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US envoy debunks several rumours surrounding its consular office in Chiang Mai Photo Courtesy of US Embassy Website US chargé d’affaires in Thailand, Michael Heath, has debunked several rumours and allegations about its new consular office in the northern province of Chiang Mai, sparked by its high price tag. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253200-us-envoy-debunks-several-rumours-surrounding-its-consular-office-in-chiang-mai/

Photo Courtesy of US Embassy Website US chargé d’affaires in Thailand, Michael Heath, has debunked several rumours and allegations about its new consular office in the northern province of Chiang Mai, sparked by its high price tag. Among the currently unsupported allegations is that it will be used as a US centre for monitoring military communications in southern China, or as a missile base. At a meeting with a selected group of Thai reporters covering security affairs, Mr. Heath, the acting ambassador, said that he is happy to address all rumours surrounding the construction of new consular office, in Chiang Mai, which cost about US$280 million. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/us-envoy-debunks-several-rumours-surrounding-its-consular-office-in-chiang-mai/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 12 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1253199-thailand-live-saturday-12-march-2022/

Thai Prime Minister says drinking booze does not help prevent Covid-19 after fake news goes viral in Thailand No, says Thai Prime Minister (PM) Prayut Chan O’Cha, drinking alcohol does not help prevent Covid-19 or limit symptoms, responding to fake news that went viral across Thailand on social media this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253155-thai-prime-minister-says-drinking-booze-does-not-help-prevent-covid-19-after-fake-news-goes-viral-in-thailand/

Thai Ambassador to Russia Calls For Adjustments to Tourism Strategies to Better Suit Russian Travelers’ Needs BANGKOK (NNT) - Sasiwat Wongsinsawat, Thailand’s ambassador to Russia, has said that Thailand needs to form new tourism tactics to better assist Russian and Ukrainian tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253148-thai-ambassador-to-russia-calls-for-adjustments-to-tourism-strategies-to-better-suit-russian-travelers’-needs/

please continue: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253061-thai-movie-idol-sorapong-chatree-dies-of-lung-cancer-aged-71/

TAT to ease travel regulations in line with new Covid policies bt Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - As the government prepares to declare Covid-19 an endemic disease in July, authorities are seeking to ease travel restrictions in tandem with the policy in the hopes of attracting more tourists to Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253132-tat-to-ease-travel-regulations-in-line-with-new-covid-policies/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - As the government prepares to declare Covid-19 an endemic disease in July, authorities are seeking to ease travel restrictions in tandem with the policy in the hopes of attracting more tourists to Thailand. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn stated that the TAT may cut its revenue and arrival target for 2022 as a result of the Russian-Ukraine crisis, which has resulted in an increase in inflation and oil costs. The agency will wait until the end of this month before providing a new tourism forecast for this year. The TAT has set a goal of 1.28 trillion baht in tourism revenue for 2022, with 626 billion baht from 10 million international arrivals and 656 billion baht from domestic trips. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In regard to the government’s plan to declare Covid-19 endemic in July, the TAT governor said further relaxations have been discussed, with one of them being the suspension of the Thailand Pass. However, he stated that RT-PCR testing protocols will continue to be used to restrict the number of Covid-19 cases in the country. He advised the government to implement regulations and policies from other countries that would allow Thailand to maintain its tourism competitiveness. The TAT’s plan to ease travel restrictions will be proposed at the next meeting of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on March 18, 2022. Meanwhile, the TAT governor stated that the agency will follow the CCSA’s judgment on whether or not the upcoming Songkran holiday festivities will be suspended. He said the agency will promote marketing strategies to boost tourism if the CCSA allows celebrations for the upcoming holidays. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-11 - 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

Death of a yoghurt delivery lady in Ratchaburi - pick-up parked half in the road Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the Muang district police in Ratchaburi in central Thailand were called after a motorcycle with attachments delivering yoghurt hit a parked pick-up. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253129-death-of-a-yoghurt-delivery-lady-in-ratchaburi-pick-up-parked-half-in-the-road/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the Muang district police in Ratchaburi in central Thailand were called after a motorcycle with attachments delivering yoghurt hit a parked pick-up. Pictures showed the pick-up was parked half on the hard shoulder and half in the road itself. Dead at the scene was a yoghurt delivery lady aged 43 who had an address in Bangkok. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The pick-up was damaged at the back and the motorcycle had become entangled with the wheel arch propelling the lady 5 meters forward. She suffered death from head injuries. Police are investigating and speaking to the 25 year old pick-up driver Panuphat who parked there. It happened on the Ratchaburi to Jom Beung Road in Moo 15. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-11 - 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

Why the Thai sea and beaches are so full of trash - media told of dumping incident in south Picture: Siam Rath If you wanted any evidence of one of the reasons there is so much trash washed up on Thai beaches look no further than a story published by Siam Rath yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253125-why-the-thai-sea-and-beaches-are-so-full-of-trash-media-told-of-dumping-incident-in-south/

Picture: Siam Rath If you wanted any evidence of one of the reasons there is so much trash washed up on Thai beaches look no further than a story published by Siam Rath yesterday. A householder in Chumphon on the banks of the Sawee River heard some loud noises and started filming as a person in a black pick-up started dumping large plastic bin bags in the river. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe After the dumper fled the scene they managed to retrieve two of the bags with sticks but the other three floated away out to sea. Picture: Siam Rath The bags contained all manner of household trash. Suphawat, 44, went on Facebook on a local page and asked the media to tell people not to do this. The river is used by many people to fish and maintain their livelihoods, he said. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-11 - 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

UPDATE: Govt Donates 2 Million Baht for Humanitarian Assistance in Ukraine by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved a budget of 2 million baht for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine as a result of the ongoing violence in the country, which continues to cause death, injuries, and infrastructure damage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253091-thailand-to-donate-2-million-thai-baht-for-humanitarian-aid-in-ukraine/?do=findComment&comment=17239827

Govt Donates 2 Million Baht for Humanitarian Assistance in Ukraine by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved a budget of 2 million baht for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine as a result of the ongoing violence in the country, which continues to cause death, injuries, and infrastructure damage. The Thai government has so far repatriated 230 of the 256 Thais living and working in Ukraine. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Thani Saengrat told reporters the fund was approved following a recent request by Ukrainian Embassy in Thailand for humanitarian aid. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said the cash will be distributed to those in need of assistance in the afflicted areas through the Ukrainian Red Cross and other international organizations and for the Royal Thai Embassy in Warsaw, Poland to buy additional supplies and necessities. The spokesperson stated that this is the second time Thailand has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. In 2019, the country donated 1 million baht in aid and medical assistance to displaced residents in eastern Ukraine. Thai citizens in Ukraine seeking assistance are advised to contact the Thai Consulate in Warsaw at +48-696-642-348 or send an email to [email protected]. Information and Source -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-11 - 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 meter long python in the loo gives Pathum Thani lady the shock of her life! Picture: INN Snakecatchers were called after 58 year old Sunantha got a nasty shock when she went to the loo in her house in Klong Luang, Pathum Thani north of the Thai capital Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253124-three-meter-long-python-in-the-loo-gives-pathum-thani-lady-the-shock-of-her-life/

Picture: INN Snakecatchers were called after 58 year old Sunantha got a nasty shock when she went to the loo in her house in Klong Luang, Pathum Thani north of the Thai capital Bangkok. There was a huge python curled up by the toilet bowl. Sunantha said she slammed the door and screamed for help. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The rescue foundation's experts soon had the python in custody and returned to nature. It was a three meter long 50 kilogram specimen that was displaying fierce characteristics, noted INN, before it was successfully subdued. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-11 - 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 Picture: INN

Commerce Ministry to Launch Thai Online Store in Taiwan by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Commerce Ministry is opening a new online outlet called “TOPTHAI” on the Taiwanese e-commerce platform PChome Store on March 29 to tap Taiwanese buyers, focusing initially on fashion and bio-circular-green (BCG) products. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253123-commerce-ministry-to-launch-thai-online-store-in-taiwan/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Commerce Ministry is opening a new online outlet called “TOPTHAI” on the Taiwanese e-commerce platform PChome Store on March 29 to tap Taiwanese buyers, focusing initially on fashion and bio-circular-green (BCG) products. According to Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) Director-General Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, the agency has selected Thai premium fashion and BCG-related products with outstanding designs from 50 Thai entrepreneurs to sell on the Taiwanese platform. DITP also plans to team up with PChome to organize activities under the theme "cross-border e-commerce in the global market" to further boost Thailand’s online marketing presence in Taiwan. Wen-Hsiung Tsai, managing director of PChome (Thailand) Co, said the launch of the online store on the platform should promote Thailand’s products and raise brand awareness of Thai quality among Taiwanese consumers. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The introduction of the online store on the platform, according to Wen-Hsiung Tsai, general director of PChome (Thailand) Co, should promote Thailand’s products among Taiwanese consumers and boost brand awareness of Thai quality in that market. Home decorating items, fashion items, food products, and dried fruit are among the most popular Thai products among Taiwanese online shoppers. The TOPTHAI Store on PChome is the department’s sixth such outlet on international online platforms. The department previously launched two TOPTHAI stores in China on Tmall.com and the Tmall Global platform, one in India on Bigbasket.com, one in the United States on Amazon.com, and one in Cambodia on Klangthai.com. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-11 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai man arrested for abducting little Cambodian boy for begging spree Picture: INN A 29 year old Thai man called King has been arrested after he abducted a 6 year old Cambodian boy and took him to various places in Bangkok to beg. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253122-thai-man-arrested-for-abducting-little-cambodian-boy-for-begging-spree/

Picture: INN A 29 year old Thai man called King has been arrested after he abducted a 6 year old Cambodian boy and took him to various places in Bangkok to beg. The grandmother of the boy - a Cambodian lady called Samwana - had gone to Phrakhanong police on Monday after Pao had gone missing from outside a convenience store in Sukhumvit Soi 79. The suspect - who had previously served a 2 year 5 month sentence for a similar offence in Nakhon Pathom and had committed this crime on multiple occasions - was soon identified and the Krajok Ngao foundation got involved in the search. A member of the public reported seeing the pair begging at the Victory Monument but the authorities were not in time. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Then on Wednesday they were spotted on a pedestrian bridge at Sukhumvit Soi 18 but again had left before officials arrived. Finally they got a report of them begging at Imperial World, Samrong, where an arrest was made and the boy was taken into care. A plastic cup and two ten baht coins were taken into evidence, reported INN. Picture: INN The suspect has been charged with human trafficking for profit and detained. Officials from the Social Development and Human Security ministry also got involved in the case. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-11 - 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

Thailand's oldest public city park set for a billion baht remodelling and redevelopment in next 2 years Bangkok's mayor joined with embassy staff and dignitaries at Lumpini park yesterday to announce a major redevelopment of what is Thailand's oldest public park. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253119-thailands-oldest-public-city-park-set-for-a-billion-baht-remodelling-and-redevelopment-in-next-2-years/

Bangkok's mayor joined with embassy staff and dignitaries at Lumpini park yesterday to announce a major redevelopment of what is Thailand's oldest public park. Gen Aswin Kwanmuang said that Lumpini first opened in 1925 and since then has been an iconic memory for everyone who has visited. But it needs an upgrade to bring it into the 21st century so they are spending a billion baht on improvements over the next two years. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He promised to preserve its historical value, address climate change issues, integrate cultural diversity, provide recreational activities and make it suitable for people of all ages and genders and social status. It will be done in two phases, the first costing 140 million baht over 240 days then the main work completed with the rest of the budget with a finish date in 2024. Pictures: Daily News Daily News had artist's impressions of some of the new landscaping and features. The media called it a 100 year anniversary remodelling of the famous park, named after the birthplace of the Lord Buddha. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-11 - 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

Thailand to expedite mailing of Favipiravir to COVID-19 patients The National Health Security Office (NHSO) and the Rajavithi hospital are speeding up the mailing out of anti-viral Favipiravir medicine to more than 3,500 COVID-19 patients in Bangkok and surrounding areas who are unable to access the home isolation program. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253118-thailand-to-expedite-mailing-of-favipiravir-to-covid-19-patients/

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) and the Rajavithi hospital are speeding up the mailing out of anti-viral Favipiravir medicine to more than 3,500 COVID-19 patients in Bangkok and surrounding areas who are unable to access the home isolation program. NHSO Secretary-General Dr. Jadet Thammathat-Aree explained yesterday (Thursday) that the main reason that this group of patients have been unable to get help from the NHSO so far is because its 1330 hotline system has been so overwhelmed with calls from patients that they cannot get through, and existing isolation facilities are full, causing another problem, which is a backlog of waiting patients who have already registered for isolation facilities. After being made to wait for help for several days, he said that many registered patients have tried to contact the NHSO again via the hotlines and other channels, further overwhelming the system. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-to-expedite-mailing-of-favipiravir-to-covid-19-patients/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-11 - 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

Will 3 decades of Hopewell horror show have a shock happy ending for Thailand? The Supreme Administrative Court’s recent decision to retry the Hopewell case may help the government avoid paying a huge sum in compensation which has been dubbed the “price of stupidity”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253117-will-3-decades-of-hopewell-horror-show-have-a-shock-happy-ending-for-thailand/