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Thailand hopes to attract more digital nomads as it opens country to tourists BY DINNA CHAN VASQUEZ file photo THE pandemic did not give birth to the digital nomad concept but there is no doubt that digital nomads multiplied in the past two years. Many Filipinos sought solace from being confined within the walls of their house by going to Boracay and Siargao. There is indeed something very appealing about a “workation” where you work during the day and spend the rest of your day on the beach. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258281-thailand-hopes-to-attract-more-digital-nomads-as-it-opens-country-to-tourists/

file photo BY DINNA CHAN VASQUEZ THE pandemic did not give birth to the digital nomad concept but there is no doubt that digital nomads multiplied in the past two years. Many Filipinos sought solace from being confined within the walls of their house by going to Boracay and Siargao. There is indeed something very appealing about a “workation” where you work during the day and spend the rest of your day on the beach. The Adventure Travel Trade Association’s “Work and Wander: Meet Today’s Digital Nomads” report describes digital nomads as “a cross between the long-term expat and the two-week vacationer.” In the agency’s 2021 Digital Nomads Survey, Thailand was one of the top destinations for digital nomads, along with Indonesia, Mexico, Spain, Colombia and Portugal. Most digital nomads who responded to ATTA’s survey do freelance work for multiple companies (36 percent) or own their own business (33 percent). Being able to travel constantly and experiencing different cultures and meeting local people are the top reasons for living the digital nomad lifestyle. About 20 percent of respondents became digital nomads in 2020, likely as a result of Covid-19. The top challenges faced by digital nomads are always being available and working too much, uncertainty and loneliness. On average, 36 percent of the respondents’ monthly earnings pay for lodging, food and transportation; this revenue typically stays within a destination. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe As Thailand reopens with a new campaign, dubbed “Visit Thailand Year 2022 Amazing New Chapter,” the country hopes to attract more digital nomads as it makes bold moves to encourage the increase of international tourist arrivals. Full story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/04/30/thailand-hopes-to-attract-more-digital-nomads-as-it-opens-country-to-tourists/ -- © Copyright Business Mirror 2022-04-30 - 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

Thailand leads Asia tourism reopening Image: Bady Abbas/Upsplash Major tourism markets in Asia Pacific, including Thailand, are getting back on track as international visitors start to plan their trips again, according to data from Bookaway Group, a ground transportation aggregator. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258280-thailand-leads-asia-tourism-reopening/

Image: Bady Abbas/Upsplash Major tourism markets in Asia Pacific, including Thailand, are getting back on track as international visitors start to plan their trips again, according to data from Bookaway Group, a ground transportation aggregator. Thailand announced the lifting of restrictions on international visitors from its key source markets in October. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Bookaway Group noted a triple-digit (up 500 per cent) month-on-month increase in the volume of tickets sold by operators in Thailand between October and December, including domestic travellers. However, the global emergence of the Omicron variant saw ticket sales drop by 20 per cent between December and January before climbing again, by single digits, in February. Full story: https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/thailand-leads-asia-tourism-reopening/ -- © Copyright Breaking Travel News 2022-04-30 - 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

Prachuap Khiri Khan to host food festival in May By Online Reporter Prachuap Khiri Khan is planning to host a food festival at the end of May. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258279-prachuap-khiri-khan-to-host-food-festival-in-may/

By Online Reporter Prachuap Khiri Khan is planning to host a food festival at the end of May. The “Let’s Taste Delicious Food in the City of Three Bays Local Food Local Sweets” event will take place in Prachuap Bay on May 25-26. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The aim of the event is to showcase the province’s wide range of culinary offerings, while at the same time giving local vendors the opportunity to earn an income and in turn, boost the local economy. The event will feature a wide selection of local produce, including a variety of OTOP products. There will also be cooking competitions, specially made desserts from local chefs and lots of free samples to try. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/prachuap-khiri-khan-to-host-food-festival-in-may/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-30 - 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

Bees to be used to deter intrusive elephants in Hua Hin By Online Reporter Officials are considering using bees as one of a number of measures aimed at preventing elephants from raiding crops and damaging property in Hua Hin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258278-bees-to-be-used-to-deter-intrusive-elephants-in-hua-hin/

By Online Reporter Officials are considering using bees as one of a number of measures aimed at preventing elephants from raiding crops and damaging property in Hua Hin. And the idea isn’t nearly as far-fetched as it sounds. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Elephants – the world’s largest land animals – are scared of bees. Just think about that for a minute. While the stinger of one bee can’t do much harm to the thick hide of an elephant, a swarm of hundreds of bees can inflict serious pain, particularly if they sting sensitive areas such as around the mouth, eyes and trunk. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/bees-to-be-used-to-deter-intrusive-elephants-in-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-30 - 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

Both sides of the political divide agree a General Election will be called before the end of 2022 by Joseph O' Connor The leader of the Pheu Thai Party Cholnan Srikaew (centre) this week revealed that the opposition in parliament was likely to defer an anticipated motion of no confidence in the government to prioritise the passage of the country’s new voting laws. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258277-both-sides-of-the-political-divide-agree-a-general-election-will-be-called-before-the-end-of-2022/

The leader of the Pheu Thai Party Cholnan Srikaew (centre) this week revealed that the opposition in parliament was likely to defer an anticipated motion of no confidence in the government to prioritise the passage of the country’s new voting laws. It comes with both sides of the house now in agreement that an election is likely to be called this year with government parties languishing in the polls with the two top opposition parties, Pheu Thai and Move Forward, having a combined vote share of 42% according to the latest survey. Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (inset centre) finds himself with 12.67% support as the public’s choice or PM, behind Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat who led the pack (inset right) only just ahead of 12.53% for Paetongtarn Shinawatra (inset left), the daughter of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra even though she has not yet being endorsed as Pheu Thai’s candidate for Prime Minister. by Joseph O' Connor The key question that may determine the outcome of the election will be the voting system used with the fate of two bills being progressed through parliament very much holding the key to that. This week, the leader of the Pheu Thai Party estimated that the bills should be finalised by July although many astute political observers doubt very much whether the election voting laws, as they are currently framed, handing the voting advantage to the Pheu Thai Party, will make it through the parliamentary process before the House of Representatives is dissolved. The country’s opposition parties in parliament have decided to defer their motion of confidence when parliament reopens at the end of May in favour of prioritising the passage of key voting laws which they hope will give them the whip hand in the next General Election. On both sides of the political divide, it is now agreed that an election will be called by the end of 2022 which will be fought in the opening months of 2023. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The country’s main opposition parties led by the Pheu Thai Party disclosed this week that they intend to defer a planned motion of no confidence in the government to give priority to the passage of two key electoral bills before the house. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/04/29/voting-laws-driving-general-election-date/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-04-30 - 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

Thai Digital Economy and Society Minister urges related authorities to revise e-cigarettes ban in Thailand By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakmanusorn urged Thailand’s Tobacco Control Committee to reconsider the ban of electronic cigarettes import and sale, reasoning that it should be freely chosen by the people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258276-thai-digital-economy-and-society-minister-urges-related-authorities-to-revise-e-cigarettes-ban-in-thailand/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakmanusorn urged Thailand’s Tobacco Control Committee to reconsider the ban of electronic cigarettes import and sale, reasoning that it should be freely chosen by the people. The Minister stated to the Associated Press today, April 29th, that the sales of e-cigarettes should be legalized in order to properly collect taxes. Nowadays, smokers were buying it illegally online which could easily be found on any popular social media platform. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Chaiwut continued that banning e-cigarettes sales 100% was not a solution to the social context and would also limit the rights and demands of people who want to have an alternative that was less harmful than regular cigarettes, according to several types of research. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/29/thai-digital-economy-and-society-minister-urges-related-authorities-to-revise-e-cigarettes-ban-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-30 - 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

36-year-old man arrested in Thalang, Phuket with 5.49 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy, 40,000 methamphetamine pills, a gun and bullets By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket – What Phuket police call a major drug suspect has been arrested in Phuket with more than five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 70 pills of Ecstasy, and more than 40,000 methamphetamine pills, a gun, and bullets on Thursday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258275-36-year-old-man-arrested-in-thalang-phuket-with-549-kilograms-of crystal-methamphetamine-ecstasy-40000-methamphetamine-pills-a-gun-and-bullets/

By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket – What Phuket police call a major drug suspect has been arrested in Phuket with more than five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 70 pills of Ecstasy, and more than 40,000 methamphetamine pills, a gun, and bullets on Thursday afternoon. The Thalang Police revealed the arrest to the local Phuket press Thursday (April 28th). This week they raided two houses in the Srisoonthorn sub-district in the Thalang district before arresting a prime suspect Mr. Worakorn ‘J’ Pisarn, 36, from Thalang, at a parking area for a shopping mall in the Chalong sub-district, Mueang Phuket district. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/04/30/36-year-old-man-arrested-in-thalang-phuket-with-5-49-kilograms-of-crystal-methamphetamine-ecstasy-40000-methamphetamine-pills-a-gun-and-bullets/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-04-30 - 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

Employers group against minimum wage hike, petitions the government By Erich Parpart The Employers’ Confederation of Thailand said on Friday that the government should find other ways to help low-income workers with rising living costs instead of abruptly hiking the minimum wage as requested by workers’ associations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258274-employers-group-against-minimum-wage-hike-petitions-the-government/

By Erich Parpart The Employers’ Confederation of Thailand said on Friday that the government should find other ways to help low-income workers with rising living costs instead of abruptly hiking the minimum wage as requested by workers’ associations. “If they do that then SMEs will not be able to cope and businesses will look for more foreign workers from neighbouring countries and that will make it even harder for Thai minimum wage workers to find jobs,” Taweekiat Rongsawat, Chairman of the Employers’ Confederation of Thailand told Thai Enquirer on the phone on Friday. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “I cannot speak on behalves of the Ministry of Commerce in terms of what can be done to tackle inflation but there are temporary measures that the Ministry of Labour can introduce to help low-income workers who are suffering now and the confederation will propose some of them to the labour ministry in the near future,” he said. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39823/employers-group-against-minimum-wage-hike-petitions-the-government/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-30 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 30 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1258273-thailand-live-saturday-30-april-2022/

Suvarnabhumi Airport Checked before Eased Arrival Rules on May 1 SAMUT PRAKAN, April 29 (TNA) – Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob inspected Suvarnabhumi airport to check its readiness before the government eases arrival rules on May 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258252-suvarnabhumi-airport-checked-before-eased-arrival-rules-on-may-1/

Thailand to Implement 300-Baht Fee for Foreign Arrivals BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand will begin charging international arrivals a 300-baht tourism fee in the third quarter of this year. The fee will be used to provide benefits such as insurance and emergency assistance to foreign travelers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258250-thailand-to-implement-300-baht-fee-for-foreign-arrivals/

Bangkok governor candidate Sakoltee seeks to collect city tax from foreign tourists By Panithan Onthaworn Independent Bangkok gubernatorial candidate, Sakoltee Phattiyakul, said on Friday that one of his policies to generate income for the capital city is to collect a city tax from foreign visitors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258225-bangkok-governor-candidate-sakoltee-seeks-to-collect-city-tax-from-foreign-tourists/

By Panithan Onthaworn Independent Bangkok gubernatorial candidate, Sakoltee Phattiyakul, said on Friday that one of his policies to generate income for the capital city is to collect a city tax from foreign visitors. “When we travel to other countries, we will have to pay city tax when staying at a hotel,” Sakoltee said. “I am considering implementing that in Bangkok.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe If imposed, Sakoltee’s policy to collect Bangkok’s city tax will put an extra cost on foreign visitors, who are currently forced to pay a 300-baht (around US$9) landing fee or tourist tax included in their airline tickets, beginning from April. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39803/bangkok-governor-candidate-sakoltee-seeks-to-collect-city-tax-from-foreigners/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-29 - 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

Fruits exports still hit snags on its way to China By Erich Parpart Problems persist in exporting fruits to China despite government assurances that all rail and road checkpoints have now been opened, an exporter association said on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258224-fruits-exports-still-hit-snags-on-its-way-to-china/

By Erich Parpart Problems persist in exporting fruits to China despite government assurances that all rail and road checkpoints have now been opened, an exporter association said on Friday. The association urged the government to clamp down on processing factories that are still failing to follow regulations and speed up their negotiation for a Green Lane at China’s land borders for Thai fruits. “These borders have been opened for a while now but the problem is that there is still a lot of traffic in Youyiguan, Dongxing, and Mohan because of China’s Zero Covid policy,” Sunchai Puranachaikere, the President of Thai Fresh Fruit Traders and Exporters Association, told Thai Enquirer on the phone. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39802/fruits-exports-still-hit-snag-on-its-way-to-chian/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-29 - 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

5m Govt Lottery Tickets to Be Sold via App BANGKOK, April 29 (TNA) – The board of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) resolved to sell 5 million government lottery tickets via the Finance Ministry’s Paotang application from the June 16 draw onwards. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258222-5m-govt-lottery-tickets-to-be-sold-via-app/

BANGKOK, April 29 (TNA) – The board of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) resolved to sell 5 million government lottery tickets via the Finance Ministry’s Paotang application from the June 16 draw onwards. GLO chairman Lavaron Sangsnit and other executives of the lottery office told a press conference that to prepare for the online sales, the GLO invited about 10,000 vendors to apply for their participation from June 2. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The GLO will also allow the associations, foundations and other organizations that have its lottery ticket quotas to sell their tickets via the online system. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-933156 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-04-29 - 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