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UPDATE: Thailand prepares for further easing of COVID restrictions on arrivals on May 1 A woman wears a protective facemask as she walks in Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok / AFP Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob will visit Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi international airport this Friday to check the preparedness to cope with the easing of restrictions on overseas arrivals from May 1st, as mandated by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) last Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257978-thailands-latest-opening-called-d-day-transport-minister-to-visit-suvarnabhumi-on-friday/?do=findComment&comment=17328317

“We Travel Together” Campaign to Launch in June By Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The fifth phase of the “We Travel Together” campaign will kick off at the start of June and continue until the end of July. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257984-“we-travel-together”-campaign-to-launch-in-june/

Thailand prepares for further easing of COVID restrictions on arrivals on May 1 A woman wears a protective facemask as she walks in Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok / AFP Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob will visit Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi international airport this Friday to check the preparedness to cope with the easing of restrictions on overseas arrivals from May 1st, as mandated by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) last Friday. The minister said yesterday that new measures have been put in place for overseas arrivals and airlines. They are: • Fully vaccinated passengers can enter Thailand without any COVID-19 testing upon arrival. Passengers are, however, advised to take rapid antigen tests if they develop any symptoms. • Any passenger who is not vaccinated or partially vaccinated can take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure and can enter Thailand without testing upon arrival. If the passenger does not have the negative pre-departure test result upon arrival, they will be subject to quarantine of 5 days and will undergo an RT-PCR test on the 4th or 5th day during the quarantine. • Every visitor must have COVID-19 insurance coverage of no less than US$10,000 valid throughout their stay in Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe • Passengers must apply for a “Thailand Pass”, in which they are asked to provide proof of vaccination and insurance before their travel to Thailand and must have received their QR Code, to be shown to their airlines, without which the airlines can prevent them from boarding the plane. If any passengers are found to be without a QR Code upon arrival in Thailand, the airlines will be held responsible for flying the passengers back to their point of departure. • All airports and relevant agencies must strictly comply with the requirements and other safety measures, such as the wearing of face masks and temperature screening at all entry and exit points. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-prepares-for-further-easing-of-covid-restrictions-on-arrivals-on-may-1/ -- © 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

By Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The fifth phase of the “We Travel Together” campaign will kick off at the start of June and continue until the end of July. Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said a meeting will soon be held to discuss the details of the initiative. Concerning funding for the program, he said any budget remaining from the current phase will be used to help fund the next iteration. He also noted that requests for additional funding can be proposed to the government if necessary. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Depending on the performance of the fourth phase, the TAT could double the number of privilege slots from 2 million to 4 million while adjusting some of the conditions. The new terms could see the government subsidizing 40% of accommodations, providing as much as 3,000 baht per night for 2 million slots, with participating hotels subsidizing the remaining 2 million slots. The program is expected to help increase the number of travelers this year to 160 million people, generating 656 billion baht of revenue. In a related development, the government also said it has yet to reach a decision regarding the details of the fifth phase of its popular 50-50 copay campaign. -- © 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

Fateful decision: Farmer drowns in lake after inviting friends to go look for shellfish Daily News Thai Caption: Dead because of shellfish Daily News reported that a farmer in Nakhon Phanom drowned in a public lake after inviting three friends to go and look for Hoi Cherry, a kind of freshwater shellfish. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257983-fateful-decision-farmer-drowns-in-lake-after-inviting-friends-to-go-look-for-shellfish/

Daily News Thai Caption: Dead because of shellfish Daily News reported that a farmer in Nakhon Phanom drowned in a public lake after inviting three friends to go and look for Hoi Cherry, a kind of freshwater shellfish. Pheng, 48, - a single man who lived with his father and elder brother in the village of Ban Huay Phra - was found later in 2 meters of water. It is believed that he suffered cramp. While hunting the shellfish with his pals he went missing and was found four hours later after rescue services were called to help. Relatives accepted that it was a case of misadventure. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © 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

Anutin: There's no going back now - "Vax passport" needed not Thailand Pass to enter country Thailand's media reported the latest pronouncements of health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirayakul yesterday after he opened Mice Day 2022 at Icon Siam in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257982-anutin-theres-no-going-back-now-vax-passport-needed-not-thailand-pass-to-enter-country/

Thailand's media reported the latest pronouncements of health minister and DPM Anutin Charnvirayakul yesterday after he opened Mice Day 2022 at Icon Siam in Bangkok. The minister said that now it has been decided to scrap Test and Go there is no going back. In future the criteria for entering Thailand will be the internationally recognised method of Vaccine Passports. He noted that he expected that to mean three shots against Covid-19 including the booster. And insurance requirements would continue, reported Siam Rath. "We've tried to get everything sorted as quickly as possible," he said. "It's all about timing". "Thailand is like a shop that has been closed for a while. Now we're open for business and we need to get the message out to everyone". He said that the health service were coping with all eventualities and Thailand was ready for investors and tourists. -- © 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

Phuket: Covid tests and vaccine requirements scrapped from Sunday Picture: Daily News Daily News reported on the latest meeting in Phuket regarding Covid-19 chaired by provincial governor Narong Wunsew. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257981-phuket-covid-tests-and-vaccine-requirements-scrapped-from-sunday/

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported on the latest meeting in Phuket regarding Covid-19 chaired by provincial governor Narong Wunsew. From Sunday May 1st - the day when Thailand opens up more fully - visitors, mostly domestic tourists, who arrive by land, sea or air will not need to show proof of vaccination or take any tests. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The move comes as daily infections showed a drop over the last seven days with the great majority - 87.7% - infected on the holiday island. The media said that tourists would welcome this news. -- © 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

Three dead, two seriously injured after head on collision in Trat Picture: Thai Rath Khao Saming police were called to the Khao Saming to Sa Yai Road in Trat in eastern Thailand after a Toyota Fortuner collided head on with a Toyota pick-up yesterday evening around 7.30 pm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257980-three-dead-two-seriously-injured-after-head-on-collision-in-trat/

Picture: Thai Rath Khao Saming police were called to the Khao Saming to Sa Yai Road in Trat in eastern Thailand after a Toyota Fortuner collided head on with a Toyota pick-up yesterday evening around 7.30 pm. The driver of the Fortuner had been trying to overtake a motorcycle with sidecar attachment. The driver tried to get back into his lane after apparently misjudging the move but clipped the motorcycle and ended up in the path of the oncoming vehicle. Dead inside the pick-up were 30 year old Patcharaphol, an electrician, and 40 year old Prasong. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Patcharaphol's wife Yasunil, aged about 20, and four year old son were seriously injured and taken to Khao Saming hospital. The Fortuner driver was also dead at the scene and named as 69 year old Wuthiwat. Runpetch, 56, the rider of the Honda Wave that overturned was only slightly injured, reported Thai Rath. -- © 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

Thailand's latest opening called "D-Day" - Transport minister to visit Suvarnabhumi on Friday Picture: Thai Rath Thailand's transport minister Saksayam Chidchob said that he will visit Bangkok's main airport Suvarnabhumi on Friday ahead of the country's latest reopening plans. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257978-thailands-latest-opening-called-d-day-transport-minister-to-visit-suvarnabhumi-on-friday/

Picture: Thai Rath Thailand's transport minister Saksayam Chidchob said that he will visit Bangkok's main airport Suvarnabhumi on Friday ahead of the country's latest reopening plans. Sunday May 1st has been given the tag "D-Day" by the media - the latest reopening day in a year of reopenings, reported Thai Rath. The minister said that six things need to be followed for the reopening of the country. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Principally this is allowing entry to fully vaccinated visitors without restriction, just advising on an ATK when in the country. Those who have not had any jabs or not received the booster must still be prepared to take RT-PCR tests before entering and on day 4 or 5 in the country. Quarantine will apply to the non-vaxxed. Insurance in the sum of $10,000 will also be required. Travellers will need the QR code from the Thailand Pass to show their vaccination status. The minister will be at the airport to make sure that all measures are in place for Sunday. -- © 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

Milli: Thailand’s dissident rapper serves a bittersweet message for government OPINION | By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Thai teen rapper Danupha “Milli” Khanatheerakul, who made global headlines by eating mango sticky rice on a US stage recently, is pursuing not just a music career but also ambitions to make Thailand a better place. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257975-milli-thailand’s-dissident-rapper-serves-a-bittersweet-message-for-government/

OPINION | By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Thai teen rapper Danupha “Milli” Khanatheerakul, who made global headlines by eating mango sticky rice on a US stage recently, is pursuing not just a music career but also ambitions to make Thailand a better place. And this young woman will not stop fighting for her beliefs, even after being slapped with a defamation complaint by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha last year. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “No, I don’t hate my homeland,” the 19-year-old once said. “I speak up because I love it. I don’t want to see others looking down on my country.” Targeting Thai corruption On April 17, Milli became the first solo artist from Thailand to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. This international indie music and arts extravaganza has been held in California every year since 1999, except for a two-year break during the COVID-19 crisis. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/milli-thailands-dissident-rapper-serves-a-bittersweet-message-for-government/ -- © 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

Walking Street to close to vehicle traffic overnight again as visitors increase By Adam Judd Pattaya-In a cautious sign that things are slowly improving in Pattaya, city law enforcement announced yesterday that effective from Thursday, April 28th, Walking Street will live up to its name once again, shutting to vehicle traffic nightly. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257969-walking-street-to-close-to-vehicle-traffic-overnight-again-as-visitors-increase/

By Adam Judd Pattaya-In a cautious sign that things are slowly improving in Pattaya, city law enforcement announced yesterday that effective from Thursday, April 28th, Walking Street will live up to its name once again, shutting to vehicle traffic nightly. The street had been allowing vehicles at all hours since 2020 during Covid19 due to many venues still being closed and restrictions on tourists and entertainment venues. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, in recent weeks many more “restaurants” have opened and announcements that in May test and go will be removed for international visitors and hours to serve alcohol will be extended to midnight have caused authorities to make the call to close the street once again at night. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/27/walking-street-to-close-to-vehicle-traffic-overnight-again-as-visitors-increase/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

COVID-19 - April 27: Thailand reports 14,887 new coronavirus cases, 18,919 recoveries, 125 deaths File photo Thailand on Wednesday (April 27) reported 14,887 new COVID-19 cases, 18,919 recoveries and 125 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257968-covid-19-april-27-thailand-reports-14887-new-coronavirus-cases-18919-recoveries-125-deaths/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19 - April 27: Thailand reports 14,887 new coronavirus cases, 18,919 recoveries, 125 deaths File photo Thailand on Wednesday (April 27) reported 14,887 new COVID-19 cases, 18,919 recoveries and 125 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257968-covid-19-april-27-thailand-reports-14887-new-coronavirus-cases-18919-recoveries-125-deaths/

File photo Thailand on Wednesday (April 27) reported 14,887 new COVID-19 cases, 18,919 recoveries and 125 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Wednesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,209,571 with 28,144 deaths. The news comes as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to attract potential tourists from European countries after the Thai government has relaxed the arrival measures for international tourists in May. Thitiporn Maneenet, TAT’s Director for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, said TAT believes that traveling to Thailand for international tourists would be significantly more convenient after the country would cancel its mandatory RT-PCR testing upon arrival in May for fully vaccinated visitors.** **The Pattaya News contributed to this report Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © 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

Opinion: Foreign Minister’s visit to China to strengthen existing relationships, address bottleneck issues By Natapanu Nopakun For the past two years and counting, each and every country has had to face crisis conditions and an economic slowdown on a global scale, all of which have been brought about by an unprecedented and raging pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257964-opinion-foreign-minister’s-visit-to-china-to-strengthen-existing-relationships-address-bottleneck-issues/

By Natapanu Nopakun For the past two years and counting, each and every country has had to face crisis conditions and an economic slowdown on a global scale, all of which have been brought about by an unprecedented and raging pandemic. Undeniably, it has adversely and severely affected international business and investment. It is under these current conditions where the public sector in particular, has a crucial role to play in supporting the conduct of business through high-level negotiations, opening new doors for trade and investment opportunities and reducing existing trade barriers “in all dimensions.” Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The April 2 visit to China by Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs did exactly that, by serving to reaffirm the “comprehensive strategic partnership” that exists between the two countries. It came at an opportune moment, and fully bore in mind the ultimate benefits that such a visit would have for the Thai private sector. After all, China has and continues to enjoy economic and political stability, with close and cordial cultural and historical ties to Thailand. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39713/opinion-foreign-ministers-visit-to-china-to-strengthen-existing-relationships-address-bottleneck-issues/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

World’s first solar-fuelled hydrogen powered catamaran to dock in Pranburi By Online Reporter Something really cool is happening not far from Hua Hin from this Sunday (May 1) The world’s first hydrogen powered catamaran will dock in Pranburi as part of a six year zero emissions voyage around the world. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257954-world’s-first-solar-fuelled-hydrogen-powered-catamaran-to-dock-in-pranburi/