webfact

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

Your guide to the Bangkok council election and how it will shape city for next 4 years This general view shows the Bangkok skyline, taken from the King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper in Bangkok on October 22, 2021. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP) For the first time in 12 years, Bangkokians will vote for a new city council, at an election expected in May. While this local election may be overshadowed by the upcoming Bangkok governor vote, it is receiving serious attention from big political parties. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253326-your-guide-to-the-bangkok-council-election-and-how-it-will-shape-city-for-next-4-years/

This general view shows the Bangkok skyline, taken from the King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper in Bangkok on October 22, 2021. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP) For the first time in 12 years, Bangkokians will vote for a new city council, at an election expected in May. While this local election may be overshadowed by the upcoming Bangkok governor vote, it is receiving serious attention from big political parties. The Democrat, Pheu Thai, Move Forward, Kla, and the Thai Sang Thai Party, for example, have already named candidates for the race even before the polling day is officially set. And these candidates are already busy hitting the campaign trail. In the coming election, 50 Bangkok councilors will be elected, one for each of the capital’s 50 districts. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/your-guide-to-the-bangkok-council-election-and-how-it-will-shape-city-for-next-4-years/ -- © 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

Bangkok’s Bumrungrad Hospital ranked country’s best in global survey Photo courtesy of https://www.bumrungrad.com/ Bumrungrad International Hospital has been ranked Thailand’s best hospital, as listed in the World’s Best Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek magazine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253325-bangkok’s-bumrungrad-hospital-ranked-country’s-best-in-global-survey/

Photo courtesy of https://www.bumrungrad.com/ Bumrungrad International Hospital has been ranked Thailand’s best hospital, as listed in the World’s Best Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek magazine. The survey is based on data collected from over 80,000 medical experts, in the 27 countries invited to participate in an online survey, plus patient experience surveys and medical key performance indicators. The countries include the US, Germany, Japan, South Korea, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Brazil, Canada, India, Australia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Austria, Thailand, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Israel, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, with three new additions, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Over 2,200 hospitals participated. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkoks-bumrungrad-hospital-ranked-countrys-best-in-global-survey/ -- © 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

Thailand tourism business deals with multiple challenges from Russia – Ukraine conflict video screenshot video: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253324-thailand-tourism-business-deals-with-multiple-challenges-from-russia-–-ukraine-conflict/

video screenshot As many Russian tourists experience difficulties, due to the current sanctions imposed on their country, let’s find how Thai tourism authorities are handling the situation. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-tourism-business-deals-with-multiple-challenges-from-russia-ukraine-conflict/ -- © 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

Has Online shopping had its day? by Michael Bridge During the pandemic perhaps the two companies that seemed to do really well were Netflix and Amazon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253323-has-online-shopping-had-its-day/

by Michael Bridge During the pandemic perhaps the two companies that seemed to do really well were Netflix and Amazon. Their profits went through the roof and many of us used their services for the first time. As people were stuck indoors during the lockdown, ordering online seemed to be the way to survive, whether ordering books, equipment, or even food. Also, many use online to buy from the public selling new or secondhand. A great way to save money! However, the future maybe not be so rosy as manufacturers are starting to run short of stock due to their suppliers running low on component parts. Then we must expect a large jump in delivery charges as fuel prices soar too. Take buying a paper pack on Amazon if you order from Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe If I were to order Ken Follett’s latest novel Never in paperback, it would cost GBP10 however the delivery charge from the UK is GBP8 and it could take 20 days to arrive. Might as well wait until they publish it at Asia Books and pay THB350 or GBP8. Seems as we must tighten our belts buying secondhand will be the way forward. But can we rely on the seller to be reliable and to send what we ordered? I still prefer to go shopping and check out the items before parting with my money. Have you had any bad experiences lately when ordering online? -- © 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

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 14 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1253322-thailand-live-monday-14-march-2022/

At least five passengers killed and 30 others injured in bus accident in Thailand At least five passengers were killed and 30 others were injured when the air-conditioned bus, operated by Thailand’s the state-run Transport Company in which they were travelling, crashed into a supporting pillar of as flyover in front of a shopping mall in Muang district of the central province of Saraburi Saturday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253321-at-least-five-passengers-killed-and-30-others-injured-in-bus-accident-in-thailand/

At least five passengers were killed and 30 others were injured when the air-conditioned bus, operated by Thailand’s the state-run Transport Company in which they were travelling, crashed into a supporting pillar of as flyover in front of a shopping mall in Muang district of the central province of Saraburi Saturday afternoon. Police in Saraburi said that the bus, which began its journey in the north-eastern province of Roi-et, was heading for Bangkok when the accident occurred. Police suspect that the driver might have fallen asleep at the wheel, but the driver denied this and argued that one of the tyres might have burst, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/at-least-five-passengers-killed-and-30-others-injured-in-bus-accident-in-thailands-saraburi/ -- © 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

Four people injured, three seriously including a pregnant woman and high school girl, after two motorbikes collide in Chonburi By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News Chonburi – Four people have sustained injuries, three of them severe injuries, including a pregnant woman and a high school girl, after a two motorbike collision in Mueang Chonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253243-four-people-injured-three-seriously-including-a-pregnant-woman-and-high-school-girl-after-two-motorbikes-collide-in-chonburi/

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – Four people have sustained injuries, three of them severe injuries, including a pregnant woman and a high school girl, after a two motorbike collision in Mueang Chonburi. Emergency responders were notified of the accident on Sukhumvit Road at a U-turn in the Nong Maidang sub-district yesterday, March 11th, 2022 in the mid-afternoon. They arrived at the scene to find four injured people in total. Three of them had sustained severe injuries which were a pregnant woman, a high school girl wearing a school uniform, and a 20-year-old- woman. All three were riding on the same motorbike. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/12/four-people-injured-three-seriously-including-a-pregnant-woman-and-high-school-girl-after-two-motorbikes-collide-in-chonburi/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-12 - 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

Chonburi announces 1,203 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and one new death By Goong Nang(GN) Highlights: 1,203 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today 3,885 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. 1,133 (PCR) and 1,930 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care One new death Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253242-chonburi-announces-1203-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-one-new-death/

By Goong Nang(GN) Highlights: 1,203 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today 3,885 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. 1,133 (PCR) and 1,930 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care One new death The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 1203 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with one new death, March 12th, 2022. This makes a total of 53,386 cases (PCR) and 56,333 cases (ATK) of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 10,916 (PCR) and 24,663 (ATK) people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 85 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections at the beginning of this year, January 2022. Additionally, 1,133 (PCR) and 1,930(ATK) people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 42,385 (PCR) and 31,670 (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/2022/03/12/chonburi-announces-1203-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-one-new-death/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-12 - 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

Video: NE man abandons boring office routine for new job - growing grapes Sanook Thai Caption: The path to riches Sanook reporters went to Surin in the north east of Thailand where they met a man who dumped boring office routine and is now making a success of growing grapes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253241-video-ne-man-abandons-boring-office-routine-for-new-job-growing-grapes/

Sanook Thai Caption: The path to riches Sanook reporters went to Surin in the north east of Thailand where they met a man who dumped boring office routine and is now making a success of growing grapes. Kawin Lungphitak, 46, graduated in accounts and was stuck in an office for 20 years till he decided enough was enough. But the pandemic scuppered his first plans to go into business until he struck upon the idea of growing grapes. His kids loved them and just about everybody else did too so he did an online course and invested in three inside growing structures off the main road in Salaengphan sub-district, the first such grape growing project in the area. Trial and error got to where he is today with eighty vines producing 1000 kilograms of grapes twice a year. He sells them for 250 baht a kilo. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This brings in a total of 500,000 baht a year. People drive in off the main road and pick the grapes themselves and many take selfies. Now Kawin is even selling different varieties of vines for profit. One customer Nucharat, 23, said she heard about grapes being sold in the area on Facebook. This was her third visit and she intended to fill her basket for both her family and friends. She said they were crisper and better tasing than the grapes available in the stores. A video showing the success story was published by Sanook. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-12 - 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

‘Europe’s war’ increasingly gets attention in cozy Thailand It was a week when many Thais increasingly realized that events in Europe would have a much greater effect on their cozy lives than they previously imagined. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253239-‘europe’s-war’-increasingly-gets-attention-in-cozy-thailand/