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Nearly 34,000 Vehicles Sold at 43rd Bangkok Motor Show by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Organizers of the 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show say the event saw a total of 33,936 orders placed by the time it concluded on Sunday (3 Apr). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255737-nearly-34000-vehicles-sold-at-43rd-bangkok-motor-show/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Organizers of the 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show say the event saw a total of 33,936 orders placed by the time it concluded on Sunday (3 Apr). Jaturon Komolmit, chief of operations of Grand Prix International (GPI), which organized the show at BITEC Bangna, said bookings increased by 13.6 percent compared to last year’s motor show. He indicated that the figures translated to better performance for participating vehicle manufacturers. Citing data from the event, Jaturon said nearly 32,000 of the vehicles sold were cars while the remaining 2,000 were motorcycles. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Additionally, he pointed out that about 1,500 - or 10% - of the purchased cars were electric vehicles (EVs), which he said was a satisfactory figure. The GPI chief acknowledged that economic hardship stemming from the global pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine had significantly diminished public spending power. Nevertheless, he said it was a positive sign to see so many carmakers now manufacturing EVs, with more than 20 different electric models presented in this year’s event. Jaturon also attributed the increased interest to the government’s policy of promoting EVs through various incentives. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-05 - 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

British rocker joins Thai musician in viral video on TikTok Picture: Sanook Sanook reported that a video of street music from Bangkok's Chinatown had viral status having been viewed 3.9 million times. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255731-british-rocker-joins-thai-musician-in-viral-video-on-tiktok/

Picture: Sanook Sanook reported that a video of street music from Bangkok's Chinatown had viral status having been viewed 3.9 million times. It was a TikTok video from a Thai musician called tewtor_yaowarat who busks in the Chinatown area. He was joined in the routine by a British singer who everyone agreed had a great voice. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It turned out to be a singer called "Ize" (pronounced 'ai zee' according to the Thai) who they say fronts a band called Cattalyst. The very professional video also garnered 400K likes. TIK TOK.mp4 Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-05 - 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

Engine troubles bring sink-or-swim moment for Thailand’s sub deal with China By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk This month brings a make-or-break meeting for the Thai Navy’s deal to buy a Chinese-made submarine, with delivery threatened by the fading chance of China getting German top-end engines as stipulated in the contract. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255723-engine-troubles-bring-sink-or-swim-moment-for-thailand’s-sub-deal-with-china/

By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk This month brings a make-or-break meeting for the Thai Navy’s deal to buy a Chinese-made submarine, with delivery threatened by the fading chance of China getting German top-end engines as stipulated in the contract. Next year’s delivery deadline for Thailand’s first submarine since World War II is now out of the question. The German government refuses to supply MTU396 diesel engines from Germany’s Motor and Turbine Union company, as specified in the Bt13.5-billion purchase deal signed in 2017 between the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and China’s state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) for the Yuan-class S26T submarine. Bid to save deal Both sides will hold talks later this month in a bid to settle the submarine engine issue, with RTN chief Admiral Somprasong Nilsamai insisting CSOC has to comply with the contract by fitting the submarine with the German propulsion system. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Thai Navy has turned down CSOC’s offer to use Chinese-made engines that are certified by Germany’s MTU or to transfer two of China’s decommissioned submarines to Thailand. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/engine-troubles-bring-sink-or-swim-moment-for-thailands-sub-deal-with-china/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-05 - 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

COVID-19: Thailand reports 21,088 new coronavirus cases, 91 deaths, 27,519 recoveries File photo Thailand on Tuesday (April 5) reported 21,088 new COVID-19 cases, 27,519 recoveries and 91 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255717-covid-19-thailand-reports-21088-new-coronavirus-cases-91-deaths-27519-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 21,088 new coronavirus cases, 91 deaths, 27,519 recoveries File photo Thailand on Tuesday (April 5) reported 21,088 new COVID-19 cases, 27,519 recoveries and 91 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255717-covid-19-thailand-reports-21088-new-coronavirus-cases-91-deaths-27519-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Tuesday (April 5) reported 21,088 new COVID-19 cases, 27,519 recoveries and 91 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Tuesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,757,575 with 25,603 deaths. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday that he is confident that COVID-19 infections, which are anticipated to surge during and after the long Songkran long break, will be kept under control, thanks to mass vaccinations. He said that the Ministry of Public Health is, however, concerned about the many elderly people and children under five who are not yet inoculated and he has been urging them to get vaccinated before Songkran this month. 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 2022-04-05 - 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 hosts Indian wedding planners on Thailand fam trip Marketing activities are focusing on positioning the kingdom as the perfect wedding destination for Indians. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised a fam trip and industry symposium for a group of wedding planners from India during 15-22 March, 2022, to update them on some of the world-famous romantic destinations on offer in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255705-tat-hosts-indian-wedding-planners-on-thailand-fam-trip/

Marketing activities are focusing on positioning the kingdom as the perfect wedding destination for Indians. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised a fam trip and industry symposium for a group of wedding planners from India during 15-22 March, 2022, to update them on some of the world-famous romantic destinations on offer in Thailand. Thailand is already an immensely popular destination for Indian newly-weds and couples looking for a romantic getaway, having been named ‘Best Honeymoon Destination’ for the second year in a row at the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2021 last December, and with Thailand relaxing its entry requirements since 1 April, 2022, the TAT Mumbai and New Delhi Offices took the opportunity to take 15 wedding planners from across India to Phuket, Ko Samui, Khao Lak, and Bangkok. These and other beach destinations like Krabi, Hua Hin, Rayong, and Pattaya are popular with Indian wedding couples and honeymooners. Ms. Cholada Siddhivarn, TAT Mumbai Office Director, said “For the upcoming wedding season, we plan to mainly focus on marketing activities to bring Thailand back to the ‘must-travel wish list’ and a perfect ‘wedding destination’ for Indians. In Thailand, anything is possible – from your fairy-tale wedding to your dream proposal, from a romantic honeymoon to a glorious pre-wedding shoot. It’s the perfect place direct from your own love story”. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Indian wedding planners attended a symposium in Phuket and Ko Samui, and also visited Khao Lak and Bangkok to experience the post COVID-19 facilities on offer. A key objective of the fam trip was also to promote Thailand as a safe destination to visit with the necessary safety protocols and ease of travel in place for weddings and honeymoons, MICE, leisure, and all travellers. In line with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign, weddings and honeymoons is one of the various market segments TAT is focusing on attracting from India, the others include golfers, millennials, and digital nomads. Mr. Vachirachai Sirisumpan, TAT New Delhi Office Director, said “Among the ‘Amazing New Chapters’ is The One You Love, which invites specific segments like families, couples, and friends to create wonderful memories together in Thailand. Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai in particular are being promoted as popular destinations for weddings and honeymooners with their beautiful beaches, mountain resorts, and vibrant city appeal.” Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/04/tat-hosts-indian-wedding-planners-on-thailand-fam-trip/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-04-05 - 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

Poll supports retention of the one ballot election process which would torpedo Pheu Thai hopes by Joseph O' Connor Another recent National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) national poll showed that Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (centre) had fallen behind the leader of the Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat (inset top left) as the public favourite for the role. The latest poll on Sunday showed strong public support for retaining the 2019 voting system, which benefits smaller parties, comes after coalition parties on a parliamentary committee, on March 28th, voted through a measure to preclude number synchronisation between parties and candidates. A possible drift back towards the 2019 election voting process would mean any prospect of a Pheu Thai Party landslide led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra (inset bottom right), the daughter of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is receding. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255704-poll-supports-retention-of-the-one-ballot-election-process-which-would-torpedo-pheu-thai-hopes/

Another recent National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) national poll showed that Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (centre) had fallen behind the leader of the Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat (inset top left) as the public favourite for the role. The latest poll on Sunday showed strong public support for retaining the 2019 voting system, which benefits smaller parties, comes after coalition parties on a parliamentary committee, on March 28th, voted through a measure to preclude number synchronisation between parties and candidates. A possible drift back towards the 2019 election voting process would mean any prospect of a Pheu Thai Party landslide led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra (inset bottom right), the daughter of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is receding. by Joseph O' Connor The developments over the last week including a key committee vote in parliament on March 28th not to allow synchronised numbering for parties and candidates and the latest opinion poll suggesting support for restoring the 2019 voting system, could see the opposition push harder for an early election. It comes as there is a growing doubt that 10 bills passed by parliament last September to change the voting laws back to a dual ballot system and increase the number of constituency seats from 350 to 400 will make it through parliament in their present format after being scrutinised by MPs and the powerful committee with oversight of the legislation. As the Palang Pracharat Party met on Sunday, it elected new committee members and confirmed acting Secretary-general Santi Prompat in the role, it is becoming increasingly clear that lawmakers aligned with government parties are moving back towards a dual ballot system and retention of the voting system used in the 2019 general election which saw smaller parties having the edge and the leading Pheu Thai Party only winning 132 seats. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe On Sunday, an opinion poll showed strong public support for retaining such a process based on allowing smaller political parties to be elected. This outcome could scupper raised hopes in recent weeks among the ranks of the Pheu Thai Party with the expected candidacy of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, that the party could win a landslide in the House of Representatives and bring an end to the rule of General Prayut Chan ocha who has been Prime Minister since 2014. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/04/04/poll-shows-support-for-2019-voting-system-pheu-thai-landslide-torpedoed/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-04-05 - 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

TAT and Thai AirAsia outline plans for cooperation to boost tourism to Thailand Focus will be on seven key markets in ASEAN and South Asia, with the airline’s gradually opening international routes linking the kingdom Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Maldives, and India, totalling 18 routes. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai AirAsia have announced their readiness to jointly promote travel to Thailand in key ASEAN and South Asian markets by utilising the airline’s increasing regional flight network. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255703-tat-and-thai-airasia-outline-plans-for-cooperation-to-boost-tourism-to-thailand/

Focus will be on seven key markets in ASEAN and South Asia, with the airline’s gradually opening international routes linking the kingdom Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Maldives, and India, totalling 18 routes. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai AirAsia have announced their readiness to jointly promote travel to Thailand in key ASEAN and South Asian markets by utilising the airline’s increasing regional flight network. At the TAT Head Office in Bangkok today, TAT and Thai AirAsia held a joint press conference on their plans for cooperation in boosting tourism numbers back to Thailand. Joining Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific in the presentation was Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Tanes said, “Tourism from foreign markets to Thailand in 2022 is ready to improve thanks to, among other things, the easing of entry requirements into the kingdom and the easing of travel restrictions in source markets. Another important factor is the flight and seat capacity, and with Thai AirAsia’s plans to rebuild easy and adequate flight accessibility to Thailand, this is a good opportunity to stimulate interest among foreign travellers.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe TAT expects the 3rd Quarter to be a suitable time for market-driven operations, which will have a positive effect on the Thai tourism industry within the second half of this year. In a best-case scenario, some 10 million foreign tourists are expected to visit Thailand in 2022, generating tourism revenue of 625.8 billion Baht. ASEAN region source markets are expected to start travelling from April 2022, onwards. Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer, said, “Thai AirAsia is delighted to provide continued support in the return of foreign tourism to Thailand. Beginning in April 2022, we are gradually opening international routes linking the kingdom with key ASEAN and South Asian markets; namely, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Maldives, and India, totalling 18 routes.” As has been the case before when Thai AirAsia has worked closely with TAT, different strategies are being developed according to the potential of each market, which are incorporated into the TAT’s action plan for the ASEAN region, South Asia and the South Pacific. In the Singapore market, the ‘Rediscover Thailand’ campaign will promote Thai AirAsia’s Singapore-Don Mueang and Singapore-Phuket flights, which will start from 11-24 April, 2022, and target Millennials and young couples for travel in May to July. The campaign is expected to generate sales of 3,000 seats to Thailand. In Malaysia, the focus will be on leisure group travel, and a ‘Health & Wellness in Amazing Thailand’ campaign will offer special discounts. Thai AirAsia’s flights to Thailand from Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor Bahru will be promoted. The campaign hopes to sell 1,500 seats to Thailand. For Indonesia, TAT is currently waiting for confirmation of Thai AirAsia’s Jakarta-Don Mueang and Bali-Don Mueang flight schedules. For Cambodia, Thai AirAsia will open routes from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to Thailand for a three-month period of May-July 2022, and 1,000 seats are expected to be sold. The focus will be on the FIT group and Millennial family markets, who are mainly interested in health and wellness and medical tourism. Thai AirAsia’s routes to Thailand from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang will be promoted to generate tourist traffic from Vietnam. In India, travel to Thailand will be promoted through various media channels and a joint TAT-Thai AirAsia blogger/influencer fam trip is planned, while the airline aims to introduce flights from Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi, and Jaipur to increase market opportunities to Thailand from secondary urban areas in that country. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/04/tat-and-thai-airasia-outline-plans-for-cooperation-to-boost-tourism-to-thailand/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-04-05 - 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

GH says termination of non-life insurance license will not affect other operations By Panithan Onthaworn Insurance giant Thai Group Holdings Plc (TGH), the parent firm of Southeast Insurance and Thai Insurance, said on Monday that its other core businesses will continue despite the revocation of its non-life insurance business. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255702-gh-says-termination-of-non-life-insurance-license-will-not-affect-other-operations/

By Panithan Onthaworn Insurance giant Thai Group Holdings Plc (TGH), the parent firm of Southeast Insurance and Thai Insurance, said on Monday that its other core businesses will continue despite the revocation of its non-life insurance business. As a result of financial woes caused by the unprofitable Covid-19 insurance policies, Thailand’s Finance Ministry has revoked the non-life insurance business license for Southeast Insurance and Thai Insurance. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) said those two insurance companies have more liabilities than assets after paying out huge amounts of Covid-19 claims, and their shareholders have refused to raise the capital. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39153/tgh-says-termination-of-non-life-insurance-license-will-not-affect-other-operations/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-05 - 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

Household debt hits highs following pandemic woes By Erich Parpart Thailand’s household debt reached 90 per cent of the GDP in 2021 while non-performing loans (NPL) increased by 2.3 million accounts since the Covid-19 pandemic began, new researched showed this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255701-household-debt-hits-highs-following-pandemic-woes/

By Erich Parpart Thailand’s household debt reached 90 per cent of the GDP in 2021 while non-performing loans (NPL) increased by 2.3 million accounts since the Covid-19 pandemic began, new researched showed this week. Household debt The government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said in 2017 that it would work to eradicate poverty by 2018, however, not only has the number of welfare cardholders increased from six million in 2016 to nearly 14 million in 2021, the level of household debt also increased from 79.4 per cent of the GDP in 2016 to 90.1 per cent in 2021 with a total value of 14.58 trillion baht. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch)’s latest survey released last Friday, the top debt was concentrated in three areas including house loans (34.5 per cent of the participants), business loans (18.1 per cent), and car or motorbike loans (12.4 per cent). Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39149/household-debt-hits-highs-following-pandemic-woes/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-05 - 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

Three people involved in famous Thai actress’ fatal incident facing legal charges of recklessness and perjury Two speedboat passengers and a vessel owner who were involved in the fatal incident of the Thai female actress Nida “DTangmo (Watermelon in English)” Patcharaveerapong were facing legal charges, including recklessness causing death and perjury. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255684-three-people-involved-in-famous-thai-actress’-fatal-incident-facing-legal-charges-of-recklessness-and-perjury/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 5 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1255700-thailand-live-tuesday-5-april-2022/

Any possible Songkran COVID-19 surge will be manageable – MoPH Revellers use water guns to spray at one another as they celebrate the Buddhist New Year, locally known as Songkran, in Bangkok on April 14, 2019. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP) Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today (Monday) that he is confident that COVID-19 infections, which are anticipated to surge during and after the long Songkran long break, will be kept under control, thanks to mass vaccinations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255659-any-possible-songkran-covid-19-surge-will-be-manageable-–-moph/

France donates more than THREE MILLION doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Thailand France donated 3,268,620 doses of Pfizer vaccine to Thailand. This donation was officially presented this Monday, April 4 in Bangkok to the Thai Prime Minister, General Chan-o-cha, by the French Ambassador, Thierry Mathou. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255698-france-donates-more-than-three-million-doses-of-covid-19-vaccines-to-thailand/

Globally we are entering a very fragile state: is Asia ready? OPINION | by Michael Bridge File photo I am sitting in my condominium in Thailand trying to stay positive, as Putin continues to play his terrible war games. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255699-globally-we-are-entering-a-very-fragile-state-is-asia-ready/