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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/

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. The Department of Information under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently confirmed the news of the launch of the special visa application service for entering Indonesia. Tourists from 23 countries around the world, including Thailand, can enter Indonesia via a Special Tourism Visa on Arrival (VOA) arrangement. Foreigners can only obtain the VOA if they enter Indonesia at the immigration checkpoint of Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. Holders of this visa will, however, be permitted to depart the country via other Indonesian airports. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Indonesian authorities are requiring that international travelers must present themselves at the immigration counter to apply for the VOA. They must have a passport that is valid for at least six months, a return ticket or a transit ticket to continue traveling to another country, and relevant documentation required by the COVID-19 task force. This includes RT-PCR test results, COVID vaccination certificates, and proof of accommodation/hotel payments. Special visa holders will be allowed to stay in Indonesia for a maximum of 30 days. The visa can be extended once with an additional 30-day extension period. For more information, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises people to visit the ministry’s official website at www.mfa.go.th or call 02-203-5000. -- © 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

Medical Cannabis Conference Concludes in Kanchanaburi by Natthaphon Sangpolsit KANCHANABURI (NNT) - An academic conference on medical cannabis has concluded in Kanchanaburi, as part of a series of conferences on the issue to be held in several provinces. The latest conference was for audiences and healthcare personnel in the 5th Public Health Region. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253329-medical-cannabis-conference-concludes-in-kanchanaburi/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit KANCHANABURI (NNT) - An academic conference on medical cannabis has concluded in Kanchanaburi, as part of a series of conferences on the issue to be held in several provinces. The latest conference was for audiences and healthcare personnel in the 5th Public Health Region. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening of the conference, saying efforts are underway to promote cannabis as a cash crop that would create jobs and generate income. The event included exchanges of knowledge on cannabis and hemp for healthcare personnel, volunteers and entrepreneurs. One of the aims is to enable people to carry out cannabis-related activities in compliance with the law. After launching the conference, the health minister demonstrated his flair for cooking by making “kaphrao” dishes containing cannabis. Other food items made with cannabis were also available for tasting and purchase. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The 5th Public Health Region comprises Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom and Prachuap Khiri Khan. The 8 provinces now have a combined 3,000 rai of cannabis plantation area and three certified cannabis processing plants. The plants are run by Don Tum Hospital in Nakhon Pathom, U-Thong Hospital in Suphan Buri, and Chao Khun Phaiboon Hospital in Kanchanaburi. Cannabis extracts are also being used by Thai medical practitioners delivering palliative care to patients at Ratchaburi Hospital in Ratchaburi province. The Ministry of Public Health has reported that more than 240,000 patients have so far been prescribed medical cannabis. To date, at least 7 billion baht in economic value has been generated by medical cannabis products. -- © 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

Industries Sentiment Index Declined Slightly in February by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI), one of the bellwethers for developments in Thailand’s economy, declined slightly in February from the previous month amid rising COVID-19 infection numbers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253328-industries-sentiment-index-declined-slightly-in-february/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI), one of the bellwethers for developments in Thailand’s economy, declined slightly in February from the previous month amid rising COVID-19 infection numbers. The index, compiled by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), stood at 86.7 in February, down from 88 in January. The decline was also attributed to higher production costs in the industrial sector, with exchange rate volatility and the Russia-Ukraine conflict adding further uncertainty. The FTI’s index forecasting industries’ sentiment for the next three months rose to 97.1, as entrepreneurs expect COVID case numbers to subside. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe FTI Chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree said the private sector wants to see the government lift Test & Go requirements for international tourists. He said businesses are also calling for a vaccine passport to be implemented in its place for the convenience of travelers. Additionally, the government has been urged to fix fuel prices as well as power tariff rates. According to the chairman, private sector representatives want a joint public-private working committee to be formed in order to address the Russia-Ukraine situation. He said such a committee would enable the private sector to plan more effectively, with measures issued to help affected businesses. -- © 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 Dismisses Claims of Thai Fuel Prices Being Among the Highest Globally by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has dismissed rumors alleging that oil prices in Thailand are among the most expensive in the world. It also urged individuals of questionable intent not to manipulate information for the purposes of sowing public confusion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253327-government-dismisses-claims-of-thai-fuel-prices-being-among-the-highest-globally/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has dismissed rumors alleging that oil prices in Thailand are among the most expensive in the world. It also urged individuals of questionable intent not to manipulate information for the purposes of sowing public confusion. Pump prices for benzene and gasohol on Thursday (10 Mar) rose for the 18th time since the start of the year. The price of diesel is currently capped, although it had earlier been raised eight times. Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has been closely monitoring global energy prices. The issue has become an urgent agenda for the government, as due to being a direct cost for manufacturing and transportation. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The premier has consulted economic advisors and the National Energy Policy Committee to formulate practical response measures and minimize the impact on the public. Thanakorn said high oil prices brought about by the Russia-Ukraine crisis are a problem facing all countries around the globe, urging people to keep this in mind while working to navigate the situation. The spokesperson added that Thailand has experienced expensive oil many times in the past, most often due to external factors. He noted that pump prices in Thailand are still lower than those of neighboring countries. Thanakorn said the prime minister has a clear policy to cap the diesel price and reduce the diesel excise tax. The premier has also assigned various agencies to seek out additional energy sources. -- © 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