THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 31 Mar 2021

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Expats in Thailand and Asia Survey

 

 

In this ever changing Expat landscape it is important Thaivisa.com continues to best serve its Expat readers. This includes the type of content we share and find for you.

 

Survey: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1211779-expats-in-thailand-and-asia-survey/

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Foreigners stranded in Thailand due to COVID-19 can now stay until end of July

 

Image: Reuters file photo

 

The Thai Immigration Bureau has announced that foreigners who are still stranded in Thailand due to the COVID-19 situation have until the end of May to extend their stay permission to remain in the country.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1211982-foreigners-stranded-in-thailand-due-to-covid-19-can-now-stay-until-end-of-july/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Phuket Targets 100,000 People for Inoculation in April before Reopening

Paphamon Arayasukawat

 

   

PHUKET (NNT) - Phuket authorities set the goal of vaccinating 100,000 people in April before the opening of the province on July 1 in line with plans for accepting vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1211939-phuket-governor-pushes-to-vaccinate-50000-in-seven-days/?do=findComment&comment=16355089

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Mae Hong Son governor claims most Myanmar Karens who fled to Thailand have returned voluntarily

 

 

Since March 11th, about 2,000 ethnic Karen civilians have fled the fighting in Myanmar, to take refuge in the border areas of Mae Sariang and Khun Yuam districts in Thailand’s northernmost province of Mae Hong Son, but most have now returned to Myanmar voluntarily, according to Mae Hong Son Governor Sitthichai Chindaluang on Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1211994-mae-hong-son-governor-claims-most-myanmar-karens-who-fled-to-thailand-have-returned-voluntarily/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Security Authorities Handle Refugees from Myanmar

 

 

BANGKOK, March 30 (TNA) – Thai security officials were handling nearly 2,000 refugees who fled violent attacks in Myanmar to the Salawin National Park in Mae Hong Son province.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1211994-mae-hong-son-governor-claims-most-myanmar-karens-who-fled-to-thailand-have-returned-voluntarily/?do=findComment&comment=16356056

 

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Thailand Plans New Pension Fund to Support Its Aging Population

By Randy Thanthong-Knight

 

Photographer:Brent Lewin/Bloomberg

 

Thailand aims to create a new pension program to support an aging population that will add about one million new retirees annually starting in 2023.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1211995-thailand-plans-new-pension-fund-to-support-its-aging-population/

 

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Big Business Eyes Marijuana-Infused Food as Thai General Liberalizes

By Prim Chuwiruch and Lee J Miller

 

• Large companies hope to make marijuana drinks and food

• Pandemic has hit tourism industry, hurting economic growth

 

Photographer: Luke Duggleby/Bloomberg

 

As a teenager more than four decades ago, Tan Passakornnatee recalls getting “hooked” on the beef noodle soup at a store near his home in eastern Thailand. Only later did he learn that the broth was laced with a special ingredient -- marijuana.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212001-big-business-eyes-marijuana-infused-food-as-thai-general-liberalizes/

 

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U.S., 13 countries concerned WHO COVID-19 origin study was delayed, lacked access -statement

By Reuters Staff

 

FILE PHOTO: Peter Ben Embarek, and other members of the World Health Organisation (WHO) team tasked with investigating the origins of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), arrive at the Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, China February 10, 2021. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and 13 other countries expressed concerns on Tuesday that the World Health Organization (WHO) report on the origins of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 was delayed and lacked access to complete data, according to a joint statement.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212002-us-13-countries-concerned-who-covid-19-origin-study-was-delayed-lacked-access-statement/

 

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Mourners start drawing almost 150,000 hearts in London to remember COVID victims

 

Volunteers and relatives of bereaved paint hearts along a wall beside St Thomas' hospital as a memorial to all those who have died so far in the UK from COVID-19, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease pandemic in London, Britain, March 29, 2021. REUTERS/Toby Melville

 

LONDON (Reuters) - A campaign group for bereaved families has begun hand-drawing almost 150,000 hand-drawn hearts on a wall opposite Britain's Houses of Parliament as a memorial to victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212003-mourners-start-drawing-almost-150000-hearts-in-london-to-remember-covid-victims/

 

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Biden expected to end Trump ban on temporary foreign workers

By Ted Hesson and Steve Holland

 

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks prior to signing the "Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Extension Act of 2021" into law in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., March 30, 2021. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

 

(Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to allow a proclamation from his Republican predecessor that had blocked many temporary foreign workers from coming into the United States to expire on Wednesday, according to three people familiar with the matter.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212009-biden-expected-to-end-trump-ban-on-temporary-foreign-workers/

 

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Woman arrested after 35,000 baht Alternative State Quarantine fraud - South African paid for nothing

 

Picture: Thai Immigration Bureau

 

Thailand's Immigration Bureau reported on an investigation into a gang ripping off foreigners for Alternative State Quarantine. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212018-woman-arrested-after-35000-baht-alternative-state-quarantine-fraud-south-african-paid-for-nothing/

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Primary school girl in coma after firework from funeral knocks her out on the way home

 

 

Rescue services were called after a nine year old P3 student was knocked out near the gates of a school in Pak Thong Chai, Nakhon Ratchasima by a firework.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212019-primary-school-girl-in-coma-after-firework-from-funeral-knocks-her-out-on-the-way-home/

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Smart cars do it again - Korean fraudster on overstay nabbed in Bangkok

 

Picture: Immigration Bureau

 

Thailand's immigration bureau once again praised the capabilities of their now famous fleet of (BMW) smart cars.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212022-smart-cars-do-it-again-korean-fraudster-on-overstay-nabbed-in-bangkok/

 

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Thailand’s paranoia over so-called ‘fake news’ appears to have scuppered the plans of anyone  wishing to partake in some lighthearted fun on April 1st.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212027-april-fool’s-day-is-no-joke-warn-thai-police/

 

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Encroachment case threatens political death sentence for MP Pareena

 

 

Colourful MP Pareena Kraikupt has gone down in history as the first person to be indicted for “grave ethical offences” under the new anti-corruption law, for her alleged encroachment on state forest in Ratchaburi.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212030-encroachment-case-threatens-political-death-sentence-for-mp-pareena/

 

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Government Extends Duty Waiver on Sanitary and Anti-dust Face Masks

Paphamon Arayasukawat

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has extended the exemption period for import duty on sanitary and anti-dust face masks as well as their manufacturing components until September 30.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212045-government-extends-duty-waiver-on-sanitary-and-anti-dust-face-masks/

 

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Immigration latest: It's not just foreign crime that the IB solve

 

Picture: Thai Immigration Bureau

 

The latest activities of Thailand's immigration bureau showed that it is not just foreign related crime that the bureau solves. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212049-immigration-latest-its-not-just-foreign-crime-that-the-ib-solve/

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BREAKING

 

It’s official: Thai govt approves plans to re-open to foreign tourists

 

REUTERS FILE PHOTO for reference only

 

Thailand’s Cabinet on Tuesday formally approved plans to re-open the country to foreign tourists.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212051-it’s-official-thai-govt-approves-plans-to-re-open-to-foreign-tourists/

 

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Big Joke latest: All smiles as controversial cop returns to RTP - though pic reveals trepidation!

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Daily News reported that it was all smiles yesterday when controversial top cop Lt-Gen Surachate Hakpan arrived at Royal Thai Police HQ to inspect his new offices. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212052-big-joke-latest-all-smiles-as-controversial-cop-returns-to-rtp-though-pic-reveals-trepidation/

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Thailand to introduce new road checkpoints from 1 April - here’s what you need to know

 

Picture: Naew Na

 

The D-Day for the new style Royal Thai Police checkpoints on the Thai roads is tomorrow - April 1st. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212053-thailand-to-introduce-new-road-checkpoints-from-1-april-here’s-what-you-need-to-know/

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Forlorn pooch back with his owner after bus rescue on Bangkok expressway!

 

Picture: Amarin TV

 

Netizens were full of praise for the actions of a bus driver and his conductress after they picked up a forlorn dog wandering the expressway in the area of Chang Wattana in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212055-forlorn-pooch-back-with-his-owner-after-bus-rescue-on-bangkok-expressway/

 

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Bangkok: More hanging wires get sorted before end of next month

 

Picture: Naew Na

 

Deputy governor of the BMA Lt-Gen Sophon Pisuthiwong was guest of honor at a ceremony in Jaran Sanitwong to celebrate the start of work to clear up hanging cables in the area.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212058-bangkok-more-hanging-wires-get-sorted-before-end-of-next-month/

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Guy behind on the rent leaves - spray paints a final message and covers the place in gasoline

 

Picture: Sanook

 

A tenant left a premises in an awful mess and left the landlord owing two months rent.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212061-guy-behind-on-the-rent-leaves-spray-paints-a-final-message-and-covers-the-place-in-gasoline/

 

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Seats filled for first all-civilian spaceflight crew

By Steve Gorman

 

Jared Isaacman, Hayley Arceneaux, Sian Proctor and Chris Sembroski pose for a photo at the SpaceX launch tower at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida U.S., March 29, 2021 in this handout image provided by SpaceX. Picture taken March 29, 2021. Inspiration 4/Handout via REUTERS.

 

(Reuters) - A college science professor and an aerospace data analyst were named on Tuesday to round out a four-member crew for a SpaceX launch into orbit planned later this year billed as the first all-civilian spaceflight in history.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212063-seats-filled-for-first-all-civilian-spaceflight-crew/

 

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Thailand reports 42 new COVID-19 cases

 

 

Thailand reported 42 new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212067-thailand-reports-42-new-covid-19-cases/

 

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50% of road accidents at Songkran involve alcohol

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Daily News reported on an event held at the Grand Richmond hotel yesterday hosted by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the Office of Accident Prevention.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212068-50-of-road-accidents-at-songkran-involve-alcohol/

 

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Chiang Mai Ranked 2nd Most Polluted City

 

 

CHIANG MAI, March 31 (TNA) - Chiang Mai was ranked as the second most air-polluted city in the world on Wednesday morning as the province is battling wildfire, which erupted again on the edge of the mountain in Samoeng district after it had been. put under control yesterday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212072-chiang-mai-ranked-2nd-most-polluted-city/

 

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Pattaya: Deputy mayor admits mistakes after two surf skaters need 500K surgery each - no helmets were worn

 

Picture: Manager

 

A surf skate event that was held on Beach Road in Pattaya at the weekend turned into a disaster as many participants did not wear helmets.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212083-pattaya-deputy-mayor-admits-mistakes-after-two-surf-skaters-need-500k-surgery-each-no-helmets-were-worn/

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Phuket among top-choice destinations of tourists already vaccinated, says TAT Governor

By The Phuket News

 

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn in Phuket yesterday (Mar 30. Photo: PR Phuket)

 

PHUKET: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn in Phuket yesterday revealed that Thailand was among the top-choice destinations of people who are already vaccinated and looking to travel ‒ on one condition: that they are not required to observe a mandatory quarantine.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212086-phuket-among-top-choice-destinations-of-tourists-already-vaccinated-says-tat-governor/

 

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11 more COVID-19 cases in Samut Sakhon, total now 17,272 since December 17th

 

FILE PHOTO: Health workers and employees of Philippine General Hospital queue to register for COVID-19 vaccines, expected to arrive this month, at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila, Philippines, February 9, 2021. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

 

Thailand’s coastal province of Samut Sakhon recorded 11 new COVID-19 cases as of midnight Tuesday, raising total infections in the province, since December 17th, to 17,272, according to the provincial health office.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1212087-11-more-covid-19-cases-in-samut-sakhon-total-now-17272-since-december-17th/