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FILE PHOTO By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya-Yesterday, the Pattaya mayor Sonthaya Khunplume, on his last official day as mayor, assigned his secretary to preside over a meeting to follow up on the electrical system development project at the front of Pattaya Central Pattana Mall. On March 24th, at the Pattaya City Hall, Mr. Worapot Pongphalee, the mayor’s secretary, presided over a meeting to follow up on the first phase update of the electrical system development project at the front of Pattaya Central Mall with many officials attending. The meeting concluded on the preparation for the construction of an underground electrical cable project at the front of Pattaya Central Mall, the electrical distribution system which will be in service at the mall’s front to Pattaya Sai 3 Road. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/25/pattaya-city-to-follow-up-on-the-electrical-system-development-project-at-the-front-of-pattaya-central-mall-on-beach-road/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-26 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai authorities to meet Monday for proposal allowing water-splashing activities in tourism heavy areas for Songkran after business owner complaints about ban By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to propose a plan for Songkran celebrations including the permission to splash water at the next meeting of the Communicable Disease Committee on Monday, March 28th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254737-thai-authorities-to-meet-monday-for-proposal-allowing-water-splashing-activities-in-tourism-heavy-areas-for-songkran-after-business-owner-complaints-about-ban/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to propose a plan for Songkran celebrations including the permission to splash water at the next meeting of the Communicable Disease Committee on Monday, March 28th. Bangkok Permanent Secretary Kajit Chatchawanich told the Associated Press that the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Department would present details of the activities for the Songkran Festival, previously proposed by all governments, private sectors, and entrepreneurs working in Khao San Road and Silom Road, to the Bangkok Communicable Disease Committee meeting which is scheduled on Monday afternoon. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/25/thai-authorities-to-meet-monday-for-proposal-allowing-water-splashing-activities-in-tourism-heavy-areas-for-songkran-after-business-owner-complaints-about-ban/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-26 - Aetna 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

Woman injured after being stabbed by ex-boyfriend in Chonburi following a domestic dispute By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Panapong Humtong Chonburi – A 39-year-old woman has sustained injuries after she was reportedly stabbed by her ex-boyfriend in the Mueang Chonburi district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254736-woman-injured-after-being-stabbed-by-ex-boyfriend-in-chonburi-following-a-domestic-dispute/

PHOTO: Panapong Humtong By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – A 39-year-old woman has sustained injuries after she was reportedly stabbed by her ex-boyfriend in the Mueang Chonburi district. The Don Hualor Police was notified of the incident at 2:00 A.M. yesterday, Thursday, March 24th, at a dormitory in the Don Hualor sub-district. Emergency responders and police arrived at the scene to find Ms. Tipaphon Siaru, 39. She had sustained severe injuries from a stab wound to her belly. Another man, who was identified by Don Hualor police only as Mr. A, had sustained injuries from a knife wound to his shoulder. They were both taken to a local hospital for medical assistance. The relationship of the injured man to the couple was not immediately made clear by any party involved. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/25/woman-injured-after-being-stabbed-by-ex-boyfriend-in-chonburi-following-a-domestic-dispute/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-26 - Aetna 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

Finance Minister Expresses Confidence in Thailand’s Fiscal Stability by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has insisted that Thailand retains sufficient fiscal stability to enable the government to expand the economy despite soaring food and oil prices caused by strong demand and the Russia-Ukraine war. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254734-finance-minister-expresses-confidence-in-thailand’s-fiscal-stability/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has insisted that Thailand retains sufficient fiscal stability to enable the government to expand the economy despite soaring food and oil prices caused by strong demand and the Russia-Ukraine war. According to the finance minister, as of March 10, the government’s treasury had accumulated 418.58 billion baht in the first five months of fiscal budget 2022, down 97.64 billion baht from 516.22 billion baht in the same period last fiscal year. Arkhom stated that expenditure totaled 1.42 trillion baht in the first five months of this fiscal year, up 1.6 percent from 1.40 trillion baht in the same period last fiscal year. Despite a decline in government revenues, he affirmed that the treasury remains stable and sufficient for the government to manage the economy in a growth-oriented manner. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The finance minister anticipated that the government’s treasury position would improve significantly as a result of increased income tax and personal income tax collections in April and May, as well as the government’s ability to maintain its fiscal year revenue forecast of 2.4 trillion baht. Arkhom stated that in light of the high inflation rate in January and February, which was largely driven by rising food and energy prices, the government must take additional measures to reduce energy and food prices in order to contain inflationary pressures this year. The minister suggested tightening monetary policy further to allow for economic growth while maintaining that Thailand still has ample liquidity worth up to 2.5-3 trillion baht and foreign reserves of US$245 billion in February. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow stated that he expects the European conflict to be resolved within three months and that the government has already prepared advance measures to assist low-income earners and ordinary citizens during that time. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-26 - Aetna 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

Wage Committee Proposed to Hold Discussions on Minimum Wage Increase by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Wage Committee is expected to hold a meeting to consider a proposal to increase the daily minimum wage rate due to increased living costs in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254733-wage-committee-proposed-to-hold-discussions-on-minimum-wage-increase/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Wage Committee is expected to hold a meeting to consider a proposal to increase the daily minimum wage rate due to increased living costs in Thailand. The statement was made by Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin during a press conference at the Government House as the cabinet addressed measures to ease the impact of rising fuel prices. This also came after a recent proposal made to the government by the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC) and the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation (SERC) to set the minimum wage rate at 492 baht per day for workers. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to the Labour Minister, a survey will be conducted from April to June to assess people’s living expenses. In July, a subcommittee will meet to discuss the minimum wage rate before submitting a report to the National Wage Committee, where the proposal is expected to be considered between August and September. If the proposed wage rate is approved, the Ministry of Labour will submit it to the cabinet for further consideration. The National Wage Committee is made up of representatives from employers, labor unions, and government officials. The government is represented by the Ministry of Labour, while workers and employers are represented by TLSC and SERC, and the Employers’ Confederation of Thailand, respectively. Wage increases will be determined using International Labour Organization (ILO) principles such as the country’s cost of living index, inflation rate, living standards, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and socioeconomic factors. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-26 - Aetna 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

Marine Department Joins Plan for Electric Boat Services by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Marine Department and the private sector have partnered to operate electric boats on five routes throughout Bangkok and other provinces this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254732-marine-department-joins-plan-for-electric-boat-services/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Marine Department and the private sector have partnered to operate electric boats on five routes throughout Bangkok and other provinces this year. The new services, according to Phuripat Theerakulpisut, deputy director-general of the Marine Department, will include the following: - The Chao Phraya River route, for which the department has partnered with Energy Absolute Co. to develop a 250-passenger electric boat. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe - The Phadung Krung Kasem canal route, a service developed in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The 5-kilometer route will be serviced by seven new electric boats and one modified from an existing fleet, each carrying up to 30 passengers. - The Khlong Saen Saep canal, eleven boats carrying up to 40 passengers will be available for the 11.5-kilometer trip between Wat Sriboonreung and Minburi. - The Khlong Damnoen Saduak canal route, two electric boats will be in service, as part of a campaign by the Marine Department to promote tourism in Ratchaburi province. Officials said, the fifth boat route, which will focus on sea tourism, will feature the "Banpu Next e-Ferry," which was developed in collaboration with SakunC Innovation. The 50-passenger boat will operate between Nakhon Sri Thammarat’s Sichon Harbour and Khao Phlai Dam once a day. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-26 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai Airlines Urged to Conduct Inspection of Boeing 737-800 by Krajangwit Johjit File photo //Wikimedia BANGKOK (NNT) - The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has said it will notify five Thai airlines that operate Boeing 737-800 aircraft to conduct thorough inspections and closely monitor flight operations following the crash of a China Eastern Airlines Boeing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254731-thai-airlines-urged-to-conduct-inspection-of-boeing-737-800/

File photo //Wikimedia by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has said it will notify five Thai airlines that operate Boeing 737-800 aircraft to conduct thorough inspections and closely monitor flight operations following the crash of a China Eastern Airlines Boeing. China Eastern Airlines immediately grounded its fleet of 106 Boeing 737-800s, in the aftermath of the incident involving flight 5735. Suttipong Kongpool, director-general of CAAT, stated that an order will be issued to Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, K-Mile Air, Thai Airways International, and Thai Summer Airways to conduct a thorough investigation of their 26 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to Suttipong, all operational aircraft must undergo safety inspections and obtain a Certificate of Airworthiness, adding that airlines must immediately notify CAAT if they discover any technical issues. Additionally, the CAAT director-general suggested that the recent accident may have been caused by a technical malfunction, not because this particular model is defective, as is the case with the 737 Max, as the 737-800s have been in service for nearly two decades. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-26 - Aetna 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

China Welcomes Thai Farm Products under “GMP Plus” Scheme by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, China now accepts farm products under Thailand’s “Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Plus” program. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254730-china-welcomes-thai-farm-products-under-“gmp-plus”-scheme/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, China now accepts farm products under Thailand’s “Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Plus” program. Deputy Agriculture Minister Mananya Thaiset recently made the announcement, after the General Administration of China Customs gave a green light to products from 4 Thai packing factories. The GMP Plus program was launched by the Department Of Agriculture to ensure the quality of products with intensified COVID-19 prevention measures in accordance with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Affected goods include durians, coconuts, and longans. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mananya advised local manufacturers to follow the guidelines from the WHO, the FAO, and Chinese authorities. Rapeepat Chantarasriwong, the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, reported that Chinese officials are pleased with the progress made by the 4 Thai packing factories. These facilities strictly monitor the use of pesticides, thoroughly inspect chemical residue in products, and impose tight COVID-19 prevention measures on top of maintaining top-notch quality control. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-26 - Aetna 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

TAT Discusses Plan to Push for More Tourism in Betong Krajangwit Johjit BETONG (NNT) - The Betong Tourism Association has revealed that the organization and businesses in Betong’s tourism sector have discussed a plan to guarantee 60 seats on each Nok Air flight bound for the newly opened airport in exchange for the airline agreeing to reduce round-trip fares from Bangkok to 5,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254729-tat-discusses-plan-to-push-for-more-tourism-in-betong/

by Krajangwit Johjit BETONG (NNT) - The Betong Tourism Association has revealed that the organization and businesses in Betong’s tourism sector have discussed a plan to guarantee 60 seats on each Nok Air flight bound for the newly opened airport in exchange for the airline agreeing to reduce round-trip fares from Bangkok to 5,000 baht. Narin Ruengwongsa, the association’s vice-president, said tour operators tabled the offer with the airline, which agreed to reduce round-trip ticket prices to approximately 6,000 baht. Given that those tickets are now around 7,000 baht, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has urged the airline to cover the difference of 1,000 baht – a suggestion Nok Air has not yet approved. Narin stated that the TAT will continue to discuss the matter with all parties involved. If the TAT is successful in reaching an agreement with Nok Air, services to and from Betong will resume on May 2. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Nok Air’s services between Bangkok and Betong were suspended shortly after they began on March 14th. The airline cited a lack of passenger interest in its decision to suspend operations. Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon dismissed concerns about possible operational glitches at the southern airport, following reports that the Southern Border Provinces Administration Center was seeking additional funding to assist the Department of Airports in funding the airport’s operations. Gen Prawit insisted the airport is operational in his capacity as chair of a panel on the development of southern border provinces. He stated that operations will not be impacted while the budget request is resolved. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-26 - Aetna 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

BOT Starts Issuing 20 Baht Polymer Banknote BANGKOK, (TNA) – The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has launched the new 20 Baht polymer banknote. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254728-bot-starts-issuing-20-baht-polymer-banknote/

BANGKOK, (TNA) – The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has launched the new 20 Baht polymer banknote. The initiative to change from paper to polymer for 20 Baht banknotes is to improve the quality: cleaner and more durable. As the 20 Baht is the most widely used denomination, it is therefore prone to being more worn out and soiled than other denominations, said the BOT in its statement. The advantage of polymer over paper is such that it does not absorb moisture and dirt. Therefore, polymer banknotes can last significant longer than paper banknotes. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-910108 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-03-26 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai exports could be impacted from Russia-Ukraine conflict in coming months, analysts warn By Panithan Onthaworn Thailand’s exports will likely be impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine from March, after February’s figures show no signs of decline in export value, analysts said on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254727-thai-exports-could-be-impacted-from-russia-ukraine-conflict-in-coming-months-analysts-warn/

By Panithan Onthaworn Thailand’s exports will likely be impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine from March, after February’s figures show no signs of decline in export value, analysts said on Friday. As Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the Commerce Ministry reported a 16-percent uptick in exports of the month from a year earlier, marking the 12 month of growth in a row. Poonyawat Sreesing, a senior economist at the SCB Economic Intelligence Center (SCBEIC), expects that the Russia-Ukraine crisis will have an impact on Thai exports in March and April, “particularly exports to Europe.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38935/thai-exports-could-be-impacted-from-russia-ukraine-conflict-in-coming-months-analysts-warn/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-26 - Aetna 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

KResearch cut its GDP prediction due to impacts from Russia-Ukraine War By Erich Parpart Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) slashed their economic growth projection for Thailand down to less than 3 per cent for 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to higher energy and commodity prices. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254726-kresearch-cut-its-gdp-prediction-due-to-impacts-from-russia-ukraine-war/

By Erich Parpart Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) slashed their economic growth projection for Thailand down to less than 3 per cent for 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to higher energy and commodity prices. “Besides the ongoing outbreak of new Covid variants, the Russia-Ukraine crisis is also affecting Thailand’s economic recovery via rising energy and commodity prices including industrial metals and agricultural commodities that are being used as raw material for productions,” Nattaporn Triratanasirikul, KResearch Assistant Managing Director, said in a statement on Friday. After observing impacts from the war, the research center cut its GDP prediction for 2022 down from 3.7 per cent to 2.9 per cent. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38928/kresearch-cut-its-gdp-prediction-due-to-impacts-from-russia-ukraine-war/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-26 - Aetna 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

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 26 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1254725-thailand-live-saturday-26-march-2022/

Green Light Sought for Water Fights BANGKOK, (TNA) – Business operators on Khao San Road sought government permission for water fights during the Songkran festival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254700-green-light-sought-for-water-fights/