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by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Trade Negotiations under the Ministry of Commerce is holding the annual ‘FTA Fair’ from February 25 to March 3 to promote Thai products and the benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs). Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai said the annual fair would help participants understand the benefits of FTAs. FTAs help stimulate growth for local farmers, community enterprises and potential entrepreneurs. The ministry said the fair will be a key to supporting community enterprises and SMEs by increasing trade opportunities with international partners and penetrating new customer groups looking for health-related and environmentally friendly products. Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations, said the annual FTA Fair has received much positive feedback. This year, the department selected farmers, community enterprises and SMEs from provinces nationwide to participate in the fair. Around 40 booths are selling goods such as agricultural products, processed crops, milk tablets, coffee, handicrafts and jewelry. The 2022 FTA Fair also provides consultation on FTAs and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Attendees can also learn how to maximize profits from the existing FTAs through seminars and exhibitions. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - 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

Arrest warrants issued for owner and driver of speed boat from which Thai actress fell The Nonthaburi provincial court has issued warrants for the arrests of the owner and the driver of the speed boat from which TV actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong fell into the Chao Phraya River and drowned. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251689-arrest-warrants-issued-for-owner-and-driver-of-speed-boat-from-which-thai-actress-fell/

The Nonthaburi provincial court has issued warrants for the arrests of the owner and the driver of the speed boat from which TV actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong fell into the Chao Phraya River and drowned. The boat’s owner, Tanupat “Por” Lerttaweewit, and the boat’s driver, Paibul “Bert” Trikanchananan, are facing charges of causing wrongful death by negligence. Tanupat also faces an additional charge of using a boat with an expired license. Pol Lt-Col Uthen Hongthong, who is investigating the case, said that the two suspects, accompanied by a lawyer, reported to the Muang district police station Saturday night to acknowledge the charges and applied for bail. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/arrest-warrants-issued-for-owner-and-driver-of-speed-boat-from-which-thai-actress-fell/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-28 - 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 Rural Doctor Society complains of serious Favipiravir shortage The Rural Doctor Society (RDS) is complaining of a serious shortage of anti-viral Favipiravir medicine, to the extent that several hospitals have restricted its distribution to COVID-19 patients, except to those who are over 80. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251688-thailand’s-rural-doctor-society-complains-of-serious-favipiravir-shortage/

The Rural Doctor Society (RDS) is complaining of a serious shortage of anti-viral Favipiravir medicine, to the extent that several hospitals have restricted its distribution to COVID-19 patients, except to those who are over 80. In its Facebook post yesterday (Saturday), the RDS said that, since last September, Favipiravir had been readily available, because the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) increased production and infections by the Delta variant were reducing steadily. This had prompted the Ministry of Public Health to order state hospitals to prescribe the anti-viral medicine to all who become infected, no matter whether they were asymptomatic or had only mild symptoms. With the steady but rapid spread of Omicron variant infections since last November, the RDS said that several rural hospitals and community isolation facilities are now experiencing serious shortages of Favipiravir. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-rural-doctor-society-complains-of-serious-favipiravir-shortage/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-28 - 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 to open COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Infection clinics on March 1st COVID-19 patients in Thailand, who are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms, will be able to access medical services at Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) clinics, in addition to home and community isolation facilities, from March 1st, according to Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr.Kiattibhoom Vongrachit Saturday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251687-thailand-to-open-covid-19-acute-respiratory-infection-clinics-on-march-1st/

COVID-19 patients in Thailand, who are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms, will be able to access medical services at Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) clinics, in addition to home and community isolation facilities, from March 1st, according to Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr.Kiattibhoom Vongrachit Saturday. He said that out-patient medical services at ARI clinics are an alternative for people infected with COVID-19 in case they can’t access home or community isolation facilities after testing positive for the virus. At the ARI clinics, he said that patients will have access to COVID-19 tests, examinations, medications and advice from doctors about how to take care of themselves while they are quarantined at home. 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-to-open-covid-19-acute-respiratory-infection-clinics-on-march-1st/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-28 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 28 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1251685-thailand-live-monday-28-feb-2022/

Prolonged Russia-Ukraine war could derail Thai economic recovery The impact on Thailand’s economy from the Russia-Ukraine conflict will depend on how long the hostilities go on and whether they will escalate, economic observers have noted. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251684-prolonged-russia-ukraine-war-could-derail-thai-economic-recovery/

The impact on Thailand’s economy from the Russia-Ukraine conflict will depend on how long the hostilities go on and whether they will escalate, economic observers have noted. In response to Russian troops invading Ukraine last week, the United States and its allies have imposed sanctions on Russia and Russian leaders, with threats of more stringent actions. The sanctions imposed by the US, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Australia include freezing the assets of Russian banks, the personal assets of President Vladimir Putin and his inner circle, an export ban on materials Russia uses for oil refineries, halting the export of goods such as semiconductors, cutting high-tech imports to stop it developing its military capabilities and stopping major Russian companies and the state from raising funds or borrowing money. The US has also imposed a travel ban on Putin and his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry on February 25 announced a plan to evacuate 236 Thais living in Ukraine. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/prolonged-russia-ukraine-war-could-derail-thai-economic-recovery/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai and US Forces Conclude Cobra Gold and Hanuman Guardian Joint Exercises by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai and US military forces recently concluded two concurrent military exercises known as Cobra Gold and Hanuman Guardian. The first is a long-running multinational military exercise held in Thailand every year, while the second focuses on paratroopers and bolstering the capacities of the Thai and US armed forces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251604-thai-and-us-forces-conclude-cobra-gold-and-hanuman-guardian-joint-exercises/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai and US military forces recently concluded two concurrent military exercises known as Cobra Gold and Hanuman Guardian. The first is a long-running multinational military exercise held in Thailand every year, while the second focuses on paratroopers and bolstering the capacities of the Thai and US armed forces. The Hanuman Guardian 2022 joint exercise was launched on Thursday (24 Feb). Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Narongphan Jitkaewtae and US Charge d’Affaires Michael Heath presided over the inauguration ceremony. The Hanuman Guardian exercise for paratroopers – now in its 11th year – was held for two days, from February 24 to 25, in the provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan and Lopburi. Around 1,000 troops from the Thai army and some 600 US troops participated in the exercise while closely adhering to COVID-19 prevention protocols. All participants were required to remain within the training grounds at all times and travel by chartered flights. Army Deputy Chief Gen Supachok Thawatpeerachai on Thursday observed a Cobra Gold Command Post Exercise (CPX) in Rayong province, after which he received a summary and was briefed on the results. Cobra Gold is the largest joint military exercise in Southeast Asia. The Royal Thai Armed Forces and the United States Indo-Pacific Command jointly host the drills every year to boost military ties between friendly nations. Cobra Gold also aims to improve combat management for application in crisis situations. This year marked the 41st time that the exercise was held. Cobra Gold 2022 runs from February 20 to March 5 under a Bubble and Seal COVID-19 prevention approach. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-26 - 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

TCC to Tighten E-Commerce Regulations to Ensure Fair Competition by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Trade Competition Commission (TCC) is planning to increase its focus on e-commerce platforms this year to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251599-tcc-to-tighten-e-commerce-regulations-to-ensure-fair-competition/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Trade Competition Commission (TCC) is planning to increase its focus on e-commerce platforms this year to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. The e-commerce sector has been seeing significant growth of around 10% annually. Last year, the industry was valued at 4 trillion baht. With key e-commerce players expanding into advertising, payment services and logistics, the TCC is paying closer attention to the impact it is having on other players in the industry. TCC Chairperson Sakon Varanyuwatana said 71 complaints related to trade competition were filed last year, with e-commerce operators receiving the most complaints. The majority of these complaints involved abuse of dominance as well as unfair trade practices and agreements. The TCC will also tighten regulations on business mergers that could lead to market domination, particularly in the technology sector. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-26 - 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 to open more community isolation centres amid COVID-19 spike By Online Reporter Image: Prachuap Post More community isolation centres will be set up in Hua Hin to handle the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251595-hua-hin-to-open-more-community-isolation-centres-amid-covid-19-spike/

Image: Prachuap Post By Online Reporter More community isolation centres will be set up in Hua Hin to handle the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the district. Officials in all seven sub-districts have been ordered to survey potential locations for community isolation centres (CI), Hua Hin Sheriff Mr. Krit Phuangvalaisin has confirmed. Mr Krit was speaking at a meeting at the Ritthiruechai Special Combat Training Centre in Huai Sat Yai which has recently been made into a CI centre. The centre can accommodate up to 80 patients, Mr Krit said. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/hua-hin-to-open-more-community-isolation-centres-amid-covid-19-spike/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-26 - 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

Invasion! Eyes towards Europe as people in Thailand ponder the consequences Most eyes in Thailand looked west this week as the much anticipated invasion of Ukraine by Putin’s Russia began on Thursday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251594-invasion-eyes-towards-europe-as-people-in-thailand-ponder-the-consequences/

Most eyes in Thailand looked west this week as the much anticipated invasion of Ukraine by Putin’s Russia began on Thursday. Many people in Thailand - especially Thais themselves - are largely oblivious to events outside their borders, outside Asia, complacently assuming that it won’t affect them. This conflict - the extent of which remains to be seen - will test that indifference, test that casual complacency. Rooster does not have the answers. If I’m honest I didn’t think it would come to this. I thought it was all political brinkmanship and Putin would back down after scoring some diplomatic victories. Shows what I know. It now appears he doesn’t give a monkey’s about the West’s sanctions. ************************************************ Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to Subscribe ************************************************ The comparisons to WW2 are concerning. How many believed in the late 1930s that Hitler would not attack, how a spurious claim that Germany responded to insurgents as a pretext for invasion in Poland. We all know how that turned out. What Putin is up to after years of rhetoric about NATO expansion will hopefully become clearer in the next days and weeks without too much bloodshed. Certainly the warnings of western politicians have proved to be on the money. Thais will probably react more with the continuing rise in fuel prices, extra effects on tourism after the pandemic, travel restrictions, a rise in gold prices, that sort of financial thing. Few could pick Ukraine out on a map, even if they could locate Europe! Here in Thailand in the last seven days it all seemed mundane in comparison. As I begin a week’s ASEAN NOW holiday with my grown up children who arrived from the UK last weekend, here is a list of what I found noteworthy last week: Thursday saw a record number of daily Covid cases smashing previous 2021 records. When PCR tests confirmed ATK tests the figure was expected to be 45,000+. Anybody remember back in 2020 when ONE case in Rayong shut down the whole province? Deaths are increasing but still low - we have to get used to this menace, follow the advice and trust - a poor word - that the government in Thailand will believe their own rhetoric and learn to live with the virus. Let’s face it, we’re all fed up with the restrictions and parents are still going stir crazy with young children off school for the best part of two years! Madness. And who knows, or even cares, what ramping up the threat to Level 4 even means. I’m losing the will to live. Health minister Anutin - an ASEAN NOW staple if ever there was one - said that Thailand could cope no matter what. Dr Yong predicted 100,000 cases daily, at least. Blah, blah effing blah! The road carnage continued - and some - with the site focusing many column inches on the appalling death and destruction. In Pattaya an expat cyclist died after being hit by a pick-up. You particularly take your life into your hands as a cyclist on the roads. Back in 2007 a doctor told me I was getting seriously overweight. I went from the surgery to Lotus and bought a bike and cycled 25 kms to and from school for months until the weight dropped off. But I figured that if I continued much more I’d be killed - not by obesity but collision. I continued eating much less to keep the weight off. Other accidents showed the Thai propensity for grisly pictures of blood and bodies on the roads. I’m in favor of this - anything to warn people of what really happens when flesh hits metal or tarmac. Why sanitize the issue? One of the most read stories of the week had posed a question as to why so many foreigners fall off balconies in Thailand. Yes, some balconies are absurdly low for many tall westerners; I remember how on school trips we used to ban older teens from going on them at all. But many foreigners come to Thailand - either as retirees or lovelorn - convinced that the problems they left behind will magically disappear. Nonsense. Your troubles follow you around and I genuinely believe that most balcony fallers were not pushed but jumped - a result of severe mental health issues looking for a quick, free and instant way out. On holidays in the UK I have often been to Beach Head to ruminate on why people go there to end it all. Americans speak of the Golden Gate Bridge. Thailand has its balconies, sadly. I would urge anyone who knows someone with mental health issues to reach out to them. It happened in my family and I’m glad I did. In tourism news billionaire Pipat said he was determined to press on with the so-called 300 baht tourist charge. He wants the money to pay for foreigners who need medical treatment and to improve tourism infrastructure. Why does Thailand always have to complicate everything? (to justify jobs I hear you say). If they just said the money was a visa on arrival barely anyone would bat an eyelid. They continue to make a rod for their own backs. The Soi Dog Foundation were bigging up their efforts to mark “World Spay Day” on Tuesday. Can’t we have World Kill a Soi Dog Day, please, that’ll work for me and thousands of others threatened by these mangy mutts all over Thailand. Monks Behaving Badly continued like it was the title of a British sitcom! Hilarious pictures of some of the saffron brigade in Pathum Thani holed up in a collection of “booze tents” were followed by the discovery of seven bogus monks in Rayong begging for money after being revealed eating “gai yang khao niaw” (chicken with sticky rice). Thai reporters went to a filthy beach after a woman found medicine bottles and syringes. What washes up on the shore in Thailand beggars belief. Years ago a teenage boy at my school hanged himself from the back of his bedroom door. It was a tragic case of pressure from school work. Thai Rath shocked our community by claiming it was because the boy thought he’d caught AIDS from a needle on the beach during an international school trip. Rooster - as trip coordinator - had to write a huge report to debunk that complete nonsense. A reminder of the utter twaddle sometimes in the news in Thailand. In Pattaya - again - a foreigner barricaded himself in a massage shop’s toilets after what was called a “major public disturbance” of an “erratic and unhinged” man. Some suggested it was an ASEAN NOW poster having some time off the keyboard. In police news it was announced 36 cops had either been sacked or dismissed since the start of the year. Apparently there’s a difference. The RTP spokesman asked us to believe that this was evidence of PM Prayuth Chan-ocha - as head of the Police Commission - continuing his drive to rid the country of corruption. Ask any Thai and they will tell you that the first 8 years of “Uncle Too’s” 20 year anti-corruption crusade has been a total, unmitigated failure. Bent officials are everywhere, not just in the RTP. Schools, hospitals, local and central government officialdom…politicians, of course. And the Thai people continue to connive in it by taking part and not standing up to it en masse. We’re all guilty to some degree. As I mentioned earlier my grown up children arrived after a three year pandemic hiccup. They were impressed by the arrangements for their 1st and 5th day quarantine but there was a lot of stress that the tests might be positive. All was well. Please end all this nonsense, insist that tourists are vaccinated and do ATK tests at the airport - surely that’s enough to help get the tourist industry back on track and stop scaring potential visitors. Finally the week started with Rooster spluttering his coffee all over the translation keyboard. A woman in Phuket was offering a 10,000 baht reward for the return of her silkie chicken. Wisely perhaps, my new editor rejected my headline that referred to the lady’s need to be reunited with her prized cock. In a troubled world us wannabe journos need to have our childish fun. Rooster -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-26 - 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

Search operations for missing Thai TV star Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong, who fell from a speedboat into the Chao Phraya River on Thursday night, continue this morning (Saturday) after over 33 hours. The operation resumed at 6.30am with rescue teams searchingthe surface of the water, from Phra Nangklao Bridge to Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge. Last night, rescue divers suspended their search at 9pm because conditions were becoming too dangerous. This afternoon, rescue teams will assess weather conditions and water currents on the river. They say they hope to be able to find the missing TV star today, because the currents are expected to be weak and there are no express boats using the river, which will make it easier for rescuers to work. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-tv-star-tangmo-still-missing-search-continues/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-26 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai TV star Tangmo still missing, search continues Search operations for missing Thai TV star Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong, who fell from a speedboat into the Chao Phraya River on Thursday night, continue this morning (Saturday) after over 33 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251591-thai-tv-star-tangmo-still-missing-search-continues/

Transport Ministry: Closing of Ukrainian airspace does not affect flights from Thailand The Ministry of Transport has assured that civilian flights from Thailand to Europe are not affected by the closure of Ukrainian airspace. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251590-transport-ministry-closing-of-ukrainian-airspace-does-not-affect-flights-from-thailand/

The Ministry of Transport has assured that civilian flights from Thailand to Europe are not affected by the closure of Ukrainian airspace. Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob stated that outbound flights from Thailand have followed the International Civil Aviation Organization's recommendations to avoid the conflict zone by flying south of Ukraine, over the airspace of Iran and Turkey. He added that air traffic along this route will probably increase after Ukraine has shut down its airspace to civilian airplanes on Thursday. Thai Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) director-general Suttipong Kongpool has disclosed that no Thai carriers are using Ukrainian airspace. Thai Airways is the only operator flying to Europe, and they have already informed CAAT that they adjusted their flight paths to safer airspace over Turkey a while ago due to the conflict zone. According to CAAT director-general, Thai Airways is operating seven flights from Thailand to Europe. The seven routes are Bangkok-London (6 flights/week), Bangkok - Copenhagen (3 flights/week), Bangkok-Frankfurt (7 flights/week), Bangkok-Paris (2 flights/week), Bangkok-Zurich (3 flights/week), Bangkok-Brussels (2 flights/week) and Bangkok-Stockholm (3 flights/week). Source: https://www.facebook.com/nbtworld/photos/a.10151714100817050/10158523648862050/ -- © Copyright NBT WORLD 2022-02-26 - 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

Kansuda Chanakeeree wins Miss Grand Prachuap Khiri Khan 2022 By Online Reporter Kansuda ‘Mimi’ Chanakeeree has been crowned Miss Grand Prachuap Khiri Khan 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251588-kansuda-chanakeeree-wins-miss-grand-prachuap-khiri-khan-2022/

By Online Reporter Kansuda ‘Mimi’ Chanakeeree has been crowned Miss Grand Prachuap Khiri Khan 2022. Mimi won the title at the final of the pageant which was held at Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin on Thursday evening (Feb 24). Mimi, who is of half Thai-Burmese descent and from Tak, is a graduate from Chiang Mai Rajabhat University and has competed in many beauty pageants, including Miss Universe Thailand. However, winning the Miss Grand Prachuap Khiri Khan 2022 is her first victory. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/kansuda-chanakeeree-wins-miss-grand-prachuap-khiri-khan-2022/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-26 - 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

Political stand-off in Thailand over urban rail contract reignites concerns over high public transport costs by Tan Tam Mei Thailand Correspondent The parliamentary clash has also resurfaced concerns over the prices of Bangkok's rapid rail transit fares. PHOTO: PIXABAY BANGKOK - Pushback against a proposal to extend a public-private partnership contract for a key section of Bangkok's skytrain has further underlined fractures in Thailand's coalition government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251586-political-stand-off-in-thailand-over-urban-rail-contract-reignites-concerns-over-high-public-transport-costs/