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UPDATE: Search to Resume for Actress in Chao Phraya River NONTHABURI, Feb 25 (TNA) – Rescuers will resume their search for Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong in the Chao Phraya River after a suspension to pave the way for the traffic of passenger and cargo boats in the morning rush hour. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251496-thai-tv-star-missing-after-falling-into-chao-phraya-river-thursday-night/?do=findComment&comment=17210634

Search to Resume for Actress in Chao Phraya River NONTHABURI, Feb 25 (TNA) – Rescuers will resume their search for Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong in the Chao Phraya River after a suspension to pave the way for the traffic of passenger and cargo boats in the morning rush hour. The search and rescue mission was launched for Tangmo who fell from a speedboat into the river near the Pibulsongkram pier in Suan Yai sub-district of Muang district in Nonthaburi last night. Before the incident, the actress was traveling on a speedboat with six friends including three females. Scuba divers needed clues from the people about how the actress fell from the boat to plan their search mission. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-890547 -- © Copyright TNA 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

Are we better off ignoring the news for our own peace of mind? Gone are the days when we waited for the daily news to be delivered by a newspaper boy on his rounds. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251509-are-we-better-off-ignoring-the-news-for-our-own-peace-of-mind/

by Michael Bridge Gone are the days when we waited for the daily news to be delivered by a newspaper boy on his rounds. Now sitting in my humble condominium in Thailand, I have the luxury of watching TV beamed from all over the globe 24/7. I can even watch programmes up to 7 days after broadcast using a Catch-Up system. On my mobile breaking news is sent almost before it happens and add You Tube, and Facebook and we can stay update with news and of course rumours and the dreaded fake news. Being an expat has its added stresses, but we try to take it all in our stride. I am of the age where I was not born during World War II, and so apart from seeing Vietnam on TV from afar in the UK, have luckily never had to experience close up the horrors of war. Almost Reality TV When the current hostilities broke in Ukraine like many at first, I watched in fascination the situation unfolding. However, what hit home for me was the view of the massive traffic jams as people tried to flee Kiev. I thought how unnerving it had to be trying to drive your family away from your house with limited cash (the ATMs were limiting transactions) not knowing if you would run out of petrol before reaching safety. I could relate to having to lead my own family to safety and it was really quiet a sobering situation. I hope NATO can get its act together before we start to talk about World War III. Of course, there are a lot of Russian families currently on holiday in Thailand and I am sure they are starting to feel uncomfortable. However, I actually feel very sad for them, as I am sure the majority of Russians do not welcome this hostility. Meanwhile personally for my own sanity, I plan to switch off my BBC News app and only watch movies and TV series for the time being. I am sure people will be disusing the situation in the pubs, bars, trains, planes restaurants, and even saunas, so I am unlikely to be totally immune to the news, but at least I can try. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 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 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

‘Restaurant’ owner arrested for allegedly breaking Covid-19 rules in Pattaya By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya Police arrested a “restaurant” owner in Pattaya for allegedly breaking Covid-19 rules and violating the closing time for alcohol-serving venues. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251508-‘restaurant’-owner-arrested-for-allegedly-breaking-covid-19-rules-in-pattaya/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya Police arrested a “restaurant” owner in Pattaya for allegedly breaking Covid-19 rules and violating the closing time for alcohol-serving venues. The Pattaya City Police this morning (February 25th) reports that raids were led by the Pattaya City Police Chief Colonel Kunlachart Kunlachai and police officers from the Safety Zone 4.0 project around midnight last night. They arrested Mr. Phongsak, who was identified as the owner of the converted restaurant ‘SEX ON THE BEACH’ at Jomtien Beach. His full name and age was not provided. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/25/restaurant-owner-arrested-for-allegedly-breaking-covid-19-rules-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Operations centre set up in Lviv to coordinate evacuation of Thais from Ukraine The Thai embassy in Warsaw, Poland, has established an operations centre at a hotel in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, near the border with Poland, to serve as a temporary shelter for about 253 Thais who may be evacuated from their workplaces in Ukraine, according to an announcement by the embassy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251507-operations-centre-set-up-in-lviv-to-coordinate-evacuation-of-thais-from-ukraine/

The Thai embassy in Warsaw, Poland, has established an operations centre at a hotel in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, near the border with Poland, to serve as a temporary shelter for about 253 Thais who may be evacuated from their workplaces in Ukraine, according to an announcement by the embassy. The embassy in Warsaw said it has consulted Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and it was agreed that the operations centre should be set up, adding that embassy officials have already been sent to Lviv to book rooms in one of the hotels there. The hotel is to be used as a temporary gathering point for Thai nationals, mostly employees of Thai massage parlours or spas in various cities in Ukraine. The Thais are then expected to be flown back to Thailand from Lviv or Warsaw. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/operations-centre-set-up-in-lviv-to-coordinate-evacuation-of-thais-from-ukraine/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Thai TV star missing after falling into Chao Phraya River Thursday night Rescue workers and divers in speedboats and on jet-skis have been searching the Chao Phraya River, near the Pibulsongkram pier in Nonthaburi, since late last night (Thursday) for local TV star Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong, who went missing after she fell into the river. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251496-thai-tv-star-missing-after-falling-into-chao-phraya-river-thursday-night/

Rescue workers and divers in speedboats and on jet-skis have been searching the Chao Phraya River, near the Pibulsongkram pier in Nonthaburi, since late last night (Thursday) for local TV star Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong, who went missing after she fell into the river. Tangmo was with a small group of friends on board a speedboat, which left Thon Buri Bridge at about 9.30pm, heading towards Nonthaburi. How she came to fall into the river remains unclear. Nonthaburi district police said they received a report late last night of a woman falling into the river and they asked the Ruamkatanyu Foundation to conduct search. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-tv-star-missing-after-falling-into-chao-phraya-river-thursday-night/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Chonburi announces new record high of 1,419 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and two new deaths By Goong Nang(GN) Highlights: == 1,419 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today == 1,232 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. == 548 (PCR) and 680 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care == Two new deaths Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251494-chonburi-announces-new-record-high-of-1419-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-two-new-deaths/

By Goong Nang(GN) Highlights: == 1,419 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today == 1,232 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. == 548 (PCR) and 680 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care == Two new deaths The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 1,419 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with two new deaths, February 25th, 2022. This makes a total of 60,288 cases (PCR,ATK) of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 10,145 (PCR) and 9,399 (ATK) people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 42 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections at the beginning of this year, January 2022. Additionally, 548 (PCR) and 680 (ATK) people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 25,972 (PCR) and 14,729 (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. Two people were listed as being in serious condition in Chonburi currently, either on a ventilator or pneumonia. Both of them were vaccinated. According to the Chonburi Department of Public Health, the vast majority of recent cases are mild or asymptomatic. The two new deaths were at the age of 51 and 55 with personal health problems and pre-existing conditions. In total, 1,977,040 people in Pattaya and Chonburi have received their first dose of a Covid -19 vaccine which is 84.89 percent of the total Chonburi population. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/25/chonburi-announces-new-record-high-of-1419-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-two-new-deaths/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Thai hospitality players move in on cannabis tourism By Duncan Forgan De Cuyper: Thailand’s medical and wellness tourism sector can benefit from the rise of cannabis tourism Cannabis tourism is poised to become a growth market in Thailand as the Kingdom’s relationship with marijuana goes back overground. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251493-thai-hospitality-players-move-in-on-cannabis-tourism/

De Cuyper: Thailand’s medical and wellness tourism sector can benefit from the rise of cannabis tourism By Duncan Forgan Cannabis tourism is poised to become a growth market in Thailand as the Kingdom’s relationship with marijuana goes back overground. Thailand was the first South-east Asian country to legalise the production, import, and export of cannabis for medical purposes in 2018. This year, Thai authorities approved the de facto decriminalisation of marijuana but left a grey area around its recreational use. These moves, say observers, are fostering an environment where cannabis tourism can help resuscitate an industry that has been badly battered by the global pandemic. Indeed, many feel Thailand’s relaxed regulations could lead to a surge in medical and wellness tourism where marijuana is utilised as a key component. “Thailand is well known as a destination for medical tourism and wellness travel. So, these sectors will surely benefit from the latest developments,” opined Dirk De Cuyper, CEO of S Hotels and Resorts. Full story: https://www.ttgasia.com/2022/02/24/thai-hospitality-players-move-in-on-cannabis-tourism/ -- © Copyright TTG ASIA 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

Photo depicting victim blaming goes viral, sparking heated sexual harassment debate By Natcha Patanasophon A cartoon illustration has caused heated debate over sexual harassment and victim blaming in the workplace. It all started when a hugely popular Facebook account under the name, “Contrast,” posted a new illustration this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251484-photo-depicting-victim-blaming-goes-viral-sparking-heated-sexual-harassment-debate/

By Natcha Patanasophon A cartoon illustration has caused heated debate over sexual harassment and victim blaming in the workplace. It all started when a hugely popular Facebook account under the name, “Contrast,” posted a new illustration this week. Contrast is a digital content creator who delivers social stories with different perspectives. The account shares comic-like cartoon drawings that compare people’s different perspectives to any given situation with an edgy twist for effect. The viral illustration shows two women who were both sexually harassed over the phone. The first woman was shamed for “provoking sexual harassment” as she is depicted wearing revealing clothes. The other woman was supported by her colleagues as they felt empathy for her because she wore modest clothing. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37895/photo-depicting-victim-blaming-goes-viral-sparking-heated-sexual-harrasment-debate/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

Thailand reports a record high of 24,932 new COVID-19 cases on Friday File photo. Credit: Thai PBS Thailand on Friday (February 25) reported 24,932 new COVID-19 cases, 15,774 recoveries and 41 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251482-thailand-reports-a-record-high-of-24932-new-covid-19-cases-on-friday/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports a record high of 24,932 new COVID-19 cases on Friday File photo. Credit: Thai PBS Thailand on Friday (February 25) reported 24,932 new COVID-19 cases, 15,774 recoveries and 41 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251482-thailand-reports-a-record-high-of-24932-new-covid-19-cases-on-friday/

File photo. Credit: Thai PBS Thailand on Friday (February 25) reported 24,932 new COVID-19 cases, 15,774 recoveries and 41 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 24,765. Prisons: 167 ▶︎ Recoveries: 15,774 Friday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,819,282 with 22,809 deaths. The news comes as the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has updated the public on the progress of Covid-19 vaccine developments in Thailand. CCSA Spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuyothin has disclosed the progress of vaccines currently being developed in the country. The vaccines development revealed were the Chula-Cov19 vaccine and HXP-GPOVac. The Chula-Cov19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine, is being developed by Chulalongkorn University. The vaccine, according to the developers, can be produced swiftly, does not require a large facility for production, and is more adaptable for storage and administration. Its development is currently in its second-phase clinical test and is expected to be registered in 2022. *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 2022-02-25 - 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 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

5 lesser-known facts about Thai billionaire Nualphan Lamsam: Madam Pang’s Hakka ancestor from Guangdong, China started the family and ‘lamsam’ is now slang for ‘rich people’ in Thailand ● The Muang Thai Insurance and Kasikorn Bank scion is well-known in Thailand, but did you know that she descends from a Chinese immigrant to Thailand who started out in timber? ● Madam Pang is an Aries with a taste for men as driven as she is, including current husband Thai Corrections Department director-general Narat Sawettanan Naressa Khan Nualphan Lamsam is beloved in Thailand, but how much do you know about her? Photo: @panglamsam/Instagram Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251478-5-lesser-known-facts-about-thai-billionaire-nualphan-lamsam/

● The Muang Thai Insurance and Kasikorn Bank scion is well-known in Thailand, but did you know that she descends from a Chinese immigrant to Thailand who started out in timber? ● Madam Pang is an Aries with a taste for men as driven as she is, including current husband Thai Corrections Department director-general Narat Sawettanan Naressa Khan Nualphan Lamsam is beloved in Thailand, but how much do you know about her? Photo: @panglamsam/Instagram Nualphan Lamsam, or “Madam Pang” as she is affectionately known in Thailand, is an undeniable force of nature. As the country’s beloved and celebrated billionaire, she has contributed to its social and economic development with various prestigious roles, including as Muang Thai Insurance’s president and CEO, and chairwoman of the Thai League 1 team Port Football Club. And she reportedly does it all in high style. While these are well-known facts about Madam Pang, there are more hidden nuances that paint a more complete picture of who she is. Full story: https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3168244/5-lesser-known-facts-about-thai-billionaire-nualphan -- © Copyright South China Morning Post 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

Opinion: With the Pattaya music festival postponed and Songkran at risk for the third year in a row, what’s the exit strategy? When do we truly “live” with Covid-19 in Thailand? By Adam Judd Does it feel like Groundhog day to anyone out there? It should. Once again major events have been postponed/canceled by authorities in Pattaya due to Covid-19 concerns. Once again more events, including the biggest of the year, Songkran, the Thai new year/water festival is at risk for strict rules. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251476-opinion-with-the-pattaya-music-festival-postponed-and-songkran-at-risk-for-the-third-year-in-a-row-what’s-the-exit-strategy-when-do-we-truly-“live”-with-covid-19-in-thailand/

By Adam Judd Does it feel like Groundhog day to anyone out there? It should. Once again major events have been postponed/canceled by authorities in Pattaya due to Covid-19 concerns. Once again more events, including the biggest of the year, Songkran, the Thai new year/water festival is at risk for strict rules. Now, to be fair, the postponing of the music festival in Pattaya was apparently a decision based on national “advice” from the Thai government around the current Covid-19 alert being “Level 4”. Amongst other things, this discourages inter provincial travel which is the main reason the event was postponed, as authorities were concerned about people traveling from rural provinces or areas and bringing Covid back home. Chonburi is, by the way, the highest vaccinated province in Thailand and the booster program is moving along nicely, according to the Chonburi Public Health Department. Pattaya individually as a tourism “Blue” zone is well over 90 percent double vaccinated according to the Mayor, Sonthaya Khunpluem, and the booster program has been taking place on a regular basis. Despite high numbers of Covid-19 cases, Chonburi deaths and serious cases (pneumonia and on a ventilator) remain very low. This is likely driven by high vaccination rates in the area. Yet, restrictions remain, events are postponed or canceled, and the nightlife and bar industry, a huge part of the local economy in Pattaya whether people like it or not, continues to be stifled by rules and restrictions like no dancing, no singing from customers, no pool, early closing times, required antigen tests to enter, and other rules. Granted, as we have covered previously, large parts of Thailand still have fairly low vaccination rates, especially in rural areas. These areas also have nowhere near the hospital or medical capacity Chonburi does, or Phuket, or Bangkok. So I certainly understand officials being overly cautious as cases rise. I get it. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/25/opinion-with-the-pattaya-music-festival-postponed-and-songkran-at-risk-for-the-third-year-in-a-row-whats-the-exit-strategy-when-do-we-truly-live-with-covid19-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Saudia resumes direct flights to Thailand MAI ALMARZOOGI By Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67933807 ● It comes after both countries turned a new page in their relationship with a restoration of full diplomatic ties and a planned exchange of ambassadors Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251474-saudia-resumes-direct-flights-to-thailand/