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Thailand, southern rebels agree on 40-day Ramadan peace initiative Muzliza Mustafa, Nisha David and Mariyam Ahmad Kuala Lumpur and Pattani, Thailand Anas Abdulrahman, the head of the peace talks panel for the BRN, a southern Thai separatist rebel group, speaks at a press conference at a hotel near Kuala Lumpur, April 1, 2022. S. Mahfuz/BenarNews The warring sides in Thailand’s Deep South conflict agreed to a 40-day pause in violence to cover Ramadan and, in a first, unarmed rebels will be allowed to visit their families during the holy month, officials said after the latest peace talks hosted by Malaysia wrapped up Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255462-thailand-southern-rebels-agree-on-40-day-ramadan-peace-initiative/

Anas Abdulrahman, the head of the peace talks panel for the BRN, a southern Thai separatist rebel group, speaks at a press conference at a hotel near Kuala Lumpur, April 1, 2022. S. Mahfuz/BenarNews Muzliza Mustafa, Nisha David and Mariyam Ahmad Kuala Lumpur and Pattani, Thailand The warring sides in Thailand’s Deep South conflict agreed to a 40-day pause in violence to cover Ramadan and, in a first, unarmed rebels will be allowed to visit their families during the holy month, officials said after the latest peace talks hosted by Malaysia wrapped up Friday. Malaysia facilitated the two days of peace talks between the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) separatist insurgents and the Thai government – the second round of negotiations this year – at a hotel near Kuala Lumpur. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “Both parties have agreed to [a] violence reduction agenda during Ramadan,” the Muslim holy month of fasting that starts this week, as a “confidence-building and trust-building” measure, Abdul Rahim Noor, the Malaysian peace broker for the talks, told reporters at the end of the latest meetings. Full story: https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/thai/thai-brn-peace-talks-04012022143427.html -- © Copyright Benar News 2022-04-02 - 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 immigration assisted 1,800 Ukrainian and Russian tourists last month with travel issues By Tanakorn Panyadee Phuket – Phuket immigration officer spokespeople revealed over 1,800 Ukrainian and Russian tourists came to receive aid during the month of March, most with travel-related issues due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255461-phuket-immigration-assisted-1800-ukrainian-and-russian-tourists-last-month-with-travel-issues/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Phuket – Phuket immigration officer spokesperson revealed over 1,800 Ukrainian and Russian tourists came to receive aid during the month of March, most with travel-related issues due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Yesterday, the Phuket immigration inspector Anirut Pattarawiwat revealed 1,830 people including Ukrainians and Russians in Phuket affected by the conflict came to receive assistance with visa extensions from March 1st to March 27th. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Moreover, the officers said they had collaborated with the Russian Embassy and had offered the provision of special-price accommodation and assistance for those who could not proceed with financial transactions due to sanctions. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/01/phuket-immigration-assisted-1800-ukrainian-and-russian-tourists-last-month-with-travel-issues/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-02 - 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

Analysis/Opinion: Pressure is on Thai Government from all directions to drop and ease Covid-19 restrictions but it won’t happen yet. Here is why. By Adam Judd Thailand- It seems like every day another organization, association, group, business, or something similar is in the news suggesting/demanding/asking for the Thai Government to lift or ease Covid-19 restrictions, especially Test and Go and Thailand Pass. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255460-analysisopinion-pressure-is-on-thai-government-from-all-directions-to-drop-and-ease-covid-19-restrictions-but-it-won’t-happen-yet-here-is-why/

By Adam Judd Thailand- It seems like every day another organization, association, group, business, or something similar is in the news suggesting/demanding/asking for the Thai Government to lift or ease Covid-19 restrictions, especially Test and Go and Thailand Pass. In the past two weeks alone the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai Tourism Council, Thai Hotel Association, Thai Entertainment Association including One Voice in Pattaya, and many more have called for the Thai Government to basically get rid of Thailand pass and Test and Go. Some have also asked for the almost year-long legal ban on nightlife and bars to be lifted. These are not small-time players asking to ease the rules but powerful groups and corporations representing billions of baht. Several months ago the voices were mostly smaller groups and organizations but with nearly every government opposition group joining the chorus of voices and now well-regarded groups like FTI saying restrictions can go it isn’t a minor movement anymore. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This comes as other countries surrounding Thailand also ease their rules and restrictions for entry, many making it much easier. This, in turn, has caused Thailand’s massive tourism industry to ask..what is going on? To be fair, the Thai government has slowly eased some restrictions, including an RT-PCR test before travel and the number of days of quarantine for unvaccinated folks. They have announced a plan to treat Covid19 as endemic by June or July. This is not, however, fast enough for those who rely on tourism. So, as countries like Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and others ease restrictions and let tourists back in easier or fully open all business sectors, why is Thailand taking a much slower and cautious route? After all, tourism in Thailand is responsible for a significant (but often debated how much) percent of GDP. Also, of course, the loss of many Russian tourists due to the current Russian-Ukraine war has led many voices to ask the Thai government to move faster in easing and lifting restrictions. Well, let’s look at why Thailand isn’t moving faster. According to Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, about 2 million elderly and vulnerable have still not been fully vaccinated. Yes, many of these folks are by choice but the Thai government is doing all they can to practically beg these folks to get vaccinated. 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/2022/04/01/analysis-opinion-pressure-is-on-thai-government-from-all-directions-to-drop-and-ease-covid-19-restrictions-but-it-wont-happen-yet-here-is-why/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-02 - 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

Alleged kidnappers revealed as Thai police By Erich Parpart The alleged kidnappers of a Thai man and his family last month were identified as police officers, according to authorities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255459-alleged-kidnappers-revealed-as-thai-police/

By Erich Parpart The alleged kidnappers of a Thai man and his family last month were identified as police officers, according to authorities. “The initial investigation revealed that they were real police officers, including two officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) who were recently transferred to the bureau, and another two officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB),” Police Lieutenant General Kornchai Klayklueng, the commissioner of the CCIB, told reporters on Thursday night. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe On Friday, Lieutenant-General Trirong Puepun, the deputy chief of the MPB, told reporters that a group of 15 suspects worked together to unlawfully detain Chai, (a pseudonym), Karn (a pseudonym) and their 11-year-old daughter on March 10 in order to extort the family for money. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39107/alleged-kidnappers-revealed-as-thai-police/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-02 - 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

Loss-ridden insurance providers get licenses revoked after massive COVID claims Thailand’s Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has revoked the business licenses of two financially-troubled Thai insurance companies, Southeast Insurance and Thai Insurance, effective today (Friday), following a massive amount of COVID-19 claims. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255458-loss-ridden-insurance-providers-get-licenses-revoked-after-massive-covid-claims/

Thailand’s Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has revoked the business licenses of two financially-troubled Thai insurance companies, Southeast Insurance and Thai Insurance, effective today (Friday), following a massive amount of COVID-19 claims. Secretary-General of the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) Suttipol Taweechaikarn said that the finance minister had no choice but to close the businesses, because their shareholders have refused to increase the capital. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said that the two insurance companies now have more liabilities than assets, due to claims for compensation from many customers who took out the two firms’ “Found, Paid, Done” COVID-19 insurance policies. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/loss-ridden-insurance-providers-get-licenses-revoked-after-massive-covid-claims/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-02 - 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 2 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1255457-thailand-live-saturday-2-april-2022/

Thailand’s Juangroongruangkit family defends controversial land deal Thai Summit Group President Somporn Juangroongruangkit has asked for fairness from the public over the negative image projected of the family after the Land Department revoked 59 “nor sor 3 kor” land ownership certificates on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255423-thailand’s-juangroongruangkit-family-defends-controversial-land-deal/

Thailand-Malaysia border crossings reopen after two years Land border checkpoints between Thailand and Malaysia have reopened today (Friday), after being closed for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255424-thailand-malaysia-border-crossings-reopen-after-two-years/

IT Retailer Warns of Looming Computer Supply Shortage By Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - An IT distributor has warned Thailand could face a computer shortage in the upcoming months due to economic slowdown and international factors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255409-it-retailer-warns-of-looming-computer-supply-shortage/

By Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - An IT distributor has warned Thailand could face a computer shortage in the upcoming months due to economic slowdown and international factors. According to Chukkrit Watcharasaksilp, chief of sales and marketing at IT distributor Advice, the country’s computer market may experience a shortage between May and June. He attributed the shortage to economic problems as well as China’s recent lockdown due to an increase in Covid-19 infections. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to the sales and market chief, IT product prices would also rise as a result of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the weaker Baht. Popular computer notebooks cost between 18,000 and 19,000 baht, while popular gaming computers cost between 25,900 and 40,000 baht. Meanwhile, the organizer of the IT Commart event, ARIP, said there will be no shortage of supplies during the event. The IT event, which is currently being held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), will end this Sunday (3 April). The event is expected to draw around 500,000 people and generate more than 3 billion baht in sales. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-01 - 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

Needlefish Hit Swimmer’s Neck TRAT, April 1 (TNA) – A tourist was stabbed in his neck by a needlefish while swimming in the Tan Khu Bay and a local administrator warned tourists to beware of such fish. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255407-needlefish-hit-swimmer’s-neck/

TRAT, April 1 (TNA) – A tourist was stabbed in his neck by a needlefish while swimming in the Tan Khu Bay and a local administrator warned tourists to beware of such fish. Suchart Jitmanotham, president of the administrative organization of Bang Pid sub-district, received a report that a 35-year-old man identified only as Nopadol was stabbed in his neck by a needlefish while swimming in the Tan Khu Bay in Bang Pid sub-district in Laem Ngop district. He was rushed to Trat Hospital for an urgent operation. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe His relative Sasiwimol said while their family was relaxing in the bay, Mr Nopadol shouted that a fish hit his neck and swam back to the beach. Then she phoned for help. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-914561 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-04-01 - 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

UPDATE: Prayut warns Thais not to loose their guard as pre-arrival RT-PCR test scrapped By Panithan Onthaworn The Thai government reminded the public to maintain strict health precautions as the pre-arrival Covid-19 test requirement for foreign visitors is phased out starting from Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255373-thailand-reports-record-high-of-28379-new-covid-19-cases-92-deaths-23843-recoveries/?do=findComment&comment=17281506

Prayut warns Thais not to loose their guard as pre-arrival RT-PCR test scrapped By Panithan Onthaworn The Thai government reminded the public to maintain strict health precautions as the pre-arrival Covid-19 test requirement for foreign visitors is phased out starting from Friday. From April 1, vaccinated foreign travelers will no longer be required to get a RT-PCR certificate before traveling. However, the on-arrival RT-PCR test and self-administered antigen test on day five are still mandatory. “Don’t lower your guard,” government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana warned Thai people on behalf of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39105/prayut-warns-thais-not-to-loose-their-guard-as-pre-arrival-rt-pcr-test-scrapped/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-01 - 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 Airways to resume flight operations between India and Thailand during Summer 2022 Thai Airways will be operating 35 flights a week between India and Thailand during Summer of 2022 along with electronic-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) services. Written by: Zee Media Bureau Thai Airways The national carrier of Thailand, Thai Airways is ready to resume flight operations between India and Thailand after India lifted its international flight restrictions on March 27. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255403-thai-airways-to-resume-flight-operations-between-india-and-thailand-during-summer-2022/

Thai Airways Written by: Zee Media Bureau Thai Airways will be operating 35 flights a week between India and Thailand during Summer of 2022 along with electronic-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) services. The national carrier of Thailand, Thai Airways is ready to resume flight operations between India and Thailand after India lifted its international flight restrictions on March 27. A popular destination for Indian travellers, Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Global, expects a surge in demand for its e-Visa on Arrival service for Thailand. "Starting of Thailand electronic-Visa on Arrival (eVOA) services through VFS Global will provide great convenience to customers travelling to Thailand. Thai Airways will be operating 35 flights a week between India and Thailand during the Summer of 2022. We sincerely hope 2022 offers tremendous travel opportunities for customers," said Sunil Kumar, Sales Manager, North India, Thai Airways. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Cholada Siddhivarn, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai, said, "India remains an important source market for Thailand, and we are excited about the resumption of Thailand eVOA services through VFS Global. Thailand looks forward to welcoming many more Indian travellers in 2022." Full story: https://zeenews.india.com/aviation/thai-airways-to-resume-flight-operations-between-india-and-thailand-during-summer-2022-2449498.html -- © Copyright ZEE NEWS 2022-04-01 - 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

Sadao Checkpoint Funded to Connect with Malaysia by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Southern Border Provinces Development Strategy Committee has approved nearly 252 million baht to connect the Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla province with Malaysia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255402-sadao-checkpoint-funded-to-connect-with-malaysia/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Southern Border Provinces Development Strategy Committee has approved nearly 252 million baht to connect the Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla province with Malaysia. Deputy Minister of Interior Niphon Bunyamanee announced the approval following a recent meeting of the southern committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan. According to Niphon, the committee approved a budget of 251.96 million baht for the construction of a highway connecting the new Sadao Customs House and the Malaysian border checkpoint at Bukit Kayu Hitam. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The approval came as a result of a follow-up meeting on October 28, 2021, as the new checkpoint, which had been under construction for two years, had been unable to operate due to a technical issue between Thailand and Malaysia. The minister stated that all parties involved are doing everything possible to open the checkpoint so that trade and tourism between the two countries can resume as soon as possible. According to the deputy minister, the meeting also discussed the increase in maintenance costs for the specific checkpoint, as well as future personnel and equipment expenses. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-01 - 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

Ties that bind – 75-years of Thai-Indian relations By Thai PBS World’s Foreign Desk The logo commemorating the 75th anniversary of Thai-Indian ties is highly symbolic. On the left is the Thai Pha Khao Ma (the Thai-style sarong or longyi) interwoven with the sari, India’s traditional fabric on the right. Together they symbolise the ties that bind and get stronger by the day. Lest we forget, in 1947 Thailand was one of the first countries to establish formal ties with India. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255399-ties-that-bind-–-75-years-of-thai-indian-relations/

By Thai PBS World’s Foreign Desk The logo commemorating the 75th anniversary of Thai-Indian ties is highly symbolic. On the left is the Thai Pha Khao Ma (the Thai-style sarong or longyi) interwoven with the sari, India’s traditional fabric on the right. Together they symbolise the ties that bind and get stronger by the day. Lest we forget, in 1947 Thailand was one of the first countries to establish formal ties with India. India has been one of the cradles of Southeast Asian civilisation since ancient times and the links continue until today. Thailand has received cultural and traditional inspiration from India for at least two thousand years. Indeed, the Thai greeting “Sawasdee” comes from Sanskrit. In fact, there is a little of India in every nook and cranny of this country. Just take a look and enjoy. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The celebration comes at a time when the global environment is being disrupted by war and aggression. Therefore, it is imperative that both sides not add fuel to the fire. Thailand and India share common visions of “Shanti” or “peace”, which would be beneficial to all mankind. That helps explain why both countries, in their own way, try to find ways to reduce or extinguish the blazes looming large elsewhere. Together, they can act as a balance wheel in the Indo-Pacific region. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ties-that-bind-75-years-of-thai-indian-relations/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-01 - 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