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Picture: Siam Rath Foreign tourists were in for a surprise at Chiang Mai international airport yesterday when they were greeted by airport director Wijit Kaewsaithiam bearing gifts. It was the first business day after Test and Go was scrapped and also the first flight of Air Asia (AK 856) from Kuala Lumpur after a two year pandemic hiatus. The tourists were presented with masks with lanyards - a locally made handicraft - as well as "Captain Chang Noi" - an elephant dolly. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Siam Rath Tourists no longer need tests or quarantine though they have to register with Thailand Pass, a 24 hour approval process, said Siam Rath. Wijit said that 90-100 flights were arriving daily from all corners of Thailand and now from abroad as well. Picture: Siam Rath Scoot Tiger Air have daily flights from Singapore and now Air Asia will run KL to Chiang Mai trips on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays with other international routes in the pipeline. The director said that 12,000 to 13,000 passengers were now arriving daily with more expected soon. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Thailand Seeks 25 Billion Baht in Japanese EEC Investments This Year by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) has set a target for enticing at least 25 billion baht worth of investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) from Japan this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258523-thailand-seeks-25-billion-baht-in-japanese-eec-investments-this-year/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) has set a target for enticing at least 25 billion baht worth of investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) from Japan this year. Petch Chinabutr, deputy secretary-general of the EECO, made the announcement following the recent visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Thailand this week. The move aims to attract more EEC investment in areas such as Electric Vehicles (EVs), smart electronics, semiconductors, medical innovations, digital technology, smart farming, and the Bio-Circular-Green industry. Petch said he was confident that the goal of attracting 25 billion baht worth of investments would be achievable, as the EEC has consistently been an important production zone for Japan. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The EECO deputy secretary-general noted that Thailand particularly wants Japan to invest in EVs and EV batteries. Petch also said Japanese entrepreneurs will be able to contribute to infrastructural development in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) and Eastern Economic Corridor of Digital (EECd). Notably, most Japanese investments from 2018-2021 were in the EEC. In 2021 alone, these investments were valued at 19.4 billion baht, 64% of which was in the auto industry while 10% was in biotechnology and 8% in petrochemicals. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Chiang Mai: House burns down after son charges his phone Daily News Thai Caption: Dad has his head in his hands! Daily News reported that it was a bad day for a father in Sansai, Chiang Mai, northern Thailand yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258522-chiang-mai-house-burns-down-after-son-charges-his-phone/

Daily News Thai Caption: Dad has his head in his hands! Daily News reported that it was a bad day for a father in Sansai, Chiang Mai, northern Thailand yesterday. Muang Len fire services were called after a blaze broke out in a bedroom at the house of 56 year old Jahae Jafoo. Jahae said he heard a noise then the smell of burning. He and his son tried to put out the fire with water but were beaten back as it took hold, fueled by clothing in the room. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Daily News The son had been charging his phone at the time and it is believed that a short circuit from that started the fire. Damage was estimated at 300,000 baht as investigations by the local police began. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Drunk civil servant arrested after having a go at Nonthaburi officials at restaurant - 20K bail Daily News Thai Caption: Those "charming" Thai civil servants! Daily News reported on an incident of poor behavior of a Thai civil servant at a restaurant in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258521-drunk-civil-servant-arrested-after-having-a-go-at-nonthaburi-officials-at-restaurant-20k-bail/

Daily News Thai Caption: Those "charming" Thai civil servants! Daily News reported on an incident of poor behavior of a Thai civil servant at a restaurant in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi yesterday. In their photo caption they called the man "charming" - a fecetious comment. District chief Withaya had sent in his deputy Somphol Surasajja to check up on restaurants to make sure they were following the rules. Near the police station they went into a restaurant where three men were drinking and eating near the counter. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture Daily News One man dressed half in civil service attire was not happy. He started berating the authorities with foul language and whipped out his phone to start filming. He was belittling the authorities and was clearly drunk. Picture: Daily News He wouldn't stop; at one point his friend had to put his hand over his mouth. He said he was attached to the Ministry of Trade but refused to show identification. It was so bad that the civil servant was arrested and taken to the Bang Yai police station for questioning where he denied charges of not showing his ID and defaming officials doing their job. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Waste-to-Energy Plant Closed Over Offensive Odor Issue by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Operations at a waste-to-energy power plant in On Nut have been halted after residents complained about the site’s strong odor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258519-waste-to-energy-plant-closed-over-offensive-odor-issue/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Operations at a waste-to-energy power plant in On Nut have been halted after residents complained about the site’s strong odor. According to Wanchai Phanomchai, director-general of The Department of Industrial Works (DIW), complaints concerned the waste disposal plant owned by Krungthep Thanakom Co Ltd. The DIW said it had previously ordered the plant to address the ongoing odor issue that was affecting surrounding communities. The facility, however, did not follow up on its request, forcing residents to contact the agency again. An inspection last week revealed that the factory’s maintenance protocol and odor-treatment systems were not being properly followed. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The DIW has since invoked sections 37 and 39 of the Factory Act 1992, suspending the factory’s operation until the problems are resolved and the overall situation improved. Kriangphon Phatthanarat, a director on the board of Krungthep Thanakom Co Ltd, said the factory is fully cooperating with the authorities and will make every effort to solve the problem. According to Kriangphon, more deodorant suppression sprinklers will be installed at the factory and improvements will also be made in the transfer of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) within the facility. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Warning Issued Over Suicide Rates Among Workers and Unemployed by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Mental Health (DMH) has issued a warning over the rising rate of suicides among people of working age and retirees. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258518-warning-issued-over-suicide-rates-among-workers-and-unemployed/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Mental Health (DMH) has issued a warning over the rising rate of suicides among people of working age and retirees. According to the DMH, citing data from the National Suicide Prevention Center, an average of 53,000 suicides are attempted in Thailand each year, 4,000 of which end fatally. DMH Director-General Dr Amporn Benjaponpitak said suicide is now second only to accidents as the leading cause of unnatural deaths in Thailand. She added that major risk factors driving people to commit suicide include stress and depression. According to a March survey, those in the early stages of their careers are four times more likely to commit suicide than other adults. Many people face financial pressure during the university-to-work transition, especially in the context of a status-driven, materialistic society. This at-risk group has also been steadily increasing over the last four years. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Dr Amporn said love and support from family and friends can help people avoid suicidal thoughts. There have long been concerns that COVID-19 and the restrictions put in place to contain it could cause a mental health crisis and an increase in suicides around the world. Along with fear of disease and potential bereavement, experts say some aspects of the lockdown - such as isolation, loneliness, loss of social support networks, unemployment, and financial insecurity - are harmful to mental health. According to data from the World Health Organization, close to 800,000 people worldwide lose their lives to suicide every year. Twenty more people attempt suicide for every death, though statistics are vastly underreported. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Bangkok Prepares for Shift to Endemic Phase BANGKOK, May 3 (TNA) – Bangkok is working out plans for the transition to an endemic status as the Covid-19 situation has improved. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258516-bangkok-prepares-for-shift-to-endemic-phase/

BANGKOK, May 3 (TNA) – Bangkok is working out plans for the transition to an endemic status as the Covid-19 situation has improved. Permanent-secretary for public health Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit on Monday met Panruedee Manomaipibul, director of the city health department to discuss an endemic approach for the capital. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The country’s Covid-19 situation has improved and the numbers of new cases, severe cases and fatalities have declined continuously. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-934942 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

One dead, one injured as two men on motorcycle collide with 10 wheel sand truck in Chonburi Picture: Thai Rath Ban Bung police in Chonburi in central/eastern Thailand were called after a collision between a Suzuki Smash and a Hino truck on a bend in the Ban Bung Kradon to Ban Nong Chan road yesterday around 6 pm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258513-one-dead-one-injured-as-two-men-on-motorcycle-collide-with-10-wheel-sand-truck-in-chonburi/

Picture: Thai Rath Ban Bung police in Chonburi in central/eastern Thailand were called after a collision between a Suzuki Smash and a Hino truck on a bend in the Ban Bung Kradon to Ban Nong Chan road yesterday around 6 pm. One man - the driver of the motorcycle - was dead at the scene gaving suffered a head injury. His passenger was in a serious condition and is now in hospital. Kong, 55, the trucker, said he was carrying sand to a retail store when he was going round a bend and was hit by the motorcycle in the center to rear section. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The motorcycle had severe damage and a mangled front wheel. Kong stopped 30 meters away and was on hand to tell the police what happened from his perspective. Investigations continue. Both the injured man and his passenger were unidentified in the Thai Rath story. Around 70 - 80% of road accident fatalities in Thailand are motorcyclists, notes ASEAN NOW, contributing to an annual death toll thought to be well in advance of 20,000, one of the highest per capita in the world. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Ukrainian fraudsters: They came as tourists now they face deportation to US on tax evasion charges INN reported on the case of two Ukrainians who arrived in Thailand as tourists, lived in a luxury villa in Phuket but are now facing deportation to the US after their arrest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258512-ukrainian-fraudsters-they-came-as-tourists-now-they-face-deportation-to-us-on-tax-evasion-charges/

Picture: INN INN reported on the case of two Ukrainians who arrived in Thailand as tourists, lived in a luxury villa in Phuket but are now facing deportation to the US after their arrest. The suspects, aged in their late thirties, were given assumed names but were earlier named as Oleksandr Y. and Oleg O. in a previous ASEAN NOW story. The Thais authorities have been liaising with the US Dept of Homeland Security in the case. It involves tax evasion of around ten million US dollars or 337 million baht. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The pair, who were arrested on April 19th, ran a recruitment company in Florida with the alleged crimes committed between 2007 and 2021. Their company did 2.25 billion baht's worth of business over that time. They fled and came to Thailand, apparently in 2021, but will now be deported back to Florida to face the music. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Have we broken the back of the pandemic in Thailand? Numbers down though NE remains high Thai Rath reported the comments of Dr Jakkrarat Pithayawonganon of the DDC yesterday regarding the state of the Covid-19 pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258511-have-we-broken-the-back-of-the-pandemic-in-thailand-numbers-down-though-ne-remains-high/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported the comments of Dr Jakkrarat Pithayawonganon of the DDC yesterday regarding the state of the Covid-19 pandemic. Numbers of infections were considerably down compared to the around 20,000 infections daily in previous weeks. The figure was 9,331 with far fewer people suffering serious infections or having to be intubated. Most of those were the elderly or people with other health conditions. What with more recoveries and the overlying trend in the last seven days of those treated as outpatient-cum-home isolation and in full home isolation dropping by tens of thousands from 498,578 last week, Thai authorities are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Begging the question as to whether the pandemic in Thailand is in its final weeks and months. There were 84 deaths, mostly the unvaccinated. The North East, Central Region and eastern seaboard presented the most infections with some parts of Isaan still high. People are being urged to get their boosters especially the vulnerable and the elderly. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

UPDATE: Thailand and Japan sign deal to transfer defence equipment and technology Thailand and Japan signed a deal on the transfer of defence hardware and technology yesterday (Monday) and two other agreements, on financial cooperation and a Japanese grant for Thailand’s post-COVID healthcare. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258472-thailand-and-japan-discuss-cooperation-during-japanese-pm-visit/?do=findComment&comment=17337852

UPDATE: Thailand and Japan sign deal to transfer defence equipment and technology Thailand and Japan signed a deal on the transfer of defence hardware and technology yesterday (Monday) and two other agreements, on financial cooperation and a Japanese grant for Thailand’s post-COVID healthcare. The signing of the documents was witnessed by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, capping a two-day visit to Thailand by Fumio, the first Japanese prime minister to visit Thailand in nine years. The visit coincides with the 135th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. In his statement, delivered at the end of the meeting, Thailand’s prime minister said the outcome of the meeting reflects the inclusive and comprehensive strategic partnership between Thailand and Japan. He said that both sides agreed to enhance economic cooperation and acknowledged the drafting of a 5-year Joint Strategic Plan on Thailand-Japan Economic Partnership. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-and-japan-sign-deal-to-transfer-defence-equipment-and-technology/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

COVID-19 - May 3: Thailand reports 9,721 new coronavirus cases, 20,145 recoveries, 77 deaths file photo Thailand on Tuesday (May 3) reported 9,721 new COVID-19 cases, 20,145 recoveries and 77 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258502-covid-19-may-3-thailand-reports-9721-new-coronavirus-cases-20145-recoveries-77-deaths/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19 - May 3: Thailand reports 9,721 new coronavirus cases, 20,145 recoveries, 77 deaths file photo Thailand on Tuesday (May 3) reported 9,721 new COVID-19 cases, 20,145 recoveries and 77 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258502-covid-19-may-3-thailand-reports-9721-new-coronavirus-cases-20145-recoveries-77-deaths/

file photo Thailand on Tuesday (May 3) reported 9,721 new COVID-19 cases, 20,145 recoveries and 77 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Tuesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,281,536 with 28,778 deaths. The news comes as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha was satisfied with the significant decrease in daily Covid-19 infections in Thailand, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana revealed yesterday, May 2nd. The spokesperson told the Associated Press that the Prime Minister saw the decrease as a good sign in controlling the domestic spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in Thailand.** **THE PATTAYA NEWS contributed to this report Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-03 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information