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3,200 Russian tourists stuck in Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao area due to Russia/Ukraine conflict and sanctions By Nop Meechukhun Surat Thani – An Honorary Consul from the Russian Consulate in Surat Thani met with the Koh Samui district chief officer this morning, March 9th, to discuss solutions to assist Russian tourists who were affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252964-3200-russian-tourists-stuck-in-koh-samui-koh-phangan-and-koh-tao-area-due-to-russiaukraine-conflict-and-sanctions/

By Nop Meechukhun Surat Thani – An Honorary Consul from the Russian Consulate in Surat Thani met with the Koh Samui district chief officer this morning, March 9th, to discuss solutions to assist Russian tourists who were affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. Honorary Consul Ashwani Bajaj and Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association president Ratchaporn Phoonsawas arrived at the Koh Samui District Office at around 10:00 AM. to meet District Chief Officer Chayapol Inthasupha to discuss ways to provide assistance for 3,200 Russian tourists who were traveling in Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe They were currently unable to return home due to airspace closures, airlines shutting temporarily due to sanctions, and to make payments via most credit cards and international transfers due to a ban of selected major Russian national banks. Some had been able to work with Unionpay, a Chinese company, to gain access to funds, but many were still struggling. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/09/3200-russian-tourists-stuck-in-koh-samui-koh-phangan-and-koh-tao-area-due-to-russia-ukraine-conflict-and-sanctions/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-10 - 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 launches Flexible Plus Programme offering privileges for foreign investors The Flexible Plus Programme is available to Thailand Privilege Cardholders with a membership validity of at least 10 years or more, and the value of the membership fee must be more than 1 million Thai Baht. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 09 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that the Thailand Privilege Card has launched the Flexible Plus Programme, which is positioned at affluent foreign investors and aims to help stimulate the recovery of the Thai economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252963-thailand-launches-flexible-plus-programme-offering-privileges-for-foreign-investors/

The Flexible Plus Programme is available to Thailand Privilege Cardholders with a membership validity of at least 10 years or more, and the value of the membership fee must be more than 1 million Thai Baht. TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 09 March, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that the Thailand Privilege Card has launched the Flexible Plus Programme, which is positioned at affluent foreign investors and aims to help stimulate the recovery of the Thai economy. The Royal Thai Government Gazette has published the announcement by the Ministry of Interior on Flexible Plus Programme, which permits Thailand Privilege Cardholders to be granted a work permit under the Flexible Plus Programme. The Programme has been established in order to encourage foreign investment and to revive Thailand’s economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Thailand Privilege Card, said that as of the Cabinet resolution on 19 October, 2021, the investment principle on the Flexible Plus Programme has been granted approval. The Programme offers privileges for Thailand Privilege Cardholders to work under the terms and conditions, thus aiming to urge foreign investors to invest in Thailand. “With interesting economic growth and a good investment atmosphere with high liquidity as well as convenient lifestyle and charming culture, Thailand is an attractive destination for investors to invest. The Flexible Plus Programme is enabling motivation and investment privileges for Thailand Privilege Card membership. With additional premium lifestyle privileges, the Programme helps stimulate foreign investment to Thailand.” Mr. Yuthasak said. The Flexible Plus Programme is available to Thailand Privilege Cardholders with a membership validity of at least 10 years or more, and the value of the membership fee must be more than 1 million Thai Baht. The three types of card programmes that are eligible for the “Flexible Plus Programme” are 1) Elite Ultimate Privilege (EUP), 2) Elite Superiority Extension (ESE), and 3) Elite Privilege Access (EPA). For existing members to apply for the Programme, their membership must be valid for at least 5 years or more. In addition, members must invest at least 1 million US Dollars within a 1-year timespan after registration or approval of their membership. The three type of investments are 1) real estate, 2) Company Limited or Public Company Limited, and 3) stock in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (other enterprises authorised by the Securities and Exchange Commission). Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The Flexible Plus Programme is valid for 5 years and for members to maintain their flexible plus status, they must present proof of investment annually. Mr. Chandhaluk Heesawat, President, Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, said “The Thailand Privilege Card has over 16,000 members and continues to grow. The privileges for theFlexible Plus Programme members include a change in the visa type status from Privilege Entry (PE) visa to a Non-Immigrant (B) visa, which will allow cardholders to apply for a work permit. The Programme also allows legal spouses and children younger than 20 years of age (maximum 3 children) to change their visa type to a Non-Immigrant visa.” To maintain their status, Thailand Privilege Card participants are required to report themselves and provide investment documents to the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited every year for 5 consecutive years starting from the beginning of investment. The Flexible Plus Programme is being introduced through the offices of TAT and other Thai overseas government agencies in target markets around the world. Online marketing programmes and 27 sales agencies are handling the promotion in the USA and Asian nations that include China, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The launch of the Flexible Plus Programme in European countries is planned for later in 2022. Mr. Yuthasak concluded, “The Flexible Plus Programme is aimed at attracting foreign investors with high-purchasing power to Thailand and to help boost the economy in compliance with the government’s post-COVID economic recovery measures. In addition to the direct benefits, foreign investors and family members residing in Thailand can generate indirect benefits from their spending on tourism, accommodation, food and beverage, high-end products and services, plus more.” Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/03/thailand-launches-flexible-plus-programme-offering-privileges-for-foreign-investors/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-03-10 - 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

Songkran and Risk to the Elders Article by Silada Rojratanakiat Earlier, terms like "cluster" and "super-spreader" may cause dread and disgrace in those connected with them. Now, people are fatigued and do not care. Weary of social distancing, everyone wants to go back to their everyday lives. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252962-songkran-and-risk-to-the-elders/

Article by Silada Rojratanakiat Earlier, terms like "cluster" and "super-spreader" may cause dread and disgrace in those connected with them. Now, people are fatigued and do not care. Weary of social distancing, everyone wants to go back to their everyday lives. Anxiety, loneliness, and defeatist attitude now cause people to be less afraid of joining a new cluster or becoming a super-spreader. The new mindset stems from an assumption that contracting COVID-19 will not be a serious concern for most people. Since the Songkran Festival is coming up next month, most people have already prepared to participate in celebratory feasts and recharge their batteries during this wonderful season of family reunion. People, especially young adults, may no longer care if they are the next spreader or a new cluster member. However, it is not simply that. It is also about putting the lives of family elders in danger. Although people of all ages are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older people are at a higher risk of developing severe illness owing to physiological changes associated with aging and possible underlying health issues. According to the Thai Department of Disease Control, due to the highly transmissible Omicron strain, daily infections around Songkran may reach 50,000 per day, and seniors have the most significant mortality risk from this virus. Indeed, no one wants their beloved elderly relatives to be one of those cases. Elders are in danger The most important thing to understand is that COVID-19 mortality rates are influenced by vaccination status. Because unvaccinated individuals are more likely to die, mortality rates by vaccination status give a more realistic picture than the absolute number of deaths among vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to a statement from Thailand’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration, 75% (928 patients) of COVID-19 deaths happened among adults aged 60 and above in the first two months of 2022. 60% (557 patients) of those elders were not immunized. 8% had already gotten their first shots (77 patients), while 29% had already received their second injections (271 patients). The remaining 2% got booster jabs (23 patients). As a result, the mortality rate for unvaccinated elderly people is 257 people per million people. This is the death rate for 2.17 million seniors over the age of 60 who are still not receiving any shot in the country. Vaccinate your family today to celebrate Songkran with them next month Giving seniors a second injection reduces the risk of infection-related death by up to six times. The rate offered by the booster injection is considerably better, as the booster dosage reduces the mortality risk by up to 41 times. A senior who gets an extra dose is 68% less likely to get a viral infection and 96% less likely to get a severe illness, be in the hospital, or die from the virus. Seniors who have not been vaccinated should do so as soon as possible. Those who have already received the first jab should keep their appointments for the second doses, and those who had their second shots three months ago should register to get their boosters. As it takes about a month for the vaccine to properly build the body’s immunity, now is the ideal time to give the seniors their booster doses before relatives come to visit them during Songkran, when the transmission of the virus is expected to rise due to people traveling. A ticket to a Songkran celebration with family Although vaccines are reasonably effective, keep in mind that they are not perfect. They certainly make individuals immune, but they do not make people invincible. COVID-19 vaccine is a protection, not a license to do anything. Wearing masks, hand-washing, and proper social distancing are other necessary steps to minimize risk and give families more confidence to participate in Songkran activities. Nonetheless, people should relish the anticipation of the day when they and their loved ones will be vaccinated because the risks of being together will be extremely low, and the benefits to mental health will be enormous. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-10 - 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

Despite little direct trade, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could spell trouble for Thailand’s vulnerable economy By Erich Parpart A drop in Russian tourists, rising commodity prices, and the possibility of recession in Europe have added risks to the Thai economy following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, analysts said this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252961-despite-little-direct-trade-russia’s-invasion-of-ukraine-could-spell-trouble-for-thailand’s-vulnerable-economy/

By Erich Parpart A drop in Russian tourists, rising commodity prices, and the possibility of recession in Europe have added risks to the Thai economy following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, analysts said this week. “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the potent sanctions the West has imposed on Russia will likely undercut global growth, increase inflation and disrupt supply chains,” according to Maybank Investment Banking Group Research’s latest report. “ASEAN will not be spared from the global fallout, despite the small direct trade linkage with Russia and Ukraine,” they said. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38364/despite-little-direct-trade-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-could-spell-trouble-for-thailands-vulnerable-economy/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-10 - 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

Second special ASEAN-US summit postponed This handout photo released by the host broadcast, ASEAN Summit 2021, on October 26, 2021 shows US President Joe Biden (C) taking part in the ASEAN-US Summit on the sidelines of the 2021 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits held online on a live video conference in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. (Photo by Handout / ASEAN Summit 2021 / AFP) The second special ASEAN-US summit has been postponed due to scheduling conflicts among ASEAN participants, according to an informed source. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252960-second-special-asean-us-summit-postponed/

This handout photo released by the host broadcast, ASEAN Summit 2021, on October 26, 2021 shows US President Joe Biden (C) taking part in the ASEAN-US Summit on the sidelines of the 2021 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits held online on a live video conference in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. (Photo by Handout / ASEAN Summit 2021 / AFP) The second special ASEAN-US summit has been postponed due to scheduling conflicts among ASEAN participants, according to an informed source. The source said that the proposed dates of March 28th and 29th, announced by the White House on March 1st, were considered “inconvenient” due to the tight schedules of various ASEAN leaders. After President Joe Biden proposed last October that a special summit be held in Washington DC in the first quarter of this year, during the ASEAN-related summits, both sides tried unsuccessfully to agree on common dates. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/second-special-asean-us-summit-postponed/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-10 - 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 government to keep diesel no higher than ฿30 per litre for as long as possible The Thai government has promised to do its best to keep the price of diesel at no more than 30 baht/litre for as long as possible, said a tired-looking Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at the Government House, after chairing a meeting of the National Energy Policy Committee Wednesday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252959-thai-government-to-keep-diesel-no-higher-than-฿30-per-litre-for-as-long-as-possible/

The Thai government has promised to do its best to keep the price of diesel at no more than 30 baht/litre for as long as possible, said a tired-looking Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at the Government House, after chairing a meeting of the National Energy Policy Committee Wednesday afternoon. Prayut said there are also benzene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the prices of which the government will try to manage, including the use of tax measures and the Oil Fund, in a way which will have the least impact on people, as global oil prices rise steadily due to the war in Ukraine. According to Reuters today, Brent crude was down $3.56, or 2.8%, to $124.42 a barrel, after earlier rising above $131. On Monday, however, Brent hit $139, its highest since 2008. 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-government-to-keep-diesel-no-higher-than-30-per-litre-for-as-long-as-possible/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-10 - 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 major change in Thai Women’s golf After several years of watching the Jutanugarn sisters carrying the flag for Thailand’s golf, there is a definite change at the top with the latest Rolex Rankings just announced. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252958-a-major-change-in-thai-women’s-golf/

After several years of watching the Jutanugarn sisters carrying the flag for Thailand’s golf, there is a definite change at the top with the latest Rolex Rankings just announced. Ariya Jutanuagarn the former World Number one is no longer Thailand’s No. player, as 22-year-old Patty Tavatanakit takes over ranked 13th in the world. Paphangkorn "Patty" Tavatanakit is a Thai professional golfer who began competing on the LPGA Tour in January 2020. On 4 April 2021, Tavatanakit accomplished her first win on the LPGA Tour – the 2021 ANA Inspiration, a major championship in women's professional golf, and has won four events in total. Teen Sensation breathing down her neck However, perhaps the most incredible rise up the Rolex Rankings this week is 19 year old Atthaya Thitikul from Bang Pong, who at one stage was leading at the HSBC Women’s Champions in Singapore last Sunday, eventually finishing fourth. She is now ranked 14th in the World just a few points behind Patty. Attaya first made the news as she became the youngest golfer ever to win a professional golf tournament at aged 14 years, 4 months and 19 days after winning the Ladies European Thailand Championship as an amateur on 9 July 2017 at the Phoenix Gold Golf Club in Pattaya. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Many in the Thai golfing community have always had high hopes for her, as she was the number one ranked women's amateur golfer in the world for a total of 12 weeks. She also won the 2021 Order of Merit in her rookie year on the Ladies European Tour before getting her full LPGA Card in November. However, international commentators and journalists around the world are now saying she is likely to become World No1 in the not to distance future. Thailand has six golfers in the Rolex top 100 including Ariya at 30, her sister Moriya at 40, Pajaree Anannarukarn at 71 and Jasmine Suwannapura at 100. All these talented players will join a host of stars at this week’s Honda LPGA Thailand at the Siam Country Club’s Old Course from 10TH – 13TH March 2022. With over US$1.6 Million at stake Although the event will not be open to the public, expect a huge TV audience to see if Atthaya Thitikul can improve on her second place at the 2021 event and lift the trophy on Sunday. Thailand is on a roll! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-10 - 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 Thursday 10 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1252957-thailand-live-thursday-10-march-2022/

Thais sell off gold for cash as price reaches new high People in Thailand’s capital queued up this morning (Wednesday) at gold shops along the Yaowarat Road, widely known as Bangkok’s Chinatown, to sell their gold for cash, because gold prices continue to reach new heights as the Russia-Ukraine conflict affects global oil and gold prices. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252928-thais-sell-off-gold-for-cash-as-price-reaches-new-high/

Plan to make COVID-19 endemic disease in Thailand from July 1 approved Photo: The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Thailand’s National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) approved, yesterday (Wednesday), the Public Health Ministry’s plan to classify COVID-19 as an endemic disease in four months, starting on July 1st, if things go according to plans. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252943-plan-to-make-covid-19-endemic-disease-in-thailand-from-july-1-approved/

Government Confirms Songkran Celebrations to Proceed Next Month BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has assured that Songkran celebrations next month will be allowed to take place, while noting that health and safety precautions will still need to be taken. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252902-government-confirms-songkran-celebrations-to-proceed-next-month/

Three injured, one missing after oil tanker explosion and fire on Chao Phraya River Three crew members of an oil tanker were injured and one is missing after the vessel caught fire following an on-board explosion at the pier of IRPC, a petroleum and petrochemical company, located in the estuary of the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan province this morning (Wednesday). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252881-three-injured-one-missing-after-oil-tanker-explosion-and-fire-on-chao-phraya-river/

Three crew members of an oil tanker were injured and one is missing after the vessel caught fire following an on-board explosion at the pier of IRPC, a petroleum and petrochemical company, located in the estuary of the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan province this morning (Wednesday). According to the Fire Department’s tweet, there was an explosion on board the oil tanker “Smooth Sea 2 HSD 1.3/G91 1.8”, after it had just discharged oil at the pier and was waiting to be towed out away by a tug boat. The explosion caused some damage to the oil tanker, said the Fire Department, adding that two of the injured crew managed to jump into the water to safety. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/three-injured-one-missing-after-oil-tanker-explosion-and-fire-on-chao-phraya-river/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-09 - 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

Teacher assaults primary student because he dared to ask a question Picture: Daily News A distraught 28 year old mother in Pattaya has gone to the Nong Prue police after her son, aged 10, was assaulted by a teacher at a primary school. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252880-teacher-assaults-primary-student-because-he-dared-to-ask-a-question/

Picture: Daily News A distraught 28 year old mother in Pattaya has gone to the Nong Prue police after her son, aged 10, was assaulted by a teacher at a primary school. The boy was whacked in the back. Why? Because he didn't understand and he dared to ask questions. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Suwanna, 28, has vowed to have the matter prosecuted. Daily News reported that she had taken her son to the Muang Pattaya hospital. Picture: Daily News The school was not named as they never are in defamation crazy Thailand. Questions are discouraged in many Thai schools where rote learning for exams is far more important than getting to the truth or understanding anything. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-09 - 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

Thai Cabinet Approves Crypto-Friendly Tax Rules by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet this week approved relaxed tax rules for cryptocurrency traders, in line with other crypto-related measures previously announced by the government. Investors will be exempt from a value-added tax (VAT) of 7% for crypto trading on authorized exchanges. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252876-thai-cabinet-approves-crypto-friendly-tax-rules/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet this week approved relaxed tax rules for cryptocurrency traders, in line with other crypto-related measures previously announced by the government. Investors will be exempt from a value-added tax (VAT) of 7% for crypto trading on authorized exchanges. Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith announced that traders will also be allowed to offset their annual losses against gains for taxes. The new tax rules were introduced in response to a surge in crypto trading in recent years. The new rules will offer traders several benefits, including exemption from value-added taxes, settlement of losses and higher crypto trading activity in Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The administration has been keen to promote and help develop the cryptocurrency industry. In addition to relaxed crypto taxation, the Cabinet has also approved tax breaks for investments in startups. Investors will be offered tax exemptions from selling startup shares, provided they have had the shares in their possession for longer than two years. The offer is valid until 2032. The relaxed rules will be effective from April 2022 to December 2023 and apply to Thailand’s central bank digital currency as well as other cryptocurrencies in circulation. The Kingdom’s crypto-economy has grown significantly over the past year from 170,000 active crypto traders in January 2021 to 2 million at the end of the year. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-09 - 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

AIPH Greenlights International Horticultural Expo 2026 in Udon Thani by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has given its approval for the 2026 Category B International Horticultural Exhibition to be held in Udon Thani, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252875-aiph-greenlights-international-horticultural-expo-2026-in-udon-thani/