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File photo We read last week that the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has agreed to cancel the requirement for pre-departure RT-PCR tests for international arrivals, effective from April 1st. (April fools day!!) The CCSA has decided to do away with the requirement for all travelers to Thailand, under the “Test and Go” program, to take an RT-PCR test in 72 hours before their departure, by land, air, or sea. However, they still must take the test upon arrival and self-administer an antigen test on the 5th day of their stay in the country. The move is part of the gradual easing of restrictions in an attempt to revive the country’s vital tourism sector, although the CCSA also decided to extend the enforcement of the emergency announcement for the 17th time, from April 1st until May 31st. Now, this may all sound fine and dandy, but a friend of mine who works on the oil rigs in South America and travels to Thailand regularly is not convinced it will encourage tourists. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He points out that they have got rid of pre-flight testing, although he could, through no fault of his own, catch a virus on the plane over and on arrival test positive. If that is the case, he then has a huge bill while he is forced to stay in an expensive Thai hospital, and so is it worth the risk of coming here for a holiday. Vietnam’s open for tourists Vietnam’s Ministry of Health on March 15 released COVID-19 entry procedures for foreign arrivals and foreign arrivals are required to: ● Take a COVID-19 negative test using the RT-PCR method 72 hours before entering Vietnam OR a rapid Antigen test (no self-test) 24 hours before entering Vietnam. This does not apply to children under 2 years of age. ● Make a health declaration before entry and download the PC-COVID app; and ● In case a COVID-19 test is not taken prior to departure, a test will be taken within 24 hours after arriving in Vietnam. If negative, travelers can travel anywhere within Vietnam; no quarantine required. Either way, there is a risk to tourists that their dream holiday could end up becoming a very costly quarantine. Could there be a simpler method? The bottom line is if Omicron is like a heavy case of influenza are the authorities being a bit heavy-handed? Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-22 - 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 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 Tuesday 22 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1254217-thailand-live-tuesday-22-march-2022/

Thai Government suggests to limit use of air con to save electric costs following rising costs, leads to dispute between politicians Government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana retorted opposition to Thai Srang Thai Party Leader Sudarat Keyuraphan on social media following her criticism against the government’s suggestion to reduce electricity costs by limiting air conditioning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254204-thai-government-suggests-to-limit-use-of-air-con-to-save-electric-costs-following-rising-costs-leads-to-dispute-between-politicians/

Bangkok ranked top in ‘Best Cities’ category in DestinAsian Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards 2022 PHOTO: DestinAsian Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha was delighted after Bangkok was ranked the first of the best cities in DestinAsian Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254171-bangkok-ranked-top-in-‘best-cities’-category-in-destinasian-magazine’s-reader’s-choice-awards-2022/

Thailand dives in World Happiness Report - now only 61st. Has the Land of Smiles become the Land of Scowls? File photo It has been confirmed that Thailand is getting less and less happy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254160-thailand-dives-in-world-happiness-report-now-only-61st-has-the-land-of-smiles-become-the-land-of-scowls/

Thailand dives in World Happiness Report - now only 61st. Has the Land of Smiles become the Land of Scowls? File photo It has been confirmed that Thailand is getting less and less happy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254160-thailand-dives-in-world-happiness-report-now-only-61st-has-the-land-of-smiles-become-the-land-of-scowls/

File photo It has been confirmed that Thailand is getting less and less happy. That's if the World Happiness Report is anything to go by. The report is now in its tenth year and Thailand continues to go in the wrong direction. Previously ranked the happiest country in south east Asia, Thailand is now behind Singapore and even the Philippines. The kindom was ranked 61st most happy out of 146 nations on the list. It got 5.8 out of ten. Six years ago Thailand was ranked 33rd. It had been 36th when the current government came to power in 2014. With the government famously promising to "Return Happiness to the People" under Prayuth Chan-ocha there was a brief honeymoon period in the first couple of years. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But since then it has been doom and gloom. Now it appears that the Land of Smiles has become the Land of Scowls. The first three places were filled by perennial happiest country Finland (7.8) followed by Denmark (7.6) and Iceland (7.5) Only Israel in 9th and New Zealand in 10th bucked the European trend in the top 10. The UK came in at 17th just behind Canada in 15th and the US in 16th. Australia was 12th and Germany 14th with France scraping into 20th. Singapore made 27th and the Philippines was 60th on place ahead of Thailand. Bottom in the happiness stakes was Afghanistan. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-21 - 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

UPDATE: Pheu Thai Expects Return to National Administration UDON THANI, March 21 (TNA) - A daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is confident her Pheu Thai Party will return to national administration after the next general election. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254140-thaksins-daughter-could-become-thailands-next-prime-minister-as-shinawatras-set-for-comeback/?do=findComment&comment=17259222

Pheu Thai Expects Return to National Administration UDON THANI, March 21 (TNA) - A daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is confident her Pheu Thai Party will return to national administration after the next general election. Paethongtan Shinawatra, Pheu Thai's chief advisor on participation and innovation, on Sunday shared her view after an event to introduce herself as the “Head of the Pheu Thai Family” in the northeastern province to mobilize support from the Pheu Thai members who have been with the party since it was the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party. Announcing her confidence to win 14 million votes in the next general election, Ms Paethongtan said Pheu Thai would lead the next government and formulate policies for the public interest and economic solutions for people. She said that the party had proved since it had been the Thai Rak Thai Party that its policies had brought good life to people. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-906813 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-03-21 - 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

Siam Makro joins Thai government in capping good prices to help ease living costs By Panithan Onthaworn Siam Makro Plc (MAKRO), the wholesale unit of the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, is working with the Commerce Ministry to cap the prices of over 4,000 products as Thai households struggle with rising household costs. https://aseannow.com/topic/1254156-siam-makro-joins-thai-government-in-capping-good-prices-to-help-ease-living-costs/

By Panithan Onthaworn Siam Makro Plc (MAKRO), the wholesale unit of the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, is working with the Commerce Ministry to cap the prices of over 4,000 products as Thai households struggle with rising household costs. As the Thai economy reels from record-high inflation driven by spiking global energy and food prices, the general public and small businesses have become more vulnerable to higher costs. With collaboration from the Commerce Ministry, the wholesaler announced that it has capped prices of essential items such as fresh food at every Makro store nationwide to help alleviate living costs. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38761/siam-makro-joins-thai-government-in-capping-good-prices-to-help-ease-living-costs/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-21 - 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

Prominent local education director in Pattaya killed after driving his motorbike into a power pole in Jomtien By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – A well-known director in the Bang Saray education office passed away overnight after crashing his motorbike into a power pole in Jomtien. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254153-prominent-local-education-director-in-pattaya-killed-after-driving-his-motorbike-into-a-power-pole-in-jomtien/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – A well-known director in the Bang Saray education office passed away overnight after crashing his motorbike into a power pole in Jomtien. The Pattaya City Police was notified of the accident early yesterday morning on Jomtien Second Road in Nongprue. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the damaged motorbike near a power pole. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/21/prominent-local-education-director-in-pattaya-killed-after-driving-his-motorbike-into-a-power-pole-in-jomtien/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-21 - 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

Busy weekend for the snakecatchers in eastern Thailand - 9 serpents rounded up including two King Cobras making out! Thai Rath reported that Muang Chanthaburi snakecatchers had a busy 24 hours from Saturday night into Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254152-busy-weekend-for-the-snakecatchers-in-eastern-thailand-9-serpents-rounded-up-including-two-king-cobras-making-out/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that Muang Chanthaburi snakecatchers had a busy 24 hours from Saturday night into Sunday. Across five districts they handled emergency calls to attend to invasions by nine snakes. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Highlight of the evening were two King Cobras making out in a coiled embrace in Song Phee Nong sub-district. The four meter long male and the three meter long female had their tryst interrupted and like the rest of the night's catch were taken in then returned to nature away from houses and communities. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-21 - 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

Teen shot dead - pillion passenger injured - as violence flares between gangs on Rama 2 road Picture: Manager Tha Kham police were called to the local road beside Rama 2 Road in Samae Dam after a shooting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254151-teen-shot-dead-pillion-passenger-injured-as-violence-flares-between-gangs-on-rama-2-road/

Picture: Manager Tha Kham police were called to the local road beside Rama 2 Road in Samae Dam after a shooting. It happened just past Lotus Rama 2 near the PTT gas station. Seventeen year old Phuwanat was shot in the back and dead at the scene, reported Manager. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He had been riding a Honda Click and came off colliding with a lamppost. The pillion passenger Pathawee broke his leg and was taken to hospital. A witness reported that they were chased by a group of ten others on motorcycles who attacked them with guns and knives. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-21 - 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

Chonburi announces 1,128 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and three new deaths By Goong Nang(GN) 1,128 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254150-chonburi-announces-1128-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-three-new-deaths/

By Goong Nang(GN) 1,128 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today 4,016 positive ATK (rapid antigen) tests were reported but all require a second confirmed PCR test before being counted as official cases. The ATK positive tests are just “possible” cases until confirmed by PCR. TPN notes, however, that second confirmed tests are no longer mandatory except for high-risk groups. 1,386 (PCR) and 3,202 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care Three new deaths The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 1,128 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with three new deaths, March 21st, 2022. This makes a total of 64,128 cases (PCR) and 91,417 cases (ATK) of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 11,854 (PCR) and 38,891 (ATK) people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 116 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections at the beginning of this year, January 2022. Additionally, 1,386 (PCR) and 3,202 (ATK) people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 52,158 (PCR) and 52,526 (ATK) people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began at the beginning of this year, January 2022. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/21/chonburi-announces-1128-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-three-new-deaths/ Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-21 - 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

Video: Center set up to help stranded Russians and Ukrainians on Koh Tao and Koh Phangan Thai PBS reported that 2000 Russians and 500 Ukrainians are seeking help from a center set up in Surat Thani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254148-video-center-set-up-to-help-stranded-russians-and-ukrainians-on-koh-tao-and-koh-phangan/

Thai PBS reported that 2000 Russians and 500 Ukrainians are seeking help from a center set up in Surat Thani. Tourists on Koh Tao and Koh Phangan have a variety of problems in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine after the Russian invasion. Russians have particular problems transferring money and paying for their holidays, said Surat's deputy governor Suthipong Khlai-udom. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He mentioned the collapse of the rouble. Ukrainians are unable to go home and need help with their visas. The Thais are working with the Russian and Ukrainian embassies to help the stranded and desperate tourists. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-21 - 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

Flash flood warned for 12 southern Thai provinces until Thursday People living in low-lying areas and close to natural waterways in 12 southern provinces of Thailand are being warned of possible flash flooding, from today (Monday) until Thursday, as a consequence of a strong low pressure cell in the southern part of the Bay of Bengal. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254147-flash-flood-warned-for-12-southern-thai-provinces-until-thursday/

People living in low-lying areas and close to natural waterways in 12 southern provinces of Thailand are being warned of possible flash flooding, from today (Monday) until Thursday, as a consequence of a strong low pressure cell in the southern part of the Bay of Bengal. According to the National Water Command Centre, the 12 southern provinces at risk of flash floods are Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Phatthalung, Krabi, Phang-nga, Trang, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Relevant agencies have been instructed to monitor weather conditions closely, especially in areas where accumulated rainfall is more than 90mm in 24 hours and in flood-prone areas, and to adjust water management plans appropriately. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/flash-flood-warned-for-12-southern-thai-provinces-until-thursday/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-21 - 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

Rain - and drink - to blame as media reports two lucky escapes in pick-up accidents 77kaoded 77kaoded reported on two pick-up accidents at the weekend in which the drivers walked away without a scratch. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254146-rain-and-drink-to-blame-as-media-reports-two-lucky-escapes-in-pick-up-accidents/

77kaoded 77kaoded reported on two pick-up accidents at the weekend in which the drivers walked away without a scratch. The first was on the local road by the Bangkok - Pattaya motorway in Chachoengsao. At KM 44 in the rain a Toyota hit a lamppost and was smashed to bits. Bang Pakong found the driver - a 40 year old man - uninjured but paralytic from drink. 77kaoded Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe While in Lampang in the north on Pahonyothin Road the Mae Phrik police went to a central reservation where they found a 30 year old man trapped inside an overturned D-Max., reported 77kaoded. He said he was on his way home and lost control in the rain and slippery conditions. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-21 - 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