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By Panithan Onthaworn Insurance giant Thai Group Holdings Plc (TGH), the parent firm of Southeast Insurance and Thai Insurance, said on Monday that its other core businesses will continue despite the revocation of its non-life insurance business. As a result of financial woes caused by the unprofitable Covid-19 insurance policies, Thailand’s Finance Ministry has revoked the non-life insurance business license for Southeast Insurance and Thai Insurance. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) said those two insurance companies have more liabilities than assets after paying out huge amounts of Covid-19 claims, and their shareholders have refused to raise the capital. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39153/tgh-says-termination-of-non-life-insurance-license-will-not-affect-other-operations/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-05 - 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

Household debt hits highs following pandemic woes By Erich Parpart Thailand’s household debt reached 90 per cent of the GDP in 2021 while non-performing loans (NPL) increased by 2.3 million accounts since the Covid-19 pandemic began, new researched showed this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255701-household-debt-hits-highs-following-pandemic-woes/

By Erich Parpart Thailand’s household debt reached 90 per cent of the GDP in 2021 while non-performing loans (NPL) increased by 2.3 million accounts since the Covid-19 pandemic began, new researched showed this week. Household debt The government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said in 2017 that it would work to eradicate poverty by 2018, however, not only has the number of welfare cardholders increased from six million in 2016 to nearly 14 million in 2021, the level of household debt also increased from 79.4 per cent of the GDP in 2016 to 90.1 per cent in 2021 with a total value of 14.58 trillion baht. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch)’s latest survey released last Friday, the top debt was concentrated in three areas including house loans (34.5 per cent of the participants), business loans (18.1 per cent), and car or motorbike loans (12.4 per cent). Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39149/household-debt-hits-highs-following-pandemic-woes/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-05 - 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

Three people involved in famous Thai actress’ fatal incident facing legal charges of recklessness and perjury Two speedboat passengers and a vessel owner who were involved in the fatal incident of the Thai female actress Nida “DTangmo (Watermelon in English)” Patcharaveerapong were facing legal charges, including recklessness causing death and perjury. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255684-three-people-involved-in-famous-thai-actress’-fatal-incident-facing-legal-charges-of-recklessness-and-perjury/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 5 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1255700-thailand-live-tuesday-5-april-2022/

Any possible Songkran COVID-19 surge will be manageable – MoPH Revellers use water guns to spray at one another as they celebrate the Buddhist New Year, locally known as Songkran, in Bangkok on April 14, 2019. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP) Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today (Monday) that he is confident that COVID-19 infections, which are anticipated to surge during and after the long Songkran long break, will be kept under control, thanks to mass vaccinations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255659-any-possible-songkran-covid-19-surge-will-be-manageable-–-moph/

France donates more than THREE MILLION doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Thailand France donated 3,268,620 doses of Pfizer vaccine to Thailand. This donation was officially presented this Monday, April 4 in Bangkok to the Thai Prime Minister, General Chan-o-cha, by the French Ambassador, Thierry Mathou. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255698-france-donates-more-than-three-million-doses-of-covid-19-vaccines-to-thailand/

Globally we are entering a very fragile state: is Asia ready? OPINION | by Michael Bridge File photo I am sitting in my condominium in Thailand trying to stay positive, as Putin continues to play his terrible war games. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255699-globally-we-are-entering-a-very-fragile-state-is-asia-ready/

File photo OPINION | by Michael Bridge I am sitting in my condominium in Thailand trying to stay positive, as Putin continues to play his terrible war games. Not having had to experience a world war as I was born in 1949, it is extremely hard not to be moved by the constant news reports coming out of Ukraine. Back in 1940 everyone had to rely on newspapers or Pathe News shown in the cinemas, just to find out what was actually happening. Or what the government’s propaganda machines wanted us to know. Of course, with battles taking place all over the world news of victories or defeats took days to reach the public. Instant reality Move forward to the Ukraine invasion, and with satellite TV, we now know what is happening in minutes. Therefore, it is harder to hide the facts. We all know that yachts are being seized, banks are stopping transactions and sanctions are not only hurting Putin’s rich friends, but also many innocent Russian citizens too. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In return, Russia is killing innocent citizens across Ukraine, and are expected to hit back by stopping gas going down the pipe to Europe and stopping imports from unfriendly countries. Asia’s close connections Asia does a lot of business with Russia, especially in the hospitality industry. President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines only last week was quoted as saying he was a personal friend of President Putin. Now the Chinese President has asked Duterte for an online meeting on April 8th. Meanwhile although Thailand voted against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the UN General Assembly on March 3rd, 2022, Russia still counts Thailand as a friendly country. However, if crunch came to crunch could the current Thai government afford to upset its NATO allies and the US by continuing to be seen to be supporting Russia? Personally, all of us must just sit tight, while the elected politicians start to play a huge poker game on who to support or not. If China is seen to support Russia, then of course they will start to make sure governments relying on Chinese investments toe the line. The next few months will be very fragile. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-05 - 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

France donated 3,268,620 doses of Pfizer vaccine to Thailand. This donation was officially presented this Monday, April 4 in Bangkok to the Thai Prime Minister, General Chan-o-cha, by the French Ambassador, Thierry Mathou. The first delivery (400,140 doses) took place on March 12 and the second (2,868,480 doses) at the end of March. This donation reflects France's support for Thailand in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. This gesture concretely illustrates the friendship and reinforces the cooperation between the two countries. It recalls the spirit of the "Roadmap for bilateral relations France - Thailand 2022 - 2024" signed on February 22 in Paris by the two foreign affairs ministers. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Equitable access to vaccines is essential to reduce the impact of this pandemic. This is why France is making vaccine donations a priority to ensure global vaccination coverage. France plays a leading role in the implementation of this strategy. It has already donated 84 million doses and will provide another 120 million doses by July 2022. More than 90% of these doses are part of the international COVAX operation, the others come under bilateral agreements, such as this is the case in Thailand. If Thailand was sorely lacking in doses until August 2021, it has since ordered and received stocks which allow it to succeed in its vaccination campaign. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright FRENCH EMBASSY 2022-04-05 - 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

PR company doesn't see funny side after April Fool - Nan to Munich flight tickets for 1,010 baht Manager Thai Caption: Famous PR company says "Nan to Munich" joke not us - promises to sue A well known PR company is threatening litigation for damage to their name after an April Fool joke. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255643-pr-company-doesnt-see-funny-side-after-april-fool-nan-to-munich-flight-tickets for-1010-baht/

Rare leopard captured by camera trap in Thailand’s Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary Image Credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation A leopard (Panthera pardus) has been recorded by a camera trap for the first time in the Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary of Chiang Mai province, according to the Facebook page of Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255641-rare-leopard-captured-by-camera-trap-in-thailand’s-chiang-dao-wildlife-sanctuary/

Image Credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation A leopard (Panthera pardus) has been recorded by a camera trap for the first time in the Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary of Chiang Mai province, according to the Facebook page of Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The post, made this morning (Monday) stated that, to date, only the footprints of the endangered species have been found in the sanctuary, adding that the recording of the big cat by a camera trap shows the richness of the biodiversity in the forest. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The 10-second video shows the mid-sized leopard walking past the hidden camera at night, as it apparently searched for food. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/rare-leopard-captured-by-camera-trap-in-thailands-chiang-dao-wildlife-sanctuary/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-04 - 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

Well-connected Thai man claimed to be behind 200 million baht temple embezzlement Sanook Thai Caption: Temple embezzled of 200MB A leading society figure is allegedly behind a near 200 million baht embezzlement scandal at two Bangkok temples. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255640-well-connected-thai-man-claimed-to-be-behind-200-million-baht-temple-embezzlement/

Sanook Thai Caption: Temple embezzled of 200MB A leading society figure is allegedly behind a near 200 million baht embezzlement scandal at two Bangkok temples. It is said that he took advantage of the people at the temples by offering help instead stripping them of assets. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The man in the story has an international lifestyle with trips to Australia, the UK and the US. He has a BMW 840, a Ferrari and a Tesla. In one picture he is quoted giving a glowing tribute to the Tesla brand. Sanook suggested the person responsible is a "disciple of Somdej Phra Wannarat". Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-04 - 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

Raw sewage going into the sea in Prachuab, complains tourist Picture: INN INN reported that a tourist had complained about untreated sewage flowing from a public pipe into the sea at a beach in Muang district Prachuap Khirikhan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255634-raw-sewage-going-into-the-sea-in-prachuab-complains-tourist/

Picture: INN INN reported that a tourist had complained about untreated sewage flowing from a public pipe into the sea at a beach in Muang district Prachuap Khirikhan. Environmentalists insisted it was an old 30 year case. But complainants insisted that it's still going on today despite a treatment plant being built 20 years ago. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-04 - 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

Thai-Myanmar border: Bomb shelters repaired and installed in Tak Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath published pictures from near the Thai-Myanmar border where trouble has flared in recent months. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255631-thai-myanmar-border-bomb-shelters-repaired-and-installed-in-tak/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath published pictures from near the Thai-Myanmar border where trouble has flared in recent months. Fighting across the border can mean stray shells crossing into Thai territory. So the army have been in the Tha Song Yang area of Tak in the north west to repair and install bomb shelters for up to 30 people. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe These involve concrete pipes, sand and bags. There are now 775 refugees in the area as trouble continues between military factions. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-04 - 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

Yaris worst off as two die six injured in horror smash in far south Picture: Siam Rath Muang Songkhla police called to an accident on the Songkhla to Hat Hai Road had to stop traffic in both directions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255630-yaris-worst-off-as-two-die-six-injured-in-horror-smash-in-far-south/

Picture: Siam Rath Muang Songkhla police called to an accident on the Songkhla to Hat Hai Road had to stop traffic in both directions. Three vehicles had collided including a delivery van, a Corolla and a Yaris. A collision had occurred on one side of the road propelling the other vehicle across the central divide damaging a power pole and three trees. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe On the opposite side a Yaris - a vehicle used to teach learners to drive - got the worst of the accident in a head on collision. Two people inside were killed and three injured. Three more injuries came from the other vehicles. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-04 - 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

GLO to Release New Lottery Tickets and Resolve Overpricing Issue by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Government Lottery Office (GLO) has announced new product lines to be released next year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255627-glo-to-release-new-lottery-tickets-and-resolve-overpricing-issue/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Government Lottery Office (GLO) has announced new product lines to be released next year. The announcement was made by Dr Thanawat Polvichai, board member and spokesperson for the GLO. He added that the office will hold public hearings on the matter sometime in the later half of this year, after the administration declares COVID-19 an endemic disease. According to the GLO spokesperson, these products include prizes for two and three digits, whose tickets will sport new designs based on the 12 zodiac signs. Once the GLO finishes gathering public input, it will propose the production plan to the Cabinet for consideration. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Dr Thanawat reiterated that the GLO must follow regulations in releasing the new product lines, while assuring that the move will help alleviate the issue of overpriced tickets due to an increased number of available products. According to local media, the introduction of the new tickets was the culmination of multiple studies from several universities. In the studies, the authors cited similar schemes implemented in 2003 that effectively suppressed illegal lottery operations and prevented regular tickets from exceeding their original 80 baht price tag. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-04 - 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

NHSO Prepares 1330 Hotline to Handle COVID Surge After Songkran by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has said it will ensure that its 1330 hotline is prepared for a surge in COVID-19 infections after the Songkran holidays. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255626-nhso-prepares-1330-hotline-to-handle-covid-surge-after-songkran/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has said it will ensure that its 1330 hotline is prepared for a surge in COVID-19 infections after the Songkran holidays. NHSO Secretary-General Jadet Thammathat-Aree disclosed that the office has increased its 1330 hotline respondents to 3,000 lines, which can handle around 30,000 daily calls in response to directives from Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to ensure the safety of COVID patients. The premier emphasized the importance of admitting patients, especially the elderly, young children and those at risk of severe symptoms, to hospital as soon as possible in order to reduce the risk of fatality. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The NHSO has divided patients into groups to provide a timely response based on their conditions. Patients in vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children under the age of five, and members of the "608" group of people at high risk of severe symptoms, should call 1330 ext 18 for registration. They will be placed in the home isolation (HI) system until officials can find them a hospital bed. Meanwhile, patients who are not members of vulnerable groups can dial 1330 ext 14 for treatment based on their condition and will be registered with the HI system. In addition to the 1330 hotline, Patients can register at NHSO’s website at https://crmsup.nhso.go.th/#TicketHI, or its official Line account (@nhso). Patients can also contact officials by acquiring phone numbers from the provincial Public Health Office’s Facebook page in their respective areas, or the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Facebook page if they are in Bangkok. For more information, people can contact officials at 1330 or add the NHSO’s line account at https://lin.ee/zzn3pU6 or @nhso Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-04 - 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