webfact

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. According to Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha convened a meeting with his deputies and key agencies to discuss recent developments in Ukraine, where tensions continue to rise. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said the Kingdom will also increase fuel reserves to mitigate the impact of the conflict on Thai citizens. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thai nationals evacuated from Ukraine are due to arrive tomorrow (2 March). According to Thai Ambassador to Poland Chetthapan Maksampan, evacuees currently sheltering in the Romanian cities of Warsaw and Bucharest will depart aboard a Thai Airways flight today (1 March). -- © 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

Thailand launches out-patient services for COVID-19 cases with mild symptoms The Thai Ministry of Public Health launched out-patient medical services today (Tuesday) for people infected with COVID-19 who exhibit no or only mild symptoms, to ensure that all Thais have free access to medical care if they test positive for the virus. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251881-thailand-launches-out-patient-services-for-covid-19-cases-with-mild-symptoms/

The Thai Ministry of Public Health launched out-patient medical services today (Tuesday) for people infected with COVID-19 who exhibit no or only mild symptoms, to ensure that all Thais have free access to medical care if they test positive for the virus. Director-general of the Medical Services Department Dr. Somsak Akksilp said that since about 90% of people infected by the Omicron variant are asymptomatic or develop only mild symptoms, they are entitled to free medical services provided by the state, but they don’t need to be admitted to hospitals, to keep beds available for those who are severely ill. The out-patient medical services, such as the Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) clinics and the Patient Under Investigation (PUI) facilities at all hospitals, represent an alternative for COVID-19 patients with no or minimal symptoms. They will be given a COVID-19 test and medication, so they can look after themselves at home. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-launches-out-patient-services-for-covid-19-cases-with-mild-symptoms/ -- © 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

Chonburi announces 1,197 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and no new deaths By Goong Nang(GN) Highlights: - 1,197 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today - 1,749 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. - 971 (PCR) and 750 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care - No new deaths Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251880-chonburi-announces-1197-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-no-new-deaths/

By Goong Nang(GN) Highlights: - 1,197 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today - 1,749 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. - 971 (PCR) and 750 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care - No new deaths The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 1,197 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with no new deaths, March 1st, 2022. This makes a total of 41,376 cases (PCR) and 29,630 cases (ATK) of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 11,950 (PCR) and 12,174 (ATK) people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 48 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections at the beginning of this year, January 2022. Additionally, 971 (PCR) and 750 (ATK) people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 29,378 (PCR) and 17,456 (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/2022/03/01/chonburi-announces-1197-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-no-new-deaths/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Huge artificial coral reef to be built off Koh Talu to boost marine biodiversity By Online Reporter The beach at Koh Talu, Prachuap Khiri Khan What is understood to be one of Thailand’s largest marine conservation projects is set to get underway in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251879-huge-artificial-coral-reef-to-be-built-off-koh-talu-to-boost-marine-biodiversity/

The beach at Koh Talu, Prachuap Khiri Khan By Online Reporter What is understood to be one of Thailand’s largest marine conservation projects is set to get underway in Prachuap Khiri Khan. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has announced plans to build a massive artificial coral reef in Bang Saphan Noi to help restore natural coral and create a habitat for aquatic animals. A total of 763 concrete domes will be used to create the reef in the waters off Koh Talu. Each of the hexagonal shaped domes are 1.8 metres wide and 1.5 metres high and include 19 opening holes. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/huge-artificial-coral-reef-to-be-built-off-koh-talu-to-boost-marine-biodiversity/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

Department of Employment issues reminder about jobs in Thailand prohibited to foreigners By Online Reporter Work permit. File Photo A recent story about a Korean national in Thailand who had begun working as a barber sparked much debate among Thai netizens. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251878-department-of-employment-issues-reminder-about-jobs-in-thailand-prohibited-to-foreigners/

Work permit. File Photo By Online Reporter A recent story about a Korean national in Thailand who had begun working as a barber sparked much debate among Thai netizens. The barber, who cut hair in the style of stars from hit Korean TV shows, ever popular in Thailand, went viral on the social media platform TikTok. His sudden popularity led scores of comments from users informing the barber that he was actually breaking the law. In response to the incident, the Department of Employment issued a statement to clarify that under Thai employment law, foreigners are prohibited from engaging in certain occupations. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/department-of-employment-issues-reminder-about-jobs-in-thailand-prohibited-to-foreigners/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

UPDATE: Suspected Phuket Gunman Arrested PHUKET, March 1 (TNA) – A suspected gunman who killed an Indian man in the southern island province early last month was arrested in Canada and Thai prosecutors will seek his extradition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251831-on-the-trail-of-suspects-one-canadian-arrested-in-thailand-gangland-slaying-one-still-on-the-lam/?do=findComment&comment=17218052

Suspected Phuket Gunman Arrested PHUKET, March 1 (TNA) – A suspected gunman who killed an Indian man in the southern island province early last month was arrested in Canada and Thai prosecutors will seek his extradition. Jumpol Phansamrit, director-general of the International Affairs Department at the Office of the Attorney-General, said Canadian police arrested Matthew Dupre. He was one of two suspects wanted under arrest warrants issued by the Phuket Court for the premeditated murder of Jimi Sandhu. The victim was found dead at a villa in Phuket on Feb 4. Earlier police learned that the suspect left Thailand for Canada on Feb 6. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-892839 -- © 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

One of Thailand’s biggest scourges revels in great polarity March 1, 2022: Nepotism is a political demon that lurks in all kinds of ideological environments, and while it is prevalent in a dictatorship, it can also weaken democracy considerably. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251873-one-of-thailand’s-biggest-scourges-revels-in-great-polarity/

March 1, 2022: Nepotism is a political demon that lurks in all kinds of ideological environments, and while it is prevalent in a dictatorship, it can also weaken democracy considerably. Worse still, this demon feeds off rivalry of ideologies. The latest plight of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra is an Exhibit A of that. On the one hand, the case of Thawil Pliensri took place while Thailand was supposedly more democratic than now. On the other hand, action is only being taken against her when the country is “less democratic”, raising the question whether it was a conspiracy to twist the knife in the wound of a fallen rival rather than a sincere effort to get rid of one of the biggest scourges haunting the political system. To cut a long story short, Thawil was removed as head of the National Security Council while Yingluck was in power, so that then police chief Wichean Poteposree, who was at the time having to give the helm of the national police to political favourite Priewphan Damapong, allegedly could have a graceful exit. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/one-of-thailands-biggest-scourges-revels-in-great-polarity/ -- © 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

Property market shows signs of recovery but pandemic effects still linger By Panithan Onthaworn and Cod Satrusayang Thailand’s property market showed signs of recovery after two years of Covid-impacted earnings with several of the country’s top developers predicting a better fiscal year 2022 after a lacklustre 2021. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251871-property-market-shows-signs-of-recovery-but-pandemic-effects-still-linger/

By Panithan Onthaworn and Cod Satrusayang Thailand’s property market showed signs of recovery after two years of Covid-impacted earnings with several of the country’s top developers predicting a better fiscal year 2022 after a lacklustre 2021. That said, the sector is still feeling the impact of the pandemic which has affected cashflow, customer credit, and has been a barrier to overseas investment. “The most notable absence in the Thai property market is the lack of Chinese investors in condos and luxury condos,” said a source at Sansiri PLC. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38033/property-market-shows-signs-of-recovery-but-pandemic-effects-still-linger/ -- © 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

Alert: Be Careful About Emails Pretending To Come From Thailand’s Test & Go John Ollila A LoyaltyLobby reader forwarded us an email this morning (February 27) that appeared to come from the Thai Consular asking for information to confirm their application. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251870-alert-be-careful-about-emails-pretending-to-come-from-thailand’s-test-go/

A LoyaltyLobby reader forwarded us an email this morning (February 27) that appeared to come from the Thai Consular asking for information to confirm their application. Sebastian already covered the issue of a leak or hack (read more here) that had likely exposed a database of Thailand Pass and Test & Go applicants that started to receive fraudulent emails pretending to come from the consular department. You can access Thailand Test & Go website here. Email From The Reader: I got this odd email that is seemingly genuine in source (same domain/email extension as when I received my actual Thailand Pass). This is odd as a scan/photo of my passport was submitted as one of the application documents. Full story: https://loyaltylobby.com/2022/02/27/alert-be-careful-about-emails-pretending-to-come-from-thailands-test-go/ -- © Copyright LOYALTYLOBBY 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

Excise Dept Says No Plans to Raise Taxes on Alcoholic and Energy Drinks by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Excise Department has indicated that it has no plans to increase taxes on alcoholic beverages and energy drinks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251867-excise-dept-says-no-plans-to-raise-taxes-on-alcoholic-and-energy-drinks/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Excise Department has indicated that it has no plans to increase taxes on alcoholic beverages and energy drinks. Department Spokesperson Nutthakorn Utensute also dismissed reports that energy drink manufacturers will raise prices by 20-30 baht per dozen. According to the spokesperson, Osotspa Public Company Limited, a local energy drink giant, will maintain the price of its products at 10 baht per bottle. However, the firm is expected to launch a new product line that costs slightly more at 12 baht per bottle. Nuttakorn noted that other major manufacturers have also dispelled price hike rumors. He nevertheless urged retailers to refrain from raising prices, while encouraging members of the public to call the department’s hotline 1713 to report any unfair price hikes. Nutthakorn added that the department will dispatch officials to conduct random inspections of alcoholic and energy prices from March 14-17. He stressed that vendors need to formally petition authorities about any price changes. He also said that if retail prices are 5% higher than those recommended by manufacturers, the department will summon manufacturers to reevaluate tax values. -- © 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

Thailand May Need to Relay Exports to Russia Through Third Nations by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thailand – Russia Business Council (TRBC) has suggested that Thailand may need to export goods to Russia through other countries. The comments came after the United States, European Union, United Kingdom and other nations blocked Swift access for some Russian banks in response to Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251865-thailand-may-need-to-relay-exports-to-russia-through-third-nations/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thailand – Russia Business Council (TRBC) has suggested that Thailand may need to export goods to Russia through other countries. The comments came after the United States, European Union, United Kingdom and other nations blocked Swift access for some Russian banks in response to Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine. TRBC Chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul said Russia was hit with similar measures in 2014 when it annexed Crimea. He noted, however, that goods can still be exported to Russia through nations such as Belarus and China. Kriengkrai nevertheless acknowledged that war between Russia and Ukraine meant higher costs for monetary transactions and logistical operations for exports to Russia. Trade between Thailand and Russia had reached $2.7 billion in 2021, with Thai exports accounting for $1.02 billion. Automobiles and parts were the biggest exports, followed by rubber and latex goods, machinery and parts, and processed fruits. Russian imports meanwhile accounted for 1.7 billion dollars, with crude oil being the most valued commodity. With the war pushing fuel prices higher, the TRBC Chairman said Thailand is likely to see a trade deficit with Russia going forward. -- © 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

Thailand welcomes Saudia’s maiden flight from Riyadh to Bangkok Smooth arrival of first regular commercial flight from Saudi Arabia to Thailand after 32 years among the first steps to restore cooperation between the two kingdoms. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 01 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to join all relevant Thai public and private agencies to welcome Saudia’s inaugural flight on the Jeddah-Riyadh-Bangkok route that symbolises a return of cordial Saudi-Thai relations, following the historic visit to Saudi Arabia by Thailand’s Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, late last month (25 January). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251860-thailand-welcomes-saudia’s-maiden-flight-from-riyadh-to-bangkok/

Smooth arrival of first regular commercial flight from Saudi Arabia to Thailand after 32 years among the first steps to restore cooperation between the two kingdoms. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 01 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to join all relevant Thai public and private agencies to welcome Saudia’s inaugural flight on the Jeddah-Riyadh-Bangkok route that symbolises a return of cordial Saudi-Thai relations, following the historic visit to Saudi Arabia by Thailand’s Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, late last month (25 January). Saudia’s Flight SV846 from Jeddah-Riyadh touched down at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday evening (28 February) at 18.05 Hrs., marking the first regular commercial flight between Saudi Arabia and Thailand after 32 years. All relevant Thai agencies have coordinated efforts to ensure a smooth arrival of the flight with the welcome ceremony led by H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, together with Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, TAT Deputy Governor for Domestic Market, and Mr. Kittipong Kittikachorn, General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, and joined by representatives and figures from the Thai public and private sector. Also joining the event were distinguished delegates from Saudi Arabia, including Mr. Abdulaziz Addullah I. Alkhudhayr, Counsellor, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Bangkok, and Mr. Almusaed Musaed Muhammed, Assistant Vice President of International Regions, Saudia Airlines. H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “Thailand is honoured to welcome Saudia’s direct services from Saudi Arabia. This direct flight between Riyadh and Bangkok will certainly pave the way for mutual tourism cooperation between the two countries. To this extent, TAT has been entrusted to explore opportunities to promote Thailand as a preferred destination for Saudis wanting to travel abroad.” Saudia is operating the direct service between Saudi Arabia and Thailand using a 298-seat Boeing 789 aircraft. For the winter programme, from 28 February to 25 March, the airline has scheduled to operate on the Riyadh-Bangkok route with three flights per week, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with Flight 846 arrival time in Bangkok at 18.05 Hrs. and Flight 847 outbound departure at 20.35 Hrs. For the summer programme, the service will be increased to seven flights per week and will also be expanded to Jeddah. From 27 March to 29 October, Flight SV 844/845 on the Jeddah-Bangkok-Jeddah route will be operated every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, with inbound arrival time in Bangkok at 16:55 Hrs. and outbound departure at 00:15 Hrs. of the next day. Meanwhile, from 29 March to 30 October, Flight SV846/847 on Jeddah-Riyadh-Bangkok-Riyadh-Jeddah will be operated every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with inbound arrival time in Bangkok at 16.55 Hrs. and outbound departure at 00.15 Hrs. of the next day. Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “TAT will leverage our latest tourism marketing campaign, Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters, in our communication with the Saudi market. Key messages will place focus on Thailand’s strengths in biological diversity, cultural richness, and myriad of offerings on medical, health and wellness, beaches, and shopping for all segments including millennials, first visit, medical and health and wellness, and family.” TAT is also in talks with tourism partners to organise a range of activities and promotions; such as, business to business (B2B) and business to customer (B2C) tradeshows, roadshows, and consumer fairs, as well as joint promotions to boost tourism to Thailand. H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (right), Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Mr. Almusaed Musaed Muhammed (left), Assistant Vice President of International Regions, Saudia Airlines. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/thailand-welcomes-saudias-maiden-flight-from-riyadh-to-bangkok/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 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

Opinion: Thailand’s foreign service fails on Ukraine where Singapore’s succeeds By Arun Saronchai Thailand finally released its long anticipated response to the ongoing Ukrainian crisis this week in an address to the plenary at the United Nations. v Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251858-opinion-thailand’s-foreign-service-fails-on-ukraine-where-singapore’s-succeeds/