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Hua Hin Mayor receives award for drowning prevention advocacy By Online Reporter Hua Hin’s mayor has received an award in recognition of the work done locally on preventing incidents of drowning among children and adults. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253076-hua-hin-mayor-receives-award-for-drowning-prevention-advocacy/

By Online Reporter Hua Hin’s mayor has received an award in recognition of the work done locally on preventing incidents of drowning among children and adults. The ‘Merit Maker’ award was presented to Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, who presided over the award ceremony in Bangkok. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mayor Nopporn was one of four Gold Award Winners (Excellent Level) and three Gold Award Winners (Good Level) to those who contributed to reducing drowning deaths in 2021. The project to reduce the number of deaths by drowning was rolled out by the Ministry of Public Health in accordance with United Nations’ Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/hua-hin-mayor-receives-award-for-drowning-prevention-advocacy/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

Korean company offers to help Hua Hin become a ‘smart city’ By Online Reporter Officials from Hua Hin municipality, including Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul, have met with a group representing Korean business interests in Thailand to discuss Hua Hin’s Smart City project. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253075-korean-company-offers-to-help-hua-hin-become-a-‘smart-city’/

By Online Reporter Officials from Hua Hin municipality, including Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul, have met with a group representing Korean business interests in Thailand to discuss Hua Hin’s Smart City project. Mr. Lee Sangiun, Center Manager Korea Gyeonggi Business Centre (GBC) Bangkok Interchange 21 and Ms. Kanokwon Wanichthada, Sales Manager told municipal officials that Korean businesses are ready and able to assist Hua Hin in its further development. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mr. Lee stated that two cities in Korea, Songdo and Busan, have already designated their cities as “Smart Cities”. Both cities include traffic and transportation management systems, the use of clean energy such as wind and sunlight, flood protection systems, burying electric cables, and preserving the city’s environment, all in accordance with the Korean government’s policy – much of which is similar to the plans put forward to develop Hua Hin into a ‘smart city’. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/korean-company-offers-to-make-hua-hin-become-a-smart-city/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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 tourism emphasises its neutrality in the Ukraine war, calls for a review of payment systems by James Morris and Son Nguyen Russian tourists holidaying in Phuket last week as Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn (right) tells tourism sector operators that everything must be done for stranded Russian tourists and that more are on the way. At the same time, Mr Yuthasak dismissed fears over an American advisory to its nationals not to travel to Thailand. Due to sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, both Visa and MasterCard have suspended operations in the country leading industry bosses in Thailand to call for greater access to non-western networks including the Chinese Union Pay service headquartered in Shanghai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253074-thai-tourism-emphasises-its-neutrality-in-the-ukraine-war-calls-for-a-review-of-payment-systems/

Russian tourists holidaying in Phuket last week as Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn (right) tells tourism sector operators that everything must be done for stranded Russian tourists and that more are on the way. At the same time, Mr Yuthasak dismissed fears over an American advisory to its nationals not to travel to Thailand. Due to sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, both Visa and MasterCard have suspended operations in the country leading industry bosses in Thailand to call for greater access to non-western networks including the Chinese Union Pay service headquartered in Shanghai. by James Morris and Son Nguyen The rising emergency and disruption to prospects for tourism come amid plummeting consumer and business confidence as the overall Thai economy has been hit with a record high consumer price index for February and faltering business activity. Thailand’s tourism promotion agency will be attending a fair in Moscow over the coming days to drum up more tourism activity between the kingdom and Russia. Officials from the tourism promotion agency’s Moscow office will be attending the Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition from March 15th to 17th even as stranded tourists in places like Phuket and Ko Samui have experienced difficulty in paying their bills. The ongoing war in Ukraine has led many senior figures within the foreign tourism sector across the country to emphasise that the kingdom remains a neutral party to the conflict with calls for Thailand to explore its payments infrastructure which has been found to be at the mercy of western sanctions. Thailand’s tourism supremo and Tourism Authority of Thailand boss, Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, has cautioned that foreign tourism numbers may be off by 30% in the first quarter of 2022 due to rising inflation and global insecurity caused by the war in Ukraine. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/03/11/thai-tourism-emphasises-ukraine-war-neutrality/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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

Explanation Sought on Alleged Cut in Tangmo’s Head BANGKOK, March 10 (TNA) – The commander of the Institute of Forensic Medicine will convene the doctor who conducted the autopsy of actress Pattaratida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong to clarify a suspected cut in her head, admitting it was a new issue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253073-explanation-sought-on-alleged-cut-in-tangmo’s-head/

BANGKOK, March 10 (TNA) – The commander of the Institute of Forensic Medicine will convene the doctor who conducted the autopsy of actress Pattaratida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong to clarify a suspected cut in her head, admitting it was a new issue. Pol Maj Gen Supichai Limsiwawong, commander of the institute, said that he needed additional information from the doctor responsible for the autopsy after the report that there was a cut in the actress’s head. The doctor earlier reported only that there were many wounds on the body and the biggest one was in the inner side of her right thigh, the commander said. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright TNA 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 Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-899471

Three people injured after sedan crashes into a motorbike in the Pattaya area By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Sutthipong L Boonmachai Banglamung – Three people have sustained injuries after a sedan crashed into a motorbike in the Nongprue sub-district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253072-three-people-injured-after-sedan-crashes-into-a-motorbike-in-the-pattaya-area/

PHOTO: Sutthipong L Boonmachai By Goong Nang(GN) Banglamung – Three people have sustained injuries after a sedan crashed into a motorbike in the Nongprue sub-district. The Nongprue Police were notified of the accident at 10:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022, in Soi Khao Noi. They arrived at the scene to find the damaged motorbike and the damaged sedan on the road. Two people had sustained severe injuries who were identified as Ms. Supparat Sribut, 31, and Mr. Wittichai Kaewbut, 29. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/11/three-people-injured-after-sedan-crashes-into-a-motorbike-in-the-pattaya-area/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Business operators in Songkhla ready to welcome Malaysian travelers after its government agrees to reopen Thai-Malaysian border By Nop Meechukhun Songkhla – The Songkhla private sector in the Sadao District was planning to welcome Malaysian tourists following the Malaysian government’s approval of the Thai-Malaysian border reopening, effective on April 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253071-business-operators-in-songkhla-ready-to-welcome-malaysian-travelers-after-its-government-agrees-to-reopen-thai-malaysian-border/

By Nop Meechukhun Songkhla – The Songkhla private sector in the Sadao District was planning to welcome Malaysian tourists following the Malaysian government’s approval of the Thai-Malaysian border reopening, effective on April 1st. Dr. Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha, advisor to the Dan Nok Entrepreneurs Association and a hotel operator in Sadao, said yesterday, March 9th, that there had been a clarification that the Malaysia government had agreed to reopen its side of the border this April while Thailand had already done so on March 1st to welcome Thai residents under the “Test&Go” scheme. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Local residents in the border area of the Sadao district and in Songkhla saw the border reopening as an opportunity to stimulate domestic economy and tourism. In the next 40 days, the private sectors and local operators would discuss various preventive measures to ensure compatibility with the Malaysian regulations as the country had announced Covid-19 as endemic and was able to open the country with more measures of relaxation while Thailand was implementing the “Test&Go” which was not compatible. This was the most concerning issue that must be urgently discussed and finalized, Dr. Sitthiphong stated. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/10/business-operators-in-songkhla-ready-to-welcome-malaysian-travelers-after-its-government-agrees-to-reopen-thai-malaysian-border/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Chonburi Tourism Authority to attract more Saudi and Middle Eastern travelers to Pattaya By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is targeting to attract more Saudi and Middle Eastern travelers to Pattaya and Chonburi in order to restore the local economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253070-chonburi-tourism-authority-to-attract-more-saudi-and-middle-eastern-travelers-to-pattaya/

By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is targeting to attract more Saudi and Middle Eastern travelers to Pattaya and Chonburi in order to restore the local economy. Thailand expects bookings from Saudi Arabia will surge as flights between the two countries resume after a 30-year plus hiatus, following the visit of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to Saudi Arabia late last month. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mastering the KSA Market and a Middle East tourism discussion was held Wednesday (March 9th) at the Renaissance Pattaya Resort and Spa. The event aimed to provide tourism information and marketing strategies about travelers from Saudi Arabia to tourism operators in Chonburi. More than 70 tourism operators such as hotels, medical and wellness businesses joined in the event. Mr. Chattan Kunchorn Na Ayutthaya, Deputy Director of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and America Marketing from the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) said at the conference, “Three main groups of Saudi travellers which will be targeted to Thailand are new generation travellers, families, and travellers for medical and wellness.” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/11/chonburi-tourism-authority-to-attract-more-saudi-and-middle-eastern-travelers-to-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Phuket welcomes first TEST & GO arrivals by water ‘The Maggie’ from Singapore entered Thai waters under the scheme. TAT Newsroom Phuket, 10 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office has reported that at least one foreign vessel recently entered Thai waters under the TEST & GO entry scheme, which allows arrivals by water from 1 March, 2022, onwards. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253069-phuket-welcomes-first-test-go-arrivals-by-water/

‘The Maggie’ from Singapore entered Thai waters under the scheme. TAT Newsroom Phuket, 10 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office has reported that at least one foreign vessel recently entered Thai waters under the TEST & GO entry scheme, which allows arrivals by water from 1 March, 2022, onwards. The Maggie, a Malaysian private yacht, carrying 4 Indonesian passengers from Singapore arrived in Phuket on 8 March, 2022. Under the TEST & GO scheme, fully vaccinated travellers from all over the world are now permitted to enter Thailand by air and water. Meanwhile, entry by land is currently only available to those from neighbouring countries with the reopened Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Songkhla border checkpoints. For arrivals by water, everyone on board the vessels must meet all the requirements. These include obtaining a Certificate of Entry via a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General, having a medical certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected, and a Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery. They must also have an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$20,000. See more details: TEST & GO entry scheme. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Miss Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, TAT Phuket Office Director, said, “The reopening of the marine point of entry will help stimulate more travels among yacht and cruise travellers. This group of travellers are mostly from Europe and the Mediterranean. They may arrive in Thailand by air before taking chartered yachts for cruise shore excursions around Phuket and nearby, and vice versa. Or they may take cruise tours from neighbouring countries to visit Phuket.” Phuket is positioned as a preferred destination for yacht and cruise travellers. In addition to the main deep-sea port, there are 30 piers and marinas operated by either the government or private sector. During January-February, 2022, Phuket recorded 27 visiting yachts with a total of 92 passengers. Meanwhile, throughout 2021, there were 91 yachts and 323 passengers. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/phuket-welcomes-first-test-go-arrivals-by-water/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 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

UTCC Estimates Thailand’s Losses From the Russia-Ukraine Conflict by Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - A study by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has reported that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine could cost the Thai economy around 244 billion baht and hinder GDP growth for 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253068-utcc-estimates-thailand’s-losses-from-the-russia-ukraine-conflict/

by Thammarat Thadaphromv BANGKOK (NNT) - A study by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has reported that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine could cost the Thai economy around 244 billion baht and hinder GDP growth for 2022. According to UTCC president Thanavath Phonvichai, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has a direct impact on trade and tourism between Thailand and both countries, while the increase in energy prices will affect the market and the country’s inflation rate. The UTCC believes that the crisis will cost the economy around 244.70 billion baht and slow the country’s growth to around 2-3 percent if the conflict continues throughout the year. The UTCC president is concerned that Thailand will enter a period of stagnation and inflation due to the conflict and various factors such as the spread of the Omicron variant. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, he stated that there are numerous unpredictable variables and that it is too early to draw such a negative conclusion. Therefore, the UTCC will maintain its economic growth prediction from November of last year and will wait some time before issuing a new revision, possibly in April. The UTCC president said that the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the world economy is projected to last 1-3 years and the situation remains difficult to predict. The prolonged conflict could increase global crude oil prices to 200-300 US dollars per barrel which would severely affect every economy in the world. Citing these possibilities, he stated that the government must select appropriate stimulus measures to prevent the economy from contracting while keeping the foreign exchange rate at 32.50-33 baht per dollar to ensure Thailand’s competitiveness in international trade. -- © 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

Prime Minister to Fly First Commercial Flight to Betong Airport by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Prime Minister will fly on the first commercial flight to Betong Airport in Yala province to preside over the airport’s official opening on March 14, 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253067-prime-minister-to-fly-first-commercial-flight-to-betong-airport/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Prime Minister will fly on the first commercial flight to Betong Airport in Yala province to preside over the airport’s official opening on March 14, 2022. The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) held a meeting via teleconference with related agencies to discuss preparations for the official opening for Betong Airport. According to SBPAC, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and cabinet ministers will board a commercial flight operated by Nok Air from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport to Betong Airport, which will be the airport’s first official commercial flight. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Participants will take part in the opening ceremony while adhering strictly to Covid-19 prevention measures. Nok Air will offer commercial flights from Don Mueang Airport to Betong Airport three times each week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The Betong airport is part of the government’s policy to strengthen the economy and security in the three southern border provinces. Under the government’s regional development plan, the airport will serve as a hub connecting the three provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala, boosting transportation, logistics, and tourism in the region. -- © 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

Bang Sue Vaccine Center Now Accepts Walk-Ins by Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - The Central Vaccination Centre (CVC) at Bang Sue Grand Station is offering Covid-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis to both Thais and foreign nationals, regardless of which dose it is. The center said appointments are no longer required, as Covid-19 caseloads continue to rise across the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253066-bang-sue-vaccine-center-now-accepts-walk-ins/

by Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - The Central Vaccination Centre (CVC) at Bang Sue Grand Station is offering Covid-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis to both Thais and foreign nationals, regardless of which dose it is. The center said appointments are no longer required, as Covid-19 caseloads continue to rise across the country. The CVC stated that the center was instructed last month to quickly provide required vaccine protection against Covid-19 for people suffering from lung infections, the unprotected elderly, and those who have yet to receive their booster shots. According to the CVC, senior citizens who have received booster shots are 41 percent less likely to die from Covid-19 than the unvaccinated, citing a study that showed immunity works best against the virus after 7-14 days after being vaccinated. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe To prepare for the upcoming Songkran holiday, the CVC is also increasing immunizations among the public, especially those in risk groups and children aged 5 and over. Inoculations for all vaccine types will be given for walk-ins at Bang Sue Grand Station and are available to both Thais and other nationals. Shots will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The vaccine center will be closed on April 6 to commemorate Chakri Memorial Day and throughout the Songkran holiday before reopening again on April 18. 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

Koh Kut luxury resort owner may face charges over faulty fire alarm system Authorities are planning to press charges against the owner of a luxury resort, on Koh Kut island in Thailand’s eastern province of Trat, for failing to maintain the fire alarm system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253064-koh-kut-luxury-resort-owner-may-face-charges-over-faulty-fire-alarm-system/

Authorities are planning to press charges against the owner of a luxury resort, on Koh Kut island in Thailand’s eastern province of Trat, for failing to maintain the fire alarm system. The alarm was not triggered when massive fire broke out early in the morning of Sunday, an incident which could have led to loss of guests’ lives. One of those guests is a medical influencer who took to Facebook, reporting that she had suffered a fractured vertebra during her escape from the blaze. She was, she claims, faced with the choice of undergoing surgery or six weeks of bed rest. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/koh-kut-luxury-resort-owner-may-face-charges-over-faulty-fire-alarm-system/ -- © 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

Body of missing crew member from exploding tanker found The missing crew member from the “Smooth Sea 2” oil tanker, which suffered an on board explosion and fire while moored at the IRPC pier in Samut Prakan province, has been found dead, while at least 200 nearby houses have been affected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253063-body-of-missing-crew-member-from-exploding-tanker-found/