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COVID-19: Thailand reports 129 deaths, 21,931 new coronavirus cases, 24,691 recoveries File photo Thailand on Thursday (April 21) reported 21,931 new COVID-19 cases, 24,619 recoveries and 129 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257386-covid-19-thailand-reports-129-deaths-21931-new-coronavirus-cases-24691-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 129 deaths, 21,931 new coronavirus cases, 24,691 recoveries Thailand on Thursday (April 21) reported 21,931 new COVID-19 cases, 24,619 recoveries and 129 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257386-covid-19-thailand-reports-129-deaths-21931-new-coronavirus-cases-24691-recoveries/

Thailand on Thursday (April 21) reported 21,931 new COVID-19 cases, 24,619 recoveries and 129 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Thursday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,106,230 with 27,392 deaths. The news comes as the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is planning to consider school reopenings and international arrival measures easing after the number of daily infections after the Songkran long holiday so far remains stable. Government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana told the Associated Press today, April 20th, that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha would chair the next CCSA meeting this Friday, April 22nd, to monitor the assessment of the Covid-19 pandemic situation in the country during the past Songkran festival, which took place last week and celebrated the Thai New Year, when millions of Thais returned home to spend time with their families and friends.** **The Pattaya News contributed to this report Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-21 - 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

US ASEAN summit as ‘dangerous directions’ now emerging in Asia as China’s regional power rises by Joseph O' Connor After the cancellation of the summit in March, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (centre) travelled to Washington DC on March 29th last and warned of ‘dangerous directions’ emerging in Asia as polls show a rise in support in both Japan and South Korea for a nuclear deterrent. On Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister, Don Pramudwinai, confirmed that Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (right) will attend the US Asean summit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257381-us-asean-summit-as-‘dangerous-directions’-now-emerging-in-asia-as-china’s-regional-power-rises/

US ASEAN summit as ‘dangerous directions’ now emerging in Asia as China’s regional power rises by Joseph O' Connor After the cancellation of the summit in March, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (centre) travelled to Washington DC on March 29th last and warned of ‘dangerous directions’ emerging in Asia as polls show a rise in support in both Japan and South Korea for a nuclear deterrent. On Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister, Don Pramudwinai, confirmed that Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (right) will attend the US Asean summit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257381-us-asean-summit-as-‘dangerous-directions’-now-emerging-in-asia-as-china’s-regional-power-rises/

After the cancellation of the summit in March, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (centre) travelled to Washington DC on March 29th last and warned of ‘dangerous directions’ emerging in Asia as polls show a rise in support in both Japan and South Korea for a nuclear deterrent. On Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister, Don Pramudwinai, confirmed that Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (right) will attend the US Asean summit which American sources at the White House have suggested will address China’s rising power in Asia as well as efforts to strengthen cooperation across a broad range of issues. The summit will be hosted by US President Joe Biden (left). The summit is coming as tensions between the United States and China are growing and have been further aggravated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has caused a metamorphosis in political thinking in western countries concerning human rights and the international rule of law. by Joseph O' Connor The summit is being seen as a chance by the United States to reset its relationship with ASEAN and its member states but the bloc is often used by those states, including Thailand, as a shield for avoiding hard questions about China in the region and accords more with China’s foreign policy which is to achieve hegemony through closer economic and geographic integration. The forthcoming US ASEAN summit in Washington DC is going ahead after repeated delays and postponements of the meeting long called for US strategists. The summit is already being played down by some ASEAN members but the United States is making no secret that the key issue on the agenda is China and the changing world dynamic that has been ushered in by the war in Ukraine. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Thai Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Don Pramudwinai, on Wednesday, confirmed that Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha will attend the rescheduled May summit between ASEAN leaders and the United States in Washington DC. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/04/20/us-asean-summit-to-discuss-a-rising-china/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-04-21 - 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

Levi’s to open 100 stores in Thailand before summer BY LIZ WARREN LEVI'S NEXTGEN STORE COURTESY Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) is expanding its retail presence in Asia following positive traction in the region. The heritage denim brand company announced plans to launch new Levi’s stores and update existing ones throughout the East Asia Pacific region including locations in Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Within the first half of 2022 alone, it will open more than 100 locations in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257380-levi’s-to-open-100-stores-in-thailand-before-summer/

LEVI'S NEXTGEN STORE COURTESY BY LIZ WARREN Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) is expanding its retail presence in Asia following positive traction in the region. The heritage denim brand company announced plans to launch new Levi’s stores and update existing ones throughout the East Asia Pacific region including locations in Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Within the first half of 2022 alone, it will open more than 100 locations in Thailand. “Thailand is an important market for us, and Levi’s is recognized as the No. 1 jeans brand here,” said Sameer Koul, LS&Co. general manager, Southeast Asia. “Through digital innovation, we are reshaping brand experiences for a younger generation of style-conscious consumers, and we will stay true to our values by placing people at the heart of our business and by being an advocate for positive change through responsible practices.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Levi’s expansion news follows a record year of success for the brand, which reached a revenue mark of over $5.8 billion—a 29 percent improvement from 2020 and its highest since 1998. Full story: https://sourcingjournal.com/denim/denim-brands/levis-asia-pacific-expansion-nextgen-stores-thailand-latin-america-339397/ -- © Copyright Sourcing Journal 2022-04-21 - 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

War in Ukraine sends construction material prices in Thailand soaring The Russian invasion of and subsequent war in Ukraine are driving up the prices of construction materials in Thailand, especially iron rod and steel products, the prices of which have already increased 35% year on year, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257379-war-in-ukraine-sends-construction-material-prices-in-thailand-soaring/

The Russian invasion of and subsequent war in Ukraine are driving up the prices of construction materials in Thailand, especially iron rod and steel products, the prices of which have already increased 35% year on year, according to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank. Russia and Ukraine are the world’s major sources of iron and iron ore. Their combined steel production accounts for 14% of global exports. Russia is the world’s third largest exporter of steel products, after China and Japan, while Ukraine is the world’s 8th largest. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The price index for the construction of a standard home unit in the first quarter of this year is 129.8 points, up 5.3% year on year, or 3.9% up from the fourth quarter of last year. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/war-in-ukraine-sends-construction-material-prices-in-thailand-soaring/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-21 - 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’s #MeToo moment? Political sex assault scandal sparks debate, calls for change Vijitra Duangdee in Bangkok ● Prinn Panitchpakdi resigned as deputy leader of Thailand’s Democrat Party after multiple sexual assault allegations against him surfaced ● Thailand has yet to have a #MeToo moment, but activists hope the younger generation’s lack of tolerance for such behaviour will bring about change Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257378-thailand’s-metoo-moment-political-sex-assault-scandal-sparks-debate-calls-for-change/

Prinn Panitchpakdi, a former deputy leader of Thailand’s Democrat party, faces allegations of sexual misconduct and rape. Photo: Thai New Pix Handout via Reuters Vijitra Duangdee in Bangkok ● Prinn Panitchpakdi resigned as deputy leader of Thailand’s Democrat Party after multiple sexual assault allegations against him surfaced ● Thailand has yet to have a #MeToo moment, but activists hope the younger generation’s lack of tolerance for such behaviour will bring about change Allegations of rape and sexual assault against a deputy leader of Thailand’s oldest political party have stirred hopes for a belated #MeToo movement in the country, as the revelations also raise questions about the impunity and power enjoyed by Thai men. Prinn Panitchpakdi, 44, resigned as a deputy leader of the Democrat Party in the wake of the allegations, with at least 15 other women thought to be preparing legal action against him. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The British-educated ex-banker and son of a former secretary general of the World Trade Organization currently faces three charges of sexual assault and rape. More are expected to follow as additional victims come forward. He was released on bail over the weekend. Prinn denies any wrongdoing and has vowed to clear his name. But his resignation seemingly ended a rising political career and threw his party into chaos. Full story: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3174929/thailands-metoo-moment-political-sex-assault-scandal-sparks -- © Copyright South China Morning Post 2022-04-21 - 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 male body found floating in Sri Racha sea by local fisherman By Goong Nang(GN) Sri Racha – An unidentified male body was discovered floating in the Sri Racha sea yesterday (April 19th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257377-unidentified-male-body-found-floating-in-sri-racha-sea-by-local-fisherman/

By Goong Nang(GN) Sri Racha – An unidentified male body was discovered floating in the Sri Racha sea yesterday (April 19th). The Sri Racha Police were notified of a body yesterday afternoon near the Loi Island (Koh Loi) in the Sri Racha sub-district. Marine Police and rescue workers went into the sea and located the male body, of Asian descent, 150 meters from the island. The body was pulled up from the water and Sri Racha Police and forensic investigators believed that the man died at least one day before his body was recovered. No signs of a struggle or conflict were found on his body. His body was taken to a nearby hospital to find his exact cause of death. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/20/unidentified-male-body-found-floating-in-sri-racha-sea-by-local-fisherman/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-21 - 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

32-year-old man survives harrowing accident causing his truck to overturn and set on fire in Chonburi By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News Chonburi - A container truck driver suffered only minor injuries after his truck overturned and caught fire in Mueang Chonburi yesterday evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257376-32-year-old-man-survives-harrowing-accident-causing-his-truck-to-overturn-and-set-on-fire-in-chonburi/

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi - A container truck driver suffered only minor injuries after his truck overturned and caught fire in Mueang Chonburi yesterday evening. Rescue workers were notified of the accident yesterday (April 19th) near dusk on the Motorway Frontage Road in the Nong Kangkok sub-district. Firefighters, TPN media, and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find the overturned container truck which was ablaze on the road. It took about 20 minutes to control the fire, which caused substantial damage to the engine of the vehicle. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/20/32-year-old-man-survives-harrowing-accident-causing-his-truck-to-overturn-and-set-on-fire-in-chonburi/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-21 - 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

Phuket authorities holds press conference to announce upcoming Phuket – Phang Nga sister cities event from April 22nd- April 24th By Tanakorn Panyadee Thalang – Mr. Rawat Areerob, Chief Executive of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, officially announced yesterday about the Phuket – Phang Nga sister cities event to promote tourism in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257375-phuket-authorities-holds-press-conference-to-announce-upcoming-phuket-–-phang-nga-sister-cities-event-from-april-22nd-april-24th/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Thalang – Mr. Rawat Areerob, Chief Executive of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, officially announced yesterday about the Phuket – Phang Nga sister cities event to promote tourism in Phuket. According to the announcement, this event would be hosted at Sarasin Bridge, Mai Khao sub-district, Thalang, Phuket from April 22th to April 24th with an intention to alleviate currently stagnant tourism in Phuket and create income for locals. The highlight, the officer said, would be sightseeing the octagonal clock tower established in a Sino-Portuguese style, which was one of the prominent landmarks of Phuket. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/04/20/phuket-authorities-holds-press-conference-to-announce-upcoming-phuket-phang-nga-sister-cities-event-from-april-22nd-april-24th/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-04-21 - 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

Illegal land clearing in Phra Thong Island mangrove forest suspended Source: Punnawis Onrthammarats Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has ordered an immediate halt to the clearing of mangrove forest on the island, in the southern province of Phang-nga, after it was discovered that the clearing operations had not been legally approved and encroaching on a forest reserve. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257374-illegal-land-clearing-in-phra-thong-island-mangrove-forest-suspended/

Source: Punnawis Onrthammarats Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has ordered an immediate halt to the clearing of mangrove forest on the island, in the southern province of Phang-nga, after it was discovered that the clearing operations had not been legally approved and encroaching on a forest reserve. Forest clearing was recently raised by a student of the Faculty of Science at Thailand’s Prince of Songkhla University who, accompanied by a lecturer, conducted a survey of the mangrove forest to study plant species between April 4th and 10th. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe On return from his field trip to Phra Thong Island, the student, Punnawis Onrthammarat, posted on Facebook that he was shocked by how many paper bark trees (Melaleuca leucadendra) had been dug up by a backhoe. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/illegal-land-clearing-in-phra-thong-island-mangrove-forest-suspended/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-21 - 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

Search underway in Thailand for missing family of four Police in Sukhothai province have begun searching for a family of four, who have not been seen or heard of since they left home in Thung Saliam district on April 10th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257372-search-underway-in-thailand-for-missing-family-of-four/

Police in Sukhothai province have begun searching for a family of four, who have not been seen or heard of since they left home in Thung Saliam district on April 10th. The grandfather of the family reported to the police in Ban Rai sub-district that his 41-year-old son had told him that he was going to take his wife and two children – a son aged 12 and a daughter aged 7 – away on a trip during Songkran, but did not disclose where they planned to go. The family left in a grey pickup truck, license plate Bor Por 3053 registered in Sukhothai province, on April 10th, according to the grandfather, who added that he has since lost contact with them. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/search-underway-in-thailand-for-missing-family-of-four/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-21 - 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 Thursday 21 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1257370-thailand-live-thursday-21-april-2022/

Doesn’t Thailand have enough events already to attract tourists? by Michael Bridge The Thailand Tourism Authority of Thailand, known as the TAT, has very well-paid executives trying to promote the land of smiles to a global audience. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257371-doesn’t-thailand-have-enough-events-already-to-attract-tourists/

by Michael Bridge The Thailand Tourism Authority of Thailand, known as the TAT, has very well-paid executives trying to promote the land of smiles to a global audience. They are spending huge sums on getting tourists to choose Thailand rather than other destinations. However, in reality Thailand has not lost its appeal, so perhaps TAT should look at what attracted people here in large numbers in the past. Certainly, the Burapha Bike Festival, one of the country’s biggest public festivals annually held in Pattaya attracted over 50,000 bikers, many from overseas. Canceled for the past couple of years because of Covid concerns, hopefully, it will return in 2023. The Honda LPGA Thailand was again held behind closed doors this year, but in the past up to 25,000 a day would flock to see the top fifty female golfers in the world at Siam Country Club. It will return in March 2023. At last, one event did go ahead in 2022 when the Full Moon Parties recently returned to Haad Rin. Apparently, the southern Island of Koh Pha Ngan attracted over 10,000 party-goers this past weekend for the first full-scale full moon party in over two years. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The event went off without a hitch with tourists, marine, and immigration police all there to ensure that everyone was able to have fun while also maintaining some sense of law and order. One local said that a large number of foreign tourists meant that the iconic event was still in people’s minds, even after two years of silence. As the word spreads that it was an enormous success, they expect that the next party on May 16th will attract even more partygoers. These beach parties have become well-known around the world, and it is amazing to see them back in fashion. Pattaya is also getting ready to host a mega music festival in May with some of the World’s top DJ’s, revealed that the UK’s number one electronic music festival. Known as Creamfields, it will be hosted at Nongnooch Pattaya Garden between 28 and 29 May, with a promising line-up of electronic artists like R3HAB and Fedde Le Grand. 100,000 are expected over the two days 2018 marked the first year MotoGP™ made its way to the Chang International Circuit which attracted a huge crowd of over 100,000 and was voted by the riders as the best organized meeting of the year. The fans will be back as the Moto GP circus returns on October 2nd, 2022, to this popular Buriram circuit. So, you see Thailand already has a number of events that will attract foreigners before we remember that Thailand’s beaches, hospitality, and incredible cuisine are also huge attractions. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-21 - 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