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file photo By Online Reporter Grammy and American Music Award-winning artist Kenny G is to headline an international jazz festival in Hua Hin in May. The International Jazz & Blues Festival 2022 will be held at True Arena in Hua Hin on May 7 and will see Kenny G perform for 90 minutes. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe With global record sales totalling more than 75 million and a staggering 1.5 billion, smooth sax star Kenny G is the biggest selling instrumental artist of all time. His appearance at the International Jazz & Blues Festival 2022 in Hua Hin comes following the March 11 release of Kenny G’s first new album in six-years titled New Standards. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/kenny-g-to-headline-international-jazz-blues-festival-2022-at-true-arena-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

Pandemic costs Prachuap Khiri Khan near ฿30 billion loss in tourism revenue By Online Reporter A photo from April 2021 showing a deserted Soi Bintabaht. Provincial officials have begun outlining plans aimed at revitalising the tourism industry throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan in the wake of COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253733-pandemic-costs-prachuap-khiri-khan-near-฿30-billion-loss-in-tourism-revenue/

A photo from April 2021 showing a deserted Soi Bintabaht. By Online Reporter Provincial officials have begun outlining plans aimed at revitalising the tourism industry throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan in the wake of COVID-19. On Tuesday (Mar 15), governor Sathian Charoenrian held a meeting with the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Tourism Development Committee, which includes representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss ways of attracting international tourists to the province. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Data released at the meeting revealed the stark reality of the province’s tourism industry as a result of the impact of COVID-19. In 2019, Prachuap Khiri Khan welcomed 7.1 million tourists, with approximately 5.9 million domestic tourists, and 1.2 million foreign tourists, which generated 28.8 billion baht in revenue. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/pandemic-costs-prachuap-khiri-khan-near-30-billion-loss-in-revenue/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

Thai Chamber of Commerce urges government to cancel pre arrival RT-PCR test to attract international arrivals By Nop Meechukhun PHOTO: Siamrath Bangkok – The Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand (TCC) urged the Thai government to cancel the pre-arrival RT-PCR test for international arrivals before entering the country and speed up the shift of the Covid-19 pandemic to endemic in order to boost the recovery of the domestic economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253730-thai-chamber-of-commerce-urges-government-to-cancel-pre-arrival-rt-pcr-test-to-attract-international-arrivals/

PHOTO: Siamrath By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand (TCC) urged the Thai government to cancel the pre-arrival RT-PCR test for international arrivals before entering the country and speed up the shift of the Covid-19 pandemic to endemic in order to boost the recovery of the domestic economy. TCC Chairman Sanan Angubolkul revealed today, March 16th, that the general Covid-19 situation around the world was considered stable and expected to improve. Therefore, many countries had relaxed their preventive measures and now planned to announce the disease as endemic. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He advised that Thailand should accelerate the endemic plan as well: “Thailand should start to proceed the endemic declaration as soon as possible along with the gradual easing of various measures and activities to move the economy forward.” “The country’s economy had been traumatized for quite some time. People and entrepreneurs had been affected a lot. So, the public health measures should be adjusted periodically according to the situation. All private sectors were always ready to discuss the matter with the government to help accelerate the country reopening.” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/16/thai-chamber-of-commerce-urges-government-to-cancel-pre-arrival-rt-pcr-test-to-attract-international-arrivals/ -- © 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

CCSA says major meeting this Friday will discuss legal reopening of bars and nightlife, mask mandates, Test and Go, Songkran By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is scheduled to discuss the ease of immigration measures, like Thailand Pass and Test and Go, Songkran, mask mandates, and the reopening of entertainment venues in the upcoming general meeting this Friday, March 18th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253728-ccsa-says-major-meeting-this-friday-will-discuss-legal-reopening-of-bars-and-nightlife-mask-mandates-test-and-go-songkran/

By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is scheduled to discuss the ease of immigration measures, like Thailand Pass and Test and Go, Songkran, mask mandates, and the reopening of entertainment venues in the upcoming general meeting this Friday, March 18th. According to the reports of the Government House, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha, as the CCSA director, would participate in the meeting on Friday to update the general Covid-19 situation as well as to discuss and consider the easing of additional measures, including immigration relaxation for tourists, as proposed by the Ministry of Public Health. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Public Health Ministry would also finalize the plan of the Covid-19 pandemic to an endemic transition on Thursday before introducing it to the CCSA at the meeting. The approval was likely possible as the National Communicable Disease Committee had previously voted in favor of the resolution, according to the Ministry. Regarding the relaxing measures of legally opening entertainment venues, including pubs, bars, nightclubs, and karaoke lounges, such a proposal was in the process of conclusion and would be discussed with a CCSA sub-panel before proposing to the CCSA this Friday, the report stated. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/16/thai-covid-19-center-says-major-meeting-this-friday-will-discuss-legal-reopening-of-bars-and-nightlife-mask-mandates-test-and-go-songkran-and-more/ -- © 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

‘Legal loopholes’ exposed as Blackpink’s Lisa becomes whiskey brand ambassador By Natcha Patanasophon The whiskey giant, Chivas Regal, announced that Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, a member of the K-pop group Blackpink, will become its new brand ambassador. This move makes Lisa the very first female face of the brand in Asia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253727-‘legal-loopholes’-exposed-as-blackpink’s-lisa-becomes-whiskey-brand-ambassador/

By Natcha Patanasophon The whiskey giant, Chivas Regal, announced that Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, a member of the K-pop group Blackpink, will become its new brand ambassador. This move makes Lisa the very first female face of the brand in Asia. Chivas Regal made the announcement with an accompanying one minute-long-video of the Thai-born artist’s path to success in a new campaign titled, “I Rise, We rise.” “There were no shortcuts to get where I am,” Lisa says in the campaign video. “But success means nothing, not one thing, unless we share it.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38641/legal-loopholes-exposed-as-blackpinks-lisa-becomes-whiskey-brand-ambassador/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

TAT extends tourism cooperation with Japan’s Sendai City and Tohoku Region Marking the 4th renewal of the agreement aimed at growing two-way tourism between Japan and Thailand. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Sendai City and the Tohoku Regional Tourism Organisation in Japan to continue their tourism promotion cooperation that has been ongoing since 2006. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253726-tat-extends-tourism-cooperation-with-japan’s-sendai-city-and-tohoku-region/

Marking the 4th renewal of the agreement aimed at growing two-way tourism between Japan and Thailand. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Sendai City and the Tohoku Regional Tourism Organisation in Japan to continue their tourism promotion cooperation that has been ongoing since 2006. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “The continuance of the tourism promotion between Thailand and Japan under this Letter of Intent comes at an opportune time, as Thailand reopens to the world and welcomes back travellers with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign. Japan has been a key source market for Thailand, and we are confident it will continue to be so.” The virtual signing ceremony between Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, and Mrs. Kazuko Kori, Sendai City Mayor, and Mr. Shigeru Matsuki, President of the Tohoku Regional Tourism Organisation was held yesterday (Tuesday, 15 March). Witnessing the signing was Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, and Mr. Chuwit Sirivajjakul, TAT Executive Director for East Asia Region. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This is the fourth renewal of the LoI agreement for cooperation in tourism promotion between the three parties. The agreement was first signed in August 2006 between TAT and Sendai City, which is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the Tohoku Region. The Tohoku Regional Tourism Organisation joined the agreement in 2012. This latest renewal of the LoI will cover a five-year period of cooperation in tourism promotion between the three parties until March 2027. Under the agreement, TAT, Sendai City, and the Tohoku Regional Tourism Organisation will jointly organise marketing promotion activities to stimulate two-way tourism between Japan and Thailand, and with a particular emphasis on increasing the number of quality tourists to each destination. This has included the organisation of a Thai festival in Sendai City and the promotion of Thailand’s tourism offerings to travel agents in the city, while the tourism attributes of Sendai City and the Tohoku Region have likewise been promoted in Thailand to create greater awareness among outbound Thai travellers. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/tat-extends-tourism-cooperation-with-japans-sendai-city-and-tohoku-region/ -- © Copyright TAT 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

Thailand embraces gender-equal business as key to sustainable growth by Tarin Angskul BANGKOK (NNT) - A roadmap for Thailand’s journey to gender equality in business was presented at an event in Bangkok. It lays out a guideline for policies and business practices to improve woman’s empowerment in the workplace and, by extension, the country’s progress towards sustainable social and economic development as a whole. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253725-thailand-embraces-gender-equal-business-as-key-to-sustainable-growth/

by Tarin Angskul BANGKOK (NNT) - A roadmap for Thailand’s journey to gender equality in business was presented at an event in Bangkok. It lays out a guideline for policies and business practices to improve woman’s empowerment in the workplace and, by extension, the country’s progress towards sustainable social and economic development as a whole. Titled “Inclusive Policy means Sustainable Growth,” the event was organized by WeEmpowerAsia, a UN Woman program funded by the European Union, in collaboration with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Office of small and Medium-sized Enterprise Promotion (OSMEP), and the regional non-profit Kenan Foundation Asia. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The event is one of the milestones for women in Asia and around the world. It presented the idea of “Building Pathways to Gender Equality and Sustainability" through the "Women’s Empowerment Principle: Thailand Policy Brief" which is a guide for businesses to strengthen gender outcomes. The roadmap lays a crucial foundation for the implementation of policies and initiatives to: 1) advance accountability and reporting of gender indicators for listed companies; 2) promote woman’s corporate leadership; and 3) advance the participation of women’s owned and women-led business in the national and global supply chains of governments and corporations. Sarah Knibbs, Officer-in-Charge, UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, hopes the "Women’s Empowerment Principle: Thailand Policy Brief" will serve as a guide for policymakers, and other sectors to incentivize and regulate gender-responsive business conduct. Gender equality does not only mean good business but inclusive and sustainable growth where all groups of society can contribute. -- © 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

Thai and Russian Authorities Assisting Tourists Affected by Russia-Ukraine Crisis by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Russian embassy in Bangkok has said it is working closely with Thai tourism authorities to help accommodate the thousands of Russian tourists who have been stranded in Thailand due to airspace restrictions imposed amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253724-thai-and-russian-authorities-assisting-tourists-affected-by-russia-ukraine-crisis/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Russian embassy in Bangkok has said it is working closely with Thai tourism authorities to help accommodate the thousands of Russian tourists who have been stranded in Thailand due to airspace restrictions imposed amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. During a press conference on Tuesday (15 Mar), Russian Ambassador to Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin said the majority of stranded Russian nationals are concentrated in tourist destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya, Chon Buri, Koh Samui, Surat Thani. He added that the embassy is attempting to secure extended visas, find lodging and arrange repatriation flights on various airlines for those stranded. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Due to international airspace restrictions, many airlines - including Russia’s flagship Aeroflot - have canceled services, affecting as many as 6,500 Russian tourists in the Kingdom. Thailand is one of 140 nations that voted in favor of a United Nations resolution demanding Russia’s immediate withdrawal from Ukraine and criticizing Russia’s "aggression against Ukraine." Tomikhin stated Russia understood Thailand’s decision and that the two countries’ diplomatic ties would not be affected. He also made clear that Russia was not fighting an all-out war and that its forces were only targeting military infrastructure in Ukraine while attempting to avoid civilian casualties. -- © 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

Thai companies have a moral decision to make By Michael Bridge File photo The Russian government issued last week a list of countries "taking unfriendly actions against Russia, Russian companies, and citizens," referring to the economic sanctions introduced amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253723-thai-companies-have-a-moral-decision-to-make/

File photo By Michael Bridge The Russian government issued last week a list of countries "taking unfriendly actions against Russia, Russian companies, and citizens," referring to the economic sanctions introduced amid the Russia-Ukraine war. According to a decree published on the government's website, the list includes Albania, Andorra, Australia, Great Britain, including Jersey, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, EU member states, Iceland, Canada, Liechtenstein, Micronesia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, San Marino, North Macedonia, Singapore, US, Taiwan, Ukraine, Montenegro, Switzerland, and Japan. Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines from SE Asia were not on this list. Where to now? Now we know that in the past there were many Thai companies, especially in the hospitality sector that did a large amount of business with Russians. Thailand has always been a trade partner with Russia. Back in 2019, Thailand exported $1.13B to Russia. The main products that Thailand exported to Russia were Cars ($173M), Vehicle Parts ($83.9M), and Rubber Tires ($73M). Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Crude oil was Thailand’s biggest import from Russia last year followed by coal and gold. Luckily, most of Thailand's crude oil and condensates are from offshore fields in the Gulf of Thailand. Natural gas fuels 60–65% of Thailand's electrical power generation. The Erawan gas field in the Gulf of Thailand supplies about 20% of Thailand's gas production. Thailand imported the LNG from seven suppliers in October, with Australia and Malaysia being the largest sellers. The Southeast Asia nation imported 5.36 million mt of LNG in the first 10 months, up 9.8% year on year, from Qatar, Malaysia, and Nigeria. The Thai government does not rely too much on Russia for its energy however continuing to export cars could see European countries along with the USA could end up with expensive sanctions that the country can ill afford. The next few months may see some major policy decisions needing to be made by both private sector along with the Thai Government. -- © 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 ever

Richard Barrow receives the British Empire Medal (BEM) Richard Barrow was honored on Wednesday, 16 March, when he received the British Empire Medal (BEM) from British Ambassador, Mark Gooding. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253722-richard-barrow-receives-the-british-empire-medal-bem/

Richard Barrow was honored on Wednesday, 16 March, when he received the British Empire Medal (BEM) from British Ambassador, Mark Gooding. HM Queen Elizabeth II awarded Barrow "for services to British nationals overseas" in the 2021 New Year's Honours List. Source: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=531614794991455&id=100044288176713

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 17 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1253721-thailand-live-thursday-17-march-2022/

Seven Thai students charged with assault in university hazing death Seven university students have, so far, been charged with assault causing the death of another person in a fatal university hazing ritual, involving students from Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, said Chief of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Maroeng police station Pol Col Kanasanan Suwannasup, Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253705-seven-thai-students-charged-with-assault-in-university-hazing-death/

Government Steps Up APEC Security Measures Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has acknowledged concerns over the possibility of the Russia-Ukraine conflict jeopardizing Thailand’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2022 in November. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253674-government-steps-up-apec-security-measures-amid-russia-ukraine-conflict/

Six illegal migrants killed, five seriously injured in road accident in Prachuap Khiri Khan Six illegal migrant workers from Myanmar were killed and twelve others injured, five seriously, when a pickup truck in which they were travelling crashed into a roadside barrier and was then rammed from behind by a van in Thailand’s southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253673-six-illegal-migrants-killed-five-seriously-injured-in-road-accident-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

Series of attacks at Udon market and bus station - drugged up glue sniffer responsible Sanook Thai Caption: Dangerous person at the market Sanook went to the Tessaban 2 Ban Dung fresh market in Udon Thani in the north east of Thailand to investigate a series of attacks on women there and at the nearby bus station. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253656-series-of-attacks-at-udon-market-and-bus-station-drugged-up-glue-sniffer-responsible/

Sanook Thai Caption: Dangerous person at the market Sanook went to the Tessaban 2 Ban Dung fresh market in Udon Thani in the north east of Thailand to investigate a series of attacks on women there and at the nearby bus station. A man had been caught on CCTV punching a woman. In addition he had grabbed women's buttocks and even bit the top of their legs. Traders also said that the man would frequently "fly his kite" (masturbate) by the side of the market. Local tessaban officials went to the home of Manop, 35. His mum said her son was a drug addict and glue sniffer who was out of control and wouldn't take his meds. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe His brother said he had had his arm broken by an irate bus driver who chased him from the bus station after two attacks on women there. The family were at their wits end what do do with him and called on the authorities to act. The police were not mentioned in the Sanook story. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-16 - 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