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Thai ministry of health seeks end to pre-departure RT-PCR tests for international arrivals 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253821-thai-ministry-of-health-seeks-end-to-pre-departure-rt-pcr-tests-for-international-arrivals/

Probe underway over K-pop idol Lisa as new liquor brand ambassador Thailand’s Disease Control Department’s Office of the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee will seek an explanation from those responsible for posting an advertisement of a brand of liquor on Facebook using Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, a Thai-born singer and member of South Korea’s famous “Blackpink” girl band, as its brand ambassador. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253800-probe-underway-over-k-pop-idol-lisa-as-new-liquor-brand-ambassador/

Thailand’s Disease Control Department’s Office of the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee will seek an explanation from those responsible for posting an advertisement of a brand of liquor on Facebook using Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, a Thai-born singer and member of South Korea’s famous “Blackpink” girl band, as its brand ambassador. Disease Control Department Deputy Director-General Dr. Kajornsak Kaewcharat said on Wednesday that the department had received several complaints over the advertisement in question. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said that the Office of the Alcoholic Control Committee has assigned officials to investigate the matter, which may contravene Thailand’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and the Prime Minister’s Office regulations prohibiting the online sale and advertisement of alcoholic beverages. Violation of the regulations is subject to a fine and/or imprisonment on conviction. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/probe-underway-over-k-pop-idol-lisa-as-new-liquor-brand-ambassador/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-17 - 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

Friendly "albino" monkey comes to feed after going missing for some time Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported from the sacred area of Khao Sam Muk in Saensuk sub-district of Chonburi where there are a lot of monkeys. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253798-friendly-albino-monkey-comes-to-feed-after-going-missing-for-some-time/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported from the sacred area of Khao Sam Muk in Saensuk sub-district of Chonburi where there are a lot of monkeys. A surprise visitor was a monkey the locals call an albino because of its white markings on its head and tail. It's a friendly chap who has been AWOL for some time and came down to feed yesterday. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe People in the area said it is one of a pair or such creatures who live in the hills. This one is never fierce and after feeding goes away peacefully. They liken it to one that appears in a famous Thai legend. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-17 - 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

Case dismissed: Granddad cleared of rape against 11 year old granddaughter in NE Thailand Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the court in Kalasin in north east Thailand had thrown out charges against a 66 year old man after police alleged he raped his own 11 year old granddaughter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253797-case-dismissed-granddad-cleared-of-rape-against-11-year-old-granddaughter-in-ne-thailand/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the court in Kalasin in north east Thailand had thrown out charges against a 66 year old man after police alleged he raped his own 11 year old granddaughter. The P5 child got pregnant and died from complications towards the end of 2020. Suspicion fell on Prayoon Sridakaew after the girl's mother went to the police. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But he denied raping the child saying that he loved and cared for her. Prayoon's wife and the father of the child, Prayoon's son, stood by him as did other relatives who were at the court yesterday to hear what they viewed as a welcome judgement for their family. The court decided that the victim had died from brain cancer and that there was no evidence of sexual assault. There was no case to answer due to insufficient evidence the court said in its 30 minute reading. The case happened in Sahaskhan district. The relatives indicated they all wanted to put the case behind them despite the considerable negative comments about Prayoon on places like social media. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-17 - 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

Move the zebra say locals as another pedestrian injured just three days after fatality Thai PBS went to an intersection in Banglamphu, Bangkok, to investigate after yet another accident on a zebra crossing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253795-move-the-zebra-say-locals-as-another-pedestrian-injured-just-three-days-after-fatality/

Thai PBS went to an intersection in Banglamphu, Bangkok, to investigate after yet another accident on a zebra crossing. Just three days after a person was killed by a bus another bus hit a pedestrian at the exact same spot injuring them. Now the BMA and the Chana Songkkram police have put out steel barriers and cones. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But the locals are advocating more. They said that they wouldn't dare use the zebra; they cross further up the road away from the lights. They think the zebra at this location is a danger for visitors to the area and should be scrapped altogether and moved. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-17 - 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

Tide of change threatens Khunpluem dynasty’s dominance in Pattaya elections A political dynasty’s decades-long dominance of politics in Chon Buri province will be threatened by strong challenges at the upcoming Pattaya mayoral election on May 22, analysts say. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253794-tide-of-change-threatens-khunpluem-dynasty’s-dominance-in-pattaya-elections/

A political dynasty’s decades-long dominance of politics in Chon Buri province will be threatened by strong challenges at the upcoming Pattaya mayoral election on May 22, analysts say. The Khunpluem family, who have held the mayoral seat for generations, are risking a shock loss at the hands of newcomer candidates, said Yuthaporn Issarachai, a political scientist at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. Waning influence He doubts that the political family retains the influence it once had, pointing to changes in the political, economic, and social spheres. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe First, voters may have lost patience with the conflict between incumbent Pattaya mayor Sonthaya Khunpluem and Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin over the recruitment of MP candidates for the ruling Palang Pracharath Party to contest the next election. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tide-of-change-threatens-khunpluem-dynastys-dominance-in-pattaya-elections/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-17 - 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

Ex-Farm Price of Chicken Eggs Capped NONTHABURI, March 17 (TNA) – The Department of Internal Trade and the Layer Farmer Association capped the ex-farm price of chicken eggs in mixed sizes at 3.20 baht each. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253792-ex-farm-price-of-chicken-eggs-capped/

NONTHABURI, March 17 (TNA) – The Department of Internal Trade and the Layer Farmer Association capped the ex-farm price of chicken eggs in mixed sizes at 3.20 baht each. Wattanasak Sueaiam, director-general of the department, said the department made the move after discussing chicken egg prices with the Department of Livestock Development, the Office of Agricultural Economics, the Association of Hen-Egg Farmers, Traders and Exporters and the Layer Farmer Association. According to Mr Wattanasak, the cost of layer farmers rose and the Department of Livestock Development confirmed the cost at 2.94 baht per egg because hot weather reduces the laying and sizes of eggs and the Russia-Ukraine war raises the prices of many raw materials. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-904293 -- © Copyright TNA 2022-03-17 - 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

Applause for allowing migrant workers to stay on in Thailand This photo taken on September 20, 2018 shows Myanmar migrant workers preparing a fishing boat in the Thai coastal province of Samut Sakhon. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) This week, the Thai cabinet made a commendable decision to allow legal migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia and the Lao PDR, who have been working in Thailand for four years, to stay until 2024 after their current work permits expire. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253791-applause-for-allowing-migrant-workers-to-stay-on-in-thailand/

This photo taken on September 20, 2018 shows Myanmar migrant workers preparing a fishing boat in the Thai coastal province of Samut Sakhon. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) This week, the Thai cabinet made a commendable decision to allow legal migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia and the Lao PDR, who have been working in Thailand for four years, to stay until 2024 after their current work permits expire. The Thai government signed a memorandum of understanding on labour cooperation with the governments of the three countries, which allows their nationals to work legally in Thailand, subject to quota, for four years. The government-to-government deal on migrant workers provides job security and benefits while they are in Thailand under the Thai labour laws. According to the Ministry of Labour, there are 54,236 workers from Myanmar, 26,840 from Cambodia and 25,504 from the Lao PDR in Thailand, whose works contracts end this year. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/applause-for-allowing-migrant-workers-to-stay-on-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-17 - 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

Video: Thai farmer turns to crocodiles to make more money - BBQ on a stick for just 10 B! Sanook Thai Caption: Crocs on the menu Sanook went to Phichai district in Uttaradit in upper northern Thailand to meet a former farmer who decided to turn to crocodiles to make more money. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253790-video-thai-farmer-turns-to-crocodiles-to-make-more-money-bbq-on-a-stick-for-just-10-b/

Sanook Thai Caption: Crocs on the menu Sanook went to Phichai district in Uttaradit in upper northern Thailand to meet a former farmer who decided to turn to crocodiles to make more money. Nattakorn Dee-insuan intended at first to sell the skins but the bottom dropped out of the market during the pandemic. So he decided to raise them for their meat as food. He now has four concrete ponds containing 50 crocs and his farm is becoming a tourist attraction too. Croc meat sells for about 140-150 baht a kilo. His crocs are all fresh water ones. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe When they are 3-4 years old and weigh 12-15 kilos they are slaughtered. Then they become croc BBQ on a stick for only 10 baht. But there are plenty of other items on his tasty menu including croc omelette, spicy croc, Laab croc and even Tom Yam made with the ribs. His advertising slogan is: "Forget the firerceness enjoy the taste". He said that all his animals are fed chickens and he follows all the cleanliness and health protocols. He can be contacted on 081 887 8008 or the Line account associated with that number. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-17 - 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

Swedish woman sentenced to prison for hiding her child in Thailand by Gregers Møller A Swedish woman who took her child and ran away to Thailand two years ago has been sentenced to prison, Expressen writes citing Nya Wermlands-Tidningen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253789-swedish-woman-sentenced-to-prison-for-hiding-her-child-in-thailand/

by Gregers Møller A Swedish woman who took her child and ran away to Thailand two years ago has been sentenced to prison, Expressen writes citing Nya Wermlands-Tidningen. The woman and the child’s father had been in a divisive custody dispute over the couple’s son since the child was born. A battle which the woman lost in 2019 and it was decided that the son should live with his father. But before the district court’s decision had time to be enforced, the woman disappeared with the child. Later it turned out that she had brought the child to Thailand. The woman was arrested in Thailand in January for reportedly overstaying her visa and deported back to Sweden. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://scandasia.com/swedish-woman-sentenced-to-prison-for-hiding-her-child-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright ScandAsia 2022-03-17 - 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

Marine Officials Mull Plan to Build Cruise Ship Terminal on Koh Samui by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s marine officials are considering building a cruise ship terminal on Koh Samui, a popular Gulf of Thailand island off the coast of Surat Thani province, in order to accommodate cruise ship arrivals and improve tourist safety. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253788-marine-officials-mull-plan-to-build-cruise-ship-terminal-on-koh-samui/v

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s marine officials are considering building a cruise ship terminal on Koh Samui, a popular Gulf of Thailand island off the coast of Surat Thani province, in order to accommodate cruise ship arrivals and improve tourist safety. The Marine Department has identified Laem Hin Khom on the southwest tip of Koh Samui as a suitable location for constructing a deep-water terminal after preliminary discussions. The facility is expected to be large enough to dock two cruise ships, 80 yachts, and six ferries at the same time. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe To fund the construction, officials are considering a public-private partnership model, with the government covering costs for land expropriation and terminal construction and a major private firm covering equipment and port maintenance. In order to attract more tourists and create more jobs, the Ministry of Transport has also advocated for the construction of additional cruise ship terminals in Thailand. Prior to the pandemic, Koh Samui, Phuket, and Chon Buri’s Laem Chabang were among Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, frequented by cruise ships from all over the world. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-17 - 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

Fake documents gang busted after complaints about Covid certificates going for 890 baht a time Picture: INN Thailand's consumer protection division has arrested three people on warrants for producing fake documents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253787-fake-documents-gang-busted-after-complaints-about-covid-certificates-going-for-890-baht-a-time/

Picture: INN Thailand's consumer protection division has arrested three people on warrants for producing fake documents. The gang were making more than a million baht a month. Complaints had been made to the authorities about fake Covid-19 certificates going online for 890 baht a time. These were used by people to get employment or travel abroad. Customers didn't need to have any checks and could get the documentation in 15 minutes. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The gang was split up into various jobs such as website development, advertising, admin to talk to customers, accounts, laundering proceeds as well as a section producing the documents. Ploi, 24 was arrested at an apartment in Bang Khun Non, Bangkok Noi, Toom, 26, in Kathu, Phuket and Nit, 22, gave himself up after pressure from the authorities. In addition to Covid certificates the gang were providing fake driving licences, Thai ID cards, civil service ID cards, land title deeds and vehicle registration documents. INN reported that between November last year and January the gang raked in 5 million baht. All the suspects were named in warrants under charges connected to the production of and profiting by fake documents. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-17 - 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

Chonburi announces 1,231 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and four new deaths By Goong Nang(GN) Highlights: 1,231 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today 4,978 positive ATK (rapid antigen) tests were reported but all require a second confirmed PCR test before being counted as official cases. The ATK positive tests are just “possible” cases until confirmed by PCR. TPN notes, however, that second confirmed tests are no longer mandatory except for high-risk groups. 804 (PCR) and 1,964 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care Four new deaths Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253784-chonburi-announces-1231-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-four-new-deaths/

By Goong Nang(GN) Highlights: 1,231 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today 4,978 positive ATK (rapid antigen) tests were reported but all require a second confirmed PCR test before being counted as official cases. The ATK positive tests are just “possible” cases until confirmed by PCR. TPN notes, however, that second confirmed tests are no longer mandatory except for high-risk groups. 804 (PCR) and 1,964 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care Four new deaths The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 1,231 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with four new deaths, March 17th, 2022. This makes a total of 59,133 cases (PCR) and 74,382 cases (ATK) of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 11,233 (PCR) and 32,704 (ATK) people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 105 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections at the beginning of this year, January 2022. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Additionally, 804 (PCR) and 1,964 (ATK) people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 47,795 (PCR) and 41,678 (ATK) people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began at the beginning of this year, January 2022. 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/2022/03/17/chonburi-announces-1231-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-four-new-deaths/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-17 - 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