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Despite rising COVID-19 cases in Thailand, the Public Health Ministry will soon stop providing free emergency treatment at private hospitals for patients who have caught the highly transmissible virus. The Cabinet has asked the ministry to review its planned March 1 cutoff date, but signs suggest COVID-19 will be delisted as an emergency condition sooner rather than later. The government has spent more than Bt100 billion on COVID-19 treatment since the disease reached Thailand in 2020. Fully 88 percent of that sum has been spent on green-category patients or those with no or very mild symptoms. Top government figures now believe it is high time for authorities to use the budget more efficiently by focusing on treating severe cases. 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/how-will-removing-covid-19-from-list-of-emergency-conditions-affect-you/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-28 - 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

Tails and trails: Hua Hin dog walking group makes social time for people and pups By Jonathan Fairfield Members of a local dog walking group are lacing up their shoes, popping on their leads and grabbing their poop bags to explore the trails around Hua Hin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251722-tails-and-trails-hua-hin-dog-walking-group-makes-social-time-for-people-and-pups/

By Jonathan Fairfield Members of a local dog walking group are lacing up their shoes, popping on their leads and grabbing their poop bags to explore the trails around Hua Hin. The Hua Hin Dog Walking Club, which meets at around 7am every Saturday morning, has become a social group for dogs and their people. “I enjoy getting out, walking one of my own dogs and seeing the other dogs socialise,” said Paul Garnett, one of the group’s organisers. Australian expat Paul says the dogs, as well as the owners, really benefit from socialising with one another. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/tails-and-trails-hua-hin-dog-walking-group-makes-social-time-for-people-and-pups/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-28 - 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

NSC Dismisses Lockdown Plan, Calls It Last Resort by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Security Council (NSC) has said there will not be another lockdown to curb COVID-19 infections unless it was the only option remaining. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251721-nsc-dismisses-lockdown-plan-calls-it-last-resort/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The National Security Council (NSC) has said there will not be another lockdown to curb COVID-19 infections unless it was the only option remaining. NSC Secretary-General Gen Supoj Malaniyom made the announcement amid a surge of Omicron coronavirus cases, adding that the number of new cases is likely to drop next month. The NSC chief also said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered provincial governors to tackle local clusters through administrative mechanisms. The government expects the number of new cases to decline in March, with close-to-normal livelihoods to return in time for the Songkran Festival in April. He further noted that the government did not intend to impose travel restrictions for this year’s Songkran holidays, though gatherings, parties and other high-risk activities would still be discouraged. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - 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

Microsoft Signs Memorandum in Support of Thailand 4.0 by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Microsoft Asia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in support of Thailand’s digital transition and affirmed its commitment to Thailand 4.0. The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251720-microsoft-signs-memorandum-in-support-of-thailand-40/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Microsoft Asia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in support of Thailand’s digital transition and affirmed its commitment to Thailand 4.0. The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. Ahmed Mazari, president of Microsoft Asia, and executives of Microsoft (Thailand) Co Ltd met with the prime minister for the signing. The MOU is between Microsoft (Thailand), Microsoft Operations Pte Ltd Singapore, and the Office of the Council of State. Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said Microsoft has continually invested in the region, adding that the company has committed to multiple areas of investment in Thailand and discussions are ongoing. Chaiwut noted that the MOU illustrated Microsoft’s commitment to digital transitions and to training public and private personnel in Thailand. He also said the company will support services under the Thailand 4.0 drive and back Thailand’s aspirations to become a digital center. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - 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

COVID-19: Thailand reports 22,311 new coronavirus cases, 42 deaths, 17,470 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (February 28) reported 22,311 new COVID-19 cases, 17,470 recoveries and 42 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251716-covid-19-thailand-reports-22311-new-coronavirus-cases-42-deaths-17470-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 22,311 new coronavirus cases, 42 deaths, 17,470 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (February 28) reported 22,311 new COVID-19 cases, 17,470 recoveries and 42 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251716-covid-19-thailand-reports-22311-new-coronavirus-cases-42-deaths-17470-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Monday (February 28) reported 22,311 new COVID-19 cases, 17,470 recoveries and 42 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 22,175. Prisons: 136 ▶︎ Recoveries: 17,470 Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,891,927 with 22,933 deaths. The news comes as the Ministry of Public Health is now aiming to re-categorize COVID-19 as an endemic disease within four months, saying the transition will be facilitated by a “detect, dispense, conclude” protocol that will soon be implemented for outpatients. Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Public Health, explained that under the “detect, dispense, conclude” service, suspected cases will be tested using antigen test kits (ATKs). A positive result will prompt a doctor to dispense medication under three formulas. The first formula employs Favipiravir drugs while the second involves green chiretta. The third formula dispenses treatments for cough, fever or runny nose according to a patients’ symptoms. *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 2022-02-28 - 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

Can Thailand really afford to stop exporting to Russia? With European leaders, NATO, and the US President demanding sanctions against Russia, how does that leave several Asian countries, who are close to Moscow? Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251711-can-thailand-really-afford-to-stop-exporting-to-russia/

With European leaders, NATO, and the US President demanding sanctions against Russia, how does that leave several Asian countries, who are close to Moscow? In the past Thailand has been classified as both a Third World and First World Country. However, Thailand is now classified as a developing nation by a large number of international organizations, which look at a number of factors such as the economy, Human Development Index (the HDI), as part of their classifications. Among the number of industries that Thailand has, the main ones that largely contribute to the growth of the economy are Tourism, Agriculture, Export and Electronics. In Thailand, tourism has been the main driver of economic growth, contributing about 15% of the GDP. Thai exports Thailand’s Exports to Russia was US$719.33 Million during 2020, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. The main products that Thailand exported to Russia were Cars ($173M), Vehicle Parts ($83.9M), and Rubber Tires ($73M). Thailand’s major export partners are China (12 percent), Japan (10 percent), the United States (10 percent) and the European Union (9.5 percent). Others include Malaysia, Australia, and Singapore. Russia’s main imports are machinery, equipment, and transport (45 percent of total imports), chemical products (19 percent) and foodstuffs and agricultural products (14.5 percent). Bilateral trade conference 2021 Bangkok News back in October 2021 reported that Thailand and Russia have agreed to raise bilateral trade to US$10 billion in 2023, in part to help reboot the economy after the Covid-19 outbreak. Speaking after a video conference with Vladimir Ilichev, Russia's deputy minister of the Economic Development Ministry, during the fourth meeting of the sub commission on trade and economic cooperation hosted by Russia, Thailand’s Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said the two parties aim to raise two-way trade to $10 billion in 2023 or an average of $3 billion a year. Russia was Thailand's 30th-largest trading partner in 2020, with two-way trade amounting to $3.13 billion. Thai exports to Russia totalled $958 million, with key export items including automobiles, parts, and rubber, while imports accounted for $2.17 billion, led by crude oil, steel, arms, and fertiliser. Now as China is Thailand’s number one customer in regard to Thai exports, and as we know China is also close to Russia, this could leave the Thai government in a difficult position. Especially when President Biden’s aides call the Thai Prime Minister to ask Thailand to join the global export blockade of Russia. U.S. goods imports from Thailand totaled $37.6 billion in 2020, up 12.5 percent ($4.2 billion) from 2019, and up 66 percent from 2010. U.S. imports from Thailand account for 1.6 percent of overall U.S. imports in 2020. The Thai government has a delicate balancing act to consider, financial against morals. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-28 - 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 plans to attract one million Middle Eastern tourists by end of 2022 after Thai-Saudi restored ties By Nop Meechukhun PHOTO: Post Today National – The Thai government has planned to revive tourism initially by attracting about one million tourists from the Middle East to travel to Thailand by the end of 2022, the deputy government spokesperson revealed today, February 27th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251705-thailand-plans-to-attract-one-million-middle-eastern-tourists-by-end-of-2022-after-thai-saudi-restored-ties/

PHOTO: Post Today By Nop Meechukhun National – The Thai government has planned to revive tourism initially by attracting about one million tourists from the Middle East to travel to Thailand by the end of 2022, the deputy government spokesperson revealed today, February 27th. Traisulee Traisornkul, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that the government had the policy to restore the domestic economy while practically controlling the spread of the Covid-19 Coronavirus and preventing people from infections. On February 24th, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn had witnessed the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Emirates Airline in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to organize traveling activities to attract international tourists around the world who are regular customers of the Emirates Airline to travel to Thailand as well as to promote the tourism campaign “Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters”, which is a tourism-reviving campaign in line with the Thai Prime Minister’s policy. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/27/thailand-plans-to-attract-one-million-middle-eastern-tourists-by-end-of-2022-after-thai-saudi-restored-ties/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-28 - 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 Municipality holds child drowning prevention training project By Online Reporter Hua Hin Municipality has held a training seminar aimed preventing incidents of drowning among children. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251704-hua-hin-municipality-holds-child-drowning-prevention-training-project/

By Online Reporter Hua Hin Municipality has held a training seminar aimed preventing incidents of drowning among children. Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul formally opened the Child Drowning Prevention Project, which gave training to more than 50 people on what to do in the event a child gets into difficulty while in water. The seminar, which was organised by by Mr. Theeraphan Jadpol, the General Director of the Department of Public Health and Environment in Hua Hin Municipality was attended by beach operators, sea protection volunteers club, municipal officials, teachers, and staff of the Takiab Child Development Center, and a group of local parents. The seminar included training from members of the Sawang Hua Hin Foundation and officers from the Royal Thai Army Sergeant School who gave lectures and demonstrations on water safety. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/hua-hin-municipality-holds-child-drowning-prevention-training-project/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-28 - 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

Drowned Thai actress’s manager and a friend questioned by police Two women, who were on board the speed boat from which TV actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, aka “Tangmo”, fell into the Chao Phraya River and drowned, reported today (Sunday) to Nonthaburi’s Muang district police for questioning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251703-drowned-thai-actress’s-manager-and-a-friend-questioned-by-police/

Two women, who were on board the speed boat from which TV actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, aka “Tangmo”, fell into the Chao Phraya River and drowned, reported today (Sunday) to Nonthaburi’s Muang district police for questioning. Nida’s manager, Itsirin Chuthasuksawat, told the media, after being questioned, that the boat trip was for leisure and sightseeing and there were six people on board, including Nida. She said they had dinner at a riverside restaurant at about 8pm and then boarded the boat. She said the accident occurred at about 10.30pm, adding that she didn’t see it but heard another friend shout that Nida had fallen into the river. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/drowned-thai-actresss-manager-and-a-friend-questioned-by-police/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-28 - 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

Ukrainian nationals and supporters stage peaceful gatherings in Thailand to demand end of war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine By Nop Meechukhun PHOTO: Naewna National – Groups of Ukrainian nationals in Thailand and supporters were staging peaceful gatherings in Bangkok and Phuket this weekend to call for peace and to end the war in Ukraine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251702-ukrainian-nationals-and-supporters-stage-peaceful-gatherings-in-thailand-to-demand-end-of-war-and-russia’s-invasion-of-ukraine/

PHOTO: Naewna By Nop Meechukhun National – Groups of Ukrainian nationals in Thailand and supporters were staging peaceful gatherings in Bangkok and Phuket this weekend to call for peace and to end the war in Ukraine. The gathering and march in Bangkok started from Lumphini park to Benjakiti Park at around 4:00 PM. today, February 27th, led by pro-democracy activist Somyot Prueksakasemsuk. The protesters called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops in Ukraine. They were seen holding Ukrainian flags and banners supporting peace/anti-war and painting their masks with Ukrainian flags. They were chanting ‘Stop Putin, Stop The War’ and ‘Hands Off Ukraine’ as well as staging symbolic expressions with tears as their makeup to show the loss of the war. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/27/ukrainian-nationals-and-supporters-stage-peaceful-gatherings-in-thailand-to-demand-end-of-war-and-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-28 - 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 Ministry of Public Health poll claims 60 percent of Thais still afraid of Covid-19 By Adam Judd PHOTO: BMA Health Thailand- The Ministry of Public Health revealed today, February 27th, 2022, that according to a recent “Hygiene Poll”, sixty percent of Thais that participated in the poll are still afraid of Covid-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251701-thai-ministry-of-public-health-poll-claims-60-percent-of-thais-still-afraid-of-covid-19/

PHOTO: BMA Health By Adam Judd Thailand- The Ministry of Public Health revealed today, February 27th, 2022, that according to a recent “Hygiene Poll”, sixty percent of Thais that participated in the poll are still afraid of Covid-19. Dr. Suwanchai Wattana Yingcharoenchai Director-General of the Department of Health revealed the results of the poll to the Thai press this morning, however, TPN notes, the exact number of people polled were not revealed. According to Dr. Suwanchai, the poll was conducted from February 18th-22nd of this month across Thailand and was called “Concerns and Feelings about the COVID-19 Situation”, or the Hygiene Poll for short. Dr. Suwanchai explained that according to the poll results, 60 percent of people were still worried and afraid of Covid-19. Amongst other results, 21.3 percent were “used to the situation and not concerned.” An additional piece of the poll also covered Covid-19’s impact on daily lives which, according to Dr. Suwanchai, 34.1% of people were stressed about their lives and their impact still directly due to Covid-19. 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/2022/02/27/thai-ministry-of-public-health-poll-claims-60-percent-of-thais-still-afraid-of-covid-19/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-28 - 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

Pattaya and Jomtien Beach vendors say business down 90 percent in past few weeks, disagree with postponing music festival By Adam Judd Pattaya-Pattaya and Jomtien chair, umbrella, food, and other vendors are not happy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251700-pattaya-and-jomtien-beach-vendors-say-business-down-90-percent-in-past-few-weeks-disagree-with-postponing-music-festival/

Pattaya-Pattaya and Jomtien chair, umbrella, food, and other vendors are not happy. By Adam Judd As Covid19 cases have reached record highs both nationally and locally this week many domestic tourists and visitors are staying away according to Pattaya Beach vendor associations who spoke with local media this week. Nationally, the Thai government has currently set a level four Covid19 alert which sets multiple suggestions and advice, but not mandates. One of these is to discourage interprovincial travel and encourage people to stay at home. Another of the level four alert guidelines is no major events or gatherings…as a result Pattaya has postponed the music festival scheduled for every weekend in March. There is no set date for the festival to resume. Pattaya has also asked for no events or gatherings to be held from the private sector with more than fifty people until further notice. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/26/pattaya-and-jomtien-beach-vendors-say-business-down-90-percent-in-past-few-weeks-disagree-with-postponing-music-festival/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-28 - 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

Additional Treatment Pathway for COVID Outpatients Starting March 1 by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health is now aiming to re-categorize COVID-19 as an endemic disease within four months, saying the transition will be facilitated by a “detect, dispense, conclude” protocol that will soon be implemented for outpatients. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251699-additional-treatment-pathway-for-covid-outpatients-starting-march-1/