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Pattaya tourism industry leaders say Test and Go must be further eased or removed, day five PCR test removal only saw “slight” improvement in foreign tourists By Adam Judd PHOTO: INN News Pattaya - Adding to a growing number of voices across Thailand asking for Test and Go to “Go away” prominent Pattaya tourism industry agree that the program must be further eased or removed to boost tourism in Thailand and Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252524-pattaya-tourism-industry-leaders-say-test-and-go-must-be-further-eased-or-removed-day-five-pcr-test-removal-only-saw-“slight”-improvement-in-foreign-tourists/

PHOTO: INN News By Adam Judd Pattaya - Adding to a growing number of voices across Thailand asking for Test and Go to “Go away” prominent Pattaya tourism industry agree that the program must be further eased or removed to boost tourism in Thailand and Pattaya. According to Mr. Provt Saekoo, President of the Eastern Thai Hotels Association, who also believes that allowing resumption of regular major festivals and events, especially Songkran, is needed to boost tourism as we wrote about here, Test and Go must be eased, potentially to just an ATK test on arrival instead of a costly PCR and mandated hotel stay, to begin to really see an impact on tourism from overseas. Mr. Saekoo, who commented on behalf of dozens of major local hotel and business owners, was discussing the situation just days after dozens of national business and tourism leaders told the Thai Government Thailand Pass and Test and Go needed to immediately be canceled. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/05/pattaya-tourism-industry-leaders-say-test-and-go-must-be-further-eased-or-removed-day-five-pcr-test-removal-only-saw-slight-improvement-in-foreign-tourists/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-07 - 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 Mayor says “many” foreign companies and investors interested in investing in monorail, project is proceeding forward By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand - The Pattaya Mayor, Sonthaya Khunplume, spoke to the press this weekend about the long-debated and discussed light rail/monorail project, reassuring residents that the project had not been canceled and was still in progress. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252523-pattaya-mayor-says-“many”-foreign-companies-and-investors-interested-in-investing-in-monorail-project-is-proceeding-forward/

By Adam Judd Pattaya, Thailand - The Pattaya Mayor, Sonthaya Khunplume, spoke to the press this weekend about the long-debated and discussed light rail/monorail project, reassuring residents that the project had not been canceled and was still in progress. According to the Pattaya Mayor, multiple foreign investors and capital companies are still interested in the project and an initial investment of 20 billion baht is likely to take place. Further discussions and planning and the public/private/partnership (PPP) process are set to take place during the 2022-2023 year, specifically around finalizing routes and types of light rails, such as a propulsion system or magnetic system. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/05/pattaya-mayor-says-many-foreign-companies-and-investors-interested-in-investing-in-monorail-project-is-proceeding-forward/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-07 - 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 Ministry of Public Health expects Covid-19 to be fully treated as ‘endemic’ by July By Nop Meechukhun National – The Thai Ministry of Public Health has joined university researchers to assess Thailand’s response to the Covid-19 situation following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, expecting to announce the disease as endemic in July. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252522-thailand’s-ministry-of-public-health-expects-covid-19-to-be-fully-treated-as-‘endemic’-by-july/

By Nop Meechukhun National – The Thai Ministry of Public Health has joined university researchers to assess Thailand’s response to the Covid-19 situation following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, expecting to announce the disease as endemic in July. Dr. Rungrueng Kitphati, advisor and spokesman from the Ministry of Public Health, revealed to the press yesterday, March 5th, that the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic in Thailand and around the world is likely to continue to decline. The Ministry then developed a management plan to announce the disease and treat it as endemic. Their research team also worked with various universities and related agencies to evaluate the country’s current and real response to the Covid-19 situation in national and regional areas under the WHO guidelines. PHOTO: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration According to the survey in eight main areas and 44 sub-areas, it was found that: 1. Thailand’s and the Ministry of Public Health’s competence and the situational response was at a very good level according to the guidelines’ 7 key components such as leadership, management, manpower, medicines, medical supplies, vaccines, service systems, participation of various sectors. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/06/thailands-ministry-of-public-health-expects-covid-19-to-be-fully-treated-as-endemic-by-july/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-07 - 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

Na Jomtien Municipality to allow restaurants to use expanded beach area “for now” if several rules are followed By Adam Judd Na Jomtien - Readers and local residents have recently noticed that several new illuminated nighttime sitting areas on Jomtien Beach on the newly expanded beach near several popular seafood restaurants and Na Jomtien have appeared, bringing questions if they are considered “encroaching” on the new beach. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252521-na-jomtien-municipality-to-allow-restaurants-to-use-expanded-beach-area-“for-now”-if-several-rules-are-followed/

By Adam Judd Na Jomtien - Readers and local residents have recently noticed that several new illuminated nighttime sitting areas on Jomtien Beach on the newly expanded beach near several popular seafood restaurants and Na Jomtien have appeared, bringing questions if they are considered “encroaching” on the new beach. The areas, which include a variety of camping style chairs and beanbags along with tables and illuminated areas, candles, music, and more have attracted many customers and made this part of the beach more lively, but, have brought concerns about potentially violating laws about encroachment. Mr. Anek Chartchua, a municipality official from Na Jomtien Municipality, inspected the area after videos went viral on TikTok, drawing many customers to the area to enjoy the beach at night while eating and drinking food and beverages from nearby restaurants. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/03/06/na-jomtien-municipality-to-allow-restaurants-to-use-expanded-beach-area-for-now-if-several-rules-are-followed/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-03-07 - 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

Government Provides Financial Aid to Workers Evacuated From Ukraine by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor has paid 2.3 million baht in compensation to Thai workers who returned to Thailand from Ukraine due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict there. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252519-government-provides-financial-aid-to-workers-evacuated-from-ukraine/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor has paid 2.3 million baht in compensation to Thai workers who returned to Thailand from Ukraine due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict there. According to Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin, the ministry has been assisting Thai citizens working in Ukraine who were forced to return to Thailand. These people received assistance and financial support established to help those who had to return to the Kingdom before the end of their contract due to conflict, instability, natural disasters or epidemics in their country of employment. Two groups of Thais safely arrived in Bangkok on Saturday, 16 of whom flew in at 6:25 AM, followed by another 45 at 12:05 PM. 54 of the arrivals were members of the fund to help job seekers work abroad and received 15,000 baht in financial assistance after returning to Thailand. Since March 2, a total of 197 Thai citizens have returned to the Kingdom. 154 of the arrivals were members who received aid from the ministry totaling 2.31 million baht. Pairoj Chotikasathien, director-general of the Department of Employment, emphasized the importance of providing members of the fund with the means to cover fees before their departure as required by law. Privileges provided by the fund are as follows: 1. In case of abandonment in a foreign nation, the fund provides 30,000 baht to assist returnees with transportation, lodging, food, medical treatment and other expenses. 2. In case of injury before or while working abroad, the fund covers medical fees of up to 30,000 baht. 3. In case of contract termination due to injury, the fund provides 15,000 baht. 4. In case of injury and disability, the fund provides 15,000 baht and 30,000 baht, respectively. 5. In case of problems experienced living abroad, the fund provides up to 30,000 baht to cover transportation, lodging, food, medical, and other expenses. 6. In case of deportation back to Thailand due to contracting prohibited diseases, the fund provides 25,000 baht to those working for less than six months and 15,000 baht to those working over six months. 7. The fund provides 15,000 baht to those affected by war, natural disasters or epidemics. 8. The beneficiary of a member who dies before departing or while residing in Thailand will receive 30,000 baht. Beneficiaries of those who die abroad will receive 40,000 baht, with up to 40,000 baht allocated to funeral expenses. 9. A member who has been prosecuted for unintentional activities abroad or treated unfairly at work can seek up to 100,000 baht to cover legal fees. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Doctors Say 20 Million Thais Afflicted by Metabolic Syndrome by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Health agencies recently tabled a discussion on the obesity situation in Thailand to mark the occasion of World Obesity Day. Speakers at the event disclosed that some 20 million Thais are afflicted by metabolic syndrome. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252518-doctors-say-20-million-thais-afflicted-by-metabolic-syndrome/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Health agencies recently tabled a discussion on the obesity situation in Thailand to mark the occasion of World Obesity Day. Speakers at the event disclosed that some 20 million Thais are afflicted by metabolic syndrome. Dr Sanit Wichansawakun, a professor at Thammasat University Hospital, said obesity can lead to non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease and cancer. She also said current efforts to tackle the issue have not been proactive, with most patients not realizing that obesity is a disease that needs to be treated. Dr Sanit noted that people are instead placing importance on weight loss for beauty purposes, adding that the Thai public health system has yet to sponsor treatments for obesity under the reasoning that people can control their diet without seeing a doctor. She said successful weight reduction minimizes complications and lowers the cost of treating diseases. Dr Ladda Mo-suwan, who represents the Association of Thai NCD Alliance, said more children under the age of 5 years are overweight than ever before. Consequences include joint conditions such as bow legs, slow movement, low sleep quality and developmental issues. Other health problems include respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Obese children are also four times more likely to die from chronic, non-communicable diseases than regular children. Dr Ladda said affected children must regulate their diets and reduce sweets, as well as fatty and salty foods. Efforts should also be made to encourage children to be more active. Additionally, consumption of plain water and milk should be encouraged while sodas should be avoided. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Health Ministry Honors Those Who Helped Prevent Drowning Fatalities Among Children by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand saw the number of children who died from drowning drop by 56% in 2021. A new target is now set to bring the number of drowning deaths among children under the age of 15 down to 2.5 per 100,000 by 2027. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252517-health-ministry-honors-those-who-helped-prevent-drowning-fatalities-among-children/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand saw the number of children who died from drowning drop by 56% in 2021. A new target is now set to bring the number of drowning deaths among children under the age of 15 down to 2.5 per 100,000 by 2027. The Ministry of Public Health has meanwhile issued plaques commemorating those who contributed to reducing drowning deaths in 2021. The plaques were handed out by Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. According to the minister, the health ministry operated in accordance with the United Nations’ Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention. Teams that were formed through multi-agency and public collaboration have been able to reduce the number of child drowning deaths to 658 in 2021, down from around 1,500 the previous year. Anutin explained that the ministry rapidly proceeded on three matters of concern. Children under the age of 2 were provided with safe play areas that made injuries less likely. Children aged 6 or older were meanwhile taught to swim or float by drowning prevention teams at each locality and those 12 and older were taught to deliver CPR. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Government Instructs Authorities to Prepare for Volatile Weather by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Government agencies have been instructed to prepare emergency measures in anticipation of volatile weather nationwide over the start of this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252516-government-instructs-authorities-to-prepare-for-volatile-weather/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Government agencies have been instructed to prepare emergency measures in anticipation of volatile weather nationwide over the start of this week. According to Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha recently expressed concern about public safety due to extreme weather predicted by the Thai Meteorological Department going into Tuesday. Thunderstorms, gusty winds and hail are forecast in the lower Northeastern, Central and Eastern regions. Officials have been directed to inspect and remove any unsecured billboards or buildings that could endanger people during severe storms. They will also issue warnings in advance so local residents can prepare for extreme weather. To ensure their safety, residents are also recommended to avoid the previously open areas and dangerous locations. Authorities in the southern provinces have meanwhile been assessing damage caused by recent flooding, with reconstruction efforts currently underway after flood waters receded. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Mental Health Dept Warns About Stress Due to Excessive News Consumption Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Mental Health has indicated concern for people who constantly follow news and social media updates to the point of stressing themselves out, noting that this is particularly the case when many serious developments are taking place. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252515-mental-health-dept-warns-about-stress-due-to-excessive-news-consumption/

Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Mental Health has indicated concern for people who constantly follow news and social media updates to the point of stressing themselves out, noting that this is particularly the case when many serious developments are taking place. Dr Warot Chotipittayasunon, a spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health, recommends that people take in an appropriate amount of news and exercise moderation. He also suggested that people perform self-evaluations to determine whether news cycles are starting to affect their daily lives or cause stress and sleep problems. Additionally, the spokesperson said people who find themselves constantly needing to stay informed on new developments may wish to focus on other activities to relax their minds. Dr Warot explained that people suffering from Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) can have volatile emotions and experience anxiety when not online. They generally spend more than 6 hours looking at screens each day and obsessively use Facebook, Twitter and other information-related apps. Dr Warot further noted that people exhibiting such symptoms may want to consult a psychiatrist. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Insurance Regulator Revises COVID Guidelines Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s insurance regulator has revised its compensation guidelines for COVID-19 cases. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252514-insurance-regulator-revises-covid-guidelines/

Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s insurance regulator has revised its compensation guidelines for COVID-19 cases. According to the new coverage guidelines, insurance holders admitted to either a general hospital, field hospital or hospitel are now entitled to claims for medical bills and daily compensation. The new guidelines issued by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) specify that the entitlements are based on people’s insurance policies. The revised guidelines were agreed upon by the OIC, the Ministry of Public Health, the Thai Life Assurance Association, the Thai General Insurance Association, and the Private Hospital Association. OIC Secretary-General Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn also assured that insurance companies had already been notified of the new guidelines. The commission will convene at a later date to issue additional guidelines for patients in home or community isolation. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

MOU Signed to Pilot Circular Economy Approach in Krabi Natthaphon Sangpolsit KRABI (NNT) - The Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model is now being employed as a mechanism for driving Thailand’s economy toward exponential growth. The BCG model is also expected to distribute income and opportunities more equally and enable communities to prosper with less disparity. The model will be piloted in Krabi province in accordance with an MOU on the circular economy and the environment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252513-mou-signed-to-pilot-circular-economy-approach-in-krabi/

Natthaphon Sangpolsit KRABI (NNT) - The Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model is now being employed as a mechanism for driving Thailand’s economy toward exponential growth. The BCG model is also expected to distribute income and opportunities more equally and enable communities to prosper with less disparity. The model will be piloted in Krabi province in accordance with an MOU on the circular economy and the environment. MOU signatories include the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Krabi Chamber of Commerce, the Krabi Hotel Association and the Sustainable Krabi Foundation. The organizations aim to promote the participation of local businesses in reducing environmental impacts via the circular economy approach. Food and plastic waste will be reduced through such means as designing reusable products and developing efficient waste management systems. Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) Chairman Sanan Angubolkul noted that entrepreneurs in particular have become more interested in environmentally responsible business operations. This increased awareness partly stems from global shifts and the inclusion of environmental responsibility as a business standard. Sanan said Thailand needs to adjust its focus in a timely manner, especially in sectors that are heavily dependent on natural resources, such as tourism. According to the chairman, the TCC plans to expand this year’s BCG model to businesses in 23 coastal provinces in order to minimize damage to the marine environment and promote sustainable tourism sector development. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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

Measures Underway to Alleviate Economic Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have reverberated throughout the globe and compounded issues brought on by the pandemic. Thailand is now proceeding with measures in three areas aimed at mitigating the economic repercussions. The measures call for reducing living expenses, mitigating debt burdens, and accelerating large investments that will distribute income across localities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252512-measures-underway-to-alleviate-economic-impact-of-russia-ukraine-conflict/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have reverberated throughout the globe and compounded issues brought on by the pandemic. Thailand is now proceeding with measures in three areas aimed at mitigating the economic repercussions. The measures call for reducing living expenses, mitigating debt burdens, and accelerating large investments that will distribute income across localities. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha recently called a meeting of his advisors to discuss the measures while acknowledging higher energy costs and prices for certain commodities. Prime ministerial advisors were told to proceed with determining measures under three propositions. Measures under the first proposition relate to reducing people’s expenses, especially for vulnerable groups. These may involve assistance with fuel oil, cooking gas and electricity bills. The second proposition deals with measures to alleviate debt burdens and help people avoid having their assets seized by lenders. The government has designated 2022 as “a year for resolving household debts”. The third proposition calls for investments that will boost Thailand’s competitiveness and increase people’s income. Large public investment projects will be accelerated so money gets injected into various localities. These projects include the EEC, infrastructure for improving connectivity and distributing resources to various regions and locales, and railways for shipping export products. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-03-07 - 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 company fixing pipeline in the Gulf of Thailand after failure to mend a valve Star Petroleum Refining Plc (SPRC) has changed the repair plan to focus on fixing two ruptures in the submarine oil pipeline with special adhesive material. This process may take eight days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1252511-oil-company-fixing-pipeline-in-the-gulf-of-thailand-after-failure-to-mend-a-valve/