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The number of children aged 12-17 who fell victim to online child sexual exploitation and abuse last year surged to about 400,000, according to the Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Lockdowns forced children to move online for learning and play, putting them at risk of harm including sexual exploitation and abuse. Unsurprisingly, predators have taken full advantage of the unprecedented health crisis to target children who, in Thailand as well as much of the rest of the world, did not receive proper online supervision by parents and caregivers. Cases involving online child sexual exploitation and abuse are surging. But reporting and disclosing incidents is very low. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The figures from the Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children (TICAC) Task Force show that more than 160,000 cases were recorded during the first four months of the pandemic (between January and April 2020). Last year, the number of children aged 12-17 who fell victim to online child sexual exploitation and abuse surged to about 400,000. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-19-lockdowns-drive-surge-in-online-child-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse/ -- © 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

Mind the gap: Bangkok’s generational divide shaping governor election Bangkok’s generation gap is set to play a big role when voters cast their ballots in the first governor election in nine years on May 22. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255575-mind-the-gap-bangkok’s-generational-divide-shaping-governor-election/

Bangkok’s generation gap is set to play a big role when voters cast their ballots in the first governor election in nine years on May 22. “We are going to see distinct decisions across different generations of people,” said Assoc Prof Siripan Nogsuan Sawasdee, who teaches at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A total of 4.37 million Bangkok residents are eligible to vote in the upcoming election, according to authorities. Of these, 15.5 percent or 700,000 are between 17 and 27 years old and will be voting for the first time in the gubernatorial election. The group aged 28 to 40 accounts for 23 percent of the electorate while those aged 41-50 make up 19.5 percent. The 51-60 age group, meanwhile, accounts for 18.5 percent of eligible voters. Those aged 61 years old up make up the remaining 23.5 percent. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/mind-the-gap-bangkoks-generational-divide-shaping-governor-election/ -- © 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

Bangkok’s Khaosan Road businesses drop plans for Songkran celebrations Business owners in the Khaosan area of Bangkok have decided to cancel plans for Songkran celebrations this year, citing the multiple restrictions with which they would have to comply. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255574-bangkok’s-khaosan-road-businesses-drop-plans-for-songkran-celebrations/

Business owners in the Khaosan area of Bangkok have decided to cancel plans for Songkran celebrations this year, citing the multiple restrictions with which they would have to comply. President of the Khaosan Road Business Operators Association, Sanga Ruangwattanakul, said association members have met to discuss the required safety measures, such being held accountable if revellers remove their face masks, the ban on alcohol in the celebration ground and having to provide free face masks to the revellers if their masks become wet. He said having to comply with such measures will present too much risk. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkoks-khaosan-road-businesses-drop-plans-for-songkran-celebrations/ -- © 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

Unusual high pressure system from China brings summer chill to parts of Thailand People in Bangkok and most other parts of the country woke up Sunday morning feeling as if they are in the middle of the cold season, instead of what is usually the hottest month of the year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255573-unusual-high-pressure-system-from-china-brings-summer-chill-to-parts-of-thailand/

People in Bangkok and most other parts of the country woke up Sunday morning feeling as if they are in the middle of the cold season, instead of what is usually the hottest month of the year. The temperature fell by 2-4oC in the northern and central regions, including Bangkok, thanks to an unusually strong high pressure system from China, which is now covering the northern part of Thailand, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. In Bangkok, the temperature fell to 21C. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/unusual-high-pressure-system-from-china-brings-summer-chill-to-parts-of-thailand/ -- © 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

Thai police seek third arrest in investigation of TV actress 'Tangmo’s' death The Nonthaburi provincial court issued a warrant for the arrest of a friend of the late TV actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, aka “Tangmo”, Saturday for alleged negligence leading to the death of another. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255572-thai-police-seek-third-arrest-in-investigation-of-tv-actress-tangmo’s-death/

The Nonthaburi provincial court issued a warrant for the arrest of a friend of the late TV actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, aka “Tangmo”, Saturday for alleged negligence leading to the death of another. According to the police, the third suspect, Wisapat Manomairat was the last person to be with Nida when she fell into the Chao Phraya River and drowned on the night of February 24th. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Meanwhile, Nonthaburi police filed two additional charges against two other suspects, speed boat owner Tanupat Lerttaweewit and boat’s helmsman Paibul Trikanchananan, who have already been charged with negligence leading to the death of another. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-police-seek-third-arrest-in-investigation-of-tv-actress-nidas-death/ -- © 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

Bangkok gubernatorial candidates wooing voters with park project Adding more green areas or public parks to Bangkok is one of the policies being promoted by several candidates in the Bangkok gubernatorial race. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255571-bangkok-gubernatorial-candidates-wooing-voters-with-park-project/

Adding more green areas or public parks to Bangkok is one of the policies being promoted by several candidates in the Bangkok gubernatorial race. Former Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang, who is seeking second term after more than five years in the office as a non-elected governor, has vowed to continue with his unfinished policies, one of which is more green space in the capital. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He recently claimed that, during his five-year tenure, the green areas in Bangkok increased to 7.4 square metres per member of the city’s population and about 1.5 million trees have been planted, in public parks and along the routes of electric train projects, with cooperation from the people and the public sector. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-gubernatorial-candidates-wooing-voters-with-park-project/ -- © 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 confirms accurate reporting of positive COVID-19 antigen tests 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255570-thailand-confirms-accurate-reporting-of-positive-covid-19-antigen-tests/

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. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He admitted that the figures for positive lateral flow antigen tests, known locally as “ATKs” may be up one day and down the next and that reports from home or community isolation facilities may not have been submitted every day. 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-confirms-accurate-reporting-of-positive-covid-19-antigen-tests/ -- © 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

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 4 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1255569-thailand-live-monday-4-april-2022/

Can the Thai hospitality sector survive 2022? by Michael Bridge File photo Thailand is now the most searched-for destination in the world on travel according to giant Agoda’s search engine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255568-can-the-thai-hospitality-sector-survive-2022/

File photo by Michael Bridge Thailand is now the most searched-for destination in the world on travel according to giant Agoda’s search engine. Thailand apparently topped other popular travel destinations and is seen as a possible return to normalcy following two years of Covid-19 shutdown. According to the Agoda, Thailand saw nearly a 500 percent increase in the number of searches since the beginning of the year with many looking to travel to the country between March and September. The news will be a welcome one for Thailand’s ailing travel industry which has been virtually closed for the past couple of years due to the global pandemic. The top countries to search for possible accommodation options across Thailand were Japan, the United States, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, a couple of weeks ago Agoda’s main rival Booking.com was quoted as saying that travel in Asia-Pacific is trailing the rest of the world and should expect a bumpy recovery, as countries in the region have been slower to open borders than other destinations. I am sure we need to take all this information with a massive pinch of salt, as travel companies and tourist boards are all running around hyping their countries and businesses, trying to gain an advantage over their competitors. One issue many is would-be international travellers are facing is uncertainty. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Thai tourist industry has been telling the government to scrap the controversial pre-registration program known as Thailand Pass. All the government has said is it would consider such a request, but that does not help worried tourists when they ask their travel agents what the rules actually are. Someone in the government should realise that the cost of trying to save the spread of the milder Omicron virus, has to be outweighed by the huge cost to the hospitality industry and the country in general. One thing is for sure the large number of Russians that filled the Thai resorts in the past will not be returning for some time. -- © 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

Prolonged Ukraine war to see Thai inflation at 6.3%, a stalled economy and a possible downgrade by Joseph O' Connor Senior Vice President at Siam Commercial Bank, Yanyong Thaicharoen, this week, revealed that the bank’s Economic Intelligence Centre predicts inflation in Thailand to reach 6.3% this year if the war in Ukraine is prolonged, driven by heightened crude oil prices. The bank predicts the economy to grow by 2.7% although economic uncertainty is growing. Downside risks are also manifesting with a dip in consumer expenditure and private investment in February as well as a flight of capital from the kingdom’s bond market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255502-prolonged-ukraine-war-to-see-thai-inflation-at-63-a-stalled-economy-and-a-possible-downgrade/

Senior Vice President at Siam Commercial Bank, Yanyong Thaicharoen, this week, revealed that the bank’s Economic Intelligence Centre predicts inflation in Thailand to reach 6.3% this year if the war in Ukraine is prolonged, driven by heightened crude oil prices. The bank predicts the economy to grow by 2.7% although economic uncertainty is growing. Downside risks are also manifesting with a dip in consumer expenditure and private investment in February as well as a flight of capital from the kingdom’s bond market. by Joseph O' Connor Vice President at Siam Commercial Bank Yanyong Thaicharoen shared an economic assessment from the bank’s Economic Intelligence Centre this week. He predicted growth this year of 6.3% and inflation at 4.9% provided the conflict concludes in the short term. The key thing that all forecasters agree upon is that the ongoing war following the Russian invasion of Ukraine is sparking unprecedented global economic uncertainty and downside risks as western nations wage an increasingly no-holds-barred economic war against Russia that both sides dare not lose. This is highly damaging for Thailand’s prospects as government and business leaders battle to drive the economy forward in 2022 with higher exports and foreign tourism arrivals. The war has already seen ฿124 billion fly out of Thailand’s bond market to March 28th last. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Thailand could see inflation reach 6.3% this year if the war in Ukraine is prolonged, forecasted a senior bank vice president this week as the Thai bond market revealed that capital outflow from Thailand to dollar-denominated assets took off after the conflict broke out on February 24th last. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/04/02/prolonged-ukraine-war-to-see-thai-inflation-at-over-6-per-cent/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-04-02 - 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

Biden nominates a career diplomat to serve in Thailand The US flag is reflected on the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, on March 1, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address from the US Capitol (rear). (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP) The White House announced today (Saturday) that Robert F. Godec, a career diplomat, is to be the next ambassador to Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255499-biden-nominates-a-career-diplomat-to-serve-in-thailand/

The US flag is reflected on the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, on March 1, 2022, ahead of US President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address from the US Capitol (rear). (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP) The White House announced today (Saturday) that Robert F. Godec, a career diplomat, is to be the next ambassador to Thailand. The position has been vacant for over a year, after Michael DeSombre, who was appointed by the Trump administration, stepped down in January 2021. Michael Heath, chargés d’affaires at the US Embassy, has served as acting ambassador since then. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Godec currently serves as Senior Coordinator for Afghanistan in the US bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration at the State Department. Previously, he served as Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs. Prior to that, he served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs. Godec was also Deputy Commandant and International Affairs Advisor at the National War College. He was U.S. Ambassador to Kenya from 2013 to 2019. Godec was also chargés d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya in 2012. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/biden-nominates-a-career-diplomat-to-serve-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-02 - 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

‘TAT/TG Amazing New Chapters Mega FAM Trip’ showcases Chiang Mai and Phuket Major TAT-organised trip aimed at updating travel agent and media participants from Asia and South Pacific on new tourism offerings with Thailand now open to international tourists. TAT Newsroom Chiang Mai – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organised the ‘TAT/TG Amazing New Chapters Mega FAM Trip’ in which some 80 travel agents, media, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) from around Asia and the South Pacific are being introduced to new tourism products and services on offer in Chiang Mai and Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255498-‘tattg-amazing-new-chapters-mega-fam-trip’-showcases-chiang-mai-and-phuket/

Major TAT-organised trip aimed at updating travel agent and media participants from Asia and South Pacific on new tourism offerings with Thailand now open to international tourists. TAT Newsroom Chiang Mai – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organised the ‘TAT/TG Amazing New Chapters Mega FAM Trip’ in which some 80 travel agents, media, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) from around Asia and the South Pacific are being introduced to new tourism products and services on offer in Chiang Mai and Phuket. The trip takes place from 21 March to 2 April, 2022, with participants from Mongolia experiencing the fam trip’s programme in Phuket from 21-29 March. Meanwhile, participants from ASEAN – Cambodia, Lao PDR., Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Vietnam; East Asia – Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan; South Asia – Maldives, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and the South Pacific – Australia are on the programme in Bangkok and Chiang Mai from 28 March to 3 April. Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, said, “This fam trip corresponds with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters’ tourism campaign, which aims to show Thailand’s readiness to welcome back tourists. At the same time, with Thailand reinstating the TEST & GO entry scheme again since 1 February, TAT is taking this valuable opportunity to proactively stimulate key markets in Asia and the South Pacific and boost tourism to the kingdom.” The ‘TAT/TG Amazing New Chapters Mega FAM Trip’ project is aimed in particular at the digital nomad, responsible tourism, and health and wellness market segments from Asia and the South Pacific. The strategically planned fam trip programme will enable participants to update themselves on the multitude of tourism offerings in the destinations they visit, and thus better be able to sell Thailand in their home markets. Participating travel agents will also have the opportunity to meet with over 40 Thai tourism operators for business negotiations and attend key Thai tourism briefings at a workshop and table-top sales event to be held in Chiang Mai on 1 April. Handmade souvenirs and other products from local manufacturers will also be on sale at the event to further promote tourism and generate income for the local community. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/04/tat-tg-amazing-new-chapters-mega-fam-trip-showcases-chiang-mai-and-phuket/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-04-02 - 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

Meet Nong Kang Waen, the new tourism mascot for Prachuap Khiri Khan By Online Reporter Officials have unveiled a new mascot to help promote tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255497-meet-nong-kang-waen-the-new-tourism-mascot-for-prachuap-khiri-khan/

By Online Reporter Officials have unveiled a new mascot to help promote tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Nong Kang Waen is a dusky langur monkey and was inspired by ‘Kumamon’ a black bear with red cheeks, which is the tourism mascot from the Japanese city of Kumamoto. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Announcing Nong Kang Waen, Sathien Charoenyaen, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, said that the income from tourism in the province had dropped considerably during the last two years. Because of this, Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Tourism Development Committee has been looking at ways to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/meet-nong-kang-waen-the-new-tourism-mascot-for-prachuap-khiri-khan/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-02 - 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 Durians Approved for Export to China by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai durians can now be exported to China, owing to continued efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to work with farmers and merchants in ensuring that the fruit, known for its distinct and persistent fragrance, passes safety and hygiene requirements. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255496-thai-durians-approved-for-export-to-china/