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Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) declared the recent Songkran celebrations at Sanam Luang in Bangkok a resounding success, drawing in a staggering 784,000 participants. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared the triumphant news at a press conference, unveiling the splashing success of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024. The vibrant celebrations, spanning from April 11 to 15 on Rajdamnoen Klang Road and Sanam Luang, welcomed a whopping 784,883 attendees, with over 693,000 Thais joyously partaking, a whopping 72.18% of whom were proud Bangkok residents. And it wasn’t just the locals, an impressive 91,595 revellers from foreign shores, predominantly from European nations, added their splash of international flair to the festivities. The festivities poured an estimated 950 million baht into direct spending, covering everything from tantalising food and drink sales to accommodation costs and souvenir splurges. Thapanee revealed that this spending surge was set to ripple through the economic system, circulating a staggering 1.935 billion baht and culminating in a whopping 2.886 billion baht boost for the economy, lining the government’s pockets with a cool 742 million baht in VAT collections. Not only did the celebrations bring smiles to the faces of revellers, but they also proved to be a lucrative opportunity for around 500 street vendors and their 2,000 workers who cashed in on the revelry. Thapanee hailed the festivities as a triumph, attracting both local and international tourists and earning rave reviews in visitor surveys, reported The Nation. The buzz spilt onto social media, catapulting Sanam Luang into the spotlight as a must-visit destination. Plus, with access to nearby festive hotspots like Khao San Road and Phra Arthit Road, the fun was truly unstoppable! In related news, Thailand’s Songkran Thai New Year celebrations have gathered international attention, with 35 foreign embassies collaborating with the Thai government to promote the festival worldwide. This initiative comes after UNESCO recognised the festival as an intangible cultural heritage in December last year. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Century-old heritage house on sale for 45 million baht in Bangkok Photo courtesy of KhaoSod An almost century-old two-storey heritage house on the banks of the Chao Phraya River has sparked interest online after being listed for sale at 45 million baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325278-century-old-heritage-house-on-sale-for-45-million-baht-in-bangkok/

An almost century-old two-storey heritage house on the banks of the Chao Phraya River has sparked interest online after being listed for sale at 45 million baht. The property, boasting a land area of 200 square wahs (800 square metres), has been praised for its robust structure, despite showing signs of age. It was revealed today by a Facebook user, PimAraya Tew, in a group dedicated to the sale of luxury homes and mansions. The venerable residence stands opposite the Queen’s School in the Sam Sen area, a once bustling location favoured for its proximity to the river. Descendants of the original owners recall a time when the area was a popular retreat. They suggest that with renovation, the property has the potential to be transformed into an attractive venue, such as a café reminiscent of the fairytale Gingerbread House, situated near the Giant Swing, adding to the area’s charm. The property includes ample parking space, accommodating up to ten cars, and is conveniently located just 50 metres into the alleyway from the main thoroughfare. With a price tag of 45 million baht, the owners are looking for a genuine buyer who will breathe new life into the home. They also highlight a future perk: by 2027, the house will benefit from the proximity to an MRT line, adding to its value and accessibility. This sale offers a unique opportunity for conservation enthusiasts to own a piece of history and preserve an architectural gem that stands as a testament to the area’s rich past. The potential for revitalising the space while maintaining its historical integrity could attract investors interested in cultural preservation and entrepreneurs looking to create a distinctive business venue. The sale announcement has gathered significant attention on social media, sparking discussions about the importance of preserving cultural heritage in rapidly urbanising cities. It also raises questions about the valuation of such properties and the challenges faced in maintaining and upgrading them to meet modern standards without compromising their historical character, reported KhaoSod. The future MRT line is anticipated to enhance the area’s appeal and increase its economic potential, providing an additional incentive for potential buyers. The house, with its deep roots and stately presence, awaits a new chapter that will honour its near-100-year legacy while adapting to the evolving urban tapestry of Bangkok. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Suvarnabhumi Airport moves up 10 places to 58th in Skytrax ranking Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is ranked at 58 in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2024, an improvement from last year’s 68th placing. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325277-suvarnabhumi-airport-moves-up-10-places-to-58th-in-skytrax-ranking/

Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is ranked at 58 in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2024, an improvement from last year’s 68th placing. The international airport ranking website places Doha Hamad Airport at the top of the list. Singapore Changi, last year’s winner, dropped to second place this year. Airports of Thailand (AOT) adds that their satellite terminal one (SAT-1) received 4 stars this year, for the architecture, cleanliness, overall atmosphere, facilities and automation. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s aviation sector set for soaring recovery Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s skies are set for a dramatic rebound as aviation bodies predict a swift recovery in passenger numbers by next year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325272-thailand’s-aviation-sector-set-for-soaring-recovery/

Thailand’s skies are set for a dramatic rebound as aviation bodies predict a swift recovery in passenger numbers by next year. In a statement to the press, Yongyut Lujintanon, the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) area manager for Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, highlighted the intricate web of factors influencing the country’s aviation resurgence. Despite the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s ambitious goal of nearly 40 million arrivals this year, challenges persist. Confirming the surge in demand, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported an influx of slot requests. However, Yongyut underscored the persistent threats, ranging from geopolitical tensions to escalating fuel costs, which have skyrocketed by three to five times compared to pre-pandemic levels. Thailand, once a regional aviation powerhouse, trailed behind Southeast Asian counterparts like the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam in traffic recovery in 2023. Only Vietnam managed to surpass 2019’s traffic figures, underlining the uphill battle for Thailand. Although the Asia-Pacific region witnessed a 93% recovery in revenue passenger kilometres by January this year, it still lags behind the global average, which soared to pre-pandemic levels. International passengers are expected to reach 2019 levels by next year, contingent upon market dynamics, particularly China’s reopening pace. Sarun Benjanirat, CAAT’s Deputy Director-General, painted a cautiously optimistic picture, projecting a potential recovery to 165 million passengers by the year’s end. However, the road to full restoration, mirroring IATA’s forecast by 2025, hinges on critical factors like fleet expansion and market resumption, particularly in China. The unveiling of the Air-mazing Thailand project witnessed a flurry of activity, with airlines eyeing provincial airports like Udon Thani and Surat Thani, reported Bangkok Post. These developments signal a potential shift in Thailand’s aviation landscape, with Surat Thani emerging as a formidable alternative to alleviate pressure from congested hubs like Samui Airport. In related news, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced last Monday, April 8 that a feasibility study for the expansion of Samui Airport is currently being conducted. The proposed expansion aims to accommodate larger aircraft and an increasing number of visitors. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NZAero’s mega deal set to soar with Thai aviation giants Photo courtesy of Waikato Times NZAero has clinched a monumental multi-million dollar agreement with a major Thai firm. The deal, inked during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s diplomatic rendezvous in Thailand, promises a lucrative windfall and a plethora of job opportunities for the Kiwi aviation sector. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325270-nzaero’s-mega-deal-set-to-soar-with-thai-aviation-giants/

NZAero has clinched a monumental multi-million dollar agreement with a major Thai firm. The deal, inked during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s diplomatic rendezvous in Thailand, promises a lucrative windfall and a plethora of job opportunities for the Kiwi aviation sector. NZAero’s CEO Stephen Burrows sealed the pact destined to bolster Royal Thai Airforce operations. This pivotal agreement spans maintenance and servicing operations across both Thailand and New Zealand, Burrows disclosed. According to a company statement, this landmark deal with Thai Aviation Industries is poised to inject a multi-million dollar export surge into New Zealand’s aviation domain. The exclusive partnership entails supplying vital aircraft components to Thailand and securing maintenance contracts for the overhaul of numerous aircraft engines annually. Prime Minister Luxon hailed the agreement as “a great outcome on all fronts,” praising NZAero’s triumph in Southeast Asia. Burrows, in the statement, lauded Thailand’s aspirations to establish a premier aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific, foreseeing a triple surge in exports and a deepening bilateral bond. “The new multi-year agreement is set to triple the value of parts and maintenance exports to that market.” Moreover, Burrows anticipated a surge in job creation and industry expansion in New Zealand, fuelled by Thailand’s substantial investments in air force modernisation. With an eye on future collaborations, NZAero aims to introduce its cutting-edge SuperPac XSTOL aircraft to Thai skies, alongside forging alliances with aviation stakeholders in Singapore and the Philippines, reported Waikato Times. While quantifying the exact monetary gains remains elusive, Burrows stressed NZAero’s pivotal role as the original manufacturer of servicing components, poised to capitalise on Thailand’s burgeoning aviation ambitions. In related news, Thailand and New Zealand have vowed to embark on a historic Strategic Partnership journey by 2026, commemorating seven decades of diplomatic camaraderie, revealed government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rolled out the red carpet for New Zealand’s Premier at Government House, overseeing the signing of two game-changing Memorandums of Understanding. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of Waikato Times Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangladesh PM to Visit Thailand BANGKOK (NNT) - The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Sheikh Hasina, will pay an official visit to Thailand from 24 -29 April 2024. During the visit, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh will witness the signing of various agreements and memoranda of understanding. The Thai premier will also host a luncheon in honor of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and her delegation at the Government House. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325267-bangladesh-pm-to-visit-thailand/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Sheikh Hasina, will pay an official visit to Thailand from 24 -29 April 2024. During the visit, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh will witness the signing of various agreements and memoranda of understanding. The Thai premier will also host a luncheon in honor of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and her delegation at the Government House. This visit will be the first visit to Thailand by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh since 2002. It will be an opportunity for both sides to meet and discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in multiple areas, especially the commencement of Free Trade Agreement negotiations which will help to expand trade and increase export opportunities. Thailand and Bangladesh will also explore possibilities to deepen collaboration in development cooperation, connectivity, tourism, and people-to-people ties. In addition, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh will also attend the 80th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and will have a bilateral meeting with Mrs. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP. By Woraprat Lerpaisal Source: NNT 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese man covers bill of fellow citizens who did a runner PHOTOS: Sanook/Thai Rath A Chinese man, embarrassed by the behaviour of two Chinese women unknown to him, has coughed up for their restaurant bill after the two fled the upscale Bangkok restaurant without paying. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325261-chinese-man-covers-bill-of-fellow-citizens-who-did-a-runner/

A Chinese man, embarrassed by the behaviour of two Chinese women unknown to him, has coughed up for their restaurant bill after the two fled the upscale Bangkok restaurant without paying. It’s understood that the women dined at the About Beef Lava Grill in Bangkok on the night of April 12 and then fled without paying their bill, which was over 2,600 baht. The restaurant owner took to social media, sharing video footage that shows the women, one wearing a black dress, the other in white, fleeing the premises and speeding off in a car. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTOS: Sanook/Thai Rath Full story: Phuket GO 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Frequent Flyer: Thai PM returns to Phuket tomorrow PHOTO: Facebook/เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin The Thai PM will return to Phuket Friday, April 19, his fourth visit to the island since his election. Srettha Thavisin will be on the island to inspect a number of projects aimed at alleviating traffic congestion, according to a Phuket News report. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325260-frequent-flyer-thai-pm-returns-to-phuket-tomorrow/

The Thai PM will return to Phuket Friday, April 19, his fourth visit to the island since his election. Srettha Thavisin will be on the island to inspect a number of projects aimed at alleviating traffic congestion, according to a Phuket News report. The PM will first attend a meeting at Phuket Airport, where he will be updated on various projects aimed at easing the island’s traffic woes. He will then inspect the area where a planned elevated road will connect to Route 4027 through Paklok, joining Thepkrasattri Road at the northern end, to ease travel to the airport. A report issued by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department, PR Phuket, says the PM will then head to Sarasin Bridge for a presentation on the new bridge project. He will also be briefed on construction planned around Heroines Monument according to PR Phuket. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Facebook/เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin Full story: Phuket GO 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ocean warming driving dugongs to find new feeding grounds The warming of the water in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea has resulted in a rare phenomenon, being described as “steamed” grass, meaning seagrass, the main food source for dugongs, is not surviving the rise in sea temperatures. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325257-ocean-warming-driving-dugongs-to-find-new-feeding-grounds/

The warming of the water in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea has resulted in a rare phenomenon, being described as “steamed” grass, meaning seagrass, the main food source for dugongs, is not surviving the rise in sea temperatures. This, in turn, is forcing mammals to stray from their habitats to seek new feeding grounds, according to Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, vice dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University. A marine expert, Dr. Thon said that a recent study of sea grass in the Gulf and the Andaman, conducted by a research unit from the Faculty of Fisheries and the sea grass crisis committee, shows that sea grass in the Andaman Sea, off Trang and Krabi provinces and parts of Satun, are being seriously affected by global warming, resulting in unusually low tides and warmer seas. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Some 6.5 million people travelled by train during Songkran holidays About 6.55 million people used trains to travel around Bangkok, to other destinations and back to the capital during the six-day Songkran period, an increase of 21.22% percent over the same period last year, according to the Department of Rail Transport. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325256-some-65-million-people-travelled-by-train-during-songkran-holidays/

About 6.55 million people used trains to travel around Bangkok, to other destinations and back to the capital during the six-day Songkran period, an increase of 21.22% percent over the same period last year, according to the Department of Rail Transport. 793,018 people used trains yesterday, the last day of the Songkran long holidays, but this was 10.55% below projections. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai IT service demand surges due to digital transformation and AI Picture courtesy of ptc.com Global managed service provider Kyndryl believes the demand for information technology (IT) services in Thailand is being driven by factors such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), smart cloud, and the modernisation of IT infrastructure. Kyndryl was born out of the spin-off of IBM’s infrastructure service business in 2021. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325255-thai-it-service-demand-surges-due-to-digital-transformation-and-ai/

Global managed service provider Kyndryl believes the demand for information technology (IT) services in Thailand is being driven by factors such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), smart cloud, and the modernisation of IT infrastructure. Kyndryl was born out of the spin-off of IBM’s infrastructure service business in 2021. Kittipong Asawapichayon, the managing director of Kyndryl Thailand and Vietnam spoke in glowing terms about digital transformation in Thailand. “Organisations are moving towards digital transformation to innovate, increase competition, and cut costs at this challenging time.” Kittipong believes that many Thai companies may seek to modernise their IT infrastructure, leading to opportunities for Kyndryl’s services in hybrid cloud solutions, infrastructure management, and automation. Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform, anticipates the IT service market in Thailand to grow by 7.28% during 2024-2028, resulting in a market volume of US$3.1 billion in 2028. The revenue in the IT services market is expected to reach US$2.34 billion in 2024, with IT outsourcing projected to dominate the market at a value of US$930 million. Post spin-off from IBM, Kyndryl has expanded its customer base from banking to other sectors including oil, gas, and telecom businesses. The company’s split from IBM has more than doubled its addressable market from US$240 billion pre-spin-off to US$510 billion by 2024. The company’s major partners currently include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. IT trends Kyndryl forecasts major IT trends in 2024, one of which is the role of new ways of working in driving culture, technology, and workplace transformation. AI and cloud technologies will play a significant role but must be integrated with human-centred strategies to attract and retain top talent. The company predicts that data governance will emerge as a critical factor in AI adoption. Kyndryl also emphasises the importance of a meticulous data strategy for extracting maximum insights from an AI system. The company also foresees the importance of infrastructure-as-a-code (IaC) in IT development, as organisations start modernising their digital infrastructure. The IaC automates the provisioning of IT infrastructure by using high-level descriptive coding language. Kittipong anticipates that the computer mainframe will remain relevant as part of a hybrid environment and the enterprises will continue to adapt and grow, reinventing itself to deliver value in nearly every business environment. The company also warns of an increase in the number and sophistication of cyber-attacks, making it important for enterprises to lower the barriers and expand access to cybersecurity training and hiring. Sustainable technology will also be a priority, as enterprises will see it as important to reduce their carbon footprint, reported Bangkok Post. By Alex Morgan Caption: Picture courtesy of ptc.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Female police save woman from drunk foreigner during Songkran Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A group of female police officers heroically intervened to save a Thai woman from a drunken foreigner who was attempting to drag her away on Khao San Road during the final days of the Songkran festival. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325188-female-police-save-woman-from-drunk-foreigner-during-songkran/

A group of female police officers heroically intervened to save a Thai woman from a drunken foreigner who was attempting to drag her away on Khao San Road during the final days of the Songkran festival. The officers, identified as Suphannan Shinphatthachitchai, Nitiya Chanamin, Narinthon Saengchai, and Apirinya Jaksaran, were on duty supporting the Chanasongkram Police Station when they were alerted to the altercation and quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. The festive atmosphere on Khao San Road during Songkran took a serious turn late at night when a report came in of a foreign man, inebriated and out of control, accosting a Thai woman. The incident occurred around 11.50pm, two days before the reported intervention, and could have escalated had it not been for the prompt and decisive action of the female crowd control police officers stationed nearby. The officers, part of the 4th company of the 1st Crowd Control Division, received a distress call from the public about a quarrel. Without hesitation, they sprinted towards the scene. Upon arrival, they found the foreign man in a drunken state, trying to forcibly take the Thai woman with him. The woman appeared terrified and helpless against the advances of the inebriated man. The officers acted swiftly to separate the man from the woman, ensuring her safety. Their intervention was not only timely but also demonstrated a commitment to protecting citizens and upholding public order during what is typically a time of celebration and joy. The foreign man was removed from the situation, and the woman was rescued unharmed. In a reassuring development, no legal action was taken as the woman did not wish to press charges, allowing the matter to be resolved without further incident. Such acts of bravery and service by the female crowd control police officers serve as a reminder of the essential role they play in maintaining peace and security, especially during large public gatherings like the Songkran festival. Their quick response and professional handling of the situation ensured that the festivities on Khao San Road were not marred by violence and that both locals and visitors could continue to enjoy the traditional Thai New Year celebrations in safety. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man suspected of beheading his father at home in Songkhla Photo via Facebook/ Borderpress Songkhla Police suspected a Thai man of beheading his father at their home in a rubber plantation in the southern province of Songkhla. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325187-thai-man-suspected-of-beheading-his-father-at-home-in-songkhla/

Police suspected a Thai man of beheading his father at their home in a rubber plantation in the southern province of Songkhla. Sadao Police Station officers in Sadao district of Songkhla investigated a one-story house in the rubber plantation, yesterday, April 16, after being notified of the discovery of a dead body. The deceased was identified as 56 year old Thai man named Wichai. Wichai was found lying dead in the kitchen inside the house, wearing only underwear. His head had been decapitated and placed near his body. Police believed Wichai died about four days before being discovered. The knife, suspected to be used in his murder, was found near Wichai’s body. The weapon was clean before being placed there but police collected it for further DNA testing. Upon further investigation, it emerged that Wichai lived at the house with his son, 33 year old Tiwakorn, who was absent during the inquiry. Neighbours reported seeing Tiwakorn departing the family residence on his motorcycle before the police arrived. Residents in the vicinity tracked down Tiwakorn and apprehended him. He was subsequently taken to the police station for interrogation. Tiwakorn vehemently denied any involvement in his father’s murder, asserting that he had been visiting his mother at another residence since April 9 and returned to discover his father’s lifeless body. Police reported that Wichai divorced his wife and Tiwakorn was the only son living with him. Tiwakorn had a history of drug use and mental illness. He received treatment for a mental issue eight years ago but the symptoms still sometimes reappeared. Police have not yet pressed any legal charges against Tiwakorn thus far. They have stated their intention to conduct more thorough questioning of his mother, siblings, and neighbours. According to Thai PBS, the police harbour suspicions about Tiwakorn’s friends potentially being implicated in Wichai’s murder. As a result, they plan to summon Tiwakorn’s friends for questioning as part of their investigation. A similar incident was reported two weeks ago in the southern province of Surat Thai when a 32 year old Thai man named Nattaporn beheaded his mother and ate her brain. After the murder, he carried his mother’s head and walked around the palm plantation near his home. A doctor found Nattaporn was suffering from a mental illness but never received treatment. He would be under treatment until he can join police questioning. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Facebook/ Borderpress Songkhla Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe