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Tourists visit Hua Hin night market. File photo By Jonathan Fairfield The upcoming Songkran holiday is set to result in a slight increase in tourists visiting Hua Hin and other districts in Prachuap Khiri Khan province compared to last year. According to data provided to Hua Hin Today by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, the occupancy rate for hotels in Hua Hin over Songkran is 47.46% from 71 hotels offering a total of 4,378 rooms. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe By comparison, the occupancy rate of hotels in Hua Hin during Songkran 2021 was 45.30%. Overall in Prachuap Khiri Khan hotel occupancy rate is 52.07% from 231 hotels offering 10,213 rooms, compared to 48.60% occupancy rate for the same period last year. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/slight-increase-in-tourists-to-hua-hin-during-songkran-as-data-reveals-citys-popularity-among-millennials/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-08 - 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

Stalled Chinese submarine shines light on Rolls Royce firm supplying engines to China’s military by Joseph O' Connor On Monday for the first time, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha suggested the possibility that the contract to supply the ฿13.5 billion S26T Yuan-class submarine to the Royal Thai Navy signed with a Chinese state-owned shipbuilding firm may have to be cancelled if the submarine cannot be supplied with the specified German MTU engines. The spotlight on Thailand’s submarine deal with China is also linked to the altered geopolitical environment after the Russian invasion of Ukraine with heightened sensitivity in the West, in particular in Germany, concerning the supply of critical engineering products to an expanding Chinese military. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256098-stalled-chinese-submarine-shines-light-on-rolls-royce-firm-supplying-engines-to-china’s-military/

On Monday for the first time, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha suggested the possibility that the contract to supply the ฿13.5 billion S26T Yuan-class submarine to the Royal Thai Navy signed with a Chinese state-owned shipbuilding firm may have to be cancelled if the submarine cannot be supplied with the specified German MTU engines. These have been blocked by the German government on foot if European Union sanctions which were imposed after the Tiananmen Square massacre on the 4th of June 1989. It comes at a time of a sharpening examination of military procurement activities by Beijing. The submarine deal with China, since its unveiling in 2015, has generated massive public outcry in the kingdom and media coverage which may have contributed to a renewed focus on the supply of military hardware to China, up to now, classified as dual-purpose but which has been used to equip the Chinese Navy with superior western manufactured engines. by Joseph O' Connor The spotlight on Thailand’s submarine deal with China is also linked to the altered geopolitical environment after the Russian invasion of Ukraine with heightened sensitivity in the West, in particular in Germany, concerning the supply of critical engineering products to an expanding Chinese military. Officials with the Royal Thai Navy and representatives of the Chinese state-owned shipbuilding firm involved in the contract are to meet later in April with its potential cancellation threatening a severe blow to Thailand’s shift to China as a defence equipment supplier after the 2006 and 2014 coups in what is now a radically altered world. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The construction of Thailand’s S26T Yuan-class submarine has been halted after authorities in Berlin moved last month to prohibit the supply of German manufactured MTU engines for the project. This is linked to a 1989 embargo imposed by the European Union on China after the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre which saw an uprising against communist rule in China bloodily suppressed by the military that year. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/04/07/submarine-deal-raises-questions-about-china/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-04-08 - 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

Pattaya Police arrest three alleged drug dealers with 20 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – The Pattaya City Police arrested three alleged drug dealers in Nonthaburi with a reported 20 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine seized. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256097-pattaya-police-arrest-three-alleged-drug-dealers-with-20-kilograms-of-crystal-methamphetamine/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – The Pattaya City Police arrested three alleged drug dealers in Nonthaburi with a reported 20 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine seized. On April 5th a team from the Pattaya City Police led by Police Chief Colonel Kunlachart Kunlachai arrested three alleged drug dealers who are Mr. Wuttikorn ‘Korn’ Promjae, 52, Mr. Chonlaphon ‘Ball’ Pramjae, 30, and Mr. Tanawat ‘Na’ Chaiwongsuwat, 25. They were arrested at a gas station in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi. Seized from them were 20 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/07/pattaya-police-arrest-three-alleged-drug-dealers-with-20-kilograms-of-crystal-methamphetamine/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-08 - 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

Intoxicated man causes public disturbance, arrested after leading police on 2 kilometer foot chase in Chonburi By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – Police chased after an intoxicated man over two kilometers before finally catching and arresting him in the Panat Nikhom district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256096-intoxicated-man-causes-public-disturbance-arrested-after-leading-police-on-2-kilometer-foot-chase-in-chonburi/

By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – Police chased after an intoxicated man over two kilometers before finally catching and arresting him in the Panat Nikhom district early this morning, April 7th The Panat Nikhom Police was notified of a domestic disturbance incident at a house on Panat Nikhom – Koh Poe Road in the Na Ruek sub-district around 1:00 A.M. today. Law enforcement arrived at the scene to find the man suspected of a public disturbance who was later identified as Mr. Pongsakorn Saminyae, 35, in his house in an agitated state. When Pongsakorn saw police with special equipment, he ran away from the house and crossed the road into a nearby forest, refusing police orders to stop. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/07/intoxicated-man-causes-public-disturbance-arrested-after-leading-police-on-2-kilometer-foot-chase-in-chonburi/ -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-08 - 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

Thai Officials Finding Measures to Alleviate Agricultural Problems by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai government officials will be looking into the issues affecting the prices of agricultural products. They are to come up with measures that will ease the producers’ burdens. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256095-thai-officials-finding-measures-to-alleviate-agricultural-problems/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai government officials will be looking into the issues affecting the prices of agricultural products. They are to come up with measures that will ease the producers’ burdens. Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha acknowledges that prices of farm items are rising. The circumstance poses challenges to farmers, producers, consumers, and businesses. Authorities must ensure a sufficient supply of fertilizers and animal feed and that their prices are affordable, according to the Prime Minister’s instruction. Currently, there is no approval from the administration to increase the prices of the 18 controlled types of products. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The premier also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss with China to streamline exporting fruit to the nation. Meanwhile, Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul said the Cabinet this week approved the 4-year construction project for the Klong Phlo reservoir in Rayong province. The 3.56 billion baht project is slated for 2022 - 2025. It aims to mitigate water shortages for consumption and agriculture for the locals during the dry season. It is also expected to prevent floods during the rainy season. The dam, which is part of the program to manage water resources in the Eastern Economic Corridor, will have the capacity of storing 40 million cubic meters. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-08 - 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 Co-hosts a Regional Forum on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The 13th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Inter-Sessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (ISM on NPD) has been co-hosted via videoconference on 5 April 2022 by Thailand, the US, and Sri Lanka. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256094-thailand-co-hosts-a-regional-forum-on-non-proliferation-and-disarmament/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The 13th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Inter-Sessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (ISM on NPD) has been co-hosted via videoconference on 5 April 2022 by Thailand, the US, and Sri Lanka. Usana Berananda, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, highlighted ASEAN’s central strategic role in working with its external partners to build trust and confidence during her opening remarks. Usana identified Thailand’s priorities at the ARF, which include recognition of the three pillars of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), full and effective implementation of the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, the compatibility and complementarity of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to the NPT, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and integration of technological innovations and emerging technologies. The meeting also discussed and exchanged views on regional responses to challenges in advancing the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and laying the groundwork for nuclear disarmament. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Participants tabled the preparations for the 10th NPT Review Conference, the early accession of Nuclear Weapon States to the Bangkok Treaty, the situations in Ukraine and on the Korean Peninsula, and nuclear technology for sustainable development. The ARF is an important ASEAN-led mechanism for security dialogue in the Asia-Pacific region. It provides a forum for the region’s 27 members to foster constructive dialogue and consultation in order to promote confidence-building measures and preventive diplomacy. Disaster Relief, Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime, Maritime Security, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, and Security of and in the Use of ICTs are the five main areas of cooperation under the ARF, all of which correspond to Thailand’s security interests. Thailand will co-chair the ARF ISM on NPD for the term 2022-2024 with the United States of America and Sri Lanka. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-08 - 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

Bangkok Hosts Exhibition to Celebrate Thailand-Canada Relations by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Vijavat Isarabhakdi has attended the opening ceremony of the Thailand-Canada photographic exhibition "Take Your Seat Together," by renowned Canadian photographers Randy and Spencer VanDerStarren, at ICONSIAM shopping mall. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256093-bangkok-hosts-exhibition-to-celebrate-thailand-canada-relations/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Vijavat Isarabhakdi has attended the opening ceremony of the Thailand-Canada photographic exhibition "Take Your Seat Together," by renowned Canadian photographers Randy and Spencer VanDerStarren, at ICONSIAM shopping mall. The event, hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Thailand to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Thai-Canadian relations, features a number of images that reflect certain similarities and connections between the peoples of both countries. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In his remarks, Vijavat emphasized the importance of Thailand-Canada relations over the past sixty years, while also reaffirming Thailand’s willingness to expand bilateral cooperation in a number of areas with the Canadian government. The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs also emphasized the importance of people-to-people ties through arts and cultures as a solid foundation for future trade, investment, and tourism between the two sides. The photographic exhibition "Take Your Seat Together," commemorating the 60th anniversary of Thailand-Canada diplomatic relations, is now on display at ICONLUXE Pop Up Space, 1st Floor, ICONSIAM from 1 – 30 April 2022. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-08 - 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

DIT Urges Malls to Freeze Commodity Prices During Songkran by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) is asking retailers to shore up their inventory in anticipation of heightened demand during the upcoming long Songkran holiday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256092-dit-urges-malls-to-freeze-commodity-prices-during-songkran/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) is asking retailers to shore up their inventory in anticipation of heightened demand during the upcoming long Songkran holiday. DIT Director-General Wattanasak Sur-iam has discussed the matter with major retailers and malls operators, while also asking them to freeze commodity prices at least during the period. The move came after data showed that the recent consumption rate has increased by 5% - 10% compared to the beginning of the year. Initially, the retailers who participated in the talks agreed to the measure and will organize sales events to further alleviate the financial hardship faced by members of the public. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Officials will be dispatched to conduct random inspections in each province, to ensure fair trade and prevent price gouging, according to Wattanasak. He also said that the government’s Blue Flag campaign offering everyday items at affordable prices will continue until the economic situation returns to normal. Currently, there are 70 Blue Flag outlets and 50 Blue Flag mobile stores nationwide. The program aimed at providing access to the remote community, reducing travel expenses, and ensuring price equilibrium in the market. According to the director-general, there were two chemical fertilizer makers petitioning for a price hike, however, officials have yet to approve the request. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-08 - 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

Drug Stores Invited to Help COVID Patients BANGKOK, (TNA) – The National Health Security Office (NHSO) and the Pharmacy Council of Thailand invited drug stores to distribute medicine to COVID-19 patients and monitor their conditions and about 700 drug stores have participated. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256091-drug-stores-invited-to-help-covid-patients/

BANGKOK, (TNA) – The National Health Security Office (NHSO) and the Pharmacy Council of Thailand invited drug stores to distribute medicine to COVID-19 patients and monitor their conditions and about 700 drug stores have participated. Preecha Bhandtivej, vice president of the Pharmacy Council, said there were many COVID-19 patients who had no or mild symptoms and they would otherwise crowd hospitals if they sought treatment there. Therefore, the council and the NHSO directed them to receive medicine and advice from pharmacists at drug stores. The policy applied to green-coded patients who were younger than 60 years old, he said. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-918533 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-04-08 - 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

EVs maker dismisses rumours over lack of transparency, prepares legal actions against leaker By Panithan Onthaworn Energy Absolute Plc (EA), a maker of electric vehicles, said on Thursday recent rumours about its businesses, which caused its shares to fall abruptly in a couple days, are untrue, and it is planning to sue the rumour leaker. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256090-evs-maker-dismisses-rumours-over-lack-of-transparency-prepares-legal-actions-against-leaker/

By Panithan Onthaworn Energy Absolute Plc (EA), a maker of electric vehicles, said on Thursday recent rumours about its businesses, which caused its shares to fall abruptly in a couple days, are untrue, and it is planning to sue the rumour leaker. EA shares traded at 90 baht, down 4.25 per cent from its prior closing. The stock began to slip from the level around 100 baht when the rumours broke on Tuesday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “The information published in various media regarding the Company’s projects … as well as the share trading of Somphote Ahunai, the Chief Executive Officer, is false in any way,” Amorn Sapthaweekul, deputy chief executive, said in a statement. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39254/evs-maker-energy-absolute-dismiss-rumours-over-lack-of-transparency-prepares-legal-actions-against-leaker/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-08 - 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

Why can’t the Thai government reduce the prices at the pumps? by Michael Bridge file photo Prices have skyrocketed around the world due to the Ukraine crisis, with the average price of gasoline around the world is US$1.29 per liter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256089-why-can’t-the-thai-government-reduce-the-prices-at-the-pumps/

file photo by Michael Bridge Prices have skyrocketed around the world due to the Ukraine crisis, with the average price of gasoline around the world is US$1.29 per liter. Here in Thailand according to statistics, from 20-Dec-2021 to 28-Mar-2022, the average value during that period was 43.12 Thai Baht with a minimum of 38.53 Thai Baht on 20-Dec-2021 and a maximum of 47.85 Thai Baht on 28-Mar-2022. Therefore, we are currently paying an average of US$1.42 per liter. All countries have access to the same petroleum prices of international markets but then decide to impose different taxes. Out of the 170 countries/regions listed, forty-five have a price below 1 USD dollar. Seventy-four have between $1.00-$1.50, 25 have between $1.50-$2.00, and twenty-six have over $2. Prices are as per the date 07 Mar 2022. Venezuela has the cheapest price, just $0.03 per liter, followed by Libya ($0.03) and Iran ($0.05). Among the top ten cheapest, four countries are located in Asia and Africa each, and one each in South America in Europe. Hong Kong has the most expensive price of $2.83, followed by Norway. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Crude Oil The cost of crude oil is the largest component of the retail price of gasoline or petrol. Recently, the price of WTI crude oil has been $120-$121 a barrel. In the worldwide oil industry, an oil barrel is defined as 42 U.S. gallons, which is about 159 liters. This calculates the price of crude oil to $0.75-$0.76 per liter. Taxes and subsidies, cost of refining and transporting, commission, etc., are included in retail price. The average price of gasoline around the world is 1.29 U.S. Dollars per liter. As a general rule, richer countries have higher prices while poorer countries and the countries that produce and export oil have significantly lower prices. The differences in prices across countries are mainly due to the various taxes and subsidies for gasoline. All countries have access to the same petroleum prices of international markets but then decide to impose different taxes. Currently when Thailand’s average price per litre was US$1.42, in Vietnam the average was US$1.19, Cambodia US$1.31, the Philippines US$1.43 and Malaysia US$0.49. This week the Philippines government said that Filipino consumers can expect lower fuel prices this week. This is amid hopes of resolving fighting prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and other developments affecting the global oil market, where the Philippines mainly gets its supply. This marks the second time this year that fuel prices went down in the Philippines. Therefore, it becks the question why are we not seeing pump prices in Thailand dropping too? -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-08 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 8 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1256088-thailand-live-friday-8-april-2022/

Maximum of 50,000 COVID-19 daily infections predicted after Songkran The Thai Ministry of Public Health has predicted that there will be a maximum average of 50,000 COVID-19 cases a day after the Songkran holidays next week, about 3,000 new cases of lung inflammation and 150 daily fatalities, if public cooperation in complying with safety measures remains at the present level. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256077-maximum-of-50000-covid-19-daily-infections-predicted-after-songkran/

Proposal to End RT-PCR Tests after Songkran BANGKOK, (TNA) – Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered hospitals to build up their COVID-19 vaccine doses for inoculation for elderly people and their younger relatives who will return home during the Songkran holiday and planned to propose an end to compulsory RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 after the festival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256041-proposal-to-end-rt-pcr-tests-after-songkran/

Rough seas on Samui - one Thai woman tourist drowns, one Russian woman rescued - red flags flying Manger Thai Caption: Rough seas at Samui - one tourist swept away and drowned Manager reported that the holiday island of Koh Samui in the south of Thailand was experiencing rough seas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256015-rough-seas-on-samui-one-thai-woman-tourist-drowns-one-russian-woman-rescued-red-flags-flying/