webfact

By Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67933807 MAI ALMARZOOGI ● 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 JEDDAH: Thailand is preparing for more tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia following an announcement that direct flights will resume to the Southeast Asian country. Saudia will restart flights on Feb. 28, saying on social media that Bangkok was “closer than ever.” 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 after Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s official state visit to Riyadh last month. Full story: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2031291/saudi-arabia -- © Copyright ARAB 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

A deep dive into Thailand’s perks for electric vehicles By Dashveenjit Kaur Thailand will soon have electric vehicles perks including tax breaks. Here’s a deep dive ● The government, to promote electric vehicles, approved an array of incentives, including lower excise tax and import duties on significant auto parts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251473-a-deep-dive-into-thailand’s-perks-for-electric-vehicles/

Thailand will soon have electric vehicles perks including tax breaks. Here’s a deep dive By Dashveenjit Kaur ● The government, to promote electric vehicles, approved an array of incentives, including lower excise tax and import duties on significant auto parts. ● Excise tax on imported EVs will be reduced to 2% from 8%, and that is expected to add 7,000 EVs in the first year. ● Eligible car manufacturers will also receive subsidies of between 70,000 baht and 150,000 baht for each EV and 18,000 baht for electric motorcycles. Lately, in tune with other countries around the world, Thailand has been gearing up to push for more electric vehicles on the road. The country has even set a bold goal of selling only zero-emission vehicles from 2035 onwards. With that, came a flurry of perks by the government, for the Thai EV market. Just this week, officials announced tax incentives to spur the adoption of clean vehicles. Basically, the objective for Thailand is to transform itself from being the Southeast Asian hub for the production of conventional autos to one making electric vehicles. As it is, the automotive industry is one of Thailand’s most important sectors. It contributes to about 10% of the economy, employs 850,000 workers, and supports industries from iron and steel to petrochemicals and plastic. Full story: https://techwireasia.com/2022/02/a-deep-dive-into-thailands-perks-for-electric-vehicles/ -- © Copyright TECHWIRE 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

Boeing wins helicopter contract for Thailand By Mike Yeo An AH-6i attack helicopter is flown by Todd Brown in Mesa, Ariz. (Boeing) MELBOURNE, Australia — Boeing has been awarded a contract for AH-6 light-attack helicopters to Thailand, the U.S. Defense Department announced Feb. 18. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251471-boeing-wins-helicopter-contract-for-thailand/

An AH-6i attack helicopter is flown by Todd Brown in Mesa, Ariz. (Boeing) By Mike Yeo MELBOURNE, Australia — Boeing has been awarded a contract for AH-6 light-attack helicopters to Thailand, the U.S. Defense Department announced Feb. 18. The department said Boeing’s Mesa, Arizona, location was issued a $103.8 million modification to a contract for AH-6 aircraft with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2025. The announcement added that the contract modification was for a Foreign Military Sales program for Thailand. The U.S. State Department previously approved the potential sale of eight AH-6i Little Bird helicopters in September 2019, estimated to be worth no more than $400 million. The Thai government later clarified it had approved 4.2 billion baht (U.S. $130.3 million) for the acquisition. Full story: https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/02/23/boeing-wins-helicopter-contract-for-thailand/ -- © Copyright Defense 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

Thailand moving to scrap all tourist restrictions this year once the Covid virus is declared endemic by James Morris and Son Nguyen Minister of Tourism and Sports, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has said that Thailand will scrap all restrictions on inbound tourists once the COVID-19 virus has been declared endemic, something that is expected this year. It comes as the kingdom’s economic performance begins to improve since the reopening of its borders under the ‘Test and Go’ regime since November 1st last which has seen growth for 2021 revised to 1.6% and a projected growth rate for 2022 now forecast at up to 5%. In recent days, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has revised its projection for foreign tourists this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251470-thailand-moving-to-scrap-all-tourist-restrictions-this-year-once-the-covid-virus-is-declared-endemic/

Minister of Tourism and Sports, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has said that Thailand will scrap all restrictions on inbound tourists once the COVID-19 virus has been declared endemic, something that is expected this year. It comes as the kingdom’s economic performance begins to improve since the reopening of its borders under the ‘Test and Go’ regime since November 1st last which has seen growth for 2021 revised to 1.6% and a projected growth rate for 2022 now forecast at up to 5%. by James Morris and Son Nguyen In recent days, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has revised its projection for foreign tourists this year from 5 million to 5.5 million visitors and suggests that the country can use the renewed impetus from the sector to drive GDP growth for 2022 of up to 5%. The Thai government is planning to scrap all entry restrictions on foreign travellers sometime this year when it declares the virus as an endemic disease according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. On Wednesday, the kingdom did away with the requirement for a second test on arrival on the 5th day for incoming tourists following calls by business leaders to allow the industry to revert to normal. This is happening at the same time as economic data suggests strongly that foreign tourism income has a far higher impact on the country’s economy than originally thought due to its impact on confidence and the level of indirect economic activity generated. Thailand, on Wednesday, gave the green light to the suspension of the mandatory 2nd COVID-19 test for visitors from March 1st next. The move will see the scrapping of any need for a hotel reservation on the 5th day after arrival. For now, the requirement will be for a self-test to be undertaken by the visitor using an antigen test kit. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/02/24/thailand-moving-back-to-free-tourist-access/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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

Red flags flown at Mae Ram Phueng beach as oil pollutant levels exceed limits Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) has advised against swimming in the sea or playing on the sand at three spots on Mae Ram Phueng beach in Rayong province, after high levels of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) were detected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251469-red-flags-flown-at-mae-ram-phueng-beach-as-oil-pollutant-levels-exceed-limits/

Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) has advised against swimming in the sea or playing on the sand at three spots on Mae Ram Phueng beach in Rayong province, after high levels of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) were detected. PCD Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa said today that inspectors had discovered that TPH in the sea at three locations at Hin Khao of Mae Ram Phueng beach exceeds the standard level by 1.5 times. He said the department has asked the governor of Rayong to fly red flags at the three locations and to close the area to swimming and beach activities, adding that officials will monitor the situation until the level of TPH drops. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/red-flags-flown-at-mae-ram-phueng-beach-as-oil-pollutant-levels-exceed-limits/ -- © 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

What is the good news about living in Thailand now? File photo//National News Bureau of Thailand OK everyone in the world probably has the same concerns as us, whether it is about the ongoing pandemic, dealing with excessive weather conditions, or now the threat of World War III. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251465-what-is-the-good-news-about-living-in-thailand-now/

File photo//National News Bureau of Thailand OK everyone in the world probably has the same concerns as us, whether it is about the ongoing pandemic, dealing with excessive weather conditions, or now the threat of World War III. Less in the pocket as prices rise, and the cost of filling up with petrol adds to the misery too. Well at least here living in Thailand, either working or retired, is probably a lot more palatable than living over in say Canada, the UK, or of course in Ukraine. With rising global container prices, many in the West are having to either pay through the nose or refrain from buying certain items. Good News The good news is at least Thailand produces masses of its own fresh fruit and vegetables. On a recent trip to the local market, I still found suppliers and farmers delivering fresh produce picked from the ground or trees within 24 hours. Whereas my friends back in London would treat enjoying strawberries in the winter like a real luxury, here we can buy a large bag for just THB100. We also probably take for granted that bananas do taste much better here, because they have not been sitting in a refrigerated container for three months. Another benefit of the pandemic for residents is apart from the odd oil spill, the Gulf of Thailand is a lot cleaner and a bit less polluted. You can also stay in 5-star resorts for the price of paying for a 3 star or even 2-star hotel as well. We had to get used to the constant noise and pollution of all those tourist buses. Well for the moment most of our Soi’s are bus free which is a bonus. Rents of houses, villas, and condominiums are much cheaper, as owners realise that it is better to have some cash coming in, than maybe having an empty property sitting there waiting for higher rentals. And if you are a golfer, the golf courses around Thailand have never been in better condition with fewer people playing, and at rates that are very competitive too. So, although the next few months will not be a picnic, at least it is not all doom and gloom. -- © 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

Apologies, ASEAN NOW is not currently accepting comments on this topic //CLOSED// /Admin

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 25 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1251464-thailand-live-friday-25-feb-2022/

Pattaya police raid two “restaurants” allegedly breaking Covid -19 rules and violating closing times Pattaya Police raided a pub and a karaoke, a.k.a. “restaurants” in Pattaya after midnight (February 24th) this morning for allegedly violating Covid19 rules and the current closing time mandate of 11:00 P.M. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251415-pattaya-police-raid-two-“restaurants”-allegedly-breaking-covid-19-rules-and-violating-closing-times/

Tanker caught discharging oil into the sea off Thailand’s Chon Buri province The skipper of an aging oil tanker is facing charges for violating the Navigation in Thai Waters Act by allegedly discharging about 3,000 litres of oil into the sea off Chon Buri province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251412-tanker-caught-discharging-oil-into-the-sea-off-thailand’s-chon-buri-province/

CCSA Reveals Updates for Developments of Home-Grown Covid-19 Vaccines BANGKOK (NNT) - The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has updated the public on the progress of Covid-19 vaccine developments in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251409-ccsa-reveals-updates-for-developments-of-home-grown-covid-19-vaccines/

Thailand Not Included in US’s Notorious Markets List BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities said Thailand will remain committed to combating intellectual property (IP) infringement, after the country was excluded from the Notorious Markets List announced recently by the United States. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251410-thailand-not-included-in-us’s-notorious-markets-list/

30-year-old motorbike rider dies after crashing into a trailer truck in Pattaya during morning rush hour By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya/Banglamung-A 30-year old motorbike rider has been pronounced dead at the scene of the accident after he crashed his motorbike into a trailer truck in the Pattaya area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251391-30-year-old-motorbike-rider-dies-after-crashing-into-a-trailer-truck-in-pattaya-during-morning-rush-hour/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya/Banglamung-A 30-year old motorbike rider has been pronounced dead at the scene of the accident after he crashed his motorbike into a trailer truck in the Pattaya area. The Banglamung Police were notified of the accident at 9:40 A.M. yesterday, February 23rd, 2022, on Sukhumvit Road in Naklua. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the body of Mr. Teerapat Toamudbamroong, 30. He had sustained severe head injuries and was lying on the roadway bleeding heavily. He had not been wearing a protective motorbike helmet. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/24/30-year-old-motorbike-rider-dies-after-crashing-into-a-trailer-truck-in-pattaya-during-morning-rush-hour/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-24 - 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 to deliberate draft amendments to election, political party laws Members of Thailand’s House and the Senate are scheduled to deliberate 10 draft bills attached to the electoral and political party acts today (Thursday) and tomorrow, as a key senator has hinted that one of the draft bills, proposed by the opposition Pheu Thai party to pave way for outsiders to dominate a party, will be rejected by the Senate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251390-thai-parliament-to-deliberate-draft-amendments-to-election-political-party-laws/

Members of Thailand’s House and the Senate are scheduled to deliberate 10 draft bills attached to the electoral and political party acts today (Thursday) and tomorrow, as a key senator has hinted that one of the draft bills, proposed by the opposition Pheu Thai party to pave way for outsiders to dominate a party, will be rejected by the Senate. Senator Wanchai Sornsiri said that the Pheu Thai party’s draft, which seeks to remove Sections 28 and 29 of the Organic Act on Political Parties regarding interference in the affairs of a party by outsiders which may subject the party in question to dissolution, is premature and may lead to political conflict. The opposition party earlier dismissed the notion that the party intends to pave way for exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to interfere with the internal affairs of the party. It maintains, however, that Sections 28 and 29 are not fair and open to a broad interpretation that even accepting 10 million baht in donations may result in the party being dissolved, as such an act may be interpreted as the party being dominated by an outsider. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-parliament-to-deliberate-draft-amendments-to-election-political-party-laws/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-24 - 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

Makro Gives Food Waste to Animals BANGKOK, Feb 24 (TNA) – The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation signed a memorandum of cooperation with Siam Makro PCL to use food waste from the company to feed the wild animals that are under the care of the department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251384-makro-gives-food-waste-to-animals/

BANGKOK, Feb 24 (TNA) – The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation signed a memorandum of cooperation with Siam Makro PCL to use food waste from the company to feed the wild animals that are under the care of the department. Thanya Netithammakul, director-general of the department, said the number of animals under the department’s care was rising because it increasingly received wild animals rescued from trafficking and abuse while having limited budgets to provide the care. The budget in fiscal 2022 was further reduced and would be enough for a few months of care for the wild animals only. Meanwhile, COVID-19 heavily decreased the income of the department from entry fees at national parks and wildlife sanctuaries from 2 billion baht to only 300 million baht a year, he said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-889721 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-02-24 - 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

Strange "pink" pond! Locals think it looks decidedly dodgy! Picture: INN INN published pictures of what they called a strange pink pond, though it looked more purple. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251380-strange-pink-pond-locals-think-it-looks-decidedly-dodgy/

Picture: INN INN published pictures of what they called a strange pink pond, though it looked more purple. They reported that the owner thinks it might be dangerous and called for the authorities to investigate. The pond is in Ban Nong Samer, a village in Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat. The authorities went to see it after getting a call from Sureerat Sankhlong about the pond that is behind her house. The three meter deep, 30m x 15 m body of water was tested by lowering in a bucket and smelling the water. No bad smell. Picture: INN A bit of white cloth was then doused in the water - no dye came off on the cloth. The officials further noted that the fish put in there by the owner of the pond were all swimming about quite happily. Sureerat said her dad dug the pond 20 years ago. The color started to change last month and is getting darker and darker all the time. She fears chemical contamination in some way. No damning evidence could be found and the taps in the area were running with water showing no discoloration. Now the environmental authority have been called in to take a sample to try and get to the bottom of the mystery, reported INN yesterday. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-24 - 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