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WHO Director-General's keynote speech at the Thailand International Health Expo 2022 - 17 March 2022 File photo Your Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul, Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends, Sawadee krab. Just over two years ago, I said that the global spread of COVID-19 could be characterised as a pandemic. Full speech: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253991-who-director-generals-keynote-speech-at-the-thailand-international-health-expo-2022-17-march-2022/

File photo Your Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul, Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends, Sawadee krab. Just over two years ago, I said that the global spread of COVID-19 could be characterised as a pandemic. We made that assessment six weeks after we declared COVID-19 a global health emergency – when there were fewer than 100 cases, and no deaths outside China. Now, two years later, more than 6 million people have died. Although several countries have lifted restrictions, the pandemic is far from over – and it will not be over anywhere until it’s over everywhere. The virus continues to evolve, and we continue to face major obstacles in distributing vaccines, tests and treatments everywhere they are needed. I know we are all ready to move on. But it is far too early to declare victory over COVID-19. Many countries in Asia and the Pacific are facing surges of cases and deaths – including in Thailand, where I know your country is now facing a worrying increase in cases and deaths. I offer my deep condolences to all those who have lost someone they love; I offer my deep respect to your health workers, who as we speak are working under very trying conditions to save lives; And I offer my deep commitment that WHO will continue to support you in any way we can, through our country office in Bangkok, our regional office in Manila, and from headquarters here in Geneva. Although deaths are increasing, it’s pleasing to see that they are still nowhere near the levels they reached in August last year. It’s clear that there is now a decoupling between cases and deaths in Thailand, thanks to the high levels of vaccination you have reached. But there are still many countries with high rates of hospitalization and death, and low rates of vaccine coverage. 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 Full speech: https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-keynote-speech-at-the-thailand-international-health-expo-2022 -- © Copyright World Health Organization 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

British Ambassador to Thailand joined the opening ceremony of Ex Panther Gold 21 This Ex Panther Gold 21 joint collaboration will provide an opportunity for the two defence establishments to deepen their military ties through sharing experiences and lessons from previous deployments. From: British Embassy Bangkok Published 18 March 2022 On 14th March, H.E. Mr. Mark Gooding, British Ambassador to Thailand, and General Supachok Tawatpeerachai, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, presided over the opening ceremony of Ex Panther Gold 21 at the 3rd Army Area in Phetchabun province. The bilateral exercise aims to develop capabilities and understanding in training processes and infantry tactics between the UK and Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253990-british-ambassador-to-thailand-joined-the-opening-ceremony-of-ex-panther-gold-21/

This Ex Panther Gold 21 joint collaboration will provide an opportunity for the two defence establishments to deepen their military ties through sharing experiences and lessons from previous deployments. From: British Embassy Bangkok Published 18 March 2022 On 14th March, H.E. Mr. Mark Gooding, British Ambassador to Thailand, and General Supachok Tawatpeerachai, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, presided over the opening ceremony of Ex Panther Gold 21 at the 3rd Army Area in Phetchabun province. The bilateral exercise aims to develop capabilities and understanding in training processes and infantry tactics between the UK and Thailand. Ex Panther Gold 21, the biggest defence engagement activity between the UK and Thailand this year, demonstrates the close defence and security relationship between the two nations. The exercise programme comprises two main activities which are Cross Training Exercises (CTX) where the combined armed forces learn how to master their skills in martial arts, jungle survival and weapon familiarisation, and Field Training Exercises (FTX) which enable all personnel to develop competences including close target reconnaissance and contact drills. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Ex Panther Gold 21 is being conducted from 14th March to 1st April with 120 personnel deployed from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards of the British Armed Forces, along with 160 personnel from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and Security Battalion of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. This joint collaboration will provide an opportunity for the two defence establishments to deepen their military ties through sharing experiences and lessons from previous deployments. Full story: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-ambassador-to-thailand-joined-the-opening-ceremony-of-ex-panther-gold-21 -- © Copyright GOV.UK 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

Is Thailand ready for the digital economy? Author: Juthathip Jongwanich, Thammasat University Over the past decade, Thailand has made extraordinary progress in its transformation towards the digital economy. A number of indicators of digital infrastructure and accessibility have shown some improvement for large segments of the population. Thailand’s e-commerce market is one of the fastest growing in Southeast Asia where gross online merchandise value grew by 68 per cent in 2021 and is expected to expand by 14 per cent between 2021 and 2025. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253989-is-thailand-ready-for-the-digital-economy/

Author: Juthathip Jongwanich, Thammasat University Over the past decade, Thailand has made extraordinary progress in its transformation towards the digital economy. A number of indicators of digital infrastructure and accessibility have shown some improvement for large segments of the population. Thailand’s e-commerce market is one of the fastest growing in Southeast Asia where gross online merchandise value grew by 68 per cent in 2021 and is expected to expand by 14 per cent between 2021 and 2025. Like other countries, Thailand has put emphasis on the digital economy, including through its industrial transformation policy (Thailand 4.0) and by building a digital park in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The government also announced new investment incentives in 2017 to attract investors into tech-oriented activities and introduced a national digital blueprint — the 20 year-National Master Plan for Digital Development (2018–2037). Several laws were introduced in the past few years to facilitate, protect and create a secure digital ecosystem for both consumers and digital providers. While Thailand has made significant progress in digital development, low and highly concentrated private investment, lack of advanced information and communications technology (ICT) skills, slow progress in digital infrastructure and budget constraints impede its progress. Private investment in Thailand’s digital economy was only 4 per cent of GDP in 2019. Digital technology has been more widely applied in the services sector, including in online wholesale and retail trade, mobile phone and internet services, and financial services. Its utilisation in manufacturing and agriculture has been relatively limited. Full story: https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2022/03/17/is-thailand-ready-for-the-digital-economy/ -- © Copyright EAST ASIA FORUM 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

General Election could be called by the PM before the end of May according to political insiders by Joseph O' Connor Speculation is mounting that Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha’s hand may be forced to act before May 22nd to successfully cut off the passage of organic voting laws and also avoid defeat in a no-confidence vote against the government. This comes as his arch-foe, politically speaking, Captain Thamanat Prompow was selected to a leadership position of the New Economics Party at its Extraordinary General Meeting on Friday in Bangkok (inset bottom right) and also with signs of increasing restlessness within the Bhumjaithai Party led by leader Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (inset top left) which is hoping that any new election will see it gain ground and emerge as one of Thailand’s biggest parties. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253988-general-election-could-be-called-by-the-pm-before-the-end-of-may-according-to-political-insiders/

Speculation is mounting that Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha’s hand may be forced to act before May 22nd to successfully cut off the passage of organic voting laws and also avoid defeat in a no-confidence vote against the government. This comes as his arch-foe, politically speaking, Captain Thamanat Prompow was selected to a leadership position of the New Economics Party at its Extraordinary General Meeting on Friday in Bangkok (inset bottom right) and also with signs of increasing restlessness within the Bhumjaithai Party led by leader Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (inset top left) which is hoping that any new election will see it gain ground and emerge as one of Thailand’s biggest parties. by Joseph O' Connor MP and New Democratic Party leader, Suritan Pichan, predicts that General Prayut will dissolve the House of Representatives before it reconvenes on May 22nd next sparking a General Election in June or July this year. It comes as the PM’s arch-foe, Captain Thamanat Prompow, on Friday, took up a key position within the leadership of the lately revived New Economics Party which on paper remains a supporter of the coalition. Thailand could find itself plunged into a General Election in the next two months with a poll likely in June or July as speculation mounts that Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha will act before parliament is due to resume on May 22nd when the main goal of opposition parties will be to pass a series of organic laws which will significantly alter the political balance of power coming at a time when the government and the prime minister face voter fatigue and unpopularity due to a continuous economic malaise since coming to power in 2019. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The chances of a General Election being called in Thailand before parliament reopens on May 22nd next are rising given a confluence of circumstances and factors which have emerged. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/03/19/general-election-may-be-called-by-may-22nd/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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

Bangkok retains ‘Best City’ title in DestinAsian magazine’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards Phuket and Ko Samui named among ‘Best Islands’, Suvarnabhumi Airport among ‘Best Airports’. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 18 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that Bangkok continues to be one of the best loved cities for tourists the world over, with the latest Readers’ Choice Awards – this time from DestinAsian magazine – again presenting the Thai capital with the title of ‘Best City’. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253987-bangkok-retains-‘best-city’-title-in-destinasian-magazine’s-2022-readers’-choice-awards/

Phuket and Ko Samui named among ‘Best Islands’, Suvarnabhumi Airport among ‘Best Airports’. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 18 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that Bangkok continues to be one of the best loved cities for tourists the world over, with the latest Readers’ Choice Awards – this time from DestinAsian magazine – again presenting the Thai capital with the title of ‘Best City’. In the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards, Bangkok held on to the ‘Best City’ crown it also won in the 2020 edition of the awards. Singapore came in 2nd place, Tokyo in 3rd, Hong Kong in 4th, and Seoul in 5th. Other Thai destinations also earned distinction, with Phuket and Ko Samui being named 3rd and 4th ‘Best Islands’, respectively, after winner Bali and 2nd-placed Mauritius. Bringing further honour to Thailand was Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, which was named the 3rd ‘Best Airport’, and Thai Airways International (THAI)’s Royal Orchid Plus programme, which was named the 4th ‘Best Frequent Flier Programme’. Thailand-based luxury hotel chain Anantara was named 3rd among ‘Best Hotel Brands For Leisure’, while on the list of ‘Best Boutique Hotels’ Banyan Tree Samui came in 2nd, The Siam Hotel Bangkok in 4th, and Sri Panwa Phuket in 5th. The country-specific ‘Best Hotels in Thailand’ list comprised the following properties, in order from first to 10th place: Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, The St. Regis Bangkok, Park Hyatt Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Banyan Tree Samui, Conrad Bangkok, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, The Sukhothai Bangkok, and Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. The DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate excellence in the Asia-Pacific luxury travel sector with readers voting in various categories, including destinations, hotels and resorts, airlines, airports and cruise lines. The poll for the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards was conducted between September and December 2021. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/bangkok-retains-best-city-title-in-destinasian-magazines-2022-readers-choice-awards/ -- © Copyright TAT 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

New leader elected for Thai Economic Party The Thai Economic Party elected Gen. Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya as its party leader and Thammanat Prompao as its secretary-general at a general assembly held yesterday (Friday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253986-new-leader-elected-for-thai-economic-party/

The Thai Economic Party elected Gen. Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya as its party leader and Thammanat Prompao as its secretary-general at a general assembly held yesterday (Friday). Both General Wit and Thammanat held senior positions in the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). The general was the party’s chief strategist, while Thammanat, a controversial figure, was the secretary-general. Thammanat and 20 other MPs loyal to him got sacked from the party in January. Most of the Thai Economic Party executive board members are former PPRP MPs. General Wit resigned from the party in February. After the general assembly, Wit announced that the Thai Economic Party vowed to build the party into a political institution upon which the people can depend. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/new-leader-elected-for-thai-economic-party/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 19 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1253985-thailand-live-saturday-19-march-2022/

Cheap accommodation on Samui arranged for stranded Russian, Ukrainian tourists Low-cost accommodation on Samui Island has been arranged for the many Russian and Ukrainian tourists stranded in Thailand due to the war in Ukraine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253943-cheap-accommodation-on-samui-arranged-for-stranded-russian-ukrainian-tourists/

Government Expresses Readiness to Handle Covid-19 Variants BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health is prepared to handle any Covid-19 variants including the newly emerged Deltacron variant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253950-government-expresses-readiness-to-handle-covid-19-variants/

Thailand drops pre-departure RT-PCR tests for overseas arrivals, allows Songkran celebrations The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has agreed to cancel the requirement for pre-departure RT-PCR tests for international arrivals, effective from April 1st, and is to allow some celebrations to take place during the Songkran festival in mid-April, according to CCSA Spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253975-thailand-drops-pre-departure-rt-pcr-tests-for-overseas-arrivals-allows-songkran-celebrations/

Driver killed as cement mixer topples over into pond at construction site Ban Muang Thai Caption: Cement mixer overturns - driver dead inside Police and rescue services and divers were called to a flood wall construction site in Khuankhanun, Phatthalung in the far south of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253923-driver-killed-as-cement-mixer-topples-over-into-pond-at-construction-site/

Ban Muang Thai Caption: Cement mixer overturns - driver dead inside Police and rescue services and divers were called to a flood wall construction site in Khuankhanun, Phatthalung in the far south of Thailand. A cement mixer was there to tip concrete for the wall but toppled over while reversing and ended up in a body of water. Workers and locals at the scene tried to save the driver but were unable to get to him. Picture: Ban Muang He was later extricated and was named as 47 year old Somphop a man from Muang district of Phatthalung. He was making the delivery of concrete from the CPAK depot. Picture: Ban Muang A witness reported seeing the left rear wheel of the cement mixer going into the area of the water but her screams were to no avail as the mixer flipped twice and ended up on its side, reported Ban Muang yesterday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-18 - 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 navy fires 37 million baht torpedo at target just 46 kms from Koh Phangan Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported on Thai Royal Navy maneuvers and training exercises taking place in the lower reaches of the Gulf of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253920-thai-navy-fires-37-million-baht-torpedo-at-target-just-46-kms-from-koh-phangan/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na reported on Thai Royal Navy maneuvers and training exercises taking place in the lower reaches of the Gulf of Thailand. Highlight was the practice firing of an MK 46 torpedo that online information suggests comes in at about $1.2 million or about 37 million baht each. One was fired at a simulated target set up by navy operatives from Sattahip. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Naew Na The target was just 46 kilometers east of the holiday island of Koh Phangan famous pre-pandemic for its full moon parties. The torpedo was fired at a range of 2.5kms 53 meters under water. Such a torpedo is the backbone of the US Navy's lightweight anti-submarine warfare torpedo inventory and is the NATO standard, according to Wikipedia. Naew Na reported that Admiral Theerakul Kanchana was overseeing the maneuvers. These included ships, aircraft carriers, helicopters and submarines. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-18 - 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 Pictures: New Na

Smaller pro-government parties told no House dissolution if they cooperate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told leaders of the governing coalition and smaller pro-government parties that there would be no reason for him to dissolve the House if they all cooperate with each other and support the government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253916-smaller-pro-government-parties-told-no-house-dissolution-if-they-cooperate/

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told leaders of the governing coalition and smaller pro-government parties that there would be no reason for him to dissolve the House if they all cooperate with each other and support the government. The assurance was offered during an informal dinner meeting last night (Thursday). One of the leaders of a smaller party, Ravee Matchamadol, said that he believes, after the meeting, that the government will be more stable and any elements seeking to topple the government will be disappointed. He claimed that there were no demands for cabinet seats from small parties during the get-together, adding that the leaders of small parties, who earlier dined with Thammanat Prompao, former secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath party (PPRP), were also present last night. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/smaller-pro-government-parties-told-no-house-dissolution-if-they-cooperate/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-18 - 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 insurance giant says Southeast Insurance unable to cease operation yet, amid official’s warnings By Panithan Onthaworn Thai Group Holdings Plc (TGH), owned by tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, announced on Friday that its subsidiary Southeast Insurance has yet to end its non-life insurance business as certain conditions are not fulfilled. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253914-thai-insurance-giant-says-southeast-insurance-unable-to-cease-operation-yet-amid-official’s-warnings/

By Panithan Onthaworn Thai Group Holdings Plc (TGH), owned by tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, announced on Friday that its subsidiary Southeast Insurance has yet to end its non-life insurance business as certain conditions are not fulfilled. “Southeast Insurance still has some pending conditions for the termination of the non-life insurance license required by the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC),” Chotiphat Bijananda, TGH acting chief executive, said in a statement. This was prompted by Covid-19 insurance policyholders who do not wish to cancel their policies, and there is no non-life insurance company willing to accept such policies through transfer. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38722/thai-insurance-giant-says-southeast-insurance-unable-to-cease-operation-yet-amid-officials-warnings/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-18 - 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

Scourge of "Hell Drug" continues in Thailand - more fallout from horrific murder of parents by son Picture: 77kaoded Thai media 77kaosod highlighted the continuing problem of the so called "Ya Narok" or Drug of Hell that is plaguing Thai society. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253913-scourge-of-hell-drug-continues-in-thailand-more-fallout-from-horrific-murder-of-parents-by-son/