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Sixteen Thai evacuees from Ukraine test positive for COVID-19 Photo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Sixteen of the 96 Thai evacuees from Ukraine, who arrived in Bangkok today, have tested positive for COVID-19 and are now isolated at the quarantine centre at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute in Nonthaburi province, according to the Ministry of Public Health. Of the first group of 38, who arrived this morning at Suvarnabhumi international airport, three were found to be infected. Thirteen others among the second group of 58, who arrived this afternoon, have also tested positive for the virus. All 96 were taken to Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute after their arrival, to wait for RT-PCR test results under the “Test and Go” program. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/sixteen-thai-evacuees-from-ukraine-test-positive-for-covid-19/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-03 - 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

Hua Hin’s pesky pachyderms get their collars felt By Online Reporter Officials are stepping up measures to keep track of two lovable rogue elephants who occasionally have a brush with locals in a community in Hua Hin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252124-hua-hin’s-pesky-pachyderms-get-their-collars-felt/

By Online Reporter Officials are stepping up measures to keep track of two lovable rogue elephants who occasionally have a brush with locals in a community in Hua Hin. The elephants known as “Plai Boonchuay” and “Plai Boonmee” have been known to disturb people and damage property and farmland in the Huai Sat Yai sub district in Hua Hin, close to the Kaeng Krachan National Park. On Tuesday (Mar 1), Pichai Watcharawongpaiboon, director of the Third Conservation Area Administration Office in Phetchaburi said that staff at the national park had put collars on the elephants. The collars, complete with GPS, can track the movements of the elephants and report their location every six hours. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/hua-hins-pesky-pachyderms-get-their-collars-felt/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-03-03 - 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

27-year-old ‘Big Bike’ rider dies after crashing into an electric pole in Banglamung By Goong Nang(GN) Banglamung – A 27-year-old big bike rider has been pronounced dead at the scene after crashing into an electric pole Banglamung, March 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252123-27-year-old-‘big-bike’-rider-dies-after-crashing-into-an-electric-pole-in-banglamung/

By Goong Nang(GN) Banglamung – A 27-year-old big bike rider has been pronounced dead at the scene after crashing into an electric pole Banglamung, March 1st. The Nongprue Police were notified of the accident at 11:15 P.M. on Motorway Frontage Road in Nongprue. Emergency responders and The Pattaya News arrived at the scene to find a damaged Honda CBR500 on the road. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/02/27-year-old-big-bike-rider-dies-after-crashing-into-an-electric-pole-in-banglamung/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-03 - 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 Chinese nationals and Thai resident arrested in Phuket for allegedly smuggling and selling illegal Covid-19 coronavirus medicines By Nop Meechukhun Phuket – Two Chinese nationals and a Thai national were arrested in the Patong area of Phuket yesterday, March 2nd, for allegedly smuggling and selling illegal Covid-19 coronavirus medicines. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252122-two-chinese-nationals-and-thai-resident-arrested-in-phuket-for-allegedly-smuggling-and-selling-illegal-covid-19-coronavirus-medicines/

By Nop Meechukhun Phuket – Two Chinese nationals and a Thai national were arrested in the Patong area of Phuket yesterday, March 2nd, for allegedly smuggling and selling illegal Covid-19 coronavirus medicines. Phuket police had arrested Bai Jifu, 54, and Pennapha Sathongnon, 36, at a house in Kathu District, Phuket, after being alerted by a “concerned citizen” that there were Chinese and Thai people smuggling fake Covid-19 drugs and selling to local people in the area. Nearly 100 boxes of medicines named “Ya Lian Hua Qing Wen”, claiming to be Covid-19 medicines and “miracle cures”, were found at the scene along with mobile phones and dozens of boxes of Chinese-branded cigarettes. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/02/two-chinese-nationals-and-thai-resident-arrested-in-phuket-for-allegedly-smuggling-and-selling-illegal-covid-19-coronavirus-medicines/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-03 - 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

More voices call for transparency over light rail concession extension By Erich Parpart A former lawmaker and the Move Forward candidate for Bangkok’s gubernatorial election is asking the current governor to reveal information related to the Green Line railway concession to the public which he says is unfairly affecting the public. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252120-more-voices-call-for-transparency-over-light-rail-concession-extension/

By Erich Parpart A former lawmaker and the Move Forward candidate for Bangkok’s gubernatorial election is asking the current governor to reveal information related to the Green Line railway concession to the public which he says is unfairly affecting the public. The Ministry of Interior is proposing for the concession to be extended by 30 years from 2029 to 2059 with a maximum ticket price of 65 baht. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) owns the Green Line and the concession operator is the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC). Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38099/more-voices-call-for-transparency-over-light-rail-concession-extension/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-03 - 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

15,000 baht compensation for Thais evacuated from Ukraine By Panithan Onthaworn Thai workers evacuated from Ukraine who are members of the Overseas Thai Workers Fund are eligible for compensation of 15,000 baht per person (about USD 460), the Thai government said Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252119-15000-baht-compensation-for-thais-evacuated-from-ukraine/

By Panithan Onthaworn Thai workers evacuated from Ukraine who are members of the Overseas Thai Workers Fund are eligible for compensation of 15,000 baht per person (about USD 460), the Thai government said Wednesday. A total of 96 Thai workers in Ukraine arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday amid escalating conflict caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Boonchob Suthamanuswong, permanent secretary of the Labour Ministry, said 69 of them have registered with the Overseas Thai Workers Fund and will receive financial support as they become unemployed. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38106/15000-baht-compensation-for-thais-evacuated-from-ukraine/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-03 - 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

Will we become culturally starved here in Thailand? by Michael Bridge Since the pandemic took over, the capital Bangkok has seen cinemas, theatres, concert halls, and arenas closed, and the leading online ticket agencies almost ground to a halt. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252117-will-we-become-culturally-starved-here-in-thailand/

by Michael Bridge Since the pandemic took over, the capital Bangkok has seen cinemas, theatres, concert halls, and arenas closed, and the leading online ticket agencies almost ground to a halt. Of course, this has been the same in most countries, which is why online companies such as Netflix and Amazon have been so profitable for their shareholders. Andrew Lloyd Webber has been actively promoting the need to save the theatre industry from collapse by recommending testing and social distancing at his shows in the West End and on Broadway. Meanwhile, thousands of incredibly talented people have been forced to leave the entertainment industry just to survive, working elsewhere. Pre-Pandemic Turn the clock back and you may remember Bangkok hosted many concerts by major stars, including Coldplay, Queen, Madonna, and Bruno Mars. We also saw major productions arrive including The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, and Miss Saigon. All these shows and concerts cost a packet to tour, so will local promoters be willing to take the risk and try to bring the stars back to Thailand in the future? Of course, we have some excellent local orchestras and a few dramatic groups who will perform mainly in Thai, however we all like to see the major productions and the mega stars. However, will Lloyd Webber feel it is worth producing a full West End standard musical in Thailand? With less expats around, the question will be can the Thais fill the seats too? As a promoter myself, I know advance ticket sales can be a bit of a lottery, as many people especially Thais will leave it to the very last minute to book tickets. With theatre rentals, agency commissions, performers fees, technicians, and travel costs mostly payable upfront, the poor promoter needs to have very deep pockets and a good supply of High blood pressure pills!!! I personally will not be going back into running concerts again, however, it would be great to sit in the stalls again to enjoy a major musical or perhaps even to see the Rolling Stones one more time in Bangkok. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-03 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 3 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1252116-thailand-live-thursday-3-march-2022/

Police to Conclude Tangmo’s Death Probe on Schedule BANGKOK, March 2 (TNA) – Police are confident they will conclude interrogation related to the death of actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong within their 60-day deadline and her mother’s forgiveness would have no impacts on the case. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252059-police-to-conclude-tangmo’s-death-probe-on-schedule/

Air quality deteriorating in Thailand’s northern, north-eastern regions Photo from www.mgronline.com The air quality in several northern and north-eastern provinces, including Chiang Mai, is deteriorating to a level which may pose a risk to people’s health, due to an increase in forest fires in Thailand and Myanmar. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252054-air-quality-deteriorating-in-thailand’s-northern-north-eastern-regions/

102-Year-Old Athlete Breaks 100m Record BANGKOK (NNT) - 102-Year-Old Sawang Janpram, the oldest sprinter in Thailand, has set a new record for his age group by finishing a 100-meter dash in 27.08 seconds. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252092-102-year-old-athlete-breaks-100m-record/

Ukrainian Embassy in Bangkok appeals for people to join fight against Russia A civilian trains to throw Molotov cocktails to defend the city, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, in Zhytomyr, Ukraine March 1, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi The Ukrainian Embassy in Bangkok has posted a notice on its Facebook page appealing to foreign citizens to help Ukraine in fighting Russia’s aggression. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252045-ukrainian-embassy-in-bangkok-appeals-for-people-to-join-fight-against-russia/

A civilian trains to throw Molotov cocktails to defend the city, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, in Zhytomyr, Ukraine March 1, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi The Ukrainian Embassy in Bangkok has posted a notice on its Facebook page appealing to foreign citizens to help Ukraine in fighting Russia’s aggression. Anybody interested in joining the fight can contact the military attaché at the embassy via its website for more information. The notice says that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to citizens around the world, who are friends of Ukraine, to travel to the country to fight the Russian invaders alongside the Ukrainians. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ukrainian-embassy-in-bangkok-appeals-for-people-to-join-fight-against-russia/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-02 - 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

Hua Hin aims to become “World Class City of Relaxation” By Online Reporter A tourist at the Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint. File photo Plans have been revealed to promote Hua Hin and Cha Am as “The World Class City of Relaxation” in a bid to attract high spending, so-called ‘quality’ tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252042-hua-hin-aims-to-become-“world-class-city-of-relaxation”/

A tourist at the Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint. File photo By Online Reporter Plans have been revealed to promote Hua Hin and Cha Am as “The World Class City of Relaxation” in a bid to attract high spending, so-called ‘quality’ tourists. The plans were outlined during a ceremony which saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Hua Hin Municipality and Silapakorn University, which will provide academic assistance in the form of research and consultancy services for the project. Attending the ceremony was Hua Hin Mayor, Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul; Assistant Professor Chaichan Thawornvej, President of Silpakorn University; and Mr. Krot Rojanasathien, Chairperson of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Health Service Business Strategy Committee and President of the Thai Spa Association; and Mrs. Kulpramote Wannalert, Group Director, Marketing Operations Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Americas. The plans follow on from a previous announcement made in January from the government’s Centre for Economic Situation Administration for Hua Hin and Cha Am to become Thailand’s ‘Wellness Sandbox’ and a hub for medical tourism. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/hua-hin-aims-to-become-world-class-city-of-relaxation/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-03-02 - 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

Golf tour operator reports surge in bookings but demand slow in Hua Hin By Jonathan Fairfield Mark Siegel, Managing Director, Golfasian Golfasian, one of the leading golf tour operators in Southeast Asia, has reported a surge in bookings since Thailand reopened its borders to tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252041-golf-tour-operator-reports-surge-in-bookings-but-demand-slow-in-hua-hin/

Mark Siegel, Managing Director, Golfasian By Jonathan Fairfield Golfasian, one of the leading golf tour operators in Southeast Asia, has reported a surge in bookings since Thailand reopened its borders to tourists. But while Hua Hin was once the company’s best selling destination in Thailand, the surge in demand hasn’t yet been seen in the resort. “Before COVID, Hua Hin was our largest and best selling destination and we brought in more than 10,000 people per year to Hua Hin alone,” Mark Siegel, Golfasian Managing Director told Hua Hin Today. From March 2020 Golfasian went into what Mark calls a “hibernation mode” where operations were scaled back due to no international tourists visiting Thailand. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/golf-tour-operator-reports-surge-in-bookings-but-demand-slow-in-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-03-02 - 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

Commerce Ministry to Discuss Economic Fallout of Sanctions Against Russia by Paphamon Arayasukawat BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce and private businesses will this week discuss the Russia-Ukraine situation, with the Kingdom expecting ramifications from several Russian banks being cut off from the SWIFT payment system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252038-commerce-ministry-to-discuss-economic-fallout-of-sanctions-against-russia/

by Paphamon Arayasukawat BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce and private businesses will this week discuss the Russia-Ukraine situation, with the Kingdom expecting ramifications from several Russian banks being cut off from the SWIFT payment system. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanavisit noted that the conflict has so far had no major impact on the Thai export sector. He nevertheless assured that the Thai government will do everything within its power to cushion its effects. He also said that his agency has been closely monitoring crude oil prices, along with fluctuations of the ruble currency. Kittinan Yingcharoen, director of the Office of Foreign Trade in Moscow, said it remains to be seen whether all Russian banks will be affected by the SWIFT ban and how long the ban would last. He also acknowledged that Thai exports to Russia will most likely contract if the situation is prolonged. Thailand initially set a target of $1.1 billion in exports to Russia this year, a significant bump from $1.02 billion in 2021. Kittinan further recommended that exporters reconsider taking orders from Russia to avoid payment complications stemming from the SWIFT payment ban. Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith meanwhile said he will soon hold talks with the central bank to evaluate the effect of the conflict on the Thai economy, particularly for the export and the tourism sectors. Meanwhile, Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said he will monitor the situation for another two weeks before updating his estimate on tourism revenue and visitor numbers. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-01 - 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