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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’. In the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards, Bangkok held on to the ‘Best City’ crown it also won in the 2020 edition of the awards. Singapore came in 2nd place, Tokyo in 3rd, Hong Kong in 4th, and Seoul in 5th. Other Thai destinations also earned distinction, with Phuket and Ko Samui being named 3rd and 4th ‘Best Islands’, respectively, after winner Bali and 2nd-placed Mauritius. Bringing further honour to Thailand was Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, which was named the 3rd ‘Best Airport’, and Thai Airways International (THAI)’s Royal Orchid Plus programme, which was named the 4th ‘Best Frequent Flier Programme’. Thailand-based luxury hotel chain Anantara was named 3rd among ‘Best Hotel Brands For Leisure’, while on the list of ‘Best Boutique Hotels’ Banyan Tree Samui came in 2nd, The Siam Hotel Bangkok in 4th, and Sri Panwa Phuket in 5th. The country-specific ‘Best Hotels in Thailand’ list comprised the following properties, in order from first to 10th place: Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, The St. Regis Bangkok, Park Hyatt Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Banyan Tree Samui, Conrad Bangkok, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, The Sukhothai Bangkok, and Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. The DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate excellence in the Asia-Pacific luxury travel sector with readers voting in various categories, including destinations, hotels and resorts, airlines, airports and cruise lines. The poll for the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards was conducted between September and December 2021. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/bangkok-retains-best-city-title-in-destinasian-magazines-2022-readers-choice-awards/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 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

New leader elected for Thai Economic Party The Thai Economic Party elected Gen. Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya as its party leader and Thammanat Prompao as its secretary-general at a general assembly held yesterday (Friday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253986-new-leader-elected-for-thai-economic-party/

The Thai Economic Party elected Gen. Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya as its party leader and Thammanat Prompao as its secretary-general at a general assembly held yesterday (Friday). Both General Wit and Thammanat held senior positions in the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). The general was the party’s chief strategist, while Thammanat, a controversial figure, was the secretary-general. Thammanat and 20 other MPs loyal to him got sacked from the party in January. Most of the Thai Economic Party executive board members are former PPRP MPs. General Wit resigned from the party in February. After the general assembly, Wit announced that the Thai Economic Party vowed to build the party into a political institution upon which the people can depend. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-leader-elected-for-thai-economic-party/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 19 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1253985-thailand-live-saturday-19-march-2022/

Cheap accommodation on Samui arranged for stranded Russian, Ukrainian tourists Low-cost accommodation on Samui Island has been arranged for the many Russian and Ukrainian tourists stranded in Thailand due to the war in Ukraine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253943-cheap-accommodation-on-samui-arranged-for-stranded-russian-ukrainian-tourists/

Government Expresses Readiness to Handle Covid-19 Variants BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health is prepared to handle any Covid-19 variants including the newly emerged Deltacron variant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253950-government-expresses-readiness-to-handle-covid-19-variants/

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/

Driver killed as cement mixer topples over into pond at construction site Ban Muang Thai Caption: Cement mixer overturns - driver dead inside Police and rescue services and divers were called to a flood wall construction site in Khuankhanun, Phatthalung in the far south of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253923-driver-killed-as-cement-mixer-topples-over-into-pond-at-construction-site/

Ban Muang Thai Caption: Cement mixer overturns - driver dead inside Police and rescue services and divers were called to a flood wall construction site in Khuankhanun, Phatthalung in the far south of Thailand. A cement mixer was there to tip concrete for the wall but toppled over while reversing and ended up in a body of water. Workers and locals at the scene tried to save the driver but were unable to get to him. Picture: Ban Muang He was later extricated and was named as 47 year old Somphop a man from Muang district of Phatthalung. He was making the delivery of concrete from the CPAK depot. Picture: Ban Muang A witness reported seeing the left rear wheel of the cement mixer going into the area of the water but her screams were to no avail as the mixer flipped twice and ended up on its side, reported Ban Muang yesterday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-18 - 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 navy fires 37 million baht torpedo at target just 46 kms from Koh Phangan Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported on Thai Royal Navy maneuvers and training exercises taking place in the lower reaches of the Gulf of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253920-thai-navy-fires-37-million-baht-torpedo-at-target-just-46-kms-from-koh-phangan/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported on Thai Royal Navy maneuvers and training exercises taking place in the lower reaches of the Gulf of Thailand. Highlight was the practice firing of an MK 46 torpedo that online information suggests comes in at about $1.2 million or about 37 million baht each. One was fired at a simulated target set up by navy operatives from Sattahip. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Naew Na The target was just 46 kilometers east of the holiday island of Koh Phangan famous pre-pandemic for its full moon parties. The torpedo was fired at a range of 2.5kms 53 meters under water. Such a torpedo is the backbone of the US Navy's lightweight anti-submarine warfare torpedo inventory and is the NATO standard, according to Wikipedia. Naew Na reported that Admiral Theerakul Kanchana was overseeing the maneuvers. These included ships, aircraft carriers, helicopters and submarines. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-18 - 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: New Na

Smaller pro-government parties told no House dissolution if they cooperate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told leaders of the governing coalition and smaller pro-government parties that there would be no reason for him to dissolve the House if they all cooperate with each other and support the government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253916-smaller-pro-government-parties-told-no-house-dissolution-if-they-cooperate/

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told leaders of the governing coalition and smaller pro-government parties that there would be no reason for him to dissolve the House if they all cooperate with each other and support the government. The assurance was offered during an informal dinner meeting last night (Thursday). One of the leaders of a smaller party, Ravee Matchamadol, said that he believes, after the meeting, that the government will be more stable and any elements seeking to topple the government will be disappointed. He claimed that there were no demands for cabinet seats from small parties during the get-together, adding that the leaders of small parties, who earlier dined with Thammanat Prompao, former secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath party (PPRP), were also present last night. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/smaller-pro-government-parties-told-no-house-dissolution-if-they-cooperate/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-18 - 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 insurance giant says Southeast Insurance unable to cease operation yet, amid official’s warnings By Panithan Onthaworn Thai Group Holdings Plc (TGH), owned by tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, announced on Friday that its subsidiary Southeast Insurance has yet to end its non-life insurance business as certain conditions are not fulfilled. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253914-thai-insurance-giant-says-southeast-insurance-unable-to-cease-operation-yet-amid-official’s-warnings/

By Panithan Onthaworn Thai Group Holdings Plc (TGH), owned by tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, announced on Friday that its subsidiary Southeast Insurance has yet to end its non-life insurance business as certain conditions are not fulfilled. “Southeast Insurance still has some pending conditions for the termination of the non-life insurance license required by the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC),” Chotiphat Bijananda, TGH acting chief executive, said in a statement. This was prompted by Covid-19 insurance policyholders who do not wish to cancel their policies, and there is no non-life insurance company willing to accept such policies through transfer. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38722/thai-insurance-giant-says-southeast-insurance-unable-to-cease-operation-yet-amid-officials-warnings/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-18 - 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

Scourge of "Hell Drug" continues in Thailand - more fallout from horrific murder of parents by son Picture: 77kaoded Thai media 77kaosod highlighted the continuing problem of the so called "Ya Narok" or Drug of Hell that is plaguing Thai society. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253913-scourge-of-hell-drug-continues-in-thailand-more-fallout-from-horrific-murder-of-parents-by-son/

Picture: 77kaoded Thai media 77kaosod highlighted the continuing problem of the so called "Ya Narok" or Drug of Hell that is plaguing Thai society. It is Ya Ba - methamphetamine mixed with caffeine - the drug of choice in Thailand that is flooding in unabated from meth labs in Laos. Despite the Thai authorities' so called war on drugs the menace continues with horrendous crimes associated with its use in the Thai media daily. A tablet is thought to cost about 80 baht a time. Prolonged use can cause paranoia or panic attacks. This is being blamed on a horrendous case in Ubon Ratchathani in the north east where a spooked drug addict son now named as Anek Ithi, 33, murdered his parents in a cassava growing area and put them in a charcoal oven, a story reported earlier on ASEAN NOW. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It happened in Saraphi sub-district of Pho Sai district. In latest developments in the case the Thai media quoted the murderer's younger sister and brother in law as saying that the drug crazed individual had been out of control for some time. He had even attacked animals and damaged property that seemed to be a precursor for the attack on his parents. However, they never thought it would come to this saying he had never attacked anyone prior to the murders. Meanwhile, Anek is refusing to talk with investigators waiting until the effects of his drug taking wear off. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-18 - 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

Alleged rape victim - aged 14 - and father seek help after investigation stalls; father of friend in frame INN reported that a 14 year old girl named only as "B" and her father sought the help of Ekkaphop Leauangprasert who runs a community help group called "Sai Mai Tong Rort" in the Sai Mai area of northern Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253911-alleged-rape-victim-aged-14-and-father-seek-help-after-investigation-stalls-father-of-friend-in-frame/

INN reported that a 14 year old girl named only as "B" and her father sought the help of Ekkaphop Leauangprasert who runs a community help group called "Sai Mai Tong Rort" in the Sai Mai area of northern Bangkok. They come from a poor family of road sweepers who believe they will not get justice after going to the police on 11th March and little nothing since. On the evening of 8th/9th March B went to a friend's house for a meal in which alcohol was consumed. Her friend's father and B were left alone after the friends left. She asked to be taken home but the man said he was drunk and would take her back in the morning. However it is alleged that at 5 am he made advances towards the 14 year old touching her breasts while she slept. He then raped her warning her afterwards not to tell anyone. She told a close friend who took her to Bang Khen police. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The father of the friend found out about this then allegedly hit the friend who had taken her to the police with a helmet. He then allegedly threatened the victim, her family and friends with a gun saying they would be killed if he was exposed. The man has admitted that alcohol was consumed at the house but he denies sexual impropriety and use of Ya Ba. And he denies threatening anyone with a gun. With the publicity now in place, the Bang Khen police have said they will issue an arrest warrant on a charge of molestation that carries a three year sentence. Investigations continue. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-18 - 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

Omicron containment “not possible,” boosters and public health measures are “correct response” By Cod Satrusayang Thailand is unlikely to contain the fast-spread Omicron variant of Covid-19 unlike previous strains where the country was successful in curtailing and isolating outbreaks, a senior doctor told Thai Enquirer on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253909-omicron-containment-“not-possible”-boosters-and-public-health-measures-are-“correct-response”/

By Cod Satrusayang Thailand is unlikely to contain the fast-spread Omicron variant of Covid-19 unlike previous strains where the country was successful in curtailing and isolating outbreaks, a senior doctor told Thai Enquirer on Friday. The Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa, is the most dominant strain of Covid-19 in Thailand replacing the Delta strain. It is faster spreading than previously identified variants. The spread of Omicron has contributed to a sharp rise in daily case numbers with 27,071 new cases reported on Friday. Though milder than previous strains, there were still 80 fatalities reported over the same time period. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to viewv Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38712/omicron-containment-not-possible-boosters-and-public-health-measures-are-correct-response/ Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-18 - 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

Short circuit - and lots of black smoke - at Bitcoin mine near Bangkok Picture: Siam Rath Bang Plee police and fire services were called after locals on the Bang Plee to Tamru Road in Samut Prakan south east of Bangkok noticed smoke coming out of the third floor of business premises. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253908-short-circuit-and-lots-of-black-smoke-at-bitcoin-mine-near-bangkok/

Picture: Siam Rath Bang Plee police and fire services were called after locals on the Bang Plee to Tamru Road in Samut Prakan south east of Bangkok noticed smoke coming out of the third floor of business premises. No one was in the three story building that was padlocked up and had further railings to prevent entry on the third floor. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The first and second floors were uninhabited and not used. The third floor was being used as a Bitcoin mining operation and the authorities believe that there was a short circuit in wires. There was only smoke when the fire department arrived but at that moment a fire started that was extinguished, reported Siam Rath. Locals said the renter of the building was only occasionally seen. Police are investigating. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-18 - 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

Move Forward MP reports to police to hear criminal defamation charge Move Forward party-list MP Rangsiman Rome reported to the Bang Khun Non police this morning (Friday), to acknowledge a criminal defamation charge filed against him in connection with claims he made about Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation in 2020. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253907-move-forward-mp-reports-to-police-to-hear-criminal-defamation-charge/

Move Forward party-list MP Rangsiman Rome reported to the Bang Khun Non police this morning (Friday), to acknowledge a criminal defamation charge filed against him in connection with claims he made about Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation in 2020. Rangsiman, who is also deputy secretary-general of Thailand’s Move Forward party, told the media at the police station that he had assigned his lawyer, Krisadang Nutcharat from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), to explain to the police why he had failed to respond to the police summonses on two previous occasions. He reiterated today that the police attempt to have him arrested and detained was part of an effort to have him disqualified and stripped of his parliamentary status. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-mp-reports-to-police-to-hear-criminal-defamation-charge/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-18 - 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