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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. Krisada Chinavicharana, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Finance, said the new measures will be proposed to the Cabinet this week. They include tax and non-tax measures, with some not requiring additional funding. He also said the government still has the capacity to fund these aid campaigns through an unutilized portion of emergency loans and the central budget. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe On the potential extension of the government’s co-pay campaign, the permanent secretary said it is too early to tell whether the campaign will get extended despite its success. He added that the government will continue to run the state welfare campaign for the poor, though the opening for new registrations has to be postponed due to the COVID-19 situation. Any additional giveaways under the welfare campaign will need to be discussed at a later date. -- © 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

Labor Ministry Dismisses Rumors About Minimum Wage Raise by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor has dismissed claims on social media of plans to raise the minimum wage to 492 baht, up from 300 baht currently. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254098-labor-ministry-dismisses-rumors-about-minimum-wage-raise/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor has dismissed claims on social media of plans to raise the minimum wage to 492 baht, up from 300 baht currently. Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin said the minimum wage is assessed by a tripartite committee representing the government, employers and employees. The current minimum wage has been in place since January 1, 2020, and is undergoing review by the committee. The minister said evaluation of the minimum wage for Bangkok and other provinces will be completed by July. The committee will then work to complete its consideration of all relevant data by September. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Minister Suchart explained that Thailand’s minimum wage is higher than in most ASEAN member states, barring Singapore, and is in fact much higher than for Vietnam, Malaysia and Myanmar. He also said moves to raise the minimum wage would need to account for factors such as inflation and the cost of living in each province. He added that the government has assisted workers through various programs. Minister Suchart further noted that the minimum wage tends to be more of an issue for migrant workers, as Thais are generally employed in occupations that pay more than the minimum. -- © 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

Bangkok city hall to host no-splash “new normal” Songkran at Central World The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will hold a “new normal” Songkran celebration on April 12th, 13th and 14th, in the plaza in front of Central World shopping mall in the capital’s Ratchaprasong commercial district, but with no splashing of water. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254097-bangkok-city-hall-to-host-no-splash-“new-normal”-songkran-at-central-world/

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will hold a “new normal” Songkran celebration on April 12th, 13th and 14th, in the plaza in front of Central World shopping mall in the capital’s Ratchaprasong commercial district, but with no splashing of water. BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary Chalermphol Chotinuchit said today (Saturday) that the BMA has decided to revive the Songkran celebration this year, to help boost tourism and to stimulate economic recovery while preserving tradition and culture. He added, however, that the celebration will be held with anti-COVID-19 health measures taken into account. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok-city-hall-to-host-no-splash-new-normal-songkran-at-central-world/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Thailand’s Satun border crossing with Malaysia to reopen on April 1st After two years of closure, due to the spread of COVID-19 in Thailand and Malaysia, the land border checkpoint in Thailand’s Khuan Don District, of the southern province of Satun, will reopen on April 1st to all cross-border traffic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254096-thailand’s-satun-border-crossing-with-malaysia-to-reopen-on-april-1st/

After two years of closure, due to the spread of COVID-19 in Thailand and Malaysia, the land border checkpoint in Thailand’s Khuan Don District, of the southern province of Satun, will reopen on April 1st to all cross-border traffic. Officials of the two countries met today (Saturday) to discuss preventive measures to be imposed on Thai and Malaysian travellers. Maj-Gen Santi Sakuntanark, deputy commander of the 4th Army Region, said that both sides are now ready for the reopening of the checkpoint. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-satun-border-crossing-with-malaysia-to-reopen-on-april-1st/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Thai Disease Control Dept insists Favipiravir is effective in treating COVID-19 The Disease Control Department has asked critics not to undervalue the Favipiravir anti-viral medication, as it insists that the drug is efficacious in the treatment of COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254095-thai-disease-control-dept-insists-favipiravir-is-effective-in-treating-covid-19/

The Disease Control Department has asked critics not to undervalue the Favipiravir anti-viral medication, as it insists that the drug is efficacious in the treatment of COVID-19. Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, the department’s director-general, cited a Thai study on the use of Favipiravir, jointly conducted by the Clinical Research Centre of the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj hospital, the Bamrasnaradura Institute of Infectious Diseases, the Department of Disease Control and the Medical Sciences Department. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said today (Saturday) that the study was conducted on two groups of COVID-19 patients. The first 62 patients were administered 1,800 milligrams of Favipiravir twice day a day on the first day, followed by 800 milligrams twice a day for four days. The second group of 31 patients were not given Favipiravir. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-disease-control-dept-insists-favipiravir-is-effective-in-treating-covid-19/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Riding the Train of Wonders A map shows the “Happy Journey with BEM” travel route, which connects Bangkok’s historical and heritage districts. (Photos by Chusri Ngamprasert and Wararat Tumtuti) Bangkok’s Chinatown, or Yaowarat as it is more properly known, along with Rattanakosin island and Thonburi are well-known for their historical sites... Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254094-riding-the-train-of-wonders/

A map shows the “Happy Journey with BEM” travel route, which connects Bangkok’s historical and heritage districts. (Photos by Chusri Ngamprasert and Wararat Tumtuti) Bangkok’s Chinatown, or Yaowarat as it is more properly known, along with Rattanakosin island and Thonburi are well-known for their historical sites and delectable cuisine. Excursions to these famous areas have now been made easier than ever and free of charge thanks to “Happy Journey with BEM,” a collection of historical trips organized by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM). The tourism initiative offers five free trips with insightful talks and workshops throughout the year. Each cultural trip will leave from one of five different subway stations in the old town area to promote the attractions near the MRT Blue Line stations of Wat Mangkon, Sanam Chai, Sam Yan, Hua Lamphong, and Itsaraphap. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The first trip, “Explore Thai Chinatown: A Trip Around the Dragon Street,” will depart from Wat Mangkon station on March 23. Participants will visit two sacred temples and one shrine: Wat Mangkon Kamalawat or Wat Leng Noei Yi, Wat Kanmatuyaram, and Leng Buai Ia or Leng Buai Eie Shrine. A special talk by local and community historian Somchai Kwangthongpanich and blogger Pachara Kriengkred from Baagklong Tiew will add color to the trip. Jok’s kitchen or Jok Toh Diew, a legendary Thai-Chinese restaurant in Yaowarat and a Michelin Plate winner for two years in a row, serves delicious food at the end of the trip. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/riding-the-train-of-wonders/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Thai government urged to restrict exports of maize and soybean meal The Thai Feed Mill Association is urging the government to review its policy of allowing the export of maize and soybean meal for animal feed, to ease the shortage of the two products in the domestic market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254093-thai-government-urged-to-restrict-exports-of-maize-and-soybean-meal/

The Thai Feed Mill Association is urging the government to review its policy of allowing the export of maize and soybean meal for animal feed, to ease the shortage of the two products in the domestic market. In an urgent letter, addressed to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, the association president, Pornsilp Patcharinrattanakul, said that local producers of animal feed depend on imports of maize and soybean meal for up to 95% of their production and they are having to secure supplies of other raw materials to supplement the shortfall in maize. He pointed out that, while the country is heavily dependent on imports of maize and soybean meal, the Commerce Ministry has, however, allowed their free export. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-government-urged-to-restrict-exports-of-maize-and-soybean-meal/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Businesses on Bangkok’s Khaosan Rd seek easing of restrictions for Songkran Tourism-related businesses in Bangkok’s Khaosan area, a favourite destination for backpackers before the COVID-19 pandemic, will consult the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and other agencies about allowing them to hold Songkran celebrations and water splashing events in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254092-businesses-on-bangkok’s-khaosan-rd-seek-easing-of-restrictions-for-songkran/

Tourism-related businesses in Bangkok’s Khaosan area, a favourite destination for backpackers before the COVID-19 pandemic, will consult the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and other agencies about allowing them to hold Songkran celebrations and water splashing events in the area. President of the Khaosan Road Business Association, Sa-nga Ruangwattanakul, said today (Sunday) that it would be a pity if Thailand loses another chance this year to draw foreign tourists to Thailand during the long Songkran holidays to enjoy the water festivities, especially in the Khaosan area. On Friday, the CCSA eased some restrictions by allowing certain celebrations, including water splashing, to be held during the Songkran festival, but with safety measures to be observed, such as participants wearing face masks all the time, the maintenance of social distancing and screening at celebration venues. Even organisers will be required to seek prior permission from provincial communicable disease committee. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/businesses-on-bangkoks-khaosan-rd-seek-easing-of-restrictions-for-songkran/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 21 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1254091-thailand-live-monday-21-march-2022/

Will Thailand’s new chemical castration penalty stop sexual reoffenders? Thailand is poised to pass a law that allows the chemical castration of sex criminals in a bid to stop them from reoffending. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254090-will-thailand’s-new-chemical-castration-penalty-stop-sexual-reoffenders/

Thailand is poised to pass a law that allows the chemical castration of sex criminals in a bid to stop them from reoffending. The “Violence-Related Reoffending Prevention Bill” was proposed by the Justice Ministry and has already sailed through three readings in the House of Representatives. After winning overwhelming support from MPs, this more punitive approach to sex offenses is now being reviewed by the Senate. Chemical castration is not a new form of punishment. It has been used in South Korea, Pakistan, Poland, and at least eight states in the US. Other countries – including Norway, Denmark, and Germany – have opted for surgical castration of serious sexual criminals. Why such drastic action? Corrections Department records reveal that 1,037 convicted sex offenders went on to reoffend during the first year after their release from jail. About 1,700 reoffended within two years of being released, while 2,111 sexually violated victims within three years. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/will-thailands-new-chemical-castration-penalty-stop-sexual-reoffenders/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Thailand desperately needs a Ministry of Misunderstandings - M.O.M.’s the word! OPINION by Rooster Thailand has the usual collection of ministries that most every country has. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254018-thailand-desperately-needs-a-ministry-of-misunderstandings-mom’s-the-word/

OPINION by Rooster Thailand has the usual collection of ministries that most every country has. Much of the fun in the kingdom is following the antics of their chiefs. That’s if they manage to stay out of jail or avoid criminal charges. Among those to be removed in the tenure of this government - better not use the J word Rooster - are education minister Nataphol Teepsuwan and Digital Economy and Society (like Orwell’s Ministry of Truth) head honcho Buddhipongse Punnakanta. These were both culpable in riots in Bangkok and ordered jailed though they are probably sipping a cocktail somewhere. Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives minister Capt Thammanat Prompao was removed in political machinations and is biding his time in the Government House wings. Thammanat tried to deny he was jailed in Australia for importing heroin. Of course that loss of four years of his life was all a misunderstanding. In fact there are so many misunderstandings in all aspects of Thai life from the RTP to Government and every Tom, Dick and Somchai in between that it is high time there was a Ministry of Misunderstandings. This would be a handy umbrella organization for all manner of officialdom making absurd statements with no truth attached, having to backtrack and blame the press for getting it wrong. With that all important threat of defamation. Yes, it could all be handled under one roof in a swanky new building with huge columns in a vacant plot on Chaeng Wattana Road. There are plenty to choose from. Dodgy migrants from Cambodia and Burma (my preferred word) could build it. Their illegal status could then be the first case of misunderstanding for the new ministry. Emblazoned in mighty, high letters on the edifice could be the slogan: “Ministry Of Misunderstanding - M.O.M.’s the Word” Perhaps Thammanat would be kind enough to be the first minister; he has the requisite experience. Other candidates could be Pipat at Tourism, Anutin at Health and even DPM Prawit (who could sidestep from the proposed Ministry of Pies and Cakes). Pipat has proved admirably deft at sidestepping many misunderstandings concerning the numbers of tourists put out by him and the TAT. While Anutin is so brazen in his pandemic denials that he’d make the perfect candidate. In addition they are both billionaires - the greatest ministerial qualification, rivalling glibness. Prawit has proved himself a survivor who can get away with anything, as he has proved on his eight year watch. (A chronometer that always seems to belong to a pal who has just cracked it). Somsak Thepsuthin at the Justice Ministry could also be ideal. He’s raised billions in seized assets in the otherwise pointless War on Drugs. He might even be able to inspire a Thaksin-cum-Duterte style misunderstanding assassination spree of a few thousand drug mules sweeping the deaths under the MOM carpet (a shag-pile bought at a mere million baht a square meter). Coming into the reckoning this week for MOM supremo was permanent secretary at the MoPH Dr Kiattipoom Wongrachit who said the removal of the mask mandate for public parks and concerts was all a misunderstanding. When he said that you would no longer need to wear a mask in such places of course he didn’t mean that. The press are such fools printing what people say as though it’s gospel. The whole thorny issue of mask wearing is well past its sell-by date. Like the vast majority of Bangkok residents Rooster and family have dutifully followed the law pretty much to the letter. We are regular visitors to the lovely and often deserted Railway Park in Chatuchak. We wear masks on entry then they go under our chins. The mandate to wear them outside is growing increasingly absurd and needs repealing. Unless you believe there was no law in the first place (another misunderstanding?). It’s so hot and aren’t we all used to keeping our distance and not going out if we feel sick? Also making the news on Friday were demands for the repeal of the 2-5pm alcohol ban. This could be deemed a 50 year misunderstanding to save some ministerial face. This and several other absurd draconian laws should just be struck off. Yes, MOM’s the word. While the war continued to rage in Ukraine in the last seven days, Thailand news mostly centered on Tangmo. The Thai press has done nothing in the last three weeks other than fall over themselves to find the latest nonsensical angle in the celeb’s demise. Maybe it was an overdose of bird pooh chilies in her som tam, I wouldn’t be surprised. Daily my editor bemoaned the lack of stories for Rooster to translate. But here are some of the best you may have missed: A hard hitting and in-depth feature in Thai Rath suggested the war had affected fuel prices and tourism…. A 19 year old called “Cake” was shot in the forehead in a pick-up. Her murderer said he never thought that firing a gun in her direction could actually kill her. Who would’ve thunk it. A Ya Ba crazed son attacked his folks with a club and a hoe then put their bodies in a charcoal oven. Definitely a “Luuk Toraphee” (ungrateful buffalo ‘son’ of Ramakian legend). Plod acting on the findings of an NGO raided the bar area off Nana Soi 7 where a 14 year old sex worker was found and a woman was arrested for human trafficking. Thailand has done some great work over the last few decades (don’t believe the numpties online who spout otherwise) to clean up its underage sex act but it’s obvious that Lumpini police turn a blind eye to what’s going on in their jurisdiction. ASEAN NOW got plenty of clicks from a story about a “handsome backpacker” pinching from a baker in Phuket. The “abbs” and the “backpack” caused more comments than the fact of theft in a predictable ‘click-a-thon’. The CCSA grinches were preparing to cancel Songkran water splashing again at their Friday meeting. This has actually been one of the benefits of the pandemic especially for us motorcyclists who prefer not to have klong water with ice cubes in it thrown at us as we traverse the highways. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In Kannayao the met’s Region 2 chief Attaphon - responding to social media - tried to get all the glory by raiding a casino at a snooker club. He found a deserted snooker club covered in grime. His bust turned to dust - Attaboy Attaphon! General Wirachai’s son Pornmet was found to be over the limit while driving his Porsche that killed the Pakistani. Providing there’s no misunderstanding he could well be enjoying rice gruel when the appeals process is over - about 2050 (A.D. not B.E.). A Bangkok FC player made the international news after using a Muay Thai style “sork” (elbow) attack that got him sacked. Watch the video. Worse in some ways than the flying kick of Eric Cantona at Crystal Palace all those years ago. Several Rottweilers - “ooh don’t they make lovely, loyal pets especially for little children” - attacked a 9 year old ripping his lungs apart. The owner reneged on a deal to pay 1.3 million baht in compensation offering a paltry 200K telling the dad he was ready to go to jail. Yes please incarcerate him for several years. Also could we have some nice “draconian” additions that ban all dogs not on a tight leash in the streets - on pain of immediate imprisonment for their owners and instant euthanasia for the so-called pets. All dogs - I’m sick of their pooh, noise and threats to my family. It’s amazing really that people are muzzled with masks for years while the dogs roam scot free. Many people commented on a story about Facebook blogger Richard Barrow being awarded the British Empire Medal “for services to British nationals overseas”. Apparently it was something to be proud of and when I checked 600+ people had commented positively on his page. Not a single dissenter. Funny that, because ASEAN NOW’s story had plenty! Methinks Mr Barrow spent a fair bit of time removing any negativity from his page! It would be sour grapes to blame him too much because many benefit from his posts online. But he deserves some flak too. Attending a black tie event in London was one. Repeating the lies and propaganda of the BP daily is another. He does little real investigating and never rocks the boat. Perhaps that is why ambassador Mark Gooding was smiling like the proverbial Cheshire Cat. Nothing to fear from our Richard. Besides, he does our job for us! The only ‘campaigns’ he mounts are toothless rants about dual pricing and his yearly moan about having his visa questioned. For this columnist, who speaks his mind on occasion, Mr Barrow is a teacher and blogger on fetes and tourism sites who does little serious journalism. He rarely cites sources and if challenged blocks people. The British Empire Medal - what a horrible anachronism - should go to someone in Scotland for “services to the Thai people”. ‘Nuff said. Knockers and knockers featured heavily on the forum. In one story a som tam seller has been making 10K a day thanks to the attributes on her chest. Pukki had some fruity words for the conservatives in Thai society who knocked her achievements and promotional methods. Now she’s hired an even more busty friend to help with the advertising. Also an enterprise unlikely to go tits-up is the Bikini Run slated for Pattaya in May. My editor told me that this story would encourage “traffic” - something I’ve always dreaded in my Krung Thep hometown. Finally, crime solving aside, it was a great week for the RTP due to events unfolding at the World Police Summit in Dubai. The SWAT team (Special Weapons And Tactics NOT So We Always Take) were flying high in a skills contest then the RTP’s “Smart Safety Zone 4.0” initiative won a best community policing award. Big Joke was there to accept the plaudits from the Dubai chief. The Smart Safety Zone 4.0’s main point is that the RTP gets the public to do all their work while they sit at base watching CCTV in air-conditioned comfort. Perfect. No misunderstandings. Rooster -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-19 - 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 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

Pattaya City to organize the “Morning Drip 2022” event for coffee lovers on the first Sunday of every month By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya - Pattaya City, in collaboration with the Cafe & Bistro Club Pattaya/Chonburi and other relevant officials, planned to hold the “Morning Drip” event on the first Sunday of every month through September. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254016-pattaya-city-to-organize-the-“morning-drip-2022”-event-for-coffee-lovers-on-the-first-sunday-of-every-month/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya - Pattaya City, in collaboration with the Cafe & Bistro Club Pattaya/Chonburi and other relevant officials, planned to hold the “Morning Drip” event on the first Sunday of every month through September. Thursday, the 17th of March 2022 at the Pattaya City Hall, Mr. Wuttisak Reamkitjakarn, the Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, presided over a meeting to organize the “Morning Drip 2022” event with many relevant officials present at the meeting including Mr. Tanakorn Wanaphuti, the President of the Cafe & Bistro Club Pattaya/Chonburi who planned the event. 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/pattaya-city-to-organize-the-morning-drip-2022-event-for-coffee-lovers-on-the-first-sunday-of-every-month/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-19 - 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

Famous Thai singer and songwriter ‘Aed Carabao’ composes song, urging government to ditch all Covid-19 restrictions like the UK and “move on” now By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – Famous singer/songwriter Yuenyong Opakul, better known by his stage name ‘Aed Carabao’, had released a new song Thursday, March 17th, named “Let Go of Covid” (literal title, video below) as a message to the government to express people’s hardship and urge the government to relax the measures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254015-famous-thai-singer-and-songwriter-‘aed carabao’-composes-song-urging-government-to-ditch-all-covid-19-restrictions-like-the-uk-and-“move-on”-now/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – Famous singer/songwriter Yuenyong Opakul, better known by his stage name ‘Aed Carabao’, had released a new song Thursday, March 17th, named “Let Go of Covid” (literal title, video below) as a message to the government to express people’s hardship and urge the government to relax the measures. Aed wrote a message along with the post: “I went to hand a trophy at the Carabao Cup football trophy in England recently. Although the country was cold, they were still able to live with Covid-19. There were nearly 90,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium and I had to take off my mask. I was shy because I was the only one who was wearing it, feeling like a black sheep. I was astounded to see everything completely normal, all nightlife open without rules and restrictions, concerts and sports normal, no outdoor mask-wearing, all of it.” “If [the government] wanted to do Covid-19 restrictions seriously, how about did it like Shenzhen, China, right now? Completely lockdown with a specific time limit. 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/famous-thai-singer-and-songwriter-aed-carabao-composes-song-urging-government-to-ditch-all-covid-19-restrictions-like-the-uk-and-move-on-now/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-19 - 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

Security camera catches Chonburi pickup truck driver taking up two lanes before colliding and seriously injuring teenage motorcyclist By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO : Wisarn Sangjaroen / Top News Chonburi - Footage from a security camera showed a bronze, gray pickup truck seemingly driving in both street lanes before colliding with a motorcyclist who was driving in his lane yesterday, March 18th, 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1254014-security-camera-catches-chonburi-pickup-truck-driver-taking-up-two-lanes-before-colliding-and-seriously-injuring-teenage-motorcyclist/