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Deputy Minister’s son gets suspended sentence for drunk driving The son of a deputy minister was given a suspended jail term, had his driver’s license suspended for six months, was ordered to perform 12 hours of community and fined 4,000 baht after he was found guilty of drunk driving. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325374-deputy-minister’s-son-gets-suspended-sentence-for-drunk-driving/

The son of a deputy minister was given a suspended jail term, had his driver’s license suspended for six months, was ordered to perform 12 hours of community and fined 4,000 baht after he was found guilty of drunk driving. The suspect, whose name was not disclosed by the police, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, after he refused to stop at a police checkpoint on Bangkok’s Ratchadapisek Road and rammed his BMW into road barrier early this morning. At about 3.30am today, police manning a checkpoint at the mouth of Ratchadapisek Soi 31 indicated to a BMW to pull over for a check, but the driver refused to stop and rammed his car into the barrier, after which the police made the arrest. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Five dead in Nakhon Phanom road accident Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A road accident claimed the lives of five family members when their Isuzu D-Max pickup truck veered off the road and collided with an electricity pole in Nakhon Phanom province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325372-five-dead-in-nakhon-phanom-road-accident/

A road accident claimed the lives of five family members when their Isuzu D-Max pickup truck veered off the road and collided with an electricity pole in Nakhon Phanom province. The incident, which occurred at 12.30pm yesterday, involved a vehicle carrying six relatives from Amnat Charoen province. The driver, 42 year old Kanchai Sarakun was among the deceased. The latest developments in this tragedy unfolded at the Wat Thatthi Khun funeral hall in the Na Kae district, where authorities and public health officials facilitated the identification and handover of the deceased to their relatives for funeral rites. The fatalities included the driver Kanchai Sarakun, his 62 year old mother, Somsri Sarakun, his niece, 16 year old Kanakorn Sarakun, and his aunts, 82 year old Som Jandawong and 77 year old Saen Panichkul. Kanchai’s wife, 42 year old Paichit Boochaphan survived with minor injuries. Saen Panichkul’s daughter, 40 year old Piyaporn Panichkul revealed that she had argued with her mother, attempting to dissuade her from the journey due to its length and the fact that her mother was not accustomed to such long-distance travel. Despite the disagreement, her mother had hastily packed and left with the others. Upon hearing the news of the accident, Piyaporn’s husband, 48 year old Pisit Rinthong quickly gathered some clothes and left with four other relatives from Amnat Charoen to visit the injured at the hospital in Na Kae. While en route, they received a call informing them that Pisit’s mother-in-law and aunt had succumbed to their injuries, reported KhaoSod. Ambulances from the Petch Kasem Foundation in Amnat Charoen, Yasothon-Pa Tiu, and other foundations from Sakon Nakhon were on hand to transport the bodies to their hometowns for the final farewell. In related news, a tragic accident occurred on Wednesday at 2.45pm in the Hod district of Chiang Mai when a six-wheeled truck’s brakes reportedly failed, causing it to crash into a procession of revellers. The incident resulted in the death of two individuals and serious injuries to two others. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Transgender village head and boyfriend found dead in car Photo via 77 Kaoded A transgender village head and her boyfriend allegedly yesterday committed suicide in a car parked outside a 7-Eleven convenience store in the central province of Ratchaburi. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325371-transgender-village-head-and-boyfriend-found-dead-in-car/

A transgender village head and her boyfriend allegedly yesterday committed suicide in a car parked outside a 7-Eleven convenience store in the central province of Ratchaburi. A 7-Eleven member of staff, Thatsaya Saetang, contacted Ban Pong Police Station officers at about 4pm yesterday, April 18 after she found the people unconscious in the car. Thatsaya explained that she noticed a white Toyota Fortuner parked in front of the store for about 20 minutes without anyone getting out. Then, she heard the engine revving up twice, which raised her suspicion. Thatsaya found the act suspicious and went to check on it. She looked through the car window and found both the driver and passenger unconscious inside. The driver was identified as the transgender village leader of Suan Kluay sub-district, 45 year old Phongsak Buakham. The passenger, believed to be her boyfriend, was identified as 45 year old Suppasate Suppasak-anan. Police and medical professionals from Ban Pong Hospital arrived at the scene and forcibly entered the vehicle. Phongsak and Suppasate were unconscious and bleeding from their noses and mouths. They were rushed to the hospital but were pronounced dead upon arrival. The superintendent of the Ban Pong Police Station, Piyaphong Wongkatejai, speculated that the couple might have committed suicide by consuming toxic substances, as their skin had turned dark and they were bleeding from their noses and mouths. Relationship and business issues were cited as possible motives for the suicide. Police collected samples from some drinking water and a coffee cup found in the car for further toxin testing. They also planned to review dashcam footage and nearby CCTV cameras to trace the couple’s movements before they arrived at the convenience store. Piyaphong mentioned that Phongsak’s father had formerly held the position of village head. Subsequently, Thatsaya became part of the local administrative team and was appointed as the village head for eight years. The family was well regarded in the Suan Kluay sub-district due to their charitable endeavours and support for the community. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via 77 Kaoded Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pheu Thai Party eyes House Speaker position Photo courtesy of Asahi The Pheu Thai Party is reportedly planning to reclaim the House Speaker position from the Prachachat Party, according to a source yesterday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325370-pheu-thai-party-eyes-house-speaker-position/

The Pheu Thai Party is reportedly planning to reclaim the House Speaker position from the Prachachat Party, according to a source yesterday. This move is part of the ruling party’s strategy to restructure its parliamentary operations, and it is predicted that the position might be given to a prominent member of the party, possibly a minister who may be removed from the Cabinet during the anticipated reshuffle. However, it will be a challenging task for the Pheu Thai Party to take back the post from the Prachachat Party as the current House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, holds significant influence. The uncertainty lies in what his decision would be if he were asked to relinquish his role. Wan Noor, a former leader of the Prachachat Party, was chosen for the House Speaker position to resolve a stalemate between the Pheu Thai Party and the Move Forward Party (MFP). This occurred when an eight-party coalition led by the MFP attempted to establish a coalition government last year. Speaking yesterday, Wan Noor stated that while he doesn’t have a particular attachment to his post, he is against interference in parliamentary matters. He emphasised the significance of the House Speaker’s role as one of the three pillars of the democratic system. “If there is intervention for my resignation, Parliament isn’t what it’s supposed to be. The prime minister is authorised to make a Cabinet reshuffle, but the House Speaker’s term is specified by the charter. No one can change it except if he is unable to fulfil his duty or resigns.” Speculations Following his election as House Speaker, Wan Noor resigned from his position as the Prachachat Party leader. This is in accordance with the constitution, which requires that the House Speaker maintains political neutrality and does not hold a position in any political party. Justice Minister and Prachachat list-MP Tawee Sodsong stressed that Cabinet reshuffles and the House Speaker post are separate issues. He was responding to rumours that the post might be given to a Cabinet minister who is ousted from the Cabinet. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin chose not to comment on speculation that the Pheu Thai Party is seeking to regain the House Speaker post. He stated that while the party values the workings of Parliament, he is not the right person to address this question, pointing instead to the Pheu Thai Party leader. “I’d rather not talk about this because it affects other people and it is not my business.” PM Srettha also avoided making comments on the much-discussed Cabinet reshuffle. The buzz around the Cabinet reshuffle and the possible change in the House Speaker has stemmed from the PM’s recent comments on the importance of placing the right person in the right role, be it in executive or legislative work. Rumours are rife that two Pheu Thai veterans, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, might be removed from the Cabinet and given the responsibility of overseeing the ruling party’s parliamentary affairs and strategies, reported Bangkok Post. In the aftermath of last year’s general election, Dr Cholnan was considered for the House Speaker post, but Wan Noor was chosen when the Pheu Thai and MFP reached a compromise. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of Asahi Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Ministry to reimburse victims of call centre scams Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) announced plans to reimburse victims with more than 10 billion baht worth of money and assets, previously seized from call centre scam operations. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325369-thai-ministry-to-reimburse-victims-of-call-centre-scams/

The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) announced plans to reimburse victims with more than 10 billion baht worth of money and assets, previously seized from call centre scam operations. The assets, including 6 billion baht in cash, were retrieved by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) in 2021, according to Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. He iterated that AMLO is poised to dispense all seized assets back to call centre scam victims. To qualify for this, victims must present bank payment confirmations linking them to the scam suspects. These confirmations can be submitted to AMLO through postal service, in person or via email. Once the evidence has been received, it will be forwarded to the court to solicit asset protection for the victims, with the asset investigation process expected to be concluded within a year. The value of the returned assets will not exceed the total assets currently held by Amlo. Prasert added that victims who had previously failed to file a police report can now submit their evidence to Amlo for a chance to reclaim their assets. The details of AMLO’s asset return strategy will be published in the Royal Gazette in the next 90 days. Minister Prasert, flanked by the Royal Thai Police’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and a cryptocurrency organisation named Binance, unveiled details about a bust on a Chinese-led hybrid scam syndicate on Wednesday. This operation reportedly inflicted damage worth no less than 250 million baht. During the operation, a suspect named Su Shoaxian and three other Chinese nationals were apprehended and assets valued at or exceeding 600 million baht were seized. The suspects allegedly enticed victims to invest in cryptocurrency trading through a fraudulent mobile application and lured them into transferring money to accounts under Su’s name, masquerading as digital exchanges. Further investigation led to the arrest of four additional suspects: 31 year old Wisit, 25 year old Siraphat, a 45 year old Chinese citizen named Dongjian, and a 41 year old Singaporean named Wei King Kek. The charges levelled against them include fraud, money laundering, participation in transnational crime organisations, and deceitful importation of distorted computer data, reported Bangkok Post. According to Prasert, the police have also issued 26 arrest warrants. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Spain’s plastic law impacts Thai beverage exports Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail The Ministry of Commerce’s latest directive has set Thai entrepreneurs on a mission to crack the cap code in light of Spain’s latest law on plastic waste. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325366-spain’s-plastic-law-impacts-thai-beverage-exports/

The Ministry of Commerce’s latest directive has set Thai entrepreneurs on a mission to crack the cap code in light of Spain’s latest law on plastic waste. To tackle plastic waste, Spain’s new law insists bottle caps remain steadfastly attached, impacting global trade. Aligning with the EU’s green agenda, this move aims to slash plastic pollution and set a new standard for sustainability. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai, revealed that Thailand is gearing up to meet these stringent regulations, set to take effect from July 3. With the EU pushing for PET bottles to contain increasing levels of recycled plastic, adaptation is not just desirable but essential for survival in the international market. As Spain paves the way for eco-friendly packaging, Thai entrepreneurs are poised to follow suit, exploring innovative solutions and materials to reduce plastic usage. From attached caps to alternative packaging, the race to eco-consciousness is on. With consumer demand for sustainable products at an all-time high, businesses must sprint to keep pace with the EU’s evolving regulations, reported Pattaya Mail. Failure to adapt risks being left behind in the race for sustainable international trade supremacy. In related news, Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is optimistic about recycling all plastic waste by 2027, as part of an initiative to curb the use of plastic. This plan forms part of the ministry’s plastic waste management roadmap from 2018 to 2030. The strategy was devised in response to concerns over the growing use of single-use plastics, according to Thalerngsak Phetsuwan, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, speaking at a conference commemorating the upcoming Earth Day on April 22. In other news, to combat plastic pollution, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Bottle Free Seas project has proven to be a roaring success, with plans now underway to expand its reach by installing an additional 200 drinking water refill points across the city. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket launches free electric bus to drive sustainable tourism Picture courtesy of Phuket News Phuket is gearing up for a greener future with the launch of a free air-conditioned electric bus service in the heart of the city. Scheduled to accelerate on May 9, this eco-friendly initiative is driven by a collaboration between local companies under the banner of PKCD and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325365-phuket-launches-free-electric-bus-to-drive-sustainable-tourism/

Phuket is gearing up for a greener future with the launch of a free air-conditioned electric bus service in the heart of the city. Scheduled to accelerate on May 9, this eco-friendly initiative is driven by a collaboration between local companies under the banner of PKCD and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation. The announcement for the 22-seat Smart Bus EV was made yesterday, spearheaded by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Supporting the new initiative included Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas, Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office, and Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourist Association. The service, open for both residents and tourists, will initially operate every day as a trial period. The buses will operate along a circular route every 30 minutes, from 11am to 10pm. The bus route comprises 16 stops, with Luang Por Rd being the terminus where buses will be parked. Phuket Smart Bus has contributed four electric buses to provide the service. The operator, which also runs a service from Phuket International Airport to Patong to Rawai, has 14 buses in total. All buses will eventually be converted to electric vehicles (EVs). Niphon Ekwanich, Chief Advisor to the PKCD Executive Board, emphasised the importance of sustainable urban development and the use of clean energy in enhancing local lifestyles and promoting environmentally friendly tourism. He explained that both PKCD and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation were established to execute various projects related to urban development and environmentally friendly initiatives respectively, reported Phuket News. Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, Chairman of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, pointed out that the electric bus project addresses the issues of traffic congestion and insufficient parking in Phuket Town. By offering an eco-friendly travel option, the project encourages tourists and residents to utilise public transportation. “Using electric buses will reduce air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, promoting and supporting exchanges and connections between government agencies, the private sector, and related sectors.” By Bob Scott Caption: Picture courtesy of Phuket News Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya sees record tourist surge during Songkran Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail As the extended Songkran holiday wrapped up on Tuesday, tourists bid farewell to the sun-kissed islands surrounding Pattaya, turning the Bali Hai Pier area into a buzzing hub of activity. Local authorities ramped up services to cater to the influx, ensuring convenience for visitors throughout the holiday period. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325290-pattaya-sees-record-tourist-surge-during-songkran/

As the extended Songkran holiday wrapped up on Tuesday, tourists bid farewell to the sun-kissed islands surrounding Pattaya, turning the Bali Hai Pier area into a buzzing hub of activity. Local authorities ramped up services to cater to the influx, ensuring convenience for visitors throughout the holiday period. Officers stationed at the pier witnessed a remarkable influx of tourists from April 12 to 15, with an average of 30,000 Thai visitors and foreign tourists per day seeking leisure and relaxation on the islands. On April 12 alone, 8,102 tourists set sail on island adventures via 42 ferry services. The numbers surged the following day, reaching 16,885 visitors served by 87 ferry trips. April 14 and 15 saw 7,462 and 9,259 visitors respectively, with ferry services numbering 36 and 48. This tallied up to 41,708 passengers traversing the islands over the four days, with ferry fares holding steady at 30 baht per person per trip. Factoring in speedboat excursions, the total could surpass 120,000 visitors over the five-day holiday. Amidst the festivities, reports surfaced of unscrupulous individuals exploiting the tourist influx. Some fell prey to fraudulent accommodation bookings on the islands, where deceptive online platforms duped tourists into transferring money for non-existent reservations. These incidents posed challenges to Pattaya’s tourism sector during the Songkran festivities, reported Pattaya Mail. Despite these hurdles, the extended Songkran holiday proved to be a boon for tourism in Pattaya, offering both locals and visitors a chance to unwind and immerse themselves in the vibrant celebrations. In related news, the 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. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok commuters to ride electric trains for just 20 baht Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit pledged that by September 2025, electric train rides throughout the metropolitan area will cost a mere 20 baht, fulfilling a longstanding promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325289-bangkok-commuters-to-ride-electric-trains-for-just-20-baht/

Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit pledged that by September 2025, electric train rides throughout the metropolitan area will cost a mere 20 baht, fulfilling a longstanding promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. This initiative, initially implemented on select lines last year, faced scepticism from opposition figures like Surachet Pravinvongvuth of the Move Forward Party. Yet, Suriya remains steadfast, asserting that this policy is essential for enhancing transportation infrastructure and alleviating financial burdens for citizens. Addressing naysayers, Suriya emphasised the government’s commitment. “All train fares will indeed be capped at 20 baht.” To achieve this ambitious goal, the ministry plans to introduce a joint-ticket system, simplifying travel across the entire public transport network. Furthermore, a dedicated fund will compensate operators for revenue losses incurred by this fare cap. With a draft bill in the works, Suriya anticipates swift approval from the Cabinet, ensuring the seamless implementation of this groundbreaking policy, reported The Nation. Beyond affordability, Suriya underscores the environmental benefits, envisioning increased usage of eco-friendly electric trains to combat greenhouse gas emissions and hazardous PM2.5 particles. “The government remains steadfast in its promise. We’re determined to cap all train fares at 20 baht within two years, revolutionising urban transportation for the betterment of all.” In related news, the State Railway of Thailand‘s (SRT) Red Line electric commuter rail network is set to undergo a significant expansion, according to Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. The Transport Ministry will put forth proposals for the construction of three extensions this week: the Taling Chan-Salaya extension, the Rangsit-Thammasat University, the Rangsit Campus extension, and the Taling Chan-Siriraj extension. In other news, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) embarks on an initiative to replace its ageing fleet with 3,390 electric buses, announced Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri. During a recent board meeting, it was revealed that the BMTA has prioritised the urgent acquisition of new electric buses, aligning with its commitment to mitigate environmental impact across the metropolitan area. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Sand Pagodas Created Along Bangsaen Beach CHONBURI, April 18 (TNA) – The local authorities organize the tradition of building sand pagodas along Bang Saen beach to celebrate the Wan Lai festival in the eastern province of Chonburi. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325288-sand-pagodas-created-along-bangsaen-beach/

CHONBURI, April 18 (TNA) – The local authorities organize the tradition of building sand pagodas along Bang Saen beach to celebrate the Wan Lai festival in the eastern province of Chonburi. The Wan Lai festival is part of the Thai New Year celebration mainly held in some eastern and central provinces after the main Songkran Thai New Year events, celebrated in mid-April across the country. There are activities such as pouring water over Buddha images, building sand pagodas, splashing water, and traditional Thai folk games. Full story: Thai News Agency 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai PM’s Phuket visit focuses on traffic projects and foreign mafia Picture courtesy of PR Phuket Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to visit Phuket tomorrow, where he will be updated on the local police’s efforts to combat the so-called foreign mafia. Chai Watcharong, a spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, revealed the agenda for the prime minister’s Phuket visit yesterday, which will primarily revolve around progress reports on construction projects designed to ease traffic congestion in Phuket. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325260-frequent-flyer-thai-pm-returns-to-phuket-tomorrow/?do=findComment&comment=18852583

Thai PM’s Phuket visit focuses on traffic projects and foreign mafia Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to visit Phuket tomorrow, where he will be updated on the local police’s efforts to combat the so-called foreign mafia. Chai Watcharong, a spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, revealed the agenda for the prime minister’s Phuket visit yesterday, which will primarily revolve around progress reports on construction projects designed to ease traffic congestion in Phuket. Joining the 62 year old prime minister, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, will be Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Transport Minister, and Chayatan Phromsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport. The delegation will also include Phongsaran Asavachaisophon, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; and Chatchai Promlert, former Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry who currently chairs the Board of Directors of PTT Public Company Limited. Additionally, Police General Kittirat Panphet, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, who currently serves as the Acting National Police Commissioner, will also join the official visit. PM Srettha and other high-ranking officials will depart from Military Airport 2 at Don Mueang in Bangkok around 9am, landing at Phuket International Airport for a meeting scheduled for 10.30am. The prime minister is expected to be updated on the status of the project to upgrade and expand Route 4027, a major artery running through Pa Khlok, which includes the expansion to four lanes and the progress of the elevated interchange at the northern end of Route 4027, where it intersects with Thepkrasattri Road. Sarasin Bridge Details about the new Sarasin Bridge project will also be briefed to the Bangkok-born Srettha, according to Chai, although no specifics about the project were provided. Afterwards, the prime minister will travel to the Region 8 Police headquarters near the Phuket Check Point at Tha Chatchai, where he will be briefed on the local police’s performance. The agenda includes tackling the drug problem, resolving issues related to informal and foreign debt, dealing with the online gambling and foreign mafia issue, tightening restrictions on alcohol-serving venues, addressing illegal immigration, and solving housing issues for police officers, reported The Phuket News. After the meeting, PM Srettha and his entourage will visit the site of the proposed Route 4027 interchange and the Heroines Monument to assess the traffic situation. They will also witness the constant traffic delays at the Koh Kaew Intersection and the U-Turn points just south of the Heroines Monument. The team is expected to return to Bangkok by 4.40pm, although changes to the schedule may occur if necessary, according to Chai. By Mitch Connor Caption: Picture courtesy of PR Phuket Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Shell-shocked: Poacher nabbed for selling rare turtle in Chiang Mai Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A poacher has been apprehended for hunting protected big-headed turtles in Pha Daeng National Park, with 17 of the creatures discovered in his possession. The suspect confessed to having been commissioned to sell the turtles for 2,400 baht per kilogramme. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325287-shell-shocked-poacher-nabbed-for-selling-rare-turtle-in-chiang-mai/

A poacher has been apprehended for hunting protected big-headed turtles in Pha Daeng National Park, with 17 of the creatures discovered in his possession. The suspect confessed to having been commissioned to sell the turtles for 2,400 baht per kilogramme. The head of Pha Daeng National Park, Prakasit Rawiwan, yesterday revealed a successful joint operation with the military’s Chaiyanuphap Task Force. The collaboration resulted in the establishment of a checkpoint to screen individuals entering the forest area near Ban Rin Luang, Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai province. Around 9.30pm yesterday, April 17, a man on a motorcycle was spotted behaving suspiciously as he passed through the checkpoint. Upon inspection, park officials found 17 big-headed turtles concealed in a fertiliser sack, with a secondary backpack hiding an additional layer. Unfortunately, one of the turtles had already perished, and the total weight of the haul was 7.8 kilogrammes. The big-headed turtle is a category 1 protected species under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2019, which prohibits hunting, trade, or possession of the species. During the investigation, 50 year old Yuda, admitted that he had been hired by a person known only as Daeng, an acquaintance from Chiang Mai. Communication between them had occurred over Facebook Messenger. The transaction details and appointment to deliver the turtles emerged from the chat history. Daeng had contracted Yuda to source big-headed turtles at the price of 2,400 baht (US$65) per kilogramme. Yuda recounted that since April 6, he had spent approximately 10 days hunting and had agreed to deliver the turtles to Huay Pa Hom, Chiang Dao district. Following the arrest, Yuda led the officials to the capture site in the headwater forests of Ban Na Siri, in the area of Hua Nam Hueng, Huay Pha Daeng, located within the boundaries of Pha Daeng National Park. The authorities have charged Yuda with several offences, including taking wildlife from a national park, entering a national park without compliance with the orders of park officials, hunting protected wildlife, and possession of protected wildlife, all of which carry heavy penalties, including imprisonment and fines, reported KhaoSod. Yuda is currently in the custody of the Na Wai Police for further legal proceedings, and efforts are underway to identify and prosecute the rest of the poaching syndicate. Meanwhile, the surviving turtles will be released back into their natural habitat by the park officials. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai woman crashes pickup into traffic cop in Lop Buri Photo via Facebook/ โจโฉ A 26 year old Thai woman crashed her pickup into a traffic police officer on Highway No. 21 in the central province of Lop Buri on April 16, causing serious injuries to the officer. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325286-thai-woman-crashes-pickup-into-traffic-cop-in-lop-buri/