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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/

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. The MoC was signed yesterday (24 February) by Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas, and Mr. Orhan Abbas, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – Far East at Emirates and, in the presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Group Chairman and H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports. Also present at the signing ceremony were Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, H.E. Mr. Chairat Sirivat, Consul-General of Thailand to the UAE, and Mr. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said: “This Memorandum of Cooperation with Emirates come at an opportune time when the TAT is communicating with the world that Thailand is now open to international travellers from all countries and territories. The Visit Thailand Year 2022 is aimed to offering tourists ‘Amazing New Chapters’ to discover in Thailand in a more sustainable, more responsible way with all health and safety in place.” Under the MoC agreement, TAT and Emirates will explore joint initiatives and opportunities for collaborations that will enhance each party’s marketing and promotional efforts to attract travellers to Thailand. TAT will assist Emirates in developing airline passenger traffic from key strategy markets by supporting tour operators and travel agents in agreed target markets across the Emirates network with promotional giveaways, special promotional packages, incentives, and marketing spend. Through the MoC, Emirates will develop initiatives to boost tourism to the kingdom by showcasing it to customers across its global network. The airline will also engage in efforts to promote the country through its network of agents in key strategic markets in addition to collaborating on joint familiarisation trips designed to appeal to various customer segments. Mr. Orhan Abbas, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – Far East at Emirates, said, “Emirates launched operations to Thailand more than 30 years ago and its destinations are amongst the most popular in our Southeast Asian network, especially amongst holidaymakers from the US, Europe and the Middle East. We are delighted to join hands with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to boost tourism to the country, and build on the success achieved over the years, thanks to our long-standing relationship. We look forward to highlighting its diverse offerings to industry stakeholders and customers and helping them achieve their tourism targets, to support Thailand’s post-pandemic recovery.” Thailand continues to be an important part of the Emirates network, spanning almost 130 destinations. Emirates’ services to Bangkok were launched in 1990 and, in 2012, its direct flights to the resort island of Phuket were established, proving to be a very popular holiday destination amongst its global customers. Emirates resumed operations to Bangkok in September 2020 and its signature A380 services returned in November 2021, with two additional daily services utilising the Boeing 777-300ER. Emirates also flies to Thailand’s exotic holiday spot Phuket 11 times weekly. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/02/tat-and-emirates-sign-tourism-agreement-to-boost-tourism-to-thailand/ -- © Copyright TAT 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

Thai parliament passes three draft bills to amend Political Party Act in first reading Tonight (Friday), a joint session of Thailand’s Senate and House of Representatives passed the first reading of three draft bills related to political parties, proposed by the cabinet, governing coalition parties, Palang Pracharath MP Anan Pholamnuay and his co-sponsors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251566-thai-parliament-passes-three-draft-bills-to-amend-political-party-act-in-first-reading/

Tonight (Friday), a joint session of Thailand’s Senate and House of Representatives passed the first reading of three draft bills related to political parties, proposed by the cabinet, governing coalition parties, Palang Pracharath MP Anan Pholamnuay and his co-sponsors. The Cabinet draft was passed 597:11, with 14 abstentions. The Palang Pracharath drafts passed 577:19 and 407:184 with 26 and 28 abstentions respectively. One MP did not cast a vote for the latter draft. The joint session also rejected another three drafts, proposed by the opposition Pheu Thai party, the Move Forward party and the Prachachat party. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-parliament-passes-three-draft-bills-to-amend-political-party-act-in-first-reading/ -- © 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

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to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 26 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1251565-thailand-live-saturday-26-feb-2022/

Dept of Highlands to Return M-Flow Fines BANGKOK (NNT) - The Transport Minister has instructed officials to return the 10-fold fines the Department of Highways (DOH) collected from motorists who failed to pay the new M-Flow toll fees. He ordered the postponement of the imposition of the hefty fines until the end of March. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251534-dept-of-highlands-to-return-m-flow-fines/

Thailand Calls For Diplomatic Solutions to Russia-Ukraine Crisis NEW YORK (NNT) - The Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations has expressed support for a diplomatic solution regarding the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251537-thailand-calls-for-diplomatic-solutions-to-russia-ukraine-crisis/

by Na-ark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Automotive Industry Club (AIC) reported a decline in car production in January. It attributed the drop to semiconductor shortages and the rising tension between Russia and Ukraine. Surapong Pisitpattanapong, the spokesperson for the AIC, revealed that last month’s car production was at about 151,700 vehicles. The figure is an increase of 2.45% year-on-year, but a decline of 1.7% from the previous month. Of that number, about 74,700 vehicles were produced for domestic sales, accounting for 49.23% of the entire production. The remaining 77,000 vehicles, or 50.77% of the January production, were for exports. According to the AIC, which is under the supervision of the Federation of Thai Industries, the global semiconductor chip shortage was triggered by the rise in demand for electronic devices during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the rising popularity of electric vehicles. Chip shortage is expected to last until next year, according to the AIC’s estimate. The spokesperson also said that the export value of the car engines and parts in January was at 65.9 billion baht, an increase of 6% from the same period last year. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-25 - 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

by Michael Bridge Gone are the days when we waited for the daily news to be delivered by a newspaper boy on his rounds. Now sitting in my humble condominium in Thailand, I have the luxury of watching TV beamed from all over the globe 24/7. I can even watch programmes up to 7 days after broadcast using a Catch-Up system. On my mobile breaking news is sent almost before it happens and add You Tube, and Facebook and we can stay update with news and of course rumours and the dreaded fake news. Being an expat has its added stresses, but we try to take it all in our stride. I am of the age where I was not born during World War II, and so apart from seeing Vietnam on TV from afar in the UK, have luckily never had to experience close up the horrors of war. Almost Reality TV When the current hostilities broke in Ukraine like many at first, I watched in fascination the situation unfolding. However, what hit home for me was the view of the massive traffic jams as people tried to flee Kiev. I thought how unnerving it had to be trying to drive your family away from your house with limited cash (the ATMs were limiting transactions) not knowing if you would run out of petrol before reaching safety. I could relate to having to lead my own family to safety and it was really quiet a sobering situation. I hope NATO can get its act together before we start to talk about World War III. Of course, there are a lot of Russian families currently on holiday in Thailand and I am sure they are starting to feel uncomfortable. However, I actually feel very sad for them, as I am sure the majority of Russians do not welcome this hostility. Meanwhile personally for my own sanity, I plan to switch off my BBC News app and only watch movies and TV series for the time being. I am sure people will be disusing the situation in the pubs, bars, trains, planes restaurants, and even saunas, so I am unlikely to be totally immune to the news, but at least I can try. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-25 - 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

By Goong Nang(GN) Pattaya – Pattaya Police arrested a “restaurant” owner in Pattaya for allegedly breaking Covid-19 rules and violating the closing time for alcohol-serving venues. The Pattaya City Police this morning (February 25th) reports that raids were led by the Pattaya City Police Chief Colonel Kunlachart Kunlachai and police officers from the Safety Zone 4.0 project around midnight last night. They arrested Mr. Phongsak, who was identified as the owner of the converted restaurant ‘SEX ON THE BEACH’ at Jomtien Beach. His full name and age was not provided. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/25/restaurant-owner-arrested-for-allegedly-breaking-covid-19-rules-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-25 - 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

Rescue workers and divers in speedboats and on jet-skis have been searching the Chao Phraya River, near the Pibulsongkram pier in Nonthaburi, since late last night (Thursday) for local TV star Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong, who went missing after she fell into the river. Tangmo was with a small group of friends on board a speedboat, which left Thon Buri Bridge at about 9.30pm, heading towards Nonthaburi. How she came to fall into the river remains unclear. Nonthaburi district police said they received a report late last night of a woman falling into the river and they asked the Ruamkatanyu Foundation to conduct search. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-tv-star-missing-after-falling-into-chao-phraya-river-thursday-night/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-25 - 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

By Goong Nang(GN) Highlights: == 1,419 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today == 1,232 positive ATK (rapid antigen) tests were reported but all require a second confirmed PCR test before being counted as official cases. The ATK positive tests are just “possible” cases until confirmed by PCR. == 548 (PCR) and 680 (ATK) recovered and were released from medical care == Two new deaths The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 1,419 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with two new deaths, February 25th, 2022. This makes a total of 60,288 cases (PCR,ATK) of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 10,145 (PCR) and 9,399 (ATK) people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 42 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections at the beginning of this year, January 2022. Additionally, 548 (PCR) and 680 (ATK) people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 25,972 (PCR) and 14,729 (ATK) people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began at the beginning of this year, January 2022. Two people were listed as being in serious condition in Chonburi currently, either on a ventilator or pneumonia. Both of them were vaccinated. According to the Chonburi Department of Public Health, the vast majority of recent cases are mild or asymptomatic. The two new deaths were at the age of 51 and 55 with personal health problems and pre-existing conditions. In total, 1,977,040 people in Pattaya and Chonburi have received their first dose of a Covid -19 vaccine which is 84.89 percent of the total Chonburi population. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/25/chonburi-announces-new-record-high-of-1419-new-and-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-and-two-new-deaths/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-25 - 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