webfact

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

Finance Ministry Adjusts 2022 GDP Forecast to 3-4% by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance has adjusted down its GDP forecast for 2022, from 3.5-4.5% to 3-4%, amid a slew of domestic and international factors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257071-finance-ministry-adjusts-2022-gdp-forecast-to-3-4/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance has adjusted down its GDP forecast for 2022, from 3.5-4.5% to 3-4%, amid a slew of domestic and international factors. Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith clarified that contributing factors include the current COVID-19 situation, climbing global fuel prices, and the ongoing armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He nevertheless noted that this year’s projection is still significantly higher than in 2021. According to the Office of National Economic and Social Development Council, the Thai economy last year expanded by 1.6 percent, recovering from a 6.2-percent contraction in 2020. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The minister said he was confident that the Thai economy will gradually recover as the government relaxes more COVID restrictions. These steps will allow more international and domestic tourists to conveniently engage in tourism activities in the Kingdom, increasing spending. Minister Arkhom said the export sector remains the main engine driving the Thai economy this year. According to the Customs Department, export performance for March was still expanding and it expects the sector to grow about 12-15% in the first quarter. The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) meanwhile projects that Thai exports will expand 5% this year. However, the Ministry of Finance has set its target for export expansion at 10% and urged the TNSC and exporters to inform the ministry about possible approaches for improving liquidity and performance. Arkhom added that talks will be held with the Bank of Thailand about maintaining the stability of the baht currency -- © 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

Summer storm warning for many parts of Thailand on Monday The Meteorological Department is warning of freak summer storms in many parts of the country, due to a moderately high pressure system, or cold front, from China, which is now covering northern Thailand and the South China Sea. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257070-summer-storm-warning-for-many-parts-of-thailand-on-monday/

The Meteorological Department is warning of freak summer storms in many parts of the country, due to a moderately high pressure system, or cold front, from China, which is now covering northern Thailand and the South China Sea. A summer storm, usually occurring between March and April, is characterised by strong winds, rainfall, hail in some areas, isolated heavy rain and thunder and lightning, said the department, as it advised people not to say in open fields, not to take shelter under large trees nor remain near a billboards or weak structures. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Farmers are advised to protect their crops, which may sustain damage from hail. In Pai district of the northernmost province of Mae Hong Son, the district chief officer has instructed all village heads to assess damage to houses and crops after a heavy hailstorm hit the district yesterday (Sunday). Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/summer-storm-warning-for-many-parts-of-thailand-on-monday/ -- © 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

PM thanks Cambodians, praises Thai authorities for helping call center victims - but more need assistance Picture: Siam Rath Speaking through his spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek, the Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha praised the Thai and Cambodian authorities for helping people conned into working at call centers located in Thailand's neighbor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257069-pm-thanks-cambodians-praises-thai-authorities-for-helping-call-center-victims-but-more-need-assistance/

Picture: Siam Rath Speaking through his spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek, the Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha praised the Thai and Cambodian authorities for helping people conned into working at call centers located in Thailand's neighbor. Prayuth said that 600 have been helped since October but 2,000 more need assistance in many other cities of Cambodia. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He singled out the foreign ministry, interior ministry, societal development ministry and Royal Thai Police for praise along with the Cambodians. But he said more needs to be done to help all the victims of the gangs. -- © 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

Mango and sticky rice flying off the shelves after Thai rapper promotes dessert in US Picture: Siam Rath Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257068-mango-and-sticky-rice-flying-off-the-shelves-after-thai-rapper-promotes-dessert-in-us/

Mango and sticky rice flying off the shelves after Thai rapper promotes dessert in US Picture: Siam Rath It is one of Thailand's most iconic and popular desserts now coming into season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257068-mango-and-sticky-rice-flying-off-the-shelves-after-thai-rapper-promotes-dessert-in-us/

Picture: Siam Rath It is one of Thailand's most iconic and popular desserts now coming into season. Mango and sticky rice, usually served with coconut milk sauce. Top Thai rapper Danupha "Milli" Khanatheerakul ate some on stage making the first appearance for a Thai at the Coachella Festival 2022 in Indio, Southern California. The star's mango promotion antics were good news for stall owner Rasita Ruamsuk. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe She sells the dessert in Pattaya under the name J. Noy - Mang Heaven and noted that until now business had been slow. But Milli's promotion had inspired Thais and foreigners to show up in large numbers clamoring for the delicious dessert, reported Siam Rath. -- © 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

Driver found dead in the luggage compartment of his bus Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that police were called to a parking area in Bang Duan sub-district of Muang Samut Prakan after a dead body was found in the luggage compartment of a bus. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257067-driver-found-dead-in-the-luggage-compartment-of-his-bus/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that police were called to a parking area in Bang Duan sub-district of Muang Samut Prakan after a dead body was found in the luggage compartment of a bus. The doors were wide open and Samruay, aged about 40-45, was dead inside dressed just in shorts. The body was taken for an autopsy. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Phena, 47, a friend, found the body. He said that Samruay worked for a company transporting staff but the company had been shut for Songkran since Wednesday. He had parked his bus under the bridge and was guarding it by sleeping there every day. Police think he died from natural causes, probably an underlying health condition that reared up. -- © 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