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by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Energy Business has reported that fuel consumption in Thailand has risen in the first two months of 2022. According to Department of Energy Business director-general Nantika Thangsuphanich, fuel demand has increased 13.9 percent to 153 million liters per day between January and February 2022. The surge was due to increased travel and business activity following the government’s easing of lockdown measures in order to revitalize the economy. Diesel consumption increased by 18.1 percent to an average of 77 million liters per day, up from 65.1 million liters per day. Gasohol demand increased by 2.1 percent to 29.51 million liters per day, while unleaded gasoline consumption decreased by 14 percent to 0.61 million liters per day. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe LPG consumption increased 7.7 percent year on year to 17,230 tons per day. Its growth in the cooking gas segment was 0.2 percent, while LPG consumption for polymer manufacturing, transportation, and industries increased by 14, 10, and 8.2 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, fuel imports have increased 12.5 percent to 1.03 million barrels per day, with crude oil imports accounting for almost 960,000 barrels per day, a 6.7 percent increase. The value of crude oil imports also increased by 83 percent to 83.7 billion baht per month. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-31 - 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 government targets Phuket to become international medical tourism hotspot By Panithan Onthaworn Thailand will develop Phuket into a world-class medical tourism centre, after the success of the Phuket Sandbox programme in light of new travel trends during the Covid-19 era, the government said on Thursday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255289-thai-government-targets-phuket-to-become-international-medical-tourism-hotspot/

By Panithan Onthaworn Thailand will develop Phuket into a world-class medical tourism centre, after the success of the Phuket Sandbox programme in light of new travel trends during the Covid-19 era, the government said on Thursday. Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the Phuket Sandbox, the country’s pilot plan to welcome foreign visitors, has paved the way for the resort island to become a medical tourism hub in the future. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “Phuket Sandbox is an excellent example of tourism working successfully alongside public health precautions,” said Thanakorn, adding that the programme has generated tourism income over 50 billion baht so far. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39080/thai-government-targets-phuket-to-become-international-medical-tourism-hotspot/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-31 - 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 police smashing up the evidence in the far south Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported on an event at the Phatthalung provincial police station yesterday to celebrate a successful crackdown on street racers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255286-thai-police-smashing-up-the-evidence-in-the-far-south/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported on an event at the Phatthalung provincial police station yesterday to celebrate a successful crackdown on street racers. In the last month 5 bikes have been seized and 250 illegal exhausts were gathered. Police in the area in Thailand's far south had been out trying to stop races mostly held on Friday to Sunday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe After the speeches were made about the perils of street racing on motorcycles and the excellence in general of the Royal Thai Police, a steamroller did the job of flattening those pesky and now silenced exhausts. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-31 - 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: Naew Na Picture: Naew Na Picture: Naew Na

Sparks fly as two Thai families meet - 31 year old dead after argument following toilet visit Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that police in Bangkok in the Bang Kho Laem area were called to a massage establishment called Jimjum. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255285-sparks-fly-as-two-thai-families-meet-31-year-old-dead-after-argument-following-toilet-visit/

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that police in Bangkok in the Bang Kho Laem area were called to a massage establishment called Jimjum. They found Phaitoon, 43, waiting for them with a knife that was taken into evidence. He is an environmental health officer with the Sathon district. Jakkrit, 31, a pump attendant with the PT group was stabbed multiple times. He was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The media reported that Phaitoon and his family were joined by another for dinner. Seven were in attendance. After Phaitoon and Jakkrit went to the toilet together they emerged and were arguing. Witnesses said the dead man attacked first with fists before being slayed by the attacks with a knife from the older man. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-31 - 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

Thai woman got lucky with gambling win - but when she claims, the cops came calling Manager Thai Caption: Woman robbed after betting win A Thai woman who got lucky winning nearly two million baht in online gambling soon didn't feel quite so lucky. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255284-thai-woman-got-lucky-with-gambling-win-but-when-she-claims-the-cops-came-calling/

Manager Thai Caption: Woman robbed after betting win A Thai woman who got lucky winning nearly two million baht in online gambling soon didn't feel quite so lucky. She alleges that a group of burly men claiming to be "cyber cops" extorted 400,000 baht from her, her husband and their 11 year old child after they were questioned. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Now well known lawyer "Thanai Tam" is involved saying that their office will be demanding answers from the head of the cyber police, reported Manager. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-31 - 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

OPINION Language barrier, stereotypes frustrate new Chinese migrants to Thailand ● Unlike earlier Chinese migrants to Thailand, many ‘xin yimin’ are more transient and report finding social interactions with local Thais challenging ● Hindered by communication struggles and negative stereotypes, they tend to seek out their fellow Chinese in search of belonging and support A woman walks through an alley in the Talad Noi neighbourhood, long home to the ethnic Chinese communities of Bangkok. Photo: AFP Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255282-language-barrier-stereotypes-frustrate-new-chinese-migrants-to-thailand/

A woman walks through an alley in the Talad Noi neighbourhood, long home to the ethnic Chinese communities of Bangkok. Photo: AFP OPINION ● Unlike earlier Chinese migrants to Thailand, many ‘xin yimin’ are more transient and report finding social interactions with local Thais challenging ● Hindered by communication struggles and negative stereotypes, they tend to seek out their fellow Chinese in search of belonging and support Thailand has a long history of Chinese immigration. There are an estimated 7.1 million people in the country who identify as Chinese, forming the oldest and most significant ethnic Chinese community in Southeast Asia. Earlier migrants found success, studies show, by assimilating and integrating into Thai culture, but over recent decades a new generation of Chinese migrants has emerged who do not necessarily aim to settle in their host countries. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe These new, more transient migrants may be mainly searching for business opportunities and to pursue a better quality of life, strategically encouraged by China to explore such opportunities overseas as part of its official discourse on xin yimin (new migrants) – even as others simply wish to pursue personal dreams. Thailand became a prime destination for many, and since the 2000s, they have moved to its big cities in substantial numbers. By 2020, the number of new Chinese migrants in the country had reached 77,000 – variously moving for business, education, lifestyle and leisure. Full story: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3172408/new-chinese-migrants-thailand-hit-negative-stereotypes-language -- © Copyright South China Morning Post 2022-03-31 - 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

Forget social distancing! Faithful flock to downtown Bangkok shrine to appease Rahu Huge crowds were out in the Huay Khwang area of Bangkok last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255280-forget-social-distancing-faithful-flock-to-downtown-bangkok-shrine-to-appease-rahu/

Huge crowds were out in the Huay Khwang area of Bangkok last night. The faithful had a small window of opportunity from 8 pm to 2.24 am to appease Rahu. Some people had arrived bearing the accoutrements of appeasing a God, others, had not and so were thus obliged to partake of vendors' offerings. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The local constabulary were kindly quite quickly on the scene to make sure there were no major disturbances and that the traffic remained relatively fluid. Sanook reported big crowds even early on and as the night crept towards the Rahu witching hour in the middle of the night tension grew. Whether Rahu has been successfully appeased is often discovered in the coming months, notes ASEAN NOW. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-31 - 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

Dental technician in hospital after horror smash in far south Picture: INN Kong Ra police in Phatthalung in the far south of Thailand found a very seriously injured woman trapped in the body of a badly damaged Toyoto Vios. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255278-dental-technician-in-hospital-after-horror-smash-in-far-south/

Picture: INN Kong Ra police in Phatthalung in the far south of Thailand found a very seriously injured woman trapped in the body of a badly damaged Toyoto Vios. 35 year old dental technician Kotchakorn was taken to a local hospital. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe She had lost control of her vehicle on a bend after rain had left it treacherous, reported INN. Her car rolled and slammed into a roadside power pole. Picture: INN Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-31 - 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

Water fights and alcohol banned at Songkran events in Hua Hin By Online Reporter File photo Water fights and alcohol will be banned at Songkran events held in Hua Hin and throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan in a bid to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255277-water-fights-and-alcohol-banned-at-songkran-events-in-hua-hin/

File photo By Online Reporter Water fights and alcohol will be banned at Songkran events held in Hua Hin and throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan in a bid to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Those attending Songkran events must also be fully vaccinated or pass an ATK test within 72 hours of attending the event, Prachuap Khiri Khan deputy governor Prompiriya Kitnuson has announced. Organisers of Songkran events must seek prior approval from the provincial communicable diseases committee and are also required to follow the COVID Free Setting measures as outlined by the Ministry of Public Health. Such events can include live music, concerts and traditional activities within the local community at restaurants or at religious sites. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/water-fights-and-alcohol-banned-at-songkran-events-in-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-03-31 - 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

Hong Kong/Thai tourist loses all his luggage after tricky taxi driver disappears Picture: Thai Rath A half Thai half Hong Kong man called Lamsam told the Thai media how he and his partner were robbed of all their luggage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255275-hong-kongthai-tourist-loses-all-his-luggage-after-tricky-taxi-driver-disappears/

Picture: Thai Rath A half Thai half Hong Kong man called Lamsam told the Thai media how he and his partner were robbed of all their luggage. Lamsan and Paveena, 32, had arrived at Ubon Ratchathani airport on a merit making trip to the north east from their home in Bangkok. They were confronted at the airport by drivers of unlicenced cabs and decided to take one to Khemmarat for 1,000 baht. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The driver said he needed the loo and so they stopped while he did that and they went to the 7-Eleven at a gas station, reported Thai Rath. When they finished their shopping and their own comfort break the driver was nowhere to be found. Picture: Thai Rath After ten minutes hoping he might come back they called 191. Disappearing along with the cab were the couple's three items of luggage containing valuables up to 100,000 baht. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-31 - 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

Digital assets stare at uncertain future in Thailand as regulators clip their wings Zacary Egea, a f ormer member of the Bolivarian National Police, shows his mobile while checking the status of his plant while playing the Plant Vs Undead video game in the Cuaricuao neighborhood in the Libertador municipality of Caracas on September 10, 2021. – According to a study by several universities, 96% of the population lives in poverty so video games that involve non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have unleashed a boom among the population that dreams with having a plant (Plant Vs Undead) that allows them to earn a bitcoin to get out of poverty. (Photo by Yuri CORTEZ / AFP) Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255274-digital-assets-stare-at-uncertain-future-in-thailand-as-regulators-clip-their-wings/

Zacary Egea, a f ormer member of the Bolivarian National Police, shows his mobile while checking the status of his plant while playing the Plant Vs Undead video game in the Cuaricuao neighborhood in the Libertador municipality of Caracas on September 10, 2021. – According to a study by several universities, 96% of the population lives in poverty so video games that involve non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have unleashed a boom among the population that dreams with having a plant (Plant Vs Undead) that allows them to earn a bitcoin to get out of poverty. (Photo by Yuri CORTEZ / AFP) Ending weeks of speculation, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 24 put in place new regulations governing the digital assets business, effectively curbing their ambitious outreach. The authorities made it clear that the move was aimed at protecting investors and guarding against financial stability. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The crux of the measure was prohibiting the use of digital assets, such as cryptocurrency and tokens, as a means of payment. Those involved in the digital asset business, whether they are digital exchanges, brokers, dealers, investment advisers, ICO portals or fund managers are barred from creating infrastructure that could facilitate the use of cryptocurrency as a means of payment for goods and services. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/digital-assets-stare-at-uncertain-future-in-thailand-as-regulators-clip-their-wings/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-31 - 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

Ex-fighter pilot Sita Divari on a mission to become Bangkok’s next governor Former fighter pilot Sita Divari admits he is not a frontrunner in the May 22 Bangkok governor election, but he has vowed to “fight wholeheartedly without worrying whether I lose or win”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255273-ex-fighter-pilot-sita-divari-on-a-mission-to-become-bangkok’s-next-governor/

Former fighter pilot Sita Divari admits he is not a frontrunner in the May 22 Bangkok governor election, but he has vowed to “fight wholeheartedly without worrying whether I lose or win”. Sita announced the pledge along with his policy platform as his Thai Sang Thai Party launched its candidates for the governor and city councilor elections. The party, which is led by Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, unveiled its candidates at the Warehouse Stadium in Bangkok’s Klong Toei district on Wednesday (March 30). Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ex-fighter-pilot-sita-divari-on-a-mission-to-become-bangkoks-next-governor/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-31 - 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

Security man killed crossing the road - motorcyclist in hospital Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that Bang Plee police in Samut Prakan were called to the scene of a collision between a pedestrian and a young man on a motorcycle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255271-security-man-killed-crossing-the-road-motorcyclist-in-hospital/