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Thailand reports new high of 27,071 COVID-19 cases, 80 deaths, 21,522 recoveries File photo Thailand on Friday (March 18) reported 27,071 new COVID-19 cases, 21,522 recoveries and 80 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253882-thailand-reports-new-high-of-27071-covid-19-cases-80-deaths-21522-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

File photo Thailand on Friday (March 18) reported 27,071 new COVID-19 cases, 21,522 recoveries and 80 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Friday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,303,169 with 24,075 deaths. The news comes as the Ministry of Public Health will propose that the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) further ease COVID-19 restrictions, by doing away with the requirement for arrivals from overseas to take an RT-PCR test 72 hours before departure. It will also ask the CCSA to cut the required miminum insurance coverage, from US$20,000 to US$10,000, according to Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kiattibhoom Vongrachit.* *Thai PBS 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 2022-03-18 - 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 public health minister says alcohol and parties should not be part of Songkran, focus should be on tradition and religion By Adam Judd Bangkok, Thailand-A dry Songkran? No, we aren’t referring to water fights, which is a different matter and is also likely to, for the third year in a row, be curtailed, but alcohol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253878-thai-public-health-minister-says-alcohol-and-parties-should-not-be-part-of-songkran-focus-should-be-on-tradition-and-religion/

By Adam Judd Bangkok, Thailand-A dry Songkran? No, we aren’t referring to water fights, which is a different matter and is also likely to, for the third year in a row, be curtailed, but alcohol. At a press conference yesterday Thai public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that Songkran will take place in mid April and that people will be allowed to travel and visit with family, which is the main focus of the holiday for most Thais. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Songkran is the Thai new year, also known as the water festival, and the single biggest holiday in Thailand and the largest annual migration of people within the country to their hometowns and villages. For many Thais it is the only significant time off they get every year. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/18/thai-public-health-minister-says-alcohol-and-parties-should-not-be-part-of-songkran-focus-should-be-on-tradition-and-religion/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Foreign tourist allegedly attacked by security guards after bill dispute in Central Pattaya By Adam Judd Treetown, Pattaya-A 58-year-old foreign tourist, reportedly Irish, was allegedly attacked by several security guards in front of the Treetown entertainment complex area in central Pattaya last night following a dispute over a bill. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253877-foreign-tourist-allegedly-attacked-by-security-guards-after-bill-dispute-in-central-pattaya/

By Adam Judd Treetown, Pattaya-A 58-year-old foreign tourist, reportedly Irish, was allegedly attacked by several security guards in front of the Treetown entertainment complex area in central Pattaya last night following a dispute over a bill. The guards, however, claimed the man refused to pay a bill and tried to flee and when he was stopped attempted to fight the guards and then accidentally fell. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The incident took place around 11:30 P.M. after Pattaya City police, rescue workers, and local media responded to the front of Treetown, a sprawling entertainment area in central Pattaya. First responders from Sawang Boriboon found the 58-year-old man, reportedly an Irish tourist, bleeding heavily from a wound to his skull and confused. He was given first aid treatment at the scene and taken to a local hospital for further aid. TPN media has decided to withhold the injured man’s name at this time. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/18/foreign-tourist-allegedly-attacked-by-security-guards-after-bill-dispute-in-central-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

One million vaccine doses now administered in Prachuap Khiri Khan By Online Reporter A woman in Hua Hin receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. File photo. Provincial health officials have announced a significant milestone in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to people in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253874-one-million-vaccine-doses-now-administered-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

A woman in Hua Hin receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. File photo. By Online Reporter Provincial health officials have announced a significant milestone in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to people in Prachuap Khiri Khan. On Thursday (Mar 17), officials announced that over 1 million vaccine doses have now been administered throughout the province. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The 646 vaccine doses administered on Wednesday (May 16) saw the number of vaccines administered in the province reach a total of 1,000,458 doses. Of those, 438,842 people have received a first dose (75.9% of provincial population), while 402,022 (69.5% of provincial population) have received two vaccine doses. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/one-million-vaccine-doses-now-administered-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

Forgetful Chonburi truck driver causes a million baht of damage after catching electric wires from raised rear of vehicle By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – A forgetful local female driver knocked down five power poles after the raised bed of her truck hooked electrical wires in the Mueang Chonburi District, causing an estimated one million baht of damage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253873-forgetful-chonburi-truck-driver-causes-a-million-baht-of-damage-after-catching-electric-wires-from-raised-rear-of-vehicle/

By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – A forgetful local female driver knocked down five power poles after the raised bed of her truck hooked electrical wires in the Mueang Chonburi District, causing an estimated one million baht of damage. The Mueang Chonburi Police were notified of the incident on a road in the Nong Maidang sub-district yesterday, March 16th, 2022, in the mid-afternoon. They arrived at the scene to find five power poles and multiple wires were pulled down on the road due to the raised rear of the truck catching wires above the road and causing a chain reaction. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/17/forgetful-chonburi-truck-driver-causes-a-million-baht-of-damage-after-catching-electric-wires-from-raised-rear-of-vehicle/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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 Public Health Ministry backtracks on its proposal to remove mandatory facial masks, says was a misunderstanding By Nop Meechukhun PHOTO: Thairath Bangkok – The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health denied the Ministry had proposed to cancel mandatory wearing of facial masks in parks and concerts as reported across Thai media Wednesday, March 16th, calling it a “misunderstanding.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253872-thai-public-health-ministry-backtracks-on-its-proposal-to-remove-mandatory-facial-masks-says-was-a-misunderstanding/

PHOTO: Thairath By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health denied the Ministry had proposed to cancel mandatory wearing of facial masks in parks and concerts as reported across Thai media Wednesday, March 16th, calling it a “misunderstanding.” Permanent Secretary Dr. Kiattipoom Wongrachit clarified today, March 17th, following the news stating that the Ministry of Public Health would propose a plan to remove wearing facial masks to the Center of the Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday that it was a misunderstanding. He said that he did not say such a proposal during a press conference yesterday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to his statement, he only stated that the Ministry would only introduce the four-month timeframe of shifting the Covid-19 pandemic to an endemic disease and plans to prevent and control the disease among the risk groups, especially the ‘608’ groups (the elders, patients with severe health conditions, and pregnant women). Regarding the issue of removing facial masks, Dr. Kiattipoom continued that if the endemic plan was approved and properly implemented, other measures may be relaxed in the future which may possibly include the mandatory facial masks in some areas such as public areas like parks and outside. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/17/thai-public-health-ministry-backtracks-on-its-proposal-to-remove-mandatory-facial-masks-says-was-a-misunderstanding/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

TPSO Says High Fuel Prices Expected to be Temporary by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has dismissed speculation that Thailand will enter a stagflation phase due to the war in Ukraine, while indicating that the issue of high fuel prices will be short-lived. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253871-tpso-says-high-fuel-prices-expected-to-be-temporary/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has dismissed speculation that Thailand will enter a stagflation phase due to the war in Ukraine, while indicating that the issue of high fuel prices will be short-lived. Analysts previously projected that the war between Russia and Ukraine will likely impact the world’s economy, including Thailand. They said high petrol prices would lead to stagflation, driving down Thai economic growth while suppressing employment and consumption of goods and services. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Stagflation or recession-inflation is a situation in which the inflation rate rises while economic growth slows and unemployment remains steadily high. It presents a dilemma for economic policymakers, as actions intended to lower inflation may exacerbate unemployment. TPSO Director-General Ronnarong Phoolpipat said he was confident that Thailand would not face stagflation, reasoning that fuel prices will fall as the West resolves its nuclear deal with Iran. This would in turn lead to Iran resuming its oil exports. The TPSO chief also said he was optimistic about the Black Sea conflict, as negotiations to resolve the situation continue between Russia and Ukraine. -- © Copyright NNT 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 He added that the unemployment rate this year will likely improve from 2021 as the rate of new COVID-19 infections starts declining.

Domestic tourism scheme raises confusion, gets lukewarm response By Panithan Onthaworn The disarray in one of Thailand’s domestic travel packages “Tour Tiew Thai” has prompted travel agencies to cancel their tour programmes, with the number of registrations yet to meet half of the available spots. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253870-domestic-tourism-scheme-raises-confusion-gets-lukewarm-response/

By Panithan Onthaworn The disarray in one of Thailand’s domestic travel packages “Tour Tiew Thai” has prompted travel agencies to cancel their tour programmes, with the number of registrations yet to meet half of the available spots. Suthiphong Phuanphiphob, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TAT), said that many tour programmes were not approved by the Tour Tiew Thai scheme after the application deadline on March 15. “This has an impact on tour programme sales and guests who booked such packages in advance,” Suthiphong explained. “Travel agencies must refund the payments as the programme will not be backed by the stimulus packages.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38673/domestic-tourism-scheme-raises-confusion-gets-lukewarm-response/ -- © 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

Arrest warrant issued for Move Forward MP over controversial censure debate claims MP Rangsiman Rome, of Thailand’s Move Forward Party, is now the subject of an arrest warrant after twice failing to report to police in the past month, in response to official summonses. The summonses were issued in relation to a criminal defamation charge, following claims he made during a censure debate in Parliament in 2020 targeting Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253869-arrest-warrant-issued-for-move-forward-mp-over-controversial-censure-debate-claims/

MP Rangsiman Rome, of Thailand’s Move Forward Party, is now the subject of an arrest warrant after twice failing to report to police in the past month, in response to official summonses. The summonses were issued in relation to a criminal defamation charge, following claims he made during a censure debate in Parliament in 2020 targeting Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. The embattled MP said that he will meet with the police today (Friday), while insisting that the arrest warrant is“illegitimate”. Rangsiman also threatened to take legal action against the police for malfeasance and claimed that there is a plot to put him behind bars and remove him from Parliament as a consequence of his controversial censure debate speeches. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-mp-issued-arrest-warrant-over-controversial-censure-debate/ -- © 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

Second autopsy report on drowned actress expected in two weeks Thailand’s well-known forensic expert, Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, said today that a report from the second autopsy on drowned TV actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, aka “Tangmo”, may be available in two weeks and is expected to be in the same line of the first autopsy, as she dismissed widespread doubts about the initial autopsy performed by the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253868-second-autopsy-report-on-drowned-actress-expected-in-two-weeks/

Thailand’s well-known forensic expert, Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, said today that a report from the second autopsy on drowned TV actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, aka “Tangmo”, may be available in two weeks and is expected to be in the same line of the first autopsy, as she dismissed widespread doubts about the initial autopsy performed by the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital. From her observations of Nida’s body and the pictures taken by pathologists, she said Nida’s teeth were not missing, as had been rumoured amid speculation that Nida might have been attacked on board the speed boat. She added that there were no wounds on her face or head either. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Khunying Porntip was one of a handful of observers at a second autopsy, performed today (Thursday) at Thammasat University Hospital, which was jointly undertaken by forensic doctors from Ramathibodi, Chulalongkorn and Thammasat University hospitals. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/second-autopsy-report-on-drowned-actress-expected-in-two-weeks/ -- © 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

Should four-day weeks become the norm to help workers survive? by Michael Bridge Most of us whether employed or retired in Thailand have been hit with a surge in fuel prices, as we fill up at the pumps over the past few weeks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253867-should-four-day-weeks-become-the-norm-to-help-workers-survive/

by Michael Bridge Most of us whether employed or retired in Thailand have been hit with a surge in fuel prices, as we fill up at the pumps over the past few weeks. Obviously, Thailand’s pump prices are still not as painful as many European countries, where prices are ridiculously high. Pump Prices The average pump price across Thailand on March 14th, 2022, was THB47.550 compared to the global average of THB58.19. E20 fuel for example, which was just THB26 a litre in 2021, now costs a whopping THB39 a litre. It is hurting everyone, but especially the low paid workers on the minimum wage. Minimum Wage In December 2019, the National Wage Committee recommended that the minimum daily wage for unskilled labour be increased by five to six baht, from 308 to 330 baht to 313–336-baht, effective 1 January 2020, which was approved by the Cabinet. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Still if you have to commute to say a factory five times a week, then you are paying a lot more to turn up for work now, so the minimum wage is still extremely low. Meanwhile, factory wages have not increased accordingly. Shift work and four days’ work Suggesting a four-day week would be beneficial for many employees, as long as their employers still reward them with the same wage. The workers would still work the same hours as per five or six full days, but would just work longer over the remaining four days. Of course, those who can afford to swop their motorbikes for electric bikes will see a massive saving. Not only will it reduce their fuel costs but may increase productivity with longer daily hours and spilt shifts. That said not everyone on a minimum wage can afford to sell and buy or can get finance. Reduction in trips I am trying to reduce the number of trips per week in my car. One visit to the supermarket instead of two or three trips is working. Also, instead of driving to meetings, I am doing more Zoom meetings. Luckily, I have always worked from home, however I am sure most employers are now used to flexible working practices. Meanwhile not many factory workers have now the luxury of flexible working hours. Whereas before employers accepted the Covid stay at home system, as a requirement to curb the pandemic. Perhaps now it also makes sense that they suggest four days weeks for the workers. Or better still employers could help subsidise financial packages, where the company loans the workers money to buy an electric motorbike. Saves on fuel costs and is also good for global warming. Just a thought. -- © 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 18 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1253866-thailand-live-friday-18-march-2022/

Thailand’s liquor vendors want 2-5pm alcohol sales ban revoked Sixteen entertainment establishments are calling on the government to scrap a law, introduced by a military junta in 1972, which bans the sale of alcoholic beverages between 2pm and 5pm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253851-thailand’s-liquor-vendors-want-2-5pm-alcohol-sales-ban-revoked/

Labour Min Pushing to Finalise Employment Agreement With Saudi Arabia BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labour is working to finalize the employment agreement on labour export with the Saudi government following the normalization of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253824-labour-min-pushing-to-finalise-employment-agreement-with-saudi-arabia/