-reports-19982-new-coronavirus-cases-28057-recoveries-101-deaths/ //COSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 19,982 new coronavirus cases, 28,057 recoveries, 101 deaths File photo Thailand on Tuesday (April 12) reported 19,982 new COVID-19 cases, 28,057 recoveries and 101 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256482-covid-19-thailand-reports-19982-new-coronavirus-cases-28057-recoveries-101-deaths/

File photo Thailand on Tuesday (April 12) reported 19,982 new COVID-19 cases, 28,057 recoveries and 101 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Tuesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,925,854 with 26,289 deaths. The news comes as the Public Health Ministry has directed hospitals under its jurisdiction to change the expiry date of COVID-19 vaccines in their stock in accordance with the manufacturers’ new registration details. According to Thongchai Lertwilairatanapong, deputy permanent secretary for Public Health, the instructions were issued to all provincial public health chiefs on April 7. Under the new amendment, Thongchai said the expiry date for Sinovac doses will be extended from six to twelve months, while expiry dates for AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines will be extended from six to nine months.** **NNT contributed to this report Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-12 - 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

New surveys predict Chadchart could lead in gubernatorial election but there is still doubt over the undecided By Erich Parpart New surveys show that Chadchart Sittipunt will lead in Bangkok’s coming gubernatorial election, but other candidates cast doubt over the poll results. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256474-new-surveys-predict-chadchart-could-lead-in-gubernatorial-election-but-there-is-still-doubt-over-the-undecided/