-
Posts
71,296 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
5
Content Type
Events
Forums
Downloads
Quizzes
Gallery
Blogs
Everything posted by snoop1130
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 27 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
New Hotel Act targets 500 unlicensed Thai hotels By Ryan Turner Drone photography of Centre Point Hotel Silom | Photo via Saad Ibrahem/Pexels The Tourism and Sports Ministry is set to propose a new Hotel Act specifically for small and medium-sized hotels, with the aim of registering over 500 unlicensed accommodations that currently cannot participate in the existing system. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350022-new-hotel-act-targets-500-unlicensed-thai-hotels/ -
Drone photography of Centre Point Hotel Silom | Photo via Saad Ibrahem/Pexels By Ryan Turner The Tourism and Sports Ministry is set to propose a new Hotel Act specifically for small and medium-sized hotels, with the aim of registering over 500 unlicensed accommodations that currently cannot participate in the existing system. Tourism Vice-Minister Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham reported that more than 90,000 small and medium-sized accommodations in Thailand do not qualify as hotel businesses under the current law. The ministry has previously consulted with stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality industries, including the Department of Provincial Administration, the Tourism Council of Thailand, the Thai Hotels Association (THA), and guesthouse operators, to discuss the revision of the Hotel Act. Although the revised bill is expected to reduce certain restrictions to support small and medium-sized hotels, Jakkaphon emphasised that safety remains a top priority. Operators are encouraged to upgrade their properties to meet new standards. In the south, for instance, certain small guesthouses are unable to register due to environmental impact assessments, while northern operators face limitations imposed by city planning laws. Organisations responsible for enforcing these laws will be involved in formulating the new Hotel Act to ensure its comprehensiveness. The draft regulation, proposed by the Tourism and Sports Ministry alongside the Interior Ministry, is anticipated to be discussed in Parliament in April. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, the president of the THA, expressed openness to legalising more accommodations but stated that this alone does not address the primary issue. Many hostels and guesthouses are constrained not by the existing Hotel Act but by environmental and town planning laws. Thienprasit pointed out that a revised Hotel Act cannot supersede these laws, and the definition of small and medium-sized hotels remains unclear from previous discussions. He also noted that numerous construction requirements for hotels have already been relaxed to accommodate smaller establishments. For example, even old four-storey shophouses in Yaowarat can be renovated due to reductions in required space. He suggested that the government should amend ministerial regulations to solve issues on a case-by-case basis, a strategy he believes is quicker than amending the Hotel Act, which could take years, reported Bangkok Post. Regarding tourism stimulus initiatives, Jakkaphon mentioned that the co-payment scheme for domestic tourism is slated for a June launch, offering 1 million privileges. The ministry plans to announce its strategy for the Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 on February 3, inviting public and private sector stakeholders to participate. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-27
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 27 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Forest Fire Scorches Over 2,000 Rai on Phu Lam Yai Mountain File photo for reference only Nakhon Ratchasima officials are working tirelessly after a massive forest fire on Phu Lam Yai Mountain damaged over 2,000 rai of land. Aerial images highlight the extent of charred tree damage in the region. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350021-forest-fire-scorches-over-2000-rai-on-phu-lam-yai-mountain/ -
File photo for reference only Nakhon Ratchasima officials are working tirelessly after a massive forest fire on Phu Lam Yai Mountain damaged over 2,000 rai of land. Aerial images highlight the extent of charred tree damage in the region. On January 26, Deputy Governor Vichit Kitwirat, who leads the incident command center in Khon Buri district, detailed the fire's impact. The blaze affected areas spanning villages 4 and 9 in the Khon Buri Tai subdistrict, as well as Udom Sap subdistrict, Wang Nam Khiao district. Pirawat Theerawatana, the Khon Buri district chief, has coordinated a multi-agency team of 179 people, including local authority units, park rangers, and volunteers. This team has also included military personnel and police officers. Somkiat Puangkao, leading the Thap Lan forest fire control station, has implemented firebreaks to stop the spread and prepared areas for helicopter landings. While the fire is now extinguished, efforts continue to clear the burned zones and patrol to prevent a possible resurgence. The devastation hit forested highlands, sparing nearby homes and farmland. However, with half of the 4,000 rai forest affected, the landscape now shows large areas of blackened trees from aerial views. -- 2025-01-27
-
- 1
-
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 27 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Thailand Boosts Transgender Health with 145.63 Million Baht Hormone Initiative File photo for reference only The Public Health Ministry in Thailand has devoted 145.63 million baht (US$4.32 million) to provide hormone medication for 200,000 transgender citizens. This initiative by the National Health Security Office aligns with the government’s commitment to marriage equality, ensuring both the physical and mental well-being of sexually diverse communities. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350020-thailand-boosts-transgender-health-with-14563-million-baht-hormone-initiative/ -
File photo for reference only The Public Health Ministry in Thailand has devoted 145.63 million baht (US$4.32 million) to provide hormone medication for 200,000 transgender citizens. This initiative by the National Health Security Office aligns with the government’s commitment to marriage equality, ensuring both the physical and mental well-being of sexually diverse communities. Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak emphasized the growing acceptance of diverse gender identities and the significant demand for hormone therapy to help transgender individuals align their physical appearance with their gender identity. With the 2025 budget approval, this funding aims to bridge health disparities by making necessary hormone therapy accessible, where previously, prohibitive costs and lack of medical oversight posed risks for many. Beyond hormone therapy, the National Health Security Office is committed to offering comprehensive medical and public health services to transgender citizens. These services include medical treatment, health promotion, disease prevention, and rehabilitation, ensuring equal healthcare access for all individuals. -- 2025-01-27
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 27 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Thailand Gears Up to Welcome 770,000 Chinese Visitors During Lunar New Year File photo for reference only Thailand is gearing up for an influx of approximately 770,000 Chinese visitors during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, a notable increase of 22.6% from last year. The period from January 24 to February 2 is set to see crowded airports and bustling city streets, with the Thai government taking significant measures to manage the increased tourism. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350019-thailand-gears-up-to-welcome-770000-chinese-visitors-during-lunar-new-year/ -
File photo for reference only Thailand is gearing up for an influx of approximately 770,000 Chinese visitors during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, a notable increase of 22.6% from last year. The period from January 24 to February 2 is set to see crowded airports and bustling city streets, with the Thai government taking significant measures to manage the increased tourism. The deputy government spokeswoman, Sasikarn Watthanachan, highlighted the proactive steps being taken to accommodate these travellers. Key infrastructure, including the Department of Airports and Airports of Thailand (AoT), has been tasked with enhancing operations at major airports such as Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and others across the country. The projected passenger traffic is set to rise dramatically during this time, with Suvarnabhumi Airport alone expected to handle a whopping 11,238 flights. To tackle the surge in visitors, AoT plans to boost staff presence in critical areas like immigration checkpoints and baggage claim zones. Enhanced multilingual services and increased staff availability are among the measures introduced to assist the influx of tourists seamlessly. Safety remains a priority as runways undergo stringent inspections, and measures to prevent incidents like bird strikes are implemented. On the security front, the Royal Thai Police is ramping up its presence. Police Colonel Worasak Phisitbunnakorn confirmed that increased patrols will be conducted in busy tourist hotspots to ensure safety. Special attention is being paid to potential fire hazards from traditional incense burning, which could exacerbate air pollution issues. Overall, Thailand is poised to handle the Chinese New Year festivities with efficiency and enthusiasm, ready to welcome visitors with open arms. -- 2025-01-27
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 27 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Thailand Urges Local Action Against Alarming PM2.5 Pollution Crisis File photo for reference only Thailand is striving to tackle severe PM2.5 air pollution, with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) taking decisive action by urging local administrative bodies, including those in Bangkok, to mobilise resources. The NHSO has encouraged these organisations to utilise their local health security funds to combat the pollution, specifically recommending the purchase of protective masks for vulnerable populations. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350016-thailand-urges-local-action-against-alarming-pm25-pollution-crisis/ -
File photo for reference only Thailand is striving to tackle severe PM2.5 air pollution, with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) taking decisive action by urging local administrative bodies, including those in Bangkok, to mobilise resources. The NHSO has encouraged these organisations to utilise their local health security funds to combat the pollution, specifically recommending the purchase of protective masks for vulnerable populations. Dr Jadej Thammatacharee, Secretary-General of the NHSO, highlighted the escalating PM2.5 issue, posing significant health risks. The health minister, who leads the NHSO board, voiced concerns over public health impacts and has implored organisations to initiate anti-pollution projects with swift budget support from the Local Health Security Fund. In a bid to galvanise urgent action, the NHSO dispatched letters to key city leaders, including Bangkok's governor, proposing collaborative efforts to mitigate public health threats from the pervasive air pollution. Dr Jadej pointed out that redirecting existing projects towards pollution prevention could expedite solutions and protect at-risk groups through measures such as educational programmes and distribution of health-grade masks. Additionally, coordination with provincial health offices aims to ensure targeted support where it is most needed, while guidance and resources for local implementations are accessible through NHSO regional offices. In a comprehensive effort, the NHSO has also reached out to the Interior Ministry, seeking further cooperation to maximise efforts against PM2.5 pollution, signalling a nationwide push to safeguard Thai residents' well-being. -- 2025-01-27
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 27 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Foreign motorcyclist leaves 4,000 baht for injured Phuket man, then flees By Petch Petpailin The foreigner's rental motorcycle. | Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ A Thai mother is calling for justice after a foreign motorcyclist collided with her son’s motorcycle on a road in Phuket and fled the scene, leaving only 4,000 baht in compensation. The Thai victim sustained injuries, and his motorcycle was damaged in the incident. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350014-foreign-motorcyclist-leaves-4000-baht-for-injured-phuket-man-then-flees/ -
The foreigner's rental motorcycle. | Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ By Petch Petpailin A Thai mother is calling for justice after a foreign motorcyclist collided with her son’s motorcycle on a road in Phuket and fled the scene, leaving only 4,000 baht in compensation. The Thai victim sustained injuries, and his motorcycle was damaged in the incident. The mother reached out to the Facebook news page Phuket Times to seek justice for her son, whose identity, along with hers, has not been disclosed. The page reported the matter today, January 24, stating… “A Thai mother is calling for justice! Her son was hit by a foreign motorcyclist, resulting in injuries and damage to his motorcycle. The foreigner handed over 4,000 baht and left the scene, claiming to be in a hurry. He even asked her son not to file a complaint with the police before disappearing.” The accident reportedly occurred on a road in the Ban Kuku community in the Ratsada sub-district of Phuket. The victim has filed a complaint with the police, but no updates have been provided. The incident sparked widespread discussion among Thai netizens, with many sharing similar experiences and expressing frustration with the perceived inaction by police. Comments included… “We have to admit that the officials cannot do anything about this.” “They just think money is everything, and they are not scared of the Thai police.” “My boyfriend was a victim in a similar case. The foreigner gave him 1,500 baht and fled.” “I had a similar experience just yesterday. A foreigner hit my vehicle and simply said ‘Sorry’ before speeding away.” “Thai laws seem to apply only to Thai people. Migrant workers and foreigners face no consequences for their wrongdoing, and Thai citizens are treated as second-class citizens.” “Thai police are always too busy to deal with these road issues.” One commenter recalled a similar incident from October last year, where a foreign woman crashed her car into a motorcycle in Phuket and left the scene, offering 3,100 baht in compensation. Although the case was widely reported by Thai media at the time, there has been no follow-up or resolution. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-27
- 81 replies
-
- 10
-
-
-
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 27 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Thai school director faces licence revocation over drug charges By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod The Secretary-General of the Teachers Council of Thailand has announced plans to revoke the professional licence of a school director arrested for drug trafficking. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350012-thai-school-director-faces-licence-revocation-over-drug-charges/ -
Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee The Secretary-General of the Teachers Council of Thailand has announced plans to revoke the professional licence of a school director arrested for drug trafficking. The arrest occurred in Nong Song Hong district, Khon Kaen province, where police seized 369 methamphetamine tablets. The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety of educational institutions. Asst. Prof. Doctor Amonwan Veerathammo, Secretary-General of the Teachers Council, confirmed that the institution has already begun verifying the professional licences of the implicated educational administrator. The director possessed both a teacher’s professional licence, expiring on May 30 this year, and a school administrator’s licence, valid until June 25, 2027. The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has initiated a fact-finding committee and temporarily dismissed the director from government service. The Teachers Council is advancing this case through its ethical review process and has quickly proposed to the Professional Standards Committee to suspend all professional licences of the person, without waiting for the investigation to conclude. Given the severity of the situation and the preemptive dismissal from government service, an official request for detailed facts has been sent to the relevant agency, urging an investigation committee to be appointed. Further actions will include a review by the subcommittee responsible for investigating ethical misconduct according to the Council’s regulations, last updated in 2010. If it is confirmed that the individual has indeed violated ethical standards, the Professional Standards Committee will be advised to permanently revoke all professional licences of the school director. Doctor Amonwan emphasised the critical responsibility of educational professionals, including teachers and administrators, to uphold exemplary conduct. The involvement of an educational leader in drug-related activities is a serious breach, necessitating immediate disciplinary measures, reported KhaoSod. School directors must earn the respect and trust of their students and the wider community, ensuring schools remain safe environments for all students. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-27
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 27 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Man denies identity after alleged misconduct in Nonthaburi shop By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of dailynews A man accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a 12 year old girl and her friend in a convenience store in Nonthaburi has refused to provide personal details or fingerprints. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350010-man-denies-identity-after-alleged-misconduct-in-nonthaburi-shop/ -
Picture courtesy of dailynews By Bright Choomanee A man accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a 12 year old girl and her friend in a convenience store in Nonthaburi has refused to provide personal details or fingerprints. The incident occurred on January 25 on Chaeng Watthana Road in Pak Kret district, leading to police intervention after good samaritans detained the suspect. Yesterday, January 26, the mothers of the girls, 36 year old Duan and 30 year old Dao, accompanied their daughters to Pak Kret police station for further questioning and to identify the suspect. Despite this, the man remained uncooperative, not revealing his identity or allowing fingerprinting. The police decided to send him to Phra Nang Klao Hospital for physical and psychological evaluation before continuing with legal proceedings. Dao expressed her shock upon hearing about the incident involving her daughter, B, who was visiting her friend A. She noted her usual attentiveness towards her child and her trust in A’s family, making the occurrence in a crowded convenience store particularly surprising. Further police investigation involved the girls identifying the suspect. The man continued to deny the allegations, suggesting that the police review security footage for evidence, reported KhaoSod. Police are currently unable to charge the suspect without more information. They are working to contact the suspect’s relatives and plan to examine CCTV footage to gather evidence for the case. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-27
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 27 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Bangkok taxi driver flees after attempted assault on passenger By Ryan Turner Photo via KhaoSod A woman found herself in an unknown room after taking a taxi ride home, where the driver allegedly attempted to assault her. The incident occurred on January 26, when the woman, who had been drinking with friends in the Ratchaprasong area, took a Toyota taxi to return to her condominium. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350008-bangkok-taxi-driver-flees-after-attempted-assault-on-passenger/ -
Photo via KhaoSod By Ryan Turner A woman found herself in an unknown room after taking a taxi ride home, where the driver allegedly attempted to assault her. The incident occurred on January 26, when the woman, who had been drinking with friends in the Ratchaprasong area, took a Toyota taxi to return to her condominium. Waking up in an unfamiliar room with the driver, the 42 year old woman realised he had removed her clothes and was attempting to assault her. She resisted and cried out for help, prompting the driver to flee. Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, has tasked Police Colonel Monchai Arunsongsangdee, Superintendent of Taling Chan Police Station, with investigating the case after the woman’s report. Police were informed of the incident and proceeded to the location in a rental room on Chok Phra 8 Alley, Chok Phra Road, Khlong Chok Phra subdistrict, Taling Chan district, Bangkok. The woman reported the incident to the police, who are now working to apprehend the driver. Police have taken her statement and are following legal procedures at Taling Chan Police Station. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue their efforts to locate the suspect and ensure justice for the victim, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-27
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 27 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Teen tragically shot near Surat Thani health centre By Bright Choomanee An 18 year old man was shot near a health centre in Surat Thani province, shocking his mother, who had recently spoken with him. Friends reported that the assailant drove a car against traffic, calling out to the victim before shooting him. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350005-teen-tragically-shot-near-surat-thani-health-centre/ -
By Bright Choomanee An 18 year old man was shot near a health centre in Surat Thani province, shocking his mother, who had recently spoken with him. Friends reported that the assailant drove a car against traffic, calling out to the victim before shooting him. The incident occurred at 3.39am today, January 27, when Police Lieutenant Chariyawut Thanchoen from Donsak Police Station received a report of the shooting near the Ban Nai Health Centre on the Nakhon Si Thammarat-Surat Thani Road in Pak Phraek district. He arrived at the scene with forensic officers and emergency services. The man, identified as Yotsakorn, was found wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt and denim shorts, with a gunshot wound to his left eye. A pocket knife was discovered nearby, along with a Honda Wave motorcycle registered in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Drug paraphernalia was found under the motorcycle seat. Initial investigations suggested that Yotsakorn was riding pillion on the motorcycle driven by his friend when they encountered the perpetrator. The assailant shot Yotsakorn from approximately 50 metres away, leaving a trail of blood along the road from the shooting point to where the body was found. The pair had reportedly been travelling on the Surat Thani-Nakhon Si Thammarat road when they met the assailant. The gunman fired at them before fleeing, causing the rider to attempt an escape. Yotsakorn’s body fell from the motorcycle at the location where it was discovered. Bunlert Thongdee, an emergency responder from Pak Phraek local administration, stated that upon arrival, locals were attempting to resuscitate Yotsakorn. He coordinated with the Donsak Hospital emergency team, who later confirmed the victim’s death. Fatal shooting Friends of the man recounted that they had been travelling from Surat Thani city towards Khanom district in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Upon reaching the scene, a car approached in the wrong direction. The driver lowered the window and called out, prompting Yotsakorn to turn his head, at which point the gunman fired. According to Yotsakorn’s uncle, Uncle Kob, the victim informed his mother earlier in the evening that he and a friend would be visiting Surat Thani city. At approximately 3am, Yotsakorn’s mother called him, and he mentioned he was on his way home. She later learnt from the police that her son had been shot, reported KhaoSod. The uncle added that the family had never known Yotsakorn to have conflicts with anyone. He was known for being hardworking, often delivering vegetables at Sichon market. He was accompanied by a friend, a conscript on leave, whom the family did not know well. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-27
-
- 1
-
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 27 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Gender recognition bill considered for identity self-determination By Ryan Turner LGBTQ+ couple cries while waiting to sign their marriage certificates as the Marriage Equality Act takes effect |Photo via AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit The recently implemented Marriage Equality Bill is a significant step towards equal marriage rights for all, but many who registered their marriages last week are concerned that their gender title does not align with their gender identity, and are now advocating for a Gender Recognition Bill. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350004-gender-recognition-bill-considered-for-identity-self-determination/ -
LGBTQ+ couple cries while waiting to sign their marriage certificates as the Marriage Equality Act takes effect |Photo via AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit By Ryan Turner The recently implemented Marriage Equality Bill is a significant step towards equal marriage rights for all, but many who registered their marriages last week are concerned that their gender title does not align with their gender identity, and are now advocating for a Gender Recognition Bill. The bill, if passed, would allow individuals to select their gender title and offer a gender-neutral option for those who do not identify as strictly male or female. Atitaya Asa, a coordinator for a working group under the Transmasculine Network for Equality, highlighted the issues faced by transmen who are still addressed as ‘Miss’ in official documents, despite transitioning to the male gender. This misalignment causes various complications, particularly when travelling abroad, as immigration officers may question the accuracy of travel documents. Similar issues arise in banks and hospitals, where transmen are often grouped into female wards due to their gender title. The Gender Recognition Bill seeks to provide transmen with the right to self-determine their gender identity. Intersex individuals also face challenges, as explained by Nada Chaiyajit, a law lecturer from Mae Fah Luang University who identifies as trans-intersex. Intersex people are often subjected to irreversible surgeries to conform to binary gender norms, leading to mismatches between their gender identity and physical attributes. There is a call for an ‘X’ title for those who do not wish to be identified as Mr or Ms, to offer more freedom in expressing their gender identity. Stigma lingers In Thailand, the stigma surrounding intersex identities persists, with many attributing it to past life actions. Many are calling for more education on intersex identities and the diverse nature of sexual orientation. The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution to combat discrimination against intersex individuals, which Thailand is encouraged to follow. Four versions of the Gender Recognition Bill have been proposed, each allowing individuals to select their gender identity and title without needing medical certification. Some require court approval for subsequent changes. Somsri Jongpensukloet of the Social Development and Human Security Ministry supports self-determination, emphasising universal human rights. The bill has passed a public hearing but awaits Cabinet approval. Sutthichai Ngamchuensuwan, Dean of the Law Faculty at Prince of Songkla University, noted that self-determination is foundational in many countries’ laws, though it may raise issues such as age and the impact on other legal areas. Thai law, rooted in a binary gender system, must consider these implications as it allows for changes in gender identification, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-27
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 24 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Bangkok's Air Crisis Escalates: Fourth Worst Globally for Pollution File photo for reference only Bangkok's air quality plummeted dramatically today, landing it the unenviable position of being the fourth most polluted city in the world, as reported by the Swiss monitoring entity IQAir. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) rocketed to an alarming 188 by 9.40am, with the fine particulate matter PM2.5 spiking well above safety standards. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349794-bangkoks-air-crisis-escalates-fourth-worst-globally-for-pollution/ -
File photo for reference only Bangkok's air quality plummeted dramatically today, landing it the unenviable position of being the fourth most polluted city in the world, as reported by the Swiss monitoring entity IQAir. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) rocketed to an alarming 188 by 9.40am, with the fine particulate matter PM2.5 spiking well above safety standards. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) responded by designating 48 out of 50 districts as hazardous “red zones,” noting the PM2.5 particles had soared to an average of 88.4 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³), starkly surpassing the official safe threshold of 37.5µg/m³. Nong Khaem district recorded the highest pollution level, with PM2.5 reaching 108µg/m³, and was closely followed by other districts like Khan Na Yao and Min Buri. Authorities have strongly advised residents to stay indoors, encouraging working from home and limiting outdoor activities to mitigate health risks. "This situation is extremely concerning, and we advise everyone to take necessary precautions," a City Hall representative stated. The pollution crisis extends beyond Bangkok. Chiang Mai, a key northern tourist city, also struggled with elevated pollution, ranked 23rd globally with an AQI of 127µg/m³. Regionally, Bangkok's pollution was exceeded by Ho Chi Minh City, listed as Southeast Asia's most polluted city today, while Phnom Penh and Hanoi also grappled with severe air quality issues. As the toxic air persists, public pressure mounts on Thai officials to combat the enveloping smog affecting both metropolitan and rural areas. For the present, retreating indoors with air purification seems the solitary defence against the hazardous skies. The PM2.5 crisis is exacerbated during Thailand's dry season from November to April, where stagnant air allows pollutants to accumulate. Agricultural practices, like burning crop residues, considerably aggravate the situation, especially in the northern provinces. The government's strategies include recommending remote work, limiting outdoor activities, and establishing checkpoints to monitor pollution. -- 2025-01-24
-
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 24 January 2025
snoop1130 replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Pattaya Prepares for 5,400 US Navy Visitors This January File photo for reference only Pattaya is gearing up to host around 5,400 US Navy personnel from 27th to 31st January. As these sailors take a respite from their training exercises, local authorities, with the help of Chon Buri police, are implementing robust safety and traffic strategies. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349793-pattaya-prepares-for-5400-us-navy-visitors-this-january/