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by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is campaigning to elevate the fruit trade in the kingdom’s east as the tropical fruit hub of Asia. Boonyarit Kalayanamit, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Commerce, said the campaign is expected to promote fruit produce in the Eastern region to the rest of the nation and the world. The initiative would also stimulate local consumption and demand while reducing reliance on exports. According to Boonyarit, Thai agriculturalists offer 57 different types of fruits, contributing 45 billion baht in annual exports. 80% of these fruits are durian, longan and mangosteen, shipped to major export partners China and Vietnam, with most of the remaining products sold locally. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Eastern region is projected to see 1.14 million metric tons of combined volume for durian, mangosteen, rambutan and longan in Chanthaburi, Rayong and Trat. The figure represents an increase of 27% from last year’s 900,000 tons, with the three provinces considered the key fruit producers of the region. Chanthaburi’s provincial commerce office chief, Chairat Boonsong, meanwhile noted that there are currently Chinese middlemen setting up warehouses to purchase produce in the areas. He said the practice could put sellers at disadvantage if they unite to monopolize the buying price. The office chief said it was therefore necessary for farmers to have market and trading partner options for trading partners. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-26 - 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

Tourism Council Urges Scrapping of Thailand Pass by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has urged the government to remove the “Thailand Pass” system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257862-tourism-council-urges-scrapping-of-thailand-pass/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has urged the government to remove the “Thailand Pass” system. TCT Vice-President Vichit Prakobgosol said the organization agreed with the administration’s move to cancel the Test & Go system and the RT-PCR test requirement upon entering the Kingdom, along with the reduction of mandatory COVID insurance coverage to US$10,000. Vichit noted, however, that the Thailand Pass continues to limit the ability of tourism operators to bring in tour groups. He cited the extensive documentation agencies must file individually even as other restrictions are scheduled to be lifted by May 1. The TCT vice-president added that if the Thailand Pass is repealed by June, the nation will almost certainly see arrivals surge by 10 million this year. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Tourist numbers could potentially exceed 12 million in the best-case scenario, in which the Chinese market resumes outward travel by the end of the year. Vichit acknowledged that this projection would be contingent on the actions of the Chinese government, particularly concerning its Zero COVID policy stance. However, he warned that if the Thailand Pass program remains in place through June, the number of inbound tourists could be as low as 8 million. He also said tour groups could accommodate the additional 2 million tourists. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-26 - 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 :

Eight years on: Thai PM in jocular mood - he's fed up with "work, work, work" Thailand's prime minister and defence minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was in jocular mood when he went on a visit to Hat Yai in the south yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257861-eight-years-on-thai-pm-in-jocular-mood-hes-fed-up-with-work-work-work/

Thailand's prime minister and defence minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was in jocular mood when he went on a visit to Hat Yai in the south yesterday. The former general turned Thai PM - still in place since grabbing power in a coup in 2014 - was responding to questions about the current political climate. He reminded the press and public present that the next PM will come from the ranks of MPs. The public should choose them well as they will chose the next leader who is the most important person of all even above ministers, reported Thai Rath. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Asked if people hate him he said with a twinkle in his eye: "I'm fed up being PM. From the moment I wake up to when I go to bed its work, work, work. "I can't sleep through worry and if I do I wake up in the night it's to worry some more". But he said that seeing everyone's smiling faces today would give him a good night's sleep. All this prompted a chorus from the public of "We choose you Uncle Too", using the PM's nickname. 'Too' means to grab by force. "Only me?!" he responded."What about democracy and everyone else". The PM called for an end to political squabbling on his trip to the south. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-26 - 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

Sittra Biabungkerd: Campaigning lawyer exposing crime and corruption in high places By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Photo from FB page “ษิทรา เบี้ยบังเกิด เลขาธิการมูลนิธิทีมงานทนายประชาชนฯ” Armed with legal expertise, Sittra Biabungkerd has jumped into several high-profile battles in recent weeks, striking blows that have seriously damaged his once-seemingly-invincible opponents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257859-sittra-biabungkerd-campaigning-lawyer-exposing-crime-and-corruption-in-high-places/

Photo from FB page “ษิทรา เบี้ยบังเกิด เลขาธิการมูลนิธิทีมงานทนายประชาชนฯ” By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Armed with legal expertise, Sittra Biabungkerd has jumped into several high-profile battles in recent weeks, striking blows that have seriously damaged his once-seemingly-invincible opponents. Several senior policemen lost their posts – at least temporarily and possibly permanently – after their alleged wrongdoing came under Sittra’s radar. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But his impact on the world of politics is making the biggest headlines. Democrat Party deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi and veteran politician Seksakol “Rambo Isan” Atthawong were shaken to the core after being targeted by this high-profile lawyer. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/sittra-biabungkerd-campaigning-lawyer-exposing-crime-and-corruption-in-high-places/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-26 - 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

Fortuner driver fails to pay for his gas - attendant who earns just 325 baht a day says come back to pay! Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on an incident at a gas station on Route 304 heading from Kabinburi to Chachoengsao on Sunday evening in Krorksomboon sub-district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257858-fortuner-driver-fails-to-pay-for-his-gas-attendant-who-earns-just-325-baht-a-day-says-come-back-to-pay/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on an incident at a gas station on Route 304 heading from Kabinburi to Chachoengsao on Sunday evening in Krorksomboon sub-district. The driver of a white Toyota Fortuner asked attendant Surachai, 33, to fill up with gas. After doing this Surachai went to get three bottles of complimentary water. The driver said they would go to the counter to pay with a card. Instead they drove off into the NE Thailand night leaving the busy station. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe They should have paid 634 baht for the full tank of LPG. The owner of the station said that the staffer would not have their salary cut as it was not their fault. Surachai said that after the driver drove off he checked on dash cam footage from another customer but both that and CCTV did not show the licence plate clearly. He implored the Fortuner driver to come back and pay as this reflected badly on staff. Staff who he said get paid only 325 baht a day. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-26 - 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

NE policeman gets certificate and money after holding onto door of gas tanker that went through red light Picture: Thai Rath A senior sergeant major who was featured on social media holding onto the door of a fleeing gas tanker on Sunday has been recognised for his actions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257853-ne-policeman-gets-certificate-and-money-after-holding-onto-door-of-gas-tanker-that-went-through-red-light/

Picture: Thai Rath A senior sergeant major who was featured on social media holding onto the door of a fleeing gas tanker on Sunday has been recognised for his actions. A gas tanker being driven by Opchoey Buddabat, 54, failed to stop at a red light and police stop on the Udon bypass. Instead, claiming that he was unable to stop, he drove off. Pol Sen Sgt Maj Mana Nonthapha chased on his motorcycle. When the truck eventually stopped he ordered the driver down, reported Thai Rath. He climbed up to the cab but the driver took off again and drove for ten kilometers at 40-50 kmph insisting he wanted to sort out matters at the company. The drama happened in Udon Thani on Sunday with a member of the public taking pictures that attracted widespread social media attention. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Thai Rath Udon Thani provincial chief Pol Maj-Gen Pisanu Anuhaseri praised the Udon traffic cop though he was concerned for the policeman's safety in doing such a thing. He was presented with a certificate and money at a meeting yesterday of the 23 chiefs of police stations in the province. The driver of the tanker has been charged with going through a red light and failing to obey police instructions to stop. Mana said he had ordered the driver down three times. He said he had to hold on tight with his right hand while calling for 191 back-up with his left. Picture: Thai Rath Later Sunday the driver and a company rep went to see him to apologize and present a basket of goodies. They promised to take full responsibility. Mana said a relative of his had implored him not to do that again! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-26 - 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: Why Thailand’s soft power is not as successful as South Korea’s By Nad Bunnag, Thai PBS World After female Thai rapper, Danupha “Milli” Khanatheerakul, ate mango sticky rice during her Coachella concert performance a week ago, the Thai dessert suddenly became a hot item and has been selling like hot cakes since. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257851-opinion-why-thailand’s-soft-power-is-not-as-successful-as-south-korea’s/

By Nad Bunnag, Thai PBS World After female Thai rapper, Danupha “Milli” Khanatheerakul, ate mango sticky rice during her Coachella concert performance a week ago, the Thai dessert suddenly became a hot item and has been selling like hot cakes since. This is not the first time a Thai food or product has become a top trending item, whether it has been presented by famous celebrities or featured in the international media. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Last September, when Thai member of K-pop group BLACKPINK, Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, wore traditional headdresses and costumes in her debut solo single video, such accessories saw a significant increase in their sales in local markets. Local meatballs, in Lisa’s hometown of Buri Ram, also saw unprecedented popularity, after her exclusive interview with famous TV presenter, Woody. Unfortunately, such hype is somewhat short-lived and nowhere near South Korea’s success in its use of soft power, commonly known as the “Hallyu Wave”. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/opinion-why-thailands-soft-power-is-not-as-successful-as-south-koreas/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-26 - 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

WHO praises Thailand for Covid-19 response - Anutin recognises role of public in success Picture: Thai Rath Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister praised the Thai public after the country was held up as an example in the world for its Covid-19 response. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257849-who-praises-thailand-for-covid-19-response-anutin-recognises-role-of-public-in-success/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister praised the Thai public after the country was held up as an example in the world for its Covid-19 response. The praise came from a senior World Health Organisation figure as Bangkok hosted the Universal Health and Preparedness Review Pilot in Bangkok, reported Thai Rath. Picture: Thai Rath Assistant WHO director Dr Samila Asma said that Thailand was a fine example for other countries especially in its readiness and preparedness. The country will be explaining to others how they achieved this through best practice when they attend the World Health Assembly 2022. Anutin praised the cooperative role of the Thai public. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Thai Rath He noted that Thailand started the pandemic with a great health service and showed that it was able to get the necessary equipment, improve infrastructure to adapt to changing situations. This has been done through a frank exchange of information. Now the stress is on lowering the daily numbers of sick and dying so that the disease can be declared endemic as soon as possible. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-26 - 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

COVID-19 - April 26: Thailand reports 13,816 new coronavirus cases, 21,072 recoveries, 120 deaths File photo Thailand on Tuesday (April 26) reported 13,816 new COVID-19 cases, 21,072 recoveries and 120 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257841-covid-19-april-26-thailand-reports-13816-new-coronavirus-cases-21072-recoveries-120-deaths/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19 - April 26: Thailand reports 13,816 new coronavirus cases, 21,072 recoveries, 120 deaths File photo Thailand on Tuesday (April 26) reported 13,816 new COVID-19 cases, 21,072 recoveries and 120 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257841-covid-19-april-26-thailand-reports-13816-new-coronavirus-cases-21072-recoveries-120-deaths/

File photo Thailand on Tuesday (April 26) reported 13,816 new COVID-19 cases, 21,072 recoveries and 120 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Tuesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,194,684 with 28,019 deaths. The news comes as a number of provinces in Thailand have stated their intention to be among the first to declare COVID-19 an endemic disease, though approval from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is required before any further announcements can be made. Dr Suthep Petchmak, inspector-general of the Ministry of Public Health, said during a meeting that he was informed by Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary for public health, that 15 provinces are prepared for the new disease status. According to Dr Suthep, the Department of Disease Control has completed its criteria for the designation, but the EOC has yet to discuss which provinces are ready for approval. A date for the EOC meeting to discuss the issue has not been set.** ** NNT contributed to this report Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-26 - 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 travel rules: All you need to know for visiting Thailand from May 1, 2022 By Jonathan Fairfield File photo Thailand’s COVID-19 task force has approved a significant easing of restrictions for both vaccinated and non vaccinated travellers from May 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257833-thailand-travel-rules-all-you-need-to-know-for-visiting-thailand-from-may-1-2022/

File photo By Jonathan Fairfield Thailand’s COVID-19 task force has approved a significant easing of restrictions for both vaccinated and non vaccinated travellers from May 1. The easing of restrictions all but fully reopens Thailand to international tourists. The move comes as countries around the world are beginning to relax entry rules in a bid to boost tourism. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “Adjusting measures has an impact on drawing in tourism receipts,” said Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesperson for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). “Test & Go will be scrapped and there will be a shift to antigen testing on May 1. This will be more convenient and faster for visitors. Tourism is also starting to recover,” Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said during the announcement. Thailand travel rules: Vaccinated travellers [read more...] Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-travel-rules-all-you-need-to-know-for-visiting-thailand-from-may-1-2022/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-26 - 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

Imax Expanding in Thailand With Major Cineplex Deal By Patrick Frater Courtesy of Imax Imax and Major Cineplex, Thailand’s biggest cinema operator, have struck a deal for three Imax With Laser installations in capital city Bangkok. The agreement will expand the Imax screen total in Thailand to seven. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257832-imax-expanding-in-thailand-with-major-cineplex-deal/

Courtesy of Imax By Patrick Frater Imax and Major Cineplex, Thailand’s biggest cinema operator, have struck a deal for three Imax With Laser installations in capital city Bangkok. The agreement will expand the Imax screen total in Thailand to seven. Two of the three installations are upgrades in central Bangkok locations. One is at the relatively new Icon Cineconic at high end shopping mall Iconsiam. The upgrade will be fitted before the venue is used for the CineAsia exhibition and distribution industry convention in December. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The other upgrade is at Siam Paragon, where Major’s Paragon Cineplex is currently one of the largest and most visited multiplexes in the country. Full story: https://variety.com/2022/biz/asia/imax-expanding-in-thailand-1235239846/

US cannabis firm to light up Thai weed scene American firm Audacious first foreign company to take advantage of Thailand’s new liberal laws on medical marijuana By RICHARD S EHRLICH A Thai man sniffs marijuana plants at the Cannabis Expo in Buriram province, Thailand, April 19, 2019. Photo: Facebook BANGKOK – A Las Vegas-based cannabis company has become the first foreign franchise to jointly open a medical marijuana clinic in Thailand, treating Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancer, eating disorders and insomnia in Bangkok’s flashy tourist zone. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257831-us-cannabis-firm-to-light-up-thai-weed-scene/

A Thai man sniffs marijuana plants at the Cannabis Expo in Buriram province, Thailand, April 19, 2019. Photo: Facebook American firm Audacious first foreign company to take advantage of Thailand’s new liberal laws on medical marijuana By RICHARD S EHRLICH BANGKOK – A Las Vegas-based cannabis company has become the first foreign franchise to jointly open a medical marijuana clinic in Thailand, treating Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancer, eating disorders and insomnia in Bangkok’s flashy tourist zone. “I hope that Thailand becomes the Silicon Valley of cannabis for Asia,” the clinic’s Thai partner Julpas Kruesopon – “or as most people in Thailand call me now, ‘Mister Weed,'” said in an interview. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “I welcome Israeli companies. I welcome European companies. The key is to grow the industry,” Julpas said. Their Herbidus Medical Center opened March 7 along Bangkok’s main Sukhumvit Road, which is lined with restaurants, hotels, massage parlors, sex bars and extravagant shopping malls amid exotic sleaze and 5-star venues. Full story: https://asiatimes.com/2022/04/us-cannabis-firm-to-light-up-thai-weed-scene/ -- © Copyright ASIA TIMES 2022-04-26 - 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