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Thailand reports 23,441 new COVID-19 cases, 88 deaths, 23,153 recoveries File photo Thailand on Monday (March 21) reported 23,441 new COVID-19 cases, 23,153 recoveries and 88 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254117-thailand-reports-23441-new-covid-19-cases-88-deaths-23153-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Monday (March 21) reported 23,441 new COVID-19 cases, 23,153 recoveries and 88 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,377,410 with 24,334 deaths. The news comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the discovery of the Deltacron coronavirus hybrid variant in several countries, including the United Kingdom, France and Brazil. No Deltacron patients have so far been detected in Thailand by an ongoing viral genome sequencing effort. Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC), elaborated on precautions being taken against the Deltacron hybrid variant, saying outbreaks have been detected in Europe since January.* *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 Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-21 - 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

Would you pay THB25K to watch Liverpool v United in a friendly? by Michael Bridge English Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool will be meeting in an exhibition match in Bangkok in July. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254114-would-you-pay-thb25k-to-watch-liverpool-v-united-in-a-friendly/

by Michael Bridge English Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool will be meeting in an exhibition match in Bangkok in July. Fresh Air Festival said it had signed a deal to bring the duo to play at the Rajamangala National Stadium on Tuesday, July 12. A match between Liverpool and United is being billed as the 'Red War' by the Thai media and fans. The July event is dubbed 'THE MATCH Bangkok Century Cup 2022'. (Really!!!) The organisers said the clubs had promised to come with their full squads. It said the match would help boost the country's flagging economy and create a positive image of Thailand which wants to become a hub for sports tourism. Liverpool and Manchester United, widely known as Man U in this part of the world, are the most popular football teams among Thai fans. Liverpool are managed by Juergen Klopp, while United are under interim manager Ralf Rangnick. Liverpool are currently second in the Premier League, and Man U around 6th. Surely the star attraction must be Cristiano Ronaldo, however, there are rumors he may be leaving Man U in the summer. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Obviously Thai fans love Liverpool, as many of their parents were supporting the reds back in the 60’s when they were at the top. But it is insane to think that the organisers really believe that fans will pay up to THB25,000 for a ticket to watch these pampered millionaires prance around the Rajamangala National Stadium in the sweltering heat of the summer. The cheapest seat is THB5,000 which is £114.00, and fans are restricted to buying a maximum of just four tickets. Back in the UK, ww.safefootballtickets.com offer seats for category A fixtures at Anfield (Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspurs, Everton, Arsenal) for £44 to £52. Seems the Thai organisers are comparing this friendly to a title match against Man City!!! They would be better off all playing for free and getting fans to donate for looking after Ukraine refuges in Thailand. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-21 - 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

World’s richest footballer is playing for a Thai League 1 team By Online Reporter Faiq Bolkiah. Image: Chonburi FC The world’s richest footballer has signed for Thai League 1 team Chonburi FC, in a bid to resurrect his career. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254110-world’s-richest-footballer-is-playing-for-a-thai-league-1-team/

Faiq Bolkiah. Image: Chonburi FC By Online Reporter The world’s richest footballer has signed for Thai League 1 team Chonburi FC, in a bid to resurrect his career. Faiq Bolkiah, 23, is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam and an heir to a fortune said to be worth USD 20 billion. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He signed for Chonburi FC in December after being released by Portuguese side Maritimo, where he failed to make a single appearance. However, his debut for Chonburi FC in January saw Bolkiah become the first Bruneian to play in the Thai League 1 and the first Bruneian to play for an overseas top division team. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/worlds-richest-footballer-is-playing-for-a-thai-league-1-team/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-03-21 - 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

COVID-19 restrictions eased in Phetchaburi but not in Prachuap Khiri Khan ByOnline Reporter Phra Nakhon Khiri, Phetchaburi. File Photo. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced an easing of restrictions in more than 24 provinces, including Phetchaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254109-covid-19-restrictions-eased-in-phetchaburi-but-not-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

Phra Nakhon Khiri, Phetchaburi. File Photo. By Online Reporter The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced an easing of restrictions in more than 24 provinces, including Phetchaburi. The easing of restrictions sees the whole of Phetchaburi province now classified as a tourism pilot area or so-called ‘blue zone’. Previously only Cha Am was considered a blue zone. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe For people living in or visiting blue zone provinces, arguably the most significant easing of restrictions enables restaurants to be able to serve alcohol. However, in Prachuap Khiri Khan, which remains an orange zone, restaurants located outside of Hua Hin and Nong Khae districts (which are special tourism areas) are still prevented from serving alcohol to customers. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/covid-19-restrictions-eased-in-phetchaburi-but-not-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-03-21 - 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

Hua Hin’s Songkran festivities announced – without water fights By Jonathan Fairfield Hua Hin Municipality has announced the schedule for this year’s Songkran celebrations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254108-hua-hin’s-songkran-festivities-announced-–-without-water-fights/

By Jonathan Fairfield Hua Hin Municipality has announced the schedule for this year’s Songkran celebrations. Organised events will be centered around a stage on Hua Hin beach from April 11 to 13 and will take place under the banner “travel the local way, experience Thai culture, and relax on the beach”. There is also a retro theme for this year’s celebrations with people who attend invited to wear retro style clothing. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe There will also be a check in corner where people can take photos to share on social media, while vendors will also be showcasing an array of local food. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/hua-hins-songkran-festivities-announced-without-water-fights/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-03-21 - 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

Overall negative reaction to Thai Covid-19 center meeting, majority of business owners, tourists want much further and faster easing of restrictions By Adam Judd Bangkok, Thailand-Following a major meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration in Bangkok, March 18th, 2022, the overall reaction online and from business owners has been tepid at best and outright negative at worst. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254107-overall-negative-reaction-to-thai-covid-19-center-meeting-majority-of-business-owners-tourists-want-much-further-and-faster-easing-of-restrictions/

By Adam Judd Bangkok, Thailand-Following a major meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration in Bangkok, March 18th, 2022, the overall reaction online and from business owners has been tepid at best and outright negative at worst. We aren’t going to detail the changes made and discussed in depth in this article, you can recap by reading our coverage here. The reaction to the changes has come in from across the board but with very few exceptions has been universally negative. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and Thai Chamber of Commerce have both stated the changes are not enough to encourage wider foreign tourism and travel. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The FTI in particular has stated this weekend that they will continue to petition and urge the government to entirely drop the Thailand Pass and test and go process, replacing it with a simple vaccine verification. They do not believe dropping only the pre arrival test will make much difference and pointed at an increasing number of countries with little to no paperwork, testing, and restrictions required to visit. The Thai Chamber of Commerce stated that the steps made a positive move forward but far too slow and the current plan to treat Covid19 as endemic in four months will put Thailand significantly behind other tourism destinations. They suggested immediately moving forward the timeline to dropping restrictions and regulations around travel and testing. 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/2022/03/19/overall-negative-reaction-to-thai-covid-19-center-meeting-majority-of-business-owners-tourists-want-much-further-and-faster-easing-of-restrictions/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-21 - 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

Pattaya business owners relieved after receiving a written reply from the Thai parliament regarding still legally closed entertainment venues By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya, Thailand- Pattaya business owners were relieved after receiving a written reply from the Thai parliament regarding assistance for business owners affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically those in the bar, pub, nightclub, and entertainment industry that is critical to Pattaya’s tourism industry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254106-pattaya-business-owners-relieved-after-receiving-a-written-reply-from-the-thai-parliament-regarding-still-legally-closed-entertainment-venues/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya, Thailand- Pattaya business owners were relieved after receiving a written reply from the Thai parliament regarding assistance for business owners affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically those in the bar, pub, nightclub, and entertainment industry that is critical to Pattaya’s tourism industry. The venues are mostly “open” as temporarily converted restaurants currently, although with many rules and restrictions including an 11:00 P.M. closure time that business owners want to be removed. Bars and nightlife have been legally closed in Pattaya since April 10th, 2021. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mrs. Lamphueng “Lisa” Hamilton, the chairwoman of the Jomtien-Pattaya Entertainment venue operators club traveled to the Thai parliament previously to submit a petition letter for the government to take action after the entertainment operators in the area were heavily affected and were unable to open their business normally (including borders fully open to tourists) due to the Covid-19 pandemic for roughly over 2 years, resulting in a vast income loss and a permanent shut down for many. Last year, Pattaya had an eight-month alcohol sales ban at restaurants and total bar closure, which also decimated many businesses. Lisa’s group, along with several others, were part of protests and movements to lift the incredibly unpopular ban. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/19/pattaya-business-owners-relieved-after-receiving-a-written-reply-from-the-thai-parliament-regarding-still-legally-closed-entertainment-venues/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-21 - 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

One person dead, one still missing after fishing boat capsizes in Bang Saen area By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Mueang Chon Reporter Bang Saen, Saen Suk – A woman was found dead while a man is still missing after a fishing boat capsized in the Bang Saen area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254104-one-person-dead-one-still-missing-after-fishing-boat-capsizes-in-bang-saen-area/

PHOTO: Mueang Chon Reporter By Goong Nang(GN) Bang Saen, Saen Suk – A woman was found dead while a man is still missing after a fishing boat capsized in the Bang Saen area. The Saen Suk Police was notified of the women’s body in the sea two kilometers from the shore yesterday (March 18th). The body was spotted by another fisherman. Rescue divers and police arrived at Bangsaen Beach and went out into the sea before pulling her body from the water. The woman was identified as Mrs. Namphueng Sampaonaoi, 30. Her husband Mr. Somphon Sampaonoi, 45 is still missing. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/19/one-person-dead-one-still-missing-after-fishing-boat-capsizes-in-bang-saen-area/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-21 - 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

Russian tourists significantly drop to Phuket, but Phuket tourist operators say they are excited about projected increase in Indian tourists By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket, Thailand- A major tour bus marketer revealed that judging from her observation at Phuket Airport, Russian tourists are significantly decreasing, but the good news is, according to her, that more Indian tourists are coming to Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254103-russian-tourists-significantly-drop-to-phuket-but-phuket-tourist-operators-say-they-are-excited-about-projected-increase-in-indian-tourists/

By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket, Thailand- A major tour bus marketer revealed that judging from her observation at Phuket Airport, Russian tourists are significantly decreasing, but the good news is, according to her, that more Indian tourists are coming to Phuket. Today, March 19th, Ms.Sirinya Nookong, the marketer of Andaman South Coast Travel Company Limited, made a comment to the media that there was a noticeable decrease of Russian tourists coming to Phuket and some Russian flights even stopped coming to Phuket entirely. Tourists from other nations, on the other hand, are in their usual flow such as Israel and Turkey, and according to Ms.Sirinya, we will start to see more Indian tourists in the next month. As for Thai tourists, they usually like to come to Phuket on weekends with a group of friends or families. The increase in Indian tourists is estimated due to a “bubble” program that basically allows more commercial flights from India to Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/19/russian-tourists-significantly-drop-to-phuket-but-phuket-tourist-operators-say-they-are-excited-about-projected-increase-in-indian-tourists/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-21 - 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

Commerce Ministry Approves Fertilizer Price Hikes on Case-by-Case Basis by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has approved increases to fertilizer prices on a case-by-case basis in order to alleviate the impact of rising fertilizer production costs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254102-commerce-ministry-approves-fertilizer-price-hikes-on-case-by-case-basis/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has approved increases to fertilizer prices on a case-by-case basis in order to alleviate the impact of rising fertilizer production costs. Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Department of International Trade (DIT) recently met with fertilizer business operators to discuss production cost issues. Following the meeting, he said the department will allow operators to raise fertilizer prices on an individual basis because each operator and supplier has different production costs. He also advised traders to speed up fertilizer imports ahead of the new farming season in the coming months. The DIT director-general added that production costs have risen by as much as 36-49 percent over 2021 levels and nearly 100 percent over 2020 levels, owing primarily to surges in global crude oil prices and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to the Thai Fertilizer and Agricultural Supplies Association, traders and producers have faced rising production costs since the end of last year, but have been unable to raise prices due to the government’s price cap and requests to help alleviate the impact on farmers. The domestic fertilizer market has reached critical levels as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with sanctions imposed on Russia - the world’s largest fertilizer exporter - complicating the issue even further. Russia is a major producer of potash, phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers - all of which are important crop and soil nutrients. The country produces more than 50 million tons of fertilizer per year, accounting for roughly 25% of global output. Thailand is a net importer of fertilizer, importing more than 5 million tons per year from countries such as the Middle East, China, Russia and Canada. Last year, Thailand imported 500,000 tonnes of fertilizer from Russia via a port in Ukraine. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-21 - 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

Medical Sciences Department Says No Deltacron Detected in Thailand by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the discovery of the Deltacron coronavirus hybrid variant in several countries, including the United Kingdom, France and Brazil. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254101-medical-sciences-department-says-no-deltacron-detected-in-thailand/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the discovery of the Deltacron coronavirus hybrid variant in several countries, including the United Kingdom, France and Brazil. No Deltacron patients have so far been detected in Thailand by an ongoing viral genome sequencing effort. Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC), elaborated on precautions being taken against the Deltacron hybrid variant, saying outbreaks have been detected in Europe since January. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The director-general said Thailand currently monitors against new variants using the whole-genome sequencing approach. He noted, however, that the chances of Omicron and Delta coronavirus variants in Thailand mutating into Deltacron are still very slim. Nevertheless, the Department of Medical Sciences will continue to sequence the genomes of viral samples as a precaution. Dr Supakit also said monitoring against the spread of the BA.2.2 sublineage of the Omicron variant is currently ongoing. Only four patients in Thailand have been found with the sublineage so far, all of whom have since recovered. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-21 - 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

Government Urges Venues to Strictly Follow COVID Measures During Songkran by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has resolved to relax COVID restrictions in order to allow Songkran events to be held this year. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha nevertheless warned that venues can still face immediate closures if they fail to comply with disease control measures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254100-government-urges-venues-to-strictly-follow-covid-measures-during-songkran/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has resolved to relax COVID restrictions in order to allow Songkran events to be held this year. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha nevertheless warned that venues can still face immediate closures if they fail to comply with disease control measures. The prime minister also urged the general public to exercise caution and follow all precautionary measures. Some restrictions will remain in place for certain types of events, such as concerts. Gen Prayut also reminded everyone to continue wearing masks, adding that the endemic transition plan would be applicable only when the situation improves. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Dr Udom Kachintorn, a medical advisor to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), meanwhile said the general public should remain aware of the high number of COVID cases in the country, despite the relaxation of measures during traditional Thai holidays. He also encouraged senior citizens as well as people traveling home to get their booster vaccinations at least two weeks before the start of the holidays. People who plan to travel back to their hometowns are advised to self-isolate seven days in advance, and to take an antigen test ahead of their trips. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-21 - 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

Finance Ministry to Propose New Living Cost-Cutting Measures by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Finance is set to propose to the Cabinet a new set of measures to help control rising living costs as fuel prices continue to fluctuate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254099-finance-ministry-to-propose-new-living-cost-cutting-measures/