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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

De Cuyper: Thailand’s medical and wellness tourism sector can benefit from the rise of cannabis tourism By Duncan Forgan Cannabis tourism is poised to become a growth market in Thailand as the Kingdom’s relationship with marijuana goes back overground. Thailand was the first South-east Asian country to legalise the production, import, and export of cannabis for medical purposes in 2018. This year, Thai authorities approved the de facto decriminalisation of marijuana but left a grey area around its recreational use. These moves, say observers, are fostering an environment where cannabis tourism can help resuscitate an industry that has been badly battered by the global pandemic. Indeed, many feel Thailand’s relaxed regulations could lead to a surge in medical and wellness tourism where marijuana is utilised as a key component. “Thailand is well known as a destination for medical tourism and wellness travel. So, these sectors will surely benefit from the latest developments,” opined Dirk De Cuyper, CEO of S Hotels and Resorts. Full story: https://www.ttgasia.com/2022/02/24/thai-hospitality-players-move-in-on-cannabis-tourism/ -- © Copyright TTG ASIA 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 Natcha Patanasophon A cartoon illustration has caused heated debate over sexual harassment and victim blaming in the workplace. It all started when a hugely popular Facebook account under the name, “Contrast,” posted a new illustration this week. Contrast is a digital content creator who delivers social stories with different perspectives. The account shares comic-like cartoon drawings that compare people’s different perspectives to any given situation with an edgy twist for effect. The viral illustration shows two women who were both sexually harassed over the phone. The first woman was shamed for “provoking sexual harassment” as she is depicted wearing revealing clothes. The other woman was supported by her colleagues as they felt empathy for her because she wore modest clothing. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37895/photo-depicting-victim-blaming-goes-viral-sparking-heated-sexual-harrasment-debate/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

File photo. Credit: Thai PBS Thailand on Friday (February 25) reported 24,932 new COVID-19 cases, 15,774 recoveries and 41 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. ▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 24,765. Prisons: 167 ▶︎ Recoveries: 15,774 Friday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,819,282 with 22,809 deaths. The news comes as the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has updated the public on the progress of Covid-19 vaccine developments in Thailand. CCSA Spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuyothin has disclosed the progress of vaccines currently being developed in the country. The vaccines development revealed were the Chula-Cov19 vaccine and HXP-GPOVac. The Chula-Cov19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine, is being developed by Chulalongkorn University. The vaccine, according to the developers, can be produced swiftly, does not require a large facility for production, and is more adaptable for storage and administration. Its development is currently in its second-phase clinical test and is expected to be registered in 2022. *NNT 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 2022-02-25 - 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

● The Muang Thai Insurance and Kasikorn Bank scion is well-known in Thailand, but did you know that she descends from a Chinese immigrant to Thailand who started out in timber? ● Madam Pang is an Aries with a taste for men as driven as she is, including current husband Thai Corrections Department director-general Narat Sawettanan Naressa Khan Nualphan Lamsam is beloved in Thailand, but how much do you know about her? Photo: @panglamsam/Instagram Nualphan Lamsam, or “Madam Pang” as she is affectionately known in Thailand, is an undeniable force of nature. As the country’s beloved and celebrated billionaire, she has contributed to its social and economic development with various prestigious roles, including as Muang Thai Insurance’s president and CEO, and chairwoman of the Thai League 1 team Port Football Club. And she reportedly does it all in high style. While these are well-known facts about Madam Pang, there are more hidden nuances that paint a more complete picture of who she is. Full story: https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3168244/5-lesser-known-facts-about-thai-billionaire-nualphan -- © Copyright South China Morning Post 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 Adam Judd Does it feel like Groundhog day to anyone out there? It should. Once again major events have been postponed/canceled by authorities in Pattaya due to Covid-19 concerns. Once again more events, including the biggest of the year, Songkran, the Thai new year/water festival is at risk for strict rules. Now, to be fair, the postponing of the music festival in Pattaya was apparently a decision based on national “advice” from the Thai government around the current Covid-19 alert being “Level 4”. Amongst other things, this discourages inter provincial travel which is the main reason the event was postponed, as authorities were concerned about people traveling from rural provinces or areas and bringing Covid back home. Chonburi is, by the way, the highest vaccinated province in Thailand and the booster program is moving along nicely, according to the Chonburi Public Health Department. Pattaya individually as a tourism “Blue” zone is well over 90 percent double vaccinated according to the Mayor, Sonthaya Khunpluem, and the booster program has been taking place on a regular basis. Despite high numbers of Covid-19 cases, Chonburi deaths and serious cases (pneumonia and on a ventilator) remain very low. This is likely driven by high vaccination rates in the area. Yet, restrictions remain, events are postponed or canceled, and the nightlife and bar industry, a huge part of the local economy in Pattaya whether people like it or not, continues to be stifled by rules and restrictions like no dancing, no singing from customers, no pool, early closing times, required antigen tests to enter, and other rules. Granted, as we have covered previously, large parts of Thailand still have fairly low vaccination rates, especially in rural areas. These areas also have nowhere near the hospital or medical capacity Chonburi does, or Phuket, or Bangkok. So I certainly understand officials being overly cautious as cases rise. I get it. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/25/opinion-with-the-pattaya-music-festival-postponed-and-songkran-at-risk-for-the-third-year-in-a-row-whats-the-exit-strategy-when-do-we-truly-live-with-covid19-in-thailand/ -- © 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

By Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67933807 MAI ALMARZOOGI ● It comes after both countries turned a new page in their relationship with a restoration of full diplomatic ties and a planned exchange of ambassadors JEDDAH: Thailand is preparing for more tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia following an announcement that direct flights will resume to the Southeast Asian country. Saudia will restart flights on Feb. 28, saying on social media that Bangkok was “closer than ever.” It comes after both countries turned a new page in their relationship with a restoration of full diplomatic ties and a planned exchange of ambassadors after Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s official state visit to Riyadh last month. Full story: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2031291/saudi-arabia -- © Copyright ARAB 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

Thailand will soon have electric vehicles perks including tax breaks. Here’s a deep dive By Dashveenjit Kaur ● The government, to promote electric vehicles, approved an array of incentives, including lower excise tax and import duties on significant auto parts. ● Excise tax on imported EVs will be reduced to 2% from 8%, and that is expected to add 7,000 EVs in the first year. ● Eligible car manufacturers will also receive subsidies of between 70,000 baht and 150,000 baht for each EV and 18,000 baht for electric motorcycles. Lately, in tune with other countries around the world, Thailand has been gearing up to push for more electric vehicles on the road. The country has even set a bold goal of selling only zero-emission vehicles from 2035 onwards. With that, came a flurry of perks by the government, for the Thai EV market. Just this week, officials announced tax incentives to spur the adoption of clean vehicles. Basically, the objective for Thailand is to transform itself from being the Southeast Asian hub for the production of conventional autos to one making electric vehicles. As it is, the automotive industry is one of Thailand’s most important sectors. It contributes to about 10% of the economy, employs 850,000 workers, and supports industries from iron and steel to petrochemicals and plastic. Full story: https://techwireasia.com/2022/02/a-deep-dive-into-thailands-perks-for-electric-vehicles/ -- © Copyright TECHWIRE ASIA 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

An AH-6i attack helicopter is flown by Todd Brown in Mesa, Ariz. (Boeing) By Mike Yeo MELBOURNE, Australia — Boeing has been awarded a contract for AH-6 light-attack helicopters to Thailand, the U.S. Defense Department announced Feb. 18. The department said Boeing’s Mesa, Arizona, location was issued a $103.8 million modification to a contract for AH-6 aircraft with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2025. The announcement added that the contract modification was for a Foreign Military Sales program for Thailand. The U.S. State Department previously approved the potential sale of eight AH-6i Little Bird helicopters in September 2019, estimated to be worth no more than $400 million. The Thai government later clarified it had approved 4.2 billion baht (U.S. $130.3 million) for the acquisition. Full story: https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/02/23/boeing-wins-helicopter-contract-for-thailand/ -- © Copyright Defense 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

Minister of Tourism and Sports, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has said that Thailand will scrap all restrictions on inbound tourists once the COVID-19 virus has been declared endemic, something that is expected this year. It comes as the kingdom’s economic performance begins to improve since the reopening of its borders under the ‘Test and Go’ regime since November 1st last which has seen growth for 2021 revised to 1.6% and a projected growth rate for 2022 now forecast at up to 5%. by James Morris and Son Nguyen In recent days, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has revised its projection for foreign tourists this year from 5 million to 5.5 million visitors and suggests that the country can use the renewed impetus from the sector to drive GDP growth for 2022 of up to 5%. The Thai government is planning to scrap all entry restrictions on foreign travellers sometime this year when it declares the virus as an endemic disease according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. On Wednesday, the kingdom did away with the requirement for a second test on arrival on the 5th day for incoming tourists following calls by business leaders to allow the industry to revert to normal. This is happening at the same time as economic data suggests strongly that foreign tourism income has a far higher impact on the country’s economy than originally thought due to its impact on confidence and the level of indirect economic activity generated. Thailand, on Wednesday, gave the green light to the suspension of the mandatory 2nd COVID-19 test for visitors from March 1st next. The move will see the scrapping of any need for a hotel reservation on the 5th day after arrival. For now, the requirement will be for a self-test to be undertaken by the visitor using an antigen test kit. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/02/24/thailand-moving-back-to-free-tourist-access/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 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

File photo//National News Bureau of Thailand OK everyone in the world probably has the same concerns as us, whether it is about the ongoing pandemic, dealing with excessive weather conditions, or now the threat of World War III. Less in the pocket as prices rise, and the cost of filling up with petrol adds to the misery too. Well at least here living in Thailand, either working or retired, is probably a lot more palatable than living over in say Canada, the UK, or of course in Ukraine. With rising global container prices, many in the West are having to either pay through the nose or refrain from buying certain items. Good News The good news is at least Thailand produces masses of its own fresh fruit and vegetables. On a recent trip to the local market, I still found suppliers and farmers delivering fresh produce picked from the ground or trees within 24 hours. Whereas my friends back in London would treat enjoying strawberries in the winter like a real luxury, here we can buy a large bag for just THB100. We also probably take for granted that bananas do taste much better here, because they have not been sitting in a refrigerated container for three months. Another benefit of the pandemic for residents is apart from the odd oil spill, the Gulf of Thailand is a lot cleaner and a bit less polluted. You can also stay in 5-star resorts for the price of paying for a 3 star or even 2-star hotel as well. We had to get used to the constant noise and pollution of all those tourist buses. Well for the moment most of our Soi’s are bus free which is a bonus. Rents of houses, villas, and condominiums are much cheaper, as owners realise that it is better to have some cash coming in, than maybe having an empty property sitting there waiting for higher rentals. And if you are a golfer, the golf courses around Thailand have never been in better condition with fewer people playing, and at rates that are very competitive too. So, although the next few months will not be a picnic, at least it is not all doom and gloom. -- © 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

Thailand Not Included in US’s Notorious Markets List BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities said Thailand will remain committed to combating intellectual property (IP) infringement, after the country was excluded from the Notorious Markets List announced recently by the United States. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251410-thailand-not-included-in-us’s-notorious-markets-list/

Picture: INN INN published pictures of what they called a strange pink pond, though it looked more purple. They reported that the owner thinks it might be dangerous and called for the authorities to investigate. The pond is in Ban Nong Samer, a village in Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat. The authorities went to see it after getting a call from Sureerat Sankhlong about the pond that is behind her house. The three meter deep, 30m x 15 m body of water was tested by lowering in a bucket and smelling the water. No bad smell. Picture: INN A bit of white cloth was then doused in the water - no dye came off on the cloth. The officials further noted that the fish put in there by the owner of the pond were all swimming about quite happily. Sureerat said her dad dug the pond 20 years ago. The color started to change last month and is getting darker and darker all the time. She fears chemical contamination in some way. No damning evidence could be found and the taps in the area were running with water showing no discoloration. Now the environmental authority have been called in to take a sample to try and get to the bottom of the mystery, reported INN yesterday. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-24 - 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

Picture: INN When Thailand's current PM assumed power the best part of eight years ago he promised to end corruption in Thailand in 20 years. Views on how well he is doing are mixed. Yesterday it was claimed by the RTP spokesman that Prayuth Chan-ocha is till on that anti-corrution mission. Critics of the Thai PM say he has done little to end endemic corruption among officialdom and especially the Royal Thai Police. Salacious stories appear daily in the Thai press with the public weary of corrupt officials. Yesterday Pol Maj-Gen Yingyot Thepjamnong commented after the second meeting of the year of the Police Commission that is chaired by Prayuth. He claimed that the PM is still serious and determined to root out corruption in the force whether it results in disciplinary or criminal investigations, reported INN. As evidence of this 23 officers were expelled from the force in February. A total of 19 were sacked (in Thai 'lai ork') and four dismissed ('plort ork' or let go). This brought the total for the year to 36 - 29 sacked and 7 dismissed. In addition the PM urged the RTP to get tough with call center or boiler room gangs. No discussion at the meeting involved Pol Maj-Gen Paween Pongsirin, said the spokesman, referring to a senior former RTP officer allegedly mixed up in illegal activity. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-24 - 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