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File photo Thailand on Wednesday (March 2) reported 22,197 new COVID-19 cases, 19,093 recoveries and 45 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Wednesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,934,544 with 23,021 deaths. The news comes as the Department of Disease Control (DDC) has warned that daily COVID-19 cases in Thailand could exceed 100,000 by the Songkran holiday in April under the worst-case scenario. The DDC noted that whether the infection level decreases or increases in the coming weeks depends on how strictly safety precautions are followed. The agency also urged the public to avoid group activities, work from home, postpone unnecessary travel, maintain high immunization rates, and follow VUCA (Vaccine, Universal Prevention, COVID-Free Setting, and ATK) procedures. *NNT contributed to this report Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-02 - 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 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

Protest calls for end to workers' exploitation in Thailand Rally highlights lack of fair treatment and decent wages for workers in one of the world's most unequal societies UCA News reporter, Bangkok A stray dog runs past a slum community along railroad tracks in downtown Bangkok. Thailand is one of the world’s most unequal nations. (Photo: Mladen Antonov/AFP) Hundreds of young Thais have protested for workers’ rights in central Bangkok, saying the Southeast Asian nation’s exploitative capitalist system is preventing low-income earners from progressing in society. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251999-protest-calls-for-end-to-workers-exploitation-in-thailand/

A stray dog runs past a slum community along railroad tracks in downtown Bangkok. Thailand is one of the world’s most unequal nations. (Photo: Mladen Antonov/AFP) Rally highlights lack of fair treatment and decent wages for workers in one of the world's most unequal societies UCA News reporter, Bangkok Hundreds of young Thais have protested for workers’ rights in central Bangkok, saying the Southeast Asian nation’s exploitative capitalist system is preventing low-income earners from progressing in society. The activists gathered outside a cultural center in the heart of the city on Feb. 27 during an hours-long, street fair-style event that featured street art, speakers and educational booths as groups of police officers kept watch from the perimeters. In emotional speeches, activists decried the hierarchical economic system in Thailand, one of the world’s most unequal nations, and called for increased rights for members of the working class. “In Thailand, if you are a working man or woman, your chances of moving up the social ladder are very limited because often you can never make enough money as an employee,” Sudarat Thongdee, a woman who was handing out leaflets, told a UCA News reporter. Full story: https://www.ucanews.com/news/protest-calls-for-end-to-workers-exploitation-in-thailand/96292# -- © Copyright UCA news 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

Elephant found dead, believed to have been shot in Kuiburi By Online Reporter An elephant has been found dead with a gunshot wound in Kuiburi National Park. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251998-elephant-found-dead-believed-to-have-been-shot-in-kuiburi/

By Online Reporter An elephant has been found dead with a gunshot wound in Kuiburi National Park. The elephant, which is thought to have been dead for about 5 days, is believed to be between 15 to 20 years old. Mr. Pichai Watcharawongpaiboon, Director of Conservation Area Administration Office 3, Phetchaburi Branch, said the elephant’s body was discovered by officers from the Kuiburi National Park. The elephant, which weighs around 3 tons, was found in a creek in the Hub Phueng area. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/elephant-found-dead-believed-to-have-been-shot-in-kuiburi/ -- © 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

Canadian hitmen ‘suicidal’ as cops open murder conspiracy case after Thai police tour de force by James Morris and Son Nguyen The Royal Thai Police investigation into the murder of gangland figure Jimmy Sandhu on February 4th last has undone the two hitmen thought to have been contracted by underworld figures in Canada to carry out the murder. They were both named, in warrants and Interpol notices, as Gene Karl Lahrkamp and Matthew Dupre, both 36 years of age and with a background in the Canadian armed forces. Mr Dupre (back left) was arrested on February 20th last by police in Alberta, Canada while Mr Lahrkamp (back centre) is still at large. Both men are reported by Canadian police to be ‘suicidal’ after completely underestimating the efficacy of the Royal Thai Police who solved the crime within a week and are now actively pursuing the culprits. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251997-canadian-hitmen-‘suicidal’-as-cops-open-murder-conspiracy-case-after-thai-police-tour-de-force/

The Royal Thai Police investigation into the murder of gangland figure Jimmy Sandhu on February 4th last has undone the two hitmen thought to have been contracted by underworld figures in Canada to carry out the murder. They were both named, in warrants and Interpol notices, as Gene Karl Lahrkamp and Matthew Dupre, both 36 years of age and with a background in the Canadian armed forces. Mr Dupre (back left) was arrested on February 20th last by police in Alberta, Canada while Mr Lahrkamp (back centre) is still at large. Both men are reported by Canadian police to be ‘suicidal’ after completely underestimating the efficacy of the Royal Thai Police who solved the crime within a week and are now actively pursuing the culprits. by James Morris and Son Nguyen The Two hitmen in the Jimmy Sandhu murder case in Phuket have been living in fear in Canada since being exposed by the Royal Thai Police on February 12th last after an Interpol Red Notice was sought for the pair following the cold-blooded killing on February 4th last. One has already been arrested in Alberta on February 20th but the evidence collected by police in Thailand has led to Canadian police opening their own conspiracy to murder probe which could see those who paid for the hit and the two gunmen face justice on Canadian soil. Police agencies in Canada are now reported to be pursuing their own investigation into the murder of gangland figure Jimmy Sandhu in Phuket on February 4th last. It comes as Thai authorities confirmed, this week, that they are actively pursuing the extradition of the two suspected killers including 36-year-old ex-armed forces member Matthew Dupre who was arrested in Edmonton, Alberta on February 20th last. It has emerged that both suspects in the case are living in fear and reported to be ‘suicidal’ after incurring the wrath of their underworld clients for their failure to cover their tracks after the Royal Thai Police identified them sparking a wider probe into a conspiracy on Canadian soil to commit murder. The men are thought to have severely underestimated the response from the Royal Thai Police to the murder which managed to have arrests warrants issued within a week, members of the conspiracy in Thailand arrested in Phuket and valuable DNA evidence obtained linking the pair to the hit. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/03/01/canadian-hitmen-suicidal-as-justice-looms/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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

UPDATED! TEST & GO rules from 1 March 2022 by Gregers Møller In a recent press release, Thailand’s Tourist association share the updated ‘Test & Go’ rules which come into effect on 1 March 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251996-updated-test-go-rules-from-1-march-2022/

by Gregers Møller In a recent press release, Thailand’s Tourist association share the updated ‘Test & Go’ rules which come into effect on 1 March 2022. According to TAT, travelers can arrive in Thailand by air, land, and water with the required prepaid accommodation reduced to 1 night and the COVID-19 tests revised to 1 RT-PCR and 1 self-ATK. The health insurance coverage has also been reduced to no less than US$20,000. The updated rules will also apply to travelers who have applied/obtained the TEST & GO Thailand Pass or Certificate of Entry with scheduled arrivals from this date, TAT states. Full story: https://scandasia.com/updated-test-go-rules-from-1-march-2022/ -- © Copyright ScandAsia 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

Russian and Ukrainian tourists in Thailand beginning to face financial transaction and travel problems due to sanctions, invasion By Nop Meechukhun Surat Thani – Russian and Ukrainian tourists in Surat Thani, Phuket, Pattaya, and other tourist destinations are starting to face financial transaction and travel problems following a ban of selected major Russian national banks yesterday, February 28th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251995-russian-and-ukrainian-tourists-in-thailand-beginning-to-face-financial-transaction-and-travel-problems-due-to-sanctions-invasion/

By Nop Meechukhun Surat Thani – Russian and Ukrainian tourists in Surat Thani, Phuket, Pattaya, and other tourist destinations are starting to face financial transaction and travel problems following a ban of selected major Russian national banks yesterday, February 28th. The Russia-Ukraine war has now affected the economic system and the tourism business in multiple Thai areas focused on tourism, including Samui, after Western nations and their allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, Canada, and Japan have expanded sanctions against Russia, resulting in the ban of many international financial transactions. As of today, March 1st, both Ukrainian and Russian tourists as well as tour companies arranging tourists from both countries were now having difficulties in making and receiving payment via credit cards and international transfers. It was found that hotel room payments and other expenses made via credit card were not possible while Ukrainian tourists on Koh Samui wanted to stay longer and pay for extensions to witness and closely monitor the situation of their own country. Additionally, some citizens of both countries were now “stuck” because of flight bans, and some were limited on funds, made more difficult by new sanctions. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/01/russian-and-ukrainian-tourists-in-thailand-beginning-to-face-financial-transaction-and-travel-problems-due-to-sanctions-invasion/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Thai citizens apply to join the fight in Ukraine By Erich Parpart Thais with military experience are signing up for Ukraine’s International Legion to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s invasion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251993-thai-citizens-apply-to-join-the-fight-in-ukraine/

By Erich Parpart Thais with military experience are signing up for Ukraine’s International Legion to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s invasion. “I can see that Ukrainians are fighting to protect their land and their civilians,” said Chanapong or Ball [last name omitted], a 27-year-old Thai who applied for the international military force at the Ukrainian embassy in Bangkok on Tuesday. “Children are dying, and they [Ukraine] are asking for help from anyone who can help them and I want to help.” Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38055/thai-citizens-apply-to-join-the-fight-in-ukraine/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

Work from home, become a global nomad, and save the planet by Michael Bridge Sounds great and ironically it is becoming more of a reality thanks to the pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251992-work-from-home-become-a-global-nomad-and-save-the-planet/

by Michael Bridge Sounds great and ironically it is becoming more of a reality thanks to the pandemic. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, big companies such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, and many companies in between have rolled out a mandatory work from home policy all over the world. Initially, in a joint effort to flatten the Covid curve, governments around the world were urging us to self-isolate and stay at home. Now as many of us, including the boss, have experienced online working, we are re-evaluating our plans and actually altering the way they work. The obvious benefit of working from home is the huge savings on commuting, and that will help reduce emissions dramatically. Still treat it like a real job You still need to be disciplined and to treat it as an actual job. It will help you get into the right mind frame. For example, instead of lounging around in your pajamas, wake up earlier, take a shower, and get dressed. Of course, you don’t have to wear a suit or dress, but something a little more formal than your underwear is a start. Do exactly as you would when you’re going to work. Don’t have breakfast while working as you will start adopting the habit of snacking at your workspace. Additionally, you now have the time to squeeze in some mini workouts and a healthy breakfast before work. Plus, you don’t have to “rush to work” and feed on anxiety. On the other hand, it is also essential to take sufficient breaks. Take a quick walk, look outside your window, and breathe in some fresh air. Do what you can to keep your mind active. Upgrade your equipment First and foremost, having a designated area to work will help you concentrate, and you can avoid the intrusion of family members and vice versa. Equipping your workspace with may be double monitors, a wireless keyboard, and a mouse will create a conducive place to work. Check emails, voicemails, and texts from your specific work area, so that you’re not doing it in front of the TV or kitchen table. Make your workspace a stress-free zone where you can concentrate and work in peace. It’s easy if you have a separate room, but if you don’t, find an area with minimum footsteps or off the main area. Now that you’re more isolated, opt for video calls instead of audio calls for meetings. It will also help you look more presentable and take it more seriously. Telecommunication devices like Zoom and Slack are widely used by employers to keep in touch with their employees. Global citizens, global nomads who work remotely usually use these telecommunication devices to get their work done. Remember to turn off After all the typing, clicking, client calls, and team meetings, put away your electronic devices and work tools. It’s too easy to keep working throughout the day and not unwind. Learning to keep work-related stuff out of sight, helps you relax and recharge your batteries. Do not go back to watching TV or scroll through your phone. Instead, go for a walk, do some gardening, play with your kids in your backyard. Research shows that spending time in nature reduces stress, helps you clear your mind and relax. Enjoy other areas of your home – read a book, cook a fun meal, enjoy a movie. FaceTime, Skype, and chat with your friends and family. Get connected to the people you care about. Go back just a few decades and all this support had not even been invented. Now it is very doable and thanks to Covid 19, many are continuing to work successfully from home. It now seems a win-win situation for everyone. Let us know if you are or plan to become a global online nomad? -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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 Wednesday 2 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1251990-thailand-live-wednesday-2-march-2022/

DDC Says Daily COVID Cases May Exceed 100,000 in April BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has warned that daily COVID-19 cases in Thailand could exceed 100,000 by the Songkran holiday in April under the worst-case scenario. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251929-ddc-says-daily-covid-cases-may-exceed-100000-in-april/

Unidentified foreign man found dead on beach at Koh Larn, police investigating “wounds of interest” An unidentified foreign man, believed to be in his 30’s and possibly a Russian national, was found dead on a beach at Koh Larn this afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251941-unidentified-foreign-man-found-dead-on-beach-at-koh-larn-police-investigating-“wounds-of-interest”/

Thailand will not rush to condemn Russia over Ukraine, says Foreign Minister Don Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai / Photo from Facebook Page Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said Tuesday that Thailand may need to fine-tune its policy on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but it will not rush to condemn Russia, like many other countries have done, because it will not help to improve the situation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251921-thailand-will-not-rush-to-condemn-russia-over-ukraine-says-foreign-minister-don/

UPDATE: Saudi King gifts 50,060 copies of Quran to Thai Muslims ahead of Ramadan FILE / Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz / AFP King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia recently sent 50,060 copies of the Holy Quran, in various sizes and languages, to Muslims in Thailand, as a gesture of good will between his country and Thailand as the two countries have resumed full diplomatic ties, said Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana today (Tuesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251884-pm-grateful-for-saudi-arabian-kings-generosity/?do=findComment&comment=17218367

Saudi King gifts 50,060 copies of Quran to Thai Muslims ahead of Ramadan FILE / Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz / AFP King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia recently sent 50,060 copies of the Holy Quran, in various sizes and languages, to Muslims in Thailand, as a gesture of good will between his country and Thailand as the two countries have resumed full diplomatic ties, said Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana today (Tuesday). Saudi Arabia is home to Mecca, Islam’s holiest city and is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. He said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was pleased with the Saudi monarch’s kind gesture. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/saudi-king-gifts-50060-copies-of-quran-to-thai-muslims-ahead-of-ramadan/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Thai netizens express support for rice farmers online By Natcha Patanasophon On Tuesday, the hashtag #ม็อบชาวนา (farmer protest) went viral as hundreds of protesters called for debt forgiveness and to look into corruption allegations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251890-thai-netizens-express-support-for-rice-farmers-online/

By Natcha Patanasophon On Tuesday, the hashtag #ม็อบชาวนา (farmer protest) went viral as hundreds of protesters called for debt forgiveness and to look into corruption allegations. Rice farmers have been protesting near Government House since January 24. They also demand that the government stop financial institutions from utilizing creditors from filing lawsuits that could have their assets seized if they can’t pay off their debts. Many farmers are also concerned with an increase of agricultural prices, claiming that without support, many of them won’t survive. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38045/thai-netizens-express-support-for-rice-farmers-online/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

Govt announces new measures to address economic fallout of the Russia-Ukraine conflict by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has announced plans to cushion economic disruptions from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, particularly its impact on global energy prices. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251883-govt-announces-new-measures-to-address-economic-fallout-of-the-russia-ukraine-conflict/

BANGKOK, March 1 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed his deep gratitude towards the Saudi Arabian King for bestowing Korans on Thai people before the first flight from Riyadh arrived in Thailand yesterday. Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Gen Prayut was extremely grateful for King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's donation of 50,060 Korans to Thai Muslims. There was a ceremony to hand the Korans in Bangkok on Feb 26. Present were representatives of the Saudi Arabian embassy in Bangkok and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia as well as representatives of Thai political, Islamic, academic and provincial organizations. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-892909 -- © Copyright TNA 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