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Covid: Emergency decree extended yet again - Songkran blamed Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the Thai cabinet has once again extended the Covid-19 emergency decree. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254353-covid-emergency-decree-extended-yet-again-songkran-blamed/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the Thai cabinet has once again extended the Covid-19 emergency decree. They said this is because of the potential for spread at the upcoming Songkran new year festival in Mid April. This was the 17th such emergency decree recommended by the security council and now agreed. It was also noted that apart form the continued infections being experienced in Thailand, the country's neighbors also have problems with Covid, especially Myanmar. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe February and March have seen infections throughout the country as restrictions were eased. The decree gives the government extra powers that were felt necessary to contain a possible rise in spread during the long holiday period that is Songkran. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-23 - 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 Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Opinion: Thai democratic meritocracy remains elusive as Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares for PM candidacy By Serichon On March 21, Pheu Thai made a significant political statement during the party’s general meeting themed under “Pheu Thai Family” in Udonthani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254351-opinion-thai-democratic-meritocracy-remains-elusive-as-paetongtarn-shinawatra-prepares-for-pm-candidacy/

By Serichon On March 21, Pheu Thai made a significant political statement during the party’s general meeting themed under “Pheu Thai Family” in Udonthani. Eight years after the Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted from office by a coup d’etat, Paetongtarn Shinawatra officially steps into the political spotlight. Although her official title in the party is Head of Participation and Innovation – whatever that means – we all know what this is really all about. It’s the continuation of the Shinawatra’s political lineage and Pheu Thai’s reliance on the Shinawatra’s brand. As the country prepares for parliament dissolution and upcoming general elections, despite all of the seismic political changes that took place in the last five years, a familiar cycle seems to be repeating itself again. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38836/opinion-thai-democratic-meritocracy-remains-elusive-as-paetongtarn-shinawatra-prepares-for-pm-candidacy/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-23 - 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

Off to Thailand: Bangkok-Phuket is again bustling for Indian airlines Thailand was once dominated by tourists from China but a ferry disaster in 2018 led to a reduction in those numbers, which were happily filled up by Indians on the back of steal deals and more flying options, until the pandemic struck. by AMEYA JOSHI Just about every airline has added flights to Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254347-off-to-thailand-bangkok-phuket-is-again-bustling-for-indian-airlines/

Thailand was once dominated by tourists from China but a ferry disaster in 2018 led to a reduction in those numbers, which were happily filled up by Indians on the back of steal deals and more flying options, until the pandemic struck. by AMEYA JOSHI Just about every airline has added flights to Thailand. In 2018, IndiGo launched non-stop flights between Varanasi and Bangkok. The internet was full of memes calling it the Paap and Prayaschit route. A trip to Thailand is always met with chuckles and sniggers across offices! Thailand has been a popular destination for Indians, and passengers between the two markets include all kinds of tourists. Thailand is also a strong MICE market; MICE is short for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Opening scheduled international services in the aftermath of COVID-19 has been a challenge for governments because it entails reciprocity in acceptance of vaccinations being administered by various countries. It’s no longer exclusively the domain of civil aviation, The external affairs, home, and health ministries are involved as well. Full story: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/off-to-thailand-bangkok-phuket-is-again-bustling-for-indian-airlines-8261221.html -- © Copyright Money Control 2022-03-23 - 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

Thailand launches Flexible Plus Programme offering privileges for foreign investors by Gregers Møller The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently announced that the Thailand Privilege Card has launched the Flexible Plus Programme, which is positioned at affluent foreign investors and aims to help stimulate the recovery of the Thai economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254346-thailand-launches-flexible-plus-programme-offering-privileges-for-foreign-investors/

by Gregers Møller The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently announced that the Thailand Privilege Card has launched the Flexible Plus Programme, which is positioned at affluent foreign investors and aims to help stimulate the recovery of the Thai economy. In this press release, TAT states that The Royal Thai Government Gazette has published the announcement by the Ministry of Interior on the Flexible Plus Programme, which permits Thailand Privilege Cardholders to be granted a work permit under the Flexible Plus Programme. The Programme has been established to encourage foreign investment and to revive Thailand’s economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Thailand Privilege Card, said that as of the Cabinet resolution on 19 October 2021, the investment principle on the Flexible Plus Programme has been granted approval. The Programme offers privileges for Thailand Privilege Cardholders to work under the terms and conditions, thus aiming to urge foreign investors to invest in Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://scandasia.com/thailand-launches-flexible-plus-programme-offering-privileges-for-foreign-investors/ -- © Copyright ScandAsia 2022-03-23 - 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

Sleepy pickup truck driver seriously injured after crashing into a trailer truck on Sri Racha highway By Goong Nang(GN) Sri Racha – A pickup truck driver who allegedly fell asleep at the wheel was seriously injured after crashing into a trailer truck in Sri Racha yesterday (March 21st). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254345-sleepy-pickup-truck-driver-seriously-injured-after-crashing-into-a-trailer-truck-on-sri-racha-highway/

By Goong Nang(GN) Sri Racha – A pickup truck driver who allegedly fell asleep at the wheel was seriously injured after crashing into a trailer truck in Sri Racha yesterday (March 21st). The Highway Police was notified of the accident after midnight on the Motorway in the Bang Phra sub-district. The first response teams arrived at the scene to find the male driver aged around 40 who was unconscious stuck inside his damaged pickup truck. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/22/sleepy-pickup-truck-driver-seriously-injured-after-crashing-into-a-trailer-truck-on-sri-racha-highway/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-23 - 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

Pattaya mayor confirms Songkran, including the “big day” on April 19th, will take place-but no water fights, booze, powder, or parties-only religious and traditional activities allowed By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya- The Pattaya mayor has allowed this year’s Songkran festival (also known as the water festival and Thai New Year) to go on at Pattaya and Na Kluea, but the focus will be on traditional and religious practices. Water splashing, water fights, alcohol consumption, powder, foam parties, and parties, in general, was still prohibited due to concerns around Covid-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254344-pattaya-mayor-confirms-songkran-including-the-“big-day”-on-april-19th-will-take-place-but-no-water-fights-booze-powder-or-parties-only-religious-and-traditional-activities-allowed/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya- The Pattaya mayor has allowed this year’s Songkran festival (also known as the water festival and Thai New Year) to go on at Pattaya and Na Kluea, but the focus will be on traditional and religious practices. Water splashing, water fights, alcohol consumption, powder, foam parties, and parties, in general, was still prohibited due to concerns around Covid-19. Mr. Sontaya Khunpluem, the Pattaya mayor, gave the green light for Songkran to continue this year which will take place from April 18th to April 20th in the Pattaya, Naklua, and Bang Saray areas. The national holidays will be from April 13th-April 15th. This will be the first time since 2019 “Wan Lai” on April 19th, or the day of water, will be allowed in Pattaya due to Covid-19 precautions. However, it’s unclear what this will look like as water play and fights will be banned due to the still ongoing spread of the virus. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe April 19th is typically the single biggest party of the year for Pattaya, even more so than Christmas and New Year, but due to the strict rules to “prevent the spread of Covid-19,” it will look significantly different. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/22/pattaya-mayor-confirms-songkran-including-the-big-day-on-april-19th-will-take-place-but-no-water-fights-booze-powder-or-parties-only-religious-and-traditional-activities-allowed/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-23 - 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 launches new ‘Monopoly: Phuket Edition’ board game Latest version of globally popular game set to help promote Thai tourism and spur industry recovery, while showcasing renowned resort destination in a fun and entertaining fashion. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proud to launch an exciting new version of the ever-popular board game Monopoly – ‘Monopoly: Phuket Edition’. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254343-tat-launches-new-‘monopoly-phuket-edition’-board-game/

Latest version of globally popular game set to help promote Thai tourism and spur industry recovery, while showcasing renowned resort destination in a fun and entertaining fashion. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proud to launch an exciting new version of the ever-popular board game Monopoly – ‘Monopoly: Phuket Edition’. Made under official license from Hasbro by Winning Moves UK, the Monopoly: Phuket Edition board game features more than 30 locations and activities in Phuket province, including popular landmarks and attractions such as Promthep Cape (on the game’s most prestigious square, Mayfair), Kata Beach, Chao Fah Variety Market (or Naka Market), Old Town Phuket and renowned diving spot Coral Island. Miss Sadudee Sangnil, Director of TAT London Office, said, “The development of Monopoly: Phuket Edition has been a fun project and creative way to showcase one of Thailand’s much-loved beach destinations. It is an exciting opportunity for TAT to highlight the variety the island offers from accommodation and attractions to beaches and shopping, especially as travel to Thailand resumes.” Officially launched at Central Phuket on 19 March, 2022, a giant 5×5 metre version of the new board game was on display for shoppers to explore and Mr. Monopoly himself travelled to Thailand especially for the event and later enjoyed some sightseeing around the island. Supported with digital marketing, social media, and PR, TAT is bringing Phuket to life through the much-loved board game. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “An iconic brand, popular with all ages, Monopoly: Phuket Edition is a stand out campaign to engage first timers and repeat visitors as well as provide a unique marketing platform for our travel trade partners who feature on the board. The game is a great souvenir for those who come to Phuket, the perfect gift for friends who love Thailand, and it is also a fun way for board game enthusiasts and first timers to learn about Phuket and ‘play and plan’ their next holiday,” added Miss Sadudee. There is so much to explore and discover across Thailand this is the first of special Thailand editions TAT plans to create in partnership with Winning Moves. Monopoly: Phuket Edition is available at numerous stores and venues in Phuket, among them: What The Box Cafe, Phuket Card, D6 Wargaming Phuket, The British International School Phuket, Utopia, The Naiharn Phuket, COMO Point Yamu Phuket, Blue Tree Phuket Water Park and Carnival Magic Phuket. It can also be purchased through online channels in the United Kingdom including booghe.co.uk and Amazon UK. More information on the Monopoly: Phuket Edition board game can be found on the Facebook page Phuket Monopoly. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/tat-launches-new-monopoly-phuket-edition-board-game/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-03-23 - 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

Fleets of EVs Flock to 43rd Motor Show NONTHABURI, (TNA) – The 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show is ready to welcome visitors at its venue, the IMPACT exhibition complex in Muang Thong Thani estate, from March 23 to April 3 on the theme of “Keep moving forward together”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254342-fleets-of-evs-flock-to-43rd-motor-show/

NONTHABURI, (TNA) – The 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show is ready to welcome visitors at its venue, the IMPACT exhibition complex in Muang Thong Thani estate, from March 23 to April 3 on the theme of “Keep moving forward together”. Prachin Eamlumnow, chief executive officer of Grand Prix International PCL and chief organizer of the Bangkok International Motor Show, said the automotive industry of Thailand started to recover this year after being affected by COVID-19 for over two years. Importantly the industry was shifting from internal combustion engines to electric power and manufacturers were enjoying support from the government for their production of electric vehicles for domestic use and export, he said. 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-907865 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-03-23 - 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

Has Thailand reached the top of the Covid curve? by Michael Bridge File photo According to statistics published by the World Health Origination, Thailand now ranks thirty-four on the World table with 166,520 cases reported up to Monday March 20th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254341-has-thailand-reached-the-top-of-the-covid-curve/

File photo by Michael Bridge According to statistics published by the World Health Origination, Thailand now ranks thirty-four on the World table with 166,520 cases reported up to Monday March 20th. Southeast Asia’s most affected country is Vietnam which recorded 1.913,928 cases in the same period. The average number of new infections reported in Thailand reached a peak of 27,071 cases on March 18th. Since then by March 22nd it had dropped to 21,382 cases. Since the pandemic started there have been a total of 3,353,969 infections and 24,246 coronavirus related deaths in Thailand. The actual number of cases is likely to be much higher than the number of confirmed cases – this is due to limited testing in Thailand. Why is it useful to look at weekly changes in confirmed cases? For all global data sources on the pandemic, daily data does not necessarily refer to the number of new confirmed cases on that day – but to the cases reported on that day. Since reporting can vary significantly from day to day – irrespectively of any actual variation of cases – it is helpful to look at a longer time span that is less affected by the daily variation in reporting. According to https://ourworldindata.org/, this provides a clearer picture of where the pandemic is accelerating, staying the same, or reducing. To enable comparisons across countries it is expressed per million people of the population. 91.2% have been vaccinated Thailand has so far administered 127,061,065 doses of Covid vaccines. This means if every person needs two doses, then 91.2% of the country’s population have been covered. Dr. Anan Jongkaewwattana, a virologist and researcher at the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Thailand, has said the country is at a “crossroads” over what to do next. “We are experiencing rising in omicron cases -- a very rapid one. The question should be how long we can expect it to slow down … it can be days or weeks or even months.,” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “In my opinion, we are at the crossroads at the moment. The number of cases are rising but, to many doctors, the majority of them are still considered mild when compared to the delta wave,” he added. Data show that the omicron variant is highly transmissible, has an incubation period of about five days and causes less severe symptoms than earlier variants. Thailand now must focus on a plan to live with the virus, according to Pravit Rojanaphruk of Thai news site Khaosod English. “The government can ill afford to impose another semi-lockdown as it has spent a lot of money over the past two years to remedy and contain COVID-19. It is hesitant because further restrictions would adversely affect the latest Test & Go scheme for arrivals from abroad and further harm the tourism and related industries. “Increasing vaccination is the way ahead as the government has enough vaccines now for a booster shot. Children will be a particular target group in the weeks ahead, but some parents are still reluctant. It's time to focus on normalising coexistence with COVID-19.” Let’s keep fingers crossed that we are over the worst and soon we can return to a normal Land of the Smiles. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-23 - 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 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 23 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1254340-thailand-live-wednesday-23-march-2022/

Cabinet Endorses 8 Billion Baht for Covid-19 Response BANGKOK, March 22 (TNA) – The Cabinet approved the central budget of 8.458 billion baht, proposed by the Public Health Ministry for Covid-19 prevention and management, covid-19 risk allowance for health personnel and procurement of Paxlovid pills for Covid-19 treatment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254323-cabinet-endorses-8-billion-baht-for-covid-19-response/

Air Force Identifies Possible Causes for F-16 Crash in Chaiyaphum The Royal Thai Air Force has identified three possible causes for the crash of an F-16 fighter jet earlier this month in Chaiyaphum province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254319-air-force-identifies-possible-causes-for-f-16-crash-in-chaiyaphum/

Police Offer 3000 Baht Reward to Street Race Informants BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have announced a 3,000 baht reward per tip-off for information about illegal motorcycle racing on public roads. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254317-police-offer-3000-baht-reward-to-street-race-informants/

Thai government rolls out 10,000-baht loan programme for Covid-hit households By Panithan Onthaworn State-run Government Saving Bank (GSB) is launching its latest relief-loan measure to alleviate the burden on Thai households amid the stagnant economy wrecked by the Covid-19 epidemic, it said on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254273-thai-government-rolls-out-10000-baht-loan-programme-for-covid-hit-households/

By Panithan Onthaworn State-run Government Saving Bank (GSB) is launching its latest relief-loan measure to alleviate the burden on Thai households amid the stagnant economy wrecked by the Covid-19 epidemic, it said on Tuesday. The measure aims to “help those in need of liquidity for their family, as well as to reduce debt load,” said GSB president Vitai Ratanakorn. This relief scheme is part of the Thai government’s policy to support affected households across the country, he said. Under the scheme, Thais over the age of 20 are eligible for up to 10,000 baht credit with a fixed interest rate of 0.35 per cent a month and no requirement for credit guarantor and collateral. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38816/thai-government-rolls-out-10000-baht-loan-programme-for-covid-hit-households/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-22 - 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

How to Save Thailand and Malaysia From Rising Sea Levels A recent meeting between the nations’ leaders was a missed opportunity to address one of the most pressing challenges of the coming century. By Piyali Banergee An aerial view of the Strait of Malacca, which runs between peninsular Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Credit: Depositphotos When Malaysia’s Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob met with his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha in late February in Bangkok to discuss, among other things, closer crossborder ties... Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254267-how-to-save-thailand-and-malaysia-from-rising-sea-levels/