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Picture: Thai Rath The Tourism Authority of Thailand representative in Phuket was pitting a positive spin on the "sandbox" on the holiday island, reported Thai Rath. Chief of the local TAT Nanthasiri Ronasiri said that foreigners continued to arrive on the island despite the "peak" of the tourist season being over. On Monday there were 3,450 foreign tourists arriving on 24 flights operated by 18 airlines. Nanthasiri - sporting an amazing Thailand pin - said that 61,000 arrived so far in February. Picture: Thai Rath The total since the start of the sandbox on July 1st 2021 was 327,000 leading to direct income of 18 billion baht. Total turnover was 43 billion based on each tourist spending 55,000 baht per trip. 70,000 rooms were on offer with hotels reporting 35-50% occupancy. ASEAN NOW notes that reports from those who have been through the sandbox indicated that many of the visitors were not really foreign tourists but returning expats perhaps with families living in Thailand. And many suggested that Thai people were included in the figures. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-23 - 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

Oh Buddha! Now monks have set up their own booze den Picture: INN A whole bunch of monks in Pathum Thani have been busted after they set up a mini shanty town. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251210-oh-buddha-now-monks-have-set-up-their-own-booze-den/

Picture: INN A whole bunch of monks in Pathum Thani have been busted after they set up a mini shanty town. It was their own private booze den where they'd get wasted instead of going back to the temple, reported INN. The parishioners in the area were not amused with the irregular behaviour. Behaviour that seems to be becoming the norm recently with a host of negative stories about Thailand's clergy. Picture: INN After social media posts featuring 7 boozy monks and a car being used for the alms round, Klong Luang district chief Nitichai Wiriyanon sent in his minions and religious officials to an area off the Bang Khan - Nong Seua Road. There were four monks there getting merrily drunk when they should have been doing their holy rounds. Large numbers of spirits (the liquid kind) and beer bottles were scattered about. Picture: INN Phra Sorayuth admitted the booze den had been going on for ages and, yes, he did partake of earthly liquor. Phra Manoon admitted it was him in the car on social media though he did say he sometimes took a taxi for his "bintabaht" (alms round). The abbot Phra Kru Monkholkitrajak ordered action and four were taken for a swift defrocking. Three others were sent back to another temple. Picture: INN Other stories in the Thai press recently included a monk doing a runner from paying a restaurant and booze tab in Sattahip and another one pulling a gun and firing on the faithful in a dispute over land. A large number of rifles were found in his holy quarters. Yet another was with a scantily clad woman, with a bra found discarded by the stairs and a case of wine cooler "used for religious purposes". Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-23 - 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

TaxiDD: New ride hailing service for taxis launches in Hua Hin By Jonathan Fairfield Blue 'tuk-tuk' style taxis in Hua Hin. File photo. A new ride hailing service for taxis, called TaxiDD, is now available in Hua Hin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251206-taxidd-new-ride-hailing-service-for-taxis-launches-in-hua-hin/

Blue 'tuk-tuk' style taxis in Hua Hin. File photo. By Jonathan Fairfield A new ride hailing service for taxis, called TaxiDD, is now available in Hua Hin. The service, which is operated by the Hua Hin Motor Co., Ltd, enables passengers to book one of the small blue ‘tuk-tuk’ style taxis via the Line messaging app. There is also a call centre feature which allows passengers to chat directly with drivers. Thirty of the blue four wheel taxis have joined the service and can be hired from early in the morning to midnight, seven days a week. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/taxidd-new-ride-hailing-service-for-taxis-launches-in-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-23 - 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

Pickup truck crashes into air conditioning shop in Ban Bueng, mechanic narrowly escapes injury By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News Ban Bueng – An air conditioning mechanic has narrowly escaped injuries after a pickup truck crashed into an air conditioning shop in Ban Bueng while he was working. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251204-pickup-truck-crashes-into-air-conditioning-shop-in-ban-bueng-mechanic-narrowly-escapes-injury/

PHOTO: Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News By Goong Nang(GN) Ban Bueng – An air conditioning mechanic has narrowly escaped injuries after a pickup truck crashed into an air conditioning shop in Ban Bueng while he was working. The Ban Bueng Police was notified of the accident yesterday (February 21st) on the Nong Chark – Panat Nikhom Road in Nong Chark sub-district. They arrived at the scene to find an overturned pickup truck on the road in front of an air conditioning shop. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/22/pickup-truck-crashes-into-air-conditioning-shop-in-ban-bueng-mechanic-narrowly-escapes-injury/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-23 - 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

55-year-old man blames wet road after crashing his trailer truck in Sri Racha By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Chamnan Jaieua / Jaru Suksri / Top News Sri Racha – A 55-year-old-man blamed the wet road and not his driving abilities after he slid his trailer truck off the road and into a forested area yesterday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251202-55-year-old-man-blames-wet-road-after-crashing-his-trailer-truck-in-sri-racha/

PHOTO: Chamnan Jaieua / Jaru Suksri / Top News By Goong Nang(GN) Sri Racha – A 55-year-old-man blamed the wet road and not his driving abilities after he slid his trailer truck off the road and into a forested area yesterday afternoon. Emergency responders were notified of the accident yesterday (February 21st) on the Marp Eang – Laem Chabang Road in Nong Kham sub-ditrict. First responders arrived at the scene to find a white trailer truck half off the road into a forested area. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/22/55-year-old-man-blames-wet-road-after-crashing-his-trailer-truck-in-sri-racha/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-23 - 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 officials investigate alleged public parking fee scams at Bali Hai Pier By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand-Pattaya City officials visited Bali Hai Pier yesterday, February 22nd, to follow up on reports from local residents and domestic tourists of unscrupulous individuals allegedly charging for parking around the pier. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251201-pattaya-city-officials-investigate-alleged-public-parking-fee-scams-at-bali-hai-pier/

By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand-Pattaya City officials visited Bali Hai Pier yesterday, February 22nd, to follow up on reports from local residents and domestic tourists of unscrupulous individuals allegedly charging for parking around the pier. The group of officials inspecting the pier were led by Mr. Pattana Boonsawad, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, along with his staff and assistants. According to Mr. Pattana, the public parking areas around the pier and heading towards the lighthouse were free of charge and meant to be a convenience for visitors to the pier. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/23/pattaya-city-officials-investigate-alleged-public-parking-fee-scams-at-bali-hai-pier/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-23 - 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 Tourism Minister insists on collecting 300 baht ‘land entry fee’ on all foreign visitors, says will be to help tourists and transparent By Nop Meechukhun PHOTO: Manager Online National – The Thai Tourism and Sports Minister confirmed that the 300-baht ‘land entry fee’ on all foreign tourists visiting the country would be eventually implemented, stressing that it would be used for tourists’ insurance and an emergency fund for those traveling in the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251200-thai-tourism-minister-insists-on-collecting-300-baht-‘land-entry-fee’-on-all-foreign-visitors-says-will-be-to-help-tourists-and-transparent/

PHOTO: Manager Online By Nop Meechukhun National – The Thai Tourism and Sports Minister confirmed that the 300-baht ‘land entry fee’ on all foreign tourists visiting the country would be eventually implemented, stressing that it would be used for tourists’ insurance and an emergency fund for those traveling in the country. Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told the Associated Press today, February 23rd, that the fee collection plan was still planned to be put into effect as it was a resolution that was issued long before his era. TPN media notes that the proposal for the entry fee has been hotly disputed on social media and by the tourism and hospitality industry. Phiphat clarified that the money would be, according to him, used to buy insurance for travelers who visited Thailand, provide emergency services, and the remaining fee would be used as a fund for the tourism development, chaired by the Permanent Secretary. He also insisted that the collection process would be transparent and accountable to the public and not go into anyone’s “pocket”. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/22/thai-tourism-minister-insists-on-collecting-300-baht-land-entry-fee-on-all-foreign-visitors-says-will-be-to-help-tourists-and-transparent/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-23 - 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 needs to reskill its workforce in order to compete, grow By Erich Parpart Thailand has to address many “constraints to investment”, accelerate investment in digital technologies and upskill its workforce to gain better access to cash flow worth billions of dollars in modern and circular markets, the World Bank in its latest report released on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251199-thailand-needs-to-reskill-its-workforce-in-order-to-compete-grow/

By Erich Parpart Thailand has to address many “constraints to investment”, accelerate investment in digital technologies and upskill its workforce to gain better access to cash flow worth billions of dollars in modern and circular markets, the World Bank in its latest report released on Tuesday. According to the Country Private Sector Diagnostic report for Thailand, by the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank, accelerating investment in digital technologies and promoting a circular economy approach in key industries can generate up to US$3.4 billion through investment flows and revenues for the country. But the upskilling or reskilling of the Thai labour force is needed if the country wants to better find these opportunities because “the supply of appropriate skills is missing” due to an aging society, shortage of foreign experts, underdevelopment, and outdated curricula. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37738/thailand-needs-to-reskill-its-workforce-in-order-to-compete-grow/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-23 - 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 now feeling the effects of Ukraine's situation in Asia? Latest reports state that Putin’s troops have been ordered to perform what is loosely described as “peacekeeping functions” in Lubansk and Donetsk raising fears troops could soon cross the border. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251198-are-we-now-feeling-the-effects-of-ukraines-situation-in-asia/

Latest reports state that Putin’s troops have been ordered to perform what is loosely described as “peacekeeping functions” in Lubansk and Donetsk raising fears troops could soon cross the border. If Putin’s Red army attacks, the impending hostilities could represent the most significant war in Europe since WW2. So, what are your concerns/predictions about the impact on our lives here as expats in Asia, if the conflict worsens? Financial Impact Initially one would expect the world stock markets will take a hit, so any invested in a retirement plan may see funds reduced. For example, concerns on the Ukraine-Russia tension and higher average domestic inflation projection for this and next year have already resulted in the upticks of Treasury bill (T-bill) rates in the Philippines this week. Global crude prices dropped marginally as news of fresh diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis soothed some concerns oversupply. However, as we have already seen, Oil and Gas prices have risen and therefore could go higher along with electricity. In Vietnam, gas prices reached a historic peak this week, and in some cases, supplies were limited. There could also be some blockades, meaning shipping will burn more expensive fuel to get to Asia, resulting in food shortages and rises even further! If a war breaks out between Russia and Ukraine, China will tighten its grip on South Asia Pacific, and Taiwan. Then the Philippines will have to choose a side! Needs a close watch by Thailand Sanan Angubolkul, chairperson of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the conflict brewing in Eastern Europe requires a close watch by Thailand. A bad situation could worsen if the standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine leads to fighting, said Mr Sanan. "The global oil price continues to rise, affecting the costs of energy and logistics in the global supply chain system. This also affects Thailand, as indicated by the rising prices of goods and services," said Mr Sanan. Thai petrol prices The dispute is a "warning sign" the global and Thai economies may plunge into trouble if the US, UK, and EU decide to impose economic sanctions on Russia if it invades Ukraine, said Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairperson of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). "Trade between Thailand and Russia, especially for food and farm produce, would certainly be affected by such sanctions." Mongkolsuthree added. Thai Russian Exports In 2021, Thailand's exports to Russia tallied US$1.02 billion, accounting for 0.4% of the country's total export value. Key export products included tractors, rubber, rubber-made products, machinery and parts, electrical appliances and parts, and plastic. Meanwhile Thai shipments to Ukraine totalled only $135 million, representing 0.05% of the country's total exports. Key exports included tractors, rubber and rubber-made products, plant-based seasonings, machinery, and parts. Air travel disruptions Apart from these economic issues, it is several flight routes would need to be changed as flying over Russia and Ukraine airspace will be a definite no-no. This is likely to not only add to everyone’s travel times but is also likely to see fare increases to cover additional fuel costs. The tensions would also affect exchange rates, plus travel and tourism. What are your thoughts? Perhaps you feel it is just too far away to be of major concern. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-23 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 23 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1251197-thailand-live-wednesday-23-feb-2022/