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Pattaya Beach Tennis Open to take place this weekend, March 18th-20th By Goong Nang(GN) Jomtien, Pattaya- Yesterday, (15th March 2022) at the Surf Kitchen Restaurant on Jomtien Beach, the Pattaya mayor Mr. Sonthaya Khunpluem appointed Mr. Worapot Pongphalee to participate in a preparation meeting for the Pattaya Beach Tennis Open 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253641-pattaya-beach-tennis-open-to-take-place-this-weekend-march-18th-20th/

By Goong Nang(GN) Jomtien, Pattaya- Yesterday, (15th March 2022) at the Surf Kitchen Restaurant on Jomtien Beach, the Pattaya mayor Mr. Sonthaya Khunpluem appointed Mr. Worapot Pongphalee to participate in a preparation meeting for the Pattaya Beach Tennis Open 2022. The Director of the Office of Tourism and Sports Mr. Surat Thepchaito also attended the meeting to discuss the contest. Pattaya City, in the name of the Office of Tourism and Sports, has scheduled the Pattaya Beach Tennis Open 2022 between 18th to 20th March 2022 at the aquatic sports area near Soi 5 on Jomtien Beach, Pattaya. 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/pattaya-beach-tennis-open-to-take-place-this-weekend-march-18th-20th/ -- © 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

Immigration Aid Offered to Russian, Ukrainian Tourists PHUKET, March 16 (TNA) – Immigration police in Phuket set up a special unit to extend the visas of the Russian and Ukrainian tourists who cannot return to their homeland due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253639-immigration-aid-offered-to-russian-ukrainian-tourists/

PHUKET, March 16 (TNA) – Immigration police in Phuket set up a special unit to extend the visas of the Russian and Ukrainian tourists who cannot return to their homeland due to the Russia-Ukraine war. The special service targeted the tourists who did not want to return to their countries to avoid the impacts of the war and those whose direct flights to Russia were canceled. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe An immigration inspector of Phuket said that the law allowed foreigners facing such problems to have their visas extended for up to 60 days and more than 3,000 Russian and Ukrainian tourists sought their visa extension. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-903404 -- © Copyright TNA 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

Farmer burnt to death after going to tackle blaze in Chaiyaphum Picture: Thai Rath Police, rescue services and firemen were called to an area of agricultural land between the sub-districts of Na Siaw and Ban Lao in Muang district of Chaiyaphum, NE Thailand yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253638-farmer-burnt-to-death-after-going-to-tackle-blaze-in-chaiyaphum/

Picture: Thai Rath Police, rescue services and firemen were called to an area of agricultural land between the sub-districts of Na Siaw and Ban Lao in Muang district of Chaiyaphum, NE Thailand yesterday. In an area near a shack in the fields they found the body of 65 year old Mala Khuwong. She had been burnt to a cinder, reported Thai Rath. Police think that Mala had tried to tackle a fire from the foot of hills that was approaching a bamboo thicket threatening her shack. They think she passed out from smoke inhalation then was consumed in the fire. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © 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

Pub bouncer hothead says: "I didn't think I'd kill anyone" - he shot 19 year old in the forehead in pick-up Picture Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on a horrendous case of uncontrolled rage that happened in Buriram in the north east of Thailand around 3 am Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253637-pub-bouncer-hothead-says-i-didnt-think-id-kill-anyone-he-shot-19-year-old-in-the-forehead-in-pick-up/

Picture Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on a horrendous case of uncontrolled rage that happened in Buriram in the north east of Thailand around 3 am Tuesday. A bouncer at a restaurant-cum-bar called Apa in the Nong Kee police jurisdiction was angry after a pick-up got too close as it was leaving. He chased after the vehicle on his motorcycle. When the driver wound down his window he smashed the guy in the face. The driver then fled. Still angry Niwat Thulia, 32, then fired his .38 at the fleeing Isuzu. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Sitting in the back facing the rear was 19 year old Krittaya or "Cake". She was killed outright after being hit square in the forehead. Picture: Thai Rath Niwat was yesterday taken on a reenactment. He said he left the gun with a friend and went home to sleep. He said that he didn't think that he would have killed anyone. Khwanjit, 45, the mother of Cake said she would not allow the shooter to apologize to the corpse (a standard practice in Thailand). She had zero forgiveness in her heart after her daughter was denied her bright future. The victim had dropped in at the restaurant with friends after attending a fair. Niwat has been charged with murder with intent and weapons offences and detained. He had only been out of prison for 5 months after being jailed for drugs' offences. He had then applied to become a bouncer at the restaurant. 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

Chonburi announces 1,320 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and one new death By Goong Nang(GN) Highlights: 1,320 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today 4,775 positive ATK (rapid antigen) tests were reported but all require a second confirmed PCR test before being counted as official cases. The ATK positive tests are just “possible” cases until confirmed by PCR. TPN notes, however, that second confirmed tests are no longer mandatory except for high-risk groups. 882 (PCR) and 2,189 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care One new death Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253636-chonburi-announces-1320-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-one-new-death/

By Goong Nang(GN) Highlights: 1,320 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today 4,775 positive ATK (rapid antigen) tests were reported but all require a second confirmed PCR test before being counted as official cases. The ATK positive tests are just “possible” cases until confirmed by PCR. TPN notes, however, that second confirmed tests are no longer mandatory except for high-risk groups. 882 (PCR) and 2,189 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care One new death The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 1,320 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with one new deaths, March 16th, 2022. This makes a total of 57,902 cases (PCR) and 69,405 cases (ATK) of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 10,810 (PCR) and 29,691 (ATK) people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 101 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections at the beginning of this year, January 2022. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Additionally, 882 (PCR) and 2,189 (ATK) people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 46,991 (PCR) and 39,714 (ATK) people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began at the beginning of this year, January 2022. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/16/chonburi-announces-1320-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-one-new-death/ -- © 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

Thai media wakes up to the fact of war in Europe - No Ukrainians, less Russians as tourism hit again Thai media seems to have finally woken up to the fact that there is a serious war going on in Europe, notes ASEAN NOW. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253635-thai-media-wakes-up-to-the-fact-of-war-in-europe-no-ukrainians-less-russians-as-tourism-hit-again/

Thai media seems to have finally woken up to the fact that there is a serious war going on in Europe, notes ASEAN NOW. Especially now that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is affecting the Thai pocketbook. In a feature article by the Thai Rath news team reporters noted that pump prices are affecting everyone, but especially the transport sector. Tourism is being thoroughly affected despite it being low season. Ukrainians have stopped coming altogether and Russian tourists are considerably down, Sitthiwat Chiwaratanaporn of the Thai Tourism Business Association noted. In addition there are 1,000 Ukrainians stranded in Thailand with help underway to extend their visas. Sitthiwat noted that one in four tourists arriving in the country before the conflict were Russians. Now many are staying home. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He noted that only the very rich ones are coming due to the devastating effect that sanctions have had on the value of the rouble. He said that in 2019 - pre-pandemic - Russians made up 1.5 million tourists or in excess of 100,000 a month. Last year they were in fourth place in the leading visitors to the country. An infographic showed the figures for top five nationalities visiting Thailand in 2021: 1 Germans 45,874 2 British 38,663 3 Americans 37,880 4 Russians 30,759 5. French 23,461 Sitthiwat noted further that European tourism in general was down and that it is now the off-season. Meanwhile everyone in the industry has virtually stopped talking about the Chinese return to Thai shores. Covid outbreaks there have resulted in implementation of the "zero tolerance" policy meaning that tens of millions are under lockdown. Chinese tourism that accounted for around 25% of visitors to Thailand pre-pandemic still looks a long way off as the government there deters travel tours abroad. Generally speaking Sitthiwat said the pandemic was being well handled but he had little confidence of mass tourism returning any time soon, whether the government declares the disease endemic or not. That has been indicated as coming around June. He pointed to many countries suffering with Covid and people not having money to travel and picked out South Korea as a case in point. Visitors from there have little appetite to go to Thailand when a 14 day quarantine awaits them on returning home. Ten million from China among the 39 million who previously visited and a million from Singapore have disappeared altogether he lamented. The only bright spot on the horizon was the potential for Saudi Arabian visitors to Thailand. 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

CPF Welcomes Saudi Approval of Thai Poultry by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) has welcomed the recent move by Saudi Arabia to greenlight chicken imports from Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253633-cpf-welcomes-saudi-approval-of-thai-poultry/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) has welcomed the recent move by Saudi Arabia to greenlight chicken imports from Thailand. Prasit Boondoungprasert, director and member of the CBF executive committee, said five of the 11 factories approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to import chilled, frozen and processed chicken are operated by CPF. He reiterated that Saudi Arabia is a high potential market with a population of more than 35.6 million. It is also a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, for which food makes up 52.7% of imports. According to the CPF executive, the Saudi population consumes about 1.5 million metric tons of chicken a year. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Prasit also noted that CPF was the number one Thai exporter to the country prior to an import ban. He said the company will be able to produce and export chicken to Saudi Arabia by the end of this month or the beginning of next month. The Middle Eastern kingdom has the capacity to import 590,000 tons of chicken annually. Prasit expressed gratitude to the Thai government and all relevant agencies for restoring relations with Saudi Arabia. -- © Copyright NNT 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

Protection agencies and police mount human trafficking raid at popular Nana bar area - 14 year old offered for sex Picture: Thai Rath DOPA and NGO Operation Underground Railroad in conjunction with the Thai police raided a bar area off Soi 7 in the Nana area of upper Sukhumvit Road, downtown Bangkok last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253630-protection-agencies-and-police-mount-human-trafficking-raid-at-popular-nana-bar-area-14-year-old-offered-for-sex/

Picture: Thai Rath DOPA and NGO Operation Underground Railroad in conjunction with the Thai police raided a bar area off Soi 7 in the Nana area of upper Sukhumvit Road, downtown Bangkok last night. The area of around thirty bars has sprung up over the least year or so. Mostly foreigners but some Thais listen to music and chat with bar girls at the bars off the main road. But sex is on offer and it became apparent that some of the women are under the age of 18. One victim was even just 14 years old. The raid came after the NGO Operation Underground Railroad complained to Damrongdhama (a government watchdog) about human trafficking offences in the area. The target of the raiding party was "789 Bar". Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But Thai Rath reported that as the raiding party arrived many bars rushed to shut up shop in panic. Arrested on human trafficking charges and taken to Lumpini police station was 42 year old Ratchada Sritaket. Taken into care were three under age sex workers. One was 14. The media said that patrons at the bars could pay a bar fine then take girls away for sex. DOPA official Narong Thipsiri said it was terrible that youth were being offered for sex and that human trafficking charges are very serious. He urged the public to contact damrongdhama.dopa.go.th or via the "Dopa Help" app if they are aware of young people being offered for sex. 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

TAT partners with Hotelbeds to promote Thailand to US travel agents First-ever partnership will promote thousands of Thai hotels to travel agents via world-leading bed bank’s extensive network. TAT Newsroom Los Angeles, USA, 16 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is partnering with world-leading bed bank, Hotelbeds to promote Thailand to travel agents across the USA, which is one of the kingdom’s most important visitor source markets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253629-tat-partners-with-hotelbeds-to-promote-thailand-to-us-travel-agents/

First-ever partnership will promote thousands of Thai hotels to travel agents via world-leading bed bank’s extensive network. TAT Newsroom Los Angeles, USA, 16 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is partnering with world-leading bed bank, Hotelbeds to promote Thailand to travel agents across the USA, which is one of the kingdom’s most important visitor source markets. TAT’s first-ever partnership with Hotelbeds is expected to be a key factor in driving tourism to Thailand, as the kingdom is welcoming back the world’s travellers with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters’ marketing campaign. Ms. Siriwan Seeharach, Director of the TAT Los Angeles Office, said, “We are extremely keen to work alongside Hotelbeds, such an influential industry player in the travel sphere. This strong alliance is a first for Thailand and will offer a platform for the diverse range of Thai properties and partners to showcase their offerings. “While the travel landscape continues to change and requires keen navigation of COVID-19, we look forward to welcoming international travellers back to curate more unforgettable moments in Amazing Thailand.” Thailand is one of the top destinations worldwide for Hotelbeds, consistently ranking in the company’s top five most popular locations. With over 3,000 hotels available in Thailand through Hotelbeds, the bed bank produced over 2 million room nights for the kingdom in 2019. Mr. Florian Blois, Hotelbeds Regional Director of Destination Marketing, said, “Signing this partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand will allow us to secure promotional rates in the country and encourage all our US agents to book in Thailand over the coming months.” The TAT-Hotelbeds partnership will be updating US travel agents on the recently relaxed entry requirements to Thailand in place since 1 March, 2022, under which fully vaccinated travellers from all countries and territories around the world can enter via the TEST & GO scheme. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Through until mid-June, Thailand will be promoted through Hotelbeds’ two main distribution channels – Hotelbeds for wholesale distribution and Bedsonline for retail travel advisors (via https://promo.bedsonline.com/en/us/thailand/campaign/promotional/deals/). Hotelbeds provides participating hotels with access to high-value, complementary distribution channels that significantly increase occupancy rates and optimise revenue, while not competing with the hotels’ direct distribution strategy. The Hotelbeds B2B network comprises over 60,000 tour operators, retail travel agents, airline websites, and loyalty schemes in over 140 source markets. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/tat-partners-with-hotelbeds-to-promote-thailand-to-us-travel-agents/ -- © Copyright TAT 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

A guide to the UCEP Plus treatment scheme for COVID-19 patients From March 16, people who test positive for COVID-19 will no longer be able to claim free treatment under Thailand’s Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP). However, those with serious COVID symptoms or significant underlying risks will still be able to turn to the new scheme, UCEP Plus, for free medical help. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253627-a-guide-to-the-ucep-plus-treatment-scheme-for-covid-19-patients/

From March 16, people who test positive for COVID-19 will no longer be able to claim free treatment under Thailand’s Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP). However, those with serious COVID symptoms or significant underlying risks will still be able to turn to the new scheme, UCEP Plus, for free medical help. With the virus outbreak continuing to rage in Thailand, Thai PBS World offers a guide on what UCEP Plus really offers. What is UCEP Plus? Launched on March 16, UCEP Plus offers free medical services for COVID-19 patients in “yellow to red” categories (severe symptoms). Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-guide-to-the-ucep-plus-treatment-scheme-for-covid-19-patients/ Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Special ASEAN-US summit postponed until May The second special ASEAN-US summit, which was scheduled to take place on March 28th and 29th, has been postponed until new dates can be arranged in May, according to Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253622-special-asean-us-summit-postponed-until-may/

The second special ASEAN-US summit, which was scheduled to take place on March 28th and 29th, has been postponed until new dates can be arranged in May, according to Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. Last month, the White House issued a statement saying that the special summit will take place in Washington DC at the end of March. ASEAN members, however, could not attend due to scheduling conflicts. “It is a normal occurrence. In the past, we have faced the same problem and we have to find a new common timeframe,” Don told the Thai News Agency on Tuesday, after the cabinet meeting. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/special-asean-us-summit-postponed-until-may/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Phuket: Thai man sentenced to death for murder of Swiss woman; commuted to life in prison on admission Daily News Caption: Life in prison! The Phuket court handed down the death sentence for "Bangree" who murdered a Swiss woman at the Tone Ao Yon waterfall. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253621-phuket-thai-man-sentenced-to-death-for-murder-of-swiss-woman-commuted-to-life-in-prison-on-admission/

Daily News Caption: Life in prison! The Phuket court handed down the death sentence for "Bangree" who murdered a Swiss woman at the Tone Ao Yon waterfall. However, due to his admission the sentence was commuted to life in prison, reported Daily News. Tuesday's judgment was against Theerawat or Bangfaree or Bangree Thorthip. On August 3rd last year during the day he sexually molested Swiss government official Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf in an attempt to rape her then killed her then put the corpse in plastic to conceal it. Then he stole 300 baht from a bag she was carrying. The defendant also admitted to meth and ganja use. The court said that Bangree had gone to the waterfall to get orchids. He saw the victim sitting with her feet dangling in the water. She was slim, white, and wearing a singlet and shorts, noted the court. This caused the defendant to become sexually aroused. He got her in a head lock from behind. She resisted and they fell into the water. He continued to attack her as she resisted forcing her head under water. When she was unconscious he dragged her to the bank and removed her shorts and panties before turning her over. Seeing her face, grotesque in death, the defendant lost sexual interest. Then he got some black plastic that he found and covered the body with that and rocks. Picture: Daily News Then he stole 300 baht. The manner of the attack supported a charge of murder. He was thus given the death sentence that was commuted to life because he admitted what he had done. The other charges of attempted rape and molestation were set aside. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mark Sauvain, her husband, and two sons, heard the judgement while in Switzerland via Google Meet. They thanked the court, prosecutors and police for their work on the case. They also thanked the Phuket administration for liaising with them. The murder received international interest at the time, notes ASEAN NOW, not least of all because Phuket had just started its much vaunted "sandbox" program to attract foreign tourists. Nicole - a sandbox tourist - was reported at the time to be deputy head of protocol of the Swiss Federal Assembly who arrived in Phuket in July last year on a tourist visa. 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