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By Erich Parpart Thailand’s exports are expected to expand by 5 per cent in first quarter of 2022, despite the ongoing Omicron outbreak and driven by the recovery of global demand, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) said on Tuesday. The TNSC said that exports could expand by 5-8 per cent in 2022, on top of the 15-16 per cent expansion in 2021. “Exports was still growing strong in January with an estimated total value of $22 billion for the month and we are very confident that exports would be able to expand by 5 per cent in the first quarter of this year,” said Chaichan Chareonsuk, TNSC’s chairman. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37329/exports-to-expand-by-5-per-cent-in-the-first-quarter-of-2022/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-09 - 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

Thailand’s medical tourism likely return to pre-Covid level by next year, analysts say By Panithan Onthaworn The market value of Thailand’s medical tourism is projected to return to pre-Covid levels in 2023 assuming there are no more severe travel restrictions, analysts at Krungthai Bank (KTB) said on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249638-thailand’s-medical-tourism-likely-return-to-pre-covid-level-by-next-year-analysts-say/

By Panithan Onthaworn The market value of Thailand’s medical tourism is projected to return to pre-Covid levels in 2023 assuming there are no more severe travel restrictions, analysts at Krungthai Bank (KTB) said on Tuesday. As international travel resumes, the country would see 310 billion baht from the medical tourism ecosystem in 2023, surpassing the pre-Covid record of 300 billion in 2019, Krungthai Compass analyst Sujitra Unno said. Thailand’s vital tourism industry has suffered a dramatic decline in foreign arrivals once the Covid-19 pandemic began to spread across the globe. Nowadays, the prolonged impact is still plaguing all tourism operators. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37326/thailands-medical-tourism-likely-return-to-pre-covid-level-by-next-year-analysts-say/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-09 - 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

Thai women need to be aware of Western Mother’s in-laws!!!! Great, so you come over to live, work, or perhaps even to retire, and you soon realise why so many Western males call Thailand the” Land of the smiles.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249637-thai-women-need-to-be-aware-of-western-mother’s-in-laws/

Great, so you come over to live, work, or perhaps even to retire, and you soon realise why so many Western males call Thailand the” Land of the smiles.” Of course, many head straight for the nightlife areas of Bangkok, Pattaya, or Phuket and soon find their ATM cards are even more popular than they are. Funny that! But for many, they stay well clear of the young bar girls, and eventually meet a nice friendly Thai girl, who is actually keen on them personally as a boyfriend or even as a future husband. Eventually, they invite you up to the North to meet the family who are all smiles and are delighted for you to become part of their family. Of course, if you do end up marrying, the extended family would expect you to at least look after them, perhaps buy the odd pickup and most likely build a home for them with all mod cons. Heading home The next step is to obtain the necessary visas for a trip back home to meet your own family, and of course to show off your beautiful Thai bride. Of course, over in Thailand, we get used to seeing middle-aged men going to bars and restaurants with younger women. Slightly different when she walks down the local high street back home holding hands with you. Wow, you will get some stares!!!! Moving back permanently Some couples decide to remain in Thailand, while others prefer to settle back home instead. Sounds OK so long as your Thai bride can get a job (do not want her to get bored) and can find some Thai friends locally to meet regularly. Initially, your family especially your mother also welcomes her into the family. However, according to one Thai bride who recently returned home, she found after a few months her mother-in-law became very jealous of her. The atmosphere changed and the mother-in-law made her feel very unwelcome. Apparently, the reason was she felt that she was losing her dear son, who was considering returning with his bride to Thailand permanently. The mother-in-law did not want to be left on her own. Hopefully, the marriage will continue, but it is a stark warning that you should be aware of all the consequences of marrying a Thai bride before you tie the knot. Not only are you marrying her, but you will also need to be a top diplomat both here in Thailand and back home when managing families. Maybe you have had similar experiences too. Let us know. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-09 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 9 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1249636-thailand-live-wednesday-9-feb-2022/

Thai government planning to adjust Covid-19 daily reports PHOTO: Workpoint News The Thai government is planning to adjust the daily reports of the Covid-19 infections as a test for two days a week to, according to them, reduce public anxiety as the rates of critical patients and deaths have become stable despite the number of daily infections that has surpassed ten thousand cases for four consecutive days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249618-thai-government-planning-to-adjust-covid-19-daily-reports/

Pad Thai officially included in Oxford dictionary Thailand has found another source of pride as its traditional dish “Pad Thai” has been included on the Oxford Dictionary website. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249617-pad-thai-officially-included-in-oxford-dictionary/

Saudi Crown Prince Expected to Visit Thailand This Year BANGKOK (NNT) - Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai said that The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, will visit Thailand once the government finishes the roadmap to restart bilateral cooperation between the two kingdoms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249589-saudi-crown-prince-expected-to-visit-thailand-this-year/

Thai Public Health Minister reportedly not keen on easing of Covid restrictions PHOTO: Facebook 'Like Anutin' Recent statements from the Public Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul seem to contradict statements made by the head of the Department of Disease Control earlier this week about easing Covid-19 restrictions even as cases rise but hospitalizations and serious cases remain very low. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249595-thai-public-health-minister-reportedly-not-keen-on-easing-of-covid-restrictions/

Poor air quality in 53 areas of Bangkok, surrounding provinces, Lat Phrao the worst Fifty-three areas of Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are experiencing air pollution today (Tuesday), with the amount of PM2.5 dust exceeding the standard 50-micron level, with the level on Lat Phrao road the worst, according to the Pollution Control Department’s air4thai website. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249571-poor-air-quality-in-53-areas-of-bangkok-surrounding-provinces-lat-phrao-the-worst/

Fifty-three areas of Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are experiencing air pollution today (Tuesday), with the amount of PM2.5 dust exceeding the standard 50-micron level, with the level on Lat Phrao road the worst, according to the Pollution Control Department’s air4thai website. The department said that the air quality in and around Bangkok today is considered to be between moderate and a level that may pose health problems, with the amount of PM 2.5 being measured at between 39 and 74 microns, including 52 areas where the amounts of PM2.5 dust have exceeded 50 microns. Areas with PM2.5 exceeding 70 microns include: • Khlong Thawee Wattana in Thawee Wattana district, 73 microns • Phet Kasem Road in Phasi Charoen district, 71 microns • Ma Charoen – Phet Kasem 81 Road in Nong Khaem district, 73 microns • Lat Phrao Soi 95 in Wang Thong Lang district, 74 microns Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/poor-air-quality-in-53-areas-of-bangkok-surrounding-provinces-lat-phrao-the-worst/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-08 - 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

Mild, asymptomatic COVID-19 cases not entitled to claim under new insurance rules Thailand’s Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) has issued new rules, which take effect on February 15th, limiting compensation claims by people infected with COVID-19. Patients who are symptomatic or who have mild symptoms being treated in hospital or in home isolation and are without doctor’s certificate stating the need for treatment in such facilities will not be covered by the medical care or compensation scheme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249570-mild-asymptomatic-covid-19-cases-not-entitled-to-claim-under-new-insurance-rules/

Thailand’s Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) has issued new rules, which take effect on February 15th, limiting compensation claims by people infected with COVID-19. Patients who are symptomatic or who have mild symptoms being treated in hospital or in home isolation and are without doctor’s certificate stating the need for treatment in such facilities will not be covered by the medical care or compensation scheme. Assistant OIC Secretary-General Apakorn Panlerd said that the new rule is in line with the Public Health Ministry’s guidelines for the care of people infected with COVID-19, as revised on January 4th, which has resulted in a change to the conditions covering claims. Under the previous guidelines, all COVID-19 patients were considered in-patients and were entitled to claim medical expenses and compensation for the loss of income during the period of treatment. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/mild-asymptomatic-covid-19-cases-not-entitled-to-claim-under-new-insurance-rules/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-08 - 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 taxman comes calling for crypto investors The crypto tax will cover five sources of gains: sales or exchange of digital assets, crypto mining, receiving crypto as wages, getting digital assets as gifts or rewards, and benefits or investment returns from holding crypto and digital tokens. (Photo by olieman.eth) Investors are worried about their tax liability and the method of calculation after the Revenue Department issued on January 31 tax guidelines for individuals engaging in crypto and digital token activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249562-the-taxman-comes-calling-for-crypto-investors/

The crypto tax will cover five sources of gains: sales or exchange of digital assets, crypto mining, receiving crypto as wages, getting digital assets as gifts or rewards, and benefits or investment returns from holding crypto and digital tokens. (Photo by olieman.eth) Investors are worried about their tax liability and the method of calculation after the Revenue Department issued on January 31 tax guidelines for individuals engaging in crypto and digital token activities. Thais and expats (subject to double-taxation agreements) are required to file annual personal income tax returns by March 31 based on their income earned in the previous year. The tax handbook is the result of extensive discussions between revenue officials and representatives from the crypto community who had strongly objected to levying capital gains tax on crypto investment. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/the-taxman-comes-calling-for-crypto-investors/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-08 - 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 rice exports expected to rise sharply By Arvin Donley Credit: Adobe Stock BANGKOK, THAILAND — Thailand is forecast to export 8 million tonnes of rice in the 2021-22 marketing year, up 31% from the previous year, according to a Global Agricultural Information Network report from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249547-thailand-rice-exports-expected-to-rise-sharply/

Credit: Adobe Stock By Arvin Donley BANGKOK, THAILAND — Thailand is forecast to export 8 million tonnes of rice in the 2021-22 marketing year, up 31% from the previous year, according to a Global Agricultural Information Network report from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Attractive Thai prices, driven by the weakening of the Thai baht, are the reason for the sharp increase in exports, the report said. Rice production is projected to increase year-on-year from 18.8 million tonnes to 20.8 million tonnes, the USDA said. Full story: https://www.world-grain.com/articles/16452-thailand-rice-exports-expected-to-rise-sharply -- © Copyright WORLD GRAIN 2022-02-08 - 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

Hon Hai's joint venture in Thailand eyes 150,000 EVs by 2030 CNA file photo Taipei (CNA) - Taiwan's manufacturing giant Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. has set a goal of producing 150,000 electric vehicles in Thailand by 2030 through a joint venture there that opened Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249544-hon-hais-joint-venture-in-thailand-eyes-150000-evs-by-2030/

CNA file photo Taipei (CNA) - Taiwan's manufacturing giant Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. has set a goal of producing 150,000 electric vehicles in Thailand by 2030 through a joint venture there that opened Monday. Hon Hai, also known as Foxconn internationally, said in a statement that Horizon Plus Co., Ltd., the joint venture set up with state-owned oil supplier PTT Public Co., opened Monday and will have an initial annual capacity of 50,000 units. That capacity is expected to rise to 150,000 units by 2030 to meet anticipated rising demand in Thailand and other Southeast Asian markets, according to the company. Full story: https://focustaiwan.tw/sci-tech/202202070025 -- © Copyright FOCUS TAIWAN 2022-02-08 - 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

United States Provides Thailand Additional Diagnostic and Vaccine Delivery Supplies to Combat COVID-19 The United States provided additional COVID-19 supplies worth more than $1.5 million (49.5 million baht) to help Thailand fight COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249541-united-states-provides-thailand-additional-diagnostic-and vaccine-delivery-supplies-to-combat-covid-19/

The United States provided additional COVID-19 supplies worth more than $1.5 million (49.5 million baht) to help Thailand fight COVID-19. The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Thailand, Michael Heath, handed over COVID-19 diagnostic and vaccine delivery supplies to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Anutin Charnvirakul, today at the Ministry of Public Health. The supplies provided on behalf of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) include reagents for Real-Time RT-PCR diagnostic tests, next generation sequencing for variant detection, vaccine delivery supplies, and personal protective equipment. “Our support reflects a sustained effort by the United States and the Royal Thai Governments to work in close partnership to mitigate the pandemic’s impact. These medical supplies from the American people will help support health care workers and vaccine delivery, getting shots into arms to protect high risk populations and vulnerable communities as Thailand responds to the most recent wave of COVID-19,” said Chargé d’Affaires Heath. This assistance will extend delivery of safe and effective vaccines to highest risk populations, reducing severe illness and hospitalizations resulting from COVID-19. Additional support for diagnostic tests and related equipment will aid efforts to slow transmission, enable robust variant tracking, and enhance the Royal Thai Government’s response to the pandemic. Full story: https://th.usembassy.gov/united-states-provides-thailand-additional-diagnostic-and-vaccine-delivery-supplies-to-combat-covid-19/

Skin or muscle? The choice facing COVID booster recipients in Thailand In a move to reduce side effects from mRNA booster shots, the Public Health Ministry has given recipients three different COVID-19 vaccination options. The first is the full 30-microgram dose via intramuscular injection. The second is a half dose (15mcg) via the same method. And the third is a 10mcg dose via intradermal injection into the skin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1249537-skin-or-muscle-the-choice-facing-covid-booster-recipients-in-thailand/

In a move to reduce side effects from mRNA booster shots, the Public Health Ministry has given recipients three different COVID-19 vaccination options. The first is the full 30-microgram dose via intramuscular injection. The second is a half dose (15mcg) via the same method. And the third is a 10mcg dose via intradermal injection into the skin. The three options are available from February 1, enabling people to choose the method they believe will have the least after-effects. Common side effects of mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are redness and swelling around the injection site. Many recipients have also reported tiredness, headaches, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. 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/skin-or-muscle-the-choice-facing-covid-booster-recipients-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-08 - 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