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DTN Promotes RCEP as Golden Opportunity for Thai Exporters by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) has called the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) a golden opportunity for Thai exporters, service providers and investors to explore regional markets and beyond. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255623-dtn-promotes-rcep-as-golden-opportunity-for-thai-exporters/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) has called the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) a golden opportunity for Thai exporters, service providers and investors to explore regional markets and beyond. RCEP is a free trade agreement encompassing the Asia-Pacific nations of China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, New Zealand and Australia. The 15 member economies account for about 30% of the world’s population, making it the largest trade bloc in human history. The agreement came into force at the beginning of this year. From January to February, Thailand exported US$24 billion worth of products to member territories, accounting for 52.5% of total exports in the two months. Of that figure, $1.16 billion worth of goods were from exporters who utilized the RCEP privileges. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to the DTN, China has been the major trading partner, with plants, vegetables and fruits being the most popular products. DTN Deputy Director-General Chotima Iemsawasdikul said her agency has been educating the public about the agreement from its inception to its implementation. She added that the deal is being embraced by government units, the business sector, SMEs and academics. The deputy director-general noted that RCEP also lowers tariff barriers for exporters while reducing costs and increasing production capacity and competitiveness. Additionally, she said RCEP represents a great pathway to economic recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. -- © 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

Authorities Launch Booster Vaccination Drive Ahead of Songkran Holidays by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Many provinces in Thailand are now offering booster COVID vaccine doses to provide the elderly and vulnerable groups with the highest level of protection against the coronavirus ahead of the Songkran festival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255619-authorities-launch-booster-vaccination-drive-ahead-of-songkran-holidays/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Many provinces in Thailand are now offering booster COVID vaccine doses to provide the elderly and vulnerable groups with the highest level of protection against the coronavirus ahead of the Songkran festival. The color-coded zoning for COVID-19 control measures in several provinces was recently updated, with Yala province now included among the 47 provinces listed as "Yellow" zones. This new designation means the province can now hold gatherings for up to 1,000 people while allowing dine-ins and alcohol sales at restaurants until 11 PM. Provincial officials will continue to monitor the situation while expanding vaccination coverage, especially among the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In Yasothon, authorities launched a booster drive with a caravan of fancy cars to encourage senior citizens and members of risk groups to get vaccinated. The province hopes to provide local residents with adequate levels of immunity against COVID-19 ahead of Songkran and the Boon Bang Fai Festival. Samut Sakhon Public Health Office has adopted a similar approach in providing home booster shots for senior citizens and people with chronic diseases. The province is also encouraging those who have yet to get vaccinated or receive a booster to do so at a nearby hospital. 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

PM: My path to opening up Thailand - all is good as Sadao paves the way Picture: Thai Rath The government was delighted with the reopening of the border between Thailand and Malaysia after a two year closure, reported Thai Rath. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255616-pm-my-path-to-opening-up-thailand-all-is-good-as-sadao-paves-the-way/

Picture: Thai Rath The government was delighted with the reopening of the border between Thailand and Malaysia after a two year closure, reported Thai Rath. The major crossing of Sadao in Songkhla has been shut because of Covid-19 but repoened on Thursday of last week. Via Government House spokesman Thanakorn the media reported that PM Prayuth Chan-ocha was delighted with the reopening so far. He praised all those connected with it and said thank you to the Malaysians for coming across in good numbers. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The local economies would benefit. It was all part of Prayuth's master strategy to reopen Thailand as and when the science says it can be done, said the spokesman. This was one further successful step on that road to recovery. 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

Thailand Road Carnage: Pick-up driver dead on his birthday Daily News Thai Caption: Dead on his birthday Bang Pa-In police in Ayutthaya were called after a collision between a truck trailer and a Mitsubishi pick-up. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255612-thailand-road-carnage-pick-up-driver-dead-on-his-birthday/

Daily News Thai Caption: Dead on his birthday Bang Pa-In police in Ayutthaya were called after a collision between a truck trailer and a Mitsubishi pick-up. Dead behind the wheel of the pick-up was 27 year old Santi. His ID showed that it was his birthday on the day of the accident, Sunday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Daily News Bunlert, also 27, was driving a load of cassava from Bang Sai to Saraburi. He said that the driver of the Mitsubishi lost control at a bend and slammed into him. It happened on the Bang Pa-In to Bang Sai road, reported Daily News. Police investigations continue. 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

Rayong police respond to social media - "duelling" pick-ups get clamped Daily News Thai Caption: You're in serious trouble Map Ta Phut police in Rayong responded quickly after social media was full of pictures of two duelling pick-ups in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255610-rayong-police-respond-to-social-media-duelling-pick-ups-get-clamped/

Daily News Thai Caption: You're in serious trouble Map Ta Phut police in Rayong responded quickly after social media was full of pictures of two duelling pick-ups in the area. One green one silver, the pick-ups had been filmed revving their steeds ahead of an anticipated race, reported Daily News. The drivers were barely 20 years old. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Daily News Now they have returned to their souped up vehicles for a surprise. Clamps. According to the Map Ta Phut police Facebook page the owners will face numerous charges. 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

Nonthaburi police investigating after neighbor popping in for a chat makes gruesome discovery Daily News Thai Caption: Dreadful! A man went to see his neighbor in Soi Wat Jampa, Nonthaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255608-nonthaburi-police-investigating-after-neighbor-popping-in-for-a-chat-makes-gruesome-discovery/

Daily News Thai Caption: Dreadful! A man went to see his neighbor in Soi Wat Jampa, Nonthaburi. But he was alerted to an unpleasant odor coming from an area near an outside wall. The first thing that the neighbor saw was a foot sticking out under debris beneath a tamarind tree. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It was an unidentified man aged about 40-45 who had been dead about 2-3 days, forensics at the scene determined, reported Daily News. The neighbor said he walked that way every day for ten years and had never seen anything untoward and thought the deceased was not from there. 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

International arrivals in Thailand increase after restriction easing Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport saw a large increase in international arrivals yesterday (Sunday), as those travelling to the country no longer need a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test before their departure. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255607-international-arrivals-in-thailand-increase-after-restriction-easing/

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport saw a large increase in international arrivals yesterday (Sunday), as those travelling to the country no longer need a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test before their departure. The airport was filled with international arrivals on a Sunday afternoon, a bustling atmosphere which has not been seen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, with many airport officials and hotel representatives greeting them for RT-PCR tests upon arrival. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Since the cancellation of the pre-arrival RT-PCR test requirement, the number of arrivals has nearly doubled to 11,000-12,000 passengers per day. At the same time, the number of inbound flights has also increased. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/international-arrivals-in-thailand-increase-after-restriction-easing/ -- © 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

CCTV: Youth, 17, attacks 21 year old with a sword - it's jealousy over new relationship CCTV screenshot Sanook reported that a jealous teen, aged just 17, went to the home of his ex armed with a sword. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255603-cctv-youth-17-attacks-21-year-old-with-a-sword-its-jealousy-over-new-relationship/

CCTV screenshot Sanook reported that a jealous teen, aged just 17, went to the home of his ex armed with a sword. Then he attacked his ex girlfriend's new lover - aged 21. Worawuth or "O" is in a coma in ICU after the brazen attack in Udon Thani. The corridor outside the room had clear CCTV pictures of a man arrive in a cap with another youth who waits outside while the attack is done behind an unlocked door. Picture: Facebook Mint Kwanruethai The girlfriend was out with friends. It appears the assailant overheard a conversation about the new relationship - going on since their own breakup a month ago - and went for vengeance. Police are seeking a 17 year old called Camp following the attack in Soi Lamun Uthit, Mark Khaeng, Udon Thani, NE Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe 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

Thailand prepares armory of anti-COVID weapons for Songkran battle With the number of COVID-19 patients surging to more than 20,000 daily, Thai authorities are busy taking steps to ensure an adequate supply of medicines. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255596-thailand-prepares-armory-of-anti-covid-weapons-for-songkran-battle /

With the number of COVID-19 patients surging to more than 20,000 daily, Thai authorities are busy taking steps to ensure an adequate supply of medicines. Even though most COVID-19 patients only need basic medicines for fever and nasal decongestion, Thai medical authorities have been dispensing up to 2 million anti-viral Favipiravir tablets daily to minimize casualties. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Over the past three months, more than 3,000 patients have succumbed to the virus in Thailand and the rising daily death toll is nearing 100 on some days. Latest treatment guideline The Medical Services Department’s latest guideline for COVID-19 treatment, however, states that anti-viral medications should not be dispensed to asymptomatic cases as patients in this group can recover on their own. Doctors may consider prescribing the herbal medication Fah Talai Jone (Andrographis Paniculata), as it has proved to be useful in the treatment of COVID-19. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-prepares-armory-of-anti-covid-weapons-for-songkran-battle/ -- © 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

Thailand reports 24,892 new COVID-19 cases, 97 deaths, 27,254 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (April 4) reported 24,892 new COVID-19 cases, 27,254 recoveries and 97 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255590-thailand-reports-24892-new-covid-19-cases-97-deaths-27254-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 24,892 new COVID-19 cases, 97 deaths, 27,254 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (April 4) reported 24,892 new COVID-19 cases, 27,254 recoveries and 97 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255590-thailand-reports-24892-new-covid-19-cases-97-deaths-27254-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Monday (April 4) reported 24,892 new COVID-19 cases, 27,254 recoveries and 97 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,736,487 with 25,512 deaths. The news comes as the Department of Disease Control has refuted a suggestion that it has been distorting the number of daily COVID-19 cases, identified using rapid antigen tests, to give an impression that there are fewer infections in the country. Dr. Chakkarat Pittayawonganon, director of the Bureau of Epidemiology of the Department of Disease Control, said that the infection numbers reported by the department come from the central “dashboard”, which compiles the figures obtained from all hospitals and health offices nationwide.** **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 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

Thailand detects first case of 'Omicron XE' variant Graphic image of Omicron variants A THAI virologist urged the public to not fear the new Omicron variant XE, a mutation of the BA.1 and BA.2 strains, any more than they do BA. 2 that has spread across the country because the two of them look a hundred percent alike, Sanook and Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255588-thailand-detects-first-case-of-omicron-xe-variant/

Graphic image of Omicron variants A THAI virologist urged the public to not fear the new Omicron variant XE, a mutation of the BA.1 and BA.2 strains, any more than they do BA. 2 that has spread across the country because the two of them look a hundred percent alike, Sanook and Matichon newspaper said. Dr. Anan Jongkaewwattana, director of the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology’s Veterinary Health Innovation and Management Research Group, revealed his finding after it was reported yesterday that Ramathibodi Hospital had detected the XE variant in a Thai patient. This patient was in the green group and had minor symptoms and has now recovered. Random ATK testing of people around him did not find anyone infected. Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2022/04/03/thai-virologist-new-omicron-variant-xe-looks-100-the-same-as-ba-2/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 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

Wang Yi: China is ready to boost all-round cooperation with Thailand CGTN China stands ready to advance an all-round cooperation with Thailand and make it lead regional cooperation, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday told visiting Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai in Tunxi in east China's Anhui Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255587-wang-yi-china-is-ready-to-boost-all-round-cooperation-with-thailand/