webfact

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce is planning to propose to the Cabinet negotiation details for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). It will also recommend adjustments to existing free trade deals with ASEAN member nations, China, India, South Korea and Australia-New Zealand. Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN), said the proposals were recently submitted to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanavisit. They will be vetted by an international economic policy committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai, before being presented to the Cabinet within this month. The EFTA consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The four states are competitive in several sectors vital to the global economy and score among the highest in the world in competitiveness, wealth creation per inhabitant, life expectancy and quality of life. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to the DTN, draft negotiations with the EFTA have already been discussed with related sides, including government units, the private sector, the agricultural sector, civil society and academics. If approved, the DTN will inform the EFTA and schedule dates for negotiations. The deal is expected to create new opportunities for Thai products and services to compete in EFTA markets while also attracting investors to Thailand. Total trade between Thailand and EFTA member states over the past five years was valued at US$10 billion. During this period, Thai exports and imports were valued at $4.5 billion and $5.5 billion, respectively. Popular export items include gems and jewelry, clocks and parts, automobiles and auto parts, machinery, and cosmetics. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-11 - 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

Bedridden lottery seller 80, perishes in Pakthongchai fire - millions in damage Picture: Siam Rath An eighty year old female lottery ticket seller was confirmed as the victim of a fire that swept through shophouses in downtown Pakthongchai, Korat, yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256384-bedridden-lottery-seller-80-perishes-in-pakthongchai-fire-millions-in-damage/

Picture: Siam Rath An eighty year old female lottery ticket seller was confirmed as the victim of a fire that swept through shophouses in downtown Pakthongchai, Korat, yesterday. Fire services took 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control such was the flammability of much dry wood, reported Siam Rath. The bedridden woman lottery ticket seller did not manage to get out. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Siam Rath Among the shops destroyed in the fire were a tailors, a florist, a salon and a general store. Police said the fire, that caused many millions of baht in damage and widespread fear in the crowded area, is under investigation. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-11 - 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

8 Million International Visitors Expected to Travel to Thailand This Year Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has said it expects at least 8 million international visitors to make their way to the Kingdom this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256383-8-million-international-visitors-expected-to-travel-to-thailand-this-year/

Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has said it expects at least 8 million international visitors to make their way to the Kingdom this year. TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn attributed the positive outlook to a recent announcement from the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), asking relevant units to consider relaxing COVID restrictions for international travelers. He explained that responsible agencies will take into consideration infection rates during the long Songkran holiday period and make proposals during the CCSA general meeting on April 22nd. Officials are also currently looking at canceling the “Thailand Pass” system, along with the RT-PCR test requirement for international arrivals, possibly replacing it with the faster and more convenient antigen test. Yuthasak added that the TAT may propose adjusting quarantine measures for high-risk individuals and remove the requirement for foreign visitors to have travel insurance. If approved, these adjustments could be implemented as soon as the start of May or June. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Citing TAT data, Yuthasak said there were about 444,000 international visitors during the first three months of the year, a 30% increase from the previous quarter, generating some 34 billion baht in revenue. The second quarter of this year is meanwhile projected to see about 341,000 foreign visitors, bringing in at least 23 billion baht in revenue. According to the TAT governor, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports expects to welcome 5-15 million international travelers in total this year. He also noted that if Thailand sees at least 5 million visitors during the first 9 months of 2022, at least another 3 million will likely follow. Much could depend on whether China goes through with its plans to relax travel restrictions for its citizens beginning in October. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-11 - 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

Top Thai cop's list of 14 online dangers - call 1441 24/7 if you're a victim Picture: Thai Rath Ahead of the Songkran holidays, the RTP's most senior man when it comes to online crime gave the benefit of his experience. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256382-top-thai-cops-list-of-14-online-dangers-call-1441-247-if-youre-a-victim/

Picture: Thai Rath Ahead of the Songkran holidays, the RTP's most senior man when it comes to online crime gave the benefit of his experience. Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat - who fronts the PCT cyber cops - gave Thai Rath a list of the 14 most prevalent ways that online criminals strike. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Here is the list: 1. In goods' sales' scams 2. Via call centers using threats and intimidation 3. Loan sharking 4. Completely false loan companies 5. Investment scams 6. Luring to betting sites 7. Romance or Hybrid scams 8. Fake links from hackers 9. Posing as someone else to steal 10. Setting up fake Line or Facebook accounts 11. Fake News sites 12. Sex blackmailing 13.Jobs abroad that are illegal 14. People seeking bank accounts to use for illegal purposes. Damrongsak said that people can call the PCT 24/7 on 1441 to get action on online crime. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-11 - 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

Anutin's ganja odyssey: You can grow as many plants* for home use as you like - *conditions apply Sanook Thai Caption: As many plants as you like - 9th June 2022 register to grow marijuana at home Sanook reported that Thailand's health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul continued his tour of the north east promoting medical marijuana. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256378-anutins-ganja-odyssey-you-can-grow-as-many-plants-for-home-use-as-you-like-conditions-apply/

Sanook Thai Caption: As many plants as you like - 9th June 2022 register to grow marijuana at home Sanook reported that Thailand's health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul continued his tour of the north east promoting medical marijuana. After visits to symposiums in Bung Kan and Khon Kaen the minister was at Sisaket Rajabhat University also in the north east. Anutin - very visible recently as a bid for the premiership gains momentum - gave all the usual rhetoric about his role in removing the drug from the narcotics list and promoting it as a means of easing the financial hardship of the people. He reminded everyone that the 120 day waiting period after the delisting was made in February is up on June 9th. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe From then on people will be able to grow as many plants in their houses for their own use as they want. But there is some fine print. It has to be medical grade weed being used for medical purposes. It mustn't be for recreational purposes. The minister then went sinister, suggests ASEAN NOW. He said that people will not need to officially register to grow weed at home. But he said they should "jot jaeng" (inform) the authorities "so that Thailand would be complying with an international treaty." Sanook didn't press the minister on the exact nature of these points. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-11 - 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

Anutin: No indication to end of entertainment ban in Thailand - expects more Covid infections at Songkran Sanook Thai Caption: More infections at Songkran for sure Sanook reported on the latest pronouncements of DPM and health minister Anutin Charnvirakul regarding Songkran and the pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256376-anutin-no-indication-to-end-of-entertainment-ban-in-thailand-expects-more-covid-infections-at-songkran/

Sanook Thai Caption: More infections at Songkran for sure Sanook reported on the latest pronouncements of DPM and health minister Anutin Charnvirakul regarding Songkran and the pandemic. The annual new year Thai holidays are on this week and Anutin admitted that he expects more infections as a result of all the travel to people's homes. But he said that the health system could cope particularly as most infections will be the mild Omicron strain. He acknowledged the dire effect that the pandemic has had on the Thai economy but gave no indication of the possible easing of restrictions that would see the entertainment industry in Thailand reopen. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe For now he said it was not yet the appropriate time and bars and clubs would have to continue to open as restaurants for the time being, and make sure they are following all the new normal rules. He expressed his concern about people who refuse to get vaccinated. Anutin - not actually a medical man - gave the assembled press a brief sermon on why Songkran is important, the spread of infectious diseases, preventative measures and the like. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-11 - 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

B80 Lottery Tickets to Be Sold on App from June 16 Draw BANGKOK, April 11 (TNA) – The government will sell its lottery tickets at their 80-baht official price via the Paotang application starting on the June 16 draw, according to Prime Minister’s Office Minister Anucha Nakasai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256374-b80-lottery-tickets-to-be-sold-on-app-from-june-16-draw/

BANGKOK, April 11 (TNA) – The government will sell its lottery tickets at their 80-baht official price via the Paotang application starting on the June 16 draw, according to Prime Minister’s Office Minister Anucha Nakasai. He said Paotang was the government’s software application that was standard and secure and there were more than 40 million users. It could be applied to ensure that government lottery tickets would be sold at their official price of 80 baht. Besides, it would record the data of buyers and prevent any problems that could otherwise result from the changed ownership of tickets, Mr Anucha said. Besides, the app will inform prize winners of their luck and advise them on prize collection. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Source: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-920767 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-04-11 - 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 prepares for worst case scenario after Songkran By Cod Satrusayang Thailand faces a “crucial” period for its Covid situation heading into the Songkran holidays, a senior doctor told Thai Enquirer on Monday, with the government preparing for the worst case scenario should cases rise exponentially. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256372-thailand-prepares-for-worst-case-scenario-after-songkran/

By Cod Satrusayang Thailand faces a “crucial” period for its Covid situation heading into the Songkran holidays, a senior doctor told Thai Enquirer on Monday, with the government preparing for the worst case scenario should cases rise exponentially. Case numbers have stayed high but steady at around 20,000 cases per day over the last month caused in part by the omicron variant. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However according to Dr Prasit Watanapa, a senior doctor at Siriraj Hospital, that number could rise to 100,000 cases per day after Songkran if people do not take precautions. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39331/thailand-prepares-for-worst-case-scenario-after-songkran/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-11 - 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

Crackdown on crime for Songkran! Top cop takes part in show of force Picture: Siam Rath Ratchaburi provincial police headquarters became something of a military parade at the weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256371-crackdown-on-crime-for-songkran-top-cop-takes-part-in-show-of-force/

Picture: Siam Rath Ratchaburi provincial police headquarters became something of a military parade at the weekend. The police top brass and local dignitaries were celebrating the annual crime crackdown for Songkran in the south/central Thai province. Squad cars and what appeared to be armored carriers paraded past the podium where proud salutes were in evidence. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Siam Rath Then Region 7 chief Pol Lt-Gen Thanayut Wuthijarasthamrong went to inspect the 198 troops and police who will keep the public safe from crime in the Thai new year holidays this week. Siam Rath took nine lines to list the top brass and dignitaries worthy of mention. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-11 - 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 Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath

Navy scout hunted after shooting of girlfriend at drinks' party in Trad Picture: Thai Rath Mai Root police in Khlong Yai, Trad, eastern Thailand, were called after a woman was shot at a house in their jurisdiction around midnight Saturday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256369-navy-scout-hunted-after-shooting-of-girlfriend-at-drinks-party-in-trad/

Picture: Thai Rath Mai Root police in Khlong Yai, Trad, eastern Thailand, were called after a woman was shot at a house in their jurisdiction around midnight Saturday. Nitaya, 19, and her navy scout boyfriend Phichit had been drinking alcohol together at the home of Nitaya's elder sister Athitiya, 20. The elder sibling heard a shot ring out and found her sister shot in the neck. Her boyfriend jumped out the window and headed off in the direction of a trash dump. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The victim was grievously hurt and is in Khlong Yai hospital. Thai Rath reported later yesterday that the assailant, dressed in black with black shorts, was still at large. People were urged to call 191 if he is sighted. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-11 - 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

Jealous lover! Man covers girlfriend in gasoline and sets her alight Picture: Thai Rath Police in Bang Khen in the northern Bangkok suburbs and Ruam Katanyu rescue services were called after a man set light to a woman at a condo building using gasoline. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256367-jealous-lover-man-covers-girlfriend-in-gasoline-and-sets-her-alight/

Picture: Thai Rath Police in Bang Khen in the northern Bangkok suburbs and Ruam Katanyu rescue services were called after a man set light to a woman at a condo building using gasoline. Witnesses reported seeing Samrerng or "Lek", aged about 50, arrive on a motorcycle with a five liter can of gasoline. He then covered a parked motorcycle with the fuel and moved to the room where his girlfriend lives. Surattana, 44, answered the door and was then doused in gas and set alight. She fled for help out the back and was later assisted to Mongkut Wattana hospital. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The assailant strode out of the condo building and set light to the motorcycle he had earlier doused then fled the scene. Neighbors said that the assailant and the woman had had an 'on again off again' relationship for the last few years and were always arguing. The bike belonged to a neighbor who is a nice, chatty guy and who the assailant probably believed was having an affair with the woman, reported Thai Rath. Police are studying CCTV as they investigate the case. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-11 - 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 105 deaths, 22,387 new coronavirus cases, 27,680 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (April 11) reported 22,387 new COVID-19 cases, 27,680 recoveries and 105 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256361-covid-19-thailand-reports-105-deaths-22387-new-coronavirus-cases-27680-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 105 deaths, 22,387 new coronavirus cases, 27,680 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (April 11) reported 22,387 new COVID-19 cases, 27,680 recoveries and 105 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256361-covid-19-thailand-reports-105-deaths-22387-new-coronavirus-cases-27680-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Monday (April 11) reported 22,387 new COVID-19 cases, 27,680 recoveries and 105 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,905,872 with 26,188 deaths. The news comes as the Faculty of Pharmacy at Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University has developed a liquid solution in which crushed Favipiravir tablets can be dissolved to help young children infected with COVID-19 take the medicine. Dr. Wanchai Chongcharoen, a lecturer at the faculty, said that they faculty became aware of the difficulties faced by parents, when giving the medication to very young children, and decided to find a way to address it and, thereby, help the infected children.** **Thai PBS 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 2022-04-11 - 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