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Thailand's Roads: The carnage continues as car and pick-up collide head on in Suphanburi Picture: Thai Rath Song Phee Nong police in Suphanburi in central Thailand along with rescue services went to an accident on the Bang Lee to Wat Phai Rong Wua road where a silver/gold Isuzu had collided head on with a black Nissan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250484-thailands-roads-the-carnage-continues-as-car-and-pick-up-collide-head-on-in-suphanburi/

Picture: Thai Rath Song Phee Nong police in Suphanburi in central Thailand along with rescue services went to an accident on the Bang Lee to Wat Phai Rong Wua road where a silver/gold Isuzu had collided head on with a black Nissan. Both vehicles had severe damage to their front sections. Thitiporn, 25, from Ratchaburi, the driver of the Isuzu, was in a serious condition and taken to hospital. The driver of the Nissan, Rittidech, from Bangkok, also 25, was thrown out of his vehicle. He was given CPR at the scene and taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police said that the deceased worked at an auto spares shop in Pathum Thani and was on his way back after buying parts in Suphanburi. Police are studying CCTV and interviewing the lady driver to try and work out what happened, reported Thai Rath yesterday. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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

Huge 65% Expats say unvaccinated passengers should sit in separate areas on planes 65% of Expats in Thailand say unvaccinated passengers should sit in separate areas on aeroplanes according to a survey by ASEAN NOW. Here are the full results: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250480-huge-65-expats-say-unvaccinated-passengers-should-sit-in-separate-areas-on-planes/

Huge 65% Expats say unvaccinated passengers should sit in separate areas on planes file photo 65% of Expats in Thailand say unvaccinated passengers should sit in separate areas on aeroplanes according to a survey by ASEAN NOW. Here are the full results: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250480-huge-65-expats-say-unvaccinated-passengers-should-sit-in-separate-areas-on-planes/

file photo 65% of Expats in Thailand say unvaccinated passengers should sit in separate areas on aeroplanes according to a survey by ASEAN NOW. 570 Expats across Thailand completed the ASEAN NOW survey on vaccinations, which also revealed more interesting insights. In fact, 74% agreed that governments should have the right to impose restrictions on arrival for unvaccinated people. Surprisingly was that 65% also wanted airlines to place unvaccinated passengers in separate areas in the cabin. Of course, it is not unusual to catch a virus on a plane when there is little social distancing. The survey which was posted on forums in several Asian countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines shows how expats view the current situation. Here are the full results. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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

Developments in "body in trash drum murder" - 17 year old granddaughter of victim questioned Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on developments after a woman was found stuffed in a 200 liter blue plastic trash drum and dumped in undergrowth in Derm Bang Nang Buat district of Suphanburi, central Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250476-developments-in-body-in-trash-drum-murder-17-year-old-granddaughter-of-victim-questioned/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on developments after a woman was found stuffed in a 200 liter blue plastic trash drum and dumped in undergrowth in Derm Bang Nang Buat district of Suphanburi, central Thailand. A man aged 23 and a girl aged 17 are helping police with their inquiries after they were stopped in Mae Sot, Tak in the north west. An autopsy of the woman found that she was aged about 50, and an examination of a broken molar and her fingerprints indicated she was a woman from Saraburi. This would be confirmed soon. Pol Col Nikorn Nuangchun of the local police said that 80% of the investigation had been wrapped up after CCTV was examined and witnesses told of a silver colored pick-up at the scene. Pol Maj-Gen Kriangkrai Wuthiphanich, Suphan provincial chief, said that a 23 year old man and a 17 year old girl were stopped apparently attempting to flee. An announcement of the resolution of the case is expected tomorrow, Thursday, when the Region 7 commander will face the press. Thai Rath's sources said that the teen is the granddaughter of the victim and that her and the man were a couple who had fled in a van. They said that the victim is 62 who adopted a child who then had a girl who became her granddaughter. The pair lived together in Korat where the girl studied with the grandmother going back to Saraburi on holidays. It has been surmised that there was an argument and that the grandmother was accidentally killed then an attempt made to hide the body. How the rope and the blanket found with the body relate to the case remains to be explained. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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

Drunk monk again: Man in robes is defrocked after refusing to pay restaurant and booze tab Picture: INN Thai media INN reported on yet another case of a monk bring disrepute to holy orders. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250471-drunk-monk-again-man-in-robes-is-defrocked-after-refusing-to-pay-restaurant-and-booze-tab/

Picture: INN Thai media INN reported on yet another case of a monk bring disrepute to holy orders. This one happened in Sattahip, Chonburi near to Pattaya. Police got a call from the Sum Saew restaurant that a man had not paid for his beer and food and was holed up in the nearby Burapha Resort. Pol Lt-Col Phaiboon Laohanawat of the Sattahip police responded and saw the man changing from civilian clothes into monk's robes. According to his Thai ID it was Phra Mahasomphop, aged 42, but he wouldn't say what wat he was attached to. He was drunk and disorderly making trouble for the police. Two beers in his room were consumed already and photgraphed for evidential purposes. He soon admitted drinking them and not paying at the restaurant. Phra Khru Winai was invited from a nearby temple, Wat Thepprasat Taothan, to defrock the errant man in saffron. It was learned that he'd been a monk for 20 years but where was a mystery. Sitthiporn, 28 the restaurant owner said he'd ordered two cases of beer and food and at 11 pm was presented with a bill for 3,025 baht. He was dressed in ordinary clothes. He said he needed to go to his room so staff went with him to get the cash but once there he locked the door and refused to come out. He then changed into monk's clothes and denied ever being in the restaurant. After the defrocking the restaurant didn't press charges and the now former monk was just let go. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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

Annoying foreign beggar raking in 2-3,000 baht a day in Chatuchak, Bangkok Picture: INN An annoying foreign beggar is making up to 3,000 baht EVERY DAY, according to a motorcycle taxi rider who sees her daily in the area near Mor Chit BTS in Chatuchak, Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250468-annoying-foreign-beggar-raking-in-2-3000-baht-a-day-in-chatuchak-bangkok/

Picture: INN An annoying foreign beggar is making up to 3,000 baht EVERY DAY, according to a motorcycle taxi rider who sees her daily in the area near Mor Chit BTS in Chatuchak, Bangkok. If Thais don't pay up they are bullied in English. INN reporters went to investigate after much comment on a social media post. The taxi guy said that the woman turns up every day between 4 and 5 pm selling trinkets but is really after "donations". Those who hand over a meager 5-10 baht get an earful. But if you don't give anything she really lets rip claiming that she has nothing. He reckoned that she has a nice place - maybe even a condo - in Lat Prao and makes 2,000 baht to 3,000 baht a day scamming people. Kannaphat - a student - told the media that he was with a fellow lady student on their way home when they encountered the woman in a long green dress. She said in English: "You are poor" after he said he didn't have any money on him. His companion handed over 10 baht and the beggar was effusive saying: "You are beautiful - you are an angel". He was confused by her English and all she would say by way of explanation for her begging was that she needed a toothbrush. A motorcycle taxi rider said to the pair: "You're being conned, she's here every day". As the students walked off she was still at it. Kannaphat said: "Foreigners aren't normally disrespectful or engage in bullying of other people". ASEAN NOW suggests that Kannaphat needs to travel a bit more. Begging scammers such as this exist in many countries of the world. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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

Thailand reports 16,462 new COVID-19 cases, 27 deaths, 10,868 recoveries File photo. Credit Thai PBS Thailand on Wednesday (February 16) reported 16,462 new COVID-19 cases, 10,868 recoveries and 27 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250465-thailand-reports-16462-new-covid-19-cases-27-deaths-10868-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 16,462 new COVID-19 cases, 27 deaths, 10,868 recoveries File photo. Credit Thai PBS Thailand on Wednesday (February 16) reported 16,462 new COVID-19 cases, 10,868 recoveries and 27 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250465-thailand-reports-16462-new-covid-19-cases-27-deaths-10868-recoveries/

File photo. Credit Thai PBS Thailand on Wednesday (February 16) reported 16,462 new COVID-19 cases, 10,868 recoveries and 27 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 16,326. Prisons: 136 ▶︎ Recoveries: 10,868 Wednesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,639,062 with 22,516 deaths. The news comes as the main concerns surrounding the rapid transmissibility of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, which accounted for 97.2% of samplings of infections last week, are not hospitalisation or mortality rates, but the long-term effects on the mental and physical health of the patients, known as long COVID, according to a senior Thai doctor. These symptoms may disrupt patients’ ways of life, their families, their working efficiency, as well as having long-term economic and social impacts, at both the individual and national levels, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thira Woratanarat of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University. *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 -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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

Great Wall to produce EVs in Thailand in 2024 Great Wall is planning a SE Asian sourcing hub for EVs in Thailand. Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor Company (GWM) said it plans to begin electric vehicle production in Thailand in 2024, as part of a broader push into global emerging markets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250461-great-wall-to-produce-evs-in-thailand-in-2024/

Great Wall is planning a SE Asian sourcing hub for EVs in Thailand. Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor Company (GWM) said it plans to begin electric vehicle production in Thailand in 2024, as part of a broader push into global emerging markets. The automaker, which last month completed the acquisition of a vehicle assembly plant in Brazil from German automaker Daimler AG, said it will invest close to THB23bn (US$710m) in Thailand to establish a regional production hub for EVs. It had already announced plans to build an EV battery production plant in the country in 2023. GWM sold over 3,700 vehicles in Thailand last year, after it finished refurbishing last June the vehicle assembly plant in Rayong province it acquired from US automaker General Motors in 2020. Full story: https://www.just-auto.com/news/great-wall-to-produce-evs-in-thailand-in-2024/ -- © Copyright JUST AUTO 2022-02-16 - 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

Opposition targets Test and Go for spreading the virus as government insists on endemic status by James Morris and Son Nguyen Pheu Thai Party deputy spokesperson, Treechada Srithada (centre), this week, expressed misgivings about the large number of people entering Thailand under the relaunched Test and Go regime. She warned they are free to travel throughout the kingdom from Day 1 to Day 5 when a second COVID-19 PCR test is required. It comes as Minister of Tourism and Sports, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (inset right), has announced a postponement of the ฿300 foreign tourist levy due to be introduced in April until June this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250460-opposition-targets-test-and-go-for-spreading-the-virus-as-government-insists-on-endemic-status/

Pheu Thai Party deputy spokesperson, Treechada Srithada (centre), this week, expressed misgivings about the large number of people entering Thailand under the relaunched Test and Go regime. She warned they are free to travel throughout the kingdom from Day 1 to Day 5 when a second COVID-19 PCR test is required. It comes as Minister of Tourism and Sports, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (inset right), has announced a postponement of the ฿300 foreign tourist levy due to be introduced in April until June this year. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has also announced the postponement of the foreign tourist levy from April to June although the plans to attach the fee to airline fares may be in contravention of a 1944 convention pointed to by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Thailand’s main opposition Pheu Thai Party has taken aim at the Test and Go foreign tourist entry scheme which is recording strong numbers initially for applications and approvals in the first week with over one hundred and fifty thousand applications submitted in 8 days. Ms Treechada Srithada, the party’s deputy spokesperson took issue with the fact that foreign travellers were free to travel throughout the kingdom after one day while only being required to return for one night to a hotel for a second test on Day 5 of the scheme. Ms Treechada claimed this allows incoming travellers to spread the disease around the kingdom before a second test result. It comes amid rising COVID-19 cases in the kingdom which the government insisted on Tuesday would begin to level off this week although top spokeswoman, Dr Apisamai Srisangson, maintained that a guarded approach to the situation is important with a spiral in cases in some provinces expected. At the same time, Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul insists that the country is moving towards an endemic status for COVID-19 this year and putting the crisis behind it. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/02/15/opposition-targets-test-and-go-entry-scheme/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-02-16 - 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

Pattaya Police Chief warns public about alcohol sales ban on Makha Bucha as they could face legal charges if violating rules By Nop Meechukhun Chonburi – The Pattaya Police chief warned local restaurants and shops not to sell and serve all kinds of alcoholic beverages on Makha Bucha Day (A religious holiday), February 16th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250458-pattaya-police-chief-warns-public-about-alcohol-sales-ban-on-makha-bucha-as-they-could-face-legal-charges-if-violating-rules/

By Nop Meechukhun Chonburi – The Pattaya Police chief warned local restaurants and shops not to sell and serve all kinds of alcoholic beverages on Makha Bucha Day (A religious holiday), February 16th, as they could face strict legal prosecution. Police Colonel Kulachart Kulchai revealed that due to the occasion of the important Buddhist day “Makha Bucha Day”, the police would like to notify all shop operators and the public to refrain from selling and drinking alcoholic beverages for the whole day of Wednesday, February 16th, from 00.00 AM. to 11:59 PM. TPN media notes this is a NATIONAL ban on religious holidays. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/15/pattaya-police-chief-warns-public-about-alcohol-sales-ban-on-makha-bucha-as-they-could-face-legal-charges-if-violating-rules/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-16 - 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

24 customers and employees arrested at “restaurant” in Hat Yai for allegedly violating Songkhla’s Covid-19 preventive orders A total of 24 customers and employees from a “restaurant” (converted bar) in Hat Yai were captured last night for allegedly organizing partying and drinking to celebrate Valentine’s Day without complying with Covid-19 preventive measures, violating the Provincial Communicable Disease Committee’s order. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250445-24-customers-and-employees-arrested-at-“restaurant”-in-hat-yai-for-allegedly-violating-songkhla’s-covid-19-preventive-orders/

Over the years investing in real estate has proven a reliable return against other types of speculation, including buying stocks and shares or even gold. The outlook for Thailand’s own real estate industry in 2022 is expected to be positive as the market is receiving many impulses. Analysts state that the real estate market is expected to recover in 2022. There are already positive signs of this in the last quarter of 2021, including the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, widespread distribution of vaccines, and overall economic rebound. According to Dot Property, new supply is predicted to enter the market at the beginning of 2022 as developers and sellers offload their existing property to cater to consumers with strong purchasing power. Positive indicators are the easing of LTV measures and the reopening of the country. Local realtor Coastal Real Estate in Pattaya, reported having had their best-ever quarter in the past ten years in both sales and rentals. So, business seems to be improving. Covid concerns Information of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 appearing in Thailand from a UK arrival in December has been a cause for worry in the real estate market. However, now this variant seems to be under control, many market players still have their hopes up for a recovery in 2022 due to the Thais mentality of wanting to own houses and residential land, continuously driving demand. Foreign optimism too Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will end his term with the best housing production and financing average of 195,687 per year which is the highest since 1975, according to data from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). Over in the USA, last year was great for selling a home but not a great year if you were trying to buy one. Home prices rose sharply and the number of homes for sale declined. Although the 2022 housing market will still tilt toward sellers, it offers a slightly better chance for buyers to snag their dream homes. Low mortgage rates and limited supply helped push prices higher. There were just 1.38 million homes for sale nationally in June, down 23 percent year-over-year, according to Redfin. Daryl Fairweather, Redfin’s chief economist said, “Remote work, low mortgage rates, a shortage of building materials and wealth inequality that has allowed an influx of affluent Americans to buy vacation homes, to name just a few factors, have come together to create a historic year for real estate. Analysts state that Vietnam's economy is forecasted to recover at a positive level, growing at 6 - 6.5% or even 6.5 - 7% if the recovery program is well implemented. They expect that demands will then bounce back strongly. Talk the talk Eventually, as usual it is all down to several factors. The industry themselves talking up the market in the media grabs people’s attention. Secondly, the lowering of local interest rates will help a lot. Then buying the best property in the best location will always pay dividends. And finally, buyer and developer confidence. Investment or a home Buying for investment is trickier especially in younger markets such as Vietnam or Cambodia. However, if you are considering buying for somewhere to live, then you are buying for choice and profit is not the main concern. Property across Thailand can vary from small box-shaped condominiums in Bangkok to lavish villas on the islands. Therefore, it depends on your lifestyle requirements and of course your budget. Still, if you think prices have bottomed out, maybe now is the time to head to the realtor’s office. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 16 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1250455-thailand-live-wednesday-16-feb-2022/

2-year-old boy drowns at pool villa in Pattaya on Valentine’s Day A 2-year-old boy tragically drowned at a swimming pool at a pool villa in Pattaya last night (February 14th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250420-2-year-old-boy-drowns-at-pool-villa-in-pattaya-on-valentine’s-day/

Contamination Found at 2 Locations in Rayong Sea RAYONG, Feb 15 (TNA) – The Pollution Control Center in the eastern province found contamination at two of six locations where its officials earlier collected seawater samples off Mae Ramphueng beach in Muang district on Feb 3 and 4 following crude oil leakage late last month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1250442-contamination-found-at-2-locations-in-rayong-sea/