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Protection agencies and police mount human trafficking raid at popular Nana bar area - 14 year old offered for sex Picture: Thai Rath DOPA and NGO Operation Underground Railroad in conjunction with the Thai police raided a bar area off Soi 7 in the Nana area of upper Sukhumvit Road, downtown Bangkok last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253630-protection-agencies-and-police-mount-human-trafficking-raid-at-popular-nana-bar-area-14-year-old-offered-for-sex/

Picture: Thai Rath DOPA and NGO Operation Underground Railroad in conjunction with the Thai police raided a bar area off Soi 7 in the Nana area of upper Sukhumvit Road, downtown Bangkok last night. The area of around thirty bars has sprung up over the least year or so. Mostly foreigners but some Thais listen to music and chat with bar girls at the bars off the main road. But sex is on offer and it became apparent that some of the women are under the age of 18. One victim was even just 14 years old. The raid came after the NGO Operation Underground Railroad complained to Damrongdhama (a government watchdog) about human trafficking offences in the area. The target of the raiding party was "789 Bar". Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But Thai Rath reported that as the raiding party arrived many bars rushed to shut up shop in panic. Arrested on human trafficking charges and taken to Lumpini police station was 42 year old Ratchada Sritaket. Taken into care were three under age sex workers. One was 14. The media said that patrons at the bars could pay a bar fine then take girls away for sex. DOPA official Narong Thipsiri said it was terrible that youth were being offered for sex and that human trafficking charges are very serious. He urged the public to contact damrongdhama.dopa.go.th or via the "Dopa Help" app if they are aware of young people being offered for sex. 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

TAT partners with Hotelbeds to promote Thailand to US travel agents First-ever partnership will promote thousands of Thai hotels to travel agents via world-leading bed bank’s extensive network. TAT Newsroom Los Angeles, USA, 16 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is partnering with world-leading bed bank, Hotelbeds to promote Thailand to travel agents across the USA, which is one of the kingdom’s most important visitor source markets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253629-tat-partners-with-hotelbeds-to-promote-thailand-to-us-travel-agents/

First-ever partnership will promote thousands of Thai hotels to travel agents via world-leading bed bank’s extensive network. TAT Newsroom Los Angeles, USA, 16 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is partnering with world-leading bed bank, Hotelbeds to promote Thailand to travel agents across the USA, which is one of the kingdom’s most important visitor source markets. TAT’s first-ever partnership with Hotelbeds is expected to be a key factor in driving tourism to Thailand, as the kingdom is welcoming back the world’s travellers with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters’ marketing campaign. Ms. Siriwan Seeharach, Director of the TAT Los Angeles Office, said, “We are extremely keen to work alongside Hotelbeds, such an influential industry player in the travel sphere. This strong alliance is a first for Thailand and will offer a platform for the diverse range of Thai properties and partners to showcase their offerings. “While the travel landscape continues to change and requires keen navigation of COVID-19, we look forward to welcoming international travellers back to curate more unforgettable moments in Amazing Thailand.” Thailand is one of the top destinations worldwide for Hotelbeds, consistently ranking in the company’s top five most popular locations. With over 3,000 hotels available in Thailand through Hotelbeds, the bed bank produced over 2 million room nights for the kingdom in 2019. Mr. Florian Blois, Hotelbeds Regional Director of Destination Marketing, said, “Signing this partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand will allow us to secure promotional rates in the country and encourage all our US agents to book in Thailand over the coming months.” The TAT-Hotelbeds partnership will be updating US travel agents on the recently relaxed entry requirements to Thailand in place since 1 March, 2022, under which fully vaccinated travellers from all countries and territories around the world can enter via the TEST & GO scheme. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Through until mid-June, Thailand will be promoted through Hotelbeds’ two main distribution channels – Hotelbeds for wholesale distribution and Bedsonline for retail travel advisors (via https://promo.bedsonline.com/en/us/thailand/campaign/promotional/deals/). Hotelbeds provides participating hotels with access to high-value, complementary distribution channels that significantly increase occupancy rates and optimise revenue, while not competing with the hotels’ direct distribution strategy. The Hotelbeds B2B network comprises over 60,000 tour operators, retail travel agents, airline websites, and loyalty schemes in over 140 source markets. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/tat-partners-with-hotelbeds-to-promote-thailand-to-us-travel-agents/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 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

A guide to the UCEP Plus treatment scheme for COVID-19 patients From March 16, people who test positive for COVID-19 will no longer be able to claim free treatment under Thailand’s Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP). However, those with serious COVID symptoms or significant underlying risks will still be able to turn to the new scheme, UCEP Plus, for free medical help. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253627-a-guide-to-the-ucep-plus-treatment-scheme-for-covid-19-patients/

From March 16, people who test positive for COVID-19 will no longer be able to claim free treatment under Thailand’s Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP). However, those with serious COVID symptoms or significant underlying risks will still be able to turn to the new scheme, UCEP Plus, for free medical help. With the virus outbreak continuing to rage in Thailand, Thai PBS World offers a guide on what UCEP Plus really offers. What is UCEP Plus? Launched on March 16, UCEP Plus offers free medical services for COVID-19 patients in “yellow to red” categories (severe symptoms). Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-guide-to-the-ucep-plus-treatment-scheme-for-covid-19-patients/ Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Special ASEAN-US summit postponed until May The second special ASEAN-US summit, which was scheduled to take place on March 28th and 29th, has been postponed until new dates can be arranged in May, according to Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253622-special-asean-us-summit-postponed-until-may/

The second special ASEAN-US summit, which was scheduled to take place on March 28th and 29th, has been postponed until new dates can be arranged in May, according to Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. Last month, the White House issued a statement saying that the special summit will take place in Washington DC at the end of March. ASEAN members, however, could not attend due to scheduling conflicts. “It is a normal occurrence. In the past, we have faced the same problem and we have to find a new common timeframe,” Don told the Thai News Agency on Tuesday, after the cabinet meeting. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/special-asean-us-summit-postponed-until-may/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 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

Phuket: Thai man sentenced to death for murder of Swiss woman; commuted to life in prison on admission Daily News Caption: Life in prison! The Phuket court handed down the death sentence for "Bangree" who murdered a Swiss woman at the Tone Ao Yon waterfall. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253621-phuket-thai-man-sentenced-to-death-for-murder-of-swiss-woman-commuted-to-life-in-prison-on-admission/

Daily News Caption: Life in prison! The Phuket court handed down the death sentence for "Bangree" who murdered a Swiss woman at the Tone Ao Yon waterfall. However, due to his admission the sentence was commuted to life in prison, reported Daily News. Tuesday's judgment was against Theerawat or Bangfaree or Bangree Thorthip. On August 3rd last year during the day he sexually molested Swiss government official Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf in an attempt to rape her then killed her then put the corpse in plastic to conceal it. Then he stole 300 baht from a bag she was carrying. The defendant also admitted to meth and ganja use. The court said that Bangree had gone to the waterfall to get orchids. He saw the victim sitting with her feet dangling in the water. She was slim, white, and wearing a singlet and shorts, noted the court. This caused the defendant to become sexually aroused. He got her in a head lock from behind. She resisted and they fell into the water. He continued to attack her as she resisted forcing her head under water. When she was unconscious he dragged her to the bank and removed her shorts and panties before turning her over. Seeing her face, grotesque in death, the defendant lost sexual interest. Then he got some black plastic that he found and covered the body with that and rocks. Picture: Daily News Then he stole 300 baht. The manner of the attack supported a charge of murder. He was thus given the death sentence that was commuted to life because he admitted what he had done. The other charges of attempted rape and molestation were set aside. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mark Sauvain, her husband, and two sons, heard the judgement while in Switzerland via Google Meet. They thanked the court, prosecutors and police for their work on the case. They also thanked the Phuket administration for liaising with them. The murder received international interest at the time, notes ASEAN NOW, not least of all because Phuket had just started its much vaunted "sandbox" program to attract foreign tourists. Nicole - a sandbox tourist - was reported at the time to be deputy head of protocol of the Swiss Federal Assembly who arrived in Phuket in July last year on a tourist visa. 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

Phuket: Handsome foreign backpacker steals from aging Thai baker - not once but twice Daily News Thai Caption: Handsome thief A Thai baker aged 70 has said that a handsome foreign man sporting a backpack twice stole several items from his shop in the Phuket old town. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253618-phuket-handsome-foreign-backpacker-steals-from-aging-thai-baker-not-once-but-twice/

Daily News Thai Caption: Handsome thief A Thai baker aged 70 has said that a handsome foreign man sporting a backpack twice stole several items from his shop in the Phuket old town. The police have been informed and the owner intends to take the matter the whole way. It featured on the Phuket Andaman News page. There it said that the police were looking for a good looking tourist who was a thief. CCTV got a good shot of him. Those with leads were asked to contact the Muang Phuket police or inbox the page. The first incident happened just after midday on March 5th. Nippon Chaeng-iam, 70, had opened his shop called "Kin Fit Fin" on the Thalang Road. A foreign man came in with a Thai girlfriend and bought bakery items worth 155 baht and paid via Kasikorn bank under the name Ms Caratlux L. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But a stock check revealed two pieces of Kai Yong worth 149 baht and some Sao Ping worth 79 were missing. The foreigner and his girlfriend had stolen the items the CCTV revealed. Then on Monday morning Nippon was back at the police station to report that on Sunday two male foreigners with a Thai woman came in. One of the men shoplifted a pack of protein cookies worth 135 baht and Kai Yong worth 149 baht and secreted them in his underwear. This one was also caught on TV and Nippon reckoned he was good looking and maybe a male model. He thought it was the same person as before. Daily News had pictures of a foreigner with a quite reasonable set of abs, with no explanation as to where they got this. Investigations continue. 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

Thailand reports 23,945 new COVID-19 cases, 70 deaths, 23,339 recoveries File photo Tai PBS Thailand on Wednesday (March 16) reported 23,945 new COVID-19 cases, 23,339 recoveries and 70 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253604-thailand-reports-23945-new-covid-19-cases-70-deaths-23339-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 23,945 new COVID-19 cases, 70 deaths, 23,339 recoveries File photo Thai PBS Thailand on Wednesday (March 16) reported 23,945 new COVID-19 cases, 23,339 recoveries and 70 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253604-thailand-reports-23945-new-covid-19-cases-70-deaths-23339-recoveries/

File photo Thai PBS Thailand on Wednesday (March 16) reported 23,945 new COVID-19 cases, 23,339 recoveries and 70 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Wednesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,250,642 with 23,918 deaths. The news comes as elderly people who are reluctant to receive a third vaccine booster shot, out of concerns for possible side effects, will be given the option of half a dose, to encourage them to get their booster and reduce of the risk of severe symptoms or death if infected with COVID-19, said Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kiattibhoom Vongrachit yesterday (Tuesday). Of the 70 deaths recorded yesterday, Dr. Kiattibhoom said that 47 were over 70 and 52 were not fully inoculated. 83% of those over 60 had received their first dose of vaccine, 78.8% had received their second dose, but only 32% had received the third booster shot. * *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 2022-03-16 - 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

Say goodbye to Big Carl as Carl’s Jr leaves Thailand by the end of March By Porpor Leelasestaporn More sad news for fast food burger lovers as Carl’s Jr plans to close all 6 branches in Thailand by the end of Mar. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253601-say-goodbye-to-big-carl-as-carl’s-jr-leaves-thailand-by-the-end-of-march/

By Porpor Leelasestaporn More sad news for fast food burger lovers as Carl’s Jr plans to close all 6 branches in Thailand by the end of Mar. R&R Restaurant Group, which holds the rights to operate the burger chain, revealed they could no longer bear the cost to keep Carl’s Jr going. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://bk.asia-city.com/restaurants/news/say-goodbye-to-big-carl-carls-jr-leaves-thailand-end-march -- © Copyright BK 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

Thailand's electric vehicle sector to see demand surge amid strong oil prices: DBS MICHELLE ZHU DBS sees a potential shift in demand from internal combustion emission vehicles to electric vehicles. PHOTO: PIXABAY MORE affordable electric vehicle (EV) prices as well as rising crude oil and petroleum prices are set to prompt a surge in EV demand in Thailand, according to DBS Group Research. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253600-thailands-electric-vehicle-sector-to-see-demand-surge-amid-strong-oil-prices-dbs/

DBS sees a potential shift in demand from internal combustion emission vehicles to electric vehicles. PHOTO: PIXABAY MICHELLE ZHU MORE affordable electric vehicle (EV) prices as well as rising crude oil and petroleum prices are set to prompt a surge in EV demand in Thailand, according to DBS Group Research. In a report on Tuesday (Mar 15), DBS said it believed demand for EVs are on the rise due to a combination of environmental concerns, government support and maintenance costs. Citing data compiled by the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, DBS noted that total EV sales have grown by a volume compound annual growth rate of about 20 per cent over 2016 to 2021. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/asean-business/thailands-electric-vehicle-sector-to-see-demand-surge-amid-strong-oil-prices-dbs -- © Copyright BUSINESS TIMES 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

Cool kiteboarding event to be held in Khao Kalok later this month By Online Reporter File photo Watch some thrills on the water in Pranburi later this month when Khao Kalok hosts the Kiteboarding Festival #1 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253598-cool-kiteboarding-event-to-be-held-in-khao-kalok-later-this-month/

File photo By Online Reporter Watch some thrills on the water in Pranburi later this month when Khao Kalok hosts the Kiteboarding Festival #1 2022. The event takes place on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This year’s event will include demonstrations from Thailand’s national kiteboarding team, as well as free kitesurfing, wind surfing and paddle board taster sessions for first timers. Sunday’s event will also include a world record attempt by 7 year old Nong Shane who will try to cross the Gulf of Thailand on a kiteboard. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/cool-kiteboarding-event-to-be-held-in-khao-kalok-later-this-month/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

The quintessential French game of petanque has found legions of fans in Hua Hin By Jonathan Fairfield Bernard Laurent is one of many French expats playing petanque in Hua Hin. Petanque might only have a niche following in Thailand, or indeed anywhere else outside of its native France, but in Hua Hin its popularity among expats and Thais is thriving. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253597-the-quintessential-french-game-of-petanque-has-found-legions-of-fans-in-hua-hin/

Bernard Laurent is one of many French expats playing petanque in Hua Hin. By Jonathan Fairfield Petanque might only have a niche following in Thailand, or indeed anywhere else outside of its native France, but in Hua Hin its popularity among expats and Thais is thriving. At the Sabai Cafe & Bistro in Thap Thai, not far from the Immigration office, scores of French expats meet up six days a week to play petanque and socialise. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A combination of French expats wanting to meet other French expats in Hua Hin and a willing business owner who quickly recongised the demand for a dedicated petanque venue has seen the Sabai Petanque Club really grow as a community. Sixty three year old French expat Bernard Laurent plays petanque several times a week. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/the-quintessential-french-game-of-petanque-has-found-legions-of-fans-in-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

Sattahip officials provide assistance for 70 students infected with Covid-19 at Teacher Boonchoo Home for Special Children By Goong Nang(GN) Sattahip, Chonburi-Yesterday, the 14th of March 2022, Mr. Chatchai Sriphoon, District Chief Officer, along with many concerned authorities and government officials have delivered necessary items to students infected with Covid-19 at the Teacher Boonchoo Home for Special Children located at Plutaluang subdistrict, Sattahip district, Chonburi, with Teacher Bunchu Mungmai and other teachers giving a warm welcome to officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253596-sattahip-officials-provide-assistance-for-70-students-infected-with-covid-19-at-teacher-boonchoo-home-for-special-children/

By Goong Nang(GN) Sattahip, Chonburi-Yesterday, the 14th of March 2022, Mr. Chatchai Sriphoon, District Chief Officer, along with many concerned authorities and government officials have delivered necessary items to students infected with Covid-19 at the Teacher Boonchoo Home for Special Children located at Plutaluang subdistrict, Sattahip district, Chonburi, with Teacher Bunchu Mungmai and other teachers giving a warm welcome to officials. According to the foundation’s situation, 70 students tested positive for Covid-19 and are currently facing an uncomfortable shortage of basic commodities and medical equipment. After receiving the foundation’s request for support, Mr. Chatchai Sriphoon, the Sattahip sheriff, and his crew have visited the center and given various items to the children to raise their spirits as well as the teachers stationed at the foundation. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/15/sattahip-officials-provide-assistance-for-70-students-infected-with-covid-19-at-teacher-boonchoo-home-for-special-children/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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