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No new COVID restrictions in Thailand, only strict enforcement of existing measures The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will not impose any additional measures amid rising COVID-19 infections, but will strictly enforce the existing restrictions in the light of surging infections, mostly by the Omicron variant, CCSA Assistant Spokesperson Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan said Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251064-no-new-covid-restrictions-in-thailand-only-strict-enforcement-of-existing-measures/

Thailand’s 2021 economy grows by 1.6%, PM vows to go full steam ahead on recovery Thailand’s economy for the year 2021 grew by 1.6%, better than the projected growth of 1.2%, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251060-thailand’s-2021-economy-grows-by-16-pm-vows-to-go-full-steam-ahead-on-recovery/

COVID infection risk raised back to ‘Level 4’ in Thailand Photo: The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) The Thai Ministry of Public Health has once again upgraded the risk of COVID-19 infection to Level 4, the second highest level, across the country, as 90% of new infections are now by the Omicron variant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251061-covid-infection-risk-raised-back-to-‘level-4’-in-thailand/

Thai Economy Returns to Growth on Tourism, Outlook Maintained BANGKOK (NNT) - The economy returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2021, rebounding more quickly than expected on robust exports and a recovery in domestic activity. This followed an easing of coronavirus curbs and came as borders reopened to foreign visitors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251026-thai-economy-returns-to-growth-on-tourism-outlook-maintained/

Tourism Ministry Sets Targets for Entering Saudi Markets, Attracting Visitors By Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has set goals for penetrating various markets in Saudi Arabia and attracting Saudi travelers to Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251002-tourism-ministry-sets-targets-for-entering-saudi-markets-attracting-visitors/

By Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has set goals for penetrating various markets in Saudi Arabia and attracting Saudi travelers to Thailand. Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn plans to bring representatives from the private sector in fields such as tourism and hospitality to attend a roadshow in the Middle Eastern kingdom. The Thai government expects to attract at least 200,000 Saudis to Thailand and generate 20 billion baht in revenue this year. Previously, the Saudi government only allowed its citizens to visit Thailand for medical treatment and official business and governmental affairs. Pleasure visits were strictly prohibited. Thailand welcomed nearly 37,000 Saudis in 2019, generating about 3.2 billion baht in revenue. The administration has sent a draft memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation to its Saudi counterpart. The draft agreement involves policies that will simplify the process of visa issuance. It also extends how long Thai pilgrims can stay in Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes after completing their hajj pilgrimage. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-19 - 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

Gun toting monk - with an arsenal in his quarters - defrocked in the north Picture: Sanook The trouble with Thailand's out of control Buddhist monks continued apace. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251001-gun-toting-monk-with-an-arsenal-in-his-quarters-defrocked-in-the-north/

Picture: Sanook The trouble with Thailand's out of control Buddhist monks continued apace. Following a series of salacious incidents, each one seemingly worse than the one before, comes one to top them all. A tooled up monk in Mae Hong Son in the far north took aim at a group of parishioners with a gun then fled the scene. Police and local officials went to the temple of Wat Doi Jatee where Phra Cheua was nowhere to be found. So they searched his quarters and found three BB guns in the style of M16 assault rifles and another weapon. One of the BB guns had been adapted to fire real bullets. Phra Cheua, 50, was soon rounded up at a nearby temple, Wat Pa ban Mai. He claimed that "they fired first" and he was only defending himself and needed a lawyer. It was all over a land dispute. Sanook reported that Muang Mae Hong Son police had the errant monk defrocked before doing a reenactment and deciding exactly how to proceed in the case. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-21 - 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

Zebra Crossings: Motorists still ignoring them, Thai media discovers Picture: INN Thai media INN sent in their newshounds to investigate if the Thai driving public had learned their lesson from the death of Dr Kratai at a Phayathai zebra crossing several weeks ago. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250998-zebra-crossings-motorists-still-ignoring-them-thai-media-discovers/

Picture: INN Thai media INN sent in their newshounds to investigate if the Thai driving public had learned their lesson from the death of Dr Kratai at a Phayathai zebra crossing several weeks ago. They hadn't. Research at Huay khwang, Asoke and Silom - three busy areas in the Thai capital - revealed that drivers were ignoring the crossings just like before. Pedestrians were left to wait forlornly by the side of the road - even green lights to walk were hazardous. In addition the media saw loads of motorcyclists and delivery riders using the sidewalks. Welcome to Bangkok - oh sorry, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon - where lessons are learned one day and ignored the next.....notes ASEAN NOW. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-21 - 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

PM Happy with Saudi Arabian Flights Scheduled for This Month BANGKOK, Feb 21 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is happy with Saudi Arabian Airlines' plan to operate direct flights to Thailand on Feb 28 and considers it as an achievement following his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia, said the government spokesman. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250996-pm-happy-with-saudi-arabian-flights-scheduled-for-this-month/

BANGKOK, Feb 21 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is happy with Saudi Arabian Airlines' plan to operate direct flights to Thailand on Feb 28 and considers it as an achievement following his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia, said the government spokesman. Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the prime minister was pleased with the concrete progress of bilateral tourism with Saudi Arabia. Late next month the Tourism and Sports Ministry would lead a delegation of Thai tourism-related operators to Saudi Arabia to introduce their products and services and the movement should attract 200,000 Saudi Arabian visitors to Thailand and their visits should bring about 20 billion baht of the national. revenue this year, he said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-887269 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-02-21 - 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

Let's hope he had insurance! Burnt out Jaguar on the expressway Highway Police 1 were called after a Jaguar XJL burst into flames on the expressway in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250995-lets-hope-he-had-insurance-burnt-out-jaguar-on-the-expressway/

Picture: Siam Rath Highway Police 1 were called after a Jaguar XJL burst into flames on the expressway in Bangkok. It was just 1 km from the Din Daeng toll plaza. Picture: Siam Rath The driver reported smelling diesel then the fire took hold in the engine compartment. It had a red plate, indicating perhaps that it was brand new. The fire services had the blaze under control in 5 minutes, reported Siam Rath who had pictures of the complete destruction of the luxury vehicle. The driver said they needed to check up on the insurance and would be talking to police next day. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-21 - 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

COVID community isolation centre in Bangkok’s Kiak Kai welcomes children Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said today (Monday) that infections among children and the elderly are likely to increase during the current spread of COVID-19 in Bangkok. He advised that infected children be isolated from their families. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250994-covid-community-isolation-centre-in-bangkok’s-kiak-kai-welcomes-children/

Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said today (Monday) that infections among children and the elderly are likely to increase during the current spread of COVID-19 in Bangkok. He advised that infected children be isolated from their families. He also announced that a community isolation centre, at the Kiakkai intersection in Dusit district, is accepting COVID-19 infected children aged between 3 and 14, especially if parents or guardians cannot not take care of them. Parents can also call hotlines for help with isolating infected children. The hotlines include the National Health Security Office (NHSO)’s 1330, the National Institute for Emergency Medicine’s 1669 and the COVID-19 hotlines for each of the 50 districts in Bangkok. Alternatively, parents can access the LINE account@BKKCOVID19CONNECT for initial COVID-19 screening. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-community-isolation-centre-in-bangkoks-kiak-kai-welcomes-children/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-21 - 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

Central corruption court sits on a Saturday - just for Ferrari Joe and his cohorts Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the central court responsible for corruption cases - normally closed on weekends - make a special case and opened on Saturday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250992-central-corruption-court-sits-on-a-saturday-just-for-ferrari-joe-and-his-cohorts/

Picture: Siam Rath Siam Rath reported that the central court responsible for corruption cases - normally closed on weekends - make a special case and opened on Saturday. This was because it was handing the case against the former chief of the Nakhon Sawan police Pol Col Thitisan Uthanaphol and his six associates. Last year a man died at their hands after being wrapped in plastic bags - the relatives are bringing a case themselves in the corruption court. Thitisan is known as Chief Joe or Ferrari Joe after dozens of luxury cars were owned by him after solving drugs cases. The deceased in this case was allegedly being extorted out of 2 million baht. The case was conducted by video link due to a Covid-19 outbreak at Klong Prem jail on Friday. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-21 - 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

Thai GDP in 2021 recovers from contraction in 2020, but tourism sector still nowhere near pre-pandemic levels By Panithan Onthaworn Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021 grew by 1.6 per cent, recovering from a 6.2-per-cent contraction in 2020, the government reported Monday. However, the country’s vital tourism sector continues to suffer as the pandemic’s impact lingers on. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250990-thai-gdp-in-2021-recovers-from-contraction-in-2020-but-tourism-sector-still-nowhere-near-pre-pandemic-levels/

By Panithan Onthaworn Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021 grew by 1.6 per cent, recovering from a 6.2-per-cent contraction in 2020, the government reported Monday. However, the country’s vital tourism sector continues to suffer as the pandemic’s impact lingers on. The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) released economic figures for the last quarter of 2021. The GDP in the fourth quarter rose 1.9 per cent year-on-year, following a drop of 0.2 per cent in the third quarter. The quarterly rebound was driven by increased export value, government consumption expenditure, as well as the country’s reopening in November, the NESDC said. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37672/thai-gdp-in-2021-recovers-from-contraction-in-2020-but-tourism-sector-still-nowhere-near-pre-pandemic-levels/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-21 - 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-Malaysian Checkpoints to Reopen in March BANGKOK, Feb 21 (TNA) – The government plans to reopen checkpoints along the Thai-Malaysian border to welcome visitors next month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250989-thai-malaysian-checkpoints-to-reopen-in-march/

BANGKOK, Feb 21 (TNA) – The government plans to reopen checkpoints along the Thai-Malaysian border to welcome visitors next month. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration to consider the border reopening in March to receive visitors through the southern border provinces of Songkhla, Yala, Narathiwat and Satun. Malaysia was ready for the border reopening and the prime minister assigned the Foreign Ministry to coordinate it with Malaysia so that both countries would officially approve the reopening, she said. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-887229 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-02-21 - 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

Hill tribesman dies in area he was familiar with - crashes motorcycle on Doi Inthanon bend Daily News Thai Caption: Accident on bend on Doi Inthanon Daily News reported on the death of a Thai Yai hill tribesman on a bend in Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain in Chiang Mai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250988-hill-tribesman-dies-in-area-he-was-familiar-with-crashes-motorcycle-on-doi-inthanon-bend/

Daily News Thai Caption: Accident on bend on Doi Inthanon Daily News reported on the death of a Thai Yai hill tribesman on a bend in Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain in Chiang Mai. Jom Thong police were called to the Jom Thong to Doi Inthanon Road where the fatality occured at a bend after the barrier was hit. Picture: Daily News Twenty five year old Jaikheng, a man with Myanmar nationality was dead at the scene near his overturned Honda Wave. The media published a grim picture of the corpse under a blanket barely concealing the blood. They mad much of the fact that the rider should have known the road. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-21 - 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

Road rage incident involving young children ends with wais - and three charges for assailant Daily News Thai Caption: I didn't mean it A videoed drama in Bangkok ended in wais and three crimanal charges, reported Daily News. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250987-road-rage-incident-involving-young-children-ends-with-wais-and-three-charges-for-assailant/