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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/

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. The President of the Phuket Tourism Association Mr. Bhummikitti Ruktaengam posted on his Facebook, “Two airlines from Russia have paused their services to other areas including Phuket which are S7 – Siberian Airlines and Aeroflot Airlines.” Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe “The reason that they have paused is because of European and American sanctions which caused airplane rental contracts to be paused too. Some ticket booking system companies have stopped their services. Airspace has been restricted and limited in conflict areas of Ukraine and Russia. So these make ticket bookings more difficult if not outright impossible for citizens of both countries, although there are still some routes in through the UAE.” Bhummikitti stated. “The number of Russian visitors in Phuket used to be very high and since reopening Thailand to foreign tourists last year with Thailand Pass, Russians have been number one in terms of overall visitors. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/07/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/ -- © 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

Two people escape a dramatic fiery car crash with only scrapes and bruises in the Pattaya area By Goong Nang(GN) Banglamung – A 35-year-old driver and his passenger have survived after his vehicle crashed into a guardrail before it erupted into flames in Banglamung, March 6th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252667-two-people-escape-a-dramatic-fiery-car-crash-with-only-scrapes-and-bruises-in-the-pattaya-area/

By Goong Nang(GN) Banglamung – A 35-year-old driver and his passenger have survived after his vehicle crashed into a guardrail before it erupted into flames in Banglamung, March 6th. Rescue workers were notified of the accident on Highway 7 Road in Huayyai. They and The Pattaya News arrived at the scene to find the sedan ablaze after crashing into a guardrail on the road. It took only 15 minutes for rescue workers to put out the fire. The driver, Mr. Krit Sritila, 35, and his passenger escaped the car crash with only a few minor scrapes and bruises and declined medical assistance. 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/two-people-escape-a-dramatic-fiery-car-crash-with-only-scrapes-and-bruises-in-the-pattaya-area/ -- © 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

PM office says rising oil prices are beyond its control, plans to roll out relief measures By Panithan Onthaworn Thailand’s Prime Minister Office reminded the public on Monday that the government has no control over rising global energy prices, noting that it will propose relief measures to the cabinet next week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252666-pm-office-says-rising-oil-prices-are-beyond-its-control-plans-to-roll-out-relief-measures/

By Panithan Onthaworn Thailand’s Prime Minister Office reminded the public on Monday that the government has no control over rising global energy prices, noting that it will propose relief measures to the cabinet next week. As the United States and allies are exploring a ban on oil imports from Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine, crude oil prices are rallying to its highest level since 2008. “The fluctuation in prices of global energy, including Ukraine invasion, are out of the government’s control,” said Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/38282/pm-office-says-rising-oil-prices-are-beyond-its-control-plans-to-roll-out-relief-measures/ -- © 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

Oil film floats towards Laem Charoen beach in Thailand’s Rayong province Officials from the Marine and Coastal Resources Department and Star Petroleum Refining Plc (SPRC) have launched an operation to contain a one-km long film of oil floating towards Laem Charoen beach in Muang district of Rayong province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252665-oil-film-floats-towards-laem-charoen-beach-in-thailand’s-rayong-province/

Officials from the Marine and Coastal Resources Department and Star Petroleum Refining Plc (SPRC) have launched an operation to contain a one-km long film of oil floating towards Laem Charoen beach in Muang district of Rayong province. The officials immediately deployed booms to contain the oil, which was first detected at about 2pm today (Monday). One of the officials said that the film smells bad and is thought to be residue from dispersed crude oil spilt into the sea on January 25th and February 10th. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © 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

Fire erupts at luxury Koh Kut resort, celebrities have narrow escapes Image Credit: เลี้ยงลูกนอกบ้าน A fire erupted on Sunday at a luxury resort on Koh Kut, off the coast of Thailand’s Trat province, with celebrities recounting their experience of having their narrow escapes and questioning why such an expensive resort did not have smoke detection, fire alarm or sprinkler system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252664-fire-erupts-at-luxury-koh-kut-resort-celebrities-have-narrow-escapes/

Image Credit: เลี้ยงลูกนอกบ้าน A fire erupted on Sunday at a luxury resort on Koh Kut, off the coast of Thailand’s Trat province, with celebrities recounting their experience of having their narrow escapes and questioning why such an expensive resort did not have smoke detection, fire alarm or sprinkler system. Dr. Jiraporn Arunakul, a famous pediatrian at Ramathibodi Hospital, who runs a Facebook page @takekidswithus, decided to relate the story of her unexpected close call in the devastating fire at the resort where she and her family were holidaying during the weekend. The fire broke out at about 6am yesterday morning and the villa where the doctor’s group of 15 were staying for just one night was completely burned down. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/fire-erupts-at-luxury-koh-kut-resort-celebrities-have-narrow-escapes/ -- © 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

Solidarity Concert for Ukraine - 10 March To show our support towards Ukrainians currently facing the Russian aggression. The Embassies of France and Germany together with the Goethe-Institut Thailand and the Alliance française Bangkok are organizing a solidarity concert at the Goethe Institute, on March 10, 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252663-solidarity-concert-for-ukraine-10-march/

To show our support towards Ukrainians currently facing the Russian aggression. The Embassies of France and Germany together with the Goethe-Institut Thailand and the Alliance française Bangkok are organizing a solidarity concert at the Goethe Institute, on March 10, 2022. Financial participation will be possible via an online platform and on-site and all profits raised by the event will be transferred to Ukrainian charities. Let us face this conflict as citizens of the world and remember to always stand for peace. Date and Time Thursday. 10 March 2022 6pm – 7:30pm Location: Goethe-Institute Thailand 18/1 Soi Sathon 1, Lane 2 Khet Sathon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10120 Thailand Source: https://www.eventbrite.de/e/solidarity-concert-for-ukraine-tickets-291086386217 -- 2022-03-08

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 8 March 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1252662-thailand-live-tuesday-8-march-2022/

Pattaya City to expedite Jomtien Beach expansion project The Marine Department of Chonburi is planning, in conjunction with relevant agencies and officials, to move forward the timeline for the Jomtien Beach expansion after what they call the success of the project so far on Southern Na Jomtien Beach. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252647-pattaya-city-to-expedite-jomtien-beach-expansion-project/

Khon Kaen Set to Trial Light Rail Connecting Nong Khai and Bangkok BANGKOK (NNT) - Khon Kaen province has announced plans to trial a new light rail network to complement Thailand’s high-speed rail project, which will connect Nong Khai province and Bangkok, as well as the dual-track train network connecting Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252613-khon-kaen-set-to-trial-light-rail-connecting-nong-khai-and-bangkok/

BA.2 sub variant of Omicron becoming dominant strain in Thailand Photo: The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) 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. 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252642-ba2-sub-variant-of-omicron-becoming-dominant-strain-in-thailand/

Buriram: Thai driver submerged in a klong says amulets saved him Sanook Thai Caption: The amulet saved me Rescue services in Prakhonchai, Buriram, were called to the road by the old airport after reports that a driver was trapped in a submerged vehicle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252565-buriram-thai-driver-submerged-in-a-klong-says-amulets-saved-him/