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By Jonathan Fairfield Hua Hin Municipality has announced the schedule for this year’s Songkran celebrations. Organised events will be centered around a stage on Hua Hin beach from April 11 to 13 and will take place under the banner “travel the local way, experience Thai culture, and relax on the beach”. There is also a retro theme for this year’s celebrations with people who attend invited to wear retro style clothing. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe There will also be a check in corner where people can take photos to share on social media, while vendors will also be showcasing an array of local food. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/hua-hins-songkran-festivities-announced-without-water-fights/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

Overall negative reaction to Thai Covid-19 center meeting, majority of business owners, tourists want much further and faster easing of restrictions By Adam Judd Bangkok, Thailand-Following a major meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration in Bangkok, March 18th, 2022, the overall reaction online and from business owners has been tepid at best and outright negative at worst. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254107-overall-negative-reaction-to-thai-covid-19-center-meeting-majority-of-business-owners-tourists-want-much-further-and-faster-easing-of-restrictions/

By Adam Judd Bangkok, Thailand-Following a major meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration in Bangkok, March 18th, 2022, the overall reaction online and from business owners has been tepid at best and outright negative at worst. We aren’t going to detail the changes made and discussed in depth in this article, you can recap by reading our coverage here. The reaction to the changes has come in from across the board but with very few exceptions has been universally negative. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and Thai Chamber of Commerce have both stated the changes are not enough to encourage wider foreign tourism and travel. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The FTI in particular has stated this weekend that they will continue to petition and urge the government to entirely drop the Thailand Pass and test and go process, replacing it with a simple vaccine verification. They do not believe dropping only the pre arrival test will make much difference and pointed at an increasing number of countries with little to no paperwork, testing, and restrictions required to visit. The Thai Chamber of Commerce stated that the steps made a positive move forward but far too slow and the current plan to treat Covid19 as endemic in four months will put Thailand significantly behind other tourism destinations. They suggested immediately moving forward the timeline to dropping restrictions and regulations around travel and testing. 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/2022/03/19/overall-negative-reaction-to-thai-covid-19-center-meeting-majority-of-business-owners-tourists-want-much-further-and-faster-easing-of-restrictions/ -- © 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

Pattaya business owners relieved after receiving a written reply from the Thai parliament regarding still legally closed entertainment venues By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya, Thailand- Pattaya business owners were relieved after receiving a written reply from the Thai parliament regarding assistance for business owners affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically those in the bar, pub, nightclub, and entertainment industry that is critical to Pattaya’s tourism industry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254106-pattaya-business-owners-relieved-after-receiving-a-written-reply-from-the-thai-parliament-regarding-still-legally-closed-entertainment-venues/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya, Thailand- Pattaya business owners were relieved after receiving a written reply from the Thai parliament regarding assistance for business owners affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically those in the bar, pub, nightclub, and entertainment industry that is critical to Pattaya’s tourism industry. The venues are mostly “open” as temporarily converted restaurants currently, although with many rules and restrictions including an 11:00 P.M. closure time that business owners want to be removed. Bars and nightlife have been legally closed in Pattaya since April 10th, 2021. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mrs. Lamphueng “Lisa” Hamilton, the chairwoman of the Jomtien-Pattaya Entertainment venue operators club traveled to the Thai parliament previously to submit a petition letter for the government to take action after the entertainment operators in the area were heavily affected and were unable to open their business normally (including borders fully open to tourists) due to the Covid-19 pandemic for roughly over 2 years, resulting in a vast income loss and a permanent shut down for many. Last year, Pattaya had an eight-month alcohol sales ban at restaurants and total bar closure, which also decimated many businesses. Lisa’s group, along with several others, were part of protests and movements to lift the incredibly unpopular ban. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/19/pattaya-business-owners-relieved-after-receiving-a-written-reply-from-the-thai-parliament-regarding-still-legally-closed-entertainment-venues/ -- © 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

One person dead, one still missing after fishing boat capsizes in Bang Saen area By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Mueang Chon Reporter Bang Saen, Saen Suk – A woman was found dead while a man is still missing after a fishing boat capsized in the Bang Saen area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254104-one-person-dead-one-still-missing-after-fishing-boat-capsizes-in-bang-saen-area/

PHOTO: Mueang Chon Reporter By Goong Nang(GN) Bang Saen, Saen Suk – A woman was found dead while a man is still missing after a fishing boat capsized in the Bang Saen area. The Saen Suk Police was notified of the women’s body in the sea two kilometers from the shore yesterday (March 18th). The body was spotted by another fisherman. Rescue divers and police arrived at Bangsaen Beach and went out into the sea before pulling her body from the water. The woman was identified as Mrs. Namphueng Sampaonaoi, 30. Her husband Mr. Somphon Sampaonoi, 45 is still missing. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/19/one-person-dead-one-still-missing-after-fishing-boat-capsizes-in-bang-saen-area/ -- © 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

Russian tourists significantly drop to Phuket, but Phuket tourist operators say they are excited about projected increase in Indian tourists By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket, Thailand- A major tour bus marketer revealed that judging from her observation at Phuket Airport, Russian tourists are significantly decreasing, but the good news is, according to her, that more Indian tourists are coming to Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254103-russian-tourists-significantly-drop-to-phuket-but-phuket-tourist-operators-say-they-are-excited-about-projected-increase-in-indian-tourists/

By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket, Thailand- A major tour bus marketer revealed that judging from her observation at Phuket Airport, Russian tourists are significantly decreasing, but the good news is, according to her, that more Indian tourists are coming to Phuket. Today, March 19th, Ms.Sirinya Nookong, the marketer of Andaman South Coast Travel Company Limited, made a comment to the media that there was a noticeable decrease of Russian tourists coming to Phuket and some Russian flights even stopped coming to Phuket entirely. Tourists from other nations, on the other hand, are in their usual flow such as Israel and Turkey, and according to Ms.Sirinya, we will start to see more Indian tourists in the next month. As for Thai tourists, they usually like to come to Phuket on weekends with a group of friends or families. The increase in Indian tourists is estimated due to a “bubble” program that basically allows more commercial flights from India to Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/19/russian-tourists-significantly-drop-to-phuket-but-phuket-tourist-operators-say-they-are-excited-about-projected-increase-in-indian-tourists/ -- © 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

Commerce Ministry Approves Fertilizer Price Hikes on Case-by-Case Basis by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has approved increases to fertilizer prices on a case-by-case basis in order to alleviate the impact of rising fertilizer production costs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254102-commerce-ministry-approves-fertilizer-price-hikes-on-case-by-case-basis/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has approved increases to fertilizer prices on a case-by-case basis in order to alleviate the impact of rising fertilizer production costs. Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Department of International Trade (DIT) recently met with fertilizer business operators to discuss production cost issues. Following the meeting, he said the department will allow operators to raise fertilizer prices on an individual basis because each operator and supplier has different production costs. He also advised traders to speed up fertilizer imports ahead of the new farming season in the coming months. The DIT director-general added that production costs have risen by as much as 36-49 percent over 2021 levels and nearly 100 percent over 2020 levels, owing primarily to surges in global crude oil prices and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to the Thai Fertilizer and Agricultural Supplies Association, traders and producers have faced rising production costs since the end of last year, but have been unable to raise prices due to the government’s price cap and requests to help alleviate the impact on farmers. The domestic fertilizer market has reached critical levels as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with sanctions imposed on Russia - the world’s largest fertilizer exporter - complicating the issue even further. Russia is a major producer of potash, phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers - all of which are important crop and soil nutrients. The country produces more than 50 million tons of fertilizer per year, accounting for roughly 25% of global output. Thailand is a net importer of fertilizer, importing more than 5 million tons per year from countries such as the Middle East, China, Russia and Canada. Last year, Thailand imported 500,000 tonnes of fertilizer from Russia via a port in Ukraine. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Medical Sciences Department Says No Deltacron Detected in Thailand by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the discovery of the Deltacron coronavirus hybrid variant in several countries, including the United Kingdom, France and Brazil. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254101-medical-sciences-department-says-no-deltacron-detected-in-thailand/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the discovery of the Deltacron coronavirus hybrid variant in several countries, including the United Kingdom, France and Brazil. No Deltacron patients have so far been detected in Thailand by an ongoing viral genome sequencing effort. Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC), elaborated on precautions being taken against the Deltacron hybrid variant, saying outbreaks have been detected in Europe since January. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The director-general said Thailand currently monitors against new variants using the whole-genome sequencing approach. He noted, however, that the chances of Omicron and Delta coronavirus variants in Thailand mutating into Deltacron are still very slim. Nevertheless, the Department of Medical Sciences will continue to sequence the genomes of viral samples as a precaution. Dr Supakit also said monitoring against the spread of the BA.2.2 sublineage of the Omicron variant is currently ongoing. Only four patients in Thailand have been found with the sublineage so far, all of whom have since recovered. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 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

Government Urges Venues to Strictly Follow COVID Measures During Songkran by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has resolved to relax COVID restrictions in order to allow Songkran events to be held this year. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha nevertheless warned that venues can still face immediate closures if they fail to comply with disease control measures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254100-government-urges-venues-to-strictly-follow-covid-measures-during-songkran/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has resolved to relax COVID restrictions in order to allow Songkran events to be held this year. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha nevertheless warned that venues can still face immediate closures if they fail to comply with disease control measures. The prime minister also urged the general public to exercise caution and follow all precautionary measures. Some restrictions will remain in place for certain types of events, such as concerts. Gen Prayut also reminded everyone to continue wearing masks, adding that the endemic transition plan would be applicable only when the situation improves. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Dr Udom Kachintorn, a medical advisor to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), meanwhile said the general public should remain aware of the high number of COVID cases in the country, despite the relaxation of measures during traditional Thai holidays. He also encouraged senior citizens as well as people traveling home to get their booster vaccinations at least two weeks before the start of the holidays. People who plan to travel back to their hometowns are advised to self-isolate seven days in advance, and to take an antigen test ahead of their trips. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Finance Ministry to Propose New Living Cost-Cutting Measures by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance is set to propose to the Cabinet a new set of measures to help control rising living costs as fuel prices continue to fluctuate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254099-finance-ministry-to-propose-new-living-cost-cutting-measures/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance is set to propose to the Cabinet a new set of measures to help control rising living costs as fuel prices continue to fluctuate. Krisada Chinavicharana, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Finance, said the new measures will be proposed to the Cabinet this week. They include tax and non-tax measures, with some not requiring additional funding. He also said the government still has the capacity to fund these aid campaigns through an unutilized portion of emergency loans and the central budget. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe On the potential extension of the government’s co-pay campaign, the permanent secretary said it is too early to tell whether the campaign will get extended despite its success. He added that the government will continue to run the state welfare campaign for the poor, though the opening for new registrations has to be postponed due to the COVID-19 situation. Any additional giveaways under the welfare campaign will need to be discussed at a later date. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Labor Ministry Dismisses Rumors About Minimum Wage Raise by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor has dismissed claims on social media of plans to raise the minimum wage to 492 baht, up from 300 baht currently. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254098-labor-ministry-dismisses-rumors-about-minimum-wage-raise/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor has dismissed claims on social media of plans to raise the minimum wage to 492 baht, up from 300 baht currently. Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin said the minimum wage is assessed by a tripartite committee representing the government, employers and employees. The current minimum wage has been in place since January 1, 2020, and is undergoing review by the committee. The minister said evaluation of the minimum wage for Bangkok and other provinces will be completed by July. The committee will then work to complete its consideration of all relevant data by September. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Minister Suchart explained that Thailand’s minimum wage is higher than in most ASEAN member states, barring Singapore, and is in fact much higher than for Vietnam, Malaysia and Myanmar. He also said moves to raise the minimum wage would need to account for factors such as inflation and the cost of living in each province. He added that the government has assisted workers through various programs. Minister Suchart further noted that the minimum wage tends to be more of an issue for migrant workers, as Thais are generally employed in occupations that pay more than the minimum. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Bangkok city hall to host no-splash “new normal” Songkran at Central World The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will hold a “new normal” Songkran celebration on April 12th, 13th and 14th, in the plaza in front of Central World shopping mall in the capital’s Ratchaprasong commercial district, but with no splashing of water. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254097-bangkok-city-hall-to-host-no-splash-“new-normal”-songkran-at-central-world/

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will hold a “new normal” Songkran celebration on April 12th, 13th and 14th, in the plaza in front of Central World shopping mall in the capital’s Ratchaprasong commercial district, but with no splashing of water. BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary Chalermphol Chotinuchit said today (Saturday) that the BMA has decided to revive the Songkran celebration this year, to help boost tourism and to stimulate economic recovery while preserving tradition and culture. He added, however, that the celebration will be held with anti-COVID-19 health measures taken into account. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-city-hall-to-host-no-splash-new-normal-songkran-at-central-world/ -- © 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

Thailand’s Satun border crossing with Malaysia to reopen on April 1st After two years of closure, due to the spread of COVID-19 in Thailand and Malaysia, the land border checkpoint in Thailand’s Khuan Don District, of the southern province of Satun, will reopen on April 1st to all cross-border traffic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254096-thailand’s-satun-border-crossing-with-malaysia-to-reopen-on-april-1st/

After two years of closure, due to the spread of COVID-19 in Thailand and Malaysia, the land border checkpoint in Thailand’s Khuan Don District, of the southern province of Satun, will reopen on April 1st to all cross-border traffic. Officials of the two countries met today (Saturday) to discuss preventive measures to be imposed on Thai and Malaysian travellers. Maj-Gen Santi Sakuntanark, deputy commander of the 4th Army Region, said that both sides are now ready for the reopening of the checkpoint. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-satun-border-crossing-with-malaysia-to-reopen-on-april-1st/ -- © 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

Thai Disease Control Dept insists Favipiravir is effective in treating COVID-19 The Disease Control Department has asked critics not to undervalue the Favipiravir anti-viral medication, as it insists that the drug is efficacious in the treatment of COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254095-thai-disease-control-dept-insists-favipiravir-is-effective-in-treating-covid-19/

The Disease Control Department has asked critics not to undervalue the Favipiravir anti-viral medication, as it insists that the drug is efficacious in the treatment of COVID-19. Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, the department’s director-general, cited a Thai study on the use of Favipiravir, jointly conducted by the Clinical Research Centre of the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj hospital, the Bamrasnaradura Institute of Infectious Diseases, the Department of Disease Control and the Medical Sciences Department. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said today (Saturday) that the study was conducted on two groups of COVID-19 patients. The first 62 patients were administered 1,800 milligrams of Favipiravir twice day a day on the first day, followed by 800 milligrams twice a day for four days. The second group of 31 patients were not given Favipiravir. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-disease-control-dept-insists-favipiravir-is-effective-in-treating-covid-19/ -- © 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