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Picture: INN Thai prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha had yet more wonderful news for the Thai people yesterday. Despite prices for fuel spiralling out of control at the pumps due to the "military operation" in Ukraine the PM has kindly allowed Thais to continue using their cars. "You may fill up and drive your cars," he said after a meeting. "But please use them wisely and economically". Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said he was spending 600 million baht daily to help with keeping diesel prices as low as possible, reported INN. He then said that he would be having a quiet dinner and not hosting other political figures. 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

DMP Prawit completely innocent of any corruption charges in watches case: sources A source at the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission told the Isara News Agency that deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan would not face any problems over the watches case. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252852-dmp-prawit-completely-innocent-of-any-corruption-charges-in-watches-case-sources/

A source at the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission told the Isara News Agency that deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan would not face any problems over the watches case. Prawit said that he borrowed the 25 luxury watches from a school chum called Pathawat Suksiwong, old buddies since their days at St Gabriel. They were all returned and there was absolutely no case to answer that Prawit had received goods worth more than 3,000 baht. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Even though the watches were worth millions and millions. He is completely innocent of any wrong doing and will therefore not be recommended by the sub committee for further action at the main committee of the NACC, reported Thai PBS. Prawit is completely clean. 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

Thailand is facing a labor shortage in the hospitality and tourism industry By Online Reporter By Richard Mehr Labor shortage in the hospitality and tourism industry is not a new problem, this situation has been ongoing for several years but the pandemic has made it far worse. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252851-thailand-is-facing-a-labor-shortage-in-the-hospitality-and-tourism-industry/

By Online Reporter By Richard Mehr Labor shortage in the hospitality and tourism industry is not a new problem, this situation has been ongoing for several years but the pandemic has made it far worse. Following weak operations in 2020 and 2021, the hospitality and tourism industry will continue to see depressed conditions through 2022. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The first shoots of recovery may start to break through from the end of this year and throughout 2023 and 2024, but it could take at least 2-3 years for foreign tourist arrivals to return to pre-COVID level, according to Krungsri Bank Outlook Report 2021-2023. With global travel crashing by a record-breaking rate of 74% from 2019 level. The hardest-hit were the Asia-Pacific region (-84%), with severe drops in arrivals in Singapore (-85.1%), Thailand (-83.2%), South Korea (-85.6%) and Japan (almost -90%). Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-is-facing-a-labor-shortage-in-the-hospitality-and-tourism-industry/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

Famed Thai cop ‘Big Joke’ visits Pranburi in wake of billion baht human trafficking case By Online Reporter Police Lieutenant General Surachate Hakparn visited Pranburi Police Station this week to follow up on a human trafficking case which has resulted in the seizure of more than one billion baht in cash and assets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252849-famed-thai-cop-‘big-joke’-visits-pranburi-in-wake-of-billion-baht-human-trafficking-case/

By Online Reporter Police Lieutenant General Surachate Hakparn visited Pranburi Police Station this week to follow up on a human trafficking case which has resulted in the seizure of more than one billion baht in cash and assets. Assistant Commissioner Lt. Gen. Hakparn, who is more commonly known by his nickname, ‘Big Joke’, oversees Thailand’s Anti-Human Trafficking Centre. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He was in Pranburi attended a press conference to report on the case which has resulted in arrests across four provinces and the seizure of huge sums of money and assets. The case dates back to June 2019 when police in Nakhon Si Thammarat arrested a group of illegal foreign workers from Myanmar. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/famed-thai-cop-big-joke-visits-pranburi-in-wake-of-billion-baht-human-trafficking-case/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

Japanese man "with Yakuza connections" arrested in Bangkok for 2 M baht gold bullion robbery Picture: Siam Rath Police in Bangkok have arrested a 32 year old Japanese man after he ran off with 65 baht weight in gold bullion on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252846-japanese-man-with-yakuza-connections-arrested-in-bangkok-for-2-m-baht-gold-bullion-robbery/

Picture: Siam Rath Police in Bangkok have arrested a 32 year old Japanese man after he ran off with 65 baht weight in gold bullion on Monday. He had gone with a Thai interpreter to do a deal for the gold worth 2 million baht at The Old Siam Shopping Plaza in Wang Burapha Phirom. After getting certification for the gold he ran off with it. But Thai police tracked him over the next several hours until they arrested him on the footpath in Siripong Road just after midnight Tuesday morning. He was in possession of documentation related to the gold. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Then he was taken in the middle of the night to his address at The Reserve in Sukhumvit Road Soi 61 where the gold bullion in various sizes was found stashed by the head of his bed. Picture: Siam Rath The suspect spoke about the gold having come from Laos. Police believe there is a connection to the Yakuza crime gang in this business, reported Siam Rath. 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

COVID-19: Thailand reports 22,073 new coronavirus cases, 69 deaths, 24,747 recoveries file photo Thailand on Wednesday (March 9) reported 22,073 new COVID-19 cases, 24,747 recoveries and 69 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252840-covid-19-thailand-reports-22073-new-coronavirus-cases-69-deaths-24747-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19: Thailand reports 22,073 new coronavirus cases, 69 deaths, 24,747 recoveries file photo Thailand on Wednesday (March 9) reported 22,073 new COVID-19 cases, 24,747 recoveries and 69 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252840-covid-19-thailand-reports-22073-new-coronavirus-cases-69-deaths-24747-recoveries/

file photo Thailand on Wednesday (March 9) reported 22,073 new COVID-19 cases, 24,747 recoveries and 69 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Wednesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,088,873 with 23,438 deaths. The news comes as the United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added Thailand to its highest-risk Level 4 category for travel on Monday, March 7th, along with Hong Kong and New Zealand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The destinations were classified as “Level 4: Covid-19 Very High” risk when more than 500 cases per 100,000 people over 28 days were recorded, according to the CDC considerations. *THE PATTAYA NEWS contributed to this report Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-09 - 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

Opinion: It is time Thais end the practice of demanding dowries from prospective spouses By Cod Satrusayang A friend of mine recently proposed to his girlfriend and our group of friends have spent the last few weeks excitedly helping the groom-to-be plan his vows, his bachelor party, and his attire for his wedding. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252832-opinion-it-is-time-thais-end-the-practice-of-demanding-dowries-from-prospective-spouses/

By Cod Satrusayang A friend of mine recently proposed to his girlfriend and our group of friends have spent the last few weeks excitedly helping the groom-to-be plan his vows, his bachelor party, and his attire for his wedding. We were told not to interfere in the planning for the wedding itself as that was the remit of the bride and her family – not that any of us were complaining. My friend is from a well-to-do family in Thailand and his extended family are fortunate enough to own industry and employ hundreds. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38342/opinion-it-is-time-thais-end-the-practice-of-demanding-dowries-from-prospective-spouses/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

Hua Hin Marathon 2022 to be held in May – everything you need to know By Jonathan Fairfield Hua Hin Marathon 2022 is set to take place on May 8 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252820-hua-hin-marathon-2022-to-be-held-in-may-–-everything-you-need-to-know/

Hua Hin Marathon 2022 is set to take place on May 8 2022. By Jonathan Fairfield The holding of the event has been approved by Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul but, at the time of writing, is still subject to approval from the provincial authorities. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The event, which returns after being canceled due to the pandemic, will see 5,000 runners take to the streets of Hua Hin. Runners can choose to compete in one of four distances: Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/sports/hua-hin-marathon-2022-to-be-held-in-may-everything-you-need-to-know/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

What do sanctions mean for Russian expats in Hua Hin? By Jonathan Fairfield Downtown Hua Hin, file photo. Sanctions targeting Russia’s largest banks and financial institutions in the wake of the country’s invasion of Ukraine are having an impact on Russian expats in Hua Hin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252819-what-do-sanctions-mean-for-russian-expats-in-hua-hin/

Downtown Hua Hin, file photo. By Jonathan Fairfield Sanctions targeting Russia’s largest banks and financial institutions in the wake of the country’s invasion of Ukraine are having an impact on Russian expats in Hua Hin. These expatriates aren’t wealthy oligarchs but ordinary people who, like many of us, have chosen Hua Hin as their home. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe They run small businesses or are parents with young children who attend local schools. Hua Hin has a growing Russian expatriate community of an estimated 1,500 people. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/what-do-sanctions-mean-for-russian-expats-in-hua-hin/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 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

Rights activist’s concern as the trial of Ferrari Joe begins in Bangkok for killing of a drugs suspect by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Forner police chief in Nakhon Sawan, Police Colonel Thitisan Utthanaphon before his arrest and dismissal from the police force, is on trial before the Criminal Court in Bangkok along with six other officers for torturing a drug suspect to death on August 5th last. The 30-year-old former high flying policeman known for his penchant for fast cars and with the nickname ‘Ferrari Joe’ was later reported to have amassed assets of up to ฿600 million through a secretive internal government scheme to detect and seize illegally imported luxury cars into Thailand. (Inset top right) Scene from the shocking video showing the torture of Jeerapong Thanapat by Colonel Thitisan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252818-rights-activist’s-concern-as-the-trial-of-ferrari-joe-begins-in-bangkok-for-killing-of-a-drugs-suspect/

Forner police chief in Nakhon Sawan, Police Colonel Thitisan Utthanaphon before his arrest and dismissal from the police force, is on trial before the Criminal Court in Bangkok along with six other officers for torturing a drug suspect to death on August 5th last. The 30-year-old former high flying policeman known for his penchant for fast cars and with the nickname ‘Ferrari Joe’ was later reported to have amassed assets of up to ฿600 million through a secretive internal government scheme to detect and seize illegally imported luxury cars into Thailand. (Inset top right) Scene from the shocking video showing the torture of Jeerapong Thanapat by Colonel Thitisan. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor The trial comes as a new law, strengthening legal protections against torture and human rights abuses against people held in custody with more transparency provisions, makes its way through Thailand’s parliament. The case of the suffocation of 24-year-old drug-dealing suspect, Jeerapong Thanapat, shocked Thailand to the core last August when a video clip emerged showing the police chief in Nakhon Sawan, currently facing trial on a capital murder charge, placed plastic bags over the victim’s head and fastened them while other police officers looked on at the main police station in the city. A human rights activist has expressed unease at comments reportedly made by a lawyer for former police officer Colonel Thitisan Utthanaphon at his trial at the Criminal Court in Bangkok which began last weekend and is due to resume at the end of this week, suggesting that the alleged murder of a detainee, a suspected drug dealer, in detention last August in Nakhon Sawan was a matter related simply to the application of excessive physical violence. The lawyer also took exception to third parties monitoring the trial suggesting that there was a danger that evidence presented at the proceedings may serve to blacken the reputation of the police force. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe This week, it has emerged that a lawyer for Colonel Thitisan, also known in Thailand as ‘Ferrari Joe’, is asking the court to deny access to proceedings to human rights observers and activists who are anxious to hear details of the case and evidence linked with the alleged murder of a 24-year old drug-dealing suspect last August. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/03/08/activist-anxious-over-ferrari-joe-police-torture-trial/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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

United States Center for Disease Control raises Thailand to its highest level of travel risk due to Covid-19 By Nop Meechukhun PHOTO: BMA Health National – The United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added Thailand to its highest-risk Level 4 category for travel on Monday, March 7th, along with Hong Kong and New Zealand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252816-united-states-center-for-disease-control-raises-thailand-to-its-highest-level-of-travel-risk-due-to-covid-19/

PHOTO: BMA Health By Nop Meechukhun National – The United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added Thailand to its highest-risk Level 4 category for travel on Monday, March 7th, along with Hong Kong and New Zealand. The destinations were classified as “Level 4: Covid-19 Very High” risk when more than 500 cases per 100,000 people over 28 days were recorded, according to the CDC considerations. This means that it is recommended for all travelers from the US to avoid traveling to Thailand. If they must travel to the country, they are highly advised to be fully vaccinated and up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines before travel. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/08/united-states-center-for-disease-control-raises-thailand-to-its-highest-level-of-travel-risk-due-to-covid-19/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

Cabinet Discusses Help for Stranded Russian, Ukrainian Tourists BANGKOK, March 8 (TNA) – The cabinet discussed help for the Russian and Ukrainian tourists who were stranded in Thailand and whose financial transactions were stalled. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252815-cabinet-discusses-help-for-stranded-russian-ukrainian-tourists/

BANGKOK, March 8 (TNA) – The cabinet discussed help for the Russian and Ukrainian tourists who were stranded in Thailand and whose financial transactions were stalled. As the cabinet met and discussed the matter today, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said about 6,000-7,000 Russian and Ukrainian tourists were stranded in the country and their financial transactions, especially those through credit cards, were blocked. The minister said he would ask hoteliers' association to postpone their room charges on the tourists. Otherwise, the Tourism Authority of Thailand would find accommodations for them until the Russia-Ukraine conflict was settled. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-897709 -- © Copyright TNA 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

Storm Topples Big Buddha Statue Building in Buri Ram BANGKOK, (TNA) – Summer storms injured two people and damaged 14 houses in Phetchabun province and tore down a building that housed a big reclining Buddha image in Buri Ram. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252814-storm-topples-big-buddha-statue-building-in-buri-ram/