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70 million baht in pirated brand name cosmetics seized in Bangkok raid Thai consumer protection police and FDA officials armed with a warrant issued by the Phrakhanong court raided a house in Suan Luang, Bangkok, where they found 70 million baht's worth of pirated brand name cosmetics. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254004-70-million-baht-in-pirated-brand-name-cosmetics-seized-in-bangkok-raid/

Thai consumer protection police and FDA officials armed with a warrant issued by the Phrakhanong court raided a house in Suan Luang, Bangkok, where they found 70 million baht's worth of pirated brand name cosmetics. The raid came after many complaints about sub-standard products. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe There were 18 brands at the house including Vichy and Kiehl's. A Vietnamese woman was in charge at the rented property that acted as a central point for the goods to be distributed online at cheap prices, reported INN. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-19 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Thai Roads: The carnage continues with 3,145 dead 'at scene' so far this year Picture: Daily News Daily News continued their campaign to raise awareness about the appalling carnage on the Thai roads. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254003-thai-roads-the-carnage-continues-with-3145-dead-at-scene-so-far-this-year/

Picture: Daily News Daily News continued their campaign to raise awareness about the appalling carnage on the Thai roads. They reported that 40 more died at the scene of accidents and on the way to hospital on Thursday. This brought the total since January 1st to 3,145 deaths. In the same period last year it was 3,343. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The media said that the 1st March to 16th death toll was 707, a figure that was at odds with their infographic. The reality is that when fatalities that succumb in hospitals are added the figures are much higher. Graphic: Daily News 'At scene' deaths have been around 14,000 over the last few years. Senior government figures accept the reality is 20,000+ deaths, notes ASEAN NOW. The accident Daily News chose to feature for the day was a 70 year old man called Sommai who came off his motorcycle in Bang Roop, Nakhon Sri Thammarat. There was a large crowd gawking. He perhaps had had a heart attack prompting the media to suggest in their headline that people should ensure their health before taking to the road. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-19 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

BMW bursts into flames on tollway inbound to Bangkok - driver left to watch his 11 year old car burn Picture: Daily News Highway fire services were called after a BMW 320i burst into flames inbound on the tollway from Chonburi to Bangkok in the Bang Saothong area of Samut Prakan, KM 21. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254002-bmw-bursts-into-flames-on-tollway-inbound-to-bangkok-driver-left-to-watch-his-11-year-old-car-burn/

Picture: Daily News Highway fire services were called after a BMW 320i burst into flames inbound on the tollway from Chonburi to Bangkok in the Bang Saothong area of Samut Prakan, KM 21. Rescue services were first on the scene and used a chemical fire extinguisher and what water they had to hand but they could not stem the fire. The fire servces took 30 minutes to get the blaze under control and by that time half the car had been consumed. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Daily News Driver Prama, 45, was in a state of shock, reported Daily News. He said he was going home to Bang Kaew from a factory in Chonburi when the engine started overheating and there was smoke. As he parked and fled the vehicle a fire took hold. He said that he had not had time to get a leak in the oil pipe fixed. He'd had the car for 11 years. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-19 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Picture: Daily News

Staff react as electrical fire threatens noodle shop in downtown Sriracha Picture: Daily News Police and fire services were called to the Yuba t-junction on the Sriracha Nakhon Road yesterday as an electrical fire took hold in downtown Sriracha, Chonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253999-staff-react-as-electrical-fire-threatens-noodle-shop-in-downtown-sriracha/

Picture: Daily News Police and fire services were called to the Yuba t-junction on the Sriracha Nakhon Road yesterday as an electrical fire took hold in downtown Sriracha, Chonburi. Staff at a noodle restaurant were obliged to flee gathering up gas canisters fearing an explosion. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Euangfah, 29, said the fire started in electrical cables and quickly spread. The electrical authority cut power and it took 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control reported Daily News. The fire is under investigation. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-19 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Pictures: Daily News

Pattaya police chief "helping tourists' peace of mind" with "Happy Water drugs bust Picture: Siam Rath Pattaya police led by the chief Pol Col Kulachart Kulachai with drugs cops raided a drugs party in a pool villa in central Pattaya yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253998-pattaya-police-chief-helping-tourists-peace-of-mind-with-happy-water-drugs-bust/

Picture: Siam Rath Pattaya police led by the chief Pol Col Kulachart Kulachai with drugs cops raided a drugs party in a pool villa in central Pattaya yesterday. Twenty men and women were arrested and ice, ketamine and Happy Water was seized. The latter is a synthetic drug liquid that is colorless and odorless and is made up of methamphetamine, amphetamine and ketamine. Siam Rath mentioned China as its source. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe All the participants were charged with taking Class 1 and 2 drugs. Chief Kulachart said the arrests came after a gambling raid inquiry was expanded. He said it was all part of the force's policy to bring peace of mind , cure suffering and nourish happiness among the Thai people and tourists. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-19 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Thai woman's blood letting story in Cambodia at hands of Chinese gang was just a pack of lies Picture: Thai Rath A Thai woman who caused a sensation in the media with a lurid tale of have her blood extracted by a Chinese gang in Cambodia was lying all along. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253997-thai-womans-blood-letting-story-in-cambodia-at-hands-of-chinese-gang-was-just-a-pack-of-lies/

Picture: Thai Rath A Thai woman who caused a sensation in the media with a lurid tale of have her blood extracted by a Chinese gang in Cambodia was lying all along. The incident that caused considerable trouble between Thailand and Cambodia who were embarrassed by it has now turned on its head. The woman at the center of the allegations was covering up for her own illegal activities and now faces jail for false reporting. Yesterday some of the Royal Thai Police's top brass held a press conference. Among others it was attended by deputy commander Gen Roy Ingkhaphairoj and advisor Lt-Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakpan, both just back from the World Police Summit in Dubai. Surachate said that RTP chief Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk had put Gen Roy in charge of investigating the matter as it was of considerable public interest as the victim was alleging a serious crime. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Eight Thais were rescued from Sihanoukville earlier this month. One of them was a woman called Ariya Khomkratoke, 25. She claimed that she had been abducted by a gang of Chinese and had had three bags of her blood extracted forcibly, was assaulted and injected with something until she was unconscious. She claimed an organ was to be removed. Picture: Thai Rath This has now proved to be a fantasy invented by her because she was worried she would not be helped by the Thai and Cambodian authorities. The reality was that she was working with her boyfriend in Poi Pet conning Thais into investing and working in Cambodia. After this fell through she wanted out and concocted a story by setting up a fake Facebook page in the name of a woman called Naem to make her lies look realistic. She now faces 3 years in jail and/or a 6,000 baht fine for the deception. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-19 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

COVID-19: Thailand reports 25,804 new coronavirus cases, 87 deaths, 18,801 recoveries File photo Thailand on Saturday (March 19) reported 25,804 new COVID-19 cases, 18,801 recoveries and 87 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253995-covid-19-thailand-reports-25804-new-coronavirus-cases-87-deaths-18801-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 25,804 new coronavirus cases, 87 deaths, 18,801 recoveries File photo Thailand on Saturday (March 19) reported 25,804 new COVID-19 cases, 18,801 recoveries and 87 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253995-covid-19-thailand-reports-25804-new-coronavirus-cases-87-deaths-18801-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Saturday (March 19) reported 25,804 new COVID-19 cases, 18,801 recoveries and 87 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Saturday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,328,973 with 24,12 deaths. The news comes as Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has disclosed that the ministry has prepared the required medical equipment, medicines, and vaccine to combat any Covid-19 mutations. This includes the Deltacron variant that the World Health Organization (WHO) is actively monitoring. He emphasized that preventive measures remain effective as long as people strictly adhere to the ministry’s regulations. Meanwhile, the public health minister presided over the opening of the Thailand International Health EXPO 2022 on Thursday. During the event, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus gave a speech via teleconference commending Thailand’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. He also expressed optimism about the Covid-19 situation and the global vaccination system.* *NNT contributed to this report Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-19 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Thailand drops pre-departure RT-PCR tests for overseas arrivals, allows Songkran celebrations The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has agreed to cancel the requirement for pre-departure RT-PCR tests for international arrivals, effective from April 1st, and is to allow some celebrations to take place during the Songkran festival in mid-April, according to CCSA Spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253975-thailand-drops-pre-departure-rt-pcr-tests-for-overseas-arrivals-allows-songkran-celebrations/

WHO Director-General's keynote speech at the Thailand International Health Expo 2022 - 17 March 2022 File photo Your Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul, Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends, Sawadee krab. Just over two years ago, I said that the global spread of COVID-19 could be characterised as a pandemic. Full speech: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253991-who-director-generals-keynote-speech-at-the-thailand-international-health-expo-2022-17-march-2022/

File photo Your Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul, Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends, Sawadee krab. Just over two years ago, I said that the global spread of COVID-19 could be characterised as a pandemic. We made that assessment six weeks after we declared COVID-19 a global health emergency – when there were fewer than 100 cases, and no deaths outside China. Now, two years later, more than 6 million people have died. Although several countries have lifted restrictions, the pandemic is far from over – and it will not be over anywhere until it’s over everywhere. The virus continues to evolve, and we continue to face major obstacles in distributing vaccines, tests and treatments everywhere they are needed. I know we are all ready to move on. But it is far too early to declare victory over COVID-19. Many countries in Asia and the Pacific are facing surges of cases and deaths – including in Thailand, where I know your country is now facing a worrying increase in cases and deaths. I offer my deep condolences to all those who have lost someone they love; I offer my deep respect to your health workers, who as we speak are working under very trying conditions to save lives; And I offer my deep commitment that WHO will continue to support you in any way we can, through our country office in Bangkok, our regional office in Manila, and from headquarters here in Geneva. Although deaths are increasing, it’s pleasing to see that they are still nowhere near the levels they reached in August last year. It’s clear that there is now a decoupling between cases and deaths in Thailand, thanks to the high levels of vaccination you have reached. But there are still many countries with high rates of hospitalization and death, and low rates of vaccine coverage. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full speech: https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-keynote-speech-at-the-thailand-international-health-expo-2022 -- © Copyright World Health Organization 2022-03-19 - 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

British Ambassador to Thailand joined the opening ceremony of Ex Panther Gold 21 This Ex Panther Gold 21 joint collaboration will provide an opportunity for the two defence establishments to deepen their military ties through sharing experiences and lessons from previous deployments. From: British Embassy Bangkok Published 18 March 2022 On 14th March, H.E. Mr. Mark Gooding, British Ambassador to Thailand, and General Supachok Tawatpeerachai, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, presided over the opening ceremony of Ex Panther Gold 21 at the 3rd Army Area in Phetchabun province. The bilateral exercise aims to develop capabilities and understanding in training processes and infantry tactics between the UK and Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253990-british-ambassador-to-thailand-joined-the-opening-ceremony-of-ex-panther-gold-21/

This Ex Panther Gold 21 joint collaboration will provide an opportunity for the two defence establishments to deepen their military ties through sharing experiences and lessons from previous deployments. From: British Embassy Bangkok Published 18 March 2022 On 14th March, H.E. Mr. Mark Gooding, British Ambassador to Thailand, and General Supachok Tawatpeerachai, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, presided over the opening ceremony of Ex Panther Gold 21 at the 3rd Army Area in Phetchabun province. The bilateral exercise aims to develop capabilities and understanding in training processes and infantry tactics between the UK and Thailand. Ex Panther Gold 21, the biggest defence engagement activity between the UK and Thailand this year, demonstrates the close defence and security relationship between the two nations. The exercise programme comprises two main activities which are Cross Training Exercises (CTX) where the combined armed forces learn how to master their skills in martial arts, jungle survival and weapon familiarisation, and Field Training Exercises (FTX) which enable all personnel to develop competences including close target reconnaissance and contact drills. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Ex Panther Gold 21 is being conducted from 14th March to 1st April with 120 personnel deployed from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards of the British Armed Forces, along with 160 personnel from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Security Battalion of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. This joint collaboration will provide an opportunity for the two defence establishments to deepen their military ties through sharing experiences and lessons from previous deployments. Full story: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-ambassador-to-thailand-joined-the-opening-ceremony-of-ex-panther-gold-21 -- © Copyright GOV.UK 2022-03-19 - 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

Is Thailand ready for the digital economy? Author: Juthathip Jongwanich, Thammasat University Over the past decade, Thailand has made extraordinary progress in its transformation towards the digital economy. A number of indicators of digital infrastructure and accessibility have shown some improvement for large segments of the population. Thailand’s e-commerce market is one of the fastest growing in Southeast Asia where gross online merchandise value grew by 68 per cent in 2021 and is expected to expand by 14 per cent between 2021 and 2025. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253989-is-thailand-ready-for-the-digital-economy/

Author: Juthathip Jongwanich, Thammasat University Over the past decade, Thailand has made extraordinary progress in its transformation towards the digital economy. A number of indicators of digital infrastructure and accessibility have shown some improvement for large segments of the population. Thailand’s e-commerce market is one of the fastest growing in Southeast Asia where gross online merchandise value grew by 68 per cent in 2021 and is expected to expand by 14 per cent between 2021 and 2025. Like other countries, Thailand has put emphasis on the digital economy, including through its industrial transformation policy (Thailand 4.0) and by building a digital park in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The government also announced new investment incentives in 2017 to attract investors into tech-oriented activities and introduced a national digital blueprint — the 20 year-National Master Plan for Digital Development (2018–2037). Several laws were introduced in the past few years to facilitate, protect and create a secure digital ecosystem for both consumers and digital providers. While Thailand has made significant progress in digital development, low and highly concentrated private investment, lack of advanced information and communications technology (ICT) skills, slow progress in digital infrastructure and budget constraints impede its progress. Private investment in Thailand’s digital economy was only 4 per cent of GDP in 2019. Digital technology has been more widely applied in the services sector, including in online wholesale and retail trade, mobile phone and internet services, and financial services. Its utilisation in manufacturing and agriculture has been relatively limited. Full story: https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2022/03/17/is-thailand-ready-for-the-digital-economy/ -- © Copyright EAST ASIA FORUM 2022-03-19 - 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

General Election could be called by the PM before the end of May according to political insiders by Joseph O' Connor Speculation is mounting that Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha’s hand may be forced to act before May 22nd to successfully cut off the passage of organic voting laws and also avoid defeat in a no-confidence vote against the government. This comes as his arch-foe, politically speaking, Captain Thamanat Prompow was selected to a leadership position of the New Economics Party at its Extraordinary General Meeting on Friday in Bangkok (inset bottom right) and also with signs of increasing restlessness within the Bhumjaithai Party led by leader Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (inset top left) which is hoping that any new election will see it gain ground and emerge as one of Thailand’s biggest parties. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253988-general-election-could-be-called-by-the-pm-before-the-end-of-may-according-to-political-insiders/

Speculation is mounting that Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha’s hand may be forced to act before May 22nd to successfully cut off the passage of organic voting laws and also avoid defeat in a no-confidence vote against the government. This comes as his arch-foe, politically speaking, Captain Thamanat Prompow was selected to a leadership position of the New Economics Party at its Extraordinary General Meeting on Friday in Bangkok (inset bottom right) and also with signs of increasing restlessness within the Bhumjaithai Party led by leader Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (inset top left) which is hoping that any new election will see it gain ground and emerge as one of Thailand’s biggest parties. by Joseph O' Connor MP and New Democratic Party leader, Suritan Pichan, predicts that General Prayut will dissolve the House of Representatives before it reconvenes on May 22nd next sparking a General Election in June or July this year. It comes as the PM’s arch-foe, Captain Thamanat Prompow, on Friday, took up a key position within the leadership of the lately revived New Economics Party which on paper remains a supporter of the coalition. Thailand could find itself plunged into a General Election in the next two months with a poll likely in June or July as speculation mounts that Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha will act before parliament is due to resume on May 22nd when the main goal of opposition parties will be to pass a series of organic laws which will significantly alter the political balance of power coming at a time when the government and the prime minister face voter fatigue and unpopularity due to a continuous economic malaise since coming to power in 2019. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The chances of a General Election being called in Thailand before parliament reopens on May 22nd next are rising given a confluence of circumstances and factors which have emerged. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/03/19/general-election-may-be-called-by-may-22nd/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-03-19 - 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 retains ‘Best City’ title in DestinAsian magazine’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards Phuket and Ko Samui named among ‘Best Islands’, Suvarnabhumi Airport among ‘Best Airports’. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 18 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that Bangkok continues to be one of the best loved cities for tourists the world over, with the latest Readers’ Choice Awards – this time from DestinAsian magazine – again presenting the Thai capital with the title of ‘Best City’. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253987-bangkok-retains-‘best-city’-title-in-destinasian-magazine’s-2022-readers’-choice-awards/