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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

Expert Virologist says expects Covid Quarantine Could Be Cut to 7 Days by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Dr. Yong Poovorawan, an expert virologist, has said that the quarantine period for those considered to be in high-risk groups for Covid-19 infection could be reduced from 14 days to 7, owing to a decrease in Omicron transmissions and the infection period. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253906-expert-virologist-says-expects-covid-quarantine-could-be-cut-to-7-days/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Dr. Yong Poovorawan, an expert virologist, has said that the quarantine period for those considered to be in high-risk groups for Covid-19 infection could be reduced from 14 days to 7, owing to a decrease in Omicron transmissions and the infection period. Dr. Yong stated that Omicron transmissions had decreased because the majority of people had received Covid-19 vaccine jabs. According to a Japanese study, the Omicron virus was frequently found in saliva in the throat or nasal cavity between the second and fifth days after infection, with the virus transmission period lasting six to nine days. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The virology expert noted that transmission would be high during the first seven days after infection, particularly between the second and fifth days. To prevent the spread of the virus, health officials urged Covid-19 patients to strictly adhere to measures such as mask weathering, hand cleansing, and social distancing. Dr. Yong emphasized that everyone must coexist with Covid-19, so guidelines will be updated over time, and studies and research will be conducted to reduce the impact on daily life. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 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

Mystery surrounds death plunge of former Playboy model from luxury condo in Bangkok Daily News reported that a woman who once casted for the magazine "Playboy Thailand" fell from a luxury condo building in Chaeng Wattana, northern Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253904-mystery-surrounds-death-plunge-of-former-playboy-model-from-luxury-condo-in-bangkok/

Daily News reported that a woman who once casted for the magazine "Playboy Thailand" fell from a luxury condo building in Chaeng Wattana, northern Bangkok. Pak Kret police, medics and Poh Teck Tung foundation attended the scene by a swimming pool on the fourth floor. The victim was clad only in bra and panties and was named as Pattharaporn, 37, who lived on the 15th floor. People at the condo (that was not named) said she lived alone and kept herself to herself. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Police gave no indication of the reason for the fall and are studying CCTV to try and get a lead. An autopsy has been ordered. Daily News published a picture of the victim with the "Thailand Playboy" logo. 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

Delivery man slams into back of cement mixer - microsleep blamed Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath published some graphic pictures of the carnage on the Thai roads yesterday after a delivery man was killed in a pick-up that slammed in to the back of a cement mixer. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253902-delivery-man-slams-into-back-of-cement-mixer-microsleep-blamed/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath published some graphic pictures of the carnage on the Thai roads yesterday after a delivery man was killed in a pick-up that slammed in to the back of a cement mixer. It happened in the Ban Wisai Neua police jurisdiction in Chumphon in the south on the Asia Highway, Route 41. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The pick-up was delivering food items many of which were spread over the road. Prakop, 62, had parked the cement mixer on the hard shoulder and was in the process of asking about a cement delivery. Picture: Siam Rath Dimamot Mohammad, 26, a local man, died instantly when he piled into the rear of the larger vehicle. There were no signs of braking on the road leading the police to say that this was most likely a case of what is known as "lap nai". Microsleep. This is one of the leading causes of accidents in Thailand. Signs - in Thai - are up all over the country warning drowsy people to take rests. 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

RTP get international award for excellence - top cops in Dubai bask in glory but who has heard of "Smart Safety Zone 4.0"? Daily News reported on the Royal Thai Police getting an international award for excellence in community policing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253900-rtp-get-international-award-for-excellence-top-cops-in-dubai-bask-in-glory-but-who-has-heard-of-smart-safety-zone-40/

Daily News reported on the Royal Thai Police getting an international award for excellence in community policing. It comes at a time when public confidence in the force remains low and refers to s scheme few people have even heard of, notes ASEAN NOW. The World Police Summit - attended by 29 countries including Thailand - concluded in Dubai, UAE yesterday. The annual event showcases good practice and there are contests and competitions. Earlier we reported that the Thai SWAT team were high up in a skills contest as it entered the final day. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe RTP chief Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk didn't attend in person but sent his top underlings in the form of Gen Roy Ingkhaphairoj and poster boy Pol Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan, universally known as Big Joke. They presented the Smart Safety Zone 4.0 community policing initiative for consideration of the judges. They won the top award in the Crime Prevention category for "The Best Experience in Community Policing". Dubai chief of police Pol Lt-Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri presented the top honours. Picture: Daily News The Safety Zone initiative was launched by Suwat last year amid much fanfare - and a fair degree of ridicule. It was heralded as a great way for the police to use the public as the "eyes and ears" to help them in their work. It utilises a lot of bells and whistles especially the much loved RTP friend, CCTV. But few people in Thailand have ever heard of the initiative or would know what to do to access it. In comments attributed to Surachate, Daily News said that it was a great morale booster for the RTP to be recognised. But the Lt-Gen said that more needs to be done to promote the scheme after pilots particularly in Bangkok. Only when the scheme is expanded will the people in Thailand get to realize what Smart Safety Zone 4.0 actually entails. 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 And realize how good it is in reducing crime.

Top cop finds just a deserted snooker club - but Internet claimed thriving casino was in operation Picture: Thai Rath Thai police are often the last to claim to know that casinos are operating in their jurisdiction. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253897-top-cop-finds-just-a-deserted-snooker-club-but-internet-claimed-thriving-casino-was-in-operation/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai police are often the last to claim to know that casinos are operating in their jurisdiction. That's because it is not uncommon for the police to either be players in the trade or taking tea money to allow their operation. But yesterday there was a twist on the genre, in a story reported by Thai Rath. The Bangkok metropolitan region 2 chief thought he was onto a winner when the popular online page of Mem Pho Dam tagged an online post about a thriving casino going on at the JJ Snooker Club in Soi Khu Born 27 in Ram Intra, in the area of Kannayao police. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Thai Rath Rather than call in the local cops he went to investigate himself, perhaps to have a part in the glory of a big bust. Rather than bust he got dust. The JJ Snooker Club sign had been changed to "F1 Club" - inside it was dark and miserable. Picture: Thai Rath There were stones, sand and bits of old scaffolding. There WERE six snooker tables but they were covered in dust and the caretaker said it had all been shut down since the beginning of the pandemic. Pol Maj-Gen Attaphon Anusit's evening raid was a total failure. Now he is left trying to find out who owns the place and what the post about a "casino blatantly operating" all means. 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

Sexy Thailand: Popular "Bikini Run" set for post pandemic comeback Sanook Thai Caption: Sexy international Run makes comeback Thailand's popular "Bikini Run" is set to be the highlight of the year when it is expected to return in May. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253895-sexy-thailand-popular-bikini-run-set-for-post-pandemic-comeback/

Sanook Thai Caption: Sexy international Run makes comeback Thailand's popular "Bikini Run" is set to be the highlight of the year when it is expected to return in May. The event held in Pattaya on the beach has in the past featured plenty of local "talent", not just runners! The pandemic has dealt a blow to the popular race but with the situation improving it is hoped that this year's event will be a watershed moment. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Sanook Last year it was cancelled altogether. The last time it was held in October 2020 it was a late afternoon/night event called the Central Festival Bikini Beach Race. All the protocols had to be in place. Now organizers are saying they hope to hold it in May this year. In exactly what form will be announce shortly, reported Sanook. In the meantime the media shared lots of pictures of the previous year it was held - many are bound to raise temperatures in already sizzling Thailand. 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 Picture: Sanook Picture: Sanook Picture: Sanook

Democrats say they are unconcerned about high profile departures but some MP want to investigate cause By Erich Parpart Senior members of the Democrat Party said the leaving of high-profile members in recent days had minimal impact on the party. However, some are concerned that more MPs could leave before the next general election. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253892-democrats-say-they-are-unconcerned-about-high-profile-departures-but-some-mp-want-to-investigate-cause/

By Erich Parpart Senior members of the Democrat Party said the leaving of high-profile members in recent days had minimal impact on the party. However, some are concerned that more MPs could leave before the next general election. Three members of the party, including list-MP Apichai Techa-ubon, former Bangkok MP Ekkanat Phromphan, and former Songkhla MP Prai Pattano have all resigned from the party in recent days. “The party’s administrative board has yet to discuss the reasons for the resignations,” Ramate Rattanachaweng, the spokesman of the party, told Thai Enquirer by phone on Thursday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38690/democrats-say-they-are-unconcerned-about-high-profile-departures-but-some-mp-want-to-investigate-cause/ -- © 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

Thailand reports new high of 27,071 COVID-19 cases, 80 deaths, 21,522 recoveries File photo Thailand on Friday (March 18) reported 27,071 new COVID-19 cases, 21,522 recoveries and 80 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253882-thailand-reports-new-high-of-27071-covid-19-cases-80-deaths-21522-recoveries/

Thailand reports new high of 27,071 COVID-19 cases, 80 deaths, 21,522 recoveries File photo Thailand on Friday (March 18) reported 27,071 new COVID-19 cases, 21,522 recoveries and 80 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253882-thailand-reports-new-high-of-27071-covid-19-cases-80-deaths-21522-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

File photo Thailand on Friday (March 18) reported 27,071 new COVID-19 cases, 21,522 recoveries and 80 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Friday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,303,169 with 24,075 deaths. The news comes as the Ministry of Public Health will propose that the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) further ease COVID-19 restrictions, by doing away with the requirement for arrivals from overseas to take an RT-PCR test 72 hours before departure. It will also ask the CCSA to cut the required miminum insurance coverage, from US$20,000 to US$10,000, according to Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kiattibhoom Vongrachit.* *Thai PBS 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 2022-03-18 - 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 public health minister says alcohol and parties should not be part of Songkran, focus should be on tradition and religion By Adam Judd Bangkok, Thailand-A dry Songkran? No, we aren’t referring to water fights, which is a different matter and is also likely to, for the third year in a row, be curtailed, but alcohol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253878-thai-public-health-minister-says-alcohol-and-parties-should-not-be-part-of-songkran-focus-should-be-on-tradition-and-religion/

By Adam Judd Bangkok, Thailand-A dry Songkran? No, we aren’t referring to water fights, which is a different matter and is also likely to, for the third year in a row, be curtailed, but alcohol. At a press conference yesterday Thai public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that Songkran will take place in mid April and that people will be allowed to travel and visit with family, which is the main focus of the holiday for most Thais. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Songkran is the Thai new year, also known as the water festival, and the single biggest holiday in Thailand and the largest annual migration of people within the country to their hometowns and villages. For many Thais it is the only significant time off they get every year. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/18/thai-public-health-minister-says-alcohol-and-parties-should-not-be-part-of-songkran-focus-should-be-on-tradition-and-religion/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Foreign tourist allegedly attacked by security guards after bill dispute in Central Pattaya By Adam Judd Treetown, Pattaya-A 58-year-old foreign tourist, reportedly Irish, was allegedly attacked by several security guards in front of the Treetown entertainment complex area in central Pattaya last night following a dispute over a bill. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253877-foreign-tourist-allegedly-attacked-by-security-guards-after-bill-dispute-in-central-pattaya/

By Adam Judd Treetown, Pattaya-A 58-year-old foreign tourist, reportedly Irish, was allegedly attacked by several security guards in front of the Treetown entertainment complex area in central Pattaya last night following a dispute over a bill. The guards, however, claimed the man refused to pay a bill and tried to flee and when he was stopped attempted to fight the guards and then accidentally fell. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The incident took place around 11:30 P.M. after Pattaya City police, rescue workers, and local media responded to the front of Treetown, a sprawling entertainment area in central Pattaya. First responders from Sawang Boriboon found the 58-year-old man, reportedly an Irish tourist, bleeding heavily from a wound to his skull and confused. He was given first aid treatment at the scene and taken to a local hospital for further aid. TPN media has decided to withhold the injured man’s name at this time. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/18/foreign-tourist-allegedly-attacked-by-security-guards-after-bill-dispute-in-central-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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