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John Ollila Visitors to Thailand from July 2021 have been required to apply for entry permission first COE and later Thailand pass, with various documents, and the requirements have been relaxed a few times. Now, Thailand is extending the Thailand Pass validity effective April 18, 2022. As a result, you can arrive 7 days EARLIER or LATER than the indicated entry date on the QR code (you can scan and see what is included on the QR code). Previously, you were not allowed to enter earlier but were allowed up to a couple of days later in case of flight changes and cancellations. You can access the Thailand Pass website here. Here’s what Thailand Pass has posted on the website: ประกาศ วันจันทร์ที่ 18 เมษายน 2565 ผู้เดินทางที่ได้รับอนุมัติ Thailand Pass QR Code สามารถเปลี่ยนแปลงวันเดินทางเข้าไทยโดยใช้ QR Code ที่ได้รับอนุมัติเดิม (ไม่ต้องลงทะเบียนใหม่) หากกำหนดวันเดินทางใหม่ อยู่ภายในระยะเวลา 7 วันก่อนหน้า หรือ 7 วันหลังจากวันที่ที่ได้รับอนุมัติเดิม Applicants can use their approved Thailand Pass QR Code to enter Thailand on different date of arrival if the new date of arrival is within 7 days before or after the original date of arrival as indicated on the QR Code. —————————– หากสายการบินของท่าน เดินทางมายังอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ สามารถตรวจสอบเคาน์เตอร์ที่พักของท่านได้ที่ https://checkinextraplus.workationthailand.com/ In the case that your arrival port is Suvarnabhumi International Airport, please check your hotel counter number via https://checkinextraplus.workationthailand.com/ The QR code or the web page that resolves from it has not yet been fixed, but this information has been sent to relevant parties. I would expect, however, that not all airline agents are aware of it yet. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://loyaltylobby.com/2022/04/17/thailand-pass-validity-extension-effective-april-18-2022/ -- © Copyright LOYALTY LOBBY 2022-04-19 - 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

UPDATE: Decision time on plans to ease further restrictions on foreign tourists with strong conflicting views by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (centre) on Monday struck a more optimistic note about the country’s ability to attract more incoming tourists and fears of a COVID-19 wave after Songkran. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257093-next-fortnight-will-determine-adjustments-of-covid-19-measures-in-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=17312569

Decision time on plans to ease further restrictions on foreign tourists with strong conflicting views by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (centre) on Monday struck a more optimistic note about the country’s ability to attract more incoming tourists and fears of a COVID-19 wave after Songkran. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul (inset left) said it would take a further two weeks to assess the effects of the Songkran holidays on the trend of the virus in advance of a key meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday, April 22nd when a decision removing RT-PCR testing by May 1st will be examined and an expected more radical proposal from the Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn who said last week that he was preparing plans to scrap the whole controlled entry regime for vaccinated foreign tourists by May 1st and would be presenting this for approval. Meanwhile, Dr Thira Woratanarat (inset right) of Chulalongkorn University has warned of rising levels of death from Covid-19 in Thailand and called for more respect for human life from decision-makers. Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday was more cautious when he confirmed that the government was moving towards endemic status but stressed that conditions must be right in all provinces and that decision-makers must listen to medical and scientific panels set up to advise them under law. Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha, on Monday, struck a positive note about the country’s performance in attracting incoming foreign tourism and fears over the impact of the Songkran holidays on the virus situation as the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is due to meet on Friday the 22nd April to discuss a move to abolish RT-PCR testing for incoming tourists and at which more radical proposals may be tabled by the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, to altogether abolish the ‘Test and Go’ and ‘Thailand Pass’ controlled entry regime for incoming travellers who are vaccinated. At the same time, a voice critical of such easing of restrictions in the past, Dr Thira Woratanarat of Chulalongkorn University, also on Monday, warned that Thailand currently has a rising death rate from the virus and that the country’s prevention policies need to be reassessed on the basis of placing more value on human life. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe On Monday, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul, speaking at Government House in Bangkok, told reporters that it would take approximately two weeks to assess the impact of the Songkran holiday period on the trajectory of the government’s fight against COVID-19 and plans to ease restrictions, particularly on incoming foreign tourism to the kingdom. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/04/18/decision-time-on-easier-access-for-tourists/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-04-19 - 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

Speeding most common cause of road accidents in Prachuap Khiri Khan during Songkran By Online Reporter Speeding drivers were the cause of almost half of all road traffic accidents throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan during the Songkran festival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257145-speeding-most-common-cause-of-road-accidents-in-prachuap-khiri-khan-during-songkran/

By Online Reporter Speeding drivers were the cause of almost half of all road traffic accidents throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan during the Songkran festival. Speaking at the closure of the province’s “New way of life, drive safely, no accidents” road safety campaign, Mr Prompiriya Kitnuson, deputy governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan said there were a total of 27 accidents, 27 injuries, and 3 deaths between April 11-17, 2022. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The number of accidents, injuries and deaths was much lower than the targets outlined by provincial officials before the start of Songkran. Previously officials had set targets of no more than 47 accidents, 48 injuries and 4 deaths on the province’s roads during the week long Songkran festival, dubbed ‘seven dangerous days’ by Thai media. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/speeding-most-common-cause-of-road-accidents-in-prachuap-khiri-khan-during-songkran/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-19 - 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

Man seriously injured after being attacked by elephants in Hua Hin By Online Reporter A man was seriously injured after being attacked by elephants in the Hua Sat Yai sub district of Hua Hin on Sunday morning (April 17). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257144-man-seriously-injured-after-being-attacked-by-elephants-in-hua-hin/

By Online Reporter A man was seriously injured after being attacked by elephants in the Hua Sat Yai sub district of Hua Hin on Sunday morning (April 17). Local farmer Mr. Chuchai Lueangphadung, 57, was found by his wife Pranee lying on the ground at their farm in Ban Fa Prathan Village just after 6am. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mrs. Pranee explained how her husband slept in a separate property on the farm in order to help guard their crops from elephants. She said the alarm was raised by her sister-in-law who said she had heard Mr. Chuchai shouting. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/man-seriously-injured-after-being-attacked-by-elephants-in-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-19 - 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

Wichian, one of PPRP’s co-founders, resigns from party citing changed ideology By Erich Parpart One of the co-founders of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) resigned from the party he helped create on Monday effectively ending his status as a member of parliament. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257143-wichian-one-of-pprp’s-co-founders-resigns-from-party-citing-changed-ideology/

By Erich Parpart One of the co-founders of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) resigned from the party he helped create on Monday effectively ending his status as a member of parliament. “The party has changed to the point where it is unable to operate according to the ideology for which it was created,” Wichian Chavalit told reporters. “I have to look for a party with similar stance and ideology,” he said. Wichian did not say which party he will join but he said he was approached by the Sang Anakot Thai Party (SAT) or Building Thailand’s Future Party. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39454/vichian-one-of-pprps-co-founders-resigns-from-party-citing-changed-ideology/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-19 - 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 Tuesday 19 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1257141-thailand-live-tuesday-19-april-2022/

Pattaya, at last, had rows of buses full of tourists again by Michael Bridge Having been through the worst few years in its history, the Pattaya hospitality industry seems to be making some income at last, as the Songkran Festival takes over the town. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257142-pattaya-at-last-had-rows-of-buses-full-of-tourists-again/

by Michael Bridge Having been through the worst few years in its history, the Pattaya hospitality industry seems to be making some income at last, as the Songkran Festival takes over the town. As a local resident, I was actually surprised to drive past a row of eight buses parked beside third road, a sign that the crowds were back. The difference was they were the buses with upper deck windows open, favoured by locals out for a few days beside the sea. Seems that many Thais fearful of overseas travel, headed for the Gulf of Thailand, and at only 80 minutes from Bangkok, it was an easy choice for many. Although beach road was not closed to traffic for Thailand’s biggest water battle this year, there were still a lot of families on the beach enjoying the hot weather. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Pratamnak area also saw thousands head for its beach too, with street vendors, at last, making some good money. In fact, there were even a few traffic jams across the city, the first time in ages. I heard the water parks and local attractions such as Nong-Nooch Gardens and the Sanctuary of Truth were busy too. Central Festival and Terminal 21 just about coped with queues to find a parking slot. The big question was did the hotels have sufficient staff to handle this influx of travellers? Expect the next few months to return to a quieter normal, which may be good news for residents, but not so great for the hoteliers, restaurants, bars, and theme parks. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-19 - 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

Businesses Advised to Let Employees Work From Home After Songkran BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has advised public and private sectors to allow their staff to work from home for a week after the Songkran holidays to help reduce the risk of coronavirus transmissions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257109-businesses-advised-to-let-employees-work-from-home-after-songkran/

COVID Won’t Be Endemic on July 1 BANGKOK – The Ministry of Public Health will not declare COVID-19 an endemic disease on July 1, according to Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257130-covid-won’t-be-endemic-on-july-1/

Next fortnight will determine adjustments of COVID-19 measures in Thailand Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today (Monday) that the ministry will closely monitor and assess the COVID-19 situation over the two weeks following the Songkran holiday, to determine whether the existing measures need to be adjusted. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257093-next-fortnight-will-determine-adjustments-of-covid-19-measures-in-thailand/

Next fortnight will determine adjustments of COVID-19 measures in Thailand Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today (Monday) that the ministry will closely monitor and assess the COVID-19 situation over the two weeks following the Songkran holiday, to determine whether the existing measures need to be adjusted. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257093-next-fortnight-will-determine-adjustments-of-covid-19-measures-in-thailand/

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today (Monday) that the ministry will closely monitor and assess the COVID-19 situation over the two weeks following the Songkran holiday, to determine whether the existing measures need to be adjusted. He said that it is normal for people to get infected during the long Songkran holidays, because of the extensive travel and the increased chance of close contact with others, but he hopes that most will be safe if they were fully inoculated and the anticipated infection surge will not exceed the capacity of the health system. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Senior health experts predicted, before Songkran, that new infections after the holidays would surge to between 50,000 and 100,000 cases per day (in both RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests). They also expressed concern over elderly people and those suffering from underlying diseases, many of whom are not vaccinated or have not received booster shots. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/next-fortnight-will-determine-adjustments-of-covid-19-measures-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-18 - 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

Expert Advises Retirees to Adjust Investment Plans by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - An advisor of TISCO Bank Public Company has indicated that Thailand will become a full-fledged aging society next year, while warning that most senior citizens are not financially prepared for it. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257081-expert-advises-retirees-to-adjust-investment-plans/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - An advisor of TISCO Bank Public Company has indicated that Thailand will become a full-fledged aging society next year, while warning that most senior citizens are not financially prepared for it. Nattakrit Laotaweesap, Head Of Wealth Advisory of TISCO Bank, reiterated that many people reaching retirement age in 2023 will likely face financial difficulties even with government support. He cautioned that these individuals could lead less fulfilling lives than they had hoped, especially with inflation pushing up commodity prices. By the end of March, Thai inflation hit 5.73% - the highest in 13 years - which Nattakrit said has forced retirees to dip into their savings. People are also likely to face higher medical expenses at an increasing average rate of 8% annually. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The advisor is recommending that retirees consider “Megatrends Retirement Planning” to ensure their post-working age financial stability. The plan includes investment in megatrends, especially in future trends of technology such as cloud computing and cyber security businesses. He noted that Metaverse-related businesses also have immense growth potential. Additionally, the plan calls for reducing financial risks by investing in specialized insurance coverage that pays a lump sum to help with high deductibles due to treatment for serious illnesses. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-18 - 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

Swimming coach allegedly involved in minor sex trafficking for his 78-year-old foreign stepfather arrested in Phuket By Tanakorn Panyadee Phuket – Thalang Police arrested a 32-year-old swimming coach for allegedly luring minors into sexual abuse with his foreign stepfather. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257080-swimming-coach-allegedly-involved-in-minor-sex-trafficking-for-his-78-year-old-foreign-stepfather-arrested-in-phuket/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Phuket – Thalang Police arrested a 32-year-old swimming coach for allegedly luring minors into sexual abuse with his foreign stepfather. Yesterday, April 17th, Lt. Gen. Surachet Hakpal and other relevant officials interrogated Nikki (a pseudonym), 32, who was under an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket court for allegedly illegally being involved in and human trafficking of underage children for sexual activities. He was captured at his house in the Khok Kloi sub-district, Takua Thung district, Phang Nga, and awaited further legal proceedings at the Thalang police station. According to officer Surachet, more commonly known by his nickname Big Joke, Nikki was the stepson of John David Ross Young, a 78-year-old expat, who resided in Pa Khlok sub-district, Thalang, Phuket, for 10 years. He was a former real estate operator relocating to Phuket to continue his business of selling and buying land and pool villas in 2012, but he no longer worked at present. John had two sons with his wife (deceased), but they currently lived in New Zealand, so he lived alone at his house in Phuket. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Officer Surachet claimed that police had been nudged from concerned citizens about child indecency activities which was linked to John since 2020, but when they came to investigate, the villagers denied cooperation because John often acted as a donor who regularly provided financial assistance to them. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/18/swimming-coach-allegedly-involved-in-minor-sex-trafficking-for-his-78-year-old-foreign-stepfather-arrested-in-phuket/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-18 - 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

Thai government urged to brace for goods price spike in May The government has been advised to take steps to cope with an average 5% to 10% increase in the prices of goods in May, when the diesel price, which has been pegged at 30 baht/litre, will be allowed to float and cargo transporters are likely to increase transport charges. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257075-thai-government-urged-to-brace-for-goods-price-spike-in-may/

The government has been advised to take steps to cope with an average 5% to 10% increase in the prices of goods in May, when the diesel price, which has been pegged at 30 baht/litre, will be allowed to float and cargo transporters are likely to increase transport charges. With the government’s decision to end subsidies on diesel at the end of this month, he said cargo transport operators are likely to raise their charges by 15-20%. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This will lead to the projected rise is the price of goods, said Kriengkrai , as he advised the government to roll out measures to ease the burden on consumers. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-government-urged-to-brace-for-goods-price-spike-in-may/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-18 - 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

Four policemen transferred to inactive duties as fallout from water splashing event continues Picture: Manager Fallout continued from the evening of 13th April when The Moon Bar restaurant in Nonthaburi held a water splashing Songkran event contrary to the regulations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257073-four-policemen-transferred-to-inactive-duties-as-fallout-from-water-splashing-event-continues/

Picture: Manager Fallout continued from the evening of 13th April when The Moon Bar restaurant in Nonthaburi held a water splashing Songkran event contrary to the regulations. Manager reported that a large number of people turned up. There were big traffic jams because patrons used two lanes of the road for parking. And social media did the rest in revealing what transpired. The manager was arrested and charged with breaking the Covid-19 rules and the establishment on Kanchanaphisek Road was ordered shut for 15 days. But on Sunday the axe fell on the police at the Bang Yai station, whose jurisdiction falls in the area. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Manager Nonthaburi chief Pol Maj-Gen Phaisan Wongwacharamongkhol ordered the transfer to inactive duties of the station chief Pol Col Wanchai Chujit for 30 days. Similarly transferred to paper shuffling duties at HQ were two underlings at the station and an advisor. Replacements were also named for three of the policemen. Now an investigation is underway into whether the policemen involved either turned a blind eye to the event or were somehow involved otherwise. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-18 - 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