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Picture: INN INN reported that a naked man in Phayathai police jurisdiction had called rescue services for help - Chuay Duay! they said in their headline. The heavily tattooed man had got his penis caught in a padlock. Ruam Katanyu hot footed it to Soi Suan Ngern off Rama 6 and they soon had the member for Phayathai in hand, so to speak. Utilizing specialist equipment they freed the man. Picture: INN Precise details as to what he was doing in a padlock were not given and the man's identity was spared. He was pictured in what appeared to be shorts though the media said he was naked. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-15 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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: Manager Manager reported from the holiday island of Koh Chang in Trat in the east of Thailand. The destination proved popular with weekenders who went there for the three day holiday after Constitution Day Friday. Picture: Manager Some 20,000 people left the island through the day yesterday on seven ferries from the two ports on the island. They managed to clear 300-400 cars an hour. Despite this there were tailbacks of 1.5 kilometers as people drove home. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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:: Daily News Daily News called it a miracle. Wisarut, 22, lost control of his pick-up on a bend in Prachinburi central Thailand and wrapped his vehicle round a power pole. Yet he walked away with minor injuries. Srimahaphot police at the scene had to ask the electrical authorities to turn off supply after a box was demolished in the accident yesterday. It is an accident blackspot. Police are interviewing the driver once more. ASEAN NOW notes that miracles need to be verified by the Vatican and this can take some time, especially at Christmas. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

People pass through a rainbow walkway inside the Samyan Mitrtown complex in Bangkok on June 11, 2021, in celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) Despite being considered one of the world’s most tolerant societies, Thailand is unlikely to bless same-sex marriages any time soon. Efforts to legalize the status of same-sex couples in Thailand have been dealt harsh blows recently. The Constitutional Court’s ruling last month supported the Civil and Commercial Code’s edict that only marriage between a man and woman is constitutional. Later it went even further in its explanation of the ruling, which seemed to reflect prevailing prejudices against Thailand’s LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersexed) community. In response, many from the LGBTQI community vented their frustration online, complaining the verdict portrayed them as less than human and as a minority trying to overthrow the culture of the majority. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/hope-for-same-sex-marriage-still-a-faint-glimmer-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-12-13 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News A terrified passenger on a Rayong to Chonburi minivan called the police after the driver - obviously steaming drunk - drove in an out of traffic "like a snake slithering along the ground", reported Daily News. When Chan, 57, saw the cones laid out at the intercept he tried to burst through but was stopped. He was breath tested and had 310 mg of alcohol - nearly six times over the limit at least. Picture: Daily News Chan reckoned he's only had one bottle of spirits and stopped drinking by 2 am. He didn't say how big it was. He was immediately booked for DUI by Sattahip police and carried away. Pictures showed that he could barely stand. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-11 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

In 2016 Mr Wright claimed to be the founder of Bitcoin A computer scientist who claims he invented Bitcoin has won a court case allowing him to keep a cache of the cryptocurrency worth billions of dollars. A jury rejected claims that Craig Wright's former business partner was due half of the assets. As a result Mr Wright will retain 1.1m Bitcoin, worth $54bn (£40bn). However he will pay $100m to his late partner's company for intellectual property infringement. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59571277 -- © Copyright BBC 2021-12-09 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Tourists board a boat at Chalong Pier yesterday (Dec 3). Photo: TAC Phuket By The Phuket News PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Government has been approved to spend more than B298 million on local development projects, including B113mn on two projects supporting marine tourism in Chalong Bay. One of the projects is for more than B44mn to be spent on installing mooring buoys in Chalong Bay. The budget figures were revealed during a meeting led by Paphasmon Amralikit, Inspector-General of the Prime Minister’s Office Government Inspectorate Area 6 office, in Phuket yesterday (Dec 3). During the meeting Ms Paphasmon was briefed on 12 projects totalling B298.57mn for the fiscal year 2022 (Oct 1, 2021 - Sept 30, 2022) “in order to comply with the objectives and achieve the best benefits for the people”, noted a report by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket). Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-splashes-out-b113mn-on-chalong-bay-projects-82258.php -- © Copyright Phuket News 2021-12-04 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Manager Manager reported that Thailand's minister for tourism and sports Pipat Ratchakitprakan responded to questions in the House about the new coronavirus variant Omicron and its possible affect on tourism. He said that he was confident that it would have no effect. He assured the house that tourist arrivals from the US and Europe in particular had shown no signs of cancellations. To back this up he referred to the "Phuket Sandbox" with 60,000 arrivals and only 200 positive Covid cases. He also said that measures were underway to trace arrivals from Africa before restrictions were placed in relation to several nations on that continent where the omicron variant has been discovered. Visa-compliant insurance plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

file photo The overall popularity of Bangkok amongst expats has increased, according to a new survey. The Thai capital was ranked in 11th place out of 57 cities included in the survey for the best place for expats to live. The Expat Insider 2021 survey carried out by InterNations revealed that Bangkok is now more popular with expats than it was in 2020. Last year, Bangkok was ranked in 30th place out of 66 cities surveyed. In 2019, it ranked in 20th place out of 72 cities. The affordability of housing, the ease in finding housing and friendly locals were the main positive factors for expats living in Bangkok. The survey said that finding housing in Bangkok was “a breeze”. “Although it misses out on a place in the top 10 overall (11th), Bangkok comes in a proud third place in the Finance & Housing Index 2021, slowly climbing from spot four in 2020. It has consistently ranked in the top 5 of this index since 2017”, the survey said. “Just over double the global average agree completely that it is easy for expats to find housing in the Thai capital (49% vs. 24% globally). And nearly two-thirds (64%) rate the affordability of housing positively (vs. 42% worldwide). A British expat sums it up: “Whether you are renting or buying — it’s affordable.” “A similar percentage (65%) is satisfied with the general cost of living in Bangkok (vs. 48% globally). And indeed, an above-average percentage (83%) agree that their disposable household income is enough or more than enough to buy everything they need (vs. 77% globally). This might be helped by the fact that only 18% have a gross annual income of 25k USD or less, compared to 30% of expats worldwide. However, some of the negative aspects of living in Bangkok could be seen in the capital’s ranking in the Urban Living Index, where it received some of its lowest scores in the categories for Transportation, Safety & Politics and Health & Environment. In the Urban Work Live Index, a lack of career opportunities was also seen as a negative factor for expats living in Bangkok. Despite Bangkok’s improvement in the survey’s rankings compared to last year, the Thai capital was still rated behind regional rivals Kuala Lumpur (1st), Singapore (5th) and Ho Chi Minh city (6th), which were ranked as better destinations for expats. The survey described Kuala Lumpur as welcoming and affordable for expats, saying: “Kuala Lumpur (1st out of 57) also ranks first in the Getting Settled Index — nearly all rating factors make it into the top 10. “It’s easy to live here, and the people are wonderful!”, a US expat sums up her experience. (For details, see the Getting Settled Index 2021.) “It boasts stellar results in the Finance & Housing Index (1st), too (see the Finance & Housing Index 2021). Kuala Lumpur comes first in the Housing Subcategory and is only beaten by Ho Chi Minh City (1st) with regard to finance: 64% of expats have a disposable household income that is more than enough to cover expenses in Kuala Lumpur (vs. 52% globally). “In the Urban Work Life Index (30th), it gets mixed results. Expats are happy with their working hours (75% vs. 66% globally) and work-life balance (72% vs. 66% globally). However, 34% rate the local career opportunities negatively (vs. 33% globally), and only 57% view the state of the local economy favorably (vs. 62% globally). “Lastly, the Quality of Urban Living Index (41st) is Kuala Lumpur’s weakest point. While it lands in ninth place of the Leisure & Climate Subcategory, the results for other factors are rather subpar. This includes the urban environment (38th), personal safety (42nd), and transportation (47th). For example, 69% of expats globally rate the local transportation system positively, compared to 57% in Kuala Lumpur. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Pipat Ratchakitprakan. File photo Thailand's tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan admitted to Thai media yesterday that he hadn't any idea why the country bans drinking from 2 pm to 5 pm in the afternoon. He told Thai Rath it was like "lying to yourself" about reality. "What is that for?," he pressed. "It's not as if drinkers haven't stocked up." Now following a meeting with tourism industry people yesterday Pipat will be proposing new rules for restaurant dining in tourism areas so they can serve alcohol all day. He said that ideally that will be 11 am to 11 pm or even midnight. He plans to raise the matter with interior minister Anupong Paojinda and deputy health minister Sathit Pitudecha at the cabinet. The move specifically related to 7 tourism provinces declared light blue zones and possibly 19 other light blue provinces. Whether the minister can effect any change remains to be seen which can also be said for the countrywide alcohol sales ban that exists in places like supermarkets and 7-Eleven's during three hours in the afternoon. This has been in place in Thailand for many years but nobody, including the minister, seems to understand why, notes ASEAN NOW. Visa-compliant insurance plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-30 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

Great Wall Motors’ Ora Good Cat is building a buzz in Thailand. Photo: Shutterstock Jitsiree Thongnoi ● With its pretty looks, attractive price and reasonable range, the Ora Good Cat of Great Wall Motor is setting records by appealing to young consumers and women ● As Thailand embraces EVs, Chinese brands are stealing a march on more established Japanese rivals, but the country’s status as ‘Asia’s Detroit’ is under pressure from Indonesia Veteran Thai journalist Nithi Thuamprathom has covered the automotive industry for two decades but it was only recently, at an exhibition in Shanghai a few years ago, that Chinese electric cars first caught his attention. “The show opened my eyes to how much China has progressed in developing its electric cars,” he said. “I had visited car shows in Europe for 10 years, but it was in China that I was very impressed with the car products on display.” When Great Wall Motor – a Chinese carmaker that’s still a newcomer in the Thai market long dominated by Japanese brands – last month released the Haomao or Ora Good Cat, it received more than 4,200 pre-orders in less than 24 hours, a record for zero-emission cars in Thailand and a figure that eclipsed even the previous high for annual sales of battery-run EVs in the kingdom. Full story: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3157507/why-chinese-electric-cars-are-causing-buzz-thailand -- © Copyright South China Morning Post 2021-11-29 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

File photo for reference only Thailand’s English proficiency is among the worst in ASEAN, according to a new study. The annual English Proficiency Index released earlier this month by international language education company, EF Education First, ranked Thailand in just 100th place, out of 112 countries included in the index. The index, which is based on the results of English tests taken among 2.0 million adults in 112 countries, saw Thailand score a total of 419 out of 800, giving it a ranking of ‘very low proficiency’. Thailand’s score shows a declining trend in English proficiency in the country. Laos and Brunei were not included in the index. In 2019, Thailand ranked in 74th place but dropped to 89th place in 2020. Elsewhere in ASEAN, Singapore scored highest on the index, ranking in 4th place overall, followed by Philippines (18th) and Malaysia (28th), which gave them a proficiency score of ‘very high’ and ‘high’, respectively. Vietnam and Indonesia ranked in 66th and 80th places respectively, giving them a proficiency score of ‘low’, while Myanmar and Cambodia ranked in 93rd and 97th place, giving them a proficiency score of ‘very low’. Thailand's 100th place ranking was the lowest out of the ASEAN countries which were included in the index. Overall, the Netherlands was ranked as the number one country for English proficiency in 2021. The majority of other countries to make the top were European, with the exception of Singapore. Top 10 countries by English Proficiency 1. Netherlands 2. Austria 3. Denmark 4. Singapore 5. Norway 6. Belgium 7. Portugal 8. Sweden 9. Finland 10. Croatia -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-27 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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: Daily News Daily News reported on the case of an attractive 23 year old woman in Chiang Mai who was featured online in a skimpy "no bra" costume selling a popular street snack. Nong Olive - real name Aranya Apaiso - not surprisingly found that most of her new customers were men. She was doing a roaring trade as the men slathered for her treats. This was not missed on the cultural affairs department in Chiang Mai, the local council and the Chang Pheuak police who paid her a visit. The council and the police showed her how to wear an apron and serve food in a hygienic manner and advised her to social distance if people asked for selfies. The culture department said they couldn't dictate how she dressed but asked for her cooperation in making it a bit more conservative, reported Daily News. Visa-compliant insurance plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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: Manager Thai social media was abuzz with comment after tourists were stopped for traffic misdemeanors on motorcycles in Phuket. RTP spokesman Maj-Gen Khemmarin Hatsiri said that traffic police were out making sure that everyone was safe and following the rules on Ratuthit 200 Years Road near the Bangla intersection. They were checking both Thais and foreigners on motorcycles for misdemeanors like not wearing helmets or not having a licence. It was standard practice, he said. He notes that Phuket provincial chief Pol Maj-Gen Sermphan Sirikhong would stand for no backhanders being taken by traffic police and promised offenders would face disciplinary action or criminal prosecution. But he also noted that police were within their rights to let off those who were breaking the law as a first offence and show leniency. The spokesman told Manager that police were requesting that motorcycle rental shops checked tourists' documents and said that it was important that tourists knew the requirements and road rules before taking to the roads. ASEAN NOW notes that Phuket has been at the forefront of the reopening of Thailand. Manager did not make it clear whether there was online criticism of the police for picking on tourists or taking bribes in this case. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-25 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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 Thai Immigration Bureau has announced that foreigners who remain in Thailand due to the COVID-19 situation have until almost the end of January next year to extend their stay permission to remain in the country. It was expected that the so-called ‘COVID extensions’ would no longer be available with Thailand and other countries starting to reopen their borders to tourists. But according to a new order, dated 23 November 2021, foreigners can apply for a COVID extension until 25 January 2022. As this is a 60 day extension, it essentially grants stay in the country until 26 March 2022. The order will once again be welcomed by those people who remain in Thailand due to COVID-19 and need to or want to stay longer. Anyone whose temporary extension was due to expire are advised to visit their local immigration office for a further extension. It will cost 1,900 baht. Special thanks toThai Visa Centre for the information. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

File photo A Suan Dusit University poll has revealed that more family members and grandparents are bringing up Thai children than parents themselves. The poll - about the problems facing families with children up to 15 years old in the Covid-19 era - suggested that 49.14% of children were raised by grandparents and other family members and just 45.45% by mums and dads, reported Daily News. 77.64% said that raising children was harder in Covid times compared to pre-pandemic. Finding activities for children and keeping them healthy were chief concerns. 74.57% were worried about their children getting Covid and 62.9% expressed concern about their education. It was reckoned that costs related to bringing up children were on average 7,974 baht for each child a month. The total number polled between 15th and 18th November was 1,154. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-22 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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 Namo Vananupong BANGKOK (NNT) - With the government having set a new COVID-19 vaccination target to see 100 million doses administered by the end of November, the prime minister has asked all parties to encourage people to come forth to receive their shots. At least 86.8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Thailand, leaving 11-12 million doses remaining until the new target is met. Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana explained that the Ministry of Public Health and partners had engaged the new vaccination target and there are now measures to accelerate vaccine uptake. As an example, the Ministry of Public Health will be holding a “vaccination week” from November 27 to December 5, while proactive vaccination teams will be sent out to improve vaccine access for the elderly, bedridden patients, and migrant workers. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation as well as universities and medical schools are conveying vaccine information to the public. Provincial governors are working to bring unvaccinated members of target groups to receive the shots by using incentives such as prizes and handouts. The business sector is also holding incentive campaigns that provide discounts or souvenirs to people who are able to present evidence of vaccination. Thanakorn said the collaboration being had from all sectors will enable Thailand to achieve the target of administering 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of this month. He added that being able to present evidence of having received at least one dose of vaccine will benefit individuals when they carry out outdoor activities. He called for everybody, especially senior citizens and people with chronic diseases, to come forth and get vaccinated. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-11-22 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Tanakorn Sangiam BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Education is asking government agencies and private firms to lend smartphones and tablets to students. These internet-connected devices are crucial to students’ remote learning. The Ministry of Education launched the “Next Normal with Smart Devices” campaign for government agencies and private companies to lend smart devices such as smartphones and tablets to students in need, in order to assist in their online learning during the pandemic. Deputy Minister of Education Kalaya Sophonpanich said access to technology and internet connection, along with the content and teachers’ capacity, is crucial for effective online learning, an area in which this new campaign could help improve upon. The Ministry of Education will also be setting up a fund to support students in need of online learning equipment and to further promote online learning channels and the creation of online content. The ministry is to set up a central database for online lessons and tests, starting with high school students in their senior years, before expanding to younger students, as well as students with special needs. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-11-20 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News Thailand's controversial Minister of Health and DPM Anutin Charnvirakul was interviewed by Daily News on what the media called the latest drama: People who are not vaccinated being unable to access certain services and being denied employment in some jobs. Some have likened this to being treated like lepers. The minister, often criticized for inflammatory and off the cuff remarks, struck a more measured, reasoned tone, notes ASEAN NOW. He even mentioned his own experiences concerning a trip to a WHO meeting in Switzerland that he could not attend. He said that not being vaccinated was a person's basic human right. You can't force anyone to be vaccinated. But equally he felt that owners of businesses and those offering services to the public were within their rights to serve who they wished in order to protect themselves, their other staff and their other customers. This was particularly true in the tourism industry, he noted. Employers were also within their rights to insist that certain employees in certain companies could only work for them if they are vaccinated. Such cases were already being raised abroad, he noted, and Thailand would be no different. He stressed the importance of everyone who can getting vaccinated as it protects you and means far less potential health problems if you then catch Covid. He again stressed that vaccination does not mean you can't be infected but that people vaxxed are very unlikely to need intubation or die. He continued to advise practical measures like social distancing while copmpletely understanding people's reticence at being around the unvaccinated. Some in society - particularly anti-vaxxers have said that draconian rules mean that those choosing not to be vaccinated or who have exemptions face being treated like lepers in society. Anutin said that society was still coming to terms with the pandemic and its aftermath. He cited his own experiences about the now well-known affair in not going to Switzerland. He said that the reality was he could have gotten a visa after two doses of Sinovac. But he would have had to have stayed in his hotel once there and could not have attended the WHO meeting or even gone out to a restaurant. He recognised that he would need a booster shot to do his job there properly. So that's what he would have to do to satisfy their entry requirements. Not unreasonably, he compared this to other employees having to get vaccinated to do their jobs. "It's part of living together happily in society," he noted. Long Stay Visa Health Insurance Plans -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-19 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

File photo: REUTERS By Jonathan Fairfield PayPal will no longer be available to the vast majority of people in Thailand from February 2022. PayPal recently announced that anyone in Thailand who set up a personal account before March 2021, will no longer be able to receive payments or even have a balance on their account from February 2022. “PayPal is preparing to relaunch services in Thailand. If your account was opened prior to March 7, 2021, you will need to take some action to continue using your account in Thailand, the company says on its website. The move essentially means that as of February next year, PayPal will no longer be available to customers with personal accounts in Thailand. For people who rely on PayPal to receive payments from overseas, they will no longer be able to do so without a registered business account. Online teachers, freelance workers, digital nomads or even people in Thailand who use PayPal to receive money from friends and family overseas will have to find an alternative. In order to get a registered business account, people will need to be registered via the Thai government’s Know Your Business (KYB) scheme. Registration for a business account requires applicants to submit their 13 digit registration number, as well as the identification documents of all company shareholders with more than 25% stake in the company. In addition, anyone who is authorised to use said business account is also required to submit their identification documents. Furthermore, business accounts will then be charged 7% VAT on all transactions, while domestic transactions can only be made in Thai baht and must be linked to a Thai bank account. Business customers will also no longer be able to transfer money bank accounts in the United States. The move has come about after the Thai government overhauled regulation of the country’s fintech sector. This means that PayPal has been forced to adhere to a new regulatory framework in order to be able to operate in Thailand. However, speculation online says the move is to do with Thailand cracking down on money laundering. Last year PayPal announced it was no longer accepting new registrations for accounts from people in Thailand. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-11-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - 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

PHOTO: Sanook By Adam Judd Udon Thani, Thailand- The Udon Thani police raided and searched the home of a Swiss national today who admitted to killing what he called an armed intruder to his home on October 3rd. The raid followed the mother of the slain man claiming there was more to the story than the Swiss national was stating and claimed that almost 300,000 baht her son had on him from a recent land sale had gone missing following the incident. First, get caught up with our prior articles about the incident and statements from both parties involved Today’s raid was led by Pol. Lt. Col. Noppadon Wisetsri, the Deputy Superintendent of the Nakha Police Station in Udon Thani. The raid was given the green light by the Udon Thani Provincial Court, which issued a search warrant with the order number of 142/2564. Police raided the home of 63-year-old Rudolf Joseph Rothy, a Swiss national, around 2:00 P.M. in Ban Khamin, part of the Kudsa sub-district in Mueang Udon Thani. Mr. Rudolf and his wife were not home during the raid and so police had the village headsman, identified as Mr. Buasen Sriyangkabutr, and a prominent local monk, Phra Lek Sareerup, 65, accompany them for the raid for transparency reasons. The reason for the raid, according to Udon Thani police, were claims by the mother of the victim, Khan Chantarakhantri, that her son had nearly 300,000 baht from a recent land sale go missing during the confrontation with Rudolf. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/08/udon-thani-police-searches-home-of-swiss-national-who-killed-armed-intruder-at-his-house-after-mother-of-slain-man-claims-almost-300000-baht-was-missing/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-09 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Adam Judd Thailand/UK - After months of regulatory red-tape tying up vaccines in Thailand being accepted as “fully vaccinated” in the UK, the rules are finally changing as of Monday, October 11th. Previously, if one was vaccinated with AstraZeneca or other major brands in Thailand, they would not be considered “fully vaccinated” in the UK upon return, leading to confusion and anger on social media. However, as of today, October 8th, 2021, that guidance has changed and will become effective on Monday, October 11th, 2021. The complete guidance can be read by clicking right here. We have paraphrased the guidance below. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/countries-with-approved-covid-19-vaccination-programmes-and-proof-of-vaccination -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-08 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Need a driving licence in Thailand? Queue system now up and running for new applications Picture: Daily News The head of the Department of Land Transport Jirut Wisanjit has ordered that all DLT offices nationwide now handle applications for new driving licences. The order refers to people who have not had a licence before. Applicants can use the DLT Smart Queue app to book a date at their local office. Or go to https://gecc.dlt.go.th to book. New licence applications at busy offices have been held up since mid-April and can be made from now until the end of the year, reported Daily News. The chief ordered all offices to follow strict Covid-19 protocols. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-10-06 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Bangkok Business News Every man, woman and child who enters Thailand from January 1st will have to pay 500 baht for the privilege. The money will be a fund to bail out tourism businesses hit by the pandemic. Bangkok Business News called it a "charge to step onto the land" that is Thailand. Earlier 300 baht was agreed. Now with the pandemic having caused much worse devastation it has been increased after the Centre for the Economic Situation caused by Covid-19 (CES) gave the green light. Thailand's minister for tourism and sports said all the money gained will develop tourism and help businesses affected by Covid. He did the math in the BBN article saying that 1 million tourists would mean 500 million baht. The cabinet will meet to decide the finer details of who should benefit. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-10-05 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News Police in Udon Thani in Thailand's north east have promised justice after a Thai man was killed by a Swiss pensioner at the foreigner's house. The Thai man scaled a wall and demanded money and a fight broke out after he pulled a gun. The pensioner hit him in the head then tied him up before the police were called. But the intruder had died. It was the early hours of Sunday when Pol Capt Sukin Rajankaew of the Nakha police went to a house one kilometer from the village in Moo 4 Ban Khamin in Kutsa sub-district. Picture: Daily News There the police and rescue services found 53 year old Sathian dead in a kitchen behind the house. He had cheek and eyebrow cuts and bruises and had his hands and feet bound. He was taken for an autopsy at Soon Udon Thani Hospital. Waiting to surrender himself at the scene was Rudolf J.R., 63, the Swiss houseowner. He admitted knocking out the victim but denied intending to kill him. He said that late Saturday night he had been having a coffee in his kitchen. His wife had been out drinking with friends and had come home and gone to bed. The intruder scaled a concrete wall and was armed with a gun which he pointed at him demanding "money, money", reported Daily News. Picture: Daily News A struggle ensued as the Swiss man said he grabbed the intruder's arm and the gun went off but it didn't hit anyone. Rudolf said he threw it in the pond next to the house. In the furious fight fists and feet were used to attack the intruder who was knocked unconscious. Worried that he would regain consciousness the foreigner tied him up, woke up his wife and got her to contact the phu yai ban to inform the police. However, when the phu yai ban arrived Sathian was already dead. Lak, 44, the Swiss man's wife, said that she and her husband had been married for ten years and lived off his retirement fund. He used to be an architect. They had no trouble with anyone and no enemies, she said. She admitted to being someone who liked to go out and party with friends. Two years ago she said she met Sathian, a general employee and farmer, who was a friend of a friend. She said that he tried to initiate a relationship with her but she declined his advances. She would meet him in the village and say hello, that was all. She never thought he would try to rob them and it would come to this. Rudolf was taken away to the police station along with a .38 revolver that was found in the pond. It contained 5 rounds in the chamber, one had been fired. Picture: Daily News Pol Maj-Gen Phisanu Unhaseri said there were two cases - the first involved trespass at night with a gun and attempted murder against the victim. The second is that the foreigner will face charges of inflicting bodily harm causing death. Whether it was self-defence will be taken into consideration, said the provincial police chief promising "justice for both sides". He said there would be a full investigation. More on this as we hear of developments in the case. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-10-04 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates