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Residents who consider the destination are significantly more likely to say that travel advertising on social media, travel websites and free-to-view TV channels grabs their attention

Japan is reopening its borders to travellers from 98 countries and regions next month, after being closed to foreign tourists since 2020. Latest data from YouGov DestinationIndex shows that Japan is by far the top overseas travel destination on the minds of consumers in Thailand: over half say they would consider visiting Japan for their next vacation (49%). Meanwhile, almost three in five are considering a domestic holiday trip within Thailand (59%), and one in three are thinking of visiting South Korea (33%).

More than half of consumers aged 25-54 are considering Japan for their next vacation, especially those aged 45-54 (56%). In comparison, just under half of the youngest consumers aged 16-24 (49%) and the oldest consumers aged 55 and older (48%) would consider travelling to Japan for their next holiday.

Where then are travel advertisements most effective in targeting Thais considering Japan for their next trip?

Latest data from YouGov Global Travel Profiles also reveals that Thais who are considering visiting Japan are significantly more likely than the average Thai consumer to say that travel advertising on social media, travel websites and free-to-view TV channels grabs their attention.

Methodology:

YouGov DestinationIndex collects data on hundreds of destinations around the world every day. All data are collected over a 52-week period and rounded to the nearest whole number. Learn more about YouGov DestinationIndex. 

YouGov Global Travel Profiles tracks consumer demand and attitudes worldwide towards travel across 25 markets, which is collected daily and updated bi-weekly. It offers a holistic view of the global travel market, including granular insights on brand consideration, preferred locations, booking methods, accommodation and transportation preferences. Learn more about YouGov Global Travel Profiles.

Weekly ASEAN NOW Puzzles

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It has never been busier at ASEAN NOW as we add new features to our platform to deliver even more value to you, our reader.

We are excited to introduce two new elements to our daily Thailand newsletter, which you will find nearer the bottom of each email publication.

Firstly, every day we have brand new audio Thai lessons that focus on a particular theme like a restaurant or at the beach. Having the lesson as audio and interactive is the perfect way to learn new Thai words.

We also have two games you can play each day on the newsletter from word search, puzzle to spot the difference - just like you used to find in the daily newspapers!

If you have yet to sign up to our daily newsletter that brings the latest breaking updates on all things Thailand, from visa, immigration to news then click the link to subscribe:

Click to join the newsletter.

It has never been busier at ASEAN NOW as we add new features to our platform to deliver even more value to you, our reader.

We are excited to introduce two new elements to our daily Thailand newsletter, which you will find nearer the bottom of each email publication.

Firstly, every day we have brand new audio Thai lessons that focus on a particular theme like a restaurant or at the beach. Having the lesson as audio and interactive is the perfect way to learn new Thai words.

We also have two games you can play each day on the newsletter from word search, puzzle to spot the difference - just like you used to find in the daily newspapers!

If you have yet to sign up to our daily newsletter that brings the latest breaking updates on all things Thailand, from visa, immigration to news then click the link to subscribe:

Click to join the newsletter.

BANGKOK: With travel between India and Thailand opening up and quarantine no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers, Skal Asia President Andrew J Wood  (third right) along with Past Asia President Jason Samuel (third left) were both warmly welcomed to the first face to face meeting of the Bangkok club since March this year. 

Jason who had flown in from Mumbai to join the meeting took the opportunity to present the hand delivered chain on behalf of the Asian Area to President Andrew who was elected in September 2021. The covid-delayed chain presentation took place recently at the May networking cocktail event, organised by Skal International Bangkok at The Peninsula Hotel. Also seen in the photograph from the Bangkok club, are Pichai Visutriratana Events Director (far left), James Thurlby President (second left), Michael Bamberg Secretary (second right) and John Neutze Treasurer (far right). 

Skål International is a professional organisation of tourism leaders around the world. Founded in 1934, Skål International is an advocate of global tourism and peace and is a not for profit association. Skål does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, religion or politics. Skål is focused on doing business and business networking in the company of fellow professionals in an atmosphere of friendship. The first Club was founded in 1932 in Paris by travel managers, following an educational tour of Scandinavia, with a growing number of clubs, the Association was then formed two years later. The Skål toast promotes Happiness, Good Health, Friendship, and Long Life.

It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry. 

Skål International today has approximately 13,000 members in 317 Clubs throughout 103 nations headquartered at the General Secretariat in Torremolinos, Spain.

For more information, please visit www.skal.org 

For Bangkok please visit: 

www.skalbangkok.com 

For Skal membership enquiries, please email: [email protected]

Tropical weather, exotic locations, amazing delicacies, friendly locals, quality healthcare, and value-for-money living costs makes Thailand a popular retirement destination. Here, your pension or retirement savings could go a long way, and you can definitely live it up in style. Housekeeper? Check. Driver? Check. Private healthcare? Check.

If you’re convinced of this Southeast Asian gem, our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand will give a brief overview of the top 5 retirement destinations in the country.

1. Pattaya

Pattaya is around 150 km or a 2-hour drive away from the capital, Bangkok. With good road links, this means that you can head over to the Big Mango whenever you feel like it - taking advantage of everything the big city life has to offer. At the same time, you can also get all the advantages of living in a smaller, more affordable beach town. While Pattaya has a notorious reputation for its bar scene and nightlife, do you know that there’s so much more to the city than that? From its close proximity to the breathtaking Koh Larn to its street vendors, shopping malls, and golf course, you won’t be short of things to see and do in Pattaya.

2. Chiang Mai

Thailand’s northern region is known as the ‘Lanna’ region, rich in culture and heritage, as well as nature-filled activities. With its mountainous areas and its cooler temperatures (when compared to the rest of the country), Chiang Mai - the north’s largest city - makes for a pleasant city to live in. The best part? You’ll find the cost of living to be much cheaper, especially when comparing it to living in Bangkok or the islands in the south of the country. A word of warning: Be mindful of the poor air quality during the “smoky season” and invest in a good N95 mask to protect yourself.

Read more: The differences between N95 and surgical masks

3. Phuket

If you’re looking for a tropical paradise - large enough to have its own international airport, then Phuket will definitely be high up on your list. Located in the south of Thailand, and connected to the mainland by a bridge, you’ll find magnificent beaches and crystalline depths in Phuket - perfect for swimming and sunbathing, amongst malls, restaurants, bars, and night markets. Although transportation within the island may be a bit of a problem, you can always get a rentable scooter or taxi to make your way around. The only real downside is that the cost of living in Phuket can be quite high.

4. Hua Hin

Hua Hin’s laid back vibes make it the perfect weekend getaway for busy Bangkokians. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this sleepy beachtown is also home to a large Scandinavian crowd. In particular, expat retirees flock to Hua Hin to take advantage of its stunning coastal views, privacy and seclusion, as well as plenty of retail and dining options. Don’t be surprised if you see entire gated communities boasting affordable pool villas that are dedicated to expat retirees from Sweden, Norway, and more! Miss the big City? Not a problem. Bangkok is only a 3-hour drive away!

5. Koh Samui

Another pricey island to feature on this list, Koh Samui takes the fifth spot. This exclusive island is home to a breathtaking airport, with only Bangkok Airways allowed to touch down. That being said, there are long-winded ways to get to the island by getting a ferry across from Surat Thani. Beyond price and accessibility, Koh Samui is known to attract less tourists than Phuket, whilst still providing some amazing views. There’s no shortage of modern condos and facilities, including those that offer luxury living. Fancy a bite? You’ll also discover some great places to dine here.

Retiring in Thailand? Pacific Prime can help you secure health insurance for retirees in Thailand, long stay visa insurance for Thailand expats, and help you with all things insurance. Contact one of their friendly, knowledgeable, and impartial advisors today!

https://zoethai.com/

Although water splashing is prohibited, majority still expect to participate in smaller scale, traditional festivities, while taking precautions to guard against Covid-19

For the third year in a row, restrictions are being placed on Songkran celebrations in Thailand, pre-empting another muted festive season. Latest research from YouGov RealTime Omnibus shows that only a quarter of online Thais do not intend to participate in the celebrations this year (27%), with the remaining three-quarters set to enjoy a myriad of festivities.  

Out of those who will be celebrating the season, six in ten intend to carry out the practice of pouring water on the hands of their elders to seek their blessings (59%) or visit a temple (58%), making these the two most popular activities over the season. Those aged 18-24 are most likely to seek their elders’ blessings (65%), while 35-44-year-olds are most likely to visit the temple (66%). The third most popular activity among online Thais is enjoying other leisure activities, like visiting cafes or tourist attractions, with four in ten saying they will do so (40%).

As the smaller-scale celebrations look set to continue, majority still say they will adopt habits to protect themselves from Covid-19. Three-quarters of celebrants say they will wear a mask in public areas, despite there no longer being laws mandating it. Seven in ten also say they will take care of their personal hygiene by washing their hands often or using hand sanitiser (71%) or avoid crowded public areas (69%). Those above the age of 45 are significantly more likely to adopt any of these three top habits. 

Majority of those looking to celebrate Songkran still express some level of worry about Covid-19, with only one in eight saying they are not worried (13%) and one in twenty saying they are not worried at all (6%). Notably, men are significantly more likely to say they are not worried at all (7%), while women are more likely to express opposite sentiment, with one in five saying they are very worried (21%). 

Methodology:

YouGov RealTime Omnibus provides quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. This study was conducted online from 3 to 7 March 2022, with a nationally representative sample of 2,064 adults in Thailand (aged 18+ years), using a questionnaire designed by YouGov. Data figures have been weighted by gender, age, region and monthly household income to be representative of the adult Thai online population (18 years or older), and reflect the latest National Statistical Office of Thailand (NSO) population estimates. Learn more about YouGov RealTime Omnibus.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of individuals around the world, and Thailand is no exception. In fact, the director-general at Thailand’s Department of Mental Health told the Bangkok Post that the country’s suicide rate is 5.9 times higher than pre-COVID-19 days. The department’s data also revealed that people are more likely to develop depression (4.8 times) and stress (2.1 times) than prior to the pandemic.

The Omicron variant’s slow spread is yet another factor that is currently impacting the mental health of the nation. On top of that, excessive news consumption and living in Bangkok (particularly as a woman) can make matters worse. This article from our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand discusses where you can find mental health help in Thailand.

Seeking help for mental health as an expat

As an expat, taking care of your mental health isn’t always easy. Language barriers, being away from your support group, and cultural differences can cause you to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and isolated. Loneliness, long-term stress, or substance abuse/misuse are just some of the most common factors that influence mental health.

It’s important to seek help when you need it. While your friends and family may be able to offer some comfort, talking to a professional is advisable. Psychiatric health checkups are just as vital as physical health checkups. Fortunately, there are plenty of

mental health services available in Thailand for expats.

Samaritans Thailand

If you experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, or have suicidal thoughts, contact The Samaritans of Thailand’s English hotline at 02 113 6789 and press 2. While the free service puts you in touch with staff who are trained in suicide prevention, callers don’t have to be suicidal to get help through the hotline. It often helps to simply talk to someone when you’re feeling low, especially to a person who is trained to listen as you share your issues and concerns.

Once you leave a message at the call center, a staff member will contact you back within 24 hours. The service is also anonymous, so you don’t have to provide your real name if you don’t want to.

Private hospitals

Those dealing with a life-threatening mental health crisis should head straight to the ER of an international hospital. Ask to see the psychiatrist on duty upon arrival. In Bangkok, two of the leading hospitals for mental health services are Bangkok Hospital and Manarom Hospital.

Bangkok Hospital Mental Health Rehabilitation and Recovery Center

Bangkok Hospital offers mental health services and facilities, including counseling, inpatient care, outpatient services, and day programs. The hospital’s Chitrak Center focuses on mental health treatment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation.

Manarom Hospital

As one of Thailand’s leading private hospitals specializing in mental and behavioral healthcare, Manarom Hospital offers a range of mental health services like day programs and adult psychiatry. The staff are trained in a wide variety of mental health conditions, from substance abuse and behavioral problems to PTSD and family issues.

Counseling and mental health services

As one of the most popular expat destinations in Thailand, Bangkok is home to some of the leading mental health providers and counseling centers in the country. While the following are Bangkok-based services, there are also online options for expats living in other areas of Thailand. What’s more, facilities closer to home are available for expats throughout the country, so be sure to research your options.

Psychological Services International (PSI)

Since 2001, PSI has been providing therapy, counseling, and assessment services to expats in Bangkok. PSI’s counselors are trained as psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers, so they can also be helpful if you’re in need of medication. The staff speak English, Thai, and French and also serve clients outside of Bangkok through online services.

New Counseling Service (NCS)

The only fully licensed counseling center in the nation’s capital city, NCS offers counseling, mental health services, and training to both expats and locals. In operation for more than 20 years, NCS provides support for mental health issues from anxiety and depression to grief counseling and crisis intervention. Along with Thai and English, staff also speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and Dutch.

What to do if you have a mental health emergency

The first thing you should do when you want help with a mental health issue is to contact the Samaritans. Note that this is a callback service, so you might have to wait up to 24 hours to hear back from them. In the meantime, you can contact a counselor by emailing a provider of your choice (such as PSI or NCS) and letting them know that you’re seeking help.

If you’re in a life-threatening situation, it’s best to head straight to the psychiatrist on duty at an international hospital. Bangkok and Manarom Hospitals have psychiatrist units that you can visit directly, but any psychiatrist will be able to help you in the event of an emergency. Hospitals will ask for insurance details or payment, but don’t let that deter you from putting your mental health first.

Looking for individual health insurance plans or other types of health insurance? Pacific Prime’s highly-trained advisors can help you find the best health insurance plan for Thailand expats for your needs and budget. Contact Pacific Prime Thailand for impartial insurance advice and a tailored plan comparison today!

Pattaya, Thailand – The Royal Cliff Hotels Group has achieved another amazing milestone by recently being the only hotel in Thailand to be awarded “The Best of SHA Awards 2021” for Hotel Accommodation. This further cements its place as a destination that has excellent safety and hygiene measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Royal Cliff’s 5–star Cliff Spa, has also received “The Best of SHA - The Excellence Award” for the Health and Beauty category.

The Best of SHA Awards 2021 is given to the best establishments that have received the most vote from a satisfaction questionnaire of tourists all over Thailand. The satisfaction questionnaire covers the safety and health standards (SHA Standard) and the White Tourism standards (convenient, clean, safe, fair, and nature-friendly). The awards ceremony was organized by TAT in acknowledgment of tourism businesses prioritizing compliance with Amazing Thailand SHA measures and was presided over by Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, the TAT Governor.

“The Best of SHA Awards 2021 was launched in June, last year, to search for the best SHA-certified businesses in the 10 categories the certification covers, and celebrate their excellence,” Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, the TAT Governor, said. “The initiative is to encourage business operators to continuously adhere to the SHA standard and maintain consistency in their safety and hygiene approaches.”

The winners of “The Best of SHA Awards 2021” are chosen from establishments that received an average voting score of 90-100% from tourists.  As the sole winner of the hotel accommodation and homestay category, Royal Cliff’s safety measures ensure guests that they will always have an extraordinary and safe stay in all its different hotels.

The Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) project is a collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry of Public Health, the Department of Disease Control, the Department of Health as well as public and private sector partners. Being awarded the SHA certificate and the SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) means that Royal Cliff along with the Cliff Spa and all its MICE Meeting venues had undergone a strict inspection and passed the SHA’s good standards of hygiene, health and cleanliness in accordance with the nationwide measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and have partnered with medical facilities for COVID-19-related testing and medical treatment.

Situated on a 64-acre private parkland estate overlooking the stunning Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group operates four award-winning hotels providing guests from home and abroad with the ultimate experience. Book your stay directly and get the best price guaranteed along with value-added optional extras that will enhance your hotel experience by visiting www.royalcliff.com, contacting Reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext. 2732 or emailing: [email protected]. For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, please visit www.royalcliff.com

Pattaya, Thailand – The Royal Cliff Hotels Group has achieved another amazing milestone by recently being the only hotel in Thailand to be awarded “The Best of SHA Awards 2021” for Hotel Accommodation. This further cements its place as a destination that has excellent safety and hygiene measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Royal Cliff’s 5–star Cliff Spa, has also received “The Best of SHA - The Excellence Award” for the Health and Beauty category.

The Best of SHA Awards 2021 is given to the best establishments that have received the most vote from a satisfaction questionnaire of tourists all over Thailand. The satisfaction questionnaire covers the safety and health standards (SHA Standard) and the White Tourism standards (convenient, clean, safe, fair, and nature-friendly). The awards ceremony was organized by TAT in acknowledgment of tourism businesses prioritizing compliance with Amazing Thailand SHA measures and was presided over by Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, the TAT Governor.

“The Best of SHA Awards 2021 was launched in June, last year, to search for the best SHA-certified businesses in the 10 categories the certification covers, and celebrate their excellence,” Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, the TAT Governor, said. “The initiative is to encourage business operators to continuously adhere to the SHA standard and maintain consistency in their safety and hygiene approaches.”

The winners of “The Best of SHA Awards 2021” are chosen from establishments that received an average voting score of 90-100% from tourists.  As the sole winner of the hotel accommodation and homestay category, Royal Cliff’s safety measures ensure guests that they will always have an extraordinary and safe stay in all its different hotels.

The Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) project is a collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry of Public Health, the Department of Disease Control, the Department of Health as well as public and private sector partners. Being awarded the SHA certificate and the SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) means that Royal Cliff along with the Cliff Spa and all its MICE Meeting venues had undergone a strict inspection and passed the SHA’s good standards of hygiene, health and cleanliness in accordance with the nationwide measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and have partnered with medical facilities for COVID-19-related testing and medical treatment.

Situated on a 64-acre private parkland estate overlooking the stunning Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group operates four award-winning hotels providing guests from home and abroad with the ultimate experience. Book your stay directly and get the best price guaranteed along with value-added optional extras that will enhance your hotel experience by visiting www.royalcliff.com, contacting Reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext. 2732 or emailing: [email protected]. For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, please visit www.royalcliff.com

Pattaya, Thailand – The Royal Cliff Hotels Group has achieved another amazing milestone by recently being the only hotel in Thailand to be awarded “The Best of SHA Awards 2021” for Hotel Accommodation. This further cements its place as a destination that has excellent safety and hygiene measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Royal Cliff’s 5–star Cliff Spa, has also received “The Best of SHA - The Excellence Award” for the Health and Beauty category.

The Best of SHA Awards 2021 is given to the best establishments that have received the most vote from a satisfaction questionnaire of tourists all over Thailand. The satisfaction questionnaire covers the safety and health standards (SHA Standard) and the White Tourism standards (convenient, clean, safe, fair, and nature-friendly). The awards ceremony was organized by TAT in acknowledgment of tourism businesses prioritizing compliance with Amazing Thailand SHA measures and was presided over by Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, the TAT Governor.

“The Best of SHA Awards 2021 was launched in June, last year, to search for the best SHA-certified businesses in the 10 categories the certification covers, and celebrate their excellence,” Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, the TAT Governor, said. “The initiative is to encourage business operators to continuously adhere to the SHA standard and maintain consistency in their safety and hygiene approaches.”

The winners of “The Best of SHA Awards 2021” are chosen from establishments that received an average voting score of 90-100% from tourists.  As the sole winner of the hotel accommodation and homestay category, Royal Cliff’s safety measures ensure guests that they will always have an extraordinary and safe stay in all its different hotels.

The Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) project is a collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry of Public Health, the Department of Disease Control, the Department of Health as well as public and private sector partners. Being awarded the SHA certificate and the SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) means that Royal Cliff along with the Cliff Spa and all its MICE Meeting venues had undergone a strict inspection and passed the SHA’s good standards of hygiene, health and cleanliness in accordance with the nationwide measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and have partnered with medical facilities for COVID-19-related testing and medical treatment.

Situated on a 64-acre private parkland estate overlooking the stunning Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group operates four award-winning hotels providing guests from home and abroad with the ultimate experience. Book your stay directly and get the best price guaranteed along with value-added optional extras that will enhance your hotel experience by visiting www.royalcliff.com, contacting Reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext. 2732 or emailing: [email protected]. For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, please visit www.royalcliff.com

How many of us came to Thailand with good intentions to learn the language? How many of us actually made good on those intentions?

In all fairness, it can be easy enough to get around Thailand without learning the language, especially in large cities like Bangkok. If you stick to touristy areas such as Sukhumvit and Silom, there isn’t much need for Thai to get what you need. That isn’t the point though, and deep down we know it.

You’re missing out on so much

We miss out on so much when we can’t say what we want to say, and we can’t understand all that is being said. You might find yourself complaining about the way things are here without fully understanding Thai culture. One large key to understanding the culture is actually learning the language. Things start to click once you can fully understand Thais when they explain why things are the way they are here. Not that it will ever make 100% sense to us as non-Thais, but it definitely helps give a much clearer point of view.

When people ask you how long you’ve been in Thailand, the follow up question is usually “Can you speak Thai?” For many people, the answer starts with an uncomfortable laugh, followed by “Nidnoi” or “Just a little bit.” After a while, the joke just gets sad and old. There really is no excuse to not learn the language at this point.

Learning Thai has never been easier. With all of the apps, programs and freelance teachers out there, it just takes that first step. With Zoe Thai, we’ve packaged everything together to make learning Thai easy and fun. We have:

●         Fantastic teachers in 1 on 1 online classes

●         Animated videos after each class for you to practice hearing your new vocabulary

●         Online quizzes after every class to test your knowledge

●         Recordings of each live class to help with your memory

●         Written feedback after every class

Get Started with Zoe Thai

All of this is included with 24/7 online support, and an online booking system which allows you to choose times that work for your schedule. It’s time to take the first step. Sign up for a free class to see how you like the system. If it’s something you like, go ahead with a package to get on track to learn the Thai language. The program and curriculum is designed to make learning Thai fun in a realistic setting. Learn the basics of taxi and restaurant Thai, or move ahead with higher level, more professional Thai.

Thailand opens up in many ways after that. Once you can understand what’s going on around you, life becomes more clear. You don’t have to rely on someone to get simple things done for you like banking or signing up for a subscription. You can learn more about the culture, have better relationships, and learn more about what is your temporary or permanent home, Thailand.

Sign up for your free class today at www.zoethai.com, or just add on on LINE for a friendly chat @zoethai

We are here to help, and have been teaching online since 2017. Reach out and Get Started with Zoe Thai.

Skal International Bangkok, a popular networking club of tourism professionals and a leading Tourism Business club part of Skal International club, will have an Annual General Meeting and networking luncheon with members on the 8th March at Arnoma Grand Bangkok, Rajaprasong road. The lunch will start from 11.30 hrs. - 14.00 hrs. At this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), there will be the new President election, as Andrew Wood has been elected to President Asian Area, recently. James Thurlby is now acting president and has recruited a dynamic group of individuals to serve on his Executive Committee, pending the results of the elections. The new president with the new executive committee members will be announced at the AGM after the election.

Skål International has over 12,000 members worldwide in more than 300 clubs in 98 countries. SKAL International began in Sweden in 1934, and grew to become the world's largest organization of travel professionals. The Skal International Bangkok club was formed in 1956, 66 years ago. The Bangkok club is comprised of over sixty leaders from leading organizations in Thailand’s tourism industry and meets monthly.

For more information about Skal, please visit www.skalbangkok.com and www.skal.org.com

Thank you for your kind support. 

For more information about press release, please contact Kanokros Wongvekin at email: [email protected]

Child Safeguarding in Schools (Thailand)

Venue - Bangkok Prep International School Secondary Campus

On 1st March, the British Embassy Bangkok, in collaboration with UNICEF and the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT), hosted the Child Safeguarding in Schools (Thailand) Conference 2022. The event highlighted the importance of child safeguarding in schools in Thailand and showcased best practice that schools can effectively adopt to prevent child abuse.

According to One Stop Crisis Centre under the Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, over 10,000 children in Thailand are treated in hospital every year due to abuse. A national survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) and UNICEF on the situation of children and women in Thailand in 2019 showed that 58 percent of children aged 1 to 14 years said they had experienced violent discipline (any physical punishment).

The British Embassy’s Consular Team in Bangkok provides supports to an average of 60-70 child welfare cases every single year. Despite travel restrictions and reduced number of incoming visitors, there have been 35 child safeguarding cases in 2021.

Globally and regionally, evidence is fast-growing that children’s well-being and learning are inter-connected. Violence has short and long-term negative impacts on children’s health and well-being including injuries, risky behaviours, lack of trust in others, hurting oneself, health problems, among others. Facing violence can also lead to lower school attendance and dropouts, resulting in lower learning levels and completion rates.

The conference brought together experts and practitioners to share best practice as to how schools can implement robust safeguarding practices. It has opened a discussion on the role of schools and teachers in child safeguarding, with a view to support all schools in Thailand to adopt a child safeguarding policy as part of a holistic approach to school safety and student well-being. It further advocated for training for all teachers in recognising signs of abuse and how to best support children who disclose abuse.

The event featured keynote speakers from UNICEF, ECPAT, the British Embassy, Childline Thailand and child protection experts. Due to Covid-19 restrictions on gatherings, the event was broadcast online via Zoom to nearly 200 participants, concluding with a roundtable involving stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, civil society, and young people and parent representatives.

Mark Gooding, British Ambassador to Thailand, said:

“Schools have a unique insight into how children are developing and interacting. Teachers can spot changes in behaviour, injuries or trauma in children, and have a vital role in spotting signs of abuse. I am therefore delighted that we have come together today to share knowledge and understanding on what more we can do to safeguard children going forward.”

Suphat Champatong, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, said:

“The Ministry of Education places utmost importance to the issue of child safeguarding in Thai educational system. We see this conference as a highly valuable venue to share best practices and highlight the importance of child safeguarding in schools in Thailand.

The Ministry would like to express our appreciation to the host of this event including the British Embassy, UNICEF and the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT) and we look forward to continuing this dynamic relationship in working together to best safeguard all children in schools in Thailand.”

Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand said:

“There is a growing body of evidence of how childhood well-being and learning are inter-connected. I strongly believe that the Ministry of Education’s commitment to school safety as a key ministerial policy priority is a potential gamechanger to better protect children from violence in Thailand and improve the quality of their schooling experience. Making schools a safer place for all children, in Thailand and elsewhere, is a priority for UNICEF as the co-founding member of the Safe To Learn global initiative, along with the UK Government and other partners.”

Background

·         In March 2021, the British Embassy, in partnership with the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT), hosted Child Safeguarding Webinar for international schools in Thailand highlighting how the Embassy and other agencies can work together to provide support on child protection.

·         The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO) and UNICEF are co-founding members of the Safe To Learn global initiative, dedicated to ending violence in and through schools so children are free to learn, thrive and pursue their dreams. Safe to Learn presents an opportunity to unlock the multiple wins of ending violence in schools, improving learning outcomes, better leveraging investments in education, and raising awareness and change attitudes towards violence against children.

For more information from the British Embassy, please contact:

Songsang at [email protected]  +66 (2) 305 8218

For more information from UNICEF, please contact:

Iman Morooka, [email protected], +66 (2) 356- 9481

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The Nation recently reported that most health insurance plans currently available to tourists don’t cover COVID-19 treatment costs. Consequently, Thailand’s Department of Health Services Support has permitted health insurance providers to launch products covering treatment for foreign COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms. This will speed up the claims process, which can take up to 10 days with foreign insurance providers.

Health insurance for foreigners in Thailand is highly advisable, to begin with, and is more important than ever with the current situation. This article from our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand takes a closer look at why expats in Thailand should secure COVID-19 health insurance coverage.

Considerations for expats in Thailand

In pre-COVID times, Thailand was one of the top places for expats to escape. Favorable exchange rates meant money could be stretched further than back home. The low cost of living and traveling enticed expats from all corners of the globe. But medical inflation and rising costs of living have changed things. On top of that, expats are concerned about costly hospital bills and whether they’ll be able to afford treatment without insurance.

Many expats in Thailand are now wondering what health insurance can offer them in terms of protection and coverage. Let’s take a quick look at a recent case study before discussing COVID insurance in Thailand.

Case study: Expat living on Koh Samui unable to pay medical and hospitel bill

In September 2021, ASEAN NOW posted about a British expat who was placed in hospital overnight and then obliged to quarantine in a “hospitel” (i.e. hotel isolation facility) for two weeks. The 47-year-old man had been living on Koh Samui for years and wanted to self-isolate at home. He claimed he wouldn’t be able to pay the full THB ฿60,000 bill otherwise.

While it wasn’t clear if he had any health insurance or insufficient coverage if so, what we do know is that an insurance provider or broker would have been able to help. At the very least, it would’ve been much easier to handle the situation between him and the authorities.

The key takeaway for expats

This case study serves as an important reminder for expats to review their existing insurance policies or look into securing one. You might find that you don’t have the right expat health insurance coverage or coverage levels are not enough. Either way, be sure to contact your local insurance provider or broker right away if something similar happens to you.

Advisors are available to answer “will insurers cover COVID-19?” and other questions about health insurance plans, as well as help you find a plan that’s a better fit.

Secure COVID insurance in Thailand

Those who wish to travel to Thailand must meet the requirements set out by the Thai authorities, including:

●     Health insurance with minimum medical coverage of USD $50,000

●     COVID-19 cover

●     Thailand Pass

What is COVID-19 cover?

For those wondering, the required COVID-19 coverage will cover the costs of quarantine, isolation, testing, and treatment - along with the potential costs of repatriation. Additionally, it’ll cover the cost of prescribed medications as a result of being infected with the coronavirus.

More comprehensive insurance policies will cover any losses incurred due to catching the virus as well, such as trip cancelations and lost bookings. As always, read the fine print of any insurance policy before purchasing it and never choose a policy based on price alone.

Essentially, most COVID-19 insurance policies have three main features:

●     Medical coverage - A comprehensive package with a cap of USD $50,000 at minimum, covering all COVID-19-related treatment costs

●     Life insurance coverage - In the case of unexpected death from COVID-19, the insured’s beneficiary will receive a total of USD $50,000 - though this depends on the policy

●     Additional out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to being infected with the virus (e.g. missed flights, lost bookings, etc.)

Travelers entering Thailand must carry a certificate of insurance to prove coverage. You won’t be granted entry into the country without it. Note that COVID-19 cover will be in addition to general health insurance policies that may be required for visas or extensions.

If you’re already living in Thailand, a robust health insurance plan that covers COVID-19 can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can seek quality medical care whenever you need it.

Looking for expat health insurance in Thailand or globally? Pacific Prime’s highly-trained advisors are available to give you impartial insurance advice and a tailored plan comparison. Contact Pacific Prime Thailand today!

Three More Provinces Added to Sandbox Program, Test & Go Pre-approved Applicants Allowed to Enter Thailand

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government will add three more provinces to the sandbox program that currently only applies to Phuket and still allows applicants who were already approved under the Test & Go quarantine-free scheme to enter the country.

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246079-three-more-provinces-added-to-sandbox-program-test-go-pre-approved-applicants-allowed-to-enter-thailand/