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Inaugural flight welcomed at Krabi Airport by Thai tourism officials TAT Newsroom Bangkok, 24 February, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that Russia’s S7 Airlines has introduced a once weekly direct service between Russia’s Novosibirsk and Thailand’s Krabi, from now through to the end of March 2022, servicing European winter traffic to the Southern Thailand province, which is famed for its beautiful beaches, enchanting islands, and welcoming hospitality. S7 Airlines’ inaugural flight from Novosibirsk touched down at Krabi International Airport this morning. On hand for the arrival of Flight 5713 were executives from TAT, Krabi Tourism Business Association, and Krabi International Airport. Operated by an Airbus A321nx, the flight carried 64 passengers from cities across Russia; most of them were families travelling together. Ms. Kanitha Phanworawat, Director of the TAT Moscow Office, said, “S7 Airlines’ new weekly service between Russia and Thailand will be highlighted in our marketing activities. Russian tourists love the beaches; as such, we will place emphasis on a wide array of tourism attractions and activities, especially in Thailand’s beach resort destinations. Krabi in particular is known for its limestone peaks, beautiful beaches and islands, unique temples, and outstanding food complimented by the friendliness of the local people.” Since Thailand began to reopen for international tourists – gradually from 1 July, 2021, more than 57,000 Russian tourists have visited the kingdom. The TAT Moscow Office is currently working together with airlines, including S7 Airlines, as well as Russian travel agencies and tour companies to promote travel to Thailand especially in May, which is a long holiday in Russia, to attract Russian tourists to travel to Thailand during the holiday. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were six airlines operating direct flights from major Russian cities to Krabi, amounting to 63 flights and a total of 50,382 Russian visitor arrivals. From 1 February, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers from any country around the world, including Russia, can travel to Krabi directly under either the TEST & GO entry scheme or Sandbox programme. For more information on Thailand’s various entry schemes, visit: https://www.tatnews.org/thailand-reopening/. Photo Credit: Krabi Provincial Public Relations Office Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/02/tat-welcomes-s7-airlines-new-weekly-service-between-russias-novosibirsk-and-thailands-krabi/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 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

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath published a picture of a Honda City that collided with a ten wheel truck in Udon Thani last night. It was unrecognisable. It looks like DUI once again played a part. Inside were two 40 year old men, Patiwat the driver and Udorn the front seat passenger. They were crushed to death and had to be cut out before their bodies were taken to Soon Udon Thani medical center. They had collided head on at a bend with a ten wheel truck. The truck driver Chalong, 28, said he had made a cassava delivery to a factory and was on his way home. They collided at speed on the bend. He hit his head on the windshield and was slightly injured but his truck had front damage and a puncture and he had to pull over. Thana, 59, a friend of the City driver said he had seen the deceased drinking after a round of golf. The car apparently belonged to another person, a woman, who had left her bag at a restaurant with his friend going back to retrieve it. Police are checking all involved for alcohol consumption. The accident occurred just after 9 pm on the Udon Thani to Don Kloi Road in Sam Phran near the university. 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: Thai Rath The acting chief of the Bangsaotong police station in Samut Prakan has ordered one of his men to apologize after a member of the public came in to report a large hole in the road that caused several accidents. She said police told her it had nothing to do with them. "A", 26, went on Facebook to complain after what happened. She had been driving home to Pathum Thani in her Nissan March when she hit an exposed cover on a drain on a damaged section of road. There was no cone to mark the danger and four motorcyclists had already been injured before her. Her vehicle had 30,000 baht damage to the gas tank and a puncture. She went to the station to report the incident ahead of making a claim with the relevant authority. Picture: Thai Rath But she was told: "Why are you bothering us with this? "It's your problem. ""There's nothing in it for us" It was even suggested in the rude response that there were plenty of decent roads to use. Pol Col Prathan Nanthakopkul, provincial deputy and acting chief of the station, heard about the case and made the officer concerned phone and apologize to the lady for the poor service. It will be further discussed between the police and the lady on Friday. Locals at the scene complained about the state of the road and called for repairs. The offending hole had been repaired. Thai Rath had a picture of ranks of police lined up at the police station though whether it had a bearing on the case they did not say. 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

A man from Sierra Leone has been charged with smuggling 3.8 million baht's worth of cocaine into Thailand. It is believed that he swallowed the drugs weighing 1,280 grams, contained in 74 capsules, on the journey from Guinea-Bissau in west Africa. He arrived at Suvarnabhumi on February 12th and was given a luggage check but no irregularities were found. Customs and other agencies kept tabs on him, however, at his place of quarantine, a hotel in Chan Road, Bangkok. Picture: Thai PBS He was searched on leaving the hotel on Tuesday at 4.30 am and the drugs were found in a shoulder bag. He has been charged with smuggling a Class 2 narcotic. The customs department has handled 28 drugs cases since last year with a street price value of 880.6 million baht, reported Thai PBS. 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

By Cod Satrusayang I don’t believe in vaccine mandates. I don’t believe forcing someone against their will to vaccinate is something a democratic government should do. However, if you are unvaccinated by choice, then you can live with the consequences. The situation in 2022 is vastly different than the situation in 2021. Last year, you could not be faulted for being unvaxxed because the government failed to provide vaccines quickly and for all. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37851/opinion-dont-go-down-the-path-of-vaccine-mandates-rather-show-anti-vaxxers-for-who-they-really-are/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

By Erich Parpart More than 82 per cent of people who died from Covid-19 this year were people age 60 and above. The number of fatalities that were unvaccinated was 58.2 per cent. Only 2.4 per cent of people who have received three doses passed away. “The number of fatalities has the potential to continue to rise along with the rise in the daily number of cases which is in the tens of thousands now and many of the fatalities were unvaccinated,” said Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, the spokesperson of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). “Many of them are still in the 608 groups as well,” he said. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37827/covid-deaths-among-unvaccinated-rises-but-thailand-still-doing-better-than-region/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 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

PHOTO: Manager Online By Nop Meechukhun National – The Thai Tourism and Sports Minister confirmed that the 300-baht ‘land entry fee’ on all foreign tourists visiting the country would be eventually implemented, stressing that it would be used for tourists’ insurance and an emergency fund for those traveling in the country. Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told the Associated Press today, February 23rd, that the fee collection plan was still planned to be put into effect as it was a resolution that was issued long before his era. TPN media notes that the proposal for the entry fee has been hotly disputed on social media and by the tourism and hospitality industry. Phiphat clarified that the money would be, according to him, used to buy insurance for travelers who visited Thailand, provide emergency services, and the remaining fee would be used as a fund for the tourism development, chaired by the Permanent Secretary. He also insisted that the collection process would be transparent and accountable to the public and not go into anyone’s “pocket”. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/22/thai-tourism-minister-insists-on-collecting-300-baht-land-entry-fee-on-all-foreign-visitors-says-will-be-to-help-tourists-and-transparent/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-23 - 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 Erich Parpart Thailand has to address many “constraints to investment”, accelerate investment in digital technologies and upskill its workforce to gain better access to cash flow worth billions of dollars in modern and circular markets, the World Bank in its latest report released on Tuesday. According to the Country Private Sector Diagnostic report for Thailand, by the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank, accelerating investment in digital technologies and promoting a circular economy approach in key industries can generate up to US$3.4 billion through investment flows and revenues for the country. But the upskilling or reskilling of the Thai labour force is needed if the country wants to better find these opportunities because “the supply of appropriate skills is missing” due to an aging society, shortage of foreign experts, underdevelopment, and outdated curricula. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/37738/thailand-needs-to-reskill-its-workforce-in-order-to-compete-grow/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-02-23 - 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

Latest reports state that Putin’s troops have been ordered to perform what is loosely described as “peacekeeping functions” in Lubansk and Donetsk raising fears troops could soon cross the border. If Putin’s Red army attacks, the impending hostilities could represent the most significant war in Europe since WW2. So, what are your concerns/predictions about the impact on our lives here as expats in Asia, if the conflict worsens? Financial Impact Initially one would expect the world stock markets will take a hit, so any invested in a retirement plan may see funds reduced. For example, concerns on the Ukraine-Russia tension and higher average domestic inflation projection for this and next year have already resulted in the upticks of Treasury bill (T-bill) rates in the Philippines this week. Global crude prices dropped marginally as news of fresh diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis soothed some concerns oversupply. However, as we have already seen, Oil and Gas prices have risen and therefore could go higher along with electricity. In Vietnam, gas prices reached a historic peak this week, and in some cases, supplies were limited. There could also be some blockades, meaning shipping will burn more expensive fuel to get to Asia, resulting in food shortages and rises even further! If a war breaks out between Russia and Ukraine, China will tighten its grip on South Asia Pacific, and Taiwan. Then the Philippines will have to choose a side! Needs a close watch by Thailand Sanan Angubolkul, chairperson of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the conflict brewing in Eastern Europe requires a close watch by Thailand. A bad situation could worsen if the standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine leads to fighting, said Mr Sanan. "The global oil price continues to rise, affecting the costs of energy and logistics in the global supply chain system. This also affects Thailand, as indicated by the rising prices of goods and services," said Mr Sanan. Thai petrol prices The dispute is a "warning sign" the global and Thai economies may plunge into trouble if the US, UK, and EU decide to impose economic sanctions on Russia if it invades Ukraine, said Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairperson of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). "Trade between Thailand and Russia, especially for food and farm produce, would certainly be affected by such sanctions." Mongkolsuthree added. Thai Russian Exports In 2021, Thailand's exports to Russia tallied US$1.02 billion, accounting for 0.4% of the country's total export value. Key export products included tractors, rubber, rubber-made products, machinery and parts, electrical appliances and parts, and plastic. Meanwhile Thai shipments to Ukraine totalled only $135 million, representing 0.05% of the country's total exports. Key exports included tractors, rubber and rubber-made products, plant-based seasonings, machinery, and parts. Air travel disruptions Apart from these economic issues, it is several flight routes would need to be changed as flying over Russia and Ukraine airspace will be a definite no-no. This is likely to not only add to everyone’s travel times but is also likely to see fare increases to cover additional fuel costs. The tensions would also affect exchange rates, plus travel and tourism. What are your thoughts? Perhaps you feel it is just too far away to be of major concern. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-23 - 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

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakhamanusorn, last Friday, speaking in the House of Representatives, resurrected a plan pushed by the military junta up to 2015 to put in place a national internet gateway to control access to the internet in Thailand. The minister cited rising criminal complaints as the basis for the move but there are fears that the proposal could, in conjunction with a suggested review of the Computer Crime Act, give the government the tool kit it has long sought to exercise more efficient control over public commentary and online debate. There are, in addition, strong concerns about the negative commercial and practical business ramifications of such a move. by Joseph O' Connor The move is coming at a time when support for the government has hit a low ebb with a poll published last weekend showing that 77% have lost confidence in the coalition administration of Prayut Chan ocha and an increasingly fractious political environment with a General Election seen now as more likely in 2022. Last Friday, the Thai Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakhamanusorn appeared to resurrect plans first mooted by the military junta up to 2015, to install a national internet gateway in Thailand to control and restrict access to external online content as an issue of national security. The minister cited a rise in criminal complaints concerning illegal online scams and gangs operating from outside the kingdom from bases in Cambodia as reasons for the move which would be similar to a proposal also being pursued by Cambodian authorities and interpreted by many analysts as introducing a Chinese approach to internet control, policing and regulation. On Friday last, speaking in the House of Representatives, the country’s Digital Economy and Society Minister, Mr Chaiwut, again raised the possibility that Thai authorities may pursue a single gateway for internet access to websites and traffic outside of Thailand. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/02/22/minister-resurrects-internet-gateway-scheme/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-02-22 - 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

PHOTO: Amphon Sangkaeo / 77kaoded By Goong Nang(GN) Banglamung/Pattaya – A foreign bicycle rider, believed to be a local ex-pat, has been pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a pickup truck driver in the Banglamung area this morning. Police and emergency responders were notified of the accident on Number 331 Road (Sattahip – Korat) in the Huayyai sub-district before noon today (February 21st). Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the foreign man lying unconscious on the road. He was later, despite the best efforts of first responders, pronounced dead at the scene. His heavily damaged bicycle was lying nearby and was later taken as evidence by Banglamung police. The foreign man, who appeared to be in his late 60’s or early 70’s, was not fully identified by law enforcement, only releasing partial information. However, The Pattaya News is witholding his name pending embassy and family notification. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/21/foreign-ex-pat-riding-a-bicycle-dies-after-being-hit-by-a-pickup-truck-driver-in-the-pattaya-area/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-22 - 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

It is becoming almost the norm to read in the papers or online that another expat has tragically died falling from a balcony. This week alone there have been a further two incidents in Pattaya where people have met their death falling off a balcony. There seems to be more than a bit of a trend going on here, in what is one of the other most popular tourist areas in Thailand. It seems hardly a month goes by without yet another balcony-related death. This sadly is not entirely a new phenomenon as we reported as far back as 2016 that a Finn was found dead, ten floors below a Jomtien Beach condo. The UK Foreign & Commonwealth office, alone with ABTA has often urged British nationals to take care on balconies and this even prompted the FCO and ABTA to launch a campaign warning of the dangers. It was reported that three thousand British people fall off balconies each year while abroad. Spain has a similar problem Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Britons, but recent deaths and accidents after Britons have fallen from balconies have forced the FCO to update their travel advice for the country. Spain has been a top holiday spot for years, but a spate of deaths and serious accidents in the country has forced the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to issue new travel advice. Could it be the low construction heights? Apparently, most balconies in Thailand have barriers that are about 700 or 800 mm high - for the shorter Thai people - and there is little or no policing of building regulations. Whereas in Australia there is a one-meter minimum for example on building balconies over there. Therefore, if a tall Expat (over 5.10) stands next to a 700 mm railing, it only reaches their thighs. Now take an old man drinking and losing balance a bit and over they go. It happens – there are many incidences of accidental falls. Sadly some of course are not and can be linked to concerns over many issues including finances and depression. But maybe the time has come to at least force the Thai developers to raise the height of balconies in the future. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-22 - 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: Siam Rath Highway Police 1 were called after a Jaguar XJL burst into flames on the expressway in Bangkok. It was just 1 km from the Din Daeng toll plaza. Picture: Siam Rath The driver reported smelling diesel then the fire took hold in the engine compartment. It had a red plate, indicating perhaps that it was brand new. The fire services had the blaze under control in 5 minutes, reported Siam Rath who had pictures of the complete destruction of the luxury vehicle. The driver said they needed to check up on the insurance and would be talking to police next day. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-21 - 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 Jonathan Fairfield English Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are set to play a friendly match in Bangkok in July. The match will take place at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on July 12 and will form part of the pre-season schedule for the clubs which is set to see them tour Southeast Asia. Event organiser Fresh Air Festival on Friday released more details about the match, news of which was first revealed earlier this month. Fresh Air Festival CEO Vinij Lertratanachai said contracts have already been signed to host the game, titled “THE MATCH Bangkok Century Cup 2022”. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/man-utd-v-liverpool-in-bangkok-tickets-on-sale-march-10/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-21 - 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 Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Efforts are underway to elevate Thai tea at the international level by marketing it as one of the remarkable products of ASEAN. Due to increasing consumer demand for tea products among ASEAN member states and China, and with local production unable to sufficiently keep pace, alternatives are being sought that include importing tea products from other countries. This has in turn prompted increased interest in Thai tea products. The tea plant is cultivated in Thailand’s northern region, particularly the provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and is currently dominating the export market to neighboring countries due to its unique fragrance, high quality and exotic taste. Processed tea from the Cha Tra Mue company has subsequently turned into one of the kingdom’s best-selling brand products. It has since started expanding its franchises to other countries in the Asia-Pacific, including China and South Korea. To support Thai products in making greater inroads with the international market, the government is encouraging local companies to make the most of existing free trade agreements. Representatives from the Department of Trade Negotiations recently visited Cha Tra Mue factory on February 18 to provide advice on the use of FTAs in facilitating exports and promoting the importance of international buyers. Department Director-General Auramon Sapthaweetham said Thailand currently enjoys many existing FTAs that can bring a wealth of benefits to local companies, including the ASEAN-China FTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). These can help to elevate the popularity of Thai tea mix products, with the department also working on another FTA to market Thai tea to the Middle Eastern markets. She added that if Thai tea products are able to maximize the benefit of FTAs, they could potentially become one of ASEAN’s representative products. Thai tea mix is often used in various beverages such as milk and iced tea. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-19 - 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

Pol Maj-Gen Paween Pongsirin, former deputy commissioner of the 8th Provincial Police Bureau, who led an investigation into a Rohingya human trafficking network over six years ago, said last night that he feels relieved after his side of the story was revealed in parliament, by Move Forward MP Rangsiman Rome, during the general debate yesterday. Currently living in exile in Australia, after escaping with his life more than six years ago, Pol Maj-Gen Paween led an investigation into human trafficking activities in Thailand’s southern border provinces. His work led to the arrest and prosecution of 75 suspects, including three army officers and one naval officer. A few others, including an army lieutenant general, who was then a special advisor to the Royal Thai Army, later surrendered and were eventually indicted. The probe was launched after security forces stumbled on a jungle camp in Sadao district of Songkhla in August 2015, where hundreds of illegal Rohingya immigrants, victims of a human trafficking gang, were being detained. The remains of dozens of Rohingya were also found buried around the camp. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/story-of-thai-policeman-in-exile-and-victims-of-human-trafficking-revealed-in-parliament/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-21 - 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

(Photo courtesy of Ramathibodi hospital) Almost half of the beds in general hospitals and ‘hospitels’ nationwide are now occupied, as the Medical Services Department urges cooperation from those with asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 infections by getting treated at home or in community isolation facilities, to free up hospital beds for serious cases. Of the 174,029 beds in general hospitals and ‘hospitels’ throughout the country, with the exception of Bangkok, 80,756 are occupied. In Bangkok, 25,359 of the 55,369 beds are occupied. In some provinces, such as Nakhon Ratchasima, hospital beds designated for “green” patients are fully occupied, according to Dr. Somsak Akksilp, head of the Medical Services Department. He also said that there are more cases of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and gastrointestinal bleeding developing among those originally diagnosed as asymptomatic and who now need hospital beds. 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/thailands-hospitals-and-hospitels-half-full-again-as-covid-19-continues-to-spread/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-21 - 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

Here in Thailand, February has normally been one of the best months to enjoy no rain, with warm sunshine and cool breezes, all ideal for a great vacation. Almost like clockwork we got used to celebrating Songkran in mid-April, which signaled the start of the rainy season. Well, all that seems to have changed as Thailand is currently experiencing a change in seasons. In Pattaya, for the past week, we have woken up to find dark clouds and no sunshine. Then around mid-day, the heavens have opened, and it has been raining constantly for at least 4-5 hrs. Thunderstorms follow and today we have received a drenching before sunrise. The forecast for the next ten days predicts thunderstorms, rain mixed with a bit of sun but mainly cloudy. Changing patterns Apparently, Thailand has seen a marked increase in temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns over the past thirty years. Both changes have a significant effect on food production, particularly rice—the yields of which are essential to national food security. Thailand is exceptionally vulnerable to minor changes in climate: slightly warmer surface temperatures will destroy the rice crops. And it is common knowledge that a few centimeters of sea-level rise will submerge the capital city Bangkok and devastate coastal tourism. Climate Change Impacts The impacts of climate change are already evident around the world. Thailand, as part of the Mekong River Basin, is struggling to deal with these impacts, which result in part from ecological pressures introduced by large hydropower dams, deforestation, coastal erosion, and urbanization. In Southeast Asia, Jakarta and Bangkok are sinking fast. In fact, the capital of Indonesia is the fastest sinking city in the world—it is sinking at the rate of 6.7 inches per year. By 2050, 95% of North Jakarta will be submerged, according to researchers. The region has already sunk 2.5 meters in 10 years and almost half the city is below sea level, which is why they are creating a new capital city elsewhere. Meanwhile, Bangkok, located 0.5–2 metres above sea level, is sinking at a rate of 2–3 centimetres each year. It is predicted that a large part of the capital city will be underwater by 2030, 2050, or the conservative estimate of 2100. Are we already experiencing the worst? The effects of climate change, include higher surface temperatures, floods, droughts, severe storms, and sea level rises. The damage to agriculture, coastal tourism, and the capital city as consequences of climate change will have enormous economic, cultural, and environmental impacts on Thailand. Just one degree of warming will destroy the rice crops that are central to the economy, and a few centimeters of sea level rise will submerge the capital city and devastate coastal tourism. Thailand’s mitigation and adaptation efforts include a slow shift to organic agriculture, a tsunami warning system along the Andaman Sea, the construction of a flood prevention wall around Bangkok, and an Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and energy use. Is it enough though? And will the intrepid international vacationer still want to fly away from colder Western climates in the winter, just to arrive to find a lack of sunshine and February downpours in Thailand? Could be a great time to set up a shop selling wellington boots, rain capes, and umbrellas! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-21 - 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 week got off to a particularly controversial start as Monday was Valentine’s Day. A day when newbies in Thailand think they can impress their Thai wives and girlfriends with flowers. That may wash in Farangistan but has little merit in Thailand. No, the only way to truly impress a Thai wife is with cash, gold or both. Love is also quite unnecessary especially when compared to what the British refer to as “a good old rogering”. To wit, Rooster is always reminded of a scene in the wartime movie The Great Escape when the commandant finds it amusing that the POWs are planting flowers. The Nazi is reminded that these are potatoes and that “you can’t eat flowers, colonel”. Yes, the way to a Thai woman’s heart is either via the ATM or through something she can eat. And it is said that the way to a Thai husband’s heart is through a woman who can cook - if the proverb about putting a spell on the ladle is to be believed! (เสน่ห์ปลายจวักผัวรักจนตาย - saneh plai jawak phua rak jon tai - Put magic on the end of the ladle and hubby will love you to the end). In Bang Khun Thian the district chief decided to pull a publicity stunt by offering cute, non-legal certificates of marriage to LGBTQ+ couples, many of whom were outraged and pointed out it was time that legally binding marriages were offered to their community in Thailand. Too true. The way that gays and transgenders are portrayed on the soaps must make them mince, I mean wince. If you think that attitudes are liberal then you haven’t been in Thailand long enough to appreciate the official and cultural undercurrents to the contrary. One activist called the certificates a “waste of time”; the same could also be said of marriage. Valentine’s - except for a fence at the Grand National steeplechase - always reminds me of my first wedding back in July 1990. I’d woken bleary eyed to a phone call from a woman 12 years my senior who reminded me we were meant to be getting hitched that day. We raced off to the local district office on my Honda Rebel only to be told that all my meticulously prepared paperwork was not in order, we should try Bang Rak. We argued in the car park about who was to blame - not an auspicious start to a married life but par for the course after the two year courtship that we’d both endured as much as enjoyed. Then we belted off to the District of Love registry office, handily located near Patpong. Here we were at each other's throats again after being made to wait all day then being told at 4 pm the office was shutting. This was remedied with the sweetening effect of what we all used to call “a purple” that ensured the office remained open till 6. As the national anthem played and we stood, well apart, we clutched our “tabian somrots” and went for a McDonald’s (or I did) followed by a couple of photos on a bar hopping tout’s Polaroid at Superstar. Yes, with Rooster it is all about the romance. Doubtless such stories will be doing the rounds today when my grown children, from the union of a mean, Scrabble playing Brit and a schizophrenic Thai who falls asleep if given chili, arrive in Thailand. The nippers, aged 29 and 27 and based in London and Liverpool, have not set foot in their Asian homeland for 3 years because of Covid. And they nearly didn’t this time. They both had the same Thailand Pass application but while my son’s was approved my daughter’s was turned down because the zillion baht Covid insurance was in pounds not dollars. How petty and pedantic can you get? (A rhetorical question). They should scrap the whole thing, not just tweak it as they suggested this week. For goodness sake just insist on vaccinated travelers for now. It’s not that there will be many tourists - “high” season (oxymoron alert) is done and dusted. Scrap the need to even be vaxxed come next October when more people might be thinking of long haul again. Wednesday was Makha Bucha Day. Thailand insists on having alcohol bans whenever possible for no reason that I have ever been able to fathom. Fortunately Mrs Rooster - Mark 2 or should that be Mach 2 - has a convenient relationship with Buddha meaning that we both got absolutely paralytic without a sliver of guilt (something that Christians and Muslims seem to be weighed down by). Phuket continued to feature heavily in the news. The two foreign men who dispatched Jimi “The Slice” Singh the other week were named as Thai plod pretended they were going to nab them with help from the Canadians. Predictably everyone online made comparisons with Red Bull Boss whose name may well be a ‘tonic’ for clickathons on news sites but who this columnist has had a bellyful of. Also on the “Pearl of the Andaman”, tourist plod was jumping up and down in glee after a bunch of Thais helped a Russian tourist find her heirloom necklace in the surf. They clearly couldn’t find an honest taxi driver to give back half a million baht he found on the back seat. Oh the humanity! Tourism was saved and the good name of the kingdom restored to all its glory by the finding of a bit of sentimental Rusky tat. Rooster went to town putting the gushing praise of Thai officialdom into appropriately flowery English. Cue the predictable backlash of the resident Thai bashers on the forum and Facebook who wait by their keyboard with nothing better to do than pounce when the opportunity arises. Smell the roses guys, just don’t buy them for the missus. Yes, I’m guilty too, but my excuse is I get paid for ranting. Top crime of the week featured a 17 year old Toraphee - the ungrateful buffalo child of Ramakien fame. This one found out that her dear gran who had looked after her since the cradle actually had 100K in her account, discovered when the granddaughter went to the ATM to withdraw a lottery win. Unfortunately for gran the lottery of life was to disappoint her as the teen and her new online lover decided that she was worth more dead than alive so they connived to strangle her. Then wrap her up, bind her in a blanket, shove her in a plastic trash drum with compost and drive all the way from Korat to Suphanburi to find a suitable burial site. News of the body being found spooked them and they were arrested doing what Thai criminals always seem to do - going home to mother, the boyfriend's in this case. The sentence for the teen should reflect her young age - just 100 years please. Main drama of the week started with a request by the Royal Society to officially call Bangkok by the name all Thais use Krung Thep plus the Maha Nakhon bit for good measure. A surprising number of posters had barely heard of Krung Thep that some of us have been using in our Thai language for decades. The Thai press largely got it all wrong - leading ASEAN NOW to follow suit. The name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon - used officially for 21 years - was of course nothing new. It was all about punctuation, said the society, after an excrement storm from Thais and foreigners online fearful that Bangkok would disappear before global warming and flood waters do the trick in 2050. The old name was Krung Thep Maha Nakhon; Bangkok. The new one Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok). Brackets instead of a semi-colon. The society said that it didn’t really matter what name was used so long as people stopped calling them to complain. I really would encourage any non-Thai to learn the full name of the greatest city on earth that can stretch to 150 characters in English. Listen to the Asanee/Wasan song on YouTube a few dozen times to get the cadence and then enjoy how many free beers you get when performing your party-piece after a few beverages. Doing a party-piece at a restaurant was a Thai man out with his missus. CCTV showed him suddenly keel back and start gagging. I thought chicken bones and Heimlich maneuver until I read the headline. It was none other than that essential accompaniment to virtually any food - Wasabi. But as anyone should know, and the man involved now surely does, it should be consumed in moderation. Try having too much and compare it to a Covid nose swab and tell me which one is worse. In international news His Royal Horniness Andrew settled his civil underage sex case with a reported £12 million. No charities want to touch him with a barge-pole and tax payers are asking if their money was used in the settlement. The man formerly known as Prince should replace his name with some symbol. Might I humbly suggest an emoji pile of steaming plop….sir. Australia is opening up to fully vaxxed visitors next week, even if they play tennis. With all the negative stories coming out of Down Under over the last few years I think I’d prefer to go to North Korea, Victoria Bitter or no VB. In New Zealand the authorities came up with a novel idea to disperse crowds of protesters - Barry Manilow on loop on loudspeakers. This has given me an idea for the Thai police; time to get my Max Bygraves greatest hits album out. Just a few bars would have Penguin, Mike and Rung begging for mercy. In sports the Los Angeles Rams scored a late touchdown to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl 56. Eminem took time off from making chocolates to perform at halftime controversially ‘taking the knee’ towards the end of his performance. Lord’s announced that the annual cricket matches between Oxford and Cambridge and Eton and Harrow would end from next year. Yet more damning evidence that elitist Britain is becoming more damn egalitarian. Back in Thailand elephants were in the news almost daily. Two got married on Valentine’s Day at a camp in Chiang Mai (food featured heavily) while a video of an anti-vax pachyderm who hid underwater from a vet’s needle went viral. Monks also continued to make all the bad headlines. One behind the wheel lost control and killed two students in Surin while another was defrocked in Sattahip after doing a runner on his restaurant and booze bill. Top gut wrenching photo of the week featured a Thai driver “graaping” the feet of a deaf 82 year old “tuat”. The ‘graaper’ with his head to the tarmac had just killed the old man’s daughter and sent his great grandson to hospital hitting them as they cycled home in Udon Thani. Incredibly Nonwat was on his way to another province to pay a speeding fine. This was one of many accidents in the last seven days blamed on the unseasonal rain that sent temperatures in the kingdom plummeting to below 30C. Next week it’ll be back to faulty brakes again. Down in Pattaya a two year old boy tragically died in the swimming pool at a villa. As someone who nearly lost their precious child last year, I would urge all parents to teach their children to swim from the earliest age and even then never take your eyes off them around water. Drowning reportedly takes as many young lives as motorcycle accidents in Thailand and neither activity should be taken lightly. Some good news came at last on the green baize from Sheffield, England, where Thai cueist Nutcharat Wongharuthai won the women’s world snooker crown beating Belgium’s Wendy Hans 6-5 in the final. Mink will now get a tour card and a chance to play the men next season. I hope to interview her - and maybe get a game - when she returns to Thailand. On Friday another talented young Thai woman - Pol Lt Patarasaya or Lieutenant Viking - went online to slam conservatives in Thai society after pictures of her in a sexy swimsuit were posted. The RTP stunner, who is a police spokeswoman, reminded her detractors that this is 2022 and it’s not how you look but how well you do your job that matters. Good luck with that in beauty obsessed Thailand! Earlier, the comely lass - as Bangkok Post legend Bernard Trink used to refer to Thai bar girls in his weekly columns - had appeared at the mike in the case against Ferrari Joe. He has had his assets seized and many on the forum would like to do that to Ms Viking, if comments were anything to go by. Another charismatic cop - Lt-Gen Surachate Big Joke Hakparn - then appeared in Surat Thani. BJ is going after not just the procurers and madams for underage sex but the men who sleep with the victims. This is a worthwhile crusade and hopefully one that with the help of the high profile cop will see the arrest of influential men who prey on teen children. In this case a politician’s son and a doctor, among others, are facing arrest. Finally ASEAN NOW had a feature story asking the question: Could it be Covid safer to take the train rather than the plane? Unfortunately the article didn’t answer the question as to whether you were more likely to catch the dreaded lurgy on the railway or in the air. But Rooster for one would recommend the train over domestic flying any time. Get a good book, enjoy the view and the far superior food! You may get to your destination the next day - maybe 12 hours late but you can always get a sleeper bunk and thoroughly enjoy the journey. Letting the train take the Covid strain. Rooster -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-19 - 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

(Left) A horrific photo of 23-year-old Bew Jirajariyawetch, a recent immigrant from Thailand to New York, was taken by the New York City Police Department after she was attacked in the early hours of November 22nd last. Now, following a December appearance on the city’s Crime Stoppers TV show, the attacker, 40-year-old Kevin Douglas has been charged with assault and robbery of the woman. He had been arrested just hours later and was in custody at Rikers Island Prison at the time of the show appealing for help from the public. However, it has also emerged that the suspect sexually assaulted Ms Bew during the attack on her (inset). 40-year-old Kevin Douglas was arrested over eight hours after the assault last November when he barged his way into a woman’s home in the Queens area of New York and punched her in the face in what police say was a random attack. The attack on the Thai woman comes amid a crime wave in New York and a sharp rise in attacks targeting Asian Americans in the United States and the Big Apple where such incidents were up fivefold in 2021. A 40-year-old African American man was charged before a Manhattan court in New York last Thursday with a vicious attack on a 23-year-old Thai woman in the city last year which was the subject of an appeal to the public for help. In the course of the attack, which left Bew Jirajariyawetch bloodied and bruised, it has now also been revealed that the young woman, who only emigrated to the US months before from Thailand, was also sexually assaulted by the perpetrator. 23-year-old Thai woman Bew Jirajariyawetch who emigrated to New York last year and who was the subject of a violent attack in November was praised this week by her lawyer after the man who attacked her was charged before the courts in relation to the incident. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/02/16/thai-woman-attacker-appears-before-new-york-court/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-02-17 - 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 65% of Expats in Thailand say unvaccinated passengers should sit in separate areas on aeroplanes according to a survey by ASEAN NOW. 570 Expats across Thailand completed the ASEAN NOW survey on vaccinations, which also revealed more interesting insights. In fact, 74% agreed that governments should have the right to impose restrictions on arrival for unvaccinated people. Surprisingly was that 65% also wanted airlines to place unvaccinated passengers in separate areas in the cabin. Of course, it is not unusual to catch a virus on a plane when there is little social distancing. The survey which was posted on forums in several Asian countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines shows how expats view the current situation. Here are the full results. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-16 - 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 Online Reporter All overhead cables in Bangkok will be buried underground within the next three years, it has been revealed. According to Palang Pracharath Party MP Korranit Ngamsukonratana, who chairs the sub-committee on the organisation of electrical cables, work will be begin later this year to bury almost 1,400 kilometres of cables in the capital. Some 456 kilometres of cables will be buried underground this year, while the remaining 936 kilometres of cables will be moved underground by 2025. Ms Korranit said all relevant agencies including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Metropolitan Electricity Authority and National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission will work together to ensure the work is completed. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/bangkok-to-bury-all-overhead-cables-underground-within-3-years/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-15 - 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 Nop Meechukhun Chonburi – A French national, 59, originally from Compiegne, was caught in Prachuap Khiri Khan and taken for legal proceedings at Pattaya City Police Station yesterday, February 12th, after being allegedly wanted for seven arrest warrants issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court. According to officials, the suspect, identified by Pattaya Police and multiple media outlets such as Bangkok Post as Mr. Herve Leonard, 59, a long-term Thai ex-pat, was tracked down following a report and investigation from the French Embassy in Thailand, stating that many foreigners from multiple countries such as France, Belgium, and Australia filed complaints to the French Embassy that they were allegedly defrauded by the suspect with a total damage in value at about 6,333,677 baht and that the suspect had been allegedly evading arrest. According to Pol Maj Gen Atthasit Kijjaharn, the Chon Buri police chief, and Pattaya Police Chief Colonel Kunlachart Kunlachai, who jointly released this information to the media, the suspect would reportedly claim to foreign victims that he knew local officers who carried out various matters including the sale of big bikes and offering to assist people in trouble. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/13/french-national-59-arrested-for-alleged-fraud-stemming-from-seven-arrest-warrants-issued-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-02-14 - 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

After making the decision to retire overseas, the next big decision is where to settle. Asia is one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse regions in the world. Each Asian country offers unique and desirable traits for expats wanting to retire abroad. So which country should you select? Well according to International Living’s List, the top five countries in Asia to retire are Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam & Sri Lanka. The criteria they used to analyze each country are classified under thirteen categories: Buying and investing potential, renting abilities, benefits and seniors discounts, ability to obtain visas and residency, cost of living, assimilation, entertainment and amenities, healthcare, healthy lifestyle, level of country development, climate, opportunity & governance. 1. Malaysia There’s no wonder why Malaysia was named as the top Asian country to retire as an expatriate. Malaysia is located South of Thailand and is known for its vast and beautiful beaches, immaculate rainforests, and surroundings of its multitude wonderful islands. Although the countries official language is Malay, English has become an unofficial second language in the country. It is widely spoken, which will surely facilitate retirees in their relocation. Malaysia should also be a top priority for retirees looking for some adventure. The country is large, with a wide variety of terrain and adventures to explore. Also, due to its location, you will have most of Asia at your fingertips. Travelling between countries is extremely easy, allowing you to explore the full potential of Asia. 2. Thailand A close follow-up to Malaysia was Thailand. As Malaysia’s northern neighbour, there is no surprise that Thailand has landed in second as a desirable location for expatriates to retire. Known as “The Land of Smiles,” Thailand has much to offer in terms of retiree’s desires. The countries low-cost of living, warm-water coastlines, tropical climates, a tax-free system for income coming abroad for expats, a rich and untouched culture, and relatively standardized hospital care. Thailand also offers easily accessible yearly visa renewals for expatriates who have chosen to retire in Thailand, which allows Thailand to be a long-term retiring destination. 3. Cambodia Cambodia has long been on the rise for one of the most desired countries to retire. As the country continues to expand, Cambodia offers the benefit of beautiful scenery and a warm climate as well as the ease and comfort of a large international connection. One major benefit of retiring in Cambodia is the ability and ease to obtain long-term visas. Many Asian countries may require a stringent income requirement for a long-term visa to be approved, whereas Cambodia does not require these. 4. Vietnam While on the hunt for new experiences, a change in scenery while staying within your retiree budget, Vietnam should be well at the top of your list. Like its neighbouring countries, Vietnam is known for its exquisite scenery and warm climate, but also offers a variety of healthy and delicious foods. One reason why Vietnam is lower on the list than its neighbouring Asian countries is that they do not have a government placed retirement visa scheme yet. This may complicate long-term stay in the country. You can extend your visa while in the country, which facilitates the renewal process, however the longest visa in place now is a 3-month visa. 5. Sri Lanka Last on our list of top five countries in Asia to retire is Sri Lanka. No different to several other Asian countries when it comes to the beautiful and steady climate, Sri Lanka offers a steady and homogenous temperature year-round. Sri Lanka is also known as a multicultural country which allows expats to explore and diverge in a variety of cultures. Sri Lanka offers a “Dream Home Visa Programme” which allows retirees over the age of fifty-five who meet the countries financial minimum for expats, a 2-year visa with the potential to renew. These are the findings from International Living’s List. I would possibly include Indonesia’s Bali and the Philippines as well. However, we are sure you may wish to add to this information and help others make that all-important decision? -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-02-14 - 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

Passengers at Suvarnabhumi airport. File photo By Online Reporter Thailand is set to delay the collection of a proposed tourist fee from all international visitors for at least two months. The 300 baht tourist fee was set to be collected from all foreign tourists from April 1. However, implementation of the fee will likely be delayed because details of how the fee will actually be collected are yet to be finalised. The delay is due to two main issues. For tourists arriving by air, the fee is expected to be added as a form of tax when purchasing an airline ticket. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-set-to-delay-collection-of-300-baht-tourist-fee/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-02-12 - 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