webfact

Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. (Photo: CNA/Saksith Saiyasombut) by Pichayada Promchertchoo BANGKOK: Thailand and Malaysia agreed to expedite quarantine-free travels across the borders for travellers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Friday (Feb 25) after meeting his Malaysian counterpart Ismail Sabri Yaakob in Bangkok. “We share the hope that fully vaccinated people will soon be able to travel between Thailand and Malaysia without quarantine, while following public health measures of both sides,” stated Gen Prayut during a joint press conference at the Government House in Bangkok. “Malaysia has called such channel ‘Vaccinated Travel Lane’ (VTL),” he added. According to the Thai prime minister, a joint working group will be set up to discuss guidelines for cross-border travels in order to expedite the reopening of borders. Full story: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-malaysia-expedite-quarantine-free-vaccinated-travellers-2519966 -- © Copyright Channel NewsAsia 2022-02-26 - 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

Ananda’s losses pile on in 2021 due to pandemic impact By Panithan Onthaworn Property developer Ananda Development Plc (ANAN) reported a 2021 full-year net loss of 457 million baht. The losses were a 120 per cent increase from 2020 which the company blamed on weak property demand caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251573-ananda’s-losses-pile-on-in-2021-due-to-pandemic-impact/

By Panithan Onthaworn Property developer Ananda Development Plc (ANAN) reported a 2021 full-year net loss of 457 million baht. The losses were a 120 per cent increase from 2020 which the company blamed on weak property demand caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The company’s fourth-quarter net loss of 220 million baht was also worse than what most analysts anticipated. Ananda’s chief executive Chanond Ruangkritya said the losses were mainly from “a decline in income from the joint venture investments which was affected by low condominium transfers under the Covid-19 outbreak.” Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37915/anandas-losses-pile-on-in-2021-due-to-pandemic-impact/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-26 - 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

FAMILY OF WC WOMAN JAILED IN THAILAND FOR DRUGS BELIEVE HER IMPRISONMENT UNJUST Ashley Oosthuizen was arrested by Thai police in 2020 and was sentenced to death on drug-related charges. The sentence has since been changed to life behind bars. by Shamiela Fisher Ashley Oosthuizen has been sentenced to life imprisonment on drug-related charges. Picture: Facebook CAPE TOWN - The family of a George woman who is locked up in Thailand for selling drugs believes that their daughter was unjustly put behind bars as she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251572-family-of-south-african-jailed-in-thailand-remain-hopeful/?do=findComment&comment=17212032v

FAMILY OF WC WOMAN JAILED IN THAILAND FOR DRUGS BELIEVE HER IMPRISONMENT UNJUST Ashley Oosthuizen was arrested by Thai police in 2020 and was sentenced to death on drug-related charges. The sentence has since been changed to life behind bars. by Shamiela Fisher Ashley Oosthuizen has been sentenced to life imprisonment on drug-related charges. Picture: Facebook CAPE TOWN - The family of a George woman who is locked up in Thailand for selling drugs believes that their daughter was unjustly put behind bars as she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Ashley Oosthuizen went to Thailand in March 2018 to start a job as a teacher but she was let go from the post and started working at a restaurant owned by her boyfriend. But Oosthuizen's island life changed in 2020 when she was arrested by Thai police and was sentenced to death on drug-related charges. The sentence has since been changed to life behind bars. According to her family, the 22-year-old had signed for a package on behalf of her boyfriend. She was arrested and has been in jail ever since. -- © Copyright EYEWITNESS NEWS 2022-02-26 - 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

Family of South African jailed in Thailand remain hopeful By Siphokazi Vuso Lynn Blignaut and her daughter, Ashley Oosthuizen. CAPE TOWN - The mother of Ashley Oosthuizen, who is facing life imprisonment in Thailand for alleged international drug trafficking, says the family is overwhelmed by the support they have been receiving from the public. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251572-family-of-south-african-jailed-in-thailand-remain-hopeful/

Lynn Blignaut and her daughter, Ashley Oosthuizen. By Siphokazi Vuso CAPE TOWN - The mother of Ashley Oosthuizen, who is facing life imprisonment in Thailand for alleged international drug trafficking, says the family is overwhelmed by the support they have been receiving from the public. Since news of Ashley’s imprisonment broke, her mother, Lynn Blignaut, said messages of support and encouragement had been flowing in. “Everybody has been amazing with their support and their messages of encouragement. I stand in awe to see all the positive reactions, it shows that so many people actually really do care,” she said. After matriculating in 2017, Blignaut’s 22-year-old daughter had moved to Thailand in March 2018 to do a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course, so she could teach kindergarten on the island of Koh Samui. When Oosthuizen was laid off work during the pandemic, Tris Nepps, believed to be her boyfriend and also alleged to be smuggling drugs on the island, had apparently offered her employment at his restaurant. Full story: https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/family-of-south-african-jailed-in-thailand-remain-hopeful-29816fc1-4297-45fe-814f-222abe7aa0ff -- © Copyright IOL 2022-02-26 - 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

US urged to stop importing fishing nets from Thailand Organizations cite persistent labor rights violations in the manufacture of fishing gear in Thai prisons UCA News reporter, Bangkok Thai fishermen haul in a net at sea. (Photo supplied) Prominent labor and human rights organizations have called on the government of the United States to ensure that fishing nets are not imported from Thailand over persistent labor rights violations in the manufacturing of these nets by local companies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251571-us-urged-to-stop-importing-fishing-nets-from-thailand/

Thai fishermen haul in a net at sea. (Photo supplied) Organizations cite persistent labor rights violations in the manufacture of fishing gear in Thai prisons UCA News reporter, Bangkok Prominent labor and human rights organizations have called on the government of the United States to ensure that fishing nets are not imported from Thailand over persistent labor rights violations in the manufacturing of these nets by local companies. In a report published last December by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the news organization found that many inmates at Thai prisons are forced to make fishing nets for private companies and that non-compliance with orders or failure to meet stringent quotas resulted in the prisoners being punished. The inmates received little or no pay for their work in what effectively amounted to forced labor, the report said. “[The officers] would say that if we didn’t make five nets a week, we would be punished,” one former inmate at Surin Central Prison in northeast Thailand was quoted as saying. Full story: https://www.ucanews.com/news/us-urged-to-stop-importing-fishing-nets-from-thailand/96251# -- © Copyright UCA news 2022-02-26 - 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 at 'Crossroads' as COVID-19 Surges Amid Tourism, Economy Rebound Tommy Walker FILE - Thai traditional dancers wearing face masks to help protect themselves from the coronavirus perform at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 7, 2022. BANGKOK — Thailand’s economy has seen growth in its recovery amid the global pandemic, but rising COVID-19 cases concern health experts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251570-thailand-at-crossroads-as-covid-19-surges-amid-tourism-economy-rebound/

FILE - Thai traditional dancers wearing face masks to help protect themselves from the coronavirus perform at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 7, 2022. Tommy Walker BANGKOK — Thailand’s economy has seen growth in its recovery amid the global pandemic, but rising COVID-19 cases concern health experts. Heavily reliant on international tourism to boost its economy, Thailand dropped its quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated visitors in November, with thousands of arrivals flocking to the country since. But along with the renewal of tourism in Thailand, new COVID-19 infections have also begun to accelerate throughout the country. Dr. Anan Jongkaewwattana, a virologist and researcher at the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Thailand, has said the country is at a “crossroads” over what to do next. Full story: https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-at-crossroads-as-covid-19-surges-amid-tourism-economy-rebound/6458728.html -- © Copyright VOICE OF AMERICA 2022-02-26 - 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

Drunk, speeding drivers and motorcyclists without helmets target of new road safety campaign By Online Reporter The Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Mr. Sathien Charoen Rian is implementing measures to improve road safety across the province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251569-drunk-speeding-drivers-and-motorcyclists-without-helmets-target-of-new-road-safety-campaign/

By Online Reporter The Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Mr. Sathien Charoen Rian is implementing measures to improve road safety across the province. As part of a new road safety campaign launched this week (Feb 24), law enforcement and relevant agencies have been told to strictly enforce traffic and road safety regulations throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan. Particular focus will be put on those who drive while under the influence of alcohol, people driving beyond the speed limit and those riding a motorcycle without a helmet. The governor also ordered the relevant agencies to upgrade the pedestrian crossings in all of the province’s eight districts, which includes Hua Hin. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/drunk-speeding-drivers-and-motorcyclists-without-helmets-target-of-new-road-safety-campaign/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-26 - 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 City announces not to hold any activities, events, or gatherings with more than 50 people due to rising Covid-19 cases By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya City Public Relations has announced not to hold activities with more than 50 people due to Covid -19 concerns and rising cases in the province and city. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251568-pattaya-city-announces-not-to-hold-any-activities-events-or-gatherings-with-more-than-50-people-due-to-rising-covid-19-cases/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya City Public Relations has announced not to hold activities with more than 50 people due to Covid -19 concerns and rising cases in the province and city. First, as a reference: Chonburi yesterday (February 25th) announced a new record high of 1,419 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and two new deaths. The Pattaya City Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai told TPN media, “Due to many confirmed Covid -19 cases in Pattaya and Chonburi, any activity that is more than 50 people gathering together ‘SHOULD’ not be held.” “Everyone must strictly follow the Public Heath measurements and avoid going to risky places, attending parties or drinking in groups. They should also work from home if possible.” Manot stated. 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/2022/02/25/pattaya-city-announces-not-to-hold-any-activities-events-or-gatherings-with-more-than-50-people-due-to-rising-covid19-cases/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-26 - 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

TAT and Emirates sign tourism agreement to boost tourism to Thailand Joint initiatives and opportunities for collaborations will enhance each party’s marketing and promotional efforts to attract travellers to the kingdom. TAT Newsroom Dubai, UAE, 25 February, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Emirates signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) that will leverage the airline’s vast global network to boost tourism to Thailand under the TAT’s latest campaign, Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251567-tat-and-emirates-sign-tourism-agreement-to-boost-tourism-to-thailand/

Joint initiatives and opportunities for collaborations will enhance each party’s marketing and promotional efforts to attract travellers to the kingdom. TAT Newsroom Dubai, UAE, 25 February, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Emirates signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) that will leverage the airline’s vast global network to boost tourism to Thailand under the TAT’s latest campaign, Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters. The MoC was signed yesterday (24 February) by Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas, and Mr. Orhan Abbas, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – Far East at Emirates and, in the presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Group Chairman and H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports. Also present at the signing ceremony were Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, H.E. Mr. Chairat Sirivat, Consul-General of Thailand to the UAE, and Mr. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said: “This Memorandum of Cooperation with Emirates come at an opportune time when the TAT is communicating with the world that Thailand is now open to international travellers from all countries and territories. The Visit Thailand Year 2022 is aimed to offering tourists ‘Amazing New Chapters’ to discover in Thailand in a more sustainable, more responsible way with all health and safety in place.” Under the MoC agreement, TAT and Emirates will explore joint initiatives and opportunities for collaborations that will enhance each party’s marketing and promotional efforts to attract travellers to Thailand. TAT will assist Emirates in developing airline passenger traffic from key strategy markets by supporting tour operators and travel agents in agreed target markets across the Emirates network with promotional giveaways, special promotional packages, incentives, and marketing spend. Through the MoC, Emirates will develop initiatives to boost tourism to the kingdom by showcasing it to customers across its global network. The airline will also engage in efforts to promote the country through its network of agents in key strategic markets in addition to collaborating on joint familiarisation trips designed to appeal to various customer segments. Mr. Orhan Abbas, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – Far East at Emirates, said, “Emirates launched operations to Thailand more than 30 years ago and its destinations are amongst the most popular in our Southeast Asian network, especially amongst holidaymakers from the US, Europe and the Middle East. We are delighted to join hands with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to boost tourism to the country, and build on the success achieved over the years, thanks to our long-standing relationship. We look forward to highlighting its diverse offerings to industry stakeholders and customers and helping them achieve their tourism targets, to support Thailand’s post-pandemic recovery.” Thailand continues to be an important part of the Emirates network, spanning almost 130 destinations. Emirates’ services to Bangkok were launched in 1990 and, in 2012, its direct flights to the resort island of Phuket were established, proving to be a very popular holiday destination amongst its global customers. Emirates resumed operations to Bangkok in September 2020 and its signature A380 services returned in November 2021, with two additional daily services utilising the Boeing 777-300ER. Emirates also flies to Thailand’s exotic holiday spot Phuket 11 times weekly. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/02/tat-and-emirates-sign-tourism-agreement-to-boost-tourism-to-thailand/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-02-26 - 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 parliament passes three draft bills to amend Political Party Act in first reading Tonight (Friday), a joint session of Thailand’s Senate and House of Representatives passed the first reading of three draft bills related to political parties, proposed by the cabinet, governing coalition parties, Palang Pracharath MP Anan Pholamnuay and his co-sponsors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251566-thai-parliament-passes-three-draft-bills-to-amend-political-party-act-in-first-reading/

Tonight (Friday), a joint session of Thailand’s Senate and House of Representatives passed the first reading of three draft bills related to political parties, proposed by the cabinet, governing coalition parties, Palang Pracharath MP Anan Pholamnuay and his co-sponsors. The Cabinet draft was passed 597:11, with 14 abstentions. The Palang Pracharath drafts passed 577:19 and 407:184 with 26 and 28 abstentions respectively. One MP did not cast a vote for the latter draft. The joint session also rejected another three drafts, proposed by the opposition Pheu Thai party, the Move Forward party and the Prachachat party. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-parliament-passes-three-draft-bills-to-amend-political-party-act-in-first-reading/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-26 - 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

Apologies, ASEAN NOW is not accepting comments on this article. //CLOSED// /Admin

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 26 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1251565-thailand-live-saturday-26-feb-2022/

Dept of Highlands to Return M-Flow Fines BANGKOK (NNT) - The Transport Minister has instructed officials to return the 10-fold fines the Department of Highways (DOH) collected from motorists who failed to pay the new M-Flow toll fees. He ordered the postponement of the imposition of the hefty fines until the end of March. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251534-dept-of-highlands-to-return-m-flow-fines/

Thailand Calls For Diplomatic Solutions to Russia-Ukraine Crisis NEW YORK (NNT) - The Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations has expressed support for a diplomatic solution regarding the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251537-thailand-calls-for-diplomatic-solutions-to-russia-ukraine-crisis/

AIC: Russian-Ukrainian Tension and Chip Shortages Affect Vehicle Exports by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Automotive Industry Club (AIC) reported a decline in car production in January. It attributed the drop to semiconductor shortages and the rising tension between Russia and Ukraine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251516-aic-russian-ukrainian-tension-and-chip-shortages-affect-vehicle-exports/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Automotive Industry Club (AIC) reported a decline in car production in January. It attributed the drop to semiconductor shortages and the rising tension between Russia and Ukraine. Surapong Pisitpattanapong, the spokesperson for the AIC, revealed that last month’s car production was at about 151,700 vehicles. The figure is an increase of 2.45% year-on-year, but a decline of 1.7% from the previous month. Of that number, about 74,700 vehicles were produced for domestic sales, accounting for 49.23% of the entire production. The remaining 77,000 vehicles, or 50.77% of the January production, were for exports. According to the AIC, which is under the supervision of the Federation of Thai Industries, the global semiconductor chip shortage was triggered by the rise in demand for electronic devices during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the rising popularity of electric vehicles. Chip shortage is expected to last until next year, according to the AIC’s estimate. The spokesperson also said that the export value of the car engines and parts in January was at 65.9 billion baht, an increase of 6% from the same period last year. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-25 - 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