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Phuket Businesses Consider Crypto as Alternate Payment Option for Russian Entrepreneurs by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Phuket Tourist Association has discussed with the Bank of Thailand assistance measures for Russian entrepreneurs in the Kingdom who are being affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252712-phuket-businesses-consider-crypto-as-alternate-payment-option-for-russian-entrepreneurs/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Phuket Tourist Association has discussed with the Bank of Thailand assistance measures for Russian entrepreneurs in the Kingdom who are being affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. During the meeting, the two agencies discussed the viability of temporarily allowing the use of cryptocurrencies as an alternative method of payment. The matter will soon be proposed to the Cabinet for consideration. The association said crypto would likely be an appealing choice should other means of making financial transactions in Russia be severed. It stressed, however, that it would need to determine whether crypto can be seamlessly connected to existing payment systems. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe According to the association, about 3,500-4,000 Russians and 300-400 Ukrainians currently reside in Phuket. The local private sector is now in talks with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) about possibly providing them with assistance measures. These could include establishing a center to coordinate assistance, facilities for issuing visas, and organizing special flights to their respective nations. Meanwhile, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, the TAT’s deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, said the TAT is currently adjusting its targets for Russian visitors to Thailand this year. The current figure stands at a quarter of a million. Russians have constituted the highest number of tourists to Thailand since the Kingdom’s reopening in November of last year, with more than 63,000 travelers so far. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-08 - 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

Thousands who signed up for Thailand Pass receive scam email By Thai Enquirer Thousands of people, both Thais and foreigners, who signed for the country’s Thailand Pass program received a fraudulent phishing email asking for personal details. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252711-thousands-who-signed-up-for-thailand-pass-receive-scam-email/

By Thai Enquirer Thousands of people, both Thais and foreigners, who signed for the country’s Thailand Pass program received a fraudulent phishing email asking for personal details. The emails, which were sent out over the past several days, asked the recipient for their details including their full name, their date of birth, and the last four digits of their passports. Authorities are advising those who receive the email to not respond to the queries and to delete and block the address. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38320/thousands-who-signed-up-for-thailand-pass-receive-scam-email/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-08 - 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

Married couple killed - motorcycle hit car at U-turn, Pajero runs over them Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on the tragic death of a married couple in Nakhon Pathom in central Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252709-married-couple-killed-motorcycle-hit-car-at-u-turn-pajero-runs-over-them/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on the tragic death of a married couple in Nakhon Pathom in central Thailand. Mongkhol, 65, and his wife Klinphaka, 56, were on a Honda motorcycle when they clipped the back of a Honda City on the Malaimaen Road heading into town. They came off and were run over by a Mitsubishi Pajero. The driver of the Pajero named as Suphadech said he couldn't brake in time. He thought the driver of the motorcycle was trying to make a U-turn. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Police investigations continue after the accident at 8 pm last night. Thai Rath described grisly injuries at the scene with a lot of blood after both victims suffered multiple injuries. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-08 - 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 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

Amazing Thailand: Super rich loony arrested at Suvarnabhumi after fleeing kingdom in "cobra" release case Picture: Thai Rath It is a case straight out of the "Amazing Thailand" playbook. A super rich man with mental health problems who has scared the Thai public in Bangkok witless. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252706-amazing-thailand-super-rich-loony-arrested-at-suvarnabhumi-after-fleeing-kingdom-in-cobra-release-case/

Picture: Thai Rath It is a case straight out of the "Amazing Thailand" playbook. A super rich man with mental health problems who has scared the Thai public in Bangkok witless. At the center of the case involving the met police and Lumpini cops is Khanetphisanuthep Jakraphopmahadecha - known more succinctly in the Thai media as "K. Roi Lan" - Mr K of Hundreds of Millions of Baht. He is convinced about Thai/Hindu religious mysticism and his first name reflects that being a construct of "Ganesh, Vishnu and Angel". Back on February 1st he was arrested after attacking himself with a sword and releasing cobras all over the place after parking his luxury car in the middle of the road outside Central World in downtown Bangkok. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It was just the latest of several such incidents that freaked out the Thai public in recent years. He was taken away for a mental health evaluation at the Police Hospital and slapped with six charges including scaring the public, weapons offences and matters relating to the release of the potentially deadly snakes, reported Thai Rath. But he promptly slipped out of the country and went to India. On Sunday the met police were waiting at Suvarnabhumi airport for his return and he was arrested again, reported Thai Rath. Pol Maj-Gen Jirasan Kaewsaeng-ek, in his capacity as spokesman, told a press conference yesterday that the suspect was then taken to Somdej Chaophraya Hospital for a further mental health evaluation. Once that is done the prosecution will follow on six charges. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-08 - 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 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

Dr Porntip set to join as forensic advisor in all- consuming "Tangmo" case Sanook Thai Caption: Invited as an advisor Thai media continued to almost completely ignore the war in Europe because a celebrity died in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252704-dr-porntip-set-to-join-as-forensic-advisor-in-all-consuming-tangmo-case/

Sanook Thai Caption: Invited as an advisor Thai media continued to almost completely ignore the war in Europe because a celebrity died in Thailand. The death of Nida Patcharawirapong - more commonly known as Tangmo or watermelon - in the Chao Praya river in Bangkok has dominated the news. Now one of the highest profile forensic pathologists is getting involved albeit not directly, reported Sanook. Dr Porntip Rojanasunan is a household name in Thailand and a celebrity in her own right. She also has the royal title "khunying". She is known as "Dr Death" and her own facebook page refers to her as the "punk rock aunty" because of her wild hair. Yesterday Tangmo's mother Phanida went with her lawyer to meet Dr Porntip to seek help as the case lurched from one sensational aspect to another. The mother has been criticized for wanting 30 million baht, for example. Shadowy figures have been suggested as being involved as speculation is rife. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Everyone who is anyone is giving an opinion. Dr Porntip said that she can't get directly involved in the forensic pathology aspect of the case because she is a member of the senate. But she can act as an advisor if required. Dr Porntip first became a media celebrity almost 25 years ago after earning a degree in forensic anthropology from Washington, D.C. She set up the Central Institute of Forensic Science for independent investigations in 2002 where she served as head director. Her pioneering use of DNA in Thailand was seen as a positive step after many claimed that confessions in the country were coerced, notes ASEAN NOW. The 67 year old is the holder of the prestigious Order of the White Elephant. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-08 - 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 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 transitioning to an endemic, so what happens now if you catch COVID? With COVID-19 now spreading at a rate of more than 20,000 officially confirmed new infections per day, everyone is at risk of catching the disease. So, many people will be wondering what happens if they do get infected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252695-thailand-is-transitioning-to-an-endemic-so-what-happens-now-if-you-catch-covid/

With COVID-19 now spreading at a rate of more than 20,000 officially confirmed new infections per day, everyone is at risk of catching the disease. So, many people will be wondering what happens if they do get infected. Thai PBS World interviewed a sample of COVID-19 patients to see how they are coping at a time when the government is gearing up to treat the disease as endemic. When you test positive… Hotel worker Mekin said an ATK test showed he was positive on the morning of March 3. Authorities had launched the so-called Outpatient Self Isolation scheme just two days earlier, but its implementation was still patchy and confusing. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “I turned up at the hospital where I’ve been eligible for free medical services under social security scheme only to be turned away,” recounted Mekin, who spoke on condition his surname was withheld. “Staff just told me to book the RT/PCR test via the QueQ app. I was not even advised about my rights to social security. 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/thailand-is-transitioning-to-an-endemic-so-what-happens-now-if-you-catch-covid/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-08 - 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 UN Global Plastics Treaty is an opportunity for Thai startups and entrepreneurs to shine By Thai Enquirer News that 175 countries, including Thailand, have agreed to forge a binding treaty to end plastic pollution is good news for Thailand’s entrepreneurs who are eager to find solutions to one of Thailand’s most pressing issues: plastic waste. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252687-the-un-global-plastics-treaty-is-an-opportunity-for-thai-startups-and-entrepreneurs-to-shine/

By Thai Enquirer News that 175 countries, including Thailand, have agreed to forge a binding treaty to end plastic pollution is good news for Thailand’s entrepreneurs who are eager to find solutions to one of Thailand’s most pressing issues: plastic waste. A landmark resolution at the recent fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly has pledged to create an international legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution. The treaty covers the full life cycle of plastics, introducing a circular approach to their production, use and disposal. Scheduled to be ratified by 2024, there remains plenty of work to do, but the agreement presents a unique opportunity for Thailand to set a global example in environmental leadership. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Thailand is the world’s 6th largest contributor to marine plastic waste, generating approximately 322,000 of the 8-10 million tonnes that are dumped into the ocean every year, according to the World Bank. Inefficiencies in plastic management have resulted in much of the country’s waste being incinerated, dumped in unsanitary landfills or leaked into the environment, especially via waterways. This not only results in animals and people ingesting microplastics, but impacts water and air quality, and accelerates climate change. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38308/the-un-global-plastics-treaty-is-an-opportunity-for-thai-startups-and-entrepreneurs-to-shine/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-03-08 - 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 reports 18,943 new COVID-19 cases, 69 deaths, 25,005 recoveries File photo Thailand on Tuesday (March 8th) reported 18,943 new COVID-19 cases, 25,005 recoveries and 69 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252684-thailand-reports-18943-new-covid-19-cases-69-deaths-25005-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 18,943 new COVID-19 cases, 69 deaths, 25,005 recoveries File photo Thailand on Tuesday (March 8th) reported 18,943 new COVID-19 cases, 25,005 recoveries and 69 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252684-thailand-reports-18943-new-covid-19-cases-69-deaths-25005-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Tuesday (March 8th) reported 18,943 new COVID-19 cases, 25,005 recoveries and 69 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Tuesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 3,066,800 with 23,369 deaths. The news comes as the BA.2 sub variant of the COVID-19 Omicron variant is spreading rapidly across Thailand and is replacing the BA.1 as the dominant sub variant. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Medicine which is effective against the Delta variant and BA.1 is not as effective against the BA.2, according to Director-General of the Medical Sciences Department Dr. Supakit Sirilak. Dr. Supakit said that BA.2 now accounts for 51.8% of Omicron cases and the rest (48.2%) are the BA.1, a clear indication that BA.2 is spreading faster than BA.1. *Thai PBS contributed to this report Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-08 - 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 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

Are there safe-haven investments during wars? by Michael Bridge file photo It is obviously a worrying time for everyone in Thailand with currencies crashing, and the prospect of peace diminishing as Russia drives through Ukraine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252675-are-there-safe-haven-investments-during-wars/

file photo by Michael Bridge It is obviously a worrying time for everyone in Thailand with currencies crashing, and the prospect of peace diminishing as Russia drives through Ukraine. Global stocks and equity futures tumbled last week while bonds and oil soared as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to order a military attack on Ukraine cast a pall over global markets. So apart from hiding cash under the mattress, what are the sensible measures to take? Well firstly look at the past as an indicator. In occupied Europe during World War II, all things considered, gold was the best asset to hide in, preserve wealth, and maintain some liquidity. Thais as we know like to buy gold as many do not trust banks. Stocks, land, real estate, and businesses worked only if you had a very long-term horizon. A review of market reactions during the major wars between 1926 and 2013 shows that the impact of war on stocks was perhaps strangely largely positive, rather than negative. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the first Gulf War were all periods in which "both large-cap and small-cap stocks outperformed" their long-run averages (although the final war on that list was extremely short compared with the others). Perhaps more surprisingly still, volatility did not take off (in other words, prices didn't seesaw dramatically) indeed, markets experienced lower volatility than normal. Other safe havens Safe havens are investments that typically retain value or even increase in value when other investments lose ground. Bonds are a classic example of a safe haven asset. High-quality bonds with a low risk of default continue to pay interest through good times and bad. The safest assets are known as risk-free assets, such as sovereign debt instruments issued by governments of developed countries. With sanctions being announced daily, perhaps having a cash emergency fund is sensible, and maybe work with a financial advisor to create a diversified portfolio. Have adequate life insurance, through both work and/or private insurance, and make sure beneficiaries and wills are updated. Meanwhile, an ounce of gold was trading at US$1,927 on March 4th, which was up by US$17.67 an ounce in a week. The black market was of course the most lucrative profession during the war, but not sure if silk stockings and cigarettes will still be in demand in 2022! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-03-08 - 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 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

Australian sporting hero died from natural causes on the first day of his luxury holiday on Ko Samui by James Morris and Son Nguyen Police investigators examining the room at the Samujana Villas Hotel resort on Ko Samui following the death of 52-year-old sportsman, Shane Warne on Friday afternoon believed to have been caused by a heart attack. (Inset) The former fiancé of the Australian from 2010 until 2013, English actress Liz Hurley, issued an emotional statement about the man she referred to as her ‘lionheart’: ‘I feel like the sun has gone behind a cloud forever.’ On Saturday, the Superintendent of Bo Phut Police Station on Ko Samui, Police Colonel Yuttana Sirisombat, confirmed that routine enquiries into the death of the sporting celebrity revealed that there were no suspicious circumstances linked to the incident Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252671-australian-sporting-hero-died-from-natural-causes-on-the-first-day-of-his-luxury-holiday-on-ko-samui/

Police investigators examining the room at the Samujana Villas Hotel resort on Ko Samui following the death of 52-year-old sportsman, Shane Warne on Friday afternoon believed to have been caused by a heart attack. (Inset) The former fiancé of the Australian from 2010 until 2013, English actress Liz Hurley, issued an emotional statement about the man she referred to as her ‘lionheart’: ‘I feel like the sun has gone behind a cloud forever.’ by James Morris and Son Nguyen On Saturday, the Superintendent of Bo Phut Police Station on Ko Samui, Police Colonel Yuttana Sirisombat, confirmed that routine enquiries into the death of the sporting celebrity revealed that there were no suspicious circumstances linked to the incident and revealed that the star had complained of chest pains at home in Australia before his departure for Thailand where he arrived last Thursday to stay with several friends. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe One of Australia’s best-loved sports heroes, 52-year-old cricketer Shane Warne died from natural causes at a luxury hotel resort on Ko Samui last Friday on the first full day of his holiday on the island and minutes after making an appointment for a massage in his room. This was confirmed by the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok on Monday following an autopsy which was carried out at Surat Thani Hospital where the sportsman’s body was transferred to on Sunday. It is understood that Mr Warne’s remains have now been handed over to Australian consular officials in Thailand for repatriation home where he will be accorded a state funeral. Thai police, on Monday, released the results of an autopsy carried out on one of Australia’s top sports personalities who died on Ko Samui last Friday from what is believed to have been a massive heart attack. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/03/07/aussie-sports-star-shane-warne-died-from-natural-causes/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-03-08 - 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

Pattaya police once again crack down on motorbike racers By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya Police have continued to crack down on motorbike racers in Pattaya, following numerous complaints from local residents about both noise and dangerous driving. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252670-pattaya-police-once-again-crack-down-on-motorbike-racers/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya Police have continued to crack down on motorbike racers in Pattaya, following numerous complaints from local residents about both noise and dangerous driving. The Pattaya City Police reports that Pattaya City Police Chief Colonel Kunlachart Kunlachai has ordered to continue crackdown on motorbike racers in Pattaya. Last night (March 6th) they were notified that many motorbike racers from Nakhon Racthasima were gathering in the Pattaya area. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/07/pattaya-police-once-again-crack-down-on-motorbike-racers/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-08 - 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

Number of Russian visitors in Phuket instantly drops, Phuket struggles to find solutions for hundreds of stranded tourists with no access to funds due to sanctions By Goong Nang(GN) Phuket – The number of Russian visitors in Phuket has instantly dropped due to two Russian airlines responsible for a majority of flights to the island stopping their services temporarily due to sanctions imposed by western countries on Russia due to the ongoing Russian invasion into Ukraine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252668-number-of-russian-visitors-in-phuket-instantly-drops-phuket-struggles-to-find-solutions-for-hundreds-of-stranded-tourists-with-no-access-to-funds-due-to-sanctions/