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COVID-19: Thailand reports 124 deaths, 16,994 new coronavirus cases, 25,910 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (April 18) reported 16,994 new COVID-19 cases, 25,910 recoveries and 124 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full report: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257042-covid-19-thailand-reports-124-deaths-16994-new-coronavirus-cases-25910-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Monday (April 18) reported 16,994 new COVID-19 cases, 25,910 recoveries and 124 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,046,953 with 27,006 deaths. The news comes as the Ministry of Public Health and related agencies are preparing for a sharp rise in COVID-19 transmissions as people return from the long Songkran holiday break. According to Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, health officials have been tasked with maintaining readiness in anticipation of new COVID clusters. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has meanwhile expanded its hotline capacity to better dispense advice and receive more calls requesting assistance with treating COVID patients after the holiday period.** **NNT contributed to this report Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © 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

Health Ministry Prepares for Post-Songkran COVID Spike by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health and related agencies are preparing for a sharp rise in COVID-19 transmissions as people return from the long Songkran holiday break. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257039-health-ministry-prepares-for-post-songkran-covid-spike/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health and related agencies are preparing for a sharp rise in COVID-19 transmissions as people return from the long Songkran holiday break. According to Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, health officials have been tasked with maintaining readiness in anticipation of new COVID clusters. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has meanwhile expanded its hotline capacity to better dispense advice and receive more calls requesting assistance with treating COVID patients after the holiday period. Additionally, the NHSO is recommending that people monitor their health for symptoms - such as high fever, coughing or runny nose - for around 7-10 days. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Those exhibiting such symptoms are advised to take an antigen test and provide doctors with information about their travel history over the Songkran break. Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul also said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is confident that the nation remains sufficiently prepared to handle the ongoing COVID situation. She nevertheless noted that the premier has stressed the need to raise public awareness about Long COVID amid rising cases involving the Omicron coronavirus variant and its sub-variants. -- © 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

Banged up in paradise: how our dream holiday to Thailand ended before it began Testing positive for Covid on arrival in Bangkok condemned Abigail Flanagan to nine nights in a ‘hospitel’ overlooking an eight-lane ring road Bangkok, Thailand//ALAMY Abigail Flanagan ‘The man test negative, but you positive,” the hotel concierge explained gently, over the phone. “Please stay in room. The doctor will call tomorrow.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257036-banged-up-in-paradise-how-our-dream-holiday-to-thailand-ended-before-it-began/

Bangkok, Thailand//ALAMY Testing positive for Covid on arrival in Bangkok condemned Abigail Flanagan to nine nights in a ‘hospitel’ overlooking an eight-lane ring road Abigail Flanagan ‘The man test negative, but you positive,” the hotel concierge explained gently, over the phone. “Please stay in room. The doctor will call tomorrow.” And that’s how our holiday ended, before it had even begun. My husband, Paul, and I flew to Bangkok for a trip we’d been planning since 2019 and had already reorganised twice. Thailand’s onerous entry requirements include Thailand Passes; triple vaccination status; first night’s pre-paid, government-approved hotel package (including obligatory PCR and lateral flow tests for days one and five respectively); insurance cover, and negative “fit-to-fly” PCR tests — but we’d felt it would be worth the effort. There’d been just one more hoop to jump through: a day-one PCR test, which we undertook before being ushered to our hotel room to await the results. We weren’t worried. Triple vaccinated, we’d both been exposed to Covid on numerous occasions — Paul is a frontline NHS worker— yet had remained clear. Our UK PCR tests were barely 60-hours old. Plus, we’d essentially shielded for the past two weeks. Full story: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/banged-up-in-paradise-how-our-dream-holiday-to-thailand-ended-before-it-began-fttgqtmtr -- © Copyright THE SUNDAY TIMES 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

Mysterious object seen in the sky above Prachuap Khiri Khan is not a UFO By Online Reporter A mysterious object seen in the sky above parts of Prachuap Khiri Khan is likely to be a weather balloon, astronomers have said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257034-mysterious-object-seen-in-the-sky-above-prachuap-khiri-khan-is-not-a-ufo/

By Online Reporter A mysterious object seen in the sky above parts of Prachuap Khiri Khan is likely to be a weather balloon, astronomers have said. Locals first reported seeing the object on Friday, which could be seen from Bang Saphan Noi to Mueang Prachuap. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Many people took to social media to share their thoughts and speculate what it could be, with some users even joking it could be a UFO and the work of aliens. But the mystery of the object already looks to have been solved, and the reality is far from otherworldly. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/mysterious-object-seen-in-the-sky-above-prachuap-khiri-khan-is-not-a-ufo/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

35-year-old man arrested in Pattaya for allegedly opening bank accounts for organized fraud groups By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – A 35-year-old man has been arrested in Pattaya for allegedly opening bank accounts for groups of individuals who reportedly conducted organized fraud through LINE and other applications. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257033-35-year-old-man-arrested-in-pattaya-for-allegedly-opening-bank-accounts-for-organized-fraud-groups/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – A 35-year-old man has been arrested in Pattaya for allegedly opening bank accounts for groups of individuals who reportedly conducted organized fraud through LINE and other applications. Yesterday, (April 16th), a team from the Chonburi Tourist Police arrested Mr. Sakchai Lachong, 35, in the Soi Buakhao area. The arrest came after the Rayong Provincial Court had issued an arrest warrant for him for alleged offenses to the Computer Act in terms of fraud. The arrest follows Rayong police being notified from an anonymous tip that Sakchai had opened bank accounts for individuals allegedly involved in various frauds and false investments which allowed suspects to collect money from victims. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/17/35-year-old-man-arrested-in-pattaya-for-allegedly-opening-bank-accounts-for-organized-fraud-groups/ -- © 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

Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party draws more than 10,000 Thai and foreign tourists during Songkran By Nop Meechukhun Surat Thani – Thai and foreign tourists, estimated by Koh Phangan officials to be more than 10,000 people, gathered on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani for a retro Full Moon party yesterday evening, April 16th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257032-koh-phangan’s-full-moon-party-draws-more-than-10000-thai-and-foreign-tourists-during-songkran/

By Nop Meechukhun Surat Thani – Thai and foreign tourists, estimated by Koh Phangan officials to be more than 10,000 people, gathered on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani for a retro Full Moon party yesterday evening, April 16th. This year’s “Back to the Roots” Full Moon party was hosted by entrepreneurs in the Haad Rin area who were responsible for health screening their own customers before allowing them to participate in the party. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Police officers and volunteers were also deployed at checkpoints at the beach to facilitate the establishment of health screening and document checking and to provide safety among the tourists. Haad Rin officials and police claimed all Covid-19 precautions were taken. The event started at around 7:00 PM. when the beach was crowded with a large group of Thai and foreigners from all over the world. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/17/koh-phangans-full-moon-party-draws-more-than-10000-thai-and-foreign-tourists-during-songkran/ -- © 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

Phuket Saw 30% Increase in Tourists During Songkran by Natthaphon Sangpolsit PHUKET (NNT) - The resort island of Phuket saw a 30% increase in tourist numbers during the Songkran festival, owing to the long holiday period. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257031-phuket-saw-30-increase-in-tourists-during-songkran/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit PHUKET (NNT) - The resort island of Phuket saw a 30% increase in tourist numbers during the Songkran festival, owing to the long holiday period. The Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA SC) said Phuket International Airport saw daily arrivals of 18,000 passengers, an increase of 30% from before the Thai New Year. THA SC President Kongsak Khoopongsakorn said most of the visitors were domestic tourists while the number of international visitors remained stable. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Most domestic visitors were leveraging the government’s tourism subsidy program. Kongsak noted that tourist numbers are expected to dip slightly after the Songkran festival, though the province will continue to be a destination for international visitors, particularly from the Middle East, Australia and India. -- © 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

Experts Advise Against Contracting Omicron Instead of Getting Vaccinated by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) has reiterated the importance of getting booster vaccinations against COVID-19 to reduce the risk of severe symptoms and death. The announcement comes after information started circulating via online media about COVID boosters being unnecessary and claiming people can simply get infected with the Omicron coronavirus variant to develop a natural immunity. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257030-experts-advise-against-contracting-omicron-instead-of-getting-vaccinated/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) has reiterated the importance of getting booster vaccinations against COVID-19 to reduce the risk of severe symptoms and death. The announcement comes after information started circulating via online media about COVID boosters being unnecessary and claiming people can simply get infected with the Omicron coronavirus variant to develop a natural immunity. The NVI expressed concern for people exposed to erroneous information, insisting that boosters are crucial at a time when the coronavirus is mutating rapidly. It added that they reduce symptom severity, risk of death and the chance for developing Long COVID. Boosters also lower the risk of multisystem inflammatory syndrome children (Mis-C). Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to the NVI, Thailand carried out studies in Chiang Mai on the efficacy of vaccines in both January and March of this year. The studies found that although two vaccine doses did not prevent Omicron infections, they were 85% effective in preventing fatalities. Getting a booster at the appropriate time was meanwhile able to increase transmission prevention by 34-68% and prevent deaths by 98-99%. A fourth dose has been shown to be 80-82% effective at preventing infection with no fatalities reported so far. The NVI explained that the World Health Organization supports the administering of booster doses, based on real-world efficacy studies. According to the NVI, booster dose coverage has only reached 35% in Thailand as of April 8. Meanwhile, patients who develop severe symptoms or die from COVID-19 tend to be members of the "608 Group," for which the NVI said booster dose coverage is still relatively low. The institute, therefore, invites members of the public and especially the 608 group to get boosted as soon as possible. -- © 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

Rebels Claim Responsibility for Ramadan Bombings in Pattani by Natthaphon Sangpolsit PATTANI (NNT) - Rebels have claimed responsibility for deadly bombings in Thailand’s deep south on Friday (15 Apr) that broke a Ramadan holiday agreed between the main rebel group and the government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257029-rebels-claim-responsibility-for-ramadan-bombings-in-pattani/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit PATTANI (NNT) - Rebels have claimed responsibility for deadly bombings in Thailand’s deep south on Friday (15 Apr) that broke a Ramadan holiday agreed between the main rebel group and the government. Colonel Kiatisak Neewong, a spokesman for the Thai security forces in the south, said a group not included in the peace talks were likely responsible for bombings aimed at disrupting the Ramadan truce. The Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) agreed two weeks ago to stop violence during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan through May 14. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Kasturi Mahkota, president of the Patani United Liberation Organisation (PULO), said the two explosions which killed a civilian and injured three policemen were carried out by its militant arm. Recent talks have sought a political solution to the decades-long conflict under the framework of the Thai constitution. Talks have been frequently disrupted since beginning in 2013. The latest round started in 2019. -- © 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

Exporters Urged to Help Prevent Contaminated Shipments to China by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has stressed the importance of strictly adhering to COVID-19 prevention protocols in order to prevent exporting contaminated goods to China. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257028-exporters-urged-to-help-prevent-contaminated-shipments-to-china/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has stressed the importance of strictly adhering to COVID-19 prevention protocols in order to prevent exporting contaminated goods to China. According to Alongkorn Polabutr, an adviser to the Agriculture Minister, the Office of Agricultural Affairs at the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing said China has reopened the town of Mohan in Yunan province for Thai durian exports via the town of Boten, Laos. China previously suspended Thai durian exports from April 12-14 due to the discovery of COVID contamination in one of the shipments. Alongkorn urged private operators to strictly maintain disease prevention measures and sanitize their products in accordance with regulations imposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the committee overseeing fruit management and development (Fruit Board). He also advised export businesses and operators to consider alternatives such as water or air shipments. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The following ports are available for exporting fruits from Thailand via water transportation from Laem Chabang Port: 1. Qinzhou Port in Guangxi Autonomous Region: 4-7 ships/week. Each trip takes 3-8 days. 2. Shekou Port near the city of Shenzhen: 1-4 ships/day. Each trip takes 6-11 days. 3. Nansha Port in Guangzhou city: 1-3 ships/day. Each trip takes 5-9 days. Concerning air transportation, business owners can use SF Airlines to send products from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (6 flights per week except for Saturdays). Although Shanghai Pudong International Airport is officially open, the city is currently under lockdown, causing delays in shipping authorization and transportation. Alongkorn also advised exporters to closely follow ministry updates, as Chinese import policies are subject to change. -- © 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

Prinn Panitchpakdi: Rising star of Thai politics eclipsed by sex offence claims Accusations of sexual harassment and assault made against a rising star in the coalition Democrats have shocked not only the party’s supporters but Thai society in general. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257027-prinn-panitchpakdi-rising-star-of-thai-politics-eclipsed-by-sex-offence-claims/

Accusations of sexual harassment and assault made against a rising star in the coalition Democrats have shocked not only the party’s supporters but Thai society in general. Prinn Panitchpakdi on Thursday (April 14) quit his post as Democrat deputy leader along with other party positions, including campaign chief for the May 22 Bangkok governor and city council elections. His resignation came just two days after an 18-year-old woman filed a police complaint accusing him of groping and kissing her at a Sukhumvit restaurant against her will. After reports of the allegation became public, more women emerged to file complaints against the politician. Serious accusation Among his accusers is Hathairat “Anna” Vidhyaphum, who married property scion Tanat Thanakitamnuay in January. She said that Prinn sexually assaulted her in March 2021 at an apartment in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/prinn-panitchpakdi-rising-star-of-thai-politics-eclipsed-by-sex-offence-claims/ -- © 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

OPINION: How a high-profile case reflects Thai society’s views on sexual harassment victims and offenders? While Thailand was enjoying the Songkran holidays, many people returned home to the shocking news that a former deputy leader of the Democrat party, Prinn Panitchpakdi, is the subject of a string of sexual assault allegations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257026-opinion-how-a-high-profile-case-reflects-thai-society’s-views-on-sexual-harassment-victims-and-offenders/

While Thailand was enjoying the Songkran holidays, many people returned home to the shocking news that a former deputy leader of the Democrat party, Prinn Panitchpakdi, is the subject of a string of sexual assault allegations. Whether it’s because it involves a renowned politician and economist, or because a famous “people’s lawyer”, Sittra Biabungkerd, exposed the case on Facebook, it has become the biggest high-profile #MeToo case in Thailand so far. -Victims vs The Powerful- Tales of sexual harassment involving well-known and powerful figures are nothing new in Thai culture, and are often underreported. In this case, however, with a well-known lawyer urging more victims to come out to report their assaults and the extensive reporting in the Thai media, a serious investigation into the case appears to be underway. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe On the other hand, this makes one wonder why such incidents in Thailand are so ubiquitous? Why so many women, who fall victim to rape, are still afraid to report to the police? Why is it so difficult to hold these well-respected public figures accountable for their wrongdoing? Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/opinion-how-a-high-profile-case-reflects-thai-societys-views-on-sexual-harassment-victims-and-offenders/ -- © 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

Thai Defence Ministry dismisses report of arms and drug trafficking by Privy Council president’s son The spokesman for the Thai Ministry of Defence, General Kongcheep Tantravanich, has dismissed as fake news a report that one of the three Thai nationals arrested in New York, on charges of arms and narcotics trafficking, is the son of the president of the Privy Council, General Surayud Chulanont. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257025-thai-defence-ministry-dismisses-report-of-arms-and-drug-trafficking-by-privy-council-president’s-son/