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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

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 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

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: 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

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

By Pear Maneechote Influential star Araya “Chompoo” A. Hargate was going viral again Tuesday, this time for sharing her experience of receiving the government-approved Sinovac vaccine. Prompted by fans, Araya’s review came amid countrywide doubts and conspiracies regarding the vaccine against the Covid-19 virus produced by Beijing-based biopharmaceutical Sinovac, and as the country is facing its third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Many Thais have sworn off the Sinovac jab and vowed to wait for the arrival of other vaccines, such as Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson. However, experts, doctors, and health professionals have encouraged citizens to get whatever inoculation is available and confirmed their safety, stressing that getting immunized is the only means for the country to get out of this pandemic. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/27643/sinovac-review-by-thai-superstar-chompoo-araya-goes-viral/ -- © Copyright Thai Inquirer 2021-05-19 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Picture: Sanook Thai social media went ballistic after the owner of an online page recorded a video of a well endowed young lady selling watermelons on the Lampang to Jaehom Road in northern Thailand. Sanook reporters went to investigate and found the owner of the watermelon stall was a man called Thaweethayot and his girlfriend. He explained that the owner of the page had asked him if he could use his shop to promote his page. He didn't expect him to do this. Within a day of posts on Facebook and Line the shop had 200 cars backed up to ask where the young lady was and could they meet her. Pictures: Sanook Some bought melons while others, told she had gone, gave up and left. But Sanook reported it was busy all day and the melons - sold for 15 baht per kilo - sure were sweet and juicy. The owner got a visit from the local cops who fined him 500 baht for offending public decency. The shop is opposite a police air center and only 800 meters from a Buddhist learning facility. The owner of the page who filmed the clip said he would pay the fine for the melon man. -- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-03-24 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Vehicles emitting black smoke to face fine up to Bt5,000, department warns By THE NATION In an attempt to reduce PM2.5 pollution, the Department of Land Transport will impose heavy fines on the owners of vehicles that emit black smoke exceeding the safety standard. Department director-general Jirut Wisanjit said on Sunday that the maximum would be Bt5,000 and suspension of vehicle use until it was fixed. Jirut said that his department had been implementing the Ministry of Transport’s policy to reduce dust particles less than 2.5 micrometres in the air in Bangkok. “Since the beginning of fiscal year 2019 until January 2021, the department has inspected 689,333 vehicles in Bangkok areas and has suspended 8,762 vehicles from usage until they have their emission system fixed,” he said. “As for vehicles that emit high volume of black smoke but do not exceed the safety limit, the department issues warnings to the owners and urges them to inspect their vehicle condition and make sure they were properly maintained. “The department has opened vehicle inspection centres that also accept motor-vehicle tax payment at Phutthamonthon, Romklao and Khlong Luang product distribution centres, in a bid to help reduce the number of large vehicles entering inner Bangkok to have their vehicle inspected and pay tax,” he added. “Motorists can help reduce air pollution caused by black smoke and PM2.5 dust particles by having their vehicles regularly serviced at department-certified vehicle inspection centres nationwide,” said Jirut. “Alternately, they can switch to using electric or NGV-powered vehicles which have low to zero emission. The department has promoted the latter approach by reducing the annual motor-vehicle tax on low-emission vehicles under the Vehicle Act BE 2522.” People who witness vehicles emitting black smoke, can contact hotline 1584, Line: @1584DLT or via DLT GPS mobile application. Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30401750 -- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2021-01-25 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

OBITUARY Legendary nightlife columnist Bernard Trink dead at 89 A legendary Thailand based journalist and columnist of a bygone era, Bernard Trink, has died aged 89. For many decades from the 1960s to 2003 Mr Trink was a columnist commenting on the nightlife in Bangkok and Pattaya in the Bangkok World and when that publication closed in the mid 1980s in the Bangkok Post. Mr Trink was a controversial figure with strident views that delighted and irked in equal measure. But it was fair to say that most expats who followed his column would always read it even if they disagreed with him or didn't appreciate his content. A New Yorker born in 1931, Mr Trink served in the Korean war and later was a journalist in India, Hong Kong and Japan before settling in Bangkok in 1962. He started his famous "Nite Owl" column in the now defunct Bangkok World in 1966. Every Friday evening there would be news about the bar scene usually accompanied by gyrating go-go dancers whom he might describe as "comely lasses". His lack of political correctness - in an era when that expression had not yet been coined - angered many and ultimately led to the end of the column. After the Bangkok World closed his column moved to the Bangkok Post first as a full page then just a half page. In the late 1999's the management of the post cut the column but there was a public outcry and it was restored until it was finally shelved in 2003. Mr Trink was well known in the bars and clubs of Bangkok and Pattaya, famous for "doing his rounds" with pants hitched high up and a medallion on his chest. He was often accompanied by his wife Aree Trink. Despite promoting the bar scene he always warned foreigners not to hitch up with Thai "demimondaines" (his word for bar girls and hostesses) whom he invariably described as untrustworthy. He was famous for what could be described as "Trinkisms" - words and expressions that are still used by many expats today. One was "T.I.T." (This Is Thailand) that explained away baffling occurrences in the kingdom. He always signed off his column with "And I don't give a hoot". The Bangkok Post management eventually did give a hoot and he was sidelined though he continued to go to the office to work on book and film reviews. One controversial thing that angered people and the Post management was his oddball claim that HIV did not lead to AIDS. But he also campaigned fervently for the removal of the Patpong night market saying that fire engines would not be able to gain access if there was a "conflagration" in one of the bars or discos of what was Thailand's leading red light area of the time. A close associate of the legendary columnist told Thaivisa that it was always hard to pin down Mr Trink because he had no phone or computer. Mr Trink, who passed away at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from a blood infection, is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. Rooster -- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2020-10-12 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates