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File photo Thailand on Monday (April 25) reported 14,994 new COVID-19 cases, 23,524 recoveries and 124 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,180,868 with 124 deaths. The news comes as Thai physicians pointed out factors as Thailand was approaching making Covid endemic, saying 70% of citizens must be fully vaccinated, Covid will either disappear or continue to mutate, and more. April 23rd, Dr. Wasan Chantrathit, Head of the Medical Genome Center from Ramathibodi Hospital’s Faculty of Medicine, made comments on the topic of “Counting backward to turn Covid from a pandemic into endemic”. He mentioned that the Ministry of Health should not be hasty and should maintain the balance by focusing on three main sections: The medical staff and public health system, the economy, and society. ** ** The Pattaya News contributed to this report Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-25 - 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

Rising Water Levels Expected in Mekong River by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Water levels in the Mekong River are expected to continue rising until April 29, after the Jinghong Dam in China’s Yunnan province increased the rate at which it releases water. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257727-rising-water-levels-expected-in-mekong-river/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Water levels in the Mekong River are expected to continue rising until April 29, after the Jinghong Dam in China’s Yunnan province increased the rate at which it releases water. Thai officials have meanwhile followed up on progress at the Sanakham hydro power plant project, located on the Mekong. Upon completion, the plant will produce 684 megawatts of electricity for nearby provinces in Thailand and Laos. The first meeting of the Thai National Mekong Committee (TNMC) in 2022 was held on Friday (22 Apr), with discussions centering on river hydropower projects. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, who said the TNMC discussed how to proceed under the Procedures for Notification, Prior Consultation, and Agreement (PNPCA) process. PNPCA is a process for stakeholders to discuss and review water-use projects for the Mekong River. Gen Prawit indicated that the committee also hopes to maximize Thailand’s gains from the Sanakham hydropower project. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The TNMC meeting endorsed the pursuit of adequate information about the transboundary impact from Laos or the Mekong River Commission Secretariat. The committee also sought information on how downstream communities and border demarcations would be affected, with the information obtained to be used in the public participation process. Additionally, the meeting discussed a proposed start to the PNPCA process by Laos for the Phou Ngoy Dam Hydropower project. The Office of the National Water Resources was assigned to review the details, especially on matters relating to the potential impact on Thailand. The National Water Command has meanwhile issued a warning about rising water levels in the Mekong River caused by rainfall and the increased rate of water released from the Jinghong Dam. Residents in eight provinces along the Mekong River are urged to closely follow up on the water situation from April 22-29. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-25 - 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

Restaurant staffer arrested after allegedly using a gun to threaten a foreign tourist on Bangla Road in Patong By Goong Nang(GN) Patong, Phuket – A staffer at a ’restaurant’ on Bangla Road (Soi Bangla) in Patong has surrendered himself April 22nd after he allegedly used a gun to threaten a foreign tourist. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257726-restaurant-staffer-arrested-after-allegedly-using-a-gun-to-threaten-a-foreign-tourist-on-bangla-road-in-patong/

By Goong Nang(GN) Patong, Phuket – A staffer at a ’restaurant’ on Bangla Road (Soi Bangla) in Patong has surrendered himself April 22nd after he allegedly used a gun to threaten a foreign tourist. The Patong Police was notified of the incident at 5:00 P.M. yesterday. The Patong Police, TPN reporters, and the Phuket Tourist Police arrived at the scene. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Staffers at the resturant told police the suspect was named Bank and was arguing with a foreign tourist, although the nature of the debate was not at first clear. According to witnesses, Bank used what appeared to be a firearm to threaten the tourist before running away from the scene, leading the tourist to call the Patong police. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/04/23/restaurant-staffer-arrested-after-allegedly-using-a-gun-to-threaten-a-foreign-tourist-on-bangla-road-in-patong/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-04-25 - 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

Treating Covid-19 as endemic vs. a pandemic in Thailand, leading Thai doctors discuss the progress of this plan By Adam Judd PHOTO: Covid-19 Center National – Thai physicians pointed out factors as Thailand was approaching making Covid endemic, saying 70% of citizens must be fully vaccinated, Covid will either disappear or continue to mutate, and more. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257725-treating-covid-19-as-endemic-vs-a-pandemic-in-thailand-leading-thai-doctors-discuss-the-progress-of-this-plan/

PHOTO: Covid-19 Center By Adam Judd National – Thai physicians pointed out factors as Thailand was approaching making Covid endemic, saying 70% of citizens must be fully vaccinated, Covid will either disappear or continue to mutate, and more. April 23rd, Dr. Wasan Chantrathit, Head of the Medical Genome Center from Ramathibodi Hospital’s Faculty of Medicine, made comments on the topic of “Counting backward to turn Covid from a pandemic into endemic”. He mentioned that the Ministry of Health should not be hasty and should maintain the balance by focusing on three main sections: The medical staff and public health system, the economy, and society. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In the early stage of Covid-19, public health became a priority, but now, according to Dr. Wasan, we needed to pay more attention to the economy and mental health in line with other nations that were turning toward making Covid endemic. However, Covid-19 must be under control as 70% of the citizens should get a booster, there must be no shortage of hospital beds, and immediate treatment must be available for all who need it. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/23/treating-covid-19-as-endemic-vs-a-pandemic-in-thailand-leading-thai-doctors-discuss-the-progress-of-this-plan/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-25 - 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

Tourist arrivals to Thailand surge in 2022 but still just a fraction of pre-COVID levels By Online Reporter Tourists in Thailand. File photo Tourist arrivals to Thailand have surged during the first quarter of 2022 compared to the previous year, but still remain far below pre-COVID levels. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257724-tourist-arrivals-to-thailand-surge-in-2022-but-still-just-a-fraction-of-pre-covid-levels/

Tourists in Thailand. File photo By Online Reporter Tourist arrivals to Thailand have surged during the first quarter of 2022 compared to the previous year, but still remain far below pre-COVID levels. According to official data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the kingdom welcomed 444,039 foreign tourists during the first quarter of 2022. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This represented a 2,101 percent increase in arrivals compared to the same period a year earlier. In terms of revenue, tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2022 generated 34 billion baht, a 1,424 percent increase compared to the same period in 2021. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/tourist-arrivals-to-thailand-surge-in-2022-but-still-just-a-fraction-of-pre-covid-levels/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-25 - 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

Unidentified foreign man found dead in rental room in Central Pattaya, cause under investigation By Nop Meechukhun Banglamung – A foreign tourist with an unknown identity was found dead and unclothed in a rental room in the Banglamung district of Chonburi Saturday evening, April 23rd. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257723-unidentified-foreign-man-found-dead-in-rental-room-in-central-pattaya-cause-under-investigation/

By Nop Meechukhun Banglamung – A foreign tourist with an unknown identity was found dead and unclothed in a rental room in the Banglamung district of Chonburi Saturday evening, April 23rd. Superintendent Kullachart Kullachai and officers from the Pattaya Police station arrived at a residence on Soi Chaiyapoon in Central Pattaya around 5:00 P.M. on Saturday after being alerted of a foreigner’s death in a room inside the residence. The deceased, whose name and identity remain unknown as of press time, was found naked across from the door to his bedroom. According to the initial inspection, the man was approximately around 40-60 years old. The room was sparsely furnished with very few belongings or items. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Inside the room, a large pile of dried blood was found on the floor near a pair of black shoes. Pieces of bottles, snacks, and garbage was scattered on a wooden table. Spots of blood were also found in the bathroom. A wound was also discovered at the back of the deceased man’s neck. A maid and receptionist at the residence, Saifon Khamdee, 41, told Pattaya police that the foreigner was staying for 3-4 days but she did not know his identity as the residence owner who kept all the documents could not be reached at the moment. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/24/unidentified-foreign-man-found-dead-in-rental-room-in-central-pattaya-yesterday-evening-cause-under-investigation/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-25 - 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

Local residents outraged after several used condoms and toilet papers found scattered in Pattaya public park By Nop Meechukhun Pattaya – A group of local exercisers complained to Pattaya city authorities after a bunch of used condoms were found scattered in an unseen area at Pratumnak Hill Park in Banglamung district, Chonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257722-local-residents-outraged-after-several-used-condoms-and-toilet-papers-found-scattered-in-pattaya-public-park/

By Nop Meechukhun Pattaya – A group of local exercisers complained to Pattaya city authorities after a bunch of used condoms were found scattered in an unseen area at Pratumnak Hill Park in Banglamung district, Chonburi. Local reporters went to examine the area in the Nong Prue subdistrict yesterday, April 23rd, following the complaints and found a lot of disposable condoms strewn about. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Some of the them were stuck in tree branches and treetops located along the walkway. Torn bags of condoms were also found nearby along with used toilet paper, causing displeasing eyesores. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/24/local-residents-outraged-after-several-used-condoms-and-toilet-papers-found-scattered-in-pattaya-public-park/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-25 - 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 Promotes Soft Power and Cultural Conservation by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is planning to promote its soft power along with the conservation of its cultural heritage, with officials inviting the general public to visit historical attractions in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257721-thailand-promotes-soft-power-and-cultural-conservation/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is planning to promote its soft power along with the conservation of its cultural heritage, with officials inviting the general public to visit historical attractions in Bangkok. The government has also laid out value-adding measures for products and services from Thailand, focusing primarily on the 5F categories of products and services comprising food, film, fashion, fighting and festival. Additionally, the government is encouraging communities to adopt local wisdom and present their identities through products and cuisine, as well as hold flea markets on weekends and holidays to promote local tourism. Authorities have meanwhile been working to recover ancient relics and artwork from abroad, having succeeded in bringing home 759 items so far. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Thailand has also been working closely with UNESCO to conserve its cultural heritage through the nomination of places as world heritage sites, while proposing activities as intangible cultural heritage. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has also invited the general public to participate in celebrating the 240th anniversary of the Rattanakosin Era by visiting palaces, temples and other learning sites across the historic quarter of Bangkok. He said these activities would help instill a sense of pride and further unite the Thai people as a nation. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-25 - 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 Aims to Eradicate Malaria by 2024 by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is striving to be malaria-free by 2024, with authorities urging people to take part in online World Malaria Day 2022 activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257720-thailand-aims-to-eradicate-malaria-by-2024/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is striving to be malaria-free by 2024, with authorities urging people to take part in online World Malaria Day 2022 activities. According to Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) observes World Malaria Day every year on April 25 to highlight the commitment of global communities in controlling and eradicating malaria. This year’s World Malaria Day will be observed under the theme "Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives," aligning with the government’s policy of eradicating malaria by 2024. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Dr Opas said Thailand has made progress in controlling and preventing the disease as a result of the National Malaria Elimination Strategy 2017–2026. Innovative developments, such as the integration of diagnosis and disease carrier control, have led to successful results. From 2017 to 2021, the number of malaria patients in the nation plummeted by 72%, while only 731 cases have been reported since the beginning of this year. Meanwhile, Dr Chantana Padungtod, director of the DDC’s Division of Vector Borne Diseases (DVBD), invites the public to take part in an online event on the DVBD Facebook page to commemorate World Malaria Day 2022. Online activities and seminars to raise awareness will be streamed to viewers beginning at 10 AM on April 25. For more information, people can contact the DDC’s hotline by calling 1422. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-25 - 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

New Walk-in Vaccination Sites Now Available in Bangkok by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - People who traveled during the Songkran holidays and have since noticed suspicious symptoms are advised to immediately get tested for COVID-19 using an antigen test kit (ATK). ATKs are now available free-of-charge to people who exhibit symptoms or have had a high-risk exposure to a COVID patient. Meanwhile, six vaccination sites run by Bangkok City Hall are now providing walk-in services to eligible recipients. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257719-new-walk-in-vaccination-sites-now-available-in-bangkok/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - People who traveled during the Songkran holidays and have since noticed suspicious symptoms are advised to immediately get tested for COVID-19 using an antigen test kit (ATK). ATKs are now available free-of-charge to people who exhibit symptoms or have had a high-risk exposure to a COVID patient. Meanwhile, six vaccination sites run by Bangkok City Hall are now providing walk-in services to eligible recipients. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is inviting elderly people and those with chronic diseases to get vaccinated at any of the walk-in sites, including the Thai-Japan Youth Center, Thanya Park 3 mall and Robinson Lat Krabang department store. The three remaining sites can be found at Central Rama 3, Central Pinklao and Central Eastville shopping centers. Services are open to those who have yet to receive their recommended doses. People returning from celebrating Songkran abroad who test positive via the ATK should first contact the health authority in their area. In Bangkok, the BMA can be reached by calling the district office hotline or contacting the BMA’s Facebook page. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Alternatively, cases can be registered via the @BKKCOVID19CONNECT Line account. A call may also be made to the 1669 hotline of the National Institute for Emergency Medicine, followed by pressing 2. For those outside Bangkok, calls may be placed to the hotlines of provincial or district offices, or by contacting health volunteer units. Another option available is to call the National Health Security Office’s 1330 hotline number. If the number cannot be reached, potentially due to lines being too busy, the NHSO website is also available to the public. Registrations can also be made via the NHSO’s official Line account @nhso. Information and Source -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-25 - 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 Discusses Soft Power Promotion With South Korea by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Talks on utilizing soft power have gained significant traction in recent months, with the public sector hopeful that it can lead to economic and cultural benefits. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257718-thailand-discusses-soft-power-promotion-with-south-korea/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Talks on utilizing soft power have gained significant traction in recent months, with the public sector hopeful that it can lead to economic and cultural benefits. South Korea’s new ambassador to Thailand Moon Seoung-hyun, upon assuming his post, recently paid a courtesy call to Thai Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha. The prime minister expressed his admiration for South Korea’s success in promoting soft power and noted that Thailand was also known globally. Additionally, he expressed his view that both countries should cooperate in the field of soft power for mutual gains. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Gen Prayut said he was elated that the people of both nations had a liking for each another’s culture. Thailand is among the top holiday destinations for South Koreans while Thai food is also popular in the East Asian country. The Korean language is meanwhile popular among Thai language learners. According to Gen Prayut, this appreciation could serve as a bridge for expanding cooperation into other fields, including tourism and sports. The South Korean ambassador said there was much room for expanding collaboration between the two nations, particularly in the areas of soft power, food and sports. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-25 - 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

Alcohol Restrictions Relaxed for Certified Restaurants Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will allow certified restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages until midnight starting next month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257717-alcohol-restrictions-relaxed-for-certified-restaurants/

Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will allow certified restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages until midnight starting next month. CCSA Spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuyothin said restaurants that meet Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Plus, COVID 2 Plus or COVID Free Setting standards will be permitted to sell alcoholic drinks until midnight starting May 1. Currently, certified restaurants are allowed to sell alcohol until 11 PM. The CCSA spokesperson noted that night entertainment venues - such as nightclubs, bars and karaoke parlors - will remain closed. However, operators can transform these venues into restaurants to serve alcohol after they receive approval from their local communicable disease committee. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The CCSA has also adjusted the color-coded disease control categories applied to different provinces. Thai provinces are now designated as either belonging to the yellow category for high surveillance or the blue tourism category. There are currently 65 yellow provinces and 12 blue provinces, with Rayong and Songkhla recently added to the blue zone list. The zone adjustment will take effect on May 1, 2022. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-25 - 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

100,000 Thai Workers to be Sent Abroad This Year by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Amid relaxed travel restrictions, labor export firms and relevant agencies have attended a discussion hosted by the Ministry of Labor to ensure that Thai workers gain the most benefits from working abroad. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257716-100000-thai-workers-to-be-sent-abroad-this-year/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Amid relaxed travel restrictions, labor export firms and relevant agencies have attended a discussion hosted by the Ministry of Labor to ensure that Thai workers gain the most benefits from working abroad. Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin said the COVID-19 situation had forced many nations to curb international travel, including delaying entry for foreign workers. As the disease situation gradually improves, many countries have relaxed travel restrictions and are once again accepting migrant workers. Suchart said his ministry aims to send 100,000 Thai workers abroad this year. To ensure this target is met and Thai workers benefit from the move, representatives from 127 labor export firms recently convened with ministry officials to establish an understanding and discuss employee wages, benefits and protections. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Department of Employment has previously worked to expand the market for Thai workers abroad. Additional labor cooperation agreements have also been enacted with several countries such as Saudi Arabia, with demand generally high for skilled construction and tourism workers. For the Japanese market, the demand is particularly high for office housekeepers while Australia is seeking more farmhands and the UAE requires construction, services and spa workers. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-25 - 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