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Thailand to fix credit card payment issues, provide shelter for Russian and Ukrainian tourists By Panithan Onthaworn Thai officials are exploring measures to support about 7,000 stranded Russian and Ukrainian tourists amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which resulted in suspension of credit card payments and flight cancellations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will discuss four proposals with the cabinet on Tuesday. Those aids include a waiver of visa extension fees up to 1,900-baht, accommodations, seeking alternative payment channels, and solving problems on travel insurance. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38323/thailand-to-fix-credit-card-payment-issues-provide-shelter-for-russian-and-ukrainian-tourists/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-08 - 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 Offer Aid and Visa Services to Tourists by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has announced that it will waive application fees for nearly 7,000 Russian and Ukrainian tourists in Thailand who wish to renew their visas. It will also consider steps to provide humanitarian assistance to individuals affected by international flight cancellations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252729-government-to-offer-aid-and-visa-services-to-tourists/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has announced that it will waive application fees for nearly 7,000 Russian and Ukrainian tourists in Thailand who wish to renew their visas. It will also consider steps to provide humanitarian assistance to individuals affected by international flight cancellations. Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the decision was made in response to a request by the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) for authorities to assess the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. The CCSA also asked for solutions to be proposed to assist stranded tourists, as around 7,000 travelers from Russia and Ukraine visited the four tourist destinations of Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Krabi. Yuthasak said travelers can renew their 30-day visas without paying the application fee of 1,900 baht for Ukrainians and Russians. Additionally, tourism operators are working with China’s UnionPay to provide an alternative payment channel for Russian visitors. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The TAT governor said the administration is also looking for ways to ensure that tourists in need of medical attention are treated adequately by all hospitals. He added that officials from both nations are coordinating repatriation flights for their citizens. Bhummikitti Raktaengam, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, noted that flight cancellations by two Russian airlines had a direct impact on the Russian market, as their direct routes covered much of Russia and shared approximately 70% of the market with Phuket province. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-08 - 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

Another tragic drowning: "Autistic" boy who liked to play alone found dead in Korat pond Picture: INN INN published a heart wrenching picture related to yet another drowning of a young child in Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat in central Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252727-another-tragic-drowning-autistic-boy-who-liked-to-play-alone-found-dead-in-korat-pond/

Picture: INN INN published a heart wrenching picture related to yet another drowning of a young child in Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat in central Thailand. It was some red and white striped flip-flops left casually by a pond in a rice field in Sikhio district. They belonged to a seven year old boy who relatives said was autistic and like to play alone. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It appeared from the INN report that the boy could in fact swim. Police suspected that he went for a swim in the hot weather, discarded his footwear and clothes and then probably suffered an attack of cramp and was unable to get out of the pond. It happened in Ban Non Rang. Drowning deaths and fatalities on motorcycles are the two leading causes of death in young children, notes ASEAN NOW. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-08 - 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

Koh Kut resort expresses regrets for massive fire, insists smoke detectors were installed A luxury resort on Thailand’s Koh Kut island has issued a statement regarding Sunday’s massive fire, expressing regret and concern for those affected, while insisting that all villas within the resort have smoke detectors installed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252724-koh-kut-resort-expresses-regrets-for-massive-fire-insists-smoke-detectors-were-installed/

A luxury resort on Thailand’s Koh Kut island has issued a statement regarding Sunday’s massive fire, expressing regret and concern for those affected, while insisting that all villas within the resort have smoke detectors installed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The resort’s statement came after a well-known paediatrician and a former actress both shared their close calls at the resort on their social media. The doctor questioned why such a luxurious resort has no smoke detectors or fire alarm system. The resort, called “Soneva Kiri” said in the statement that the fire began in Villa 63 and all guests were evacuated safely. 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-resort-express-regrets-for-massive-fire-insists-smoke-detectors-were-installed/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-08 - 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

Human trafficking: Teen 'madam' aged just 15 arrested for offering under 18s for sex on Instagram Daily News Thai Caption:Teen 'madam' arrested The chairman of the anti-human trafficking group Ronnasit Foundation, Ronnasit Phreuksayachiwa and Thai police have arrested a 15 year old girl. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252721-human-trafficking-teen-madam-aged-just-15-arrested-for-offering-under-18s-for-sex-on-instagram/ Full story:

Daily News Thai Caption:Teen 'madam' arrested The chairman of the anti-human trafficking group Ronnasit Foundation, Ronnasit Phreuksayachiwa and Thai police have arrested a 15 year old girl. Daily News said that the police have evidence that she offered under 18s for sex on Instagram. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The suspect was taken to the Thanyaburi police station in Pathum Thani after her arrest at a house in that jurisdiction. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-08 - 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

Putin issues list of nations that are not friendly - Thailand is not included Sanook Thai Caption: This lot are not my friends! Thailand was a notable absentee on a list of nations deemed unfriendly by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252720-putin-issues-list-of-nations-that-are-not-friendly-thailand-is-not-included/

Sanook Thai Caption: This lot are not my friends! Thailand was a notable absentee on a list of nations deemed unfriendly by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Sanook published a picture of the man now being called a dictator with the caption: This lot are not my friends. Despite joining a condemnation vote at the UN, Thailand and its leader Prayuth Chan-ocha has adopted a wait and see approach to its relationship with Russia. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Many see this as for economic reasons. China and India was also not on the list issued via TASS yesterday, reported Daily News. But in Asia Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea were included. Among the countries deemed unfriendly towards Russia because of sanctions are the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and all 27 countries of the EU. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-08 - 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

Government to Support Blockchain in Promotion of Digital Economy by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has indicated that it will support blockchain as part of efforts to promote the digital economy in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252717-government-to-support-blockchain-in-promotion-of-digital-economy/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has indicated that it will support blockchain as part of efforts to promote the digital economy in Thailand. Digital Economy Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn made the announcement during a recent visit to the headquarters of Bitkub, the local exchange for cryptocurrencies. After meeting with the executives of the exchange, Minister Chiwut said it was apparent that the crypto sector is growing and will greatly contribute to Thailand’s digital economy. Additionally, he assured that the administration will continue to support the sector going forward. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Bitkub founder Jirayut Srupsrisopa said the exchange is planning to build a solid foundation for Thailand’s digital economic infrastructure within the next five years. He also welcomed the government’s support for blockchain technology, which serves as the basis for other emerging advances such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and the metaverse. Bitkub was founded in 2018 and was among the first exchanges to receive a digital asset license from the nation’s Securities and Exchange Commission, in 2019. It is the largest crypto exchange in Thailand, with a 90% share of crypto transactions based on 2021 data from regulated exchanges. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-08 - 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

Two dead six injured as six wheel truck carrying construction workers crashed at bend during rain in NE Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on a road accident in Muang district of Mukdahan in the north east of Thailand yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252715-two-dead-six-injured-as-six-wheel-truck-carrying-construction-workers-crashed-at-bend-during-rain-in-ne/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on a road accident in Muang district of Mukdahan in the north east of Thailand yesterday. A six wheel truck careened off the road into a power pole in the Ban Khong Samran area at a bend during a rainstorm. It was carrying construction workers. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Dead at the scene were Narong, 50, beside the Isuzu truck and App, 43, who was under it. Six other injured workers were taken to hospital. Police will wait to interview the driver of the truck after he recovers sufficiently from his injuries. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-08 - 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

Vendors Urge Government to Closely Monitor Commodity Prices by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Vendors have expressed concerns over rising commodity prices, urging the government to closely monitor the situation and intervene if necessary. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252714-vendors-urge-government-to-closely-monitor-commodity-prices/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Vendors have expressed concerns over rising commodity prices, urging the government to closely monitor the situation and intervene if necessary. Their concerns were conveyed during recent media surveys, as the nation faces rising energy costs while still dealing with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Thai inflation rate recently hit 5.28% - the highest in 13 years. Fuel prices continue to fluctuate due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with consumers and vendors now anticipating high prices of animal feed, fresh ingredients, ready-made meals, meats and eggs. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the government has yet to authorize a price hike on any products. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, if producers decide they can no longer bear rising operational costs, they can petition for the right to raise rates. The administration said it will consider such petitions on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on protecting consumers. Several items have also been listed as products that are not subject to price hikes, such as instant noodles, cooking oil, carbonated drinks and daily products. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-08 - 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 Businesses Consider Crypto as Alternate Payment Option for Russian Entrepreneurs by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Phuket Tourist Association has discussed with the Bank of Thailand assistance measures for Russian entrepreneurs in the Kingdom who are being affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252712-phuket-businesses-consider-crypto-as-alternate-payment-option-for-russian-entrepreneurs/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Phuket Tourist Association has discussed with the Bank of Thailand assistance measures for Russian entrepreneurs in the Kingdom who are being affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. During the meeting, the two agencies discussed the viability of temporarily allowing the use of cryptocurrencies as an alternative method of payment. The matter will soon be proposed to the Cabinet for consideration. The association said crypto would likely be an appealing choice should other means of making financial transactions in Russia be severed. It stressed, however, that it would need to determine whether crypto can be seamlessly connected to existing payment systems. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to the association, about 3,500-4,000 Russians and 300-400 Ukrainians currently reside in Phuket. The local private sector is now in talks with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) about possibly providing them with assistance measures. These could include establishing a center to coordinate assistance, facilities for issuing visas, and organizing special flights to their respective nations. Meanwhile, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, the TAT’s deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, said the TAT is currently adjusting its targets for Russian visitors to Thailand this year. The current figure stands at a quarter of a million. Russians have constituted the highest number of tourists to Thailand since the Kingdom’s reopening in November of last year, with more than 63,000 travelers so far. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-08 - 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

Thousands who signed up for Thailand Pass receive scam email By Thai Enquirer Thousands of people, both Thais and foreigners, who signed for the country’s Thailand Pass program received a fraudulent phishing email asking for personal details. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252711-thousands-who-signed-up-for-thailand-pass-receive-scam-email/

By Thai Enquirer Thousands of people, both Thais and foreigners, who signed for the country’s Thailand Pass program received a fraudulent phishing email asking for personal details. The emails, which were sent out over the past several days, asked the recipient for their details including their full name, their date of birth, and the last four digits of their passports. Authorities are advising those who receive the email to not respond to the queries and to delete and block the address. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38320/thousands-who-signed-up-for-thailand-pass-receive-scam-email/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-08 - 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

Married couple killed - motorcycle hit car at U-turn, Pajero runs over them Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on the tragic death of a married couple in Nakhon Pathom in central Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252709-married-couple-killed-motorcycle-hit-car-at-u-turn-pajero-runs-over-them/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on the tragic death of a married couple in Nakhon Pathom in central Thailand. Mongkhol, 65, and his wife Klinphaka, 56, were on a Honda motorcycle when they clipped the back of a Honda City on the Malaimaen Road heading into town. They came off and were run over by a Mitsubishi Pajero. The driver of the Pajero named as Suphadech said he couldn't brake in time. He thought the driver of the motorcycle was trying to make a U-turn. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Police investigations continue after the accident at 8 pm last night. Thai Rath described grisly injuries at the scene with a lot of blood after both victims suffered multiple injuries. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-08 - 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

Amazing Thailand: Super rich loony arrested at Suvarnabhumi after fleeing kingdom in "cobra" release case Picture: Thai Rath It is a case straight out of the "Amazing Thailand" playbook. A super rich man with mental health problems who has scared the Thai public in Bangkok witless. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252706-amazing-thailand-super-rich-loony-arrested-at-suvarnabhumi-after-fleeing-kingdom-in-cobra-release-case/

Picture: Thai Rath It is a case straight out of the "Amazing Thailand" playbook. A super rich man with mental health problems who has scared the Thai public in Bangkok witless. At the center of the case involving the met police and Lumpini cops is Khanetphisanuthep Jakraphopmahadecha - known more succinctly in the Thai media as "K. Roi Lan" - Mr K of Hundreds of Millions of Baht. He is convinced about Thai/Hindu religious mysticism and his first name reflects that being a construct of "Ganesh, Vishnu and Angel". Back on February 1st he was arrested after attacking himself with a sword and releasing cobras all over the place after parking his luxury car in the middle of the road outside Central World in downtown Bangkok. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It was just the latest of several such incidents that freaked out the Thai public in recent years. He was taken away for a mental health evaluation at the Police Hospital and slapped with six charges including scaring the public, weapons offences and matters relating to the release of the potentially deadly snakes, reported Thai Rath. But he promptly slipped out of the country and went to India. On Sunday the met police were waiting at Suvarnabhumi airport for his return and he was arrested again, reported Thai Rath. Pol Maj-Gen Jirasan Kaewsaeng-ek, in his capacity as spokesman, told a press conference yesterday that the suspect was then taken to Somdej Chaophraya Hospital for a further mental health evaluation. Once that is done the prosecution will follow on six charges. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-08 - 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