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File photo Thailand on Monday (March 14) reported 22,130 new COVID-19 cases, 23,508 recoveries and 69 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,206,955 with 23,778 deaths. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-14 - 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

Opinion: Accident involving Pakistani refugee and top cop’s son shows trust in Thailand’s institutions at all time low By Cod Satrusayang This past Saturday, the son of former Deputy Police Chief General Wirachai Songmetta, Pornmet Songmetta, steered his nine million baht Porsche onto a motorcycle driven by a Pakistani refugee. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253343-opinion-accident-involving-pakistani-refugee-and-top-cop’s-son-shows-trust-in-thailand’s-institutions-at-all-time-low/

By Cod Satrusayang This past Saturday, the son of former Deputy Police Chief General Wirachai Songmetta, Pornmet Songmetta, steered his nine million baht Porsche onto a motorcycle driven by a Pakistani refugee. The crash, which happened at 1 am near Saphan Taksin bridge, resulted in the death of the refugee and minor injuries for Pornmet. Two days later and police said they were still awaiting the results of the breathalyzer test to see if Pornmet was driving under the influence. Now I don’t know the refugee, or Pornmet, or his father for that matter. They could all be upstanding, amazing people and this could be a tragic accident. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38515/opinion-accident-involving-pakistani-refugee-and-top-cops-son-shows-trust-in-thailands-institutions-at-all-time-low/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-14 - 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

UPDATE: Police charges against top cop’s Porsche driving son at the centre of fatal Bangkok car accident by James Morris and Son Nguyen Scenes from early on Saturday morning at the foot of King Taksin Bridge in Thonburi where the fatal accident occurred involving a silver Porsche Taycan car driven by 29-year-old Pornmet Songmetta which hit a Yamaha motorbike ridden by 40-year-old Pakistani Waseem Ahmad causing him severe head injuries from which he later succumbed at nearby Taksin Hospital. (Right) The father of the driver, Police General Wirachai Songmetta is one of Thailand’s most respected police officers and also one of the country’s wealthiest men. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253339-police-charges-against-top-cop’s-porsche-driving-son-at-the-centre-of-fatal-bangkok-car-accident/

End in sight for major roadworks affecting drivers between Hua Hin and Bangkok By Online Reporter Rama II Road construction. File photo Transport officials have confirmed that a series of major roadworks that affect motorists traveling to and from Bangkok and Hua Hin are on schedule for completion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253341-end-in-sight-for-major-roadworks-affecting-drivers-between-hua-hin-and-bangkok/

Rama II Road construction. File photo By Online Reporter Transport officials have confirmed that a series of major roadworks that affect motorists traveling to and from Bangkok and Hua Hin are on schedule for completion. The ‘Motorway 82’ construction along the Rama II Road is part of an infrastructure upgrade which will boost transportation links between Bangkok and southern Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Anyone who has traveled between Bangkok and Hua Hin, and indeed anywhere in the south and the Thai capital, will have seen the construction taking place. For several years, the roadworks have caused major disruptions to journeys on what is a notoriously busy stretch of road in and out of Bangkok. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/end-in-sight-for-major-roadworks-affecting-drivers-between-hua-hin-and-bangkok/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-03-14 - 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

Police charges against top cop’s Porsche driving son at the centre of fatal Bangkok car accident by James Morris and Son Nguyen Scenes from early on Saturday morning at the foot of King Taksin Bridge in Thonburi where the fatal accident occurred involving a silver Porsche Taycan car driven by 29-year-old Pornmet Songmetta which hit a Yamaha motorbike ridden by 40-year-old Pakistani Waseem Ahmad causing him severe head injuries from which he later succumbed at nearby Taksin Hospital. (Right) The father of the driver, Police General Wirachai Songmetta is one of Thailand’s most respected police officers and also one of the country’s wealthiest men. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253339-police-charges-against-top-cop’s-porsche-driving-son-at-the-centre-of-fatal-bangkok-car-accident/

Scenes from early on Saturday morning at the foot of King Taksin Bridge in Thonburi where the fatal accident occurred involving a silver Porsche Taycan car driven by 29-year-old Pornmet Songmetta which hit a Yamaha motorbike ridden by 40-year-old Pakistani Waseem Ahmad causing him severe head injuries from which he later succumbed at nearby Taksin Hospital. (Right) The father of the driver, Police General Wirachai Songmetta is one of Thailand’s most respected police officers and also one of the country’s wealthiest men. by James Morris and Son Nguyen 29-year-old Mr Pornmet Songmetta reportedly works with the family firm Absolute Clean Energy, a Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) listed electricity distribution firm which operates 19 power plants in Thailand. His expensive Porsche Taycan Turbo suffered minor damage early on Saturday morning, near Taksin Bridge in Thonburi when it hit the Yamaha Fino motorbike of 40-year-old Waseem Ahmad leading to his death shortly afterwards at nearby Taksin Hospital in Bangkok. Charges for reckless driving causing death are expected against 29-year-old Mr Pornmet Songmetta, a scion of the family of former Deputy National Police Chief Wirachai Songmetta one of the kingdom’s most well known and respected police officers who is also one of the richest men in the country. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe On Sunday morning in Bangkok, police with the Metropolitan Police Bureau confirmed that charges of reckless driving causing death are being prepared against the son of former Deputy National Police Chief Wirachai Songmetta. This follows a fatal traffic accident in Bangkok in the early hours of Saturday morning near the Taksin Bridge in the Thonburi district of the capital on the Chao Phraya river. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/03/13/charges-for-top-cop-porsche-driving-son/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-03-14 - 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

One person seriously injured after two trailer trucks crash in the Pattaya area By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Chaiyapruek Pattaya 5711 Banglamung – An unidentified woman has sustained severe injuries after two trailer trucks crashed in Banglamung this weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253338-one-person-seriously-injured-after-two-trailer-trucks-crash-in-the-pattaya-area/

PHOTO: Chaiyapruek Pattaya 5711 By Goong Nang(GN) Banglamung – An unidentified woman has sustained severe injuries after two trailer trucks crashed in Banglamung this weekend. The Nongprue Police was notified of the accident on Number 36 Road in the Nong Plalai sub-district overnight Friday, March 11th. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find two damaged trailer trucks on the road. A woman, whose name and age was not released by Nongprue Police, was found stuck in one of the trailer trucks. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/13/one-person-seriously-injured-after-two-trailer-trucks-crash-in-the-pattaya-area/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-14 - 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

77-year-old female pedestrian dies after being hit by a speeding motorbike rider in Chonburi By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Dragon Rescue 72 Chonburi – A 77-year-old pedestrian has been pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a motorbike in Mueang Chonburi district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253337-77-year-old-female-pedestrian-dies-after-being-hit-by-a-speeding-motorbike-rider-in-chonburi/

PHOTO: Dragon Rescue 72 By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – A 77-year-old pedestrian has been pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a motorbike in Mueang Chonburi district. The Don Hualor Police was notified of the accident on Suk Prayoon Road in the Don Hualor sub-district this week. They arrived at the scene to find Mrs. Airikanya Hiraorayoonpong, 77, unconscious on the road. She was later pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. Nearby, rescue workers found a damaged motorbike. The driver, Mr. Chatphon Panthong, 27, admitted to speeding and told Dragon Rescue services, “I was driving at about 100 kilometers per hour when the pedestrian crossed the road. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/13/77-year-old-female-pedestrian-dies-after-being-hit-by-a-speeding-motorbike-rider-in-chonburi/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-14 - 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

Mother of drowned Thai actress seeks second autopsy by Central Institute of Forensic Science The mother of the late Thai TV actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, aka “Tangmo” and her lawyer went to the investigative division of the First Region Provincial Police Bureau Saturday to demand a second autopsy, to be performed by the Justice Ministry’s Central Institute of Forensic Science. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253336-mother-of-drowned-thai-actress-seeks-second-autopsy-by-central-institute-of-forensic-science/

The mother of the late Thai TV actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, aka “Tangmo” and her lawyer went to the investigative division of the First Region Provincial Police Bureau Saturday to demand a second autopsy, to be performed by the Justice Ministry’s Central Institute of Forensic Science. The lawyer, Kritsana Sriboonpimsuey, told the media that the Nida’s mother, Panida Sirayuthyothin, wants another autopsy, but was not sure that the police would agree, as he urged the media help support her wish. The first autopsy was performed by the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/mother-of-drowned-thai-actress-seeks-second-autopsy-by-central-institute-of-forensic-science/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-14 - 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

Government Orders Revisions to Provide Longer Paid Maternity Leave by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government is working to amend laws in order to promote higher quality working lives for women. The Ministry of Labor is now seeking to provide women with paid maternity leave for up to 98 days, up from 90 currently. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253335-government-orders-revisions-to-provide-longer-paid-maternity-leave/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government is working to amend laws in order to promote higher quality working lives for women. The Ministry of Labor is now seeking to provide women with paid maternity leave for up to 98 days, up from 90 currently. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek provided an update on proposals made to the prime minister by the rights group on the occasion of International Women’s Day. One proposal addressed eight out of 98 maternal leave days that are available to women, which comprise unpaid leave days. The law currently calls for employers to pay wages to women who take maternity leave for up to 45 days, after which the Social Security Office (SSO) takes over. The SSO then pays wages for the remaining 45 days, meaning the employee receives 90 total days of paid maternity leave. The eight remaining days are unpaid leave days. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered relevant laws to be amended so workers are paid for the eight remaining leave days. Ratchada said women taking maternity leave will receive 50% of their average wages for 98 days, rather than just 90 days. The SSO has recently been raising the benefits it offers to women. The delivery allowance has been increased to 15,000 baht from 13,000 baht. The monthly child-rearing stipend has also been increased to 800 baht from 600 baht. Prenatal care allowance was meanwhile raised to 1,500 from 1,000 baht, with breast check-ups and cervical cancer screenings offered without charge for social security members. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-14 - 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

MRTA Signs Contracts to Extend Purple Line Services by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Six contracts for the extension of the Purple Line electric rail services have been signed between the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) and five other companies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253334-mrta-signs-contracts-to-extend-purple-line-services/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Six contracts for the extension of the Purple Line electric rail services have been signed between the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) and five other companies. MRTA Governor Pakapong Sirikantaramas signed six contracts of integrity on Friday (11 Mar) with representatives from Ch Karnchang, Sino-Thai Engineering, Italian-Thai Development, Nawarat Patanakarn and Unique Engineering for the design and construction of the Purple Line Railway extension. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The MRTA assured that the process of selecting and signing the contracts was carried out in accordance with government regulations and the law in order to ensure transparency. The 82 billion baht contract will cover civil works both underground and above ground along the 23.6-km route from Tao Pun to Rat Burana district in Bangkok. The Purple Line extension will have 17 stations in total, 10 of them underground, and will connect other railway lines at some of its stations to provide accessibility to commuters. Construction is expected to begin this year and be completed in 2027. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-14 - 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

Environment Ministry Closely Monitoring Seasonal Haze by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is closely monitoring the development of seasonal forest fires and haze. Local authorities are now campaigning for the prevention of hotspots, while also working with regional organizations to mitigate transboundary haze. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253333-environment-ministry-closely-monitoring-seasonal-haze/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is closely monitoring the development of seasonal forest fires and haze. Local authorities are now campaigning for the prevention of hotspots, while also working with regional organizations to mitigate transboundary haze. Attapol Charoenchansa, director-general of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), said local authorities are on high alert for forest fires and haze throughout the month of May, particularly in conservation areas. The department is working closely with provincial authorities to enforce environmental measures and communicate with villagers on the emergence of hotspots, airborne particles and transboundary haze. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe From the beginning of this year to March 8, a total of 12,796 hotspots were reported across forest areas and farmlands. This figure was lower than last year’s 17,289 hotspots and 25,770 in 2020. The Royal Forest Department has been proactively implementing and continuing forest fire prevention measures for some 11,262 rai (1,803 hectares) of land, and has eliminated 708.24 tons of combustibles. Additional measures taken include surveillance, firebreaks, the deployment of special firefighting units, and health monitoring. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-14 - 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

Government Orders Crackdown on Money Laundering Accounts by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has ordered relevant agencies to expedite the amendment of the anti-money laundering law following reports of scammers using mule accounts to commit financial crimes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253332-government-orders-crackdown-on-money-laundering-accounts/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has ordered relevant agencies to expedite the amendment of the anti-money laundering law following reports of scammers using mule accounts to commit financial crimes. Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said the instructions from Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha came after recent reports of fraudulent financial activities through mule accounts. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has proposed an anti-money laundering law amendment bill which classifies any involvement in the opening of mule accounts as a felony. Several agencies, including the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Royal Thai Police, have meanwhile set up a task force to monitor and suppress online scams. The task force is working with international organizations to obtain more information on scammers, as well as seeking to establish cooperation with neighboring nations. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Bank of Thailand and the Thai Bankers’ Association will send out warning messages to users before making any transfers and enhance the alertness of banking staff on the potential opening of illicit accounts. The banks are also working to improve the filing system on the confiscation of accounts involved in online crimes. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-14 - 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

Government to Tackle Disorganized Cable Lines in Bangkok by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has urged officials to tackle cable wiring issues in Bangkok in order to safeguard the public and improve Thailand’s image. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253331-government-to-tackle-disorganized-cable-lines-in-bangkok/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has urged officials to tackle cable wiring issues in Bangkok in order to safeguard the public and improve Thailand’s image. According to Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is currently addressing the issue of disorganized communication lines on electric poles in cities nationwide. The initiative was launched in response to orders from Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to improve the scenery and protect people’s lives and property. Authorities are collaborating with related agencies to urgently restructure communication cables in locations such as Sukhumvit and Thong Lo Road in Bangkok. These efforts will be utilized as a framework for further restructuring at other locations. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The spokesperson said the government has laid the basic framework for infrastructure sharing to increase accessibility and lower costs due to overlapping investments. Starting this month, the government intends to restructure communication cables in Bangkok, especially in densely populated locations, before tackling the issue in other areas. He emphasized that the Prime Minister is aware that the operation may cause some inconvenience to local residents, but assured that the areas will be safer and more organized once the operation is completed. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-14 - 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

Indonesia to Provide Special Visas for Travelers from 23 Countries, Including Thailand by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has verified reports that Indonesia has launched special tourism visa services for foreign visitors from 23 countries to enter the archipelago nation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253330-indonesia-to-provide-special-visas-for-travelers-from-23-countries-including-thailand/