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Marking the 4th renewal of the agreement aimed at growing two-way tourism between Japan and Thailand. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Sendai City and the Tohoku Regional Tourism Organisation in Japan to continue their tourism promotion cooperation that has been ongoing since 2006. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “The continuance of the tourism promotion between Thailand and Japan under this Letter of Intent comes at an opportune time, as Thailand reopens to the world and welcomes back travellers with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign. Japan has been a key source market for Thailand, and we are confident it will continue to be so.” The virtual signing ceremony between Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, and Mrs. Kazuko Kori, Sendai City Mayor, and Mr. Shigeru Matsuki, President of the Tohoku Regional Tourism Organisation was held yesterday (Tuesday, 15 March). Witnessing the signing was Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, and Mr. Chuwit Sirivajjakul, TAT Executive Director for East Asia Region. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This is the fourth renewal of the LoI agreement for cooperation in tourism promotion between the three parties. The agreement was first signed in August 2006 between TAT and Sendai City, which is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the Tohoku Region. The Tohoku Regional Tourism Organisation joined the agreement in 2012. This latest renewal of the LoI will cover a five-year period of cooperation in tourism promotion between the three parties until March 2027. Under the agreement, TAT, Sendai City, and the Tohoku Regional Tourism Organisation will jointly organise marketing promotion activities to stimulate two-way tourism between Japan and Thailand, and with a particular emphasis on increasing the number of quality tourists to each destination. This has included the organisation of a Thai festival in Sendai City and the promotion of Thailand’s tourism offerings to travel agents in the city, while the tourism attributes of Sendai City and the Tohoku Region have likewise been promoted in Thailand to create greater awareness among outbound Thai travellers. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/tat-extends-tourism-cooperation-with-japans-sendai-city-and-tohoku-region/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 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

Thailand embraces gender-equal business as key to sustainable growth by Tarin Angskul BANGKOK (NNT) - A roadmap for Thailand’s journey to gender equality in business was presented at an event in Bangkok. It lays out a guideline for policies and business practices to improve woman’s empowerment in the workplace and, by extension, the country’s progress towards sustainable social and economic development as a whole. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253725-thailand-embraces-gender-equal-business-as-key-to-sustainable-growth/

by Tarin Angskul BANGKOK (NNT) - A roadmap for Thailand’s journey to gender equality in business was presented at an event in Bangkok. It lays out a guideline for policies and business practices to improve woman’s empowerment in the workplace and, by extension, the country’s progress towards sustainable social and economic development as a whole. Titled “Inclusive Policy means Sustainable Growth,” the event was organized by WeEmpowerAsia, a UN Woman program funded by the European Union, in collaboration with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Office of small and Medium-sized Enterprise Promotion (OSMEP), and the regional non-profit Kenan Foundation Asia. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The event is one of the milestones for women in Asia and around the world. It presented the idea of “Building Pathways to Gender Equality and Sustainability" through the "Women’s Empowerment Principle: Thailand Policy Brief" which is a guide for businesses to strengthen gender outcomes. The roadmap lays a crucial foundation for the implementation of policies and initiatives to: 1) advance accountability and reporting of gender indicators for listed companies; 2) promote woman’s corporate leadership; and 3) advance the participation of women’s owned and women-led business in the national and global supply chains of governments and corporations. Sarah Knibbs, Officer-in-Charge, UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, hopes the "Women’s Empowerment Principle: Thailand Policy Brief" will serve as a guide for policymakers, and other sectors to incentivize and regulate gender-responsive business conduct. Gender equality does not only mean good business but inclusive and sustainable growth where all groups of society can contribute. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Thai and Russian Authorities Assisting Tourists Affected by Russia-Ukraine Crisis by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Russian embassy in Bangkok has said it is working closely with Thai tourism authorities to help accommodate the thousands of Russian tourists who have been stranded in Thailand due to airspace restrictions imposed amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253724-thai-and-russian-authorities-assisting-tourists-affected-by-russia-ukraine-crisis/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Russian embassy in Bangkok has said it is working closely with Thai tourism authorities to help accommodate the thousands of Russian tourists who have been stranded in Thailand due to airspace restrictions imposed amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. During a press conference on Tuesday (15 Mar), Russian Ambassador to Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin said the majority of stranded Russian nationals are concentrated in tourist destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya, Chon Buri, Koh Samui, Surat Thani. He added that the embassy is attempting to secure extended visas, find lodging and arrange repatriation flights on various airlines for those stranded. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Due to international airspace restrictions, many airlines - including Russia’s flagship Aeroflot - have canceled services, affecting as many as 6,500 Russian tourists in the Kingdom. Thailand is one of 140 nations that voted in favor of a United Nations resolution demanding Russia’s immediate withdrawal from Ukraine and criticizing Russia’s "aggression against Ukraine." Tomikhin stated Russia understood Thailand’s decision and that the two countries’ diplomatic ties would not be affected. He also made clear that Russia was not fighting an all-out war and that its forces were only targeting military infrastructure in Ukraine while attempting to avoid civilian casualties. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Thai companies have a moral decision to make By Michael Bridge File photo The Russian government issued last week a list of countries "taking unfriendly actions against Russia, Russian companies, and citizens," referring to the economic sanctions introduced amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253723-thai-companies-have-a-moral-decision-to-make/

File photo By Michael Bridge The Russian government issued last week a list of countries "taking unfriendly actions against Russia, Russian companies, and citizens," referring to the economic sanctions introduced amid the Russia-Ukraine war. According to a decree published on the government's website, the list includes Albania, Andorra, Australia, Great Britain, including Jersey, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, EU member states, Iceland, Canada, Liechtenstein, Micronesia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, San Marino, North Macedonia, Singapore, US, Taiwan, Ukraine, Montenegro, Switzerland, and Japan. Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines from SE Asia were not on this list. Where to now? Now we know that in the past there were many Thai companies, especially in the hospitality sector that did a large amount of business with Russians. Thailand has always been a trade partner with Russia. Back in 2019, Thailand exported $1.13B to Russia. The main products that Thailand exported to Russia were Cars ($173M), Vehicle Parts ($83.9M), and Rubber Tires ($73M). Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Crude oil was Thailand’s biggest import from Russia last year followed by coal and gold. Luckily, most of Thailand's crude oil and condensates are from offshore fields in the Gulf of Thailand. Natural gas fuels 60–65% of Thailand's electrical power generation. The Erawan gas field in the Gulf of Thailand supplies about 20% of Thailand's gas production. Thailand imported the LNG from seven suppliers in October, with Australia and Malaysia being the largest sellers. The Southeast Asia nation imported 5.36 million mt of LNG in the first 10 months, up 9.8% year on year, from Qatar, Malaysia, and Nigeria. The Thai government does not rely too much on Russia for its energy however continuing to export cars could see European countries along with the USA could end up with expensive sanctions that the country can ill afford. The next few months may see some major policy decisions needing to be made by both private sector along with the Thai Government. -- © 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 ever

Richard Barrow receives the British Empire Medal (BEM) Richard Barrow was honored on Wednesday, 16 March, when he received the British Empire Medal (BEM) from British Ambassador, Mark Gooding. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253722-richard-barrow-receives-the-british-empire-medal-bem/

Richard Barrow was honored on Wednesday, 16 March, when he received the British Empire Medal (BEM) from British Ambassador, Mark Gooding. HM Queen Elizabeth II awarded Barrow "for services to British nationals overseas" in the 2021 New Year's Honours List. Source: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=531614794991455&id=100044288176713

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 17 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1253721-thailand-live-thursday-17-march-2022/

Seven Thai students charged with assault in university hazing death Seven university students have, so far, been charged with assault causing the death of another person in a fatal university hazing ritual, involving students from Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, said Chief of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Maroeng police station Pol Col Kanasanan Suwannasup, Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253705-seven-thai-students-charged-with-assault-in-university-hazing-death/

Government Steps Up APEC Security Measures Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has acknowledged concerns over the possibility of the Russia-Ukraine conflict jeopardizing Thailand’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2022 in November. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253674-government-steps-up-apec-security-measures-amid-russia-ukraine-conflict/

Six illegal migrants killed, five seriously injured in road accident in Prachuap Khiri Khan Six illegal migrant workers from Myanmar were killed and twelve others injured, five seriously, when a pickup truck in which they were travelling crashed into a roadside barrier and was then rammed from behind by a van in Thailand’s southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253673-six-illegal-migrants-killed-five-seriously-injured-in-road-accident-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

Series of attacks at Udon market and bus station - drugged up glue sniffer responsible Sanook Thai Caption: Dangerous person at the market Sanook went to the Tessaban 2 Ban Dung fresh market in Udon Thani in the north east of Thailand to investigate a series of attacks on women there and at the nearby bus station. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253656-series-of-attacks-at-udon-market-and-bus-station-drugged-up-glue-sniffer-responsible/

Sanook Thai Caption: Dangerous person at the market Sanook went to the Tessaban 2 Ban Dung fresh market in Udon Thani in the north east of Thailand to investigate a series of attacks on women there and at the nearby bus station. A man had been caught on CCTV punching a woman. In addition he had grabbed women's buttocks and even bit the top of their legs. Traders also said that the man would frequently "fly his kite" (masturbate) by the side of the market. Local tessaban officials went to the home of Manop, 35. His mum said her son was a drug addict and glue sniffer who was out of control and wouldn't take his meds. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe His brother said he had had his arm broken by an irate bus driver who chased him from the bus station after two attacks on women there. The family were at their wits end what do do with him and called on the authorities to act. The police were not mentioned in the Sanook story. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-16 - 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’s Basic Education Commission admits online learning had never worked well, says new school year will begin normally in May By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) insisted on school’s first semester nationwide starting on May 15th, 2022, as online courses had gradually affected children’s reading and writing abilities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253654-thailand’s-basic-education-commission-admits-online-learning-had-never-worked-well-says-new-school-year-will-begin-normally-in-may/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) insisted on school’s first semester nationwide starting on May 15th, 2022, as online courses had gradually affected children’s reading and writing abilities. OBEC was responding, notes TPN, to rumors of yet another year of possible disrupted classes and schooling, stating that they believed children must be in school in-person, especially younger children, for proper learning. However, TPN also notes that individual provincial governors and local leaders could still “strengthen” rules, which has been a problem recently with some areas having school normally in Thailand but others disrupted due to provincial leaders having stricter regulations. OBEC secretary-general Amporn Pinasa said the office had continued to manage the education system under the Covid-19 situation in the 2022 academic year. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/16/thailands-basic-education-commission-admits-online-learning-had-never-worked-well-says-new-school-year-will-begin-normally-in-may/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-16 - 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

Betong flights cancelled just days after Prayut launches commercial operation By Panithan Onthaworn Nok Airline, one of Thailand’s low-cost carriers, has cancelled its flights to Betong International Airport just days after the Prime Minister’s opening of the first commercial flight. Officials said the event was prompted by marketing blunders. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253651-betong-flights-cancelled-just-days-after-prayut-launches-commercial-operation/

By Panithan Onthaworn Nok Airline, one of Thailand’s low-cost carriers, has cancelled its flights to Betong International Airport just days after the Prime Minister’s opening of the first commercial flight. Officials said the event was prompted by marketing blunders. On Monday, PM Prayut Chan-ocha and cabinet members joined the airport’s opening ceremony in Yala province by taking the first commercial flight operated by Nok Air, with goals to boost tourism and investment in the South. However, the Airport Department announced that the flights at Betong have been cancelled due to “errors in marketing plans,” and they have reached out to the airline to clarify the matter. Local media reported that there are insufficient bookings for each flight. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38616/betong-flights-cancelled-just-days-after-prayut-launches-commercial-operation/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-16 - 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

Locals turn to bananas for the answer to the lottery Sanook Thai Caption: Top numbers (for the lottery) will make you rich Sanook went to Khok Mor sub-district in Ratchaburi in central Thailand where locals are convinced that an unusual banana tree will give them the numbers in the state lottery. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253649-locals-turn-to-bananas-for-the-answer-to-the-lottery/

Sanook Thai Caption: Top numbers (for the lottery) will make you rich Sanook went to Khok Mor sub-district in Ratchaburi in central Thailand where locals are convinced that an unusual banana tree will give them the numbers in the state lottery. The tree was cut down but still sprouted six combs of bananas from the trunk. Locals have been praying to it and wrapping three colored cloth around it. Sunee at house number 19/3 in Moo 5 had cut it down but noted that the Kluay Horm (the big banana variety) refused to die. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The problem is that it has been hard to decide exactly how many bananas are there. So 6 is being touted as a likely number. One "expert" went for 986 or maybe 968. The lottery will be drawn this afternoon. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-16 - 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

Ferrari Joe: Last day of witness statements set for March 24th Picture Siam Rath The seven accused police officers including the former chief of the Nakhon Sawan police Thitisan Uthanaphon appeared via video link from Klong Prem jail during special Sunday proceedings at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct cases. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253646-ferrari-joe-last-day-of-witness-statements-set-for-march-24th/

Picture Siam Rath The seven accused police officers including the former chief of the Nakhon Sawan police Thitisan Uthanaphon appeared via video link from Klong Prem jail during special Sunday proceedings at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct cases. The plaintiffs are Janjira Thanaphat and Jakkrit Kandee, reported Siam Rath. The case relates to the death of a man in custody while under interrogation at the Nakhon Sawan police station. Thitisan is known as Ferrari Joe or Chief Joe. CCTV at the time showed a man being wrapped in layers of plastic bags. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He was being interrogated in a drugs case. It is alleged that extortion was taking place. Joe was revealed as owning dozens of high end cars in a subsequent investigation as the case consumed Thailand. The court heard evidence from defendants 2 and 3 in the morning and 4 and 5 in the afternoon. These are all lower ranking police officers. The court ran out of time and will reconvene on Thursday March 24th when defendants 6 and 7 will give evidence along with a medical professional. That will be the last day of witness statements. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-16 - 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

"Ungrateful" son kills both parents in Ubon - then puts them in the oven Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on a ghastly double murder in Ubon Ratchathani in the NE of Thailand yesterday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253642-ungrateful-son-kills-both-parents-in-ubon-then-puts-them-in-the-oven/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on a ghastly double murder in Ubon Ratchathani in the NE of Thailand yesterday afternoon. It happened in Ban Phuwiang in Phosai district. Anek (surname withheld and age not reported) used a club to attack his own mother. He then tossed her in a charcoal oven along with the weapon. He then waited for his father to come home after tending to his buffaloes. His father was killed with a hoe. He was then tossed into the oven along with his mother. But the killer was seen fleeing on a motorcycle. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe DOPA and plain and uniformed police soon had him in custody in a rubber plantation nearby that he owned. He was quite calm and unaffected by what he had done. His urine returned a dark purple test result - indicating drug use. He was detained ahead of his prosecution. The media mentioned "luuk Thoraphee" several times. This relates to the story from the Ramakian legend about an ungrateful buffalo who kills his father. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-16 - 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