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Tourism Council Urges Government to Relax Restrictions to Revitalize Industry by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has stated that the local tourism scene remains in a ‘comatose’ state, adding that the Kingdom needs at least 16 million visitors and 1.2 trillion baht in revenue to resuscitate the industry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255164-tourism-council-urges-government-to-relax-restrictions-to-revitalize-industry/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) has stated that the local tourism scene remains in a ‘comatose’ state, adding that the Kingdom needs at least 16 million visitors and 1.2 trillion baht in revenue to resuscitate the industry. TCT President Chamnan Srisawat noted that many countries - such as the United States and several European and Asian nations - have been relaxing entry restrictions in order to rejuvenate their tourism sectors. He urged the Thai government to consider similar moves, insisting that once these restrictions are relaxed, several sectors will immediately benefit. These can include construction, real estate, agriculture and food, as well as the healthcare and wellness sectors. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Chamnan also reiterated that SMEs and local entrepreneurs should recover quickly as more tourists make their way to the Kingdom. The TCT president said the agency aims to attract at least 16 million foreign visitors to Thailand and 75 million local travelers, generating 1.2 trillion baht in revenue. Relaxing curbs would also spur employment and generate billions of baht in tax income. To that end, the TCT has suggested that the administration remove the Thailand Pass scheme and replace the mandatory RT-PCR test-upon-arrival requirement with the more convenient ATK tests. It also floated the idea of establishing a fund to develop human resources and marketing technology, and to provide liquidity for tourism businesses. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-30 - 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

EA to Invest Over 2 Billion Baht in E-Bus Charging Stations by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Energy Absolute Public Company Limited (EA) has said it is planning to invest more than 2 billion baht in the construction of charging stations for electric buses that will be used as public transportation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255163-ea-to-invest-over-2-billion-baht-in-e-bus-charging-stations/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Energy Absolute Public Company Limited (EA) has said it is planning to invest more than 2 billion baht in the construction of charging stations for electric buses that will be used as public transportation. Somphote Ahunai, chairman of EA’s Strategic Planning Committee, made the announcement, saying the renewable energy developer will erect charging stations throughout the capital. The extension is the result of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between EA, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and JRW Utility, a provider of electrical engineering and information technology services. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Somphote said EA intends to expand the number of direct current (DC) chargers installed by 1,000 units by the end of the year, bringing the total to 1,900 under the EA Anywhere brand. The MEA will provide a sufficient and steady supply of electricity to the charging stations, while JRW Utility will assist in the development of basic infrastructure. An ultra-fast charging service will be available specifically for buses, vans and ferries, using a mechanism designed to recharge batteries up to 80% in just 15 minutes. JRW Utility chief executive Jarun Wiwatjesadawut said the construction of EV charging stations will bolster the state’s EV promotion strategy, as part of efforts to transition to clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. EA has thus far developed its business to include a variety of EV-related projects. It recently partnered with public boat operator Family Transport Co to conduct a feasibility study on the possibility of transitioning to a battery-powered boat service. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-30 - 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 announces 1,283 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and three new deaths By Nop Meechukhun PHOTO: Sophon Cable TV (STV) Highlights: ● 1,283 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today ● 8,306 positive ATK (rapid antigen) tests were reported but all require a second confirmed PCR test before being counted as official cases. The ATK positive tests are just “possible” cases until confirmed by PCR. TPN notes, however, that second confirmed tests are no longer mandatory except for high-risk groups. ● 1,191 (PCR) and 4,732 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care ● Three new deaths Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255161-chonburi-announces-1283-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-three-new-deaths/

PHOTO: Sophon Cable TV (STV) By Nop Meechukhun Highlights: ● 1,283 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today ● 8,306 positive ATK (rapid antigen) tests were reported but all require a second confirmed PCR test before being counted as official cases. The ATK positive tests are just “possible” cases until confirmed by PCR. TPN notes, however, that second confirmed tests are no longer mandatory except for high-risk groups. ● 1,191 (PCR) and 4,732 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care ● Three new deaths The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 1,283 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with three new deaths, March 30th, 2022. This makes a total of 75,733 cases (PCR) and 149,390 cases (ATK) of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 12,510 (PCR) and 61,564 (ATK) people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 130 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections at the beginning of this year, January 2022. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Additionally, 1,191 (PCR) and 4,732 (ATK) people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 63,125 (PCR) and 87,826 (ATK) people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began at the beginning of this year, January 2022. 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/2022/03/30/chonburi-announces-1283-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-three-new-deaths/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-30 - 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

Who let the Siberian Huskies out? Cute dogs waiting for owner to show Picture: Thai Rath A concerned member of the public called Wattanaporn, 24, stopped on her way home to offer assistance to two cute Siberian Huskies playing dangerously in the street. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255156-who-let-the-siberian-huskies-out-cute-dogs-waiting-for-owner-to-show/

Picture: Thai Rath A concerned member of the public called Wattanaporn, 24, stopped on her way home to offer assistance to two cute Siberian Huskies playing dangerously in the street. It was going down near the Chat Luang housing estate in Klong Luang, Pathum Thani. Wattanaporn said she took into her care two dogs aged about 3 and 2. She feared they would have a road traffic accident. Meanwhile Padungkiat of a Klong 3 rescue unit arrived to take over the care of the huskies. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He has been appealing on social media in the area for the dog's owner to come forward. He said he would look after the dogs at his house until the owner comes forward. He left a phone number with Thai Rath. Thai Rath made several references to Siberian Huskies being "naa rak" or cute. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-30 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

UPDATE: Thai cabinet rejects draft Progressive Liquor Bill Photo by jcomp on freepik.com The Thai cabinet rejected the Move Forward Party’s draft Progressive Liquor Bill yesterday (Tuesday), which seeks to liberalise the production of liquor for non-commercial purpose. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255134-prayuth-youre-free-to-brew-your-own-booze-just-read-the-fine-print/?do=findComment&comment=17277150

Thai cabinet rejects draft Progressive Liquor Bill Photo by jcomp on freepik.com The Thai cabinet rejected the Move Forward Party’s draft Progressive Liquor Bill yesterday (Tuesday), which seeks to liberalise the production of liquor for non-commercial purpose. Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said that the cabinet rejected the bill because liquor production for non-commercial purposes is already possible, provided that the production process complies with quality and environmental controls, to ensure the safety of those who consume it. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe She said that the cabinet has instructed the Finance Ministry to amend its regulations regarding liquor production in a way that does not restrict the right of the public to produce liquor for non-commercial purposes. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-cabinet-rejects-draft-progressive-liquor-bill/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-30 - 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

Iranian Tourist Missing in Whitewater Rafting PHANG-NGA, March 30 (TNA) – An Iranian tourist went missing when a runoff hit his inflatable boat during a whitewater trip in the Song Phraek stream yesterday. Rescuers were still searching for him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255153-iranian-tourist-missing-in-whitewater-rafting/

PHANG-NGA, March 30 (TNA) – An Iranian tourist went missing when a runoff hit his inflatable boat during a whitewater trip in the Song Phraek stream yesterday. Rescuers were still searching for him. A 38-year-old tour manager identified himself only as Damrong said the stream was normal when the rafting session of tourists on three inflatable boats started but suddenly a runoff emerged. Two boats returned to a bank just in time but the other was thrown to rocks and a pile cap of a bridge. It capsized. Steersmen and other tourists got up from the stream safely except the 42-year-old Iranian man. Eyewitnesses said five foreign tourists boarded the boat with two steersmen. It capsized and got stuck to the bridge’s pile cap. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-913052 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-03-30 - 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

Abbot calls on the Buddhist faithful to dig deep after temple collapse Picture: Thai Rath The abbot of a temple in the north east of Thailand is calling on his parishioners to dig deep and donate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255152-abbot-calls-on-the-buddhist-faithful-to-dig-deep-after-temple-collapse/

Picture: Thai Rath The abbot of a temple in the north east of Thailand is calling on his parishioners to dig deep and donate. This after a monument being built at the temple of Wat Phia Ram in Muang district of Surin collapsed in high winds on Monday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The abbot said that 5 million baht damage was done and this would need to be collected one way or the other. The unusually high winds on Monday toppled the structure that was surrounded by scaffolding. Thai Rath published the monk's telephone number. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-30 - 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

Mayor leads “Big Cleaning Day” of Hua Hin’s canals and sidewalks By Online Reporter Hua Hin Municipality is stepping up efforts to ensure the city’s canals and adjacent sidewalks are free from debris. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255151-mayor-leads-“big-cleaning-day”-of-hua-hin’s-canals-and-sidewalks/

By Online Reporter Hua Hin Municipality is stepping up efforts to ensure the city’s canals and adjacent sidewalks are free from debris. Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul, Mayor of Hua Hin, Mr. Jeerawat Prahmanee, Municipality Permanent Secretary, Mr. Theeraphan Jadpol, Director of the Department of Public Health and the Environment, the Office of Technician and other municipal staff helped cut back plants and bushes and scoop out water hyacinths from canals throughout parts of Hua Hin. Canals were cleared in front of Kong Pra Chan, Pae Mai, Ruamsuk and Smorprong, all the way to Bo Fai. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/mayor-leads-big-cleaning-day-of-hua-hins-canals-and-sidewalks/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-03-30 - 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

Pregnant Thai mum speaks of "hellish" conditions in NE field hospital Picture: Sanook A Thai woman blogged about her experience at a field hospital for people infected with Covid in Buriram. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255150-pregnant-thai-mum-speaks-of-hellish-conditions-in-ne-field-hospital/

Picture: Sanook A Thai woman blogged about her experience at a field hospital for people infected with Covid in Buriram. Her platform was TikTok. She described her experience as "hellish" and claimed she was given the wrong drug for people who are pregnant. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe She complained of not having enough food or even water. To cap it all off some much needed supplies from relatives "went missing". Sanook reported that the relevant authorities are investigating. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-30 - 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

New camping area opens at Cha Am Forest Park By Online Reporter For anyone looking for a new family friendly activity close to Hua Hin, head to Cha Am Forest Park. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255149-new-camping-area-opens-at-cha-am-forest-park/

By Online Reporter For anyone looking for a new family friendly activity close to Hua Hin, head to Cha Am Forest Park. Park officials have announced the opening of a new camping area at the park which offers campers easy access to the beach and town centre. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Located on an area of more than 300 rai off Phetkasem Road, the Forest Park, is less than a five minute drive from Cha Am Beach. Cha Am Forest Park includes a wide range of facilities such as permanent accommodation, bathrooms and shower facilities, conference rooms, a nature trail gym, and a visitor’s centre. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/new-camping-area-opens-at-cha-am-forest-park/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-03-30 - 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

Ladyboy found dead in bed - phone was being charged but murder not ruled out Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on the discovery of the body of a 48 year old man called Wiraphat on the Dong Dara housing estate in Udon Thani, NE Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255148-ladyboy-found-dead-in-bed-phone-was-being-charged-but-murder-not-ruled-out/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported on the discovery of the body of a 48 year old man called Wiraphat on the Dong Dara housing estate in Udon Thani, NE Thailand. Relatives said the victim was a ladyboy who sold betelnut in the market every day from dawn to dusk. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The victim was found in bed inside a mosquito net. Next to the body a phone was plugged in and charging. Police have yet to settle on a cause of death suggesting that passing out in the hot weather as well as electrocution or even murder are all on the table. Investigations continue. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-30 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Thailand is the most searched-for destination on Agoda By Cod Satrusayang Thailand is now the most searched-for destination in the world on travel giant Agoda’s search engine topping other vaunted travel destinations and signaling a possible return to normalcy following two years of Covid-19 shutdown. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255147-thailand-is-the-most-searched-for-destination-on-agoda/

By Cod Satrusayang Thailand is now the most searched-for destination in the world on travel giant Agoda’s search engine topping other vaunted travel destinations and signaling a possible return to normalcy following two years of Covid-19 shutdown. According to the booking giant, Thailand saw nearly a 500 per cent increase in the number of searches-for since the beginning of the year with many looking to travel to the country between March and September. The news will be a welcome one for Thailand’s ailing travel industry which has been virtually shut down for the past two years due to Covid. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39038/thailand-is-the-most-searched-for-destination-on-agoda/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-30 - 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

Cabinet Approves 6.2 Billion Baht for Government Cloud System by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet this week approved a 6.2 billion baht budget to establish a central cloud system for government agencies within three years, from 2023 to 2025. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1255146-cabinet-approves-62-billion-baht-for-government-cloud-system/