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By Nop Meechukhun Chiang Rai – Public and private business and tourism sectors in Chang Rai held a meeting to discuss and prepare for the reopening of the Mae Sai border crossing after it had been closed for more than 2 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Vice-president of the Mae Sai Chamber of Commerce, Pakaimas Vierra, hosted the meeting with the private sector and relevant authorities on Thursday, April 21st, to discuss ways to push forward the opening of the 1st Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in the Mae Sai District. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The meeting assessed the Covid-19 pandemic situation that had caused Thailand to permanently closed the 1st border crossings bridge across the river for more than two years and only the 2nd Bridge was opened for transportation. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/22/chiang-rai-business-sector-discussing-reopening-of-main-mae-sai-border-crossing-after-two-year-closure/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-23 - 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

High-ranking Thai delegation takes part in 21st WTTC Global Summit Premier annual event provides platform for talks with other world tourism leaders. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to report that a high-ranking Thai tourism delegation led by H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, has met with other world tourism leaders at the 21st World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit taking place in Manila, the Philippines from 20-22 April, 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257597-high-ranking-thai-delegation-takes-part-in-21st-wttc-global-summit/

Premier annual event provides platform for talks with other world tourism leaders. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to report that a high-ranking Thai tourism delegation led by H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, has met with other world tourism leaders at the 21st World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit taking place in Manila, the Philippines from 20-22 April, 2022. Making up the delegation alongside the Minister of Tourism and Sports was Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, and Mr. Thawat Sumitmoh, Charge d’affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Manila. Participating in the Global Leaders Dialogue during the 2022 WTTC Global Summit, Mr. Tanes joined the discussion on ‘Rediscovering Travel’ together with leaders of tourism agencies from 11 other countries that included the USA, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, India, the Maldives, Japan, and the European Parliament. He also attended the dinner reception for WTTC members and VIPs. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mr. Phiphat meanwhile met with H.E. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Tourism, to discuss bilateral tourism cooperation and the promotion of travel links between Thailand and the Philippines. The Thai delegation also met with Ms. Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, to thank the organisation for certifying the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification programme to be on par with the WTTC SafeTravels global health and hygiene standardised protocols. They also met with Mr. Craig S. Smith, Marriott International Group President, International, to discuss possibilities to promote tourism together. The TAT delegation also took the opportunity presented by the 21st World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit to meet and discuss Thai tourism promotions with travel companies and local media in the Philippines, including the Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, BusinessMirror, ANC, and CNN Philippines, as well as updating the market on the current tourism situation and relaxed entry requirements to Thailand. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/04/high-ranking-thai-delegation-takes-part-in-21st-wttc-global-summit/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-04-23 - 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

Microsoft Thailand Achieves Milestone in Digital Skills Program by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Microsoft Thailand has announced that the first phase of its "Accelerating Thailand" program has trained up to 280,000 Thais in digital skills via offline and online channels, exceeding the previous goal of 30,000 workers set when the program was first announced in December 2020. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257596-microsoft-thailand-achieves-milestone-in-digital-skills-program/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Microsoft Thailand has announced that the first phase of its "Accelerating Thailand" program has trained up to 280,000 Thais in digital skills via offline and online channels, exceeding the previous goal of 30,000 workers set when the program was first announced in December 2020. The US tech behemoth announced plans to launch the program’s second phase, which will create jobs for 180,000 additional participants as the country’s workforce remains underutilized due to the ongoing pandemic. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to Thailand’s Social Outlook Report for the third quarter of 2021, compiled by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), 37.7 million people were employed in that quarter, a 0.6 percent decrease from the same period in 2020. Microsoft said the program was given support by UNESCO and six other partners in Thailand. UNESCO has also collaborated with the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education (ONIE) to provide training for teachers in ONIE centers via UNESCO’s own lifelong learning platform, in an effort to promote remote studies for Thai children and those in other countries. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-23 - 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

Saudi Arabia Allows 5,885 Thais to Perform Hajj in 2022 by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Division of Islamic Organization and Hajj Affairs Promotion has announced that more Thais will be allowed to participate in the Hajj ceremony in Saudi Arabia for the Hijiri year 1443. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257594-saudi-arabia-allows-5885-thais-to-perform-hajj-in-2022/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Division of Islamic Organization and Hajj Affairs Promotion has announced that more Thais will be allowed to participate in the Hajj ceremony in Saudi Arabia for the Hijiri year 1443. The Saudi Arabian government said it will allow as many as 5,885 Thai pilgrims to participate in the religious ceremony this year in Mecca. To prevent the spread of Covid-19, officials said participants must be under the age of 65, fully vaccinated, and present a negative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result prior to departure. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Prior to Saudi Arabia announcing the quota this year, the division accepted applications from October to December of last year through the website https://hajthailand.dopa.go.th. In total, 3,686 Thais have registered for the 2022 Hajj. Registration for additional participants will begin on April 23 and conclude at the end of the month. Hajj begins on July 7 and ends on July 12. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-23 - 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

Long Covid: Little Is Known By Silada Rojratanakiat The risky behavior seen during the Songkran festival suggests that people are less worried about contracting Covid-19. It is a far cry from when the pandemic began. The virus no longer frightens people. Perhaps the seemingly constant flow of emergency notifications has reduced many people’s fear responses, allowing them to lower their guard, stop wearing masks, or even refuse potentially life-saving vaccines. People have, in a way, acquired antibodies against fear. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257593-long-covid-little-is-known/

By Silada Rojratanakiat The risky behavior seen during the Songkran festival suggests that people are less worried about contracting Covid-19. It is a far cry from when the pandemic began. The virus no longer frightens people. Perhaps the seemingly constant flow of emergency notifications has reduced many people’s fear responses, allowing them to lower their guard, stop wearing masks, or even refuse potentially life-saving vaccines. People have, in a way, acquired antibodies against fear. Indeed, most Covid-19 patients recover eventually, although complete healing remains frustratingly difficult because of what is commonly referred to as "Long Covid." If people are not afraid of infection since the presently prevailing Omicron variant is relatively mild, they should be mindful of the long Covid symptoms. Nearly two and a half years into the coronavirus pandemic, the confounding challenges of long Covid seem no closer to the solution, much less an agreed-upon explanation. What is Long COVID? There is currently no widely recognized definition of "Long Covid." The World Health Organization defines "post-Covid-19 condition" as symptoms that persist for at least two months after an initial episode of Covid-19 and cannot be explained by another diagnosis. These people with symptoms are known as "long haulers." Their symptoms are post-Covid-19 syndrome or long Covid. These conditions are sometimes referred to as post-Covid-19 conditions. What are the symptoms? Long covid has more than 200 symptoms. Some long haulers suffer from severe fatigue, shortness of breath, and bodily discomfort, while others have problems with memory and concentration or have lost their sense of smell or taste. Some people may develop severe illness later, most likely due to infection complications. Other symptoms may also be present, such as digestive issues, sleeplessness, and visual abnormalities. The severity of illnesses varies significantly as well. Some long haulers are able to go about their daily lives with minimal difficulty, while others may struggle. What causes it? There is no single unifying cause for long Covid. So far, there are more speculations than definitive answers as to what is happening. There is reason to assume that the varying constellation of symptoms in different long haulers may be driven by a variety of variables. The virus may still be present in certain people’s bodies, causing direct nerve or organ damage. Perhaps the virus’s persistent presence, or leftovers of the infection, keeps the immune system on high alert, generating the symptoms. Although the illness may have been vanquished, the immune system has been thrown off balance, causing it to attack the body, or there might be another explanation. It is hard to comprehend that sometimes a slight infection may generate terrible symptoms that last years. I only had mild Covid symptoms. Can I get a long Covid? A prevalent misconception is that long-term effects are only caused by severe sickness. It actually affects all groups and people, regardless of whether they had moderate or no symptoms or required ICU to survive. There is no connection between Covid symptoms, severity, and long Covid. The second fallacy stems from the mistaken idea that Long Covid is uncommon, which it is not. Anyone who falls unwell as a result of Covid-19 may develop post-Covid-19 symptoms. Can I recover from it? Even though the Covid-19 emergency seems to have passed, thousands of people may continue to experience long Covid. Long Covid, like Covid-19, does not have a particular treatment. Treatment choices for long Covid are determined by the individual’s clinical symptoms and any underlying diseases. While many Covid-19 survivors claim that these symptoms resolve within 2-3 months, some report that they persist for more extended periods. Some long haulers have been experiencing Long Covid for two years. However, if the symptoms make it difficult to do everyday tasks or if the body has new or worsening symptoms, medical attention is needed. How can I prevent it? Long Covid still symbolizes a perplexing plethora of issues after Covid-19 infections have cleared. A significant problem like Long Covid needs systemic solutions. However, in the meantime, you may avoid the long Covid by avoiding Covid in the first place. Avoiding infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, is the only definite method, and vaccination is the most effective technique for lowering the chance of contracting it and, more critically, reducing the probability of becoming very sick. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The statistics from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel confirm that those vaccinated are less likely to have long Covid. A vaccine elicits significant levels of antibodies and T cells capable of identifying SARS-CoV-2. In that case, the immune system may be able to kill the virus during its first few replications before it forms hidden reservoirs in the body. Questions about long Covid still outnumber their answers. Nonetheless, one practical way to mitigate the impact is getting vaccinated and getting boosters as recommended. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-23 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 23 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1257592-thailand-live-saturday-23-april-2022/

Covid Zoning System Adjusted to Further Ease Controls BANGKOK (TNA) – The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday, decided to relax disease controls from May 1, ending control (orange) zones in its revision of the colour-coded zoning during Friday’s meeting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257555-covid-zoning-system-adjusted-to-further-ease-controls/

Talks on Thailand’s submarine engine problem postponed until May Talks between the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), China Shipbuilding and the Offshore International Company (CSOC) on a submarine engine problem, which were due to take place this month, have been postponed to May due to the COVID-19 situation in China, according to RTN Spokesman Vice Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257551-talks-on-thailand’s-submarine-engine-problem-postponed-until-may/

UPDATE: Thai government cancels Test and Go, eases legal drinking hours, and more-Covid meeting recap By Nop Meechukhun Highlights of changes Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257529-thailand-further-eases-entry-restrictions-for-international-travellers/?do=findComment&comment=17319935

Thai government cancels Test and Go, eases legal drinking hours, and more-Covid meeting recap By Nop Meechukhun Highlights of changes ●Test and Go is gone, no pre-booking of hotels required (except for unvaccinated). A.K.A. no pre or post-arrival mandatory Covid-19 tests. ●Thailand Pass remains mainly to prove insurance and vaccination status ●Alcohol serving venues can stay open until Midnight, although continue to be converted into restaurants and not legally bars or nightlife ●Mandatory insurance reduced to 10,000 USD ●Effective May 1st The general meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha, has announced the cancellation of the ‘Test&Go’ scheme and zoning relaxation in controlled areas (orange zones), effective May 1st. Firstly, Thailand Pass will remain, mainly to verify vaccination status and proof of insurance. This will be continually evaluated. Thailand Pass will also be paused temporarily to update the system for the new rules, set to start on the first of May. Those who have already booked will need to inquire individually with hotels/Thailand Pass about potential refunds or “grandfather” clauses after May 1st. Before May 1st, all current rules will apply. As a result of scrapping the ‘Test&Go’ scheme, all mandatory Covid-19 tests for vaccinated travelers have been canceled upon arrival in the Kingdom and only one self-ATK test is recommended (but not compulsory) during their stay. If an infection is found, they are required to go for treatment through the insurance process. Essentially, once one enters Thailand and goes through confirmation of their Thailand Pass paperwork and customs, they are free to go where they wish as of May first. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/22/thai-government-cancels-test-and-go-eases-legal-drinking-hours-and-more-covid-meeting-recap/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-22 - 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 further eases entry restrictions for international travellers By Online Reporter File photo Some good news for people wanting to visit Thailand On Friday (April 22), Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved a further easing of entry rules for people entering the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257529-thailand-further-eases-entry-restrictions-for-international-travellers/

File photo By Online Reporter Some good news for people wanting to visit Thailand On Friday (April 22), Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved a further easing of entry rules for people entering the country. From May 1, fully vaccinated visitors will no longer need to take an RT-PCR test on arrival and no longer need to book a hotel room for their first night. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Instead, it is only recommended that visitors take a self ATK test during their stay if they show symptoms. Visitors will still need to submit their proof of vaccination and insurance to the Thailand Pass system prior to traveling. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-further-eases-entry-restrictions-for-international-travellers/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-22 - 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

One dead as two six wheel trucks collide head on in Sa Kaeo 77kaoded Thai Caption: Head on collision on Tako Hill - one dead 77kaoded reported on a head on collision between two six wheel trucks on Route 348, the Sa Kaeo to Buriram road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257528-one-dead-as-two-six-wheel-trucks-collide-head-on-in-sa-kaeo/

77kaoded Thai Caption: Head on collision on Tako Hill - one dead 77kaoded reported on a head on collision between two six wheel trucks on Route 348, the Sa Kaeo to Buriram road. One driver died after being cut out of his vehicle. The accident happened in heavy rain around 4 pm yesterday on the Khao Tako hill in Ta Phraya district. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-22 - 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 Picture: 77kaoded Picture: 77kaoded

Husband, 78, murders wife, 73; she mocked him at breakfast, he'd warned her about a lack of "Thainess" Picture: INN INN reported that a 78 year old man called Somporn murdered his 73 year old wife Juan at their roadside bungalow in Ban Phrao sub-district of Phatthalung in southern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257526-husband-78-murders-wife-73-she-mocked-him-at-breakfast-hed-warned-her-about-a-lack-of-thainess/

Picture: INN INN reported that a 78 year old man called Somporn murdered his 73 year old wife Juan at their roadside bungalow in Ban Phrao sub-district of Phatthalung in southern Thailand. Pa Phayom police found Juan face down in a pool of blood in an outside seating area. She had been attacked with what Thais called a "meet phra" a kind of short hand held curved knife. Somporn surrendered to their custody. After the couple's children left to live in other provinces Somporn cared for his wife who was ill. But she frequently mocked the man who made each and every meal for her. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said he had warned her about doing this over meals - something that older Thai people regard as a lack of "Thainess" However, at breakfast yesterday she was complaining again and belittling her husband, he said. So he grabbed the knife and attacked her. Then he gave her breakfast to the chickens, washed off his bloodstains, cleaned the knife and prepared to surrender to the police. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-22 - 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

Prison Guard Dismissed for Allegedly Extorting Money BANGKOK, April 22 (TNA) – Ayuth Sintoppant, director-general of the Corrections Department, dismissed a prison guard pending disciplinary and criminal investigations into alleged extortion against an inmate’s daughter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257524-prison-guard-dismissed-for-allegedly-extorting-money/

BANGKOK, April 22 (TNA) – Ayuth Sintoppant, director-general of the Corrections Department, dismissed a prison guard pending disciplinary and criminal investigations into alleged extortion against an inmate’s daughter. The dismissal followed a complaint to the justice minister from a woman who said that the guard of the Thonburi Women Correctional Institute repeatedly extorted money from her in exchange for care for her imprisoned mother. An initial probe found the complainant had a case. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Wallop Nakbua, deputy permanent secretary for justice, said he told the director-general of the Corrections Department to ensure the safety of the inmate concerned and relevant officials had yet to consider if the inmate should be transferred to another prison. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-928399 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-04-22 - 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

Yala Administrative Court rules against school ban on wearing of hijab The Administrative Court in Thailand’s southern province of Yala issued a ruling on Thursday against a ban on the wearing of the hijab, or head scarf, in school. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257522-yala-administrative-court-rules-against-school-ban-on-wearing-of-hijab/

The Administrative Court in Thailand’s southern province of Yala issued a ruling on Thursday against a ban on the wearing of the hijab, or head scarf, in school. The landmark ruling ends four years of court battles between about 20 parents of students attending a school in Pattani on the one hand and the Ministry of Education and the school on the other. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Anuban Pattani School, which is located in the grounds of a Buddhist temple, teaches pre-school and primary students, the majority of whom are Buddhist. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/yala-administrative-court-rules-against-school-ban-on-wearing-of-hijab/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-22 - 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