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Three people injured after sedan crashes into a motorbike in the Pattaya area By Goong Nang(GN) PHOTO: Sutthipong L Boonmachai Banglamung – Three people have sustained injuries after a sedan crashed into a motorbike in the Nongprue sub-district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253072-three-people-injured-after-sedan-crashes-into-a-motorbike-in-the-pattaya-area/

PHOTO: Sutthipong L Boonmachai By Goong Nang(GN) Banglamung – Three people have sustained injuries after a sedan crashed into a motorbike in the Nongprue sub-district. The Nongprue Police were notified of the accident at 10:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022, in Soi Khao Noi. They arrived at the scene to find the damaged motorbike and the damaged sedan on the road. Two people had sustained severe injuries who were identified as Ms. Supparat Sribut, 31, and Mr. Wittichai Kaewbut, 29. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/11/three-people-injured-after-sedan-crashes-into-a-motorbike-in-the-pattaya-area/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-11 - 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

Business operators in Songkhla ready to welcome Malaysian travelers after its government agrees to reopen Thai-Malaysian border By Nop Meechukhun Songkhla – The Songkhla private sector in the Sadao District was planning to welcome Malaysian tourists following the Malaysian government’s approval of the Thai-Malaysian border reopening, effective on April 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253071-business-operators-in-songkhla-ready-to-welcome-malaysian-travelers-after-its-government-agrees-to-reopen-thai-malaysian-border/

By Nop Meechukhun Songkhla – The Songkhla private sector in the Sadao District was planning to welcome Malaysian tourists following the Malaysian government’s approval of the Thai-Malaysian border reopening, effective on April 1st. Dr. Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha, advisor to the Dan Nok Entrepreneurs Association and a hotel operator in Sadao, said yesterday, March 9th, that there had been a clarification that the Malaysia government had agreed to reopen its side of the border this April while Thailand had already done so on March 1st to welcome Thai residents under the “Test&Go” scheme. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Local residents in the border area of the Sadao district and in Songkhla saw the border reopening as an opportunity to stimulate domestic economy and tourism. In the next 40 days, the private sectors and local operators would discuss various preventive measures to ensure compatibility with the Malaysian regulations as the country had announced Covid-19 as endemic and was able to open the country with more measures of relaxation while Thailand was implementing the “Test&Go” which was not compatible. This was the most concerning issue that must be urgently discussed and finalized, Dr. Sitthiphong stated. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/10/business-operators-in-songkhla-ready-to-welcome-malaysian-travelers-after-its-government-agrees-to-reopen-thai-malaysian-border/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-11 - 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

Chonburi Tourism Authority to attract more Saudi and Middle Eastern travelers to Pattaya By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is targeting to attract more Saudi and Middle Eastern travelers to Pattaya and Chonburi in order to restore the local economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253070-chonburi-tourism-authority-to-attract-more-saudi-and-middle-eastern-travelers-to-pattaya/

By Goong Nang(GN) Chonburi – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is targeting to attract more Saudi and Middle Eastern travelers to Pattaya and Chonburi in order to restore the local economy. Thailand expects bookings from Saudi Arabia will surge as flights between the two countries resume after a 30-year plus hiatus, following the visit of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to Saudi Arabia late last month. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Mastering the KSA Market and a Middle East tourism discussion was held Wednesday (March 9th) at the Renaissance Pattaya Resort and Spa. The event aimed to provide tourism information and marketing strategies about travelers from Saudi Arabia to tourism operators in Chonburi. More than 70 tourism operators such as hotels, medical and wellness businesses joined in the event. Mr. Chattan Kunchorn Na Ayutthaya, Deputy Director of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and America Marketing from the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) said at the conference, “Three main groups of Saudi travellers which will be targeted to Thailand are new generation travellers, families, and travellers for medical and wellness.” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/11/chonburi-tourism-authority-to-attract-more-saudi-and-middle-eastern-travelers-to-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-11 - 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 welcomes first TEST & GO arrivals by water ‘The Maggie’ from Singapore entered Thai waters under the scheme. TAT Newsroom Phuket, 10 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office has reported that at least one foreign vessel recently entered Thai waters under the TEST & GO entry scheme, which allows arrivals by water from 1 March, 2022, onwards. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253069-phuket-welcomes-first-test-go-arrivals-by-water/

‘The Maggie’ from Singapore entered Thai waters under the scheme. TAT Newsroom Phuket, 10 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office has reported that at least one foreign vessel recently entered Thai waters under the TEST & GO entry scheme, which allows arrivals by water from 1 March, 2022, onwards. The Maggie, a Malaysian private yacht, carrying 4 Indonesian passengers from Singapore arrived in Phuket on 8 March, 2022. Under the TEST & GO scheme, fully vaccinated travellers from all over the world are now permitted to enter Thailand by air and water. Meanwhile, entry by land is currently only available to those from neighbouring countries with the reopened Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Songkhla border checkpoints. For arrivals by water, everyone on board the vessels must meet all the requirements. These include obtaining a Certificate of Entry via a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General, having a medical certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected, and a Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery. They must also have an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$20,000. See more details: TEST & GO entry scheme. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Miss Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, TAT Phuket Office Director, said, “The reopening of the marine point of entry will help stimulate more travels among yacht and cruise travellers. This group of travellers are mostly from Europe and the Mediterranean. They may arrive in Thailand by air before taking chartered yachts for cruise shore excursions around Phuket and nearby, and vice versa. Or they may take cruise tours from neighbouring countries to visit Phuket.” Phuket is positioned as a preferred destination for yacht and cruise travellers. In addition to the main deep-sea port, there are 30 piers and marinas operated by either the government or private sector. During January-February, 2022, Phuket recorded 27 visiting yachts with a total of 92 passengers. Meanwhile, throughout 2021, there were 91 yachts and 323 passengers. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/phuket-welcomes-first-test-go-arrivals-by-water/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-03-11 - 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

UTCC Estimates Thailand’s Losses From the Russia-Ukraine Conflict by Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - A study by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has reported that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine could cost the Thai economy around 244 billion baht and hinder GDP growth for 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253068-utcc-estimates-thailand’s-losses-from-the-russia-ukraine-conflict/

by Thammarat Thadaphromv BANGKOK (NNT) - A study by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) has reported that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine could cost the Thai economy around 244 billion baht and hinder GDP growth for 2022. According to UTCC president Thanavath Phonvichai, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has a direct impact on trade and tourism between Thailand and both countries, while the increase in energy prices will affect the market and the country’s inflation rate. The UTCC believes that the crisis will cost the economy around 244.70 billion baht and slow the country’s growth to around 2-3 percent if the conflict continues throughout the year. The UTCC president is concerned that Thailand will enter a period of stagnation and inflation due to the conflict and various factors such as the spread of the Omicron variant. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe However, he stated that there are numerous unpredictable variables and that it is too early to draw such a negative conclusion. Therefore, the UTCC will maintain its economic growth prediction from November of last year and will wait some time before issuing a new revision, possibly in April. The UTCC president said that the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the world economy is projected to last 1-3 years and the situation remains difficult to predict. The prolonged conflict could increase global crude oil prices to 200-300 US dollars per barrel which would severely affect every economy in the world. Citing these possibilities, he stated that the government must select appropriate stimulus measures to prevent the economy from contracting while keeping the foreign exchange rate at 32.50-33 baht per dollar to ensure Thailand’s competitiveness in international trade. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-11 - 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

Prime Minister to Fly First Commercial Flight to Betong Airport by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Prime Minister will fly on the first commercial flight to Betong Airport in Yala province to preside over the airport’s official opening on March 14, 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253067-prime-minister-to-fly-first-commercial-flight-to-betong-airport/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Prime Minister will fly on the first commercial flight to Betong Airport in Yala province to preside over the airport’s official opening on March 14, 2022. The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) held a meeting via teleconference with related agencies to discuss preparations for the official opening for Betong Airport. According to SBPAC, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and cabinet ministers will board a commercial flight operated by Nok Air from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport to Betong Airport, which will be the airport’s first official commercial flight. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Participants will take part in the opening ceremony while adhering strictly to Covid-19 prevention measures. Nok Air will offer commercial flights from Don Mueang Airport to Betong Airport three times each week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The Betong airport is part of the government’s policy to strengthen the economy and security in the three southern border provinces. Under the government’s regional development plan, the airport will serve as a hub connecting the three provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala, boosting transportation, logistics, and tourism in the region. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-11 - 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

Bang Sue Vaccine Center Now Accepts Walk-Ins by Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - The Central Vaccination Centre (CVC) at Bang Sue Grand Station is offering Covid-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis to both Thais and foreign nationals, regardless of which dose it is. The center said appointments are no longer required, as Covid-19 caseloads continue to rise across the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253066-bang-sue-vaccine-center-now-accepts-walk-ins/

by Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - The Central Vaccination Centre (CVC) at Bang Sue Grand Station is offering Covid-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis to both Thais and foreign nationals, regardless of which dose it is. The center said appointments are no longer required, as Covid-19 caseloads continue to rise across the country. The CVC stated that the center was instructed last month to quickly provide required vaccine protection against Covid-19 for people suffering from lung infections, the unprotected elderly, and those who have yet to receive their booster shots. According to the CVC, senior citizens who have received booster shots are 41 percent less likely to die from Covid-19 than the unvaccinated, citing a study that showed immunity works best against the virus after 7-14 days after being vaccinated. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe To prepare for the upcoming Songkran holiday, the CVC is also increasing immunizations among the public, especially those in risk groups and children aged 5 and over. Inoculations for all vaccine types will be given for walk-ins at Bang Sue Grand Station and are available to both Thais and other nationals. Shots will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The vaccine center will be closed on April 6 to commemorate Chakri Memorial Day and throughout the Songkran holiday before reopening again on April 18. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-11 - 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

Koh Kut luxury resort owner may face charges over faulty fire alarm system Authorities are planning to press charges against the owner of a luxury resort, on Koh Kut island in Thailand’s eastern province of Trat, for failing to maintain the fire alarm system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253064-koh-kut-luxury-resort-owner-may-face-charges-over-faulty-fire-alarm-system/

Authorities are planning to press charges against the owner of a luxury resort, on Koh Kut island in Thailand’s eastern province of Trat, for failing to maintain the fire alarm system. The alarm was not triggered when massive fire broke out early in the morning of Sunday, an incident which could have led to loss of guests’ lives. One of those guests is a medical influencer who took to Facebook, reporting that she had suffered a fractured vertebra during her escape from the blaze. She was, she claims, faced with the choice of undergoing surgery or six weeks of bed rest. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/koh-kut-luxury-resort-owner-may-face-charges-over-faulty-fire-alarm-system/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-11 - 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

Body of missing crew member from exploding tanker found The missing crew member from the “Smooth Sea 2” oil tanker, which suffered an on board explosion and fire while moored at the IRPC pier in Samut Prakan province, has been found dead, while at least 200 nearby houses have been affected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253063-body-of-missing-crew-member-from-exploding-tanker-found/

The missing crew member from the “Smooth Sea 2” oil tanker, which suffered an on board explosion and fire while moored at the IRPC pier in Samut Prakan province, has been found dead, while at least 200 nearby houses have been affected. CCTV footage of the explosion, which led to a fire yesterday morning has been released. Three crew members were injured and one went missing and is now confirmed to be dead. One of the crew revealed that he noticed smoke and a spark when they were about to depart from the pier. He thought the smoke had come from the stern of the tanker, then the explosion occurred. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/body-of-missing-crew-member-from-exploding-tanker-found/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-11 - 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

Russian tourist arrivals fall dramatically, many already stranded in Thailand File photo: A traditional Thai statue wears a face mask as a campaign for travellers to prevent the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus at the departure terminal of Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok before the new year last year. Jack TAYLOR / AFP The number of Russian tourist arrivals in Phuket has decreased by 75%, while 3,000 Russian tourists are stranded on the resort island due to the international sanctions being imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253062-russian-tourist-arrivals-fall-dramatically-many-already-stranded-in-thailand/

File photo: A traditional Thai statue wears a face mask as a campaign for travellers to prevent the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus at the departure terminal of Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok before the new year last year. Jack TAYLOR / AFP The number of Russian tourist arrivals in Phuket has decreased by 75%, while 3,000 Russian tourists are stranded on the resort island due to the international sanctions being imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. President of the Phuket Tourist Association Bhummikitti Raktaengam, says that the conflict has affected tourism on the resort island and arrivals have decreased due to closed airspace. At the same time, some Russian tourists already in Thailand cannot fly home, especially Russians who live near the Korean Peninsula and in Siberia, where flights have been suspended since last week. Direct flights from Moscow to Phuket have also been suspended. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/russian-tourist-arrivals-fall-dramatically-many-already-stranded-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-11 - 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 movie idol Sorapong Chatree dies of lung cancer aged 71 Well-known Thai actor Sorapong Chatree, who had starred in more than 500 movies and TV shows in an acting career which lasted about five decades, died this afternoon (Thursday) of lung cancer at Bumrungrad Hospital. He was 71. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253061-thai-movie-idol-sorapong-chatree-dies-of-lung-cancer-aged-71/

Well-known Thai actor Sorapong Chatree, who had starred in more than 500 movies and TV shows in an acting career which lasted about five decades, died this afternoon (Thursday) of lung cancer at Bumrungrad Hospital. He was 71. On February 16th, his fans sent good wishes and morale support after they learned, from his daughter, that he was suffering from cancer and that his condition, at the time, was improving. Former actor, Aekkapant Banluerith, said he visited Sorapong last year and found him looking healthy and strong. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-movie-idol-sorapong-chatree-dies-of-lung-cancer-aged-71/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-11 - 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

High-risk people in Thailand urged to get vaccinated before Songkran REUTERS/Brendan McDermid Thailand’s Disease Control Department’s Dr. Sumanee Wacharasint stressed today (Thursday) the need for people who are at high risk of serious complications to get vaccinated urgently, as the death toll from COVID-19 reached this year’s new high of 74 cases yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1253060-high-risk-people-in-thailand-urged-to-get-vaccinated-before-songkran/

REUTERS/Brendan McDermid Thailand’s Disease Control Department’s Dr. Sumanee Wacharasint stressed today (Thursday) the need for people who are at high risk of serious complications to get vaccinated urgently, as the death toll from COVID-19 reached this year’s new high of 74 cases yesterday. As the daily death toll rises and exceeds projections, she said this is a grim warning to people with underlying diseases, such as cancer, chronic kidney problems, obesity and the bedridden, as well those older than 60 to get vaccinated urgently, be it their first, second or third dose. Of the 74 deaths recorded today, she disclosed that 48% were unvaccinated, 6% had received one dose, 35% had received two doses more than three months ago and 9% had received two doses less than three months ago. Only 1% had received three doses. The youngest was 26 years old and the oldest, 97. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/high-risk-people-in-thailand-urged-to-get-vaccinated-before-songkran/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-11 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 11 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1253059-thailand-live-friday-11-march-2022/