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EDITORIAL | by Michael Bridge Although there is hope that by the relaxing of travel restrictions, international vacationer’s will return, it seems the hospitality industry may have to rely on Thais to fill their rooms for the next few months. Certainly, during this month’s Songkran holiday, many resorts from Pattaya to Koh Chang or Hua Hin to Phuket were remarkably busy. Thailand is known for having many holidays, so we have listed below the next eleven Thai holidays between now and the end of August. 1st May Labour Day 2nd May Labour Day Holiday 4th May Coronation of King Vajiralongkorn 13 May Royal Ploughing Day 15 May Viskha Bucha Day 16th May Viskha Bucha Day holiday 3rd June Queen Suthida’s Birthday 13 July Asahna Bucha Day 14 July Khao Phansa Day 28 July King Vajiralongkorn’s birthday 12th August Her Majesty the Queen Mother’s birthday Now of course not everyone will down tools and head to the hills or the sea on these days, but there will be times when factories will close for long weekends, as will offices and government departments too. Media reports are stating that Thais are currently not tending to travel overseas due to the pandemic, however, there is a trend starting to try to forget the lockdowns and pandemic restrictions, and to take the family on a well-deserved break around Thailand. Vietnam and UK This is not just a Thai trend as many domestic flights and trains are fully booked as Vietnam has a holiday this weekend. Their National Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labor Day (May 1) fall on the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and so the next two days are public holidays to compensate. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Even in England, resort hotels were reported struggling to cope with staff shortages as people drove to the West Country for an Easter break. With the chance of staying in a 5-star resort at 3-star prices many Thais and expats alike are starting to realise that the Land of Smiles has a lot to offer. If you are not committed to taking time off during these national holidays, then you will find a significant difference in prices especially during mid-week for both domestic flights and rooms. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is still pinning its hopes on international tourists returning in the traditional high season starting in October. So, it seems now is the time to pack the bag and head to the beach, which in most cases is in better shape than it has been for ages, due to a lack of suntanned tourists. Enjoy Thailand! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 29 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1258172-thailand-live-friday-29-april-2022/

ADB Finances Electric Ferries in Thailand — First in Southeast Asia BANGKOK – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Energy Absolute Public Company Ltd. signed a 160 million Thai baht ($4.7 million) loan agreement to finance an electric ferry fleet for mass rapid transport in Bangkok—the first such transport system in Southeast Asia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258141-adb-finances-electric-ferries-in-thailand-—-first-in-southeast-asia/

‘Thailand Pass’ to stay, PM to oversee situation after end of “Test and Go” Passengers wearing face masks and a protective suit as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus arriving at the departure terminal of Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. (Photo by Romeo GACAD / AFP) The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will not scrap the “Thailand Pass” scheme, as has been widely anticipated, but will shorten the registration process for overseas tourists applying to enter Thailand as the “Test and Go” one-night quarantine scheme for the fully vaccinated is scheduled to come to an end on May 1, CCSA assistant spokesperson Sumanee Wacharasint said today (Thursday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258137-‘thailand-pass’-to-stay-pm-to-oversee-situation-after-end-of-“test-and-go”/

Thailand to host ‘Moto GP’ world championship in September after two-year halt By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Thai government has approved the organization of the Grand Prix motorcycle racing or ‘Moto GP’ in Buriram province after a two-year halt, expecting to generate millions of baht in tourism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258124-thailand-to-host-‘moto-gp’-world-championship-in-september-after-two-year-halt/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Thai government has approved the organization of the Grand Prix motorcycle racing or ‘Moto GP’ in Buriram province after a two-year halt, expecting to generate millions of baht in tourism. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed yesterday, April 27th, after a meeting with the committee for organizing the Moto GP and the Minister of Tourism and Sports that the government agreed to organize the racing event this year as more than 80 percent of the total population in the country had received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccination and more than 36 percent received the booster shots. The health care system, including hospitals, drugs, medical supplies, and medical personnel, was also sufficient and ready to support the government’s endemic disease plan. Anutin said: “After two years of event cancellations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the government eventually gave a green light to organize MotoGP this year. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/28/thailand-to-host-moto-gp-world-championship-in-september-after-two-year-halt/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-28 - 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 Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/28/thailand-to-host-moto-gp-world-championship-in-september-after-two-year-halt/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-28 - 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’s new diesel price capped at ฿32/litre from May 1 The Fuel Fund Executive Committee has decided to increase the diesel price, which has been capped at 30 baht/litre since December last year, to 32 baht/litre, effective from May 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258123-thailand’s-new-diesel-price-capped-at-฿32litre-from-may-1/

The Fuel Fund Executive Committee has decided to increase the diesel price, which has been capped at 30 baht/litre since December last year, to 32 baht/litre, effective from May 1. Energy Permanent Secretary Kulit Sombatsiri said today (Thursday) that the new ceiling price for diesel will be set at 35 baht/litre and the Fuel Fund Executive Committee will consider when the price will be further increased by one baht per litre up to the 35 baht/litre ceiling. He said that the committee will monitor global oil prices on weekly basis and will adjust the domestic price in line. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-new-diesel-price-capped-at-฿32-litre-from-may-1/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-28 - 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

Officials to Close Phu Hin Rong Kla for Two Months by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - To allow for environmental rehabilitation, the popular Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park in Phitsanulok province will be closed to visitors for two months – from May 1 to June 30. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258122-officials-to-close-phu-hin-rong-kla-for-two-months/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - To allow for environmental rehabilitation, the popular Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park in Phitsanulok province will be closed to visitors for two months – from May 1 to June 30. According to park chief Suthon Wiangdao, the number of tourists to the park is expected to drop significantly during the next two rainy months due to unfavorable conditions. A decision was then made to close the park to allow wildlife and plants to regenerate themselves, free from human disturbance. The 307 sq km mountainous park is located about 130 kilometers from Phitsanulok city center and extends east into Loei and Phetchabun provinces, approximately 40 kilometers from the Thai-Lao border. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In recent years, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park has recorded sightings of rare wild animals such as leopards, leopard cats, and Asian black bears. It is also home to Asian golden cats, hog badgers, serow, as well as barking deer, and more than 200 bird species. Phu Hin Rong Kla was deemed a red zone by the government between 1967 and 1982. The government listed the area as a National Park two years after the end of the conflict in 1982. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-28 - 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

Trouble in Phon! Motorcycle sex pervert doesn't care how old the women are Picture: INN INN reporters went to Phon in Khon Kaen in NE Thailand after a woman reported that a man on a motorcycle asked her for sex. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258121-trouble-in-phon-motorcycle-sex-pervert-doesnt-care-how-old-the-women-are/

Picture: INN INN reporters went to Phon in Khon Kaen in NE Thailand after a woman reported that a man on a motorcycle asked her for sex. Fifty four year old Ampha said that she was going home from the market when a fat guy with a crew cut aged about 20-25 and 160 cms tall accosted her. He was riding a red Honda Wave. He asked: "Mum, are you tired?" Thinking it was a friend of her son she replied: "No, not really". He then suggested that as she was not tired who don't they go and have some fun. She sped off but he chased after her. To get out of the situation she pretended to converse with someone. The pervert rode off. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Phon station chief Pol Col Thanomsit Wongwijan said that in the last three days they had received five reports of the man approaching women for sex. He had not actually succeeded in getting any. INN reported that the man did not seem to care how old the ladies he approached were and even followed some and tweaked their bottoms. Investigations continue. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-28 - 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: Tourism minister suggests replacing ‘Thailand Pass’ with ‘Vaccine Passport’ FILE / International visitors await instructions from health officials inside the arrival terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport / AFP Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday (Wednesday) that he will ask the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) at its next meeting to consider replacing the “Thailand Pass” with a Vaccine Passport, to facilitate entry to Thailand by overseas tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258113-officials-reveal-thailand-pass-could-end-by-june/?do=findComment&comment=17330295

Tourism minister suggests replacing ‘Thailand Pass’ with ‘Vaccine Passport’ FILE / International visitors await instructions from health officials inside the arrival terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport / AFP Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday (Wednesday) that he will ask the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) at its next meeting to consider replacing the “Thailand Pass” with a Vaccine Passport, to facilitate entry to Thailand by overseas tourists. Without elaborating, Phiphat said that a Vaccine Passport would be used with the requirement for arriving tourists to fill up the Tor Mor 6 (TM6) immigration form. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He claimed that he raised the idea of a Vaccine Passport with Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at their meeting yesterday and that Anutin agreed to it, adding that he hopes the proposed Vaccine Passport will become effective in June when, he said, COVID-19 Omicron variant infections are expected to drop. Phiphat quoted Anutin as saying that, if the “Thailand Pass” is to be scrapped, tourists who are to visit Thailand must have received at least three doses of vaccine. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tourism-minister-suggests-replacing-thailand-pass-with-vaccine-passport/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-28 - 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 cats set to tie the knot on Friday - netizens comment in droves Daily News Thai Caption: Married according to custom Daily News reported that two cats will be getting married in Phitsanulok in northern Thailand on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258119-thai-cats-set-to-tie-the-knot-on-friday-netizens-comment-in-droves/

Daily News Thai Caption: Married according to custom Daily News reported that two cats will be getting married in Phitsanulok in northern Thailand on Friday. The ceremony will have all the trappings of a tradition Thai wedding starting with the "khan mark" procession and ending with cocktails and a buffet. It has been organised by the Wakakimi Cat Hotel and Spa who even put out a sign to direct guests to the wedding. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Getting hitched are Miss Phodee or "Baby" and Mr Suphap or "Scott". Netizen cat lovers commented in great numbers cooing about the felines preparing to tie the pussy knot. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-28 - 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

TAT Kicks Off Kite Festival in Phatthalung by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organizing the "Coloring the Sky International Kite Festival 2022" from April 29 to May 1, 2022, in Phatthalung province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258117-tat-kicks-off-kite-festival-in-phatthalung/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organizing the "Coloring the Sky International Kite Festival 2022" from April 29 to May 1, 2022, in Phatthalung province. The event, according to the TAT, is part of the government’s efforts to increase travel demand, tourist arrivals, and revenue for the country’s various business sectors. The "Coloring the Sky International Kite Festival 2022" features kites of all shapes and sizes from all over the world. A goldfish-shaped kite, a scarab beetle-shaped kite, and a horseshoe crab-shaped kite from Vietnam are among this year’s highlights. A variety of enjoyable activities have also been planned for event attendees. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe TAT is focusing this year on organizing the event in the "New Normal" style, in accordance with health guidelines, to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and restore tourist confidence. According to organizers, Covid-19 prevention measures will be strictly enforced at all venues. For more information on the event, call the TAT call center at 1672 or go to www.thailandfestival.org. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-28 - 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

Monk performs exorcism after policeman's wife has nightmares - mysterious happenings after four die in pick-up fire Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath Reported on mysterious goings on in the Ban Chang area of Rayong in eastern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258115-monk-performs-exorcism-after-policemans-wife-has-nightmares-mysterious-happenings-after-four-die-in-pick-up-fire/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath Reported on mysterious goings on in the Ban Chang area of Rayong in eastern Thailand. On Monday last week one man and three women were burned to death after a Mitsubishi pick-up burst into flames after hitting a power pole. The police decided to put the wreckage on some waste ground near some police flats as a temporary measure before storage in another area for vehicles involved in accidents. But that is when things started to turn into a nightmare, literally, for policeman's wife Bunteuan Phoonsawat who lives just 20 meters from where the wreckage was being kept. She said that she was out when the wreckage was dragged there so knew nothing about what happened. The first night was fine but on the second night she heard the sound of the wreckage being dragged. then the sound of a car engine driving off. It went on for five minutes. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe She hid under the bed sheets unable to get any sleep at all. This was repeated on the third night. Another person at the flats reported smelling something awful. Bunteuan said that saying prayers did not help. She implored the station chief to move the wreckage but they were not ready to do so. So chief of the Ban Chang police, Pol Col Phaithoon Papakhang decided to bring in a monk called Ajarn Toei, 59, to perform a kind of exorcism for the dead souls. This would make everyone feel better, suggested the chief after the monk from the temple of Wat Suwan Rangsan in Muang district of Rayong performed the exorcism. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-28 - 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

Officials Reveal Thailand Pass Could End by June by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism and Sports Ministry has revealed that Thailand Pass registration could be canceled on June 1, with tourists still required to use their TM6 immigration form for vaccine declaration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258113-officials-reveal-thailand-pass-could-end-by-june/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism and Sports Ministry has revealed that Thailand Pass registration could be canceled on June 1, with tourists still required to use their TM6 immigration form for vaccine declaration. According to Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, after the Test and Go program is lifted on May 1, the Thailand Pass Scheme will likely be phased out, resulting in a more seamless travel experience and increased tourism to the country. Officials said the scrapping of the Thailand Pass Scheme will reduce the workload associated with the approval of required documents for tourists among embassies and consulates personnel around the world. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Phiphat, however, stated that the cancellation must be approved by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration at a meeting before any further announcements can be made. In the meantime, tourists arriving in Thailand may still be required to complete their vaccination records on the TM6 immigration form. As the government has set a target of 7-10 million foreign arrivals in 2022, the Tourism and Sports Minister said delegates from the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will also visit Saudi Arabia in mid-May to discuss tourism plans with the country’s flag carrier and encourage more Saudis to visit Thailand. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-28 - 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

Motorcyclist killed as car manufacturer's workers' bus collides with truck trailer Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on an accident at a U-turn on Route 304 the Chachoengsao to Kabinburi Road yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258111-motorcyclist-killed-as-car-manufacturers-workers-bus-collides-with-truck-trailer/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on an accident at a U-turn on Route 304 the Chachoengsao to Kabinburi Road yesterday. A bus carrying 26 workers for a well known car manufacturer had been waiting to perform a U-turn with a large number of other vehicles. A pick-up had stopped to allow traffic to complete the turn but a truck trailer carrying 31 tons of paper roll did not comply. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Siam Rath The bus collided with the truck that was sneaking up on the hard shoulder. The bus went into a spin but fortunately none of the employees were killed. The same could not be said for a 27 year old Cambodian man who was riding a motorcycle with side car. He died at the scene after the accident at just after 6 am yesterday. Two people were also injured. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-28 - 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