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The parliamentary clash has also resurfaced concerns over the prices of Bangkok's rapid rail transit fares. PHOTO: PIXABAY by Tan Tam Mei Thailand Correspondent 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. The parliamentary clash has also resurfaced concerns over the prices of Bangkok's rapid rail transit fares, which remain unaffordable for a number of commuters. The extension proposal by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Interior Ministry will lengthen the current contract for the Green Line skytrain for another 30 years after it expires in 2029. It also asks for the maximum fares to be set at 65 baht (S$2.70) per trip, up from the current 59 baht. Full story: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/political-standoff-over-urban-rail-contract-reignites-concerns-over-high-public-transport-costs -- © Copyright THE STRAITS TIMES 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

Taopiphop Limjittrakorn: The home brewer turned MP shaking up Thailand’s liquor industry A young man’s passion for craft beer has taken him to heights most Thais can only dream of – a seat in Parliament where he is now fighting to break the virtual monopoly in Thailand’s alcohol market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251584-taopiphop-limjittrakorn-the-home-brewer-turned-mp-shaking-up-thailand’s-liquor-industry/

A young man’s passion for craft beer has taken him to heights most Thais can only dream of – a seat in Parliament where he is now fighting to break the virtual monopoly in Thailand’s alcohol market. “I am making good on my election promise,” said Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, who was arrested for brewing craft beer without a license in early 2017, before being elected under the Future Forward Party’s banner two years later. In the run-up to the general election, he bicycled door to door through Bangkok’s Constituency 22 to inform voters about his plan to change laws that favor giant brewers and make craft beer easily available. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/taopiphop-limjittrakorn-the-home-brewer-turned-mp-shaking-up-thailands-liquor-industry/ -- © 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

India and Thailand are all set get flights under air bubble arrangement Starting March 1, Thai Airways will operate flights to and from five Indian cities under the air bubble arrangement. On the other hand, India may reopen regular scheduled flights from March 15, 2022 TIMES OF INDIA Credit: iStock Thai Airways has announced that flights will soon resume between the two countries under the air bubble arrangement. The national carrier of Thailand has shared this news with stakeholders in India, saying that Bangkok will not have flights to Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, starting March 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251580-india-and-thailand-are-all-set-get-flights-under-air-bubble-arrangement/

Credit: iStock Starting March 1, Thai Airways will operate flights to and from five Indian cities under the air bubble arrangement. On the other hand, India may reopen regular scheduled flights from March 15, 2022 TIMES OF INDIA Thai Airways has announced that flights will soon resume between the two countries under the air bubble arrangement. The national carrier of Thailand has shared this news with stakeholders in India, saying that Bangkok will not have flights to Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, starting March 1. The flights are however subject to approval from the Indian government. A statement by the airline said, “We are pleased to advise that with effective March 1, 2022, Thai Airways flights will commence between India and Thailand under Air Travel Bubble. The schedule of flights and fares is updated in all the GDS.” Air Bubbles have been the way countries are allowing travellers to move from one destination to another, as regular scheduled flights stand suspended. Full story: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/india-and-thailand-are-all-set-get-flights-under-air-bubble-arrangement/as89818849.cms -- © Copyright THE TIMES OF INDIA 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

Thailand reports 25,615 new COVID-19 cases, 40 deaths, 14,641 recoveries File photo Thailand on Saturday (February 26) reported 25,615 new COVID-19 cases, 14,641 recoveries and 40 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251575-thailand-reports-25615-new-covid-19-cases-40-deaths-14641-recoveries/ //CLOSED// /Admin

Thailand reports 25,615 new COVID-19 cases, 40 deaths, 14,641 recoveries File photo Thailand on Saturday (February 26) reported 25,615 new COVID-19 cases, 14,641 recoveries and 40 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251575-thailand-reports-25615-new-covid-19-cases-40-deaths-14641-recoveries/

File photo Thailand on Saturday (February 26) reported 25,615 new COVID-19 cases, 14,641 recoveries and 40 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 25,449. Prisons: 166 ▶︎ Recoveries: 14,641 Saturday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,844,897 with 22,849 deaths. The news comes as Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kiattibhoom Vongrachit has announced a new scheme to treat COVID-19 patients without the need for hospital admission. If found to be infected, after taking a rapid antigen test, doctors will provide medications, such as Favipiravir, Fah Talai Jone Thai herbal medicine or others, depending on the symptoms exhibited, such as a fever, a cough or a runny nose. The scheme is expected to begin nationwide on March 1st. *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 2022-02-26 - 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

Thailand and Malaysia to expedite quarantine-free cross-border travels for vaccinated travellers by Pichayada Promchertchoo Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. (Photo: CNA/Saksith Saiyasombut) BANGKOK: Thailand and Malaysia agreed to expedite quarantine-free travels across the borders for travellers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Friday (Feb 25) after meeting his Malaysian counterpart Ismail Sabri Yaakob in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251574-thailand-and-malaysia-to-expedite-quarantine-free-cross-border-travels-for-vaccinated-travellers/

Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. (Photo: CNA/Saksith Saiyasombut) by Pichayada Promchertchoo BANGKOK: Thailand and Malaysia agreed to expedite quarantine-free travels across the borders for travellers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Friday (Feb 25) after meeting his Malaysian counterpart Ismail Sabri Yaakob in Bangkok. “We share the hope that fully vaccinated people will soon be able to travel between Thailand and Malaysia without quarantine, while following public health measures of both sides,” stated Gen Prayut during a joint press conference at the Government House in Bangkok. “Malaysia has called such channel ‘Vaccinated Travel Lane’ (VTL),” he added. According to the Thai prime minister, a joint working group will be set up to discuss guidelines for cross-border travels in order to expedite the reopening of borders. Full story: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-malaysia-expedite-quarantine-free-vaccinated-travellers-2519966 -- © Copyright Channel NewsAsia 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

Ananda’s losses pile on in 2021 due to pandemic impact By Panithan Onthaworn Property developer Ananda Development Plc (ANAN) reported a 2021 full-year net loss of 457 million baht. The losses were a 120 per cent increase from 2020 which the company blamed on weak property demand caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251573-ananda’s-losses-pile-on-in-2021-due-to-pandemic-impact/

By Panithan Onthaworn Property developer Ananda Development Plc (ANAN) reported a 2021 full-year net loss of 457 million baht. The losses were a 120 per cent increase from 2020 which the company blamed on weak property demand caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The company’s fourth-quarter net loss of 220 million baht was also worse than what most analysts anticipated. Ananda’s chief executive Chanond Ruangkritya said the losses were mainly from “a decline in income from the joint venture investments which was affected by low condominium transfers under the Covid-19 outbreak.” Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37915/anandas-losses-pile-on-in-2021-due-to-pandemic-impact/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

FAMILY OF WC WOMAN JAILED IN THAILAND FOR DRUGS BELIEVE HER IMPRISONMENT UNJUST Ashley Oosthuizen was arrested by Thai police in 2020 and was sentenced to death on drug-related charges. The sentence has since been changed to life behind bars. by Shamiela Fisher Ashley Oosthuizen has been sentenced to life imprisonment on drug-related charges. Picture: Facebook CAPE TOWN - The family of a George woman who is locked up in Thailand for selling drugs believes that their daughter was unjustly put behind bars as she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251572-family-of-south-african-jailed-in-thailand-remain-hopeful/?do=findComment&comment=17212032v

FAMILY OF WC WOMAN JAILED IN THAILAND FOR DRUGS BELIEVE HER IMPRISONMENT UNJUST Ashley Oosthuizen was arrested by Thai police in 2020 and was sentenced to death on drug-related charges. The sentence has since been changed to life behind bars. by Shamiela Fisher Ashley Oosthuizen has been sentenced to life imprisonment on drug-related charges. Picture: Facebook CAPE TOWN - The family of a George woman who is locked up in Thailand for selling drugs believes that their daughter was unjustly put behind bars as she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Ashley Oosthuizen went to Thailand in March 2018 to start a job as a teacher but she was let go from the post and started working at a restaurant owned by her boyfriend. But Oosthuizen's island life changed in 2020 when she was arrested by Thai police and was sentenced to death on drug-related charges. The sentence has since been changed to life behind bars. According to her family, the 22-year-old had signed for a package on behalf of her boyfriend. She was arrested and has been in jail ever since. -- © Copyright EYEWITNESS NEWS 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

Family of South African jailed in Thailand remain hopeful By Siphokazi Vuso Lynn Blignaut and her daughter, Ashley Oosthuizen. CAPE TOWN - The mother of Ashley Oosthuizen, who is facing life imprisonment in Thailand for alleged international drug trafficking, says the family is overwhelmed by the support they have been receiving from the public. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251572-family-of-south-african-jailed-in-thailand-remain-hopeful/

Lynn Blignaut and her daughter, Ashley Oosthuizen. By Siphokazi Vuso CAPE TOWN - The mother of Ashley Oosthuizen, who is facing life imprisonment in Thailand for alleged international drug trafficking, says the family is overwhelmed by the support they have been receiving from the public. Since news of Ashley’s imprisonment broke, her mother, Lynn Blignaut, said messages of support and encouragement had been flowing in. “Everybody has been amazing with their support and their messages of encouragement. I stand in awe to see all the positive reactions, it shows that so many people actually really do care,” she said. After matriculating in 2017, Blignaut’s 22-year-old daughter had moved to Thailand in March 2018 to do a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course, so she could teach kindergarten on the island of Koh Samui. When Oosthuizen was laid off work during the pandemic, Tris Nepps, believed to be her boyfriend and also alleged to be smuggling drugs on the island, had apparently offered her employment at his restaurant. Full story: https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/family-of-south-african-jailed-in-thailand-remain-hopeful-29816fc1-4297-45fe-814f-222abe7aa0ff -- © Copyright IOL 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

US urged to stop importing fishing nets from Thailand Organizations cite persistent labor rights violations in the manufacture of fishing gear in Thai prisons UCA News reporter, Bangkok Thai fishermen haul in a net at sea. (Photo supplied) Prominent labor and human rights organizations have called on the government of the United States to ensure that fishing nets are not imported from Thailand over persistent labor rights violations in the manufacturing of these nets by local companies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251571-us-urged-to-stop-importing-fishing-nets-from-thailand/

Thai fishermen haul in a net at sea. (Photo supplied) Organizations cite persistent labor rights violations in the manufacture of fishing gear in Thai prisons UCA News reporter, Bangkok Prominent labor and human rights organizations have called on the government of the United States to ensure that fishing nets are not imported from Thailand over persistent labor rights violations in the manufacturing of these nets by local companies. In a report published last December by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the news organization found that many inmates at Thai prisons are forced to make fishing nets for private companies and that non-compliance with orders or failure to meet stringent quotas resulted in the prisoners being punished. The inmates received little or no pay for their work in what effectively amounted to forced labor, the report said. “[The officers] would say that if we didn’t make five nets a week, we would be punished,” one former inmate at Surin Central Prison in northeast Thailand was quoted as saying. Full story: https://www.ucanews.com/news/us-urged-to-stop-importing-fishing-nets-from-thailand/96251# -- © Copyright UCA news 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

Thailand at 'Crossroads' as COVID-19 Surges Amid Tourism, Economy Rebound Tommy Walker FILE - Thai traditional dancers wearing face masks to help protect themselves from the coronavirus perform at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 7, 2022. BANGKOK — Thailand’s economy has seen growth in its recovery amid the global pandemic, but rising COVID-19 cases concern health experts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251570-thailand-at-crossroads-as-covid-19-surges-amid-tourism-economy-rebound/

FILE - Thai traditional dancers wearing face masks to help protect themselves from the coronavirus perform at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 7, 2022. Tommy Walker BANGKOK — Thailand’s economy has seen growth in its recovery amid the global pandemic, but rising COVID-19 cases concern health experts. Heavily reliant on international tourism to boost its economy, Thailand dropped its quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated visitors in November, with thousands of arrivals flocking to the country since. But along with the renewal of tourism in Thailand, new COVID-19 infections have also begun to accelerate throughout the country. Dr. Anan Jongkaewwattana, a virologist and researcher at the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Thailand, has said the country is at a “crossroads” over what to do next. Full story: https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-at-crossroads-as-covid-19-surges-amid-tourism-economy-rebound/6458728.html -- © Copyright VOICE OF AMERICA 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

Drunk, speeding drivers and motorcyclists without helmets target of new road safety campaign By Online Reporter The Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Mr. Sathien Charoen Rian is implementing measures to improve road safety across the province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251569-drunk-speeding-drivers-and-motorcyclists-without-helmets-target-of-new-road-safety-campaign/

By Online Reporter The Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Mr. Sathien Charoen Rian is implementing measures to improve road safety across the province. As part of a new road safety campaign launched this week (Feb 24), law enforcement and relevant agencies have been told to strictly enforce traffic and road safety regulations throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan. Particular focus will be put on those who drive while under the influence of alcohol, people driving beyond the speed limit and those riding a motorcycle without a helmet. The governor also ordered the relevant agencies to upgrade the pedestrian crossings in all of the province’s eight districts, which includes Hua Hin. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/drunk-speeding-drivers-and-motorcyclists-without-helmets-target-of-new-road-safety-campaign/ -- © 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

Pattaya City announces not to hold any activities, events, or gatherings with more than 50 people due to rising Covid-19 cases By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya City Public Relations has announced not to hold activities with more than 50 people due to Covid -19 concerns and rising cases in the province and city. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251568-pattaya-city-announces-not-to-hold-any-activities-events-or-gatherings-with-more-than-50-people-due-to-rising-covid-19-cases/

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya City Public Relations has announced not to hold activities with more than 50 people due to Covid -19 concerns and rising cases in the province and city. First, as a reference: Chonburi yesterday (February 25th) announced a new record high of 1,419 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and two new deaths. The Pattaya City Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai told TPN media, “Due to many confirmed Covid -19 cases in Pattaya and Chonburi, any activity that is more than 50 people gathering together ‘SHOULD’ not be held.” “Everyone must strictly follow the Public Heath measurements and avoid going to risky places, attending parties or drinking in groups. They should also work from home if possible.” Manot stated. 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/2022/02/25/pattaya-city-announces-not-to-hold-any-activities-events-or-gatherings-with-more-than-50-people-due-to-rising-covid19-cases/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 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

TAT and Emirates sign tourism agreement to boost tourism to Thailand Joint initiatives and opportunities for collaborations will enhance each party’s marketing and promotional efforts to attract travellers to the kingdom. TAT Newsroom Dubai, UAE, 25 February, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Emirates signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) that will leverage the airline’s vast global network to boost tourism to Thailand under the TAT’s latest campaign, Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251567-tat-and-emirates-sign-tourism-agreement-to-boost-tourism-to-thailand/