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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

Picture: Sanook A leading restaurateur who runs AREA 11 has slammed the CCSA decision to allow live music in restaurants but continue to ban alcohol. Only five musicians are allowed and they must all wear face masks all the time except the vocalist. They are allowed to not wear a mask when singing. "Jor Jaan", reported Sanook, said allowing music was not going to make any difference to him and many others. Alcohol was the key and that was still banned. Bands still had to be paid for and without the alcohol rules changing it was all pointless as it would not draw custom. "No alcohol means no one is buying ice, or mixers, or french fries - these all are ordered as accompaniments," he said. Only millionaire owners could afford it. "It's crazy to continue to ban alcohol," he said. He noted that most people continued to order from home where they could enjoy a beer or glass of wine with their meal. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-10-02 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

File photo: REUTERS Today (Oct 1) marks the first day of the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the 29 ‘dark red zone’ provinces in Thailand. The easing of restrictions sees a variety of businesses and services reopen including restaurants and indoor fitness centres. Restaurants are permitted to open until 9pm, with seating for dine-in customers limited to 50% for air-conditioned restaurants and at 75% for the open-air venues. Restaurants are also permitted to host live music performances, however, the sale of alcohol is still prohibited (except in Phuket). Cinemas or movie theatres are also allowed to reopen but viewers are required to adhere to a series of restrictions. These include requiring people to wear a face mask at all times, maintain distancing between seats and no food or drink while watching a movie. Cinemas can also only operate at 50% and must be closed by 9pm. Other restrictions which are eased from October 1 include: Opening hours for convenience stores, fresh markets, and flea markets for food and consumer goods have also been extended for one hour longer or until 21.00 Hrs. All 24-hour shops must close nightly from 21.00-04.00 Hrs. Public libraries and museums of all types, book houses, art galleries, historical sites, ancient monuments, learning centres, science centres for education, science parks, science and cultural centres, and art galleries can open under strict public health measures and limit the number of visitors at 75% of normal capacity. Cinemas can open until 21.00 Hrs. Seating shall be limited at 50% under the distancing approach. During showtime, visitors must wear a mask at all times, while consumption of food and drinks is not allowed. Opening hours for hair and beauty salons, as well as tattoo shops have also been extended to 21.00 Hrs. Tattoo shops’ customers must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19. Health massage shops and health spa shops are allowed to resume operations for all massage services, from previously foot massage only. The duration of service shall be limited to a two-hour session per customer. The opening hours have also been extended to 21.00 Hrs. However, body wrap, sauna, and herbal steam services are still not allowed. Public parks, sports fields, sports complexes, and outdoor swimming pools can extend the opening hours for one more hour until 21.00 Hrs. Meanwhile, air-conditioned fitness centres are allowed to resume operations up until 21.00 Hrs., except for the sauna and steam section. The use of venues or sports fields for competitions must be approved by the Bangkok or Provincial Communicable Disease Control Committee and must be conducted under strict public health measures and limit the number of visitors at 25% of normal capacity. All visitors must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19. Shopping malls, shopping centres, community malls, or similar establishments can also extend normal operations by one hour or until 21.00 Hrs., with limitations on the following venues and services: Schools and tutorial centres can reopen under the permission of the Bangkok or Provincial Communicable Disease Control Committee. Aesthetic clinics, medical clinics for beauty services, cosmetic clinics, manicure and pedicure shops, are allowed to accept customers with an advance appointment. Hair and beauty salons are allowed to accept customers with an advance appointment for a two-hour service per customer. Health massage shops, health spa shops, tattoo shops, cinemas and fitness centres are allowed to open as per the above-mentioned guidelines. Amusement parks, water parks, gaming centres, and banquet and meeting activities are to remain closed. Theatres and playhouses can open for music performances, cultural shows, folk dances, or similar performance up until 21.00 Hrs., and limit the number of audiences to 50% of the normal capacity. Educational institutions of all types, nurseries, and child development centres can reopen in accordance with the rules and regulations by the respective authorities. Despite the easing of some restrictions, a night time curfew remains in place between 22.00-04.00 and is expected to remain in place until at least Oct 15. Bars, pubs and nightclubs are also required to remain closed. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-10-01 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Naew Na The Immigration Bureau's spokesman Pol Col Phakkapong Sai-ubol told the press yesterday that his chief Pol Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang had ordered action after a video was given to the IB. It purported to show a foreign national putting his feet on bread that was about to be packaged for sale. Apart from being unhygienic this use of the feet was sickening to Thais, suggested Naew Na in their report. Picture: Naew Na The public wanted to know if this foreigner was legally in Thailand and did he even have a work permit. ASEAN NOW notes that Thais have an aversion to the foot though it frequently appears inserted in the mouths of officials. On this occasion the IB is still searching high and low in Bangkok to find the miscreant and the public were urged to call 1178 if they have information about the baker with the feet. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-09-22 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Image: Reuters, file photo. ASEAN NOW has spoken to a 47 year old British man who has lived on Koh Samui for many years who claims he received what he believes are threatening emails and telephone calls from a well known hospital on the holiday island after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 last month. Following a one night stay in the hospital he was obliged to quarantine for two weeks in the Aura "hospitel". He was not seriously ill. He wanted to isolate at home but was allegedly told this was not possible. The expat said he wouldn't have money to pay the bill. After being backed into a corner, and having his passport taken from him he eventually decided to pay a 60,000 plus bill as his visa expires this coming week. In one email seen by ASEAN NOW after he said he would be unable to pay, the foreign customer service center said: "We can't change any rules and law enforcement. The violation of the Communicable Disease Act has a maximum fine of 100,000 THB and imprisonment maximum of 1 year". They said this was "management in a crisis healthcare situation". A subsequent email said: "This treatment is not for free. If the foreigner can't pay the bill then you are not qualify to leave (sic, probably live) in Thailand any more". The email goes on to say they are a government hospital who follows the law. They continued: "If you (don't) take responsibility to make payment then we will report to immigration to consider your status of living in Thailand. "And as you are a case against the law then deport process will follow." Such heavy handed emails left the expat feeling threatened, he said. He told us: "The hospital is using the Covid laws to profit out of foreigners who get admitted (to) the system". He said that an English speaking lady from customer service was not willing to negotiate. "She tried to bully me and threatened to contact immigration, have my visa cancelled, jailed and deported if I didn't pay the bill". He consulted a lawyer and took these alleged threats seriously. He is currently on a volunteer visa after the collapse of a restaurant business (in partnership with a local) due to the pandemic. He said that the British Embassy contacted the hospital and informed him that the hospital acted within the Covid laws except when they held his passport. He had originally paid a 10,000 baht deposit then was given three months to come up with the rest of the money. He ended up paying just over 50,000 baht more as his volunteer visa was due to be extended and he didn't want further trouble. He said that prior to this the hospital would not let him go until he surrendered his passport and signed a payment contract. The expat used to be in the social security scheme but he said this lapsed after he lost his business. He added a claim that it was totally wrong that the hospital was using the pandemic to make money. "Originally all the hospital staff and all my local friends told me not to worry because Covid treatment is free for everyone in Thailand. "Many of my Thai friends were outraged when I got billed". He told us that he is considering returning to the UK next year. ASEAN NOW has contacted the foreigner center at the hospital concerned for comment about the expat's claims of being harassed. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-09-22 - 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 The measures to try and encourage a million wealthy foreign visitors to come to Thailand over the next five years are set to have a broader impact for consumers of imported alcohol. The customs department are reportedly going to slash import duty on wine and spirits and cigars maybe by as much as half. Wine drinkers in particular in Thailand have often complained about the cost of foreign imported beverages. What a 50% reduction in import duty would mean at the till remains to be seen. Bangkok Business News quoted the director-general of the Customs Department Patchara Anantasin as saying that the changes would be part of the mix to attract foreign investors. This was announced last Tuesday and includes long term visas, tax breaks and easing in property ownership rules. Details can be seen here. Thailand wants to get a million foreigners to invest a trillion baht in five years in a move to kickstart the post-pandemic economy. A bugbear would be the high cost of imported items like wine, spirits and cigars, hence the proposed changes. Various media outlets are reporting that the changes might only last for five years. But as with condo and land ownership rules this could always be extended. Changes to the excise tax on cigarettes are also in the offing though both this and slashing of alcohol duty has not pleased everyone. Roengrudee Patanavanich of Ramathibodi Hospital who is a researcher on tobacco control said that the proposals are bad news for groups wanting to stop smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages. They would prefer to see steady 4% increases in tax on cigarettes rather than flat rates charges. The changes to customs duty would also see revision of customs procedures and duty for personal items for arriving and departing passengers. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-09-20 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported on a TikTok clip that is going viral on Thai social media that they said epitomized the battle against Covid-19 being waged in Thailand. The clip on @oomnattarat showed a female nurse in PPE gear collapsing as she attended patients who were not yet admitted to the covid ward at a facility in Samut Sakhon. Colleagues rushed to her aid and took off the protective gear before she was taken to recover in a bed of her own. This is all accompanied by Thai music. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-03 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates download.mp4

Picture: Naew Na Thailand's immigration bureau in the shape of chief Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang decided to take action after a video at the soft opening of Taco Bell in Pattaya showed a man of color arguing with a white man over wearing a mask. It was felt that the IB should act in the case as the issue of wearing a mask is very serious at this stage of the pandemic with the potential for a 20,000 baht fine, reported Naew Na. It was further felt that an example should be made especially as the man, an American national, had allegedly threatened violence in the store with staffers prepared to call the police after refusing him service. Picture: Naew Na The IB with the Chonburi provincial police went to Taco Bell where the incident occurred earlier this month and then to a condo on Pratumnak Hill where the man was residing. They arrested him outside and he admitted that he was the person in the video. He was named as Cxarence, 33, from the US, according to a board at IB HQ. He was taken to Muang Pattaya police station and charged with unhiegenic activity potentially spreading a dangerous infection, essentially not wearing a mask in public. Naew Na did not say how much he was fined - a first offence is generally considered to be 6,000 baht with the fine rising to 20,000 for a third offence notes ASEAN NOW. The media further reported that the American accepted what he did was wrong and that he intended to be the "eyes and ears" of society in future in promoting the wearing of masks. The case was reported at the IB's press conference at Suan Phlu, Bangkok yesterday with a large vinyl board erected that referred to the US man's skin color saying that he had tried to pick a fight. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-07-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updatesv

Picture: Daily News Thai media Daily News reported from Government House yesterday where a cabinet video-conference meeting chaired by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha took place. In the light of decisions to re-open the country to the Phuket Sandbox scheme on July 1st - and subsequent opening of three islands in Surat Thani - the PM accepted that the economy in Thailand was in a mess. It was therefore necessary to re-open the country before it was completely ruined. In order to do this he admitted that some risks must be taken. He based his comments on the state of the economy on his Digital Economy and Science ministry analysis. He said that all his ministries were pulling together. In comments related to possible amendments to the constitution he ruled out the possibility of a referendum. He said that amendments must be reasonable. The issue is being debated today and tomorrow. -- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-06-23 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Pear Maneechote Seven people infected with Covid-19 who made headlines around the country for camping outside their flats in Din Daeng due to the lack of hospital beds has been given help, an official told Thai Enquirer on Tuesday. “They have now been transferred to the Hospitel at Baiyoke Tower II,” Wan Uthaisri, the Head of Environment and Sanitation of the Din Daeng District Office told Thai Enquirer. The District worked with the National Housing Authority of Thailand in relocating the patients and the tents have been removed. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/28850/covid-19-patients-who-had-to-live-in-tents-due-to-lack-of-hospital-beds-finally-finds-care/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2021-06-23 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

By Erich Parpart Doctors on Thursday slammed the government’s plan to reopen Thailand within the next 120 days. “To reopen while knowing that people inside the country have yet to comprehensively receive good vaccines is like climbing a mountain at night without a light,” Dr Thira Woratanarat, Chulalongkorn University’s professor of medicine, wrote on his social media page on Thursday. According to the Health Ministry’s Immunization Center, 4.95 million people have received their first dose as of June 15. Thailand’s population is 69 million. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/28676/doctors-sound-alarm-over-plan-to-reopen-borders-by-october/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2021-06-17 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Daily News Daily News reported that "Big Police" descended on the area of the pool at the five star resort in Koh Tao yesterday where two Thai/Indian billionaires died on Friday. And now it has emerged that the couple and their son decided to change hotels because one they had previously booked had a swimming pool that was too small. In addition the husband was found first and only some time later was the wife discovered under the water in a different location. Rakeswar, 59, and Anshoo Sachathamakul, 55, were found dead at the pool on Friday. They had earlier arrived with their 34 year old son Ratich for a holiday. Yesterday, Region 8 chief Lt-Gen Kitrat Phanpetch and his entourage carried out investigations and reenactments at the scene of what staff found. Daily News Daily News had pictures of a man apparently playing the part of Rakeswar in the pool while in another top cops and local police looked in the pool while media observed. Daily News said that originally the parents and their son had arrived at room P3 in another resort. But they decided to change after finding that the pool was too small unlike what had been advertised on the website and there was construction work going on. The son contacted the resort where the incident occurred by phone to change their plans and driver Pheerathorn Janthao went to pick them all up at 11 am. They were now given what the media called a "pool villa" to stay in. At this point the son and his mother enjoyed a bottle of beer each and some food before they went to their room at 12.17. Hotel staff then got a call from the son who wanted to rent a kayak. They took his phone and bag for safekeeping. The parents then asked for the direction to the pool. Later the son asked for his possessions to be returned to him. At 3.49 pm hotel staffer Airadar Jaimen heard the son calling in a panic four or five times from the pool area. She looked out but didn't see anyone. At 4.01 pm she heard cries for help and went there and then alerted others to retrieve the body of the father who was lying unconscious on the steps leading into the pool. He was unconscious. Two fellow staffers from Myanmar came to help and rescue calls were made to a foundation. Hospital staff over the phone gave basic instructions on how to perform CPR. Then the son enquired as to the location of his mother. She was then found under the water on another side of the pool. Both were taken to hospital but had died. -- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-06-09 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates