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Thai Public Health Ministry backtracks on its proposal to remove mandatory facial masks, says was a misunderstanding By Nop Meechukhun PHOTO: Thairath Bangkok – The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health denied the Ministry had proposed to cancel mandatory wearing of facial masks in parks and concerts as reported across Thai media Wednesday, March 16th, calling it a “misunderstanding.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253872-thai-public-health-ministry-backtracks-on-its-proposal-to-remove-mandatory-facial-masks-says-was-a-misunderstanding/

PHOTO: Thairath By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health denied the Ministry had proposed to cancel mandatory wearing of facial masks in parks and concerts as reported across Thai media Wednesday, March 16th, calling it a “misunderstanding.” Permanent Secretary Dr. Kiattipoom Wongrachit clarified today, March 17th, following the news stating that the Ministry of Public Health would propose a plan to remove wearing facial masks to the Center of the Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday that it was a misunderstanding. He said that he did not say such a proposal during a press conference yesterday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to his statement, he only stated that the Ministry would only introduce the four-month timeframe of shifting the Covid-19 pandemic to an endemic disease and plans to prevent and control the disease among the risk groups, especially the ‘608’ groups (the elders, patients with severe health conditions, and pregnant women). Regarding the issue of removing facial masks, Dr. Kiattipoom continued that if the endemic plan was approved and properly implemented, other measures may be relaxed in the future which may possibly include the mandatory facial masks in some areas such as public areas like parks and outside. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/17/thai-public-health-ministry-backtracks-on-its-proposal-to-remove-mandatory-facial-masks-says-was-a-misunderstanding/ -- © 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

TPSO Says High Fuel Prices Expected to be Temporary by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has dismissed speculation that Thailand will enter a stagflation phase due to the war in Ukraine, while indicating that the issue of high fuel prices will be short-lived. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253871-tpso-says-high-fuel-prices-expected-to-be-temporary/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has dismissed speculation that Thailand will enter a stagflation phase due to the war in Ukraine, while indicating that the issue of high fuel prices will be short-lived. Analysts previously projected that the war between Russia and Ukraine will likely impact the world’s economy, including Thailand. They said high petrol prices would lead to stagflation, driving down Thai economic growth while suppressing employment and consumption of goods and services. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Stagflation or recession-inflation is a situation in which the inflation rate rises while economic growth slows and unemployment remains steadily high. It presents a dilemma for economic policymakers, as actions intended to lower inflation may exacerbate unemployment. TPSO Director-General Ronnarong Phoolpipat said he was confident that Thailand would not face stagflation, reasoning that fuel prices will fall as the West resolves its nuclear deal with Iran. This would in turn lead to Iran resuming its oil exports. The TPSO chief also said he was optimistic about the Black Sea conflict, as negotiations to resolve the situation continue between Russia and Ukraine. -- © 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 He added that the unemployment rate this year will likely improve from 2021 as the rate of new COVID-19 infections starts declining.

Domestic tourism scheme raises confusion, gets lukewarm response By Panithan Onthaworn The disarray in one of Thailand’s domestic travel packages “Tour Tiew Thai” has prompted travel agencies to cancel their tour programmes, with the number of registrations yet to meet half of the available spots. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253870-domestic-tourism-scheme-raises-confusion-gets-lukewarm-response/

By Panithan Onthaworn The disarray in one of Thailand’s domestic travel packages “Tour Tiew Thai” has prompted travel agencies to cancel their tour programmes, with the number of registrations yet to meet half of the available spots. Suthiphong Phuanphiphob, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TAT), said that many tour programmes were not approved by the Tour Tiew Thai scheme after the application deadline on March 15. “This has an impact on tour programme sales and guests who booked such packages in advance,” Suthiphong explained. “Travel agencies must refund the payments as the programme will not be backed by the stimulus packages.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38673/domestic-tourism-scheme-raises-confusion-gets-lukewarm-response/ -- © 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

Arrest warrant issued for Move Forward MP over controversial censure debate claims MP Rangsiman Rome, of Thailand’s Move Forward Party, is now the subject of an arrest warrant after twice failing to report to police in the past month, in response to official summonses. The summonses were issued in relation to a criminal defamation charge, following claims he made during a censure debate in Parliament in 2020 targeting Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253869-arrest-warrant-issued-for-move-forward-mp-over-controversial-censure-debate-claims/

MP Rangsiman Rome, of Thailand’s Move Forward Party, is now the subject of an arrest warrant after twice failing to report to police in the past month, in response to official summonses. The summonses were issued in relation to a criminal defamation charge, following claims he made during a censure debate in Parliament in 2020 targeting Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. The embattled MP said that he will meet with the police today (Friday), while insisting that the arrest warrant is“illegitimate”. Rangsiman also threatened to take legal action against the police for malfeasance and claimed that there is a plot to put him behind bars and remove him from Parliament as a consequence of his controversial censure debate speeches. 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-issued-arrest-warrant-over-controversial-censure-debate/ -- © 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

Second autopsy report on drowned actress expected in two weeks Thailand’s well-known forensic expert, Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, said today that a report from the second autopsy on drowned TV actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, aka “Tangmo”, may be available in two weeks and is expected to be in the same line of the first autopsy, as she dismissed widespread doubts about the initial autopsy performed by the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253868-second-autopsy-report-on-drowned-actress-expected-in-two-weeks/

Thailand’s well-known forensic expert, Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, said today that a report from the second autopsy on drowned TV actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, aka “Tangmo”, may be available in two weeks and is expected to be in the same line of the first autopsy, as she dismissed widespread doubts about the initial autopsy performed by the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital. From her observations of Nida’s body and the pictures taken by pathologists, she said Nida’s teeth were not missing, as had been rumoured amid speculation that Nida might have been attacked on board the speed boat. She added that there were no wounds on her face or head either. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Khunying Porntip was one of a handful of observers at a second autopsy, performed today (Thursday) at Thammasat University Hospital, which was jointly undertaken by forensic doctors from Ramathibodi, Chulalongkorn and Thammasat University hospitals. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/second-autopsy-report-on-drowned-actress-expected-in-two-weeks/ -- © 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

Should four-day weeks become the norm to help workers survive? by Michael Bridge Most of us whether employed or retired in Thailand have been hit with a surge in fuel prices, as we fill up at the pumps over the past few weeks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253867-should-four-day-weeks-become-the-norm-to-help-workers-survive/

by Michael Bridge Most of us whether employed or retired in Thailand have been hit with a surge in fuel prices, as we fill up at the pumps over the past few weeks. Obviously, Thailand’s pump prices are still not as painful as many European countries, where prices are ridiculously high. Pump Prices The average pump price across Thailand on March 14th, 2022, was THB47.550 compared to the global average of THB58.19. E20 fuel for example, which was just THB26 a litre in 2021, now costs a whopping THB39 a litre. It is hurting everyone, but especially the low paid workers on the minimum wage. Minimum Wage In December 2019, the National Wage Committee recommended that the minimum daily wage for unskilled labour be increased by five to six baht, from 308 to 330 baht to 313–336-baht, effective 1 January 2020, which was approved by the Cabinet. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Still if you have to commute to say a factory five times a week, then you are paying a lot more to turn up for work now, so the minimum wage is still extremely low. Meanwhile, factory wages have not increased accordingly. Shift work and four days’ work Suggesting a four-day week would be beneficial for many employees, as long as their employers still reward them with the same wage. The workers would still work the same hours as per five or six full days, but would just work longer over the remaining four days. Of course, those who can afford to swop their motorbikes for electric bikes will see a massive saving. Not only will it reduce their fuel costs but may increase productivity with longer daily hours and spilt shifts. That said not everyone on a minimum wage can afford to sell and buy or can get finance. Reduction in trips I am trying to reduce the number of trips per week in my car. One visit to the supermarket instead of two or three trips is working. Also, instead of driving to meetings, I am doing more Zoom meetings. Luckily, I have always worked from home, however I am sure most employers are now used to flexible working practices. Meanwhile not many factory workers have now the luxury of flexible working hours. Whereas before employers accepted the Covid stay at home system, as a requirement to curb the pandemic. Perhaps now it also makes sense that they suggest four days weeks for the workers. Or better still employers could help subsidise financial packages, where the company loans the workers money to buy an electric motorbike. Saves on fuel costs and is also good for global warming. Just a thought. -- © 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 18 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1253866-thailand-live-friday-18-march-2022/

Thailand’s liquor vendors want 2-5pm alcohol sales ban revoked Sixteen entertainment establishments are calling on the government to scrap a law, introduced by a military junta in 1972, which bans the sale of alcoholic beverages between 2pm and 5pm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253851-thailand’s-liquor-vendors-want-2-5pm-alcohol-sales-ban-revoked/

Labour Min Pushing to Finalise Employment Agreement With Saudi Arabia BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labour is working to finalize the employment agreement on labour export with the Saudi government following the normalization of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253824-labour-min-pushing-to-finalise-employment-agreement-with-saudi-arabia/

Thai ministry of health seeks end to pre-departure RT-PCR tests for international arrivals 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253821-thai-ministry-of-health-seeks-end-to-pre-departure-rt-pcr-tests-for-international-arrivals/

Probe underway over K-pop idol Lisa as new liquor brand ambassador Thailand’s Disease Control Department’s Office of the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee will seek an explanation from those responsible for posting an advertisement of a brand of liquor on Facebook using Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, a Thai-born singer and member of South Korea’s famous “Blackpink” girl band, as its brand ambassador. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253800-probe-underway-over-k-pop-idol-lisa-as-new-liquor-brand-ambassador/

Thailand’s Disease Control Department’s Office of the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee will seek an explanation from those responsible for posting an advertisement of a brand of liquor on Facebook using Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, a Thai-born singer and member of South Korea’s famous “Blackpink” girl band, as its brand ambassador. Disease Control Department Deputy Director-General Dr. Kajornsak Kaewcharat said on Wednesday that the department had received several complaints over the advertisement in question. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said that the Office of the Alcoholic Control Committee has assigned officials to investigate the matter, which may contravene Thailand’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and the Prime Minister’s Office regulations prohibiting the online sale and advertisement of alcoholic beverages. Violation of the regulations is subject to a fine and/or imprisonment on conviction. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/probe-underway-over-k-pop-idol-lisa-as-new-liquor-brand-ambassador/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-17 - 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

Friendly "albino" monkey comes to feed after going missing for some time Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported from the sacred area of Khao Sam Muk in Saensuk sub-district of Chonburi where there are a lot of monkeys. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253798-friendly-albino-monkey-comes-to-feed-after-going-missing-for-some-time/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported from the sacred area of Khao Sam Muk in Saensuk sub-district of Chonburi where there are a lot of monkeys. A surprise visitor was a monkey the locals call an albino because of its white markings on its head and tail. It's a friendly chap who has been AWOL for some time and came down to feed yesterday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe People in the area said it is one of a pair or such creatures who live in the hills. This one is never fierce and after feeding goes away peacefully. They liken it to one that appears in a famous Thai legend. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-17 - 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

Case dismissed: Granddad cleared of rape against 11 year old granddaughter in NE Thailand Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the court in Kalasin in north east Thailand had thrown out charges against a 66 year old man after police alleged he raped his own 11 year old granddaughter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253797-case-dismissed-granddad-cleared-of-rape-against-11-year-old-granddaughter-in-ne-thailand/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the court in Kalasin in north east Thailand had thrown out charges against a 66 year old man after police alleged he raped his own 11 year old granddaughter. The P5 child got pregnant and died from complications towards the end of 2020. Suspicion fell on Prayoon Sridakaew after the girl's mother went to the police. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But he denied raping the child saying that he loved and cared for her. Prayoon's wife and the father of the child, Prayoon's son, stood by him as did other relatives who were at the court yesterday to hear what they viewed as a welcome judgement for their family. The court decided that the victim had died from brain cancer and that there was no evidence of sexual assault. There was no case to answer due to insufficient evidence the court said in its 30 minute reading. The case happened in Sahaskhan district. The relatives indicated they all wanted to put the case behind them despite the considerable negative comments about Prayoon on places like social media. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-17 - 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 the zebra say locals as another pedestrian injured just three days after fatality Thai PBS went to an intersection in Banglamphu, Bangkok, to investigate after yet another accident on a zebra crossing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253795-move-the-zebra-say-locals-as-another-pedestrian-injured-just-three-days-after-fatality/

Thai PBS went to an intersection in Banglamphu, Bangkok, to investigate after yet another accident on a zebra crossing. Just three days after a person was killed by a bus another bus hit a pedestrian at the exact same spot injuring them. Now the BMA and the Chana Songkkram police have put out steel barriers and cones. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But the locals are advocating more. They said that they wouldn't dare use the zebra; they cross further up the road away from the lights. They think the zebra at this location is a danger for visitors to the area and should be scrapped altogether and moved. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-17 - 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

Tide of change threatens Khunpluem dynasty’s dominance in Pattaya elections A political dynasty’s decades-long dominance of politics in Chon Buri province will be threatened by strong challenges at the upcoming Pattaya mayoral election on May 22, analysts say. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253794-tide-of-change-threatens-khunpluem-dynasty’s-dominance-in-pattaya-elections/