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PHOTO: Post Today By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – About 5.5 million foreign tourists are forecasted in 2022 after the government cancels its ‘Test&Go’ measures in May, Krungsri Research reported today, April 27th. Krungsri Research from the Bank of Ayudhya said that although there are positive signs from the cancellation of the Test&Go system and similar relaxation of entry measures, the research only estimated about 5.5 million visitors due to sluggish foreign tourism recovery which was pressured by several factors, including: 1. the Russo-Ukrainian war that may affect the number of Russian and other European tourists; 2. the strict enforcement of the Chinese government with their Covid-Zero strategy towards its people that may affect the number of Chinese tourists who are Thailand’s main target group; and [read more...] Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/27/krungsri-research-estimates-5-5-million-foreign-tourists-to-visit-thailand-in-2022-after-testgo-cancellation/ -- © 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

Justin Bieber to host his “Justice World Tour” in Bangkok on this November 6th By Adam Judd National — Canadian pop star Justin Beiber just added Bangkok to his justice World Tour, which will take place this year on November 6th at Rajamangala National Stadium. The tickets will be available on April 29th at Thaiticketmajor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258075-justin-bieber-to-host-his-“justice-world-tour”-in-bangkok-on-this-november-6th/

By Adam Judd National — Canadian pop star Justin Beiber just added Bangkok to his justice World Tour, which will take place this year on November 6th at Rajamangala National Stadium. The tickets will be available on April 29th at Thaiticketmajor. He will kick start his tour in Asia on October 22nd in Kuala Lumpur, followed by Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo, and he will spend around 100 days covering five other continents. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In fact, this is his second world tour, following the first, “Purpose World Tour,” which drew over 2.7 million people in 2016-2017. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/27/justin-bieber-to-host-his-justice-world-tour-in-bangkok-on-this-november-6th/ -- © 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

Patong hotel operators plead with Thai government to delay full land tax rate for two years By Tanakorn Panyadee Patong — Patong hotel operators in Patong pleaded with the government to delay a full land tax rate for two years, saying they will not be able to pay at least until the end of this year due to a still-unrecovered tourism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258073-patong-hotel-operators-plead-with-thai-government-to-delay-full-land-tax-rate-for-two-years/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Patong — Patong hotel operators in Patong pleaded with the government to delay a full land tax rate for two years, saying they will not be able to pay at least until the end of this year due to a still-unrecovered tourism. April 26th, hotel owners in Patong gave an interview to a local media about the government reintroducing a full land tax rate this year. Despite the seeming improvement in tourism during the last high season, many of them expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s decision, stating that they were still badly struggling financially because of the still-unrecovered tourism affected by Covid-19 and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Mr. Chinawat Udomniyom, the Patong hotel operator, revealed that the war had significantly reduced the number of foreign tourists, to the point where even his small hotel in a normally popular tourist area could only earn a few hundreds baht per day. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/04/27/patong-hotel-operators-plead-with-thai-government-to-delay-full-land-tax-rate-for-two-years/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 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

Russia-Ukraine war continues to impact Thai economy, Ministry of Finance says By Erich Parpart The Ministry of Finance’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) slashed its economic growth projection for 2022 down to 3.5 per cent on Wednesday, citing consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258072-russia-ukraine-war-continues-to-impact-thai-economy-ministry-of-finance-says/

By Erich Parpart The Ministry of Finance’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) slashed its economic growth projection for 2022 down to 3.5 per cent on Wednesday, citing consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has affected consumer confidence and prices of products in the country,” said Pornchai Thiraveja, FPO’s director-general. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The FPO said the invasion is leading to inflation in Thailand, caused by higher global energy prices. The war is also leading to a slowdown in economies of major trading partner countries, especially in Europe and the United States. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39737/russia-ukraine-war-continues-to-impact-thai-economy-ministry-of-finance-says/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

Olympic boxing gold medalist Somrak joins Palang Pracharath party Thai Olympic boxing gold medallist Somrak Khamsing is among 22 election candidates selected to run in north-eastern provinces, as announced today (Wednesday) by the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258071-olympic-boxing-gold-medalist-somrak-joins-palang-pracharath-party/

Thai Olympic boxing gold medallist Somrak Khamsing is among 22 election candidates selected to run in north-eastern provinces, as announced today (Wednesday) by the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Party secretary-general Santi Promphat said that Somrak, who was a Thai boxing champion before joining Thailand’s Olympic boxing team, will represent the party in the next election in Constituency 10 of Khon Kaen province. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said that the party will field candidates in all 400 constituencies across the country in the next general election, adding that they expect to win up to 150 seats in the House of Representatives. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/olympic-boxing-gold-medalist-somrak-joins-palang-pracharath-party/ -- © 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

April Expat migration has started leaving places a lot quieter EDITORIAL | by Michael Bridge The annual migration of many expats leaving Thailand and returning home to enjoy their own summers has almost finished. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258070-april-expat-migration-has-started-leaving-places-a-lot-quieter/

EDITORIAL | by Michael Bridge The annual migration of many expats leaving Thailand and returning home to enjoy their own summers has almost finished. Many Brits, Swedes, Norwegians, Dutch, and Germans have departed, and even cash-strapped Russians are eventually leaving too. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is still hoping that tourists from India will fill the void left by the Russians, sprinkled with a few Middle East vacationers escaping their own hot temperatures. But it is unlikely to be busy again until October when the Europeans normally like to escape the chilly winter months and come back to Thailand. Hopefully, by then the entry rules will be simpler. Good for residents Since the exodus, living down in Pattaya it is noticeably quieter, which as a full-time resident can be quite a bonus. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Firstly, getting around is a lot faster with no tourist buses and hardly any traffic jams. Then finding a tee time at your favorite local golf course is also no problem, with many discounted packages on offer. Even booking a hotel across the “land of smiles” is very inexpensive now. You pay 3-star rates but can live it up and stay in a 5-star luxury resort! Weekends away from Bangkok Of course, every resort or city has exceptions, with certain popular restaurants still doing good business, especially at weekends when the Bangkok selfie crowd drive down the expressway to spend the time by the beach. Cozy Beach in Pattaya with six new themed restaurants, all seem to be busy at the weekends and their car parks are packed. So, it may be great for residents, however can Thailand’s beleaguered hospitality industry wait until next October to attract potential international tourists? It will be a tough few months ahead. -- © 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

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 28 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1258069-thailand-live-thursday-28-april-2022/

Experts Reaffirm Thailand’s Soft Power Potential BANGKOK (NNT) - Analysts are noting that Thailand has the potential to make a global impact through "soft power," attracting more tourists and investors to help revitalize its economy in the aftermath of the global pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258034-experts-reaffirm-thailand’s-soft-power-potential/

PPRP Says Incumbent Remains Sole Nominee for Prime Minister BANGKOK (NNT) - Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon has affirmed that Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha currently remains the party’s sole nominee. The deputy premier added that the party’s nomination process is private and must be kept internal unless directed otherwise by party executives. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1258033-pprp-says-incumbent-remains-sole-nominee-for-prime-minister/

UPDATE: Government in no rush to end ‘Thailand Pass’ scheme, boosters may be required Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that Thailand must proceed cautiously before scrapping the “Thailand Pass” scheme, as is being demanded by the private sector, to make sure that there will not be a new outbreak of COVID-19 once all pandemic-related travel restrictions are removed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257982-anutin-theres-no-going-back-now-vax-passport-needed-not-thailand-pass-to-enter-country/?do=findComment&comment=17328591

Government in no rush to end ‘Thailand Pass’ scheme, boosters may be required Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that Thailand must proceed cautiously before scrapping the “Thailand Pass” scheme, as is being demanded by the private sector, to make sure that there will not be a new outbreak of COVID-19 once all pandemic-related travel restrictions are removed. To scrap the “Thailand Pass” scheme, Anutin said that the government must take into consideration the global COVID-19 situation and vaccination requirements. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He noted that two vaccine shots may not be sufficient and a booster jab may be required for overseas arrivals, as well as COVID-19 insurance coverage to ensure that tourists can pay for any treatment should they become infected, without placing an additional financial burden on the state. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-government-in-no-rush-to-end-thailand-pass-scheme-boosters-may-be-required/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-27 - 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

No Provinces Meet Endemic COVID Criteria BANGKOK, April 27 (TNA) – No provinces have met criteria for the declaration of COVID-19 as an endemic disease, according to the Department of Disease Control. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257998-no-provinces-meet-endemic-covid-criteria/

BANGKOK, April 27 (TNA) – No provinces have met criteria for the declaration of COVID-19 as an endemic disease, according to the Department of Disease Control. Dr Chakkarat Pittayawong-anont, director of the department's epidemiology division, said no provinces were likely to fulfill criteria for the redefinition of COVID-19 as an endemic disease in the near future. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to primary criteria, new COVID-19 cases must not rise, more than 60% of local people have received their third COVID-19 vaccine shot, more than 80% of people aged 60 years and over must have receive their first jab and more. than 60% of the senior citizens must have got their booster shot. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-931764 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-04-27 - 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

Video: Summonses issued after apparent road rage incident in Samut Prakan Picture: 77kaoded Phra Samut Chedi police in the province of Samut Prakan have issued summonses after two pick-up drivers fought on Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257996-video-summonses-issued-after-apparent-road-rage-incident-in-samut-prakan/

Picture: 77kaoded Phra Samut Chedi police in the province of Samut Prakan have issued summonses after two pick-up drivers fought on Sunday. The incident happened in Suksawat Road near the end of Soi Tabtim, reported 77kaoded. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A video showed two vehicles blocking the middle of the road with one driver wielding a weapon and the other going to get what appeared to be a slab of concrete before the lead driver sped off. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-27 - 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

U.S. Dismisses Claims About Covert Operation in Chiang Mai by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The United States has dismissed claims made by a local Thai group that a new American consulate in Chiang Mai is being used for covert military purposes or supplying weapons to rebel groups in neighboring countries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257993-us-dismisses-claims-about-covert-operation-in-chiang-mai/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The United States has dismissed claims made by a local Thai group that a new American consulate in Chiang Mai is being used for covert military purposes or supplying weapons to rebel groups in neighboring countries. The claims, which requested that U.S. President Joe Biden reconsider the purpose of the consulate, were made in an open letter by Nitithorn Lumlua, a representative of the "Peoples of Thailand" group. It also urged the U.S. to lift its arms embargo on Myanmar, citing Thailand’s neutral stance on Myanmar’s internal political situation. Nicole Fox, a spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Bangkok, said the "Peoples of Thailand" group’s allegations were without merit and that the construction of the new Chiang Mai consulate building is part of the U.S. State Department’s broader effort to upgrade diplomatic facilities in various locations around the world. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to the spokesperson, the facility will serve as a communications hub for Thailand and the U.S., allowing the two countries to better coordinate on future bilateral programs. The consulate is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023. Earlier this year, the White House published its U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy that said Thailand played an important role in the region as a U.S. ally. In February, the United States and Thailand also conducted their annual Cobra Gold military exercise. The event, which the military said was necessary to prepare both nations for future emergencies, was attended by a large number of personnel and featured various types of military equipment. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-27 - 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

Is there nothing the RTP can't do?! Kind cops employ CPR to save a stray dog hit in road accident Picture: INN A "Safety Zone" patrol consisting of Pol Lt-Col Lak Rattanathaworn, deputy at the Muang Sukhothai police in northern Thailand, and a colleague feared the worst when they found a stray dog in a heap on the Banmuang road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257992-is-there-nothing-the-rtp-cant-do-kind-cops-employ-cpr-to-save-a-stray-dog-hit-in-road-accident/

Picture: INN A "Safety Zone" patrol consisting of Pol Lt-Col Lak Rattanathaworn, deputy at the Muang Sukhothai police in northern Thailand, and a colleague feared the worst when they found a stray dog in a heap on the Banmuang road. The poor brown bitch had been hit by a car and was unconscious and was bleeding from the mouth and nose. Removing the apparent roadkill, Lak noticed that the dog was still breathing. So he performed CPR and the dog came round. With the help of a local community leader they took the injured animal to the vets who took X-rays and discovered one broken bone and nerve damage. Jabs were given. They kept the dog in for observation and gave her the name "Jao Bunrort". The second word is a combination of 'merit' and 'to survive'. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe They said that CPR could be given to dogs just like humans. Netizens were effusive in their praise for the police after Lak went on his personal Facebook page to recount the tale. It appeared - as INN pointed out - that there was nothing the Thai police could not do! Lak used the opportunity to hype up RTP chief Pol Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk's "Safety Zone" crime prevention scheme by offering the hashtag #doo laew thuk cheewit nai safety zone, #taking care of every life in the Safety Zone. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-27 - 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

Khon Kaen bucks trend: Alcohol can only be served until 9 pm despite CCSA guidance Picture: INN Khon Kaen province in the north east of Thailand has decided to limit the consumption of alcohol in designated restaurants to 9 pm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257990-khon-kaen-bucks-trend-alcohol-can-only-be-served-until-9-pm-despite-ccsa-guidance/